BP, the company forever ruining the ecosystem.

Even though a year has gone by after that terrible BP oil spill, there are still several inches of oil coating the floor of the Gulf of Mexico. The harm caused to those creatures that call the gulf their habitat is overwhelming for activist to understand. Bottom feeders of the ocean have essentially been removed from their homes, or better yet, killed. Experts, or the government, believe the gulf spill would be completely cleaned up by the year 2012. Others are saying the total impact of what the oil spill actually did will finally be realized by 2012.

http://www.enn.com/ecosystems/article/42388

4 American Hostages Killed by Pirate off Somalia

I heard this story today on CNN, and looked here to find it again, so I decided to blog about it. It's a frightening and sad story of a hostage situation on the Somalian gulf where the victims did not stand a chance when attacked by pirates.
There seem to be a combination of news values here, the first being conflict because we see more trouble with pirates coming from the Somalian seas; the next immediacy because it just happened today; and the last is proximity because even though it takes place far away, the story involves people from America.
The lead here does not seem to summarize the point of the story as it instead tells about what caused the crew on the destroyer to jump on and fight back against the pirates.
I think some questions that need to be answered are what will the U.S. and Somalian governments do to keep the waters and the people who sail them safe from another pirate raid such as this, especially in response to the threats that the pirates give and the tactics they revealed.

http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20110222/API/1102221040/-1//apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage

Hee Haw Show earns state honors

McNairy County’s Hee Haw Show has been honored with the Sapphire Award by the American Cancer Society for their outstanding contribution to the fight against cancer.
The Hee Haw Show was started in 1987 and has run continuously since then to help raise funds to battle cancer. Mr. George Souders, a popular McNairy County teacher, directed the very first show and there’s been no stopping them since.
The show raised over $20,000 for the American Cancer Society this year and is consistently one of West Tennessee’s largest fundraisers.
Many cast members have been in almost every show, including Joe Dan Maness, Randy Fowler, Kaye Tacker, Dwight and Freda Locke, Amelia Young, and Brian Dickey.
The family of Dorothy King, including Johnny B. and Wilma Dunaway, and Shirley Moore, have provided refreshments for every show. Dorothy lost her battle with cancer in 1996, but her family continues to honor her by continuing the tradition that she started.
Please come out this March and help show your appreciation to this cast and crew for their many contributions to this battle against cancer.

http://mcnairycountynews.com/page3/page46/page46.html

Global Warming? Really?

This story had me from the "Credence" quote. Studies are showing who causes the rain instead of who can stop it. The author further goes to state that the increasing amounts of rainfall and snow are caused by human sources. Although there are not significant differences of when it rains, there are differences in how much it rains. Scientist are trying to pin the blame of the increased rainfall on humanity, when in fact there is little to be done to resolve the issue.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/sciencefair/post/2011/02/global-warming-climate-change-floods-extreme-rainfall-precipitation/1

Drug Gang Shot U.S Agents

This story is about two US agents that got shot in Mexico by men who are in a gang. One of the agents is now dead and the other is wounded.

This story caught my attention because its was a drug gang related issue. This story is novelty. Im sure it happens a lot, but it still catches attention that gang attack would randomly happen to agents who are minding their own business. It shows that when we least expect it, bad things can happen.

The lead of this story very effective. It tells who, what, and where. The why is described later in the story. The lead makes readers want to read more to know exactly why the shootings happened.

There are some unanswered questions about the whole incident. Mexico's officials are being sketchy towards the incident saying that it was probably just a mistake. The US is going to have to evaluate the situation.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110216/ts_nm/us_mexico_usa_agents

http://www.florala.net/ara/education/article_402b6b6d-4f3a-5184-af8b-4d89964364e8.html

This story is about online education, and how it is becoming more popular for students. It discusses how online education is rapidly growing and what some of the advantages are.

1. I think this news lead is just a basic news lead. It answers the WHO, WHAT, and WHY.

2. I think this story has two news values, impact and proximity. This story reveals the impact online education can have on students lives. Also, because this story was done by the "Flor-Ala," this story has proximity because it deals directly with college students.

