Looking further into the way the Star Tribune reported the story of Loa Nugyen, the Vietnamese student and spouse sentenced to deportation, I realized almost immediately that the paper could have sought more sources for Saturday's story.
Because Nugyen's husband, Dan Hanson, is nearly the only individual cited and quoted in the story, it lacks a balanced view of the couple's struggle and ultimately appears as if the paper has written a plea story for Nugyen's deportation. The facts are straight: Nugyen came on a student visa that expired when she took a break from her Ph.D. program to travel; the couple failed to properly file paperwork that declared them married; Nugyen failed to show at court, saying she had mixed up the dates and subsequently failing to notify her husband; the immigration court denied an appeal to reopen her case; and she remains detained, away from her husband and will be deported soon.
The facts were there, yes, but when a writer fails to properly balance his or her sources the story begins to look like a sad-tale about a separated husband and wife. Because the story is filled with quotes solely from Nugyen's husband, who is naturally distraught and sad for the situation of he and his wife, it appears one-sided.
The lead and following quote are remarkable effective:
"When Hoa Nguyen was shackled and jailed for failing to make an immigration hearing last month, she presented her reason to stay: Dan Hanson, her Illinois-born husband.
"I went down there [to jail] and thought, 'OK. Here I am. I'm her U.S.-citizen husband,'" Hanson said. "What can we do to make this right?"
Apparently, not much."
However, to insert the voice in which the last sentence is written, it seems to be the "Can't a guy catch a break?" motif. A motif, I might add, that seems inappropriate for a news story. Inappropriate because it inserts a strong voice of the writer, and inappropriate because the motif it implies would be empathetic or sympathetic--neither of which are ultimately appropriate for a hard news story.
There is a single mention that U.S. Immigration officials were not able to comment on the story; however, more background information could have been gathered on cases like that of Nugyen and Hanson, or the ways in which student visas expire or the number of citizens who marry immigrants and fail or improperly fill out paperwork.
Any indication that the reporter searched real records fails to be evident in his or her written work.
Other questions could be asked: How often do these deportation cases happen between couples? What does the actual law state about the matter? Did Nugyen attempt to contact the immigration office after she realized she had mixed up her court dates?
We only know the background of the couple, and that her family and roommates are "fighting for her," as she remains detained; her husband has the final word: "I don't think the fact that she's not going to die justifies this action."
There are holes throughout the piece about the complex nature of immigration protocol, or why the couple failed to begin correcting their paperwork in February when they realized something was awry. These holes are scattered like swiss cheese, but clearly present.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Oil Spill in Australia launches call for better protection.
On Sunday, the New York Times reported that a delicate marine environment off of the Australian coast is in grave danger because of increased oil and gas explorations in the area.
According to the TImes, "A damaged oil well in the region has been spewing thousands of gallons of crude oil into the Timor Sea since Aug. 21, when a blowout forced the evacuation of all 69 workers on the platform. Emergency crews have been working overtime to contain the spill, but officials say it could take about three more weeks to plug the leak."
On Tuesday, the Association for Fundraising Professionals (AFP) reported AFP reported an estimated 400 barrels of oil spill daily from the leak.
After a mobile drilling rig arrived from Indonesia on Monday, crews began drilling a relief well to divert the leaking oil and gas. However, the machine needs to bore 2.6 kilometres (1.6 miles) under the seabed, which will take about a week.
Because of the grave damage and the increase of oil wells in the region, the Times reports a call for protection in the area; officials have used the Exxon Valdez spill of 1989 as a platform example for concern.
In the first half of this year, more than 50 wells were drilled in the tropical waters off western Australia, adding to hundreds of other recent projects. Last month, the government gave Chevron the green light to expand its exploration of the huge Gorgon gas field, a $40 billion project that was opposed by conservationists because of its potential environmental impact.
The AFP reports tonnes of dispersant chemicals have been dumped on the spill, reportedly Australia's worst since offshore drilling began more than 40 years ago, and ecologists fear the toxic cocktail could threaten marine and coastal species.
