The News About The News: 09/01/2009 - 10/01/2009

13 Crashes and 5 Deaths Force Toyota to Recall

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

By Meghan Vosberg

Toyota announced yesterday that they will be having their largest floor-mat recall. Toyota and Lexus owners have been advised to remove their driver's side floor mat to prevent the accelerator from sticking.

3.8 million vehicles have been affected, which details show to be Toyota's largest recall ever. Until given further notice, Toyota and Lexus owners should take out their driver's side floor mat to keep the unwanted and unsafe accelerating from continuing.

The majority of the models that are affected have start-stop buttons. This sounds like a safe solution, but the problem is the button does not turn off the engine unless pushed down for three seconds. This is a serious problem with issues like a stuck accelerator.

The recall was brought about by a reported crash in San Diego. An off-duty highway patrolman and his family was killed. Since this particular incident, the floor-mat and the sticking accelerator issue has been one of high importance.

According to the government, these events have been reported 102 times, in which there were 13 crashes, 3, deaths and 17 injuries. Toyota states that these reports have been announced since 2004.

(Photo Credited: David Neubert)

Price on iPhone Application

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

By Ryan Franker

CNN just came out with a new application for the iPhone. This new application is going to cost the user to pay $1.99, to get all the news that you want.

Other companies have tired to put a price tag on their applications, and have failed doing so. If one company wants you to pay for the application, there is always another one out there that is free. The Associated Press tried to charge $2.99 for their application for a BlackBerry, and saw horrible numbers on people purchasing it. Once the charge was dropped, the application downloads sky-rocketed.

Chairman of News Corp., Rupert Murdoch, announced the company is going to start charging a subscription for The Wall Street Journal on mobile devices. The price will be $2.00 a week starting Oct. 24, or $1.00 if you purchase a subscription either online or paper. Everyone who has a subscription already, does have the capability to have The Wall Street Journal on their mobile device.

CNN is trying something different for the new application. You can actually be part of the reporting team, by submiting your photos and video clips to iReport. The app also has the ability to get live video feeds of breaking news. The app is also very customizable, by providing alerts sent to you, and you can also pick a local news company to follow as well.

Not all apps out there have the capability that this CNN app has, that is why CNN believes it is going to be able to get business from this application, where others haven't gotten business from.

(Photo Credited: flickr)

Newspapers Worry About ESPN

By Zach Jevne

With the launch of numerous new ESPN Web sites, the newspaper industry is once again worrying about potential loss of revenue.

ESPN, which is glossed "the worldwide leader in sports", has recently started making Web sites for specific markets. They released ESPNChicago.com in April and is already the top sports site in Chicago, according to comScore. On Sept. 14, they launched ESPNBoston.com and in the first 10 days enjoyed three million visits, according to Omniture traffic data.

The new Web site is ESPNDallas.com and the company plans to start a Web site for Los Angeles and New York City. Eventually, they would like to have their own beat writers for each team in the region.

Some feel that ESPN is infringing on the newspapers turf and using their recognition to leverage advertising money for their new sites. The Chicago Tribune has created a new blog network called ChicagoNow in an effort to compete with the new ESPN Web site.

Bill Adee is a editor of digital media with the Tribune and said that he sees ESPNChicago as a direct competitor, but hasn't been made aware of a loss in advertising.

"We still have more local sports reporters on the street in Chicago than ESPN does," Adee said. "ESPN has great promotional venues, but we have 900,000 newspapers delivered on the weekends to people's homes in Chicago."

The newspapers in the mentioned cities had best be prepared for the competition. These Web sites are promoted constantly on SportsCenter and other ESPN shows. They also feature well-known analysts who have regional ties.

"In principle, it's a great idea, but it depends on delivery," Pablo Boczkowski, a professor and author, said. "Great companies in the past like Microsoft and AOL have tried to localize content and failed."

I hope that the newspapers and other regional Web sites are able to continue to evolve and gain a significant following. Even though ESPN is a channel I watch frequently, I generally don't go to their Web sites for my sports news. I like to get opinions and insight from other outlets, too. Maybe other readers will do the same.

(Photo Credit: ESPN.com)

Taking Old Media Into The Future

By: Amy Johnson

The Walt Disney Company plans to take an old form of media and transform it into a media of the future. Beginning Tuesday, Disney Publishing plans to make their children's storybooks available online for a fee of $79.95 a year. Families will have access to hundreds of Disney's classical stories and brand new books.

DisneyDigitalBooks.com is organized by reading levels for children ages three to 12. For children just beginning to read, the books will read aloud to them. For children who can already read on their own, a guide can be found when the reader comes across an unfamiliar word; the guide says the word aloud for the child. For teenagers, chapter books and trivia games are available.

Disney's idea for a subscription online model for their storybooks could start a popular trend among publishers everywhere. The synergy of Disney works wonders. Disney on average sells 250 million children's books a year; the company is taking a big step by updating their storybooks, a media source of the old, and posting them on the Internet, a media source of the new.

This type of update is being seen often as of late. How long will it be until books and newspapers are never printed out? In today's age, major newspapers are becoming popular online sources, and books are easily found on the Internet to read. Publishers everywhere will be keeping an eye on Disney's new project; if it takes off, we may see more and more books being published online and less books being put on the shelves of book stores.

( Photo Credit Shareware Connection)

Twitter Also Causes Problems for the Washington Post

Monday, September 28, 2009

By Taylor Finch

Last Friday, a memo was sent out to the Washington Post staff, by its senior editor Milton Coleman, warning them of a new policy dealing with their use of "individual accounts on online social networks, when used for reporting and for personal use," with emphasis on Twitter.

The reason for this stems from reporters and other staff members wanting to gain superiority due to reporting news first and in real time. Social networks are seemingly becoming a journalists only hope for job stability, and these new regulations are what could become the end for many of these hopes.

These specific regulations stated that employees of the Washington Post should "keep their opinions to themselves at all times." They are not allowed to post anything that would "tarnish [their] journalistic credibility."

The reaction to these new policies were very negative across the Web, including a comment from Stephen Bakerat, of Business Week, that stated that "he needs social media, because if his publications's ship goes down, he doesn't want to go with it."

It may be difficult for all news outlets to keep tabs on all of the news that goes out publicly on the Web, but using social media, such as Twitter, is something that journalists and reporters alike believe will help to build their affiliate's authority within the news world, as well as help them to keep their jobs.

(Photo by: Franc Podgoršek)

Two Broadcasters Shut Down in Honduras

By Brianna Carlson

Two broadcasters, Channel 36 and Radio Globo, were shut down indefinitely today in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

To show support towards Manuel Zelaya, the two stations had provoked an open revolt against the government. The president of Honduras, Zelaya, was forced to leave office which caused this revolt.

Police agents and soilders made a barricade around the headquarters of the television and radio stations trying to prevent the start of any political march or protest. Both sides of the street were also blocked off.

