1. What (if any) are the ethical dilemmas faced by both filmmakers when shooting these documentaries?
In the Maysles "Grey Gardens" I think there were more ethical dilemmas than in Frederick Wiseman's "Titicut Follies." The ethical dilemmas that I saw were the conversations that took place in this documentary, many of which I thought to be very inappropriate. I think that they could have gone about the subject matter another way, for example in the film a man is being questioned about sexual abusing people, and the man admits to sexually abusing his own daughter. The man that is interviewing asks the question no problem, and it seems the man answers with no remorse.
In Frederick Wiseman's "Titicut Follies" I thought there were less ethical dilemmas. I did notice however, that certain scenes where the women seemed to be in a bad place, and seemed to be struggling were somewhat unnecessary for what seemed like the documentary was about.
2. Should they have used all of the footage or only some of? How should that be determined?
I think that both videos should have only used some of the footage. The way they should have determined this is whether the footage brought emotional value to the films. However, that doesn't mean that the emotional value has to be unethical. I felt that some of the footage they did choose for the film was emotional, but not in an ethical sense. In the second film, it is definitely questionable whether or not the filmmakers had consent from the subjects. It doesn't seem like they did, and obviously that is ethically wrong.
3. What would you do as a journalist or documentary storyteller?
If I were a journalist or a documentary storyteller I think that I would use footage that triggers the viewers emotion, something that draws them in. I felt that each of the films did that, but maybe not in the right sense. I think it's important to trigger the viewers emotions in the right way, you don't want your viewers to finish your documentary feeling sick, or disgusted by your work. I think documentaries are most accomplished when they are more personal and there is something that makes the viewer feel connected to the film, even if they don't necessary have a personal connection, but the way the film is done, it allows them to feel a connectedness. Even though I didn't really agree with the second film, I thought the music played in the film helped the viewer to feel for the men that were portrayed. Thing like music, to me, help to trigger those emotions that a film maker wants from a viewer.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
WSU introduces virtual world
At a press conference held last Monday, Brett D. Atwood, an Assistant Professor of the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication announced that Washington State University has launched their very own virtual world, also known as Second Life.
The three-dimensional replica of the WSU campus was designed by staff and students who work for The Center for Distance and Professional Education (CDPE). The replica of the campus contains recognizable features such as Bryan Hall Clock Tower, the CUB, and Glen Terrell Mall.
WSU is one of many universities across the country to expand their educational horizon. Other universities that have welcomed Second Life are Princeton, Harvard, and Stanford.
Atwood is one of the professors who plans on using the Second Life program for two classes in the fall.
At Wednesday's press conference Atwood talked about opportunities that Second Life will open for WSU.
“This first entry into virtual world space has an offering to expand our global audience and world,” said Atwood.
Second Life will allow professors to conduct lectures online using voice interaction, just like they would in a normal classroom setting. CDPE encourages the use of Second Life for professors at WSU.
“CDPE will be encouraging this program and trying to get other professors to implement it into their curriculum,” said Atwood.
Second Life will not only allow teachers to conduct lectures, but also for architecture students to create three-dimensional environments for projects. This program will be used by certain engineering and architecture programs at WSU.
A WSU graduate student, Heather L. McGeachy has already used the Second Life program to transform her real-life art into digital picture. Her art is part of the Master of Fine Art Thesis Exhibit, which can be viewed in the Second Life program. McGeachy’s art is called real existence.
Aside from the many perks, there have been two common criticisms of the Second Life program.
“This program next year will be very telling. It is very advanced so it may be hard for some to use it because it is so advanced. In fact one of the limitations of the Second Life program is that it will not run on student’s computers if they’re discount notebooks or older version laptops,“ said Atwood.
Atwood said the second criticism to the virtual world is there are elements within Second Life that involve adult role playing and sexual experiences. The sexual content has nothing to do with education, however it is available on Second Life and it has posed as somewhat of a concern.
Even though the criticisms pose threats to the success of WSU’s virtual environment, students show interest for the new way of learning.
Malia K. Suzui, a junior communication major said she hopes to see Second Life in the communication courses she will be taking in the fall.
“Second Life seems like a great educational opportunity, I am very interested to see how it works,” said Suzui.
Suzui’s focus in communication is public relations. She said she feels the Second Life program would be a vital asset for public relations.
“Launching Second Life was just another way of opening access to Washington State University,“ said CDPE Assistant Dean David Cillay.
Second Life will open doors for educational experiences as well as business opportunities for students at WSU.
The three-dimensional replica of the WSU campus was designed by staff and students who work for The Center for Distance and Professional Education (CDPE). The replica of the campus contains recognizable features such as Bryan Hall Clock Tower, the CUB, and Glen Terrell Mall.
WSU is one of many universities across the country to expand their educational horizon. Other universities that have welcomed Second Life are Princeton, Harvard, and Stanford.