The area is said to rival the beauty and delicate nature of the better-known Great Barrier Reef.
According to the TImes, "A damaged oil well in the region has been spewing thousands of gallons of crude oil into the Timor Sea since Aug. 21, when a blowout forced the evacuation of all 69 workers on the platform. Emergency crews have been working overtime to contain the spill, but officials say it could take about three more weeks to plug the leak."
On Tuesday, the Association for Fundraising Professionals (AFP) reported AFP reported an estimated 400 barrels of oil spill daily from the leak.
After a mobile drilling rig arrived from Indonesia on Monday, crews began drilling a relief well to divert the leaking oil and gas. However, the machine needs to bore 2.6 kilometres (1.6 miles) under the seabed, which will take about a week.
Because of the grave damage and the increase of oil wells in the region, the Times reports a call for protection in the area; officials have used the Exxon Valdez spill of 1989 as a platform example for concern.
In the first half of this year, more than 50 wells were drilled in the tropical waters off western Australia, adding to hundreds of other recent projects. Last month, the government gave Chevron the green light to expand its exploration of the huge Gorgon gas field, a $40 billion project that was opposed by conservationists because of its potential environmental impact.
The AFP reports tonnes of dispersant chemicals have been dumped on the spill, reportedly Australia's worst since offshore drilling began more than 40 years ago, and ecologists fear the toxic cocktail could threaten marine and coastal species.
The area is said to rival the beauty and delicate nature of the better-known Great Barrier Reef.
Vietnam woman facing deportation after missed court date
Saturday, the Star Tribune reported a Vietnam woman had been detained and sentenced to deportation after failing to appear in court to settle paperwork.
Loa Nguyen came to the U.S. on a student visa and has maintained her student status for the last ten years. After marrying Dan Hanson last year failed to properly file paperwork that allowed them to be properly documented as a married couple in the United States.
But after failing to show up for a September 13th court date, Nguyen was arrested and remains at the Shurburne County jail. Her family and friends have organized a website and support group to fight the decision for deportation. She is likely to be sent back to Vietnam for one to five years and will likely leave the country in the next two weeks.
Nugyen is said to have mixed up the 13th for the 23rd of September.
After missing her court date, KSTP.com reported that Nugyen failed to tell her husband about it.
According to the Star Tirbune, "Last week, an immigration judge denied Nguyen's motion to re-open her case, noting that her arguments did not constitute the "exceptional circumstances" needed to grant the motion.
KSTP reported Hason was heart wrenched. "It has been heart-rending to get a call at work, my wife Hoa has been detained. We inadvertently didn't complete some of the paperwork that was necessary in order for us to be properly documented in the U.S. as a legally married couple," said Hanson.
Hanson admits the couple has been through a few mix ups with the Immigration system in the U.S., but believes due process should give the couple an opportunity to fix their clerical mistakes.
Loa Nguyen came to the U.S. on a student visa and has maintained her student status for the last ten years. After marrying Dan Hanson last year failed to properly file paperwork that allowed them to be properly documented as a married couple in the United States.
But after failing to show up for a September 13th court date, Nguyen was arrested and remains at the Shurburne County jail. Her family and friends have organized a website and support group to fight the decision for deportation. She is likely to be sent back to Vietnam for one to five years and will likely leave the country in the next two weeks.
Nugyen is said to have mixed up the 13th for the 23rd of September.
After missing her court date, KSTP.com reported that Nugyen failed to tell her husband about it.
According to the Star Tirbune, "Last week, an immigration judge denied Nguyen's motion to re-open her case, noting that her arguments did not constitute the "exceptional circumstances" needed to grant the motion.
KSTP reported Hason was heart wrenched. "It has been heart-rending to get a call at work, my wife Hoa has been detained. We inadvertently didn't complete some of the paperwork that was necessary in order for us to be properly documented in the U.S. as a legally married couple," said Hanson.
Hanson admits the couple has been through a few mix ups with the Immigration system in the U.S., but believes due process should give the couple an opportunity to fix their clerical mistakes.
