By Allie Jacobs
KALAMAZOO, Mich.— As Sen. Barack Obama jumps ahead in nationwide polls, students and faculty at Kalamazoo College are hopeful that he will be “the change that America needs,” pushing aside concerns that his racial background may lower his chances of getting into the White House.
“I think if he wasn’t African American, he’d be winning by a landslide. He’s a leader and he knows how to manage himself and his feelings. And he’s a good decision maker, which we have been sorely lacking for eight years,” said long-time Democrat Diane Seuss, 52, an English professor and resident of Kalamazoo.
Obama’s strengths as a leader and his proposals for a better America resulted in inspiring performances during the presidential debates, eliminating any reason to focus on the color of his skin.
“I fully expected Obama to dominate in the debates,” said Democrat Nandita Barghava, 19, a sophomore from Auburn Hills, Mich. “He’s a phenomenal speaker.”
Joseph P. Renze, 21, a junior from Chicago, Ill. who has no party affiliation, is also impressed with Obama. He spoke confidently about Obama becoming the first black president, saying, “I’m surprised that the Republicans have come this far.”
For Leah M. Baughman, 19, a sophomore from Beverly Hills, Mich., who is on the fence about her choice for president, the race factor doesn’t even come close to the effectiveness of Obama’s plan to improve the economy. “I’m Catholic, and we’re usually supposed to go Republican. But the economy is one of my biggest issues and I think Obama could really help,” said Baughman. “I don’t think his race has anything to do with it; I don’t care at all.”
Staff member Denise M. Wyatt, 30, of Paw Paw, Mich., a Democrat, agrees that the economy is of great concern for voters, but has some doubts in Obama’s ability to ease America’s financial crisis and make improvements as a whole.
“Obama doesn’t necessarily have a better economic policy than McCain,” she said. “And about Obama wanting to change things; is he the candidate he says he is?”
--30--
Monday, December 1, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Revision: Jeffrey R. Ahson, 79, War Hero and Retired Firefighter
By Allie Jacobs
KALAMAZOO, Mich.-- Jeffrey R. Ahson, recognized for his heroism in the navy during World War II and his service as a firefighter in his hometown of Kalamazoo, died on Oct. 9 at his home due to emphysema.
Mr. Ahson was known for his leadership and bravery as a U.S. Navy Officer. While serving in The Battle of Midway in June of 1942, he crossed a deck of the burning USS Emory naval ship, saving four wounded soldiers and recovering the body of a gunner. During the battle, Mr. Ahson also shot down three enemy planes, demonstrating skill and courage. "Ahson was a genuine American hero," said Jeraldine Fyfe, Lt. Cmdr. of the U.S. Navy. Mr. Ahson was awarded the Purple Heart and a Navy Cross for his achievements.
Born in Chico, Calif., Mr. Ahson later moved to Kalamazoo where he served as a firefighter until his retirement in 1966. He was passionate about his job and was known for his collection of firefighter memorabilia. One of his beloved possessions, a fire truck, is now on display at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. After his service as a firefighter, Mr. Ahson worked briefly at Don Seelye Ford as a new car salesman until his retirement in 1985.
Mr. Ahson was a member of Post 4206, American Legion Post 702, Elks Lodge, Gideons International, and the National Checkers Association. He frequently ushered at John Calvin Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Ahson is survived by his wife, Therese Alpert; three children, Richard D. Ahson of Philipsburg, Kan., Angela Molino of Omaha, Neb., Lela Stalling of Pipe Creek, Texas; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren; a brother, Henry Ahson of San Francisco, Calif.; and two sisters, Judith Eaker of Reidsville, N.C., and Shirley Solomon of Newark, N.J.
A viewing will be held on Friday from 4-5:30 p.m. and from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Littleton Mortuary. Services will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Littleton Mortuary. The burial of Mr. Ahson will take place following the service at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests no flowers.
--30--
KALAMAZOO, Mich.-- Jeffrey R. Ahson, recognized for his heroism in the navy during World War II and his service as a firefighter in his hometown of Kalamazoo, died on Oct. 9 at his home due to emphysema.
Mr. Ahson was known for his leadership and bravery as a U.S. Navy Officer. While serving in The Battle of Midway in June of 1942, he crossed a deck of the burning USS Emory naval ship, saving four wounded soldiers and recovering the body of a gunner. During the battle, Mr. Ahson also shot down three enemy planes, demonstrating skill and courage. "Ahson was a genuine American hero," said Jeraldine Fyfe, Lt. Cmdr. of the U.S. Navy. Mr. Ahson was awarded the Purple Heart and a Navy Cross for his achievements.
