Who or what is the “beast”?
The “beast” is the consumer of the news. Which includes the constant criticism and pressure from the public to get information that is accurate and reliable, while also being interesting.
Why does it need to be fed?
The public must be able to trust the media when it comes to news. However, media also needs to present interesting stories so that the public will continue to use it. Media must continue to please their audience or else they will not be trusted to present factual news.
What compromises might occur in trying to feed the 24-hour news cycle in print, TV and the internet?
When trying to feed the 24-hour news cycle in print, TV, and the internet, reporters are often pressed for time and can not find all the information they need. This can lead to the falsification of facts. Also, it may cause incomplete news stories to be relayed to the public or the stories simply do not get told at all.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Second Life Article
A representative for Second Life announced the formal launch of “3-D voice” capabilities for the virtual world during a press conference held Nov. 5.
Brett Atwood, editor of secondlife.com, publicized the change for Second Life. Second Life now uses voice technology with spatial recognition for registered users with the proper equipment to take advantage of the new tool.
According to the Second Life website, Second Life is “a 3-D virtual world entirely created by its Residents.” Second Life opened to the public in 2003 and has grown explosively since then, reaching the milestone of 10 million registered voters.
Linden Lab runs Second Life, which now inhabits millions of people from around the globe. According to the Linden Lab website, Philip Rosedale started Linden Lab in 1999 to “create a revolutionary new form of shared experience as rich and complex as the real world.”
Rosedale founded Second Life to create an environment that allows people to communicate and elaborate on projects, said Atwood. By creating 3-D voice technology, people will be able to communicate with one another more easily then relying on text.
“Our approach is to give Residents the tools to create their own unique experience, and we're hoping that many of them will develop new ways to use voice which will ultimately enrich the collective evolution of Second Life,” Rosedale said. “We believe voice is a transformative technology that will change the way Residents communicate, and will lend more immediacy and dynamism to their interaction with others.”
It is free to use Second Life; however, there are versions with additional benefits that come with a charge. To begin using Second Life, one creates an avatar which is the persona of one’s virtual world. People can make their Avatar look anyway they want and, according to Atwood, “some people take their pseudo identities very seriously.”
The public can use Second Life as a social networking device. It can also be used in the classroom for virtual lectures, virtual meetings between or within companies, for residents to sell and buy products, and many other purposes. In fact, many people use Second Life as a platform to allow other companies to build on and enable people to do things, such as perform live music, said Atwood.
According to Atwood, professors will be able to bring distant learning closer to home by holding virtual lectures where students can not only see the material but also hear the instructor’s lecture. Companies will be able to speak to people in other parts of the world while virtually designing new products. Users will be able to talk to people in different nations that they would never speak to in the past.
Whether people want to start a virtual business or simply interact with other avatars, Second Life may be the place to go. Although people may not be in the same room physically; virtually, a person is right next to someone who may really be across the world.
Brett Atwood, editor of secondlife.com, publicized the change for Second Life. Second Life now uses voice technology with spatial recognition for registered users with the proper equipment to take advantage of the new tool.
According to the Second Life website, Second Life is “a 3-D virtual world entirely created by its Residents.” Second Life opened to the public in 2003 and has grown explosively since then, reaching the milestone of 10 million registered voters.
Linden Lab runs Second Life, which now inhabits millions of people from around the globe. According to the Linden Lab website, Philip Rosedale started Linden Lab in 1999 to “create a revolutionary new form of shared experience as rich and complex as the real world.”
Rosedale founded Second Life to create an environment that allows people to communicate and elaborate on projects, said Atwood. By creating 3-D voice technology, people will be able to communicate with one another more easily then relying on text.
“Our approach is to give Residents the tools to create their own unique experience, and we're hoping that many of them will develop new ways to use voice which will ultimately enrich the collective evolution of Second Life,” Rosedale said. “We believe voice is a transformative technology that will change the way Residents communicate, and will lend more immediacy and dynamism to their interaction with others.”
It is free to use Second Life; however, there are versions with additional benefits that come with a charge. To begin using Second Life, one creates an avatar which is the persona of one’s virtual world. People can make their Avatar look anyway they want and, according to Atwood, “some people take their pseudo identities very seriously.”
The public can use Second Life as a social networking device. It can also be used in the classroom for virtual lectures, virtual meetings between or within companies, for residents to sell and buy products, and many other purposes. In fact, many people use Second Life as a platform to allow other companies to build on and enable people to do things, such as perform live music, said Atwood.
