Drugs in the water creating genderless and deformed frogs and possibly overmedicating the American people sounds like the intro to a dystopian thriller, but it may not be a fictional tale.
Researchers in Washington and across the country are finding traces of pharmaceuticals in much of the nation’s water supply. Concern is growing about the consequences and solutions to this unintentional medication of the environment and people.
Researchers use the term pharmaceuticals and personal care products (including cosmetics, lotions, shampoos etc.) or PPCPs to describe these chemicals.
Fish exposed to PPCPs have shown increased feminization and altered neurological behavior, Janis Gilbert, DOE public information officer, said in an email.
Deformities and decreased populations have also been noted in amphibians, said Patricia Maarhuis, WSU Alcohol Drug Counseling and Prevention Services coordinator.
So far, concentrations of PPCPs are too low to have an impact on humans. However, research is still incomplete, especially in the areas of drug interactions and impact on children. Skeptics like Maarhuis also point out that chemicals like DDT and nicotine were also originally considered harmless.
“There may be ways we are affected, and we just don’t know,” she said. “If we can avoid pollutants, it’s always good.”
The problem is certainly widespread, according to several local and national studies. A 2000 US Geological Survey study found compounds in 80 percent of system samples.
A DOE study in the northwest part of Washington found 16 compounds in the water including over-the-counter medicines, caffeine and hormones.
These products get into the water from sinks, showers, and incomplete absorption and excretion by humans. All of these sources come together at waste-water treatment plants. Waste-water treatment plants are not set up to remove PPCPs, and the technology to do so, while being researched, is not ready, said Gregory Zentner, Department of Ecology Water Quality Program supervisor.
“That is a level of waste-water treatment no one has achieved yet,” Attorney General Rob McKenna said.
For years, flushing kept unused prescription medication from being stolen out of trash cans or medicine cabinets, but with new environmental concerns, policymakers are looking for better solutions.
“We need to set up a drug disposal program so that people can dispose of drugs legally and safely, in a way that does not affect the environment,” said Sigrid Gauger, community mobilization and prevention coordinator.
Some programs are in place at pharmacies and police stations, and McKenna is working on a state-wide program.
“We want people to know there are safe ways of disposing where [the drugs] will not be stolen or in the water supply,” McKenna said.
These methods include mixing drugs with undesirable substances, he said. Sites such as McKenna’s, SMARxTDISPOSAL.net, the EPA’s and many others outline more steps.
“Of course, one of our main goals is to keep medications out of the water supply,” McKenna said.
When a drug return program is set up, the unused drugs will be incinerated, Gauger said. While it is unclear if incinerated drugs have an impact on the air, the risk is much smaller than drugs in the water supply, she said.
Drug-return programs and disposal steps, while certainly contributing to the prevention of environmental and abuse problems, are not end-all solutions. The majority of pharmaceuticals in the water supply come from human excretion, McKenna said.
Humans excrete up to 90 percent of the ingredients in pharmaceuticals, according to a DOE project document, “Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Wastewater Treatment Systems”.
With more Americans taking more medications each year, PPCPs in the environment and drinking water will become an increasingly significant problem, according to the same document. Both the DOE and EPA have several ongoing studies that will tease apart the relationship between PPCPs and the environment.
“It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our environment,” Maarhuis said.
**Ben, I emailed the other documents and my 499 story to your hotmail account, let me know if you don't receive them**
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Questions
_How do you feel about advocacy journalism? Does it blur the line of traditional journalism? But could it be the future of journalism?
_Is it difficult to walk the line between commentary and unbiased reporting?
_Have you written stories that you wanted to present a certain way, include commentary or a bias on?
_What do see as the main purpose and responsibility of journalists?
_Have you ever encountered a story which had too great of risks to pursue?
_Is it difficult to walk the line between commentary and unbiased reporting?
_Have you written stories that you wanted to present a certain way, include commentary or a bias on?
_What do see as the main purpose and responsibility of journalists?
_Have you ever encountered a story which had too great of risks to pursue?
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Document Story Proposal
For my document story, I will be writing about pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) that research has found in ground and surface water systems. I am looking at the studies and monitoring reports that find these substances, research on the impacts of the chemicals on the environment and human health. I would also like experts to voice their opinion on the situation, possible impacts and the future. I will also include information on the future of this issue and what is being done to prevent problems.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Dec 1 Blog Update
Related Stories:
http://www.downtoearthnw.com/stories/2009/nov/25/avista-plans-to-show-off-smart-grid-in-pullman/ --11/25/09-- Avista plans to show off 'smart grid' in Pullman-- This is a story about the new power system Pullman is trying out as a test. This is related to my beat because it is very local and includes things that individuals can do to help the environment.
http://www.downtoearthnw.com/stories/2009/nov/26/sharing-sustainability-world-wide/ --11/26/09-- Sharing sustainability worldwide-- A story about a local architect that using sustainable design techniques. This is related to my beat because it is about one person making tangible differences in the way people live.
Story Idea:
-impacts Obama's commitments would have in Pullman
http://www.downtoearthnw.com/stories/2009/nov/25/avista-plans-to-show-off-smart-grid-in-pullman/ --11/25/09-- Avista plans to show off 'smart grid' in Pullman-- This is a story about the new power system Pullman is trying out as a test. This is related to my beat because it is very local and includes things that individuals can do to help the environment.
http://www.downtoearthnw.com/stories/2009/nov/26/sharing-sustainability-world-wide/ --11/26/09-- Sharing sustainability worldwide-- A story about a local architect that using sustainable design techniques. This is related to my beat because it is about one person making tangible differences in the way people live.
Story Idea:
-impacts Obama's commitments would have in Pullman
Online Story
In Spokane, environmental advocacy has blossomed in the past few years. This is due in part to the three-year-old blog Down to Earth Northwest started by the Spokesman Review, writers say. The blog has also grown with the community, and those involved believe this connection may shed light on the future of journalism.
“Online is where the future is going to be,” said Joe Butler, contact coordinator for the Spokesman Review marketing department.
The blog began when editors at the Spokesman noticed a lack of coverage of environmental issues and no forum for the disconnected pockets of environmental advocates, Butler said. Interns Paul Dillon and Bart Mihailovich took over the project.
Butler has seen a change in the green community and the type of news it wants, which might be reflected in journalism, he said. The trend has gone from big picture, intense, guilt-inducing news, to a desire for well-being, lifestyle and community focused environmental news. Down to Earth exemplifies this lighter news trend.
“No publication before [Down to Earth] was drawing these people in,” Dillon said. “Through Down to Earth, we were able to connect them. Those people definitely did not have that forum beforehand.”
Others see this community news trend reflected in the way the news is presented. Down to Earth has one foot in the door of traditional media and one in new and social media, Mihailovich said. It is a blending of the formal and informal journalism.
Originally, Down to Earth was a simple WordPress blog. As it gained momentum, a new form became necessary, and the current Web site was launched in January 2008, Dillon said. Now, Down to Earth also has Facebook and Twitter accounts.
The Web site picks up articles from the Spokesman Review, buys columns, and has blog pieces, Butler said. The site also features events, profiles, tips and some creative advertising features.
“Down to Earth has succeeded in being a giant cork board of stories and meetings,” Mihailovich said.
This blend of news, blogs and marketing is innovative, Mihailovich said. He said readers are astute enough to tease all the aspects apart, and this type of integration will probably be seen more in the media.
Megan Cooley, a blogger for Down to Earth, sees journalists pulled from the background to the foreground of reporting. Readers are interested in what the journalist thinks rather than just what she saw, she said.
“Objectivity has slipped out the window. That’s what people expect,” Dillon said. “The interesting thing about environmental journalism is it’s definitely advocacy journalism.”
So while it’s still tenuous, some are drawing a connection between new media, environmental news and the future of journalism. Community action is the trend in environmentalism. Some journalists, like Butler, think the future of news may also be local with niche sites like Down to Earth.
“Being local is the biggest thing we can do,” Cooley said. “If we can build community at home through new media, that’s good.”
Sources
Joe Butler 509-459-5059
Megan Cooley 509-326-6024
Paul Dillon 360-204-0510
Bart Mihailovich bartly7@gmail.com
“Online is where the future is going to be,” said Joe Butler, contact coordinator for the Spokesman Review marketing department.
The blog began when editors at the Spokesman noticed a lack of coverage of environmental issues and no forum for the disconnected pockets of environmental advocates, Butler said. Interns Paul Dillon and Bart Mihailovich took over the project.
Butler has seen a change in the green community and the type of news it wants, which might be reflected in journalism, he said. The trend has gone from big picture, intense, guilt-inducing news, to a desire for well-being, lifestyle and community focused environmental news. Down to Earth exemplifies this lighter news trend.
“No publication before [Down to Earth] was drawing these people in,” Dillon said. “Through Down to Earth, we were able to connect them. Those people definitely did not have that forum beforehand.”
Others see this community news trend reflected in the way the news is presented. Down to Earth has one foot in the door of traditional media and one in new and social media, Mihailovich said. It is a blending of the formal and informal journalism.
Originally, Down to Earth was a simple WordPress blog. As it gained momentum, a new form became necessary, and the current Web site was launched in January 2008, Dillon said. Now, Down to Earth also has Facebook and Twitter accounts.
The Web site picks up articles from the Spokesman Review, buys columns, and has blog pieces, Butler said. The site also features events, profiles, tips and some creative advertising features.
“Down to Earth has succeeded in being a giant cork board of stories and meetings,” Mihailovich said.
This blend of news, blogs and marketing is innovative, Mihailovich said. He said readers are astute enough to tease all the aspects apart, and this type of integration will probably be seen more in the media.
Megan Cooley, a blogger for Down to Earth, sees journalists pulled from the background to the foreground of reporting. Readers are interested in what the journalist thinks rather than just what she saw, she said.
“Objectivity has slipped out the window. That’s what people expect,” Dillon said. “The interesting thing about environmental journalism is it’s definitely advocacy journalism.”
So while it’s still tenuous, some are drawing a connection between new media, environmental news and the future of journalism. Community action is the trend in environmentalism. Some journalists, like Butler, think the future of news may also be local with niche sites like Down to Earth.
“Being local is the biggest thing we can do,” Cooley said. “If we can build community at home through new media, that’s good.”
Sources
Joe Butler 509-459-5059
Megan Cooley 509-326-6024
Paul Dillon 360-204-0510
Bart Mihailovich bartly7@gmail.com
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The news of my trend story is...
More and more schools and districts across the country, including East Valley of Spokane, are revitalizing their menus to include more local and organic food.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Nov 10 Blog Update
Jim West Frontline Reponse
I think the biggest concern I have about this article I have is the manner in which the paper pursued it. The lead seemed so tentative to me, that I don't think I would have pursued the idea of him molesting boys, because it seems so unlikely. Even still, the paper has so little evidence that the mayor did that. This is definitely a case of baiting the mayor, which isn't right.
