1. Should NBC News have aired any of the footage? Some of the footage? How should that be determined?I think that they should have for sure aired it. People would have found out that NBC had it and it would have shown a huge backlash toward them. I think it is necessary to air it, but not after a few days. By now, everyone has seen it, and people do not need to see it anymore. It is very important to show some of the footage because it is news.
2. As a journalist, what are the ethical considerations in determining coverage of this controversial content?
It is an ethical dilemma because it could affect the families of the victims and the people at Virginia Tech. I think it is important to show, but not after a day or two. It would hurt people to see the video over and over. One thing I think is ridiculous is that people talk about how he is "glorified". I do not see anyone ever saying anything about how he did was great, everyone is saying about how he is crazy. He is not being glorififed at all, and the only reason that people are showing it is because it is news. I do not think it should be showed anymore, however.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Final Story, feature lead
“I’m sorry”..for what?
Ashtan Lucenti, a sophomore WSU student, could be spotted wearing a bright blue T-shirt with the saying “I’m Sorry” on it. One might find that a bit odd, however Lucenti was not the only person wearing the shirt. Other members from Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) were also wearing the shirts, which caused a lot of questioning.
Liz Walker, a junior and a member of CRU, explained what the shirts stood for. “The ‘I’m Sorry’ shirts consisted of a three day campaign with Campus Crusade for Christ. It gave Christians a chance to say they were "sorry" for the way they might misrepresent Christ.”
Walker made it clear that CRU wanted feedback from the students in how they think Christ has been misrepresented. A large cardboard elephant was placed on campus on April 12th, surrounded by members of the club wearing the shirts, available to answer student questions. “We wanted to see what non-Christian students thought of the campaign and asked them to write on the elephant,” said Walker.
According to Lucenti, “The “I’m Sorry” shirts were part of a larger movement on campus to reach out to those who have either been hurt by some one who is Christian, misunderstand what it means to be Christian or is confused about who God is in general.”
Lucenti went on to state that, “The point of wearing the shirt was to get people’s attention in the hopes that they would ask about what it meant, which would in turn would spark a conversation.”
The goal of the shirts was definitely reached. Lucenti spoke of many students who came up to her and asked what her shirt stood for, and she was delighted to explain it to them.
She did face some adversity. “I actually had one person call me hypocritical, so it made it a little difficult to believe that the outreach was for a good cause. But in the end the cynical comments were outweighed by the amazing conversations and support,” said Lucenti.
For Stephanie Jamison, a junior and another member of CRU, the “I’m sorry” shirts were important for her own personal self reflection. “There are a lot people that have been hurt by a church or even just been confused by someone that claims that they know God. I think that for me it was good to just think about what I am sorry for and the things that I have done that have misrepresented Christ. If I had confused even one person with my words or actions, then I am really sorry.”
According to Jamison, the idea of doing this on campus came from a book entitled “Blue Like Jazz.” The book took place at Reed College, and there was a confession booth that people could go in. Christians would be in the booth and confessed to the students that they have misrepresenting Christ in different ways. This has happened at other campuses and been very successful, said Jamison.
Some students wonder whether this will be an annual event. The three girls were not sure, but had a unanimous decision. “I definitely think it should be done annually,” Walker said.
“This was the first time we did it at WSU and I think it stirred up a lot of conversations and rebellion from a lot of people,” said Jamison. “There were good and bad things that came out of this campaign, which is expected. Even though there were a lot of people that went against the campaign, it was worth it to see even one person come to know and love God.”
Ashtan Lucenti, a sophomore WSU student, could be spotted wearing a bright blue T-shirt with the saying “I’m Sorry” on it. One might find that a bit odd, however Lucenti was not the only person wearing the shirt. Other members from Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) were also wearing the shirts, which caused a lot of questioning.
Liz Walker, a junior and a member of CRU, explained what the shirts stood for. “The ‘I’m Sorry’ shirts consisted of a three day campaign with Campus Crusade for Christ. It gave Christians a chance to say they were "sorry" for the way they might misrepresent Christ.”
Walker made it clear that CRU wanted feedback from the students in how they think Christ has been misrepresented. A large cardboard elephant was placed on campus on April 12th, surrounded by members of the club wearing the shirts, available to answer student questions. “We wanted to see what non-Christian students thought of the campaign and asked them to write on the elephant,” said Walker.
According to Lucenti, “The “I’m Sorry” shirts were part of a larger movement on campus to reach out to those who have either been hurt by some one who is Christian, misunderstand what it means to be Christian or is confused about who God is in general.”
Lucenti went on to state that, “The point of wearing the shirt was to get people’s attention in the hopes that they would ask about what it meant, which would in turn would spark a conversation.”
The goal of the shirts was definitely reached. Lucenti spoke of many students who came up to her and asked what her shirt stood for, and she was delighted to explain it to them.
She did face some adversity. “I actually had one person call me hypocritical, so it made it a little difficult to believe that the outreach was for a good cause. But in the end the cynical comments were outweighed by the amazing conversations and support,” said Lucenti.
For Stephanie Jamison, a junior and another member of CRU, the “I’m sorry” shirts were important for her own personal self reflection. “There are a lot people that have been hurt by a church or even just been confused by someone that claims that they know God. I think that for me it was good to just think about what I am sorry for and the things that I have done that have misrepresented Christ. If I had confused even one person with my words or actions, then I am really sorry.”
According to Jamison, the idea of doing this on campus came from a book entitled “Blue Like Jazz.” The book took place at Reed College, and there was a confession booth that people could go in. Christians would be in the booth and confessed to the students that they have misrepresenting Christ in different ways. This has happened at other campuses and been very successful, said Jamison.
Some students wonder whether this will be an annual event. The three girls were not sure, but had a unanimous decision. “I definitely think it should be done annually,” Walker said.
“This was the first time we did it at WSU and I think it stirred up a lot of conversations and rebellion from a lot of people,” said Jamison. “There were good and bad things that came out of this campaign, which is expected. Even though there were a lot of people that went against the campaign, it was worth it to see even one person come to know and love God.”
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Press Conference Piece
Rolling Stone magazine announced that they are unveiling Rolling Stone Radio online, according to Brett Atwood, Editor of Music Services to Real Networks.
“Rolling stone radio is a new multi -hannel internet specific streaming music service,” stated Atwood on Wednesday, April 4th.
There are twelve different channels playing online, and the user can choose which type of genre they would like to listen to.
In a month, an exclusive thirteenth 24/7 David Bowie station will be unveiled. “We partnered with David Bowie and his fan site to have him be the DJ,” Atwood stated. “He will program and host this channel. He’s selected songs that are his favorites.”
"As DJ for the BowieNet radio station on Rolling Stone Radio, my first playlist will include favorite songs from the last five decades. I'm hoping music fans all over the world tune in and join me,” Bowie stated.
In addition, Bowie will be talking in between the songs, and will be playing his own music. It will also include unreleased exclusive content.
Rolling Stone Radio and Real Networks came together to establish the website. “We think it will be the number one music service within a year,” said Atwood.
Seema Williams, an analyst at Forrester Research, stated “"This is going to be the year when Internet radio emerges from the shadows into the mainstream. This could become a truly mass medium ... and when that happens, radio as we know it will cease to exist."
“We are going to be bundling the Rolling stone real player with the normal real player,” said Atwood. This means that the plug in be there as well and will quickly enable this service to be penetrated out to the audience.
Rolling Stone is looking into having other artists have exclusive stations on the online radio. The names cannot be announced yet, but will be announced within the next three weeks. Atwood insisted upon the fact that these artists are well-known.
When asked about commercials on the station, Atwood stated that there will be three to four minutes of commercials for every 60 minutes of music. It is less than traditional radio, he said.
Another benefit, according to Atwood, is the ability to rate the music. Editors will take into account the ratings for songs and enables the public to have a say in what music is played online.
“We're very excited about the implications of Rolling Stone radio," said Atwood.
