Old School News

My parents were of the generation that received news via radio and news print.  In their early years only privileged families owned televisions.  I found a letter handwritten to my grandfather from my grandmother when she was away from him for an extended period of time.  She was visiting relatives in a different state, and stayed in contact with my grandfather via mail.  My father was a little boy at the time - not of school age.  In her letter she made reference to the fact that she and my father had joined the neighbors in watching 'the fight' "live" on a television.  She described it as being, "lovely" and, "so very exciting".  News print and radio offered daily coverage of local, national, and world news.

My generation received news by means of television, radio, newspaper, and magazine -- primarily television.  News stories were delivered as 'new' news in the morning, midday, and evening.  If you chose to stay up late, late night news was an option for day-end happenings.

This generation -- my kids' generation -- is experiencing news through what is now a climate of media convergence.  Newspapers, magazines, and television are all digitized, and available on demand 24/7.  Convergent journalism is also very much a part of this generation.  Text stories are now being merged with online video and audio -- enhancing the information experience.  Users (news consumers) can also provide feedback via online discussion boards, and are afforded the opportunity to post news openly apart from a publisher.  Citizen journalism is on the rise due to the Internet and social media.  Blogging and Wikinews offer citizens the opportunity to present their own material free of limitations.  Where Mass Media began as a one-sided delivery of filtered information, media convergence has allowed for an exchange of ideas and beliefs as well.

I'm not sure what my children's kids will experience in the field of news reception!  With Face Time and Skype -- who knows?  Maybe they'll be able to interact in a virtual realm with events as they unfold!  WHO KNOWS?!

BRAINY GAMEiACS

Are my children becoming smarter because they're spending time engaged with XBox 360 and Play Station 3?  Maybe they're becoming 'dumber' -- or, maybe they're not experiencing any effects either way.  Hmmm... what are my real thoughts on this from a mom perspective?

 My generation wasn't exposed to gaming until the rise of Atari in the early 80s.  Handheld games were available, but limited in game variation.  Football was the most sought-after handheld game.  Pac Man was available on console systems in public areas like the bowling alley, movie theater, and shopping mall too. 

       

Today, gaming seems to be a way of life for kids.  Our 15 year old received his first Play Station at the age of 4.  I vividly remember thinking to myself, "wow, this is scary.  He's only 4 and he can master (read: beat/defeat) a video game."  Toy Story was his first game, and he was captivated by it.  I didn't think past the moment, and gave little thought to the potential consequences of having allowed video gaming at such a young age.

Eleven years of game interaction have passed.  Do I think gaming has affected my children?  Absolutely.  Has it enhanced their intellect or detracted from it?  I think it's done a little of both.  My boys are both very savvy with their knowledge of weaponry, and seemingly possess excellent fine motor skills.  I've also seen an interest in electrical wiring and technical programming emerge in my 15 year old son.  However, I've also witnessed a decline in outdoor activity, and personal interaction with friends.  Live gaming allows for communication and exchange between players, but it's not face to face.  Do I believe gaming poses the risk of addiction?  Yes.  But, social networking, internet socializing, and texting do too (in my opinion).

Balance and moderation are key.  As parents we've chosen to take a proactive stance.  We've established clear time limits, and monitor the boys' overall usage.  School nights are off limits, and Sunday at 7:00pm is the weekend cutoff time.  Summertime is closely monitored as well, and limits are adjusted accordingly.  Our boys are active in sports, and both engage in hobbies.  Thankfully, finding the time to game has become a challenge -- for both.  I don't regret allowing my boys to indulge in gaming, but would recommend strict limitations to parents entering into the 'gaming' phase of parenting.        

Honestly, I do worry about their (my boys') future gaming interest levels.  My husband and I have NO interest in gaming whatsoever, but I have heard of situations where heavy gaming involvement has led to the dissolution of marriage.  Hopefully their lives as adults will be full without the need to spend time gaming.  Again, finding a healthy balance is important with all things in life.

Viable Tool?

 Is Twitter a viable tool for journalists?  In my opinion, the ‘tool’ is only effective when it’s being used in viable function.  You can’t use a Phillips Head screwdriver on a Flat Head screw.  Well, you might be able to, but the screwdriver’s effectiveness might be challenged.  The same applies to journalism efforts via Twitter.

 

Twitter commands a ‘following’.  The journalist can only reach those who choose to let him do so.  The bulk of a journalist’s followers are more than likely going to be those who subscribe to his beat, agenda, principals, and journalistic views.  There are always those that choose to subscribe with the intent of offering an opposing view, however, I don’t believe the opposition are the majority.  Can a journalist sway his opposing audience?  It’s possible, but more than likely, not probable.

Twitter has the potential for effective use by journalists through enabling them to reach their audience quickly.  Given the climate of media immediacy – on demand media – people have a need to know in the moment.  Twitter allows for timely updates, and although character limits are set, links to further information can be provided and accessed readily.

I don’t see Twitter imposing any negative effects on journalism outside of the fact that, again, it commands a subscriber base.  From a journalist’s point of view, your purpose is not only to reach those who agree with you, but also those who disagree.  Journalists not only report and inform, but in essence, they’re also in the business to sell and persuade.  If Twitter (as the Phillips Head screwdriver) primarily interacts with all Phillips Head screws, great.  But, what are the chances of effectively completing the job if there are Flat Head screws out there in need of attention too?

