Thursday, October 16, 2008

Barack's Multimedia World

As the days are dwindling down to the presidential election I wanted to explore how each candidate is reaching out to the technology savvy people. As we all know, multimedia is the way of the future. So my next two blogs will be dedicated to each presidential candidate, Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain, the two biggest celebrities at this moment. I will only examine the Media pages of each candidate considering their entire websites are very detailed.

On Obama's home page for media, His whole media homepage consists of videos. I think this approach is a good strategy because it is visually and audibly stimulating. He has several icons that are linked to video. The design of his page is very creative but also can be cluttered and overwhelming to the viewer. On the right side of the page their is a toolbar that has several channel including "Meet Joe," "The Issues," "Ads" and more.

If you were to click on "Meet Michelle" below is the clip that would be shown.


Barack also reaches out to other citizens such as the hearing impaired and Hispanics who speak Spanish.

Obama even has an album entitled Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement which you can buy from his website under the media page.

Barack also has four photo slideshows designed by Flickr.

Also under the media, there is a mobile page. With mobile connection, you can receive updates about the campaign and information about upcoming events that support Obama. You can also have ringtones by Obama! What I also found interesting was that Obama has a Twitter account.

Below are some of the updates that Obama has added to his Twitter account.
Barack Obama
In Roanoke, VA at a "Change We Need" rally. Watch it live at http://my/BarackObama.com/Livestream about 3 hours ago from web

At Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY. Watch the last presidential debate tonight live at 9pm Eastern. 5:59 PM Oct 15th from web

Launching a tax calculator at http://taxcut.barackobama.com/. See how much of a tax cut you'll receive under my tax plan. 4:30 PM Oct 14th from web

Just finished a major policy address in Toledo, OH. Read my full "Economic Rescue Plan for the Middle Class" at http://tinyurl.com/4nvlyl 11:22 AM Oct 13th from web

In Toledo, OH. Unveiling an "Economic Rescue Plan for the Middle Class" Watch it live at http://my.barackobama.com/livestream 10:46 AM Oct 13th from web

In West Philadelphia, PA. At a "Change We Need" rally. Watch it now at http://my.barackobama.com/Livestream 10:25 AM Oct 11th from web

Watch Michelle Obama address the DNC Women's Leadership Forum from Chicago, IL.. Watch it now at http://my.barackobama.com/Livestream 3:53 PM Oct 10th from web

Under the media page you can also download Obama paraphernalia, anything from buttons, posters, computer wallpapers and slogans.

Obama has really taken advantaged of all facets of technology to reach out to as many people as possible. So I give Obama an A- because I felt like he could have used more print stories on his website.
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Graduate Work

Much preparation proves successful for grads

Students at Midlothian High School have been preparing to end one chapter while starting a new one at their graduation commencement.

Christopher Shelton hangs out with friends backstage at the Siegel Center as he awaits his graduation. As Shelton looks back over many years of hard work, he realizes he is spending the last minutes of being a senior at Midlothian High School.

Shelton is nervous, but excited at the same time.

“Since the first day of my senior year I have been looking forward to this day,” said Shelton. “I made sure I did all my work, kept studying, kept good grades and always held on hope.” He will be attending Virginia Tech in the fall majoring in computer engineering.

Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover counties high school graduations are held at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Stuart C. Siegel Center. VCU hosts 26 graduations at its 190,000 square foot facility.

Many behind the scenes preparations help make this day for Shelton and the other 341 seniors at Midlothian High School a day they will never forget. Parking passes are issued, roads are blocked, security is in place and chairs are organized.

There are close interactions between senior class faculty sponsors and officials at VCU. Nate Doughty, associate director of the Siegel Center and Athletic Facilities, said it is great public relations.

“This is a great way for VCU to give back to the community,” said Doughty. “We fit the need and it’s a win-win for everyone.”

Eileen Sunseri, senior class sponsor at Midlothian High School, is already planning for the 2009 commencement ceremony. Preparations for an event that involves students, families, faculty and the community is a year round affair.

Sunseri describes the graduation process as “controlled chaos.”

“We get started in October when the students are measured for their caps and gowns,” said Sunseri. “Most planning really starts in March. VCU sends us the date, time and schedules. In mid-May there is a walk through where we receive maps, parking passes and information to give to the parents.”

Doughty said the biggest headache is parking. Traffic on VCU’s campus is congested and heavy during these times. There are between 300 to 500 graduates for each ceremony. On average, there are three graduations a day during this 11-day period yielding more than 1300 vehicles for each graduation.

VCU Enforcement and Safety Coordinator Lou Ann Jones has overseen this process for the past four years. Each year changes are made to make sure the entire graduation process is a success.

Between 100 to 150 people work during graduations.

“The secret is teamwork,” said Jones. “The school systems, Siegel Center staff, deck staff, enforcement staff and the VCU Police Department work closely to assure that everything run smoothly.”

During graduation regular traffic is not stopped. Jones said that so far they have done a great job with accommodating everyone.

“Our goal for these graduations is to make them as safe and happy as possible for all involved,” said Jones.

Shelton could not be more happier as he hugs his friends and takes pictures to capture last memories. He reunites with his parents.

His mother Debra Shelton said that the entire process leading up to graduation has been a smooth one.

“I thought the graduation was wonderful and well organized,” said Debra. “I was impressed.”