The beaches of Amity are closed until further notice after a third person was killed around 1:30 p.m. today.
James Parks, 30, of Oak Bluffs became the third victim of what are now definitely being called shark attacks. His small rowboat was attacked in the pond next to Village Beach. He was knocked into the water and was not seen after that.
The Amity Police Department urges residents and tourists to use extreme caution and report any incidents or sightings to the Coast Guard or police.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Beaches reopened for the Fourth of July
On the Fourth of July, Village Beach in Amity, Mass was once again flooded with locals and tourists eager to enjoy the holiday.
Earlier this week, the deaths of two Amity youth’s were reportedly caused by a shark attack.
The mauled body of Wendy W. Watson, a sophomore at Amity High School, was discovered by an Amity Police Deputy, several hours after she disappeared.
Hours later, Alex Ferguson, a 10-year-old from Mayfair Court in Amity was killed while floating on a raft in the crowded water of Village Beach.
Following the second attack, the beaches were closed until the shark was killed and it was considered safe to swim again.
The beach reopened after a 16-foot Nurse Shark was caught and killed by anonymous fishermen in waters one mile south-southwest of Amity.
“While police urge vigilance, we believe the danger of further shark attacks has passed,” said Martin Brody, Chief of Police in Amity.
People at Village Beach were hesitant at first to enter the water but after a few moments it was full of fun and laughter again. That was until two young boys gave the beach-goers a scare with a shark hoax. After the false alarm the boys were apologetic for what they did and the atmosphere was once again full of excitement.
Nurse Sharks are common in the Atlantic and in the eastern Pacific, in coastal tropical and sub-tropical waters. They have been reported to exist anywhere from Senegal to Gabon, Rhode Island to Southern Brazil, and Mexico to Peru.
This species is very common in shallow waters throughout the West Indies, south Florida and the Florida Keys. Since 1554, there have been only 23 reported attacks where a Nurse Shark was the perpetrator. They are labeled as only dangerous to humans if provoked.
Armed shark spotters will continue to patrol the waters off the beach to ensure further safety. Any shark sightings should be reported immediately to police or Coast Guard.
Earlier this week, the deaths of two Amity youth’s were reportedly caused by a shark attack.
The mauled body of Wendy W. Watson, a sophomore at Amity High School, was discovered by an Amity Police Deputy, several hours after she disappeared.
Hours later, Alex Ferguson, a 10-year-old from Mayfair Court in Amity was killed while floating on a raft in the crowded water of Village Beach.
Following the second attack, the beaches were closed until the shark was killed and it was considered safe to swim again.
The beach reopened after a 16-foot Nurse Shark was caught and killed by anonymous fishermen in waters one mile south-southwest of Amity.
“While police urge vigilance, we believe the danger of further shark attacks has passed,” said Martin Brody, Chief of Police in Amity.
People at Village Beach were hesitant at first to enter the water but after a few moments it was full of fun and laughter again. That was until two young boys gave the beach-goers a scare with a shark hoax. After the false alarm the boys were apologetic for what they did and the atmosphere was once again full of excitement.
Nurse Sharks are common in the Atlantic and in the eastern Pacific, in coastal tropical and sub-tropical waters. They have been reported to exist anywhere from Senegal to Gabon, Rhode Island to Southern Brazil, and Mexico to Peru.
This species is very common in shallow waters throughout the West Indies, south Florida and the Florida Keys. Since 1554, there have been only 23 reported attacks where a Nurse Shark was the perpetrator. They are labeled as only dangerous to humans if provoked.
Armed shark spotters will continue to patrol the waters off the beach to ensure further safety. Any shark sightings should be reported immediately to police or Coast Guard.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Are Shark Attacks a Threat In New England?
Ever since the movie Jaws appeared on the big screen in 1975, there has been a worldwide panic on the dangers of the water. However, local experts provide the data and reassurance that shark attacks are not a concern here in New England.
“Gone Fishin’: Great white shark sighted in Vineyard Sound” was the headline on an issue of the Martha’s Vineyard Times this past June. It was the cause of several beach closings and many frightened residents and vacationers. According to a local shark expert at the New England Aquarium, this incident was an exception.
“Shark attacks are not a huge concern here in New England,” said Chris Bauernfeind, an expert from the New England Aquarium who personally deals with shark’s every day. “It’s been a very long time since there has been an issue concerning a shark attack,” he said.
According to the International Shark Attack File maintained by the University of Florida there have been five unprovoked shark attacks in New England since 1670. Yes, only five unprovoked attacks in the past 400 years. One took place in Connecticut and the other four took place in Massachusetts. Three of the attacks were fatal and the last fatality occurred in 1936.
Bauernfeind said there are only a few dangerous species of sharks that pose a risk to people’s safety, none of which live in the frigid New England oceans.
Experts at National Geographic explain that there are several ways to avoid an attack. Do not wander too far out into the ocean and stay with a group of people every time you swim. Also, swim away from fishing boats because they often trail fish remains and blood, which attracts sharks. A big thing that attracts sharks is blood. If you're bleeding, stay on the beach. Sharks can smell and taste blood from over a mile away. Avoid groups of seals, sea lions, dolphins and sea birds because they are common victims of sharks. Although it may seem obvious, stay out of the water at dawn, dusk, and night, when some species of sharks may move inshore to feed on fish. Do not wear bright clothing or shiny jewelry. Sharks see contrast extremely well.
If you are attacked by a shark there are a few things you can do to save yourself. Use anything around you at the time to defend yourself. Avoid using your hands or feet; if not, concentrate on hitting between the shark's eyes, snout or gills. If bitten, try to stop the bleeding. Leave the water as quickly and calmly, as possible. While many sharks will not bite again, you can never officially rule out a second attack until you are safely on shore. Get immediate medical attention no matter how small the injury.
So are the oceans of New England safe to swim in? The answer is yes, but always be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Death of Two Youths Linked to Shark Attacks
The body of a 16-year-old girl was found washed up on the shore of South Beach in Amity on the morning of July 1 after her mysterious disappearance the night before.
