Strutting from alley to alley, young women (and girls, as young as thirteen or twelve) took to the streets in search of a life devoid of pain-staking labor and destitution. Granted, many remained successful in their decadent endeavors; yet, every encounter marked an irreversible price for the supplier and her customer. By 1864, contagious diseases infected a disturbing number of military men. As a result, such bodily “trades” forced law and medical officials to “authorize the detention and medical examination of suspected [carriers] in the neighborhoods of barracks or dockyards” (Thomas 97).

Naturally, the reader may become inclined to believe that karma rose against these promiscuous city-dwellers to strike them. However, the economic and social circumstances during the times cloud this particular perception—no longer are these lustful actions right or wrong, but instead a means seeking a comfortable end.

“What was criminal often lay in the eye of the beholder” (Thomas, 1).

As the improvised underclass grew in numbers, these citizens collectively bade together. Suspicious of the police or any other authority/governmental figure, communities were formed among the thieves and female “entertainers.” Through these alliances, they would offer protection to any individual or persons finding them selves running or acquitted by the law. As a result, this lifestyle transcended through the generations and developed into the norm of living publicly/privately. Subsequently, the criminals’ means of existence brought about three major civic changes within England. As noted by Thomas, the list includes:

1.) the ‘Bloody Code’ of laws and punishments
2.) Imprisonment as a form of penalty
3.) the creation of a new Police force

Based upon further research, found in Thomas' later chapters, those of criminal-mind weren't intimidated by the threats or punishments of their "superiors." Primarily because, those that accused and arrested were also individuals who dabbled in illegal activities. Justice certainly was blind to its enforcers’ deeds performed in London’s shadows. Interestingly, these actions inspired the underclass to seize power through crime and rebel against the “moral standards” created by those they considered hypocrites. These differences in perspective will lead to the continued demoralization of England and eventually reform towards purity.

Since my college sophomore year, I've become fascinated with the repressed Victorian society primarily because a selection of its literature appears to contradict history. Whether reviewing the development of male/female characters or attempting to psycho-analyze their actions, I've learned that the context that lies beneath a "prim and proper" surface is sensual and dark.

Through Donald Thomas' The Victorian Underworld, the Victorian Era and its holistic virtues are tarnished as the author formally introduces audiences to a dreadful world where day and night transform a city from Dr. Jekyll into Mr. Hyde. The entries following this introduction will detail key notes within Thomas' work in connection to various texts of the time.

Enjoy!

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

-Robert Frost

Since entering Seton Hill, I wondered if I choose the right path. With only one semester left, I realized maybe it wasn't about which road but the relationships I've established. I've been changed for good and for the better.

From reading all our classmates’ blogs, I've seen those friendships budding and I couldn't be more excited. In time, we all face challenges and test. Yet, our success doesn't rest solely within our victories because it also occurs during the times when we are at our lowest. It may seem difficult, but our defeats often times led us to develop more.

For News Writing, here is my final portfolio. Good Luck to Everyone in their Endeavors! May we continue to look beyond, make mistakes, and above all learn.

Depth: "ability to critically examine concepts"
Freedom to Speak
Tools to Change the Tide
Communication Across the Board
Under the Bridge
Where Do We Go From Here?: Informal Presentation
Hanging Up Those Gender Hang-Ups
To Lie or Not to Lie: Ode to Structurealism

Timeliness: "a blog written early enough which could spark discussion"
Freedom to Speak
Where Do We Go From Here?: Informal Presentation
Hanging Up Those Gender Hang-Ups
To Lie or Not to Lie: Ode to Structurealism

Interaction: "interacting with peers through weblogs"
Communication Across the Board
Where Do We Go From Here?: Informal Presentation
Nancy Gregg's Chapter 12
Michael Diezmos' A reply to a question asked today

Wildcard: "a blog entry of pure craziness"
To Lie or Not to Lie: Ode to Structurealism

When saying "lay," I noticed that I'm "placing" the back of my tongue onto the roof of my mouth to pronounce the word; as opposed to "lie," which forces me to "relax" my tongue and open my mouth wider to push the sound out.