Government officals said unauthorized public meetings in order of supporting Zelaya were prohibited, and the police were allowed to arrest anyone the seemed to be a threat.

Zelaya was removed from the country three months ago. He was living at the Brazilian Embassy with about 65 family members, supporters and journalists. Last Monday, he secretly came back to Honduras.

(Photo Credit: Wikimedia)

Blind Man Running For Govenor 2010

Sunday, September 27, 2009

By Keri Waterhouse

The New York Governor David Paterson vowed Sunday that he won't give in to the pressure of dropping out of the election in 2010. "I am not failing to stand up for my party." Paterson stated.

Our nation's first legally blind governor is facing approval ratings dropping below 20 percent. He is also one of two African-American governors. He doesn't believe that him having people disapprove of him are because of his race. He has had discussions with the White House and President Obama. He is keeping what they discussed confidential. He however said that they haven't told him not to run, but that they have some concerns about it.

I think that anyone with the knowledge, and crudentials for a position should be able to fulfull the duty that they wish. I am sure that he would have someone to help him in things that he absolutely needed help in. Nothing is impossible.

I am also surprised that he doesn't feel that his race has anything to do with it. I feel that a majority of Obama's opposers were because of race. I think that Paterson really wants to be a part of this and that if he is voted in he would probably do a good job in his position.

(Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Is There Still Hope for the Newspaper Industry?

By Michelle Zimmerman

With the rising attraction in free news over the internet the newspaper industry has plummeted significantly over the past few years. Internet has created a new kind of way to receive news and can be thought of more convenient. There are many positive aspects to to publishing news over the internet such as expediting information is much faster, and most importantly it is cheaper for the producer and consumers.

The newspaper industry has been in crisis mode as the internet industry has grown immensely. Trying to think futuristically the newspaper industry has thought of applying fees to online news similar to a membership for the newspaper. With one large fee the membership would last six months to a year, but in consideration with the price of a newspaper it would seem rediculous to pay that much money for an online subscription. This is what they industry is hoping many people will realize.

Although creating fees to access online news sources may seem like a good idea there are still other online websites that may not charge the fee and continue to grow as an online news source. There will still be a struggle for the newspapers and other online news sources but they won't be the only industries hurting.

The advertising industry has also taking slack due to the increase of online news sources. The newspaper is always filled with multiple advertisements ranging from cars to clothing to food. With the news being sourced on the internet it has become more difficult for the advertisers to adapt to the change with the idea of costs and amount a buyer is willing to provide.

It seems that over time the newspaper industry let themselves down in competition with the internet. Instead of fighting to remain a number one news provider they slowly fell off track. Instead of worrying about what the online news industry is doing it is important for the newspaper industry to focus on what they do successfully. Providing accurate stories that are interesting and compelling. If the newspaper industry has any hope of staying alive they need to start somewhere, and somewhere soon!

(Photo Credit: eHow)

The New Multimedia

Saturday, September 26, 2009

By Mallory Tandy

Multimedia has went from text on newspaper that might include a picture, to multimedia that includes text, pictures, tweets, and video clips. It wasn't long ago that we didn't have cell phones, now we are able to acess internet on cell phones, along with taking pictures, videos, voice clips etc. New technologies are changing the way we consume media. The job of a journalist is to keep up these new technological advances and capture the readers attention. This task becomes more difficult with each new technology. Less and less newspapers are being sold into today's society, a big portion of people would rather look up the news online where they can see pictures and videos tha go along with the text. Journalists now need to learn the skill of making an interactive multimedia story with contiguity. Not only do journalists have to learn this new skill but also be prepared for the new technologies that are to come in the future.

I feel like this story is so interesting. It's strange that we have went from having no cell phones or computers to now all the different types of cell phones and laptops we now have and we will only have more in the future. I will admit I never pick up a newspaper, I would rather get on the internet and go to CNN.com any day. I also own a blackberry but there are things on it that I still have no idea the purpose of it. Technology is becoming a way of living it seems, people have a hard time now going a few hours without a phone or internet. The fact that journalists have to now make their stories capture the attention of my generation is a lot more difficult then it used to be, it's a lot more work now.

(Photo Credit: Tom Swift)

Marijuana Coverage Increases in the Media

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

By Zach Jevne

With medical marijuana being discussed across the country, many major media outlets have begun featuring more articles related to the "hippie lettuce".

This month's Fortune features a cover story titled "Is Pot Already Legal?" It features a man who gets his marijuana straight from the government and smokes 10-12 joints a day, legally. It discusses how more states are tolerating the use of pot for medicinal purposes.

Thirteen states have legalized medical marijuana, with 15 more considering it, pending legislation and/or voter initiative in 2009-2010.

The mainstream media picking up the more weed-related stories and discussing legalization more openly have re-opened the long debated topic. With more states accepting the medical benefits of the plant, many are looking at the possibilities of what benefits legalization could have on our struggling economy.

"I think the recession is making people take a second look at our current prohibition - marijuana," Bobby Black, a senior editor at High Times, said. "Weed is recession proof."

California would be considered the most "pot-friendly", based the hundreds of thousands of medical marijuana patients and 700-plus dispensaries. In Los Angeles alone, there are 186 legal marijuana dispensaries.

It's not just the Wall Street Journal, Harpers and Fortune that are featuring stories about pot. Television is now using weed as the subject of shows. Showtime's "Weeds" is a popular show about a mother of two who sells marijuana. KDOC-TV in LA airs a 30-minute show called "Cannabis Planet" weekly. The show "explores the merits of cannabis as a medicine, industrial resource, agricultural crop and more".

Personally, I have seen much more coverage of marijuana, through magazines, documentaries, and news Web sites. If legalization isn't the next step, decriminalization might be. I think we will also continue to see more states considering medical marijuana.

I feel that the more people know about it, the more likely it is to separate from other drugs, like heroin and cocaine. It is completely different from those chemical substances, yet is still classified with them as "Schedule I controlled substances" by the federal government, which describes those drugs as having "no currently accepted medical use".

The article in Fortune is very informative and can shed more light (a lot more, it's fairly long, but in-depth) on the subject than I can. I recommend reading it. The debate over medical use, decriminalization and legalization will not be going away any time soon, it will rage on for years. But based on my own experiences and "research", I don't need any more convincing on the subject.

(Photo Credit: Fortune Magazine)

Exploring News by the Amish Online

By Laura Reid

The Amish have their own newspaper, called The Budget, which is located in Ohio. Because of the move of newspapers moving online, The Budget feels like this is a good move for them as well. Except they have been years ahead for about 100 years.

Their newspaper consists of scribes, or people who write stories to the paper about events taking place in their local community. Their method is like our modern day blogging.

Currently, The Budget is only in print, but the staff of The Budget, who are not Amish, want to get the newspaper on the internet, but are having a rough transition to get it there. Scribers, who are mainly Amish, are skeptical about having their work published on the internet for the whole world to be able to see.

