Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Elements of Journalism
In The Elements of Journalism, chapter 3 “Who Journalists Work For”, really spoke to me because of my growing discontent and cynicism for the modern business models of major newspapers that seem to focus increasingly more on profits rather than accurate and quality reporting. Even with the survey statistics showing that journalists’ loyalty is to their audience I’m inclined to believe these answers demonstrate characteristics of the Bradley effect, that is, they are going to answer what is expected of them but in practice they may act differently. I would love to believe them, but when even the chapter goes on to contradict itself with statistics showing that newspapers are becoming more biased and subjective, I have a hard time doing so. It’s hard to imagine journalism going back to the old ways because of this deeply embedded business model. More and more, conglomerates that are driven by blinding greed are absorbing news agencies.
Article Analysis
Islamic Cleric Jailed Again in Britain
By John F. Burns
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/world/europe/03britain.html?hp
This short piece is part of a story that dates back to 2001. The lede tells the who, what, where, and when but it is not until the second paragraph do we get the why. The article reports that a radical Islamic cleric has been jailed again after a review by a panel of immigration judges.
The nut graf is found in the third and fourth paragraphs and it describes that this cleric has been under investigation for suspected ties with Al Qaeda and the September 11th attacks. Besides illegally immigrating to Britain, the article doesn’t offer any hard evidence of any other wrong doing, though it does mention that he was likely to flee the country.
The article is written in a reverse chronological order, briefly describing the news worthy material of the last seven years associated with this cleric. The story ends rather abruptly with a kicker quote from the British home secretary, Jacqui Smith, stating “He poses a significant threat to our national security and I am pleased that he will be detained pending his deportation, which I’m working hard to secure.”
By John F. Burns
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/world/europe/03britain.html?hp
This short piece is part of a story that dates back to 2001. The lede tells the who, what, where, and when but it is not until the second paragraph do we get the why. The article reports that a radical Islamic cleric has been jailed again after a review by a panel of immigration judges.
The nut graf is found in the third and fourth paragraphs and it describes that this cleric has been under investigation for suspected ties with Al Qaeda and the September 11th attacks. Besides illegally immigrating to Britain, the article doesn’t offer any hard evidence of any other wrong doing, though it does mention that he was likely to flee the country.
The article is written in a reverse chronological order, briefly describing the news worthy material of the last seven years associated with this cleric. The story ends rather abruptly with a kicker quote from the British home secretary, Jacqui Smith, stating “He poses a significant threat to our national security and I am pleased that he will be detained pending his deportation, which I’m working hard to secure.”
Crime Story Analysis
Rider Fatally Stabs City Bus Driver and Flees
By Robert D. McFadden
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/nyregion/02driver.html?ref=nyregion
This crime article immediately caught my attention with its title “Rider Fatally Stabs City Bus Driver and Flees” because of the sheer cowardice and inexplicable violence inherent with such an act. The lede, which is a hard news lede (and also since it’s a crime story, it attributes its information) indicating who, what, where, and the astonishing why, further enraged me: “A New York City bus driver was fatally stabbed in Brooklyn on Monday after refusing to give a transfer to his assailant, who had not paid his fare, the police said.”
The “so what” or the nut graf is found in the immediate paragraph: this is the first murder of a city bus driver in 27 years. The article does a really good job of providing a mini-bio of the driver and also stirring emotions in the reader. The structure of the story is in a somewhat chronological order with inserts regarding the investigation and monetary rewards that lead to the arrest of the attacker.
The story ends with two good kicker quotes that really put this horrible crime in perspective, one by a witness and one by his son. “Over a transfer…that’s stupid” and “He was a good dad…we were like the best of friends. We shared all our secrets and laughter.” Hopefully police and witnesses can corroborate well enough to lead to this man’s arrest.
By Robert D. McFadden
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/nyregion/02driver.html?ref=nyregion
This crime article immediately caught my attention with its title “Rider Fatally Stabs City Bus Driver and Flees” because of the sheer cowardice and inexplicable violence inherent with such an act. The lede, which is a hard news lede (and also since it’s a crime story, it attributes its information) indicating who, what, where, and the astonishing why, further enraged me: “A New York City bus driver was fatally stabbed in Brooklyn on Monday after refusing to give a transfer to his assailant, who had not paid his fare, the police said.”
The “so what” or the nut graf is found in the immediate paragraph: this is the first murder of a city bus driver in 27 years. The article does a really good job of providing a mini-bio of the driver and also stirring emotions in the reader. The structure of the story is in a somewhat chronological order with inserts regarding the investigation and monetary rewards that lead to the arrest of the attacker.