How our bodies react to the produced punctuation is similar to the definitions given. By breaking down a word to its syllables, pronunciation can reveal the tone, action, or connotation of the word. Granted, this may fail on several attempts; however, I believe it's an important key to note for literary analysis (particularly in poetry).

This experiment reminded me of the complexities that exist within seemingly simple words. Language has a purpose so know how to craft it.

Genderly speaking, I felt torn within my writing while attributing sources/points for female and male readers. Should I use "he or she"? Or should I use "she or he" to account for social changes? I'm not entirely sure why, but I steered away from using plural forms. In actuality, it a sure and safe method for presenting one's ideas without feeling tied to gender labels. In its own way, our words could indicate biases based upon our decision to third person singular pronouns when (for example...hope I'm using my parenthesis right here) describing job positions.

Journalists must frequently "stay on their toes" because our presentation of information/news is equally important. Granted, we can't over analyze our work. However, it's assuring to know that these compositions are carefully crafted for its audiences. Because, the written word contains the power to help society move backward or forward.

No longer must the audience lay submissive to the world occurring around us. We control the media just as much as any professional journalist or broadcaster can- the Internet is our tool to transform this idea into a reality.

Just as the printing press enabled the people to control publishing separate from the church, the Internet empowers us to change the way news and ideas are presented. As Gillmor said, "it subsumes all that has come before and is, in the most fundamental way, transformative" (236).

Is it frightful at times? Yes, but our fear can't stop us from pushing towards better communication. Yet, what is our role as these new-age "transformers."

First and foremost, as Gillmor reminds his readers, we "must be active users of news, and not mere consumers" (238).

Secondly, "the Net should be the ally of thought and nuance, not a booster shot for knee-jerk reaction" (238).

Finally, "an informed citizenry cannot sit still for more of the same. It must demand more, and be part of the larger conversation" (238).

Yet, where do we go from here? Does it continue after this class? Or, rest within our choice to contribute our thoughts online through sites like Gillmor's? Wherever that destination leads, the responsibility to act weighs upon us from our predecessors. Without us, the "now," the aspirations which Gillmor exhausted to his audience meant nothing.

The conversation needs to start somewhere and this is our chance to make a difference, become apart of something which will transcend future generations. Worthy words matter, especially when they come from us. Because without it, who will dare to tread into this seemingly dark path?

I was surprised Gillmor would mention or pen this term in comparison to society and technology. Today, trolls deliberately provoke other web-goers by purposefully wasting another's time and energy with irrelevant or obscene postings. Personally, I find these individuals resemble gnats- they exist, although we continuously swat them away.

With all the legalities which attempt to suffocate our freedom of speech (worth insights and contributing opinions), I question why the tables aren't turned towards these trolls.

Denamarie mentioned Slashdot in her blog and presentation last week where user registration could help limit the amount of troll "attack" which occur in online forums. Yet, don't companies have the ability to delete useless comments just as we, on our news writing blogs, can? Granted, this would lead to quite a bit of work; but, I feel that it's worth it.

In the mean time, I think we should use common-sense and responsibility when responding online. They're our opinions...make them count.

Because web-based conversations allow its audience to breach geographical boundaries, individuals (like Katie and myself) remain in contact with friends abroad.

During my high school senior year, I became close with our foreign exchange student from Switzerland. Jeannine and I have had numerous contacts since she left the States, so frequently, others in spurts. But each time we email each other, it doesn't seem as though we're far away from each other. Instead, we converse about school, work, and free time.

Despite our different cultures and background, I've learned that we have more in common than imagined. Granted, I wish I could encounter and experience her relaxed atmosphere; whether worrying about passing finals, finding a job, or having time to relax, Jeannine and I share the same concerns (and hopes) as most 20-somethings.

Naturally, everyone won't have an intercontinental friendship. Yet, I can't help thinking about the benefits our friendship has had on my perspective of the world. Our first-hand encounters with the news enable me to easily picture what's happening in other parts of the globe. I'm not 2,000 or 3,000 miles from the events because I connect to people beyond the limited perspective painted by the media.

As stated in my earlier blog, "it's not the United State's story or Argentina's or Japan's." We possess the ability to transcend the limitations placed upon us by society, the media, and ourselves. If the Internet is right at our finger tips, why not begin to make a change- to dive into the thoughts and feelings of others separate from our own...when will you decide to step beyond?