Atwood is one of the professors who plans on using the Second Life program for two classes in the fall.
At Wednesday's press conference Atwood talked about opportunities that Second Life will open for WSU.
“This first entry into virtual world space has an offering to expand our global audience and world,” said Atwood.
Second Life will allow professors to conduct lectures online using voice interaction, just like they would in a normal classroom setting. CDPE encourages the use of Second Life for professors at WSU.
“CDPE will be encouraging this program and trying to get other professors to implement it into their curriculum,” said Atwood.
Second Life will not only allow teachers to conduct lectures, but also for architecture students to create three-dimensional environments for projects. This program will be used by certain engineering and architecture programs at WSU.
A WSU graduate student, Heather L. McGeachy has already used the Second Life program to transform her real-life art into digital picture. Her art is part of the Master of Fine Art Thesis Exhibit, which can be viewed in the Second Life program. McGeachy’s art is called real existence.
Aside from the many perks, there have been two common criticisms of the Second Life program.
“This program next year will be very telling. It is very advanced so it may be hard for some to use it because it is so advanced. In fact one of the limitations of the Second Life program is that it will not run on student’s computers if they’re discount notebooks or older version laptops,“ said Atwood.
Atwood said the second criticism to the virtual world is there are elements within Second Life that involve adult role playing and sexual experiences. The sexual content has nothing to do with education, however it is available on Second Life and it has posed as somewhat of a concern.
Even though the criticisms pose threats to the success of WSU’s virtual environment, students show interest for the new way of learning.
Malia K. Suzui, a junior communication major said she hopes to see Second Life in the communication courses she will be taking in the fall.
“Second Life seems like a great educational opportunity, I am very interested to see how it works,” said Suzui.
Suzui’s focus in communication is public relations. She said she feels the Second Life program would be a vital asset for public relations.
“Launching Second Life was just another way of opening access to Washington State University,“ said CDPE Assistant Dean David Cillay.
Second Life will open doors for educational experiences as well as business opportunities for students at WSU.
Frontline: A Hidden Life
1. In the Frontline video, "A Hidden Life" editor Steven Smith talked about that if the alleged activity was true, there was a story. However, if he hadn't engaged in the activity, it wasn't a story. The reason I think Smith differentiated between the two is because the problem wasn't Mayor Jim West being gay, it was the fact that he was abusing his power privileges by offering men on the Internet jobs, and also the allegation that he was becoming or was already sexually involved or abusing under aged boys.
2. Bill Morlin justified the use of a user name on gay.com by hiring a company to do the dirty work for his, so to speak. In order to follow ethical conduct, Morlin was not allowed to lie about his identity to find out the information needed, so he decided a way to get around it would be to hire an outside source.
3. I think The Spokesman-Review ultimately published so many articles on Mayor West's alleged improprieties to put what they thought the truth was, out in the open. I think The Spokesman-Review wanted to see Mayor West recalled from his position, which is eventually what happened.
4. In the final analysis, I think that The Spokesman-Review felt that they benefited from the decision to expose Mayor West, but I don't think that they felt good about it. In the end, editor Steven Smith said he felt horrible for having to expose West, but that he felt it was necessary. I think that the person that was hurt the most during this entire time was definitely Mayor Jim West. His political career went down the drain, along with his personal life. I don't know if the outcome was worth it, it depends on who's outcome it was. I'm sure if you were to ask West if he thought the outcome was worth it, I'm sure it wasn't, he was publicly humiliated. But, if you were to ask all the reporters, editors, and writers who worked for The Spokesman-Review during the time of this scandal if it was worth it, I'm sure they would all say yes.
5. In the story The Spokesman-Review reported on Mayor Jack Lynch, it seemed all they were trying to do is make his seemingly good actions, be frowned upon. To me, that kind of reporting does seem unethical, unless you have concrete reasoning to believe that someone really is doing wrong. In the article, it says that Lynch would frequently drive by the park to check on crime and drug abuse going on, however, The Spokesman-Review made it seem like Lynch was guilty of other things, even though it didn't seem that they had concrete evidence of that.
2. Bill Morlin justified the use of a user name on gay.com by hiring a company to do the dirty work for his, so to speak. In order to follow ethical conduct, Morlin was not allowed to lie about his identity to find out the information needed, so he decided a way to get around it would be to hire an outside source.
3. I think The Spokesman-Review ultimately published so many articles on Mayor West's alleged improprieties to put what they thought the truth was, out in the open. I think The Spokesman-Review wanted to see Mayor West recalled from his position, which is eventually what happened.
