SR Journalism/Adv. Journalism 2010-2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Social Networking and Japan
Social networking sights have been a vital source for communication and information in the days after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. In the moments after the disaster struck, Twitter was the main form of communication. Because the phone lines were blocked out, people in Japan tweeted family and friends to let them know their situation. The amount of tweets coming out of Tokyo per minute was at 1,188, according to the “Tweet-o-Meter" shown above. The West Coast of the United States found out about the quake sooner than the rest of the world because of their earthquake threats, and they used Twitter to spread the message around the world.
People have also been communicating with their leaders as well. For example, a trending topic on Twitter in Japan has been #edano_nero, which, in Japanese, means “Sleep Edano.” Yukio Edano is the Japanese Cabinet secretary, and he has been working tirelessly for his people since the earthquake and tsunami hit. Another trending topic has been #kan_okiro, which means “Wake up Kan.” Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan’s approval ratings had dropped before the quake, and they have not improved since.
Outside of Japan, social networking sights have also been beneficial. With trending topics on Twitter, groups and events on Facebook, and even a button on Google that can take people to links on the latest news coming out of Japan, the world has been connected in the cause of aiding Japan. These sites are updating and informing people, and offering ways for people to give relief and aid. In many different ways, social networking sights have been an important part of Japan’s recovery.
Caring For Japan Long After 2011
The recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan have significantly affected the country in a number of different ways. In addition the devastating damage and tragedy that has shocked Japan is not too different from the 2009 earthquake in Haiti.
As the nation of Haiti tried to rebuild its demolished country they struggled to wind up the money needed to do so. As a result, multiple organizations were established for Haitian relief. However, many of the organizations were established right after the earthquake took place and have since then dwindled though the Haitian problems have not.
The question is, how can we prevent this from happening to Japan? With the organizations established, the goals need not be the immediate solution to a nations plight, but instead solutions that would have lasting effects. So instead of setting up quick “texting” organizations or events like that, we need to look further and focus on developing organizations that would have a bigger impact on the countries and truly prove to be of a progressive nature.
Less than few hours, Tsunami swept metropolitan Japanese cities into the influx of dumpsters. However, Tsunami not only brought changes in the sociocultural geography in Japan but also the global geographic shift.
As a result of unprecedentedly massive Japanese Tsunami, the axis of rotation moved 16.5 cm and earth’s rotation velocity became 1.8 second per 100 million minute faster. Even the nearest neighbor, Korea has been shifted at least 5 meter to the Pacific Ocean. Due to Korean shift towards east, the risk of crash between Korea and Japan escalated.
Based on the prior experience of geographic shift caused by San Francescan and Chilean earthquakes (which moved the globe 2 meters), scientists are paying attention to the subtle movements in East Asia to prevent collision between continents and prospective problems in shifted countries.
Nuclear Threat in Japan
Fuel rods that have become extremely overheated are the main source of the problem at the Fukushima plant, and cooling attempts so far have been ineffective. Now, workers have resorted to constantly spraying the rods with cool water in an attempt to prevent another fire or explosion to the damaged rods. This danger not only effects the immediate safety of the workers of the plant and those in the area, but if the plant were to have a large nuclear meltdown, the effects could be felt as far as the West Coast of the United States.
No electricity affects more than just Japan
In Japan’s busiest city, Tokyo, power supplies have been cut by a quarter, resulting in blackouts lasting several hours. Though these blackouts are temporary, they the city will be in this state for an estimated six months. According to Citigroup, “Japan may face ‘irreversible’ damage to power-supply capacity from the March 11 earthquake, limiting business activity.”
Business in Japan
The recent earthquake and tsunami in japan has already had astronomical affects on business and economy. With all the power outages and building destruction business is almost impossible to do at this time. No one can get to work in the midst of this destruction. How will the economy be affected by this?
This business downfall could result from the high cost it will take to rebuild Japan after this tragedy. With towns completely washed away it is expected to take up to $200 billion dollars to rebuild the shattered nation. Japan has the third highest economy in the world, but after the quake it is unsure whether or not they will be able to keep this title.
