Animals, Not Bottle, Guilty of Murder
Mr. Water Bottle has been accused of the murder of his wife Franchesca and friend Bartholomew late Friday the 13th of February. He called a press conference the next day to tell his side of the story. Bottle was accused of training animals to attack and brutally murder his wife and friend. He maintained that he had spent the night at the local zoo taking care of kangaroos afflicted with Kangaroo Blight. He also claimed that he had never trained animals, only worked with them. When questioned about his relationships with his wife and friend, Bottle said they were the only ones he trusted, since the government "took him out of his hard working, honest life and threw him in the slammer for no reason." He described his wife Franchesca as being busy, and having a fondness for cooking. His friend Bartholomew, however, wasn't so deeply trusted. Bottle stated that he trusted Bart "only enough to have him take care of Franny while [he] was taking care of the animals." He also claimed that the deaths of Franchesca and Bartholomew were caused by forgetfulness -- they, according to Bottle, had forgotten to lock the door, thus allowing animals to enter the home and brutalize both occupants. This tragic incident deeply saddened Bottle. During the interview, Bottle was distrustful of the reporters at the conference, calling them "government spies." His distrust of the government came out in the conference as hostility. This aggression was inspired by his past incarceration for releasing animals from the zoo, a charge which he had fought against and maintained his innocence. His love of kangaroos and other Australian creatures was accredited as being because "they ain't the government," once again tying back to his loathing of the government. His innocence in the current matter, the murder of his wife and friend, will be decided by a jury of his peers next week, on Friday the 20th of February, in the county courthouse at 2 p.m.
By Hurricane Katrina, Kayla Brown, Ana Olsen, and Jaynee Hansen
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
News Feb 26
A new way to patrol the Texas border: Virtually: NPR
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101050132&ft=1&f=1001
Texas law enforcement may have found a new way to patrol their border, www.blueservo.net. A virtual site which allows just about anyone to watch certain sections of the border for any suspicious and possibly illegal movement. Apparently the site allows people to watch certain parts of the border and report anything suspicious they see. These reports will then be sent to police whom can either take care of it or send it to border patrol agents. Many people enjoy this opportunity to protect their country. Certain other people including Texas State Sen. Elliot Shapleigh, thinks the site is a waste of
money.
Impact lede
Seoul: N. Korean missile can hit U.S. bases
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/02/23/northkorea.missiles/index.html?eref=rss_world
“The most acute challenge to stability in northeast Asia” is North Korea’s nuclear program, according to newly elected U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. And South Korea considers the nuclear program plus North Korea’s 1.2 million strong military an “immediate and grave threat,” Apparently North Korea has deployed new medium-range ballistic missiles, which can travel about 3,000 kilometers (1,900 miles). This range could possibly put the U.S. military bases in the Pacific Ocean, specifically Guam, within striking distance. North Korea is also reported to be readying to test-fire their long-range missile, the Taepodong-2. Its range is almost 6,700 kilometers (4,200 miles), which means it could be capable of striking Alaska or Hawaii.
Quote lede
New England snow knocks out power, shuts schools
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/winter/2009-02-23-new-england-winter-storm_N.htm?csp=34
Thousands of schools are being shut down and many people are without power across New England. "We're having a hell of a time right now," said Larry Dodge, a Vermont Transportation Agency dispatcher. Many roads and major high ways were forced to close because of driving snow and multiple accidents. Electrical and power companies are getting out of state help to repair all the downed and broken power lines. Hopefully power and heat will be back on for residents by Wednesday. But the storm was pretty frightening as it was reported that snow was falling at rates of 3-4 inches per hour, and 3-4 feet and above of snow has accumulated in certain areas.
Impact lede
In Ambitious Agenda, Obama convenes Dozens of Leaders to Tackle Deficit
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/02/23/obama-vows-cut-deficit-half-end-term/
Is three hours enough time to decide anything on a national scale? This is what many people who attended and did not attend Obama’s three hour Fiscal Responsibility Summit are wondering. 130 senators, House members, and community, union, think tank and lobbying representatives gathered Monday to discuss subjects such as Social security, health care, tax reform, the budget process and procurement.
Question lede
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101050132&ft=1&f=1001
Texas law enforcement may have found a new way to patrol their border, www.blueservo.net. A virtual site which allows just about anyone to watch certain sections of the border for any suspicious and possibly illegal movement. Apparently the site allows people to watch certain parts of the border and report anything suspicious they see. These reports will then be sent to police whom can either take care of it or send it to border patrol agents. Many people enjoy this opportunity to protect their country. Certain other people including Texas State Sen. Elliot Shapleigh, thinks the site is a waste of
money.