The argument that this story is about abuse of office is also too thin for me. There are a few instances of the mayor giving internships to people he had online relationships with, but not enough evidence that he is exchanging sexual favors for government positions. Jobs are often rewarded by who you know, especially internships. Again, I think the newspaper was baiting him and pushing him toward favors for jobs.
I am not trying to defend the actions of Jim West, I don't think he is the hero of this story, but for the evidence being so inconclusive and the impact on West being so dramatic, I don't think the paper should have pursued or published this story the way it did.
Trend Story
With so much national attention on problems with health, education and the economy, people across the country are beginning to think a solution to all of these issues may be getting more fresh and local food into the mouths of children.
"At this point, kids are sent crap," said Eden Brightspirit Hendrix, Spokane p.e.a.c.h. farm school president, about fillers and government subsidized corn and soy. "We are giving kids a poor diet, and they aren't succeeding, then we are blaming it on the teachers."
Advocates say there are many benefits to food from local farms in schools. The first is healthier meals for children.
"With disease and obesity, we have created a mess, and it's mostly related to consumption," Hendrix said.
Closely linked, is the increase in enjoyment students get out of the experience.
In Spokane's East Valley school district, the menu has completely changed to incorporate more fresh and local food. Through activities like husking corn that they later eat, more students are purchasing and giving positive responses to the meals, said Georjean Kuntz, East Valley nutrition director. Even though the local food may cost more, she expects to see "a wash" in the final budget because more students are buying meals at school.
Hendrix said the p.e.a.c.h. program, which brings students to the farm, exposes them to production and gets them involved in the process, making them more likely to eat and like the produce.
"Kids who grow up with a garden love to eat fresh salads," she said.
The benefits aren't just limited to the schools, however. The economy and the environment are getting a boost as well from sustainable food programs like Washington State University's.
Shawn Hoch, new dining services associate director, is committed to taking green and responsible opportunities whenever they present themselves, he said.
“Whenever a company puts out there their commitment to [sustainable practices], they are going to win WSU’s business,” Hoch said.
Dining services is also committed to using local producers wherever possible, such as Shepherd’s Grain wheat, Thomas Hammer coffee, meats, fruits and vegetables, Hoch said. This stimulates the local economy, generally creates a better product and is better for the environment.
East Valley is also committed to helping the local economy, Kuntz said.
“It’s a plus for our community and a plus for our children,” she said.
Along with positive feedback from parents, administrators and students, Kuntz said she is getting calls from people wanting help setting up their own programs.
“I think more and more schools are going to do this,” she said.
Many already are. The Farm to School program, a national organization that works to get more fresh food into schools, lists more than 2,000 schools and districts with fresh food programs on its website. Eighteen of the programs are in Washington.
The p.e.a.c.h. farm will start discussions about their pilot program with the Cheney school district in 2010. p.e.a.c.h. will not only grow the produce, but will also prepare it for the Cheney schools, Hendrix said.
With more parents out of work, there are more free and reduced meal applications than ever before, Kuntz said. So it’s more important to her now, to make sure students are getting healthy and home-cooked meals at school, she said.
“To see [students’] faces light up was worth all the effort,” Kuntz said.
"At this point, kids are sent crap," said Eden Brightspirit Hendrix, Spokane p.e.a.c.h. farm school president, about fillers and government subsidized corn and soy. "We are giving kids a poor diet, and they aren't succeeding, then we are blaming it on the teachers."
Advocates say there are many benefits to food from local farms in schools. The first is healthier meals for children.
"With disease and obesity, we have created a mess, and it's mostly related to consumption," Hendrix said.
Closely linked, is the increase in enjoyment students get out of the experience.
In Spokane's East Valley school district, the menu has completely changed to incorporate more fresh and local food. Through activities like husking corn that they later eat, more students are purchasing and giving positive responses to the meals, said Georjean Kuntz, East Valley nutrition director. Even though the local food may cost more, she expects to see "a wash" in the final budget because more students are buying meals at school.
Hendrix said the p.e.a.c.h. program, which brings students to the farm, exposes them to production and gets them involved in the process, making them more likely to eat and like the produce.
"Kids who grow up with a garden love to eat fresh salads," she said.
The benefits aren't just limited to the schools, however. The economy and the environment are getting a boost as well from sustainable food programs like Washington State University's.
Shawn Hoch, new dining services associate director, is committed to taking green and responsible opportunities whenever they present themselves, he said.
“Whenever a company puts out there their commitment to [sustainable practices], they are going to win WSU’s business,” Hoch said.
Dining services is also committed to using local producers wherever possible, such as Shepherd’s Grain wheat, Thomas Hammer coffee, meats, fruits and vegetables, Hoch said. This stimulates the local economy, generally creates a better product and is better for the environment.
East Valley is also committed to helping the local economy, Kuntz said.
“It’s a plus for our community and a plus for our children,” she said.
Along with positive feedback from parents, administrators and students, Kuntz said she is getting calls from people wanting help setting up their own programs.
“I think more and more schools are going to do this,” she said.
Many already are. The Farm to School program, a national organization that works to get more fresh food into schools, lists more than 2,000 schools and districts with fresh food programs on its website. Eighteen of the programs are in Washington.
The p.e.a.c.h. farm will start discussions about their pilot program with the Cheney school district in 2010. p.e.a.c.h. will not only grow the produce, but will also prepare it for the Cheney schools, Hendrix said.
With more parents out of work, there are more free and reduced meal applications than ever before, Kuntz said. So it’s more important to her now, to make sure students are getting healthy and home-cooked meals at school, she said.
“To see [students’] faces light up was worth all the effort,” Kuntz said.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Nov 17 Blog Update
Related Stories:
*http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/1102/p07s01-lign.html : The need to feed hungry families cultivates new interest in gleaning: Nov 2, 2009: This story is about a woman in Vermont who picks over farms to get what has been left by the farmers, often produce that is the same quality but stores refuse to sell for appearance. She then donates the produce to local food banks. This story is related to my beat because it is a story about a community working on a project that helps the environment and the people.
*http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_DISNEY_CLIMATE?SITE=OHRAV&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT : Disney Co. spending $7 million on conservation projects: Nov 3, 2009 : Disney Co. is donating $7 million on various sustainability projects focused on tree planting and conservation to improve carbon sequestration. This story is related to my beat because it is about an organization that wants to be carbon neutral and is carefully considering its impact on the environment.
Story Ideas:
*Environmentally degrading aspects of the 'war on drugs' and hidden economic incentives
*The costs of replacing infrastructure in Pullman, are the green benefits worth the price?
*http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/1102/p07s01-lign.html : The need to feed hungry families cultivates new interest in gleaning: Nov 2, 2009: This story is about a woman in Vermont who picks over farms to get what has been left by the farmers, often produce that is the same quality but stores refuse to sell for appearance. She then donates the produce to local food banks. This story is related to my beat because it is a story about a community working on a project that helps the environment and the people.
*http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_DISNEY_CLIMATE?SITE=OHRAV&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT : Disney Co. spending $7 million on conservation projects: Nov 3, 2009 : Disney Co. is donating $7 million on various sustainability projects focused on tree planting and conservation to improve carbon sequestration. This story is related to my beat because it is about an organization that wants to be carbon neutral and is carefully considering its impact on the environment.
Story Ideas:
*Environmentally degrading aspects of the 'war on drugs' and hidden economic incentives
*The costs of replacing infrastructure in Pullman, are the green benefits worth the price?
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Math Fun Times
1. Last year, the school spent $8,300 for office equipment. This year, it will spend 5 percent less. How much will it spend this year?
$7885
2. The spelling and grammar test was taken by 217 students. Thirty-seven failed. What percent passed?
83%
3. We have a company. We make crap. Some people get paid more than others. * The CEO earns $150,000 a year. She has a nice office and thinks big ideas. * Two top managers earn $100,000 a year for attending meetings, writing memos, etc. * The company has three security guards. They bust heads and carry Tasers. They earn $40,000 a year. * Finally, we have designers/engineers. They do the actual work. We pay them $35,000 and put them in cubicles like zoo animals.
Mean salary? 67,500 Median salary? 40,000
Which is more accurate?
Median, the majority of the employees are around that benchmark, the high salaries of the CEO and managers act as outliers
4. Desperate for revenue, the government decides to increase the tax on beer. The tax on food is 5 percent. But if you buy beer, you pay an extra percent, or a total of 6 percent. Supporters of the tax say this is only a 1 percentage increase; critics say this is a 20 percent increase. Who is right? Both, you are increasing by one % but by 20% of the previous tax
5. a. The city’s budget was cut from $2 million to $1.5 million. What was the percent decrease?25%
b. The city’s budget increased from $1.5 million to $2 million. What was the percent increase?
33%
6. Last year, your property tax bill was $1,152. This year, it rose to $1,275. What’s the percent increase?
11%
7. We want to look at home sales in October.
* House 1 costs $225,000. * House 2 costs $207,000. * House 3 costs $129,000. * House 4 costs $192,000. * House 5 costs $3.2 million.
What’s the mean price?$790600 What’s the median? $207000
8. You and your four roommates have ordered a 16-slice pizza. Because you skipped lunch, it is agreed that you should have a 1/4 share of the total. The roommates divide the remainder equally. How much does each one get? 3 slices
9. Let’s say someone wants to establish a University District. To gain support, he/she needs to establish that safety is a problem in the area. Assume the following:
* Pullman had 183 assaults last year. Spokane had 502. * Spokane has 200,000 people. Pullman has 25,000. Is the average person more likely to be assaulted in Spokane or Pullman? What's the per capita assault rate in each city? Pullman .7% Spokane .2% more likely in Pullman
10. House prices increased 40 percent this year to a median price of $210,000. What was the median house price last year? $150000
$7885
2. The spelling and grammar test was taken by 217 students. Thirty-seven failed. What percent passed?
83%
3. We have a company. We make crap. Some people get paid more than others. * The CEO earns $150,000 a year. She has a nice office and thinks big ideas. * Two top managers earn $100,000 a year for attending meetings, writing memos, etc. * The company has three security guards. They bust heads and carry Tasers. They earn $40,000 a year. * Finally, we have designers/engineers. They do the actual work. We pay them $35,000 and put them in cubicles like zoo animals.
Mean salary? 67,500 Median salary? 40,000
Which is more accurate?
Median, the majority of the employees are around that benchmark, the high salaries of the CEO and managers act as outliers
4. Desperate for revenue, the government decides to increase the tax on beer. The tax on food is 5 percent. But if you buy beer, you pay an extra percent, or a total of 6 percent. Supporters of the tax say this is only a 1 percentage increase; critics say this is a 20 percent increase. Who is right? Both, you are increasing by one % but by 20% of the previous tax
5. a. The city’s budget was cut from $2 million to $1.5 million. What was the percent decrease?25%
b. The city’s budget increased from $1.5 million to $2 million. What was the percent increase?
