Moscow Drag Shows Offer Local GLBTA Community a Place to Connect
High heels, a leopard print dress, and outrageous makeup may seem like inappropriate attire for a typical Saturday night in Moscow, Id., but for performers at the Moscow drag shows, it’s all in the job description.
Once a month, the Moscow drag shows offer the university towns of Pullman and Moscow a safe venue for members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community and their allies to come together and celebrate.
Last weekend’s show featured a debut performance by Lauren Edholm, a junior women’s studies major at WSU. Dressed in thigh-high fishnets and a short, corset-style dress that ripped off to reveal lacy undergarments, Edholm commanded the stage and the attention of 400-person crowd to a sexy lip-synced rendition of “All That Jazz”.
Edholm is just one of many WSU students who regularly attend or perform in the drag shows as a way to connect with the GLTBA community.
“When you perform, you kind of become a face for the community in the area,” said Tyler Perkins, a junior zoology student at WSU. “You do it because you are not afraid of how people react to the fact that you’re gay.”
The Moscow drag shows are run by Kathy Sprague and her partner Tabitha, local business owners in Moscow and self-proclaimed advocates for the GLBTA (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and ally) community.
The shows, which began about 15 years ago, were created as a way to commemorate a friend of Sprague’s who died of AIDs. Before each performance, Sprague, dressed as “Bill” in men’s work clothes and a sizeable moustache, addresses the audience. She said the shows are a perfect forum for reaching out to the GLBTA community about important issues such as HIV testing and local support events.
Sprague said the reason the shows are so successful is because of the consistency.
“A lot of organizations have come and gone, but for 15 years, the drag shows have happened once a month,” Sprague said. “We need that kind of event to keep our community strong.”
This sense of unity is appreciated by attendees like Ben Wyant, a freshman pre-vet major at WSU.
“I think that safe events like this allow for people of the gay community to come together and feel wanted and a part of something,” said Wyant.
The shows typically feature two sets of drag performances, which include Drag Queens (men performing as women) and Drag Kings (women performing as men), and as well as Bio Drag performances, in which the performer maintains his or her gender but creates a different, often exaggerated drag identity with which to perform.
Performers vary by week but “there are definitely the usual suspects” said Sprague. In order to perform, participants must attend a “Drag 101” course to learn the guidelines of drag.
“It’s more drag etiquette than anything else,” said Sprague. “We want the performers to really express themselves so we don’t have a lot of rules.”
The Moscow community in general is very accepting of the GBLTA community, Sprague said. The shows have been consistently well-attended since their start.
“The first show had about 100 people at it,” Sprague said, “And now we easily get 300 to 500 at every one.”
Their biggest turnout was at an event in 2000 at the local dance club venue The Beach. The show was featured in a local paper and drew in a crowd of over 1600.
The next show is scheduled for Jan. 30 at the Moose Lodge in Moscow, Id. Doors open at 9 p.m. Sprague expects the event to be “a big one” because it will also be her birthday celebration.
Sources:
Katherine Sprague – in person
kathys@moscow.com
(208) 892-9100
Tyler Perkins - by e-mail
tperky@wsu.edu
Ben Wyant - by e-mail
benwyant09@hotmail.com
Lauren Edholm - interview not conducted, was unable to contact this source
ledholm@wsu.edu
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Speech ledes
1) Tuition costs continue to rise as a result of the $54 million budget cut, and District 9 Sen. Mark Schoesler said that higher education will continue to be at risk until the economy begins to recover.
2) WSU President Floyd said that Gov. Christine Gregoire's plans to cut higher education by nearly $100 million illustrate a vast difference of opinion on how state money should be distributed.
3) Habitat destruction, global climate change, and emerging diseases are just a few reasons for the worldwide decline in amphibian species populations, said Associate Professor Andrew Storfer.
2) WSU President Floyd said that Gov. Christine Gregoire's plans to cut higher education by nearly $100 million illustrate a vast difference of opinion on how state money should be distributed.
3) Habitat destruction, global climate change, and emerging diseases are just a few reasons for the worldwide decline in amphibian species populations, said Associate Professor Andrew Storfer.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Speech story
State Officials Address Students About Graduating in Times of Economic Stress
An improved business climate may be the key to recovery for the Washington state budget and will provide hope to students entering the job market.
“We need businesses here. We need jobs here,” Representative Joe Schmick said. “We have students with good degrees. They need good jobs!”
Schmick addressed students at Washington State University on Tuesday Dec. 1, along with fellow Senator Mark Schoesler and State Representative Susan Fagan. The event was part of the “Coffee and Politics” series hosted by the Foley Institute.
The officials were invited to speak about how the Washington state budget shortfalls will effect WSU and the City of Pullman.
Students at WSU have already felt the financial strain of the shrinking state budget. Tuition has increased by 14 percent since the university fiscal budget was announced last spring, and will increase by another 14 percent for the 2010 and 2011 school year.
When asked if WSU can expect to see even more tuition increases and department cuts in the future, the officials said that circumstances are uncertain but more cuts are possible.
“Until the economy is turned around, higher education is always at risk,” Schoesler said.
With companies like Boeing opting to leave the state, the annual retail growth in Washington state is low and unemployment is high. The officials all stressed the important of growth in the economy. Schmick said that there will be a natural progression of dollars for education as the business climate improves.
Pullman community members and students also voiced concerns that students graduating from college with thousands of dollars of debt are suffering when entering an already-competitive job market.
“We’re really aware of that impact,” Schmick said, “It’s like, here’s your diploma, and by the way, here’s your mortgage.”
Senior political science major Celena Canode said that it does feel like an inopportune time to enter the working world.
“Some students are opting to go to graduate school just because there are so few jobs out there right now,” Canode said.
Fagan said that she feels it is part of her responsibility to make sure that students have job opportunities upon graduation and that prioritizing state spending is one step in the process of recovery.
“We are spending more money than we have. There is no question about that,” Fagan said.
One method of state fund prioritization that arose multiple times was the idea of re-evaluating the qualifications and expectations for unemployed citizens receiving supplemental income through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in order to conserve state funds.
Chloe Beardsley, a senior political science major, believes that some people use government unemployment programs as a crutch.
“There is probably a lot of money that could be conserved,” Beardsley said. “I have friends my age on unemployment who use the money just because they’re eligible for it, not because they have to.”
The Washington State Legislature will be looking into reprioritizing spending across the board this year in order to make it through tough times.
“I don’t think you’ll see many stones left unturned at the end of this year,” Schmick said.
Sources:
Celena Canode
celenacandoe@gmail.com
Chloe Beardsley
cbeardsley239@yahoo.com
Speakers:
Senator Mark Schoesler - (360) 786-7620
Representative Joe Schmick – (360) 786-7844
Representative Susan Fagan - (360) 786-7942
3 Questions:
1) Do you feel students are well-informed about politics on a local or national level
2) Do you feel students have a voice in local politics?
3) Do you feel that high education is a priority for taxpayers in Washington state? Should it be?
An improved business climate may be the key to recovery for the Washington state budget and will provide hope to students entering the job market.
“We need businesses here. We need jobs here,” Representative Joe Schmick said. “We have students with good degrees. They need good jobs!”
Schmick addressed students at Washington State University on Tuesday Dec. 1, along with fellow Senator Mark Schoesler and State Representative Susan Fagan. The event was part of the “Coffee and Politics” series hosted by the Foley Institute.
The officials were invited to speak about how the Washington state budget shortfalls will effect WSU and the City of Pullman.
Students at WSU have already felt the financial strain of the shrinking state budget. Tuition has increased by 14 percent since the university fiscal budget was announced last spring, and will increase by another 14 percent for the 2010 and 2011 school year.
When asked if WSU can expect to see even more tuition increases and department cuts in the future, the officials said that circumstances are uncertain but more cuts are possible.
“Until the economy is turned around, higher education is always at risk,” Schoesler said.
With companies like Boeing opting to leave the state, the annual retail growth in Washington state is low and unemployment is high. The officials all stressed the important of growth in the economy. Schmick said that there will be a natural progression of dollars for education as the business climate improves.
Pullman community members and students also voiced concerns that students graduating from college with thousands of dollars of debt are suffering when entering an already-competitive job market.
“We’re really aware of that impact,” Schmick said, “It’s like, here’s your diploma, and by the way, here’s your mortgage.”
Senior political science major Celena Canode said that it does feel like an inopportune time to enter the working world.
“Some students are opting to go to graduate school just because there are so few jobs out there right now,” Canode said.
Fagan said that she feels it is part of her responsibility to make sure that students have job opportunities upon graduation and that prioritizing state spending is one step in the process of recovery.
“We are spending more money than we have. There is no question about that,” Fagan said.
One method of state fund prioritization that arose multiple times was the idea of re-evaluating the qualifications and expectations for unemployed citizens receiving supplemental income through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in order to conserve state funds.
Chloe Beardsley, a senior political science major, believes that some people use government unemployment programs as a crutch.
“There is probably a lot of money that could be conserved,” Beardsley said. “I have friends my age on unemployment who use the money just because they’re eligible for it, not because they have to.”
The Washington State Legislature will be looking into reprioritizing spending across the board this year in order to make it through tough times.
“I don’t think you’ll see many stones left unturned at the end of this year,” Schmick said.
Sources:
Celena Canode
celenacandoe@gmail.com
Chloe Beardsley
cbeardsley239@yahoo.com
Speakers:
Senator Mark Schoesler - (360) 786-7620
Representative Joe Schmick – (360) 786-7844
Representative Susan Fagan - (360) 786-7942
3 Questions:
1) Do you feel students are well-informed about politics on a local or national level
2) Do you feel students have a voice in local politics?
3) Do you feel that high education is a priority for taxpayers in Washington state? Should it be?
Monday, November 30, 2009
Correct These Sentences - Grammar Practice
Correct the following sentences.
1. Even though the Seattle Sounders' FC inaugural season ended Sunday with a 1-0 loss to the Houston Dynamo, the Sounders still have a lot to be proud of. (of which to be proud? - shouldn't end sentence in a prep.)
2. Tommy Sullivan was one of many fans able to attend a game this year.
3. With the work of improvement in mind, Pullman residents feel the comfort of a clean, high-quality, diversified neighborhood more and more.
4. “People will come in and buy them by the case,” said Ryan Jones, a senior management operations major and employee of Bob's Corner Market for three years. “It’s not uncommon for them to run out at the warehouse. Sometimes I think they just can’t keep up.”
5. Yagiz started school as an undecided major but after taking geology her sophomore year, she had found what she wanted to study.
6. "If enacted, the plan will positively affect the neighborhood of College Hill and the collegiate experience of WSU students," he said.
7. More than 60 percent of off-premise establishments provided at least one type of beer promotion.
8. A fleet of camouflage army cargo trucks sits in a parking lot while men from the National Guard use forklifts to load supplies into the truck beds.
9. Potential employers are increasingly likely to view social-networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace when screening applicants for a position.
10. Stefany Unda, career development program coordinator for CACD, said the biggest misconception out there is that setting a Facebook page to private will prohibit employers from viewing the profile.
11. He said he expects to see a number of transit systems voters to try to get more revenue.
12. With more traffic on the web site than in the department, digital technology must be every organized and has allowed archives to be more accessible to the public sphere.
13. “We just buy and sell real estate. It is what we do, but the market doesn’t dictate the price,” she said. “The price is the price and I haven’t seen a noticeable change.”
14. These bales are then sold to a processing center in Tacoma, Wash., for $24.
15. “In five or 10 years something else will be cool and texting while driving will be a primary offense, but it’s going to take a little time,” Tennant said.
