Taking Journalism Courses from Home is a trend that has sprouted like mushroom overnight due to technological advances like websites, blog sites and even Twitter. Media has been like no other since it has gone digital. Writing, editing, and interviewing are but ordinary skill sets for journalists nowadays. Computer knowledge is a must and computer knowledge does not end with typing abilities and skills. Nor are computers used mainly for editing or proofreading for news and articles to be published at a later time. To be honed as journalists in the 21st century also means to be adept at creating and maintaining blog site and websites.
Journalism Schools announced changes in curriculum and requirements to include taking technical oriented classes aside from reporting. With that some begin to wonder if the basics for news gathering are being set aside in favor of tech related trainings. Changes in News, press, communication and journalism are an ever changing tremendous pace. The key to staying in pace is to learn from home. Changes and learning could be done so with just a mouse click. And being up to date means having an increase in employability chances as well. Learning to blend technology with the basics of journalism knowhow must be the route to take to do better in this field of expertise tough Journalism basics skills must not be reduced in favor of tech skills. Technical Skills and knowhow should be there to complement skills in writing, editing and other skills needed to be a good journalist.
Having a major in journalism gives you a solid foundation of the trade and the skills needed in the trade. Writing is a skill that is developed and polished while taking up the training set by the courses. Writing has different categories and styles depending on what you intend to write on. Writing also takes to consider the target audience you have in mind. Writing about sports is different from writing as a film critic or even news writing at that. Sports writers have to be knowledgeable in the sport they’re writing about and include the key players of the sport. Film Critics have to learn the art of constructive criticism and have to learn about filming, from making the film to watching it. News writers have to be there “when it happens” for there would be no essence in writing something that has been a passé.
After knowing the different categories and styles for writing, learning which writing style suits you or where you are headed is the next step. Know what you’re comfortable writing about and who your target audience would be. The core of journalism is not writing per se, it includes being able to interview and do a good report after. Simply put, it's making sure we get the facts right without having our emotions reflect our sentiments while writing. Writing should be unbiased as being biased may distort the truth.
Journalism reports on the truth, the statement of it and not misconstruing it for the benefit of writing and capturing audience alone. Journalism is one field of expertise where theory and practice are two different skill sets. What one learns in the classroom gives the individual only a limited knowledge of what one learns through experience. Experience in journalism is not as simple as learning and developing your writing skills. As they say, to be a good journalist and reporter, you have to be where the action is. Blogging on topics already found in the internet may be a way for you to hone your writing skills but blogging about something you interviewed someone about is totally different. It becomes first-hand news to be blogged about and commented by someone else.
Remember what we said earlier, about blending your computer skills and your journalism skills to work for you? Leg work should not be totally ignored. With tech gizmos like palm, androids, and pads which are a whole lot easier to carry around due to their light weight and size, journalism is set to be precise when it happens and where it happens. Interviews are no longer done with pen and paper or a tape recorder as digital imaging is also available on the said gizmos. Technology must work for you and not the other way around.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Using Feng Shui for the Home
Feng Shui popularity is the western world has increased tremendously over the years. Interior Design Courses offer Feng Shui as an added study. Yet learning Feng Shui without understanding the origin and concept confuses the beginner than enlightens him. The proper use of Feng Shui has powerful results.
Feng shui is an art at the same time a science that attempts to balance the energy found in a given space and time giving good health and fortune to its inhabitants. Feng is the Chinese term meaning wind and Shui is the Chinese term for water. The blend of both in the Chinese culture is associated with anything good from health to fortune to luck.
They say Feng Shui started about 2,000 to 5,000 years ago and was practiced even during the Tang Dynasty. The Chinese include this art in imperial exams going as far back as the 888 A.D. in the time of Emperor Hi Tsang. Master Yang Yun Sang had writings explaining and emphasizing sites with the dragon’s energy or breath. CHI or the vital energy is contained in this locations as is the reason why finding the dragon’s lair is very important. Natural formations like mountains, hills, and water formations are seen as symbolic shapes of animals and energy.