“Rolling stone radio is a new multi -hannel internet specific streaming music service,” stated Atwood on Wednesday, April 4th.
There are twelve different channels playing online, and the user can choose which type of genre they would like to listen to.
In a month, an exclusive thirteenth 24/7 David Bowie station will be unveiled. “We partnered with David Bowie and his fan site to have him be the DJ,” Atwood stated. “He will program and host this channel. He’s selected songs that are his favorites.”
"As DJ for the BowieNet radio station on Rolling Stone Radio, my first playlist will include favorite songs from the last five decades. I'm hoping music fans all over the world tune in and join me,” Bowie stated.
In addition, Bowie will be talking in between the songs, and will be playing his own music. It will also include unreleased exclusive content.
Rolling Stone Radio and Real Networks came together to establish the website. “We think it will be the number one music service within a year,” said Atwood.
Seema Williams, an analyst at Forrester Research, stated “"This is going to be the year when Internet radio emerges from the shadows into the mainstream. This could become a truly mass medium ... and when that happens, radio as we know it will cease to exist."
“We are going to be bundling the Rolling stone real player with the normal real player,” said Atwood. This means that the plug in be there as well and will quickly enable this service to be penetrated out to the audience.
Rolling Stone is looking into having other artists have exclusive stations on the online radio. The names cannot be announced yet, but will be announced within the next three weeks. Atwood insisted upon the fact that these artists are well-known.
When asked about commercials on the station, Atwood stated that there will be three to four minutes of commercials for every 60 minutes of music. It is less than traditional radio, he said.
Another benefit, according to Atwood, is the ability to rate the music. Editors will take into account the ratings for songs and enables the public to have a say in what music is played online.
“We're very excited about the implications of Rolling Stone radio," said Atwood.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Frontline Story
1. When referring to the allegation that Mayor Jim West was pursuing underage boys online, why do you think editor Steven Smith differentiated between a legitimate news story and one that is not legitimate when he said, "If he's [Mayor Jim West] engaged in this activity … we need to know that. If he's not -- there's no story" ?
It has to do with ethics, Smith needed to know what had actually happened and apparantly by creating a fake identity and having one person with a non believable story was enough to cover the issue and take down the mayor in a cruel way.
2. How did reporter Bill Morlin justify the use of a concealed identity on Gay.com as part of The Spokesman-Review's and the FBI's "sting operation"? Why didn't Morlin himself create the assumed identity to engage Mayor West online?
Morlin’s code of ethics kept him from pretending to be someone he wasn’t. It is legal, however, to hire consultants. The purpose for their investigation was to supposedly search for the truth.
3. Why do you think The Spokesman-Review ultimately published so many articles on Mayor West's alleged improprieties?
Because it was human interest and they feel like people need to know. For such a small town, it was obvious that with not much else going on that this would be the big story and would sell a lot of papers. Also, the town is conservative and this is a story that people want to know about, if no other reason than to just scorn the mayor for his closeted homosexuality.
4. In the final analysis, who benefited from The Spokesman-Review's decision to expose Mayor West and his alleged improprieties? Who was hurt? Do you think the outcome was worth it? Explain your reasoning.
I definitely do not think it was worth it. It seems to me to be completely unethical and discriminatory toward gays. There was no evidence that he had molested boys in the 1970s. There is no evidence the he was seeking sexual favors from children. Mayor West was hurt and his sexual orientation is no one else’s business. No one came forward and said that West abused them, except for one person whose story was skeptical. He was battling for his life. Although I understand why it was reported, I do not agree with it by any means and consider certain aspects of it to be completely unethical.
5. The Spokesman-Review has been criticized as conducting a "witch hunt" in its reporting on the private lives of some city officials. Below is a link to another recent article on Spokane Deputy Mayor Jack Lynch. Do you think that there are any ethical problems in the reporting in this story? Why or why not?
I think that the Spokesman-Review tried to pry into the lives of city officials because there is nothing else to do. Private lives should be kept private and I think that the newspaper is blurring the lines of codes of ethics and personal matters. I think that by trying to figure out if Lynch was at the park or not is completely ridiculous and not necessary to report on. Who cares why he wants to have a leave of absence? It is his own right to do so and no indications should be provided on what he could be doing or what his sexual orientation is.
It has to do with ethics, Smith needed to know what had actually happened and apparantly by creating a fake identity and having one person with a non believable story was enough to cover the issue and take down the mayor in a cruel way.
2. How did reporter Bill Morlin justify the use of a concealed identity on Gay.com as part of The Spokesman-Review's and the FBI's "sting operation"? Why didn't Morlin himself create the assumed identity to engage Mayor West online?
Morlin’s code of ethics kept him from pretending to be someone he wasn’t. It is legal, however, to hire consultants. The purpose for their investigation was to supposedly search for the truth.
3. Why do you think The Spokesman-Review ultimately published so many articles on Mayor West's alleged improprieties?
Because it was human interest and they feel like people need to know. For such a small town, it was obvious that with not much else going on that this would be the big story and would sell a lot of papers. Also, the town is conservative and this is a story that people want to know about, if no other reason than to just scorn the mayor for his closeted homosexuality.
4. In the final analysis, who benefited from The Spokesman-Review's decision to expose Mayor West and his alleged improprieties? Who was hurt? Do you think the outcome was worth it? Explain your reasoning.
I definitely do not think it was worth it. It seems to me to be completely unethical and discriminatory toward gays. There was no evidence that he had molested boys in the 1970s. There is no evidence the he was seeking sexual favors from children. Mayor West was hurt and his sexual orientation is no one else’s business. No one came forward and said that West abused them, except for one person whose story was skeptical. He was battling for his life. Although I understand why it was reported, I do not agree with it by any means and consider certain aspects of it to be completely unethical.
5. The Spokesman-Review has been criticized as conducting a "witch hunt" in its reporting on the private lives of some city officials. Below is a link to another recent article on Spokane Deputy Mayor Jack Lynch. Do you think that there are any ethical problems in the reporting in this story? Why or why not?
I think that the Spokesman-Review tried to pry into the lives of city officials because there is nothing else to do. Private lives should be kept private and I think that the newspaper is blurring the lines of codes of ethics and personal matters. I think that by trying to figure out if Lynch was at the park or not is completely ridiculous and not necessary to report on. Who cares why he wants to have a leave of absence? It is his own right to do so and no indications should be provided on what he could be doing or what his sexual orientation is.
Monday, April 2, 2007
In Class Assignment 4/2
Both of these websites are news-based. In addition, both of these are not traditional news sites, because they are more biased and can influence the public because it is not sponsored by big media sites. Also, they both include links to stories and most stories are not first hand reporting. They both give opinion and news. The Huffington Post has a blog area while the Drudge Report did not, as far as I could see.
Based on the headlines, it seems that the Drudge Report has a more democratic/liberal leaning because some of the main links talk about Democratic candidates, for example, Hillary sets record for any Dem during a single primary quarter... ,Clinton Backs Public Funds for Campaigns... and the main headline at the top deals with global warming, generally a democratic issue. SUPREME COURT RULES: 'CLIMATE CHANGE IS SERIOUS'...
I think that the Huffington post is more republican/conservative because its main story was about Giuliani's wife. There are also postings near the top about republican candidates like John McCain and talked abouit positive outcomes of being in Iraq, which is generally a more conservative topic.
There is definitely a difference in criteria in choosing these headlines. Obviously there will be a bias in whichever the person in charge thinks is the most important. Huffington and Drudge both choose which is most important and put those on the top of their online publications.
One example of a headline that doesn't match up is one from the Huffington Post regarding positive change in Iraq. In reality, the headline doesn't say anything about that. I found another example from the Drudge Report. The link states that Hillary has set a record, however the actual website asks if it is a good or bad thing.
I think that these sites do have the power to influence the public. If someone does not like traditional media then they will definitely go to these sites. Also, these sites are popular because they are different and people might have more trust in average citizens than national media. People might also go to these sites because of their political leaning and their views on news in general.
