The Washington State University writing programs were allocated $668,267 for the 2008-2009 year according to the Washington State University budget statement.
“The fact that we have such little money for the writing program and what we can do [with it] are really a pretty good deal for the university,” said Diane Kelly-Riley, director of the writing assessment program.
One benefit for the university has been the awards and accolades the program has received. The writing program was awarded the “Writing Program Certificate of Excellence” in 2009 by the Conference on College Composition and Communication, according to the WSU Writing Portfolio Eighth Findings report.
“We’re the only institution to have a university-wide writing program and university-wide writing portfolio,” Kelly-Riley said.
The WSU writing program began in 1993 for two main reasons.
“The state legislature mandated an assessment of general education programs back in the late 80’s,” Kelly-Riley said. “Major employers in the state of Washington also said that they weren’t satisfied with WSU graduates’ writing abilities, and that if we didn’t improve students’ writing abilities, they weren’t going to hire undergraduates anymore.”
“The tier-two process is a matter of catching students at a stage in progress before they enter their major’s writing courses and giving them the support they need, trying to make sure that they are at a place where they are ready to do that more sophisticated writing,” said Donna Evans, English teaching assistant.
Since then, “More than 55,500 students have completed the writing portfolio,” Evans said.
Kelly-Riley says the Writing Program serves four main purposes: Evaluating students’ writing before they get into their writing in the major courses, recognize students whose writing is exceptional, prepare students to be effective communicators, and collect data related to departments’ and university performance.
“In terms of the climate for higher education right now for accountability and accreditation, it’s really an essential program that helps WSU complete its mandate for those issues as well,” Kelly-Riley said. “It also provides good information for departments trying to improve program quality.”
The 2007-2009 Tier II average ratings show 9.5% needs work ratings, 7.1% outstanding ratings, and 83.3% acceptable ratings, according to the WSU Writing Portfolio Eighth Findings report.
“That 10 percent of students [who receive needs work ratings], and that’s about 500 students that you’re talking about, really do need some sort of structured support,” Kelly-Riley said.
“There’s also the idea that the junior portfolio process itself is a learning process,” Evans said. “It’s a matter of building from the time you enter the university up to that point when you enter into your major courses and you’re building your writing skills in order to accomplish something. I think it makes students more aware of the need to work on writing.”
The writing program is the only standardized test all students are required to take at WSU and the test itself is self-supported by student fees, Kelly-Riley said.
“As you can see, we’re kind of down to the bone in terms of what the budget is,” Kelly-Riley said. “I think it would be really detrimental to the program if we did have to take budget cuts.”
Contacts:
Diane Kelly-Riley
509-335-1323
Donna Evans
509-335-2581
Eighth findings
http://www.writingprogram.wsu.edu/units/writingassessment/reports/WP2007-09assessmentreport.pdf
Monday, December 14, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Round table round up
Questions for Russian Round Table
1. How do you determine what is ethical to report in context of what the public needs to know and wants to know?
2. How, if at all, has religion influenced your reporting?
3. How do you tackle the idea of "battlefield scorekeeping" vs. the larger social context of the war?
4. What is your standard for privact for families of victims of war?
5. How have you adapter to or what is your opinion of new media and the struggles and advantages it brings?
1. How do you determine what is ethical to report in context of what the public needs to know and wants to know?
2. How, if at all, has religion influenced your reporting?
3. How do you tackle the idea of "battlefield scorekeeping" vs. the larger social context of the war?
4. What is your standard for privact for families of victims of war?
5. How have you adapter to or what is your opinion of new media and the struggles and advantages it brings?
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Document Story Proposal
For my document story, I'm writing about the WSU Writing Program and the WSU Writing Center and what it takes (financially, mainly) to make an award-winning writing program. I have two documents, the budget for the previous year for the Writing Program and the Writing Center, and the Eighth findings of the WSU Writing Portfolio.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tweet Tweet
The online social network Twitter has become a hotbed for online journalism activity and a resource for newspapers nationwide.
In his blog, Alessio Signorini, a researcher at the University of Iowa, estimated that in October 2009, Twitter received about 26 million tweets per day, up from only 2.4 million tweets daily in January 2009.
Signoini went on to write that of those 26 million tweets, 22.3 percent - or nearly 5.8 million - tweets contained a link. Newspapers now have a unique opportunity to present readers with a direct link to stories and web content like never before.
Local newspapers using Twitter include The Daily Evergreen, The Spokesman Review, The Lewiston Tribune and the Moscow-Pullman News. All four papers report a high of 30 to 40 clicks per link they tweet.
“It appears that we have a 30 percent click through rating, with an average of 30 to 40 clicks per link,” said Jeff Purcell, new media manager for The Lewiston Tribune and the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.
According to Purcell, the Tribune first registered their name with the Web site six or eight months ago but didn’t really start utilizing the account until about two months ago.
Purcell said that the Moscow-Pullman Twitter account has more followers, which he attributes to a younger demographic due to the newspaper’s proximity to the two universities.
Washington State University’s The Daily Evergreen, created a Twitter account to create more of a Web presence, reach a greater audience and have a stronger breaking news cycle, according to Rikki King, editor of The Daily Evergreen.
King also said the newspaper gets news tips from students and community members who tweet about their thoughts, clubs, meetings, activities and campus life.
There are also characteristics Twitter provides that other networking sites and traditional advertising do not. King thinks that Twitter gives an opportunity to link to breaking news, is more direct and personal, and involves a more technological audience.
Aspects of Twitter that local newspapers report struggling with are determining what to tweet and how formal or informal the tone of the tweets should be.
“It’s been tricky finding out what to share on our Twitter account,” said Andrew Zahler, online producer for The Spokesman Review.
In regard to the Spokesman’s Twitter account, Zahler said he tries to find a balance between being too institutional and just sharing links, and being too informal and using acronyms.
With these barriers and in light of the dramatic changes in membership Twitter has experienced this year alone, newspapers are left with an uncertain, yet hopeful, tweeting future.
“I’d love to see our traffic from Twitter go up to boost our site numbers,” Zahler said. We’ve tried a few experiments with crowdsourcing on Twitter. I’d like to do a little more of that because it gets back to the interactive part of Twitter.”
Purcell also has high hopes for the future of the newspaper’s online entity and residents’ interaction.
“I really think the next step is community,” Purcell said. “How that will happen – social networking, user blogging, or a user-related news site – I have no idea. We’re working on that but there’s definitely some frustration there.”
Sources:
Jeff Purcell- 208-848-2257 (found via Twitter)
Rikki King- 509-335-1099
Andrew Zahler- 509-459-5314 (found via Twitter)
Alessio Signorini - http://deepintech.wordpress.com/
In his blog, Alessio Signorini, a researcher at the University of Iowa, estimated that in October 2009, Twitter received about 26 million tweets per day, up from only 2.4 million tweets daily in January 2009.
Signoini went on to write that of those 26 million tweets, 22.3 percent - or nearly 5.8 million - tweets contained a link. Newspapers now have a unique opportunity to present readers with a direct link to stories and web content like never before.
Local newspapers using Twitter include The Daily Evergreen, The Spokesman Review, The Lewiston Tribune and the Moscow-Pullman News. All four papers report a high of 30 to 40 clicks per link they tweet.
“It appears that we have a 30 percent click through rating, with an average of 30 to 40 clicks per link,” said Jeff Purcell, new media manager for The Lewiston Tribune and the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.
According to Purcell, the Tribune first registered their name with the Web site six or eight months ago but didn’t really start utilizing the account until about two months ago.
Purcell said that the Moscow-Pullman Twitter account has more followers, which he attributes to a younger demographic due to the newspaper’s proximity to the two universities.
Washington State University’s The Daily Evergreen, created a Twitter account to create more of a Web presence, reach a greater audience and have a stronger breaking news cycle, according to Rikki King, editor of The Daily Evergreen.
King also said the newspaper gets news tips from students and community members who tweet about their thoughts, clubs, meetings, activities and campus life.
There are also characteristics Twitter provides that other networking sites and traditional advertising do not. King thinks that Twitter gives an opportunity to link to breaking news, is more direct and personal, and involves a more technological audience.
Aspects of Twitter that local newspapers report struggling with are determining what to tweet and how formal or informal the tone of the tweets should be.
“It’s been tricky finding out what to share on our Twitter account,” said Andrew Zahler, online producer for The Spokesman Review.
In regard to the Spokesman’s Twitter account, Zahler said he tries to find a balance between being too institutional and just sharing links, and being too informal and using acronyms.
With these barriers and in light of the dramatic changes in membership Twitter has experienced this year alone, newspapers are left with an uncertain, yet hopeful, tweeting future.
“I’d love to see our traffic from Twitter go up to boost our site numbers,” Zahler said. We’ve tried a few experiments with crowdsourcing on Twitter. I’d like to do a little more of that because it gets back to the interactive part of Twitter.”
Purcell also has high hopes for the future of the newspaper’s online entity and residents’ interaction.
“I really think the next step is community,” Purcell said. “How that will happen – social networking, user blogging, or a user-related news site – I have no idea. We’re working on that but there’s definitely some frustration there.”
Sources:
Jeff Purcell- 208-848-2257 (found via Twitter)
Rikki King- 509-335-1099
Andrew Zahler- 509-459-5314 (found via Twitter)
Alessio Signorini - http://deepintech.wordpress.com/
twitter...
"Are Tweets Literature? Rick Moody Thinks They Can Be" by Alexandra Alter for the Wall Street Journal on 11.30.2009.
"For the next three days, author Rick Moody will be delivering a new short story in 153 Tweets, in hourly increments."
I think this is a pretty interesting use of Twitter both for new media and for literary culture. I do wonder though, whether people will commit to the entire thread of tweets to read the whole story.
http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2009/11/30/are-tweets-literature-rick-moody-thinks-they-can-be/
"Refining the Twitter Explosion" by Noam Cohen for the New York Times on 11.8.2009
Twitter gives a representation of the world, but with so much information available, it's hard to search for content and organize what is available. "Geolocation" will work with G.P.S. to determine the location of tweets and categorize accordingly.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/business/09link.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=twitter&st=cse
"For the next three days, author Rick Moody will be delivering a new short story in 153 Tweets, in hourly increments."