What I think the story could have included is how this will impact high school seniors who are about to go to college. Is this going to increase the number of students who start working as soon as they graduate and get their degree at the same time? Also, should highschools start incorporating their own online courses to prepare students for the future?

Much Needed Care Leads to Recovery.

This story told about a dolphin that washed ashore in New Orleans. After the oil spill in the Gulf this summer, there were hundreds of thousands of animals left ill. The dolphin mentioned in the story washed up in New Orleans nearly dead. Animal Rescuers took the dolphin to an uncontaminated area and nursed it back to health. The animal was very under sized for it's age, and was completely covered in oily, slimy water. After two short weeks the dolphin was able to eat on its own and was able to swim unassisted. This dolphin is one of sixty-two in this condition, but all are having rapid recoveries.


http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/02/09/gulf.oil.dolphin/index.html

Man Found Slain

A 35 year old man was found slain Sunday inside his home in Phenix City, AL. There were multiple gunshot wounds which the autopsy found as the cause of death. Police are still trying to piece together what happened to the man.

This story is more of proximity because it happened in Alabama in a smaller city. People usually do not expect murders to happen unless its in a bigger city like Birmingham or Montgomery.

I would say the lead of this story is effective. It states the W's which brings people to wanna read more about what happened to the man and what the police plan on what to do about the mystery shooting.

As soon as I can find more information on the man and the shooting, I will post it. Hopefully, police will find the murdered and piece together what happened.

http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20110209/APN/1102091232/-1/news

Bodies found in melting snow

There's been a lot of snow news about all the blizzards hitting the nation, but this story is a little more bizarre than most. And quite disturbing...

1. I chose this story because it's relevant to a lot of areas in the country with all the recent snow. We may not have found any dead bodies in the snow piles, but we have had snow piles!
2. The news value this story contains would be Novelty. It's definitely odd and surprising. It's not every snow-day you find a dead body in the snow. Another possible news value this story contains would be Emotions. Later in the article, residents talk about how the streets were filthy from poor street clean up and management. There was a lot of anger about the conditions.
3. I think this Scene-Setter Lead is great for catching the reader's attention. It talks about how the snow is finally melting-- only to reveal a mess of trash and even dead bodies.
4. Unanswered Questions/Follow-up: What is the city planning to do about clean-up?

http://www.decaturdaily.com/stories/Bodies-foundin-melting-snow,74990

Some Animal Activists call for sled dog boycott after canadian slaughter

 http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/dispatches/post/2011/02/animal-activists-call-for-sled-dog-boycott-after-canadian-slaughter/142221/1

I chose this originally because of its title and i couldn't find anything from my own beat that was interesting.

Alhtough the lead itself did not explain enough i believe to give me a basic outline of what its about.

  News value is its impact on dog lovers and animal activists. Also Proximity the Euthanize of a lot of animals could impact jobs.

A company that bases its sales on sled dog tours. Decided since the year was slot to euthanize 100 to 300 dogs.Animal activists who caught wind decided to boycott the company who did tours through Canada.

The Actual lead mentioned boycott of sled tours not anything about animal killing.

There very well could be a follow up on the company and how they may handle this in the future. Possibly giving the dogs away. And if the boycott affected the company. 

'Barton Hollow' climbs charts, doesn't disappoint

I'm sure we've all been up to our eyeballs in news about The Civil Wars lately, but here's just another little bit. I stopped and looked at this article out of jealousy for not getting to go to either of the performances at the Zodiac Theater. The biggest news value here is definitely Proximity since singer/guitarist John Paul White is a Shoals area native. Followup stories will likely include chart progress for The Civil Wars' album and single Barton Hollow. As far as the article itself is concerned, I didn't like that the lead (talking about the concerts and band background) didn't really follow the headline (about the chart success).

Trailer park laughs with,not at stereotypes

I just found it funny that a musical is coming to town about a white trash family and they are having to defend themselves so people don't take offense to this.

