US President Barack Obama in Trinidad for the 5th Summit of Americas

The eagle has landed!



Caption: 'Liberty American Bald Eagle 1'
Photo by grytr and posted on Flickr.com

US President Barack Obama is, due to arrive in Trinidad and Tobago to participate in the Organisation of American States (OAS)5th Summit of the Americas.

The first Summit to be hosted the in Caribbean since its inception in 1994, the three-day event, in which the new US President Barack Obama is expected to participate, has been welcomed in many quarters as catalyst for change in the relationship between the region and the United States.



Caption: President Barack Obama Inauguration Day 2009
Photo by egad apparel on Flickr.com

This perception is due in large part to Obama’s platform speech on change which a number of Jamaicans, and Caribbean citizens, have taken to include a change or improvement in the relationship between the super power and the region.

The possibility of a dawn of a new era – “Obama change” is alluded to The Gleaner article Obama promises much published today, Friday April 17, 2009, which states “ A new day in the relationship among the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean could dawn today when the fifth Summit of the Americas begins in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Timeline

• The Summit is being held under the theme: ‘Securing Our Citizens’ Future by Promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Stability.’



• The working session will begin tomorrow with bilateral discussions to be followed by the first plenary session which will address the topic ‘Human Prosperity.



• The region’s heads will continue discussions during lunch, examining the topic of Environmental Sustainability. Plenary Session two will address Energy Security. This will be followed by the plenary session on Democratic Governance and Public Security.



• On Sunday, the heads of government will be in retreat after which it is expected that the Declaration of Commitment for Port-of-Spain will be signed.

The "Dagger" , freedoom of the press and Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica

Several weeks ago I was on the UWI bus from Portmore to campus, listening to my usual fare of love songs as chosen by the driver, when one girl responding Anita Baker's "Giving you the best that I got" sighed and said they do not make songs like that anymore - I laughed.

The girl and her friend eyed me suspiciously. What was so funny their eyes said and I responded, "No they don't they make songs like that anymore," I said. "They make 'Daggerin'". That was when the conversation really took off. The two ladies chimed in they were happy that it was banned by the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica(BCJ) and were pleased that the latest hit Vybz Kartel and Spice's "Rompin Shop", for which the duo earned an EMA award, was also on the chopping block.

The announcement of the ban was reported on in The Star on (February 07, 2008). The article titled "Daggerin songs banned" stated that the BCJ had put a ban on the playing of "daggerin" songs and songs that require "bleeping" on all radio and television stations, including local cable channels "with immediate effect."

In a release which described the state of the Jamaican music industry as rife with a "a deluge of inappropriate content on the airwaves," the BCJ widened its scope of the use of "inappropriate" content to include, "any recording, live song or music video, which promotes the act of "daggering", or which makes reference to, or is otherwise suggestive of " daggering" and makes it clear that operators who do not comply will be dealt with accordingly.

I will tell you honestly. While the beat of songs such as Daggerin an Romping Shop do not really bother me - because of their catchy nature - the words, especially Romping Shop lyrics does. But even so, perhaps because I am doing a course in Media and Ethics and we are concentrating on rights and freedoms such as freedom of expression, from the moment I read this article I could see the storm a brewing.

And in indeed it has begun.

I have found myself either in conversations about the banned songs or freedom of expression or have been privy to conversations on the topics.

Here are some of the comments: (I have chosen not to identify the persons)

1. "I do not know what is the big deal because every year dem broadcast carnival live on tv"

2. "There is nothing wrong with our music. It is wrong with our censorship. I should not be going to a stage show and seeing a child at the front early in the morning."

3. I remember when I was young I would have to steal and listen to Yellow Man and Athony B and years later...these (Daggerin) songs on the radio."

4. "At this rate nothing can't play pon radio"

The above comments were taken from conversations I either participated in or was a party to. What are you views?

Obama-change

“Change has come to America,” Barack Obama [1]

By becoming the first African American to be elected President of the United States of America Barack Hussein Obama II epitomises “change” not just change in the American political landscape but a change in the mindset of Americans. A black man has become the 44th President of one of the most historically racist countries in the world; he has been embraced by both the black and white community. It is almost as if the words of orator Martin Luther King, Jr. “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal[2]” had come to life. The American society, while race was still and issue for many, suddenly was not as myopic as once perceived. Indeed, “change has come to America”.

This change was not limited to America, Obama has through his great speeches, changed the mindset of the world. To truth of this statement is seen even today when one comes across a Barack Obama t-shirt, Obama family photographs on sale and the seamless insertion of the catch phrase “Yes we can” into daily conversation. So strong was his impact that he was labelled a “rock star” because of his ability to pull large audiences during his campaign[3] - everyone wanted to hear him speak and for those who could not be there in person they closely followed the media. His pull is strong even now, months are being elected and days after being inaugurated on January 20, 2009. An example of this is seen in the Jamaica Observer’s January 28, 2009 editorial which states, “For the first time in its 15-year history, the Sunday edition of the Observer’s print run — which was increased by 50 per cent for the occasion — completely sold out, because it offered a free full-colour poster of the first Black president of the United States, Mr Barack Obama.”

