The semester is over!

The end of my fourth semester at Flagler College has come and all I can say is, thank goodness! Now sitting in the winter wonderland that is my hometown Geneva, Illinois, I am reflecting on everything I learned, and hoping most of the information stuck. 

Next semester will be my last, I am finally graduating and will be thrown into "the real world," and to be honest, I cannot wait. I am enrolled in some fun and tough classes I need to complete my communication major and art history minor, and will be the marketing intern at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida. 

It's going to be busy, but fun, and I can't wait. I will be posting some of the pieces I have written the past semester as soon as I can. 

I wish everyone has a safe holiday! 

Podcast number 2

I think I'm getting better, but you let me know!

Big thanks to Amy and the Prime Directive for letting me use their music!

Podcast

Privacy on the Internet (Wysocki told me to #4)

New Facebook “super-logoff,” a term coined by Michael Ducker, trend is a sign that many are wary of the protection of their private information provided by the internet. According to CNN.com, some are deactivating their Facebook pages instead of simply closing the browser or logging off the site.

It’s not incredibly difficult, all one has to do is click on deactivate, choose a reason then continue with their internet routine. When the page is deactivated, it is impossible for others to search for the person, post to the wall or tag them in photos. But, the account preserves all of the users wall posts, photos, connections, etc.

The trend, spotted by danah boyd, Microsoft researcher and social media expert, gives privacy minded people complete control of their online presence. While the physical person is offline, so is the cyber being.

“This is a great risk reduction strategy if you’re worried about people who might look and misinterpret. Or people who might post something that would get you into trouble,” boyd mentioned on her blog.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a donor-supported membership organization working to protect fundamental rights based in San Diego, discussed the future of internet privacy at the UN Internet Governance Forum, where civil society, industry and technical communities discussed key aspects of Internet governance issues.

Some of the points they covered were: government access to citizens’ private communications and related records, protection of data stored for a user by a provider such as Hotmail and Google Docs and better protection for traffic data.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Obama administration recently announced they are preparing a stepped-up approach to policing internet privacy including new laws and the creation of a new position to oversee the effort.

“The initiatives would mark a turning point in Internet policy. Recent administrations typically steered away from Internet regulations out of concern for stifling innovation. But the increasingly central role of personal information in the Internet economy helped spark government action.” – Watchdog Planned for Online Privacy, Julia Angwin, Wall Street Journal

The internet is not as safe as we think it is. As soon as you post it, your information is available to millions. And, they can do as they please with it. Maybe those who “super log-off” are on to something.

All is fair in love and war, especially when it's digitized (Wysocki told me to #3)

Cyber-warfare is the new threat to our nation that many are over looking. Mainly because, like me, they have no idea what it is and what it could be. There are so many things a person could do from/to a computer, what falls under this term?

Michael Hayden, retired Air Force general and former CIA director said, “We are a bit sloppy with our language. We throw the phrase ‘cyber-war’ at anything uncomfortable on the web.”

According to the Wikipedia entry, cyber-warfare, as defined by Richard A. Clarke, government security expert, is"actions by a nation-state to penetrate another nation's computers or networks for the purposes of causing damage or disruption." (This definition can be found in Clarke's book, Cyber War.)

An example of cyber-warfare is in 2007, Estonia suffered a succession of denial-of-service assaults which shut down banking systems and government systems. Some believed the Russians were behind the attacks, others believe they were the work of an online flashmob. James Appathurai, NATO spokesperson, said the organization has been giving Estonia technical help.

"In the 21st century, it's not just about tanks and artillery." -Appathurai

To protect our country from these digital attacks, the Army Forces have created Cyber Command, responsible for protecting Army information networks from threats around the globe. 

"The mission for ARFORCYBER is to direct the operation and defense of all Army networks, and, on order, conduct full spectrum operations in support of our combatant commanders and coalition partners." -Maj. Gen. Steven W. Smith, director of the Army Cyberspace Task Force. 

The command will operate in the cyber world, which includes devices such as laptops, desktops, routers, servers, network switches and short and long distance connections between Army information systems. Not only will it monitor digital data for possible threats, but it will teach soldiers "good network hygiene."

"Our biggest problem is... the digital natives who are very comfortable with with YouTube and other things who don't understand the threats behind it," said Maj. Gen. George J. Allen. "That's not their fault - that's our fault. It's a matter of educating them."