A hundred years later Wang Chih, a master of this art during the Song dynasty introduced in his teachings calculations and directions. I-Ching trigrams were used to make the energy map known as the BAGUA. It was in this era that the 5 elements theory of Feng Shui was also handed down. Since calculations were being made, this correlates to the best time for specifying when and where activities can best take place.
In the late nineteenth century, these two concepts merged providing Feng Shui as a body of knowledge that reads energy in any space including the home, garden or office. Confusion arises not with the understanding of its history and its application but with the symbols used to encourage the energy. This is often called the symbolic level.
The most popular of these symbols include: the sign for Double Happiness, the Dragon and the Phoenix, Peony Flowers and Mandarin Ducks for Love and Marriage. The Koi Fish or Gold Arrowana, the Toad with three legs, Chinese Coins, Money frog, Wealth vase, Sailing Ship, Crystal tree or Gem Tree are symbols uses for Wealth. Chi Lin, or the Chinese Unicorn, Fu Dogs, the Tortoise, The Golden Cicada, The Red Bat, The Mystic knot and flower are symbols used for Good Fortune and Protection. The Butterfly, Wu-Lou Gourd, the Lucky Bamboo, Birds like Peacocks and cranes, Sau or the God of Longevity, Buddha, and Fruits like Apples and Peaches are symbols uses for Health, Longevity and Happiness.
In order for Feng Shui to work for you and your home, you do not have to use traditional Chinese or cultural symbols. The idea is to choose a specific symbol that resonates with your subconscious. The stronger your connection is with the symbol the more the symbol would work for you. This connection is used to harness the Chi or energy provided by the Feng Shui teachings. You don’t have to put symbols that you dislike in your home only for the purpose of inviting energy. Feng Shui does not work like that. If the symbol you have does not resonate nor do you find a connection with it, change it, and find one that you have a connection with. Expressing the energy you need when the connection has been established with bring powerful energy and good feng shui to you and your home.
Earlier we mentioned the Bagua or the octagonal compass. This is the main tool used for analysis in Feng Shui. Understanding the Bagua will help you understand the areas in your house that connects with you and specific areas of your life.
The next theory you need to understand is that of the Yin Yang. The Yin meaning the feminine force and the Yang meaning the masculine force are symbolized by the circle with black and white designs. This is sometimes referred to as the Night and Day. It symbolized that the universe is composed mainly of two opposing forces. And like the chop sticks that lose their function when not in a pair, it represents the harmonious relationship of co-existence. Life is bounded by forces co-existing for deep support and nourishment. Yin which is symbolized by the color black is passive energy for relaxation like the bathroom. Yang is symbolized by the color white is active energy for areas like the kitchen.
Feng shui is an art at the same time a science that attempts to balance the energy found in a given space and time giving good health and fortune to its inhabitants. Feng is the Chinese term meaning wind and Shui is the Chinese term for water. The blend of both in the Chinese culture is associated with anything good from health to fortune to luck.
They say Feng Shui started about 2,000 to 5,000 years ago and was practiced even during the Tang Dynasty. The Chinese include this art in imperial exams going as far back as the 888 A.D. in the time of Emperor Hi Tsang. Master Yang Yun Sang had writings explaining and emphasizing sites with the dragon’s energy or breath. CHI or the vital energy is contained in this locations as is the reason why finding the dragon’s lair is very important. Natural formations like mountains, hills, and water formations are seen as symbolic shapes of animals and energy.
A hundred years later Wang Chih, a master of this art during the Song dynasty introduced in his teachings calculations and directions. I-Ching trigrams were used to make the energy map known as the BAGUA. It was in this era that the 5 elements theory of Feng Shui was also handed down. Since calculations were being made, this correlates to the best time for specifying when and where activities can best take place.
In the late nineteenth century, these two concepts merged providing Feng Shui as a body of knowledge that reads energy in any space including the home, garden or office. Confusion arises not with the understanding of its history and its application but with the symbols used to encourage the energy. This is often called the symbolic level.
