Final

In October of 2005, Tanh Tran and Brandi Smith worked for competing news stations in Boise, Idaho. Their two stations Channel 2 and Channel 6, respectively, were competing to be the number two stations as an NBC affiliate was dominating ratings. A viewer tip involving a sex offender working at a Boise ice rink would require Tran and Smith to make to difficult decision whether to break the controversial story in order to gain network ratings.

The viewer tip, which was given to both stations, simply mentioned a sex offender was working at a local ice rink, in an environment where there were plenty of children. Both reporters knew the consequences of running with the story, and reporting false information. However, in effort to gain the edge on their competition, channel 6 and Brandi Smith decided to report the story. In contrast, Than Tran of Channel 2, decided to delay breaking the story in order to gain more knowledge on the incident.

After looking through court records from the incident, Tran discovered information that agreed with her decision to not run the story. The sexual offender, James Kimbel, had been involved in a sexual incident with a 15-year-old girl, however the incident occurred 13 years prior and had been dismissed by a judge. Kimbel was now working as a contracted hockey referee, and was deemed safe for kids by a panel, prior to his referee employment. Brandi Smith at Channel 6, who made the decision to run live with their accusation of Kimbel as a sexual predator, was not covering this side of the story.

When Channel 6 broke the story on Kimbel, Smith was pressed on time and did not take the time to discover the information Tran did. However, After the story broke Smith realized what she had done to Kimbel. In a story done by NPR’s This is American Life several years later with the two reporters, Smith explained
" I felt the initial concern of a sex offender working with children was completely valid, but as the day progressed, we learned more about what the charge was how long it had been… By the time the live shot rolled around, I just remember voicing concern...I just kept commenting we’re ruining this guys life."
However, Smith and the rest of the Channel 6 news team would continue reporting on Kimbel, making it their stations exclusive story.
It would be pressure from their recently hired news director Scott Picken, who kept Channel 6 reporting on the Kimbel story.

Channel 6 news director Scott Picken was hired to increase competition at the news station and break such stories as Kimbel’s. Picken believed reporting controversial stories was all-apart of being a journalist saying
“In order to become a viable journalist organization in this market, we had to step up our game some. Sometimes people need to understand, just because you’re uncomfortable with something or because you’re being asked to do something that’s not in your realm, doesn't necessarily make it incorrect or wrong, it just means you have to go to the next level."
In contrast to Picken, Channel 2’s news director Mark Browning advised Than Tran to not report on the Kimbel story. Browning and Tran both recognized the stories potential to bring much needed ratings to their station, but they both understood the damages such a story would inflict on Kimbel and his family. Browning believed the circumstances involving Kimbels incident were just to complicated to be reported on. Saying, " (There is a) Big difference in my book between sexual predetor and sexual offender. Attach that word sexual in front of it and it changes the entire dynamic with people. It gives newsrooms license to hunt, when really there is no game there."


In the Associated Press Stylebook’s Briefing on Media Law Section, libel is described as an incorrectly reported statement, which damages a person’s reputation. Most cases of libel involve public officials like politicians or celebrities. The AP Stylebook also explains, in a libel suit, the plaintiff must prove the defamatory statement was false but presented as fact, and was published with “actual malice”. In Kimbel’s case, Channel 6 did not commit libel, but rather violated rules in journalism ethics.

In our textbook, Inside Reporting, The code of ethics by The Society of Professional Journalists is presented. It states journalists should: Seek truth and report it, act independently, be accountable, and minimize harm. Under minimize harm, the code of ethics explains journalists should, “recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials…only overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy.”
Kimbel, who explains Channel 6 never contacted him for a comment or to inform him of their story, would most likely be able to sue Channel 6 for negligent reporting on his story.

According to the AP Stylebook, private individuals must be able to show fault by the reporting organization in a libel case. It goes on to explain California and Texas courthouses look at whether the reporter knew they were at fault, or knew about inaccuracies in their reporting. In a hypothetical case between Kimbel and Smith, Kimbel would argue Smith knew more about the incident involving his sexual predator case than she was really reporting. However, because Smith was reporting on a factual event, it is unlikely Kimbel could win a libel suit.

In this incident between Channel 6 and Channel 2, competition and pressure lead to impulsive reporting, without necessarily doing all the research required with such a sensitive subject. However, both reporters and their news director’s could justify their decision. Even though Channel 6’s reporting on Kimbel ruined his career and brought up a painful past, they did not commit any real acts of libel, because the information published was true, though damaging. In their eyes, reporting on Kimbel was not only a hard news story; it was a public service, letting parents know of the dangers at the ice rink. For Tran and Channel 2, doing the additional research prevented them from publishing damaging information and breaking journalism ethics, even though it lost them a story.