4. In the final analysis, I think that The Spokesman-Review felt that they benefited from the decision to expose Mayor West, but I don't think that they felt good about it. In the end, editor Steven Smith said he felt horrible for having to expose West, but that he felt it was necessary. I think that the person that was hurt the most during this entire time was definitely Mayor Jim West. His political career went down the drain, along with his personal life. I don't know if the outcome was worth it, it depends on who's outcome it was. I'm sure if you were to ask West if he thought the outcome was worth it, I'm sure it wasn't, he was publicly humiliated. But, if you were to ask all the reporters, editors, and writers who worked for The Spokesman-Review during the time of this scandal if it was worth it, I'm sure they would all say yes.
5. In the story The Spokesman-Review reported on Mayor Jack Lynch, it seemed all they were trying to do is make his seemingly good actions, be frowned upon. To me, that kind of reporting does seem unethical, unless you have concrete reasoning to believe that someone really is doing wrong. In the article, it says that Lynch would frequently drive by the park to check on crime and drug abuse going on, however, The Spokesman-Review made it seem like Lynch was guilty of other things, even though it didn't seem that they had concrete evidence of that.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Frontline
The multi-part series, "News War" done by Frontline was very interesting because it talked about all the rising issues that news and journalism is facing both now and in the near future. I found all the segments to be very interesting and a lot of the information actually somewhat sad and a little disturbing.
Section 17 started off my astonishment. I felt that this segment of the series proved to be the most pertinent at the moment. Network News Then and Now. The title says it all. News have changed dramatically over the last few decades and seems to continue to make a downward spiral. In this segment the reporters talk about how the news subjects that are appearing on prime time news have become extremely diverse, and not necessarily in a good way. For example, news has become more about the entertainment value rather then being about what people need to know or hear about. New stations are all about giving people what they want, which in this news segment they say may be the biggest tragedy of American journalism. In this segment they also talk about how networks started making money, and now it has become all about that. News stations wanting to make money didn't necessarily shock me, however how the news stations are trying to go about it, did. I think that news is about important events that go one everyday, and things such as celebrities babies and who is marrying who is pertinent to our everyday life. Why have we become so obsessed over drama and not what is really important?
The second section that I thought was quite interesting was section 18, talking about info snacking. The reason I thought this section was very interesting is because I felt it was so true to so many young, savvy people. I honestly have felt like 60 minutes is sort of targeted towards an older crowd, and not that young people don't watch it, it just seems to be geared that way. However, recently they seem to be doing stories that are out of their normal news bubble. For example, celebrity specials and things of that nature. I find it interesting that they are pairing up with such a popular online news site such as Yahoo, because this website seems so geared towards young people. It wouldn't surprise me that the idea of info snacking on websites such as Yahoo is bringing in the money for news stations.
The third segment that I looked at was chapter 19: The New Universe of Online Media. Again, I think that this segment is so appropriate to my generation. I think that online news is going to become the main source for news around the world. In the Frontline video they stated multiple times that there are not many people from the ages of 20-30 that pick up newspapers, all of their news information is all online. I think that is very interesting considering the fact that 20-22 years old or even higher may still be in school, which I think now a days has a lot to do with the types of news sources that people are affected by. For example, in this journalism class we were required to create a blog, which in some people's views is a form of journalism, and who makes us journalists? With this wave of online media, it hard to say what is news, what is credible, and who should we believe. I think that's what is the most shocking, is that anyone can post anything on the Internet and pose as being credible, or pose as being something that they aren't. Just like they talk about in this segment, anyone these days with a laptop or cell phone is now a journalist. In the near future..or even now..what is going to happen to traditional journalism.
Section 17 started off my astonishment. I felt that this segment of the series proved to be the most pertinent at the moment. Network News Then and Now. The title says it all. News have changed dramatically over the last few decades and seems to continue to make a downward spiral. In this segment the reporters talk about how the news subjects that are appearing on prime time news have become extremely diverse, and not necessarily in a good way. For example, news has become more about the entertainment value rather then being about what people need to know or hear about. New stations are all about giving people what they want, which in this news segment they say may be the biggest tragedy of American journalism. In this segment they also talk about how networks started making money, and now it has become all about that. News stations wanting to make money didn't necessarily shock me, however how the news stations are trying to go about it, did. I think that news is about important events that go one everyday, and things such as celebrities babies and who is marrying who is pertinent to our everyday life. Why have we become so obsessed over drama and not what is really important?
The second section that I thought was quite interesting was section 18, talking about info snacking. The reason I thought this section was very interesting is because I felt it was so true to so many young, savvy people. I honestly have felt like 60 minutes is sort of targeted towards an older crowd, and not that young people don't watch it, it just seems to be geared that way. However, recently they seem to be doing stories that are out of their normal news bubble. For example, celebrity specials and things of that nature. I find it interesting that they are pairing up with such a popular online news site such as Yahoo, because this website seems so geared towards young people. It wouldn't surprise me that the idea of info snacking on websites such as Yahoo is bringing in the money for news stations.