According to Atwood, professors will be able to bring distant learning closer to home by holding virtual lectures where students can not only see the material but also hear the instructor’s lecture. Companies will be able to speak to people in other parts of the world while virtually designing new products. Users will be able to talk to people in different nations that they would never speak to in the past.
Whether people want to start a virtual business or simply interact with other avatars, Second Life may be the place to go. Although people may not be in the same room physically; virtually, a person is right next to someone who may really be across the world.
Monday, October 29, 2007
In-Class Exercise: By the Numbers
The School of Journalism and the Institute for Research in Social Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill sponsored a poll asking North Carolinians whether they believe children with AIDS should be permitted to attend school with healthy children.
Residents were randomly polled and 64 percent said AIDS children should be allowed to attend school, 23 percent said they should not, and 13 percent said they had no opinion.
Of those who responded, 54 percent of high school dropouts said AIDS students should be allowed to attend, while 68 percent of college graduates agreed.
Kathy Kerr, a health educator with the AIDS Control Program of the North Carolina Division of Health Services, was optimistic about the results. “More and more people are recognizing that AIDS is not transmitted casually. You certainly don’t get AIDS by sitting next to someone in class,” Kerr said.
Residents were randomly polled and 64 percent said AIDS children should be allowed to attend school, 23 percent said they should not, and 13 percent said they had no opinion.
Of those who responded, 54 percent of high school dropouts said AIDS students should be allowed to attend, while 68 percent of college graduates agreed.
Kathy Kerr, a health educator with the AIDS Control Program of the North Carolina Division of Health Services, was optimistic about the results. “More and more people are recognizing that AIDS is not transmitted casually. You certainly don’t get AIDS by sitting next to someone in class,” Kerr said.
Student Recreation Center
Whether a Washington State University student wants to lose weight, work up a sweat, get a job, or hang out with friends, the award-winning Student Recreation Center can fulfill many students’ needs.
According to the University Recreation website, the Student Recreation Center (SRC) provides service to over 3,000 students each day. Also, over 80 percent of students access the facility each semester.
Facility Manager Matthew Roy, a WSU electrical engineering student, has worked at the SRC for over two years. He began his SRC work as a service attendant but sought out more responsibility and was promoted to facility manger.
Roy said that his favorite part about his job at the SRC is that he has the ability to walk around the building. He is able to interact with the SRC patrons and is not designated to one spot.
Despite working at the SRC for a few years, Roy is still surprised by the number of students that work out at the center. “It is a much higher number than I always expected, a great diversity of students,” Roy said.
Even though a new work out facility recently opened in downtown Pullman, Roy is still adamant about students exercising at the SRC. Unlike other centers, the SRC has personal trainers, fitness classes, intramural sports, basketball and volleyball courts, a pool, a spa, and an elevated track.
In addition, according to the SRC, students do not pay more to work out in the facility because all students have paid a mandatory charge for the SRC whether they visit it or not.
Caitlin MacKay, a junior at WSU, works at the SRC and said that her favorite part of her job is “watching people reach their fitness goals, and the awesome people I work with.” MacKay also encourages students to take advantage of the SRC’s facilities and knowledgeable staff because when at the SRC students are surrounded by their peers and friends.
A large percentage of the staff that works at the SRC are students, according to Roy. If you are interested in joining the SRC staff, you must attend a hiring information session before applying. Information about the times and dates of the sessions, as well as the SRC’s hours of operations, can be found on the SRC website or by calling 509-335-8732.
According to the University Recreation website, the Student Recreation Center (SRC) provides service to over 3,000 students each day. Also, over 80 percent of students access the facility each semester.
Facility Manager Matthew Roy, a WSU electrical engineering student, has worked at the SRC for over two years. He began his SRC work as a service attendant but sought out more responsibility and was promoted to facility manger.
Roy said that his favorite part about his job at the SRC is that he has the ability to walk around the building. He is able to interact with the SRC patrons and is not designated to one spot.
Despite working at the SRC for a few years, Roy is still surprised by the number of students that work out at the center. “It is a much higher number than I always expected, a great diversity of students,” Roy said.
Even though a new work out facility recently opened in downtown Pullman, Roy is still adamant about students exercising at the SRC. Unlike other centers, the SRC has personal trainers, fitness classes, intramural sports, basketball and volleyball courts, a pool, a spa, and an elevated track.
In addition, according to the SRC, students do not pay more to work out in the facility because all students have paid a mandatory charge for the SRC whether they visit it or not.
Caitlin MacKay, a junior at WSU, works at the SRC and said that her favorite part of her job is “watching people reach their fitness goals, and the awesome people I work with.” MacKay also encourages students to take advantage of the SRC’s facilities and knowledgeable staff because when at the SRC students are surrounded by their peers and friends.
