Media Convergence Initiative

South Korean divers retrieved three bodies from inside a sunken ferry overnight, 36 confirmed dead

Posted on April 19, 2014 by kelly casas

South Korean divers retrieved three bodies from inside a sunken ferry overnight, officials said on Sunday, the first time they have been able to gain entry to the passenger section of the ship.
What was a search-and-rescue mission has now turned into an attempt to retrieve more than 200 bodies – many of them children – from the wreck of the ferry that capsized on Wednesday on a routine trip in calm waters.
“At 11:48 p.m. (1448 GMT) the joint rescue team broke a glass window and succeeded in getting inside the vessel,” the South Korean government said in a statement.
The discovery of the bodies brought to 36 the official death toll from what looks to be South Korea’s deadliest maritime accident in 21 years. There are still 266 unaccounted for among the 476 people now believed to have been on the ferry.
Hundreds of despairing relatives gathered in a gymnasium in the port city of Jindo in southwestern Korea have spent four days and nights awaiting news of their relatives on the ship.
Many of those unaccounted for on the ship are children from a high school in the city of Ansan, a commuter town on the edge of the South Korean capital, Seoul.
Out of the people on the vessel, 339 were either pupils or teachers.
The vice principal of the school who was on the ferry and survived the capsize hanged himself and was discovered on Friday outside the gymnasium in Jindo.
Early reports suggest that the ferry, on a 400-km (300-mile) voyage from the mainland port of Incheon to the Korean resort island of Jeju, may have turned sharply and then listed before capsizing.
Investigations are looking at how the cargo was stowed, the safety record of the ship operator and the actions of the crew.
Three crew members, including the 69-year-old captain, were arrested on Saturday and charged with crimes relating to negligence.
Witnesses say the captain, Lee Joon-seok, and other crew members left the sinking ship before many of the passengers and that orders to evacuate were either not given, or not heard.
Lee said he feared that passengers would be swept away by the ferocious currents in the area if they leapt into the sea, but has not explained why he left the vessel.

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How Denver Has Faired Since Legalizing Marijuana

Posted on April 19, 2014 by elan iles

It has been 3 months since Colorado legislature made the decision to legalize marijuana. Many politicians in Denver including the Mayor Michael Hancock fought the legalization claiming that legalization would lead to a rise in crime. People on both sides of the argument made many claims, but how has the city of Denver actually faired in the three months following the legalization.

The facts certainly do not show what many people, including Mayor Michael Hancock, thought. In Denver, in the three months since Colorado decided to legalize marijuana, property crime has dropped nearly 15%, violent crimes are down nearly 3 percent. This seems to be a slap in the face of people like Douglas County Sheriff David Weaver who, when asked about the legalization of marijuana, said that that he thought that the entire state would pay a big price if they decided to legalize. He said that if the state of Colorado legalized marijuana, they would become known for it which would attract more criminals to the area. Many opponents painted a pretty grim picture of what the city would look like, but in reality, things haven’t changed that much.

Crime in Denver has dropped significantly since the legalization of marijuana, but that isn’t the only thing that has happened. Marijuana legalization has made Colorado millions in tax revenue. And it might even be bringing in money from tourists who have come to see what a state with legal marijuana is like. It seems like the critics have been silenced from their painting of a lawless land run by criminals. It seems like legalization really hasn’t done that much bad.

Posted in Business, Crime, Economy, General, Odd News, Politics, World News | Comments Off

Making and editing a film, the basics.

Posted on April 19, 2014 by scsmith

Most people think they have “it” when it comes to making a film. Most people think its just point and shoot and you can “do everything in post.” I’m here to tell you that this isn’t the case ad to burst your inflated bubble.

