Monday, the New York Times reported a new mandate in China that schoolchildren must wave or salute to passing cars during their commute to and from school.
The idea is to make drivers more aware of children in the road, and as one commenter put it, act as speed bumps. The hope is that drivers will slow down when children stop to wave a hand in the air.
The story has been picked up by various bloggers, either making jest or criticism of the Time's story. But its reliability has been confirmed by the China Car Times outlet that quotes another Chinese media source, However, the story's report of unconventional traffic control is creating a buzz on google and will likely travel through the rest of the media before quieting itself.
In China, the times reports, there haven't been any traffic accidents in the region where children must salute, but there are a number of criticisms from Chinese citizens. The times writes: "Critics, who have posted thousands of negative comments about the policy on China’s electronic bulletin boards, beg to differ. “This is just pitiful,” wrote one in a post last year. Only inept officials would burden children with such a requirement rather than install speed bumps, others insisted."
The times uses the rest of the story as a springboard for further discussion of China's past unconventional edicts, and point to other regulatory and organizational problems of small towns and communities across China.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Pawlenty kills plasma television use for sex offenders
WCCO reported Tuesday after the governor got wind of two dozen new 50 inch plasma televisions were being set up at a sex offender treatment facility, he demanded they be taken down and sold.
But I can't decide whether the governor's mandate for the TVs which individually cost $2,282 or his use of the term "bonehead" has been more widely reported.
Every major news outlet, including some national outlets (including the Associated Press) have caught wind of the word and included the governor's direct quote in their reporting.
The Star Tribune contributed Pawlenty's quote, and some major facts about the value of the big screens: ""We don't micromanage our agencies at the level of every little item that they purchase or use, but in this case we are going to micromanage it," Pawlenty said, outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul this morning. "I think it was a boneheaded decision for them to buy these flat-screen TVs at the Moose Lake facility. I'm asking my administration today to remove the televisions and to sell them. "If they need to have televisions in common areas they can have smaller, simpler, fewer or cheaper ones. They don't need 50-inch flat-screen plasma televisions for sex offenders. So, clearly somebody just made a boneheaded decision and I'm going to reverse it."
While applause is centered on the governor's decision, already his name calling is being mocked in outlets including the blogs at the Kansas City Star.
While the governor's decision was sound, perhaps his choice in rhetoric needs some fine tuning.
But I can't decide whether the governor's mandate for the TVs which individually cost $2,282 or his use of the term "bonehead" has been more widely reported.
Every major news outlet, including some national outlets (including the Associated Press) have caught wind of the word and included the governor's direct quote in their reporting.
The Star Tribune contributed Pawlenty's quote, and some major facts about the value of the big screens: ""We don't micromanage our agencies at the level of every little item that they purchase or use, but in this case we are going to micromanage it," Pawlenty said, outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul this morning. "I think it was a boneheaded decision for them to buy these flat-screen TVs at the Moose Lake facility. I'm asking my administration today to remove the televisions and to sell them. "If they need to have televisions in common areas they can have smaller, simpler, fewer or cheaper ones. They don't need 50-inch flat-screen plasma televisions for sex offenders. So, clearly somebody just made a boneheaded decision and I'm going to reverse it."
While applause is centered on the governor's decision, already his name calling is being mocked in outlets including the blogs at the Kansas City Star.
While the governor's decision was sound, perhaps his choice in rhetoric needs some fine tuning.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Artist lifts opera costumes to new levels at Lincoln Center
This week, the New York Times posted a slideshow detailing the work of artist E.V. Day, who was commissioned to erect an installment in the atrium of Lincoln Center for the new opera season beginning in November.
The show chronicles Day's work in fishline and the tapestries of age-old opera costumes.
The New York City opera both commissioned and led her to the opera's costume building that houses the artwork of countless seamstresses. Choosing carefully, Day selected 13 costumes to bring to life. She created sculptures with thousands of pinpricks strung with fishline, strung the costumes to appear with a life of their own, and then strung them from the ceiling of the countless balconies of the auditorium.
The show is set to be fully installed November 6th and will remain at Lincoln Center through both the Opera season and the year.
Like most art, it is extremely difficult to discuss without even a visual representation of the piece. That said, the Times' slideshow is extremely effective in both commenting on the artist's process with both visual and verbal representation. The write of the show included essential quotes that get at the breadth and depth of the story as well as illustrate the humanity of the artist, her costumes, and those working with the opera.