The third segment that I looked at was chapter 19: The New Universe of Online Media. Again, I think that this segment is so appropriate to my generation. I think that online news is going to become the main source for news around the world. In the Frontline video they stated multiple times that there are not many people from the ages of 20-30 that pick up newspapers, all of their news information is all online. I think that is very interesting considering the fact that 20-22 years old or even higher may still be in school, which I think now a days has a lot to do with the types of news sources that people are affected by. For example, in this journalism class we were required to create a blog, which in some people's views is a form of journalism, and who makes us journalists? With this wave of online media, it hard to say what is news, what is credible, and who should we believe. I think that's what is the most shocking, is that anyone can post anything on the Internet and pose as being credible, or pose as being something that they aren't. Just like they talk about in this segment, anyone these days with a laptop or cell phone is now a journalist. In the near future..or even now..what is going to happen to traditional journalism.
Exploring News Beyond the U.S. Assignment
I thought it was extremely interesting to see different world news channel and how they decide to air their news. I felt that a lot of the sites were extremely biased. For example Russia Today and Al Jazeera English news sites were a bit "anti-American." On their sites, it was clear that they were trying to play up their countries, while bashing America at the same time. It wasn't in the most direct sense, but subtly that seemed to be the trend. The news station that i felt delivered the news with the "Murrow standard" of ethics was BBC News. When watching the news on this station, I felt like I was watching most stations in the U.S. It seemed to have the most non bias news. I also thought that Press TV seemed to be less bias than Russia Today and Al Jazeera English.
1. How effective do you think the Internet will be for Al Jazeera as it attempts to reach a U.S. audience?
I don't think that Al Jazeera will be very effective to reach an audience in the U.S. I think that there are plenty of other online news sites for people to watch, the last one I think people would turn to is a biased site that has already gotten negative feedback from Americans, such as after 9-11, which was such a traumatic event.
2. Based on your own observations, do you think that Al Jazeera English should be allowed to broadcast in the U.S.?
Based on my own observations I don't think that Al Jazeera English should be allowed to broadcast in the U.S. I think this because I felt uncomfortable watching it, and I think that many other Americans would feel the same way about the news that they are broadcasting and the content on their website. I just think that if they are going to try to air all over the U.S. that they need to change the way they broadcast their news.
3. What, if anything, do you notice about Al Jazeera's approach to telling the news? How is it different than the U.S.-based TV news outlets that you have experienced?
One difference that I did notice was that they had news reporters traveling all over the world to cover news stories. For example they had reporters in London, Cairo, and other parts of the country. The other difference that I noticed was that a majority of their news stories were focused on middle-eastern events.
4. While on the Al Jazeera site, be sure to check out the network's published Code of Ethics. Based on your own observations, do you think they are adhering to them?
Although it seems like I have completely bashed Al Jareeza, I think they are relatively trying to follow their code of ethics as much as they can. Like many American news sites, Al Jareeza may be a little biased because of where it is based and the news stories that I'm sure they are entitled to cover. Just like the American news sites and stations. However, it is hard to tell because this is the first exposure I have had to Al Jareeza news.
1. How effective do you think the Internet will be for Al Jazeera as it attempts to reach a U.S. audience?
I don't think that Al Jazeera will be very effective to reach an audience in the U.S. I think that there are plenty of other online news sites for people to watch, the last one I think people would turn to is a biased site that has already gotten negative feedback from Americans, such as after 9-11, which was such a traumatic event.
2. Based on your own observations, do you think that Al Jazeera English should be allowed to broadcast in the U.S.?
Based on my own observations I don't think that Al Jazeera English should be allowed to broadcast in the U.S. I think this because I felt uncomfortable watching it, and I think that many other Americans would feel the same way about the news that they are broadcasting and the content on their website. I just think that if they are going to try to air all over the U.S. that they need to change the way they broadcast their news.
3. What, if anything, do you notice about Al Jazeera's approach to telling the news? How is it different than the U.S.-based TV news outlets that you have experienced?
One difference that I did notice was that they had news reporters traveling all over the world to cover news stories. For example they had reporters in London, Cairo, and other parts of the country. The other difference that I noticed was that a majority of their news stories were focused on middle-eastern events.
4. While on the Al Jazeera site, be sure to check out the network's published Code of Ethics. Based on your own observations, do you think they are adhering to them?
Although it seems like I have completely bashed Al Jareeza, I think they are relatively trying to follow their code of ethics as much as they can. Like many American news sites, Al Jareeza may be a little biased because of where it is based and the news stories that I'm sure they are entitled to cover. Just like the American news sites and stations. However, it is hard to tell because this is the first exposure I have had to Al Jareeza news.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Third Story-Feature
Deprived of one of life’s necessities
For one WSU student, sleep deprived nights are not uncommon. Once her head finally hit’s the pillow, there are only a few hours before the buzz of her alarm signals that another long day is ahead.
“I rarely get more than 6 hours of sleep,” said Stephany K. Depew. She explained that a lot of the reason why she doesn’t catch many Z’s is because the stresses of school are weighing down her time.
