1. With new technology being released all the time that has the ability to alter photographs, video and sound clips, it is hard to know what is real and what is fake. For this reason many questions involving ethics arise. In my personal opinion, I do not think there is ever a time where altering a picture for the mass media is ethically right. The reason I believe this is because if this was a common practice among journalists, then they would be able to sway story in the direction they wanted regardless of whether the story is factual or not. This would make the general public question whether anything in the media was real. This would also go against the moral code of journalists to always tell the truth in news.
2. When it comes to sensationalizing the news to get reader's attention, I think that companies need to follow their set of guidelines. If a company is set on telling the truth and having a balanced newsroom then they should stick to both normal and exciting news. However, in this day and age with so many media outlets demanding consumer attention, I think it is ok to gear news stories to grab consumers attention. Although more basic news is pushed aside, as long as companies continue to tell the truth and make sure they are not lying to get ratings, I find it ok to adjust to what consumers want.
3. Junkets are invitations given to journalists by companies who are attempting to influence journalists reviews on their new product. However, this can present problems when the journalist is experiencing a conflict of interest due to an ethical dilemma. For example, if a journalist finds a safety problem with a product that a company is trying to sell it will be difficult for the journalist to release that information if the company has just paid for a trip to Europe, all expenses paid. Even though journalists are morally required to tell the truth when it comes to problems such as safety, the company may have achieved their goal by persuading the journalist in showing them a good time.
4. Fake news is not a new phenomena, however, with the increase in media outlets, such a the internet, it seems as though anyone can now attempt to fool mass media. When a completely sensational, outrageous story is released many news outlets fall for the hoax and release the story. One of the reasons that this is happens is because mass media is always looking for attention-grabbing news that the public will want to read. The more interesting and unusual the story the more likely there will be in increase in the public viewing and absorbing that certain media outlet. Therefore, radio, newspapers, television and the internet are constantly looking for the newest thing to relay to their audiences. I think that the internet is more likely to fall for these pranks of fake news because they need all the news they can get to stand out. As there are so many different news websites, each site needs to find something that will make then stand out from the rest. This is the reason that many of these websites will turn to exciting, new things that will show that they are different than the rest.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Second Life Enterprise Beta
On November 4, 2009 at Washington State University, Linden Lab’s Web Content Strategist, Brett Atwood administered a press conference to introduce the company’s newest product offered through Second Life, the world’s leading 3D virtual world environment.
The new product named Second Life Enterprise Beta, which will be introduced to the general public in early 2010, is a program that is designed to work behind the company’s firewall to enable company members to have virtual conferences. These virtual conferences would replace the traditional travel that is required when a nationwide company needs to meet but is unable to afford the necessary costs.
According to Atwood, because of the high cost of travel and a distributed workforce, Second Life Enterprise Beta creates a place for real time voice and gives a place to chat and collaborate. This virtual workplace is an efficient way to connect employees and release information confidentially in secure network.
During the press conference Atwood discussed that many companies have been experimenting with Second Life Enterprise Beta. Some of these companies include IBM, Amazon, NASA, Dell and Cisco. They have successfully held virtual meetings, conducted new hire orientations, introduced team building exercises and recruited new employees.
This program is an investment for companies. Atwood explained that the cost for the program is $55,000, and that the price could go up based on specific requests and needs. This initial cost however, is a small amount compared to the money the company will save by using the online virtual conferencing offered by Second Life Enterprise Beta. Having the online option to hold business meetings from employees desks eliminates the cost of travel for the company.
In addition to the money saving ability of Second Life Enterprise Beta, Linden Lab is making the installation of the program easy for anyone who purchases it. In information released by the company it explains in more detail on proper installation techniques.
“SL Enterprise is a complete business solution and rich experience right out of the box, so you can install the solution and start using it immediately,” Linden Lab said. “The solution comes with 7 pre-built regions including traditional corporate office buildings and meeting spaces, a more whimsical lunar landing collaboration area, and a large amphitheater that can accommodate up to 200+ people in a single meeting.”
The new product named Second Life Enterprise Beta, which will be introduced to the general public in early 2010, is a program that is designed to work behind the company’s firewall to enable company members to have virtual conferences. These virtual conferences would replace the traditional travel that is required when a nationwide company needs to meet but is unable to afford the necessary costs.
According to Atwood, because of the high cost of travel and a distributed workforce, Second Life Enterprise Beta creates a place for real time voice and gives a place to chat and collaborate. This virtual workplace is an efficient way to connect employees and release information confidentially in secure network.
During the press conference Atwood discussed that many companies have been experimenting with Second Life Enterprise Beta. Some of these companies include IBM, Amazon, NASA, Dell and Cisco. They have successfully held virtual meetings, conducted new hire orientations, introduced team building exercises and recruited new employees.
