Pollen- Have you noticed how much pollen is in the air these days? For some of us, its been hard not to notice with the allergies. There may be a story in Pullman's particular pollen- or maybe a look at the National Allergy forecast would be of use to readers. Perhaps some gernal info on what it is and what afflicted people may want to do to help the annoying symptoms...?
The World of Mateo Opening- On June 1st the WSU Fine Art Gallery will start it's display from artist Mathew Leiker. Perhaps a look at his past work and information about what this exhibit is...from the description it looks like it relates to 1950s California "cruising culture".
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Second Day Lead
After more than 24 hours, police are still searching for 4-year-old Mellisa Angela Norton who disappeared from her house last night while under the care of a high school babysitter.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Green Bikes Article
The Green Bike program at WSU concluded its first school-year successfully with over 1,000 check-outs and 435 different users.
The program’s objective is to let students and faculty check out bikes for free in a effort to, “Create a bike friendly culture here on campus, as well as decrease noise and air pollution,” said Jamie Bentley, manager for the WSU Wellbeing program. The program’s website, wellbeing.wsu.edu, also adds “reduction of fuel consumption and promotion of physical activity” to the list.
Bentley said the recent budget cuts have not had an effect on the Green Bike program. The funds to originally purchase the bikes came from a one-time Student Fees allocation. The cost of operation, about $8,000 per year, comes from the University Recreation budget. This pays for repairs, bike maintenance and staff wages. Additionally, the Green Bike program was recently awarded more money from Student Fees and University Recreation to grow its operations.
Currently, the Green Bike program is 40-bikes strong, all Trek Hardtail mountain bikes set up with baskets, night-lights and helmets. Bentley said the bikes have traveled approximately 5,000 miles since they first began back in September.
According to a press release from Bixi, a Montreal-based bike sharing organization partnering with WSU, 30 more bikes will be added to the program. Bentley said Bixi was “top of the line” when it comes to bike sharing.
“I haven’t used the Green Bike program yet,” said Andreanna Wilson, a sophomore communication major at WSU, “I guess I never really needed to. None of my classes have been too far. If I had one in a further building and had known about it sooner, like during first semester I might have, but I just never really needed to. I do think it’s a good idea. Biking seems a lot easier than walking, especially if you’re in a hurry…it’s a great idea.”
The program isn’t just for those in a hurry though. Starting June 24, the Green Bike program will be organizing hour-long bike-rides for those interested in just getting outside and biking with other people who enjoy doing the same thing. Two more will take place, one on July 15, the other on August 19. All rides will start at 12:10 p.m. and meet on the Glenn Terrell mall.
Bentley said students have been treating the bikes well for the most part but that there have been a few incidents of abuse.
“A few bikes have been damaged but it hasn’t been over the top,” she said, “Most of the students using the program are very respectful of the bikes. They want the program to continue as much as we do so they take really good care of the equipment.”
Dylan Bale, a junior communication major who has utilized the program said, “It was blast. I got two with my girlfriend in March. They were nice bikes but the chain came off on mine…I would definitely do it again though, they give you locks and everything you need.”
Bikes can be checked out from either the CUB front desk or the Student Recreation Center for 24 hours at a time. The service is free to WSU students, faculty and staff with a valid Cougar Card.
The program’s objective is to let students and faculty check out bikes for free in a effort to, “Create a bike friendly culture here on campus, as well as decrease noise and air pollution,” said Jamie Bentley, manager for the WSU Wellbeing program. The program’s website, wellbeing.wsu.edu, also adds “reduction of fuel consumption and promotion of physical activity” to the list.
Bentley said the recent budget cuts have not had an effect on the Green Bike program. The funds to originally purchase the bikes came from a one-time Student Fees allocation. The cost of operation, about $8,000 per year, comes from the University Recreation budget. This pays for repairs, bike maintenance and staff wages. Additionally, the Green Bike program was recently awarded more money from Student Fees and University Recreation to grow its operations.
Currently, the Green Bike program is 40-bikes strong, all Trek Hardtail mountain bikes set up with baskets, night-lights and helmets. Bentley said the bikes have traveled approximately 5,000 miles since they first began back in September.
According to a press release from Bixi, a Montreal-based bike sharing organization partnering with WSU, 30 more bikes will be added to the program. Bentley said Bixi was “top of the line” when it comes to bike sharing.