This is also seen where a teacher in wanting her students to be exposed to this historic moment took her own television to school so that her class could watch the inauguration ceremony, after which they were required to do an assignment on what it means to them.

It is no stretch of the truth to say Obama has the power to move the world. But how will he use this new found power? Some political pundits are hopeful that he will change some of the US policies towards the region and Cuba. While others have already started to doubt his ability to do what he promising as they say his inheriting an economy in recession means he will only have eyes for the US. I however beg to differ, while he is busy trying to select people who can best assist him to pull America out of recession he is also reaching out to the region. This for me is evident in his upcoming attendance at the fifth Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago in April. The theme of the Summit is: "Securing Our Citizens' Future by Promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability"[4] at which it is expected that there will be some kind of policy approach post Summit.

While I must agree with Dr. Trevor Munroe, that “Persons expecting special favours for the region will be disappointed" [5]I believe that we should be hopeful that the winds of “change” will blow on the Caribbean.

[1] Excerpt from the election victory speech of President Barack Obama on November 04, 2008.

[2] Excerpt taken from http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm

[3] See the Jamaica Gleaner Sunday February 01, 2009 section E. Article Obamarley Barack strikes a familiar chord with message of change and unity.
[4] Taken from the Summit of Americas website: http://fifthsummitoftheamericas.org/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=53&Itemid=72
[5] Taken from the Sunday Gleaner article Obama's Caribbean challenge - How will new US president deal with Jamaica and the region? On January 18

Critiquing Multimedia 3/3

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24014376/

Now that I am on the last leg I realize that I have not given you a working definition of what multimedia is.

A multimedia story is one that uses elements such as text, still photographs, video clips, audio, graphics and interactivity to present a information to the public. Hence the name "multi- (more than one) media." There are sites that have multi-media elements but do not fully fit the bill. This is because a true multimedia pieces uses the elements to introduce new elements. For example the writer quotes one man's journey to Mount Everest. A possible audio clip could be his explaining what made him do it, the process etc. Also if it there is time maybe a clip of his family - how they felt while he was risking his life etc.

Ok, so back to my critique. "Punto Finale!"

The lead photo did not grab me as much as that of the other two previous critiques. This time it was the headline that pulled me.

I did like the placement of the photo though. I also liked the layout of the first part of the story. The photo is located at the top left of the story while there are two videos beside it. Having read the entire story and the watched all the related videos, I think I could have gotten a good idea of what the story is about from the first two or so paragraphs and the videos.

The first video has a bit of repetition but I guess that is to provide background for the video since it was used for television news as well. It introduced new information into the piece. The video technique was good, the videographer used zooming and other techniques to enhance the clip.

I liked the second clip as well. It also had some repetition but it was only a few seconds worth. It also introduced valuable information to the story. One of my points upon my initial read of the story was that it was not balanced, that is it has about two voices from person who have lived in compound arguing that it was a much better life but this was not matched with people against it. This video (Exodus) tries to address that with a clip from a woman who lived the experience and ran away to a better life.

There are an additional five video clips to the right of the article. While they are good in their own right I was not convinced that they should have such pride of place. My only way of rationalizing it is that perhaps because the page had a large number of hits they decide to add other features to encourage further reading.

Again I not the placement of the ad and how it breaks the flow but perhaps this is MSNBC's layout style.

The two-page article allowed readers to add their comments to the article. This was a good use of multimedia elements. It served to get the reader involved in the matter. One very good point that stood out for me was the comment made by a man that if he 18-year-old son had sex with a 14-year-old he would be facing sexual charges while the 50-year-old men on the compound are not. This is a good point. Why are so few men charged?

There is also a printable version of the history of these kinds of communities. I thought this was a good addition to the page.

A third video "Escaped" speak to Carol Jessop the former wife of one of the religious leaders. She was used before but this clip is an interview which goes into her personal experience on a similar compound. It was an excellent addition - very good.

At the bottom of the page the article also allows readers to rate the story. It received a four out of five rating.

Overall the piece was good. The text was well written and introduced information from multiple sources. It allowed readers to comment and all the related videos were effective in enhancing the story. Recorded at different times, the videos also show how information can be made available to the public as it is unfolding.

Critiquing Multimedia 2/3

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/24021232/

I am sure you have had those days when all the hours in the day just do not seem enough. On to multimedia critique number two.

My second article is "Parker's grand finale lifts Lady Vols to title." Like the one before it, this article is also published by the Associated Press.

The Associated Press and Reuters are two of the leading media houses across the world. I especially love their photography; their shots are truly a sight to behold.