This program is an investment for companies. Atwood explained that the cost for the program is $55,000, and that the price could go up based on specific requests and needs. This initial cost however, is a small amount compared to the money the company will save by using the online virtual conferencing offered by Second Life Enterprise Beta. Having the online option to hold business meetings from employees desks eliminates the cost of travel for the company.
In addition to the money saving ability of Second Life Enterprise Beta, Linden Lab is making the installation of the program easy for anyone who purchases it. In information released by the company it explains in more detail on proper installation techniques.
“SL Enterprise is a complete business solution and rich experience right out of the box, so you can install the solution and start using it immediately,” Linden Lab said. “The solution comes with 7 pre-built regions including traditional corporate office buildings and meeting spaces, a more whimsical lunar landing collaboration area, and a large amphitheater that can accommodate up to 200+ people in a single meeting.”
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Study Abroad Feature Piece
“I arrived at the airport in Seattle alone.” Ainara E. Lightfoot, Washington State University senior, said as she reminisced the beginning of her study abroad trip to South Africa. “I was shaking because I was on my way to Africa…but there was no turning back, I had to go.”
Lightfoot boarded the plane mid-June traveling into the unknown of a five week study abroad program to Stellenbosch, South Africa. After a grueling plane ride directly to Amsterdam from Seattle, Lightfoot met up with the people that would she would be spending the next five weeks with in her study abroad program. This group would spend the next five weeks traveling and learning together in an academic and cultural experience that would strongly influence Lightfoot and her view of the world.
Like many undergraduate students, Lightfoot was traveling across the world to experience a new culture and country. Some deem study abroad as a necessary experience to their cultural identity and academic education.
According to Lightfoot, “studying abroad is so important because it promotes diversity and cultural tolerance.”
Every student has a different reason for studying abroad, and the place that they choose to study. For Lightfoot, studying in South Africa was important for many reasons. Lightfoot, a Political Science major, chose to study in South Africa because of the opportunity to be educated on the complex racial and political relations in the country.
“I had always studied the major issues in South Africa and I really wanted to be able to experience them first hand.” Lightfoot said. “I wanted to get more out of it that just a good time; I just wanted to make some sort of change in my life.”
Another reason for her desire to study abroad, specifically in South Africa, is because her mother is from Bilbao, Spain, and she has had traveled her whole life to European countries. After experiencing Europe and its culture, she wanted to explore a different part of the world.
“I wanted to experience something different and I knew South Africa would take me out of my comfort zone and show me something completely different and unforgettable.”
A new and unforgettable experience was exactly what she got. During her time at Stellenbosch University, the school where her program was based, she was able to learn about much more than just the average class subject. Her first hand experiences are something that she will be able to carry with her for the rest of her life.
Not only were the experiences during her trip memorable, but they opened her eyes to the multitude of problems in the world that Americans are not faced with on a day-to-day basis. One of the most memorable times she had in South Africa was when she visited a township outside of Stellenbosch.
“We were able to visit a slum and see the aftermath of some of the atrocities performed by the government before the apartheid.” Lightfoot said, with a twinge of sadness in her voice. “Many young people were killed because the young were the main supporters of the apartheid. After their death their families were unable to afford a proper burial so now there are thousands of unmarked graves. We were able to visit these graves as well as the families of the young people who were killed.”
During her visit they were able to hear about the struggles that many of the people in these areas experienced before the new government was voted in, and before the apartheid ended.
While there, she learned more about the culture in these slums, and she also learned some lessons about life.
“While we were there we were able to eat a local place,” she said. “It was literally just a shack, but it had amazing food. The place was called Andy Braii, and it was one man who cooked an African form of Barbecue. While we were eating the man was talking to us and started crying. He could not believe that we would come to eat at his restaurant when we could eat in the best places in the world. He was so honored that we would come to see how other people live and we were willing to make a difference and help make a change.”
To Lightfoot this was the best part of the trip. She said that it was amazing to see that even in this poor slum, where hope is very bleak, people are happy and are willing to share their story.
This is just one incident that would forever change the way she looks at the world. Many of Lightfoot’s experiences changed her views of the world, but some experiences changed her views of America.
During a wine tasting trip with her classmates, they were able to stop at Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison, the prison where Nelson Mandela was released from. This is still a functioning prison where thousands of people are still held.
“When we got out off of the bus to take pictures, we decided to take group pictures in front of a statue of Nelson Mandela out in front of the prison,” she said. “Everyone in my program decided it was a good idea to do the “black power” sign to imitate Mandela. I could not believe how insensitive it was that we, as privileged, white Americans would do a sign that has no meaning to us in front of family members of those in prison. It was something I could not be a part of.”
This incident opened Lightfoot’s eyes to how, in her opinion, some Americans are just so unaware of the rest of the world.
Although she was able to see differences in the culture and experience new things, she was truly surprised at some of the similarities that both America and South Africa shared.