Born in Chico, Calif., Mr. Ahson later moved to Kalamazoo where he served as a firefighter until his retirement in 1966. He was passionate about his job and was known for his collection of firefighter memorabilia. One of his beloved possessions, a fire truck, is now on display at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. After his service as a firefighter, Mr. Ahson worked briefly at Don Seelye Ford as a new car salesman until his retirement in 1985.
Mr. Ahson was a member of Post 4206, American Legion Post 702, Elks Lodge, Gideons International, and the National Checkers Association. He frequently ushered at John Calvin Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Ahson is survived by his wife, Therese Alpert; three children, Richard D. Ahson of Philipsburg, Kan., Angela Molino of Omaha, Neb., Lela Stalling of Pipe Creek, Texas; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren; a brother, Henry Ahson of San Francisco, Calif.; and two sisters, Judith Eaker of Reidsville, N.C., and Shirley Solomon of Newark, N.J.
A viewing will be held on Friday from 4-5:30 p.m. and from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Littleton Mortuary. Services will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Littleton Mortuary. The burial of Mr. Ahson will take place following the service at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests no flowers.
--30--
Monday, November 24, 2008
Article Analysis: Va. Panel on Immigration Steps Back From Hard Line
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/23/AR2008112302477.html?nav=rss_print
The article begins with a hard-news lede, giving the reader the who, what, and where, informing readers about Virginia's tough immigration policies softening a bit as they strive to help newcomers assimilate more easily. The next paragraph provides background information about how immigrants can be helped.
The nut graf follows, illustrating to readers that the economic crisis was a big factor in beginning to help immigrants become more comfortable adjusting to life in America.
The following paragraphs present information on recommendations to assist immigrants, as well as pointing out the years spent by Virginia addressing the issue on immigration and now realizing how important it is, especially because voters did not list it as a top issue in Virginia this year.
A representative of immigrant groups provides effective quotes to show the importance of cracking down on helping immigrants, and contrasting statements from members of Virginia's Immigration Commission make the article interesting to read because of that bit of ABAB format. The article concludes with a quote from a commission member who comments on past efforts to fix immigration policies that failed.
The article begins with a hard-news lede, giving the reader the who, what, and where, informing readers about Virginia's tough immigration policies softening a bit as they strive to help newcomers assimilate more easily. The next paragraph provides background information about how immigrants can be helped.
The nut graf follows, illustrating to readers that the economic crisis was a big factor in beginning to help immigrants become more comfortable adjusting to life in America.
The following paragraphs present information on recommendations to assist immigrants, as well as pointing out the years spent by Virginia addressing the issue on immigration and now realizing how important it is, especially because voters did not list it as a top issue in Virginia this year.
A representative of immigrant groups provides effective quotes to show the importance of cracking down on helping immigrants, and contrasting statements from members of Virginia's Immigration Commission make the article interesting to read because of that bit of ABAB format. The article concludes with a quote from a commission member who comments on past efforts to fix immigration policies that failed.
Friday, November 21, 2008
The Elements of Journalism
I liked the second half of this book better than the first. I felt like I could understand and relate to a lot of the topics that the authors covered, such as the importance of investigative reporting, citizens' role in news, and what engages people to read news . I was especially interested in the chapter, "Make the News Comprehensive and Proportional" because much of what intrigues people about the news aside from writing elements is how easy it is to comprehend. If an article is overwhelming in length or vocabulary, the likelihood that I will read it the whole way through, or at all, is slim. I was especially interested in what John Carey, who did ethnographic market research on how people connect with the media and technology, had to say. He found that images and words go hand in hand; people often turn on their TVs when they read or hear about something that they think will have important pictures. He also pointed out that teasers are not necessarily a good thing. I think sometimes they can draw a reader in the entire way through, but I also agree with Carey that people typically don't like to wait for information--we want instant answers. More constancy of information and shorter, more understandable pieces of news information will probably reach out to a larger audience demographic.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Article Analysis: Showdown Begins After Lifeline to Automakers
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/12/AR2008111203305.html?nav=rss_print
The article begins with a hard news lede, telling the reader who: The Bush Administration, what: rejecting a proposal by congressional Democrats to "immediately advance $25 billion in government loans to ailing Detroit automakers," and when: yesterday.