Impact lede
Seoul: N. Korean missile can hit U.S. bases
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/02/23/northkorea.missiles/index.html?eref=rss_world
“The most acute challenge to stability in northeast Asia” is North Korea’s nuclear program, according to newly elected U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. And South Korea considers the nuclear program plus North Korea’s 1.2 million strong military an “immediate and grave threat,” Apparently North Korea has deployed new medium-range ballistic missiles, which can travel about 3,000 kilometers (1,900 miles). This range could possibly put the U.S. military bases in the Pacific Ocean, specifically Guam, within striking distance. North Korea is also reported to be readying to test-fire their long-range missile, the Taepodong-2. Its range is almost 6,700 kilometers (4,200 miles), which means it could be capable of striking Alaska or Hawaii.
Quote lede
New England snow knocks out power, shuts schools
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/winter/2009-02-23-new-england-winter-storm_N.htm?csp=34
Thousands of schools are being shut down and many people are without power across New England. "We're having a hell of a time right now," said Larry Dodge, a Vermont Transportation Agency dispatcher. Many roads and major high ways were forced to close because of driving snow and multiple accidents. Electrical and power companies are getting out of state help to repair all the downed and broken power lines. Hopefully power and heat will be back on for residents by Wednesday. But the storm was pretty frightening as it was reported that snow was falling at rates of 3-4 inches per hour, and 3-4 feet and above of snow has accumulated in certain areas.
Impact lede
In Ambitious Agenda, Obama convenes Dozens of Leaders to Tackle Deficit
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/02/23/obama-vows-cut-deficit-half-end-term/
Is three hours enough time to decide anything on a national scale? This is what many people who attended and did not attend Obama’s three hour Fiscal Responsibility Summit are wondering. 130 senators, House members, and community, union, think tank and lobbying representatives gathered Monday to discuss subjects such as Social security, health care, tax reform, the budget process and procurement.
Question lede
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Restaurant review
Do you like the sound of Asian music accompanied by gentle lighting and americanized Chinese food? Then the Dragon Wall restaurant of Sheridan is the place to visit. Though Dragon Wall’s food is very americanized (sorry authentic Chinese food lovers) the staff are actually Chinese. This helps to create a very authentic feeling atmosphere, along with the bonus of always making you feel tall. Of course the music, decorations and lighting help. The general atmosphere of the restaurant is extremely inviting, gentle and a bit cozy. Cozy as in it gets a little crowded sometimes. Which really is a good sign overall, as generally the more people that go to a place and the more frequently they go the more popular it is. The setup of the building helps to add to the atmosphere of the Dragon Wall. It has a small entry way decorated with painted fish and a miniature waterfall. After walking in the door one is greeted by the friendly smile of the cashier at the front desk. After paying you will turn to the right to find the center of the spacious room filled with a four station buffet plus drink platform. Then you will have the choice of either right or left for seating as both are filled with a sufficient amount of booths and tables. The booths are fairly open and evenly spaced. The tables on the other hand are a little cozy, though they are the only places to seat a large group of people. The staff is extremely friendly and efficient. They will always offer a smile. They also are very good at replacing empty food trays at the buffet as quickly as possible. The staff is also great at clearing plates from your table quickly and quietly. The food is average and filling though not exceptional. The Dragon Wall offers a fair amount of varying pastas and meats. ‘General Tsao’s Chicken’ is one of their more famous dishes. They also have soups, fruits, and deserts including: pudding, ice creams, jellos, and mandarin oranges. Despite the fact that they are a Chinese restaurant they only have two rice dishes and about 3 noodle dishes. Most of their others are some type of meat or vegetable. Though their food is americanized it still has a Chinese aspect to it and is very filling. The Dragon Wall is also a nice place to go because of its buffet style. This allows you to come in, find a table, and then go and get your food, without waiting for your food to be prepared or your waiter to bring you the menus. Thus overall, the Dragon Wall has a comfortable atmosphere, with filling food and friendly service.
Monday, February 16, 2009
News Feb 19
Lawmakers Worry Whether Obama Tax Cut Will Stimulate Consumer Spending
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/02/16/lawmakers-worry-obama-tax-cut/
Will $8 a week be enough? This is the question many individuals are asking about the tax cut for the individual in the upcoming economic recovery package. The stimulus plan would give $400 in tax cuts to the individual, and $800 in tax cuts to couples. That comes down to about $13 per week for most workers, starting in June, and only $8 per week by next January. According to Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham “The average person will get $8 per week in their paycheck and they will pass on to their grandkids $1.1 trillion in debt.”