A large percentage of the staff that works at the SRC are students, according to Roy. If you are interested in joining the SRC staff, you must attend a hiring information session before applying. Information about the times and dates of the sessions, as well as the SRC’s hours of operations, can be found on the SRC website or by calling 509-335-8732.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Study Abroad
From Switzerland to South Africa. From China to Chile. From Dubai to the Dominican Republic. The choices and opportunities are almost endless for Washington State University students who want to study abroad. That is, after they get past the fear.
Studying abroad allows students to develop international competencies that employers greatly value. According to the Education Abroad website, students at WSU have the opportunity to study in over 70 different countries. However, many students and parents, are fearful about safety when venturing into a foreign nation.
Allegra Johnson, an education abroad advisor and exchange coordinator, said that she encounters five “F’s” when it comes to students considering studying abroad. The five “F’s” include: Fear, Finances, Fit (academic fit), Family, and Friends. Johnson said students most often fear the unknown, especially going to a new country without their friends and family.
According to Johnson, many students and parents fear that they will not be able to afford studying abroad. However, there are four different study abroad programs available, one in which students pay WSU tuition, instead of extremely expensive exchange program costs.
Johnson said faculty led study abroad programs are run by WSU professors. They enhance traditional coursework by studying in a foreign nation, while students still pay WSU tuition. Also, students study with other undergraduates from WSU so it is less threatening.
Maggie Litka, a junior at WSU studying hospitality and buissness management, is going to Switzerland in the spring with a faculty led program. “At first I was very hesitant to go because I was worried about the cost and graduating on time,” Litka said. “But after talking with friends who have studied abroad, I know I would regret it if I did not go since it will look awesome on my resume and be an unforgettable experience.”
Johnson said that for those worried about the extra costs of a studying abroad program there are many options. Financial aid, departmental scholarships, and education abroad scholarships are all available for those who qualify.
Johnson urges students to consider studying abroad as it allows people to “see their major or minor from a different perspective.” Studying in a different nation allows students to learn things that they would never learn in an American classroom. Johnson said studying abroad allows students to be diversified in their discipline, which is a very marketable skill to employers and can lead to a better career after graduation.
Studying abroad allows students to develop international competencies that employers greatly value. According to the Education Abroad website, students at WSU have the opportunity to study in over 70 different countries. However, many students and parents, are fearful about safety when venturing into a foreign nation.
Allegra Johnson, an education abroad advisor and exchange coordinator, said that she encounters five “F’s” when it comes to students considering studying abroad. The five “F’s” include: Fear, Finances, Fit (academic fit), Family, and Friends. Johnson said students most often fear the unknown, especially going to a new country without their friends and family.
According to Johnson, many students and parents fear that they will not be able to afford studying abroad. However, there are four different study abroad programs available, one in which students pay WSU tuition, instead of extremely expensive exchange program costs.
Johnson said faculty led study abroad programs are run by WSU professors. They enhance traditional coursework by studying in a foreign nation, while students still pay WSU tuition. Also, students study with other undergraduates from WSU so it is less threatening.
Maggie Litka, a junior at WSU studying hospitality and buissness management, is going to Switzerland in the spring with a faculty led program. “At first I was very hesitant to go because I was worried about the cost and graduating on time,” Litka said. “But after talking with friends who have studied abroad, I know I would regret it if I did not go since it will look awesome on my resume and be an unforgettable experience.”
Johnson said that for those worried about the extra costs of a studying abroad program there are many options. Financial aid, departmental scholarships, and education abroad scholarships are all available for those who qualify.
Johnson urges students to consider studying abroad as it allows people to “see their major or minor from a different perspective.” Studying in a different nation allows students to learn things that they would never learn in an American classroom. Johnson said studying abroad allows students to be diversified in their discipline, which is a very marketable skill to employers and can lead to a better career after graduation.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Research Exercise
1. The offenses known to law enforcement at Washington State University in 2006 include 6 violent crimes, 4 forcible rapes, 2 cases of aggravated assault, 200 property crimes, 30 burglaries, 167 larceny-thefts, 3 arson cases, and 3 vehicle thefts. WSU tends to have a lower number of crimes than the University of Washington. However, UW has over 39,000 students enrolled while WSU has just over 23,000 students. In general, WSU has more known offenses than all of the other major Washington universities; but they all have a much lower student enrollment as well. Basically, across Washington’s colleges the crime rate is fairly consistent with the number of students enrolled.