The next three paragraphs provide back-up to the lede, informing readers why the proposal is being opposed and the idea of a large spending package to help fix the nation's economy as a whole.
While those paragraphs give the reader more background on the issue, I think that the nut graf appears in the fourth paragraph, showing readers how crucial it is that the auto industry be helped, as well as the economy as a whole to put a halt to "what economists say could be the worst recession since World War II."
The article moves along in ABAB format, first providing quotes from supporters of the plan, such as the chief lobbyist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The article shifts to the perspective of The White House, who disagree with Democrats on what the overall spending package will entail, as well as the plan to aid auto industries, and provides a quote from a White House spokesman. It then gives further insight to what the Democrats wants vs. what Republicans want in order to save auto industries. However, the article seems to be a bit off with naming sources and kissing them off; I was unclear at some parts of who was being quoted or attributed.
The article ends with a quote from the House Financial Services Committee, closing with an opinion from the Democratic side.
The article begins with a hard news lede, telling the reader who: The Bush Administration, what: rejecting a proposal by congressional Democrats to "immediately advance $25 billion in government loans to ailing Detroit automakers," and when: yesterday.
The next three paragraphs provide back-up to the lede, informing readers why the proposal is being opposed and the idea of a large spending package to help fix the nation's economy as a whole.
While those paragraphs give the reader more background on the issue, I think that the nut graf appears in the fourth paragraph, showing readers how crucial it is that the auto industry be helped, as well as the economy as a whole to put a halt to "what economists say could be the worst recession since World War II."
The article moves along in ABAB format, first providing quotes from supporters of the plan, such as the chief lobbyist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The article shifts to the perspective of The White House, who disagree with Democrats on what the overall spending package will entail, as well as the plan to aid auto industries, and provides a quote from a White House spokesman. It then gives further insight to what the Democrats wants vs. what Republicans want in order to save auto industries. However, the article seems to be a bit off with naming sources and kissing them off; I was unclear at some parts of who was being quoted or attributed.
The article ends with a quote from the House Financial Services Committee, closing with an opinion from the Democratic side.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Article Analysis: Boy, 8, to face murder charges as father is mourned
http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/11/10/child.charged.arizona.killing/index.html
This article's title immediately captured my attention, and it's structure kept me intrigued. This crime story begins with a hard news lede, providing the 5 w's, giving the most important information to the reader right away.
The next few paragraphs provide information on the boy's deceased father and the other man that the boy killed, describing the weapon used and letting the reader know that police have no motive from the boy as to why he killed the two men. A quote from a police chief backed the previous statement by saying: "We solved the crime. Now we have to solve the mystery of why."
The article then shifts to how the boy's case is being handled like any other murder case, and the boy's attorneys describe how frightened he is by the whole thing. More effective quotes are provided from attorneys on how the prosecutors may have dealt with the boy improperly.
The article shifts nicely to talking about how neither the boy's mother or stepmother, or any other family members, are taking custody of him, providing another quote from one of his attorneys. The article ends with information on the next status hearing, for further investigation of the crime scene, and the scheduled funeral for Tim Romans, the other man who was killed. I think the article could have ended with the funeral information, but instead it closes with a brief look at the city of St. Johns, Arizona. While the focus on the boy's feelings and treatment in the legal system is important, the article definitely leaves the reader wanting to know the boy's motive and what actually happened.
This article's title immediately captured my attention, and it's structure kept me intrigued. This crime story begins with a hard news lede, providing the 5 w's, giving the most important information to the reader right away.
The next few paragraphs provide information on the boy's deceased father and the other man that the boy killed, describing the weapon used and letting the reader know that police have no motive from the boy as to why he killed the two men. A quote from a police chief backed the previous statement by saying: "We solved the crime. Now we have to solve the mystery of why."
The article then shifts to how the boy's case is being handled like any other murder case, and the boy's attorneys describe how frightened he is by the whole thing. More effective quotes are provided from attorneys on how the prosecutors may have dealt with the boy improperly.