Japans agricultural business will greatly feel the effects of the tsunami and quakes. These before and after photos show how fields and grassy areas were completely ruined by the waves that carried hazardous materials. Once grassy and green, they are now brown and dead. Japan also accounted for 15% of the worlds fish catching, which also will be affected because of the disastrous affects of the the tsunami and quake. The radiation emitted from the shaken nuclear plant is expected to contaminate fish is the winds change directions. Overall, the quake and tsunami are expected to have astronomical affects of Japan’s business industry.
Post-Tsunami & Earthquake Health Issues in Japan
The 8.9 Earthquake and the following tsunami that hit Japan on March 11, 2011, has left Japan devastated. The people of Japan's health is at risk due to the contaminated waters, polluted airs, the nuclear plants, and more. There are immediate health concerns, secondary effects, and long- lasting health effects that are affecting Japan. After the rescue of survivors, clean water, food, and shelter are primary public health issues. Due to the tsunami and the earthquake, physical injuries, such as broken bones and head injuries, have afflicted the people of Japan. Also contributing to the people's distress and taking a toll on their health is the lack of healthcare and medical care as well as contaminated waters and widespread debris.
Another very serious health issue in Japan has to do with the nuclear reactors and the increasing exposure to radiation. At the moment, only the workers are affected by the radiation. The Japanese Health Ministry raised the legal limit of radiation exposure to 250 millisieverts a year to enable the 50 or so workers efforts to bring the nuclear power plant back under control. The workers are currently struggling to cool overheating nuclear reactors, exposing themselves to the radiation. The radiation causes both stochastic and non-stochastic health effects, which could include cancer, changes in DNA, mutations, burns, and other sicknesses depending on how exposed they are.
The earthquake and tsunami have hurt the people of Japan physically and emotionally. The destruction has left the people vulnerable to health risks.Hopefully, Japan will be back on its feet with the help of other countries soon.
International Aid Provided to Japan
Among these global organizations donating to the cause is the American Red Cross. Since March 12, the Red Cross has stationed a disaster management expert to aid, advise, and provide high-level support to the Japanese Red Cross, which continues to head the earthquake and tsunami response. So far, the American Red Cross has provided shelter and about 30,000 blankets to those who were able to evacuate before the tsunami. The organization is allowing those who want to help to text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Aid to the Japanese has also come in the form of Doctors Without Borders, a non-governmental organization known for its project in war-torn areas and developing countries. On March 11, two teams from Doctors Without Borders arrived in Sendai, and three additional teams were sent the following day. While the organization praised Japan’s efforts to manage this large disaster, they still responded to the disaster as needed. This global aid, whether it may be in the form of monetary donations or needed supplies, has been tremendous. However, there is still a long way to go!
LINDY'S PARAGRAPHS... Obama and the Japan Crisis.
The US and Japan have a close relationship, working together on a daily basis, leading them to provide an initial $100,000 in immediate disaster relief. Obama promised his full support and assistance to reconstruct Japan, this ranges from sending nuclear experts to building materials. Not only that, but the US is allowing families of troops stationed on the Japanese island of Honshu to leave.
Obama will make another statement on Japan on March 17th 2011. This earthquake has claimed the live of more than 10,000 people with hundreds of thousands expected.
Prime Minister Kan's Response
Parliament has meet to discuss how effective the immediate response by the government was in terms of assisting in the damage. Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power station has been paid visits by both the prime minister and the Tokyo Electric Power Co. Kan appreciates the U.S. suggestion its citizens not leave immediately like the British and French embassies.
Obama and other foreign leaders will all reach out to Prime Minister Kan and release statements. Kan will then give his response.
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/JapaneseDis
Disaster Proofing
Most notable is Japan’s early earthquake warning system. Less than 4 years old, the system’s purpose is to “outrun” an earthquake. At the epicenter, the system can detect tremors 10 seconds before they start, while obviously giving places farther away from the epicenter a longer notice. Because Japan is so centered on technology and immediate communication, the warning is able to reach a significant amount of people before disaster strikes. However, the power outage that is afflicting much of Japan at the moment is proving to be an obstacle in relation to aftershocks because people do not have access to instant communication. And although Japan has made the most strides in earthquake detection, it still lacks early detection for Tsunamis. Scientists are still working on a way to improve their early detection methods so that Japan can be just as prepped for Tsunamis as they are for earthquakes.