“It is very much an industrial country, especially in the cities,” She said. “But the thing that really was like home was some of the interactions. South Africa has a huge sports culture, and like America, people go to the bar to watch the game.”
Through the differences and similarities, experiences both good and bad, Lightfoot would not alter the experience for anything. The whole study abroad trip changed her life.
“Studying abroad definitely made me more aware of complexities behind issues. You can say you want to fix things, but there are so many more issues than aid, political issues and politics in general,” she said.
Lightfoot is incredibly encouraging to people who are interested in studying abroad. It changed her life for the better and she would recommend it to anyone.
“Studying abroad is insightful in terms of what impact you can make on the rest of the world and how other people live.”
Lightfoot boarded the plane mid-June traveling into the unknown of a five week study abroad program to Stellenbosch, South Africa. After a grueling plane ride directly to Amsterdam from Seattle, Lightfoot met up with the people that would she would be spending the next five weeks with in her study abroad program. This group would spend the next five weeks traveling and learning together in an academic and cultural experience that would strongly influence Lightfoot and her view of the world.
Like many undergraduate students, Lightfoot was traveling across the world to experience a new culture and country. Some deem study abroad as a necessary experience to their cultural identity and academic education.
According to Lightfoot, “studying abroad is so important because it promotes diversity and cultural tolerance.”
Every student has a different reason for studying abroad, and the place that they choose to study. For Lightfoot, studying in South Africa was important for many reasons. Lightfoot, a Political Science major, chose to study in South Africa because of the opportunity to be educated on the complex racial and political relations in the country.
“I had always studied the major issues in South Africa and I really wanted to be able to experience them first hand.” Lightfoot said. “I wanted to get more out of it that just a good time; I just wanted to make some sort of change in my life.”
Another reason for her desire to study abroad, specifically in South Africa, is because her mother is from Bilbao, Spain, and she has had traveled her whole life to European countries. After experiencing Europe and its culture, she wanted to explore a different part of the world.
“I wanted to experience something different and I knew South Africa would take me out of my comfort zone and show me something completely different and unforgettable.”
A new and unforgettable experience was exactly what she got. During her time at Stellenbosch University, the school where her program was based, she was able to learn about much more than just the average class subject. Her first hand experiences are something that she will be able to carry with her for the rest of her life.
Not only were the experiences during her trip memorable, but they opened her eyes to the multitude of problems in the world that Americans are not faced with on a day-to-day basis. One of the most memorable times she had in South Africa was when she visited a township outside of Stellenbosch.
“We were able to visit a slum and see the aftermath of some of the atrocities performed by the government before the apartheid.” Lightfoot said, with a twinge of sadness in her voice. “Many young people were killed because the young were the main supporters of the apartheid. After their death their families were unable to afford a proper burial so now there are thousands of unmarked graves. We were able to visit these graves as well as the families of the young people who were killed.”
During her visit they were able to hear about the struggles that many of the people in these areas experienced before the new government was voted in, and before the apartheid ended.
While there, she learned more about the culture in these slums, and she also learned some lessons about life.
“While we were there we were able to eat a local place,” she said. “It was literally just a shack, but it had amazing food. The place was called Andy Braii, and it was one man who cooked an African form of Barbecue. While we were eating the man was talking to us and started crying. He could not believe that we would come to eat at his restaurant when we could eat in the best places in the world. He was so honored that we would come to see how other people live and we were willing to make a difference and help make a change.”
To Lightfoot this was the best part of the trip. She said that it was amazing to see that even in this poor slum, where hope is very bleak, people are happy and are willing to share their story.
This is just one incident that would forever change the way she looks at the world. Many of Lightfoot’s experiences changed her views of the world, but some experiences changed her views of America.
During a wine tasting trip with her classmates, they were able to stop at Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison, the prison where Nelson Mandela was released from. This is still a functioning prison where thousands of people are still held.
“When we got out off of the bus to take pictures, we decided to take group pictures in front of a statue of Nelson Mandela out in front of the prison,” she said. “Everyone in my program decided it was a good idea to do the “black power” sign to imitate Mandela. I could not believe how insensitive it was that we, as privileged, white Americans would do a sign that has no meaning to us in front of family members of those in prison. It was something I could not be a part of.”
This incident opened Lightfoot’s eyes to how, in her opinion, some Americans are just so unaware of the rest of the world.
Although she was able to see differences in the culture and experience new things, she was truly surprised at some of the similarities that both America and South Africa shared.
“It is very much an industrial country, especially in the cities,” She said. “But the thing that really was like home was some of the interactions. South Africa has a huge sports culture, and like America, people go to the bar to watch the game.”
Through the differences and similarities, experiences both good and bad, Lightfoot would not alter the experience for anything. The whole study abroad trip changed her life.
“Studying abroad definitely made me more aware of complexities behind issues. You can say you want to fix things, but there are so many more issues than aid, political issues and politics in general,” she said.