2. House Candidate= Troy Kelley received $305,599
Senate Candidate= Christopher J. Marr received $565,880
Kelley: Largest donator besides self was Washington State Democratic Party- gave $42,974
Marr: Largest donor besides self was Washington State Democratic Party- gave $46,615
Most generous anti-gun control: Gun Owners Action League of Washington, Republican Party is getting most donations from them- 78.8%
Largest insurance donator: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. – gave all of their money to ballot measures
Largest beer/wine donator: Anheuser-Busch – Arnold Schwarzenegger received most money
Largest gambling/casino donator: Harrah’s – spent money on Rhode Islanders for Jobs and Tax Relief Inc. A/K/A Compete RI
3. I searched my own name on Google and found a Sarah Ducharme that is the president of New England Network Group Inc. She is married to Principal David Ducharme. She lives in Salem, MA and deals with sales and finance.
2. House Candidate= Troy Kelley received $305,599
Senate Candidate= Christopher J. Marr received $565,880
Kelley: Largest donator besides self was Washington State Democratic Party- gave $42,974
Marr: Largest donor besides self was Washington State Democratic Party- gave $46,615
Most generous anti-gun control: Gun Owners Action League of Washington, Republican Party is getting most donations from them- 78.8%
Largest insurance donator: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. – gave all of their money to ballot measures
Largest beer/wine donator: Anheuser-Busch – Arnold Schwarzenegger received most money
Largest gambling/casino donator: Harrah’s – spent money on Rhode Islanders for Jobs and Tax Relief Inc. A/K/A Compete RI
3. I searched my own name on Google and found a Sarah Ducharme that is the president of New England Network Group Inc. She is married to Principal David Ducharme. She lives in Salem, MA and deals with sales and finance.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Narrative Lead
Sylvester streached his long legs and slowly eyed his competitors. As the yellow flag dropped he took off down the 100 yard course, leaving his opponents in the dust. The seven year veteran never broke stride as he hugged the inside lane. All it took was a few seconds.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Special Lead Examples
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/television/2003919489_biggestloser03.html
This is a contrast lead
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Not making the final cut to be on the TV reality show "The Biggest Loser" was devastating for Terena McCarter.
But, six months later, McCarter, 34, is 80 pounds lighter and getting ready for her own "Big Reveal" at the end of October.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003921658_webchilly03m.html
This is a question lead
Feel a bit chilly for early October? The National Weather Service forecast may make you shiver even more.
This is a contrast lead
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Not making the final cut to be on the TV reality show "The Biggest Loser" was devastating for Terena McCarter.
But, six months later, McCarter, 34, is 80 pounds lighter and getting ready for her own "Big Reveal" at the end of October.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003921658_webchilly03m.html
This is a question lead
Feel a bit chilly for early October? The National Weather Service forecast may make you shiver even more.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Hourglass Story
Three university police officers were injured during a protest on campus Friday that resulted in 22 arrests.
More than 200 demonstrators—most of them students—were on campus during the Board of Regents meeting. One of the items on the regents’ agenda was the university’s plan to require a class in cultural diversity for all faculty.
All of the 22 arrested were students. Twenty-one were taken to County Jail. Their attorney, Susan J. Keegan, said that she expected bail to be set at $500 apiece. The 22nd student, a 17-year-old high school senior, was released into his parents’ custody.
All of those arrested were charged with trespassing on state property after they refused to disperse. Twelve were also charged with resisting arrest. Ten were charged with assault after they allegedly threw rocks and bottles at university police officers.
The protest was organized by two newly formed campus groups, Students Against Racism and the American Student Organization.
“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.”
“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.
Peterson gave the following account of the incident:
Peterson said he did not call extra officers in until the protesters started marching. Then, about 60 police officers, two of them on horseback, started toward the demonstrators.
Peterson said that his three officers were injured when they were hit by stones or bottles.
Peterson said the two groups began a rally at noon. The regents had been meeting since 8 a.m. and were on their lunch break in the Student Union from noon to 1:30 p.m. The first item on their afternoon agenda was the class requirement. Currently, students must take a class in diversity, but faculty do not.
Officer Andrea Wilson was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital with a gash on her forehead. She was the first officer hit, Peterson said. Officer James Nelson and Sgt. Jerico Turner were taken to Community Hospital with bruises they received from thrown items, Peterson added.
At about 1:15 p.m., protesters from both groups started marching to Regents Hall, where they hoped to meet the regents at the steps as the officials returned from lunch, Peterson said.
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.”
Until extra officers were called in, there were a half dozen officers watching the two groups. They were about 25 yards away.