Extra Credit Blog

This past Monday, San Jose State University’s magazine club presented a slideshow and held a discussion with editors from McSweeney’s Publishing, about their utopian newspaper: the San Francisco Panorama. Editors Jesse Nathan, Chris Ying, and Brian McCullen of San Francisco based McSweeney’s introduced what they believed was an extravagant example of what can keep newspaper alive.

Ying, who was the primary speaker throughout the presentation, explained what went into making their one-time issue, as well as where they pulled ideas to create the perfect paper. Ying explained that when designing the Panorama they took ideas from where newspapers were thriving, using large paper with full color in your face pictures.
Editor Brian McCullen explained newsprints ability to present graphics and text together outshines computers saying” Newspapers can give big detail all at once, computers can’t do that.”
They also took ideas from papers of yesteryear, using full spreads to display information in one large graphic, a design that has been killed out by printing costs.

Ying explained that spending the extra money by adding full-page graphics and large color photos throughout the Panorama, they bring excitement to readers, saying, “no matter what size your computer screen is, it’s just different to have that big photo in your face.”

In addition to large graphics throughout the paper, the panorama sets itself apart by its sheer size. To fit all the articles, essays, book reviews, and other media, the Panorama is over 300 pages long! The paper is made up of 10 main sections including a main news section, sports, two art sections, a food section, and a separate book review insert.
The Panorama’s main article is focused on the financial disaster that has become of the Bay Bridge construction. Ying explained such coverage on the construction is a first, and it was important to look at the financial details of something occurring in our own backyard.


Reading the Panorama is a visual adventure. The writing is extensive, the topics are different, and the graphics jump out at your face. My favorite piece was an insert to the sport section written by renowned novelist Steven King. As a long time Red Sox fan, King provided game-by-game commentary on the 2009 World Series, in which his rival team, the New York Yankees won. In addition to Kings writing, the designers of the panorama gave the layout a vintage appeal, using old-school sports sketching rather than real game photos. Another cool use of Panorama’s graphics was a diagram in their music and arts section, which featured all the different musical groups from San Francisco, arranged by time-period and genre.

The editors of McSweeney’s explain that while their extensive paper represents all the abilities of a paper, the work it takes to create such a paper, disregards the time restrictions involved in creating newsprint. “We set out to do this as a one time exercise. At the end of the day, people who put out daily newspapers get full credit.”
Ying claims they are not trying to reinvent the wheel, but rather repeat what used to be successful in newsprint, and show it can still be done.

As someone who shares disappointment in a thinning newspaper, I could really appreciate what the Panorama shows journalist students. While some papers are slimming down, cutting out science and art sections.
Mcsweeney’s has proved the newspaper is not dead; people will pay more, for more.

Copy Edit The World

This Alert SJSU poster found in the hallways of DMH at San Jose State, has "email" written. However the correct AP style is spelled "e-mail".

Magazine Final Broadcast

VILLAGE BISTRO’S NEW MENU ITEMS
70 SECONDS

THE VILLAGE CALIFORNIA BISTRO AND WINE BAR…LOCATED IN SAN JOSE CALIFORNIA PRIDES ITSELF ON USING ONLY LOCALLY FARMED PRODUCE, AS WELL AS WILD CAUGHT AND NATURAL FED MEATS. THIS DAILY SHIPMENT OF FRESH PRODUCE AND MEATS ENABLES CHEF THOMAS AND HIS STAFF TO PRODUCE THE DELICIOUS SPRING MENU ITEMS.

AROUND 10 EACH MORNING…SHIPMENTS FROM LOCAL FARMERS ARRIVE. ONE OF THE BOXES YOU SEE HERE IS FROM SCARBOROUGH FARMS, WHO PROVIDES THE VILLAGE SWEET LETTUCES FOR THEIR SALADS.

THE RESTAURANT HAS A LARGE WALK-IN REFRIGERATOR TO STORE THE DAYS FRESH PRODUCE AND OTHER INGREDIENTS.

BEFORE DINNER BEGINS AT 5 EACH EVENING…THE PREP CHEFS PREPARE THE KITCHEN FOR THE NIGHT AHEAD. THEN CHEF THOMAS EXAMINES EACH OF HIS COOKS STATIONS BEFORE DINNER SERVICE BEGINS.

POPULAR DISHES ON THE NEW SPRING MENU INCLUDE A BONE IN PORK CHOP WITH RHUBARB GINGER COMPOTE AND ROASTED CARROT PUREE
GREEN GARLIC RISOTTO WITH SEARED SCALLOPS…PRAWNS…AND MUSSELS.
A BRAISED LAMB SHANK ON FRESH GARBANZO AND FAVA BEANS, WITH MINT PASTE…AND THE TARRAGON AND MUSTARD BRAISED RABBIT WITH GOAT CHEESE GNOCCHI…MOREL MUSHROOMS…ASPARAGUS TIPS…AND FRENCH CARROTS

***



HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=AHNMY5HR_YE

Final Broadcast Project

BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY
60 SECONDS

FREE TUNE UPS, BIKE LOCKS, AND BARBECUE REWARDED THOSE WHO RODE THEIR BIKES TO SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY THURSDAY, FOR BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY, AN EVENT SUPPORTED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE CENTER.