I think this is a pretty interesting use of Twitter both for new media and for literary culture. I do wonder though, whether people will commit to the entire thread of tweets to read the whole story.
http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2009/11/30/are-tweets-literature-rick-moody-thinks-they-can-be/
"Refining the Twitter Explosion" by Noam Cohen for the New York Times on 11.8.2009
Twitter gives a representation of the world, but with so much information available, it's hard to search for content and organize what is available. "Geolocation" will work with G.P.S. to determine the location of tweets and categorize accordingly.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/business/09link.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=twitter&st=cse
Monday, November 16, 2009
Pullman news
"Library starts charity food drive" by Kari Bray in the Daily Evergreen.
You can donate food rather than pay cash for library fines.
www.dailyevergreen.com/story/30052
"Author to talk about novel and promote 'Everybody Reads'" by Kristen Perrin in the Daily Evergreen
Neill Public Library to host author of "Snow Falling on Cedars" as part of the regional 2009 Everybody Reads Program.
www.dailyevergreen.com/story/30048
You can donate food rather than pay cash for library fines.
www.dailyevergreen.com/story/30052
"Author to talk about novel and promote 'Everybody Reads'" by Kristen Perrin in the Daily Evergreen
Neill Public Library to host author of "Snow Falling on Cedars" as part of the regional 2009 Everybody Reads Program.
www.dailyevergreen.com/story/30048
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Local trend is contrary to national headlines
**Newspapers across the Palouse appear to be weathering the economic storm better than national and metropolitan newspapers.**
“If you look at the numbers of readers we’re reaching now, [and] if you add in the paid online readership and the online readership that we have, we’re reaching more people than ever in our 97-year history,” said Nathan Alford, publisher of the Moscow-Pullman Daily News and the Lewiston Tribune. “We’re not hanging our heads.”
According to the Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation filed by TCP Holdings, owner of the Daily News and Tribune, on average, both newspapers have seen about a 3 percent decrease in total distribution.
Circulation rates have decreased less than 3 percent for The Eagle & Boomerang, based in Moscow, according to office manager and reporter Suesanne Smith.
“[Circulation] hasn’t dropped like everywhere else has,” Smith said. “There are a lot of places that are really losing [subscriptions] but weekly and locals aren’t losing the same.”
And so it seems that newspapers across the Palouse are weathering the economic storm better than national metro newspapers.
“I think that what happens is the people who watch the industry and the news headlines … translate those national headlines with a big, broad brush and assume that that same economic scenario is what’s affecting community market newspapers,” Alford said. “In reality, of the 1,400 newspapers in the country, only 180 to 200 of those are metro newspapers … and the rest are community market newspapers much like ourselves.”
In “U.S. Newspaper Circulation Falls 10%,” published Oct. 27, 2009 in The New York Times, author Richard Perez-Pena wrote, “In the six months ended Sept. 30, sales fell by 10.6 percent on weekdays and 7.5 percent on Sundays, from the period a year earlier, for several hundred papers reporting to the Audit Bureau of Circulations.”
Perez-Pena went on to detail some individual circulation rates nationwide: The Los Angeles Times dropped 11 percent in weekday sales, the USA Today had a 17 percent decrease and the The New York Post fell 19 percent.
According to Perez-Pena, this drop caused USA Today to slip from the “top spot in weekday circulation for the first time since the 1990s,” and The Wall Street Journal, whose circulation rose 0.6 percent, took over the leading position.
Though local newspapers aren’t experiencing double-digit decreases like several large newspapers nationwide, one area of concern among local newspapers is advertising.
“We have seen some loses [in advertising revenue] but they have been made up by other gains,” said Gordon Forgey, publisher of the Whitman County Gazette. “With some very successful special sections, it’s above what it has been in previous years.”
The Moscow-Pullman Daily News and the Lewiston Tribune have a slightly different story.
“Advertising revenue has been down much more than circulation,” said Michael McBride, circulation director for TCP Holdings. “Advertising is down probably 20 percent and that’s where the majority of the money’s at. Classified advertising is way down and that’s where they’re seeing the biggest hit.”
In addition to advertising adaptations, the administration is looking to make even more changes to stay on top of the changing economic climate.
TCP Holdings has invested in a new printing press, has taken on delivery for the Spokesman Review and combined their circulation departments when the Daily News switched to an A.M. delivery cycle.
The new press provided more vibrant, consistent color, and is more economically and environmentally effective because it uses less power, ink and paper. Alford is confident that the new press will be a key player in pulling the newspapers out of the economic downturn.
“I think we’ve made smart decisions for a community newspaper, which is really owned by its readers,” Alford said. “We’ve made very minimal cuts in full-time staff.”
Contacts:
Nathan Alford
208-848-2220
Michael McBride
208-848-2220
Gordon Forgey
509-397-4333
Suesanne Smith
208-882-0666
“If you look at the numbers of readers we’re reaching now, [and] if you add in the paid online readership and the online readership that we have, we’re reaching more people than ever in our 97-year history,” said Nathan Alford, publisher of the Moscow-Pullman Daily News and the Lewiston Tribune. “We’re not hanging our heads.”
According to the Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation filed by TCP Holdings, owner of the Daily News and Tribune, on average, both newspapers have seen about a 3 percent decrease in total distribution.
Circulation rates have decreased less than 3 percent for The Eagle & Boomerang, based in Moscow, according to office manager and reporter Suesanne Smith.
“[Circulation] hasn’t dropped like everywhere else has,” Smith said. “There are a lot of places that are really losing [subscriptions] but weekly and locals aren’t losing the same.”
And so it seems that newspapers across the Palouse are weathering the economic storm better than national metro newspapers.
“I think that what happens is the people who watch the industry and the news headlines … translate those national headlines with a big, broad brush and assume that that same economic scenario is what’s affecting community market newspapers,” Alford said. “In reality, of the 1,400 newspapers in the country, only 180 to 200 of those are metro newspapers … and the rest are community market newspapers much like ourselves.”
In “U.S. Newspaper Circulation Falls 10%,” published Oct. 27, 2009 in The New York Times, author Richard Perez-Pena wrote, “In the six months ended Sept. 30, sales fell by 10.6 percent on weekdays and 7.5 percent on Sundays, from the period a year earlier, for several hundred papers reporting to the Audit Bureau of Circulations.”
Perez-Pena went on to detail some individual circulation rates nationwide: The Los Angeles Times dropped 11 percent in weekday sales, the USA Today had a 17 percent decrease and the The New York Post fell 19 percent.
According to Perez-Pena, this drop caused USA Today to slip from the “top spot in weekday circulation for the first time since the 1990s,” and The Wall Street Journal, whose circulation rose 0.6 percent, took over the leading position.
Though local newspapers aren’t experiencing double-digit decreases like several large newspapers nationwide, one area of concern among local newspapers is advertising.
“We have seen some loses [in advertising revenue] but they have been made up by other gains,” said Gordon Forgey, publisher of the Whitman County Gazette. “With some very successful special sections, it’s above what it has been in previous years.”
The Moscow-Pullman Daily News and the Lewiston Tribune have a slightly different story.
“Advertising revenue has been down much more than circulation,” said Michael McBride, circulation director for TCP Holdings. “Advertising is down probably 20 percent and that’s where the majority of the money’s at. Classified advertising is way down and that’s where they’re seeing the biggest hit.”
In addition to advertising adaptations, the administration is looking to make even more changes to stay on top of the changing economic climate.
TCP Holdings has invested in a new printing press, has taken on delivery for the Spokesman Review and combined their circulation departments when the Daily News switched to an A.M. delivery cycle.
The new press provided more vibrant, consistent color, and is more economically and environmentally effective because it uses less power, ink and paper. Alford is confident that the new press will be a key player in pulling the newspapers out of the economic downturn.
“I think we’ve made smart decisions for a community newspaper, which is really owned by its readers,” Alford said. “We’ve made very minimal cuts in full-time staff.”
Contacts:
Nathan Alford
208-848-2220
Michael McBride
208-848-2220
Gordon Forgey
509-397-4333
Suesanne Smith
208-882-0666
Monday, November 9, 2009
News
"Publisher in Portugal Picks a Fine Time to Start a Newspaper" by Eric Pfanner, pub. 11/08/09 in the New York Times.
www.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/business/media/09iht-paper.html
"Tribune Co. newspapers won't use AP next week" by the AP
("to test whether the financially struggling company can do without it.")
www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ijJtQAHWUnZQQPsa1LonfpdfcIeAD9BO3JV00
www.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/business/media/09iht-paper.html
"Tribune Co. newspapers won't use AP next week" by the AP
("to test whether the financially struggling company can do without it.")
www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ijJtQAHWUnZQQPsa1LonfpdfcIeAD9BO3JV00
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Jim West responses
I saw this video last year in Brett Atwood's class.
It was interesting to me to think about whether the story was about sexual orientation or about unlawful activity promising an internship for favors.
As I said in class, the story has to be, at least in part, about sexual orientation because of all the background presented that's required to understand the story completely.
The biggest problem I have with West's actions is the hypocrisy. In the past, he voted for "anti-gay" measures and his actions, on the other hand, portrayed him to be either gay or bisexual. Like we discussed in class, he didn't actually do anything wrong since he didn't persue the "teen" online until he had his 18th birthday. Though he did offer the possibility of an internship, that never came through to fruition so I don't know that we can infer too much about that offer and how it reflects his character.
It was interesting to me to think about whether the story was about sexual orientation or about unlawful activity promising an internship for favors.
As I said in class, the story has to be, at least in part, about sexual orientation because of all the background presented that's required to understand the story completely.
The biggest problem I have with West's actions is the hypocrisy. In the past, he voted for "anti-gay" measures and his actions, on the other hand, portrayed him to be either gay or bisexual. Like we discussed in class, he didn't actually do anything wrong since he didn't persue the "teen" online until he had his 18th birthday. Though he did offer the possibility of an internship, that never came through to fruition so I don't know that we can infer too much about that offer and how it reflects his character.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Math fun is rarely fun. I should know.
1. $7885.00
2. The spelling and grammar test was taken by 217 students. Thirty-seven failed. What percent passed? 83%
3. We have a company. We make crap. Some people get paid more than others.
* The CEO earns $150,000 a year. She has a nice office and thinks big ideas.
* Two top managers earn $100,000 a year for attending meetings, writing memos, etc.
* The company has three security guards. They bust heads and carry Tasers. They earn $40,000 a year.
* Finally, we have two designers/engineers. They do the actual work. We pay them $35,000 and put them in cubicles like zoo animals.
Mean salary? $67,500 Median salary? $40,000
Which is more accurate? Median salary.