Peterson said that the protesters were stopped midway between the fountain and Regents Hall, near the Liberal Arts Building.
He said that officers using bullhorns ordered the demonstrators to disperse.
Peterson said that the demonstrators refused.
By 1:25 p.m., the demonstration was at its worst, Peterson said. That’s when most of the protesters started shouting directly at the police and began throwing things at them, Peterson added.
Officer Wilson was hit in the head about that time, Peterson said.
He said that by 1:30 p.m., most of the demonstrators began to back off. Those who did not were arrested, he added.
Peterson said that the two officers on horseback were used to push back the crowds.
“The horses worked well,” he said. “The demonstrators were not afraid to push police officers, but they couldn’t push the horses.”
Peterson said that the protest delayed the beginning of the afternoon session of the regents meeting. The regents stayed in the Student Union until about 2 p.m. and then returned to Regents Hall, he said.
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 will continue protesting until the regents vote to mandate faculty training,” Walterson said. “We’re done negotiating with them. Now it is time to cause trouble.” Walterson said that there will be more rallies, not only at the next regents meeting but before then.
“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.
Brian Allen, a senior biology student and president of the American Student Organization, said his group will continue protesting, too.
“We’ll do whatever it takes to keep the regents from caving into every demand that comes along,” he said. “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 two groups never began fighting, but they kept screaming at each other as though they would begin a brawl at any second,” Peterson said. “There never would have been a problem if they simply would have moved back when we asked them. Instead, both groups decided to gang up against the police.”
More than 200 demonstrators—most of them students—were on campus during the Board of Regents meeting. One of the items on the regents’ agenda was the university’s plan to require a class in cultural diversity for all faculty.
All of the 22 arrested were students. Twenty-one were taken to County Jail. Their attorney, Susan J. Keegan, said that she expected bail to be set at $500 apiece. The 22nd student, a 17-year-old high school senior, was released into his parents’ custody.
All of those arrested were charged with trespassing on state property after they refused to disperse. Twelve were also charged with resisting arrest. Ten were charged with assault after they allegedly threw rocks and bottles at university police officers.
The protest was organized by two newly formed campus groups, Students Against Racism and the American Student Organization.
“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.”
“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.
Peterson gave the following account of the incident:
Peterson said he did not call extra officers in until the protesters started marching. Then, about 60 police officers, two of them on horseback, started toward the demonstrators.
Peterson said that his three officers were injured when they were hit by stones or bottles.
Peterson said the two groups began a rally at noon. The regents had been meeting since 8 a.m. and were on their lunch break in the Student Union from noon to 1:30 p.m. The first item on their afternoon agenda was the class requirement. Currently, students must take a class in diversity, but faculty do not.
Officer Andrea Wilson was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital with a gash on her forehead. She was the first officer hit, Peterson said. Officer James Nelson and Sgt. Jerico Turner were taken to Community Hospital with bruises they received from thrown items, Peterson added.
At about 1:15 p.m., protesters from both groups started marching to Regents Hall, where they hoped to meet the regents at the steps as the officials returned from lunch, Peterson said.
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.”
Until extra officers were called in, there were a half dozen officers watching the two groups. They were about 25 yards away.
Peterson said that the protesters were stopped midway between the fountain and Regents Hall, near the Liberal Arts Building.
He said that officers using bullhorns ordered the demonstrators to disperse.
Peterson said that the demonstrators refused.
By 1:25 p.m., the demonstration was at its worst, Peterson said. That’s when most of the protesters started shouting directly at the police and began throwing things at them, Peterson added.
Officer Wilson was hit in the head about that time, Peterson said.
He said that by 1:30 p.m., most of the demonstrators began to back off. Those who did not were arrested, he added.
Peterson said that the two officers on horseback were used to push back the crowds.
“The horses worked well,” he said. “The demonstrators were not afraid to push police officers, but they couldn’t push the horses.”
Peterson said that the protest delayed the beginning of the afternoon session of the regents meeting. The regents stayed in the Student Union until about 2 p.m. and then returned to Regents Hall, he said.
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 will continue protesting until the regents vote to mandate faculty training,” Walterson said. “We’re done negotiating with them. Now it is time to cause trouble.” Walterson said that there will be more rallies, not only at the next regents meeting but before then.
“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.
Brian Allen, a senior biology student and president of the American Student Organization, said his group will continue protesting, too.
“We’ll do whatever it takes to keep the regents from caving into every demand that comes along,” he said. “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 two groups never began fighting, but they kept screaming at each other as though they would begin a brawl at any second,” Peterson said. “There never would have been a problem if they simply would have moved back when we asked them. Instead, both groups decided to gang up against the police.”