Depew said the number one reason she doesn’t get a good nights sleep is due to the stress of the day that just finished, or any stresses that may lie ahead. “I find it hard to get a good night rest if I have a lot on my mind, especially when I have a test the next day,” said Depew.
According to a sleep deprivation survey on sleep-deprivation.com the number one cause of sleep deprivation is stress. The survey covered 4,000 subjects, 65 percent felt that stress was a huge factor in their sleeping patterns. Second to stress was work, or school related issues which also had significant effects when getting a good night sleep.
College student’s constantly stress over work loads teachers provide them with. “Especially this summer, I have had tests and papers due every week,” said Depew. She said the work load is more progressed in the summer, but during the regular year there is still a lot to handle. Depew said her anxiety kicks in when homework and tests are loaded in one week. She explained that when that happens, it is hard for her to focus and not get behind on her work.
Surveys have shown that the average adult needs a solid seven to eight hours of sleep per night. However, college students spending time cramming for tests and countless hours on homework are not always receiving the hours of sleep that are needed to get through the day.
Christina D. Ayers, a senior communication major said she rarely gets seven hours of sleep, in fact she would be lucky if she did. However she said that she has been surviving off of minimal hours of sleep and has become used to it.
“I honestly don’t feel deprived of sleep, although I know that Stephany definitely feels differently on that issue,” said Ayers.
Depew and Ayers are roommates during their time spent in Pullman. Both of them said they find themselves spending a good amount of time together at their kitchen table, doing school work.
“It’s nice to know there is someone to stay up with, to motivate me to finish studying,” said Depew. “I sometimes feel myself dozing off, but having my roommate there helps me to hold off on my exhaustion a little longer.”
Depew said she can’t wait for summer session to end, so she can finally catch up on her sleep.
Sleep deprivation has become an issue among college students all over the United States. Another statistic according to studies on sleep-deprivation.com stated that college students suffer from sleep deprivation the most. The amount of sleep that is needed at those ages is higher than people twice their age.
Stephany K. Depew is just one of many students in college that suffers from sleep deprivation.
Second Story-Special Lead
Summer in Pullman still offers fun, inexpensive activities
Movie theatre outings. Themed bar nights. Dinner for two. Getting together with Friends. Priceless? All of these are priceless memories, but not priceless when it comes to the bill.
Pullman offers activities and events regularly for students looking to save on their spending. At regular cost, movies in Pullman run for $8.50 per ticket. Normal bar outings can be costly. Date outings often add up. However, there are ways to get around spending a ton of money when doing these regular activities to get more bang for your buck. Whether you want to go out with friends, or go on a date, Pullman offers activities to help save a struggling students’ bank account.
The end of the 9 month school year left many restaurants in Pullman a little more vacant after the majority of the student body traveled back to their home towns. One place that doesn’t seem to be clearing out for these summer months is Valhalla Bar and Grill.
Valhalla Bar and Grill, located at 1000 N.E. Colorado St., holds a tradition, Wing Night every Wednesday starting at 9 p.m. Wing night allows students to save money on beer and food said Anthony S. Conrath, a bar manager at Valhalla. He said the night entails cheap beer, music provided by a D.J., and of course wings. Wing night at Valhalla offers 15 wings for $3. Conrath explained that Valhalla has been holding this tradition since the bar opened in 1999 and has been successful since the tradition started. On Wednesday’s they sell an average of about 200-250 pounds of wings, said Conrath.
“Wing night encompasses social mentality, it’s a more relaxed environment to come with friends,” said Conrath.
Hilary B. Crawford, a senior Hospitality Business Management major said Wing Night at Valhalla is the highlight of her social week. “Wing night is a place to go with friends, kick back, and enjoy drinks mid-week,” said Crawford.
Crawford explained there are other bars in Pullman that offer wing nights, however she has not gotten the chance to check them out.
She said that even though Pullman has been quieter these last few weeks, Valhalla Wing Night hasn’t slowed much since summer session started.
Themed bar nights may not be of interest to everyone. There are other options for students during summer session.
An affordable date idea can be hard to come by. Fireside Grill, located on S.E. Bishop Blvd., offers a Monday night movie and dinner special. The special includes a $3 movie ticket with the purchase of any entrée of $10 or more. The movie tickets are valid at the Pullman Village Center Cinemas located behind Fireside. The movie tickets do not expire and can be used on all the recent movie releases. The Monday night special offered by Fireside saves $5.50 per person on movie tickets.
In the summer there are less students enrolled, but that doesn’t mean there are less activities for those students to partake in. Movies, dinner, nights out at the bar; these are just a few ways to save a few dollars here and there. Pullman offers these inexpensive outings during the regular school year, but what many students do not know, the deals continue on through the summer months.