Wendy W. Watson, a sophomore at Amity High School, was discovered by an Amity Police Deputy, several hours after she disappeared. Her body had been severely mauled by an attacker of unknown origin.
She was last seen alive with an unidentified male leaving a beach party around 11 p.m. Police were notified immediately by her companion when she did not come out of the water after late night skinny dipping in a remote section of the beach. Witnesses at the party said both teenagers had been drinking during the evening.
The cause of death appears to be a shark attack, though other possibilities have not been completely ruled out. Her body has been transported to the coroner’s office for an autopsy. No charges have been filed in the case and police are continuing their investigation into the incident.
SECOND DAY STORY:
For the second day in a row, another tragic death has occurred on the beaches of Amity.
Alex Ferguson, a 10-year-old from Mayfair Court in Amity was killed in what appears to be another shark attack.
“Alex Ferguson was killed in what appears- I repeat, appears- to have been a vicious and unprovoked shark attack,” said Martin Brody, Chief of the Amity Police Department.
Ferguson was floating on a rubber raft in the crowded water of Village Beach when the attack occurred. His body has not been recovered, but his raft floated ashore with what appears to be teeth marks and bites all over it.
The 10-year-old returned to the water after begging his mother, Marian Ferguson, to allow him a few more minutes in the ocean. She hesitantly allowed him 10 more minutes, despite her concern of his cold, pruned fingers. Marian Ferguson is currently being treated for shock at Amity hospital, where she is reported to be in fair condition. There were no other injuries reported.
Officials are beginning to link yesterday’s death of Wendy Watson to the death of Alex Ferguson. Both deaths are still under investigation and no official cause of death has been determined.
“We now believe that it may be possible that the Watson death could also maybe have been linked to the possible shark activities, though the investigation is ongoing at this time,” said Brody.
Police Chief Martin P. Brody, the mayor and the Amity Board of Selectman held a press conference at 5 p.m. today in Town Hall.
At the meeting it was decided by officials to close all the beaches due to the two deaths and the growing concern for the public’s safety. The mayor, however, interposed that the beaches would only be closed for 24-hours because of the significant amount of people this would negatively affect.
It was announced that more police officers would be stationed at the beaches in Amity to oversee the water and watch for dangerous predators. Officials hope to eliminate any more deaths or injuries without closing down the beaches permanently.
A $3,000 reward was being offered to anyone who could catch and kill this dangerous predator. Local fisherman Ben Quint promised to hunt down and kill the perpetrator for $10,000 before anyone else is killed. This offer, however, has not been made official.
Wendy W. Watson, a sophomore at Amity High School, was discovered by an Amity Police Deputy, several hours after she disappeared. Her body had been severely mauled by an attacker of unknown origin.
She was last seen alive with an unidentified male leaving a beach party around 11 p.m. Police were notified immediately by her companion when she did not come out of the water after late night skinny dipping in a remote section of the beach. Witnesses at the party said both teenagers had been drinking during the evening.
The cause of death appears to be a shark attack, though other possibilities have not been completely ruled out. Her body has been transported to the coroner’s office for an autopsy. No charges have been filed in the case and police are continuing their investigation into the incident.
SECOND DAY STORY:
For the second day in a row, another tragic death has occurred on the beaches of Amity.
Alex Ferguson, a 10-year-old from Mayfair Court in Amity was killed in what appears to be another shark attack.
“Alex Ferguson was killed in what appears- I repeat, appears- to have been a vicious and unprovoked shark attack,” said Martin Brody, Chief of the Amity Police Department.
Ferguson was floating on a rubber raft in the crowded water of Village Beach when the attack occurred. His body has not been recovered, but his raft floated ashore with what appears to be teeth marks and bites all over it.
The 10-year-old returned to the water after begging his mother, Marian Ferguson, to allow him a few more minutes in the ocean. She hesitantly allowed him 10 more minutes, despite her concern of his cold, pruned fingers. Marian Ferguson is currently being treated for shock at Amity hospital, where she is reported to be in fair condition. There were no other injuries reported.
Officials are beginning to link yesterday’s death of Wendy Watson to the death of Alex Ferguson. Both deaths are still under investigation and no official cause of death has been determined.
“We now believe that it may be possible that the Watson death could also maybe have been linked to the possible shark activities, though the investigation is ongoing at this time,” said Brody.
Police Chief Martin P. Brody, the mayor and the Amity Board of Selectman held a press conference at 5 p.m. today in Town Hall.
At the meeting it was decided by officials to close all the beaches due to the two deaths and the growing concern for the public’s safety. The mayor, however, interposed that the beaches would only be closed for 24-hours because of the significant amount of people this would negatively affect.
It was announced that more police officers would be stationed at the beaches in Amity to oversee the water and watch for dangerous predators. Officials hope to eliminate any more deaths or injuries without closing down the beaches permanently.
A $3,000 reward was being offered to anyone who could catch and kill this dangerous predator. Local fisherman Ben Quint promised to hunt down and kill the perpetrator for $10,000 before anyone else is killed. This offer, however, has not been made official.
NH Legislation to ban cell phones and pets in laps while driving
The state of New Hampshire is trying to jump on the road safety bandwagon along with several other states by proposing a driver safety bill. The bill would make it illegal to talk on a handheld cell phone, text message or have a pet on your lap while operating a vehicle.
New Hampshire State Representative Richard Drisko proposed a driver safety bill that outlaws handheld cell phone use, text messaging and holding a pet on your lap while driving. Eleven previous cell phone restriction bills, without the addition of pet restrictions, have been rejected. The state hopes this bill will pass with the addition of the pet restrictions.
"The cell phone dilemma has been talked about for a very long time and should be very interesting if it goes to house and then if it passes there onto the senate," said Richard Drisko, the New Hampshire State Representative who proposed the driver safety bill.