Smith said the command is a 24/7 operation and is the front line of defense for defending the Army network worldwide. The 21 thousand person command uses existing facilities and manpower. A statement from the Department of Defense states, "the department will continue to grow to the capacity and the capability essential to operate and defend our networks effectively." 

The Digital Divide (Wysocki Told Me To: Post #2)

For many of us it is hard to think of our lives without technology. Think about it. When was the last time you spent a day without your cell phone, laptop, iPad, iPod, etc? How much would our lives change without the ease and speed of gathering information from the internet?

For many, this is the case. There are entire areas in the world that have little to no access to the technologies we take for granted. In the United States, 40 percent of homes do not have broadband, 30 percent of these homes are in areas where internet is not available at all. (Survey: 40 percent in U.S. have no broadband)


There are many factors contributing to the lack of technology usage such as: demographics, age, gender, race and employment status. According to The Digital Nation, research results published by the NTIA,

"Persons with high incomes, those who are younger, Asians and Whites, the more highly-educated, married couples, and the employed tend to have higher rates of broadband use at home. Conversely, persons with low incomes, seniors, minorities, the less-educated, non-family households, and the non-employed tend to lag behind other groups in home broadband use."

The lack of internet usage and availability in these areas is attracting the attention of many organizations and political figures/campaigns. The technologies these areas are lacking effects their education and job opportunities, along with their social and political awareness.

"One key to strengthening education, entrepreneurship, and innovation in communities… is to harness the full power of the Internet, and that means faster and more widely available broadband."
   -President Barack Obama, September 21, 2009, in Troy New York

The Digital Divide, the gap between people with effective access to information technologies and those with limited to no access, needs to be closed. The benefits are not only for those who would be getting access, but it would eventually effect the nation.

"Widespread access is critical to America’s future as the world’s economic leader because of its impact on increasing our productivity, global competitiveness, and improving Americans’ quality of life – through economic growth and development, job creation, national security, telemedicine, distance learning, public safety, civic engagement, and telework."
    -The Digital Nation, NTIA.

I got an internship!

Well, kind of. I was asked to be the head of public relations for a new movement/organization: This is a Good Sign.

It is just starting up and there is a lot of work to be done! Not only am I helping with the PR, but I am helping develop the business. I am so excited to be a part of this.

Check out our first blog post: Peace, love, Good Signs: A little introduction.

If you have any suggestions for the blog, organization or maybe a little advice I would love to hear it!

First attempt at Podcasting

My Podcast

Enjoy!

Music by: Budda Bar, Cafe Del Mar Vol. 1

Wysocki told me to: Post 1

Professional online identity, whether it be an entire organization’s or a single employee’s, is constantly changing, for better or worse, due to the constant flux of information posted online. The fact is, no one is safe, not even corporations, when it comes to maintaining a positive online identity.

Anyone can post whatever they like, whenever they like, under any identity they choose. The possibilities are endless on the Web, and a corporation’s reputation is constantly at risk of being damaged by a bad critique, phony representatives or disgruntled employees.

For example, BPGlobalPR, an anonymous Twitter user that has been Tweeting phony responses, supposedly from BP, to the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

BPGlobalPR is not a representative of BP. Yet, he/she posts under the pretense that he/she is involved in the corporation’s reaction to the spill. The effect this has on BP’s online identity is unfortunate. The information, although satirical, sticks with people and damages BP’s already decreasing credibility.

Even companies can create their own false online identities. For example, Volkswagen’s Myspace character Helga, an attractive young lady that gets a high off German engineering and speed.

Helga was not created to mislead people, nor does Volkswagen deny their affiliation with the character. The site is monitored by Volkswagen employees and provides a great way for the company to converse with their audience, which strengthens their online identity.

What corporations and employees need to be aware of is what they post online is available to millions of people, it can spread throughout the world and can make long-lasting impressions. In an attempt to monitor their online identities, corporations are keeping a close eye on employees’ online habits.

In an article on Lexology.com called Social networking in the retail world, author Edward F. Harold talks about how companies are taking action against employees posting unflattering information on personal and company networking sites. In some cases, as with a flight attendant for an unknown airline, these comments may lead to termination.

As an inspiring public relations practitioner, I have learned that a corporation’s identity is deeply rooted in its audience’s perceptions, and not all attention is good attention. The information found on the Web is permanent, and sometimes the effects are irreversible. Constant monitoring of any online identity is essential.