Movie theatre outings. Themed bar nights. Dinner for two. Getting together with Friends. Priceless? All of these are priceless memories, but not priceless when it comes to the bill.
Pullman offers activities and events regularly for students looking to save on their spending. At regular cost, movies in Pullman run for $8.50 per ticket. Normal bar outings can be costly. Date outings often add up. However, there are ways to get around spending a ton of money when doing these regular activities to get more bang for your buck. Whether you want to go out with friends, or go on a date, Pullman offers activities to help save a struggling students’ bank account.
The end of the 9 month school year left many restaurants in Pullman a little more vacant after the majority of the student body traveled back to their home towns. One place that doesn’t seem to be clearing out for these summer months is Valhalla Bar and Grill.
Valhalla Bar and Grill, located at 1000 N.E. Colorado St., holds a tradition, Wing Night every Wednesday starting at 9 p.m. Wing night allows students to save money on beer and food said Anthony S. Conrath, a bar manager at Valhalla. He said the night entails cheap beer, music provided by a D.J., and of course wings. Wing night at Valhalla offers 15 wings for $3. Conrath explained that Valhalla has been holding this tradition since the bar opened in 1999 and has been successful since the tradition started. On Wednesday’s they sell an average of about 200-250 pounds of wings, said Conrath.
“Wing night encompasses social mentality, it’s a more relaxed environment to come with friends,” said Conrath.
Hilary B. Crawford, a senior Hospitality Business Management major said Wing Night at Valhalla is the highlight of her social week. “Wing night is a place to go with friends, kick back, and enjoy drinks mid-week,” said Crawford.
Crawford explained there are other bars in Pullman that offer wing nights, however she has not gotten the chance to check them out.
She said that even though Pullman has been quieter these last few weeks, Valhalla Wing Night hasn’t slowed much since summer session started.
Themed bar nights may not be of interest to everyone. There are other options for students during summer session.
An affordable date idea can be hard to come by. Fireside Grill, located on S.E. Bishop Blvd., offers a Monday night movie and dinner special. The special includes a $3 movie ticket with the purchase of any entrée of $10 or more. The movie tickets are valid at the Pullman Village Center Cinemas located behind Fireside. The movie tickets do not expire and can be used on all the recent movie releases. The Monday night special offered by Fireside saves $5.50 per person on movie tickets.
In the summer there are less students enrolled, but that doesn’t mean there are less activities for those students to partake in. Movies, dinner, nights out at the bar; these are just a few ways to save a few dollars here and there. Pullman offers these inexpensive outings during the regular school year, but what many students do not know, the deals continue on through the summer months.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Feeding the Beast
From the video, my understanding of "the beast" was directed toward the public. The video talked about "feeding the beast" and creating new and exciting stories to "feed the beast." For the public appetite to be fed means to come up with the most important, most exciting, and most creative journalism so the public is satisfied. News stations each day have to come up with the best material so the public will choose to read/watch their news papers/stations. I think different material or stories in the news may compromise in trying to "feed the beast." I think this is the case because in the end, no matter what stories may be on the front page of a newspaper or a breaking story, the public (the beast) are making individual choices as to what news they're adhering to. The public choice may effect the news papers/stations because of their lack of interest in their news, or on the other end of the spectrum, the public interest in one's paper/station may have a positive effect. Another aspect that may effect the 24-hour news cycle would be behind the scenes at news papers/stations and the roadblocks they might come to in reporting their news. For example, if a news station can not get a hold of a potential news source, then that effects their story and perhaps they won't be able to publish that story, and therefore wont be able to "feed the beast."
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Special News Leads
1st special news lead: I found this special news lead on fox news. It is a story on an amusement park that has new rides and roller coasters. The news lead that was used for this story was a staccato. I think that this news lead is perfect for this piece because it builds up the suspense of the new rides for the readers.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,520697,00.html
2ND special news lead: I found the second special news lead on fox news as well. This story talks about North Koreans possibly selling nuclear weapons to other countries, and the possibility of North Korea refusing to sell nuclear weapons, therefore other countries forming their own nuclear plan. I found it interesting that this story had two special leads, both a staccato and a question lead. I don't think that either of these leads were the best for the topic of the story. I think a traditional summary news lead would have been more effective because of the serious subject of the story.
http://foxforum.blogs.foxnews.com/2009/05/26/mcfarland_north_korea/
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,520697,00.html
2ND special news lead: I found the second special news lead on fox news as well. This story talks about North Koreans possibly selling nuclear weapons to other countries, and the possibility of North Korea refusing to sell nuclear weapons, therefore other countries forming their own nuclear plan. I found it interesting that this story had two special leads, both a staccato and a question lead. I don't think that either of these leads were the best for the topic of the story. I think a traditional summary news lead would have been more effective because of the serious subject of the story.
http://foxforum.blogs.foxnews.com/2009/05/26/mcfarland_north_korea/
Thursday, May 21, 2009
First News Story
Pullman welcomes back an Eco-friendly event
Freshly cut, bright flowers popped among the hustle and bustle of the crowd congregated to witness the ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the reopening of the Pullman farmer’s market Wednesday.