Underline the subject and verb of the following sentences:
Another impact(S) that increases the purchasing of alcohol is(V) the premises that sell alcohol on and off the WSU campus.
The best advice(S) the CACD can give is(V), do not post things that you would not want people to see.
Comma splice? Yes or no.
“We just buy and sell real estate, it is what we do but the market doesn’t dictate the price,” she said. YES
In 2007, while the average income in Washington was $55,628, the average income for Whitman County was $36,438. NO
Going green took on new meaning this year when WSU Waste Management announced dramatic changes to the recycling program in an effort to save money across the university, the city plans to follow suit. YES
“Take a little out of athletics, take a percentage out of athletics so a whole department doesn't have to be terminated,” Converse said. YES
----
News Feature:
The 20 year-old Founder's Day tradition of throwing shoes into two trees outside of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity will end this year due to complaints from the community that the shoe trees are an eyesore on College Hill.
1. Even though the Seattle Sounders' FC inaugural season ended Sunday with a 1-0 loss to the Houston Dynamo, the Sounders still have a lot to be proud of. (of which to be proud? - shouldn't end sentence in a prep.)
2. Tommy Sullivan was one of many fans able to attend a game this year.
3. With the work of improvement in mind, Pullman residents feel the comfort of a clean, high-quality, diversified neighborhood more and more.
4. “People will come in and buy them by the case,” said Ryan Jones, a senior management operations major and employee of Bob's Corner Market for three years. “It’s not uncommon for them to run out at the warehouse. Sometimes I think they just can’t keep up.”
5. Yagiz started school as an undecided major but after taking geology her sophomore year, she had found what she wanted to study.
6. "If enacted, the plan will positively affect the neighborhood of College Hill and the collegiate experience of WSU students," he said.
7. More than 60 percent of off-premise establishments provided at least one type of beer promotion.
8. A fleet of camouflage army cargo trucks sits in a parking lot while men from the National Guard use forklifts to load supplies into the truck beds.
9. Potential employers are increasingly likely to view social-networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace when screening applicants for a position.
10. Stefany Unda, career development program coordinator for CACD, said the biggest misconception out there is that setting a Facebook page to private will prohibit employers from viewing the profile.
11. He said he expects to see a number of transit systems voters to try to get more revenue.
12. With more traffic on the web site than in the department, digital technology must be every organized and has allowed archives to be more accessible to the public sphere.
13. “We just buy and sell real estate. It is what we do, but the market doesn’t dictate the price,” she said. “The price is the price and I haven’t seen a noticeable change.”
14. These bales are then sold to a processing center in Tacoma, Wash., for $24.
15. “In five or 10 years something else will be cool and texting while driving will be a primary offense, but it’s going to take a little time,” Tennant said.
Underline the subject and verb of the following sentences:
Another impact(S) that increases the purchasing of alcohol is(V) the premises that sell alcohol on and off the WSU campus.
The best advice(S) the CACD can give is(V), do not post things that you would not want people to see.
Comma splice? Yes or no.
“We just buy and sell real estate, it is what we do but the market doesn’t dictate the price,” she said. YES
In 2007, while the average income in Washington was $55,628, the average income for Whitman County was $36,438. NO
Going green took on new meaning this year when WSU Waste Management announced dramatic changes to the recycling program in an effort to save money across the university, the city plans to follow suit. YES
“Take a little out of athletics, take a percentage out of athletics so a whole department doesn't have to be terminated,” Converse said. YES
----
News Feature:
The 20 year-old Founder's Day tradition of throwing shoes into two trees outside of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity will end this year due to complaints from the community that the shoe trees are an eyesore on College Hill.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Practice News Release - Virtual Journalism
College of Communication Hosts Virtual Journalism Symposium
A Specialized Reporting Institue with a focus on virtual journalism and new media outlets will be held at the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State Unversity in Pullman, Wa., on April 6, 2009.
Presenters at the symposium include virutal world journalists as well as representives and creators from the White House, CBS, Walt Disney, CNN, ThinkBalm, and Second Life.
"These and other emerging forms of digital news distribution offer both promise and potential for our students and for the future of journalism." WSU President Elison S. Floyd said.
Virtual journalism is a new trend, seen in real-world mass news media such as CNN and Skye News, that involves news reporting in a 3D virutal environment like Second Life or Club Penguin.
"These emerging 3D spaces offer fascinating new opportunities for storytelling," said Erica Austin, interim dean of the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. "And as the traditional, newspaper-based world of journalism looks for appropriate new ways to provide the vital checks and balances vital to democracy, this event will provide a very significant catalyst for innovation."
The event is presented as a partenship between the McCormick Foundation, one of the nations's largest charities, and WSU's Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, the Northwest's most comprehesnive college communication program.
A complete schedule of events is available http://communication.wsu.edu/virtualjournalism .
For more information, contact:
Brett Atwood, Edward R. Murrow College of Communication 509-335-0113, batwood@wsu.edu
Maria Ortega, WSU News Service, 509-335-7209, mortega@wsu.edu
A Specialized Reporting Institue with a focus on virtual journalism and new media outlets will be held at the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State Unversity in Pullman, Wa., on April 6, 2009.
Presenters at the symposium include virutal world journalists as well as representives and creators from the White House, CBS, Walt Disney, CNN, ThinkBalm, and Second Life.
"These and other emerging forms of digital news distribution offer both promise and potential for our students and for the future of journalism." WSU President Elison S. Floyd said.
Virtual journalism is a new trend, seen in real-world mass news media such as CNN and Skye News, that involves news reporting in a 3D virutal environment like Second Life or Club Penguin.
"These emerging 3D spaces offer fascinating new opportunities for storytelling," said Erica Austin, interim dean of the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. "And as the traditional, newspaper-based world of journalism looks for appropriate new ways to provide the vital checks and balances vital to democracy, this event will provide a very significant catalyst for innovation."
The event is presented as a partenship between the McCormick Foundation, one of the nations's largest charities, and WSU's Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, the Northwest's most comprehesnive college communication program.
A complete schedule of events is available http://communication.wsu.edu/virtualjournalism .
For more information, contact:
Brett Atwood, Edward R. Murrow College of Communication 509-335-0113, batwood@wsu.edu
Maria Ortega, WSU News Service, 509-335-7209, mortega@wsu.edu
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The End of Tradition in the Trees
As the seasons change, leaves may not be the only things falling from the trees on Washington State University’s Greek Row. The hundreds of shoes that adorn two large trees outside of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity house are also slated for removal by the city, signifying the end of a tradition for the fraternity.
Shoes are thrown into two trees standing outside of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity on Oak Street every Dec. 10, which is Founder’s Day for the chapter. Members say the tradition started around 1987.
“The trees are a symbol for us,” Delta Sigma Phi President Ryan Coumont said. “They represent our brotherhood and throwing the shoes is a way for us to come together and celebrate our membership.”
A series of complaints from residents of College Hill, a neighborhood located near the WSU campus and home to the Greek community, identified the trees as a violation of the City of Pullman’s Nuisance Ordinance. The complaints stated that the shoes create an unsightly appearance and have become an eyesore to residents of College Hill. Exact sources of the complaints can not be identified due privacy reasons.
Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson mentioned that there are also safety issues associated with the trees since shoes sometimes land on or near power lines. Johnson believes that the shoe trees are both unsightly and unsafe.
“College students should have standards too,” Johnson said.
For some, this standard may mean a standard for tradition and appreciation of college culture. The loss of the shoe trees is not only the loss of a tradition for Delta Sigma Phi, but also the loss of a Pullman landmark, says student Erin Dunn, a member of the Greek community.
"Traditions are what keeps the Greek community going so strong. I love the Delta Sigma Phi shoe trees because they are a visual demonstration of strong traditions. They're a fun way to connect with members of every generation,” Dunn said.
The removal of the shoes from Delta Sigma Phi’s trees is a demonstration of the struggle faced by many Greek houses between maintaining a working relationship with the College Hill residential community and upholding the strong traditions for which the Greeks are known.
The Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life encourages all sororities and fraternities to maintain a positive relationship with the residents of College Hill. Assistant Director Samantha Armstrong believes that it is in Delta Sigma Phi’s best interest to develop new traditions in order to set a trend in the neighborhood.
“We understand that the fraternity values the tradition and history associated with the tree,” Armstrong said. “For some the tree represents times gone by, a work of art, college students having fun. For others, it is an eyesore bringing down the property value and making the neighborhood look even more run down.”
In an effort to work with the Pullman community, Coumont says the men of Delta Sigma Phi will not be continuing their shoe-throwing tradition this Founder’s Day after the shoes are removed.
“It’s like the end of an era for us,” Coumont said. “Maybe we’ll have to come up with a new tradition, but it’s sad.”
Sources:
Samantha Armstrong - in person/by e-mail
Assistant Director, Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life
(509) 335-5433
sjarmstrong@wsu.edu
Glenn Johnson - in person
Mayor of Pullman, University Faculty
509-335-3068
galjohns@wsu.edu
Erin Dunn - by e-mail
New Student Programs employee, Chinook Yearbook editor
509-981-2889
Ryan Coumont - in person
Delta Sigma Phi President Fall 2009
509-991-9053
Shoes are thrown into two trees standing outside of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity on Oak Street every Dec. 10, which is Founder’s Day for the chapter. Members say the tradition started around 1987.
“The trees are a symbol for us,” Delta Sigma Phi President Ryan Coumont said. “They represent our brotherhood and throwing the shoes is a way for us to come together and celebrate our membership.”
A series of complaints from residents of College Hill, a neighborhood located near the WSU campus and home to the Greek community, identified the trees as a violation of the City of Pullman’s Nuisance Ordinance. The complaints stated that the shoes create an unsightly appearance and have become an eyesore to residents of College Hill. Exact sources of the complaints can not be identified due privacy reasons.
Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson mentioned that there are also safety issues associated with the trees since shoes sometimes land on or near power lines. Johnson believes that the shoe trees are both unsightly and unsafe.
“College students should have standards too,” Johnson said.
For some, this standard may mean a standard for tradition and appreciation of college culture. The loss of the shoe trees is not only the loss of a tradition for Delta Sigma Phi, but also the loss of a Pullman landmark, says student Erin Dunn, a member of the Greek community.
"Traditions are what keeps the Greek community going so strong. I love the Delta Sigma Phi shoe trees because they are a visual demonstration of strong traditions. They're a fun way to connect with members of every generation,” Dunn said.
The removal of the shoes from Delta Sigma Phi’s trees is a demonstration of the struggle faced by many Greek houses between maintaining a working relationship with the College Hill residential community and upholding the strong traditions for which the Greeks are known.
The Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life encourages all sororities and fraternities to maintain a positive relationship with the residents of College Hill. Assistant Director Samantha Armstrong believes that it is in Delta Sigma Phi’s best interest to develop new traditions in order to set a trend in the neighborhood.
“We understand that the fraternity values the tradition and history associated with the tree,” Armstrong said. “For some the tree represents times gone by, a work of art, college students having fun. For others, it is an eyesore bringing down the property value and making the neighborhood look even more run down.”
In an effort to work with the Pullman community, Coumont says the men of Delta Sigma Phi will not be continuing their shoe-throwing tradition this Founder’s Day after the shoes are removed.
“It’s like the end of an era for us,” Coumont said. “Maybe we’ll have to come up with a new tradition, but it’s sad.”
Sources:
Samantha Armstrong - in person/by e-mail
Assistant Director, Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life
(509) 335-5433
sjarmstrong@wsu.edu
Glenn Johnson - in person
Mayor of Pullman, University Faculty
509-335-3068
galjohns@wsu.edu
Erin Dunn - by e-mail
New Student Programs employee, Chinook Yearbook editor
509-981-2889
Ryan Coumont - in person
Delta Sigma Phi President Fall 2009
509-991-9053
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
News Feature: Dan Geib
When Dan Geib was cut from his high school baseball team, he never anticipated that it would aid in the discovery of a new passion.