The show chronicles Day's work in fishline and the tapestries of age-old opera costumes.
The New York City opera both commissioned and led her to the opera's costume building that houses the artwork of countless seamstresses. Choosing carefully, Day selected 13 costumes to bring to life. She created sculptures with thousands of pinpricks strung with fishline, strung the costumes to appear with a life of their own, and then strung them from the ceiling of the countless balconies of the auditorium.
The show is set to be fully installed November 6th and will remain at Lincoln Center through both the Opera season and the year.
Like most art, it is extremely difficult to discuss without even a visual representation of the piece. That said, the Times' slideshow is extremely effective in both commenting on the artist's process with both visual and verbal representation. The write of the show included essential quotes that get at the breadth and depth of the story as well as illustrate the humanity of the artist, her costumes, and those working with the opera.
Pope Benedict XVI announces unhappy Anglicans are welcome to join Catholic Church
Tuesday, the Pope announced a plan to allow disenchanted Anglicans to practice in the Catholic church according to the New York Times.
While the notice appears to be a sign of cooperation between the two churches, Time Magazine seems to write the contrary.
The magazine also published the announcement stating, "the Vatican's establishment of new "Personal Ordinariates," in which Anglicans, including married priests, can practice Catholicism while maintaining much of their own identity and liturgy, reveals more about the growing internal rifts within each of the two churches than any sign of real hope for reuniting the fractured Christian communion."
And, according to the New York Times, many leaders in both sects of Christianity have reportedly expressed surprised by the news. many of these leaders reportedly believe such moves by the Church will stifle dialogue and conversation between the current changes in the Anglican church, stating the change would "undermine efforts at ecumenical dialogue and capitalize on deep divisions within the Anglican Church over issues like the ordination of gay bishops and blessing same-sex unions."
The Times reports that the move may indicate the Catholic church desires conversion rather than common ground and understanding between the two Christian faiths.
The New York Times reports the move might more heavily impact England; Time reports the number of practicing American Episcopalians as 2.2 million. There are 80 million Anglican believers worldwide.
While the notice appears to be a sign of cooperation between the two churches, Time Magazine seems to write the contrary.
The magazine also published the announcement stating, "the Vatican's establishment of new "Personal Ordinariates," in which Anglicans, including married priests, can practice Catholicism while maintaining much of their own identity and liturgy, reveals more about the growing internal rifts within each of the two churches than any sign of real hope for reuniting the fractured Christian communion."
And, according to the New York Times, many leaders in both sects of Christianity have reportedly expressed surprised by the news. many of these leaders reportedly believe such moves by the Church will stifle dialogue and conversation between the current changes in the Anglican church, stating the change would "undermine efforts at ecumenical dialogue and capitalize on deep divisions within the Anglican Church over issues like the ordination of gay bishops and blessing same-sex unions."
The Times reports that the move may indicate the Catholic church desires conversion rather than common ground and understanding between the two Christian faiths.
The New York Times reports the move might more heavily impact England; Time reports the number of practicing American Episcopalians as 2.2 million. There are 80 million Anglican believers worldwide.
Los Angeles approves $1.13 billion for airport rennovations
Despite the current downfall in airport traffic, the New York Times reported Monday that an airport panel had voted to approve $1.13 billion in funding to rennovate the Los Angeles International Airport.
The L.A. Times posted a concurrent piece stating that, "By early next year, travelers can expect to see construction on two new concourses and gates to accommodate the next generation of large commercial airliners."
The L.A. Times also reported the board approved $140 million in contingency funds for the project and approved the sale of more than $1.6 billion in revenue bonds to pay for construction and to refinance existing debt.
The board is calling the approval a huge step forward.
The New York Times reported city officials are backing the decision by awarding several contracts for the overhaul, and also reported, "The project — which will be financed with bonds, not federal stimulus money — will be the first significant renovation of the airport’s international terminal in more than 25 years."
Most major airlines went through renovations in the 1990s or early 2000s. The intention for the Los Angeles airport is to modernize many of the airport's facilities that haven't been upgraded since the city's preparation to host the 1984 Olympics.
According to the L.A. Times, "The so-called Bradley West project also calls for nine new gates that will handle the latest in large commercial airliners, such the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the giant Airbus A380, which can be configured to carry more than 800 passengers."
The city council is reportedly on board for the project, but the projects will be voted on within the next week.