For a small paper, which has about 9,000 subscribers,I think they are doing pretty well for themselves. Their rules are more lax than the bigger news corporations that have to print every day. While we talk about how important it is for newspapers to make the transition from print to internet, should these more traditional newspapers really have to worry about their readership going down if they don't make the switch? Especially since the majority if not all their readers are Amish and probably would not have internet, much less computers to look up the newspaper online. In fact for The Budget, they might actually lose readership that way, and for the skeptical scribes, gain readers who have become pros at attacking every issue that comes their way- the descendants of the scribes, the bloggers.

(Photo credit: Klingerman Information Services)

Ex-NFL player Burress enters prison

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

By Ryan Fuerstenau

Plaxico Burress is supposed to serve two years in prison on charges of attempted criminal possesion of a weapon after he shot himself in the leg. Burress was not licensed to carry the weapon which was a 40. caliber pistol he had in his waistband. Burress is famous for his game winning catch in the 2008 superbowl but has recently fallen out of favor. First he missed practice and was fined, then he threw a ball into the stands and yelled at a referee.

For a person like plaxico Burress who is constanlty in the spotlight and scrutinized by the media he should have had the common sense to know he was taking a chance carrying the unlicensed firearm. The media looks for high profile individuals doing things that will sell them papers or bring them ratings. Since Burress is such a high profile target, especially after the superbowl the media could be considered a kid in the candy store.

Newspaper Advertisments Making a Comeback

By Ryan Franker

"We have to see the bottom if these companies are going to survive." Alexia Quadrani, analyst at J.P. Morgan

Ever since the recession, the advertisers for newspaper have taken a large hit. They are the main source of income for newspapers, when the advertisements sales are bad then the newspapers does not have a lot of money to work with.

People are saying that others are slowing starting to buy stocks back on newspapers because they have heard the rumor that the advertisements are doing better. Gannett, McClatchy, and The New York Times Company have had their stock jump more than 10 percent or more. With the jump those companies have reached the highest prices they have had this year. The fourth quarter is suppose to look the best for the newspapers ad industry. Some major names in the media are saying that the ad industry will start making a rebound. But newspapers will be the last media that will get the comeback of advertising.

Even though the ad revenue will have a good fourth quarter, next year could possibly be worse. But it will only be modestly worse. 2008 was a horrible year for the advertising, they fell dramatically and hard. Holiday advertising is going to be very crucial for the media. The publishers need to see the advertisement numbers leveling off. People are seeing the loss of jobs in the media.

With the advertisements leveling off, that means the newspapers will have more money and will not have to cut that many people and everything else that they are cutting to keep the newspaper afloat.

(Photo Credit: ActiveRain)

Katie Couric Moves to Social Media

By Taylor Finch

A new web show launched intself into social media tonight titled "@katiecouric." The web-based show features CBS Evening News anchor Katie couric, as she conducts one-on-one interviews with high profile guests. These guests range from politicians, business tycoons to celebrities, and even others involved in top news stories. These interviews include "integrated facebook chat" and is broadcasted live on CBSnews.com.

Tonight was the first night @katiecouric aired on the web, featuring special guest Glenn Beck, who discussed politics and his new book, "Arguing with Idiots, How to Stop Small Minds and Big Government."

Though tonight was the first night of this particular online show, Couric and those at CBS are definitely not new to web-news. Last year CBS covered the Democratic and Republican National Conventions on their website, with Couric in the lead. They also used facebook to allow followers of the conventions to submit video clips and feedback about what was going on in politics.

With CBS moving to the web and social media sites, it just makes sense that this will soon become popular and other T.V. news channels will follow suit.

(Photo Credit: Image Editor)

Obama Overexposed?

By: Chris Mars

Last week we heard President Obama's opinion on the Kanye West and Taylor Swift incident at the 2009 VMA awards, this week Drew Westen of CNNPolitics.com reports that Obama may be overexposed. Westen focuses on Obama's healthcare plan and process for introducing it to the public, but the headline makes you wonder about the broad scope.

The two topics I noted above are very different in importance but receive about the same press time in the media. In my opinion, I feel like there is more interest in what Obama will have to say about Serena Williams' outburst at the U.S. Open rather than what he plans to do with our nations future.

(Photo credit: NY Daily News)

The Future of Newspapers

By: Amy Johnson

Newspapers throughout the United States are battling with the Internet to keep its readers and advertising earnings. Several newspapers are being forced to shut down, and plenty of journalists have lost their jobs. The Chicago Tribune and the Los Angeles Times owner Tribune Co. has filed for bankruptcy.

Congress has expressed interest in helping out the newspaper industry; several bills have been introduced that would approve newspaper companies to be considered as nonprofits with tax breaks.

President Obama recently talked about the financial crisis many newspapers are in. "Journalistic integrity, you know, fact-based reporting, serious investigative reporting, how to retain those ethics in all these different new media and how to make sure that it's paid for, is really a challenge," Mr. Obama said. "But it's something that I think is absolutely critical to the health of our democracy."

If this is the case, President Obama better take a good, fast look at the bills trying to be passed through Congress. At the interview, Mr. Obama stated that he had not even seen these bills yet, but he would not mind taking a look at them. The issue of newspapers filing for bankruptcy and journalists losing their jobs is nothing to fool around with. It did not take long for newspapers to lose their readers and money; if this is overlooked for much longer, the newspaper industry will be in a hole too deep to get out.

(Photo Credit Rebecca Coleman)

False Filed Report In Ames

Sunday, September 20, 2009

By Keri Waterhouse

Last night the Ames police charged 35-year-old Olga Margarita Macias Mero for reporting a false police report.

The woman said that she was abducted and held at gunpoint and then forced to drive her vehicle into a lake. She said she was abducted near Northern Lights and the lake was Ada Hayden Lake. The investigation for this was done today by the Ames Police. The woman is being charged with filing a false report to the law. After her investigation today.

When I first heard about this story today while I was eating dinner with my family I laughed and thought my little brother was just making it up. I really don't understand how people can just make up things like this to get attention. Obviously if you make your story dramatic it is going to be investigated and it will be figured out. I though it was interesting that it didn't last that long, and the Ames Police had it figured out.

Twitter for Soprts Fans!

By Michelle Zimmerman

Following the rising Twitter fetish, SportsFanLive.com is made for the serious fans of baseball, basketball, and football. The website has created a new way of following college and professional sports teams. it is successful for those that cannot make a game or keep up with Sports Center.

The site works by someone creating a membership, then choosing a team or teams they wish to follow, possibly even the contendors, and stay updated with sports "tweets" daily, even hourly.

It has become more common that media soucres from television networks are being found on the internet. Sports are a great example. With a website such as SportsFanLive.come, there is a less demand for shows such as Sports Center. The "tweets" can be accessed easier as well as more convenient for anyone's lifestyle.

