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.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, February 26, 2010
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)
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)
Sunday, February 21, 2010
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."
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.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
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
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
Friday, February 19, 2010
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.
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)
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)
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
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)
Monday, February 15, 2010
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
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
Saturday, February 13, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
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
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
Saturday, February 6, 2010
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.
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
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
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