Question lede
Storms Pounds California With Rain and Snow
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29220403/
“This one (storm) here is hitting the entire state” said California National Weather Service forecaster Stan Wasowski, on Tuesday afternoon. A heavy winter rain and snow storm started on Monday, causing the closure of the major highway I-15 and the cancellation of a national golf tournament. The storm stretched from the Mexican border all the way up to Oregon and into parts of Washington.
Quote lede
Man Charged Over Australian Bush Fires Named
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/02/16/australia.bushfire.accused.court/index.html?eref=rss_world
Information concerning a man arrested and charged for lighting some of the Australian bush fires has been released. 39-year-old Brendan Sokaluk reportedly lit the fire on February 7th. Sokaluk is not only charged for the lighting of the fire but also for the death of 21 people in Gippsland. Many people believe information about Sokaluk should have been released earlier. Hatred for the arsonists behind these fires is also very strong, as T-shirts proclaiming that these people should ‘burn in hell’ have been made. So far almost 189 people have died in these fires, while 1,800 homes have been destroyed and 7,000 people have been displaced.
Impact lede
Cambodia Genocide Trial to Begin
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2009-02-16-cambodia_N.htm?csp=34
Almost 30 years after the fall of the Khmer Rouge its leaders are finally very close to being brought to justice. Their leader, Kaing Guek Eav or ‘Duch’, is finally going to trial for the 1.7 million lives that he took. "It's going to be a very big day for the Cambodian people because the justice that they have been waiting for 30 years is starting to get closer and closer," tribunal spokesman Reach Sambath said. The Khmer Rouge’s notorious leader ‘Duch’, 66, is accused of committing or abetting various crimes such as murder, torture, or rape along with causing the torture and death of 16,000 men, women and children at the S-21 prison.
Impact lede
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/02/16/lawmakers-worry-obama-tax-cut/
Will $8 a week be enough? This is the question many individuals are asking about the tax cut for the individual in the upcoming economic recovery package. The stimulus plan would give $400 in tax cuts to the individual, and $800 in tax cuts to couples. That comes down to about $13 per week for most workers, starting in June, and only $8 per week by next January. According to Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham “The average person will get $8 per week in their paycheck and they will pass on to their grandkids $1.1 trillion in debt.”
Question lede
Storms Pounds California With Rain and Snow
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29220403/
“This one (storm) here is hitting the entire state” said California National Weather Service forecaster Stan Wasowski, on Tuesday afternoon. A heavy winter rain and snow storm started on Monday, causing the closure of the major highway I-15 and the cancellation of a national golf tournament. The storm stretched from the Mexican border all the way up to Oregon and into parts of Washington.
Quote lede
Man Charged Over Australian Bush Fires Named
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/02/16/australia.bushfire.accused.court/index.html?eref=rss_world
Information concerning a man arrested and charged for lighting some of the Australian bush fires has been released. 39-year-old Brendan Sokaluk reportedly lit the fire on February 7th. Sokaluk is not only charged for the lighting of the fire but also for the death of 21 people in Gippsland. Many people believe information about Sokaluk should have been released earlier. Hatred for the arsonists behind these fires is also very strong, as T-shirts proclaiming that these people should ‘burn in hell’ have been made. So far almost 189 people have died in these fires, while 1,800 homes have been destroyed and 7,000 people have been displaced.
Impact lede
Cambodia Genocide Trial to Begin
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2009-02-16-cambodia_N.htm?csp=34
Almost 30 years after the fall of the Khmer Rouge its leaders are finally very close to being brought to justice. Their leader, Kaing Guek Eav or ‘Duch’, is finally going to trial for the 1.7 million lives that he took. "It's going to be a very big day for the Cambodian people because the justice that they have been waiting for 30 years is starting to get closer and closer," tribunal spokesman Reach Sambath said. The Khmer Rouge’s notorious leader ‘Duch’, 66, is accused of committing or abetting various crimes such as murder, torture, or rape along with causing the torture and death of 16,000 men, women and children at the S-21 prison.
Impact lede
Monday, February 9, 2009
Weekly News Feb 12
Military: Suicide Bomber Kills 4 U.S. Soldiers in Iraq
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/02/09/soldiers.killed.mosul/index.html?eref=rss_world
A suicide car bomber killed 4 U.S. soldiers and their interpreter in Mosul of northern Iraq. Three of the soldiers died in the initial explosion while the fourth soldier and the interpreter died later. Though violence is dropping in Iraq, Mosul remains volatile because of ethnic tensions and the presence of the al Qaeda in Iraq militant group.