The new website must create tensions with Twitter being that Twitter.com also features sporting events. Rather than creating team tweets, professional athletes create their own twitter and allow fans to follow them personally.

Whichever you prefer, both ideas are changing the way information is received. No longer is the television, news, or newspaper such a priority. With the internet industry expanding, there is no need for these other sources when everything can be found with a simple internet connection.

ISU shutting down market news service

By Brianna Carlson

The Iowa State University's Extension Service is shutting down WOI-AM's market news service. This service reports the agricultural market reports to the public radio station.

These reports have been a tradition since 1942. They are broadcasted 13 times every weekday. The reports are also online. The site allows you to hear the most recent broadcasting. Agricultural news and analysis was also being provided for half an hour each week on Iowa Public Radio.

Doug Cooper has been running this program since 1990. He was just told that his job would be eliminated so he just decided to take early retirement.

You can find these reports in other places such as on the Internet and in newspapers. The ISU Extension Service just feels it's unnecessary to keep someone hired in this position.

(Photo Credit: Iowa State University Extension Service)

Unpaid journalists excluded from shield law

Saturday, September 19, 2009

By: Mallory Tandy

On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to exclude all unpaid journalists from having protection under a pending media shield bill. This includes legal protection for journalists who want to protect their confidential sources. What is a journalist? According to Senator Chuck Schumer, a journailist is a salaried employee who works for media organizations such as, magazines, newspapers, wire services and broadcast networks. The article goes on to discuss that bloggers, citizen journalists and student reporters are not the definition of a journalist, therefore, would not be under the protection of the shield law. Some would say this decision is ridiculous, in that most of our news sources are not the definition of journalists. Should news sources, such as bloggers, be excluded from this bill?

Bloggers are a great source for news information, but I wouldn't think of a blogger to be an actual journalist. I am blogging right now but am not a journalist. Student reporters are still students, they can become a journalist after getting a job in the journalism work field. The definition of a journalist is fitting and I feel is fair for the requirements of the media shield bill.

Obama: Health care anger not race-based

Friday, September 18, 2009

By: Bobby Reese

President Obama has said this past week that he believes the people who have spoken out against his plan for health care are outraged by "the proper role of government," and not by racism. This is a big deal because for the first time in the history of our country we have to worry about people being against the President's agenda's and policies because of his race. Obama knows that is how things work as well. "Absolutely. Sometimes they vote for me for that reason, sometimes they vote against me for that reason." Obama's Presidency has been very unique so far because of his race, but he still tries to stick to the political side of things.

However, President Obama thinks that more people are starting to concentrate more on the issue instead of skin color. I also believe that over time more people are starting to put race aside and starting to find their true feelings about Obama because of the way he wants to run the country. Earlier this week when Obama was addressing congress Republican representative Joe Wilson shouted "you lie!" to the president. And it is always interesting to wonder if race is a key reason for such outbursts. Never has a representative had such an outburst against a president before Obama. Former President Jimmy Carter believes that the comment against Obama was because of race. Obama still believes that it is all about the politics at this point, and all he can do is keep moving forward and trying to push his policies through.

Michael Jordan redefines Hall of Fame

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Michael Jordan is one of, if not the most, recognizable sports figures to ever live. From his Banned Jordan I shoe to his "tell me commercial," whatever MJ did became cool.

Through his career, the ultra-competitive Jordan used his doubters to fuel his competitive fire and become the best basketball player to play the game. Jordan won every individual award, set new records, and won six NBA titles during his time in the NBA.

So when Jordan was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame on September 11th, 2009 we shouldn't have expected anything else but for him to re-write the books again. Jordan freely called out all of his doubters, joked with them, and thanked them for their inspiration. His speech has been criticized by some and praised by others, but Michael was just being Michael.

Jordan is a rare breed, he's just Mike and it just so happens that everything he does becomes trendy or cool. So when Jordan recapped his career during his speech I watched in awe at his charisma, passion, and competitiveness. What else can we ask of each other or our kids than to be yourself no matter what the press or doubters say?

Trust in News Media Falls to New Low in Pew Survey

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

By Laura Reid

According to recent research, trust in news media is declining. Those surveyed said that the news is becoming more inaccurate and reporters are becoming more biased in their stories.

Credibility in the news world was up in the 80s and 90s, but the surveyers have said that the news media are not getting the facts straight. These research came from being asked the same questions that were presented to the surveyers in the past decades.

Negative opinions about the news have grown, but the Democrats have jumped the most in their dislike of how the news is being portrayed.

The news industry has really been hurting and I think this is just adding to it. But I think this is a big component for the continuing decline of newspapers. Without trust in the news, there would be no point in trying to expand readership. Without accurate reporting, why would anyone want to believe a reporter, whether it is in print or online? Maybe the newspaper companies should focus on accurate news reporting before complaining that their readership is down.

Star Tribune to Charge for Vikings Coverage

By Zach Jevne

The Star Tribune, of Minneapolis-St.Paul, will begin charging to view some of its content online in a few weeks, including "Vikings Access", one of the site's biggest draws. This will be the first time since 2002 the newspaper has walled off content and charged for it.

Terry Sauer, the assistant managing editor for digital, says that they will begin charging "in a few weeks" and that the monthly fee will be about "the cost of a cup of coffee."

Back in 2002 the site offered a "Purple Plus" package, which allowed readers to get stories, commentary, and live chats, for $30 a year. It was unsuccessful, by financial standards, as they only got 1,000 subscribers.

Part of the blame for lack of interest in 2002 was a brutal 6-10 season, which started out 3-10, according to then-editor Ben Welter.

So will fans be more likely to pay for premium coverage in 2009? Sauer hopes so.

"We know die-hard Vikings fans can't get enough information, but I think casual fans will find it a pretty good deal, too. We feel better situated with a superior Vikings product to give our readers a good reason to sign up."

The problem that they may face will be the free alternative sites where fans can get football information. Their hope is that the "die-hard fan" will prefer their local coverage of the team compared to other sites. But even that might not be enough for people to pay extra to view "Vikings Access".

Welter says, "There are too many other free alternatives to almost all the content we produce - even when we enhance it with exclusive material."

It may also help that many consider, especially in Minnesota, that the Vikings are potentially a very good team, with high hopes for the playoffs. They have the league's top running back and the signing of Brett Favre last month only made fans more excited. I can't help but wonder if Brett Favre and the team's potential were the deciding factors in the decision to charge for "exclusive" coverage.

I have to think that the Star Tribune is hoping for a huge season from the Vikings this year, even more so than in the past. If they have a winning team, fans will be much more interested in getting all the information and coverage that "Vikings Access" has to offer. They may even be willing to pay for it.

Newspapers Soon Extinct?