2 Injured After Explosion at Redstone Arsenal

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/05/05/national/main6462795.shtml
This article is about 2 men being injured severely on the Arenal Wednesday while working on the Rockets that had been tested on the site.
I chose this artice because even though 2 men were injured, it highlights our Redstone Arsenal as the premier testing site for the Army.
This article has Proximity, The Arsenal is only an hour awhile. And Impact, our soldiers are just as easily put in harms way here as they are overseas.

Acting against abuse Amelia Young

In the early 1960's Nashville's David Brown was sexually abused by a priest he considered to be a mentor.
After the abuse he went from being a straight A student and wanting to become a priest to a life of drugs and alcholol. Brown was on panel disscussing child sex abuse in the church Thursday during a workshop in Jackson.
It took more than 35 years to tell anyone else what happend . He then felt betrayed by the response he got from the bishop after Brown said he wanted the public to know.

http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011102040315

Locals considering security after public violence

http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20110207/APN/1102071173/-1//apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage?nocache=1

1) I chose this particular story because it shows what kind of an impact recent events (shootings at government meetings) have had on cities in Alabama.

2)This story has impact, in light of recent, tragic events, safety is of the utmost concern for everybody. Proximity- its in Alabama. Prominence is involved with the story revolving around the Dothan city council (public figures).

3) The lead did not work at all. It seemed like a bunch of fluff, and was not straight and to the point. It only told who and a partial where.

4) An unanswered question is, how much is all this extra security going to cost?

Educational Funding Face Possible Cuts

http://www.mountaineagle.com/view/full_story/11238769/article-School-officials-hoping-for-less-dismal-proration?

This article is from my hometown news paper called the Daily Mountain Eagle. This article addresses the possibility of a 10 percent cut to education funding, and the concern that students will still receive adequate education. This article has news values such as impact, immediacy, proximity, conflict, and emotions. As a future educator, this could affect my chances of a job should I choose to locate in my home town. Also, I have been observing in the schools in Walker County, and they are already suffering from lack of funding. More cuts could severly hurt the teachers chances of incorrporating current technology in the classroom. I was personaly alarmed by this article, and hope that the paper follows up on the process of this potential calamity.

Egypt's Fate Rests on Top Soldiers' Shoulders

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41392316

This article gives praise to Egyptain Lt. Gen. Enan for his work with U.S. troops to ensure the end to the violent protests in Egypt. The protests will hopefully end soon with Marburak stating that he will not look to be Re-elected in September; the doing of Enan.

I chose this article because not often do you hear of U.S. Troops refusing to use force against violent middle eastern protestors. More so, because of the promise of an Egyptian official.

The news values are Immediacy (as of Monday), Prominence being our U.S. Troops, Novelty being the solution to the situation, and Emotion being that it gives a breath of hope that progress is being made over in Egypt.

Don't Drink the Sink Water...

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/index


I feel this article is relevant because the tap water being consumed by American citizens is filled with hazardous chemicals. The chemicals which are found in the water can be linked to thyroid problems associated with pregnant mothers and their newborns. The writer of this article further proclaims that the chemicals posing as the biggest threat comes from the exhaust of spaceships. President Obama has revised the action to be taken as the initial plan was introduced during the Bush administration. The goal of this plan is to make the water being consumed by our nation cleaner and less likely to cause birth defects. Although this is to be a slow process it will benefit us as Americans within the next few years.

Bath Salts: The new designer drug?

They've done it again! The kids have found a new, and legal, way to get high-- bath salts. It sounds crazy but apparently you can buy this stuff over the counter or online. No medical card needed...

1. I chose this story because of how fast this trend seems to be catching on. And for the bizzare factor. It's just bath salt you can buy in a store, completely legal, but also potentially fatal.
2. This story displays quite a few news values. Impact: This is a widespread trend. It could effect parents having to watch their children even more closely; it could effect the vendors who sell it; it could effect people who love taking baths! Proximity: More than likely, this product is sold in a couple of places in your town. Novelty: This is definitely a little crazy. Something like bath salts causing dangerous highs and suicidal thoughts? Unexpected. Emotions: Kids and adults are dying from over dose and other effects of this new designer drug. It's scary and sad.
3. Since this is actually a video news clip (I saw the story on video but I couldnt find it in print), I'm not positive on how to grade the effectiveness of the lead. If it were in print though, I would still say it was effective. The element of "Ooo what is it?" and mystery get me wanting to listen to the rest when the anchor opens with "There is a new drug on the streets and its not what you might think. And it's legal".
4. What are authorities planning to do about it? When will they be able to take action concerning laws against the sale of certain bath salts?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/41366667#41366667