Instead of running around the bases on a baseball field, Dan decided to start running as a hobby. Now a junior at Washington State University, he is a student-athlete who runs competitively on WSU's Cross Country team.
"It started out as just something to do. Now I'm in college and running is a big part of my life," Dan said.
Instead of running around the bases on a baseball field, Dan decided to start running as a hobby. Now a junior at Washington State University, he is a student-athlete who runs competitively on WSU's Cross Country team.
"It started out as just something to do. Now I'm in college and running is a big part of my life," Dan said.
3 Questions
1. If you were to define your character by one moment in your life, what would it be?
2. What is the story that you tell most often about yourself, and why?
3. If I asked your closest friend and confidant what the three top priorities in your life are, what would they say?
2. What is the story that you tell most often about yourself, and why?
3. If I asked your closest friend and confidant what the three top priorities in your life are, what would they say?
Comma Drama
1. We looked through the church and searched outside the building.
2. "These lights would be funded by ASWSU," he said.
3. His car is black, yellow and orange.
4. Gunnell said everything is still in the early stages of planning, but he hopes the project will be underway by next summer.
5. For breakfast, he had juice, bacon, and ham and eggs.
6. In July, the grassroots organization Protect Marriage Washington turned in thousands of signatures in order to stall the bill and bring the issue to a statewide vote.
7. She was tired. We stayed home.
8. “This is not a bill for gay marriage. I just want to save some money on my taxes and live my life.”
9. Elected to the council were Mark Roberts, 19, a sophomore from Miami, Fla.; Suzanne Idley, 20, a junior from Nashville, Tenn.; and Alberto Greenberg, 21, a senior from Hartford, Conn.
10. We wanted to leave to the old house, but something held us there.
2. "These lights would be funded by ASWSU," he said.
3. His car is black, yellow and orange.
4. Gunnell said everything is still in the early stages of planning, but he hopes the project will be underway by next summer.
5. For breakfast, he had juice, bacon, and ham and eggs.
6. In July, the grassroots organization Protect Marriage Washington turned in thousands of signatures in order to stall the bill and bring the issue to a statewide vote.
7. She was tired. We stayed home.
8. “This is not a bill for gay marriage. I just want to save some money on my taxes and live my life.”
9. Elected to the council were Mark Roberts, 19, a sophomore from Miami, Fla.; Suzanne Idley, 20, a junior from Nashville, Tenn.; and Alberto Greenberg, 21, a senior from Hartford, Conn.
10. We wanted to leave to the old house, but something held us there.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Math
1. Last year, the school spent $8,300 for office equipment. This year, it will spend 5 percent less. How much will it spend this year? $7,885
2. The spelling and grammar test was taken by 217 students. Thirty-seven failed. What percent passed? 82.95%
3. One out of 12 students at WSU are in the Greek system. What percent are in Greek system? 8.3%
4. Bruce Springsteen was born on Sept. 23, 1949. How old will he be in May 2016? 67
5a. The former assistant manager was demoted to sales clerk. His pay was cut from $12 to $8. What was the percent decrease? 33%
5b. The sales clerk was promoted to assistant manager. Her pay increased from $8 to $12. What was the percent increase? 50%
6. Last year, your property tax bill was $1,152. This year, it rose to $1,275. What’s the percent increase? 10.7%
7. Joe Smith wants to build a 2,500-square-foot house for him. The builder tells him it will cost $110 a square foot to build. How much will the house cost? $275,000
8. You and your four roommates have ordered a 16-slice pizza. Because you skipped lunch, it is agreed that you should have a 1/4 share of the total. The roommates divide the remainder equally. How much does each one get? 3 pieces
9. The Poynter Institute’s budget for computer programs jumped from $5,500 to $7,300. By what percent did it increase? 32.7%
10. Checkers at a grocery store earn the following salaries: $10,000, $12,500, $5,890, $16,453, $14,000. The median salary is: $12,500
2. The spelling and grammar test was taken by 217 students. Thirty-seven failed. What percent passed? 82.95%
3. One out of 12 students at WSU are in the Greek system. What percent are in Greek system? 8.3%
4. Bruce Springsteen was born on Sept. 23, 1949. How old will he be in May 2016? 67
5a. The former assistant manager was demoted to sales clerk. His pay was cut from $12 to $8. What was the percent decrease? 33%
5b. The sales clerk was promoted to assistant manager. Her pay increased from $8 to $12. What was the percent increase? 50%
6. Last year, your property tax bill was $1,152. This year, it rose to $1,275. What’s the percent increase? 10.7%
7. Joe Smith wants to build a 2,500-square-foot house for him. The builder tells him it will cost $110 a square foot to build. How much will the house cost? $275,000
8. You and your four roommates have ordered a 16-slice pizza. Because you skipped lunch, it is agreed that you should have a 1/4 share of the total. The roommates divide the remainder equally. How much does each one get? 3 pieces
9. The Poynter Institute’s budget for computer programs jumped from $5,500 to $7,300. By what percent did it increase? 32.7%
10. Checkers at a grocery store earn the following salaries: $10,000, $12,500, $5,890, $16,453, $14,000. The median salary is: $12,500
Political Story - I-1033
Outline:
Initiative 1033 – what it is
poor timing due to economy
How it could affect WSU students - tuition costs
Quote from Shea
Nontraditional students - Quote from Allison
TAPOR – how 1033 is similar and its affect on public education in Colorado
Quote from Dr. Reyer
Daily Evergreen - interview with Michael Largent
Initiative 1033
Students and residents of Pullman express concern about the implications of Initiative 1033 on the Pullman community. I-1033 will appear on Washington ballots Nov. 3.
Initiative 1033, written by political activist Tim Eyman, is largely advertised as a “lower property taxes” initiative. I-1033 proposes an inflation-controlled state spending limit beginning in 2010. The spending cap for future years would be determined by state spending for 2009. Excess taxes collected would be returned to taxpayers as rebates.
Due to the current state of the economy, state revenue in 2009 is projected to be low and therefore is considered by some news sources to be a dangerous precedent to set for future years when the economy is in recovery.
Students at Washington State University may risk facing additional financial stress if the initiative does pass. According to an example student budget on the Financial Aid page on www.wsu.edu, the cost of tuition for the for the 2009-2010 school year is $7600 for in-state students and $18, 676 for out-of -state students. These costs reflect the fourteen percent tuition increase incurred this fall as a result of state budget cuts announced in May.
Tuition will raise another fourteen percent next school year, and working students like junior Shea McVaugh are concerned that passing I-1033 will cause students to pay even more for tuition when the state is caused to cut corners on education budgets yet again.
“I know that everyone is hurting financially right now, but even when you propose cutting taxes, we all still pay those costs, just in different ways,” McVaugh said. “Tuition is shooting through the roof and I'm in student debt up to my eyeballs. If it goes up much more I will probably have to take time off from school to save money.”
The I-1033 may be especially harmful to non-traditional students, like apparel merchandising student Allison Bottemiller, who has a 6-month-old son. Bottemiller and her fiancé both work part-time and rely on programs from the state to pay for childcare services through the university so that they can attend class and work.
“At this point, the child care expenses I wouldn’t be able to sustain on my own,” Bottemiller said. “I worry that an initiative like this is going to both increase my tuition and take away programs that I rely on to get by. I might not be able to finish my degree without them.”
Many news documents on I-1033 compare the initiative to Colorado’s TAPOR program, passed in 1992. TAPOR was similar to the I-1033 proposal because it was also a equation-based funding program. As a result, funding for public education in Colorado was heavily cut. TAPOR is largely considered a financial disaster for Colorado and was suspended in 2005.
In a phone interview with Dr. Susan Reyes, Pullman School District Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Reyes said I-1033 could be similarly harmful in the Pullman community.
“It could potentially impact the level of support that we’re able to access from our community through taxes, and force us to cut corners,” Dr. Reyes said.
Dr. Reyes said that at this time, the PSD is not taking any measures to encourage Pullman residents to vote a certain way.
The Daily Evergreen, the WSU student-run newspaper, has published various opinion articles on I-1033, all of which encourage students to vote “no”. An article published on Oct 6, written by Derrick Skaug, quotes Whitman County Michael Largent. Largent was quoted saying that I-1033 would “force local governments to prioritize services”
“We have to consider anything, but there will be drastic changes,” said Largent.
Largent was unavailable to comment on any specific programs that may be affected by the passing of the initiative.
Sources:
Dr. Susan Reyes, Assistant Superintendent 509-332-3144 (by phone)
Shea McVaugh, student (360) 550-2757 (by e-mail)
Alison Bottemiller, student (360) 302-1253 (in person)
Initiative 1033 – what it is
poor timing due to economy
How it could affect WSU students - tuition costs
Quote from Shea
Nontraditional students - Quote from Allison
TAPOR – how 1033 is similar and its affect on public education in Colorado
Quote from Dr. Reyer
Daily Evergreen - interview with Michael Largent
Initiative 1033
Students and residents of Pullman express concern about the implications of Initiative 1033 on the Pullman community. I-1033 will appear on Washington ballots Nov. 3.
Initiative 1033, written by political activist Tim Eyman, is largely advertised as a “lower property taxes” initiative. I-1033 proposes an inflation-controlled state spending limit beginning in 2010. The spending cap for future years would be determined by state spending for 2009. Excess taxes collected would be returned to taxpayers as rebates.
Due to the current state of the economy, state revenue in 2009 is projected to be low and therefore is considered by some news sources to be a dangerous precedent to set for future years when the economy is in recovery.
Students at Washington State University may risk facing additional financial stress if the initiative does pass. According to an example student budget on the Financial Aid page on www.wsu.edu, the cost of tuition for the for the 2009-2010 school year is $7600 for in-state students and $18, 676 for out-of -state students. These costs reflect the fourteen percent tuition increase incurred this fall as a result of state budget cuts announced in May.
Tuition will raise another fourteen percent next school year, and working students like junior Shea McVaugh are concerned that passing I-1033 will cause students to pay even more for tuition when the state is caused to cut corners on education budgets yet again.
“I know that everyone is hurting financially right now, but even when you propose cutting taxes, we all still pay those costs, just in different ways,” McVaugh said. “Tuition is shooting through the roof and I'm in student debt up to my eyeballs. If it goes up much more I will probably have to take time off from school to save money.”
The I-1033 may be especially harmful to non-traditional students, like apparel merchandising student Allison Bottemiller, who has a 6-month-old son. Bottemiller and her fiancé both work part-time and rely on programs from the state to pay for childcare services through the university so that they can attend class and work.
“At this point, the child care expenses I wouldn’t be able to sustain on my own,” Bottemiller said. “I worry that an initiative like this is going to both increase my tuition and take away programs that I rely on to get by. I might not be able to finish my degree without them.”
Many news documents on I-1033 compare the initiative to Colorado’s TAPOR program, passed in 1992. TAPOR was similar to the I-1033 proposal because it was also a equation-based funding program. As a result, funding for public education in Colorado was heavily cut. TAPOR is largely considered a financial disaster for Colorado and was suspended in 2005.
In a phone interview with Dr. Susan Reyes, Pullman School District Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Reyes said I-1033 could be similarly harmful in the Pullman community.
“It could potentially impact the level of support that we’re able to access from our community through taxes, and force us to cut corners,” Dr. Reyes said.
Dr. Reyes said that at this time, the PSD is not taking any measures to encourage Pullman residents to vote a certain way.