Cell phones cause over 200 automobile-related deaths and half a million injuries per year, according to a Harvard University study. From 2003 to 2007, there were 129 deaths resulting from driving and talking on a cell phone in New Hampshire. In 2000, 309,000 people in New Hampshire owned a cell phone. Since then, the amount of cell phone users has increased by 300 percent. There are now over one million people in the state who own a cell phone.
Students Against Destructive Decisions and Liberty Mutual Insurance Group determined text messaging is the primary distraction to teenagers while driving. Text-messaging while driving is becoming as dangerous as drinking and driving, in terms of hindering teenager's driving ability. Despite the danger of text messaging while driving, 46 percent of teenagers admitted to the dangerous act in a study conducted by AAA.
There are currently no limits on cell phone use while driving in New Hampshire. A ban on driving while talking on a handheld cell phone is in place in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Utah and Washington. There are also laws in Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio and Pennsylvania that allow different localities to ban cell phone use while driving.
To further ensure driver safety, Drisko added the restriction of lap pets to the bill. The distraction of a pet in your lap can result in injury or fatality to the driver, other people or the pet. However, the law would still allow drivers to have a pet in their vehicles.
"Dogs love to ride in cars - but it's very important to do so safely," said Ryan Huling, a representative of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "For that reason, we advise people to use car seats and seatbelts when driving with their dogs, to ensure everyone's safety."
Despite his objective to improve safety on the roads, many people feel inconvenienced by this bill. The good intentions of Drisko are seen as a nuisance by people who regularly travel with their lap dogs.
"I have two dogs at home and I take them with me in the car all the time. I don't see them as a distraction at all because they just sit there while I drive," said Brian Carroll, a sophomore at UNH. "Small dogs are hard to travel with because if they aren't on your lap you risk them being injured, so if the bill was to pass I probably would not take my dogs with me anywhere."
Drisko hopes by adding this clause to the bill, New Hampshire will pass the proposal. The goal of this bill is to increase safety on the roads and to do what he feels is in the best interest for his constituents.
"People are 50-50, there are mixed feelings toward this bill," said Drisko. "A lot of people like it, a lot of people don't like it."
New Hampshire State Representative Richard Drisko proposed a driver safety bill that outlaws handheld cell phone use, text messaging and holding a pet on your lap while driving. Eleven previous cell phone restriction bills, without the addition of pet restrictions, have been rejected. The state hopes this bill will pass with the addition of the pet restrictions.
"The cell phone dilemma has been talked about for a very long time and should be very interesting if it goes to house and then if it passes there onto the senate," said Richard Drisko, the New Hampshire State Representative who proposed the driver safety bill.
Cell phones cause over 200 automobile-related deaths and half a million injuries per year, according to a Harvard University study. From 2003 to 2007, there were 129 deaths resulting from driving and talking on a cell phone in New Hampshire. In 2000, 309,000 people in New Hampshire owned a cell phone. Since then, the amount of cell phone users has increased by 300 percent. There are now over one million people in the state who own a cell phone.
Students Against Destructive Decisions and Liberty Mutual Insurance Group determined text messaging is the primary distraction to teenagers while driving. Text-messaging while driving is becoming as dangerous as drinking and driving, in terms of hindering teenager's driving ability. Despite the danger of text messaging while driving, 46 percent of teenagers admitted to the dangerous act in a study conducted by AAA.
There are currently no limits on cell phone use while driving in New Hampshire. A ban on driving while talking on a handheld cell phone is in place in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Utah and Washington. There are also laws in Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio and Pennsylvania that allow different localities to ban cell phone use while driving.
To further ensure driver safety, Drisko added the restriction of lap pets to the bill. The distraction of a pet in your lap can result in injury or fatality to the driver, other people or the pet. However, the law would still allow drivers to have a pet in their vehicles.
"Dogs love to ride in cars - but it's very important to do so safely," said Ryan Huling, a representative of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "For that reason, we advise people to use car seats and seatbelts when driving with their dogs, to ensure everyone's safety."
Despite his objective to improve safety on the roads, many people feel inconvenienced by this bill. The good intentions of Drisko are seen as a nuisance by people who regularly travel with their lap dogs.
"I have two dogs at home and I take them with me in the car all the time. I don't see them as a distraction at all because they just sit there while I drive," said Brian Carroll, a sophomore at UNH. "Small dogs are hard to travel with because if they aren't on your lap you risk them being injured, so if the bill was to pass I probably would not take my dogs with me anywhere."
Drisko hopes by adding this clause to the bill, New Hampshire will pass the proposal. The goal of this bill is to increase safety on the roads and to do what he feels is in the best interest for his constituents.
"People are 50-50, there are mixed feelings toward this bill," said Drisko. "A lot of people like it, a lot of people don't like it."
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Dangerous Weather in New England
Severe weather conditions give travelers coming from all directions a scare on their way to New Hampshire.
The state of New Hampshire has not seen a flood since May 2007. At 4 AM, the National Weather Service posted a flood watch for Southern Maine and New Hampshire.
Power outages have already been reported in Bethlehem, Conway, Durham, Eaton, Madison, New London and Tamworth as of 8:25 this morning.
It took commuters longer to get to their destination this morning with the dangerous driving conditions. Traffic lights were not functioning near UNH this morning, creating an even more hazardous commute for drivers.
According to the National Weather Service Forecast, today’s weather prediction included one to three inches of rain and a temperature of about 44 degrees. Wind speeds will consist of an east wind 17 to 20 mph increasing to between 38 and 41 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph.
Residence halls at the University of New Hampshire have power, but there have reportedly been brief power outages intermittently. Classes were not cancelled and power the remained functional in all of the academic buildings.
The state of New Hampshire has not seen a flood since May 2007. At 4 AM, the National Weather Service posted a flood watch for Southern Maine and New Hampshire.
Power outages have already been reported in Bethlehem, Conway, Durham, Eaton, Madison, New London and Tamworth as of 8:25 this morning.