Save the boobs! (October is breast cancer awareness month).
A new PSA announcement created by the Canadian Rethink Breast Cancer charity is raising eyebrows and dropping jaws.
On Tuesday, the L.A. Times was among the first to report the hype the new PSA is receiving. CNN and other news sources were soon to follow.
To say the least, the ad uses sex to sell the idea of breast cancer awareness to both men and women alike. The L.A. Times summarized the scene both adequately and creatively noting that in the ad, "a voluptuous young woman in a white bikini walks into a pool party scene. Strip-club music kicks in and the camera slow-mo's her fleshy assets while the partygoers attempt to pick their jaws up off the ground. No discreet, quick-cut editing here. The camera stares, unblinking, unashamed, at the woman's figure."
And just like that, the media began to buzz. The conversation seems to center over whether using sex to sell awareness is too racy or just right. The response from young people, including the woman who volunteered to star in the ad, believe it to be revolutionary and intending to reach a younger audience. CNN reports that she is an MTV Canada news anchor, and well known throughout the country.
Either way, her chest has now received celebrity status among American media.
Many believe the ad to be too racy, but others justify its production with a fair comparison to beer commercials and clothing ads. If a woman's body is used to sell material goods, why couldn't it be used as a means of awareness and education?
The advertisement report from the L.A. Times putes it quite nicely, stating: "If this were a Budweiser commercial, the bluestockings, psalm singers and family focusers would be going completely mental, but in this case the morals police have no grounds to object unless they want to come off as somehow pro-breast cancer."
USA Today featured the ad on its website, and biasly seems to agree with the makers of the ad. The paper wrote of the ad as a "bold, enterprising and entrepreneurial approach" to spread the word among younger men and women instead of just handing out brochures that nobody reads.
It also noted that top oncologists serve on the board of directors for Rethink Breast cancer.
On Tuesday, the L.A. Times was among the first to report the hype the new PSA is receiving. CNN and other news sources were soon to follow.
To say the least, the ad uses sex to sell the idea of breast cancer awareness to both men and women alike. The L.A. Times summarized the scene both adequately and creatively noting that in the ad, "a voluptuous young woman in a white bikini walks into a pool party scene. Strip-club music kicks in and the camera slow-mo's her fleshy assets while the partygoers attempt to pick their jaws up off the ground. No discreet, quick-cut editing here. The camera stares, unblinking, unashamed, at the woman's figure."
And just like that, the media began to buzz. The conversation seems to center over whether using sex to sell awareness is too racy or just right. The response from young people, including the woman who volunteered to star in the ad, believe it to be revolutionary and intending to reach a younger audience. CNN reports that she is an MTV Canada news anchor, and well known throughout the country.
Either way, her chest has now received celebrity status among American media.
Many believe the ad to be too racy, but others justify its production with a fair comparison to beer commercials and clothing ads. If a woman's body is used to sell material goods, why couldn't it be used as a means of awareness and education?
The advertisement report from the L.A. Times putes it quite nicely, stating: "If this were a Budweiser commercial, the bluestockings, psalm singers and family focusers would be going completely mental, but in this case the morals police have no grounds to object unless they want to come off as somehow pro-breast cancer."
USA Today featured the ad on its website, and biasly seems to agree with the makers of the ad. The paper wrote of the ad as a "bold, enterprising and entrepreneurial approach" to spread the word among younger men and women instead of just handing out brochures that nobody reads.
It also noted that top oncologists serve on the board of directors for Rethink Breast cancer.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
A look at leads.
The Star Tribune reported Saturday that Gov. Pawlenty was third in a straw poll of potential GOP contenders at a Washington Conferene.