33%
6. Last year, your property tax bill was $1,152. This year, it rose to $1,275. What’s the percent increase?
11%
7. We want to look at home sales in October.
* House 1 costs $225,000. * House 2 costs $207,000. * House 3 costs $129,000. * House 4 costs $192,000. * House 5 costs $3.2 million.
What’s the mean price?$790600 What’s the median? $207000
8. You and your four roommates have ordered a 16-slice pizza. Because you skipped lunch, it is agreed that you should have a 1/4 share of the total. The roommates divide the remainder equally. How much does each one get? 3 slices
9. Let’s say someone wants to establish a University District. To gain support, he/she needs to establish that safety is a problem in the area. Assume the following:
* Pullman had 183 assaults last year. Spokane had 502. * Spokane has 200,000 people. Pullman has 25,000. Is the average person more likely to be assaulted in Spokane or Pullman? What's the per capita assault rate in each city? Pullman .7% Spokane .2% more likely in Pullman
10. House prices increased 40 percent this year to a median price of $210,000. What was the median house price last year? $150000
Monday, November 2, 2009
November 3 Blog Update
Related Stories:
* Department of Ecology sets new limits on stormwater runoff: Down To Earth NW 10/21/09 DOE is raising the standards for industrial and corporate permit holders for stormwater runoff to decrease pollution, especially of copper and zinc. This relates very specifically to my document story because I will be looking at water pollution and DOE regulations.
* Think before you don real fur items: Daily Evergreen 11/2/09 A Life column about the environmental and ethical impacts of wearing real fur. This relates to my beat because it is an environmental impact that everyday citizens can have an effect on.
Story Ideas:
* getting kids involved in local and organic food
* get the other side of the stormwater runoff story, companies that don't want regulation tightened or that will have to spend money and time to comply with the new requirements
* Department of Ecology sets new limits on stormwater runoff: Down To Earth NW 10/21/09 DOE is raising the standards for industrial and corporate permit holders for stormwater runoff to decrease pollution, especially of copper and zinc. This relates very specifically to my document story because I will be looking at water pollution and DOE regulations.
* Think before you don real fur items: Daily Evergreen 11/2/09 A Life column about the environmental and ethical impacts of wearing real fur. This relates to my beat because it is an environmental impact that everyday citizens can have an effect on.
Story Ideas:
* getting kids involved in local and organic food
* get the other side of the stormwater runoff story, companies that don't want regulation tightened or that will have to spend money and time to comply with the new requirements
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Peer Edit
1. The 2,800-square-foot, four-bedroom house will be built on a concrete foundation. (passive)
2. Eastern Washington could be a renewable energy leader if people understood the benefits, said Carlton, owner of Palouse Synergy Systems.
3. “I got a double with a full bath,” said John Gardner, WSU vice president of economic development and global engagement. “I lived in Gannon-Golds for two years, and then I switched over here—[this is a] huge difference!”
4. PCEI is offering workshops to teach locals to value and know how to use sustainable techniques, she said.
5. “The new dorm is likely to receive the silver rating,” Gardner said.
there needs to be something between here
"Everything we do has a consequence,” Englund said about sustainability methods, consumption, and ecological footprints. “We just have to be aware [of] the butterfly effect.”
6. He also raises money for student scholarships.
7. She said she has been ostracized in her dorm, and, she might move to another hall. (passive)
8. Though helping to improve Pullman’s atmosphere, SEL does not make Pullman immune from the recession, Sherman said.
2. Eastern Washington could be a renewable energy leader if people understood the benefits, said Carlton, owner of Palouse Synergy Systems.
3. “I got a double with a full bath,” said John Gardner, WSU vice president of economic development and global engagement. “I lived in Gannon-Golds for two years, and then I switched over here—[this is a] huge difference!”
4. PCEI is offering workshops to teach locals to value and know how to use sustainable techniques, she said.
5. “The new dorm is likely to receive the silver rating,” Gardner said.
there needs to be something between here
"Everything we do has a consequence,” Englund said about sustainability methods, consumption, and ecological footprints. “We just have to be aware [of] the butterfly effect.”
6. He also raises money for student scholarships.
7. She said she has been ostracized in her dorm, and, she might move to another hall. (passive)
8. Though helping to improve Pullman’s atmosphere, SEL does not make Pullman immune from the recession, Sherman said.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
doc ideas
Green building regulations in Washington and the Palouse specifically. Documents: building codes, regulations and laws
Reduced carbon footprint lab in the electrical engineering department, get the building documents and find out how env friendly it really is
Erosion control techniques on the Palouse, laws around point source erosion, what the requirements are for local agencies to enforce erosion control
WSU green fund- get documents submitted to ASWSU and students, find out what happened
Co-mingled recycling program
Portland/Seattle green roof legal documents, what incentives are offered, how long they have been offered or required and what are the outcomes
Reduced carbon footprint lab in the electrical engineering department, get the building documents and find out how env friendly it really is
Erosion control techniques on the Palouse, laws around point source erosion, what the requirements are for local agencies to enforce erosion control
WSU green fund- get documents submitted to ASWSU and students, find out what happened
Co-mingled recycling program
Portland/Seattle green roof legal documents, what incentives are offered, how long they have been offered or required and what are the outcomes
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Blog Fun Time
1.a http://www.foia.cia.gov/Top25PhrasesMonthly.asp
July: UFO August:UFO September: Guatemala
b. Lithuania
2.Are drastic swings in CRCT scores valid? document: test scores
Business as usual, even without permit document: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection records
3.https://www.splc.org/legal_request.asp
4. no
5. http://www.doioig.gov/upload/Smith%20REDACTED%20FINAL_080708%20Final%20with%20transmittal%209_10%20date.pdf
July: UFO August:UFO September: Guatemala
b. Lithuania
2.Are drastic swings in CRCT scores valid? document: test scores
Business as usual, even without permit document: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection records
3.https://www.splc.org/legal_request.asp
4. no
5. http://www.doioig.gov/upload/Smith%20REDACTED%20FINAL_080708%20Final%20with%20transmittal%209_10%20date.pdf
Sunday, October 18, 2009
October 20 Blog Update
Related Stories:
*http://features.csmonitor.com/environment/2009/10/16/environmental-problems-need-a-holistic-approach/ October 16, 2009: an article about creating an interdisciplinary approach to solving environmental problems because they are so complex. I think this relates to my beat because the people in this area seem to believe the same thing. From trying to find methods that reduce erosion, but are also better for farmers wallets, to road construction using recycled glass, the Palouse seems to be finding ideas that help people as much as they help trees.
*http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hKS7UwnC8nR6j4kYQLu6m1X7nBbQD9B9IMAG0
October 13, 2009: an article on a new green wall in Pittsburgh, much like the green roofs I am writing my profile story about. This a new aspect of the trend that is going on here.
Story Ideas:
* prescription medication disposal and its impacts on the environment
* farmers implementing anti-erosion technology on their farms
*http://features.csmonitor.com/environment/2009/10/16/environmental-problems-need-a-holistic-approach/ October 16, 2009: an article about creating an interdisciplinary approach to solving environmental problems because they are so complex. I think this relates to my beat because the people in this area seem to believe the same thing. From trying to find methods that reduce erosion, but are also better for farmers wallets, to road construction using recycled glass, the Palouse seems to be finding ideas that help people as much as they help trees.
*http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hKS7UwnC8nR6j4kYQLu6m1X7nBbQD9B9IMAG0
October 13, 2009: an article on a new green wall in Pittsburgh, much like the green roofs I am writing my profile story about. This a new aspect of the trend that is going on here.
Story Ideas:
* prescription medication disposal and its impacts on the environment
* farmers implementing anti-erosion technology on their farms
Profile Story
Nestled into a hill on the Palouse Clearwater Environmental Institute’s campus in Moscow, a new artists’ studio is taking shape that blends into this landscape more than it stands out.
The building is part of the international trend of green building and, particularly, green or living roofs. Last Saturday, PCEI hosted a workshop to plant sedums and other vegetation on the roof of the artists’ studio.
“Every year, we try to make [our campus] more environmentally friendly, and we invite people to help,” PCEI Membership Coordinator Alycia Lamar said.
Cities and organizations are not installing green roofs just for aesthetics or carbon offsetting, supporters say. The bigger benefits for the building owner are are reduced insulation costs, extended roof lifespan, said Luke Sheneman, Nora Creek Timber co-owner and PCEI green roof installer.
Environmental benefits are water holding and filtration, reduced temperatures in cities, and creation of insect and animal habitat, he said.
“Other roofs destroy habitat,” Sheneman said. “We have just created more habitat than there was before.”
As of yet, green roofing is not a trend in residential building or in the Palouse at all, said Peter Oswald, Nora Creek Timber co-owner and PCEI green roof installer. Part of the reason is that green roofs require more engineering to hold the weight of the plants and soil.
Green roofs, like many sustainable features, also cost more, even though the benefits pay off over time, Lamar said. The artists’ studio’s roof cost $3,000.
While larger U.S. cities are embracing it, towns in the Palouse may not have the means or awareness to offer incentives yet, she said.
“Price, knowledge and availability are probably why people don’t install green roofs,” Lamar said.
PCEI is hoping to change that by offering a series of workshops like the artists’ studio roof, so that locals value and know how to use sustainable techniques, she said.
“You too can do things in an environmentally-friendly way,” Lamar said. “We want people to walk away with a sense of ‘we have to save what is important to us.’”
Green roofing is mostly a European movement currently. Germany and Switzerland are particular proponents of green roofs, Oswald said.
Germany is a “global leader” of green roof technology and installation according to Earth Clinic Planet, a Web site that reports international environmental legislation. Both Germany and Switzerland have incentives and requirements for green roofing in their cities.
While the artists’ studio joins only a handful of green-roofed buildings in the Palouse, green roof companies are scattered across the U.S., and cities as close as Portland and Seattle are implementing the technique as well, Oswald said.
Portland has municipal building requirements and tax and building incentives, according to the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability Web site.
Seattle developed the Green Factor, an ordinance to increase the amount of vegetation in the city. It requires builders to implement any of the methods on a long list, including green roofs or walls, rainwater harvesting, tree preservation and others, according to the program Web site.
Being the only environmental organization in the area, PCEI feels a special responsibility to use, promote and educate people about the latest ways to go green, Lamar said.
“With every decision, choosing the least expensive option is never the direction we go,” she said. “It’s doing what’s best for the environment.”
Sources
http://planet.earthclinic.com/initiatives/green-roofs.html
http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=112682
http://www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?c=ecbbd&a=bbehci
http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/Permits/GreenFactor/Overview/
In-person interviews:
Aly Lamar PCEI Membership Coordinator (208-882-1444)
Luke Sheneman and Peter Oswald, Nora Creek Timber owners, PCEI green roof installers
The building is part of the international trend of green building and, particularly, green or living roofs. Last Saturday, PCEI hosted a workshop to plant sedums and other vegetation on the roof of the artists’ studio.