The L.A. Times posted a concurrent piece stating that, "By early next year, travelers can expect to see construction on two new concourses and gates to accommodate the next generation of large commercial airliners."
The L.A. Times also reported the board approved $140 million in contingency funds for the project and approved the sale of more than $1.6 billion in revenue bonds to pay for construction and to refinance existing debt.
The board is calling the approval a huge step forward.
The New York Times reported city officials are backing the decision by awarding several contracts for the overhaul, and also reported, "The project — which will be financed with bonds, not federal stimulus money — will be the first significant renovation of the airport’s international terminal in more than 25 years."
Most major airlines went through renovations in the 1990s or early 2000s. The intention for the Los Angeles airport is to modernize many of the airport's facilities that haven't been upgraded since the city's preparation to host the 1984 Olympics.
According to the L.A. Times, "The so-called Bradley West project also calls for nine new gates that will handle the latest in large commercial airliners, such the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the giant Airbus A380, which can be configured to carry more than 800 passengers."
The city council is reportedly on board for the project, but the projects will be voted on within the next week.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Governor Pawlenty chimes in on health care reform for Minnesota
According to a press conference and a press release Tuesday from the office of Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, Minnesotans "would be first in the nation to be able to purchase health insurance across state lines under an initiative proposed by the governor."
The press release clearly outlines the steps of the governors plans, and the website also provides a link to listen to the press conference directly.
Bullet points and bold font separate the proposals of the governor, which include:
• Allow Minnesotans to Purchase Health Insurance from Other States
• Require MinnesotaCare & Medical Assistance to Price Health Care Services Based on Quality and Cost
• Include Consumer-Driven Incentives in MinnesotaCare
After the introduction of the points, the release clearly maps more details in its body.
According to Pawlenty's release, "Minnesota continues to lead the nation in the performance of our health care system, as recognized most recently by the Commonwealth Fund’s state scorecard. In their 2009 scrutiny of access, quality, costs, healthy lives, and equity, Minnesota moved ahead of states such as Massachusetts, Maine, and Connecticut from 9th place to 4th place overall. We should continue to take action to keep Minnesota on the leading edge of health care policy innovation."
That said, CNN also published a piece on Pawlenty's latest initiative in its "political tracker" portion of its website. Tuesday, the outlet reported the facts of the initiative, but chose to spin the story toward the Minnesotan figure aiming for national limelight. Pawlenty is reportedly contemplating a Republican bid for the White House in 2012.
The shorter, more summarized version on CNN clearly mentions the governor's three pronged proposal, but keeps its information to smaller quotes and catchier phrases of the governor's.
Clearly, what is released by the governor's press team and website is aimed at a localized audience of Minnesotans, interested in the details of a proposal that could easily affect them. CNN, on the other hand, has another initiative: to keep covering individuals who could clearly and likely creep up for larger, more prominent purposes in the future.
The press release clearly outlines the steps of the governors plans, and the website also provides a link to listen to the press conference directly.
Bullet points and bold font separate the proposals of the governor, which include:
• Allow Minnesotans to Purchase Health Insurance from Other States
• Require MinnesotaCare & Medical Assistance to Price Health Care Services Based on Quality and Cost
• Include Consumer-Driven Incentives in MinnesotaCare
After the introduction of the points, the release clearly maps more details in its body.
According to Pawlenty's release, "Minnesota continues to lead the nation in the performance of our health care system, as recognized most recently by the Commonwealth Fund’s state scorecard. In their 2009 scrutiny of access, quality, costs, healthy lives, and equity, Minnesota moved ahead of states such as Massachusetts, Maine, and Connecticut from 9th place to 4th place overall. We should continue to take action to keep Minnesota on the leading edge of health care policy innovation."
That said, CNN also published a piece on Pawlenty's latest initiative in its "political tracker" portion of its website. Tuesday, the outlet reported the facts of the initiative, but chose to spin the story toward the Minnesotan figure aiming for national limelight. Pawlenty is reportedly contemplating a Republican bid for the White House in 2012.
The shorter, more summarized version on CNN clearly mentions the governor's three pronged proposal, but keeps its information to smaller quotes and catchier phrases of the governor's.
Clearly, what is released by the governor's press team and website is aimed at a localized audience of Minnesotans, interested in the details of a proposal that could easily affect them. CNN, on the other hand, has another initiative: to keep covering individuals who could clearly and likely creep up for larger, more prominent purposes in the future.