The lead of the story looked like this:
"WASHINGTON – Gov. Tim Pawlenty finished third in a straw poll of potential GOP presidential contenders at a conservative conference in Washington Saturday, receiving only one vote less than second place finisher Mitt Romney." (Star Tribune)
The lead is tight, and jam-packed with information. However, it is the grammatical tactic of alliteration that jumps out to create a well woven lead. The sentence itself is intertwined with poll, potential and presidential, and followed by contenders, conservative and conference. Not only is the sentence concise and straightforward with the bulk of the story's intent, the alliteration causes the central ideas to literally pop forward with such a keen device. Whether an individual remembers their primary days in which they learned the official, grammatical term, one is certain to find the lead alluring when read aloud.
While the lead may begin to sound like a hip-hop rhyme with its rhythm, it can be argued that the importance of the information in the lead can be lost within such a complex sentence. Indeed the headline seems more straightforward than the lead of the story. It could be taken down by several words, and while Mitt Romney is a famous individual and recognizable by most of the readers of the paper, Eric Roper of the Star Tribune might have done well to omit his name until a few sentences later. The most important bit of information is that the Minnesota Governor was third in the GOP's poll; complimentary information is that he was only one vote behind Romney.
The lead of the story looked like this:
"WASHINGTON – Gov. Tim Pawlenty finished third in a straw poll of potential GOP presidential contenders at a conservative conference in Washington Saturday, receiving only one vote less than second place finisher Mitt Romney." (Star Tribune)
The lead is tight, and jam-packed with information. However, it is the grammatical tactic of alliteration that jumps out to create a well woven lead. The sentence itself is intertwined with poll, potential and presidential, and followed by contenders, conservative and conference. Not only is the sentence concise and straightforward with the bulk of the story's intent, the alliteration causes the central ideas to literally pop forward with such a keen device. Whether an individual remembers their primary days in which they learned the official, grammatical term, one is certain to find the lead alluring when read aloud.
While the lead may begin to sound like a hip-hop rhyme with its rhythm, it can be argued that the importance of the information in the lead can be lost within such a complex sentence. Indeed the headline seems more straightforward than the lead of the story. It could be taken down by several words, and while Mitt Romney is a famous individual and recognizable by most of the readers of the paper, Eric Roper of the Star Tribune might have done well to omit his name until a few sentences later. The most important bit of information is that the Minnesota Governor was third in the GOP's poll; complimentary information is that he was only one vote behind Romney.
Sweetango not the apple of everyone's eye.
While the new SweeTango apple has been a smash since its debut, not all farmers are thrilled with its success.
Friday, MPR.org reported that some farmers are unhappy with the agreement between the University of Minnesota and a single grower in Southern Minnesota.
Unlike other, "public" apples (e.g. the Honeycrisp) for which farmers pay a one-time fee to plant and produce, the SweeTango apple is only allowed to be produced by Pepin Heights according to the university agreement. (MPR)
Pepin Heights is the state's largest apple producer (Kare11.com)
On September 11, Kare11.com reported that other small growers are upset with the decision.
"I'm David, they're Goliath," quips Karl Townsend, owner of Dassel Hillside Farm in Meeker County. "It's a good apple. It's the business model that's bad."
According to individuals at the University of Minnesota, the agreement is due to budget cuts in research. Because of the loss of funds, the new apple must be handled in a different way than others in the past. MPR also reports the U of M officials believe making the apple a single-grower entity will help Minnesota growers on a long term sale, implying that the apples will be planted in locations that are prime for growing. Many publicly grown apples, like the Honeycrisp, have been planted in places unsuitable for proper apple growth.
Friday, MPR.org reported that some farmers are unhappy with the agreement between the University of Minnesota and a single grower in Southern Minnesota.
Unlike other, "public" apples (e.g. the Honeycrisp) for which farmers pay a one-time fee to plant and produce, the SweeTango apple is only allowed to be produced by Pepin Heights according to the university agreement. (MPR)
Pepin Heights is the state's largest apple producer (Kare11.com)
On September 11, Kare11.com reported that other small growers are upset with the decision.
"I'm David, they're Goliath," quips Karl Townsend, owner of Dassel Hillside Farm in Meeker County. "It's a good apple. It's the business model that's bad."