Sponsored by the Pullman Chamber of Commerce, the first farmer’s market became a step toward a more sustainable future for the Palouse.
Pullman hosted a fresh food market in the past, but over the years, its popularity fell and the local market became a thing of the past. As a result, the Pullman Chamber of Commerce and WSU Organic Garden worked together to bring the farmer’s market back to Pullman. Local vendors and farmers from the surrounding areas will sell fresh produce and goods at the market every Wednesday until the fall.
“Local markets are actually going on throughout the nation. Everyone is trying to focus on sustainability,” said Tammy Lewis, executive director of the Pullman Chamber of Commerce. “Our goal is to promote healthy eating and living,” she said.
Lewis said the decision to bring the market back to Pullman is based on an initiative to demonstrate to people that sustainability is possible, and that having a local market is one way to move toward that goal.
“The purpose of the market is not only to support local farmers but to also promote the idea of better living,” Lewis said.
She said eating food that is grown locally rather than packaged promotes healthy eating and living. Lewis said the local market will play home to similar vendors weekly with produce varying throughout the season. She said one of the popular harvests is rhubarb; however as the weather gets warmer seasonal berries such as blackberries and raspberries will become available at the market. Lewis said in addition to fresh, locally grown produce, the market will offer a wide array of vegetable plants, flowers, and fresh artisan breads for people to purchase.
“It is great that someone brought a farmers market to this town,” said Kate Jaeckel, market vendor. “I think that the people of Pullman have been itching for an event like this for a while.”
Jaeckel said she and her husband own a half-acre farm and two greenhouses in Moscow and she is excited for the opportunity to provide great fresh products for Pullman residents at the new market.
“There are a lot of loyal buyers already. I hope to see great turnouts every week here in Pullman.” she said.
Jaeckel said the farmer’s market is just adding to the previous efforts made in the area towards sustainability, such as the recent Compton Union Building renovation and the existing Moscow farmer’s market.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Three story ideas..
Dear Editor,
With summer here in front of us, Pullman seems to have gotten a little deserted without the normal buzz of the college students around. However, there are still activities for local and remaining summer session students to do. Every Sunday, in Moscow, Idaho, just 8 miles away there is a local farmers market that takes place right off of Main Street. However, they are now bringing it to Pullman starting on May 20Th and running through October 28Th. The market will be open every Wednesday from 4:30pm-6:30pm in the Old Post Office Wine Gallery parking lot.
I would like to find out why the market was brought to Pullman and what kind of crowd they are interested in attracting.
The market seems like it will help out local farmers and encourage both student and locals to support their local economy.
Possible sources for this piece would be WSU's organic farm, who is the tenant for the market and the Executive Director of the Pullman Chamber of Commerce, who has helped to put together the event.
Dear Editor,
With the end of the normal school session, many students have ventured back to their home towns. The students who are now left are those taking summer courses. Summer session admissions is much lower than the normal school sessions, so how does this effect the local bars and their event nights?
Now that a large majority of the student body is gone, along with most of Greek row, how are The Coug, Stubble fields, Valhalla, and some of the other local bars surviving? During the course of the summer, are they still going to hold weekly wing nights? Bladder Busters? And other themed nights that they normally do during the regular school year.
Possible sources for this story would be managers/owners of the named bars. And students who attend some of the themed nights.
Dear Editor,
The Greymalkin Gallery opened in early April, however, they are planning to have a grand opening on Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25.
The purpose of this piece would be to find out the kind of art that they are looking to showcase, and the artists that they would like to attract. This event is one of many that Pullman is offering during the summer, that people may not know about, and if they had the research done for them, maybe they would be interested in checking it out if they knew details.
This event would be a great opportunity for locals to check out artwork from the Pacific Northwest, if they choose to stay in town for the holiday weekend.
Possible sources for this piece would be the gallery owner and artists that may be showcasing their work in the grand opening weekend.
With summer here in front of us, Pullman seems to have gotten a little deserted without the normal buzz of the college students around. However, there are still activities for local and remaining summer session students to do. Every Sunday, in Moscow, Idaho, just 8 miles away there is a local farmers market that takes place right off of Main Street. However, they are now bringing it to Pullman starting on May 20Th and running through October 28Th. The market will be open every Wednesday from 4:30pm-6:30pm in the Old Post Office Wine Gallery parking lot.
I would like to find out why the market was brought to Pullman and what kind of crowd they are interested in attracting.
The market seems like it will help out local farmers and encourage both student and locals to support their local economy.
Possible sources for this piece would be WSU's organic farm, who is the tenant for the market and the Executive Director of the Pullman Chamber of Commerce, who has helped to put together the event.