Based on the headlines, it seems that the Drudge Report has a more democratic/liberal leaning because some of the main links talk about Democratic candidates, for example, Hillary sets record for any Dem during a single primary quarter... ,Clinton Backs Public Funds for Campaigns... and the main headline at the top deals with global warming, generally a democratic issue. SUPREME COURT RULES: 'CLIMATE CHANGE IS SERIOUS'...
I think that the Huffington post is more republican/conservative because its main story was about Giuliani's wife. There are also postings near the top about republican candidates like John McCain and talked abouit positive outcomes of being in Iraq, which is generally a more conservative topic.
There is definitely a difference in criteria in choosing these headlines. Obviously there will be a bias in whichever the person in charge thinks is the most important. Huffington and Drudge both choose which is most important and put those on the top of their online publications.
One example of a headline that doesn't match up is one from the Huffington Post regarding positive change in Iraq. In reality, the headline doesn't say anything about that. I found another example from the Drudge Report. The link states that Hillary has set a record, however the actual website asks if it is a good or bad thing.
I think that these sites do have the power to influence the public. If someone does not like traditional media then they will definitely go to these sites. Also, these sites are popular because they are different and people might have more trust in average citizens than national media. People might also go to these sites because of their political leaning and their views on news in general.
In Class Assignment 4/2
Both of these websites are news-based. In addition, both of these are not traditional news sites, because they are more biased and can influence the public because it is not sponsored by big media sites. Also, they both include links to stories and most stories are not first hand reporting. They both give opinion and news. The Huffington Post has a blog area while the Drudge Report did not, as far as I could see.
Based on the headlines, it seems that the Drudge Report has a more democratic/liberal leaning because some of the main links talk about Democratic candidates, for example, Hillary sets record for any Dem during a single primary quarter... ,Clinton Backs Public Funds for Campaigns... and the main headline at the top deals with global warming, generally a democratic issue. SUPREME COURT RULES: 'CLIMATE CHANGE IS SERIOUS'...
I think that the Huffington post is more republican/conservative because its main story was about Giuliani's wife. There are also postings near the top about republican candidates like John McCain and talked abouit positive outcomes of being in Iraq, which is generally a more conservative topic.
There is definitely a difference in criteria in choosing these headlines. Obviously there will be a bias in whichever the person in charge thinks is the most important. Huffington and Drudge both choose which is most important and put those on the top of their online publications.
One example of a headline that doesn't match up is one from the Huffington Post regarding positive change in Iraq. In reality, the headline doesn't say anything about that. I found another example from the Drudge Report. The link states that Hillary has set a record, however the actual website asks if it is a good or bad thing.
I think that these sites do have the power to influence the public. If someone does not like traditional media then they will definitely go to these sites. Also, these sites are popular because they are different and people might have more trust in average citizens than national media. People might also go to these sites because of their political leaning and their views on news in general.
Based on the headlines, it seems that the Drudge Report has a more democratic/liberal leaning because some of the main links talk about Democratic candidates, for example, Hillary sets record for any Dem during a single primary quarter... ,Clinton Backs Public Funds for Campaigns... and the main headline at the top deals with global warming, generally a democratic issue. SUPREME COURT RULES: 'CLIMATE CHANGE IS SERIOUS'...
I think that the Huffington post is more republican/conservative because its main story was about Giuliani's wife. There are also postings near the top about republican candidates like John McCain and talked abouit positive outcomes of being in Iraq, which is generally a more conservative topic.
There is definitely a difference in criteria in choosing these headlines. Obviously there will be a bias in whichever the person in charge thinks is the most important. Huffington and Drudge both choose which is most important and put those on the top of their online publications.
One example of a headline that doesn't match up is one from the Huffington Post regarding positive change in Iraq. In reality, the headline doesn't say anything about that. I found another example from the Drudge Report. The link states that Hillary has set a record, however the actual website asks if it is a good or bad thing.
I think that these sites do have the power to influence the public. If someone does not like traditional media then they will definitely go to these sites. Also, these sites are popular because they are different and people might have more trust in average citizens than national media. People might also go to these sites because of their political leaning and their views on news in general.
In Class exercise 3 26
In Class exercise
1.I found statistics for San Diego, California, which is where I was born. The population is over one million, so I need to take into account that there will probably be more crime there than in a smaller city, because of the higher population of people. There were 3,141 violent crimes in total, 36 murders, 159 forcible rapes, 987 robberies, 1,959 aggravated assaults, 22,479 property crimes, 3564 burglaries, 12,296 larceny thefts, 6,619 motor vehicle thefts, and 113 cases of arson. I found the car theft statistics interested because our car got stolen when we lived there in about 1993.
2.Troy Kelley received the most political donations under the house with over 237,000. He financed his own campaign. Christopher Marr received the most under the senate with 420,201. The Senate Democratic Committee raised the most for Marr. The NRA political victory fund was the most generous in Washington State. Most of the money went to the republican party, about 80%. Carl H Lindner was the largest insurance, with American financial and the total is 1,760,000. The largest beer/wine industry donator was BG Distribution partners. Rick Perry, a republican candidate, got the most money. Tom Craddick, another republican, also recieved a lot of money. The largest donor in the casino/gambling industry was Ohio Legacy Fund. They spent the most money on Issue 3.
3. I looked up my boyfriend, Matt Hoagland. Surprisingly, some of the hits I found on google.com were actually him. The hits about him included his membership in his fraternity, Delta Upsilon, and showed him being president. It also showed one of his quotes from the Daily Evergreen, and how he won one of the activities for the rec center in 2003. Other than that, I could not find much on him. I found multiple other Matt Hoaglands, most specifically a high school social studies teacher.
1.I found statistics for San Diego, California, which is where I was born. The population is over one million, so I need to take into account that there will probably be more crime there than in a smaller city, because of the higher population of people. There were 3,141 violent crimes in total, 36 murders, 159 forcible rapes, 987 robberies, 1,959 aggravated assaults, 22,479 property crimes, 3564 burglaries, 12,296 larceny thefts, 6,619 motor vehicle thefts, and 113 cases of arson. I found the car theft statistics interested because our car got stolen when we lived there in about 1993.
2.Troy Kelley received the most political donations under the house with over 237,000. He financed his own campaign. Christopher Marr received the most under the senate with 420,201. The Senate Democratic Committee raised the most for Marr. The NRA political victory fund was the most generous in Washington State. Most of the money went to the republican party, about 80%. Carl H Lindner was the largest insurance, with American financial and the total is 1,760,000. The largest beer/wine industry donator was BG Distribution partners. Rick Perry, a republican candidate, got the most money. Tom Craddick, another republican, also recieved a lot of money. The largest donor in the casino/gambling industry was Ohio Legacy Fund. They spent the most money on Issue 3.
3. I looked up my boyfriend, Matt Hoagland. Surprisingly, some of the hits I found on google.com were actually him. The hits about him included his membership in his fraternity, Delta Upsilon, and showed him being president. It also showed one of his quotes from the Daily Evergreen, and how he won one of the activities for the rec center in 2003. Other than that, I could not find much on him. I found multiple other Matt Hoaglands, most specifically a high school social studies teacher.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
ln Class Assignment 3-28
A telephone survey asking students how they feel about AIDS infected students attending classes was conducted by University of North Carolina’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
The survey was conducted from October 11-15 2006, and the results showed that 6 percent of AIDS children should be allowed to attend school, 23 percent said they should not, and 13 percent said they had no opinion.
Telephone numbers were dialed randomly, and were chosen by a random computer process by KPC research.
“It’s encouraging to have more than half say they would (let AIDS children attend classes with other children). I think a few years ago in this epidemic there was a lot more AIDS hysteria and probably a lot more people said they wouldn’t let AIDS children attend school with other children,” stated Kathy Kerr, a health educator with the AIDS Control Program of the North Carolina Division of Health Services.
The survey was conducted from October 11-15 2006, and the results showed that 6 percent of AIDS children should be allowed to attend school, 23 percent said they should not, and 13 percent said they had no opinion.