“Every year, we try to make [our campus] more environmentally friendly, and we invite people to help,” PCEI Membership Coordinator Alycia Lamar said.
Cities and organizations are not installing green roofs just for aesthetics or carbon offsetting, supporters say. The bigger benefits for the building owner are are reduced insulation costs, extended roof lifespan, said Luke Sheneman, Nora Creek Timber co-owner and PCEI green roof installer.
Environmental benefits are water holding and filtration, reduced temperatures in cities, and creation of insect and animal habitat, he said.
“Other roofs destroy habitat,” Sheneman said. “We have just created more habitat than there was before.”
As of yet, green roofing is not a trend in residential building or in the Palouse at all, said Peter Oswald, Nora Creek Timber co-owner and PCEI green roof installer. Part of the reason is that green roofs require more engineering to hold the weight of the plants and soil.
Green roofs, like many sustainable features, also cost more, even though the benefits pay off over time, Lamar said. The artists’ studio’s roof cost $3,000.
While larger U.S. cities are embracing it, towns in the Palouse may not have the means or awareness to offer incentives yet, she said.
“Price, knowledge and availability are probably why people don’t install green roofs,” Lamar said.
PCEI is hoping to change that by offering a series of workshops like the artists’ studio roof, so that locals value and know how to use sustainable techniques, she said.
“You too can do things in an environmentally-friendly way,” Lamar said. “We want people to walk away with a sense of ‘we have to save what is important to us.’”
Green roofing is mostly a European movement currently. Germany and Switzerland are particular proponents of green roofs, Oswald said.
Germany is a “global leader” of green roof technology and installation according to Earth Clinic Planet, a Web site that reports international environmental legislation. Both Germany and Switzerland have incentives and requirements for green roofing in their cities.
While the artists’ studio joins only a handful of green-roofed buildings in the Palouse, green roof companies are scattered across the U.S., and cities as close as Portland and Seattle are implementing the technique as well, Oswald said.
Portland has municipal building requirements and tax and building incentives, according to the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability Web site.
Seattle developed the Green Factor, an ordinance to increase the amount of vegetation in the city. It requires builders to implement any of the methods on a long list, including green roofs or walls, rainwater harvesting, tree preservation and others, according to the program Web site.
Being the only environmental organization in the area, PCEI feels a special responsibility to use, promote and educate people about the latest ways to go green, Lamar said.
“With every decision, choosing the least expensive option is never the direction we go,” she said. “It’s doing what’s best for the environment.”
Sources
http://planet.earthclinic.com/initiatives/green-roofs.html
http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=112682
http://www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?c=ecbbd&a=bbehci
http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/Permits/GreenFactor/Overview/
In-person interviews:
Aly Lamar PCEI Membership Coordinator (208-882-1444)
Luke Sheneman and Peter Oswald, Nora Creek Timber owners, PCEI green roof installers
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Follow a record
1. Enrique Fabregas was a foster father who allegedly abused his foster daughters. The journalists found the files of complaints against him and the investigations that followed, these were from non-state sources.
2.Convicts cleared to work at DSHS; 174 kept jobs despite murder, rape and more from March 15. A story about government workers getting and keeping jobs even with serious criminal histories.
3. It requires permission from the person the records are about
4. Information can be withheld or redacted because it contains information about a juvenile justice case
5-9. a) There are two copies because one has internal notes about covering this information up.
b) Father Joe's explanation was that he had ahold of the boy's hair and the boy got up out of a chair too fast, causing the hair in Father Joe's hand to separate from the boy's head.
c) hacking, slapping, pushing, hair cutting, grounding
d) The notes are written about the report to other investigators/agents. They are internal notes. They can be used if they were released as public records.
e) Drafts do not need to be released to the public. but this document was not a draft.
f) any internal communication are public record
g) mother and counselor
h) confidentiality of clients, media didn't challenge, report can be released without compromising confidentiality, redact names
2.Convicts cleared to work at DSHS; 174 kept jobs despite murder, rape and more from March 15. A story about government workers getting and keeping jobs even with serious criminal histories.
3. It requires permission from the person the records are about
4. Information can be withheld or redacted because it contains information about a juvenile justice case
5-9. a) There are two copies because one has internal notes about covering this information up.
b) Father Joe's explanation was that he had ahold of the boy's hair and the boy got up out of a chair too fast, causing the hair in Father Joe's hand to separate from the boy's head.
c) hacking, slapping, pushing, hair cutting, grounding
d) The notes are written about the report to other investigators/agents. They are internal notes. They can be used if they were released as public records.
e) Drafts do not need to be released to the public. but this document was not a draft.
f) any internal communication are public record
g) mother and counselor
h) confidentiality of clients, media didn't challenge, report can be released without compromising confidentiality, redact names
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Records Exercise
I. Whitman County:
Pop 41,664
85% white
48.2 % bachelor's degree
$32,083 median hh income
26.7% below poverty level
Why are people with a much higher average % of BA degrees at such low levels of income? I would want to look at the range, are the ppl with BAs making such low amounts or are they skewing the rest of the data? is it a striated system? wealthy and poor?
II. 1) 2004 $21,793,767 104
2005 $40,062,508 131
2006 $34,549,367 105
2007 $31,922,839 114
2008 $14,007,013 68
2)2009 $7,170,166 35
IV. 1) Whitman County and San Juan County
2) 29.2%
V. 1) Office of Financial Management
a)1960
b)1324
c) difference between birth and death and migration in and out
a) 46,786
VI. a) Palouse Basin Aquifer Council
b) 4 cases
c)600,000 vaccines available
d)360 doses in WC
e) waiting until have more, high-risk residents first
Story Idea: federal grants and insurance, Consolidated Federal Funds Report on quicklinks
Pop 41,664
85% white
48.2 % bachelor's degree
$32,083 median hh income
26.7% below poverty level
Why are people with a much higher average % of BA degrees at such low levels of income? I would want to look at the range, are the ppl with BAs making such low amounts or are they skewing the rest of the data? is it a striated system? wealthy and poor?
II. 1) 2004 $21,793,767 104
2005 $40,062,508 131
2006 $34,549,367 105
2007 $31,922,839 114
2008 $14,007,013 68
2)2009 $7,170,166 35
IV. 1) Whitman County and San Juan County
2) 29.2%
V. 1) Office of Financial Management
a)1960
b)1324
c) difference between birth and death and migration in and out
a) 46,786
VI. a) Palouse Basin Aquifer Council
b) 4 cases
c)600,000 vaccines available
d)360 doses in WC
e) waiting until have more, high-risk residents first
Story Idea: federal grants and insurance, Consolidated Federal Funds Report on quicklinks
Monday, October 12, 2009
October 13 Blog Update
Related Stories:
*http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/oct/08/reduce-reuse-runway/ 10/8/09 CdA fashion show benefits environmental alliance: Local fashion designers that create their looks out of recycled goods put on a fashion show to raise money for Kootenai Environmental Alliance. This relates to my blog because it is local people trying to make an difference in their community and environment through creative ways.
*http://www.wsutoday.wsu.edu/pages/publications.aspAction=Detail&PublicationID=15587&TypeID=1
9/8/09 Green Bike Program arrives at WSU: WSU started a free bike rental program for students and faculty, to help Cougars and the environment. This relates to my beat because it is an environmental solution that helps both people and the environment.
Story Ideas:
* How is the Green Bike Program going one month in?
*Profile of a local organic farm
*http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/oct/08/reduce-reuse-runway/ 10/8/09 CdA fashion show benefits environmental alliance: Local fashion designers that create their looks out of recycled goods put on a fashion show to raise money for Kootenai Environmental Alliance. This relates to my blog because it is local people trying to make an difference in their community and environment through creative ways.
*http://www.wsutoday.wsu.edu/pages/publications.aspAction=Detail&PublicationID=15587&TypeID=1
9/8/09 Green Bike Program arrives at WSU: WSU started a free bike rental program for students and faculty, to help Cougars and the environment. This relates to my beat because it is an environmental solution that helps both people and the environment.
Story Ideas:
* How is the Green Bike Program going one month in?
*Profile of a local organic farm
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Libel Exercise
1. “Up until the day he died, he was a brilliant writer. But the drugs made him a thief, a pimp and a liar,” said friend Karen Smith, who was with Johnson at the time of his death.
-- This is a direct quote, so it would depend on what was published with this quote, either evidence for or against this quote and where we got that evidence. If he was a writer, he was a public figure, so the libel laws are less stringent
2. “Megan Fox is a man!” Headline on Weekly World News Web site
-- Could be libelous, although she is a public figure and it is unlikely that this comment will hurt her career at all. If it causes her emotional damage it might be libel, but I find that unlikely
3. “In my opinion, Kevin is a murdering rapist.”
-- It depends on what other evidence we have and whether Kevin is a public figure or not. It would definitely cause him harm in the public eye so I would be cautious about publishing this quote, unless it was after he was found guilty by a jury
-- This is a direct quote, so it would depend on what was published with this quote, either evidence for or against this quote and where we got that evidence. If he was a writer, he was a public figure, so the libel laws are less stringent
2. “Megan Fox is a man!” Headline on Weekly World News Web site
-- Could be libelous, although she is a public figure and it is unlikely that this comment will hurt her career at all. If it causes her emotional damage it might be libel, but I find that unlikely
3. “In my opinion, Kevin is a murdering rapist.”
-- It depends on what other evidence we have and whether Kevin is a public figure or not. It would definitely cause him harm in the public eye so I would be cautious about publishing this quote, unless it was after he was found guilty by a jury
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Profile Story Ideas
* Mary Jane Butters: organic farm owner, trend: organic farm
* PCEI executive director: Thomas C. Lamar trend:env restoration
* Bart Mihailovich or Paul Dillon: Down To Earth Bloggers trend:going green
* Angie Dierdorff: Sustainable September Spokane Coordinator trend:going green
* designer in CdA fashion show trend: recycling
steelhead, wolf guy, living roof workshop-extreme green building/old ways of living profile of someone living this way
* PCEI executive director: Thomas C. Lamar trend:env restoration
* Bart Mihailovich or Paul Dillon: Down To Earth Bloggers trend:going green
* Angie Dierdorff: Sustainable September Spokane Coordinator trend:going green
* designer in CdA fashion show trend: recycling
steelhead, wolf guy, living roof workshop-extreme green building/old ways of living profile of someone living this way
Monday, October 5, 2009
Oct 6 Blog Update
Related Stories:
*http://www.downtoearthnw.com/stories/2009/sep/30/dinner-supports-peach-farm-school/ 9/30/09 Dinner Supports Peach Farm School - I have been seeing stories about this farm school a lot lately, its origin, its dinner, the support-raising. It is related to my beat because it is a community effort for environmental improvements.