A MEMBER OF THE ENVIROMENTAL RESOURCE CENTER, CINDY MORENO,
SAID WITH EVENTS LIKE BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY, THEY HOPE TO SPREAD THE IMPORTANCE OF USING SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION, SUCH AS BIKING OR CARPOOLING, WHEN COMMUTING TO SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY.

THE ASSOCIATED STUDENT’S TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS PROGRAMS
WHICH MANAGES THE CAMPUS BIKE CAGES
ALSO PROVIDED RIDERS NEW KRYPTONITE BIKE LOCKS
IN EXCHANGE FOR THEIR OLD ONES…AT NO COST.

BY THE END OF THE AFTERNOON, ALL THE HOT DOGS WERE GONE… AND LOCAL BIKE STORE…BICYCLE EXPRESS HAD SERVICED 26 BIKES. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THE ENVIROMENTAL RESOURCE CENTER HAD PUT ON BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY… AND HOPE TO HAVE MORE EVENTS THAT SHARE IN PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY.

WITH EVENTS LIKE BIKE PARTY…WHICH IS ALSO HOSTED BY BICYCLE EXPRESS
AND SCHOOL CLUBS SUCH AS SJ FIXED
THERE SHOULD BE NO SHORTAGE OF BIKE CRAZY PARTICIPANTS FOR FUTURE EVENTS.

--- 60 ---

Audio Link:
http://jeffcianci610.podomatic.com/entry/2010-05-11T20_45_00-07_00

Broadcast Style

NORTHQUEST CUTS FAIRS
30 SECONDS

NORTHQUEST AIRLINES ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT IT IS CUTTING ITS DOMESTIC FARES BY UP TO 40 PERCENT FOR HOLIDAY TRAVELERS. (4)

FRANK DEWITT, CEO OF NORTHQUEST AIRLINES, EXPLAINED:
"WE LIKE TO THINK OF IT AS A HOLIDAY GIFT TO OUR CUSTOMERS," (3)

DISCOUNTS WILL VARY DEPENDING ON TRAVEL DATES. WITH THE DISCOUNTED, NON-REFUNDIBLE FAIRS, A PASSENGER CAN TRAVEL ROUND-TRIP BETWEEN BOSTON AND SAN FRANCISCO FOR AS LITTLE AS 349-DOLLARS. (3)

TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED BY JULY 1 FOR TRAVEL BETWEEN November 20TH AND January 5TH IN THE CONTINENTAL U.S. (3)

--30--

Squirrel Ruins Morning Commute Broadcast

Squirrel RUINS COMMUTE
30 seconds

GOOD TUESDAY MORNING, HERE ARE YOUR TOP STORIES:

47-THOUSAND RIDERS OF THE METRO-NORTH COMMUTER TRAIN IN

MANHATTAN MAY BE A LITTLE UPSET TO LEARN A SQUIRREL MAY BE TO BLAME

FOR THE POWER LOSS THAT LEFT MANY STRANDED YESTERDAY.


A METRO-NORTH SPOKESWOMAN..DONNA EVANS..EXPLAINED THE POWER

SURGE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTROCUTED SQUIRREL, WHO HAD BEEN

SCAMPERING ATOP POWER LINES.

THIS POWER SURGE OVERHEATED A BRACKET, CAUSING AN ATTACHED WIRE TO

BECOME ENTANGLED UNDERNEATH THE TRAIN

PULLING DOWN EVEN MORE POWER LINES.

FORTUNATELY, CREWS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM OVER NIGHT,

AND THIS MORNING TRAINS HAVE RETURNED TO NORMAL SCHEDULE

---30---

Two Killed By Train in Richmond Broadcast

2 struck, killed by train in Richmond
30 seconds
GOOD EVENING

TRACKS NEAR THE RICHMOND AMTRAK STATION HAVE RE-OPENED

AFTER TWO PEOPLE WERE STRUCK AND KILLED BY AN AMTRACK TRAIN

AROUND 1:40 THIS AFTERNOON. THE TWO VICTIMS WHICH HAVE YET TO BE

IDENTIFIED, WERE HIT NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF CARLSON BOULEVARD

AND OHIO AVENUE, IN AN AREA WHERE TRACKS ARE NOT ENCLOSED BY

FENCES. AN INVESTIGATION TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THEIR DEATH IS

STILL ONGOING.