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Second day lead
Police continue to search for the 4-year-old girl who remains missing since her parents left her home with a babysitter on tuesday night.
Police officers knocked on every door in the six block area around the house of the missing girl, Angela Melissa Norton, asking neighbors if they saw or heard anything related to the childs disappearance. Also, police continue to question the girl's parents and babysitter
Maria L. Norton, the mother, met with reporters gathered outside the home. "We are begging anyone who might have seen our daughter to please call the police or us. 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."
Police officers knocked on every door in the six block area around the house of the missing girl, Angela Melissa Norton, asking neighbors if they saw or heard anything related to the childs disappearance. Also, police continue to question the girl's parents and babysitter
Maria L. Norton, the mother, met with reporters gathered outside the home. "We are begging anyone who might have seen our daughter to please call the police or us. 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, September 23, 2007
IMPACT Class
Washington State University’s Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Assessment, and Prevention Services (ADCAPS) changed their alcohol and drug education class this year in hopes of better educating students on safe drinking habits.
Many students at WSU are cited with alcohol violations each year, especially those who are underage. Student Conduct notifies ADCAPS when students break the law and those students are required to take the IMPACT class. Graduate students and counselors run IMPACT and teach students safe ways to consume alcohol without causing injury to themselves or others.
When a student receives a violation they take an online survey about their alcohol consumption patterns. The survey helps ADCAPS determine if they will be enrolled in IMPACT or if they need to meet with a counselor one-on-one. According to ADCAPS, of the 500 to 600 students who receive a violation, about half meet with a private counselor.
As opposed to previous years where the classes were only available once a week, students now have three days each week to attend the class. Ginny Hauser, program assistant of ADCAPS, is confident that the improved program will decrease alcohol related problems in Pullman.
Hauser said that this year, before students take the online survey, they participate in a “pouring demo.” The demo is an IMPACT Orientation that shows students exactly how much one drink is. It teaches students the difference between types of drinks (beer, wine, hard alcohol, wine coolers, etc.) and the sizes of containers in which they are consumed.
According to Hauser, students then take the online survey and use their new knowledge to better answer the questions. Students are then asked to schedule an appointment with a counselor or sign up for the IMPACT class. With completion of the survey, students immediately receive personalized feedback about their alcohol use.
According to many students, in previous years the class has not been entirely effective. Twenty-year-old Heather Bromberg, a WSU junior, received a strike her freshman year and spoke with a counselor. Bromberg said that speaking with the counselor “scared me into not wanting to drink.” However, she received a second strike one year later. Bromberg wishes that she had been taught safer ways to drink as it is inevitable that many college students will consume alcohol. Bromberg said it is better to teach safety then abstinence.
This year ADCAPS wants to teach students how to “party safe, party smart,” Hauser said. The counseling service wants to educate students about how to be “safe and healthy, the goal is not to get minors into trouble.”
Counselors urge students who may have an alcohol or drug problem to contact Washington State University Counseling and Testing Services at 509-335-4511.
Many students at WSU are cited with alcohol violations each year, especially those who are underage. Student Conduct notifies ADCAPS when students break the law and those students are required to take the IMPACT class. Graduate students and counselors run IMPACT and teach students safe ways to consume alcohol without causing injury to themselves or others.
When a student receives a violation they take an online survey about their alcohol consumption patterns. The survey helps ADCAPS determine if they will be enrolled in IMPACT or if they need to meet with a counselor one-on-one. According to ADCAPS, of the 500 to 600 students who receive a violation, about half meet with a private counselor.
As opposed to previous years where the classes were only available once a week, students now have three days each week to attend the class. Ginny Hauser, program assistant of ADCAPS, is confident that the improved program will decrease alcohol related problems in Pullman.
Hauser said that this year, before students take the online survey, they participate in a “pouring demo.” The demo is an IMPACT Orientation that shows students exactly how much one drink is. It teaches students the difference between types of drinks (beer, wine, hard alcohol, wine coolers, etc.) and the sizes of containers in which they are consumed.
According to Hauser, students then take the online survey and use their new knowledge to better answer the questions. Students are then asked to schedule an appointment with a counselor or sign up for the IMPACT class. With completion of the survey, students immediately receive personalized feedback about their alcohol use.