The story ends with two good kicker quotes that really put this horrible crime in perspective, one by a witness and one by his son. “Over a transfer…that’s stupid” and “He was a good dad…we were like the best of friends. We shared all our secrets and laughter.” Hopefully police and witnesses can corroborate well enough to lead to this man’s arrest.
Article Analysis
India Says All Mumbai Attackers Came by Ship
By Robert F. Worth and Graham Bowley
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/world/asia/03mumbai.html?_r=1&hp
This article is a follow-up story to the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India. The article was mainly written to report the development that the terrorists departed by ship from the Pakistani port of Karachi. This information is found in the hard news lede “The Mumbai attackers came by ship from the Pakistani port of Karachi, the Indian police said Tuesday, the most direct link made to Pakistan so far.” The lede only answers the question what and where, presumably because readers have been following the story from the beginning. Also, much like a crime story, much of the information is attributed and non-accusatory.
The nut graf is written in an extended form over the next few paragraphs, but essentially the “so what” of this article is that further connections to Pakistan are escalating tensions between India and Pakistan that have exponentially risen after the attacks. Fears of a military conflict between the two nations have many international players treading lightly. The article explains that India’s government is under pressure to appropriately react to the attacks but they have also failed at providing concreted evidence that implicates Pakistan’s government.
The rest of the story does not follow an inverted pyramid structure because there is very important information throughout the article all the way to the end. It includes things such as Condoleezza Rice’s plans to visit India in an effort to quell the tensions. Also, the article reports that India has demanded of Pakistan the capturing and handing over of over twenty wanted criminals. The last paragraph can be considered a fizzle-out ending to the article with no kicker quote.
By Robert F. Worth and Graham Bowley
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/world/asia/03mumbai.html?_r=1&hp
This article is a follow-up story to the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India. The article was mainly written to report the development that the terrorists departed by ship from the Pakistani port of Karachi. This information is found in the hard news lede “The Mumbai attackers came by ship from the Pakistani port of Karachi, the Indian police said Tuesday, the most direct link made to Pakistan so far.” The lede only answers the question what and where, presumably because readers have been following the story from the beginning. Also, much like a crime story, much of the information is attributed and non-accusatory.
The nut graf is written in an extended form over the next few paragraphs, but essentially the “so what” of this article is that further connections to Pakistan are escalating tensions between India and Pakistan that have exponentially risen after the attacks. Fears of a military conflict between the two nations have many international players treading lightly. The article explains that India’s government is under pressure to appropriately react to the attacks but they have also failed at providing concreted evidence that implicates Pakistan’s government.
The rest of the story does not follow an inverted pyramid structure because there is very important information throughout the article all the way to the end. It includes things such as Condoleezza Rice’s plans to visit India in an effort to quell the tensions. Also, the article reports that India has demanded of Pakistan the capturing and handing over of over twenty wanted criminals. The last paragraph can be considered a fizzle-out ending to the article with no kicker quote.
Immigration Sidebar (Revision)
By John Flemming
KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Yvel Garcia, a native Nicaraguan and an American citizen for over 24 years, immigrated to the United States in a time when immigration laws were more lax.
Mrs. Garcia arrived in the U.S. in 1984 on a tourist vista and married an American citizen. Unbeknownst to the couple, Mrs. Garcia had to apply for a special visa prior to the wedding.
She states the process was simple, requiring proof of marriage such as pictures from the wedding and documentation of joint bank and credit accounts. “In those years immigration laws were not as strict as they are today and we had no problem applying for the residency,” said Mrs. Garcia.
After the September 11th attacks, many Americans called for a tightening of immigration laws, resulting in measures such as shortening the length of time a U.S. resident may spend out of the country from 6 to 3 months. Currently, a wall is being constructed on the U.S.-Mexican border.
Having previously in her life applied for citizenship in Guatemala and residency in Costa Rica, Mrs. Garcia says that the U.S., even today, possesses the fairest immigration standards and policies.
“I felt [the U.S. standards and policies] were pretty fair. I already had the experience of applying for citizenship in Guatemala and that was not pretty. They treat you like vacas (cattle) for steak! I think the U.S. is very noble with its immigrants”
Considering that many immigrants arrive to the country without much money, Mrs. Garcia says that the U.S. is generous in shouldering the initial burden of granting citizenship to them.
“Its not like most of us come here with a pot of gold under our arms. We come here and are a burden at first, but most of us work very hard towards our American dream and try to contribute positively to American society,” said Mrs. Garcia.