Dear Editor,
With the end of the normal school session, many students have ventured back to their home towns. The students who are now left are those taking summer courses. Summer session admissions is much lower than the normal school sessions, so how does this effect the local bars and their event nights?
Now that a large majority of the student body is gone, along with most of Greek row, how are The Coug, Stubble fields, Valhalla, and some of the other local bars surviving? During the course of the summer, are they still going to hold weekly wing nights? Bladder Busters? And other themed nights that they normally do during the regular school year.
Possible sources for this story would be managers/owners of the named bars. And students who attend some of the themed nights.
Dear Editor,
The Greymalkin Gallery opened in early April, however, they are planning to have a grand opening on Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25.
The purpose of this piece would be to find out the kind of art that they are looking to showcase, and the artists that they would like to attract. This event is one of many that Pullman is offering during the summer, that people may not know about, and if they had the research done for them, maybe they would be interested in checking it out if they knew details.
This event would be a great opportunity for locals to check out artwork from the Pacific Northwest, if they choose to stay in town for the holiday weekend.
Possible sources for this piece would be the gallery owner and artists that may be showcasing their work in the grand opening weekend.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Comparing and contrasting different news sites
The first site that I looked at was foxnews.com. This news site I felt was more based on celebrity news and entertainment rather than politics, government related, or violence and crime. Although the site does contain some of those topics, the site definitely seems more geared towards a younger audience and puts the entertainment and celebrity news above the more "important" news stories. On the site, quite close to the top there is a section on the "seen and heard" of celebrities, Maxims hot 100, Man made bikini bodies, and more on beauty of celebrity lives. If you look further on the website, there is news on President Barack Obama, further into politics, other world news, health, and sports.
The second news site that I looked at was www.msnbc.msn.com. This news site was less biased towards celebrity gossip and entertainment. On the site there is a wide variety of news topics, anything from politics to health and beauty to travel news. MSNBC news site I would say is more geared towards an avid news reader, rather than just focusing on what young people might want to read, they offer diverse news topics, both breaking news stories, and also important topics that have been surfacing in the news for weeks now, such as the swine flu.
If I were to commit to an online news site, I would read MSNBC because of the validity of the different types of stories. I think that news sites are supposed to cover everything going on in our society, rather than just the "poplar" news topics.
The second news site that I looked at was www.msnbc.msn.com. This news site was less biased towards celebrity gossip and entertainment. On the site there is a wide variety of news topics, anything from politics to health and beauty to travel news. MSNBC news site I would say is more geared towards an avid news reader, rather than just focusing on what young people might want to read, they offer diverse news topics, both breaking news stories, and also important topics that have been surfacing in the news for weeks now, such as the swine flu.
If I were to commit to an online news site, I would read MSNBC because of the validity of the different types of stories. I think that news sites are supposed to cover everything going on in our society, rather than just the "poplar" news topics.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Oil Contamination in Ecuador
The two videos shown in class regarding the oil contamination in the Amazon Forest in Ecuador, had completely different takes on the story. The CBS 60 minutes video portrayed Ecuador as the victim in the case. The interviews were biased, they each showed different negative facts on how Texaco/Chevron was at fault for all of the contamination within the rain forest. In the interviews with CBS, they showed the parts of the interview that Texaco/Chevron seemed like they could have done more to fix the problem earlier than they did. Of the 900+ oil pits that they created when filling oil barrels, Texaco/Chevron only cleaned up about a sixth of the amount that they were "responsible" for, which was about 150 pits. From a viewers point it was hard not to take the side of the people of Ecuador because of the spin that CBS put on their style of interviewing and the way they broadcast it. Even the footage that they filmed for the clips was at a biased point of view.
The second video was from YouTube, which I felt also had a biased point of view. This video was more geared towards defending Texaco/Chevrons side of the case. This video's interviews, although maybe with the same people as CBS, showed parts of the interview that made the oil company look better in the eyes of the viewer. Both of these videos are different takes on one story and it makes the viewer wonder, which is more credible? In my opinion, the CBS video is more credible because 60 minutes has done interviews on many high profile cases and the fact that this story was covered and aired on 60 minutes means that it is obviously important, and CBS has to cover all the facts of the case. Even though there were facts in each of the videos, there was clearly different objectivity on each of the creators sides.
The second video was from YouTube, which I felt also had a biased point of view. This video was more geared towards defending Texaco/Chevrons side of the case. This video's interviews, although maybe with the same people as CBS, showed parts of the interview that made the oil company look better in the eyes of the viewer. Both of these videos are different takes on one story and it makes the viewer wonder, which is more credible? In my opinion, the CBS video is more credible because 60 minutes has done interviews on many high profile cases and the fact that this story was covered and aired on 60 minutes means that it is obviously important, and CBS has to cover all the facts of the case. Even though there were facts in each of the videos, there was clearly different objectivity on each of the creators sides.
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