4. Desperate for revenue, the government decides to increase the tax on beer. The tax on food is 5 percent. But if you buy beer, you pay an extra percent, or a total of 6 percent. Supporters of the tax say this is only a 1 percentage increase; critics say this is a 20 percent increase. Who is right? Both
5. a. The city’s budget was cut from $2 million to $1.5 million. What was the percent decrease?
25% decrease. (new value-original value/original value)
b. The city’s budget increased from $1.5 million to $2 million. What was the percent increase? 33% increase
6. Last year, your property tax bill was $1,152. This year, it rose to $1,275. What’s the percent increase? 11% increase
7. We want to look at home sales in October.
* House 3 costs $129,000.
* House 4 costs $192,000.
* House 2 costs $207,000.
* House 1 costs $225,000.
* House 5 costs $3.2 million.
What’s the mean price? $790,600 What’s the median? $207,000 (use median more often)
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? me: 4, roommates: 3
9. Let’s say someone wants to establish a University District. To gain support, he/she needs to establish that safety is a problem in the area. Assume the following:
* Pullman had 183 assaults last year. Spokane had 502.
* Spokane has 200,000 people. Pullman has 25,000.
Is the average person more likely to be assaulted in Spokane or Pullman? What's the per capita assault rate in each city? Spokane: .0025 (25 per 10,000 people)----- Pullman: or .0073 (73.2 per 10,000 people)
10. House prices increased 40 percent this year to a median price of $210,000. What was the median house price last year? $150,000
2. The spelling and grammar test was taken by 217 students. Thirty-seven failed. What percent passed? 83%
3. We have a company. We make crap. Some people get paid more than others.
* The CEO earns $150,000 a year. She has a nice office and thinks big ideas.
* Two top managers earn $100,000 a year for attending meetings, writing memos, etc.
* The company has three security guards. They bust heads and carry Tasers. They earn $40,000 a year.
* Finally, we have two designers/engineers. They do the actual work. We pay them $35,000 and put them in cubicles like zoo animals.
Mean salary? $67,500 Median salary? $40,000
Which is more accurate? Median salary.
4. Desperate for revenue, the government decides to increase the tax on beer. The tax on food is 5 percent. But if you buy beer, you pay an extra percent, or a total of 6 percent. Supporters of the tax say this is only a 1 percentage increase; critics say this is a 20 percent increase. Who is right? Both
5. a. The city’s budget was cut from $2 million to $1.5 million. What was the percent decrease?
25% decrease. (new value-original value/original value)
b. The city’s budget increased from $1.5 million to $2 million. What was the percent increase? 33% increase
6. Last year, your property tax bill was $1,152. This year, it rose to $1,275. What’s the percent increase? 11% increase
7. We want to look at home sales in October.
* House 3 costs $129,000.
* House 4 costs $192,000.
* House 2 costs $207,000.
* House 1 costs $225,000.
* House 5 costs $3.2 million.
What’s the mean price? $790,600 What’s the median? $207,000 (use median more often)
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? me: 4, roommates: 3
9. Let’s say someone wants to establish a University District. To gain support, he/she needs to establish that safety is a problem in the area. Assume the following:
* Pullman had 183 assaults last year. Spokane had 502.
* Spokane has 200,000 people. Pullman has 25,000.
Is the average person more likely to be assaulted in Spokane or Pullman? What's the per capita assault rate in each city? Spokane: .0025 (25 per 10,000 people)----- Pullman: or .0073 (73.2 per 10,000 people)
10. House prices increased 40 percent this year to a median price of $210,000. What was the median house price last year? $150,000
Monday, November 2, 2009
News
Here we go again: Crazy stuff in the world of words.
Booksellers Ask Justice Dept. to Probe Price Wars
by Reuters in the NYT, pub. Oct. 22
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Target Corp and Amazon.com Inc. are going head-to-head to see who can beat out the competition, providing customers with the absolute lowest prices on new (even some unreleased) hardback books by some pretty famous authors. The American Booksellers Association sent a letter to the U.S. Dept. of Justice, asking them to investigate the pricewars. The association claimed the war was causing devaluation of the concept of the books themselves.
www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/10/22/business/business-us-booksellers-doj.html
A Different Look at Common Reading
by Andrea Castillo in the Daily Evergreen, pub. Oct. 29
Professor Melissa Goodman-Elgar spoke on Oct. 27 regarding the freshman required reading, "The Omnivore's Dilema." The talk focused on the anthropological perspective on the history of maize in three main regions of Mesoamerica.
www.dailyevergreen.com/story/29925
Booksellers Ask Justice Dept. to Probe Price Wars
by Reuters in the NYT, pub. Oct. 22
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Target Corp and Amazon.com Inc. are going head-to-head to see who can beat out the competition, providing customers with the absolute lowest prices on new (even some unreleased) hardback books by some pretty famous authors. The American Booksellers Association sent a letter to the U.S. Dept. of Justice, asking them to investigate the pricewars. The association claimed the war was causing devaluation of the concept of the books themselves.
www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/10/22/business/business-us-booksellers-doj.html
A Different Look at Common Reading
by Andrea Castillo in the Daily Evergreen, pub. Oct. 29
Professor Melissa Goodman-Elgar spoke on Oct. 27 regarding the freshman required reading, "The Omnivore's Dilema." The talk focused on the anthropological perspective on the history of maize in three main regions of Mesoamerica.
www.dailyevergreen.com/story/29925
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Peer Edit
1. The 2,800 square-foot, four-bedroom house will be built on a concrete foundation.
2. Carlton, owner of Palouse Synergy Systems, talked about how eastern Washington could be transformed into a renewable energy leader if people understood the benefits.
3. “I got a double with a full bath,” said John Gardner, WSU Vice President of Economic Development and Global Engagement. “I lived in Gannon-Golds for two years, and then I switched over here—[this is a] huge difference.”
4. PCEI is offering workshops that teach locals to value and learn how to use sustainable techniques, she said.
5. “The new dorm is likely to receive the silver rating,” Gardner said.
"Everything we do has a consequence,” Englund said regarding sustainability methods, consumption and ecological footprints. “We just have to be aware [of] the butterfly effect.”
6. He also raises money for student scholarships.
7. She said she has been ostracized in her dorm, and she might move to another hall.
8. Though helping to improve Pullman’s atmosphere, Sherman said SEL does not make Pullman immune from the recession.
2. Carlton, owner of Palouse Synergy Systems, talked about how eastern Washington could be transformed into a renewable energy leader if people understood the benefits.
3. “I got a double with a full bath,” said John Gardner, WSU Vice President of Economic Development and Global Engagement. “I lived in Gannon-Golds for two years, and then I switched over here—[this is a] huge difference.”
4. PCEI is offering workshops that teach locals to value and learn how to use sustainable techniques, she said.
5. “The new dorm is likely to receive the silver rating,” Gardner said.
"Everything we do has a consequence,” Englund said regarding sustainability methods, consumption and ecological footprints. “We just have to be aware [of] the butterfly effect.”
6. He also raises money for student scholarships.
7. She said she has been ostracized in her dorm, and she might move to another hall.
8. Though helping to improve Pullman’s atmosphere, Sherman said SEL does not make Pullman immune from the recession.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Records Request Ideas
I'm not 100% sure what constitutes a "records request," but here are some ideas I've been cultivating regarding my beat:
1. Legislation or changes regarding reading/writing standards in schools.
2. Library funding. What is it based on and where does the money come from? Do libraries really have such dire futures?
3. Newspaper finances. Where does money come from, where does it go, and how have those flows changed over the past 5 years?
4. Textbook sales. Revenue and markup.
1. Legislation or changes regarding reading/writing standards in schools.
2. Library funding. What is it based on and where does the money come from? Do libraries really have such dire futures?
3. Newspaper finances. Where does money come from, where does it go, and how have those flows changed over the past 5 years?
4. Textbook sales. Revenue and markup.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Palouse Publication
Based in Moscow, Idaho, the Appaloosa Journal is not immune to the same economic pressures facing national magazines in New York or Los Angeles.
“I would say that [the Appaloosa Journal is affected by economic pressures], even more so than maybe Moscow itself, because Moscow is a lot more removed and Appaloosas are on an international basis,” said Tafra Donberger, associate editor of the Appaloosa Journal. “We definitely feel what’s going on in New York.”
The journal, the flagship publication for the Appaloosa Horse Club, is currently operating in the red due to a decrease in advertising sales and a decline in interest in the Appaloosa horse industry.
National magazines and publishing companies are facing similar economic hardships.
Condé Nast Publications, a tycoon in the magazine industry with a readership of about 65 million readers monthly, has implemented layoffs and cuts, after a string of failed publications such as Golf for Women, Condé Nast Portfolio and Domino magazines. Over the past two years, at least 10 titles have cut publication of their traditional print product, the most recent loses being Gourmet and Cookie magazines earlier this month.
Though the Appaloosa Journal isn’t forecasting any closures at this time, minor and major cuts are being made.
“The only thing we can do is cut editorial,” Donberger said. “We’re trying to evolve the selections for advertisers but as far as everything else, really that’s been declining. So we have to cut. It’s unfortunate.”
Additionally, the Appaloosa Journal is considering reducing the frequency of publication, from 12 monthly issues to an 8-issues-a-year or a bimonthly publication.
“I’d like to see it maintain its quality because, actually, it’s a very nice magazine,” Donberger said. “If we dropped to an every-other-month publication, we could probably maintain that.”
The Journal has also lost a significant portion of their staff, and thus, their production capabilities. Since February 2007, the number of staff has decreased from 11 to five, with a loss of sales, design and editorial positions. By the middle of 2007, Donberger had seen page counts down and the magazine began realizing effects of the economic downturn.
In addition to a decline in print nationwide, the horse industry is also taking a financial hit, directly affecting the number of horse club’s memberships.
“Right now, with the decline in the equine economy, it’s sitting around 12,000 (members), but it also varies through the year,” Donberger said. “We go as high as 22,000 at the highest point of the year.”
According to Donberger, membership to the Appaloosa Horse Club includes the journal subscription, but doesn’t cover the production costs of the magazine.
Regardless, Donberger is hopeful about the future of the Appaloosa Journal and the magazine industry as a whole.
“I believe there’s a majority of Americans who want a magazine,” Donberger said. “There’s a difference between a glossy magazine and the newspaper print. There are magazines shutting down but there are also magazines starting up.”