Impact lede
Judges Rule to Release Thousands of California Inmates
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-02-09-calif-inmates_N.htm?csp=34
California judges believe they have found a safe solution to the California jail overcrowding problem. The overcrowding problem has caused conditions to be so poor that inmates are dying regularly of suicides or lack of proper care. The judges will set the final population figure later, and hope to have their plan carried out within 2 or 3 years. They also believe that if this process is done right the public safety will not be threatened.
Impact lede
Australia Declares Bushfire Disaster a Crime Scene
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE5171EI20090210?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews
Australian investigators are now searching the freshly charred landscape to find some clues to the cause. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and most Australian investigators believe that Australia’s deadliest wildfires since 1983, were set by arsonists. The former 1983 wildfires only caused 75 deaths, almost 98 less than this years fires, which have caused 173 deaths so far. The investigation proves difficult as many of the fires are still burning.
Indirect lede
Senate Clears Path for Vote on $838 Billion Stimulus
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/washington/10stimulus.html
Three republican votes plus that of an elderly senator helped the senate to get the 60 votes needed to approve the stimulus. Much controversy has arisen around the bill. Democrats claim that the bill is a lifesaver while republicans stick to the belief that it is a waste of money. After many amendments, open debates, and much disagreement, the stimulus was approved, though it still needs the president’s approval.
Impact Lede
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/02/09/soldiers.killed.mosul/index.html?eref=rss_world
A suicide car bomber killed 4 U.S. soldiers and their interpreter in Mosul of northern Iraq. Three of the soldiers died in the initial explosion while the fourth soldier and the interpreter died later. Though violence is dropping in Iraq, Mosul remains volatile because of ethnic tensions and the presence of the al Qaeda in Iraq militant group.
Impact lede
Judges Rule to Release Thousands of California Inmates
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-02-09-calif-inmates_N.htm?csp=34
California judges believe they have found a safe solution to the California jail overcrowding problem. The overcrowding problem has caused conditions to be so poor that inmates are dying regularly of suicides or lack of proper care. The judges will set the final population figure later, and hope to have their plan carried out within 2 or 3 years. They also believe that if this process is done right the public safety will not be threatened.
Impact lede
Australia Declares Bushfire Disaster a Crime Scene
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE5171EI20090210?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews
Australian investigators are now searching the freshly charred landscape to find some clues to the cause. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and most Australian investigators believe that Australia’s deadliest wildfires since 1983, were set by arsonists. The former 1983 wildfires only caused 75 deaths, almost 98 less than this years fires, which have caused 173 deaths so far. The investigation proves difficult as many of the fires are still burning.
Indirect lede
Senate Clears Path for Vote on $838 Billion Stimulus
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/washington/10stimulus.html
Three republican votes plus that of an elderly senator helped the senate to get the 60 votes needed to approve the stimulus. Much controversy has arisen around the bill. Democrats claim that the bill is a lifesaver while republicans stick to the belief that it is a waste of money. After many amendments, open debates, and much disagreement, the stimulus was approved, though it still needs the president’s approval.
Impact Lede
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Weekly News
Deadly Chinese Earthquake May Have Been Man-Made.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,487967,00.html
Scientific research seems to be showing that the 7.9 magnitude earthquake that occurred last May in China may have been man-made. Fan Xiao, a chief engineer at the Sichuan Geology and Mineral Bureau said that the extra pressure from the 315 million tons of water stored behind the Zipingpu dam may have added additional pressure to the nearby fault causing the earthquake. Others argue that the dam may have sped up the timing of the earthquake or caused it to be more severe, but doubt that the dam actually caused the earthquake.
Obama Signs Children’s Healthcare Bill
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE5135JJ20090204?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews
On Wednesday Obama signed a law which expands health care coverage to 3.5 million uninsured children. This decision is apparently embraced by the U.S. House of representatives as they just voted in favor of a $32.8 billion expansion of SCHIP or State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Others are not so sure of this plan as it will lead to higher taxes on things, especially cigarettes. The Obama administration believes this will not only help to cover more children but discourage smoking. But the others are also afraid of the major changes it will bring to current insurance plans.
FBI Announces Review of Evidence In Tylenol Deaths
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-02-04-fbi-investigation_N.htm?csp=34
Almost 25 years after several Tylenol related deaths in 1982 the investigation is still ongoing. Apparently several people ended up dead after taking Tylenol. This nation wide scare caused the safety seals which are now standard on all bottled products today. The FBI has been searching for someone to blame for the deaths for several years. James W. Lewis has been one of the prime suspects as he was able to explain to police the whole process of how one might put poison in a Tylenol pill and return it unnoticed.
