In the last few weeks, I've realized that exploring Web 2.0 is the most beneficial assignment I've worked on in my Journalism program so far. It introduced me to different websites and tools that I otherwise would have never explored. I enjoy writing, though don't consider myself an avid writer. I plan to continue blogging through Vox after this assignment is complete.
In relation to Journalism, all three aspects of media that we're taught, intrigue me. Writing, radio and television are all important in Journalism, and I feel Vox is an excellent way to further my writing skills. That's why I've decided to use it as an outlet for developing stories and working on my writing style.
I think that I'll continue to use Flickr as well, however, I don't believe Del.Icio.us will be something I continually use. I'm quite happy with traditional bookmarking and don't feel a need to tag every website and document all of my travels. If a website is important enough to remember, I'll probably it bookmark the "old fashioned way".
All in all though, this assignment was incredibly beneficial to my knowledge of the Internet and Web 2.0 tools, as well as furthering my writing style and experience.
Thanks Wayne for introducing our class to different aspects of the Internet.
Cam Brown
'41'
The temperature lately has been unbelievably cold. I know this isn't "breaking news" or anything, but I feel it's gotten cold enough to warrant a blog. I don't remember a stretch of winter in recent memory that has been so consistently cold. Minus 30 and 40 degree weather across Canada has not been uncommon, and has caused not only human sickness and death, but has caused problems with water manes and other aspects of every day life.
It was strange to see no snow in December, then suddenly get hammered with snow and freezing temperatures in January and February. My family is in Barrie, so I usually travel home every weekend. The amount of snow there is incredible, which is terrible for driveways, but amazing for skiing and winter outdoor enthusiasts. I personally don't enjoy the winter as much as I used to and I'm really looking forward to spring and summer.
I'll be driving back to Barrie later today and using the following website for information on the highways/driving conditions.
http://www.theweathernetwork.com/
Safe travels...
Cam Brown
'41'
I've really enjoyed this assignment, and even though I've procrastinated a few of my blogs, I feel I've learned a lot and intend to keep blogging after completion of the assignment. The following are links to my Flickr and Del.Icio.Us accounts detailing my photos and bookmarks/tags I've created.
Cam's Delicious Tags/Bookmarks
A few more blogs to go and all will be complete. Except for Icyru's goal of becoming a level 60... In due time...
Cam Brown
'41'
Last night, Raptors fans at the ACC witnessed history in the making... at least temporarily. Chris Bosh scored a career high 41 points, though one has to imagine that at some point in his future, he'll eclipse that. For now, however, it was an amazing feat to witness. Even more impressive was the fact that the Raptors were able to continue their great playing as of late and run their winning streak to four straight games. Guards Jose Calderon and T.J Ford shared the point duties last night and both posted outstanding numbers of 10 points and 11 assists each.
If there was anything disappointing last night, it was that the attendance was just over 15,000. This number falls short of capacity by about five or six thousand. With the Raptors playing excellent basketball and their playoff push looking stronger than ever, it's unfortunate to see so many empty seats within the Air Canada Centre. It's fair that fans are using the "wait and see" approach, but with each passing game, it's clear that the waiting is coming to an end, and the view looks good.
The Raptors have a tough test with their next three games. Their opponents are the L.A. Lakers, the Detroit Pistons, and the Chicago Bulls. The Raps have consistently had a tough time with these teams, though with their recent solid play, the games should be very interesting.
I feel privledged to have witnessed a career night from Chris Bosh, and I can't wait to see what the Raptors have in store during the second half of the season.
Cam Brown
'41'
I just arrived home after buying some 'Fiery Hot Hungarian Salami' from Denniger's deli and through MSN, spoke with a friend of mine from Barrie. He asked me if I wanted to go to the Toronto Raptors game with him tonight, as he's a season ticket holder and has an extra ticket for this evening. I actually did debate the offer for a moment because I know that I still have some significant blogging to do. I've now decided that I'll blog before the game, perhaps after, and throw up a few tomorrow, because I'm going to take in the home game tonight against the Orlando Magic.
I usually make it to at least one or two Raptors games a year, however, this is the first time in a long time I've been a student and don't exactly have an abundance of cash to purchase tickets whenever I please. I'm looking forward to watching my first and most likely last Raptors game of the season. If the Raptors make the playoffs (and there's a strong chance they will), I'll probably shell out a few dollars to take in a game.
Tonight the Raptors play the Orlando Magic, an Eastern Conference rival. Every game for the Raptors at this point in the season is crucial, and for the first time in a long time, Raptors fans and the players themselves have a different confidence in the state of the team. The men representing the Raptors exemplify 'team', and no one plays unselfishly on the court. The only household name on the squad is All-Star Chris Bosh, though the Raptors continue to play great basketball and continue to sit atop the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference.
There's a strong chance I'll recap the game tomorrow from my live perspective. As for now, I'm going to make a nice dinner and prepare to embark on the journey that is the Don Valley Parkway.