The Daily Evergreen, the WSU student-run newspaper, has published various opinion articles on I-1033, all of which encourage students to vote “no”. An article published on Oct 6, written by Derrick Skaug, quotes Whitman County Michael Largent. Largent was quoted saying that I-1033 would “force local governments to prioritize services”
“We have to consider anything, but there will be drastic changes,” said Largent.
Largent was unavailable to comment on any specific programs that may be affected by the passing of the initiative.
Sources:
Dr. Susan Reyes, Assistant Superintendent 509-332-3144 (by phone)
Shea McVaugh, student (360) 550-2757 (by e-mail)
Alison Bottemiller, student (360) 302-1253 (in person)
Friday, October 23, 2009
Justice Story REWRITE
Police say sexual assaults at Washington State University are underreported and that reports recanted earlier this semester may lead the public to distrust victims in the future.
WSU Police Officer Mike Petlovany says he believes sexual assault and rape are “extremely underreported” on campus. According to the 2009-2010 Cougar Annual Safety/Fire Report, a public record of crime and incident statistics at WSU, just three cases of forcible rape were reported on campus in 2008.
“I have no doubt that there are many more incidents that occur that we just never hear about,” Petlovany said.
Petlovany said students can take precautions against sexual assault, such as coming and leaving parties in groups, avoiding walking alone at night, and monitoring alcohol consumption.
“Some people do take precautions and are aware of the risk,” Petlovany said. “But some make themselves easier targets.”
Early this semester, many WSU students felt a twinge of panic as they received late-night text messages alerting them of assaults on campus. The three attacks, though recanted just days later, brought the reality of sexual assault uncomfortably close to home.
Although the WSU campus newspaper, The Daily Evergreen, reported on the alleged assaults and the subsequent recants, it was never made clear why the reports were recanted
Some students say this lack of clarity may have a negative effect on the campus attitude reporting sexual assaults.
“The recants definitely breed an atmosphere that considers women to be liars,” senior political science major Jared Chastain said. “On the other hand, when no one comes forward at all, we have this false sense of security. Like, ‘See? Nothing bad happens here.’”
Mary Anderson, the WSU Women’s Resource Center program coordinator, said it’s important the recants are not considered “false reports” since reasons behind them are still not public knowledge.
“If they are thought of as false reports, there is a negative effect on campus,” Anderson said. “People do start to dismiss other reports, and considering the difficulty that victims already have in coming forward, we do not want the situation worsened.”
Anderson said that although the WSU police have no way of recording unreported cases, national statistics imply that as few as 10 percent of sexual assaults are reported.
Anderson said that societal standards don’t allow men who are victims of sexual assault to report crimes against them.
“Sexual assault absolutely does happen to men,” Anderson said. “But in our society, women are expected to be victims, while men aren’t allowed to be.”
Another issue that is seldom spoken about on college campuses is men as victims of sexual assault.
While there are several resources on campus available for women to take preventative measures against sexual assault, such as Women’s Transit and the Women’s Resource Center, there are few comparative resources for men.
WSU Recreation is now offering a Men's Violence Prevention class as part of the Wellbeing program. According to the online description, the class includes a discussion of how men can “better limit and prevent violence and sexual misconduct.” A full range of self-defense skills tailored for men is also taught.
Women’s Transit, a program that provides rides for women who would otherwise walk alone at night, is also open to members of the gay and transgender community.
“These people are struggling between two communities, and with a multitude of identities,” Chastain, who is a Women’s Transit volunteer, said. “I fully support the decision to provide safe alternatives for people at risk.”
WSU Police Officer Mike Petlovany says he believes sexual assault and rape are “extremely underreported” on campus. According to the 2009-2010 Cougar Annual Safety/Fire Report, a public record of crime and incident statistics at WSU, just three cases of forcible rape were reported on campus in 2008.
“I have no doubt that there are many more incidents that occur that we just never hear about,” Petlovany said.
Petlovany said students can take precautions against sexual assault, such as coming and leaving parties in groups, avoiding walking alone at night, and monitoring alcohol consumption.
“Some people do take precautions and are aware of the risk,” Petlovany said. “But some make themselves easier targets.”
Early this semester, many WSU students felt a twinge of panic as they received late-night text messages alerting them of assaults on campus. The three attacks, though recanted just days later, brought the reality of sexual assault uncomfortably close to home.
Although the WSU campus newspaper, The Daily Evergreen, reported on the alleged assaults and the subsequent recants, it was never made clear why the reports were recanted
Some students say this lack of clarity may have a negative effect on the campus attitude reporting sexual assaults.
“The recants definitely breed an atmosphere that considers women to be liars,” senior political science major Jared Chastain said. “On the other hand, when no one comes forward at all, we have this false sense of security. Like, ‘See? Nothing bad happens here.’”
Mary Anderson, the WSU Women’s Resource Center program coordinator, said it’s important the recants are not considered “false reports” since reasons behind them are still not public knowledge.
“If they are thought of as false reports, there is a negative effect on campus,” Anderson said. “People do start to dismiss other reports, and considering the difficulty that victims already have in coming forward, we do not want the situation worsened.”
Anderson said that although the WSU police have no way of recording unreported cases, national statistics imply that as few as 10 percent of sexual assaults are reported.
Anderson said that societal standards don’t allow men who are victims of sexual assault to report crimes against them.
“Sexual assault absolutely does happen to men,” Anderson said. “But in our society, women are expected to be victims, while men aren’t allowed to be.”
Another issue that is seldom spoken about on college campuses is men as victims of sexual assault.
While there are several resources on campus available for women to take preventative measures against sexual assault, such as Women’s Transit and the Women’s Resource Center, there are few comparative resources for men.
WSU Recreation is now offering a Men's Violence Prevention class as part of the Wellbeing program. According to the online description, the class includes a discussion of how men can “better limit and prevent violence and sexual misconduct.” A full range of self-defense skills tailored for men is also taught.
Women’s Transit, a program that provides rides for women who would otherwise walk alone at night, is also open to members of the gay and transgender community.
“These people are struggling between two communities, and with a multitude of identities,” Chastain, who is a Women’s Transit volunteer, said. “I fully support the decision to provide safe alternatives for people at risk.”
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Hurricane Katrina photo description
Hurricane Katrina left New Orleans in a state of physical and emotional devestation. People left homeless in the aftermath of the storm crowded into line for bus transporation to the Houston Astrodome, clinging onto any belongings they were able to salvage in backpacks or plastic storage tubs. Their faces express the Residents stranded atop an apartment complex spray painted "Water is rising pleas HELP" into the wet blacktop and waved tattered American flags in an attempt to be rescued. A parking garage was used as a hospital for patients waiting for helicoptor transit from New Orleans. A nurse in crisp green hospital scrubs fanned a patient with her clipboard in an attempt to relieve some of the heat and humidity of the harsh New Orleans weather. Without electricity, dozens of wounded and ill lay on makeshift beds atop the concrete of the garage.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Finding trends in local government
This exercise is designed to help you track local government data through online search engines. We can use that data to find trends, interesting facts and, of course, story ideas. As you work on this exercise, look for potential story ideas.
Complete the exercises below and post the answers to your blog, including the three ledes. Provide answers for the questions or statements in italics.
I. State and local
a. Using the online resource www.census.gov, answer the following questions:
1. What’s the population of Whitman County? 41,664
2. Percent white? 86.6
3. Percent with bachelor’s degree? 44
4. Median household income? $36,538
5. Persons below poverty? 26.7
II. Drilling down into Census data: Housing
a. Google/unclesam is a powerful tool that let’s us search all “.gov” Web sites. Go to the search bar and type “Whitman County building permits.”
b. Click on the second link, “Whitman County QuickLinks.”
c. Under Business QuickLinks, click on “Building Permits.”
1. Find the annual construction costs for building permits for Pullman from 2004 to 2008. Report it for each individual year.
2004: 21,793,767
2005: 34,549,367
2006: 31,922,839
2007: 31,922,839
2008: 14,007,013
2. What’s the most current construction cost for 2009? (Obviously the annual report isn’t yet available so look for the most recent month.)
August 2009: 7,170,166
3. Write a lede based on this information.
Residential construction in Pullman has dropped by more than 50% from 2007 to 2008, according to a census report on annual building permits.
III. Federal grants and insurance
Who needs government? Well, Whitman County certainly received some federal help last year. But we want to know how much.
a. Go back to the QuickLinks main page and click on something called “Consolidated Federal Funds Report.”
b. Under ‘Available Data,’ choose 2008 and Geography. Click ‘Submit.’
c. On the next page, choose ‘Washington’ and ‘Yes’ on County. We want ‘All Fund Types.’
d. On the next page, choose Whitman County.
1. How much did Whitman County farmers receive in Crop Insurance? $134,236,720
2. How much did Whitman County receive in grants? $122,982,596
3. Name three of the grants: 1) Airport Improvement Program 2) National Estuary Program 3) Trio-Student Support Services
IV. Health Care in Whitman County
a. Let’s take another big national issue: Health insurance. Return to the Quick Links page.
b. Under People Quick Links, locate “2005 Health Insurance Coverage.”
c. Choose Washington and then ‘Submit.’
1. Which two counties have the highest percent of uninsured people? King County, Pierce County
2. What’s the percentage in Whitman County? 9,118
V. Population
Is Whitman County’s population growing? Let’s look at population trends.
1. Type “Whitman County population” into Google Uncle Sam. Which federal or state agency comes up first in the Google list?
2. Click on the first listing, which takes us to the Office of Financial Management’s profile of the county.
3. On the profile page, click on “Population, Change, Marriages and Divorce.”
a. What’s the total population change in Whitman County from 2000 to 2007, according to OFM? 1,960
b. What’s the natural increase? 1,324
c. Explain the difference between “total change” and “natural change.” Total change includes people who moved into or out of the area, natural change counts only births and deaths.
4. Go back to the Google search results for ‘Whitman County population.”
5. Choose the second result, which should take you to Whitman County page.
6. Under General Information, click on “Whitman County Overview from the Choose Washington website.” (Should be Web site, right?)
7. Under “County Data,” click on Population.
a. Based on this projection, how many people will live in Whitman County in 2025?
46,786
Spokane City Council Agenda
1. The city of Spokane provides all its City Council information online. Google “Spokane City Council.” Choose the second Google result, which will take us directly to the Council’s home page.
2. Let’s look at the Sept. 14 agenda. Under ‘Current Agendas,’ choose Sept. 14.
3. What’s the number of the ordinance that would create a new alcohol-impact area?ORD C34475
4. We want to know more about this ordinance. In fact, we want to see the actual document. Under the ‘Services’ tab at the top of the page, scroll down to ‘Documents and Forms.’ Navigate to ‘City Clerk Records.’
5. Type in the keyword ‘alcohol.’ That will bring up the actual ordinance. We have several different listings for the same ordinance. So, under ‘Sub Type,’ find the ordinance designated ‘SMC.’
6. Click ‘View’ and open with Adobe Acrobat.
7. What will the ordinance do? Write a lede based on the City Council’s approval of this ordinance.
An ordinance passed by the Spokane City Council on Sept 14 created an alcohol impact area that restricts the sale of alchohol within designated areas of the city. The ordinance is an effort to decrease public inebriation and improve public health and safety.
Whitman County Agenda
1. The Web site www.whitmancounty.org provides the agendas and minutes for the meeting of the county’s commissioners. Navigate to the commissioners’ page.
2. Open the current agenda.
a. According to the agenda, what meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 2 p.m.?