“I haven’t used the Green Bike program yet,” said Andreanna Wilson, a sophomore communication major at WSU, “I guess I never really needed to. None of my classes have been too far. If I had one in a further building and had known about it sooner, like during first semester I might have, but I just never really needed to. I do think it’s a good idea. Biking seems a lot easier than walking, especially if you’re in a hurry…it’s a great idea.”
The program isn’t just for those in a hurry though. Starting June 24, the Green Bike program will be organizing hour-long bike-rides for those interested in just getting outside and biking with other people who enjoy doing the same thing. Two more will take place, one on July 15, the other on August 19. All rides will start at 12:10 p.m. and meet on the Glenn Terrell mall.
Bentley said students have been treating the bikes well for the most part but that there have been a few incidents of abuse.
“A few bikes have been damaged but it hasn’t been over the top,” she said, “Most of the students using the program are very respectful of the bikes. They want the program to continue as much as we do so they take really good care of the equipment.”
Dylan Bale, a junior communication major who has utilized the program said, “It was blast. I got two with my girlfriend in March. They were nice bikes but the chain came off on mine…I would definitely do it again though, they give you locks and everything you need.”
Bikes can be checked out from either the CUB front desk or the Student Recreation Center for 24 hours at a time. The service is free to WSU students, faculty and staff with a valid Cougar Card.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
International News Networks
Before watching Al Jazeera, I had heard of the name...it sounded to me like a Taliban offshoot or something. I was under the impression that it was some sinister organization plotting attacks on the world in a cave somewhere in the middle-east. Upon actually tuning in to the network for the first time this morning though I was quite surprised by what I saw.
After watching for about an hour, my opinion is that Al Jazeera is a respectable, credible news organization that is indeed working within the "Murrow paradigm"...if they are not, then I think they do a pretty great job looking like it.
As for reaching U.S. audiences, I was able to watch the channel using Livestation. I had not heard of this service before but I downloaded the desktop application and I'm really intrigued. I can definitely see my self using this outside of the scope of the class assignment. I think many more people will catch on and as a result be exposed to networks like Al Jazeera. The internet T.V. trend to me looks like it's taking off fast. I wouldn't be surprised if in 5,10 or 20 years it was standard to compute and watch T.V. on the same device for average, working class Americans. Everyone will have access to every televised thing in the world, and there will be no need for cable or satellite distribution.
I definitely think this channel should be allowed to broadcast in the U.S. and in fact I think it would help a lot in aiding intercultural communication. It's a different point of view, but it's an equally valid one supported by sound, reasonable arguments. No one is being forced to watch it so it's hard for me to grasp why their is such a hoopla about having a more enriched, informed palette of media to choose from and piece together your worldview with.
Compared to some of the U.S. news that I'm used to (FOX), Al Jazeera seems sophisticated. It isn't sensationalist and they stick to relevant issues and explore them rather thoroughly. Stylistically, it actually looks more more produced than the other major American networks. I noticed, particularly in the studio shots, the vast sense of space created by the wide and dynamic camera movement. It begins really far out and glides in really quickly. The graphics are constant, but actually pretty helpful in story comprehension. The stories chosen seem varied and not catered to one particular interest. While I watched, they went from the oil spill to a case in Malawi about gay rights, to the recent developments in cell biology to Pakistan internet censorship...really all over the place in that regard.
After watching for about an hour, my opinion is that Al Jazeera is a respectable, credible news organization that is indeed working within the "Murrow paradigm"...if they are not, then I think they do a pretty great job looking like it.
As for reaching U.S. audiences, I was able to watch the channel using Livestation. I had not heard of this service before but I downloaded the desktop application and I'm really intrigued. I can definitely see my self using this outside of the scope of the class assignment. I think many more people will catch on and as a result be exposed to networks like Al Jazeera. The internet T.V. trend to me looks like it's taking off fast. I wouldn't be surprised if in 5,10 or 20 years it was standard to compute and watch T.V. on the same device for average, working class Americans. Everyone will have access to every televised thing in the world, and there will be no need for cable or satellite distribution.
I definitely think this channel should be allowed to broadcast in the U.S. and in fact I think it would help a lot in aiding intercultural communication. It's a different point of view, but it's an equally valid one supported by sound, reasonable arguments. No one is being forced to watch it so it's hard for me to grasp why their is such a hoopla about having a more enriched, informed palette of media to choose from and piece together your worldview with.