By: Amy Johnson

In a recent interview with Rupert Murdoch, chairman and major shareholder of News Corporation, says he can see the day where newspapers will be gone and electronic databases will take over.

It could take 20 years to displace newspapers, “but I do certainly see the day when more people will be buying their newspapers on portable reading panels than on crushed trees,” says Murdoch.

It makes perfect sense. It would cost less money and eliminate the need for printing presses and paper. A vast majority of the United States' citizens already go online to read their daily news. Having the local newspaper available via the Internet or a cell phone seems brilliant.

The Wall Street Journal is one of the only newspapers in the United States that has been successful in charging for an online subscription. A plan to start charging non-subscribers a mere $2 every week has been put into action while those who already have subscribed will only pay $1.

One question is this – how are small town newspapers going to handle this? Not every small town is going to find this online newspaper feasible; the equipment needed may be too expensive and finding people who are familiar with computers may prove to be more difficult. Will this be the end to small time newspapers? Only time will tell.

Student killed in fight at Florida school, officials say

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

When it comes to our childrens safety, especially in schools, officials need to take extra precautions. School is a stressful environment and kids knowing they are safe is a big issue that needs to be addressed. When school administrators become lax on security like they were in Florida, stressful environments lead to negative outcomes. This was the case when two students got into an argument, one student pulled a knife and stabbed and killed the other one. As far as safety is concerned kids in schools technically have no rights. The main reason is to ensure a safe stable environment for kids to learn. If a kid goes to class every day afraid of what may heppen to them they will not do very well. Simple things like metal detectors, that cost money and better training for teachers so they can identify problems before they begin would help make the environment safer.

In this story the media has kept all names quiet, and they should because both of these individuals were minors. They reported on the facts but were careful to respect the privacy of the familys and school officials involved, until at least, a later point in time when that information can safely be revealed.

Ryan Fuerstenau

The Comeback of Traditional Media

By Ryan Franker

The traditional media should be making a comeback. A lot of people would pick a career in the media, because it was a secure field, and it was one that could make you some money. If you happened to get into the media before the Recession, then you did see the money, that people always talked about that was associated with people in the media. But, now media is one of the worst industries to go into.

Media was once very wealthy, people would start subscribing to different sources of media every year and that would keep the money coming in. Another reason the media was wealthy is because banks trusted these industries and were very comfortable to lend money to these industries in broadcast licenses, cable franchises, and print mastheads.

The internet wasn't really the reason to the decline in the media, but it did moderately decline the amount of other ways people were getting their media; it was the recession, since people stop subscribing and banks were being very conscious on who they were going to lend their money too.

According to some technology entrepreneurs, financiers, and retailers they believe that it is possible for the media to basically "re-boot" themselves, and start over again. But the companies that do the best when they "re-boot", will be the ones that have a strong brand and digital product. The media companies do need to invest into a good running website, because if they don't have a good running website it will hurt them even more because it isn't the greatest.

Cops: No arrest imminent in Yale killing

Bobby Reese

Cops have confirmed that they have made no arrests this week after a young women named Annie Le was found dead in a wall in a University lab basement. Le was found dead the day that she was planning on getting married to Jonathan Widawsky. The police have ruled Widawsky out as a suspect, but according to Yale's president Richard Levin said that "police have narrowed the number of potential suspects to a very small pool because building security systems recorded who entered the building and what times they entered." The cops have been interviewing people all week on this matter and still have not managed to make an arrest.

Earlier in the week the media claimed that the cops had somebody in custody for the murder but it was later on clarified as a rumor. Other news reports say that the cops had a suspect fail a polygraph test and has marks on his body. This is a unique situation because most people don't think of Yale as a school of violence. There were a lot of security cameras in the building where the body was found and cops have spent a lot of time questioning people who work in the building. I think it is a very sad story considering the day of the wedding all of these events took place, but with the proper investigating the culprit should be brought into custody.

Unexpected Advertisement in The New York Times

Monday, September 14, 2009

By Brianna Carlson

Over the past weekend, an unreliable and unknown person put a nasty advertisement onto The New York Times' web site.

As people looked at the site, the advertisement would take over their computer. The visitor's screen would fill with an image that seemed it was scanning for a virus.

The users were told they needed to buy a certain antivirus software to fix the problem. The software ended up being no good. It is unclear to how many users were affected.

As of now, The Times is working with law enforcement to find the criminal. They are also working on ways to make the site have new policies so this kind of thing will not happen again.

This issue is becoming a bigger problem. Since the internet is becoming widely used, more than just The New York Times are having issues. Computer criminals are recently known to attack online ad systems.

New York Times Reporter Saved, Two Dead

Sunday, September 13, 2009

By Tessa Leone

Britain speaks out to defend its perilous rescue mission executed last Wednesday in northern Afghanistan. New York Times Reporter, Stephen Farrell was kidnapped after his hasty decision to enter uncharted territory on Saturday. Farrell's Afghan assistant and a British commando were killed during the raid.

The orders were authorized by the British defense and foreign secretaries. Critics question the considerable risks that were taken to rescue the reporter and the casualties that were lost in the endeavor. Claiming that options of peaceful negotiations and possible ransoms were not well explored.

The British New york Times reporter is now safe and was unharmed in the raid.

Simpson College Says School Will Work Will Students As They Report Symptoms of H1N1

By: Bethany Christenson

Jim Thorius, vice president of student development, says Simpson College will work with students to help keep H1N1 under control. Simpson now has an web reporting form for students to help keep symptoms under control. If they fill out the form and realize that they have multiple symptoms they can call or fill out a sheet and turn it into health services.

They are encouraging students to go home for at least 24 hours, but if travel is not possible they can provide them with an isolated room within their residence hall. Roommates can also move out of their rooms temporarily during this time and can be provided with an alternative room.

Thursday Simpson reported a student with symptoms consistent with those of H1N1. This is the first case reported at Simpson.

Missing Yale Student Found Inside a Wall

By: Mallory Tandy

The remains of who investigators think is Yale graduate Annie Le were found at 10 Amistad Street inside a wall. Le was 24, and was supposed to be married today. Le was last seen entering the Amistad medical research building on a Yale security camera around 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Police are still working to remove the body from the wall and are calling it a homicide. College is a place of learning and fun, to know such brutal acts can happen at such a well known college is astonishing and quite frightening. Should college's make improvements in security? Are Simpson College students safe?

Mark Briggs

By: Chris Mars

Mark Briggs has a mission to help journalists adapt to new media and puts a focal point on what the viewer wants out of media. In one of his blog posts, Briggs reflects on how a news media organization should focus on creating an 'insanely great' news web site to attract new revenue.

As we see a growing trend in news companies using sites like twitter to reach readers it becomes apparent that the content in Briggs' blog is useful. He reflects on Bernard Lunn's scorecard, called "Six Milestones from 30 Seconds to 3 Years."