Lightfoot is incredibly encouraging to people who are interested in studying abroad. It changed her life for the better and she would recommend it to anyone.
“Studying abroad is insightful in terms of what impact you can make on the rest of the world and how other people live.”
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Frontline
Frontline takes a look at how media is changing in a series called "News War." In this series Frontline addresses how the traditional ways of obtaining and reporting the news are slowly fazing out while new and different types of outlets are emerging. One type of reporting that is becoming more and more popular is news on the internet. Although newspapers are losing advertising revenue to this new type of media, the internet is reaching broader audiences and is obtaining news more quickly. It is also allowing people who are not actual journalists to commit acts of journalism, breaking open media from all sources instead of concentrating to journalists only.
I think this change could both benefit and hinder media for the future. This new type of media is allowing everyday citizens to get up-to-date information with ease of access instead of having to wait for the 6 o'clock news to get information. They are also able to choose what type of news that would like to look at. The public has the option to look at hard news, but they also have the option to look at entertainment if that is what appeals to them. Although this is beginning to give a different angle and outlet for people to view media, there is not regulation on who is giving news and how it is being given. Also, these new types of outlets are completely wiping out traditional methods. Newspaper around the country are closing and readership has been slowly decreasing as well. This could be a sign that the end of these channels will be only a memory in the near future.
This change in media, in my opinion, is just a natural progression that has been catalyzed by the internet. By nature humans are curious and are constantly seeking the truth. The availability and accessibility of the internet satisfy this need in people and this is a cause for a change in news.
One trend that may be catching on to salvage newspapers is many companies are trying to make newspapers more centralized to an area that it serves. This way the most important news it that which pertains directly to the individual. I think this would be the most effective way to ensure the survival of most papers. People are drawn to things that are close to themselves, therefore, to have a newspaper that is close to home will be more successful in the long run.
Overall I think this change in media is a necessary and natural progression of media. I also think that is will continue to change as long as people around the world need news.
I think this change could both benefit and hinder media for the future. This new type of media is allowing everyday citizens to get up-to-date information with ease of access instead of having to wait for the 6 o'clock news to get information. They are also able to choose what type of news that would like to look at. The public has the option to look at hard news, but they also have the option to look at entertainment if that is what appeals to them. Although this is beginning to give a different angle and outlet for people to view media, there is not regulation on who is giving news and how it is being given. Also, these new types of outlets are completely wiping out traditional methods. Newspaper around the country are closing and readership has been slowly decreasing as well. This could be a sign that the end of these channels will be only a memory in the near future.
This change in media, in my opinion, is just a natural progression that has been catalyzed by the internet. By nature humans are curious and are constantly seeking the truth. The availability and accessibility of the internet satisfy this need in people and this is a cause for a change in news.
One trend that may be catching on to salvage newspapers is many companies are trying to make newspapers more centralized to an area that it serves. This way the most important news it that which pertains directly to the individual. I think this would be the most effective way to ensure the survival of most papers. People are drawn to things that are close to themselves, therefore, to have a newspaper that is close to home will be more successful in the long run.
Overall I think this change in media is a necessary and natural progression of media. I also think that is will continue to change as long as people around the world need news.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Research Practice
#1 When it comes to hate crimes, Pullman has the same statistics as every other city in Washington. It is odd that all cities including both metropolitan and rural cities have a total amount of 4 hate crimes. The type of hate crime that stands out as the most frequent is hate crimes based on race.
#2 Christine Gregoire received the most money during the campaign for governor in 2008. The amount of money totaled $12,002,778.
For each gubernatorial candidate they received money from other people than their own political party. For Christine Gregoire, the winner, she received $7,560 from an anonymous donor. The second leading candidate for governor, Dino Rossi, received $5,800 from the Associated General Contractors of Washington.
The Republicans received the most money from the "forestry and forest products" industry, they received $2,223,173.
The Republicans received the most money from the "lobbyists and public relations" industry, they received $7,377,877.
#3 Digital Video Recorder: http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=eEk2AAAAEBAJ&dq=%22Digital+Video+Recorder%22
Social Networking: http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=fVsGAAAAEBAJ&dq=%22social+networking%22
Automobile: http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=E9lrAAAAEBAJ&dq=automobile
#2 Christine Gregoire received the most money during the campaign for governor in 2008. The amount of money totaled $12,002,778.
For each gubernatorial candidate they received money from other people than their own political party. For Christine Gregoire, the winner, she received $7,560 from an anonymous donor. The second leading candidate for governor, Dino Rossi, received $5,800 from the Associated General Contractors of Washington.
The Republicans received the most money from the "forestry and forest products" industry, they received $2,223,173.
The Republicans received the most money from the "lobbyists and public relations" industry, they received $7,377,877.
