Catalunya Radio

Ricky Rubio in press conference with Catalunya Radio

A visit to Catalunya Radio is definitely an interesting and worthwhile trip if you are ever in Barcelona. The station, owned by the Generalitat de Catalunya, consists of four different stations and broadcasts exclusively in Catalan.  

The station is dedicated to bringing citizens the most important and current news ranging from politics to sports. Personally Rickey Rubio is one of my favorite Spanish basketball players and where other to go then Catalunya Radio to listen to press conference involving Rubio.

The station is able to also deliver content in a fun way that continues to attract listeners.Peppo Sorrano, one of the broadcasters, told us about a story when he and his team of broadcasters called the King of Spain on his birthday and played a prank on him. They made him think that they were high-ranking officials calling in for business and it wasnt untill a few minutes in to the conversation that they revealed they were from Catalunya Radio and were calling to wish him a happy birthday.

After a class trip to the radio station we learned that they broadcast 24-hours a day. One of the unique things about that station is that some of the broadcasting studios are on the street level allowing passerby’s to stop and peak in on whats going on. Serrano explained to us that sometimes they will set up a microphone outside of the studio window to scare and mess with the people passing by to see their reactions. Of course all of this is during their segment so the citizens get embarrassed when they realize they’re live on the radio.

Overall, everyone working at the station is very kind and welcoming so feel free to ask questions.  

Catalunya Radio: Click here to listen live! 

Lindsey Lohan going back to jail?

Lindsey Lohan receives jail time again.

Lindsey Lohan, who is no stranger to the court room, got some bad news today when she learned that she would once again be receiving jail time. This time the troubled young actress would be serving time for the theft of a necklace. Lucky for Lohan the original felony charge, which held a minimum of three years jail time, was reduced  to a misdemeanor but time behind bars is imminent.

Lohan was immediately taken in to custody after being found guilty for violation of her probation. She has been sentenced to 120 days in jail and 480 hours of community service. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge, Stephanie Saunter, added that the jail sentence may be appealed but the community service is nonnegotiable.

The required community service must be served with in one year: 360 hours at the Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles and 120 hours at the L.A. County Morgue. Judge Sunter believes that these institutes may persuade Lohan to change her troubled behavior.

There has been no word on how the sentencing will affect Lohan’s role in John Travolta’s new movie ‘Gotti: three generations,’ based on the wife of a mob boss and the leader of the infamous Gambino crime family.

Lindsey Lohan enter court room:

Post by: TY HINES

Email: thines100@pointloma.edu

Twitter: TyHines

Microblogging (Journalism 2.0)

Microblogging

Microblogging is a broadcasting medium used in the form on blogging. Microblogging differs from standard blogging in that it typically contains less text (140 character or less). Microblogging allows the user to update posts more frequently. The updated posts may contain material that ranges from activities you are participating in at the moment to something bizarre you have previously witnessed or even a meal that you are about to enjoy.

The newest and most popular mircoblog is Twitter. Twitter, only 5 years old, allows users to update their status in a headline. This was adopted from Facebook’s “what are you doing now.”

Microblogging has taken a major leap towards better informing people around the world about things ranging from natural disasters that may take place to disasters that have taken place and how citizens should respond as well as other important information. In fact 1,125 US newspapers use Twitter. The top three being: The New York Times, The Union and The Wall Street Journal.

Those that question whether they truly need a Twitter account may want to think about the fact that the first pictures of the plane that landed in the Hudson River came via a twitpic and that during the terrorist attacks in Mumbai Twitter was responsible for nearly 16 Twit pics (messages) per second during the ordeal. Ultimately, Twitter has become a very useful tool for those in distress that need help and attention. One further example would be a tweet by a college student abroad that read ARRESTED, sent by his cell phone. The student and his translator were arrested in Egypt while protesting for democracy. They used Twitter to inform the people they knew and one day later were released from jail.

Other things that tend to be seen in headlines on Twitter include: performing interviews, promoting your work, getting in touch with people you are interested in and re-tweeting something previously tweeted.

Post by: TY HINES

Email: thines100@pointloma.edu

Twitter: TyHines

Web 2.0 (Journalism 2.0)

Information society trust that ICT became and engine of development and progress. It was determined that information society must stay focused on the people and development. When this happens  there will then be an advantage gained in that everyone has the ability to create, consult, use and share information and knowledge to allow other people, communities and social groups to work together on their own development and obtain a better quality of life.