Telephone numbers were dialed randomly, and were chosen by a random computer process by KPC research.
“It’s encouraging to have more than half say they would (let AIDS children attend classes with other children). I think a few years ago in this epidemic there was a lot more AIDS hysteria and probably a lot more people said they wouldn’t let AIDS children attend school with other children,” stated Kathy Kerr, a health educator with the AIDS Control Program of the North Carolina Division of Health Services.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Feature Story
Changing the “Face” of University Living
There are a plenty of ways to procrastinate in college. There are many things that students can create, accomplish, or attempt to do while putting off their homework. Who would think that something so mindless and simple could overtake the entire population of college students? Instead of productive procrastinating, these students turn to one thing that could be the death of their wasted time: Facebook.
What is facebook, you ask? Anyone of college age could explain it. According to www.facebook.com, the actual definition is that facebook is a “social utility that connects you with the people around you.” Additionally, “Facebook is made of many networks, each based around a company, region, high school, or college.” Facebook was originally started for just college students, but has expanded within the past year or two. It enables you to share pictures, information, and connect you with friends from your school and other schools. According to the website, Facebook can be used to “share information with people you know, see what’s going on with your friends, and look up people around you.” Unofficially, it can be known as the “stalker guide”, and can sometimes be thought of as “creepy”, according to WSU junior Hardy Awadjie.
Facebook has a lot of different uses. Some people call it “creepy”, but still use it regardless. Awadjie, who is studying abroad, uses Facebook daily to keep in contact with friends across the world. "Facebook is a lot easier to keep up with friends, especially someone like me who is studying abroad in Australia,” Awadjie stated. Even before leaving the country he would check his messages and events daily through facebook.com. He also admitted it being a huge distraction tool keeping him from doing his homework.
WSU is not the only school that is under the Facebook spell. Lindsey Bull, a student at the University of Washington, also checks her facebook daily. She also added that she connects and keeps in touch with many old friends through Facebook, and messages them on a weekly basis.
Facebook can also be used as a tool for mass communication. Alpha Phi sorority’s president Emily Wicks sends out Facebook messages weekly to keep members updated about the events and activites of the chapter. “Facebook is really easy to use and gives me access to all of our sisters with a click of a button. Because people are on it so much, I am sure that my messages will be viewed by all of the chapter members,” Wicks said.
Some people are on Facebook so much that they decided to tone down their habits. Marin Anderson, a junior at WSU, decided to give up Facebook for lent. Anderson would spend about two hours a day on Facebook, looking at pictures or messaging friends. “I decided to give up facebook for 40 days for lent so I could get more work done,” Anderson said. “I am sure that after lent is over, I will spend a lot of time on it catching up with people, but after than I plan to tone down my tendency to go on Facebook.” Anderson said that she normally checks the website the most after big party weekends, to look at all of her friend’s pictures from date functions and parties.
Facebook is not only a procrastination tool, but can keep people in contact with each other when they otherwise would not. It has definitely changed the face of university living.
There are a plenty of ways to procrastinate in college. There are many things that students can create, accomplish, or attempt to do while putting off their homework. Who would think that something so mindless and simple could overtake the entire population of college students? Instead of productive procrastinating, these students turn to one thing that could be the death of their wasted time: Facebook.
What is facebook, you ask? Anyone of college age could explain it. According to www.facebook.com, the actual definition is that facebook is a “social utility that connects you with the people around you.” Additionally, “Facebook is made of many networks, each based around a company, region, high school, or college.” Facebook was originally started for just college students, but has expanded within the past year or two. It enables you to share pictures, information, and connect you with friends from your school and other schools. According to the website, Facebook can be used to “share information with people you know, see what’s going on with your friends, and look up people around you.” Unofficially, it can be known as the “stalker guide”, and can sometimes be thought of as “creepy”, according to WSU junior Hardy Awadjie.
Facebook has a lot of different uses. Some people call it “creepy”, but still use it regardless. Awadjie, who is studying abroad, uses Facebook daily to keep in contact with friends across the world. "Facebook is a lot easier to keep up with friends, especially someone like me who is studying abroad in Australia,” Awadjie stated. Even before leaving the country he would check his messages and events daily through facebook.com. He also admitted it being a huge distraction tool keeping him from doing his homework.
WSU is not the only school that is under the Facebook spell. Lindsey Bull, a student at the University of Washington, also checks her facebook daily. She also added that she connects and keeps in touch with many old friends through Facebook, and messages them on a weekly basis.
Facebook can also be used as a tool for mass communication. Alpha Phi sorority’s president Emily Wicks sends out Facebook messages weekly to keep members updated about the events and activites of the chapter. “Facebook is really easy to use and gives me access to all of our sisters with a click of a button. Because people are on it so much, I am sure that my messages will be viewed by all of the chapter members,” Wicks said.
Some people are on Facebook so much that they decided to tone down their habits. Marin Anderson, a junior at WSU, decided to give up Facebook for lent. Anderson would spend about two hours a day on Facebook, looking at pictures or messaging friends. “I decided to give up facebook for 40 days for lent so I could get more work done,” Anderson said. “I am sure that after lent is over, I will spend a lot of time on it catching up with people, but after than I plan to tone down my tendency to go on Facebook.” Anderson said that she normally checks the website the most after big party weekends, to look at all of her friend’s pictures from date functions and parties.
Facebook is not only a procrastination tool, but can keep people in contact with each other when they otherwise would not. It has definitely changed the face of university living.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Second News Story
Pause. Sigh. Brake. Pause. Sigh. Brake. This is repeatedly what happens to student Matt Hoagland when he drives to the Student Recreation Center every day.
Hoagland has a New Year’s Resolution to go to the Student Recreation Center. The problem is, so do many other students. Hoagland expresses his frustration with the lack of parking and the crowdedness of the facility.
“It takes a long time to find a spot at the rec center, and even when I do get in,most of the machines are taken,” he said. Hoagland said that he chooses the times that he goes to the Student Recreational Center in regards to when he thinks the fewest people are going to be there. “After nine at night is usually a safe time to go,” he said.
The Student Recreational Center is a rather new and high class facility where many students work out. With a large student population, it is fully equipped with racquetball courts, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, a full length pool and a large hot tub, to name a few. However, many students are starting to get very frustrated with the crowdedness of the Student Recreational Center.
“Parking is bad, I can never find a machine, and even the pool is full. Every time I go I have to share a swimming lane with someone else,” said junior Kolleen Carlson. “I have been so frustrated with the parking that I have started to just walk there when I go.”
Carlson went on to state that when she had gone to the Student Recreational Center earlier in the day, it took ten minutes to navigate through the traffic so her boyfriend could drop her off.
When students get lucky and do find parking, there is another problem that awaits them: the parking ticket. Junior Julie Carson parked at the Student Recreational Center when the machine for buying parking passes was broken. “The machine was broken, so I figured that they would not check and would not issue parking tickets. I came back to my car to find a twenty-dollar ticket,” said Carson.
It was thought that perhaps the business at the Student Recreational Center was due to all of the students with New Years Resolutions. Either students are sticking to their resolutions, or something will need to be done to accommodate the rise in students visiting the Student Recreational Center.
Student Recreational Center employee Josh Goudge said, “When it comes to the number of people attending there are always changes. There are definite patterns to our patron counts we take every hour.” Goudge went on to say that, “People increase attendance before and after breaks as well as during warmer weather.”
When asked if there were any plans to expand the Student Recreational Center to accommodate all the students, Goudge said that there may be plans in the future. “There is talk of plans for expansion of the Rec Center, out to the east to accommodate more patrons and equipment. There is nothing formal, however, and the capital planning has no plans to fund such an expansion as far as I know.”
“We are happy to see as many as possible, even though it means waiting a bit for equipment because we love to encourage active, healthy living for all,” said Goudge.
Hoagland has a New Year’s Resolution to go to the Student Recreation Center. The problem is, so do many other students. Hoagland expresses his frustration with the lack of parking and the crowdedness of the facility.