Contacts:
Tafra Donberger, assoc. editor
Appaloosa Journal
208.882.5578 ext. 252
Attempted contacts who haven’t replied/weren’t available:
Mary Jane Butters
MaryJanesFarm
208.882.6819
Sonja Hanisch,
Editor of Uniquely Palouse magazine
208.610.1309
Sandi Williams
Appaloosa Journal
subscriptions@appaloosajournal.com
“I would say that [the Appaloosa Journal is affected by economic pressures], even more so than maybe Moscow itself, because Moscow is a lot more removed and Appaloosas are on an international basis,” said Tafra Donberger, associate editor of the Appaloosa Journal. “We definitely feel what’s going on in New York.”
The journal, the flagship publication for the Appaloosa Horse Club, is currently operating in the red due to a decrease in advertising sales and a decline in interest in the Appaloosa horse industry.
National magazines and publishing companies are facing similar economic hardships.
Condé Nast Publications, a tycoon in the magazine industry with a readership of about 65 million readers monthly, has implemented layoffs and cuts, after a string of failed publications such as Golf for Women, Condé Nast Portfolio and Domino magazines. Over the past two years, at least 10 titles have cut publication of their traditional print product, the most recent loses being Gourmet and Cookie magazines earlier this month.
Though the Appaloosa Journal isn’t forecasting any closures at this time, minor and major cuts are being made.
“The only thing we can do is cut editorial,” Donberger said. “We’re trying to evolve the selections for advertisers but as far as everything else, really that’s been declining. So we have to cut. It’s unfortunate.”
Additionally, the Appaloosa Journal is considering reducing the frequency of publication, from 12 monthly issues to an 8-issues-a-year or a bimonthly publication.
“I’d like to see it maintain its quality because, actually, it’s a very nice magazine,” Donberger said. “If we dropped to an every-other-month publication, we could probably maintain that.”
The Journal has also lost a significant portion of their staff, and thus, their production capabilities. Since February 2007, the number of staff has decreased from 11 to five, with a loss of sales, design and editorial positions. By the middle of 2007, Donberger had seen page counts down and the magazine began realizing effects of the economic downturn.
In addition to a decline in print nationwide, the horse industry is also taking a financial hit, directly affecting the number of horse club’s memberships.
“Right now, with the decline in the equine economy, it’s sitting around 12,000 (members), but it also varies through the year,” Donberger said. “We go as high as 22,000 at the highest point of the year.”
According to Donberger, membership to the Appaloosa Horse Club includes the journal subscription, but doesn’t cover the production costs of the magazine.
Regardless, Donberger is hopeful about the future of the Appaloosa Journal and the magazine industry as a whole.
“I believe there’s a majority of Americans who want a magazine,” Donberger said. “There’s a difference between a glossy magazine and the newspaper print. There are magazines shutting down but there are also magazines starting up.”
Contacts:
Tafra Donberger, assoc. editor
Appaloosa Journal
208.882.5578 ext. 252
Attempted contacts who haven’t replied/weren’t available:
Mary Jane Butters
MaryJanesFarm
208.882.6819
Sonja Hanisch,
Editor of Uniquely Palouse magazine
208.610.1309
Sandi Williams
Appaloosa Journal
subscriptions@appaloosajournal.com
Sunday, October 18, 2009
In the Press
"Student Editors at OR college apologize for satire" by the Associated Press
Editors of a campus humor publication and Reed College's president apologize for a "fake" article that said Lewis and Clark College students killed all the Jews on their campus. The article was meant as satire in response to an article in Reed's regular student newspaper regarding Anne Frank's diary. Another article in the same edition as the article regarding killings, called "Getting ready for Black History Month" included preparations such as "photoshop myself into other people's Kwanza pictures and put them up around my house."
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hMF-Yl8AthnDpyf7hAnpQtTbw3cWD9BC0TE00
"New York Times Halts Plan for Selling Boston Globe (Update 2)" by Greg Bensinger and Sarah Rabil
New York Times has ended efforts to sell the Boston Globe after union concessions have shed a more positive financial future, according to the company. Cost reductions -- jobs, wages, benefits and sections -- happened due to ad sales decreasing.
The publisher threatened to cloe the Globe in April if unions hadn't agreed to $20 million in cost cuts, according to the Newspaper Guild.
However, an analyst said the paper now has "emple liquidity for a couple years." Time Co. shares have also gained 18% this year. Time Co. is still trying to sell its holding in New England Sports Ventures.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=akMgtgMlBdyw
Editors of a campus humor publication and Reed College's president apologize for a "fake" article that said Lewis and Clark College students killed all the Jews on their campus. The article was meant as satire in response to an article in Reed's regular student newspaper regarding Anne Frank's diary. Another article in the same edition as the article regarding killings, called "Getting ready for Black History Month" included preparations such as "photoshop myself into other people's Kwanza pictures and put them up around my house."
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hMF-Yl8AthnDpyf7hAnpQtTbw3cWD9BC0TE00
"New York Times Halts Plan for Selling Boston Globe (Update 2)" by Greg Bensinger and Sarah Rabil
New York Times has ended efforts to sell the Boston Globe after union concessions have shed a more positive financial future, according to the company. Cost reductions -- jobs, wages, benefits and sections -- happened due to ad sales decreasing.
The publisher threatened to cloe the Globe in April if unions hadn't agreed to $20 million in cost cuts, according to the Newspaper Guild.
However, an analyst said the paper now has "emple liquidity for a couple years." Time Co. shares have also gained 18% this year. Time Co. is still trying to sell its holding in New England Sports Ventures.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=akMgtgMlBdyw
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Follow the records...
1. Enrique Fabregas- a drug abuser who was physically and sexually abusing his adoptive/foster daughters.
2. At least 113 "state employees in sensitive positions passed criminal background checks despite records of serious professional misconduct and criminal convictions that included murder, statutory rape, robbery and drug possession."
"The Spokesman-Review requested the documents after a psychiatric nurse with a criminal record was accused of raping a patient at Eastern State Hospital last year."
3. Private agencies are not subject to the same requirements at public agencies. You have to file individual request forms and have next of kin sign off for access to those records.
4. RCW 13.50.100-- Records retained or produced by any juvenile justice or care agency may be released to other participants in the juvenile justice or care system only when an investigation or case involving the juvenile in question is being pursued by the other participant or when that other participant is assigned the responsibility of supervising the juvenile ...Tuesday, October 13, 2009
profile story ideas
Profile Ideas
MaryJanesFarm
Mary Jane Butters
1000 Wild Iris Lane,
Moscow, ID 83843
208.882.6819
Marquette Books, publishing
Theresa Stimson
3107 E. 62nd Ave.
Spokane, WA 99223
509.443.7057
Appaloosa Journal
Tafra Donberger, assoc. editor
2720 W. Pullman Rd.
Moscow, ID
208.882.5578
ext. 252
MaryJanesFarm
Mary Jane Butters
1000 Wild Iris Lane,
Moscow, ID 83843
208.882.6819
Marquette Books, publishing
Theresa Stimson
3107 E. 62nd Ave.
Spokane, WA 99223
509.443.7057
Appaloosa Journal
Tafra Donberger, assoc. editor
2720 W. Pullman Rd.
Moscow, ID
208.882.5578
ext. 252
Trends and Public Records
Trends in Local Government
1. State and Local:
1. population: 41,664
2. % white: 85%
3. % with BA: 48.2%
4. median income: $32,083
5. below poverty: 26.7%
2. Annual cost for building permits for Pullman
2004: 21,793,767
2005: 40,062,508
2006: 34,549,367
2007: 31,922,839
2008: 14,007,013
2009: 7,170,166
4. 1. San Juan County (30%) and Whitman County (29.2%)
2. 29.2%
5. 1. Office of Financial Management
3. a. 1,960
c. natural increase: births
total change: migration
6. 2. a. Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee Meeting
3. a. 4 cases
b. 600,000 doses
c. 360 doses
d. wait until there's enough vaccination for the majority.
1. State and Local:
1. population: 41,664
2. % white: 85%
3. % with BA: 48.2%
4. median income: $32,083
5. below poverty: 26.7%
2. Annual cost for building permits for Pullman
2004: 21,793,767
2005: 40,062,508
2006: 34,549,367
2007: 31,922,839
2008: 14,007,013
2009: 7,170,166
4. 1. San Juan County (30%) and Whitman County (29.2%)
2. 29.2%
5. 1. Office of Financial Management
3. a. 1,960
c. natural increase: births
total change: migration
6. 2. a. Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee Meeting
3. a. 4 cases
b. 600,000 doses
c. 360 doses
d. wait until there's enough vaccination for the majority.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The economy of words
News:
"Will Books Be Napsterized" by Randall Stross for The New York Times.
Now that e-books are rising in popularity, so are pirated online copies. The author notes that this didn't used to be a big deal because readers preferred hard copies, but with advancing technology, piracy is becoming an issue.
Hardcover sales in the US declined 13% in 2008. So far, this years' sales are down 15.5%.
Critics say it's hard to determine the magnitute of the problem but wonder if it will follow in music's footsteps.
File-hosting companies (ie: Rapidshare) allow anyone to upload or download content and don't filter uploaded files but will remove them if requested by the publisher.
http://www.nytmes.com/2009/10/04/business/04digi.html?hpw
"Second-hand retailers score during recession" by Ed Stoddard and Eim Gaynor for Reuters
While major chain stores are closing nationwide, the majority of second-hand stores are seeing an increase in sales in 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. One second-hand bookstore in Dallas has seen a rise in sales and plans to open even more new stores this year. The author sites the increase in demand and use of second-hand stores being due to a stressed economy and the culture of recycling.
http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsnews/idSN0214223920091005
"Will Books Be Napsterized" by Randall Stross for The New York Times.
Now that e-books are rising in popularity, so are pirated online copies. The author notes that this didn't used to be a big deal because readers preferred hard copies, but with advancing technology, piracy is becoming an issue.
Hardcover sales in the US declined 13% in 2008. So far, this years' sales are down 15.5%.
Critics say it's hard to determine the magnitute of the problem but wonder if it will follow in music's footsteps.
File-hosting companies (ie: Rapidshare) allow anyone to upload or download content and don't filter uploaded files but will remove them if requested by the publisher.
http://www.nytmes.com/2009/10/04/business/04digi.html?hpw
"Second-hand retailers score during recession" by Ed Stoddard and Eim Gaynor for Reuters
While major chain stores are closing nationwide, the majority of second-hand stores are seeing an increase in sales in 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. One second-hand bookstore in Dallas has seen a rise in sales and plans to open even more new stores this year. The author sites the increase in demand and use of second-hand stores being due to a stressed economy and the culture of recycling.
http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsnews/idSN0214223920091005
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Libelous or 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.