Topical Blog

On the same day Earth Day enthusiasts called for a cleaner earth, an oil rig burned 50 miles off the coast of New Orleans, causing alarm for a potentially massive oil spill. The oil rig, Deepwater Horizon, belonging to the company British Petroleum (BP) burned violently from Tuesday night into Thursday, eventually sinking into the Golf of Mexico.

The sinking of an entire oil rig poses a horrendous environmental threat; Coast Guard officials have stated the sunken rig may expel up to 336,000 gallons of crude oil a day. In addition to the environmental disaster, there includes the human factor.
As of Friday, the coast guard has given up the search for 11 missing workers from the oil rig.

The sinking of Deepwater Horizon comes less than a month after the Obama administration proposed opening nearly 167 million acres of ocean for offshore oil drilling. President Obama’s expansion of offshore drilling includes much of the east coast, from Florida to New Jersey, and portions of northern Alaskan seas.

While Deepwater Horizon’s sinking is not directly related to the areas of President Obama’s oil drilling expansion plan, it does have already skeptical opponents pointing to the environmental risk oil drilling presents. It should be important to note that President Obama’s plan recognizes this risk, and would assess potential risks and benefits of any offshore site before drilling is pursued. However, in the eyes of many environmentalists (including myself), President Obama’s proposal fits right into the Republican “drill baby, Drill!” agenda.

It will be interesting to see whether this tragedy will be pulled into the oil drilling debate, as it proves a perfect example as to what’s wrong with oil drilling.
Drilling for oil off our shores in efforts to fuel a growing demand is just a quick solution to a growing disaster. America desperately needs to divert the money we spend finding oil, and use it for alternative forms of energy. Oil drilling and shipping poses too much of an environmental threat to endure as Americas primary energy source. In addition to the environmental threat, oil rigs can be dangerous to its workers, and accidents like Deepwater Horizon's are not uncommon.

Column: Spring Has Sprung

June is my Favorite month. Its my birthday month, summer is in full swing, and there are good times to be had. However, April holds a special place in my heart.
During April, we say goodbye to the cold and dark winter (yes, the oh so cold and treacherous weather of San Jose) and hello to warmer spring days to come. With the warming sun come greener grass, blooming flowers, and the smells of summer. During April, I kick off my rain boots from winter and slip into my summer boat shoes (barefoot of course, its summer!). With warming weather, Baseball season starts, and while the midsummer classic is months away, April brings a glimpse of what the season has in store. In April the days begin to get longer, and as sunlight stretches longer into the twilight, we have more time to enjoy summertime activities. The Richmond yacht clubs Wednesday night races begin this month; in coming months, I will be sitting on a friends sail boat, donning shorts, discussing baseball, and what the rest of summer brings. Yes, April is the beginning of Spring allergies, Tax season, and there are still plenty of rainy days ahead, but I wont let those bother me, as I think off to the beginning of an endless summer.

Magazine Blog

GQ magazine, originally Gentlemen’s Quarterly, prides itself on being the go to guide for fashion minded males. With their motto of “Look sharp. Live Smart” GQ features stories not only on fashion, but other stories that matter to the modern male. GQ’s target audience is young successful males living in metropolitan areas, however readers write in that girlfriends are often keen to flip through an issue.
Each month features a different influential man in modern culture sporting the most recent look, as well as other articles on seasonal foods, sports, and women. The writing tone for any fashion article or column in GQ is often a bit presumptuous, which is expected for a magazine in which the world’s richest fashion houses advertise. However, the other articles that appear in the magazine are written to be informative, not name drop.

I enjoy reading GQ, because while I may not always be able to afford dressing the way they suggest, it gives you a guideline on what makes you look sharp. The magazine is filled with awesome one-page articles or diagrams on information men should know, like how to tie ties or perfectly polish your car. Well written articles, precisely planed photo shoots, and a young hip feel make GQ my favorite magazine to read.

1) When he heard the building plan for the new high school had been rejected, Bill pulled out his stationery to write a letter of protest. (2)
2) Ben really knows his Scriptures, but he knows little about the Talmud or the Shariah. (3)
3) Her home in Upstate New York is surprisingly ultramodern and stands out in its middle class neighborhood. (4)
4) To celebrate Veteran's Day, the anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I, troops of former soldiers will march down Main Street carrying U.S. flags. (3)
5) Word-of-mouth has it that Ellen will receive the only “A” in the class. (2)
6) When Sara spotted the Louis L'Amour paperback, she asked who's book it was. She couldn't believe it was John's; after all, nobody reads Westerns anymore. She had no idea he was so weird. (4)

BONUS: The man was arrested for brandishing a 12-gauge shotgun outside his home. (1)

News Story 6

Drivers on Highway 101 in south Sonoma County were stuck in a sticky mess, when a truck lost control spewing nearly 10 tons of apples up and down the roadway, with no cinnamon powder in sight.