These milestones can measure the growth of the web site and set goals to keep customers or viewers coming back to reuse services. Put yourself in the reader's shoes, what would you want out of a news media website? Here is what you would want the reader to say...

30 seconds: “I get it.”
3 minutes: “I’ve used it and still get it, and it has not annoyed me yet.”
3 days: “I find this really useful or fun.”
3 weeks: “I am raving about this to other people.”
3 months: “I couldn’t imagine not having this, and I’m boring my friends telling them about it.”
3 years: “How weird to see this on Oprah.”

The functionality of these milestones can bring a sense of direction back in this fast paced, whirlwind media. Its easy to get caught up in the endless possibilities on the web but these milestones serve as a guideline to building a functional service for users.

With the competition lurking just a click away, focusing on what the user wants has become the key issue in building an 'insanely great' news web site.

Obama says he expects 'good health care bill'

By: Bobby Reese

President Obama believes he has convinced congress to pass the new health care bill. When Obama addressed congress he said that he was open to new ideas. He told the republican party which opposed his plan that he believes that they can compromise and come up with a plan both parties can agree with. Obama has made it clear that he will install a health care plan but this is big news because he is willing to work with the republican party if they can support him.

Obama has made it clear that he does not think the plan should be about a left or right push from all of the lawmakers. He thinks the plan is not for just the benefit of the democratic party but for the country as a whole. I think that Obama has brought up some good points and I am getting a little more used to the idea the more I hear about it. Obama has good intentions and believes that this plan will help americans live their lives better.

Over 47 million americans do not have coverage. This new plan will help cover more Americans and will help a lot of people. I think that whatever has been going on lately has not been working, so what is the problem with trying something new?

Pay to Read the News?

By Ryan Franker

Four big companies sat down with the Newspaper Association of America. They are trying to find a way on how the online newspapers can get money from their online articles. But charging the readers is the biggest concern the newspapers have. The reason the newspapers are wanting to start charging their readers is because the journalism business is struggling really bad right now with trying to keep up with the technology and their readers. Making their readers pay to read articles online would be one way to make sure that they are getting some money in from the articles that are being written.

If you think about it, you have to pay to read a hard copy of the newspaper, so why not charge that same amount online, and you can read the paper for a whole day?

Google has come up with a way to charge people for reading the articles on Google News. Google like the idea of having an open media source, but they don't want it to be free. They have proposed a idea of Google Checkout. The reader would have to sign in to access the newspaper or articles. The payments that could be done is a basic subscription to the newspaper, or a micropayments, which is you pay per article that you would like read.

Advertising on Twitter?

By Michelle Zimmerman

Twitter is becoming increasingly more and more popular around the world and as any other company it would make sense that the owners would like to make a profit. Therefore to remain free for the members they needed to look into other options such as advertising.

It is important to Twitter that they remain a site that is merely focused on members communicating being that communications between members is the entire purpose of the site. If there is any type of advertising it will remain in small quantities and not override the motive of the company.

Facebook and Myspace are prime examples of other social networks that use advertising to maintain free memberships. Being a member of both of those networks I among other users dislike the amount of advertising that occurs all over the sites. There is constantly something flying across the screen and almost retracts me from continuing the use of the site.

Hopefully Twitter continues to keep their objective in mind and does not overflow the community of the site with advertisements because it possible they will lose supporters.

'Tis The Season To Stay Healthy!

By Keri Waterhouse

Things as simple as a hand shake, a small peck on the cheek, or a friendly hug can help get one into trouble during this terrible flu season. The scary "swine flu" or known now as H1N1 has traveled it's way around the world and infected more than a quarter-million people and has caused more than 2,800 deaths.It's a scary thing to think about. We all get that nasty bug called the flu, so no one really thinks about it.

I remember when I first heard about the swine flu last May. Everyone was freaking out about it. It was in Texas and out of the U.S. Some people even cancelled their flights to go on vacations. To me it wasn't that big of a deal. I never thought it would actually get near me. When reading about the synptoms you would think you just had the common flu. The symptoms include; fever (100F/37.8C) or greater, sore throat, cough, headache, body aches, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. The way things are spreading is by washing your hands after sneezing or coughing, touching your eyes or mouth, kissing, touching others that are sick, or just not taking care of yourself.

I never really thought anything of this sickness until I came back to campus this fall and we were told that students at neighboring colleges had confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus, and told us that it probably wouldn't be long and that virus would find its way onto our campus. Sure enough, a week later it did. Simpson had its first case of the H1N1 virus last week.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/09/13/france.kiss/index.html

Soldier detained in contractor's shooting death

As far as this one goes a civilian contractor was killed at a military base in Tikrit, Iraq. Apparently a U.S. soldier was detained in connection with the death of the contractor but so far no names have been given out. This one kind of makes you think about how well trained the military really is. Discipline is key for the army so you would think that if something like this happens it would be an accident. however when they say that they detained a soldier it really begs the question about how our soldiers morale and discipline could be waning when there is no end to the militaries occupation of Iraq. Check it out here http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/09/13/contractor.death.soldier.held/index.html and tell me what you think on the topic.

Ryan Fuerstenau

Cronkite Remembered, Media Critiqued By Obama

By: Amy Johnson

Walter Cronkite was one of the most influential people in the realm of media. An anchorman for the CBS Evening News, he was often called “the most trusted man in America." The media and world of journalism has come a long way from having a journalist that America can trust.

President Obama paid respect to the late Cronkite recently, who died this past July.

He stated that “ 'the most trusted man in America' -- wasn't bestowed upon him by a network or advertising agency, but earned through decades of painstaking effort."

It's true. Many Americans that were fortunate enough to watch Cronkite nightly had a voice they could trust. He told the news exactly like it was. In comparison of the serious news that Cronkite reported on in years past, today's journalism has gone soft. Celebrity scandals and reports on the intimate, personal lives of people through the United States have taken over the front lines of the news.

What will it take to get back to the investigative journalism that Cronkite so skillfully mastered? It is tough to say. Perhaps getting back to a way of journalism where reporters don't have to stay neutral and unbiased because of fear they'll be fired. Or maybe it is such a thing that the internet and television has taken over, showing more and more soft stories such as the "Jon and Kate Plus 8" scandal over those with more substance; or perhaps it is America the people's own fault, loving the softer stories more than those that actually impact their own lives.

CNN Proves Journalism is Still More Reputable than Internet and T.V. Reporting

By Taylor Finch

Friday morning, Sept. 11, CNN stirred up the news by announcing that the Coast Guard was trying to fend-off a suspicious vessel on the Potomac River. All morning, CNN proceeded to show video clips and make breaking-news reports on what they assumed was an issue, as well as other news stations, including Fox News, following suit.

Concerns escalated when flights were delayed at the Regan International Airport, due to the story. Washington, D.C. police, officials, and even the Pentagon had no idea of what was going on. Despite this being the anniversary of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, CNN presented a story that, once again, had the nation thinking there was an emergency situation about to replay eight years later.

