Tools of the trade

Journalists these days are relying on online tools to gain information that can be used in their reportings. A great example would be during the London riots, where journalists and concerned citizens alike are utilizing online tools such as maps, videos, curation tools, blogs and timelines to keep them updated by the second.

The maps shows where the locations of where riots are happening in realtime. But before these locations are published, they are verified by cross-checking them with established news organizations such as the BBC and Sky. This a great way for people with internet access both internationally and locally to have a glimpse on where the chaos is happening, as it happens.

In between live broadcasts, videos are uploaded by the people who happen to be caught in the midst of the riots. These videos give people another perspective on the situation, a more in-depth look at what is actually going on. If a picture says a thousand words, what about a video? They provide a bigger picture on what is happening on the streets, giving its viewers a point-of-view perspective of the situation.

Blogs were used as a medium to disseminate information as well. Tumblr has been used to report the Birmingham riots, and they include photos and a statement from the authorities as well. Readers can post a question on the blog if they require additional information on the situation.

Curation tools such as Storify have been used to report on the conditions at Lewisham. It works by compiling the information gathered from a place, such as from tweets and social network updates, and arranging them into one, smooth flowing story. Essentially this is how journalism works, by collecting and gathering data and putting them into a simple but well-versed story.

Lastly there are timelines, which shows when the riots were first reported and how the unrest has spread. Tools such as Google Fusion Tables can be used to create visual timelines and charts to give people comprehensive information without having it being too complex to understand.

All these tools can actually be used in the ongoing Occupy Wall Street riots, where disattisfied citizens are protesting on the social and economic inequality, corporate greed, and corruption. These tools are handy, as they provide the necessary information to support the information crave of both journalists and non-journalists alike, by giving an insight to the situation.

Q&A with Amalina!

Given a choice, where would be the ideal place for you to settle down?

San Francisco. I like the place there; and I plan to do complete my degree there as well. We’ll see how it goes!

From your perspective, what makes Malaysia, Malaysia?

The food, the people, the language and the history of how Malaysia was born with its independence.

Country of choice, Malaysia or Singapore?

Malaysia because I’ve been here all my life, I know the places and people here.

Singapore in terms of my cousins and relatives. So sometimes I feel like a tourist in the very country I was born in.

Pet Peeves?

I hate feeling dirty, which is why I sanitize my hands whenever I can.

What’s your most prized possession?

Handbags, I have at least 15 of them, a few of them are designer brands.

Is there anything overseas that you wish was readily available here in Malaysia?

Food. Vitamin water is really good, and I wish they had more American Snacks and clothing brands like Hot Topic, Urban Outfitters and American Apparel.

Time.

If you are like me, you probably spend a minimum of 8 hours a day loitering in the virtual world.

If you don't, well, here are a few websites that will make you do otherwise.

Below is my personal list* on the three websites that I believe, makes killing time a breeze.


1) Facebook

With a community of over 800 million active users and counting, chances are you are on the bandwagon as well.

The maestro of social-networking helps you become a master at time burning by providing you with literally everything your friend says and does. Of course, the rule of  'the more the merrier' applies in terms of the amount of friends you have, as being a social introvert here renders the whole purpose of Facebook pointless.

Aside from that, Facebook has collaborated with various game production companies to provide its users with a variety of games for its user's disposal. Ranging from Texas hold-em poker to setting up your own virtual restaurant, these games help boost your time burning efficiency as well.

2) Wallbase

One of the many hidden treasures of the internet, Wallbase is a website that allows you to download and upload wallpapers of all dimensions and sizes.

You can choose to sort available wallpapers in terms of resolution and the aspect ratio of your choice, or even by category. If you have nothing better to do, click the 'Random' button and the website will display a myriad of randomly ordered wallpapers.

Browsing through the never ending amount of wallpapers can be done by simply flicking the scroll wheel of your mouse, as the website has made it extremely convenient by abolishing the use of the 'next' and 'previous' buttons. Definitely a great place to start if you're looking for a new wallpaper or a place to stare at eye candy visuals.

3) Gizmodo

Not exactly a technology-centric website per-se, but this website provides its visitors with the happenings that stray outside conventional technology (take lightsaber tie-tacks as an example). An informational website that is worth visiting solely for its content and also to make your time-wasting scheme look beneficial.

Its sister site, Lifehacker, is a site that provides you with unconventional tips and tricks that you thought have not existed to assist you in problems encountered in your day-to-day life. An eye opening site in terms of the many, many new and very interesting pointers that you will find handy. Lets take, trying to convert a soda bottle into a soda light as an example. Neat stuff, isn't it?

*not arranged in any particular order