According to individuals at the University of Minnesota, the agreement is due to budget cuts in research. Because of the loss of funds, the new apple must be handled in a different way than others in the past. MPR also reports the U of M officials believe making the apple a single-grower entity will help Minnesota growers on a long term sale, implying that the apples will be planted in locations that are prime for growing. Many publicly grown apples, like the Honeycrisp, have been planted in places unsuitable for proper apple growth.
Clinically insane killer escapes guards on field trip.
The New York Times reported a legally insane killer escaped at a field trip to a county fair on Thursday in Spokanne, Wash.
According to CNN.com, the fugitive, Phillip Paul remained on the loose on Saturday. He is believed to be traveling in the direction of family in Sunnyside, Wash.
Citizens are urged to call 911 with information.
According to the Times report, many--including the fugitive's brother, and Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire--are questioning why a state hospital would allow a clinically unstable person to attend a public fair. As a consequence, Eastern State Hospital, is undergoing an internal investigation at the demand of the Secretary of Health and Social Services of the state.
CNN has posted a photograph of Paul and reports that the fugitive may have planned his escape. He took most of his clothing with him in a backpack when he left his room for the fair.
The inmates were monitored by staff in a ratio of 33 to 11.
Paul is a paranoid-schizophrenic with symptoms so severe, CNN reported, he has disturbed even professionals in the medical field.
"He's the only paranoid schizophrenic -- I've seen hundreds, maybe thousands of them -- that frightened me," Dr. Frank Hardy, a licensed psychiatrist, said in one of the documents, according to KREM. "The first time I took one look at him -- and I've never done this before or since -- I asked the jailer to remain in the room while I examined him. (CNN).
According to CNN.com, the fugitive, Phillip Paul remained on the loose on Saturday. He is believed to be traveling in the direction of family in Sunnyside, Wash.
Citizens are urged to call 911 with information.
According to the Times report, many--including the fugitive's brother, and Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire--are questioning why a state hospital would allow a clinically unstable person to attend a public fair. As a consequence, Eastern State Hospital, is undergoing an internal investigation at the demand of the Secretary of Health and Social Services of the state.
CNN has posted a photograph of Paul and reports that the fugitive may have planned his escape. He took most of his clothing with him in a backpack when he left his room for the fair.
The inmates were monitored by staff in a ratio of 33 to 11.
Paul is a paranoid-schizophrenic with symptoms so severe, CNN reported, he has disturbed even professionals in the medical field.
"He's the only paranoid schizophrenic -- I've seen hundreds, maybe thousands of them -- that frightened me," Dr. Frank Hardy, a licensed psychiatrist, said in one of the documents, according to KREM. "The first time I took one look at him -- and I've never done this before or since -- I asked the jailer to remain in the room while I examined him. (CNN).
Germany Investigates Two Deaths in Medical Therapy/Poisoning Incident
Sunday, the BBC reported that a German doctor has been arrested for administering a mixture of drugs to a group of 12 individuals involved in a group psychotherapy therapy session that lead to two deaths in Berlin.
Another man remains in critical condition.
Neither victim's names nor the doctor's name have been released by police.
In concurrence with the BBC, CNN has also reported the doctor admitted to administering the drugs, and remains in custody for questioning. Though police do not know what patients were given, the BBC reported local reports of the incident suggest indications of heroin, amphetamines, and ecstasy were used, but the BBC also quoted a police spokesman, Michael Gassen, said: "At this session the participants were given substances. What kind of substances these are... has to be investigated now."
The patients were said to be given the drugs as a way to expand their consciousness and help with spiritual crises.
Another man remains in critical condition.
Neither victim's names nor the doctor's name have been released by police.
In concurrence with the BBC, CNN has also reported the doctor admitted to administering the drugs, and remains in custody for questioning. Though police do not know what patients were given, the BBC reported local reports of the incident suggest indications of heroin, amphetamines, and ecstasy were used, but the BBC also quoted a police spokesman, Michael Gassen, said: "At this session the participants were given substances. What kind of substances these are... has to be investigated now."
The patients were said to be given the drugs as a way to expand their consciousness and help with spiritual crises.
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