All stories came to a halt when the Coast Guard announced nothing serious was happening. They were just going through a "routine and low-level" Coast Guard exercise. The Coast Guard also said that they felt the need not to notify anyone of their exercise because it was so routine and was not intended to affect anyone. And, when CNN did call them to confirm the story, the Coast Guard told them there was no need to report anything.

CNN realized they were wrong, but ended up blaming it on the Coast Guard for performing such exercises on that particular day. CNN also attempted to defend their mishap by saying that it would have been "irresponsible not to report what they were hearing and seeing" on the videos and unencrypted radio chats, that were not meant for the public to hear anyways.

Coast Guard Vice Admiral John Currier says that now they will be more careful with the press. This is just a reflection of how reporting bad or false news is becoming a growing problem in American media, with all of the news stations trying to always be the first to report big news stories. Because of this, Journalism is made to look even better and will hopefully always be a dependable source to come to for the "real" news.

Clean Water Act Violations Lead To Health Problems For West Virginian Citizens

By Meghan Vosberg

Water water everywhere, but not a drop to drink, unless you want rotting teeth, skin rashes, burns, and chemicals that can give damage to the kidneys and possibly cancer. Polluted water plagues homes near Charleston, W. VA. Families wonder why they get digital cable and internet connection in their homes, but not clean water. Nearby coal mining industries pollute the water with heavy metals such as lead, and nickel. The tap water has also contained arsenic, manganese, barium, and other assorted chemicals.

But the motif does not only exist in West Virginia. Forty years ago, the Clean Water Act was passed by Congress. This Act was established to make those companies that wrongly dispose of their chemicals have to pay a fine or jailed. Unfortunately in recent news, this Act has been ignored. The Clean Water Act has had violations rise regularly throughout the United States.

Violations to the Clean Water Act have been made more than half a million instances. Manufacturing plants, and other workplaces that involve chemicals have violated this act in the last five years. But when the results of not reporting emissions and dumping poisons into the water are birth defects, cancer, and other health problems, shouldn't we do something else to stop this?

(Photo Credit: Ryan Griffis)

Columnist Offends People With Dugard Article

Friday, September 11, 2009

By Zach Jevne

A sports writer for the Orange County Register, Mark Whicker, recently offended a lot of people with his column about the sports events that Jaycee Dugard missed after being kidnapped and held hostage for 18 years. The column ran in Tuesday's paper.

In the article, Whicker made comments like, "It doesn't sound like Jaycee Dugard got to see a sports page. Box scores were not available from June 10, 1991 until August 31 of this year. She never saw a highlight. Probably hasn't high-fived in a while. Now, that's deprivation."

The most offensive comment, I thought, was the closing remark: "Ballplayers....came up with an expression for a home run that you might appreciate. Congratulations, Jaycee, you left the yard."

Whicker has since apologized for the column. He claims that it was not his intention to outrage readers and the public. He says he "miscalculated" the effect the column would have. He has been the center of a storm of criticism since the article was published. It has been called "the worst sports column ever written" and was referred to as "The Single Most Tasteless Sports Column in Written Language" by the Huffington Post.

Whicker said in an email that he was "quite surprised" by the reaction the column recieved. To be surprised by the reaction is surprising. This is an article that shouldn't have even gotten past the editor's desk. The OC Register's deputy sports editor also apologized for the column.

Whicker has been at that paper for over 22 years. With that much experience, it's hard to believe he could misjudge an article so poorly. He also said, "I wasn't insensitive about the fact she was kidnapped. I never made light about the fact that this woman was abducted."

That may be technically true, but the delivery and execution of this article was extremely insensitive to anyone who knows what that woman had been through, especially to Dugard and her family.

I was drawn to this story because, not only was it very newsworthy, I have seen Mark Whicker on television in the past. Everything thing I have seen from him, until this article, had been good. He has been a guest on ESPN's Jim Rome Is Burning, where he would discuss sports topics with Rome and other sports writers.

Hopefully, he has learned from this incident and can prove himself again to the public. It's not going to be an easy road. Maybe some time off is what Whicker needs to re-group. Or maybe he is just, as he put it, "out of touch".

Is Yahoo a Better Friend to Newspapers Than Google?

By Laura Reid

Newspapers are saying that Yahoo has a more deeper relationship with newspapers than Google does. Both groups have links and sites to maps and newspapers, which helps readers when searching through both sites, but for newspapers, the relationship that Yahoo has made with many of the newspaper companies, known as the consortium, has made the companies favor Yahoo more, and use Yahoo's behaviorally focused ads, known as interest-based ads, some getting good results. Newspaper companies also feel that Google is unfairly making money off of their content.

But Google's news and ads drive more viewers to them than to Yahoo. While Google is developing more links and applications on their sites, newspaper owners feel that they are not getting the payoff for what they use.

While newspapers want to transition from paper to web, this competition for clients with these web companies are causing problems with those viewers that use them. While Yahoo is more cooperative to work with newspaper companies, Google is the site that draws more viewers and more money, even if the newspapers are not receiving all the benefits. Being able to make money off of the internet is becoming a problem for many companies, and the fact that a billion dollar company like Google doesn't want to share the wealth is a little daunting to me.

Online Newspapers Charging for Usage

Thursday, September 10, 2009

By Brianna Carlson

According to The New York Times, Google is currently setting up a program which will allow online newspapers to charge users through Google. The charge is in the form of micropayments.

Google's micropayment system will be an addition to Google Checkout. One main competitor of Google Checkout is eBay's PayPal service. Google's micropayment system could have a strong impact on the competitor, eBay's PayPal service.

This micropayment system is in the process of being set up but should be within the next year. It will allow a variation in the amount of payment according to the newspaper.

Many newspapers have been devastated with the economic situation. Since this is a problem, many publishers are looking for new ways to charge users. Google could be the next step.

Are social media that important to some NFL players?

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

By Taylor Finch

Has Twitter and Facebook become a problem for some NFL players? Well, the National Football League officials seem to think it has.

This past Monday, the league made the decision to begin to put limits on Tweeting and the use of other social-networking sites for all players, coaches, officials, the media, and anyone else who may be tied to the game. This does not necessarily mean that these social mediums are off limits. But, using during games or within 90 minutes before and after games is forbidden.

The league's reasoning stems from worry that instead of tuning into the actual game, which would boost ratings for that particular game-coverage provider, that fans will instead check recent Tweets and Facebook statuses for score updates and play-by-plays from the players or coaches.

Though this will be very hard for the NFL to monitor, I think it will finally send a reality check to these social butterflies. Social Networking should not be what drives these NFL players. So guys, you are here to play football. It happens to be your job. Let the reporters report and give the game highlights, because that is their job. You just worry about playing football. Thanks.