From her other citizenship experiences in various countries Mrs. Garcia views their policies as opportunistic. “The rest of the world only opens their doors if you are bringing something to them, if they’ll get their share first – and like I said most of us don’t have much. America gives you the chance to give back after being provided with all of its wonderful resources”.
--XXX--
KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Yvel Garcia, a native Nicaraguan and an American citizen for over 24 years, immigrated to the United States in a time when immigration laws were more lax.
Mrs. Garcia arrived in the U.S. in 1984 on a tourist vista and married an American citizen. Unbeknownst to the couple, Mrs. Garcia had to apply for a special visa prior to the wedding.
She states the process was simple, requiring proof of marriage such as pictures from the wedding and documentation of joint bank and credit accounts. “In those years immigration laws were not as strict as they are today and we had no problem applying for the residency,” said Mrs. Garcia.
After the September 11th attacks, many Americans called for a tightening of immigration laws, resulting in measures such as shortening the length of time a U.S. resident may spend out of the country from 6 to 3 months. Currently, a wall is being constructed on the U.S.-Mexican border.
Having previously in her life applied for citizenship in Guatemala and residency in Costa Rica, Mrs. Garcia says that the U.S., even today, possesses the fairest immigration standards and policies.
“I felt [the U.S. standards and policies] were pretty fair. I already had the experience of applying for citizenship in Guatemala and that was not pretty. They treat you like vacas (cattle) for steak! I think the U.S. is very noble with its immigrants”
Considering that many immigrants arrive to the country without much money, Mrs. Garcia says that the U.S. is generous in shouldering the initial burden of granting citizenship to them.
“Its not like most of us come here with a pot of gold under our arms. We come here and are a burden at first, but most of us work very hard towards our American dream and try to contribute positively to American society,” said Mrs. Garcia.
From her other citizenship experiences in various countries Mrs. Garcia views their policies as opportunistic. “The rest of the world only opens their doors if you are bringing something to them, if they’ll get their share first – and like I said most of us don’t have much. America gives you the chance to give back after being provided with all of its wonderful resources”.
--XXX--
Monday, December 1, 2008
Jeffrey Ahson, Local WWII Navy Hero, Dies
By John Flemming
KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Jeffrey Ahson, a WWII Navy hero and California native, died from complications of emphysema last night. He was 79.
Mr. Ahson, a petty officer aboard the USS Emery during the Battle of Midway in June of 1942, earned a Purple Heart and Navy Cross after saving four of his fellow sailors and retrieving the body of a dead gunner. He was also credited for shooting down three enemy planes.
Born in Chico, Calif., Mr. Ahson moved to Kalamazoo in 1946 where he served as a firegighter until 1966. He then worked at Don Seely's Ford Auto Dealer. Mr. Ahson was a member of the local Elk's Lodge chapter, the American Legion Post 702 and a member of Giddeon's International. He was also recognized as the usher at John Calvin Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Ahson was also known for his collection of firefighter paraphernalia, which included a fully restored 1942 fire truck. He often showcased his fire truck and other collectibles at local elementary schools.
He is survived by his wife, Therese Alpert of Kalamazoo, his three children; Richard D. Ahson of Phillipsburg, Kan.; Angela Molino of Omaha, Neb.; Lela Stalling of Pipe Creek, Texas; his brother, Henry Ahson of San Francisco; his sisters Judith Eaker of Reidsville, N.C. and Shirley Solomon of Newark, N.J. He is also survived by five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
There will be a viewing this Friday at the Littleton Mortuary from 4 to 5:30 p.m and 7:30 to p.m. He will be buried at the Memorial Park Cemetery following the funeral services at 10 a.m. Saturday. The family requests no flowers.
--XXX--
KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Jeffrey Ahson, a WWII Navy hero and California native, died from complications of emphysema last night. He was 79.
Mr. Ahson, a petty officer aboard the USS Emery during the Battle of Midway in June of 1942, earned a Purple Heart and Navy Cross after saving four of his fellow sailors and retrieving the body of a dead gunner. He was also credited for shooting down three enemy planes.
Born in Chico, Calif., Mr. Ahson moved to Kalamazoo in 1946 where he served as a firegighter until 1966. He then worked at Don Seely's Ford Auto Dealer. Mr. Ahson was a member of the local Elk's Lodge chapter, the American Legion Post 702 and a member of Giddeon's International. He was also recognized as the usher at John Calvin Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Ahson was also known for his collection of firefighter paraphernalia, which included a fully restored 1942 fire truck. He often showcased his fire truck and other collectibles at local elementary schools.