It took commuters longer to get to their destination this morning with the dangerous driving conditions. Traffic lights were not functioning near UNH this morning, creating an even more hazardous commute for drivers.
According to the National Weather Service Forecast, today’s weather prediction included one to three inches of rain and a temperature of about 44 degrees. Wind speeds will consist of an east wind 17 to 20 mph increasing to between 38 and 41 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph.
Residence halls at the University of New Hampshire have power, but there have reportedly been brief power outages intermittently. Classes were not cancelled and power the remained functional in all of the academic buildings.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
FareCard Alibi
The headline on the front page of today's New York Times “Murder Suspect Has Witness: A FareCard” immediately caught my attention. Articles like this one always seem to catch my attention, hence why I am taking a homicide class this semester. The basic lead used also dragged my intention into the rest of the story. I thought it was a good technique to summarize the main point of what the article was about. However, we don’t learn the importance of the suspects FareCard until later on in the article which was also clever because it forced the reader to keep going.
The story lived up and was described perfectly in the headline. We slowly learned that the murder suspect had his lawyers ask New York City Transit to use his FareCard to trace his movements the night of the shooting. The results supported his account, showing that the card had been used on a bus, and later on a subway roughly five miles from the shooting, just as he had described. This description summarizes the main point of the story.
The story was organized in a way where I didn’t learn about the main focus of the story until halfway through. It began by giving background information which then led to the central idea. The story then goes on to less important information such as what a FareCard is used for and other criminal cases that have needed to use this card as evidence to support or convict someone of a crime.
The story linked its main points from the beginning to the middle. It began by talking about the murder itself and where the suspect claimed he was the night of the murder. It then goes on to talk about the extraordinary turn the case was taking due to the use of the suspects FareCard the same time as the murder. I thought this order was a great way to tell the story because it kept me interested throughout.
By the end of the article I had not learned anything new. This article was not meant to be educational. I was, however, fascinated by the use of electronics and how they are going to help keep an innocent man from receiving the death penalty.
The story lived up and was described perfectly in the headline. We slowly learned that the murder suspect had his lawyers ask New York City Transit to use his FareCard to trace his movements the night of the shooting. The results supported his account, showing that the card had been used on a bus, and later on a subway roughly five miles from the shooting, just as he had described. This description summarizes the main point of the story.
The story was organized in a way where I didn’t learn about the main focus of the story until halfway through. It began by giving background information which then led to the central idea. The story then goes on to less important information such as what a FareCard is used for and other criminal cases that have needed to use this card as evidence to support or convict someone of a crime.
The story linked its main points from the beginning to the middle. It began by talking about the murder itself and where the suspect claimed he was the night of the murder. It then goes on to talk about the extraordinary turn the case was taking due to the use of the suspects FareCard the same time as the murder. I thought this order was a great way to tell the story because it kept me interested throughout.
By the end of the article I had not learned anything new. This article was not meant to be educational. I was, however, fascinated by the use of electronics and how they are going to help keep an innocent man from receiving the death penalty.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Assassin Attempts to Murder NYC Police Detective
Late Sunday afternoon, a French assassin suspected to be working on behalf of a French drug kingpin, attempted to murder a New York City Police Detective who was investigating the case.
Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle, assigned to the Narcotics Division, was gunned down by Pierre Jeantot, of Nice, France. Jeantot was one of the men Doyle and his partner Buddy “Cloudy” Russo were investigating. Doyle used his .38 caliber service revolver and shot Jeantot in the back at the bottom of the steps to the platform of the 15th St. elevated railway station.
“We suspect Jeantot had been assigned to assassinate Doyle,” said Ruth L. Ess, New York City Police commissioner, in a press release.
The hijacked train crashed into the back of another train after being forced to skip a scheduled stop. An injured Jeantot attempted to escape not knowing Doyle was waiting for him at his exit.
Prior to the chase, Jeantot had fired several shots from an automatic rifle at Doyle from the roof of an apartment building at 1767 W. 57th Ave. During these shootings, Jeantot killed 63 year old Betty Badluck who was walking her granddaughter near the apartment building.
The shooting came at the end of a long chase in which Doyle pursued the suspect from 35th St. Station in a commandeered car. Jeantot hijacked the train, killing Roland Evans, a 15- year veteran of the New York City Police Department and conductor Horatio Hornblower with a .44 Magnum revolver. He also is responsible for the heart attack, which resulted in death, of the trainman at the controls, Peter Howe.
“Let me just say is always unfortunate when these incidents end in a loss of a life. We should have preferred to see Jeantot prosecuted in the courts, and we believe Doyle was close to a breakthrough on the case,” said Ess. “We commend Detective Doyle for his bravery and quick thinking under very trying circumstances,” she said.
According to Homeland Security records, Jeantot entered the United States on November 4 on a flight from Paris. He was suspected to be part of a crime syndicate that had been laying the groundwork for a major heroin shipment from France to New York City. Two other men suspected to be involved in the operation are now in questioning.
“We will continue a vigorous and thorough investigation into what appears to be a major smuggling operation. We will not sit while drug dealers walk our streets,” said Ess.
Monday, November 17, 2008
University Presidents' Salary Increase During Hard Economic Times
The headline “Presidents’ Pay Rises Faster at Public Universities than Private Ones, Survey Finds” on page A19 caught my attention. The lead, however, did not keep my attention as well as it could have. They used a basic lead where they talk about the President at Suffolk University and his $2.8 million pay package. I didn’t think it was affective to start off with an example of a college president whose pay has drastically risen. They should have supported the headline more instead of jumping right into things.
I thought the story would be more educational rather than full of opinions and quotes. There was not a lot of information provided other than what people had to say about the topic. The story did not live up to the headline and was not what I thought it would be. I thought there would be a significant amount of quotes but would also be supported by facts. The main point of the story was to propose a question as to why public university presidents are receiving a larger pay increase than private university presidents. Between the failing economy and the tuition difference in private and public universities, it has baffled a lot of people.