Society has transformed from an industrial society to a society based on the web. This change has been in effect since the 1960’s. Knowledge is an essential component used inform and can be broken down in to five categories: investigation and development, media, information and technology, information services and education.

Post by: TY HINES

Email: thines100@pointloma.edu

Twitter: TyHines

Madrid Drops/Runs Over Trophy

Madrid wins Copa Del Rey trophy.

Things got a little bizarre for Real Madrid after they beat arch rival FC Barcelona 1-0 for the Copa Del Rey trophy. During the post game parade defender Sergio Ramos dropped the 33 lb. trophy from the roof of their topless charter bus. The trophy, which Madrid had been waiting 18 years to recapture, was then run over and damaged. Emergency workers and police officers removed pieces from beneath the bus and once the trophy was back inside it was no longer shown to the crown. According to Ramos the cup is ok now, although, it was not displayed at the clubs traditional celebration spot in the center of Madrid.

Post by: TY HINES

Email: thines100@pointloma.edu

Twitter: TyHines

MLB Takes Over Dodgers!

Divorcing couple Frank & Jamie McCourt battle over LA Dodgers.

Major League Baseball has announced that they will be taking over financial and day-to-day operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers. This just after Owner Frank McCourt and wife Jamie McCourt have been having intense financial battles through their divorce over the past year. Frank accused Jamie of having an affair with her body guard-driver and soon after fired her, claiming she has been performing poorly at work.

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said he has appointed trustees to oversee all transactions, “to protect the best interest of the club, its great fans and all of Major League Baseball.”

It has recently been reported that owner, Frank McCourt, took out a $30 million loan from FOX to make team payroll. The intense battle between husband and wife for the club has also revealed the excessively luxurious lifestyle the two enjoyed through multiple million dollar homes and excessive spending. Nevertheless Frank McCourt is puzzled that the commissioner has assumed control saying, “Major League Baseball sets strict financial guidelines, which all 30 teams must follow. The Dodgers are in compliance with these guidelines. On this basis, it is hard to understand the commissioner’s action today.”

There is speculation that the team will either be forced by commissioner Selig or willingly placed on the market and sold but only time will tell the franchises ultimate fate at this point.

Post by: TY HINES

Email: thines100@pointloma.edu

Twitter: TyHines

Lamar Odom 6th Man of the Year!

Lamar Odom 6th man of the year

After having high hopes of becoming an all-star this season and failing to be chosen by the coaches Lamar Odom is finally getting some love from the NBA. On Tuesday Odom was awarded the 2011 NBA 6th man award after averaging 14.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3 assists this season. Odom attributed his success to playing for the USA basketball team in the FIBA World Championships last summer. Odom had not missed a regular  season game this year and filled in as a started when ever center Andrew Bynum was injured.

Odom received 96 of the 117 first place votes and 513 total votes. Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Terry finished second with 244 total votes. “It’s good recognition of a player that has really filled a role for us the last couple of years,” said Laker’s coach Phil Jackson to nba.com.

Post by: TY HINES

Email: thines100@pointloma.edu

Twitter: TyHines

NBA Season In Review (2010-2011)

 

Derrick Rose superstar of the Chicago Bulls.

There is no doubt in any analysts, general manager or NBA fan’s mind that this season has been one of the most interesting and intriguing NBA seasons in recent league history.

Derrick Rose had a break out season as an MVP favorite after leading the Chicago Bulls past the Boston Celtics, Orlando magic and Miami Heat for the best record in the eastern conference.

We’ve seen a new era in Miami with the aligning of superstars Lebron James, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade. In their first season playing together the new “big 3” finished the season with the second best record in the eastern conference.

Kevin Love emerged as a force to be reconded with. He recorded 53 straight double doubles as well as an outing where he scored 31 points and recorded 31 rebounds. Love led the NBA in rebounding, dethroning Dwight Howard.

After finishing with the best record in the eastern conference just a season ago the Cleveland Cavaliers ended with the worst record in the NBA and recorded 26 consecutive losses.

Blake Griffin’s had all NBA fans watching as he dazzled and silenced crowds with his continued above the rim highlight reels.