Nonessential US gov't staff begin to leave Egypt

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110202/ap_on_re_mi_ea/egypt_evacuations

I choose this story because I feel not enough people truly understand the effect this outcome will have on Americans futures. The evacuation only shows how serious the issue is and I feel that more news coverage is needed. I'm still waiting to hear about full blown riots in the near future.

Trial date set for Alabama man accused of killing wife on honeymoon

http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/02/01/alabama.honeymoon.case/index.html?iref=allsearch

1) I chose this story because its not every day that a man kills his wife on a honeymoon, and the couple is from Birmingham, Alabama.

2) The news values are: immediacy (the trial was set on the 1st of February), proximity (it will take place in Birmingham), novelty (it is crazy that this is happening 5 years after the wife died, and he spent time in an Australia jail, and got remarried), and emotions (this makes me feel sad and angry that people can do this, and it takes so long to get them in court.)

3) The lead definitely worked, because it comes as a relief to know that this man will hopefully be held accountable for his actions.

4) There were no questions left unanswered, and this is a follow up story to an incident that happened 5 years ago.

Lindsey Lohan: Back at it Again

Lindsey Lohan Suspected Jewelery Theft

For starters, I know this isn't typically something to think about when the word "crime" comes to mind; however, stealing is a still a crime. I personally found it an entertaining piece because Lindsey Lohan is a wreck and somehow ALWAYS makes it in the news, that is, if you would even call it "news". I guess people enjoy seeing her in magazines/papers and television because it makes people feel better about their own lives? People love knowing that there is someone else out in the world that is more messed up than them.

Supposedly, Lohan stole a $2,500 dollar necklace. Of coarse she is denying it; Lohan is always in some sort of trouble or mishap. Another charge on her record is the last thing she needs. Why anyone would want to spend $2,500 on a necklace is beyond me; stealing it is even worse. Knowing Lohan and her bad fashion since, the necklace probably wasn't even cute or worth all this mess this has got her in.

This story is a prime example that even the smallest of things that do not overall affect average peoples lives can be made in to a story and called "news". Stories like these are solely to entertain and give us insight on celebrities and their messed up lives.

Boehner: U.S. Will Not Default on Debt, But Congress Will Slash Spending

The United States will not default on its obligations, but must reduce spending at the same time it raises its debt limit, House Speaker John Boehner said Sunday. Now that the house is Republican-led there are going to be many changes happening. For example, they are demanding a debt limit in order to make sure that the federal government will never go on a spending spree again. The current debt is rising by $4 million a day.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/01/30/boehner-default-debt-congress-slash-spending/#ixzz1ClO3RbFB

Songwriter Amos Lee gets personal in new album

I think this story deserves attention out of a personal love for up-and-coming musicians. Amos Lee comments in an interview about the intimacy of his newest album Morning Bell. He also talks about how he's not worried about mainstream success, a statement easy enough to make after being heavily commended by country music legend Willie Nelson.

The story has some immediacy with the album's release last month and has prominence in the presence of Willie Nelson and Lucinda Williams on the album. A followup story might include news about Lee's upcoming tour promoting the album.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/Music/01/18/amos.lee.soundcheck/index.html

Demands for Change in Egypt

I chose this story because Egypt is a hotspot in the world right now as this incredible protest continues as somewhere around 225,000 people are demanding current President Mubarak to leave the country and allow free elections to carry on. Also it is said in this story how the military refuses to attack against any further,
The news value involved in this revolves around conflict as this disupute began about a week ago where protestors demanded the president end his thirty year administration.
One follow up I found after reading this article is how the president declarees that he actually will not run for president again, however did not say that he will not give up his power.
The link is below:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/02/world/middleeast/02egypt.html?_r=1&ref=world