According to CHP officer Wayne Ziese, the accident occurred 8:30 a.m. yesterday, on the northbound portion of Highway 101, when the truck driver lost control of his truck that was hauling two flatbed trailers loaded with 24 containers of apples. Driver Robert Urbins, 55, who hauls for Broadway Transportation in Stockton, believes a cable snap he heard before the accident may be to blame. Urbins, who was transporting the apples from Marysville to Sebastopol, was driving a portion of road that was uneven due to repeated paving when he heard the cable snap. Urbins lost control of the truck as its back trailer whipped and twisted scattering the apples across the roadway. Urbins, who said he was driving 55 mph at the time of the accident, received a traffic citation for the spilled load.


Clean up crews arrived at 9:45 a.m.; ready to remove the mess that had severely affected the morning commute. CHP officer Ziese explained a mist in the air added to hazards by making the roads extra slick. Armed with brooms and shovels, clean up crews had to shut down one lane on northbound highway 101 near Kastania Road. Officer Ziese was clearly frustrated with the morning mess exclaiming, "We've got applesauce all over the highway,” as crews busily removed nearly 10 tons of apples from the road.

Feature Lead: An Alarming Event

TULSA, OK-
Mabel McCullough probably wasn't wishing for firemen before she blew out all 95 candles on her birthday cake; but, when the smoke cloud cleared, that's what she got.

The smoke from all 95 candles being blown out by McCullough and friends of First United Methodist Church woman's group triggered the fire alarms.
"We had just sat down to eat when we saw them in the doorway," said guest Eddi Carlin, as she and others were surprised to see 24 firefighters in their doorway.

The fire alarms brought five engines and two ladder companies of firemen, who were just as surprised as the birthday guests. The smoking birthday party was a first for Fire Chief Lonnie Lamb who said,
" In my 23 years on the job, I've seen a lot of things set off a fire alarm, but I don't think I've ever heard of one going off because of a birthday cake."
Although the firemen took pictures with birthday girl McCullough, they didn't stay to get their cut of the cake.

AP

1 He hopes to make $1 billion dollars by the time he's 40. Already he figures his net worth is between $2 million and $3 million, depending on current stock prices. (3)

2) Ever since she joined the U.S. Navy on June 15, 2005, she has been a vocal proponent of naval practices and policies. (3)

3) It was a one-sided game, and he was a poor loser. After losing the play-offs when his ball went out of bounds, he made an off-color remark that could be heard in the stands. (4)

4) Hundreds of people attended Sundays race to watch seventy-five top bicyclists pedal across the finish line. (4)

5) Every summer the Jones' and the Kinneys' pore over travel-brochures, planning their winter trip together. This year they're hoping to vacation in Panama City. (4)

6) The 5-year-old girl was born in Canton, Ohio, but she now lives in Fremont, Calif. (3)

A gas pipe rupture yesterday afternoon in the SOMA of San Francisco leaves residents and business owners fumed, and traffic at a standstill.

According to a PG&E worker, The gas pipe rupture occurred around 12:30 p.m. when a private construction crew was attempting repairs on sewer lines and accidentally plowed through the gas line with a backhoe. San Francisco Police officers proceeded to shutoff a four-block area around the streets of Folsom and 11th, in addition to forcing out at least 100 residents, business owners, and customers from the area.

Traffic through Folsom and 11th Street was static,as irritated drivers looked on impatiently. The usually high traffic area of the South Market Area was now a police barricaded corral of traffic and evacuated residents. Frustrated business owners explain the shutdown destroyed the days earnings, as well as jumbled the business of their current customers. Samantha Feldman who manages Wa-Ha-Ka Restaurant, located on the corner of construction, said employees and patrons were forced to leave. Adding, the shutdown lost her at least $500 worth of business.

Another Manager Carlann lauria,who runs Crockers Lockers, said customers were pretty irate when they were forced to leave her self-storage company. After being evacuated out of the area, employees of Crockers Lockers still had to collect payment checks from customers in the zoo of people behind the police barrier. Peace was again returned to the South Market Area, when PG&E switched gas back on at 5:09 p.m.

News Story 3: FireFighters

A San Jose man remains in grave condition at Valley Medical Center with second and third-degree burns he suffered in a house fire yesterday.
San Jose fire Captain Rob Piper explained a fire in the kitchen of Robert Kent's home spread to the attic, engulfing the whole house in smoke. Kent, a retired man described in his 50's, was discovered unconscious in his kitchen by firefighters. Though heroic efforts by firefighters removed Kent from the burning house; his body was surrounded by flames, badly burning him. A nursing supervisor at Valley Medical Center unfortunately reports Kent suffered second and third-degree burns on 50 percent of his body.

