I settled into my desk this morning, opened my browser (Camino at the moment, just to try it out) and started reading through all the Twitter tweets I received to TweetDeck through the night. An intriguing tweet caught my eye:
Spelling live from Victoria. Fun stuff: http://bit.ly/KzZYj Who would have dreamed a newspaper could do this? (from @chriscobler)
So, of course, I clicked on the link. And that’s how I found myself on a live feed of the Victoria (Texas) Regional Spelling Bee, broadcast from the Victoria College auditorium where I spent so much of my early college experience! (Thanks to drama & music courses.) I joined in the live chat that accompanied the video, trying to guess the correct spellings before the other chatters (chattees?), who I think all work for the Victoria Advocate, the local newspaper.
It was actually quite entertaining and an educational way to pass some time while I drank my coffee. I learned a few new words, like gynarchy and stollen. I love technology. I love Twitter. I love that the Victoria Advocate is doing things like this. Although I currently get all my news online (logistically that’s all I can do from Linyi) I do believe that newspapers on paper are still relevant and necessary. Combined with so-called web 2.0 and digital technologies, they are better than ever!
My favorite thing at the Victoria Advocate right now is their Fatal Funnel series. The series examines Highway 77 as a funnel for immigrants, drugs and other illegal activities between Mexico and the US. Inspired by the tragic death of 19 immigrants in an eighteen wheeler trailer parked just outside of Victoria, the series not only explores different facets of the tragedy, but background on how the funnel functions.
And, uh, if you’re reading this and asking, “What the heck is Twitter?”, well, come back later and I’ll tell you. Twitter is my new favorite thing!
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey! Thanks for commenting on my blog, and I must say that yours is pretty darn good too. Just by reading your most recent 5 posts, I know we think in a lot of the same ways. Such as McDonald’s…we call it “Dondald’s” because we’re lazy…and go there at least once a week just because it’s comfortable. AND I know exactly what you’re talking about with the paper lanterns. Nik and I saw them at Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai last year and were beside ourselves. We did a video that Nik put to music that was pretty amazing and will always take us back to that night. So glad you found us, and we’ll be in touch!!
Take Care and if you find yourself heading down to Shanghai, let us know.
Thanks for stopping by Jamie! I have spent a considerable amount of time in Shanghai, but your photos and little trips around the city have made me realize there is so much more to see! Actually, all of your photos, and Nik’s, too, show me that there is much more to see all over Asia! I would love to be in Chiang Mai for Loy Krathong!
Maybe this comment is a bit late, but spelling bee is an amazing thing to watch, all the kids trying their best to master the art of words