Egypt demands return of "stolen" artifacts
A 3,300-year-old limestone and stucco bust of Queen Nefertiti, a wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten, has reportedly been requested to return home to Egypt for the first time since 1913.
Sunday, the New York Times reported the statue, that has existed in Berlin since the early 20th century, has demands for its return.
According to the times, "The Egyptian antiquities chief, Zahi Hawass, told the German media over the past few days that Nefertiti belonged to his country."
Officials are convinced the statue left the country illegally, and say they believe she should be returned to her rightful place.
It was the first time that Egypt had made an official request to Germany for the statue to be returned if it was found to have been illegally removed from Egypt.
But this is not an isolated request for illegally accumulated artifacts.
Earlier this month on October 7th, the United Press International also reported Egyptian demands for artifacts reportedly "stolen" by France's famed Louvre museum.
According to UPI, the museum purchased five murals that had been removed from the walls of an Egyptian tomb by antiquities robbers in the 1980s.
It was reported that Louvre officials agreed to return the artifacts a year ago and have not followed through on the request.
But, according to the UPI, until the artifacts are returned, Egypt will not participate in an antiquities exchange program with the Louvre as it does with other countries around the globe.
Sunday, the New York Times reported the statue, that has existed in Berlin since the early 20th century, has demands for its return.
According to the times, "The Egyptian antiquities chief, Zahi Hawass, told the German media over the past few days that Nefertiti belonged to his country."
Officials are convinced the statue left the country illegally, and say they believe she should be returned to her rightful place.
It was the first time that Egypt had made an official request to Germany for the statue to be returned if it was found to have been illegally removed from Egypt.
But this is not an isolated request for illegally accumulated artifacts.
Earlier this month on October 7th, the United Press International also reported Egyptian demands for artifacts reportedly "stolen" by France's famed Louvre museum.
According to UPI, the museum purchased five murals that had been removed from the walls of an Egyptian tomb by antiquities robbers in the 1980s.
It was reported that Louvre officials agreed to return the artifacts a year ago and have not followed through on the request.
But, according to the UPI, until the artifacts are returned, Egypt will not participate in an antiquities exchange program with the Louvre as it does with other countries around the globe.
Colorado spacecraft a hoax
Sunday, the New York Times reported the decision of a Colorado father to release a spaceship-like helium balloon into the air and notify the authorities that his son was aboard was made two weeks before the event actuated.
“These people wanted to get some national attention, with the ultimate hope that they would end up with some form of a TV deal,” said the Larimer County undersheriff, Ernie Hudson, the Times reported.
Search warrants have been carried out on the house of Richard Heene, the boy's father, and authorities plan to press charges that include, "three felonies: conspiracy to commit a crime, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and attempt to influence a public servant. The last carries a possible prison term of six years. The charges could also include a misdemeanor, filing a false report."
The Minneapolis Star Tribune also published the story. The associated press story reported speculation about the hoax theory arose immediately after the boy was discovered hiding in the rafters of the family's garage.
The 6-year-old boy, Falcon, reportedly spoke on television about the family "doing this for a show," and subsequently got sick on two television interviews thereafter.
It has been reported that his father had pitched a reality television show to TLC, and been turned down.
According to the New York times, the parents met while enrolled at an acting school in Los Angeles. Mr. Heene had long held dual interests in scientific tinkering and television: in 2001 he produced an instructional video about turning cardboard boxes into forts for children.
“These people wanted to get some national attention, with the ultimate hope that they would end up with some form of a TV deal,” said the Larimer County undersheriff, Ernie Hudson, the Times reported.
Search warrants have been carried out on the house of Richard Heene, the boy's father, and authorities plan to press charges that include, "three felonies: conspiracy to commit a crime, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and attempt to influence a public servant. The last carries a possible prison term of six years. The charges could also include a misdemeanor, filing a false report."
The Minneapolis Star Tribune also published the story. The associated press story reported speculation about the hoax theory arose immediately after the boy was discovered hiding in the rafters of the family's garage.
The 6-year-old boy, Falcon, reportedly spoke on television about the family "doing this for a show," and subsequently got sick on two television interviews thereafter.
It has been reported that his father had pitched a reality television show to TLC, and been turned down.
According to the New York times, the parents met while enrolled at an acting school in Los Angeles. Mr. Heene had long held dual interests in scientific tinkering and television: in 2001 he produced an instructional video about turning cardboard boxes into forts for children.