AP- Style Exercise ( I-L)

1) The last time she played soccer, she suffered a serious injury to her knee. Sometimes it is hard to understand why she wants to keep playing. (2)

2) He was indicted on a charge of assault, but his attorney said the case against him is circumstantial and she is sure the inquiry will exonerate him. (2)

3) He knows it isn’t kosher, but green Jell-o is his favorite dessert. This admission has prompted his friends to question both his taste and his judgment. (3)

4) Now that he has DSL, he finds it much easier to go online to check his e-mail and download files. (3)

5) He stood behind a lectern, addressing his longtime colleagues at the Knights of Columbus. (3)

News Story 2: Crashes

One person is dead and three others are injured after an out of control construction truck barreled through several cars in a San Mateo parking lot earlier today. The incident occurred in a Mollie Stones grocery store parking lot in San Mateo. When according to San Mateo Police Captain Kevin Nguyen, a container truck, "apparently had some type of mechanical failure."
This Mechanical failure came as the truck was coming down a residential street that dead-ends into the lot. The construction truck first crashed into a SUV, killing the occupant, and then crashed into several other vehicles.
Victims have not yet been identified, but it is known the three injured people have been taken to Stanford Hospital, one arriving by helicopter.

A fortunate motorist walked away with only a head bump after driving off a 150-foot cliff on Highway 1's Devil's Slide earlier today. The 24-year-old San Franciscan man, whose name has yet to be released, was driving through dense fog when he missed a turn and drove over the side of the cliff.
After his car luckily landed on its wheels, the man dialed for a rescue, causing Highway 1 to be closed for two hours in both directions. Rescue crews with the CHP and Cal Fire initially had trouble reaching the man and his car due to the dense fog. However, after 45 minutes and a rappel down the cliff, rescue crews freed the man, and he was taken to San Francisco General Hospital.
According to CHP Sgt. Trent Ross, wearing a seat belt saved the mans life. Sgt Ross, who praised the man for being prepared added that if the driver had not been wearing a belt, "There is no doubt it would have been fatal."

News Story 1

After crashing her 1988 Cadillac through the front window of a connivance store, a 74-year-old woman then tried to wash it all down with a six-pack of beer. Lyyn Rice of Norwalk, California plowed through Joe's Food Mart and Video in Los Angeles County yesterday evening. No one was injured including the driver, who according to store owner, Joe Awada, got out after the crash and tried to buy Budweiser beer. The store owner fortunately refused to sell the woman beer and instead dialed the police. Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Jenny Han explained Rice, who has a medical condition, was taken to a local hospital for medical examination. Police also have put Rice under arrest for driving under the influence, adding that she has posted $15,000 bail.

Top News: Reid open to public option reconciliation vote

In an article, featured on Current.com, the writer explained how Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) may join a growing list of U.S. senators calling for the inclusion of the public option in health care legislation. A letter put out by Sen. Michael Bennett (D-CO) for a vote on the public option through the budget reconciliation procedure, has been gaining democratic senate support. As of Friday there are 13 signatures. Through reconciliation, democrats would only need a 51 vote majority to pass a health care bill. If Sen. Bennett's plan gains support, a fairly supported public option will be included in the bill. A representative for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) issued a statement saying " "If a decision is made to use reconciliation to advance health care, Senator Reid will work with the White House, the House, and members of his caucus in an effort to craft a public option that can overcome procedural obstacles and secure enough votes."
With support from Sen. Reid there may be hope for the failing health care plan. The public option, which was included in original legislation, is government provided health insurance to compete with private plans, in an effort to bring down premiums and provide care to as many Citizens as possible.
This news article has impact for any person following the health care bill saga. The public option, which was originally proposed by Candidate Obama, would give more coverage to those who were uninsured and also bring down premiums as the companies competed. This is great for Americans who are uninsured. However, the public option and the overall passing of health care reform is greatly opposed by Republicans and insurance companies. The Article also holds immediacy value, as the health care debate continues to rage on this very moment. Through the weekend it is expected the call for public option and passing of the bill through reconciliation will gain more support. However, for as much support for health care reform exist, there are plenty of Americans who passionately oppose the bill. This conflict value exist in any article covering the health care debate, as it is just that; a debate. Politicians and American citizens rally loudly on both sides of the health care debate creating a bounty of conflict and emotion news value.
The link for the original article is here: http://current.com/19i4s4c
For continually updated news on heath care bill and other political news check out www.Politico.com

Got What It Takes To Be A Reporter

1. True
2. True
3. Not true
4. True
5. True
6. True
7. True
8. True
9. Not true
10. Not true
11. Not true
12. True
13. True
14. True

28 points. It confirms to me that my deep interests in current events and my joy of writing, would make journalism an ideal career choice.