He is survived by his wife, Therese Alpert of Kalamazoo, his three children; Richard D. Ahson of Phillipsburg, Kan.; Angela Molino of Omaha, Neb.; Lela Stalling of Pipe Creek, Texas; his brother, Henry Ahson of San Francisco; his sisters Judith Eaker of Reidsville, N.C. and Shirley Solomon of Newark, N.J. He is also survived by five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
There will be a viewing this Friday at the Littleton Mortuary from 4 to 5:30 p.m and 7:30 to p.m. He will be buried at the Memorial Park Cemetery following the funeral services at 10 a.m. Saturday. The family requests no flowers.
--XXX--
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Press Release
From the FBI:
http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel08/hoaxletters102308.htm
People to interview: Section Chief Doug Perdue and head of investigative operations at the U.S. postal service
http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel08/hoaxletters102308.htm
People to interview: Section Chief Doug Perdue and head of investigative operations at the U.S. postal service
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Article analysis (1)
Global Fears of a Recession Grow Stronger
By MARK LANDLER
Published: October 6th, 2008
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/07/business/worldbusiness/07global.html?hp
The article describes the growing inability of the $700 billion bailout to halt the economic crisis domestically and much less internationally. This information is derived from the two-part-summary lede: “When the White House brought out its $700 billion rescue plan two weeks ago, its sheer size was meant to soothe the global financial system, restoring trust and confidence. Three days after the plan was approved, it looks like a pebble tossed into a churning sea”.
The next three paragraphs can be considered as an extended nut graf. They serve to illustrate the “so what” of the article. In this case, the “so what” is the fact that the bailout plan has done little to help quell foreign fears of recession. “The crisis that began as a made-in-America subprime lending problem and radiated across the world is now circling back home, where it pummeled stock and credit markets on Monday. [The bailout plan] seems to have done little to reassure investors, particularly in Europe, where banks are failing and countries are racing to stave off panicky withdrawals”.
The killer quote, by an economist from M.I.T., starts the eighth paragraph. “It looks pretty ugly…everybody is going to get caught up in this”. This quote serves to open the following body paragraphs that suggests that there needs to be a greater internationally coordinated response to the financial meltdown.
The article concludes with a very effective kicker. “Just as the U.S. rescue plan may not be enough,” he said, “a U.S. stimulus plan by itself will not be enough.”
Written in an inverted pyramid format, this article is a hard news story because it is dealing with timely events and facts. Much of the supporting paragraphs depict the differing and counter-productive efforts being taken by, specifically, the European countries.
By MARK LANDLER
Published: October 6th, 2008
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/07/business/worldbusiness/07global.html?hp
The article describes the growing inability of the $700 billion bailout to halt the economic crisis domestically and much less internationally. This information is derived from the two-part-summary lede: “When the White House brought out its $700 billion rescue plan two weeks ago, its sheer size was meant to soothe the global financial system, restoring trust and confidence. Three days after the plan was approved, it looks like a pebble tossed into a churning sea”.
The next three paragraphs can be considered as an extended nut graf. They serve to illustrate the “so what” of the article. In this case, the “so what” is the fact that the bailout plan has done little to help quell foreign fears of recession. “The crisis that began as a made-in-America subprime lending problem and radiated across the world is now circling back home, where it pummeled stock and credit markets on Monday. [The bailout plan] seems to have done little to reassure investors, particularly in Europe, where banks are failing and countries are racing to stave off panicky withdrawals”.
The killer quote, by an economist from M.I.T., starts the eighth paragraph. “It looks pretty ugly…everybody is going to get caught up in this”. This quote serves to open the following body paragraphs that suggests that there needs to be a greater internationally coordinated response to the financial meltdown.
The article concludes with a very effective kicker. “Just as the U.S. rescue plan may not be enough,” he said, “a U.S. stimulus plan by itself will not be enough.”
Written in an inverted pyramid format, this article is a hard news story because it is dealing with timely events and facts. Much of the supporting paragraphs depict the differing and counter-productive efforts being taken by, specifically, the European countries.
Friday, October 3, 2008
By John Flemming
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Economic policy took center stage during last night’s first and only vice-presidential debate in St. Louis, Missouri, as Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin strived to gain political ground with the average American while treading lightly; Sen. Biden had to refrain from overly criticizing the governor and Mrs. Palin had to demonstrate her political prowess.
“The economic policies of the last eight years have been the worst economic policies we've ever had” said Sen. Biden as he solicited enormous effort to attack presidential hopeful, John McCain, by linking his policies to that of President Bush.
