Monday, February 23
A new antibody that the flu would not be able to adapt to, and that could be used yearly without change was the most intriguing story of the day. The discovery of a “viral Achilles’ heel” that attacks a non-mutating part of multiple forms of flu virus would also signal possible improvements in treatment for other mutating viruses. The rest of the A section was update of current events.
Tuesday, February 24
I have been a fan of Valery Gergiev, so the nicely headlined “A Russian City’s Wounds are Dressed in Opera Garb” appealed to me as a unique story on a subject I have a previous interest in. The optimism that the seamstresses from Chechen terrorized Vladikavkaz maintained through their work on a premiere of Turandot was moving, with one exclaiming “if someone needs a dress like this all is not lost” in the middle of suicide bombings.
Wednesday, February 25
The dramatic turn in the most highly endowed college’s immediate financial future mirrors a story last week about Harvard and Historically Black Colleges in Georgia, but today’s “Gifts to Colleges Fall” presented a larger cross section with more sweeping claims about the contrast between now and a year ago. NYT argues that 2008 was a record breaking year in endowment for colleges, but now Yale is considering layoffs and Harvard is dropping partially finished expansion plans. Even previous donations are being renegotiated by donors were stretching out the time for payment.
Thursday, February 26
I had recently read an essay which claimed U.S. gun supply to south american drug cartels had very little effect on drug related violence. The front page story, with dramatic emphasis on the negative effects of U.S. weapons making their way into cartels through loose laws in military gun sales, interested me because it filled in the weak spots in a possibly special interest argument.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
February 16-19 NYT Blog
Monday, February 16
International or national stories about foreigners have disproportionally interested me so far in my NY Times readings—today, the same thing: I enjoyed the story on Russian car tariffs and New Orleans Hispanic laborers. The reporting is visual, a little exotic, but still newsy, not just human interest. The descriptory passages, especially in the New Orleans laborer story combine with sometimes colloquial and dialectic quotations, that it is less of task to read and more a pleasure, like entertaining fiction.
Sometimes I read the Italian news source Corriera della Sera and find stories about the U.S. that come out much earlier there than here and I wonder if it’s also true that American papers are less inhibited when writing about foreigners. It would be traditional; I’ve always read that historical figures like Dostoevsky and Pasolini had to go to foreign papers to read about Russia or Italy, respectively. That may be another explanation for my bias toward international stories in the Times, though certainly a willingness to write more freely doesn’t necessarily mean the stories are superior in form or content.
Tuesday, February 17
The story on platelet-rich plasma therapy, theoretically used with success recently on a player who might otherwise not have been able to participate in the Super Bowl, grabbed my attention because it seems like such a simple, almost intuitive medical idea.
Wednesday, February 18
The front page story on G.M. and Chrysler cuts in employees, car models, and brand lineups struck me with the detail about which cars will be discontinued, and by the implications of so many jobs cuts, which make me think of historical automotive job cuts that left entire cities that developed around car plants completely ruined.
The story on uninsured young adults sticks in my mind as well, because of the colorful personal stories that illustrate the problem. Apparently, there are a lot of creative ways to try not to get sick/ recover. I would have liked a section explaining whether or not the tactics of young people without health insurance are in any way effective (exercising off a cold?).
Thursday, February 19
I didn’t realize how badly some schools have been hit by the economic crisis. The National page had a great story on historically black colleges in Atlanta that can barely pay the water bills. The picture shows an elegant classical adaptation campus building that makes a sad contrast to the funds behind it now. I liked that there was also a brief on Harvard’s projected 30% loss of endowment and a possible halt to a large construction project in Alston. Even Harvard has to reconsider its priorities, and gets neighborhood complaints over construction ruining the area.
International or national stories about foreigners have disproportionally interested me so far in my NY Times readings—today, the same thing: I enjoyed the story on Russian car tariffs and New Orleans Hispanic laborers. The reporting is visual, a little exotic, but still newsy, not just human interest. The descriptory passages, especially in the New Orleans laborer story combine with sometimes colloquial and dialectic quotations, that it is less of task to read and more a pleasure, like entertaining fiction.
Sometimes I read the Italian news source Corriera della Sera and find stories about the U.S. that come out much earlier there than here and I wonder if it’s also true that American papers are less inhibited when writing about foreigners. It would be traditional; I’ve always read that historical figures like Dostoevsky and Pasolini had to go to foreign papers to read about Russia or Italy, respectively. That may be another explanation for my bias toward international stories in the Times, though certainly a willingness to write more freely doesn’t necessarily mean the stories are superior in form or content.