#3 Digital Video Recorder: http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=eEk2AAAAEBAJ&dq=%22Digital+Video+Recorder%22
Social Networking: http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=fVsGAAAAEBAJ&dq=%22social+networking%22
Automobile: http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=E9lrAAAAEBAJ&dq=automobile
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Losing a Loved One
Allison Novotny
10/18/09
Losing a Loved One
“I didn’t know how to feel at first, I think I was in shock,” Washington State University sophomore Michael D. Crump said about losing his grandmother last spring. “It was really unreal, like it didn’t happen or something.
This is a very common feeling for those who have experienced the passing of a loved one. Although death is a normal occurrence in life, nothing can make it easier on the people who deal with the passing.
All people who experience losing someone close will go through a process to help come to terms with what has happened. The Grieving Process is different for each person and it is distinct for each situation.
Lutheran Campus Pastor, Randall M. Nicolai explains: “There is no normal way to grieve. There are things you can say about grief that we have in common, but the experiences are unique.”
For some people crying is the best way to let it out, for others talking about it helps, but regardless of how an individual deals with his or her grief, there is common ground to how people heal.
The Grieving Process has been researched and broken down into categories that many people can relate to and have found to be helpful when going through the loss.
According to The University of Buffalo’s Counseling Services, The Grieving Process can be divided into eight sequential stages; denial, anger, bargaining, guilt, depression, loneliness, acceptance and hope.
Although not everyone goes through each of the stages, this is generally what happens while accepting the death of a loved one. In a publication by the university the stages are described in detail.
The first stage, denial, is a period where many individuals have hard time accepting the fact that their loved one is gone. The second stage is anger when the person begins to feel as though the death was unfair. The third stage is bargaining where many people try to give up something they enjoy for the return of the person who has passed.
The fourth stage is guilt. This is when people start to feel guilty for things they did not do before the person passed. Depression is the next step where many people being to have mood swings and feel withdrawn from normal day-to-day activities, because of these changes from depression many people will move onto the loneliness step. This stage is due to the many social changes they experience.
The seventh stage is acceptance. This is when the suffering individual is able to come to terms with the loss and accept what has happened. The last stage is hope, this is when the person grieving has completed the other stages and is ready to look toward a bright future.
The Grieving Process will help people, but the most success comes from talking about what has happened.
Nicolai agrees.
“Find someone to listen,” he said. “Find someone non-judgmental, non-threatening and doesn’t tell you what to do…just listens. A close friend or religious person of your faith is always good. Counseling services also can help, [they provide] confidentiality and they may have other resources.”
Crump experienced first hand that talking about it can help with the healing process.
“When I first found out my grandma had died, I didn’t want to talk about it,” he said. “But after a while I started to talk about it more and more and it became easier to deal with. It was almost like remembering her was easier than forgetting her.”
Everyone deals with the loss of a loved one differently, but some things hold true for all those dealing with grief. Nicolai gives some advice to those going through loss.
“Not to grieve is the worst thing someone can do,” he said. “Give yourself permission to grieve, be patient with yourself. Allow yourself to feel or not to feel; to be angry or not to be angry; to laugh, laughter is good too…be good to yourself and don’t think that you are the only person and that it’s too personal. It’s a process, it’s a conversation.”
-30-
10/18/09
Losing a Loved One
“I didn’t know how to feel at first, I think I was in shock,” Washington State University sophomore Michael D. Crump said about losing his grandmother last spring. “It was really unreal, like it didn’t happen or something.
This is a very common feeling for those who have experienced the passing of a loved one. Although death is a normal occurrence in life, nothing can make it easier on the people who deal with the passing.
All people who experience losing someone close will go through a process to help come to terms with what has happened. The Grieving Process is different for each person and it is distinct for each situation.
Lutheran Campus Pastor, Randall M. Nicolai explains: “There is no normal way to grieve. There are things you can say about grief that we have in common, but the experiences are unique.”
For some people crying is the best way to let it out, for others talking about it helps, but regardless of how an individual deals with his or her grief, there is common ground to how people heal.
The Grieving Process has been researched and broken down into categories that many people can relate to and have found to be helpful when going through the loss.
According to The University of Buffalo’s Counseling Services, The Grieving Process can be divided into eight sequential stages; denial, anger, bargaining, guilt, depression, loneliness, acceptance and hope.
Although not everyone goes through each of the stages, this is generally what happens while accepting the death of a loved one. In a publication by the university the stages are described in detail.
The first stage, denial, is a period where many individuals have hard time accepting the fact that their loved one is gone. The second stage is anger when the person begins to feel as though the death was unfair. The third stage is bargaining where many people try to give up something they enjoy for the return of the person who has passed.
The fourth stage is guilt. This is when people start to feel guilty for things they did not do before the person passed. Depression is the next step where many people being to have mood swings and feel withdrawn from normal day-to-day activities, because of these changes from depression many people will move onto the loneliness step. This stage is due to the many social changes they experience.