Making Progress!

Take 4: Exterior Finish Details 

That new house is moving right along!  Unfortunately, once the framing and roof have been completed the progress might not seem as obvious from the outside.  That being said, there's still much to be done -- outside and in!  Curious as to what's been done since my last update?  Here's a look at the exterior of the house:

Look VERY closely... do you see any changes??  This picture isn't the best for purposes of detail spotlighting, so I'll help you out.  The foundation is now covered by brick.  See it?!  This house will be finished with James Hardie (board and batten) cement siding and accented with natural stone.  Board and Batten shutters with wrought iron S-hooks will be added as a final detail at the end.  Here's a picture of the rear elevation:

And, yes -- that's my builder/husband Jim... :)

The inside is in the process of being insulated right now.  Once the insulation has been inspected, Jim will be free to move forward and into the final phases of construction.  Sheetrock will be next, and the rooms will look like separate spaces, not a bunch of 2-by-4s in a big space! :)

Stay tuned for my next update!

Time for an UP-FIT!

I think our houses are a little bit like our bodies.  Every once in a while our bodies need a new uplift in some way, shape, or form.  Doesn't have to be major -- I'm not suggesting facelifts or breast augmentation, but maybe a new haircut or clothing style.  The same can be said for our homes.  Every so often your space warrants an up-fit.

Next month will mark our 10th year of living in this house.  I can't believe we've been here long enough to double our previous record of home ownership!  Jim built this house, and one would *think* he designed it free of 'faults'.  Maybe fault isn't the appropriate word, but hopefully you are with me on this.  For those of you who might think building your custom dream home will be the solution to all of your needs and wants, think again.  You'll always find something you'd like to change along the way!

As for me and my house, we've made a couple of changes in our ten years here.  One of the changes was significant.  Jim took my existing laundry room, and turned it into a full-fledged mud room.  Where did my laundry room go?  We had some "extra" space in our garage that Jim was able to tie into our existing home as a new laundry room.

The process is not one I'd recommend you challenge as a homeowner.  You definitely need the skills and expertise of a qualified licensed general contractor.  Our remodel involved the removal of walls, and structural changes that combined the existing floor joist system with the new additional living space.  It involved the addition of new plumbing and electrical services, and the removal of the old existing plumbing from my former laundry room.

If you feel like you're ready for a change, and don't know where to begin - you are not alone!  This article in Houzz offers a great place to start.  There are many ways you can make changes to the space you're already in without having to move.  Some are simple, and some are more involved, but these are some ideas to help get you going!  Have fun with it!

PS - I'd like to post before and after pictures -- give me a day or two to find them and upload :)

Governance or Neutrality?

Net Neutrality.  Ever heard of it?  It's not a foreign concept.  The Internet has somehow managed to remain free of it thus far, but there are those who are doing their best to implement it.

At first glance, the word 'neutrality' proves rather innocuous.  Used in the context imposed by the FCC, however, it is far from harmless.  In my opinion, it's another way in which the federal government will become involved in what is currently a system free of government regulation and control.

That which has now become an information highway found it's beginning within the telecommunication networks.  The same fiber optic and bandwidth lines used to carry mass quantities of voice information also carry digital information.  We've already experienced the effects of a government monopoly via the telephony operations.  The government will prove to offer the same results through Net Neutrality if given the freedom to do so; they will tax, monitor, regulate, and seek to control the Internet.  Who needs more government agencies?  As far as I'm concerned our government is far too big already.  With the constant evolution of technology, no ONE institution will ever be able to effectively (read: fairly) monitor and control the Internet.

Have you ever looked at the breakdown of your landline phone bill?  If not, do yourself a favor and take a closer look.  The amount you pay for phone services is maybe 50% of the bill; the other 50%, TAXES and regulatory fees.  Truthfully, I believe liberties are what our forefathers fought to preserve.  The Internet is one of the few places we can still participate on an equal ground.  Don't punish us for our success -- there are many forms of revenue to be had within the system as it IS.

$$$ 4 the Houzz Spent Well

Do you ever question yourself prior to making a large purchase?  Especially when it comes to spending money on your home?  I do!  I often find myself trying to justify my spending, yet also want to spend my money on quality.  How do you balance the two without compromising one or the other?

This article in Houzz offers some great advice in making good spending choices without compromising product quality or risking a budget blowout.  There are ways to purchase well made and long lasting furniture without going into debt.

I like the idea of shopping for secondhand furniture and then repurposing it by reupholstering or adding a new finish to the piece.  There are some great secondhand furniture stores in our area, and the Town of Waxhaw is home to some really cool antique stores.  I've always wanted to buy an old armoire.  Refinishing or painting it would give it a French country look, and add to the Shabby Chic eclectic feel I've started in my master bedroom.  This paint is AMAZING, and makes even the novice painter look like a trained pro!

Have fun with mixing purchasing power and great finds!  Re-purposing isn't the only option, but makes for some fun DIYing!