Tuesday, February 17
The story on platelet-rich plasma therapy, theoretically used with success recently on a player who might otherwise not have been able to participate in the Super Bowl, grabbed my attention because it seems like such a simple, almost intuitive medical idea.
Wednesday, February 18
The front page story on G.M. and Chrysler cuts in employees, car models, and brand lineups struck me with the detail about which cars will be discontinued, and by the implications of so many jobs cuts, which make me think of historical automotive job cuts that left entire cities that developed around car plants completely ruined.
The story on uninsured young adults sticks in my mind as well, because of the colorful personal stories that illustrate the problem. Apparently, there are a lot of creative ways to try not to get sick/ recover. I would have liked a section explaining whether or not the tactics of young people without health insurance are in any way effective (exercising off a cold?).
Thursday, February 19
I didn’t realize how badly some schools have been hit by the economic crisis. The National page had a great story on historically black colleges in Atlanta that can barely pay the water bills. The picture shows an elegant classical adaptation campus building that makes a sad contrast to the funds behind it now. I liked that there was also a brief on Harvard’s projected 30% loss of endowment and a possible halt to a large construction project in Alston. Even Harvard has to reconsider its priorities, and gets neighborhood complaints over construction ruining the area.
Friday, February 13, 2009
New York Times blog, week 2
Monday, February 9
My delivery of The New York Times did not come. Called service number. It has arrived since
Tuesday, February 10
The front page story on reintroduction of indulgences in the Catholic Church struck me as being a great international story that might make a good local story if the right material comes up. According to the story, plenary indulgences have not been used since The Second Vatican Council. As indulgences, charitable actions, pilgrimages and other works cut back or eliminate time spent in Purgatory. I guess I’d be hoping a good human interest story might come up, maybe a little eccentric, if this were to develop into a good local story.
Wednesday, February 11
I’m not unappreciative of the daily update stories on the economy, but they don’t stand out no matter how many are on the front page. Today’s “On the Trial of War Criminals…” stood out for me because of its focus on ethics in journalism. Not only is the core material, NBC’s faux pas in capturing an accused war criminal, gripping but the coincidences of the story as well. It seems almost too amazing that the president of Goucher College, where the man accused of genocide was a professor, was a journalist at NPR and one of the first to disagree with NBC’s sensationalist, unusual tactics.
Thursday, February 12
Besides being notable for unfortunate, slightly bizarre stories (man dragged 20 miles under van, suspected Nazi attack, suicide bombing deaths) and over advertising for Valentine’s Day, today’s NY Times had a steadying parallel to all the usual stories about the US economy: a graphics account of Dubai’s economic downturn—foreign workers abandoning cars and maxed out, unpaid credit cards while fleeing the country, house prices down 30%, luxury cars losing 40% value in 2 months, and wages for still existent jobs down by 50% or more. Compared to the daily stories about our economic problems, this had a more severe, more sensational edge. Maybe it was meant to be more of a stand alone, whereas the US stories are updates that will be updated tomorrow (which makes them boring and obvious, without negating their usefulness).
My delivery of The New York Times did not come. Called service number. It has arrived since
Tuesday, February 10
The front page story on reintroduction of indulgences in the Catholic Church struck me as being a great international story that might make a good local story if the right material comes up. According to the story, plenary indulgences have not been used since The Second Vatican Council. As indulgences, charitable actions, pilgrimages and other works cut back or eliminate time spent in Purgatory. I guess I’d be hoping a good human interest story might come up, maybe a little eccentric, if this were to develop into a good local story.
Wednesday, February 11
I’m not unappreciative of the daily update stories on the economy, but they don’t stand out no matter how many are on the front page. Today’s “On the Trial of War Criminals…” stood out for me because of its focus on ethics in journalism. Not only is the core material, NBC’s faux pas in capturing an accused war criminal, gripping but the coincidences of the story as well. It seems almost too amazing that the president of Goucher College, where the man accused of genocide was a professor, was a journalist at NPR and one of the first to disagree with NBC’s sensationalist, unusual tactics.