The popularity and credibility of social networking continues to grow with the advances in technology. At the rate things are going, an online identity may outlast a true or real identity. It is important to make sure that your online representation is a positive reflection of yourself, your corporation or your employer.

Wysocki Told Me To Prequel

For my web publishing class, my professor told us to create a blog and post whatever topic he desires to make us write on it. Because this is a blog that showcases my life at Flagler, I decided to make you all bear with me! Aren't you excited?! Of course you are!

New posts to come!

Inspiration to change my life...

After my step-sister passed away I had one of those "aha!" moments that completely changed my outlook on life. We were assigned a causes and controversies piece that week, and this is what I turned in.

Hope it inspires you to join the new army, the army of the kind.

A Simple Kindness Goes a Long Way

This is not an in-depth look into the human psyche. This is not a call to action. This is definitely not a controversy. This is real life. This is a wake-up call, my wake-up call and my own personal cause.

After losing someone very dear to me to cancer I realized for the umpteenth and last time that life is short, too short. And we all should make our own marks on this world before we embark on our next journey, wherever that may be.

Jill Hamilton-Locke, my step-sister, passed away in March at age 40. She had been battling colon and intestinal cancer for 14 years, going through several surgeries and many rounds of chemo. Her illness kept her from performing everyday activities like taking her son to school, but she never lost her amazing kindness. Her love for the people close to her made her fight harder and love stronger.

I was amazed at how many people showed up at her funeral services to pay respects to the family and reminisce about the beautiful and kind person we lost.

People she had known throughout her life were there: some from grade school, high school and college; some from work; family and extended family; doctors, nurses, patients from the hospital and chemo sessions, and people from her community. Some knew her for years, others for moments, but all had a story about how Jill touched their lives in a most influential way.

What this world needs is a new kind of army – the army of the kind. – Cleveland Amory, American author.

In my daze of sadness and hurt, I started wondering about who would show up if I passed away and what would they say about me. Jill had done so much good in her short time on this earth, what have I done? Whose life have I touched? Who have I helped become who or what they want to be?

Unfortunately, I cannot think of many. I am not selfish. I just didn’t realize until now the power of being a friendly person, or how far just one smile can go.

I did not know that life is too short and hard to live it alone. And being surrounded by good people can make things, no matter how awful, so much easier.

Jill’s fight against cancer was made easier by the people she loved and the people that loved her. Imagine what could be accomplished if more people had the network of friends and family – the support system – that she did.

This life is not about us. It isn’t “The (insert your name here) Show” 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This life is about the ones who have touched us and the ones that we touch. It is our loved ones, friends, family and acquaintances that make our life what it is. The people we let in our lives shape who we are, no matter if we’ve known them for 15 years or 15 seconds.

There is life beyond your own, dreams beyond your wildest aspirations, and love beyond the love of yourself.

I’m asking everyone to reach out and help someone. No matter how big or small the kindness, be sure that it will be appreciated.

Be that person that helps little granny across the street. Go out of your way to help the lady juggling groceries and a baby on her hip to open the car door.
Be kind. Smile at that stranger walking toward you. Leave a mark on this earth. Join the army of the kind.

Someone Actually Read This!

This was my first piece put on the school's online magazine Coquinaonline.com. During the multiple times I was selflessly promoting my article to my sister, I realized that there was a comment at the end. I couldn't help but blurt out, "SOMEBODY ACTUALLY READ MY ARTICLE! AND LIKED IT!"

Hope you like it enough to leave a comment too!

Should Pole Dancing be an Olympic Sport?

Pole dancing, the forbidden dance found in dingy bars, stripper clubs and rapper’s living rooms, has made its way into fitness clubs, dance studios and suburban homes.
And a British fitness instructor would like to see pole dancers compete in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Her petition states:

After a great deal of feedback from the pole dance community, many of us have decided that it’s about time pole fitness is recognized as a competitive sport, and what better way for recognition than to be part of the 2010 Olympics held in London.

K.T. Coates, director of a company called Vertical Dance, created the petition, located at www.petitiononline.com.

The petition says pole dancing is a sport for both men and women and it doesn’t take a lot of money to compete – unlike such sports as horseback riding and sailing.

The petition compares pole dancing to the horizontal bar and rhythmic gymnastics and says it takes just as much physical skill and strength to master.
But why the Olympics?

“It’s the highest accolade you can get and therefore why aim any lower?” asked Coates, who says she has been involved in sports since she was young and has dreamed of competing in the Olympics for years.