Compared to some of the U.S. news that I'm used to (FOX), Al Jazeera seems sophisticated. It isn't sensationalist and they stick to relevant issues and explore them rather thoroughly. Stylistically, it actually looks more more produced than the other major American networks. I noticed, particularly in the studio shots, the vast sense of space created by the wide and dynamic camera movement. It begins really far out and glides in really quickly. The graphics are constant, but actually pretty helpful in story comprehension. The stories chosen seem varied and not catered to one particular interest. While I watched, they went from the oil spill to a case in Malawi about gay rights, to the recent developments in cell biology to Pakistan internet censorship...really all over the place in that regard.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Summary lead
From Newser.com;
"A Florida woman threatened Wendy's employees with a stun gun after they left the mustard and mayonnaise packets she requested out of her order."
Full story here.
"A Florida woman threatened Wendy's employees with a stun gun after they left the mustard and mayonnaise packets she requested out of her order."
Full story here.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
News Story ideas
Story 1: The Pullman Farmers Market. Did you know Pullman had a farmers market? It will be starting back up on May 19th in downtown next to the Old Post Office Winery. Each Wednesday from 4 to 6 until October 27th Pullman residents will be able to support local food producers. It would be interesting to interview some vendors and and the organizers to find out about what the benefits of shopping there are and some maybe some background on similar operations in the area.
This might be considered news worthy because it's a way that local people can be part of the larger national movement of eating local. The fact that one of the biggest proponents of this, Michael Pollen, was in town just a couple months ago might add relevancy as well. This would be intended for the Daily News or the Daily Evergreen.
Story 2: Summer Concert Series. WSU is putting together a summer concert and BBQ series every Wednesday on the Todd Hall steps. It might be interesting to interview the organizers about it and ask about what inspired this, who will be playing, and who is funding it. Also, it may be interesting to interview one of the artists performing.
This might be relevant because it's something that many students here on campus may want to experience. It is a timely story that would probably be aimed more at students doing summer session because they are the ones likely to be on campus during the event.
Story 3: Green Bikes. Have you ever noticed all the green bikes outside the CUB and other campus buildings? What is the deal? The university put in place a program back January that lets students and faculty use their bikes for free in an effort to cut down on driving. It'd be interesting to see how that is going, whether it has been a successful project thus far, what inspired it, and what the deal is with the weekly "bike rides" that happen every Thursday. I would interview the "Wellbeing" program director that puts this on and perhaps someone who has taken advantage of the service.
This story is relevant because it might effect how certain people think about their transportation and what effects it has on the community. Also, because it is funded with student tuition money, it is important to be aware of ways you can take advantage of free services.
This might be considered news worthy because it's a way that local people can be part of the larger national movement of eating local. The fact that one of the biggest proponents of this, Michael Pollen, was in town just a couple months ago might add relevancy as well. This would be intended for the Daily News or the Daily Evergreen.
Story 2: Summer Concert Series. WSU is putting together a summer concert and BBQ series every Wednesday on the Todd Hall steps. It might be interesting to interview the organizers about it and ask about what inspired this, who will be playing, and who is funding it. Also, it may be interesting to interview one of the artists performing.
This might be relevant because it's something that many students here on campus may want to experience. It is a timely story that would probably be aimed more at students doing summer session because they are the ones likely to be on campus during the event.
Story 3: Green Bikes. Have you ever noticed all the green bikes outside the CUB and other campus buildings? What is the deal? The university put in place a program back January that lets students and faculty use their bikes for free in an effort to cut down on driving. It'd be interesting to see how that is going, whether it has been a successful project thus far, what inspired it, and what the deal is with the weekly "bike rides" that happen every Thursday. I would interview the "Wellbeing" program director that puts this on and perhaps someone who has taken advantage of the service.
This story is relevant because it might effect how certain people think about their transportation and what effects it has on the community. Also, because it is funded with student tuition money, it is important to be aware of ways you can take advantage of free services.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Drudge Report vs. Huffington Post
The first similarity I noticed about the Drudge Report and the Huffington Post is that both display their lead story in huge letters at the very top of the page. Their is absolutely no confusion as to what the hot topic of the day is in either one. The Drudge points us to the "Budget Blowout: Deficit 4x higher in a Year". The story it links to is of a more serious tone than the exaggerated, all capitalized headline. The Huffington Post gives you the big topic of Facebook which is clustered around other similar Facebook story, mostly focused on the issue of their revised privacy policy.
What I thought was pretty lame about the Drudge Report is that the links take you completely out of the original website, whereas the Huffington Post will usually keep you within the Huffington Post, it just uses the content of other sources. I feel like the latter approach keeps the voice feeling a bit more consistent and "branded".
