The Internet is a Big Place

This may sound like a "duh" statement, but the Internet is a big place. Like really big. Working on my capstone project has forced me to push the boundaries on your ordinary Google search. Google can provide you hundreds of thousands of search results, but there's millions more out there it doesn't get you. I was introduced to several databases that could provide help in my quest for knowledge and information. It's amazing to travel to the far corners of the Internet when someone provides you the tools to do so. Links that would have taken me hours to find on Google were right at my fingertips in minutes. Maybe it's weird that I get really excited when someone gives me a link to a cool new site, but information is key.

Search optimization is an extremely valuable skill to have these days. Those who know exactly how to phrase a search can find countless sources that other won't. Especially in the world of journalism, finding information in a timely manner is key. When deadlines reign, you can't waste 30 minutes trying to find this, that or the other. It could be the difference between you or the other guy getting the job. I spend several hours a day on the Internet, but if there's no roadmap then your lost. It's such a big place, you need to know how to get around. It's a lot harder than it seems.

Beat Boxing

I just took over 'The Beat' from a guy who graduated last semester. I'm going to be hosting it every week hopefully starting in the next two weeks. It's a KBIA radio show that brings in editors and reporters from the Columbia Missourian and we take a more in-depth look at issues and articles printed in the paper. It's a way to go beyond the story and talk deeper. Next semester I'm taking over 'The Beat', which will run several times a week. The plan is to speak with editors from various sections of the paper each day. Being able to speak with editors and reporters is a very interesting way to talk about the news and provide a new look at a story. Transparency is always something that media outlets strive for and I think this show really works towards that goal. The show is linked on the Columbia Missourian website and KBIA.com. Enjoy!

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2009/05/04/beat-mu-football-players-continue-quest-nfl/

Name Change

For those of you that don't know, Mizzou is one school in the larger UM System that includes Columbia, Kansas City, Rolla and St. Louis. We were then always technically known as the University of Missouri - Columbia. I'm sure though for anyone not aware of the UM System, the University of Missouri name would refer to the school in Columbia. Now the people in charge have finally seen the light. http://www.missouri.edu/news/name-restoration Starting in 2008 is when I first started noticing the name changes. When I got back to campus this year, one of the first things I recognized was the updated signs on each corner of campus (pictured above). The signs previously displayed the old name. This is just one of the amazing amount of changes I've seen since returning to school; definitely the most of any year. Who knows what's next?