Cam Brown
'41'
He's fast, agile, deceptive, and can defeat an ogre with one shot from his powerful bow. He can outrun the undead and outsmart human beings. He's been known to slay raging beasts with a deathly strike from his magical blade. He's been to more continents and countries than anyone I've ever known. While I'm excited to find a quarter on the street, he's simply not satisfied with finding a magical crossbow such as the Crystalpine Stinger. He spends hours on his craft, and will not rest until his ultimate quest has been completed. He is a dreamer. He is a hunter. His name is Icyru... and I am his master.
That's correct. Icyru is a character that I have created within the massive online universe known as the World of Warcraft. World of Warcraft is an MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game) created by the masterminds at Blizzard Entertainment. The Warcraft franchise has been around for over a decade, but the online revolution that is World of Warcraft is only a few years old and flourishing in its brilliance.
I started playing this game on Christmas Day, 2004. At the time I was on high-speed Internet, though a few months later moved to a dial-up location, and my play halted for a long period of time. I've only recently re-entered the world that is endless in its experiences. There is a monthly fee that is required to join and play with thousands of others within the game, but the fee is well worth it, and actually cheaper than one trip to the movie theatre.
World of Warcraft is a very social game and a nice stress reliever. It's nice to take your mind off certain things and let the game envelop you for however long you choose to play. With millions of players all around the world already enjoying this game, more have recently created their own online hero. World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade was just released; an expansion pack add-on that continues where the end of the original version left off. These new adventures give experienced players a chance to further their character and explore deeper into the world of Azeroth.
So in closing, Icyru is a pretty cool guy, and we get along together quite nicely. Except when he gets himself into fights he just can't handle and makes me run all the way from the graveyard to retrieve his corpse. It really cuts into my night when he does that. All in all, World of Warcraft is a great form of entertainment, and is gladly welcomed into the world of Web 2.0.
Cam Brown
'41'
April 1st. Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan. The site of the biggest event in sports entertainment, Wrestlemania 23.
As I sit here in my apartment watching Monday Night Raw on theScore television network, I realize how surreal it will be to finally attend a Wrestlemania event. I've been a fan of the WWE since I was 5 years old, and my Mom still believes it was wrestling magazines that helped develop my strong reading skills at an early age. I personally think it was my fascination with the dictionary and the Bible that helped polish my skills, but we can debate that at a later time.
When I was young, wrestling in the 80's was beginning to explode. Hulk Hogan carried the industry and the WWE (formally known as the 'WWF' - was forced to change its name as the World Wildlife Federation won the acronym 'WWF' in a court battle) on his back, while other superstars such as the Macho Man Randy Savage and the Ultimate Warrior began to attract serious fanfare as well.
I was among millions of other fans watching these real life super heroes as they combined athleticism, drama and flash to tell their stories. The Wrestlemania that will take place on April 1st, marks the 20th anniversary of Hulk Hogan's world-famous body slam on the late Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania 3. There are rumors circulating within the wrestling industry that the "Hulkster" will return to the ring in some sort of capacity during the show.
Wrestling is an entertaining outlet and a sport filled with a memorable and sometimes controversial history. For myself and my friends, I feel it's primarily an amazing source of nostalgia and a welcome escape from the reality that is now adult life.
Watching Hulk Hogan body-slam a 500 pound giant at the age of 5 instilled the feeling of invincibility within me. When I attend Wrestlemania 23 with my childhood friends, we'll all return to our youth, and for a few hours, enjoy the magic that is the WWE and sports entertainment.
Cam Brown
It happened again. The sickening sound combination of cracking, popping and snapping once again entered my ears. The result of these awful sounds? A very sore, swelled and bruised left foot.
My favorite athletic activity is the game of basketball. Last Thursday, while playing a game of pick-up basketball in the Mohawk College gym, my ankle folded like origami. I went up for a jump shot and came down on the foot of the person defending me. This caused me to roll my left ankle, collapse in pain, and personally witness what it felt like to have a promising career come to an end... Alright, that may have sounded a little dramatic, but it hurt pretty damn bad!
This was the second time I've severely sprained my left ankle, and I've sprained my right one twice as well. It's disappointing because I love to play basketball, and it's my favorite form of exercise. At this point, a lot of ice, elevation, and love are the most important remedies that will make it better. I'm hoping for an early recovery by this Sunday, when the Mohawk Intramural basketball season continues. That hope may be a little too optimistic, however, as it feels as though it will take more than a week to comfortably return to form.
I've heard through urban legend that it's better to suffer a break injury than a sprain. This is because bones can heal a lot easier than muscles and ligaments. I could've prevented this injury had I of been wearing a brace I have specifically designed to support the ankles. I suppose I neglected to use it because it takes at least 30 seconds to put a brace on, and sometimes, I just don't have the time... (insert sarcasm here)
I've linked a webpage below that helps detail and explain ankle sprains and how to properly diagnose and treat them.
Diagnosis and treatment of ankle sprains
I believe I've finally learned my lesson, and now I'm hoping for a speedy recovery. Until then, I'll keep watching the following video to remind myself that my injury could certainly be a lot worse...
Cam Brown