3. Review the minutes from the Sept. 21, 2009, meeting. Find the H1N1 report.
a. How many confirmed cases in Whitman County?
b. How many doses of vaccine will be available in Washington state?
c. How many in Whitman County?
d. What is Dr. Moody’s suggestion on how to distribute?
e. Write a lede based on this information.
Complete the exercises below and post the answers to your blog, including the three ledes. Provide answers for the questions or statements in italics.
I. State and local
a. Using the online resource www.census.gov, answer the following questions:
1. What’s the population of Whitman County? 41,664
2. Percent white? 86.6
3. Percent with bachelor’s degree? 44
4. Median household income? $36,538
5. Persons below poverty? 26.7
II. Drilling down into Census data: Housing
a. Google/unclesam is a powerful tool that let’s us search all “.gov” Web sites. Go to the search bar and type “Whitman County building permits.”
b. Click on the second link, “Whitman County QuickLinks.”
c. Under Business QuickLinks, click on “Building Permits.”
1. Find the annual construction costs for building permits for Pullman from 2004 to 2008. Report it for each individual year.
2004: 21,793,767
2005: 34,549,367
2006: 31,922,839
2007: 31,922,839
2008: 14,007,013
2. What’s the most current construction cost for 2009? (Obviously the annual report isn’t yet available so look for the most recent month.)
August 2009: 7,170,166
3. Write a lede based on this information.
Residential construction in Pullman has dropped by more than 50% from 2007 to 2008, according to a census report on annual building permits.
III. Federal grants and insurance
Who needs government? Well, Whitman County certainly received some federal help last year. But we want to know how much.
a. Go back to the QuickLinks main page and click on something called “Consolidated Federal Funds Report.”
b. Under ‘Available Data,’ choose 2008 and Geography. Click ‘Submit.’
c. On the next page, choose ‘Washington’ and ‘Yes’ on County. We want ‘All Fund Types.’
d. On the next page, choose Whitman County.
1. How much did Whitman County farmers receive in Crop Insurance? $134,236,720
2. How much did Whitman County receive in grants? $122,982,596
3. Name three of the grants: 1) Airport Improvement Program 2) National Estuary Program 3) Trio-Student Support Services
IV. Health Care in Whitman County
a. Let’s take another big national issue: Health insurance. Return to the Quick Links page.
b. Under People Quick Links, locate “2005 Health Insurance Coverage.”
c. Choose Washington and then ‘Submit.’
1. Which two counties have the highest percent of uninsured people? King County, Pierce County
2. What’s the percentage in Whitman County? 9,118
V. Population
Is Whitman County’s population growing? Let’s look at population trends.
1. Type “Whitman County population” into Google Uncle Sam. Which federal or state agency comes up first in the Google list?
2. Click on the first listing, which takes us to the Office of Financial Management’s profile of the county.
3. On the profile page, click on “Population, Change, Marriages and Divorce.”
a. What’s the total population change in Whitman County from 2000 to 2007, according to OFM? 1,960
b. What’s the natural increase? 1,324
c. Explain the difference between “total change” and “natural change.” Total change includes people who moved into or out of the area, natural change counts only births and deaths.
4. Go back to the Google search results for ‘Whitman County population.”
5. Choose the second result, which should take you to Whitman County page.
6. Under General Information, click on “Whitman County Overview from the Choose Washington website.” (Should be Web site, right?)
7. Under “County Data,” click on Population.
a. Based on this projection, how many people will live in Whitman County in 2025?
46,786
Spokane City Council Agenda
1. The city of Spokane provides all its City Council information online. Google “Spokane City Council.” Choose the second Google result, which will take us directly to the Council’s home page.
2. Let’s look at the Sept. 14 agenda. Under ‘Current Agendas,’ choose Sept. 14.
3. What’s the number of the ordinance that would create a new alcohol-impact area?ORD C34475
4. We want to know more about this ordinance. In fact, we want to see the actual document. Under the ‘Services’ tab at the top of the page, scroll down to ‘Documents and Forms.’ Navigate to ‘City Clerk Records.’
5. Type in the keyword ‘alcohol.’ That will bring up the actual ordinance. We have several different listings for the same ordinance. So, under ‘Sub Type,’ find the ordinance designated ‘SMC.’
6. Click ‘View’ and open with Adobe Acrobat.
7. What will the ordinance do? Write a lede based on the City Council’s approval of this ordinance.
An ordinance passed by the Spokane City Council on Sept 14 created an alcohol impact area that restricts the sale of alchohol within designated areas of the city. The ordinance is an effort to decrease public inebriation and improve public health and safety.
Whitman County Agenda
1. The Web site www.whitmancounty.org provides the agendas and minutes for the meeting of the county’s commissioners. Navigate to the commissioners’ page.
2. Open the current agenda.
a. According to the agenda, what meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 2 p.m.?
3. Review the minutes from the Sept. 21, 2009, meeting. Find the H1N1 report.
a. How many confirmed cases in Whitman County?
b. How many doses of vaccine will be available in Washington state?
c. How many in Whitman County?
d. What is Dr. Moody’s suggestion on how to distribute?
e. Write a lede based on this information.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Is it libelous?
Why or why not?
1. “Up until the day he died, he was a brilliant writer. But the drugs made him a thief, a pimp and a liar,” said friend Karen Smith, who was with Johnson at the time of his death.
- No, because it is a direct quote that is attributed to someone. It was a defamation spoken by Karen Smith, not something that the author of the story came up with.
ACTUALLY - not libel because the subject of libel is dead.
2. “Megan Fox is a man!” Headline on Weekly World News Web site
- No, because she the Weekly World News is not considered a credible news source. Also, Megan Fox is a public figure.
3. “In my opinion, Kevin is a murdering rapist.”
- Yes, because although he's saying "in my opinion", stating that someone is a mudering rapist is a statement of fact.
1. “Up until the day he died, he was a brilliant writer. But the drugs made him a thief, a pimp and a liar,” said friend Karen Smith, who was with Johnson at the time of his death.
- No, because it is a direct quote that is attributed to someone. It was a defamation spoken by Karen Smith, not something that the author of the story came up with.
ACTUALLY - not libel because the subject of libel is dead.
2. “Megan Fox is a man!” Headline on Weekly World News Web site
- No, because she the Weekly World News is not considered a credible news source. Also, Megan Fox is a public figure.
3. “In my opinion, Kevin is a murdering rapist.”
- Yes, because although he's saying "in my opinion", stating that someone is a mudering rapist is a statement of fact.
Justice Story: Recants May Contribute to Underreporting of Sexual Assault
Outline
1. Lede – night of partying – sexual assault
- reality of underreporting
2. Assualts on campus this fall
- recants
3. Recant quote “atmosphere of women as liars” Chastain
- nothing bad happens here
4. Office Petlovany quote
- Safety/Fire report stat
- precautions? Are they taken?
5. Mary Anderson “false reports” quote
- negative effect on campus
- underreporting stats
6. Men as victims
- why they won’t report
- resources for men
- closing quote from Chastain
A typical college weekend of beer pong and binge drinking may seem harmless, but for some a night of innocent partying can take a nightmarish turn. In reality, sexual assaults on college campuses are shockingly underreported and WSU is no exception.
Early this semester, many Washington State University students felt a twinge of panic as they received late-night text messages alerting them of assaults on campus. The three attacks, though recanted just days later, brought the reality of sexual assault uncomfortably close to home.
Although the WSU campus newspaper, The Daily Evergreen, reported on the alleged assaults and the subsequent recants, it was never made clear why the reports were recanted.
“The recants definitely breed an atmosphere that considers women to be liars,” senior political science major Jared Chastain said. “On the other hand, when no one comes forward at all, we have this false sense of security. Like, ‘See? Nothing bad happens here.’”
WSU Police Officer Mike Petlovany says he believes that sexual assault and rape are “extremely underreported” on campus. According to the 2009-2010 Cougar Annual Safety/Fire Report, just three cases of forcible rape were reported on campus in 2008.
“I have no doubt that there are many more incidents that occur that we just never hear about,” Petlovany said.
Petlovany said that there are precautions against sexual assault that can be taken, such as coming and leaving parties in groups, avoiding walking alone at night, and monitoring alcohol consumption.
“Some people do take precautions and are aware of the risk,” Petlovany said. “But some make themselves easier targets.”
Mary Anderson, the WSU Women’s Resource Center program coordinator, said that it’s important the recants are not considered “false reports” since reasons behind them are still not public knowledge.
“If they are thought of as false reports, there is a negative effect on campus,” Anderson said. “People do start to dismiss other reports, and considering the difficulty that victims already have in coming forward, we do not want the situation worsened.”
Anderson said that although the WSU police have no way of recording unreported cases, national statistics imply that as few as ten percent of sexual assaults are reported.
Anderson said that societal standards don’t allow men who are victims of sexual assault to report crimes against them.
“Sexual assault absolutely does happen to men,” Anderson said. “But in our society, women are expected to be victims, while men aren’t allowed to be.”
While there are several resources on campus available for women to take preventative measures against sexual assault, there are few comparative resources for men.
WSU Recreation is now offering a Men's Violence Prevention class as part of the Wellbeing program. According to the online description, the class includes a discussion of how men can “better limit and prevent violence and sexual misconduct”. A full-range of self-defense skills tailored for men is also taught.
Women’s Transit, a program that provides rides for women who would otherwise walk alone at night, is also open to members of the gay and transgender community.
“These people are struggling between two communities, and with a multitude of identities,” Chastain, who is a Women’s Transit volunteer, said, “I fully support the decision to provide safe alternatives for people at risk.”
Contacts:
(all these interviews were conducted in person)
Jared Chastain (360) 708-9217
Officer Mike Petlovany (509) 335-8548
Mary Anderson 509-335-1856
1. Lede – night of partying – sexual assault
- reality of underreporting
2. Assualts on campus this fall
- recants
3. Recant quote “atmosphere of women as liars” Chastain
- nothing bad happens here
4. Office Petlovany quote
- Safety/Fire report stat
- precautions? Are they taken?
5. Mary Anderson “false reports” quote
- negative effect on campus
- underreporting stats
6. Men as victims
- why they won’t report
- resources for men
- closing quote from Chastain
A typical college weekend of beer pong and binge drinking may seem harmless, but for some a night of innocent partying can take a nightmarish turn. In reality, sexual assaults on college campuses are shockingly underreported and WSU is no exception.
Early this semester, many Washington State University students felt a twinge of panic as they received late-night text messages alerting them of assaults on campus. The three attacks, though recanted just days later, brought the reality of sexual assault uncomfortably close to home.
Although the WSU campus newspaper, The Daily Evergreen, reported on the alleged assaults and the subsequent recants, it was never made clear why the reports were recanted.
“The recants definitely breed an atmosphere that considers women to be liars,” senior political science major Jared Chastain said. “On the other hand, when no one comes forward at all, we have this false sense of security. Like, ‘See? Nothing bad happens here.’”
WSU Police Officer Mike Petlovany says he believes that sexual assault and rape are “extremely underreported” on campus. According to the 2009-2010 Cougar Annual Safety/Fire Report, just three cases of forcible rape were reported on campus in 2008.
“I have no doubt that there are many more incidents that occur that we just never hear about,” Petlovany said.
Petlovany said that there are precautions against sexual assault that can be taken, such as coming and leaving parties in groups, avoiding walking alone at night, and monitoring alcohol consumption.
“Some people do take precautions and are aware of the risk,” Petlovany said. “But some make themselves easier targets.”
Mary Anderson, the WSU Women’s Resource Center program coordinator, said that it’s important the recants are not considered “false reports” since reasons behind them are still not public knowledge.
“If they are thought of as false reports, there is a negative effect on campus,” Anderson said. “People do start to dismiss other reports, and considering the difficulty that victims already have in coming forward, we do not want the situation worsened.”