After hearing presentations and reading various news oriented pieces, I find this statement to represent only a portion of what we've dove into this semester. Instead, information equals our universe. Through the increases in technology, our world has become reachable. It's not the United State's story or Argentina's or Japan's because today's new media encompasses all angles.

Modern communication has given "anyone who cares the tools to learn more- far more -about people and organizations that in the past tried to ration the news" (65). Although Gillmor provides an excellent point, we must remember: as it is important to voice our opinions, it is equally important to listen. To rephrase the adage ("We are given one mouth and two ears for a reason), we are given two eyes and two hands for a reason.

I believe the distrust towards internet sources stems from our inabilities as a society to listen and think before we react. Yet, in the opposing context, our fast-paced world steals away the time to create well-thought responses. As mentioned in class, "with great power comes great responsibility." Without the means to critically react and contribute through online media, we place ourselves in the position to accept every typed word on our computer screens.

To combat this trap, we must allot time to devote to our researches and response for the online community. By accepting those responsibilities, I believe society can create a better media world devoid of paranoia and spies. If we are to ever reach acceptance with the internet, we need begin somewhere...with someone- us.

Granted, one may wonder- Sure...Wouldn't everyone think this way? However, this concept isn't just a fundamental part of our world but others as well.

Prior to reading Gillmor's text, I completed Rushdie's Haroun and the Sea of Stories. Interestingly, within this fantastical piece, the author dives into the unlimitedness that freedom possesses:

...the old General seemed perfectly happy to listen to these tirades of insults and insubordination without battling an eyelid. In fact, it looked to Haroun as if the General was on many occasions actually provoking such disputes, and then joining in with enthusiastic glee, sometimes taking one side, and at other times (just for fun) expressing the opposite point of view,
'What an army!' Haroun mused. 'If any solider behaved like this on Earth, they'd be court-martialled quick as thinking.'
'But but but what is the point of giving persons Freedom of Speech,' declaimed Butt the Hoopoe, 'if you then say they must not utilize same? And is not the Power of Speech the greatest Power of all? Then surely it must be exercised to the full?' (119)

Before rushing past, you're stopped by screams.
We argue over whose the villian,
believing each others to blame.

We never knew we two had power
till truth's corpse drifted far away.

However, It Ain't Necessarily So reminded me that "peer review means just that and nothing more- peer review the work but do not necessarily approve of it" (151). Although I myself often rely on these "reviewed" articles, I may second guess them a bit.

When leafing through research, I attempt to find the best argument to argue or disagree with. It revolves around the same principles with literary criticism and analysis: use evidence to support your claims, which should clearly define your intended argument.

Granted, not all researchers or peer reviewers make these mistakes; however, I think we should start trusting in our own abilities as critical observers. We aren't incapable of validating the authority of our sources. Instead, as scholars, our evaluation skills seek out all the angles:

"What questions did the researcher choose to ask (or not ask)? How did he attempt to answer them? What might account for the answers that are generated?" (161)

Salma Hayek currently acts as a spokeswoman, not only for the Avon Foundation, but for Speak Out Against Domestic Violence. Within the products description, it claims "X Number of Women" out of "Y Number of Women" suffer from domestic abuse. Although It Ain't Necessarily So attempted to claim "newspapers are interested in telling us the answers" (98), can we solely blame the media?

Just as our class discussions and Chris's presentation noted, how do we define abuse? What is it unlimited and limited to?

Sometimes, the answers are made based upon the way the question(s) was asked. As our book noted, "if you ask a stupid question (or rather, if you ask a question stupidly), you can get a misleading answer" (99). These types of surveys and statistics push the responsibility of gathering information onto the public. Whatever response we desire, it can be attained through ambiguous or threatening questions which forces the individual to reexamine their own beliefs.

Likewise, when the public receives the survey or polls results, our beliefs are lifted to the surface again. Based on our emotional reactions or feelings, an unknowing public may find themselves in a conflicting predicament. Should I purchase the product to help "Organization X" or refuse, based on disbelief of their statistics? It's a real double-edged sword and one whose controversies rattle the thoughts of not just the public but the surveyors who administer questioning.

As always, "you need to know what the question is before you can interpret its answer" (108).