The deadline saw Carmelo Anthony become a New York Knick, Deron Williams a New Jersey Net and Kendrick Perkins a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

It must also be noted that Kobe Bryant became 6th on the NBA career scoring list. Jerry Sloan retired from the Utah Jazz after coaching there for 23 years and the Spurs started the season off hot with a 25-3 record. They went on to finish the season with the best record in the NBA.

All these scenarios have not only made this season fun and intriguing but have added an extra level of anticipation and excitement for the playoffs. Now that we have the big three in Boston, the big thee in Miami and the resurrection of the Knicks ratings should be higher than usual. This seasons playoffs have no one scenario that you can make a definite statement about who will be playing the 2011 NBA Championship game. Lets all get ready for some nail-biting action.

Post by: TY HINES

Email: thines100@pointloma.edu

Twitter: TyHines

Carnival in Sitges, Spain (multimedia story)

 

Sitges, Spain

Furthermore, Sitges is a beautiful coastal city in Spain with a population of nearly 28,000 people located just a half an hour southwest of the city of Barcelona. Once occupied by the Romans, Sitges is now known for its wonderful and transcendent castles and architecture. Living in Sitges will surly cost you a pretty penny though being that it is one of the most luxurious cities in all of Spain. With 17 beaches and a mirage of different activities to do during the day and night Sitges offers one of the best spots for tourists to indulge in as well as the locals who are feeling the pressures of everyday life and simply just want time to themselves.

Although, Sitges may be known for its peaceful and serene atmosphere throughout the year this all changes in early March when Carnival begins and the city becomes a playground for nearly a quarter million Germans, Catalans, and Britons among other Europeans. This excessive numbers of tourists flock to the city to party and celebrate the acceptance and understanding of different cultures.

 

Each year in Spain Carnival lasts for a week but historically was banned for 40 years by Spanish Dictator Franco. Carnival was allowed to return to the streets and reclaim its beauty though when he was removed. The celebration takes place throughout the streets where the hundreds of thousands of people converge to dance, sing and parade. Along with the celebration of the removal of dictator Franko the timing of the event is also significant because it takes place a week prior to Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. The Thursday before Lent in Spain is labeled Jueves Lardero, meaning “greasy” or “fat.” Traditionally in Spain during lent the Spanish would not eat any meats because most Spaniards are Catholic. That Thursday is seen as an opportunity for them to indulge in as much meat as possible in anticipation for the lent holiday, other wise known as Cuaresma in Spanish. Although, this is practiced by many Catholics to date the removal of all meat from Spaniards diets during lent is rare.

Attending the celebration is completely free unless you choose to indulge in the array of different foods and desserts served at the event. During Carnival in Sitges you can expect to eat lots of meat along with your typical Spanish foods. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food being served in Sitges during Carnival

 

For those who strictly follow the Catholic tradition of not eating any meats during lent the consumption of sea food adequately fills that void, being that the average Spaniard consumes 70 lbs. of seafood each year. Popular Spanish tapas during lent include but are not limited to: Murican style clams, fried squid rings, brava potatoes, alioli potatoes, stuffed mushrooms and shrimp.

 

 

 

 

sea food tapas

 

Now that you have some of the history behind Carnival in Sitges, Spain if you are ever planing on attending the parade make sure to bring your dancing shoes.

Blake Griffin resurrecting the Clippers

Clippers rising star Blake Griffen

It’s hard to believe that just a season ago we were talking about the curse of the Los Angeles Clippers when they’re number 1 overall pick when down in the preseason with a knee injury. The dark days now seem over though with their rookie all-star and budding super-star Blake Griffin at the helm. Griffin has brought a new energy and excitement to the Clippers locker room that has never been seen before. In his first season with the Clippers Griffin has averaged more than 37 minutes, shot over 50% and averaged a double-double all while not missing a single game. With some young talented pieces around him in Eric Gordon and Eric Bledsoe the future definitely is looking bright. Griffin has highly exceeded expectations in his first season of play and has a great base to build on for the future. Some analysts have even gone as far to say that if they were to start a franchise today he would be their guy. Although, the Clippers are not out of the woods yet now that they’ve found their franchise player make sure to keep an eye on them.

Post by: TY HINES

Email: thines100@pointloma.edu

Twitter: TyHines