Thursday, February 12
Besides being notable for unfortunate, slightly bizarre stories (man dragged 20 miles under van, suspected Nazi attack, suicide bombing deaths) and over advertising for Valentine’s Day, today’s NY Times had a steadying parallel to all the usual stories about the US economy: a graphics account of Dubai’s economic downturn—foreign workers abandoning cars and maxed out, unpaid credit cards while fleeing the country, house prices down 30%, luxury cars losing 40% value in 2 months, and wages for still existent jobs down by 50% or more. Compared to the daily stories about our economic problems, this had a more severe, more sensational edge. Maybe it was meant to be more of a stand alone, whereas the US stories are updates that will be updated tomorrow (which makes them boring and obvious, without negating their usefulness).
Monday, February 9, 2009
In Class Info Reduction/ Story
A compassionate teenager and…a car crash saved a tourist’s life Monday morning after his car stalled on a train track.
According to police, 80-year-old Francois Truffaut may have gone into insulin shock and passed out as his car reached the crossing in Old Orchard Beach.
When Police Captain Janet Paradiso was notified she “knew there was no time. I had to do something.”
She arrived just as she heard the whistle of an approaching train, and rammed into Truffaut’s vehicle with her police cruiser.
“It was that close,” said Police Chief Brian Paul.
Police were only able to save Truffaut because a teenager rushing to work spotted the stalled vehicle and decided to run to the station to report it.
“I never thought about it. I just I couldn’t let that man get crushed by a train,” said 17-year-old James Laboke.
According to police, 80-year-old Francois Truffaut may have gone into insulin shock and passed out as his car reached the crossing in Old Orchard Beach.
When Police Captain Janet Paradiso was notified she “knew there was no time. I had to do something.”
She arrived just as she heard the whistle of an approaching train, and rammed into Truffaut’s vehicle with her police cruiser.
“It was that close,” said Police Chief Brian Paul.
Police were only able to save Truffaut because a teenager rushing to work spotted the stalled vehicle and decided to run to the station to report it.
“I never thought about it. I just I couldn’t let that man get crushed by a train,” said 17-year-old James Laboke.
Friday, February 6, 2009
NYT, Feb.2-6
[Note: Ordered home delivery subscription to Manchester which must begin next Monday, so this 1st NYT reading blog is on the Monday, Feb.2 edition picked up in class, and the Friday, Feb. 6 online facsimile which I just discovered]
Monday, Feb. 2
This edition, as it would be viewed by a potential buyer from a news vending machine, only the title fold showing, is notably negative for everyone except Steelers' fans. For the first day of a work week, 3 stories of 4 focused on the economic crisis is a let down.
As noted in the class observation of a switch to an arguably more compelling picture in editions due at later times, the decision of which superbowl photograph to use was heavily considered, and probably not solely for the sake of getting the most gripping picture, but to balance out front flap stories that one might rather not read. Even the most important information may be hard to swallow without some sugar coating, whether it be in the images or entertaining, stylistic touches of lower front page stories like the image evoking piece on daring Mexican drug cartels. I assume that giving the front page 1st glance appeal makes it hard on NYTs editors when the most important, relevent stories are not appealing, and that this edition is a good example it.
Friday, Feb. 6
The contrast between the Monday edition and the Friday is drastic. While the front flap, the selling flap, deals largely with the same crisis issues, the headings omit killer terms like failure, risk and the at best ambiguous terms of Monday. Instead things are positive, moving forward, or at least pose interesting changes in status quo--men losing 82% of cut positions, the US opening back up to foreign paradeigms--and included are several fascinating scientific, effectively escapist stories about color and mood, and later in the A section wolf-dog genetics. I wonder if Monday and Friday editions of NYTs regularly adopt similar opposing tones?- And if so whether or not the rest of the week follows a gradation.
Monday, Feb. 2
This edition, as it would be viewed by a potential buyer from a news vending machine, only the title fold showing, is notably negative for everyone except Steelers' fans. For the first day of a work week, 3 stories of 4 focused on the economic crisis is a let down.
As noted in the class observation of a switch to an arguably more compelling picture in editions due at later times, the decision of which superbowl photograph to use was heavily considered, and probably not solely for the sake of getting the most gripping picture, but to balance out front flap stories that one might rather not read. Even the most important information may be hard to swallow without some sugar coating, whether it be in the images or entertaining, stylistic touches of lower front page stories like the image evoking piece on daring Mexican drug cartels. I assume that giving the front page 1st glance appeal makes it hard on NYTs editors when the most important, relevent stories are not appealing, and that this edition is a good example it.