Making a film takes a lot of pre-planning. Its tedious and time consuming. If you don’t have pre-planning then you will have a heck of a time in post. Really, when you start filming a video, you should begin your post-production in pre-production. While you are filming you should constantly be thinking about post, kinda s if you are editing while you shoot. You have to have the type of mind that allows you to think outside of the mind of a regular normal television viewer. Normal television viewers see a picture and notice it’s pretty characteristics, actually they probably don’t. And that’s what makes you different. When a viewer watches a movie or television show, they don’t notice the cuts of footage, or the calculated duration of a cut, whether or not it is a cut or a transition, or even the effect that the sound is having on there emotions. And they for sure don’t notice the added sound effects. Do you really think that door slamming actually came from the door slamming?

So whats the steps to take? Well, as stated before you have a lot of planning to do before you even begin to shoot. Some people, like myself, can go out and shoot a piece of footage for a stupid little film and not necessarily need to plan ahead. But that is because I am thinking constantly about how I will cut the film and the transitions I will need while performing that process. I know from my education so far that when you do any scene, no matter how short or small it is, you do the scene over and over and over from different angles and focal lengths. One shot will be a close up of each actor done separately, another shot will be a two shot, another will be the wide establishing shot, another could just be a fancy cut away from an obscure angle, another could be the tapping of a shoe to emphasis impatience. All in one scene, a scene that might only last a minute of your TV screen, but could mean everything to the story.

Even when you do plan your shots out according to the feel of the story, you’re still thinking about how you will edit this as you shoot, and you’re even adding shots in because you had something inspire you. To be a Director, Editor, (DP) Director of Photography, Sound Editor, or Videographer (Camera), you have to have all of the same skills. You need to have intuition and once again, edit as you shoot. I don’t take offense to people who tell me it’s as easy as point and shoot, because I know they don’t have a clue. But it’s not an easy thing to do, and you should know that.

The reason I write this is because actors and producers get all the credit for movies and television shows. But where is the credits for the people who actually get behind the scenes and bring shows to life like the cameraman? I mean, your DP and Director dictate the shot, but the cameraman performs the shot. Ya dig?

Anyways, I don’t think I even gave you the basics like the title of this blog suggested, but oh well. Let me make an attempt here. The basics. Prep, Prep some more, Edit as you shoot, add creative shots, always shoot more than you think you need (you can never have too much but you can always have too little), think about the sounds, edit in post, and you’re done. Tada! Movie made.

Posted in Audio/Video, Education, Entertainment, Environment, General | Comments Off

Cable TV Will Eventually Become Obsolete

Posted on April 19, 2014 by amanda decarlo

As more and more millennials are transitioning into adulthood there seems to be a direct correlation with the decline in cable. This is astounding considering the fact that cable has been around for several decades. The future of Television-based entertainment may be more associated with streaming On-demand sites such as Hulu and Netflix.

According to a report from the Experian Marketing services, in just about three years the number of people who’ve either never subscribed to or stopped subscribing to cable or satellite, has risen from 5.1 million homes to 7.6 million homes. Also, people who are subscribed to Netflix or Hulu are more likely to not have cable. It is estimated to be about 1/5 of Netflix/Hulu subscribers to not have Cable.

This may not be a surprise to most people. Using Netflix or Hulu is more convenient. People no longer have to “appointment view” their television programs. People can just watch their shows according to their schedule. Cable is getting more expensive. According to SNL Kagan, the avergae bill for Cable TV has increased 97% in just fourteen years. It is a tough economy and Hulu/Netflix seem like a great alternative. Mellinnials may never purchase cable in their lifetime. That is astounding.

However, the cable companies have been aware of this longer than anyone can imagine. They probably expected this even before the inception of Hulu or Netflix. Reason being is that both On-demand streaming services are internet based. For the longest time the Intenret has been neutral, but there is a court case making it’s way to the Supreme Court that will decide the fate of the internet neutrality.

Posted in Business, Science and Technology | Comments Off

My Personal Adventure Plans And Goals For This Summer of 2014

Posted on April 18, 2014 by bosimpson

It’s that time of the year again! The time of the year that we, as students, have been looking forward to every year since the First grade. Summer! It’s that one time of the year where you can pretty much just relax and do your own thing. I am taking Summer A classes but let’s face it, even the classes are easier in the Summer. Even the professors want a break from the long year of hard work gone into the semesters. I will also be working a part time job with flexible hours. The reasons I want flexible hours for this Summer is because I am determined to travel! I have not traveled anywhere in the past 5 years, honestly, that’s so sad. I love to travel so much and Damn it, I deserve it. So it’s happening.