Yes. I don't know anything about this person, but the terms thief, pimp and liar are defamatory. Where's the evidence?
2. “Megan Fox is a man!” Headline on Weekly World News Web site
No, because she's famous and has subjected herself to the limelight that accompanies fame. Also, because the claim and the source are not very believable.
3. “In my opinion, Kevin is a murdering rapist.”
Yes because those are statements of fact
Yes. I don't know anything about this person, but the terms thief, pimp and liar are defamatory. Where's the evidence?
2. “Megan Fox is a man!” Headline on Weekly World News Web site
No, because she's famous and has subjected herself to the limelight that accompanies fame. Also, because the claim and the source are not very believable.
3. “In my opinion, Kevin is a murdering rapist.”
Yes because those are statements of fact
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Mighty Tieton
TIETON, Wash.-- Seattle-based publisher, Ed Marquand, and his network of artists and entrepreneurs have painted the city of Tieton red. And every other color of the central Washington sky at sunset.
Mighty Tieton, an entrepreneurial project including designers, artists and architects, is located in Tieton, Washington. Marquand was inspired by the economic opportunity of the town, displayed through vacant buildings, and has been investing in it ever since, with a desire to revive the once-thriving, agriculture-dependent city.
“This town, 30 years ago, had everything,” said Kerry Quint, Mighty Tieton projects manager. “It had a movie theater, bowling alley, you name it. It’s going through a transition and we just want to be part of that.”
They bought the first building in August 2005, which was an empty warehouse from the early 1940s with a good roof but not much else. Mighty Tieton’s largest development was transforming the warehouse into 14 lofts that would function as live-work spaces, completed and filled in 2008.
Karen Quint, Mighty Tieton events coordinator, said the renovation allowed artists to have space that would be affordable for people who were pushed out of expensive Seattle sites.
The other large warehouse is used for events, studios, small businesses and as storage for four book publishing companies.
The professional talents of those involved, paired with local resources, have been used to renovate buildings and storefronts, as well as start independent artisan businesses. Marquand Editions (a press and bindery for bookmaking), Goathead Press (a printmaking studio), Tieton Creamery and Tieton Ciderworks were all started as a result of Mighty Tieton’s presence in Tieton.
The third-annual poet’s workshop, LitFUSE, took place Sept. 25 through Sept. 27 in Tieton and featured Canada’s Poet Laureate Emeritus, George Bowering and American Book Award winners, Carolyne Wright and Judith Roche.
The Tieton Invitational Print Arts Exhibition featured printmakers from Seattle, Oaxaca, Mexico and Guanajuanto, Mexico. The exhibition ran from Aug. 12 through Sept. 13. Hundreds of visitors, some of which traveled from Berlin, Japan and New York, visited Mighty Tieton to see 115 works of print art.
The community’s response to Mighty Tieton has been more positive than expected.
“I have not heard anybody say anything negative about Mighty Tieton,” Tieton mayor Stan Hall said. “I expected some comments because they’re from the west side but everybody seems to like them.
“Most of [the residents] realize that if we don’t get some development, the town’s not going to be here.”
Similar sentiments were echoed from the Mighty Tieton staff.
“We want more partners,” Karen said. “We need people to come in and create some more.”
Regardless of what the future may hold, Karen, Kerry and Hall are pleased with the progress Mighty Tieton has made both socially and economically. The feeling of community, ownership and involvement has created a greater sense of value for this small city.
“Sometimes small towns see investors or people with ideas and they come in and flash through and do one thing that doesn’t work out, or does, and then they leave,” Kerry said. “We’re in it for the long haul.”
CONTACTS:
Kerry Quint
Mighty Tieton Projects Coordinator
(206) 730-6387
** Spoke to in person
Karen Quint
Mighty Tieton Event Coordinator
(509) 494-2009
** Spoke to in person
Stan Hall
Tieton Mayor
(509) 673-3162
Outline:
1. What has happened
a. Buying up property
b. events
2. Economy growth
3. Additional ventures
a. cheese
b. cidery
4. Backlash
5. Tieton and the future
Mighty Tieton, an entrepreneurial project including designers, artists and architects, is located in Tieton, Washington. Marquand was inspired by the economic opportunity of the town, displayed through vacant buildings, and has been investing in it ever since, with a desire to revive the once-thriving, agriculture-dependent city.
“This town, 30 years ago, had everything,” said Kerry Quint, Mighty Tieton projects manager. “It had a movie theater, bowling alley, you name it. It’s going through a transition and we just want to be part of that.”
They bought the first building in August 2005, which was an empty warehouse from the early 1940s with a good roof but not much else. Mighty Tieton’s largest development was transforming the warehouse into 14 lofts that would function as live-work spaces, completed and filled in 2008.
Karen Quint, Mighty Tieton events coordinator, said the renovation allowed artists to have space that would be affordable for people who were pushed out of expensive Seattle sites.
The other large warehouse is used for events, studios, small businesses and as storage for four book publishing companies.
The professional talents of those involved, paired with local resources, have been used to renovate buildings and storefronts, as well as start independent artisan businesses. Marquand Editions (a press and bindery for bookmaking), Goathead Press (a printmaking studio), Tieton Creamery and Tieton Ciderworks were all started as a result of Mighty Tieton’s presence in Tieton.
The third-annual poet’s workshop, LitFUSE, took place Sept. 25 through Sept. 27 in Tieton and featured Canada’s Poet Laureate Emeritus, George Bowering and American Book Award winners, Carolyne Wright and Judith Roche.
The Tieton Invitational Print Arts Exhibition featured printmakers from Seattle, Oaxaca, Mexico and Guanajuanto, Mexico. The exhibition ran from Aug. 12 through Sept. 13. Hundreds of visitors, some of which traveled from Berlin, Japan and New York, visited Mighty Tieton to see 115 works of print art.
The community’s response to Mighty Tieton has been more positive than expected.
“I have not heard anybody say anything negative about Mighty Tieton,” Tieton mayor Stan Hall said. “I expected some comments because they’re from the west side but everybody seems to like them.
“Most of [the residents] realize that if we don’t get some development, the town’s not going to be here.”
Similar sentiments were echoed from the Mighty Tieton staff.
“We want more partners,” Karen said. “We need people to come in and create some more.”
Regardless of what the future may hold, Karen, Kerry and Hall are pleased with the progress Mighty Tieton has made both socially and economically. The feeling of community, ownership and involvement has created a greater sense of value for this small city.
“Sometimes small towns see investors or people with ideas and they come in and flash through and do one thing that doesn’t work out, or does, and then they leave,” Kerry said. “We’re in it for the long haul.”
CONTACTS:
Kerry Quint
Mighty Tieton Projects Coordinator
(206) 730-6387
** Spoke to in person
Karen Quint
Mighty Tieton Event Coordinator
(509) 494-2009
** Spoke to in person
Stan Hall
Tieton Mayor
(509) 673-3162
Outline:
1. What has happened
a. Buying up property
b. events
2. Economy growth
3. Additional ventures
a. cheese
b. cidery
4. Backlash
5. Tieton and the future
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The Word on the Street
"NM Bookmobiles: Books for those without libraries"
by Sue Major Holmes for the Associated Press
http://www.google.com/hostednews/AP/article/ALeqM5jy-QffQahJk8Gnbsi13zvfPEUIjAD9B3O6I80
Three bookmobiles compose New Mexico State Library's on-the-road library program. In Ramah, New Mexico (pop. 407) is at least a one-hour drive from the nearest library. The traveling library offers 3,500-4,000 titles, CDs, DVDs and magazines. Since the librarians know the customers, they bring books they think readers might like or that have been previously requested. Holmes estimates the bookmobiles visit more than 100 communities once monthly.
This is interesting with talk of budget cuts for libraries and the move to e-books. Also, it's in a small, rural town (like what we're supposed to be reporting on for this class today) so it was interesting to see her approach.
"The Same Pooh Bear, but an Otter Has Arrived"
by Felivia R. Lee for The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/05/books/05pooh.html
In 1926, A.A. Milne's first Pooh book, "Winnie-the-Pooh," was printed. On Monday, the first Pooh sequel will be released. Trustees at the Pooh Properties Trust chose David Beedictus, an English writer who has adapted his writing to fit the characteristics of Milne's original writing. Critics are awaiting the sequel and hoping for the best-- that it maintains the original whismy and voice and causes new readers to fall in love with Pooh.
This is interesting for readers, writers and educators becuase it's the first time someone other than Milne has writen about Pooh and friends and questions arise regarding whether the new perspective will tarnish the classics.
by Sue Major Holmes for the Associated Press
http://www.google.com/hostednews/AP/article/ALeqM5jy-QffQahJk8Gnbsi13zvfPEUIjAD9B3O6I80
Three bookmobiles compose New Mexico State Library's on-the-road library program. In Ramah, New Mexico (pop. 407) is at least a one-hour drive from the nearest library. The traveling library offers 3,500-4,000 titles, CDs, DVDs and magazines. Since the librarians know the customers, they bring books they think readers might like or that have been previously requested. Holmes estimates the bookmobiles visit more than 100 communities once monthly.
This is interesting with talk of budget cuts for libraries and the move to e-books. Also, it's in a small, rural town (like what we're supposed to be reporting on for this class today) so it was interesting to see her approach.
"The Same Pooh Bear, but an Otter Has Arrived"
by Felivia R. Lee for The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/05/books/05pooh.html
In 1926, A.A. Milne's first Pooh book, "Winnie-the-Pooh," was printed. On Monday, the first Pooh sequel will be released. Trustees at the Pooh Properties Trust chose David Beedictus, an English writer who has adapted his writing to fit the characteristics of Milne's original writing. Critics are awaiting the sequel and hoping for the best-- that it maintains the original whismy and voice and causes new readers to fall in love with Pooh.
This is interesting for readers, writers and educators becuase it's the first time someone other than Milne has writen about Pooh and friends and questions arise regarding whether the new perspective will tarnish the classics.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The Larry Craig Report
The investigating officer: Sgt. Karsnia #4211, Airport Police Dept.
The potential crime: Interference with Privacy and Disorderly Conduct
Date and Time: 06/11/07 at 1:05 p.m.
The basic narrative:
After complaints of sexual activity in the airport restroom, an officer responded. While in a stall, Larry Edwin Craig made contact with the officer in an attempt to solicit lewd behavior. After being asked multiple times to exit the restroom, Craig claimed to simply be having a wide stance while using the restroom and that his foot may have touched the officers in the neighboring stall. He also stated that he had reached down with his right hand to pick up a piece of paper.