Decades later, hope remains for Jacob Wetterling
Twenty years after Jacob Wetterling was abducted near his home in St. Joseph, MN on October 22, 1989, hope remains that he will someday still come home.
The St. Cloud Times, The Star Tribune, and countless local stations like Fox 9 News, have published annual stories on the disappearance of the boy.
Specifically, the Star Tribune, focused on a feature about Aaron Larson, Wetterling's best friend, and one of the only individuals with Wetterling when he was abducted in a corn field after going to a Tom Thumb convenience store for a video and candy.
Larson is now 31, and has becomes quiet and reverent when talking about the event. He mentioned that it was hard to be known as "the boy who was with Jacob Wetterling." He said that it was difficult even as he got older, knowing that he would always be labeled that way.
Fox 9 focused on Jacob's mother, Patty Wetterling, who still carries a photo of her son wherever she goes. The station quoted Wetterling about the photo: "I treasure it,” said Wetterling. “I carry him in my heart. I always carry it with me."
The St. Cloud times, decided to recount the story of the night--albeit, not as effectively as the Star Tribune's focus of Larson's personal account of the night. The times tells the story in present tense, perhaps to add urgency to the tale, but utilizes conventional news speak, rather than a more effective narrative to recount the story. The present tense renders the story ineffective, especially as the reader understands they story has happened in the past and has very little knowledge of the setting before the reporter recounts the details of a masked individual with a gun, coming out of a local corn field.
The Times briefly recounts the story and reports, "The St. Cloud Times revisited the case and talked to the people directly involved in it. Most cold cases fade from memory and the enthusiasm to solve them diminishes. But a common theme of undying hope ran through the interviews." The reporter then concludes the story with a small bow stating that the town has never let Jacob leave its heart.
While this is true--as this author writing comes from Jacob's town--the story fails to get at anything other than the simple facts of the case. It fails to investigate how this little boy's abduction still affects the town, or how the town remembers that day. That has merely been left to the local individuals who have added their own personal comments and recounts of the story below the poorly reported piece.
The St. Cloud Times, The Star Tribune, and countless local stations like Fox 9 News, have published annual stories on the disappearance of the boy.
Specifically, the Star Tribune, focused on a feature about Aaron Larson, Wetterling's best friend, and one of the only individuals with Wetterling when he was abducted in a corn field after going to a Tom Thumb convenience store for a video and candy.
Larson is now 31, and has becomes quiet and reverent when talking about the event. He mentioned that it was hard to be known as "the boy who was with Jacob Wetterling." He said that it was difficult even as he got older, knowing that he would always be labeled that way.
Fox 9 focused on Jacob's mother, Patty Wetterling, who still carries a photo of her son wherever she goes. The station quoted Wetterling about the photo: "I treasure it,” said Wetterling. “I carry him in my heart. I always carry it with me."
The St. Cloud times, decided to recount the story of the night--albeit, not as effectively as the Star Tribune's focus of Larson's personal account of the night. The times tells the story in present tense, perhaps to add urgency to the tale, but utilizes conventional news speak, rather than a more effective narrative to recount the story. The present tense renders the story ineffective, especially as the reader understands they story has happened in the past and has very little knowledge of the setting before the reporter recounts the details of a masked individual with a gun, coming out of a local corn field.
The Times briefly recounts the story and reports, "The St. Cloud Times revisited the case and talked to the people directly involved in it. Most cold cases fade from memory and the enthusiasm to solve them diminishes. But a common theme of undying hope ran through the interviews." The reporter then concludes the story with a small bow stating that the town has never let Jacob leave its heart.
While this is true--as this author writing comes from Jacob's town--the story fails to get at anything other than the simple facts of the case. It fails to investigate how this little boy's abduction still affects the town, or how the town remembers that day. That has merely been left to the local individuals who have added their own personal comments and recounts of the story below the poorly reported piece.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Human Rights Campaign hosts Obama as speaker
Saturday, the Star Tribune published a Associated Press piece on Obama's address to the Human Rights Campaign at the organizations annual dinner in Washington D.C. The dinner took place before the campaign's annual march to the nation's capital.
The piece largely focused on Obama's re-pledge of a campaign promise: to repeal the military's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy, but that he failed to address a timetable in the matter.
Sunday, the Star Tribune issued the AP's follow up from the matter, devoting the lead to the reactions of those involved in the campaign to the president's speech; thousands responded to Obama with chants stating, "Hey Obama, Let mama marry mama," and, "We out, we're proud, and we won't back down."