*http://www.downtoearthnw.com/stories/2009/oct/02/city-street-paved-in-crushed-glass/ 10/2/09 City Using Crushed Glass for Road Building - Last week, I had a story about glass recycling and how it is not really working for cities, I like that the Spokesman ran another story this week about what Spokane is doing to fix this problem. Proactive environmental solutions
Story Ideas:
*Profile the PEACH school
*http://www.downtoearthnw.com/stories/2009/sep/30/dinner-supports-peach-farm-school/ 9/30/09 Dinner Supports Peach Farm School - I have been seeing stories about this farm school a lot lately, its origin, its dinner, the support-raising. It is related to my beat because it is a community effort for environmental improvements.
*http://www.downtoearthnw.com/stories/2009/oct/02/city-street-paved-in-crushed-glass/ 10/2/09 City Using Crushed Glass for Road Building - Last week, I had a story about glass recycling and how it is not really working for cities, I like that the Spokesman ran another story this week about what Spokane is doing to fix this problem. Proactive environmental solutions
Story Ideas:
*Profile the PEACH school
Enterprise Story
Santa, Idaho is not a place most people, even from the Palouse, know much about.
“It’s just a post office and the area surrounding it,” Santa resident, Leah Sempel, said.
However, Santa is part of a greater trend of growing and buying local and organic food. Both Sempel and fellow Santa resident Elizabeth Taylor drive a little over an hour each week to bring their organically grown produce to the thriving Moscow Farmers’ Market.
“More and more people want to get back to knowing what they’re eating and who’s growing it,” Sempel said.
Washington and Idaho are ranked in the top 20 agriculture producing states, and both are in the top five for several specific crops, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Web site.
Now, this hub of produce is overwhelmingly jumping on the local and organic bandwagon, with almost 700 Washington organic farms and more than 70,000 organic acres, as of 2006, a 1,000 percent increase from 1988, according to the Washington State Department of Agriculture Web site.
The trend is easy to see in the Palouse. The Moscow-Pullman area alone has 137 organic farms within a 100 mile radius, according to Local Harvest’s Web site.
“People want to buy fresher food and support their community,” Sempel said.
In addition to Moscow’s farmers’ market, now in its fourth decade, Pullman started a weekly market this summer. It was mostly organized by the Washington State University Organic Farm, another new addition to the local organic food movement, said Deborah Pehrson, WSU Tukey Orchard farm manager.
“It seems like more people are looking for, and are willing to pay for, organic and local food,” Pehrson said. “People that find local fruit really prefer it,” she said, because it is fresher, it tastes better and it is more environmentally and health friendly.
One of the most common hesitations about local or organic food is price. Comparing price to larger chains is something most local farmers are unwilling to do because they say the products just do not compare.
“It’s not the same food,” Taylor said.
Growers try to stay reasonable and fair so that their product is accessible to people, Sempel said. Some of the produce ends up less expensive than grocery stores, some more.
However, as petroleum price increase, local food will be the less expensive option, said Kelly Kingsland of Affinity Farm in Moscow.
“As barrels of oil get more and more expensive, local food will get more and more feasible,” she said.
Many people seem to be catching on to this idea. While she worried economic trouble would keep people away, Sempel said she has done better in the last few years than before the economy bust.
Another issue for some, is that local doesn’t always mean certified organic, but an organic label doesn’t always mean better, Taylor said. A large producer can get a USDA certified organic label but still cut corners, she said. And while local farmers may not have the certification, it matters less because customers can talk to the person who grew the food and even visit the farm.
“People are tired of fast and far away,” Taylor said. “As society and civilization progress, I think it’s very important to people to connect with where their food is grown.”
Outline:
Intro- Santa and the farmers at the market
Overview quote about organic/local
What the trend is in Washington/Idaho
-USDA and WSDA data
Localize to Palouse
-orchard, organic farm and farmers’ markets
Why eat local/organic
Issues with local/organic
Summary end quote
Sources:
*Deb Pehrson WSU Tukey Orchard Farm Manager (509)335-6700
*Kelly Kingsland Affinity Farm (208)892-9000
*Elizabeth Taylor – independent farm (208)245-3343
*Leah Sempel – independent farm (208)245-4381
usda.gov
agr.wa.gov
localharvest.org
*in-person interview
“It’s just a post office and the area surrounding it,” Santa resident, Leah Sempel, said.
However, Santa is part of a greater trend of growing and buying local and organic food. Both Sempel and fellow Santa resident Elizabeth Taylor drive a little over an hour each week to bring their organically grown produce to the thriving Moscow Farmers’ Market.
“More and more people want to get back to knowing what they’re eating and who’s growing it,” Sempel said.
Washington and Idaho are ranked in the top 20 agriculture producing states, and both are in the top five for several specific crops, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Web site.
Now, this hub of produce is overwhelmingly jumping on the local and organic bandwagon, with almost 700 Washington organic farms and more than 70,000 organic acres, as of 2006, a 1,000 percent increase from 1988, according to the Washington State Department of Agriculture Web site.
The trend is easy to see in the Palouse. The Moscow-Pullman area alone has 137 organic farms within a 100 mile radius, according to Local Harvest’s Web site.
“People want to buy fresher food and support their community,” Sempel said.
In addition to Moscow’s farmers’ market, now in its fourth decade, Pullman started a weekly market this summer. It was mostly organized by the Washington State University Organic Farm, another new addition to the local organic food movement, said Deborah Pehrson, WSU Tukey Orchard farm manager.
“It seems like more people are looking for, and are willing to pay for, organic and local food,” Pehrson said. “People that find local fruit really prefer it,” she said, because it is fresher, it tastes better and it is more environmentally and health friendly.
One of the most common hesitations about local or organic food is price. Comparing price to larger chains is something most local farmers are unwilling to do because they say the products just do not compare.
“It’s not the same food,” Taylor said.
Growers try to stay reasonable and fair so that their product is accessible to people, Sempel said. Some of the produce ends up less expensive than grocery stores, some more.
However, as petroleum price increase, local food will be the less expensive option, said Kelly Kingsland of Affinity Farm in Moscow.
“As barrels of oil get more and more expensive, local food will get more and more feasible,” she said.
Many people seem to be catching on to this idea. While she worried economic trouble would keep people away, Sempel said she has done better in the last few years than before the economy bust.
Another issue for some, is that local doesn’t always mean certified organic, but an organic label doesn’t always mean better, Taylor said. A large producer can get a USDA certified organic label but still cut corners, she said. And while local farmers may not have the certification, it matters less because customers can talk to the person who grew the food and even visit the farm.
“People are tired of fast and far away,” Taylor said. “As society and civilization progress, I think it’s very important to people to connect with where their food is grown.”
Outline:
Intro- Santa and the farmers at the market
Overview quote about organic/local
What the trend is in Washington/Idaho
-USDA and WSDA data
Localize to Palouse
-orchard, organic farm and farmers’ markets
Why eat local/organic
Issues with local/organic
Summary end quote
Sources:
*Deb Pehrson WSU Tukey Orchard Farm Manager (509)335-6700
*Kelly Kingsland Affinity Farm (208)892-9000
*Elizabeth Taylor – independent farm (208)245-3343
*Leah Sempel – independent farm (208)245-4381
usda.gov
agr.wa.gov
localharvest.org
*in-person interview
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Larry Craig Court Dcouments
The investigating officer: Dave Karsnia
The potential crime: interference with privacy and disorderly conduct
Officer's response: Show credentials and make an arrest
Date and Time: June 11, 2007 from 12 am to 1 pm
The basic narrative: In a police sting operation, Senator Larry Craig was arrested for soliciting sexual favors in a public restroom.
The potential crime: interference with privacy and disorderly conduct
Officer's response: Show credentials and make an arrest
Date and Time: June 11, 2007 from 12 am to 1 pm
The basic narrative: In a police sting operation, Senator Larry Craig was arrested for soliciting sexual favors in a public restroom.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Enterprise Story Ideas
* Apple growers going organic to stay in business
* Beaver relocation
* Local organic farms/grass-fed beef, localharvest
* superfund site
* Green Bluff Harvest festival - increase or decrease in people, green trend? local trend?
* Beaver relocation
* Local organic farms/grass-fed beef, localharvest
* superfund site
* Green Bluff Harvest festival - increase or decrease in people, green trend? local trend?
Quotes
1. "Mary is trying hard in school this semester," her father said.
2. Early in the show, Steven Wright asked, "How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink?"
3. Did Steven Wright say, "If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you"?
4. "No," the taxi driver said, "I cannot get you to the airport in 15 minutes."
5. Gov. Peterson said she will support a tax increase this session.
"Without it, schools will close," she son said .
6. "My favorite line is when Jerry Seinfeld said, 'My parents didn't want to move to Florida, but they turned sixty and that's the law,'" Smitty said.
7. My French professor told me my accent is "abominable".
8. "Is Time a magazine you read regularly?" she asked.
9. When did Roosevelt say, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself"?
10. "Can you believe," Dot asked me, "that it has been almost five years since we've seen each other?"
2. Early in the show, Steven Wright asked, "How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink?"
3. Did Steven Wright say, "If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you"?
4. "No," the taxi driver said, "I cannot get you to the airport in 15 minutes."
5. Gov. Peterson said she will support a tax increase this session.
"Without it, schools will close," she son said .
6. "My favorite line is when Jerry Seinfeld said, 'My parents didn't want to move to Florida, but they turned sixty and that's the law,'" Smitty said.
7. My French professor told me my accent is "abominable".
8. "Is Time a magazine you read regularly?" she asked.
9. When did Roosevelt say, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself"?
10. "Can you believe," Dot asked me, "that it has been almost five years since we've seen each other?"
Monday, September 28, 2009
September 29 Blog Update
Related Stories:
* Spokesman-Review, 9/28/09, Glass pile shows recycling challenge:http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/sep/28/glass-pile-shows-recycling-challenge/ states battling to find a solution for glass that has been collected but can't be recycled because it is cheaper to make new glass, this relates to my beat because it is about an environmentally friendly process that isn't working
*Spokesman-Review 8/28/09, Transplanting Beavers: http://www.spokesman.com/video/2009/aug/28/transplanting-beavers/ A local man is transplanting beavers to restore damaged stream areas and improve the water and environmental quality of the area. This is related to my beat because it is a creative and inexpensive environmental restoration project.
Story Ideas:
*Go more in depth with the beaver story, now that they have been transplanted, how is it going? etc
*new community center in cheney, community friendly but environmentally friendly?
* Spokesman-Review, 9/28/09, Glass pile shows recycling challenge:http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/sep/28/glass-pile-shows-recycling-challenge/ states battling to find a solution for glass that has been collected but can't be recycled because it is cheaper to make new glass, this relates to my beat because it is about an environmentally friendly process that isn't working
*Spokesman-Review 8/28/09, Transplanting Beavers: http://www.spokesman.com/video/2009/aug/28/transplanting-beavers/ A local man is transplanting beavers to restore damaged stream areas and improve the water and environmental quality of the area. This is related to my beat because it is a creative and inexpensive environmental restoration project.