“It takes a long time to find a spot at the rec center, and even when I do get in,most of the machines are taken,” he said. Hoagland said that he chooses the times that he goes to the Student Recreational Center in regards to when he thinks the fewest people are going to be there. “After nine at night is usually a safe time to go,” he said.
The Student Recreational Center is a rather new and high class facility where many students work out. With a large student population, it is fully equipped with racquetball courts, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, a full length pool and a large hot tub, to name a few. However, many students are starting to get very frustrated with the crowdedness of the Student Recreational Center.
“Parking is bad, I can never find a machine, and even the pool is full. Every time I go I have to share a swimming lane with someone else,” said junior Kolleen Carlson. “I have been so frustrated with the parking that I have started to just walk there when I go.”
Carlson went on to state that when she had gone to the Student Recreational Center earlier in the day, it took ten minutes to navigate through the traffic so her boyfriend could drop her off.
When students get lucky and do find parking, there is another problem that awaits them: the parking ticket. Junior Julie Carson parked at the Student Recreational Center when the machine for buying parking passes was broken. “The machine was broken, so I figured that they would not check and would not issue parking tickets. I came back to my car to find a twenty-dollar ticket,” said Carson.
It was thought that perhaps the business at the Student Recreational Center was due to all of the students with New Years Resolutions. Either students are sticking to their resolutions, or something will need to be done to accommodate the rise in students visiting the Student Recreational Center.
Student Recreational Center employee Josh Goudge said, “When it comes to the number of people attending there are always changes. There are definite patterns to our patron counts we take every hour.” Goudge went on to say that, “People increase attendance before and after breaks as well as during warmer weather.”
When asked if there were any plans to expand the Student Recreational Center to accommodate all the students, Goudge said that there may be plans in the future. “There is talk of plans for expansion of the Rec Center, out to the east to accommodate more patrons and equipment. There is nothing formal, however, and the capital planning has no plans to fund such an expansion as far as I know.”
“We are happy to see as many as possible, even though it means waiting a bit for equipment because we love to encourage active, healthy living for all,” said Goudge.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Two special leads
1. http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/21/hotel.fall.ap/index.html
-- Just a month after his 16-story fall and merciful landing onto a hotel overhang, Joshua Hanson is off crutches from a broken leg, mostly healed from his other injuries and thankful he has no memory of the plunge.
"I feel really lucky I don't remember it because I probably would have some pretty serious nightmares," said the 29-year-old bar owner from Blair, Wisconsin, who crashed out a hotel window January 20 after a night drinking with his friends.
"I'm walking without a crutch, I'm getting around pretty good. I mean, I feel really good," Hanson said Tuesday after a couple weeks of recuperation at his parents' home
I think that this is a narrative lead. The first part of the story focuses on how he is thankful that he has no memory of the fall, not about the specifics and the five W's. I think that this lead is good for this story because it catches people's attention. It is more interesting and more personal then just stating the facts. I think that a statacco lead would be very interesting, maybe with interjections about how he felt when he fell. That would attract readers as well. I think that a special lead, in this case, is better than a regular lead because it garners more human interest.
2. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17031907/
Before Britney Spears was cutting her hair off, she was pulling it out.
This is an example of a compare and contrast lead. It uses the words "cutting..off' and "pulling...out" as contrast to attract the reader. The lead is very catchy and simple, and encourages the reader to continue on with the story. Later in the story it says the possible reasons why she shaved her head and also has a source from a friend of Spears. Other leads that could work for this story could include a question lead or even a quote lead. An example of a question could directly ask why she cut all of her hair off, and then answer it in a following paragraph. A quote lead could work as well, if there was a source close to her that went on record as to why exactly she cut all of her hair off.
-- Just a month after his 16-story fall and merciful landing onto a hotel overhang, Joshua Hanson is off crutches from a broken leg, mostly healed from his other injuries and thankful he has no memory of the plunge.
"I feel really lucky I don't remember it because I probably would have some pretty serious nightmares," said the 29-year-old bar owner from Blair, Wisconsin, who crashed out a hotel window January 20 after a night drinking with his friends.
"I'm walking without a crutch, I'm getting around pretty good. I mean, I feel really good," Hanson said Tuesday after a couple weeks of recuperation at his parents' home
I think that this is a narrative lead. The first part of the story focuses on how he is thankful that he has no memory of the fall, not about the specifics and the five W's. I think that this lead is good for this story because it catches people's attention. It is more interesting and more personal then just stating the facts. I think that a statacco lead would be very interesting, maybe with interjections about how he felt when he fell. That would attract readers as well. I think that a special lead, in this case, is better than a regular lead because it garners more human interest.
2. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17031907/
Before Britney Spears was cutting her hair off, she was pulling it out.
This is an example of a compare and contrast lead. It uses the words "cutting..off' and "pulling...out" as contrast to attract the reader. The lead is very catchy and simple, and encourages the reader to continue on with the story. Later in the story it says the possible reasons why she shaved her head and also has a source from a friend of Spears. Other leads that could work for this story could include a question lead or even a quote lead. An example of a question could directly ask why she cut all of her hair off, and then answer it in a following paragraph. A quote lead could work as well, if there was a source close to her that went on record as to why exactly she cut all of her hair off.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Hourglass Style News Story
Because of a protest on campus on Friday, 22 people got arrested and three University police officers were injured.
The protest occurred during the Board of Regents meeting. The protest was organized by two campus groups, Students Against Racism and the American Student Organization. Most of the 200 deonstrators were students.
One of the items on the regents’ agenda was the university’s plan to require a class in cultural diversity for all faculty.
Everyone who was arrested was charged with trespassing on state property when they refused to disperse. Twelve were charged with resisting arrest while ten were charged with assault. The ones charged with assault allegedly threw rocks and bottles at university police officers.
All of the 22 arrested were students, and 21 were taken to the jail. The only reason that the 22nd student was released was because he was a minor and was released into his parents custody.
“It just got out of hand,” said University Police Chief R. Barclay Peterson. “First they were gathered around the fountain at Central Mall. One group was chanting, ‘No more racism’ and the other was saying ‘Stop diversity.’ Then they started marching toward Regents Hall, where the regents were meeting. They were disrupting classes. When they were asked to disperse, all hell broke loose.”
Peterson said he did not call extra officers in until the protesters started marching. The police showed up soon after. “They should not have come at us,” said Jonathan Walterson, president of Students Against Racism. “We would have remained loud, but peaceful. We were doing what we believed in. The university must do more to promote diversity.”
Walterson, a junior journalism student, was one of those arrested. He was charged with assault, resisting arrest and trespassing.
The three officers hit included Officer Andrea Wilson, Officer James Nelson, and Sgt. Jerico Turner. Wilson was treated for a gash on her forehead while Nelson and Turner were treated for bruises because of thrown items.
Peterson said that the groups began to rally at about noon. At about 1:15pm protestors from both groups started marching to Regents Hall, in hopes to meet the Regents during their lunch break. They never made it to Regents Hall.
Peterson said he called in the extra officers at about 1:20 p.m. because “the demonstrators just got too loud and rowdy. We asked them several times to disperse and go back to the fountain, where the rally was to be held, but they would not. They shouted at each other even louder, and some of them began throwing things.”
There were about half a dozen officers until more officers were called in.
The officers were using bullhorns to order to demonstrators to disperse, but they refused, explained Peterson.
According to Peterson, the demonstration was at its worst by 1:25pm when the protestors began to throw things at the police and start shouting at them.
By about 1:30 pm most of the demonstrators began to back off. Those that did not back off were then arrested.
Peterson said that the protest delayed the beginning of the afternoon session of the regents meeting.
The regents did not take action on the new requirement. They decided to study the matter more and discuss it again at their next monthly meeting, which will be held May 16 in Regents Hall.
“We’re not against rallies,” Peterson said. “They can hold them all they want, as long as they get a permit from the university. But we don’t want them to get out of hand. We don’t want our officers hurt. They can rally, but other peaceful students also have the right to attend classes without being disrupted by shouting and violent demonstrators.”