For the United States, the earthquake and tsunami in Japan may serve as wake-up calls to our own unpreparedness. Many US medical facilities have no plans to detect radiation in humans were we to have a nuclear crisis, like Japan is dealing right now. If, for some reason, we were to face a nuclear crisis, many would become ill and doctors would not be able to detect the source. For now, ordinary Americans should anticipate disaster by simply being prepared. Necessities for disaster kits include: flashlight, radio, food, lots of water, a heavy duty breathing mask, light sticks, and a first aid kit. If the United States is struck by anything as terrible as Japan, these will be the first things necessary for survival, good help, and reconstruction.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Infographics DW
Link
This infographic discusses the topic of travel rudeness. It displays the top annoyances for travel, including annoyances while boarding, while on the flight, while exiting the flight, while arriving at the hotel, while at the hotel, and overall while on the vacation. I chose this infographic because not only do I find the topic to be rather interesting, but the way in which it is displayed is also interesting. The variation in its visual aids including bar graphs, circle graphs, and charts arranges the material into an organized manner as well as it keeps the reader engaged. Overall the infographic does a superb job of displaying its message. To some the numerous amount of charts might be a little overwhelming and distracting. However, mainly the infographic is organized and covers a number of different areas in a concise and effective manner. In addition the message of the infographic is able to be more clearly understood through the use of the different graphs. Without the graphs the message of the infographic would not be as effective.
Link
This infographic depicts the "U.S Data Consumption In One Day." It displays a brain broken up into different chunks representing different activities that occur during different hours of the day. The activities include watching T.V, reading, listening to the radio, talking on the phone, computer interaction, and other. I found this infographic to be particularly interesting because the activities that it includes are the same activities that I like to do, so I could relate to it. I also felt that the appearance of the infographic is rather interesting and very clever. However there is one area where it could be improved. Below the large main text there is a much smaller text that is very hard to see. If this particular text was enlarged then this infographic would be very well done. Lastly, the infographic itself is very straightforward, clear, and simple in its appearance which makes it easy for the reader to understand it.
Link
Monday, February 7, 2011
Infographics LK
Infographics Melissa Nemati
This infographic includes information regarding the Oscars. I chose this infographic because it is not only highly informative, but it is all concise, cleanly made, colorful and creative. If I were to read this information in paragraph form, I would probably not be very interested in the content. This goes to show that with a little bit of color and some images, complex information can turn into an easy read. I think it's really great and helpful how at the top of this infographic, the creator listed former Oscar winners with Walt Disney, who won the most Oscars, at the very top. Basic facts and information such as how many envelopes have been stuffed for invitations over the past years is also very interesting and informative.
This next infographic sponsored by Pepto Bismol is also one of my favorites. Unlike the Oscars infographic, this infographic is much more busy and colorful with an abundance of pictures of food and colors. This is a great way to advertise Pepto Bismol because by looking at the food, one would be motivated to go out and eat a lot of fatty foods thereby falling ill from a stomachache, and running to the local drug store to purchase some Pepto Bismol. Although pictures of food take over the majority of the space in the picture, simple facts discussing the most popular days for barbeques and the most popular foods to grill are also listed. The infographic not only provides information, but advertises smartly for the company.
Which Retailers Are Closing Their Doors?
Comments on Infographics Woo-a-Hoo!
3 Infographics
http://pleated-jeans.com/2011/01/24/the-united-states-of-shame-chart/
This info-graphic depicts what each state in the United States is the 'worst at'. For example, Maine is considered to be the dumbest state, North Dakota is said to have the ugliest residents, and Maryland has the highest AIDS rate. I picked this info-graphic because it is an easily comprehensible diagram that provides interesting and funny information. Because some states are smaller than others, its a bit harder to distinguish what the smaller states are 'worst' at. Subsequently, as a result of the varying sizes of the states in the diagram, some of the words are tilted or tend to run close to each other which can be distracting. The alternating colors and concise simple form of the words allows those viewing the info-graphic to quickly grasp the message being conveyed to them through the picture. The only other issue that could occur from the visual representation of this map is that if one did not have previous knowledge of the geographical location of all the different states they could struggle with identifying the corresponding information.