Coates concedes that she doesn’t expect pole dancing to actually make it into the Olympics.

“People think I am trying to get pole dancing in to the Olympics, but I am not silly,” Coates said. “I know with its sexual connotations this will never happen.”

But she said she hopes her efforts will help pole dancing gain greater social acceptance, particularly since many people see it as taboo outside of nudie bars.

“It needs to be re-branded the vertical bar and not pole dancing, as essentially it will be more rhythmic gymnastic based rather than anything erotic or sensual,” Coates said.

Some of the petition signers are enthusiastic supporters. A signer identified as Susan Hilferty wrote:

“I agree Pole Fitness is highly demanding in dance as well as gymnastics. It should be recognized and people need to educate themselves on this subject instead of staying judgmental and ignorant on this art form.”

Someone identified as Bryan DeMicheli wrote:

“I hereby volunteer my services to be a judge for this event. You don’t need to pay me.”

The petition has created a buzz on some social media websites. There are 11 groups and three pages dedicated to the petition on Facebook. Twitter is full of Tweets for and against pole dancing in the Olympics, and bloggers are busy following the story.

“There is no doubt it takes a lot of skill to do that shiz, but it needs to overcome its stigma,” said Perez Hilton, author of PerezHilton.com. “Maybe they need to call it something else because it’s technically gymnastics!”

The petition had 4,230 signatures as of March 15, but that isn’t enough to make pole dancing an Olympic event. The International Olympic Committee would have to recognize pole dancing as a sport and that’s an uphill battle. Upscale games like squash and cricket haven’t made the cut and baseball and softball have recently been removed from the list of Olympic sports.

But Coates says she’s not giving up her quest to bring respectability to what she calls “vertical dance.”

“Five years ago people laughed at me for trying to get people to take up pole for fitness and look at the thousands of schools there are now, so I overcame those critics. I can certainly overcome a few more.”

A Bit of Heartache

This was a rough one to do, but after all the tears and a taking a "mental break" I realized that writing it was just what the doctor ordered.

This is a profile of my step-sister Jill and her battle with cancer. Unfortunately, not too long after I wrote it, Jill passed away. When I saw the rest of my family, they were quick to tell me how much they loved this article and how happy they were that I wrote it. That's all the gratification I needed.

Enjoy!



Laughter is What Keeps Us Alive

They say laughter is the best medicine. It is no wonder that Jill Hamilton-Locke is spending most of her time cracking jokes and goofing off with loved ones.

Locke-Hamilton, better known to friends and family as Maxi Chill Woman or Jilly Willy, has been laughing her way through her 14 year battle with Lynch syndrome. A rare inherited condition that increases risk of colon cancer, Hamilton-Locke’s battle has not been an easy one.

She was diagnosed in 1996, when she was 26-years-old, just six weeks before she was married to husband Brian Locke. Since then, she has had seven operations on her colon and intestines and 35 rounds of Chemo therapy.

In during a period of remission, Hamilton-Locke used her time to attend Stony Brook University and receive her master’s degree in Human Resources. She worked at a handful of companies, selling time for different sports shows and heading human resources at an alarm company.

Shortly after graduating, Locke-Hamilton’s life went through yet another transformation. She and Brian jumped into parenthood. In 2004, the family was blessed with a son, Nolan Locke. Now 6-years-old, Nolan is the apple of Jill’s eye and, along with his father, the source of her strength.

“We were on the phone after one of her procedures and all of the sudden Jill started cracking up and tells me, ‘Nolan apparently thinks pants are optional in this house!’ Her voice went from dull to animate in seconds. That boy is her everything,” said Jenna Morgenthaler, a close friend.

Recently, Hamilton-Locke’s condition has gotten worse. She is spending more time in the hospital and away from her family.

“It has taken her away from her time with her son and daily simple life things, like play outside, take a walk, just being a mom. On an emotional level, Jill knows that this year could most likely be her last and she wants to make sure her son will be okay when she is gone,” said Hannah Imperial-Cannon, a close friend.

With all this, Hamilton-Locke never stops laughing, whether she is joking about purchasing a blue Marge Simpson for her next round of Chemo therapy or singing songs and telling jokes with her son and husband.

“Her spirit hasn’t broken. She is such a strong woman, she will never let you know she is in pain. Jill just wants to be herself, not herself with cancer,” said Morgenthaler.