The potential crime: Interference with Privacy and Disorderly Conduct
Date and Time: 06/11/07 at 1:05 p.m.
The basic narrative:
After complaints of sexual activity in the airport restroom, an officer responded. While in a stall, Larry Edwin Craig made contact with the officer in an attempt to solicit lewd behavior. After being asked multiple times to exit the restroom, Craig claimed to simply be having a wide stance while using the restroom and that his foot may have touched the officers in the neighboring stall. He also stated that he had reached down with his right hand to pick up a piece of paper.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
quote changes
1. "Mary is trying hard in school this semester," her father said.
2. Early in the show, Steven Wright asked, "How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink?"
3. Did Steven Wright say, "If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you"?
4. "No," the taxi driver said, "I cannot get you to the airport in 15 minutes."
5. Gov. Peterson said she will support a tax increase this session. "Without it, schools will close," she said.
6. "My favorite line is when Jerry Seinfeld said, 'My parents didn't want to move to Florida, but they turned 60 and that's the law,'" Smitty said.
7. My French professor told me my accent is "abominable."
8. "Is Time a magazine you read regularly?" She asked.
9. When did Roosevelt say, "we have nothing to fear but fear itself"?
10. "Can you believe that it has been almost five years since we've seen each other?" Dot asked me.
2. Early in the show, Steven Wright asked, "How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink?"
3. Did Steven Wright say, "If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you"?
4. "No," the taxi driver said, "I cannot get you to the airport in 15 minutes."
5. Gov. Peterson said she will support a tax increase this session. "Without it, schools will close," she said.
6. "My favorite line is when Jerry Seinfeld said, 'My parents didn't want to move to Florida, but they turned 60 and that's the law,'" Smitty said.
7. My French professor told me my accent is "abominable."
8. "Is Time a magazine you read regularly?" She asked.
9. When did Roosevelt say, "we have nothing to fear but fear itself"?
10. "Can you believe that it has been almost five years since we've seen each other?" Dot asked me.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Word News
"Columnist William Safire Dies" by Jeff Holley for the Washington Post. Published in the Spokesman Review.
William Safire died at age 79 from pancreatic cancer. Safire was a conservative columnist for the New York Times and wrote a column for the New York Times Sunday magazine called "On Language" about grammar and the origins of words. He also wrote more than a dozen books on the subject. Safire also won the Pulitzer Prize and wrote speeches for President Nixon. He was quesitoned by collegues whether this would effect his ability to write for the Times.
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/sep/28/celebrated-columnist-william-safire-dies/
"Author hopes genius grant will shine on Haiti" by Jonathan M. Katz, published in the Seattle Times
Writer Edwidge Danticat received the "genius grant" ($500,000 over the next five years) from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. She hopes it will bring attention to "the wealth of talent struggling to be heard in Haiti." One of her earlier novels, "Breath, Eyes, Memory" was an Oprah's Book Club pick.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2009926388_apcbhaitigeniusgrant.html
William Safire died at age 79 from pancreatic cancer. Safire was a conservative columnist for the New York Times and wrote a column for the New York Times Sunday magazine called "On Language" about grammar and the origins of words. He also wrote more than a dozen books on the subject. Safire also won the Pulitzer Prize and wrote speeches for President Nixon. He was quesitoned by collegues whether this would effect his ability to write for the Times.
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/sep/28/celebrated-columnist-william-safire-dies/
"Author hopes genius grant will shine on Haiti" by Jonathan M. Katz, published in the Seattle Times
Writer Edwidge Danticat received the "genius grant" ($500,000 over the next five years) from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. She hopes it will bring attention to "the wealth of talent struggling to be heard in Haiti." One of her earlier novels, "Breath, Eyes, Memory" was an Oprah's Book Club pick.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2009926388_apcbhaitigeniusgrant.html
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Library Article
WSU libraries eliminated membership in the Center for Research Libraries (CRL) and reduced the size of the administrative support staff by two positions, saving a total of $100,000 in compliance with the 2010 budget reduction goal.
“We’ve gone down from five administrative workers to three,” Beth Lindsay, assistant dean of libraries said. “There have been trade-offs though because some things like moving the printing to Cougar Copies removed a big chunk of what somebody had to do here.”
Lindsay also explained the elimination in membership in the CRL was due to use levels and demand. “A lot of their collections are humanities-based and we just don’t have the programs here.”
In addition, the Holland and Terrell Libraries eliminated reference hours on Saturdays, the last of the six libraries to offer that specific service. According to Lindsay, the library administration will monitor that change and see if any major problems arise.
With all of the logistical changes taking place and the addition of access to the CUB through the library, the library has seen growth in the number of students using the building, its resources and the website.
“We think of the website as the main branch because we can always deliver services,” Lindsay said.
Online resources have also been expanding as the library has been making a gradual shift to more resources available electronically, through e-books and online subscriptions, rather than traditional, physical books subscriptions.
According to Alan Cornish, head of library systems, even in a tight financial situation, the library is expanding some services and increasing availability of articles and other non-traditional forms of media.
“We’ve had a 25 percent increase in article requests this year,” Cornish said.
Another area of growth and demand has been with the computer workstations located in the Holland and Terrell Libraries.
“I was waiting for a new computer for a week and when I needed to do online homework, it would take me forever because people were using Facebook,” sophomore mechanical engineering major, Erik Hille said. “There just aren’t enough resources.”
Lindsay agrees that there is still heavy usage of the public computers, especially at certain hours of the day.
“We still don’t have stable funding to really do a replacement cycle and we don’t have additional funding to get more machines at this time,” Lindsay said.
While changes are still taking place and services are evolving, Lindsay said she’s grateful the libraries were able to maintain the major forms of access for staff and students. However, according to Lindsay, more budget cuts may be taking place in the near future.
“Mostly we’re just waiting to see what happens with the state revenues,” Lindsay said. “Everyone’s kind of on warning that there could be another mid-year cut, so we’re just trying to be cautious and keep everything up and running.”
Some other schools cut library services over breaks and holidays. Whether similar changes are in the future for WSU libraries is unknown.
“I think anything would be on the table if another large cut came through,” Lindsay said. “Especially is another one cam in mid-year.”
Sources:
Beth Lindsay
Assistant Dean of Libraries
509.335.6134
elindsay@wsu.edu
Alan Cornish
Head of Library Systems
509.335.1895
cornish@wsu.edu
Erik Hille
Sophomore mechanical engineering major
erik.hille@email.wsu.edu
Article Outline
1. What happened with legislature
a. Specific budget cuts
2. What happened at the university as a result
3. Effects due to changes
4. Other changes due to economy
a. Computer stations
b. Online resources and articles
5. Outlook
a. Mid-year budget cuts?
b. Closures?
“We’ve gone down from five administrative workers to three,” Beth Lindsay, assistant dean of libraries said. “There have been trade-offs though because some things like moving the printing to Cougar Copies removed a big chunk of what somebody had to do here.”
Lindsay also explained the elimination in membership in the CRL was due to use levels and demand. “A lot of their collections are humanities-based and we just don’t have the programs here.”
In addition, the Holland and Terrell Libraries eliminated reference hours on Saturdays, the last of the six libraries to offer that specific service. According to Lindsay, the library administration will monitor that change and see if any major problems arise.
With all of the logistical changes taking place and the addition of access to the CUB through the library, the library has seen growth in the number of students using the building, its resources and the website.
“We think of the website as the main branch because we can always deliver services,” Lindsay said.
Online resources have also been expanding as the library has been making a gradual shift to more resources available electronically, through e-books and online subscriptions, rather than traditional, physical books subscriptions.
According to Alan Cornish, head of library systems, even in a tight financial situation, the library is expanding some services and increasing availability of articles and other non-traditional forms of media.
“We’ve had a 25 percent increase in article requests this year,” Cornish said.
Another area of growth and demand has been with the computer workstations located in the Holland and Terrell Libraries.
“I was waiting for a new computer for a week and when I needed to do online homework, it would take me forever because people were using Facebook,” sophomore mechanical engineering major, Erik Hille said. “There just aren’t enough resources.”
Lindsay agrees that there is still heavy usage of the public computers, especially at certain hours of the day.
“We still don’t have stable funding to really do a replacement cycle and we don’t have additional funding to get more machines at this time,” Lindsay said.
While changes are still taking place and services are evolving, Lindsay said she’s grateful the libraries were able to maintain the major forms of access for staff and students. However, according to Lindsay, more budget cuts may be taking place in the near future.
“Mostly we’re just waiting to see what happens with the state revenues,” Lindsay said. “Everyone’s kind of on warning that there could be another mid-year cut, so we’re just trying to be cautious and keep everything up and running.”
Some other schools cut library services over breaks and holidays. Whether similar changes are in the future for WSU libraries is unknown.
“I think anything would be on the table if another large cut came through,” Lindsay said. “Especially is another one cam in mid-year.”
Sources:
Beth Lindsay
Assistant Dean of Libraries
509.335.6134
elindsay@wsu.edu
Alan Cornish
Head of Library Systems
509.335.1895
cornish@wsu.edu
Erik Hille
Sophomore mechanical engineering major
erik.hille@email.wsu.edu
Article Outline
1. What happened with legislature
a. Specific budget cuts
2. What happened at the university as a result
3. Effects due to changes
4. Other changes due to economy
a. Computer stations
b. Online resources and articles
5. Outlook
a. Mid-year budget cuts?
b. Closures?