Story Ideas:
*Go more in depth with the beaver story, now that they have been transplanted, how is it going? etc
*new community center in cheney, community friendly but environmentally friendly?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Political Story
OUTLINE
I. Intro: WSU PSU protest
a. Lede quote: right thing to do
II. Washington state’s project intro
III. Background
a. Sweatfree definition
b. Sweatshop abuses list
c. Why people want to go sweatfree
IV. What wsu did
a. WRC
b. FLA
c. prices
V. What state is going to do
a. Cost
b. SPC
VI. Problems
VII. Project future and how likely implementation is
ARTICLE
Two years ago, Washington State University students joined the long line of college activists to protest Cougar gear made in sweatshops. Progressive Student Union members prepared to fight, in cardboard boxes emblazoned with their battle cry – “I’d Rather Go Naked than Wear Sweatshop Clothing.”
However, the fight was not to be had. WSU officials were already considering going sweatfree and willingly signed a policy within a week, WSU Trademark Department Program Administrative Manager, Alyce Anderson said.
“I think the PSU expected more of a push back,” Anderson said. “But it’s just the right thing to do.”
Today, the state of Washington is considering a similar measure. The House of Representatives Committee on Commerce and Labor held a work session in March to discuss why the state should put together a sweatfree purchasing policy and how to do that.
Sweatfree means a product is not made under sweatshop conditions. Sweatshop conditions are any internationally recognized unsafe or unfair working conditions, said Kristen Beifus, SweatFree Washington Coordinator, at the March Commerce and Labor work session.
Sweatfree policies combat these issues by protecting workers and fighting a global economy based on exploitation and a race to create the cheapest products, said Rebecca Johnson, Washington State Labor Council Government Affairs Director, at the March meeting.
“An injury to one is an injury to all,” Johnson said.
In October of 2007, WSU signed on to the Worker’s Rights Consortium and the Free Labor Association. The WRC is a watchdog organization that monitors suppliers and works with them to fix violations, Anderson said. The FLA is an organization that all suppliers must be members of in order to manufacture products with a Cougar logo, she said.
“These organizations get all people together working for solutions,” she said.
The price of Cougar gear has not increased significantly due to FLA membership, Anderson said, because many suppliers, such as Nike, were already members.
The state policy would be similar. It would join the Sweatfree Purchasing Consortium, a group of almost 200 public institutions. The purpose is a collective effort for transparency from suppliers by pooling resources, said Dick Meyer, South Sound Clean Clothes Campaign and Founder, at the March meeting.
States in the U.S. spend $400 million per year on apparel such as uniforms for employees, Beifus said. A procurement policy will include a code of conduct for suppliers including respecting international labor standards and submitting to investigation and necessary corrective action.
The enforcement of this code is up to the Sweatfree Purchasing Consortium, which uses members’ $500 initial fee and $5,000 yearly member fee to monitor and improve conditions, said Bjorn Claeson, Executive Director of SweatFree Communities.
However, joining these watchdog organizations does not make sweatfree purchasing “as simple as waving a magic wand,” Anderson said.
“It’s like saying your house will never catch on fire because you have insurance,” she said. The point of the policies is to find the problems and create solutions.
The state’s sweatfree purchasing project is just beginning , Commerce and Labor Committee Chair, Steve Conway said during the work session, but he and several other committee members are very interested in working towards a policy for Washington. The committee’s goal is to produce a policy by Jan. 1.
SOURCES
Alyce Anderson, WSU Trademarks Administrative Program Manager, 509-335-2202
Alison Hellberg, Commerce and Labor Counsel and Sweatfree Purchasing Project Manager, 360-786-7152
Steve Conway, Commerce and Labor Chair, 360-786-7906
http://www.tvw.org/media/mediaplayer.cfm?evid=2009031018&TYPE=V&CFID=697859&CFTOKEN=29830829&bhcp=1 , video of work session from which Beifus, Conway, Johnson, Claeson and Meyer were quoted
I. Intro: WSU PSU protest
a. Lede quote: right thing to do
II. Washington state’s project intro
III. Background
a. Sweatfree definition
b. Sweatshop abuses list
c. Why people want to go sweatfree
IV. What wsu did
a. WRC
b. FLA
c. prices
V. What state is going to do
a. Cost
b. SPC
VI. Problems
VII. Project future and how likely implementation is
ARTICLE
Two years ago, Washington State University students joined the long line of college activists to protest Cougar gear made in sweatshops. Progressive Student Union members prepared to fight, in cardboard boxes emblazoned with their battle cry – “I’d Rather Go Naked than Wear Sweatshop Clothing.”
However, the fight was not to be had. WSU officials were already considering going sweatfree and willingly signed a policy within a week, WSU Trademark Department Program Administrative Manager, Alyce Anderson said.
“I think the PSU expected more of a push back,” Anderson said. “But it’s just the right thing to do.”
Today, the state of Washington is considering a similar measure. The House of Representatives Committee on Commerce and Labor held a work session in March to discuss why the state should put together a sweatfree purchasing policy and how to do that.
Sweatfree means a product is not made under sweatshop conditions. Sweatshop conditions are any internationally recognized unsafe or unfair working conditions, said Kristen Beifus, SweatFree Washington Coordinator, at the March Commerce and Labor work session.
Sweatfree policies combat these issues by protecting workers and fighting a global economy based on exploitation and a race to create the cheapest products, said Rebecca Johnson, Washington State Labor Council Government Affairs Director, at the March meeting.
“An injury to one is an injury to all,” Johnson said.
In October of 2007, WSU signed on to the Worker’s Rights Consortium and the Free Labor Association. The WRC is a watchdog organization that monitors suppliers and works with them to fix violations, Anderson said. The FLA is an organization that all suppliers must be members of in order to manufacture products with a Cougar logo, she said.
“These organizations get all people together working for solutions,” she said.
The price of Cougar gear has not increased significantly due to FLA membership, Anderson said, because many suppliers, such as Nike, were already members.
The state policy would be similar. It would join the Sweatfree Purchasing Consortium, a group of almost 200 public institutions. The purpose is a collective effort for transparency from suppliers by pooling resources, said Dick Meyer, South Sound Clean Clothes Campaign and Founder, at the March meeting.
States in the U.S. spend $400 million per year on apparel such as uniforms for employees, Beifus said. A procurement policy will include a code of conduct for suppliers including respecting international labor standards and submitting to investigation and necessary corrective action.
The enforcement of this code is up to the Sweatfree Purchasing Consortium, which uses members’ $500 initial fee and $5,000 yearly member fee to monitor and improve conditions, said Bjorn Claeson, Executive Director of SweatFree Communities.
However, joining these watchdog organizations does not make sweatfree purchasing “as simple as waving a magic wand,” Anderson said.
“It’s like saying your house will never catch on fire because you have insurance,” she said. The point of the policies is to find the problems and create solutions.
The state’s sweatfree purchasing project is just beginning , Commerce and Labor Committee Chair, Steve Conway said during the work session, but he and several other committee members are very interested in working towards a policy for Washington. The committee’s goal is to produce a policy by Jan. 1.
SOURCES
Alyce Anderson, WSU Trademarks Administrative Program Manager, 509-335-2202
Alison Hellberg, Commerce and Labor Counsel and Sweatfree Purchasing Project Manager, 360-786-7152
Steve Conway, Commerce and Labor Chair, 360-786-7906
http://www.tvw.org/media/mediaplayer.cfm?evid=2009031018&TYPE=V&CFID=697859&CFTOKEN=29830829&bhcp=1 , video of work session from which Beifus, Conway, Johnson, Claeson and Meyer were quoted
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Tweaked Political Pitch
House Sweatfree Project with the local angle of the Bookie. How their implementation is going and is this something that could work across the state? How would this impact the Pullman Economy with Shopko and Wal-Mart? How likely is the implementation and what exactly is the plan? Prices? What other states have that we are looking at.
During the 2009 session, the House Commerce & Labor Committee held a work session to discusssweatfree purchasing policies and the multi-state Sweatfree Consortium. During the 2009 interim, theCommittee will continue to examine polices adopted in other states and begin developing a proposedpolicy for Washington.January 1, 2010NoneCompletion Date:Project Title:Staff Assigned:Number & Type of Meetings
During the 2009 session, the House Commerce & Labor Committee held a work session to discusssweatfree purchasing policies and the multi-state Sweatfree Consortium. During the 2009 interim, theCommittee will continue to examine polices adopted in other states and begin developing a proposedpolicy for Washington.January 1, 2010NoneCompletion Date:Project Title:Staff Assigned:Number & Type of Meetings
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Sept 22 blog update
* 09/17/09 Under the Big Red Tent Debate: locavore's dilemma the costs and benefits of eating local food and what WSU and individuals can do and are doing
* 09/16/09 http://dailyevergreen.com/story/29405 WSU Health and Wellbeing seminar on eating local and organic to stay healthy
* Sept 2009 http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/food-for-the-soul/article160121.html an organic farm that educates young children about healthy eating, this relates to Pullman because the WSU organic garden and other local gardens are also trying to reach out to locals and work on education
Story ideas
* WSU organic farm/Mary Jane's Farm and the outreach efforts they are making
* Pullman wastewater diversion project
* 09/16/09 http://dailyevergreen.com/story/29405 WSU Health and Wellbeing seminar on eating local and organic to stay healthy
* Sept 2009 http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/food-for-the-soul/article160121.html an organic farm that educates young children about healthy eating, this relates to Pullman because the WSU organic garden and other local gardens are also trying to reach out to locals and work on education
Story ideas
* WSU organic farm/Mary Jane's Farm and the outreach efforts they are making
* Pullman wastewater diversion project
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Political Story Ideas
* HR Ecology and Parks Committee meeting on increasing recycling collection
* HR Environmental Health Committee meeting on the impacts of pesticide use on humans
* Senate Environment, Water & Energy Committee Ewaste program
* Senate Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation Committee update on invasive species
* Senate Stock Water Work Group - a group to provide for a supply of water for increasing stock needs, also a concern about the number of stock farms and number of stock
* Senate EW&E C project on climate change response - how would agriculture need to change to be ready for climate change?
* S NRO&R C project on land preservation - land use changes? changing farming techniques?
* HR Ag & NR C project on water policy considerations - stock watering and storm water are some of the considerations
* HR Sweatfree Purchasing project
* WSU's organic farming program and budget cuts
* HR Environmental Health Committee meeting on the impacts of pesticide use on humans
* Senate Environment, Water & Energy Committee Ewaste program
* Senate Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation Committee update on invasive species
* Senate Stock Water Work Group - a group to provide for a supply of water for increasing stock needs, also a concern about the number of stock farms and number of stock
* Senate EW&E C project on climate change response - how would agriculture need to change to be ready for climate change?
* S NRO&R C project on land preservation - land use changes? changing farming techniques?