Places I plan on traveling to. I want to go on a cruise, I have never been on one before nor have I ever been to the Caribbean so that is going to be amazing. Also, it’s motivation to get that Summer body in shape and ready to flaunt. I’d like to find cheap stand by tickets to travel somewhere in the US or maybe purchase a ticket to visit my family in Colombia. I plan on working to save up some money like I usually do in the Summer. Last Summer, I saved over $2,000 and put a down payment on the beautiful Hyundai, Elantra. I’m super obsessed with it till this day. I enjoy working hard and earning money and buying trips and material things to reward myself. I think that’s so healthy to do for yourself. Life should always be balanced with work and play.

I plan on getting more in shape at the gym with my free time and doing random little adventures which I have actually already started. I am beyond excited to be going swimming with the Dolphins next weekend to celebrate the fact that finals and classes are over and that I got some kick ass grades this semester. Getting straight A’s was a promise and goal that I set for myself after last semester and I’m so proud of myself for the amount of effort that I have put into my courses this Spring. I also have a Lana Del Rey concert coming up next week that I’m so excited to go to, she’s one of my favorite artist. Stop thinking that you’re an average person meant to live an average life. These are the best years of your life, the ones were you have the most leisure time and freedom. Go out this Summer and have amazing adventures that you can carry with you for the rest of your life!

Posted in Entertainment, Health | Tagged 2014, adventures, balance, fun, goals, happiness, healthy mind, Life, plans, summer, Travel, Youth | Comments Off

Real Madrid win Copa Del Rey title against out-of-form rivals FC Barcelona

Posted on April 18, 2014 by ballspach

Real Madrid have handed FC Barcelona their 3rd straight defeat in 3 competitions, the first time that’s occurred since 2003, all while claiming the Copa Del Rey (the King’s Cup) championship through a spectacular goal by record signing Gareth Bale, who showed the world exactly why he was purchased for $123 million over the summer. The game also epitomized the problems that have been plaguing Barcelona since what could be traced back to when one of their most successful managers, Pep Guardiola, had left the club a few seasons ago. Some fans and Spanish media are calling for the club to consider getting him back from German powerhouse club Bayern Munich, however current manager Tata Martino insists he will be staying at the club.

Real Madrid capitalized on nearly every counter-attack they had, which started in the 11th minute of the game when a one-touch through ball from striker Karim Benzema found midfielder Angel di Maria, whose shot was too much for backup keeper Jose Pinto to handle.

Barcelona had few chances after, including a header from defender Jordi Alba which was easy for Real Madrid keeper Iker Casillas to handle. Lionel Messi, who seemed to be just another man on the field for Barcelona, had a hard time making his mark on the game in his usual ways. His two shots, one from a volley at the top of the box, and a free kick nearly 30 yards out, all sailed wide of Casillas’ goal. The normal quick passing and footwork of Barcelona’s game all came to naught due to a disciplined and compact Real Madrid defense, cutting out every pass and cross that was finding its way into the 18-yard box.

The unlikely best player who made an impact on the game was Barcelona defender Marc Bartra, who had just recently become match-fit and filled in for injured Gerard Pique. Bartra managed to be one of the few Barcelona players who took a crack at goal and tested Casillas, who managed to bat away the shot for a corner. Barcelona finally got the breakthrough they were desperately looking for when a corner from midfielder Xavi Hernandez found the head of defender Marc Bartra, who did well to direct the ball into the top corner of the net, beating Madrid keeper Casillas. A goal which you wouldn’t expect coming from Barcelona gave them a bit of life in the 68th minute.

However, it was Madrid winger Gareth Bale’s time to shine in this final. An Angel di Maria pass found Bale on the left wing. Barcelona defender Bartra tried to impede Bale’s run by forcing him onto the sidelines, however the unbelievable pace from Bale was too much for the young defender. Bale continued his run and managed to slot the ball past Pinto for the decisive goal of the match.