According to many students, in previous years the class has not been entirely effective. Twenty-year-old Heather Bromberg, a WSU junior, received a strike her freshman year and spoke with a counselor. Bromberg said that speaking with the counselor “scared me into not wanting to drink.” However, she received a second strike one year later. Bromberg wishes that she had been taught safer ways to drink as it is inevitable that many college students will consume alcohol. Bromberg said it is better to teach safety then abstinence.
This year ADCAPS wants to teach students how to “party safe, party smart,” Hauser said. The counseling service wants to educate students about how to be “safe and healthy, the goal is not to get minors into trouble.”
Counselors urge students who may have an alcohol or drug problem to contact Washington State University Counseling and Testing Services at 509-335-4511.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
In-Class Summary Lead
A 20-year-old man died yesterday after he smashed his car into a utility pole on Broad Street in Moscow.
John Frazier was killed instantly when he lost control of his car and was thrown through the car's windshield. Frazier neglected to wear his seat belt and was driving about 20 mph over the speed limit while the roads were slick from rainfall. The impact crushed the front of the car, in which Frazier was the only passanger.
John Frazier was killed instantly when he lost control of his car and was thrown through the car's windshield. Frazier neglected to wear his seat belt and was driving about 20 mph over the speed limit while the roads were slick from rainfall. The impact crushed the front of the car, in which Frazier was the only passanger.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Summary Lead example
Seattle Times
September 18, 2007
Fed makes aggressive half-point rate cut
The Federal Reserve cut a key interest rate for the first time in four years, starting with an aggressive half-point move to prevent a steep housing slump and turbulent financial markets from triggering a recession.
September 18, 2007
Fed makes aggressive half-point rate cut
The Federal Reserve cut a key interest rate for the first time in four years, starting with an aggressive half-point move to prevent a steep housing slump and turbulent financial markets from triggering a recession.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Three Pitches
Dear Editor:
Alcohol is often a problem at major universities such as Washington State University; but how effective are the alcohol education classes that students are forced to take after receiving a strike in eradicating alcohol use among minors?
At WSU students are allowed three strikes when it comes to activities that go against student conduct rules. If the receive three strikes they are expelled from the university unless they repel. However, after one strike students are forced to take an alcohol education class.
I would like to investigate if this class even prevents alcohol use by minors as many people who take the class end up getting a second and even third strike. I would like to write an article on how effective the class is and if there are other programs available for preventing alcohol related problems. I will speak with people in the Office of Student Affairs as well as students who have attended the class.
Sincerely,
Sarah Ducharme
Dear Editor:
When asked what they miss most from home, many college students say their favorite pets. So why not have a furry companion at school?
The Whitman County Humane Society in Pullman has many household pets that are waiting to be adopted. By adopting animals, people have a constant companion and they save the life of an animal in need. Not only are animals from the humane society much cheaper than animals from a breeder, they also come with up-to-date shots and they are spayed or neutered.
My article will show that positive and negative sides of adopting a pet instead of buying one from a breeder. I will interview people from the humane society, a local breeder, and a student who has adopted an animal.
Thank you for your time,
Sarah Ducharme
Dear Editor:
Many students at Washington State University use the Student Recreation Center on a regular basis and know how to use the equipment correctly. However, there are also students who are afraid to use certain equipment because they do not know the proper way to use them or they do not know what to do in order to meet their fitness goals.
The Recreation Center has personal trainers available for students to get one-on-one training from a knowledgeable source. The personal trainers cost a lot more per session than most college students are able to afford.
I would like to research how many students pay for the service, as well as find out from students how much they would be willing to spend on a trainer. I would interview trainers and a manager from the Recreation Center to see if they have anyone available to show students how to use equipment for free.
Thank you,
Sarah Ducharme
Alcohol is often a problem at major universities such as Washington State University; but how effective are the alcohol education classes that students are forced to take after receiving a strike in eradicating alcohol use among minors?
At WSU students are allowed three strikes when it comes to activities that go against student conduct rules. If the receive three strikes they are expelled from the university unless they repel. However, after one strike students are forced to take an alcohol education class.
I would like to investigate if this class even prevents alcohol use by minors as many people who take the class end up getting a second and even third strike. I would like to write an article on how effective the class is and if there are other programs available for preventing alcohol related problems. I will speak with people in the Office of Student Affairs as well as students who have attended the class.
Sincerely,
Sarah Ducharme
Dear Editor:
When asked what they miss most from home, many college students say their favorite pets. So why not have a furry companion at school?
The Whitman County Humane Society in Pullman has many household pets that are waiting to be adopted. By adopting animals, people have a constant companion and they save the life of an animal in need. Not only are animals from the humane society much cheaper than animals from a breeder, they also come with up-to-date shots and they are spayed or neutered.