The most popular of these symbols include: the sign for Double Happiness, the Dragon and the Phoenix, Peony Flowers and Mandarin Ducks for Love and Marriage. The Koi Fish or Gold Arrowana, the Toad with three legs, Chinese Coins, Money frog, Wealth vase, Sailing Ship, Crystal tree or Gem Tree are symbols uses for Wealth. Chi Lin, or the Chinese Unicorn, Fu Dogs, the Tortoise, The Golden Cicada, The Red Bat, The Mystic knot and flower are symbols used for Good Fortune and Protection. The Butterfly, Wu-Lou Gourd, the Lucky Bamboo, Birds like Peacocks and cranes, Sau or the God of Longevity, Buddha, and Fruits like Apples and Peaches are symbols uses for Health, Longevity and Happiness.
In order for Feng Shui to work for you and your home, you do not have to use traditional Chinese or cultural symbols. The idea is to choose a specific symbol that resonates with your subconscious. The stronger your connection is with the symbol the more the symbol would work for you. This connection is used to harness the Chi or energy provided by the Feng Shui teachings. You don’t have to put symbols that you dislike in your home only for the purpose of inviting energy. Feng Shui does not work like that. If the symbol you have does not resonate nor do you find a connection with it, change it, and find one that you have a connection with. Expressing the energy you need when the connection has been established with bring powerful energy and good feng shui to you and your home.
Earlier we mentioned the Bagua or the octagonal compass. This is the main tool used for analysis in Feng Shui. Understanding the Bagua will help you understand the areas in your house that connects with you and specific areas of your life.
The next theory you need to understand is that of the Yin Yang. The Yin meaning the feminine force and the Yang meaning the masculine force are symbolized by the circle with black and white designs. This is sometimes referred to as the Night and Day. It symbolized that the universe is composed mainly of two opposing forces. And like the chop sticks that lose their function when not in a pair, it represents the harmonious relationship of co-existence. Life is bounded by forces co-existing for deep support and nourishment. Yin which is symbolized by the color black is passive energy for relaxation like the bathroom. Yang is symbolized by the color white is active energy for areas like the kitchen.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Learn Computer Servicing
Servicing computers is a course directed to training the individual when it comes to troubleshooting hardware and software. Information Technology Courses set Computer Servicing with emphasis on working with IBM clones as Personal Computers are at times no longer branded or should they come branded, it is relevant to have a head start on troubleshooting techniques that can be employed on all types of PC’s instead of focusing on one type. Knowledge in PC servicing can save you a lot of money and time. Let us share with you some basic tips for PC servicing.
As a precautionary measure, always, turn off the power when servicing anything. Power has many sources. The main source of a computer’s power is its power supply and you can turn that off by either flipping the switch found in front of the computer or at the back. Apart from turning the PC switch off, turn the Power adaptor off too then unplug the PC from any power sources like the wall socket and the like. Only then and there should you attempt to open the computer casing. Many computers have built in lights that may not be seen when the casing is on. As the lights are supposed to be signals that power is still on, it is best that you cut power from the source itself. Similarly, the lights that are evident to the human eye that show that the computer is turned on may at times not reflect that the power source has been cut off. This is so when the computer shows no sign of power or when you cannot turn on the computer (which is altogether a different computer problem).
If smoke can be seen or there is a burnt smell or solder scent or the smell of ozone coming from what you are doing, STOP immediately. Unplug the power source and allow the computer to cool for a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes. There are computer parts that store electricity and it is helpful to wait for them to discharge prior to servicing. When you have noted which part of the computer generated the smell and the smoke, replacement of such part is recommended. Never retry to plug in the device nor attempt to repair it at this stage.
Remove any hand or wrist jewelry prior to attempting to do a repair. The easiest way to get electrocuted is when you have metal jewelries from rings to watches to bracelets and so on. Anything metal are considered conductors of electricity, so be sure to remove any jewelry you are wearing. And it does help to repeat that statement as a word of precaution. Remove any hand jewelry prior to attempting to do a repair.
Like metals, capacitors inside the computer are conductors. And mind you, they are not only conductors but they also store electric charges. Conductors are the best examples of what we mentioned earlier about computer parts storing electricity. So even if you have unplugged the computer be sure not to work on them till after a few minutes of waiting after the power source has been unplugged.