Ferry sinks in the Philippines

By Brianna Carlson

1000 passengers on the Superferry 9, a Philippine ferry, sank. Alarms went off at 2 AM waking all passengers up from their sleep. It sank about 15 nautical miles from Zamboanga City.

As of now, 926 passengers were rescued. Atleast 9 were killed; 33 were missing.

The cause of the accident is not known yet. Previously, the Superferry has had engine and generator trouble, but the ferry company said the ship was in good shape before it left.

Passengers that were interviewed did not hear any sort of explosion. Weather was not an issue. Most passengers were put onto a navy gunboat and fishing boats.

British Court Convicts Three in Plot to Blow Up Airliners

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

By Laura Reid

Three men were found guilty of planning to blow up seven airliners by concealing hydrogen peroxide in coke cans and using detonation devices powered by AA batteries.

This plan was foiled by the British Intelligence Agencies, along with some US intelligent agencies. The defendants claims were that they were trying to show how security has not improved after 9/11. One of the defendant's also stated that it was a warning for the Americans and British to leave the Muslim lands.

While these men were taken into custody in 2006, it makes me think how unsecure are security really is. Not just in airports, but it seems like the most likely target since so many people travel on a daily basis. As terrorist as this may be, it is an eye-opener to see that terrorists can still blow through our defenses, even with the regulation now in effect about carrying liquids and such.

But I'm also wondering whether the US shouldn't have rushed the British in gaining evidence. Four other people were also convicted of this act of terror which actually would have been second to 9/11 had it gone through, yet they were found not guilty because of the lack of evidence. But then again, if they waited, they would be dealing with the loss of alot of civilian lives. How safe are we? And how far is our government willing to go to protect us?

A "New Age" Candidate

Sunday, September 6, 2009

By Tessa Leone

Zach Tillion, a recent high school graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School in Des Moines Iowa has just announced his candidacy for the upcoming school board election.

" 100: That’s how many days I’ve been out of the school district. I know the perspective of a student better than many other candidates."-Zach Tillion. He plans to offer a fresh set of ideals and values to Des Moines Public Schools. He has spent countless hours volunteering for political candidates, leading local protests, and organizing school related awareness programs.

"84% 74% and 65%: That’s the percentage of our kids that have been graduating recently. If elected to the board, making that percentage go back up would be my number 1 priority."-Zach Tillion. Zach plans to use his age to promote the importance of a high school diploma. Allowing students to identify with a peer rather than listen to an elder might just be the angle that will allow the school board to reach its students and decrease its drop out rates.

Zach and his growing followers have began promoting his campaign on student targeted pages such as facebook and myspace. He has multiple links and groups allowing people to reach him and join his cause.

The election is on Tuesday September 8th. To find voting information for your district click here.
To register click here.

If Zach succeeds he will be the youngest candidate to be elected to the Des Moines School Board.

(Photo Credit: WHO TV)

Multimedia Magazine

By Ryan Franker

An online magazine (FLYP) found a new way of reporting the news, while catching the reader's interest and eye. The magazine is using traditional reporting and writing but then adding animation, audio, video, and interactive graphics to an article.

The company hasn't been putting out articles for a long time, so it is still an experiment. But they believe that the magazine will do well since they are giving the reader the right to choose how they want the news presented to them. You can either turn the page, like it is a real magazine, or listen to an interview from that article. There are numerous ways of getting the news from this web magazine. They are making it easier for people to understand what the writer is trying to say, because they have so many options on how to get the news. The magazine is trying to find new ways of reporting the news. They have to keep up will the readers and how they like their news presented to them.

Boy who cried blood

By: Mallory Tandy

Calvino Inman, a 15-year-old boy from Rockwood, Tennessee, stepped out of the shower and realized something was wrong, he was crying blood! Calvino's mother rushed him to the hospital as soon as she saw what was wrong with him. By the time they got to the hospital the tears had stopped and the Doctors could not see what the family was trying to explain to them. A few days later while Inman was on a camping trip, the bloody tears came back.

Inman had an MRI, a CT scan and an ultrasound, but none of the results came back abnormal. Inman's mother recalls the doctors telling her "We don't know how to stop it" and "It just has to run its course." These are words that no parent wants to hear when their child is sick.

A director of the University of Tennessee's Hamilton Eye Institute whose name is Dr. Barrett G. Haik says the possible answer could be the condition called haemolacria. This condition happens when someone has had a serious head injury or extreme trauma of some sort. There was no obvious cause in Inmans case.

Experts think Inman will undergo many tests from specialists such as opthalmologists and hematologists. He may also need to have a psychological evaluation to see if maybe the bloody tears were actually a hoax. Could the boy have been watching the new, HBO series True Blood, and was inspired by the vampires who cry blood? Or is Calvino Inman an actual medical mystery? In Calvino Inman's case, the cause may never be discovered.

News Applications for Your Location

By: Chris Mars

With more mobile phone users choosing a smartphone as their weapon of choice we are seeing a huge increase in the capabilities of mobile Web and applications available to users. This developing technology opens the door for news organizations to provide even more accurate information to subscribers.

The development of mobile web-friendly buttons, bookmarks and applications can be created for quick navigation and updates desired by mobile web users. The iPhone offers applications ranging from Pacman to Pet Vet Records, applications useful to all members of the family. On top of these new connection tools the use of GPS and location-based applications makes the information seen by the user even more specific. These location-specific applications can potentially be used to warn of severe weather and news in the area including breaking news.

With a decrease in newspaper readers and news seekers in general, these are new opportunities for news organizations to reconnect with their viewers, readers, and subscribers. Cutting through the clutter and offering shortcuts to news should generate more interest and more availability to users on the go. Hopefully news organizations will catch up with this new media craze and deliver the news people want to the palm of their hand.

Mobilizing for mobile: Are news organizations lagging?

Vander Plaats Announces Official Run for Governor

By: Bethany Christenson

Republican Bob Vander Plaats will announce his official run for Iowa governor on Monday. This is Vander Plaats third run for governor. He feels that current Iowa Governor Chet Culver is leading Iowa into the wrong direction and he can lead Iowa back into a more conservative direction.

He previously campaigned in 2002, when he lost in the GOP primary, and in 2006, when Jim Nussle chose him as a running mate. They were defeated by Culver and Lt. Gov. Patty Judge.

Vander Plaats is ready to deliver his message and says we should return to "Iowa values".

What are "Iowa Values" exactly? Vander Plaats says that they include values of marriage and families. He is obviously referring to the 2009 decision to allow same-sex marriages become legal in Iowa.

Vander Plaats is also opposed to the spending done by Chet Culver in his plan to repair roads damaged by flooding or deterioration from years of use.

Vander Plaats used be a CEO of a nonprofit group, but he now heads a planning and development agency in Sioux City. He also head former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee's Iowa headquarters in 2008.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200990906005

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