The article shifts nicely to talking about how neither the boy's mother or stepmother, or any other family members, are taking custody of him, providing another quote from one of his attorneys. The article ends with information on the next status hearing, for further investigation of the crime scene, and the scheduled funeral for Tim Romans, the other man who was killed. I think the article could have ended with the funeral information, but instead it closes with a brief look at the city of St. Johns, Arizona. While the focus on the boy's feelings and treatment in the legal system is important, the article definitely leaves the reader wanting to know the boy's motive and what actually happened.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Article Analysis: Obama is Elected President as Racial Barrier Falls
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/06/us/politics/06elect.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
This article starts off with a well-written summary lede that gives the reader the who, what, and when, also letting the reader know why Obama's nomination is so significant. Writing out Obama's full name and using active verbs in this lede makes the information seem important and exciting : "Barack Hussein Obama was elected the 44th president of the United States on Tuesday, sweeping away the last racial barrier in American politics with ease as the country chose him as its first black chief executive."
The second paragraph provides back-up to the lede, with the third paragraph as the nut graph, emphasizing to the reader even further the racial barrier that was crossed yesterday evening: "But it was just as much a strikingly symbolic moment in the evolution of the nation’s fraught racial history, a breakthrough that would have seemed unthinkable just two years ago."
Information about McCain's final campaign moments and a few quotes from Obama's speech from yesterday follow, including Obama's powerful statement that "change has come to America." The article continues with opinions from officials who know that there is a long road ahead for Obama between the economic crisis and the war in Iraq, but believe in him.
The article then moves to McCain's concession speech, including a quote from him about the significance of the evening for African Americans, then continues discussing what lies ahead for our new President. Although the entire article mostly focuses on Obama's day as the first black president, and the challenges he needs to face, it often goes back and forth between McCain and Obama's experiences with campaigning, what they did on the evening of November 4, and how voters and officials feel about each candidate.
For me, I thought the killer quote was from Senator Bob Casey, who said: “I always thought there was a potential prejudice factor in the state,” Senator Bob Casey, a Democrat of Pennsylvania who was an early Obama supporter, told reporters in Chicago. “I hope this means we washed that away.” I though this quote resonated well with the main point of this article.
The article ends with a summary of Obama's visit to Indiana that day, and his return home to Chicago to play basketball, which is an election-day tradition. It is somewhat of a run-out-of-gas ending, but still manages to give readers a glimpse into the new president's personal life.
This article starts off with a well-written summary lede that gives the reader the who, what, and when, also letting the reader know why Obama's nomination is so significant. Writing out Obama's full name and using active verbs in this lede makes the information seem important and exciting : "Barack Hussein Obama was elected the 44th president of the United States on Tuesday, sweeping away the last racial barrier in American politics with ease as the country chose him as its first black chief executive."
The second paragraph provides back-up to the lede, with the third paragraph as the nut graph, emphasizing to the reader even further the racial barrier that was crossed yesterday evening: "But it was just as much a strikingly symbolic moment in the evolution of the nation’s fraught racial history, a breakthrough that would have seemed unthinkable just two years ago."
Information about McCain's final campaign moments and a few quotes from Obama's speech from yesterday follow, including Obama's powerful statement that "change has come to America." The article continues with opinions from officials who know that there is a long road ahead for Obama between the economic crisis and the war in Iraq, but believe in him.
The article then moves to McCain's concession speech, including a quote from him about the significance of the evening for African Americans, then continues discussing what lies ahead for our new President. Although the entire article mostly focuses on Obama's day as the first black president, and the challenges he needs to face, it often goes back and forth between McCain and Obama's experiences with campaigning, what they did on the evening of November 4, and how voters and officials feel about each candidate.
For me, I thought the killer quote was from Senator Bob Casey, who said: “I always thought there was a potential prejudice factor in the state,” Senator Bob Casey, a Democrat of Pennsylvania who was an early Obama supporter, told reporters in Chicago. “I hope this means we washed that away.” I though this quote resonated well with the main point of this article.
The article ends with a summary of Obama's visit to Indiana that day, and his return home to Chicago to play basketball, which is an election-day tradition. It is somewhat of a run-out-of-gas ending, but still manages to give readers a glimpse into the new president's personal life.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Article Analysis: For Family in Iraq, Drop in Deaths is Not Enough
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/03/world/middleeast/03iraq.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
This is a very straightforward article that begins with a hard news lede, giving readers the most newsworthy information first. It provides the who, what, and when: The number of combined military and civilian deaths in Iraq for October hit the lowest monthly level since May 2004, the United States military said Sunday.