Barcelona’s own big money signing of the summer Neymar managed to hit the post in the dying minutes of the game, however it wouldn’t effect the outcome that saw a Real Madrid team deservedly win the Copa del Rey title, leaving Barcelona out of the running for almost every chance at a title this season.

The rumor mill is swirling about the lack of fire in the Barcelona team, who have seemed to accept that their era as the dominant team in Europe is over. Fans have predicted that there is an overwhelming probability that they will fail to retain the La Liga title, and some are questioning the leadership from top to bottom. A slow realization has sunk in, in a massive way, that there needs to be a changing of the guard at the Catalan club.

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Summer and Beach Season is Almost Here: The Risks of Tanning!

Posted on April 18, 2014 by joeyafemia

It’s almost here, summer, and I think just about every college student is ready to relax in the sun and not have to worry about school for a little while. Summer is not just a time for students to relax and not stress out from their recent semester at college, but it is also a time for students to explore and get away. Take vacations, visit friends and family, and most importantly, go to the beach! Summer is in fact the beach season for most Floridians. It is a great time of the year to settle down in the sand and not have a worry in the world but get a little tan. While all this sounds extremely fun, students need to still be extremely careful in how much tanning they do this summer and when they do, they need to make sure to wear as much sunscreen as possible, for the side effects of not wearing sunscreen can be traumatic. UV radiation, whether from natural or artificial sources, damages skin. Below are some of the short and long term effects of UV exposure and the effects of tanning.

Tanning Can Cause Premature Aging: Sometimes referred to as “photo-aging,” premature aging is the result of unprotected UV exposure. It takes the form of leathery, wrinkled skin and dark spots. Frequent sunburns or hours spent tanning can result in permanent darkening of the skin, dark spots, and a leathery texture. This is a long-term effect of UV exposure, meaning it may not show on your skin until many years later.

Tanning Can Cause Skin Cancer: Predisposition to skin cancer can be hereditary, meaning it is passed through the generations of a family through genes. There is also strong evidence suggesting that exposure to UV rays, both UVA and UVB can cause skin cancer. By damaging the DNA in skin cells, causing the skin to grow abnormally and develop benign or malignant growths. Tanning also weakens the immune system and compromises the body’s natural defense against aggressive cancer cells.

Tanning Can Cause Eye Damage: Tanning can cause eye damage. It is caused by intense UVC/UVB exposure of the eye. By tanning without wearing sunscreen, the symptoms leading from eye damage are tearing of the eye, pain, swollen eyelids, a feeling of sand in the eye and hazy or decreased vision.

Now that you know some of the major symptoms that are caused due to constant tanning without sunscreen, make sure to always cover yourself up in sunscreen so that you can still have an amazing summer without all the harmful side effects!

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Finals Week, Time to Study: The Effects of Sleep Deprivation!

Posted on April 18, 2014 by joeyafemia

The last two weeks of school is coming to a final count down and finals are creeping up. And while everyone is excited for sweet summer nights and get away trips this summer, the next two weeks will soon feel like eternity when studying for exams. The library gets packed out by all students and the lack for sleeping is at an all time high. Students will order in pizza and pull all nighters, anything to guarantee a good grade on their final. While losing some sleep won’t cause that much damage to a persons health, most college students do not get the regular amount of sleep they need each night and throughout each semester, students tend to have increasingly high sleep deprivation.

Sleep deprivation causes not just short-term effects on a person’s body, but it also creates some serious long terms effects as well. Below are lists of the entire short and long term affects and consequences that people will face because of the lack of sleep they are getting.

Sleep Loss Dumbs You Down: Sleep plays a critical role in thinking and learning. Lack of sleep hurts these cognitive processes in many ways. Lack of sleep not only impairs attention, alertness as well as concentration within your body, but it also creates a lack of reasoning and problem solving. This makes it extremely difficult to learn efficiently.