AP- Style Exersise #2 (E-H)

1) To ensure the accuracy of the news story, Susan Jones checked with her source. For Jones, this is an everyday practice, not the exception. (4)

2) As the two boys argued over who should get the last piece of pizza, both seemed equally as hungry. Clearly, they had forgotten their earlier decision to forgo having seconds. (2)

3) He suspected his neighbor was selling drugs, so he called the FBI. His neighbor, however, cried foul at the accusation. (2)

4) She grew up on the Great Plains, near Alliance, NE. Where the winters are long and harsh and the living is hand-to-mouth. (3)

5) Her car was sideswiped by a hit-and-run driver on Route 1-A this morning. She was not injured, but the impact sent the contents of her purse helter-skelter. (4)

FOG Index

My FOG Index was 8.08. This number seems appropriate for my writing, considering our text says writers strive for an Index of 7-8. I tend to mimic the writing and vocabulary of the writers I follow in the paper. Considering most news writing I read has a more serious tone, such as New York Times and Politico, I am not surprised my FOG Index is on the higher range of most journal writing.

AP- Style Exercise A-D

Mayor Richard Wrigley expressed confidence that the Gubernatorial debate, which begins at 7:30 p.m. this evening, will have a positive affect on his candidacy. He added, “Gov. Red Davidson is a master of dirty politics, but I won’t will not take any of his bologna baloney.” (4)

For her birthday , the nine-year-old girl invited five good friends over for ice cream and cake. The chocolate cake was so tasty that any of the children could have eaten it all, but they carefully divided it between among themselves. (4)

The new head of the Department of Journalism, Dr. Deborah Dunwoody, Ph.D., recently bought a house at Six 6 Riverside Drive in San Mateo, a city in the San Francisco Bay Area. (4)

ROME, Italy – All around the World, Roman Catholics today listened as the Pope pope delivered his homily. (3)

Top News: Olympians Death Overshadows Vancouver Games

Vancouver's 2010 Winter Olympics begin on a grim note after the death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili. The Olympic luger struck a pole during his final practice run at the Whistler Sliding Center in Whistler, Canada. While Kumaritashvili's death has brought a great deal of sadness to the Georgian team, they have decided to continue competition in Vancouver's winter games. The high speed sport of luging is often dangerous, but this is the first time an Olympic athlete has died during an event, prompting concerns for remainder of the games. In addition, the Sliding Center in Whistler is considered to be one of the more challenging courses in the sport. Several other competitors have crashed during their practice runs, resulting in minor injuries. Yet, it is presumed the event will still go on for the 2010 Olympics.
The death of an Olympic athlete just before the opening of the games, while unfortunate, is news. Kumaritashvili's death is a first for the Olympics, which is often a jovial event, and creates emotion-packed news. This news story also holds news value for a large range of people because it occurred in the Olympics, which are viewed around the globe.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympic_games/vancouver_2010/luge/8513595.stm

Lead 5

A Springfield Pipe fitter suffers third-degree burns and remains in serious condition Wednesday night, after accidentally crossing a power line carrying 15,000 volts with a piece of angle iron.

Bard College alumni and actor, Chevy Chase was appointed to the colleges board of trustees last night during an alumni diner.

Lead 4: Smoking Wheel & Missing Boy

Smoke near the wheels of a Northwest flight caused 40 passengers to evacuate their plane today in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. After returning from Minneapolis, Northwest Flight 428 was spotted by a landing tower employee to have smoke near the wheels, resulting in passenger evacuation.

After being missing for three years, a 7-year-old boy has been found in New Jersey Thursday. The boys picture was shown at a movie theater in Brick Township, New Jersey, prompting a neighbor who had sighted the boy to alert police. Police have arrested and charged Ellen Lynn Conner, the boys 27-year-old mother, with kidnapping and interference with a custody warrant.

Lead 3: Golf Course Drowning

A Pacifica woman's drowning at golf course has been ruled accidental by the San Mateo County coroner today. However, methamphetamines may have be to blame.
Laura Jessica Smythe, 34, was found dead last month at Shap Park Golf Course in Pacifica by a local hiker. San Mateo County coroner, Robert Foster, commented on todays ruling of accidental death, mentioning that there was nothing to indicate Smythe's death was not accidental. However, she had methamphetamines in her system when she died.

Does this mean I can buy water bottles again?