While the first piece focuses largely on Obama's rhetoric and promise to overturn a 1993 law that concerning openly gay members of the military, the second zeroes in a response from Obama's audience. The two pieces act as a sort of conversation with one another. A call and response, if you will.
What works well, is that not only in this series does the president have a voice, but so do the individuals to whom he is speaking; along with this, is the national attention garnered by the annual even in which this conversation is couched.
Speakers and attendants at the rally itself, called not for "waiting" but for "agitating" when it comes to change. Perhaps these speakers from the NAACP and informal sources from the crowd can be viewed as direct response to the president; all parties were encouraging the direct actions of the president toward the advancement of freedom "for all people."
Responses in the second article were taken from straight and gay, known and unkonwn individuals, offering a wide scope of opinion on the matter, whereas the first was largely background on the president's campaign promise and military protocol because the actual news event--the march--hadn't happened yet.
The piece largely focused on Obama's re-pledge of a campaign promise: to repeal the military's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy, but that he failed to address a timetable in the matter.
Sunday, the Star Tribune issued the AP's follow up from the matter, devoting the lead to the reactions of those involved in the campaign to the president's speech; thousands responded to Obama with chants stating, "Hey Obama, Let mama marry mama," and, "We out, we're proud, and we won't back down."
While the first piece focuses largely on Obama's rhetoric and promise to overturn a 1993 law that concerning openly gay members of the military, the second zeroes in a response from Obama's audience. The two pieces act as a sort of conversation with one another. A call and response, if you will.
What works well, is that not only in this series does the president have a voice, but so do the individuals to whom he is speaking; along with this, is the national attention garnered by the annual even in which this conversation is couched.
Speakers and attendants at the rally itself, called not for "waiting" but for "agitating" when it comes to change. Perhaps these speakers from the NAACP and informal sources from the crowd can be viewed as direct response to the president; all parties were encouraging the direct actions of the president toward the advancement of freedom "for all people."
Responses in the second article were taken from straight and gay, known and unkonwn individuals, offering a wide scope of opinion on the matter, whereas the first was largely background on the president's campaign promise and military protocol because the actual news event--the march--hadn't happened yet.
Death sentenced after Chinese Brawl
Sunday the New York Times reported one man has been sentenced to death and another to life in prison after a brawl in a toy factory that was blamed for starting riots in Western China last summer.
According to the ShanghaiDaily.com, the fight happened in June and left two factory workers dead.
According to the New York Times, "Two courts in southern Guangdong Province, where the toy factory was located, also sentenced nine other people to prison terms ranging from five to eight years for taking part in the fights, according to Xinhua."
The ShanghaiDaily reported the Intermediate People's Court of Shaoguan held that Xiao Jianhua was the principal instigator of the brawl, incited his co-workers to join the affray between Han and Uygur workers, and led the assault.
Xiao was sentenced to death and fellow worker Xu Qiqi was given a life term after they were convicted of manslaughter.
The fight was a result of rumors at the Early Light Toy Factory in Shaoguan City, that maintained a group of Muslim Uighurs had raped two Han Chinese women. It raged at a factory dormitory through the early-morning hours of June 26, Two Uighur men were killed and, by some accounts, about 120 other people injured, most of them Uighurs.
According to the ShanghaiDaily.com, the fight happened in June and left two factory workers dead.
According to the New York Times, "Two courts in southern Guangdong Province, where the toy factory was located, also sentenced nine other people to prison terms ranging from five to eight years for taking part in the fights, according to Xinhua."
The ShanghaiDaily reported the Intermediate People's Court of Shaoguan held that Xiao Jianhua was the principal instigator of the brawl, incited his co-workers to join the affray between Han and Uygur workers, and led the assault.
Xiao was sentenced to death and fellow worker Xu Qiqi was given a life term after they were convicted of manslaughter.
The fight was a result of rumors at the Early Light Toy Factory in Shaoguan City, that maintained a group of Muslim Uighurs had raped two Han Chinese women. It raged at a factory dormitory through the early-morning hours of June 26, Two Uighur men were killed and, by some accounts, about 120 other people injured, most of them Uighurs.
"Star Wars" in concert staged across country
Features in both the Mercury News and CNN.com have noted the success of the newly staged live performance of John Williams' famed Star Wars Score, and George Lucas' approval of the show.
CNN focused on an interview with Lucas by David Daniel in which Lucas replied the stage show wasn't his idea. However, he is reportedly pleased with the results.