Friday, Feb. 6
The contrast between the Monday edition and the Friday is drastic. While the front flap, the selling flap, deals largely with the same crisis issues, the headings omit killer terms like failure, risk and the at best ambiguous terms of Monday. Instead things are positive, moving forward, or at least pose interesting changes in status quo--men losing 82% of cut positions, the US opening back up to foreign paradeigms--and included are several fascinating scientific, effectively escapist stories about color and mood, and later in the A section wolf-dog genetics. I wonder if Monday and Friday editions of NYTs regularly adopt similar opposing tones?- And if so whether or not the rest of the week follows a gradation.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Class exercise 1
Two female teenagers are hospitalized after an automobile swerved off road near the fairground in Belmont, overturning on its roof. One is in stable condition. The other was airlifted to Mass general hospital in Boston.
According to Thomas Carroll, who witnessed the accident, Jamie Peterson was driving his white Mustang on the unlit, gravely road when he lost control.
Local resident Josie Crandall also witnessed the accident.
“I’ve never seen a car going so fast on this road, and it’s really easy to lose control.”
Lieutenant Judith Barkus of Belmont police department said Peterson’s two teenage female passengers were removed from the wreck in a 45 minute Jaws of Life operation.
Carroll said three beer cans were found under the car.
There was a fatal accident on the same spot in 1998.
According to Thomas Carroll, who witnessed the accident, Jamie Peterson was driving his white Mustang on the unlit, gravely road when he lost control.
Local resident Josie Crandall also witnessed the accident.
“I’ve never seen a car going so fast on this road, and it’s really easy to lose control.”
Lieutenant Judith Barkus of Belmont police department said Peterson’s two teenage female passengers were removed from the wreck in a 45 minute Jaws of Life operation.
Carroll said three beer cans were found under the car.
There was a fatal accident on the same spot in 1998.
Class exercise 1
Two female teenagers are hospitalized after an automobile swerved off road near the fairground in Belmont, overturning on its roof. One is in stable condition. The other was airlifted to Mass general hospital in Boston.
According to Thomas Carroll, who witnessed the accident, Jamie Peterson was driving his white Mustang on the unlit, gravely road when he lost control.
Local resident Josie Crandall also witnessed the accident.
“I’ve never seen a car going so fast on this road, and it’s really easy to lose control.”
Lieutenant Judith Barkus of Belmont police department said Peterson’s two teenage female passengers were removed from the wreck in a 45 minute Jaws of Life operation.
Carroll said three beer cans were found under the car.
There was a fatal accident on the same spot in 1998.
According to Thomas Carroll, who witnessed the accident, Jamie Peterson was driving his white Mustang on the unlit, gravely road when he lost control.
Local resident Josie Crandall also witnessed the accident.
“I’ve never seen a car going so fast on this road, and it’s really easy to lose control.”
Lieutenant Judith Barkus of Belmont police department said Peterson’s two teenage female passengers were removed from the wreck in a 45 minute Jaws of Life operation.
Carroll said three beer cans were found under the car.
There was a fatal accident on the same spot in 1998.
Class exercise 1
Two female teenagers are hospitalized after an automobile swerved off road near the fairground in Belmont, overturning on its roof. One is in stable condition. The other was airlifted to Mass general hospital in Boston.
According to Thomas Carroll, who witnessed the accident, Jamie Peterson was driving his white Mustang on the unlit, gravely road when he lost control.
Local resident Josie Crandall also witnessed the accident.
“I’ve never seen a car going so fast on this road, and it’s really easy to lose control.”
Lieutenant Judith Barkus of Belmont police department said Peterson’s two teenage female passengers were removed from the wreck in a 45 minute Jaws of Life operation.
Carroll said three beer cans were found under the car.
There was a fatal accident on the same spot in 1998.
According to Thomas Carroll, who witnessed the accident, Jamie Peterson was driving his white Mustang on the unlit, gravely road when he lost control.
Local resident Josie Crandall also witnessed the accident.
“I’ve never seen a car going so fast on this road, and it’s really easy to lose control.”
Lieutenant Judith Barkus of Belmont police department said Peterson’s two teenage female passengers were removed from the wreck in a 45 minute Jaws of Life operation.
Carroll said three beer cans were found under the car.
There was a fatal accident on the same spot in 1998.
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