My article will show that positive and negative sides of adopting a pet instead of buying one from a breeder. I will interview people from the humane society, a local breeder, and a student who has adopted an animal.
Thank you for your time,
Sarah Ducharme
Dear Editor:
Many students at Washington State University use the Student Recreation Center on a regular basis and know how to use the equipment correctly. However, there are also students who are afraid to use certain equipment because they do not know the proper way to use them or they do not know what to do in order to meet their fitness goals.
The Recreation Center has personal trainers available for students to get one-on-one training from a knowledgeable source. The personal trainers cost a lot more per session than most college students are able to afford.
I would like to research how many students pay for the service, as well as find out from students how much they would be willing to spend on a trainer. I would interview trainers and a manager from the Recreation Center to see if they have anyone available to show students how to use equipment for free.
Thank you,
Sarah Ducharme
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Compare and Contrast
When I examined three news sites, I found it very interesting to see how the front page stories differ depending on the region and primary audience the newspapers and sites are created for.
I first looked at the New York Times website. This website adheres to the “Murrow Standard” as it addresses multiple topics such as politics, international news, sports, and personal interest stories. The New York Times picks stories for the front page that they feel the majority of the public could find a story that they would be interested in. It mostly covers national news as their primary audience is everyone from both sides of the nation. The stories are all written towards and older readership than the other sites. I was, however, a bit surprised that the most prominent story with a large picture at the top of the site was about the U.S. Open. Other prominent pieces included stories on Iraqi refugees and plummeting stock prices. Unlike the other 2 sites I visited, the story on Idaho Senator Larry E. Craig was very small and did not have a distinctive headline that told you exactly what the story was about.
I also looked at the Seattle Times website because I live close to Seattle and it is the newspaper I generally read. The judgment that this paper uses for choosing which stories to feature first is more based on the region that the paper is based than the New York Times which is a national paper. The Seattle Times does include many of the same stories as The New York Times, however, there are also many articles pertaining to the west side of Washington. The primary audience of this site is people from Western Washington who want to know what is going on in their area as well as important events happening across the world.
The last site I looked at was Fox News. Fox does not hold up to the “Murrow Standard” as well as the other two sites. At first the site looks as though they are covering important news stories that affect Americans but directly below the small column of headlining stories there is a similarly sized section on celebrities. They did place “important” stories at the top of the website but there are far less of these stories than on the other two websites. The primary audience for the Fox News website is people who want a general understanding of the major news stories of the day, but are also interested in celebrity life and social aspects of America.
Of the three website, I would most commonly visit The Seattle Times site. I have been reading the newspaper for many years and I enjoy that many of the stories tell me information about people and events in the area I live. I also like how it has a good balance between national news as well as interesting personal stories that people enjoy reading.
I first looked at the New York Times website. This website adheres to the “Murrow Standard” as it addresses multiple topics such as politics, international news, sports, and personal interest stories. The New York Times picks stories for the front page that they feel the majority of the public could find a story that they would be interested in. It mostly covers national news as their primary audience is everyone from both sides of the nation. The stories are all written towards and older readership than the other sites. I was, however, a bit surprised that the most prominent story with a large picture at the top of the site was about the U.S. Open. Other prominent pieces included stories on Iraqi refugees and plummeting stock prices. Unlike the other 2 sites I visited, the story on Idaho Senator Larry E. Craig was very small and did not have a distinctive headline that told you exactly what the story was about.
I also looked at the Seattle Times website because I live close to Seattle and it is the newspaper I generally read. The judgment that this paper uses for choosing which stories to feature first is more based on the region that the paper is based than the New York Times which is a national paper. The Seattle Times does include many of the same stories as The New York Times, however, there are also many articles pertaining to the west side of Washington. The primary audience of this site is people from Western Washington who want to know what is going on in their area as well as important events happening across the world.
The last site I looked at was Fox News. Fox does not hold up to the “Murrow Standard” as well as the other two sites. At first the site looks as though they are covering important news stories that affect Americans but directly below the small column of headlining stories there is a similarly sized section on celebrities. They did place “important” stories at the top of the website but there are far less of these stories than on the other two websites. The primary audience for the Fox News website is people who want a general understanding of the major news stories of the day, but are also interested in celebrity life and social aspects of America.
Of the three website, I would most commonly visit The Seattle Times site. I have been reading the newspaper for many years and I enjoy that many of the stories tell me information about people and events in the area I live. I also like how it has a good balance between national news as well as interesting personal stories that people enjoy reading.
Monday, August 20, 2007
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