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
Monday, November 30, 2009
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
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