The story had no real organizational technique. It had a lot of quotes and support of those quotes but only towards the end. I thought that some of the information and facts that they used should have been used more towards the beginning to keep the reader interested. The story did a pretty good job linking together its main ideas and the quotes. Between most of the quotes, there was information provided that led to the next quote.
I learned that public university presidents are making more money than private university presidents. I also had no idea that university presidents of any type of school make as much money as they do. I was surprised to learn that the president of Suffolk University had a $2.8 million pay package. I was left questioning why university presidents would have a pay increase during these hard economic times. Finally, I learned that despite their rapid salary increase, their salaries are still $100,000 behind private university presidents.
I thought the story would be more educational rather than full of opinions and quotes. There was not a lot of information provided other than what people had to say about the topic. The story did not live up to the headline and was not what I thought it would be. I thought there would be a significant amount of quotes but would also be supported by facts. The main point of the story was to propose a question as to why public university presidents are receiving a larger pay increase than private university presidents. Between the failing economy and the tuition difference in private and public universities, it has baffled a lot of people.
The story had no real organizational technique. It had a lot of quotes and support of those quotes but only towards the end. I thought that some of the information and facts that they used should have been used more towards the beginning to keep the reader interested. The story did a pretty good job linking together its main ideas and the quotes. Between most of the quotes, there was information provided that led to the next quote.
I learned that public university presidents are making more money than private university presidents. I also had no idea that university presidents of any type of school make as much money as they do. I was surprised to learn that the president of Suffolk University had a $2.8 million pay package. I was left questioning why university presidents would have a pay increase during these hard economic times. Finally, I learned that despite their rapid salary increase, their salaries are still $100,000 behind private university presidents.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Lower Gas Prices Don't Make Americans Feel Rich
“Lower Gas Prices Don’t Make Americans Feel Rich” was the headline that caught my attention this morning in the New York Times. The basic lead used also held my attention by providing enough information to keep me interested in what the rest of the article was about. I find articles about gas prices intriguing because it affects me personally. I believe it is important to keep up with everything going on with the economy, especially the rise and fall of gas prices.
The article lived up to the headline that drew me in, and kept me interested until the end. It talked about the fluctuation of the prices over the past several months. Gas below $1.50 a gallon has recently appeared in a few places, and the national average has dropped almost in half since July, to $2.18 a gallon. The article also focused on a number of consumers and their fear about the broader economy. Each 10-cent drop in prices saves consumers about $12 billion a year. Instead of spending that cash, people are trying to save it or cut their debt. Despite this current drop in gas prices, people are concerned prices will once again rise.
Lower gasoline prices have followed a rapid drop to less than $59 a barrel, from more than $145 a barrel in July. It is believed that gas prices are close to bottoming out and that the national average will linger around $2 a gallon through the holidays before creeping up in 2009.
The article was well organized and did not jump around from one thing to another. It talked about the facts and then gave quotes from several different consumers. It provided readers with all the information they needed followed by a lot of support to back up what was being reported. The story communicated its central idea by linking its main points together. All of the information and statistics were givenwere linked together by quotes.
When I finished the article I was surprised to have learned that people are saving an average of $12 billion dollars a year from the drop in gas prices. I had no idea that the slight drop in prices is saving consumers that much money. I also did not know that gas was as low as $1.50 a gallon in some places in the U.S. What I was left questioning about the article was the credibility of the people that were quoted. How and why were they chosen to represent consumers?
The article lived up to the headline that drew me in, and kept me interested until the end. It talked about the fluctuation of the prices over the past several months. Gas below $1.50 a gallon has recently appeared in a few places, and the national average has dropped almost in half since July, to $2.18 a gallon. The article also focused on a number of consumers and their fear about the broader economy. Each 10-cent drop in prices saves consumers about $12 billion a year. Instead of spending that cash, people are trying to save it or cut their debt. Despite this current drop in gas prices, people are concerned prices will once again rise.
Lower gasoline prices have followed a rapid drop to less than $59 a barrel, from more than $145 a barrel in July. It is believed that gas prices are close to bottoming out and that the national average will linger around $2 a gallon through the holidays before creeping up in 2009.
The article was well organized and did not jump around from one thing to another. It talked about the facts and then gave quotes from several different consumers. It provided readers with all the information they needed followed by a lot of support to back up what was being reported. The story communicated its central idea by linking its main points together. All of the information and statistics were givenwere linked together by quotes.
When I finished the article I was surprised to have learned that people are saving an average of $12 billion dollars a year from the drop in gas prices. I had no idea that the slight drop in prices is saving consumers that much money. I also did not know that gas was as low as $1.50 a gallon in some places in the U.S. What I was left questioning about the article was the credibility of the people that were quoted. How and why were they chosen to represent consumers?
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Washington School Chief Starts a Commotion By Taking on Tenure
The headline “A School Chief Takes on Tenure, Stirring a Fight” caught my attention in today’s issue of the New York Times. The article talks about the chancellor of Washington Public Schools, Michelle Rhee, and her proposal to give teachers an option of two compensation plans. The story was balanced and showed the opposing side of this proposal as well. The lead, which was just your basic news lead, also held my interest and made me want to continue reading.
Those who choose the red plan would also get big pay increases, but would lose seniority rights over new teachers. If they are not hired by another school, their only options would be early retirement or eventual dismissal. However, a poll commissioned by the union found that teachers opposed Ms. Rhee’s proposal by three to one.
The two options Michelle Rhee proposed are called the green plan and the red plan. Pay for teachers in the green plan would rise drastically, nearly doubling by 2010. They would, however, need to give up tenure for a year, after which they would need a principal’s recommendation or face dismissal.
Those who choose the red plan would also get big pay increases, but would lose seniority rights over new teachers. If they are not hired by another school, their only options would be early retirement or eventual dismissal. However, a poll commissioned by the union found that teachers opposed Ms. Rhee’s proposal by three to one.