Questions for Chris Hedges
1. What inspired you to get into the field of war/terrorism reporting and being a foreign correspondent?
2. Why did you decide to begin writing books in 2002?
3. How is that medium different from news writing?
4. What has been your greatest challenge over the course of your career?
5. What advice do you have for journalism students?
2. Why did you decide to begin writing books in 2002?
3. How is that medium different from news writing?
4. What has been your greatest challenge over the course of your career?
5. What advice do you have for journalism students?
Sunday, September 20, 2009
recent articles relating to beat
"Children Can Listen and Learn"
by Rochelle Adams for the Daily Evergreen
http://www.dailyevergreen.com/story/29346
"Jane Goodall Talk on Wildlife Fascinates Students"
by Katy Muldoon for the Associated Press
http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/national-60/1253005810323800.xml&storylist
by Rochelle Adams for the Daily Evergreen
http://www.dailyevergreen.com/story/29346
"Jane Goodall Talk on Wildlife Fascinates Students"
by Katy Muldoon for the Associated Press
http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/national-60/1253005810323800.xml&storylist
Thursday, September 17, 2009
political story idea
In the assignment description, it was suggested that we cover how budget cuts affect services and programs. I have decided to research how budget cuts have affected WSU libraries and/or Pullman library. Recently, the Seattle library closed down for one week to save about $655,000 to help make up for economical strain and I'm wondering whether WSU and Pullman are experiencing the same types of pressures and considering similar alternatives (of cutting hours/products) and how that might affect students and residents.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Beat coverage
In the news:
"'Reading Rainbow' closes the book" by Dan Warn
published 9-08-09 in The Daily Evergreen
http://www.dailyevergreen.com/story/29301
"Greenwood's Couth Buzzard Books Flies Again" by Mary Ann Gwinn
published 9-14-09 in The Seattle Times
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/books/2009849952_litlife14.html
"'Reading Rainbow' closes the book" by Dan Warn
published 9-08-09 in The Daily Evergreen
http://www.dailyevergreen.com/story/29301
"Greenwood's Couth Buzzard Books Flies Again" by Mary Ann Gwinn
published 9-14-09 in The Seattle Times
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/books/2009849952_litlife14.html
Speech Story
In a public forum hosted by the WSU Police Advisory Board September 8, WSU Police Officer Kelly Stewart explained non-lethal action and Pullman Police Officer Scott Kirk described non-lethal equipment in the CUB lounge.
“If an officer has the authority to make a detention… they have the authority to use force of the threat of force,” Stewart said.
Stewart went on to explain that the officer’s actions must be reasonable and “necessary” in response to the use of force situation. The term “necessary” also entails that no reasonable effective alternative appears to exist.
Citing Supreme Court cases Graham v. Conner (1989) and Tennessee v. Garner (1985), Stewart explained how the most recent Supreme Court standard was set.
Stewart said that the use of force continuum varies from state to state and from agency to agency but gives framework officers can reference to determine the appropriate amount of force for a given situation.
Stewart did note that the continuum doesn’t directly take into account any known violent history of the subject, the duration of the action, the physical condition or size of the suspect in relation to the officer or the ago of the subject in relation to the officer.
Kirk said the Pullman Police Department continuum is used mostly for training, reference and as a reason to justify actions.
Kirk also described a variety of gasses and pepper sprays, smoke and pyrotechnic grenades and specialty impact munitions.
When selecting which less-lethal option to use, the decision is up to the officer in the situation, Kirk said. However, the officer should first determine the environment in order to choose between various calibers, propellants and projectiles.
A highlight of the public forum was when Brandon Wilson, a junior criminal justice major, got Tased as an example for forum attendees to witness the experience first-hand. Supported by two policemen, Wilson stood with his back to the crowd as Kirk aimed the Taser at Wilson’s upper back and fired. After a few seconds of tense reaction, Wilson dropped to the ground.
After recovering, Wilson said he would rather be Tased than sprayed with pepper spray due to the shorter reaction time. Wilson said that students shouldn’t take either lightly, “If anybody pulls out OC [gas] or Taser, just get on the ground.”
In reference to the Taser, Kirk said, “It’s not the volts that are dangerous. It’s the amps.”
Kirk also said that as word spreads throughout the public about Tasers, fewer people are resisting police because they know there is a possibility they could be Tased.
Bill Gardner, the WSU Chief of Police said the WSU Police Advisory Board hosted the public forum with the underlying goal to allow students more face-to-face time with officers because they want students to get to know the officers on campus.
Because there are many misconceptions about what police can and will do, Kirk wants students to know that officers have a lot of choices and that they try to use the minimum amount of force necessary.
Sources:
Kelly Stewart: 509-335-4408
Scott Kirk: 509-332-2521
Bill Gardner: 509-335-8548
Brandon Wilson: banw83@msn.com
3 questions:
1. How do you determine what method of force to use in a given situation?
2. Is the Pullman police department continuum the same as WSU's? Why or why not?
3. How often are Tasers or gas used in your program? In what way?
“If an officer has the authority to make a detention… they have the authority to use force of the threat of force,” Stewart said.
Stewart went on to explain that the officer’s actions must be reasonable and “necessary” in response to the use of force situation. The term “necessary” also entails that no reasonable effective alternative appears to exist.
Citing Supreme Court cases Graham v. Conner (1989) and Tennessee v. Garner (1985), Stewart explained how the most recent Supreme Court standard was set.
Stewart said that the use of force continuum varies from state to state and from agency to agency but gives framework officers can reference to determine the appropriate amount of force for a given situation.
Stewart did note that the continuum doesn’t directly take into account any known violent history of the subject, the duration of the action, the physical condition or size of the suspect in relation to the officer or the ago of the subject in relation to the officer.
Kirk said the Pullman Police Department continuum is used mostly for training, reference and as a reason to justify actions.
Kirk also described a variety of gasses and pepper sprays, smoke and pyrotechnic grenades and specialty impact munitions.
When selecting which less-lethal option to use, the decision is up to the officer in the situation, Kirk said. However, the officer should first determine the environment in order to choose between various calibers, propellants and projectiles.
A highlight of the public forum was when Brandon Wilson, a junior criminal justice major, got Tased as an example for forum attendees to witness the experience first-hand. Supported by two policemen, Wilson stood with his back to the crowd as Kirk aimed the Taser at Wilson’s upper back and fired. After a few seconds of tense reaction, Wilson dropped to the ground.
After recovering, Wilson said he would rather be Tased than sprayed with pepper spray due to the shorter reaction time. Wilson said that students shouldn’t take either lightly, “If anybody pulls out OC [gas] or Taser, just get on the ground.”
In reference to the Taser, Kirk said, “It’s not the volts that are dangerous. It’s the amps.”
Kirk also said that as word spreads throughout the public about Tasers, fewer people are resisting police because they know there is a possibility they could be Tased.
Bill Gardner, the WSU Chief of Police said the WSU Police Advisory Board hosted the public forum with the underlying goal to allow students more face-to-face time with officers because they want students to get to know the officers on campus.
Because there are many misconceptions about what police can and will do, Kirk wants students to know that officers have a lot of choices and that they try to use the minimum amount of force necessary.
Sources:
Kelly Stewart: 509-335-4408
Scott Kirk: 509-332-2521
Bill Gardner: 509-335-8548
Brandon Wilson: banw83@msn.com
3 questions:
1. How do you determine what method of force to use in a given situation?
2. Is the Pullman police department continuum the same as WSU's? Why or why not?
3. How often are Tasers or gas used in your program? In what way?
Legislative Exerceises
1. SB-5913, concerning online access to the U of W health sciences library bu certain health care providers.
2. Education Appropriations 10/01/09, 1:30 p.m. Update changes made to online learning
3. Chair: Kathy Haigh (D) 360-786-7966
4. Legislative Assistant: Lisa McCollum 360-786-7155
5. Sen. Mark Schoesler (R)
Rep. Don Cox (R)
Rep. Joe Schmick (R)
6. Agriculture and Rural Economic Development
Financial Institutions Housing and Insurance
Rules
Ways and Means
SB-5076
7. 360-786-7844
8. tvw.org -- education reform-- #2
9. 10/01/09 at 1:30 p.m.
10. RCW: revised code of Washington- all permanant laws now in force
WAC: Washington Administrative Code- different departments and agency implimentations
13. contributions: $13,661,703.15
b. Avista Corp, Hecla Mining, Microsoft Corp, Wells Fargo, Alltel Corp.
2. Education Appropriations 10/01/09, 1:30 p.m. Update changes made to online learning
3. Chair: Kathy Haigh (D) 360-786-7966
4. Legislative Assistant: Lisa McCollum 360-786-7155
5. Sen. Mark Schoesler (R)
Rep. Don Cox (R)
Rep. Joe Schmick (R)
6. Agriculture and Rural Economic Development
Financial Institutions Housing and Insurance
Rules
Ways and Means
SB-5076
7. 360-786-7844
8. tvw.org -- education reform-- #2
9. 10/01/09 at 1:30 p.m.
10. RCW: revised code of Washington- all permanant laws now in force
WAC: Washington Administrative Code- different departments and agency implimentations
13. contributions: $13,661,703.15
b. Avista Corp, Hecla Mining, Microsoft Corp, Wells Fargo, Alltel Corp.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Floyd Blog lede and lede quote
In a blog posted Tuesday, President Elson Floyd said that some media response regarding reported cases of H1N1 influenza at Washington State University have been incomplete and that symptoms reported have been quite mild in most cases.
"While it is probably safe to assume that most people reporting flu-like symptoms did indeed have the flu, it is difficult to make an absolute estimate of cases based on the numbers of contacts," Floyd said.
"While it is probably safe to assume that most people reporting flu-like symptoms did indeed have the flu, it is difficult to make an absolute estimate of cases based on the numbers of contacts," Floyd said.
Public Disclosure Commission
1. Susan Fagan (R), Hailey Patricia (R), Glen Stockwell (D), Arthur Swannack (R), Darin Watkins (R)
2. Raised: $142,213
Spent: $109,439.05
3. July: Cash and In-Kind $8,740
Total: Cash and In-Kind $59,887.08
4. $11,301.87
5. $118.83
2. Raised: $142,213
Spent: $109,439.05
3. July: Cash and In-Kind $8,740
Total: Cash and In-Kind $59,887.08
4. $11,301.87
5. $118.83
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Martin Luther King Jr.
In front of the Lincoln Memorial and 200,000 civil rights supporters, in a speech directed to the entire nation, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. gave voice today to the cries so many were begging to be heard.
"America has given the negro people a bad check. But we refuse to believe the bank of justice is bankrupt," King challenged.
At the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, King urged Americans to be accountable for the self-evident truth that all men are created equal, begging that all men would be guaranteed the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
"America has given the negro people a bad check. But we refuse to believe the bank of justice is bankrupt," King challenged.
At the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, King urged Americans to be accountable for the self-evident truth that all men are created equal, begging that all men would be guaranteed the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Monday, September 7, 2009
current writings
Two recent stories regarding my beat:
"Reader's Digest Stays Upbeat Despite Trouble Signs" by the Associated Press, pub. 9-06-09
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/09/09/us/AP-US-Readers-Digest.html
After 87 years, one of the largest, most read magazines, Reader's Digest, is adapting to life after their parent company filed for Chapter 11 this summer. In an interview, the editor-in-chief makes a good point that all articles regarding the death of print are in print! The article goes on to compare Reader's Digest to the US magazine industry overall and highlights cost-cutting practices the company is taking to stay afloat.