The second paragraph is more like backup to the lede, and ends with a smooth transition into the main point of the article: the family that the article focuses on: The announcement was further evidence of a decline in violence since a significant troop increase last year, but the tragedy of one family in Kirkuk is a reminder of just how dangerous life in Iraq continues to be.
Next, the reader gets a look into the life of Khudaer Muhammad Abdullah and the loss of his young children and friends in a grenade explosion. The article transitions well into a narrative and dramatic telling of the incident through Abdullah's point of view. The writer varies sentence length in telling the story, and both summarizing and using quotes from Abdullah's story.
The article transitions from Abdullah's story to the overall issue of violence in Iraq, providing a quote from Brig. Gen. David G. Perkins, who talks about the positive partnership between the Iraqi security forces and the Iraqi people. The article ends with a negative example of more people being killed in Karama from a roadside bomb, based on a statement from the Kurdistan Workers' Party. The ending doesn't provide a lot of closure; I almost think a quote from a specific member of the party would have made a stronger ending.
This is a very straightforward article that begins with a hard news lede, giving readers the most newsworthy information first. It provides the who, what, and when: The number of combined military and civilian deaths in Iraq for October hit the lowest monthly level since May 2004, the United States military said Sunday.
The second paragraph is more like backup to the lede, and ends with a smooth transition into the main point of the article: the family that the article focuses on: The announcement was further evidence of a decline in violence since a significant troop increase last year, but the tragedy of one family in Kirkuk is a reminder of just how dangerous life in Iraq continues to be.
Next, the reader gets a look into the life of Khudaer Muhammad Abdullah and the loss of his young children and friends in a grenade explosion. The article transitions well into a narrative and dramatic telling of the incident through Abdullah's point of view. The writer varies sentence length in telling the story, and both summarizing and using quotes from Abdullah's story.
The article transitions from Abdullah's story to the overall issue of violence in Iraq, providing a quote from Brig. Gen. David G. Perkins, who talks about the positive partnership between the Iraqi security forces and the Iraqi people. The article ends with a negative example of more people being killed in Karama from a roadside bomb, based on a statement from the Kurdistan Workers' Party. The ending doesn't provide a lot of closure; I almost think a quote from a specific member of the party would have made a stronger ending.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Crime Story Press Release: 21 Internet Predators Arrested in Sting
http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,1607,7-164-46849-202010--,00.html
Two sources to interview: Attorney General Agents (specifically Mike Cox, who announced the arrest) and Kent County Sheriff Deputies (specifically Larry Stelma, who also announced the arrest)
Two sources to interview: Attorney General Agents (specifically Mike Cox, who announced the arrest) and Kent County Sheriff Deputies (specifically Larry Stelma, who also announced the arrest)
Story Analysis: Ex-ACORN Worker: 'I paid the price' for voter registration fraud
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/22/voter.fraud/index.html?iref=newssearch
This article is about Clifton Mitchell, a worker for ACORN who got caught registering non-existent voters. It starts off with a short soft lede with a mysterious twist, explaining who Mitchell is and what he did: "Clifton Mitchell helped register nearly 2,000 for the community group ACORN. But none of them actually existed."
The next two paragraphs are back-up to the lede, providing background about Mitchell's history with ACORN, as well as his family life to explain that he needed money to support his wife and kids.
The nut graph follows in the fourth paragraph, explaining that ACORN pressured Mitchell and his team if they did not meet their quota of registered voters, giving the reader the "so what," in terms of why Mitchell and his team did what they did.
The rest of the article has more quotes from Mitchell about how he carried out the false registration, then quotes from a law professor, giving his opinion on the issue of registration fraud and why workers feel pressured to take part in it. Then the article moves on to the most important issue for readers: how this negatively can affect voters and the outcome of the election.
The kicker is a quote from Mitchell, further expressing his regret for getting involved and claiming that he did not take part in it for election purposes. This provides effective closure for the article, summing up the key topics of Mitchell's incident, as well as its possible negative effects on the election.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Crime Story Analysis: 17-year-old Slain the Night Before Homecoming
http://www.suntimes.com/news/24-7/1203084,CST-NWS-shot05.article
The title of the article itself grabbed my attention immediately, drawing me in to find out how and why this young man was killed. The article is a hard-news story, like most first-day stories about death. It begins with a succinct summary lede, giving me the who, what, when, and where, and attribution from authorities and family.