The story was organized in a linear structure, beginning with Michelle Rhee’s proposal and all the support it was receiving. From there, it talked about those who opposed it and why. The story lived up to its captivating headline and kept me intrigued throughout the entire article.
The article linked its main points in order from the supporters of the proposal and various quotes from people who agreed with Michelle Rhee. From there, those who opposed were represented through quotes and an explanation as to why they did not agree with her. It was a very neutral article and did not favor one side over the other. The quotes from both sides came from people who knew what they were talking about which left me feeling as though I could trust what they were saying.
I thought towards the end of the article there were too many quotes. It wasn’t an effective way to conclude the story. I was left wondering why Michelle Rhee was so determined to get her proposal passed and how it would affect the rest of the country. Would other states follow suit if the proposal is passed in Washington? Also, I was left unsure as to which side I would favor if I had to choose.
The article linked its main points in order from the supporters of the proposal and various quotes from people who agreed with Michelle Rhee. From there, those who opposed were represented through quotes and an explanation as to why they did not agree with her. It was a very neutral article and did not favor one side over the other. The quotes from both sides came from people who knew what they were talking about which left me feeling as though I could trust what they were saying.
I thought towards the end of the article there were too many quotes. It wasn’t an effective way to conclude the story. I was left wondering why Michelle Rhee was so determined to get her proposal passed and how it would affect the rest of the country. Would other states follow suit if the proposal is passed in Washington? Also, I was left unsure as to which side I would favor if I had to choose.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Sarah Palin in the Spotlight
The headline “Rehashing ’08 and Rehearsing, Perhaps, for ‘12” on page A18 caught my attention as I flipped through the pages of the New York Times. When I read the article, however, the headline that drew me in had very little to do with the contents of the story. The main point of the story talked about Sarah Palin’s television appearances since her and John McCain’s defeat. Ever since then, Palin has been “unleashed, and not humbled.”
This article also gave Palin a chance to deny the accusations and rumors being spread about her. She denied any role in obtaining the $150,000 wardrobe she and her family acquired on the campaign trail. She also denied the rumors that she faked her pregnancy and that one of her daughters gave birth to her youngest son, Trig.
This article also gave Palin a chance to deny the accusations and rumors being spread about her. She denied any role in obtaining the $150,000 wardrobe she and her family acquired on the campaign trail. She also denied the rumors that she faked her pregnancy and that one of her daughters gave birth to her youngest son, Trig.
I found the organizational technique of the article to be disorderly. The headline made me believe that this article would talk a lot about the potential presidential campaign of Sarah Palin in the 2012 Presidential Election. However, the article began by talking about all the publicity Palin had been receiving since the defeat. The article then gives Palin a chance to deny all the recent accusations surrounding her and her family. The story then ended with what I thought would take up the majority of the article. It was briefly mentioned in the last two paragraphs that Palin is thinking about running for president in 2012.
“And if there is an open door in ’12 or four years later, and if it is something that is going to be good for my family, for my state, for my nation, an opportunity for me, then ill plow through that door.”
I would suggest that this story should have talked more about Palin’s possible presidential campaign in 2012. The story did not communicate what I thought was going to be its central idea. The headline was very deceiving and does not accurately represent the content of the article.
When I finished the article, I was not left with any new information that I had not already heard several times since the defeat. I thought this article was very unsuccessful in bringing new information to the reader.
I believe that the lead was a weak blind lead. We were told that the disconcerting leaks about Sarah Palin turned out to be true, but were not informed what those leaks were in the lead. The lead of the article was very ineffective and should have aimed to pull the reader into the story.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election 2008!
DURHAM, NH- The polls at Oyster River High School in Durham, NH saw hundreds of student voters bright and early on Election Day partaking in the historical presidential election.
At 9 A.M. there was a fair amount of students casting their vote and a small number who were registering for the first time. Busses provided by the University were shuttling students to and from the polls in an attempt to increase the number of student voters.
"When we opened the polls this morning the lines were longer than I expected, but right now I thought they would be a little longer than they are,” said Ann M. Shump of Durham and a coordinating supervisor. “Everything has been running smoothly, we’ve had no problems and are very excited to see so many students here to vote,” she said.
Excited students stood outside after casting their vote, taking pictures of themselves and their friends to remember this important day in their lives. Not only were these students part of a historical election, but it was their first time legally voicing their opinions in an election.
“I feel pretty lucky to be able to voice my opinion and have a small say in who will run the country,” said Kristin Kashgegian of Belmont, MA and a junior at UNH. “I thought about not voting because I have such a busy day, but then I realized I am lucky to have this right and that is what got me to the polls this morning,” she said.
Dozens of Obama and McCain supporters surrounded the outside of the school, trying to make a final impact on voter’s decisions. However, most students had their minds made up and their reasons behind their choices.
“I voted Obama all the way. I’m proud someone of the black race is finally running for president,” said Kyle Flemings of Scranton, PA and a UNH freshman. “Everything Obama stands for, believes in and everything he will do for our country blows McCain out of the water,” he said.
The scene inside of Oyster River High School was tense. Anxious students and overwhelmed organizers of the voting drive created an apprehensive atmosphere. After people casted their votes, the uneasiness subsided and the enthusiasm of what they just took part in was evident.
“I was so anxious to get this over with. I can’t believe I’m old enough to vote!” said Leah Rubin of Holliston, MA and a UNH sophomore. “I got up early to come here because I was so nervous and couldn’t sleep very well but now I’m just so happy that I was able to take part in it,” she said.
Some students, however, showed no emotion and despite this being their first time voting, were very calm. Their consensus on partaking in this historical election was that their opinion does not have much of an impact on the final outcome of the election.
“I’m not nervous or excited that I get to vote today. Honestly the only reason I’m here is because I was already registered and figured I mind as well come,” said Aaron Wetherbee of Littleton, NH and a UNH freshman. “It’s cool that I get to vote, but in the long run my opinion doesn’t really matter in the decision making process,” he said.