One can tell immediatley that their is a liberal slant in the Huffington Post by looking at the names of the three "featured blog posts"...two of them are John Kerry and Bill Maher. On the Drudge report I actually thought the conservative slant giveaway was little less obvious. By reading through the featured articles, democrats are sometimes portrayed in a condescending light and republicans are generally painted as more dignified. One of the most prominent stories is on the left about Bill Clinton offering to auction himself to bidders in order to help pay off Hillary's campaign debts...it's tone is definitely accusatory.
These sights both have very different stories from each other. Looking at both it becomes apparent that reality can be quite subjective...it's a choose your own adventure kind of thing and it reminds me that to really have a balanced worldview you need to make sure you don't rely on just one source for your information.
What I thought was pretty lame about the Drudge Report is that the links take you completely out of the original website, whereas the Huffington Post will usually keep you within the Huffington Post, it just uses the content of other sources. I feel like the latter approach keeps the voice feeling a bit more consistent and "branded".
One can tell immediatley that their is a liberal slant in the Huffington Post by looking at the names of the three "featured blog posts"...two of them are John Kerry and Bill Maher. On the Drudge report I actually thought the conservative slant giveaway was little less obvious. By reading through the featured articles, democrats are sometimes portrayed in a condescending light and republicans are generally painted as more dignified. One of the most prominent stories is on the left about Bill Clinton offering to auction himself to bidders in order to help pay off Hillary's campaign debts...it's tone is definitely accusatory.
These sights both have very different stories from each other. Looking at both it becomes apparent that reality can be quite subjective...it's a choose your own adventure kind of thing and it reminds me that to really have a balanced worldview you need to make sure you don't rely on just one source for your information.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
My Chevron/CBS news response...
After seeing the CBS news package I really didn't get any overt sense that what I was seeing was bad journalism. In fact, it made me think about the issue in a multifaceted way...I feel like I do more or less understand where both sides are coming from after having watched it. Many Ecuadorian people feel like Texaco left a huge mess that is damaging the ecology of the local rain forest and they would like the corporation to clean it up. Chevron, which now owns Texaco believes it was relieved of this responsibility when they signed an agreement with the government in 1998 and that their is no real scientific evidence of damage being done. They see the suit as the work of an ambitious New York lawyer trying to capitalize on the situation which would be unfairly handled through the supposedly corrupt Ecuadorian court system. I think both sides were given a fair voice and that the issue was covered in sufficient depth.
However, after rethinking this, the CBS piece was not without its subtle moments that seemed slightly slanted against Chevron. For example, in the introduction segment, the anchor concludes by saying that the oil drilling has left a "toxic legacy". This seems to be going against Chevron's claims that their is no scientific evidence that their has been any serious lasting environmental damage. Their are other things in the script such as when they describe the river and the "production water" that seeps in. They say that it often times contains "chemicals". But the tone in which it's said makes this sound like damning evidence, but realistically, tap water often times contains chemicals (like fluoride) that are not necessarily a bad thing in little amounts.
I would have liked to have heard something from PetroEcuador and the Ecuadorian government as well... it doesn't sound like they've been doing much to help the situation and perhaps they got off a bit easy in this investigation.
I thought the second video made by Chevron was just sad propaganda. They shouldn't have been so ambiguous about the fact that they were behind it. Obscuring that makes them appear spineless as if they do not believe enough in their own arguments to publicly stand behind them.
However, after rethinking this, the CBS piece was not without its subtle moments that seemed slightly slanted against Chevron. For example, in the introduction segment, the anchor concludes by saying that the oil drilling has left a "toxic legacy". This seems to be going against Chevron's claims that their is no scientific evidence that their has been any serious lasting environmental damage. Their are other things in the script such as when they describe the river and the "production water" that seeps in. They say that it often times contains "chemicals". But the tone in which it's said makes this sound like damning evidence, but realistically, tap water often times contains chemicals (like fluoride) that are not necessarily a bad thing in little amounts.
I would have liked to have heard something from PetroEcuador and the Ecuadorian government as well... it doesn't sound like they've been doing much to help the situation and perhaps they got off a bit easy in this investigation.
I thought the second video made by Chevron was just sad propaganda. They shouldn't have been so ambiguous about the fact that they were behind it. Obscuring that makes them appear spineless as if they do not believe enough in their own arguments to publicly stand behind them.
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