"A New Assignment: Pick Books You Like" by Motoko Rich, pub. 8-29-09
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/30/books/30reading.html?_r=18&scp=1&sq=students%20get%20new%20reading%20assignment&st=cse
This article spotlights a 7th and 8th grade English teacher who has turned over the decision regarding class readings to her students. Rich writes that this practice is aiming to "revolutionize the way literature is taught in America's schools." Hitting closer to home, the article also notes that many of Seattle's public middle schools are adopting this pedagogy. Contrary to methods that DO build a shared literary culture but limit choice, this technique aims to promote a "lifelong love of reading." This article also cause me to more closely consider the common reading program for freshman here at WSU.
"Reader's Digest Stays Upbeat Despite Trouble Signs" by the Associated Press, pub. 9-06-09
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/09/09/us/AP-US-Readers-Digest.html
After 87 years, one of the largest, most read magazines, Reader's Digest, is adapting to life after their parent company filed for Chapter 11 this summer. In an interview, the editor-in-chief makes a good point that all articles regarding the death of print are in print! The article goes on to compare Reader's Digest to the US magazine industry overall and highlights cost-cutting practices the company is taking to stay afloat.
"A New Assignment: Pick Books You Like" by Motoko Rich, pub. 8-29-09
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/30/books/30reading.html?_r=18&scp=1&sq=students%20get%20new%20reading%20assignment&st=cse
This article spotlights a 7th and 8th grade English teacher who has turned over the decision regarding class readings to her students. Rich writes that this practice is aiming to "revolutionize the way literature is taught in America's schools." Hitting closer to home, the article also notes that many of Seattle's public middle schools are adopting this pedagogy. Contrary to methods that DO build a shared literary culture but limit choice, this technique aims to promote a "lifelong love of reading." This article also cause me to more closely consider the common reading program for freshman here at WSU.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Beat Note
My beat for this semester is literary culture, which includes developments surrounding the written word, the evolution of media forums, mediums and outlets, and the social implications of innovations and declines.
The most important issues within my beat for Pullman residents and WSU staff and students are industry cutbacks and progress and technological and educational advancements and changes.
Locally, written formats are important to the city of Pullman in three main ways. Information regarding education and academia - innovations, news, standards and requirements - both at the high school and college levels are important to WSU students and faculties as well as Pullman families. Also, as a small town, Pullman relies on local, national and international news to keep up with the rest of Washington and the World. Changes made to the mediums through which society receives the news could impact many residents. Finally, students majoring in Communication, English, or English teaching need to know developments within the community and world to stay educated about the industry and prepared for future employment.
There are a multitude of resources for stories representing different aspects of my beat. For example, Crag Hill teaches English courses at WSU focusing on young adult literature and knows what's popular, new, controversial and banned. Karen Weathermon is involved with the freshman reading program and should be able to talk about the positives and downfalls of the program, it's history and what might be expected for the future. Alan Cornish and Sarah French would be good contacts for statistics and trends for WSU libraries (who mostly serve WSU students and staff), and Geraldine de Rooy would be the go-to contact for facts for the Pullman public library (which likely serves more Pullman residents). Cheryl-Anne Millsap is very knowledgeable about our industry's climate in Eastern Washington, Spokane magazine forecasting and has experience with the Spokesman Review. Professor Demers would be a good source for publication and textbook facts.
The Essentials:
It's clear that literary culture is important to the Pullman and Eastern Washington communities because of the press received in The Spokesman Review, The Pacific Northwest Inlander, The Daily Evergreen and through other news aggregates. Recent popular topics include: graduation requirements and academic standards, social trends, textbooks, small magazine companies and technological advancements, to name a few. I personally would like to cover any issue involving students and the written word and education standards and expectations most often.
Three proposed story ideas:
-- Future of required freshman reading
-- Textbook prices and sales over time
-- Magazine subscription rates and advertising rates over time
-- Circulation and funding for local and national public libraries
Three relevant articles from local and national publications:
"At Metro's End" by Daniel Walters for the Pacific Northwest Inlander
published 8-13-09
http://www.inlander.com/content/newscommentary_spokane_metro_out_business
"'Tintin' Deemed Racist, Removed From Shelves" by Will Alden for New York Press
published 8-21-09
http://www.nypress.com/blog-4906-tintin-deemed-racist-removed-from-shelves.html
"Freshmen read about food industry" by Taras Zhulev for the Daily Evergreen
published 09-01-09
http://www.dailyevergreen.com/story/29213
The most important issues within my beat for Pullman residents and WSU staff and students are industry cutbacks and progress and technological and educational advancements and changes.
Locally, written formats are important to the city of Pullman in three main ways. Information regarding education and academia - innovations, news, standards and requirements - both at the high school and college levels are important to WSU students and faculties as well as Pullman families. Also, as a small town, Pullman relies on local, national and international news to keep up with the rest of Washington and the World. Changes made to the mediums through which society receives the news could impact many residents. Finally, students majoring in Communication, English, or English teaching need to know developments within the community and world to stay educated about the industry and prepared for future employment.
There are a multitude of resources for stories representing different aspects of my beat. For example, Crag Hill teaches English courses at WSU focusing on young adult literature and knows what's popular, new, controversial and banned. Karen Weathermon is involved with the freshman reading program and should be able to talk about the positives and downfalls of the program, it's history and what might be expected for the future. Alan Cornish and Sarah French would be good contacts for statistics and trends for WSU libraries (who mostly serve WSU students and staff), and Geraldine de Rooy would be the go-to contact for facts for the Pullman public library (which likely serves more Pullman residents). Cheryl-Anne Millsap is very knowledgeable about our industry's climate in Eastern Washington, Spokane magazine forecasting and has experience with the Spokesman Review. Professor Demers would be a good source for publication and textbook facts.
The Essentials:
It's clear that literary culture is important to the Pullman and Eastern Washington communities because of the press received in The Spokesman Review, The Pacific Northwest Inlander, The Daily Evergreen and through other news aggregates. Recent popular topics include: graduation requirements and academic standards, social trends, textbooks, small magazine companies and technological advancements, to name a few. I personally would like to cover any issue involving students and the written word and education standards and expectations most often.
Three proposed story ideas:
-- Future of required freshman reading
-- Textbook prices and sales over time
-- Magazine subscription rates and advertising rates over time
-- Circulation and funding for local and national public libraries
Three relevant articles from local and national publications:
"At Metro's End" by Daniel Walters for the Pacific Northwest Inlander
published 8-13-09
http://www.inlander.com/content/newscommentary_spokane_metro_out_business
"'Tintin' Deemed Racist, Removed From Shelves" by Will Alden for New York Press
published 8-21-09
http://www.nypress.com/blog-4906-tintin-deemed-racist-removed-from-shelves.html
"Freshmen read about food industry" by Taras Zhulev for the Daily Evergreen
published 09-01-09
http://www.dailyevergreen.com/story/29213
Sources for future stories:
-- Crag Hill, cahill@wsu.edu, 509.335.2581
WSU English professor
-- Linda Russo, lrusso@wsu.edu, 509.335.2581
WSU English professor
-- Karen Weathermon, kweathermon@wsu.edu, 509.335.5488
Director of Learning Communities for Office of Undergraduate Education
-- Alan Cornish, cornish@wsu.edu, 509.335.1895
Head of library system, Pullman
-- Sarah French, frenchsw@wsu.edu, 509.335.2694
Head of education library
-- Geraldine de Rooy, 509.338.3269
Director of Neill public library
-- Cheryl-Anne Millsap, catmilsap@gmail.com
Freelance writer and writer for the Spokesman Review
-- David Demers, ddemers@wsu.edu
WSU professor, wife in the publication business
Questions for Jonathan Randal
1. How did you first get your start at The Washington Post?
2. What advice do you have for near graduates in the field of journalism?
3. What intrigued you about foreign affairs and what were some of your proudest moments as a foreign correspondent?
4. How was the transition from hard reporting to novel writing?
5. What inspired/caused you to change your medium?
2. What advice do you have for near graduates in the field of journalism?
3. What intrigued you about foreign affairs and what were some of your proudest moments as a foreign correspondent?
4. How was the transition from hard reporting to novel writing?
5. What inspired/caused you to change your medium?
Monday, August 31, 2009
Two current beat stories
For Magazines, the Down Days Continue
by Stephanie Clifford, pub. Aug. 31, 2009 in The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/01/business/media/01adco.html
This story is relevant for Pullman and college students because of our reliance and dependence on magazines not only as a social tool and entertainment source but also as a possibile future career and publishers as would-be future employers. It's crucial for those of us in the communication industries to be up-to-date with the climate of the job market.
College Textbooks Hit iPhone, iPod Touch
by Todd R. Weiss, pub. in PC World on The Spokesman Review's website
http://www.spokesman.com/technology/?articleId=57085505&assetId=57085505&channelId=12648&buyerId=Spokesman&buid=1&destination=1396&articleTemplateId=677&badgeTemplateId=10646&widgetClass=IDG&mcmp=
As college students who pay extroardinary prices for textbooks and who are also saturated with the latest technology such as iPhones, this story couldn't be more relevant. One of the most positive aspects of sharing stories such as this with the student and staff of WSU is encouraging independent thought regarding textbooks and contemporary alternatives to a system that could use vast updating.
by Stephanie Clifford, pub. Aug. 31, 2009 in The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/01/business/media/01adco.html
This story is relevant for Pullman and college students because of our reliance and dependence on magazines not only as a social tool and entertainment source but also as a possibile future career and publishers as would-be future employers. It's crucial for those of us in the communication industries to be up-to-date with the climate of the job market.
College Textbooks Hit iPhone, iPod Touch
by Todd R. Weiss, pub. in PC World on The Spokesman Review's website
http://www.spokesman.com/technology/?articleId=57085505&assetId=57085505&channelId=12648&buyerId=Spokesman&buid=1&destination=1396&articleTemplateId=677&badgeTemplateId=10646&widgetClass=IDG&mcmp=
As college students who pay extroardinary prices for textbooks and who are also saturated with the latest technology such as iPhones, this story couldn't be more relevant. One of the most positive aspects of sharing stories such as this with the student and staff of WSU is encouraging independent thought regarding textbooks and contemporary alternatives to a system that could use vast updating.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
J425 Beat Possibilities
I don't have a particularly strong attraction to any specific beat but perhaps I could write about culture, specifically literary developments or social implications of the evolution of media outlets such as books and magazines. Sure, I care about journalism as much as anyone else in this course but I find news regarding company closures, literary recalls and innovation in the literature industry both interesting and important to social structures.
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