Anderson said that although the WSU police have no way of recording unreported cases, national statistics imply that as few as ten percent of sexual assaults are reported.
Anderson said that societal standards don’t allow men who are victims of sexual assault to report crimes against them.
“Sexual assault absolutely does happen to men,” Anderson said. “But in our society, women are expected to be victims, while men aren’t allowed to be.”
While there are several resources on campus available for women to take preventative measures against sexual assault, there are few comparative resources for men.
WSU Recreation is now offering a Men's Violence Prevention class as part of the Wellbeing program. According to the online description, the class includes a discussion of how men can “better limit and prevent violence and sexual misconduct”. A full-range of self-defense skills tailored for men is also taught.
Women’s Transit, a program that provides rides for women who would otherwise walk alone at night, is also open to members of the gay and transgender community.
“These people are struggling between two communities, and with a multitude of identities,” Chastain, who is a Women’s Transit volunteer, said, “I fully support the decision to provide safe alternatives for people at risk.”
Contacts:
(all these interviews were conducted in person)
Jared Chastain (360) 708-9217
Officer Mike Petlovany (509) 335-8548
Mary Anderson 509-335-1856
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sentence editing
1. The guest speaker is Kimberly Robertello, a clinical assistant professor at Washington State University who teaches courses in human anatomy and biomechanics.
2. The group decided to start a voter registration drive for the Nov. election to help qualify more students to vote. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 5.
3. “How many people are serious about going so we can reserve hotel rooms for everyone?" PRSSA President Tara Wyman asked.
4. “It's not always the most fun thing to do on a Wednesday night, but once I graduate I’m going to reap the rewards,” Parker said. “Nothing gets you further than contacts in the field.”
5. Candidates Derrick En’Wezoh, ASWSU representative and Jason McConnell, GPSA representative, wanted to share the chairman position.
6. Representatives proposing to go against the grain are often intimidated due to what appears to be a unified front again them.
7. A rush of new Homecoming ideas from the Student Entertainment Board meeting Monday constructed a bright path for Homecoming 2009 and discussed ways to improve participation level.
8. Director of Student Affairs, Joshua Hart highlighted the lack of volunteers and asked the executives to sign up.
2. The group decided to start a voter registration drive for the Nov. election to help qualify more students to vote. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 5.
3. “How many people are serious about going so we can reserve hotel rooms for everyone?" PRSSA President Tara Wyman asked.
4. “It's not always the most fun thing to do on a Wednesday night, but once I graduate I’m going to reap the rewards,” Parker said. “Nothing gets you further than contacts in the field.”
5. Candidates Derrick En’Wezoh, ASWSU representative and Jason McConnell, GPSA representative, wanted to share the chairman position.
6. Representatives proposing to go against the grain are often intimidated due to what appears to be a unified front again them.
7. A rush of new Homecoming ideas from the Student Entertainment Board meeting Monday constructed a bright path for Homecoming 2009 and discussed ways to improve participation level.
8. Director of Student Affairs, Joshua Hart highlighted the lack of volunteers and asked the executives to sign up.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Quotes exercise
Put the quotes in the correct location. Post to your blog.
1. "Mary is trying hard in school this semester," her father said.
2. "No," the taxi driver said curtly, "I cannot get you to the airport in 15 minutes."
3. "I believe," Jack remarked, "that the best time of year to visit Europe is in the spring. At least that's what I read in a book entitled 'Guide to Europe.'"
4. My French professor told me that my accent is abominable.
5. "Is Time a magazine you read regularly?" she asked.
6. When did Roosevelt say, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself"?
7. "Can you believe," Dot asked me, "that it has been almost five years since we've seen each other?"
Adapted from the University of Purdue’s Owl Resources.
1. "Mary is trying hard in school this semester," her father said.
2. "No," the taxi driver said curtly, "I cannot get you to the airport in 15 minutes."
3. "I believe," Jack remarked, "that the best time of year to visit Europe is in the spring. At least that's what I read in a book entitled 'Guide to Europe.'"
4. My French professor told me that my accent is abominable.
5. "Is Time a magazine you read regularly?" she asked.
6. When did Roosevelt say, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself"?
7. "Can you believe," Dot asked me, "that it has been almost five years since we've seen each other?"
Adapted from the University of Purdue’s Owl Resources.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Story Proposals
1) Academic integrity at WSU: legal consequences for those who violate student conduct codes - how seriously does WSU actually take it? Are standards different for athletes? Explore the legal issue of WSU degree ownership as property. Sources: administrators from the Office of Student Conduct, professors with experience dealing with academic integrity.
2) Rape: legal consequences, definition, relevancy in Pullman community, reporting process, and how it's handled by the WSU police. I would interview police officers and also talk to students about their opinions on the severity of punishment. Cover related resources, ex: Women's Transit.
2) Rape: legal consequences, definition, relevancy in Pullman community, reporting process, and how it's handled by the WSU police. I would interview police officers and also talk to students about their opinions on the severity of punishment. Cover related resources, ex: Women's Transit.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Howard Berkes Questions
1)I notice that during the farm story we listened to, you act as a sort of narrator and use clips from your interview of your subjects talking instead of clips of you asking the questions. What kind of stories does this method work best for?
2) Where do you think is the ideal place to interview your subjects for a story in order to get the most honest and genuine interview? In their home, in your studio, or in neutral place?
3) When doing a story about a crisis, for example, the mine collapse in Utah, do you find it hard to attain concrete details about the actual severity of the situation because officials are afraid of leaking information that will scare the public? How do you get details from sources unwilling to share?
2) Where do you think is the ideal place to interview your subjects for a story in order to get the most honest and genuine interview? In their home, in your studio, or in neutral place?
3) When doing a story about a crisis, for example, the mine collapse in Utah, do you find it hard to attain concrete details about the actual severity of the situation because officials are afraid of leaking information that will scare the public? How do you get details from sources unwilling to share?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Meeting Story: WSU Young Democrats Plan to Advocate for Healthcare Awareness in Pullman
WSU Young Democrats Plan to Advocate for Healthcare Awareness in Pullman
College-age political activists announced their plan to bring the pressing issue of national healthcare to the public eye on the Pullman campus at a Sept. 21 meeting of the WSU Young Democrats.
The meeting buzzed with political banter as a diverse group of students gathered in CUE 407 to discuss upcoming projects and events, all with a “left-wing” theme. The officers leading the meeting introduced themselves using pseudo-middle names based on famous politicians associated with the Democratic party, demonstrating both the political knowledge and intelligent humor of the group.
The Young Democrats’ latest project will be a series of small efforts, such as demonstrations, debates, and informational booths, that aim to increase awareness about healthcare issues in the United States among WSU students. The Young Democrats are concerned that many students are uninformed about the seriousness and relevancy of the issue.
Young Democrats President Angel Ojeda said that a major reason that young people are in the dark is that information about healthcare reform is difficult to find. Students trying to find information have to do their research because any available information isn’t very user friendly.
“The bill is pretty long and convoluted,” said Ojeda.
While in college, it’s easy for students to rely on their parents’ insurance policies and forget that in just a few short years, they will each be responsible for paying for their our own healthcare on entry-level level job salaries. Even students who don’t have healthcare through their families can rely on WSU Student Health for basic medical needs while in school, which is considerably less expensive than care at a typical doctor’s office.
Healthcare has certainly been on the minds of WSU students since the semester started about one month ago. The WSU Pullman campus has made local and national news for being a hotbed for H1N1, or swine flu. Although the exact number of confirmed cases of H1N1 is unknown, the threat of contracting the virus has many students concerned for their health and their wallets.
The Young Democrats think that perhaps the H1N1 scare will be the political call to attention that is needed on this campus. Elizabeth Walker, a Young Democrat officer, says that with no presidential election this year, many students will cease to follow political events.
“We find that our campus becomes very apathetic during campaign-off seasons,” said Walker.
The Young Democrats don’t feel, however, that the absence of an election is an excuse to be uninformed about current events in politics.
“It is your duty as a citizen to be informed. Knowing what you’re voting for is so important,” said Hannah Tyo, another Young Democrats officer.
Tyo said that it is important for all students, regardless of political affiliation, to be informed about healthcare.
The Young Democrats, meet in Cue 407 at 7:05 pm on Mondays. The issue of healthcare and campaigning on the WSU campus will be discussed at future meetings.
“Everyone should care. It’s a human rights issue, when you really get down to it,” said Tyo.
Contacts:
Angel Ojeda ojedangel@gmail.com
Elizabeth Walker emwalker@wsu.edu
Hannah Tyo hannah.tyo@gmail.com
OUTLINE:
Outline:
A. Lede: healthcare
- atmosphere of meeting
- “middle names”
B. Latest project
- how
C. Angel quotes – info hard to find
D. Students rely on parents
- unreal costs of Student Health
E. Swine flu in Pullman
F. Swine flu a good thing?
- not an election year/apathy quote?
- quotes from Hannah & Elizabeth
G. Where they meet
- end w/ “human rights” quote
College-age political activists announced their plan to bring the pressing issue of national healthcare to the public eye on the Pullman campus at a Sept. 21 meeting of the WSU Young Democrats.
The meeting buzzed with political banter as a diverse group of students gathered in CUE 407 to discuss upcoming projects and events, all with a “left-wing” theme. The officers leading the meeting introduced themselves using pseudo-middle names based on famous politicians associated with the Democratic party, demonstrating both the political knowledge and intelligent humor of the group.
The Young Democrats’ latest project will be a series of small efforts, such as demonstrations, debates, and informational booths, that aim to increase awareness about healthcare issues in the United States among WSU students. The Young Democrats are concerned that many students are uninformed about the seriousness and relevancy of the issue.
Young Democrats President Angel Ojeda said that a major reason that young people are in the dark is that information about healthcare reform is difficult to find. Students trying to find information have to do their research because any available information isn’t very user friendly.
“The bill is pretty long and convoluted,” said Ojeda.
While in college, it’s easy for students to rely on their parents’ insurance policies and forget that in just a few short years, they will each be responsible for paying for their our own healthcare on entry-level level job salaries. Even students who don’t have healthcare through their families can rely on WSU Student Health for basic medical needs while in school, which is considerably less expensive than care at a typical doctor’s office.
Healthcare has certainly been on the minds of WSU students since the semester started about one month ago. The WSU Pullman campus has made local and national news for being a hotbed for H1N1, or swine flu. Although the exact number of confirmed cases of H1N1 is unknown, the threat of contracting the virus has many students concerned for their health and their wallets.
The Young Democrats think that perhaps the H1N1 scare will be the political call to attention that is needed on this campus. Elizabeth Walker, a Young Democrat officer, says that with no presidential election this year, many students will cease to follow political events.
“We find that our campus becomes very apathetic during campaign-off seasons,” said Walker.
The Young Democrats don’t feel, however, that the absence of an election is an excuse to be uninformed about current events in politics.
“It is your duty as a citizen to be informed. Knowing what you’re voting for is so important,” said Hannah Tyo, another Young Democrats officer.
Tyo said that it is important for all students, regardless of political affiliation, to be informed about healthcare.
The Young Democrats, meet in Cue 407 at 7:05 pm on Mondays. The issue of healthcare and campaigning on the WSU campus will be discussed at future meetings.
“Everyone should care. It’s a human rights issue, when you really get down to it,” said Tyo.