* HR Ag & NR C project on water policy considerations - stock watering and storm water are some of the considerations
* HR Sweatfree Purchasing project
* WSU's organic farming program and budget cuts
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Sept 8 Blog Update
Two Related Stories:
* http://www.downtoearthnw.com/stories/2009/sep/13/a-slice-of-the-future/ - 09/13/09 a look at green business claims, how they are catching on and why and if they will continue to gain momentum. This applies to my beat because it is following a trend in a local area of people relating to the environment in a new way.
* http://www.downtoearthnw.com/stories/2009/sep/02/organics-beneficial-humans-and-animals-too/ - 09/02/09 an article about the benefits of organic food, mostly to people and animals. This article also relates to my beat by looking at an environmental trend in the area.
Three Story Ideas:
* How to read labels. The policy behind organic food labels, green paper products, green business claims etc. How green do they have to be to claim it? Who regulates these claims?
* Pullman and surrounding towns green policy. Is a big city like Spokane greening more than places like Palouse, or is it mid-sized places like Pullman/Moscow, and why?
* WSU/Pullman recycling program, where does our recycling go, recycling policy-- can we recycle plastic bags, glass, what is the deal with co-mingling?
* http://www.downtoearthnw.com/stories/2009/sep/13/a-slice-of-the-future/ - 09/13/09 a look at green business claims, how they are catching on and why and if they will continue to gain momentum. This applies to my beat because it is following a trend in a local area of people relating to the environment in a new way.
* http://www.downtoearthnw.com/stories/2009/sep/02/organics-beneficial-humans-and-animals-too/ - 09/02/09 an article about the benefits of organic food, mostly to people and animals. This article also relates to my beat by looking at an environmental trend in the area.
Three Story Ideas:
* How to read labels. The policy behind organic food labels, green paper products, green business claims etc. How green do they have to be to claim it? Who regulates these claims?
* Pullman and surrounding towns green policy. Is a big city like Spokane greening more than places like Palouse, or is it mid-sized places like Pullman/Moscow, and why?
* WSU/Pullman recycling program, where does our recycling go, recycling policy-- can we recycle plastic bags, glass, what is the deal with co-mingling?
Speech
Tuesday, during an afternoon of studying at the CUB lounge, onlookers were 'treated' to a fellow student being Tased in a demonstration by local police during a forum on less-lethal methods of force.
"It was an extreme amount of pain at once," Taser volunteer and WSU police intern Brandon Wilson said.
Wilson, a junior criminal justice major at WSU, stiffened when the barbs hit him and had to be lowered to the ground by the police officer supports at his sides.
The Taser demonstration was the capstone of the day's presentation by WSU and Pullman police officers, organized by the WSU Police Advisory Board. The goal of this and the two upcoming forums (on Oct. 13 and Nov. 10) was to create more face to face time for police officers and students, WSU Chief of Police Bill Gardner said.
The most effective way officers have found to reduce crime in Pullman is to know students and residents on a first-name basis and build relationships with them, Gardner said. The forum series is a step in that direction as well as a source of information for students about police action.
This forum covered force police officers employ, from presence to lethal action, focusing on tactics in the middle such as physical force, various sprays and smokes and the Taser.
"We want to let students know that officers have a lot of choices and we try to use the minimum force, we are not trying to seriously harm," Pullman Police Officer Scott Kirk said.
Kirk discussed police force resources to a fluctuating crowd of about 30 students pausing on their walk through the CUB or in their work to listen. He explained how each tool functions, its uses and reactions. When he came to Tasers he went into especial detail, explaining the science behind the volts and amps to be clear that Tasers are not lethal.
After the demonstration, students asked questions about Tasers and how they work.
WSU Police Officer Kelly Stewart began the forum with a PowerPoint overview of the use of force, discussing important court cases, concepts like the Use of Force Continuum and the meanings of 'objectively reasonable' and 'necessary'.
Stewart explained that each agency has a Use of Force Continuum to explain the escalation of force and how officers should respond to actions. He showed the WSU Police Use of Force Continuum, detailing each step.
Police action must be considered reasonable and necessary by an objective third party to be considered justified, Stewart said.
"No reasonable effective alternative to the use of force you used appeared to exist and the amount of force used needs to be reasonable to affect your lawful purpose," Stewart said was the definition of 'necessary'. This is a definition all officers must have memorized, he said.
Gardner compared police force today to when he started in the police force and officers only carried a baton. Today’s force is preferable, he said.
"I’ve got zero to baton," he said about the continuum of force years ago. Even compared to a Taser, a baton is going to cause more damage and have a lasting impact, he said.
The next two police forums from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 13 and Nov. 10 are about crime scenes and drug dogs respectively.
Sources:
* WSU Police Chief Bill Gardner: 509-335-8548
* WSU Police Officer Kelly Stewart: 509-335-4408
* Pullman Police Officer Scott Kirk: 509-332-0802
* WSU student Brandon Wilson: banw83@msn.com
Questions:
* Are any of the sprays used by police officers harmful to the environment?
* Why does each agency create its own Use of Force Continuum, how do you create it and what is its purpose?
* Who organized these forums and what was their purpose?
"It was an extreme amount of pain at once," Taser volunteer and WSU police intern Brandon Wilson said.
Wilson, a junior criminal justice major at WSU, stiffened when the barbs hit him and had to be lowered to the ground by the police officer supports at his sides.
The Taser demonstration was the capstone of the day's presentation by WSU and Pullman police officers, organized by the WSU Police Advisory Board. The goal of this and the two upcoming forums (on Oct. 13 and Nov. 10) was to create more face to face time for police officers and students, WSU Chief of Police Bill Gardner said.
The most effective way officers have found to reduce crime in Pullman is to know students and residents on a first-name basis and build relationships with them, Gardner said. The forum series is a step in that direction as well as a source of information for students about police action.
This forum covered force police officers employ, from presence to lethal action, focusing on tactics in the middle such as physical force, various sprays and smokes and the Taser.
"We want to let students know that officers have a lot of choices and we try to use the minimum force, we are not trying to seriously harm," Pullman Police Officer Scott Kirk said.
Kirk discussed police force resources to a fluctuating crowd of about 30 students pausing on their walk through the CUB or in their work to listen. He explained how each tool functions, its uses and reactions. When he came to Tasers he went into especial detail, explaining the science behind the volts and amps to be clear that Tasers are not lethal.
After the demonstration, students asked questions about Tasers and how they work.
WSU Police Officer Kelly Stewart began the forum with a PowerPoint overview of the use of force, discussing important court cases, concepts like the Use of Force Continuum and the meanings of 'objectively reasonable' and 'necessary'.
Stewart explained that each agency has a Use of Force Continuum to explain the escalation of force and how officers should respond to actions. He showed the WSU Police Use of Force Continuum, detailing each step.
Police action must be considered reasonable and necessary by an objective third party to be considered justified, Stewart said.
"No reasonable effective alternative to the use of force you used appeared to exist and the amount of force used needs to be reasonable to affect your lawful purpose," Stewart said was the definition of 'necessary'. This is a definition all officers must have memorized, he said.
Gardner compared police force today to when he started in the police force and officers only carried a baton. Today’s force is preferable, he said.
"I’ve got zero to baton," he said about the continuum of force years ago. Even compared to a Taser, a baton is going to cause more damage and have a lasting impact, he said.
The next two police forums from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 13 and Nov. 10 are about crime scenes and drug dogs respectively.
Sources:
* WSU Police Chief Bill Gardner: 509-335-8548
* WSU Police Officer Kelly Stewart: 509-335-4408
* Pullman Police Officer Scott Kirk: 509-332-0802
* WSU student Brandon Wilson: banw83@msn.com
Questions:
* Are any of the sprays used by police officers harmful to the environment?
* Why does each agency create its own Use of Force Continuum, how do you create it and what is its purpose?
* Who organized these forums and what was their purpose?
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Legislative Exercise
1. HB 1594 --Creating the environmental cleanup opportunity grant program
2. 9/30/09 Pesticide Drift - Report on the airborne pesticide concentrations levels of possible concern to human health
3. Tom Campbell
4. Pam Madson, Counsel
5. Mark Schloesler, Don Cox, Joe Schmick
6. Agriculture& Rural Economic Development, Financial Institutions Housing & Insurance, Rules, Ways & Means -- Sponsored: SB 5076
7. (360) 786-7844
8. April 9 Environmental Health Committee http://www.tvw.org/media/mediaplayer.cfm?evid=2009041030&TYPE=V&CFID=3518299&CFTOKEN=25861960&bhcp=1
9. Sept. 30, 2009
10. RCWs are laws, WACs are administrative codes- how different departments need to implement laws
13. $13,656,561.01 total 2008 contributions to Gregoire's campaign
(a)$1,442,687 total campaign contributions to McMorris-Rodgers through 2008
(b)top five campaign donors to McMorris-Rodgers in 2008: Avista Corp, Hecla Mining, Microsoft Corp, Wells Fargo, Alltel Corp
14. An RSS Feed is an optional feed that alerts people as soon as information is published. This would be helpful so we would not only get all relevant information but we would get it asap.
2. 9/30/09 Pesticide Drift - Report on the airborne pesticide concentrations levels of possible concern to human health
3. Tom Campbell
4. Pam Madson, Counsel
5. Mark Schloesler, Don Cox, Joe Schmick
6. Agriculture& Rural Economic Development, Financial Institutions Housing & Insurance, Rules, Ways & Means -- Sponsored: SB 5076
7. (360) 786-7844
8. April 9 Environmental Health Committee http://www.tvw.org/media/mediaplayer.cfm?evid=2009041030&TYPE=V&CFID=3518299&CFTOKEN=25861960&bhcp=1
9. Sept. 30, 2009
10. RCWs are laws, WACs are administrative codes- how different departments need to implement laws
13. $13,656,561.01 total 2008 contributions to Gregoire's campaign
(a)$1,442,687 total campaign contributions to McMorris-Rodgers through 2008
(b)top five campaign donors to McMorris-Rodgers in 2008: Avista Corp, Hecla Mining, Microsoft Corp, Wells Fargo, Alltel Corp
14. An RSS Feed is an optional feed that alerts people as soon as information is published. This would be helpful so we would not only get all relevant information but we would get it asap.
Floyd Blog
President Elson Floyd praised WSU's flu response efforts in a Tuesday blog post meant to placate the school's community and temper media coverage.
"[I have] pride in how our university has dealt with and is continuing to deal with this outbreak," he said. "Cougars helping Cougars is very much part of our mindset on all of our campuses."
"[I have] pride in how our university has dealt with and is continuing to deal with this outbreak," he said. "Cougars helping Cougars is very much part of our mindset on all of our campuses."
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Public Disclosure Commission
1. Susan Fagan (R), Patricia Hailey (R), Glen Stockwell (D), Arthur Swannack (R), Darin Watkins (R)
2. (a) $9,815 cash contributions for July. $964.33 in-kind contributions for July. $10,779.93 total cash and in-kind contributions for the period. $51,147.08 total contribution for campaign.