I hate bottled water. I hate how expensive it is. I hate the fact that most of it is over hyped, imported tap water. I also hate that water bottles are made of plastic; plastic comes from oil, and fossil fuels are ruining our climate. Adding insult to injury, many of these perfectly recyclable are chucked in the trash can, destined to end up rotting in a land fill. However, today for the first time in a year and a half, I bought a bottle of water.
Dasani's new PlantBottle, which I purchased today, is composed of 30% plant-based material and remains completely recyclable. Being a cynical, tree-hugging, Greenpeace member I excitedly researched Dasanis new bottle, hoping to find a major loophole, continuing my detest for bottled water.
However, Dasani may have it figured out. The new Platbottles replace up to 30% of previously used petroleum, with molasses resin from sugar cane production. The sugarcane comes from farms in Brazil, were Dasani's website claims they use recycled water, organic fertilizers, and have agreed to end the burning of all fields by 2017. Desani's claims that research done by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (Heidelberg, Germany) is initially showing a lower carbon foot print by producing the new water bottles.
So can sugarcane save the water bottle? Possibly. Using 30% "green" material is more of a nice idea than a complete solution. Until someone figures out how to create a water bottle that is composed of a majority of non-petroleum products while remaining recyclable, I will stick to my Sigg water bottle.
http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/citizenship/plantbottle_2.html

Manchester Slays Bottom Club Portsmouth To Gain Top Position

A short round up of English Premier League Football
English Premier League football team Manchester United finished their match with Portsmouth, beating the team 5-0 Saturday. The match came easy as Portsmouth remains the Premier Leagues least-winning club this season. Manchester United who is now the Premier League Leader with 56 points nearly beats out their rival Chelsea football club who is close behind with 55 points. Today's win comes as Manchester's 4Th in the past 5 matches. Manchester United faces Aston Villa in its next fixture which plays out on Wednesday.

Lead 2: Highway Closed

Heavy Rain and winds throughout the night downed several trees along Highway 9 in Saratoga, causing the California Department of Transportation to close the highway for 9 hours. The closure which began at 7:30 the next morning off Pierce Road, allowed Caltrans workers to clear downed trees safely said a California Highway Patrol spokeswoman.

Lead 2: Air Crash

Reasons for the country's worse air disaster in 3 years remains unsolved, after a plane carrying 131 passengers barreled into the ground outside Pittsburgh, killing all aboard. The crash occurred as the Chicago originated plane was attempting to land.

Lead 1: Earthquake

No injuries or damage is reported after a 2.2 magnitude earthquake quietly rattled the Alum Rock foothills ( nine miles northeast of San Jose City Hall) at 8:33 a.m. says U.S. Geological Survey.

REVISED Top News: Iran Receives Skepticism over Nuclear Agreement

An article that appeared Saturday morning on the BBC World News website, detailed the continuing conflict involving Iran and their nuclear program. The article discussed
Meetings with UN Nuclear security officials in Munich, Germany, where Iran's foreign minister Monochehr Mottaki claimed his country is close to an agreement on a deal that would exchange low-enriched uranium for reactor rods used for making medical isotopes. However, The United States government and the European Union say they are not convinced Iran will dissemble its nuclear weapons program and hope to impose additional sanctions on Iran. When asked for his comment on Iran's Nuclear talks, United States Defense Secretary Robert Gates provided his own skepticism pointing to Iran's continuing no-compliance with the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty.It is also worth noting China's response to Iran, who unlike the US and EU wish to impose no additional sanctions, claiming "talks were at a crucial stage".

The value of this article lies on the fact that there is much conflict between global leaders and Iran, (and even inside Iran's own government) involving their nuclear ambitions. Iran claims they have the right to pursue uranium enrichment which they claim is for medical and energy use. However, much of the rest of the world, especially Israel and The United States, believe Iran is pursuing nuclear weaponry. Any time a country attempts to acquire nuclear weapons, the impact is global. Readers of this article around the globe should understand the possible dangers that are present. The fact that Iran is trying to acquire higher enriched uranium, brings them one step closer to being nuclear armed, and could lead to catastrophic consequences. One aspect of this issue, while rarely mentioned, is the emotion it stirs with the American people, including Iranian-Americans and Israeli-Americans. The majority Americans do not want another war in the middle east, and a full on nuclear stand off with Iran would create mixed emotions across the country. Some will cry out that Iran is only defending itself, others will claim they are destined to remove Israel from the Earth, and there will be those who will cry for war, for wars sake.
The original article appears here
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8501613.stm

First Blog, First Post, About Me

Hey my name is Jeff, I'm a Sophomore at San Jose State and I'm currently an Industrial Major, but am taking an art break to take a few classes that intrest me and could lead to a new major. I was born in Washington DC, but I've lived most of my life in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. I work at Village Bistro and Wine Bar on Santana Row as Expo/Server and would one day like would like to run my own restaurant. I spend most of my time cooking, listening to new music, sketching car designs, biking, or watching Yankees baseball or Manchester United football with friends. I tend to follow current events and politics thoroughly and read articles from several sources including BBC World News, Politico, and Times magazine,
I was interested in taking a journalism class because, I have always enjoyed writing as well as staying informed on current issues. I wrote for my high school paper my senior year at Santa Teresa High School and was co-editor for the Automotive section, which a close friend and I established. While I enjoy writing and have some experience, I know little on standard style and formatting for Journalism, which I hope to gain from this course.