The regents refused to comment on why they took no action Friday. “Until we make our decision on faculty training, we will not discuss it,” said Regents president Clifford Eisel.
“We’ll do whatever it takes to keep the regents from caving into every demand that comes along,” said Brian Allen, the president of the American Student Organization. “Our faculty do not need additional training in diversity. Many of our faculty aren’t even from this country.”
Allen was one of the students arrested and charged with assault, resisting arrest and trespassing. Thirteen of those arrested were from his group.
The protest occurred during the Board of Regents meeting. The protest was organized by two campus groups, Students Against Racism and the American Student Organization. Most of the 200 deonstrators were students.
One of the items on the regents’ agenda was the university’s plan to require a class in cultural diversity for all faculty.
Everyone who was arrested was charged with trespassing on state property when they refused to disperse. Twelve were charged with resisting arrest while ten were charged with assault. The ones charged with assault allegedly threw rocks and bottles at university police officers.
All of the 22 arrested were students, and 21 were taken to the jail. The only reason that the 22nd student was released was because he was a minor and was released into his parents custody.
“It just got out of hand,” said University Police Chief R. Barclay Peterson. “First they were gathered around the fountain at Central Mall. One group was chanting, ‘No more racism’ and the other was saying ‘Stop diversity.’ Then they started marching toward Regents Hall, where the regents were meeting. They were disrupting classes. When they were asked to disperse, all hell broke loose.”
Peterson said he did not call extra officers in until the protesters started marching. The police showed up soon after. “They should not have come at us,” said Jonathan Walterson, president of Students Against Racism. “We would have remained loud, but peaceful. We were doing what we believed in. The university must do more to promote diversity.”
Walterson, a junior journalism student, was one of those arrested. He was charged with assault, resisting arrest and trespassing.
The three officers hit included Officer Andrea Wilson, Officer James Nelson, and Sgt. Jerico Turner. Wilson was treated for a gash on her forehead while Nelson and Turner were treated for bruises because of thrown items.
Peterson said that the groups began to rally at about noon. At about 1:15pm protestors from both groups started marching to Regents Hall, in hopes to meet the Regents during their lunch break. They never made it to Regents Hall.
Peterson said he called in the extra officers at about 1:20 p.m. because “the demonstrators just got too loud and rowdy. We asked them several times to disperse and go back to the fountain, where the rally was to be held, but they would not. They shouted at each other even louder, and some of them began throwing things.”
There were about half a dozen officers until more officers were called in.
The officers were using bullhorns to order to demonstrators to disperse, but they refused, explained Peterson.
According to Peterson, the demonstration was at its worst by 1:25pm when the protestors began to throw things at the police and start shouting at them.
By about 1:30 pm most of the demonstrators began to back off. Those that did not back off were then arrested.
Peterson said that the protest delayed the beginning of the afternoon session of the regents meeting.
The regents did not take action on the new requirement. They decided to study the matter more and discuss it again at their next monthly meeting, which will be held May 16 in Regents Hall.
“We’re not against rallies,” Peterson said. “They can hold them all they want, as long as they get a permit from the university. But we don’t want them to get out of hand. We don’t want our officers hurt. They can rally, but other peaceful students also have the right to attend classes without being disrupted by shouting and violent demonstrators.”
The regents refused to comment on why they took no action Friday. “Until we make our decision on faculty training, we will not discuss it,” said Regents president Clifford Eisel.
“We’ll do whatever it takes to keep the regents from caving into every demand that comes along,” said Brian Allen, the president of the American Student Organization. “Our faculty do not need additional training in diversity. Many of our faculty aren’t even from this country.”
Allen was one of the students arrested and charged with assault, resisting arrest and trespassing. Thirteen of those arrested were from his group.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Second day lead writing exercise 2/7
Questions remain unanswered regarding the 4-year-old girl who was missing from her crib yesterday.
Angela Melissa Norton has been missing for 24 hours. Police have been asking neighbors if they have seen or heard of the young girl.
"We are begging anyone who might have seen our daughter to please call the police or us,” urged Maria L. Norton, the mother of the young girl. “She has never been away from home without us, and we are certain that she must be terrified not to be in her own home. Please, anyone who has information, please let us know."
Angela Melissa Norton has been missing for 24 hours. Police have been asking neighbors if they have seen or heard of the young girl.
"We are begging anyone who might have seen our daughter to please call the police or us,” urged Maria L. Norton, the mother of the young girl. “She has never been away from home without us, and we are certain that she must be terrified not to be in her own home. Please, anyone who has information, please let us know."
Sunday, February 4, 2007
First assignment
Students remain confused about the opening of the CUB as complications arise because of the ongoing construction and a lack of student unity.
The Compton Student Union Building will be open for student use by Fall 2008, according to ASWSU Vice-President Janeen Heath. Many students are unaware of the actual opening date of the CUB. “I never knew when the CUB was supposed to open,” said student Kristen Perrin, a sophomore Public Relations major. “A lot of my friends don’t know either. I feel like the campus is in the dark about when it actually will open.”Heath spoke on record regarding to many questions students have about the CUB renovations on Friday afternoon. “The CUB will be fully operational to students in Fall 2008,” Heath stated.Another problem is the actual look of the CUB currently. “It looks like nothing is being accomplished from the outside,” said junior Psychology major Kristen Betts. “Everyday I walk by and it is one giant eye sore.”Currently, the construction workers are just working on the basic structure of the building. According to Heath, beginning on June 15th the university will take over and begin building the interior, based on the different vendors that will be offered in the CUB.“I think the students are going to be very excited about what is to come,” said Heath. She also exclusively said that there will be an announcement on March 2nd to state which vendors are coming to the CUB next year.Another issue on hand about the CUB closure is a possible lack of student unity. Student unions are vital to college campuses and are a main part of student life, according to Karen Kibbey, a junior communication major. “I definitely feel that there is a lack of student unity on campus. There isn’t a place that the students can hang out and congregate together with the CUB closure,” she said. Heath definitely thinks that is hard to bring the students together without the central CUB location. “It is difficult to find a space that big. You have to go outside the main core and heart of campus,” Heath said. “It is definitely an added task for ASWSU this year.”Pullman is such a close knit community and the town has been very open to welcoming students all around town. “The city of Pullman has been good about stretching resources for students to use,” said Heath. “There has been a lot of collaboration with the city in this process.”In another effort to bring students together, ASWSU president Zach Wurtz, along with Heath, planned the first ever All Campus Retreat this year. Leaders from a variety of different student groups were asked to participate in the retreat, which took place last September 22-24. “It definitely helped break stereotypes and first impressions about different groups of students on campus. It was big success and was a bonding experience,” she said.Although the close of the CUB may be a bit inconvenient right now, the future rewards will be worth it. “We are a huge university, and students have sacrificed before us and it is now our turn to make it the university stronger for future Cougs,” said Heath.