Contacts:
Angel Ojeda ojedangel@gmail.com
Elizabeth Walker emwalker@wsu.edu
Hannah Tyo hannah.tyo@gmail.com
OUTLINE:
Outline:
A. Lede: healthcare
- atmosphere of meeting
- “middle names”
B. Latest project
- how
C. Angel quotes – info hard to find
D. Students rely on parents
- unreal costs of Student Health
E. Swine flu in Pullman
F. Swine flu a good thing?
- not an election year/apathy quote?
- quotes from Hannah & Elizabeth
G. Where they meet
- end w/ “human rights” quote
Monday, September 21, 2009
Executive Order -- Gun Law
(1) The age-old debate over Constitutional rights versus public safety raged Monday night at a public hearing concerning an executive order announced by Mayor Heep that bans guns from all Pulltown city property.
(2) “The city’s parks, community centers and events are safer without guns. We can’t wait for another incident, another innocent victim," said Mayor Heep.
(3) Heep proposed this executive order, which bans guns from all property owned by the City of Pulltow, in repsonse to the injury of three people at the May 24 shooting at the Folklife Festival in Pulltown. This order is controversial because some residents of Pulltown feel that it violates the Constitutional right to bear arms.
(4) "I have the right to protect myself, whether it’s at home or in public,” said Keri Calender, a West Pulltown resident who is "trying to protect the right to keep and bear arms in America."
(2) “The city’s parks, community centers and events are safer without guns. We can’t wait for another incident, another innocent victim," said Mayor Heep.
(3) Heep proposed this executive order, which bans guns from all property owned by the City of Pulltow, in repsonse to the injury of three people at the May 24 shooting at the Folklife Festival in Pulltown. This order is controversial because some residents of Pulltown feel that it violates the Constitutional right to bear arms.
(4) "I have the right to protect myself, whether it’s at home or in public,” said Keri Calender, a West Pulltown resident who is "trying to protect the right to keep and bear arms in America."
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Help your classmates edit their copy.
1. The band Gym Class Heroes will perform at a concert hosted by the WSU Student Entertainment Board on Oct. 18.
2. Cheap piercings and a hypnotist are events that will probably be repeated because of past ethusiamsm from students, said Caron.
3. The all-day event, Head of the Spokane, will feature teams from Gonzaga University and WSU.
4. The team is off to a good start with about forty new members on the men’s team alone, and thirty-five returning members who will make up the varsity roster, said Williams.
5. “Then one day Cupid’s Chokehold came on the radio and I thought, ‘That’d be cool.’”.
6. “I didn’t hear about the décor contest, but I bet I would win if I submitted a picture of my roommate's room.” said junior Carlie Halstrom “Maybe I will check it out.”
7. Bobson said, “I think it would have been cool to do something like that as a freshman. I know my parents would have loved it.”
8. It's official; a new year has started here at Washington State. Classes have begun, homework has been assigned, and the spirit of Coug football now hovers around Pullman.
9. There have been talks of taking away the money used for free parking at the Student Recreation Center, Whitmore said.
10. The Education Abroad Offices at Washington State University will hold its semi-annual education abroad fair from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m on Wednesday, Sept. 2. The fair will be located outside of Terrell Mall, where a huge portion of students walk to get from class to class.
11. More than 22,000 fans piled into Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. to watch the Cougars take on the Stanford Cardinal.
12. 18-year-old Kaitlin N. Norton, a freshman agricultural education major from Enumclaw, has been waiting for this game for a long time. Though she has always gone to Cougar games in Seattle, this will be Norton’s first game at Martin Stadium.
13. Entertainment, drink specials, and giveaways welcomed back the twenty-one-and-over crowd.
14. “I want to keep it exciting. I have been with Stubblefields a long time, and sometimes you just have to try a new position,” said Goldfinger.
15. Registration for this and for future events is through the University Recreation’s web site.
1. The band Gym Class Heroes will perform at a concert hosted by the WSU Student Entertainment Board on Oct. 18.
2. Cheap piercings and a hypnotist are events that will probably be repeated because of past ethusiamsm from students, said Caron.
3. The all-day event, Head of the Spokane, will feature teams from Gonzaga University and WSU.
4. The team is off to a good start with about forty new members on the men’s team alone, and thirty-five returning members who will make up the varsity roster, said Williams.
5. “Then one day Cupid’s Chokehold came on the radio and I thought, ‘That’d be cool.’”.
6. “I didn’t hear about the décor contest, but I bet I would win if I submitted a picture of my roommate's room.” said junior Carlie Halstrom “Maybe I will check it out.”
7. Bobson said, “I think it would have been cool to do something like that as a freshman. I know my parents would have loved it.”
8. It's official; a new year has started here at Washington State. Classes have begun, homework has been assigned, and the spirit of Coug football now hovers around Pullman.
9. There have been talks of taking away the money used for free parking at the Student Recreation Center, Whitmore said.
10. The Education Abroad Offices at Washington State University will hold its semi-annual education abroad fair from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m on Wednesday, Sept. 2. The fair will be located outside of Terrell Mall, where a huge portion of students walk to get from class to class.
11. More than 22,000 fans piled into Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. to watch the Cougars take on the Stanford Cardinal.
12. 18-year-old Kaitlin N. Norton, a freshman agricultural education major from Enumclaw, has been waiting for this game for a long time. Though she has always gone to Cougar games in Seattle, this will be Norton’s first game at Martin Stadium.
13. Entertainment, drink specials, and giveaways welcomed back the twenty-one-and-over crowd.
14. “I want to keep it exciting. I have been with Stubblefields a long time, and sometimes you just have to try a new position,” said Goldfinger.
15. Registration for this and for future events is through the University Recreation’s web site.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Outline of "When Animals Go AWOL"
I. Animal Escapes (Immediate news)
- how many? how often?
- how severe?
- specific examples
II. Public Image Problem
- how zoos are addressing it
- other PR issues zoos are dealing with
III. History of problem
- previous repsonses
- pressure from animal rights groups
IV. Reponses
- media
- policymakers
- activist groups
- public
V. Zoo's Reponse
- disclosure
- data of event (provides context)
I. Animal Escapes (Immediate news)
- how many? how often?
- how severe?
- specific examples
II. Public Image Problem
- how zoos are addressing it
- other PR issues zoos are dealing with
III. History of problem
- previous repsonses
- pressure from animal rights groups
IV. Reponses
- media
- policymakers
- activist groups
- public
V. Zoo's Reponse
- disclosure
- data of event (provides context)
Tragedy On Ice (exercise)
It was the worst local Merrimack River tragedy in nearly a century.
Four boys age 7 to 11 drowned when a group of seven boys plunged through thin ice.
As seven boys finished their snack run from the Lawrence Boys & Girls Club to Hanson's Market yesterday afternoon, a sudden urge to slide around prompted 11-year-old William Rodriguez to dash for the serene expanse of river ice.
It was a playful impulse that ended with his plunge through the ice, setting off an ill-fated rescue attempt that deteriorated into a mass of desperate children clinging to each other in 35-degree water.
Lawrence and Andover firefighters equipped with ice rescue suits arrived and after a search of the area where the boys went in, found the four remaining boys under the ice, 25 feet from shore in 15-20 feet of water.
"I threw the rope out once and it landed too far away, so I threw it out again, and again it was too far for them to reach," said Jacques Fournier, a retired maintenance worker.
The ice was one to two inches thick where they ventured off the river bank. Four inches is considered the minimum to support more than one person, and river ice may not be safe even at that thickness because of currents and other factors.
Because of the steep embankment, rescuers were forced to use ladders to bring the children up off the river to the waiting ambulances.
Members of the state police, Lawrence Police and Merrimack Valley dive teams entered the 38-
degree water and conducted an area search to be sure no one was left behind.
Police said the four dead boys were trapped under the ice at least 10 minutes.
Dead are William Rodriguez, 11, of 292 Howard St.; Christopher Casado, 7, of 18 Jasper Court; Mackendy Constant, 8, of 7 Clinton St.; and Victor Baez, 9, 46 Bernard Ave.
Surviving the incident were Francis Spraus, 9, 14 School St.; Christopher's brother Ivan Casado, 9, 18 Jasper Court; Jaycob Morales, 10, 4 Winslow Place.
Ivan and Francis were released from the hospital last night, and recalled the story from its quiet start.
"Willie said he wanted to go down to the river, to slide on the Ice," Ivan said. “We tried to stop him.”
"He was in the middle of the river," Francis said, Ivan finishing the sentence: "Then the ice broke and he fell down in the water.”
"Then we all fell in," said Francis. "I thought I was going to drown."
"My legs started to get stiff, and I had a freezing headache," Francis said. "I was hanging on to Christopher, but he started to slip under. I tried holding on to his hand, but it was like he let go."
The catastrophe left four boys dead, their families crushed and rescue workers shaken following an afternoon of fighting a river of broken ice, the steep mud-covered bank and driving rain.
Four boys age 7 to 11 drowned when a group of seven boys plunged through thin ice.
As seven boys finished their snack run from the Lawrence Boys & Girls Club to Hanson's Market yesterday afternoon, a sudden urge to slide around prompted 11-year-old William Rodriguez to dash for the serene expanse of river ice.
It was a playful impulse that ended with his plunge through the ice, setting off an ill-fated rescue attempt that deteriorated into a mass of desperate children clinging to each other in 35-degree water.
Lawrence and Andover firefighters equipped with ice rescue suits arrived and after a search of the area where the boys went in, found the four remaining boys under the ice, 25 feet from shore in 15-20 feet of water.
"I threw the rope out once and it landed too far away, so I threw it out again, and again it was too far for them to reach," said Jacques Fournier, a retired maintenance worker.
The ice was one to two inches thick where they ventured off the river bank. Four inches is considered the minimum to support more than one person, and river ice may not be safe even at that thickness because of currents and other factors.
Because of the steep embankment, rescuers were forced to use ladders to bring the children up off the river to the waiting ambulances.
Members of the state police, Lawrence Police and Merrimack Valley dive teams entered the 38-
degree water and conducted an area search to be sure no one was left behind.
Police said the four dead boys were trapped under the ice at least 10 minutes.
Dead are William Rodriguez, 11, of 292 Howard St.; Christopher Casado, 7, of 18 Jasper Court; Mackendy Constant, 8, of 7 Clinton St.; and Victor Baez, 9, 46 Bernard Ave.
Surviving the incident were Francis Spraus, 9, 14 School St.; Christopher's brother Ivan Casado, 9, 18 Jasper Court; Jaycob Morales, 10, 4 Winslow Place.
Ivan and Francis were released from the hospital last night, and recalled the story from its quiet start.
"Willie said he wanted to go down to the river, to slide on the Ice," Ivan said. “We tried to stop him.”
"He was in the middle of the river," Francis said, Ivan finishing the sentence: "Then the ice broke and he fell down in the water.”
"Then we all fell in," said Francis. "I thought I was going to drown."
"My legs started to get stiff, and I had a freezing headache," Francis said. "I was hanging on to Christopher, but he started to slip under. I tried holding on to his hand, but it was like he let go."
The catastrophe left four boys dead, their families crushed and rescue workers shaken following an afternoon of fighting a river of broken ice, the steep mud-covered bank and driving rain.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Active vs. Passive
Active vs. passive
Would you change the following sentences? If not, why not? Rewrite those that need clarification.
1. The students quickly learned the points of the lecture, but they also forgot them quickly.
2. The boss himself informed the employees of the layoffs later in the day.
3. LeBron james missd a three-point shot with five seconds left.
4. The survey asked participants about their changes in political affiliation.
5. Raoul avoided tall buildings and mountain roads because he had such a fear of heights.
6. The Legislature is considering the bill.
7. The government has pursued the practice of covering up mistakes.
8. The class is reading the book.
Would you change the following sentences? If not, why not? Rewrite those that need clarification.