Many students stood outside of the gymnasium waiting to cast their vote, nervous that they were going to mess up. For the most part, it was a universal feeling throughout students because it was their first time voting. None of them knew exactly what to expect, and were afraid to mess up on such an official process.
“I’m so nervous that I’m going to mess up on the ballot, or not know some big political term that’s on it,” said Hannah M. Clarke of Sutton, NH and a UNH junior. “I mean it’s probably not going to be as big of a deal as I’m making it out to be, but it’s my first time doing something so mature that I’m so nervous I’m going to do something wrong,” she said.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
School Board Dispute over New Proposal
Portsmouth, NH – The School Board proposed a new policy that a rule be instituted requiring students with disciplinary problems to attend a special Saturday morning session to reduce the number of in house suspensions.
School Board member Tim Steele made a motion to approve the new policy to reduce the number of students caught smoking during the school day, which automatically results in an in house suspension. Students are not allowed to make up work during an in house suspension, and the new program would mean students would miss no class time. Some parents who attended this meeting were outraged by the proposal.
“I work six days a week - including Saturday morning – and it’s bad enough to get my son off to school Monday through Friday,” said Peggy Bacon, a parent. “I know my son isn’t perfect…and the parents are going to have to pay for it in high taxes as well as ruined Saturdays,” she said.
Some students who attended the meeting were also annoyed by the idea, including the ones who have never previously served an in house suspension.
“In twelve years of school I’ve never served a detention and I don’t intend to. But I don’t like this idea, and I think it’s just being done to make life easier for the faculty so they don’t have to deal with detentions during the week,” said high school senior Lisa Gallagher.
After about thirty minutes of discussion, the board voted 5-3, with one member abstaining, to table the issue until its next meeting.
The superintendent of schools also delivered an administrative report detailing the School Department’s efforts to push forward with a $21 million budget for the next school year.
Superintendent Nathan Greenberg indicated that the budget represents an increase of 5.5% over the current year’s spending. He reported to have formed a special citizens committee to review how other communities fund education with tax dollars.
The School Board also heard several committee reports, which included one from the rental committee about advertising the rental of school rooms and buildings in the classified section of the newspaper. Also, the maintenance committee reported that graffiti artists had attacked the back wall of the Middle School. Lastly, the athletic committee proposed guidelines for fundraising by Booster Clubs, which will be discussed at a later date.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m. The next one will be held on March 7, 2009.
School Board member Tim Steele made a motion to approve the new policy to reduce the number of students caught smoking during the school day, which automatically results in an in house suspension. Students are not allowed to make up work during an in house suspension, and the new program would mean students would miss no class time. Some parents who attended this meeting were outraged by the proposal.
“I work six days a week - including Saturday morning – and it’s bad enough to get my son off to school Monday through Friday,” said Peggy Bacon, a parent. “I know my son isn’t perfect…and the parents are going to have to pay for it in high taxes as well as ruined Saturdays,” she said.
Some students who attended the meeting were also annoyed by the idea, including the ones who have never previously served an in house suspension.
“In twelve years of school I’ve never served a detention and I don’t intend to. But I don’t like this idea, and I think it’s just being done to make life easier for the faculty so they don’t have to deal with detentions during the week,” said high school senior Lisa Gallagher.
After about thirty minutes of discussion, the board voted 5-3, with one member abstaining, to table the issue until its next meeting.
The superintendent of schools also delivered an administrative report detailing the School Department’s efforts to push forward with a $21 million budget for the next school year.
Superintendent Nathan Greenberg indicated that the budget represents an increase of 5.5% over the current year’s spending. He reported to have formed a special citizens committee to review how other communities fund education with tax dollars.
The School Board also heard several committee reports, which included one from the rental committee about advertising the rental of school rooms and buildings in the classified section of the newspaper. Also, the maintenance committee reported that graffiti artists had attacked the back wall of the Middle School. Lastly, the athletic committee proposed guidelines for fundraising by Booster Clubs, which will be discussed at a later date.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m. The next one will be held on March 7, 2009.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Is the New York Times Biased?
In recent weeks, the New York Times has been accused by its readers to be favoring the Republican Party. This accusation, however, is false. The Times has remained neutral and has published an equal amount of stories regarding both political parties.
In Thursday’s issue of the New York Times, there were negative articles published about both parties. In the article on page A16 titled: Obama Chides Biden Over Remark About a World Crisis Testing His Presidency, the Times reveals a negative comment about Obama made by his running mate Joe Biden. He told reporters that if Obama was elected, the world’s leaders would test his mettle as a young president, and that he is not ready for this position. This article let readers into the unknown problems of the Democratic campaign.
Adjacent to that article was a negative story published about John McCain titled: McCain Is Faltering Among Hispanic Voters. At the start of the election, McCain was favored by the majority of the Hispanic population. As time went on, however, the Hispanic population of our country is no longer favoring McCain because his campaign never made an effort to ensure their votes. The article is in no way positive, and makes McCain look as though he doesn’t care about receiving support from Hispanic voters.
In Friday’s issue of the New York Times, there was a story published about both Sarah Palin and Joe Biden. The article on page A16 titled: From Little-Noticed College Student to Star Politician, talks about Palin’s life prior to her candidacy for V.P. The article allows the reader to know the real Sarah Palin, not just the political part of her life.
To the right of her story was an article titled: In a Father’s Tough Life, Principles and Examples To Live By for Biden. This article introduced the reader into the life of Joe Biden, and talked a lot about his relationship with his father. The article took a positive angle that shed light onto Biden that the public was unfamiliar with.
The New York Times is neutral when it comes to the presidential election. This evidence supports the idea that the paper is balanced, and in no way biased towards either political party.
In Thursday’s issue of the New York Times, there were negative articles published about both parties. In the article on page A16 titled: Obama Chides Biden Over Remark About a World Crisis Testing His Presidency, the Times reveals a negative comment about Obama made by his running mate Joe Biden. He told reporters that if Obama was elected, the world’s leaders would test his mettle as a young president, and that he is not ready for this position. This article let readers into the unknown problems of the Democratic campaign.