The seventh stage is acceptance. This is when the suffering individual is able to come to terms with the loss and accept what has happened. The last stage is hope, this is when the person grieving has completed the other stages and is ready to look toward a bright future.
The Grieving Process will help people, but the most success comes from talking about what has happened.
Nicolai agrees.
“Find someone to listen,” he said. “Find someone non-judgmental, non-threatening and doesn’t tell you what to do…just listens. A close friend or religious person of your faith is always good. Counseling services also can help, [they provide] confidentiality and they may have other resources.”
Crump experienced first hand that talking about it can help with the healing process.
“When I first found out my grandma had died, I didn’t want to talk about it,” he said. “But after a while I started to talk about it more and more and it became easier to deal with. It was almost like remembering her was easier than forgetting her.”
Everyone deals with the loss of a loved one differently, but some things hold true for all those dealing with grief. Nicolai gives some advice to those going through loss.
“Not to grieve is the worst thing someone can do,” he said. “Give yourself permission to grieve, be patient with yourself. Allow yourself to feel or not to feel; to be angry or not to be angry; to laugh, laughter is good too…be good to yourself and don’t think that you are the only person and that it’s too personal. It’s a process, it’s a conversation.”
-30-
Monday, October 5, 2009
Special Leads
1. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010001445_cemetery05m.html
Western State Hospital cemetery's unmarked graves are named
This is an example of a quote lead. I think it was a very effective way of intorducing the story and was better than any of the other special leads. I felt it was the most appropriate because it gives a personal touch to the story while a summary lead would have kept it very neutral. This story needs a personal touch because of the subject matter, unmarked graves.
2. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/malaria/2003897861_malariatanzania09.html
Gates Foundation tackles a giant that preys on Africa's children
This story is an example of a narrative lead. It builds a story about the children in Africa before introducing the topic. I think this was a good way to draw the reader in and I think was the most effective out of all of the leads possible. Introducing the children and researchers first allows the reader to put a face to the problem rather than the author just telling about it.
Western State Hospital cemetery's unmarked graves are named
This is an example of a quote lead. I think it was a very effective way of intorducing the story and was better than any of the other special leads. I felt it was the most appropriate because it gives a personal touch to the story while a summary lead would have kept it very neutral. This story needs a personal touch because of the subject matter, unmarked graves.
2. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/malaria/2003897861_malariatanzania09.html
Gates Foundation tackles a giant that preys on Africa's children
This story is an example of a narrative lead. It builds a story about the children in Africa before introducing the topic. I think this was a good way to draw the reader in and I think was the most effective out of all of the leads possible. Introducing the children and researchers first allows the reader to put a face to the problem rather than the author just telling about it.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Second day lead
Four-year-old is still missing after 24 hours despite the search efforts of police; while her mother, Maria L. Norton, pleas for information about the whereabouts of her daughter.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
On Sept. 12, 2009 the Washington State University (WSU) Cougars hosted its seventh annual Cougar Gridiron Classic home game at Seattle’s Qwest Field, against the University of Hawaii Warriors.
Since its inception in 2002, the Seattle game has become a hugely anticipated event, not only by university students, but alumni across the state. Attendees come not just to see the game, but to also meet with alumni and students as they celebrate all of WSU’s achievements and being a Cougar.
Many alumni who live in the Seattle area agree that the game is a great way to reconnect with the school.
“I love coming to the Seattle game,” WSU alumni Lindsey Emert said. “I can’t make it to Pullman to see the games very often, so it’s really nice that I can see the Cougs play close to home.”
However, since the Seattle game’s premier, attendance has steadily declined.
“The first game at Qwest, against Nevada in 2002, drew 63,588,” The Seattle Times says. “…42,912 fans populated Qwest in 2009.”
Even though ticket sales have dropped, this has become a tradition for many students at WSU to travel to Seattle for the weekend.
WSU senior Kayla Wagner agrees, “I think the game has become a tradition for both students and alumni and I think the game should continue,” she said. “I see it as a weekend where alumni and students can get together, party and watch the game. I get a chance to see a lot of my friends that have graduated and otherwise wouldn’t normally see.”
Even though many people share the same opinion, at this point in time, it is uncertain whether the Seattle game will continue with the tradition that many students and alumni have come to enjoy.
“There probably won’t be a game next year because this is the last year on our contract.” WSU Athletic Department Promotions Coordinator, and WSU Alumni Nicole Early said. “We only signed a contract for seven years.”
Now that the seven year contract is over, WSU will need to renegotiate with Qwest whether they will continue the Cougar Gridiron Classic.
Although the future of the Seattle game is still in question, for the time being the university is trying to make the game as safe as possible for all spectators.
Tailgating is one of the most common activities for students and alumni alike, and it is one of the appealing aspects of the game. Wagner agrees that tailgating is a common activity among attendees.
“Everyone drinks before the game, it’s just a good time for everyone,” she said.