The show is built around the series' famed scores from the films, performed by a symphony orchestra and choir, and accompanied by specially edited clips from all six movies, displayed on a mammoth LED screen. In his interview with CNN, Lucas reports that while he's seen other live versions of the shows, the touring show is much more. "It's so much more emotional," said Lucas, "because what they've done is taken the emotional content of the score ... one is obviously the Imperial March, one is obviously romantic ... and then they've cut all the pictures around that from all the movies, so that you get this really wide range of visuals going with the music, and it really is quite powerful when you see the depictions of all of the various Imperial shenanigans that were going on over the Imperial March."
According to Mercury, the show also features a traveling exhibit of costumes, props, artifacts, production artwork and behind-the-scenes videos from the Lucasfilm archives. The items include Williams' original handwritten score for "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace."
Andrew Daniels, the original actor who played droid C-3PO in all the series films, is the narrator of the show. He told Mercury News that the difficulty was not so much culminating the show, night after night, but tearing down and moving to the next city.
The aim is to illustrate how essential an effective musical score is to a film's success, and Daniels reported just how intricate Williams' score has been.
"I saw quite a chunk of the original movie without music" while doing voice-overs for the first film in 1976, Daniels says. "It really opened my eyes to how absolutely essential music can be to a movie."
The tour began Oct. 9 in Sacramento, CA and concludes in Nashville, TN Dec. 13, 2009.
CNN focused on an interview with Lucas by David Daniel in which Lucas replied the stage show wasn't his idea. However, he is reportedly pleased with the results.
The show is built around the series' famed scores from the films, performed by a symphony orchestra and choir, and accompanied by specially edited clips from all six movies, displayed on a mammoth LED screen. In his interview with CNN, Lucas reports that while he's seen other live versions of the shows, the touring show is much more. "It's so much more emotional," said Lucas, "because what they've done is taken the emotional content of the score ... one is obviously the Imperial March, one is obviously romantic ... and then they've cut all the pictures around that from all the movies, so that you get this really wide range of visuals going with the music, and it really is quite powerful when you see the depictions of all of the various Imperial shenanigans that were going on over the Imperial March."
According to Mercury, the show also features a traveling exhibit of costumes, props, artifacts, production artwork and behind-the-scenes videos from the Lucasfilm archives. The items include Williams' original handwritten score for "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace."
Andrew Daniels, the original actor who played droid C-3PO in all the series films, is the narrator of the show. He told Mercury News that the difficulty was not so much culminating the show, night after night, but tearing down and moving to the next city.
The aim is to illustrate how essential an effective musical score is to a film's success, and Daniels reported just how intricate Williams' score has been.
"I saw quite a chunk of the original movie without music" while doing voice-overs for the first film in 1976, Daniels says. "It really opened my eyes to how absolutely essential music can be to a movie."
The tour began Oct. 9 in Sacramento, CA and concludes in Nashville, TN Dec. 13, 2009.
Wet streets prevent conversion of Hennepin and First Avenues to two-way streets
Saturday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported the scheduled conversion of both Hennepin and First Avenues back to two-way streets was to be pushed back from its original date.
The Pioneer Press reported that the conversion was originally slated for Saturday, but with wet weather conditions of snow and rain, crews were forced to postpone the change until at least Sunday. Wet conditions prevented crews from repainting the stripes.
The Star Tribune reported the, "goal of the $3 million conversion is to allow downtown visitors to drive more directly to their destinations." Business leaders have been in favor of the change, reportedly noting it would make driving more convenient for customers, who often drive around the block to find their destination.
The re-painted streets will change the follow according to the Star Tribune:
• On Hennepin, three northbound through lanes will be replaced with one through lane in each direction, designated left-turn lanes, and combined bike-bus-right-turn lanes.
• On 1st Avenue, bike lanes will run along the curbs, with off-peak parking allowed next to the bike lane -- 6 feet from the curb. The idea is that parked cars will serve as a buffer between moving traffic and the bike lane.
• "Bike boxes" painted at intersections will require cars to stay back from crosswalks about 10 feet to give left-turning bicycles a place to wait in front of motor-vehicle traffic.
The two avenues have been one-way street for the last thirty years.
The Pioneer Press reported that the conversion was originally slated for Saturday, but with wet weather conditions of snow and rain, crews were forced to postpone the change until at least Sunday. Wet conditions prevented crews from repainting the stripes.