Computer parts like any electronic gadget have parts labeled “No serviceable components inside.” When such parts are so labeled, DO NOT, in any case attempt to repair that part. For the time and money savvy person, the best option is not to indulge in the challenge of trying to fix the part. If you think you can save by servicing the part yourself, you’re wrong. You’d end up spending more while trying to save. Parts like this were not meant to be repaired. They were meant to be replaced.
Now that we are done with precautionary measures prior to servicing, let us discuss a scenario that is often mistaken to be a computer problem. Earlier we discussed about computer lights showing no sign of power yet may as well still be plugged to the power source. Complete power loss is not the worst of your computer problems. The number one reason why power is not evident is because it was not switched on in the first place! Unbelievable, but it is true! We also discussed earlier that there are switches found on the front and back of the computer to include switches on the power supply. Before attempting a tedious process of troubleshooting and opening your computer, be sure to flip all switches before clicking on the power button itself. It does help to turn the computer off and on again.
Power buttons or switches on the computer front and back. Turn on the Power switch on the surge protector, power strip or UPS. Sometimes, loose power cables can also be reasons for the computer not to turn on.
As a precautionary measure, always, turn off the power when servicing anything. Power has many sources. The main source of a computer’s power is its power supply and you can turn that off by either flipping the switch found in front of the computer or at the back. Apart from turning the PC switch off, turn the Power adaptor off too then unplug the PC from any power sources like the wall socket and the like. Only then and there should you attempt to open the computer casing. Many computers have built in lights that may not be seen when the casing is on. As the lights are supposed to be signals that power is still on, it is best that you cut power from the source itself. Similarly, the lights that are evident to the human eye that show that the computer is turned on may at times not reflect that the power source has been cut off. This is so when the computer shows no sign of power or when you cannot turn on the computer (which is altogether a different computer problem).
If smoke can be seen or there is a burnt smell or solder scent or the smell of ozone coming from what you are doing, STOP immediately. Unplug the power source and allow the computer to cool for a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes. There are computer parts that store electricity and it is helpful to wait for them to discharge prior to servicing. When you have noted which part of the computer generated the smell and the smoke, replacement of such part is recommended. Never retry to plug in the device nor attempt to repair it at this stage.
Remove any hand or wrist jewelry prior to attempting to do a repair. The easiest way to get electrocuted is when you have metal jewelries from rings to watches to bracelets and so on. Anything metal are considered conductors of electricity, so be sure to remove any jewelry you are wearing. And it does help to repeat that statement as a word of precaution. Remove any hand jewelry prior to attempting to do a repair.
Like metals, capacitors inside the computer are conductors. And mind you, they are not only conductors but they also store electric charges. Conductors are the best examples of what we mentioned earlier about computer parts storing electricity. So even if you have unplugged the computer be sure not to work on them till after a few minutes of waiting after the power source has been unplugged.
Computer parts like any electronic gadget have parts labeled “No serviceable components inside.” When such parts are so labeled, DO NOT, in any case attempt to repair that part. For the time and money savvy person, the best option is not to indulge in the challenge of trying to fix the part. If you think you can save by servicing the part yourself, you’re wrong. You’d end up spending more while trying to save. Parts like this were not meant to be repaired. They were meant to be replaced.
Now that we are done with precautionary measures prior to servicing, let us discuss a scenario that is often mistaken to be a computer problem. Earlier we discussed about computer lights showing no sign of power yet may as well still be plugged to the power source. Complete power loss is not the worst of your computer problems. The number one reason why power is not evident is because it was not switched on in the first place! Unbelievable, but it is true! We also discussed earlier that there are switches found on the front and back of the computer to include switches on the power supply. Before attempting a tedious process of troubleshooting and opening your computer, be sure to flip all switches before clicking on the power button itself. It does help to turn the computer off and on again.
Power buttons or switches on the computer front and back. Turn on the Power switch on the surge protector, power strip or UPS. Sometimes, loose power cables can also be reasons for the computer not to turn on.
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