WSU is trying to make a difference on how people party before the game, so those who are drinking do not get out of hand. Before the 2009 game, WSU sent out an email to all students linked to wsucougars.com that stated newly implemented tailgating rules.
Some of the rules mentioned in the linked email were “no glass bottles or cans permitted-please pour drinks into plastic cups,” wsucougars.com says. “[and] Consuming alcoholic beverages in public is a violation of city and state law.”
This is a way WSU is trying to make sure the Seattle game is safe, and ensures a positive reflection on the university.
Some believe that this is no different than any other football weekend, and regardless of the partying that takes place, WSU is still recognized as a good school.
“I don’t think that the Seattle game is seen as a drunk-fest,” Early said. “I think there is more tailgating at the Seattle game because there is an opportunity for many students to do so. However, being a student, and alumni, and now an employee for the Athletic Department, I don’t see it being any crazier than any other game and portraying a negative image of the school.”
Emert agreed.
“Now on the other side of things, I think it is great that WSU makes it all the way to Seattle,” she said. “That act alone shows the school in such a positive light and it shows the rest of Seattle that WSU really cares about its alumni.”
For more information please visit www.wsucougars.com and http://www.seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/budwithers/2009854995_withers/3.html
Since its inception in 2002, the Seattle game has become a hugely anticipated event, not only by university students, but alumni across the state. Attendees come not just to see the game, but to also meet with alumni and students as they celebrate all of WSU’s achievements and being a Cougar.
Many alumni who live in the Seattle area agree that the game is a great way to reconnect with the school.
“I love coming to the Seattle game,” WSU alumni Lindsey Emert said. “I can’t make it to Pullman to see the games very often, so it’s really nice that I can see the Cougs play close to home.”
However, since the Seattle game’s premier, attendance has steadily declined.
“The first game at Qwest, against Nevada in 2002, drew 63,588,” The Seattle Times says. “…42,912 fans populated Qwest in 2009.”
Even though ticket sales have dropped, this has become a tradition for many students at WSU to travel to Seattle for the weekend.
WSU senior Kayla Wagner agrees, “I think the game has become a tradition for both students and alumni and I think the game should continue,” she said. “I see it as a weekend where alumni and students can get together, party and watch the game. I get a chance to see a lot of my friends that have graduated and otherwise wouldn’t normally see.”
Even though many people share the same opinion, at this point in time, it is uncertain whether the Seattle game will continue with the tradition that many students and alumni have come to enjoy.
“There probably won’t be a game next year because this is the last year on our contract.” WSU Athletic Department Promotions Coordinator, and WSU Alumni Nicole Early said. “We only signed a contract for seven years.”
Now that the seven year contract is over, WSU will need to renegotiate with Qwest whether they will continue the Cougar Gridiron Classic.
Although the future of the Seattle game is still in question, for the time being the university is trying to make the game as safe as possible for all spectators.
Tailgating is one of the most common activities for students and alumni alike, and it is one of the appealing aspects of the game. Wagner agrees that tailgating is a common activity among attendees.
“Everyone drinks before the game, it’s just a good time for everyone,” she said.
WSU is trying to make a difference on how people party before the game, so those who are drinking do not get out of hand. Before the 2009 game, WSU sent out an email to all students linked to wsucougars.com that stated newly implemented tailgating rules.
Some of the rules mentioned in the linked email were “no glass bottles or cans permitted-please pour drinks into plastic cups,” wsucougars.com says. “[and] Consuming alcoholic beverages in public is a violation of city and state law.”
This is a way WSU is trying to make sure the Seattle game is safe, and ensures a positive reflection on the university.
Some believe that this is no different than any other football weekend, and regardless of the partying that takes place, WSU is still recognized as a good school.
“I don’t think that the Seattle game is seen as a drunk-fest,” Early said. “I think there is more tailgating at the Seattle game because there is an opportunity for many students to do so. However, being a student, and alumni, and now an employee for the Athletic Department, I don’t see it being any crazier than any other game and portraying a negative image of the school.”
Emert agreed.
“Now on the other side of things, I think it is great that WSU makes it all the way to Seattle,” she said. “That act alone shows the school in such a positive light and it shows the rest of Seattle that WSU really cares about its alumni.”
For more information please visit www.wsucougars.com and http://www.seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/budwithers/2009854995_withers/3.html
Monday, September 28, 2009
Al Jazeera
At first I didn't notice too much of a difference than any other international news, but the more I watched the more I began to see a difference.
I think that Al Jazeera is trying to attempt to reach an America audience by selecting an American-friendly type of reporter. All of the reporters that I saw were women with British accents, I wonder if this was done on purpose.
I did not see anything that was very obvious that would not allow it to broadcast in the US. Much of it was political based, in all parts of the world, not just centered to the assumed Middle East. I think the news cast was balanced between many different stories.