Lack of Sleep Kills Sex Drive: Sleep specialists say that sleep-deprived men and women report lower libidos and less interest in sex. Depleted energy, sleepiness, and increased tension may be largely to blame.

Decreased Performance and Alertness: Lack of sleep can affect our interpretation of events. This hurts our ability to make sound judgments because we may not assess situations accurately and act on them wisely. Sleep-deprived people seem to be especially prone to poor judgment when it comes to assessing what lack of sleep is doing to them.

Memory Cognitive Impairment: Decreased alertness and excessive daytime sleepiness impair your memory and your cognitive ability. A persons ability to think and process information becomes very impaired due to a lack of sleep.

Stress Relationships: Disruption of a bed partner’s sleep due to a sleep disorder may cause significant problems for the relationship.

In the long term, the clinical consequences of untreated sleep disorders are large indeed. They are associated with numerous, serious medical illnesses, including: high blood pressure, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, obesity, mental impairment, Psychiatric problems, including depression and other mood disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Fetal and childhood growth retardation, injury from accidents, disruption of bed partner’s sleep quality and poor quality of life.

So from now on make sure to get an efficient amount of sleep every night because if you don’t the consequences of sleep deprivation will surely catch up with you.

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Swinging In!!! Spider-Man Sequel Set to Kick Start 2014 Summer Movie Season!!!!!

Posted on April 17, 2014 by jmandel

Summer. The fun, the food, the movies!!!! Three things that define the months that await kids and families alike. As the halfway point of 2014 draws closer, movie fans are eagerly prepping for the anticipated Summer Movie Season. The 4 month buffet of action packed blockbuster films has become a staple for its run from May to mid-August. Studios such as Marvel, Warner Bros, and Paramount Pictures are ready to dish out some of the best pieces of summer adrenaline that fans can’t wait for. Kicking this off this year is Marvel’s famed web-slinger Spider-Man.

Serving as a sequel to 2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man, Director Marc Webb returns with the anticipated sequel The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Andrew Garfield returns as Peter Parker as he begins to fully embrace his role and responsibilities as Spider-Man. However, he continues to search for answers as he tries to uncover clues to the mysterious disappearance of his parents. He also maintains a romantic relationship with his girlfriend Gwen Stacy, despite her father’s warning to stay away.

As he digs deeper into the secrets being kept from him, he is reunited with his childhood friend Harry Osborn and also encounters new villous threats such as Rhino and Electro. As Peter faces possibly his biggest challenge yet, Peter will soon discover that though secrets have their cost. The truth can also hold its share of pain as well. Headlined by the stellar cast of Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHann, and others, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is set to being what promises to be another start of a great summer vacation at the movies.

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Greetings from Wakanda!!! “42” star Boseman Rumored to Play Black Panther in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe.

Posted on April 17, 2014 by jmandel

After being announced as the second highest grossing film franchise of all time, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has the attention of the entire world. Garnering blockbuster after blockbuster, including the recent record breaking performance of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Marvel Studios is on a high level with no plans of dropping down.

Though Marvel’s Phase 2 line-up is still in motion with Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers: Age of Ultron still to be released, a recent rumor has surfaced that has fans excited for what awaits in possibly Marvel Phase 3. Recently, speculation has surrounded up and coming actor Chadwick Boseman as he has been rumored to have nabbed the role of Black Panther. For those unfamiliar, Black Panther was one of the first African-American comic book heroes in mainstream America. The reason fans are excited about the news is because Black Panther is also a prominent member of the Avengers.

Though nothing is set in stone, there is proof that Marvel has hinted at the character’s existence in their still expanding. In Marvel’s Captain America: The First Avenger, Howard Stark, played by Dominic Cooper, mentioned that Steve Rodger’s shield is made out of vibranium, a metallic material made in the African country of Wakanda, which just so happens to be Black Panther’s birth place.

For those wondering when we will see the African member of earth’s mightiest heroes, rumor has it we could be getting our first glimpse of Black Panther in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Despite the excitement, these are still rumors. Only time will tell if what we have heard is legit or just empty nerd arousing gibberish.