(b)$11,301.87 in account
(c)$118.83 candy for parades of July 6
2. (a) $9,815 cash contributions for July. $964.33 in-kind contributions for July. $10,779.93 total cash and in-kind contributions for the period. $51,147.08 total contribution for campaign.
(b)$11,301.87 in account
(c)$118.83 candy for parades of July 6
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Using familiar language to increase his connection to Abraham Lincoln and the Bible, Dr. Martin Luther King spoke of freedom, today, to an increasingly excited black, and white, crowd at the end of the March on Washington.
"I have a dream..." King echoed again and again. "It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream... I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the promise of its creed."
Calls for righteousness, justice and hope echoed over the tranquil pool as audience members eagerly listened to King's soothing tones rising to crescendo in the lyrics of a hymn.
"I have a dream..." King echoed again and again. "It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream... I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the promise of its creed."
Calls for righteousness, justice and hope echoed over the tranquil pool as audience members eagerly listened to King's soothing tones rising to crescendo in the lyrics of a hymn.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Story Ideas:
*Food in Pullman schools, where it comes from, how healthy and green it is
*How WSU budget cuts impacted the environment. If cuts were eco-friendly, like printing less, or eco-unfriendly, like buying cheaper but less responsibly made products
Related Stories:
*A Spokane group holds a picnic to raise awareness about making school food "that tastes good, is good for them, is good for the people who grow and prepare it, and is good for the planet” 8/28/09http://www.downtoearthnw.com/stories/2009/aug/28/food-group-plans-eat-labor-day/
*A local woman grows organic food in her backyard to share with local food banks 9/6/09http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/sep/06/snyder-shares-her-bounty-with-homeless/
*Food in Pullman schools, where it comes from, how healthy and green it is
*How WSU budget cuts impacted the environment. If cuts were eco-friendly, like printing less, or eco-unfriendly, like buying cheaper but less responsibly made products
Related Stories:
*A Spokane group holds a picnic to raise awareness about making school food "that tastes good, is good for them, is good for the people who grow and prepare it, and is good for the planet” 8/28/09http://www.downtoearthnw.com/stories/2009/aug/28/food-group-plans-eat-labor-day/
*A local woman grows organic food in her backyard to share with local food banks 9/6/09http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/sep/06/snyder-shares-her-bounty-with-homeless/
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Beat Note
For this class, I am going to cover an environmental beat. I want to narrow the scope of what could be a broad topic to local human interactions with their environment. So instead of stories about what WSU environmental researchers are discovering in other states or countries, I would rather write stories about WSU students that are trying to ‘green’ WSU policy. So, while a great source will be the Environmental Science Department at WSU, an even better source will be the Environmental Science Club, which is trying to establish a ‘green fund’ to use to make eco-friendly changes at WSU.
Other important local issues are water quality, endangered and threatened species, agriculture practices, and local and/or organic food. Something I would be interested in looking in to is if people are less willing to take eco-friendly measures in the current economic climate. I could talk to people at the Moscow co-op and local farmers’ markets and produce sales.
Two other key sources for this beat are going to be MaryJane’s Farm and downtoearthnw.com, which are both local environmentally-oriented media. I am also interested in looking at local agriculture journals to see if and how they deal with environmental concerns.
I am trying to steer away from national and international issues for this beat because I want to keep it very local, but, because the environment is not an isolated regional entity, but a global system, international environment issues do impact everyone. I assume there is a national trend at universities that will become even more pronounced, of focus shifting to environmental departments. Environmental issues will come out (if they haven’t already) in all departments from architecture and engineering students learning about new environmental requirements and green building practices, to international relations students study international environmental negotiations. So, state, national and international environmental developments are going to impact what WSU students are going to be learning in their classes and the path their careers will take.
Required Elements:
This beat is relevant because many people are unsure about environmental issues: what the truth is, what the policy is and how to be 'green'. This beat would attempt to enlighten Palouse readers about environmental problems in the area, what the impacts are on their life and how their life impacts the problems. Some past topics are agricultural practices, invasive species, and WSU-specific: green building, recycling and the green fund. Upcoming issues include weather changes, an increase of local and organic produce sales, and the judge's ruling on whether to allow wolf hunting to continue. I would like to confine the scope of this beat to human/environment interaction stories in which it is clear what the relevance is to Palouse readers and their lifestyles.
Story Ideas:
*Organic eating in the Pullman area (especially on-campus options) including benefits of organic eating
*Impact (including cost) of last year's implemented co-mingled recycling program, how it is going
*Green buildings on campus - Olympia Avenue dorm, CUB, how green are they? what directions will the campus go toward in the future? how is this impacting Pullman construction projects?
Recent Stories:
*Wolf hunting debate in Idaho
---http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/sep/01/real-estate-agent-takes-idahos-first-gray-wolf/
*Spokane WSU campus going green
---http://dailyevergreen.com/story/29212
*Spokane elementary school
---http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/aug/31/green-pieces/
Sources:
* Bart Mihailovich bartly7@gmail.com (509)951-8750
---Writer for Spokesman-Review environment blog downtoearthnw.com
* Annie Roe annie_roe@wsu.edu (509)335-3561
---Dining Center Dietician
* Louise Sweeney lasweeney@wsu.edu (509)335-4437
---Capital Planning and Development Project Manager
Other important local issues are water quality, endangered and threatened species, agriculture practices, and local and/or organic food. Something I would be interested in looking in to is if people are less willing to take eco-friendly measures in the current economic climate. I could talk to people at the Moscow co-op and local farmers’ markets and produce sales.
Two other key sources for this beat are going to be MaryJane’s Farm and downtoearthnw.com, which are both local environmentally-oriented media. I am also interested in looking at local agriculture journals to see if and how they deal with environmental concerns.
I am trying to steer away from national and international issues for this beat because I want to keep it very local, but, because the environment is not an isolated regional entity, but a global system, international environment issues do impact everyone. I assume there is a national trend at universities that will become even more pronounced, of focus shifting to environmental departments. Environmental issues will come out (if they haven’t already) in all departments from architecture and engineering students learning about new environmental requirements and green building practices, to international relations students study international environmental negotiations. So, state, national and international environmental developments are going to impact what WSU students are going to be learning in their classes and the path their careers will take.
Required Elements:
This beat is relevant because many people are unsure about environmental issues: what the truth is, what the policy is and how to be 'green'. This beat would attempt to enlighten Palouse readers about environmental problems in the area, what the impacts are on their life and how their life impacts the problems. Some past topics are agricultural practices, invasive species, and WSU-specific: green building, recycling and the green fund. Upcoming issues include weather changes, an increase of local and organic produce sales, and the judge's ruling on whether to allow wolf hunting to continue. I would like to confine the scope of this beat to human/environment interaction stories in which it is clear what the relevance is to Palouse readers and their lifestyles.
Story Ideas:
*Organic eating in the Pullman area (especially on-campus options) including benefits of organic eating
*Impact (including cost) of last year's implemented co-mingled recycling program, how it is going
*Green buildings on campus - Olympia Avenue dorm, CUB, how green are they? what directions will the campus go toward in the future? how is this impacting Pullman construction projects?
Recent Stories:
*Wolf hunting debate in Idaho
---http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/sep/01/real-estate-agent-takes-idahos-first-gray-wolf/
*Spokane WSU campus going green
---http://dailyevergreen.com/story/29212
*Spokane elementary school
---http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/aug/31/green-pieces/
Sources:
* Bart Mihailovich bartly7@gmail.com (509)951-8750
---Writer for Spokesman-Review environment blog downtoearthnw.com
* Annie Roe annie_roe@wsu.edu (509)335-3561
---Dining Center Dietician
* Louise Sweeney lasweeney@wsu.edu (509)335-4437
---Capital Planning and Development Project Manager
Jonathan Randal
1. What do you feel is the biggest problem facing the journalism industry?
2. What do you think is going to be the result of the reduction of foreign bureaus and international reporting?
3. What are the benefits of being an international reporter?
4. Did you know the risks you were facing before you began foreign reporting? If not, would you still do it if you could go back?
5. What tips would you give to students who hope to work internationally in the future?
2. What do you think is going to be the result of the reduction of foreign bureaus and international reporting?
3. What are the benefits of being an international reporter?
4. Did you know the risks you were facing before you began foreign reporting? If not, would you still do it if you could go back?
5. What tips would you give to students who hope to work internationally in the future?
Monday, August 31, 2009
September 1
Two related articles:
*http://www.spokesmanreview.com/sections/warming/?ID=272063
---this is relevant because it is about the area, also interesting to local people because it is something they could implement themselves, have studied in classes or want to know how to support
--- a little old, but this is constantly a relevant issue, how many more farmers are doing this?, is it still working? improvements? updates?
*http://www.examiner.com/x-10389-Chicago-Restaurant-News-Examiner~y2009m8d30-Dining-101-The-difference-between-natural-and-organic-food
--- this is relevant because college (some) students are concerned about eating ethically and healthily, and with the the agricultural base of this area people are interested in farming practices and being responsible with food, we also have a large organic and local farm sector that is growing. this is also relevant because, I think, a lot of people are confused about how to take their desire to eat organic and apply it to their trip to Safeway for chips.
--- not about the Palouse and a little blog-ish but could be geared toward this area and something that college students and local would find interesting
Story Ideas:
* update on the no-till farming
* analysis of organic/natural eating options in Pullman: Moscow co-op, dining centers, Dissmores/Safeway, farmer's markets, community gardens
*http://www.spokesmanreview.com/sections/warming/?ID=272063
---this is relevant because it is about the area, also interesting to local people because it is something they could implement themselves, have studied in classes or want to know how to support
--- a little old, but this is constantly a relevant issue, how many more farmers are doing this?, is it still working? improvements? updates?
*http://www.examiner.com/x-10389-Chicago-Restaurant-News-Examiner~y2009m8d30-Dining-101-The-difference-between-natural-and-organic-food
--- this is relevant because college (some) students are concerned about eating ethically and healthily, and with the the agricultural base of this area people are interested in farming practices and being responsible with food, we also have a large organic and local farm sector that is growing. this is also relevant because, I think, a lot of people are confused about how to take their desire to eat organic and apply it to their trip to Safeway for chips.
--- not about the Palouse and a little blog-ish but could be geared toward this area and something that college students and local would find interesting
Story Ideas:
* update on the no-till farming
* analysis of organic/natural eating options in Pullman: Moscow co-op, dining centers, Dissmores/Safeway, farmer's markets, community gardens
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Possible Beats
The general direction I would like to puruse with my beat is ecojustice or social justice. I am planning on going to grad school next year to study these topics, so I would like to start work on research and learning now. Environment, education, religion, or low-income issues would also be interesting, or could be investigated under my broader topic of eco/social justice.
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