One of the things that is different than the way the US is is spend a lot of time on international issues compared to America just focusing on only American news.I feel as though the US only cares about our issues, even our international news always relates back to America in some way. This seemed less censored and less focused on one region.
I felt as though the Code of Ethics they published fit exactly what I saw. I cannot say for sure if it is the entire truth, but I felt as though they were fair to all cultures and were not holding back on what they did broadcast.
I think that Al Jazeera is trying to attempt to reach an America audience by selecting an American-friendly type of reporter. All of the reporters that I saw were women with British accents, I wonder if this was done on purpose.
I did not see anything that was very obvious that would not allow it to broadcast in the US. Much of it was political based, in all parts of the world, not just centered to the assumed Middle East. I think the news cast was balanced between many different stories.
One of the things that is different than the way the US is is spend a lot of time on international issues compared to America just focusing on only American news.I feel as though the US only cares about our issues, even our international news always relates back to America in some way. This seemed less censored and less focused on one region.
I felt as though the Code of Ethics they published fit exactly what I saw. I cannot say for sure if it is the entire truth, but I felt as though they were fair to all cultures and were not holding back on what they did broadcast.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Summary Lead
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8259319.stm
A US judge in Virginia has set a 10 November execution date for the man behind the 2002 sniper attacks on the Washington DC area.
This article covers the execution date set for the sniper in Washington D.C. The reason this is a summary lead is because it contains that who, what, when and where that are necessary for this style of lead. It covers who the person is, the Washington D.C. sniper; the what, an execution date was set; the when, November 10; and the where, Virginia. These components make an effective summary lead.
A US judge in Virginia has set a 10 November execution date for the man behind the 2002 sniper attacks on the Washington DC area.
This article covers the execution date set for the sniper in Washington D.C. The reason this is a summary lead is because it contains that who, what, when and where that are necessary for this style of lead. It covers who the person is, the Washington D.C. sniper; the what, an execution date was set; the when, November 10; and the where, Virginia. These components make an effective summary lead.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
3 pitches
Pitch 1: H1N1 from a healthcare professional’s standpoint. Is all the hype necessary?
Summary:
I want to see from a healthcare professional if the media’s portrayal of the Swine flu (H1N1) is accurate, or if it is being blown out of proportion. I know this is going to be a popular topic, but I think my sources will help this piece stand out. This is an important topic because it is on a lot of people’s minds right now, students and staff people at WSU.
Sources:
1.Brian Beason
2.Employee of Lab Of Pathology
Microbiology Lab
Intended Media Outlet: The Evergreen, MyWSU newsfeed
Pitch 2: Is the WSU Seattle game a good idea for the school?
Summary:
After the first year at Qwest field, attendance has declined from 65,000 to about 40,000. Is it financially feasible to continue having the
Sources:
1.Kayla Wagner
Current WSU Senior
2.Lindsey Emert
WSU Alumni
Intended Media Outlet: The Evergreen, WSU alumni correspondence or newsletter
Pitch 3: Is the media’s obsession with the Obama’s family life necessary? Does it really have any say in how he will do in his presidency?
Summary:
Lately it seems as though there is more emphasis on the Obama’s family life than on how Barak is doing as our president. It is interesting how intrigued many people are with the fact that Michelle Obama will wear shorts on a family vacation. How does this have anything to do with Barak Obama’s ability to be the President. Why is the media consumed with their personal life? I am curious to see whether what the media says actually has an effect on how people view the President and first family.
Sources:
Intended Media Outlet: The Evergreen
href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CLEIGH-%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml">Monday, August 31, 2009
Ecuador Contamination
After watching both the 60 minutes and Chevron's version of the same event I was torn on who to really trust. Although the 60 minutes version upheld the "Murrow Standard" a little better than the other, it was hard to deny the facts that Chevron presented.
I felt as though the Chevron presentation was trying to point the blame other places than themselves, and were more biased toward maintaining a good reputation for the company. Even though 60 minutes was doing a similar thing by trying to support the victims of the contamination, I felt as though they did a better job at showing both sides of the story by allowing people from Chevron to do a lot of the talking. However, I can understand why Chevron would want to cover its mistakes even though it is morally wrong.
Although both 60 minutes was doing a better job at being unbiased and following the "Murrow Standard" I think both were biased in their own way.
I felt as though the Chevron presentation was trying to point the blame other places than themselves, and were more biased toward maintaining a good reputation for the company. Even though 60 minutes was doing a similar thing by trying to support the victims of the contamination, I felt as though they did a better job at showing both sides of the story by allowing people from Chevron to do a lot of the talking. However, I can understand why Chevron would want to cover its mistakes even though it is morally wrong.
Although both 60 minutes was doing a better job at being unbiased and following the "Murrow Standard" I think both were biased in their own way.
Monday, August 24, 2009
first day of class
Today is the first day of Journalism 305. It's early, but seems to be beneficial to my career choice, public relations.
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