The Compton Student Union Building will be open for student use by Fall 2008, according to ASWSU Vice-President Janeen Heath. Many students are unaware of the actual opening date of the CUB. “I never knew when the CUB was supposed to open,” said student Kristen Perrin, a sophomore Public Relations major. “A lot of my friends don’t know either. I feel like the campus is in the dark about when it actually will open.”Heath spoke on record regarding to many questions students have about the CUB renovations on Friday afternoon. “The CUB will be fully operational to students in Fall 2008,” Heath stated.Another problem is the actual look of the CUB currently. “It looks like nothing is being accomplished from the outside,” said junior Psychology major Kristen Betts. “Everyday I walk by and it is one giant eye sore.”Currently, the construction workers are just working on the basic structure of the building. According to Heath, beginning on June 15th the university will take over and begin building the interior, based on the different vendors that will be offered in the CUB.“I think the students are going to be very excited about what is to come,” said Heath. She also exclusively said that there will be an announcement on March 2nd to state which vendors are coming to the CUB next year.Another issue on hand about the CUB closure is a possible lack of student unity. Student unions are vital to college campuses and are a main part of student life, according to Karen Kibbey, a junior communication major. “I definitely feel that there is a lack of student unity on campus. There isn’t a place that the students can hang out and congregate together with the CUB closure,” she said. Heath definitely thinks that is hard to bring the students together without the central CUB location. “It is difficult to find a space that big. You have to go outside the main core and heart of campus,” Heath said. “It is definitely an added task for ASWSU this year.”Pullman is such a close knit community and the town has been very open to welcoming students all around town. “The city of Pullman has been good about stretching resources for students to use,” said Heath. “There has been a lot of collaboration with the city in this process.”In another effort to bring students together, ASWSU president Zach Wurtz, along with Heath, planned the first ever All Campus Retreat this year. Leaders from a variety of different student groups were asked to participate in the retreat, which took place last September 22-24. “It definitely helped break stereotypes and first impressions about different groups of students on campus. It was big success and was a bonding experience,” she said.Although the close of the CUB may be a bit inconvenient right now, the future rewards will be worth it. “We are a huge university, and students have sacrificed before us and it is now our turn to make it the university stronger for future Cougs,” said Heath.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Summary lead evaluation(make up)
One lead that I thought was strong was one that I found in the Daily Evergreen. The article is from the paper released on Monday, January 29th, 2007. The lead is as follows.
"The WSU Board of Regents unanimously increased Martin Stadium renovation funding and amended the FacultyManual on Friday."
I think that this lead is good because it discussed most of the five W's. The what is the renovation funding was increased, the who is the WSU Board of Regents, and the when was Friday. In the lead it doesn't say where, but I think that in this instance it isn't very important where exactly they met, unless they met in some odd area that would attract attention. Additionally, the 'why' aspect isn't really brought up either. Because I am a student at WSU, the 'why' could just be a given, since I am interested in the betterment of the University. But if I wasn't a student, I probably wouldn't really care. I think that this lead is good for the school newspaper, but would probably question its newsworthiness if it was in a different newspaper.
"The WSU Board of Regents unanimously increased Martin Stadium renovation funding and amended the FacultyManual on Friday."
I think that this lead is good because it discussed most of the five W's. The what is the renovation funding was increased, the who is the WSU Board of Regents, and the when was Friday. In the lead it doesn't say where, but I think that in this instance it isn't very important where exactly they met, unless they met in some odd area that would attract attention. Additionally, the 'why' aspect isn't really brought up either. Because I am a student at WSU, the 'why' could just be a given, since I am interested in the betterment of the University. But if I wasn't a student, I probably wouldn't really care. I think that this lead is good for the school newspaper, but would probably question its newsworthiness if it was in a different newspaper.
Make up for In Class Assignment 1/31
The Iraqi government said Sunday it could attack American and British bases in the Persian Gulf that are used to launch airstrikes against Iraq.
The Iraqi statement was issued following a meeting Saddam held with three senior aides. It again warned Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to distance themselves from the United States.
“We, by help from God and support from the sons of our glorious Arab nation, including true and sincere nationals … in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, have the ability to attack the soldiers and means of aggression from whatever region,” Iraqi television said, quoting a statement from President Saddam Hussein and senior leaders.
“Once again … we draw the attention of the rulers of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and tell them you are getting involved now in a vicious and aggressive war that the people of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have no interest in,” the statement said.
The statement came amid a simmering war of nerves with the United States and Britain over “no-fly” zones imposed in northern and southern Iraq. Iraq does not recognize the zones and has vowed to fire at any plane that violates its airspace.
Both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have opened their air bases to U.S. and British planes that patrol the no-fly zones.
The United States has accused Iraq of more than 90 violations of the no-fly zones since mid-December. It said U.S. and British forces have retaliated by attacking more than 40 Iraqi targets.
The zones were set up by the United States, Britain and France after the 1991 Persian Gulf War to prevent the Iraqi air force from attacking rebels in the north and south.
The statement did not specify what type of action Iraq would take against the U.S. and British bases.
The Iraqi statement was issued following a meeting Saddam held with three senior aides. It again warned Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to distance themselves from the United States.
“We, by help from God and support from the sons of our glorious Arab nation, including true and sincere nationals … in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, have the ability to attack the soldiers and means of aggression from whatever region,” Iraqi television said, quoting a statement from President Saddam Hussein and senior leaders.
“Once again … we draw the attention of the rulers of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and tell them you are getting involved now in a vicious and aggressive war that the people of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have no interest in,” the statement said.
The statement came amid a simmering war of nerves with the United States and Britain over “no-fly” zones imposed in northern and southern Iraq. Iraq does not recognize the zones and has vowed to fire at any plane that violates its airspace.
Both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have opened their air bases to U.S. and British planes that patrol the no-fly zones.
The United States has accused Iraq of more than 90 violations of the no-fly zones since mid-December. It said U.S. and British forces have retaliated by attacking more than 40 Iraqi targets.
The zones were set up by the United States, Britain and France after the 1991 Persian Gulf War to prevent the Iraqi air force from attacking rebels in the north and south.
The statement did not specify what type of action Iraq would take against the U.S. and British bases.
Monday, January 29, 2007
In Class Assignment January 29, 2007
A 20-year-old man was killed in a car accident Monday afternoon in Moscow.
John Frazier was killed instantly when his 1998 Ford Mustang smashed into a utility pole along Broad Street. The accident was located where Main Street and Broad Street intersect when Frazier lost control of his car due to rain and speeding on slick roads.
The impact crushed the whole front of the car and Frazier was thrown through the car’s windshield.
Frazier was not wearing a seat belt, and landed on the pavement about 20 feet away. Frazier was the only passenger in the vehicle.
John Frazier was killed instantly when his 1998 Ford Mustang smashed into a utility pole along Broad Street. The accident was located where Main Street and Broad Street intersect when Frazier lost control of his car due to rain and speeding on slick roads.
The impact crushed the whole front of the car and Frazier was thrown through the car’s windshield.
Frazier was not wearing a seat belt, and landed on the pavement about 20 feet away. Frazier was the only passenger in the vehicle.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Three Pitches
Dear Editor,
For my first story pitch, I would like to write about the controversy about Fox TV. The cable in Pullman no longer receives the channel Fox, and it has caused quite the stir. People are complaining about missing their shows. It bothers people because Fox is one of the main TV stations and it seems unreasonable that we do not get it. I am aware that some of the residence halls get Fox, and I would like to go into the reasons why they get it and others do not.
Although the idea of a TV station being gone may seem petty, some people LIVE by the shows on Fox. Viewers of the show 24 especially seem extremely upset. American Idol, one of the most watched shows on TV, is not available to most students on campus. Even certain sports programs are not being shown.
I think that this idea is worth doing and is definitely newsworthy. It affects people with cable, and Fox is a widely watched network.
The media outlet intended for this piece is the students. Some subjects to interview could be the mayor of Pullman, students that live in residence halls that receive Fox, and students that do not receive Fox.
Sincerely,
Catherine Donahoe
Dear Editor,
For my third story pitch I came up with an idea that many people can relate to. A lot of students have complained about parking here at WSU, especially during parents’ weekends. Tickets are always given out, and there is not enough parking around campus for the students here.
New ideas and suggestions from students and quotes from parking services will be used in this piece. ASWSU is planning on perhaps changing the parking around campus, and making it so that anyone could park for free in certain lots between 5:00pm and 8:00am.
The target audience for this piece would be the students. Every student with a car has to deal with parking around campus and most students are irritated with it. I could interview students around campus and some people that work at Parking Services to get their opinion on the story.
Sincerely,
Catherine Donahoe
Dear Editor,
Another important story that has been brought to my attention is the renovation of the CUB. I think that this is newsworthy because students are hearing heresy about how long it will actually take to finish. Students do not see any progress being done, and there are complaints with how long it is taking. It is essential to find out this information and keep the public in the know.