1. The students quickly learned the points of the lecture, but they also forgot them quickly.
2. The boss himself informed the employees of the layoffs later in the day.
3. LeBron james missd a three-point shot with five seconds left.
4. The survey asked participants about their changes in political affiliation.
5. Raoul avoided tall buildings and mountain roads because he had such a fear of heights.
6. The Legislature is considering the bill.
7. The government has pursued the practice of covering up mistakes.
8. The class is reading the book.
Edit for brevity and clarity.
1. He wandered the streets.
2. The suspect sprinted across the yard.
3. The war refugees sought a haven across the border.
4. The mayor said he opposes an independent counsel to investigate the complaints.
“It would infringe on the autonomy of the City Council," he said.
5. A police spokesman reported five shootings Saturday night, three of which were in Central Park.
6. The reporter said he had covered wars in 18 countries during his 30-year career.
7. The project is funded by state and federal grants.
8. She earned a degree in journalism from Cal State Fullerton
9. The police chief said the department had abandoned the use of stun guns due to the fact that their use resulted in lawsuits.
10. A reporter’s typical day consists of meeting with editors, interviewing sources and writing stories.
1. He wandered the streets.
2. The suspect sprinted across the yard.
3. The war refugees sought a haven across the border.
4. The mayor said he opposes an independent counsel to investigate the complaints.
“It would infringe on the autonomy of the City Council," he said.
5. A police spokesman reported five shootings Saturday night, three of which were in Central Park.
6. The reporter said he had covered wars in 18 countries during his 30-year career.
7. The project is funded by state and federal grants.
8. She earned a degree in journalism from Cal State Fullerton
9. The police chief said the department had abandoned the use of stun guns due to the fact that their use resulted in lawsuits.
10. A reporter’s typical day consists of meeting with editors, interviewing sources and writing stories.
Story 1 - Preview story
Headline:
Gym Class Heroes Concert at WSU in October
Summary:
The band Gym Class Heroes will be performing at a concert hosted by the WSU Student Entertainment Board on October 18. The concert will be held in the CUB Ballroom and tickets are expected to sell quickly.
Story:
The WSU Student Entertainment Board is hosting a concert featuring Gym Class Heroes on Sunday, October 18, at 7 pm in the CUB Senior Ballroom.
Tickets for the concert are available at the Cougar Card Center on the ground floor of the CUB beginning on Tuesday, September 8th. The cost is $25 for students (with a Cougar Card) and $35 for the general public. Tickets are general admission only. Doors open at 6 pm.
Gym Class Heroes is a popular American rap rock band best known for the popular singles “Clothes Off” and “Cupid’s Chokehold”. This is the first time Gym Class Heroes have performed in Pullman. The opening act will be announced at a later date.
The announcement that Gym Class Heroes would be performing at WSU received a very positive response, says SEB Concerts Programmer Annie Brooks.
“We’re very excited. The posters aren’t even finished yet and already we’ve seen a ton of interest,” Brooks said.
This concert is the second of many events organized by the WSU Student Entertainment Board (SEB), a student group that organizes free or affordable events on campus, this year.
“It’s hard to find a band that a lot of students listen to that also fits well with our budget, and this event happens too early in the year to put out a student survey to gage interest,” said Brooks. “Then one day “Cupid’s Chokehold” came on the radio and I thought, ‘That’d be cool’”.
Tickets for other concerts held in the CUB Ballroom have sold out in as little as two days, said Brooks, so students should get their tickets as soon as possible.
The SEB Concerts Committee also organized Cougfest, an outdoor concert featuring The White Tie Affair that occurred during the first week of classes this fall. The event was unusually well attended and is considered a big success by the Concerts Committee.
Tiffany Snyder, a SEB Street Team member, attended the SEB Flogging Molly concert last year in the CUB Ballroom. Snyder says the CUB Ballroom is an excellent place for a concert.
“The acoustics are amazing because of the size of the room. Plus it’s really cool to see the transformation from the typical ballroom into the full venue with the stage and everything, “ Snyder said.
The CUB Senior Ballroom can accommodate fourteen-hundred audience members when it set up with a concert stage. There is standing room only at the concert, which means that in a room the size of the CUB Ballroom, every guest will have a good view.
At a concert that will be mainly attended by college students, safety is always a top concern for SEB. Brian Shuffield, associate director for campus programming, says that the Gym Class Heroes concert will be very safe because the CUB Ballroom is easier to control than outdoor events such as Springfest,
“We have a way to see people coming in, so the CUB Ballroom gives us a lot more opportunity to enforce safety at our events,” Shuffield said.
For more information about the Gym Class Heroes concert and to learn about upcoming events, visit the SEB website. .
This article was written by Bailey Nelson.
bailey_nelson@wsu.edu
Contact info:
Annie Brooks
annabelle@wsu.edu
(360) 903-1348
Tiffany Snyder
tiffany_snyder@wsu.edu
(509) 339-5676
Brian Shuffield
shuffield@wsu.edu
Gym Class Heroes Concert at WSU in October
Summary:
The band Gym Class Heroes will be performing at a concert hosted by the WSU Student Entertainment Board on October 18. The concert will be held in the CUB Ballroom and tickets are expected to sell quickly.
Story:
The WSU Student Entertainment Board is hosting a concert featuring Gym Class Heroes on Sunday, October 18, at 7 pm in the CUB Senior Ballroom.
Tickets for the concert are available at the Cougar Card Center on the ground floor of the CUB beginning on Tuesday, September 8th. The cost is $25 for students (with a Cougar Card) and $35 for the general public. Tickets are general admission only. Doors open at 6 pm.
Gym Class Heroes is a popular American rap rock band best known for the popular singles “Clothes Off” and “Cupid’s Chokehold”. This is the first time Gym Class Heroes have performed in Pullman. The opening act will be announced at a later date.
The announcement that Gym Class Heroes would be performing at WSU received a very positive response, says SEB Concerts Programmer Annie Brooks.
“We’re very excited. The posters aren’t even finished yet and already we’ve seen a ton of interest,” Brooks said.
This concert is the second of many events organized by the WSU Student Entertainment Board (SEB), a student group that organizes free or affordable events on campus, this year.
“It’s hard to find a band that a lot of students listen to that also fits well with our budget, and this event happens too early in the year to put out a student survey to gage interest,” said Brooks. “Then one day “Cupid’s Chokehold” came on the radio and I thought, ‘That’d be cool’”.
Tickets for other concerts held in the CUB Ballroom have sold out in as little as two days, said Brooks, so students should get their tickets as soon as possible.
The SEB Concerts Committee also organized Cougfest, an outdoor concert featuring The White Tie Affair that occurred during the first week of classes this fall. The event was unusually well attended and is considered a big success by the Concerts Committee.
Tiffany Snyder, a SEB Street Team member, attended the SEB Flogging Molly concert last year in the CUB Ballroom. Snyder says the CUB Ballroom is an excellent place for a concert.
“The acoustics are amazing because of the size of the room. Plus it’s really cool to see the transformation from the typical ballroom into the full venue with the stage and everything, “ Snyder said.
The CUB Senior Ballroom can accommodate fourteen-hundred audience members when it set up with a concert stage. There is standing room only at the concert, which means that in a room the size of the CUB Ballroom, every guest will have a good view.
At a concert that will be mainly attended by college students, safety is always a top concern for SEB. Brian Shuffield, associate director for campus programming, says that the Gym Class Heroes concert will be very safe because the CUB Ballroom is easier to control than outdoor events such as Springfest,
“We have a way to see people coming in, so the CUB Ballroom gives us a lot more opportunity to enforce safety at our events,” Shuffield said.
For more information about the Gym Class Heroes concert and to learn about upcoming events, visit the SEB website. .
This article was written by Bailey Nelson.
bailey_nelson@wsu.edu
Contact info:
Annie Brooks
annabelle@wsu.edu
(360) 903-1348
Tiffany Snyder
tiffany_snyder@wsu.edu
(509) 339-5676
Brian Shuffield
shuffield@wsu.edu
Monday, August 31, 2009
5 Questions for Jonathan Randal
1) What first sparked your interest in Osama Bin Laden?
2) Were you aware of Bin Laden as a threat to our country prior to the September 11th attacks?
3) Why do you think the information in your book is still relevant and important to today's society since Bin Laden has been in hiding for so long?
4) Do you think that the Sept. 11th attacks have made American citizens more politically aware on an international scale, or just reinforced stereotypes created by extremist terror groups?
5) Do you think the Bush administration showed the video footage of Bin Laden's dinner party mainly as propaganda to gain support for the war on terror?
2) Were you aware of Bin Laden as a threat to our country prior to the September 11th attacks?
3) Why do you think the information in your book is still relevant and important to today's society since Bin Laden has been in hiding for so long?
4) Do you think that the Sept. 11th attacks have made American citizens more politically aware on an international scale, or just reinforced stereotypes created by extremist terror groups?
5) Do you think the Bush administration showed the video footage of Bin Laden's dinner party mainly as propaganda to gain support for the war on terror?
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Fake News Release
Four are dead after a shooting and apartment fire early this morning on Columbia Avenue. Early this morning an unidentified person reportedly entered the apartment building. Arguing and multiple gunshots were heard. Pullman and Moscow fire departments were alerted to scene and arrived to find the apartment on fire. The fire was contained immediately.Two female victims, both under the age of 18, were pronounced dead due to gunshot wounds. Two other victims found dead were so badly burned that their identification and cause of death is pending a medical examiner's preliminary view. Whitman County Prosecuter Paula T. Doe said that it is believed that the fire was started to mask the shootings. The Whitman County Prosecuter's Office will continue the investigation into the case. A $10,000 reward is being offered for the arrest of the suspect or suspects as part of the Crimestopper's Program through the Whitman County Sheriff's Office.
2 minutes, 2 questions for the world's most interesting person...
1) what moment would you pick as the defining moment in your life, and why?
Choosing WSU.
2) What aspects of your early life made you the person you are today?
My 4th grade teacher because I was new to the school she kind of got me more outgoing.
Choosing WSU.
2) What aspects of your early life made you the person you are today?
My 4th grade teacher because I was new to the school she kind of got me more outgoing.
Monday, August 24, 2009
First entry - AP style sentence corrections
1. The California governor will announce his Cabinet appointments next week at the capitol.
- abbreviate states when the city is in front (ex: Los Angeles, Calif.)
2. A top adviser to the senator promised the bill would have its intended effect.
- noun vs. verb - affect vs. effect
- AP style = adviser w/ an e. hmmm.
3. Upon walking farther into the woods, the state policeman found the doctor lying under a tree.
- lying down vs. laying a present under a tree
- farther is a distance, further is to delve, become more advanced
4. As head coach, Tom Johnson's salary grew from $1.5 million to $3 million from 2006 to 2008.
- must have a "from" with a "to"
5. Mark Workman, public works director for the city of Pullman, said the souce of the discharge had not identified; however, the city will continue to investigate the problem.
- semi-colon corrects a run-on sentence
- abbreviate states when the city is in front (ex: Los Angeles, Calif.)
2. A top adviser to the senator promised the bill would have its intended effect.
- noun vs. verb - affect vs. effect
- AP style = adviser w/ an e. hmmm.
3. Upon walking farther into the woods, the state policeman found the doctor lying under a tree.
- lying down vs. laying a present under a tree
- farther is a distance, further is to delve, become more advanced
4. As head coach, Tom Johnson's salary grew from $1.5 million to $3 million from 2006 to 2008.
- must have a "from" with a "to"
5. Mark Workman, public works director for the city of Pullman, said the souce of the discharge had not identified; however, the city will continue to investigate the problem.
- semi-colon corrects a run-on sentence
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