Gov. Palin agreed that there were indeed economic struggles facing the country. However, she also stated that John McCain was more likely to work in a bipartisan fashion to fix the problem and that he was one of the first to signal the beginning of the financial meltdown.
“John McCain thankfully has been one representing reform. Two years ago, remember, it was John McCain who pushed so hard with the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reform measures. He sounded that warning bell,” said Mrs. Palin.
Biden was quick to point out that many of the economic problems have stemmed from the deregulation of Wall Street, a practice he says, that John McCain has fervently supported on 20 different occasions. Palin on the other hand, pointed the finger at the huge lending firms. “There was deception there, and there was greed and there is corruption on Wall Street. And we need to stop that,” said she.
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Economic policy took center stage during last night’s first and only vice-presidential debate in St. Louis, Missouri, as Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin strived to gain political ground with the average American while treading lightly; Sen. Biden had to refrain from overly criticizing the governor and Mrs. Palin had to demonstrate her political prowess.
“The economic policies of the last eight years have been the worst economic policies we've ever had” said Sen. Biden as he solicited enormous effort to attack presidential hopeful, John McCain, by linking his policies to that of President Bush.
Gov. Palin agreed that there were indeed economic struggles facing the country. However, she also stated that John McCain was more likely to work in a bipartisan fashion to fix the problem and that he was one of the first to signal the beginning of the financial meltdown.
“John McCain thankfully has been one representing reform. Two years ago, remember, it was John McCain who pushed so hard with the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reform measures. He sounded that warning bell,” said Mrs. Palin.
Biden was quick to point out that many of the economic problems have stemmed from the deregulation of Wall Street, a practice he says, that John McCain has fervently supported on 20 different occasions. Palin on the other hand, pointed the finger at the huge lending firms. “There was deception there, and there was greed and there is corruption on Wall Street. And we need to stop that,” said she.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Connecticut State Police Ban Radar Guns
By John Flemming
KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Connecticut State Police issued a ban of hand-held radar guns yesterday, fearing a link between the long-term usage of the devices and the development of cancer.
“The feeling here is to err on the side of caution until more is known about the issue,” said state police spokesman, Adam Berluti.
The ban, considered to be the first of its kind, comes just two months after three municipal officers in Connecticut filed workers’ compensation claims, saying they developed cancer from the radar guns.
Although 70 radar guns will be withdrawn from service, State troopers will continue to use radar units with transmitters mounted on the outside of their cruisers.
--XXX--
KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Connecticut State Police issued a ban of hand-held radar guns yesterday, fearing a link between the long-term usage of the devices and the development of cancer.
“The feeling here is to err on the side of caution until more is known about the issue,” said state police spokesman, Adam Berluti.
The ban, considered to be the first of its kind, comes just two months after three municipal officers in Connecticut filed workers’ compensation claims, saying they developed cancer from the radar guns.
Although 70 radar guns will be withdrawn from service, State troopers will continue to use radar units with transmitters mounted on the outside of their cruisers.
--XXX--
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
My MacBook
KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Atop the center of my desk rests a laptop. Purchased a year ago from the Apple store in Burlingame, California, my MacBook’s essentialness to my studies has proved to be worth the price of $1,099. The laptop’s dimensions run 1.08 inches high by 12.78 inches wide by 8.92 inches long and weighs 5 pounds. The screen measures 13.3 inches. Selected in black to prevent the appearance of wear that plagues models that come in white, my MacBook has maintained its color.
Software that comes with the laptop includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iChat, DVD Player, Garageband, and Safari. The hardware in my MacBook consists of a 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM and a 120GB 5400-rpm serial ATA hard disk drive. Hardware of this caliber enables MacBooks to compete with the power of PC laptops and was a reason contributing to my decision to convert to an Apple product.
The power that my Macbook’s hardware provides allows for me to use programs such as Disco XT, which I use to mix and record songs, as well as SketchUp, which I use to create depictions of buildings in 3D. The capability to run Microsoft programs like Word and Excel allows there to never be an issue of compatibility between school computers and my own.
Software that comes with the laptop includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iChat, DVD Player, Garageband, and Safari. The hardware in my MacBook consists of a 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM and a 120GB 5400-rpm serial ATA hard disk drive. Hardware of this caliber enables MacBooks to compete with the power of PC laptops and was a reason contributing to my decision to convert to an Apple product.
The power that my Macbook’s hardware provides allows for me to use programs such as Disco XT, which I use to mix and record songs, as well as SketchUp, which I use to create depictions of buildings in 3D. The capability to run Microsoft programs like Word and Excel allows there to never be an issue of compatibility between school computers and my own.
--XXX--
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)