It was more the accompanying photo than the headline that grabbed me. The photo is very effective. The photographer captured the excitement of the moment. It was well composed. Notice how the photographer sacrificed the lower parts of the bodies so that he could zoom in on the emotional display. The manipulation of depth of field also added to the shot as the subjects stood out against the blurred background. The placement of the photo, right next to the first three paragraphs, also enhanced the story.

I liked the lead. It was very effective. It drew me into the story. The use of words such as "bruised" and "braced" helped to paint a good picture of the adversities that Parker had to overcome to play this particular match.

Reading the first three or so paragraphs I was impressed because the reporter elevated what could have been a run of the mill who won what, where and how kind of story to a nice news feature type article.

Again there is an ad. that breaks the flow.

The college basketball video links under the photo on the right are applicable. While they do not focus on the same sex they share the same broad theme which is college basketball. When I clicked on "Kansas takes the championship" I was awed by the beautiful Olympics ad that ran before the video clip. The clip itself was of good quality and the use of black background was aesthetically pleasing while making the video easier to see.

Underneath the video links is a set of opinion links - also on college basketball. They are not bad but I would have liked to see something focused on women. The article is about women's basketball and putting links to something about women would balance the use of the men's videos above.

Overall the multimedia piece was too text heavy. By the end of the article it became less of a story and more about statistics. After the college basketball segments there is only one other multimedia element - a slide show. It largely focused on men. Of the 12 photos viewed only one featured women and they were swimmers not basketball players.

The piece could have been greatly enhanced by audio clips from Parker and/or her team mates. More photos from the game could have been used in the body of the piece. The article is represented by another photo in the synopsis on the main page; it could have been used on the actual article page as well. Also one or more video clips of the best shots of the game would be good.

Critiquing multimedia

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23940682/

My first critique is of the MSNBC article "Chasing Britney leads to evolution of paparazzi Photogs find themselves a part of her story; undercover work now a rarity" The story was updated by the Associated Press but I did not see a byline for the article.

Now, I am not fan of Britney but the headline pulled me. I thought evolution of paparazzi? Photogos find themselves a part of her story? As a student in an online course that speak of the backpack journalist who does everything and as someone who has worked as reporter, photographer and radio article writer/news reporter on the same assignment this got me ears up. I thought "oh no new laws etc.!"

The article itself was OK. The photo at the beginning of the story was good. It worked very well with the headline to show the reader what the article is about. I loved the photo of the paparazzi reflection in the rear view mirror as he takes a shot. I noted the use of video and slide show inserts. I thought they were effective in helping to build the story.

The click for related articles button was effective as well. However, I did not particularly like the most popular boxes. For the most part they were not related to the story. The same goes for the big ads smack in the middle of the article. For me it broke the flow and I did not like meeting them on the page. I however acknowledge the need to generate revenue.

Traveling boots, cricket and life goes on

It has been a while since I last wrote. I have been busy. I am currently in Trinidad for a media related project. I landed last Sunday. I was without Internet for days and when I finally got it I had some "fires" I needed to put out. There is at least one glowing ember left but hopefully it will out by the end of today.

This is the last week of my online course and I need to complete my last skills assignment. This week we did multi-media. My assignment is to critique three multi media packages from MSNBC. Stay tuned they will be added shortly.

I hope to continue this blog after the course is finished but we will see how it goes. I want to look at issues such as the China and its relationship to the Caribbean. I watched a feature on channel nine in Trinidad (Its logo is a 'C' but I have no clue as to what it means) yesterday which said that Chinese products have taken the world by storm and that if Latin America and the Caribbean do not do something they may lose their tiny foothold in the world economy. The feature shows garment factories etc in China, tonnes of Chinese toys, cellular phones and other Chinese products that are sold on the world market at very competitive rates. The reporter also interviewed about three Latin American consumers; the one that stood out was a woman who said she preferred to use Chinese things because they are cheaper and easier to find.

Relating this to the Caribbean where a number of the nation states are receiving or have received aid from China I am asking myself how this will play out. Having taken aid from China we (the Caribbean) cannot necessarily dictate to that country - even if the region was not taking aid as the emerging super power they would be hard to stop.

This then takes me to a Time Magazine article published in the December 17 edition about author of "A Bull in China" Jim Rogers who gives his take on the power of China. It is a short piece but it does add the the pot.

According to Rogers, "Just as the 19th century belonged to England and the 20th century to America so the 21st century will be China's turn to set the a genda rule the roost"

One thing for sure all eyes are on China now for the Olympics. Did you catch the news where they had to out the torch three times because of Free Tibet protesters?

Anyway, home work time.

One more thing. I attended my first ever Cricket match at Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad on Sunday. I took photos for my online course assignment. The West Indies won 254/4 against Sri Lanka. It was the first win at the Oval since 2000.