The author uses active voice throughout the article and descriptive sentences that allowed me to somewhat visualize the story taking place, such as: "There was an argument inside the party, which sent everyone running outside." However, the author provides the reader with almost no information about the weapon found near 17-year-old Shaun Brown's body, only telling the reader that Brown was shot after police were informed about shots being heard.
The use of quotes from eyewitnesses, such as Brown's brother, made the story more interesting and credible. Providing quotes from Brown's mother allowed the reader to question whether or not Brown had been directly involved in the shooting that lead to his death, setting him up as an innocent victim who was a good kid.
The article closes with more information from family members about Brown's plans for school and the future, shedding an innocent light on him once again.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Story Analysis: The Man Behind the Whispers About Obama
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/13/uspolitics/13martin.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
This article begins with a soft lede that goes on for about four paragraphs, enticing the reader with background on how false rumors began about Barack Obama being a Muslim. The author does not reveal the "man behind the whispers" immediately in the lede, which keeps the reader hooked.
The nut graph follows the lede in the fifth paragraph, showing the reader why Andy Martin's actions are important and necessary to understand. Following the nut graph, the author provides backup information, giving the reader a better idea of who Andy Martin is and what he has done to hurt Obama's image.
The continuation of the article does not seem to have a predictable ABAB structure, but the ideas flow well from one to the next. After the nut graph, the author describes Mr. Martin's history of false accusations and adds in effective quotes that reveal opinions from individuals who have worked with him in the past and who have investigated his actions on the Web.
The author then gives the reader accurate information about Obama's heritage to emphasize Mr. Martin's wrongdoings and talks about how other Web users have fed off of his inaccurate statements, spreading them far and wide.
The portion of the article that impacted me the most was towards the end, where the author uses a handful of quotes and fairly short sentences to not only describe Mr. Martin's outward displays of anti-Semitism, but also to show how he has unknowingly steered many Jews away from Obama by accusing him of being a Muslim.
The article has a strong kicker; the author recalls a statement made by Mr. Martin that finishes off the negative picture that the article paints of him: '"He said he had at least come to "accept" Mr. Obama's word that he had found Jesus Christ. His intent, he said, was only to educate."'
Monday, October 6, 2008
Story Analysis: Drug Samples
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/06/health/research/06sample.html?ref=us
This article from “The New York Times” talks about a study that showed the harmful effects of free drug samples on children because they typically are the newest drugs that are not fully tested. The study also reports that samples are not as helpful to people with lower income as one may think; the poor generally receive more drug samples than people who are better insured. Doctors and researchers also point out the positive aspects of samples, such as their easy availability at doctors’ offices and the ability to test medications before buying them.
This article is considered “hard-news” because it was published two days ago on October 6th. Therefore, it has immediacy and clearly points out what happened and why. This article has an inverted pyramid structure, starting off with a “summary lead.” This lead gives readers the basic who and what (a survey on drug samples that affects children and does little to help the poor). The second and third paragraphs provide backup to the lead, elaborating on the study and showing its findings. The nut graph is in the fourth paragraph, explaining the main point of the story and why it is newsworthy. In the nut graph, the author discusses how free drug samples negatively affect people by using evidence from the C.D.C.
The remainder of the article features the harmful effects of free samples based on the study, with quotes from doctors and researchers. The article then moves on to quotes that depict the benefits of samples, which makes the article more intriguing for the reader because both points of view are shown. The article finishes off with a quote from a pediatrician, ending the article with one last negative take on free samples: “I’m tired of my patients getting burned by a $40 co-pay." Her quote supports the overall issue that the article raises.
This article from “The New York Times” talks about a study that showed the harmful effects of free drug samples on children because they typically are the newest drugs that are not fully tested. The study also reports that samples are not as helpful to people with lower income as one may think; the poor generally receive more drug samples than people who are better insured. Doctors and researchers also point out the positive aspects of samples, such as their easy availability at doctors’ offices and the ability to test medications before buying them.
This article is considered “hard-news” because it was published two days ago on October 6th. Therefore, it has immediacy and clearly points out what happened and why. This article has an inverted pyramid structure, starting off with a “summary lead.” This lead gives readers the basic who and what (a survey on drug samples that affects children and does little to help the poor). The second and third paragraphs provide backup to the lead, elaborating on the study and showing its findings. The nut graph is in the fourth paragraph, explaining the main point of the story and why it is newsworthy. In the nut graph, the author discusses how free drug samples negatively affect people by using evidence from the C.D.C.