Adjacent to that article was a negative story published about John McCain titled: McCain Is Faltering Among Hispanic Voters. At the start of the election, McCain was favored by the majority of the Hispanic population. As time went on, however, the Hispanic population of our country is no longer favoring McCain because his campaign never made an effort to ensure their votes. The article is in no way positive, and makes McCain look as though he doesn’t care about receiving support from Hispanic voters.
In Friday’s issue of the New York Times, there was a story published about both Sarah Palin and Joe Biden. The article on page A16 titled: From Little-Noticed College Student to Star Politician, talks about Palin’s life prior to her candidacy for V.P. The article allows the reader to know the real Sarah Palin, not just the political part of her life.
To the right of her story was an article titled: In a Father’s Tough Life, Principles and Examples To Live By for Biden. This article introduced the reader into the life of Joe Biden, and talked a lot about his relationship with his father. The article took a positive angle that shed light onto Biden that the public was unfamiliar with.
The New York Times is neutral when it comes to the presidential election. This evidence supports the idea that the paper is balanced, and in no way biased towards either political party.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Rare Spotted Leopard Missing from the Durham Zoo
Fluffy, a 10-year-old Romanian spotted leopard escaped from the Durham Zoo late Tuesday night and is still nowhere to be found.
When the zoo opened at 7:30 a.m. the following morning, zoo keepers immediately noticed Fluffy was missing. Her cage door was shut and did not appear to have been tampered with, and the fencing was unbroken. How she escaped without damaging her cage is a mystery.
Police rushed to the zoo, while the visitors were being hurried out. Within minutes of their arrival, police officers were everywhere with guns drawn and ready to fire. If possible, Fluffy will be shot with a tranquilizer gun but if necessary, she will be killed.
“We have no idea what time Fluffy escaped or where she went. She may have left the area and she could be walking around Durham at this point. We just don’t know,” said director of the zoo Gerry Durrell, during a press conference.
There is a lot of concern because of the residential neighborhood and elementary school that surround the zoo. Experts are urging the public to get slowly to the ground and lay still if they encounter the leopard. She will only attack if she senses fear, and be especially careful to avoid eye contact.
“If these cats are cornered – or encountered on a dark night – their defense is to kill, and to kill quickly,” said Kitty Smith, the zoo’s chief biologist. “Fluffy is one of five spotted leopards left in the world, and we hope to bring her back safely,” she said.
The New Hampshire State Police and the state wildlife department are involved in the search for Fluffy. In addition, the National Guard will be supplying five helicopters with infrared sensors. The zoo is doing everything in its power to find the leopard before anyone gets hurt.
Witnesses are questioning the story the zoo is telling. One visitor, who witnessed everything, had a different story to tell that contradicted the one given by the director of the zoo.
“Everything seemed normal until I got to the cage, then I knew something was wrong right away. I told the guard and he said ‘Mind your own business.’ I waited and a half hour later I told them again, and this time they checked the house,” said James Petronkis, a frequent visitor of the zoo. “Then all hell broke loose,” he said.
When the zoo opened at 7:30 a.m. the following morning, zoo keepers immediately noticed Fluffy was missing. Her cage door was shut and did not appear to have been tampered with, and the fencing was unbroken. How she escaped without damaging her cage is a mystery.
Police rushed to the zoo, while the visitors were being hurried out. Within minutes of their arrival, police officers were everywhere with guns drawn and ready to fire. If possible, Fluffy will be shot with a tranquilizer gun but if necessary, she will be killed.
“We have no idea what time Fluffy escaped or where she went. She may have left the area and she could be walking around Durham at this point. We just don’t know,” said director of the zoo Gerry Durrell, during a press conference.
There is a lot of concern because of the residential neighborhood and elementary school that surround the zoo. Experts are urging the public to get slowly to the ground and lay still if they encounter the leopard. She will only attack if she senses fear, and be especially careful to avoid eye contact.
“If these cats are cornered – or encountered on a dark night – their defense is to kill, and to kill quickly,” said Kitty Smith, the zoo’s chief biologist. “Fluffy is one of five spotted leopards left in the world, and we hope to bring her back safely,” she said.
The New Hampshire State Police and the state wildlife department are involved in the search for Fluffy. In addition, the National Guard will be supplying five helicopters with infrared sensors. The zoo is doing everything in its power to find the leopard before anyone gets hurt.
Witnesses are questioning the story the zoo is telling. One visitor, who witnessed everything, had a different story to tell that contradicted the one given by the director of the zoo.
“Everything seemed normal until I got to the cage, then I knew something was wrong right away. I told the guard and he said ‘Mind your own business.’ I waited and a half hour later I told them again, and this time they checked the house,” said James Petronkis, a frequent visitor of the zoo. “Then all hell broke loose,” he said.
Alternative Energy
Alternative energy, like solar and wind, are facing challenges because of the drop in oil and gas prices. Shares of alternative energy companies have fallen even more than the rest of the stock market this past month. All these financial issues are making it more difficult to invest in renewable energy projects. There is great concern that if oil prices keep dropping, people will be less likely to buy expensive renewable energy.
Both Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain are promising alternative energy sources to try and stop global warming. Obama is proposing creating about five million new jobs in the field of renewable energy to triple the country's electricity supplied by renewable energy.
McCain has been running advertisements promoting the use of wind turbine farms, which are currently the most popular and advanced form of alternative energy.
However, with all the financial issues, renewable energy projects are not at the top of the country's list of problems to be solved.
Both Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain are promising alternative energy sources to try and stop global warming. Obama is proposing creating about five million new jobs in the field of renewable energy to triple the country's electricity supplied by renewable energy.
McCain has been running advertisements promoting the use of wind turbine farms, which are currently the most popular and advanced form of alternative energy.
However, with all the financial issues, renewable energy projects are not at the top of the country's list of problems to be solved.
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