http://www.infographicsshowcase.com/solving-global-warming-infographic/
This info-graphic depicts how we should go about solving global warming. It is visually pleasing, utilizing a variety of colorful comical illustrations that lighten the mood of the underlying message. I picked this info-graphic because simple and seemingly elementary diagram makes solving global warming seem to be a simple task that does not require too much effort. This diagram does have a lot going on, so the only thing I would do differently would be to spread out the images so they don'y clump together too much.The visual representation of this data allows me to see how many different options we have to make a difference and to stop global warming in a very positive light.
http://www.nerdmodo.com/2009/07/some-cool-infographics/
This info-graphic allows the viewer to observe the past 100 years of motoring in America. I picked this one because it had such an interesting way of displaying the data it wanted to present. It is modeled after the boardgame "Candyland" in which you follow a path until you get to the end. It's a super creative way to relay the information, especially seeing as the history of motoring in America is not exactly the most interesting topic. There are many twists and turns along the path which keeps the viewer engaged, as well as a varying color pattern which pop, stimulating the eye. There could be a few more illustrations but other than that I think this info-graphic is pretty good.
Homeschooling by the Numbers Infographic
This infographic provides a lot of information about a topic that many people either have assumptions about or simply do not know about. Homeschooling has picked up different stereotypes and assumed characteristics over the years, and this infographics breaks it down "by the numbers." It shows test scores relative to different types of schools, parent education, family demographics, and assorted facts about homeschooled children in a colorful, organized fashion. This infographic is very informative as well as interesting, and overall successful in its goal of communicating a statistical and factual look at homeschooling.
20 Things That Happen in 1 Minute Infographic
The facts and figures provided by this infographic are astounding, successfully catching the reader's attention. The images are evenly spaced so nothing looks crowded, and though it provides a lot of information the infographic itself is not overwhelming. Another aspect of this infographic that I like is that it does not focus on one specific topic of things that happen in one minute, but rather looks broadly at the world and pulls out statistics about nature, birth, death, waste, and wages. A wide variety of people would be able to use this infographic and relate to different parts, and all will be informed.
The Facts About Bottled Water Infographic
Infographics Melissa Nemati
Inforgraphic This next infographic sponsored by Pepto Bismol is also one of my favorites. Unlike the Oscars infographic, this infographic is much more busy and colorful with an abundance of pictures of food and colors. This is a great way to advertise Pepto Bismol because by looking at the food, one would be motivated to go out and eat a lot of fatty foods thereby falling ill from a stomachache, and running to the local drug store to purchase some Pepto Bismol. Although pictures of food take over the majority of the space in the picture, simple facts discussing the most popular days for barbeques and the most popular foods to grill are also listed. The infographic not only provides information, but advertises smartly for the company.
Inforgraphic This final infographic is another one of my favorites. One of the beverages, which Americans, especially, consume the most is coffee, so I thought this infographic was appropriate. Most of us consume different types of coffee without really knowing how much of the actual liquid substance of coffee we're getting. This infographic is quite informative as it shows different names of different types of coffee, and the actual ingredients used in these cups of coffee. The infographic is very eye opening as in an Americano cup of coffee, there is only a little bit of espresso with the majority of the Americano containing water. This clearly shows how Americans are getting scammed in that the price of a simple cup of coffee can range from the price of $2.50-6.50, and people are not getting what they think they are paying for.
Timeless Timeline
This infograph is very interesting. It depicts time travel in popular movie and tv show series. Each line is color coded by the means of time travel and has the name of the movie or tv show labeled on the line. This graph is a little confusing because the lines are all over the place and can be hard to understand, but the design itself and the layout is just wonderful.
What Scares Americans?
How to make the first move Infographic
United States of Shame Infographic
This inforgaphic shows each of the 50 states along with one negative thing that the state is notorious for. (example Maryland: AIDS) I like this one because it is funny to see what all the states are known for because they are sometimes pretty funny. Although it may take up more space I would like to see a little description or some statistics about each state. Although the information in this graphic is more fun than informative it does give you an understanding about what the state is like.
Are Sequels As Good As The Originals?
Soft Drink Infographic
This infographic shows the soft drink industry structure in 2008. I picked this one because i was very interested in not only which drinks are owned by which companies, but also because the size of the circles show the most popular drinks. I would maybe make the colors a bit brighter because the colors all blend in with each other a bit. A little description of the infographic on the web sit i found would also have been nice. The way the data is presented really gives you a greater understanding of all the different beverages and beverage companies are out there.