Congress Backs Delay of Digital TV Switch to June
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100256989&ft=1&f=1001
After a bout of complaints Congress has decided to delay the Digital transition. The complaints mostly said that millions of Americans are not ready for the change. Especially rural, low-income, elderly, and non-English speaking families. Apparently more than 6 million families are still relying on analog TV sets. And some 3 million families are still waiting to receive coupons for the digital converter boxes. And to make things worse the National Telecommunications and Information Administration has declared that it has run out of money for the program.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,487967,00.html
Scientific research seems to be showing that the 7.9 magnitude earthquake that occurred last May in China may have been man-made. Fan Xiao, a chief engineer at the Sichuan Geology and Mineral Bureau said that the extra pressure from the 315 million tons of water stored behind the Zipingpu dam may have added additional pressure to the nearby fault causing the earthquake. Others argue that the dam may have sped up the timing of the earthquake or caused it to be more severe, but doubt that the dam actually caused the earthquake.
Obama Signs Children’s Healthcare Bill
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE5135JJ20090204?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews
On Wednesday Obama signed a law which expands health care coverage to 3.5 million uninsured children. This decision is apparently embraced by the U.S. House of representatives as they just voted in favor of a $32.8 billion expansion of SCHIP or State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Others are not so sure of this plan as it will lead to higher taxes on things, especially cigarettes. The Obama administration believes this will not only help to cover more children but discourage smoking. But the others are also afraid of the major changes it will bring to current insurance plans.
FBI Announces Review of Evidence In Tylenol Deaths
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-02-04-fbi-investigation_N.htm?csp=34
Almost 25 years after several Tylenol related deaths in 1982 the investigation is still ongoing. Apparently several people ended up dead after taking Tylenol. This nation wide scare caused the safety seals which are now standard on all bottled products today. The FBI has been searching for someone to blame for the deaths for several years. James W. Lewis has been one of the prime suspects as he was able to explain to police the whole process of how one might put poison in a Tylenol pill and return it unnoticed.
Congress Backs Delay of Digital TV Switch to June
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100256989&ft=1&f=1001
After a bout of complaints Congress has decided to delay the Digital transition. The complaints mostly said that millions of Americans are not ready for the change. Especially rural, low-income, elderly, and non-English speaking families. Apparently more than 6 million families are still relying on analog TV sets. And some 3 million families are still waiting to receive coupons for the digital converter boxes. And to make things worse the National Telecommunications and Information Administration has declared that it has run out of money for the program.
DVD review
Want a DVD with a good meaningful message? Then Bella is definitely worth considering. Bella is a fairly simple DVD with a deep message. The DVD starts of with a series of memories from the main character Alejandro, about a little girl in his past. Then it shifts to the time frame in which most of the DVD takes place. Which is the time when Alejandro is older and working in his brother’s, Manny’s, very fancy Mexican restaurant. It then advances through a series of events in which a coworker of Alejandro’s named Nina, gets a pregnancy test, finds out she’s pregnant, shows up to work late because of it, and gets fired. Alejandro has compassion on Nina and leaves work to help her, resulting in him also getting fired. The DVD then follows Alejandro and Nina around as they journey through the town and end up at his parent’s house, all the while discussing what Nina is going to do about her pregnancy. Once at his parent’s house Nina learns that a few years ago Alejandro ran over and killed a little girl, for which he has never forgiven himself. Nina also learns that Alejandro’s older brother and restaurant owner, Manny (mentioned before) was adopted into Alejandro’s family. By the end of the DVD Alejandro, his family and everything Nina has seen has convinced her to keep her child and give it up for adoption once it is born. This whole process also helps Nina and the viewer to better realize the sanctity of human life. In the end Alejandro adopts Nina’s child and the last scene is of a happy reunion between mother and beautiful little girl, Bella. The acting in Bella is very good and convincing. The actors displayed the emotions of the characters in a very realistic and strong way. The way the whole DVD worked together (actors, story line, ect.) to relay the message of the whole story worked out extremely well. The plot of the DVD was also very well laid out. It was also normally in a very sensible and clear order, and got the main message of the DVD across, though it did get a little confusing at times. Especially when it kept switching from memories of the past, to the present, to scenes of the future. But for the most part it was very good. The sets were fairly simple consisting of a collection of city scenes, a beach which was used again and again, Alejandro’s parents house and Manny’s restaurant. The DVD, though fairly basic overall, had an enjoyable plot, good actors, and simple sets. The main message was meant to impact people and did so exceptionally well. The whole story was very simple though, which made Bella a one time watch DVD for me.
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