Without the CUB, students have no gathering place. An important part of any university is its student union. Because we do not have one at the moment, there could be a lack of student unity.
To research this piece, I could contact the ASWSU president or vice-president and ask specifics about the CUB renovation. I could also ask students about how they feel about the CUB being closed and how long it is taking to renovate. The media outlet is intended for the students of WSU.
Sincerely,
Catherine Donahoe
For my first story pitch, I would like to write about the controversy about Fox TV. The cable in Pullman no longer receives the channel Fox, and it has caused quite the stir. People are complaining about missing their shows. It bothers people because Fox is one of the main TV stations and it seems unreasonable that we do not get it. I am aware that some of the residence halls get Fox, and I would like to go into the reasons why they get it and others do not.
Although the idea of a TV station being gone may seem petty, some people LIVE by the shows on Fox. Viewers of the show 24 especially seem extremely upset. American Idol, one of the most watched shows on TV, is not available to most students on campus. Even certain sports programs are not being shown.
I think that this idea is worth doing and is definitely newsworthy. It affects people with cable, and Fox is a widely watched network.
The media outlet intended for this piece is the students. Some subjects to interview could be the mayor of Pullman, students that live in residence halls that receive Fox, and students that do not receive Fox.
Sincerely,
Catherine Donahoe
Dear Editor,
For my third story pitch I came up with an idea that many people can relate to. A lot of students have complained about parking here at WSU, especially during parents’ weekends. Tickets are always given out, and there is not enough parking around campus for the students here.
New ideas and suggestions from students and quotes from parking services will be used in this piece. ASWSU is planning on perhaps changing the parking around campus, and making it so that anyone could park for free in certain lots between 5:00pm and 8:00am.
The target audience for this piece would be the students. Every student with a car has to deal with parking around campus and most students are irritated with it. I could interview students around campus and some people that work at Parking Services to get their opinion on the story.
Sincerely,
Catherine Donahoe
Dear Editor,
Another important story that has been brought to my attention is the renovation of the CUB. I think that this is newsworthy because students are hearing heresy about how long it will actually take to finish. Students do not see any progress being done, and there are complaints with how long it is taking. It is essential to find out this information and keep the public in the know.
Without the CUB, students have no gathering place. An important part of any university is its student union. Because we do not have one at the moment, there could be a lack of student unity.
To research this piece, I could contact the ASWSU president or vice-president and ask specifics about the CUB renovation. I could also ask students about how they feel about the CUB being closed and how long it is taking to renovate. The media outlet is intended for the students of WSU.
Sincerely,
Catherine Donahoe
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Journalism Assignment One
The first news site that I viewed was MSN.com. Because MSN is not just a news site, it has many things that come up as prominent placement. There are sections about cars, sports, money, video highlights, and entertainment. I think that the site does adhere to the Murrow standard of being fair and balanced, as there are many aspects to the main page is clicked on msn.com. I think that MSN.com focuses more on lifetstyle issues and not necessarily breaking news. The main headlines on the page included planning the perfect wedding, how not to end an MVP season, and a section about career moves. I think that this sites primary audience is the general public, and that they are trying to target most people by creating general lifestyle headings. I go to this site often for the broad variety of information put on the website. Additionally, MSN.com can be used as a browser in addition to Google.com and Yahoo.com, although it is more news based than those other two.
The second news site I viewed was CNN.com. Unlike MSN.com, this site is more focused on hard news. On the home page it has different titles of breaking news. As one scrolls down on the page it has other aspects and sites which one can click on for other parts of news, whether it be entertainment, technology, politics, or others. The types of stories that get the most prominent placement are the breaking news stories. Currently on the browser the top stories include information about Baghdad’s one day death toll, civilians stop terror attack at U.S. base, and about a train carrying chemicals exploding. On top of the hard news angle of this site, it also includes some other news that is more interesting and appeals to the lifestyle reader. For example, on the main page under breaking news there are links about the hit TV shows “Lost” and “American Idol”. Because of these examples I believe that the site does follow the Murrow standard of being fair and balanced. I think that the sites primary audience is a bit older than the audience for MSN.com. CNN.com is a more basic format and attracts viewers that watch CNN. Most college students my age, from my experience, do not usually watch CNN, therefore that leads me to believe that the target market is a bit older. I would go to MSN.com over CNN.com for pleasure, however if I wanted to find a hard breaking news story I would probably chose CNN.com.
For my third news site I decided to choose a news website for a newspaper. USAToday.com seemed like a good choice because of how broad it is and how much it encompasses. I enjoy USA Today because I like reading about national and entertainment news, and it is a well known newspaper across the nation. Similarly to CNN.com, the breaking news got the most prominent placement on the website. The biggest headline is the information about Baghdad’s death toll. It also focuses on winter storms and the deaths that they are causing. I think that this website out of the three I focused on adheres to the Murrow standard the most. It focuses on breaking news but doesn’t seem to neglect other types of news. When browsing this website, I can find various types of news from articles about Michelle Kwan and Naomi Campbell from Obama’s interest in the White House to information about the Golden Globes, all on the same main page. The variety is fresh and encompasses many aspects of news, which I admire. I think that this site is supposed to attract everyone. However, I don’t really think it would attract people from small towns who don’t care about national or international events. This website doesn’t really focus on certain cities or towns or local news. It is a newspaper for the entire nation.
The first news site that I viewed was MSN.com. Because MSN is not just a news site, it has many things that come up as prominent placement. There are sections about cars, sports, money, video highlights, and entertainment. I think that the site does adhere to the Murrow standard of being fair and balanced, as there are many aspects to the main page is clicked on msn.com. I think that MSN.com focuses more on lifetstyle issues and not necessarily breaking news. The main headlines on the page included planning the perfect wedding, how not to end an MVP season, and a section about career moves. I think that this sites primary audience is the general public, and that they are trying to target most people by creating general lifestyle headings. I go to this site often for the broad variety of information put on the website. Additionally, MSN.com can be used as a browser in addition to Google.com and Yahoo.com, although it is more news based than those other two.
The second news site I viewed was CNN.com. Unlike MSN.com, this site is more focused on hard news. On the home page it has different titles of breaking news. As one scrolls down on the page it has other aspects and sites which one can click on for other parts of news, whether it be entertainment, technology, politics, or others. The types of stories that get the most prominent placement are the breaking news stories. Currently on the browser the top stories include information about Baghdad’s one day death toll, civilians stop terror attack at U.S. base, and about a train carrying chemicals exploding. On top of the hard news angle of this site, it also includes some other news that is more interesting and appeals to the lifestyle reader. For example, on the main page under breaking news there are links about the hit TV shows “Lost” and “American Idol”. Because of these examples I believe that the site does follow the Murrow standard of being fair and balanced. I think that the sites primary audience is a bit older than the audience for MSN.com. CNN.com is a more basic format and attracts viewers that watch CNN. Most college students my age, from my experience, do not usually watch CNN, therefore that leads me to believe that the target market is a bit older. I would go to MSN.com over CNN.com for pleasure, however if I wanted to find a hard breaking news story I would probably chose CNN.com.
For my third news site I decided to choose a news website for a newspaper. USAToday.com seemed like a good choice because of how broad it is and how much it encompasses. I enjoy USA Today because I like reading about national and entertainment news, and it is a well known newspaper across the nation. Similarly to CNN.com, the breaking news got the most prominent placement on the website. The biggest headline is the information about Baghdad’s death toll. It also focuses on winter storms and the deaths that they are causing. I think that this website out of the three I focused on adheres to the Murrow standard the most. It focuses on breaking news but doesn’t seem to neglect other types of news. When browsing this website, I can find various types of news from articles about Michelle Kwan and Naomi Campbell from Obama’s interest in the White House to information about the Golden Globes, all on the same main page. The variety is fresh and encompasses many aspects of news, which I admire. I think that this site is supposed to attract everyone. However, I don’t really think it would attract people from small towns who don’t care about national or international events. This website doesn’t really focus on certain cities or towns or local news. It is a newspaper for the entire nation.
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