The remainder of the article features the harmful effects of free samples based on the study, with quotes from doctors and researchers. The article then moves on to quotes that depict the benefits of samples, which makes the article more intriguing for the reader because both points of view are shown. The article finishes off with a quote from a pediatrician, ending the article with one last negative take on free samples: “I’m tired of my patients getting burned by a $40 co-pay." Her quote supports the overall issue that the article raises.
Friday, October 3, 2008
The True V.P. "Maverick" in Missouri
By Allie Jacobs
KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- During the highly anticipated Vice Presidential debate Thursday night in St. Louis, Missouri, Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin used different strategies to show that they are suitable for the role of Vice President.
Low expectations were foreseen for the so-called hockey mom, while Biden's higher level of experience gave him an advantage.
When asked about managing America's taxes, Palin attacked Obama's plan, asserting her belief that small businesses will receive a blow from higher taxes to the wealthy.
"An increased tax formula that Barack Obama is proposing in addition to a trillion dollars in new spending that he's promoting is the backwards way of trying to grow our economy," Palin said.
She also made it a point to show her experience as mayor and governor in regards to effective tax policy, referring to tax reduction for small business and for personal property in her hometown.
Senator Biden asserted the notion multiple times that tax breaks should be given to the middle class, supporting Obama's tax plan to raise taxes on people who earn over $250,000 year, calling it "just simple fairness."
Biden also strongly opposed Sen. John McCain's health care plan, calling it "the ultimate Bridge to Nowhere."
In terms of a plan for getting out of Iraq, Biden seemed to have a more solid approach that clashed with Palin's response as he discussed the necessity to shift the responsibility to the Iraqis. Biden made it clear that a timeline is key for ending the war.
"For John McCain, there is no end in sight," Biden said.
Palin, on the other hand, stuck with McCain's refusal to withdraw early, providing little explanation other than, "We have got to win in Iraq."
Biden and Palin used negative statements about the other side to their advantage in this debate, with Biden seeming to come out on top with clearer explanations.
"He has not been a maverick on education, war, things that generally affect people," Biden said, referring to McCain.
In contrast, Palin frequently brought up McCain's maverick status. Although Palin suffered from lack of knowledge on certain topics such as foreign policy, as well as a large amount of negative publicity in the media, she was able to show some competency in tonight's debate.
Overall, Biden's superior knowledge and more clear-cut statements set him up for success in this debate.
--XXX--
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Radar Guns Banned in Connecticut
By Allie Jacobs
KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Connecticut State police agreed yesterday to order a ban of 70 hand-held radar guns because of speculation by researchers that long-term exposure to radiation waves from these devices could be linked to cancer.
"The feeling here is to err on the side of caution until more is known about the issue," said Adam Berluti, a state police spokesman. "The whole situation is under review."
The ban is the first of its kind to be created by a state police agency, based on workers' compensation claims filed two months ago by three Connecticut police officers. Workers claim they developed cancer from using the hand-held guns.
State troopers, however, will continue to use radar units with transmitters mounted on the outside of their vehicles.
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Monday, September 29, 2008
IKEA Desk Lamp
By Allie Jacobs
Kalamazoo, Mich -- I have a desk lamp from IKEA in my dorm room. It is 17 feet tall. A shade holder attaches the lampshade to a tube that extends toward the lamp's base. The base rests on my desk, and its shape resembles that of a boomerang. The lamp has an adjustable head, which allows me to easily direct the light. The shade holder and shade are the same shade of pink, while the base differs in color. On the outside of the shade there are indentations of circles, which add to the overall lamp design.
A 25-watt bulb fits directly inside the shade. There is also a sticker on the inside of the shade with a message of caution to consumers: "WARNING: to reduce risk of fire, use 25 watt or smaller, 20V VOLT. TYPE R BULB." A 6 foot long cord runs from the top of the shade and has a plug at the end that is inserted into an electrical outlet. About midway down the cord, there is a piece of plastic with a switch that turns the bulb on or off.
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Friday, September 26, 2008
Controversy and Change in 2008
By Allie Jacobs
KALAMAZOO, Mich -- Democratic Sen. Barak Obama and Republican Sen. John McCain go head to head in their first televised debate Friday evening, touching on issues such as the Iraq war and America's current financial crisis.
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