The Star Tribune reported the, "goal of the $3 million conversion is to allow downtown visitors to drive more directly to their destinations." Business leaders have been in favor of the change, reportedly noting it would make driving more convenient for customers, who often drive around the block to find their destination.
The re-painted streets will change the follow according to the Star Tribune:
• On Hennepin, three northbound through lanes will be replaced with one through lane in each direction, designated left-turn lanes, and combined bike-bus-right-turn lanes.
• On 1st Avenue, bike lanes will run along the curbs, with off-peak parking allowed next to the bike lane -- 6 feet from the curb. The idea is that parked cars will serve as a buffer between moving traffic and the bike lane.
• "Bike boxes" painted at intersections will require cars to stay back from crosswalks about 10 feet to give left-turning bicycles a place to wait in front of motor-vehicle traffic.
The two avenues have been one-way street for the last thirty years.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The progression of the matter...
Upon examination of Star Tribune's Myron Medcalf's count of Twin Cities marathon winner Jason Hartmann, I might have done a few things differently.
With a lead that reads, "For most of the day, Jason Hartmann, winner of Sunday's Twin Cities Marathon, never worried about losing." The reader is led to think that this runner had his strategy and training in the bag. We believe the seasoned runner didn't ever worry about the race and was confident he'd win.
In the second graph, Medcalf continues to illustrate the runner and the event, noting the details of the day and the race. The third, describes his $25,000 prize. And, because he place the name of the runner in his lead, we can assume the entire story is going to focus on this winner of the race.
His quotes accurately portray his subject, Hartmann, and are illustrative of the runner's charisma and character. What marathon winner simply says, "It was a good day to run," after finishing a "simple" 26.2 mile race? The quote is catchy and pulls the reader right in.
We are given the happy details of Hartmann's win.
But then Medcalf backtracks.
He discusses a critical decision Hartmann made--to pick up a water bottle he'd dropped in the last miles--in order to achieve that win. It is only until Medcalf goes on to discuss the dropped water bottle that we realize the story is really about his character and strategy as a runner, not merely that he won the race.
While, one could argue that the lead makes that indication when Medcalf wrote, "for most of the race," the lead reads as if it is merely a casual statement. As if the runner really hadn't worried at all.
Medcalf then goes on to recount the details of Hartmann's childhoold and collegiate careers, bringing the reader back full circle to Sunday's race.
My argument, is that Medcalf didn't make a clear choice about the kind of piece he was writing. Was it the details of the race, and the mindset of the athlete? Or was it a profile of the athlete and his charisma. Though he was working under deadline, I believe had he made the decision earlier, he might have reworked, or re-ordered the piece to create a clear intent. The reader shouldn't have to work to find meaning, the writer should guide him or her clearly through any argument, narrative or written prose.
With a lead that reads, "For most of the day, Jason Hartmann, winner of Sunday's Twin Cities Marathon, never worried about losing." The reader is led to think that this runner had his strategy and training in the bag. We believe the seasoned runner didn't ever worry about the race and was confident he'd win.
In the second graph, Medcalf continues to illustrate the runner and the event, noting the details of the day and the race. The third, describes his $25,000 prize. And, because he place the name of the runner in his lead, we can assume the entire story is going to focus on this winner of the race.
His quotes accurately portray his subject, Hartmann, and are illustrative of the runner's charisma and character. What marathon winner simply says, "It was a good day to run," after finishing a "simple" 26.2 mile race? The quote is catchy and pulls the reader right in.
We are given the happy details of Hartmann's win.
But then Medcalf backtracks.
He discusses a critical decision Hartmann made--to pick up a water bottle he'd dropped in the last miles--in order to achieve that win. It is only until Medcalf goes on to discuss the dropped water bottle that we realize the story is really about his character and strategy as a runner, not merely that he won the race.
While, one could argue that the lead makes that indication when Medcalf wrote, "for most of the race," the lead reads as if it is merely a casual statement. As if the runner really hadn't worried at all.
Medcalf then goes on to recount the details of Hartmann's childhoold and collegiate careers, bringing the reader back full circle to Sunday's race.
My argument, is that Medcalf didn't make a clear choice about the kind of piece he was writing. Was it the details of the race, and the mindset of the athlete? Or was it a profile of the athlete and his charisma. Though he was working under deadline, I believe had he made the decision earlier, he might have reworked, or re-ordered the piece to create a clear intent. The reader shouldn't have to work to find meaning, the writer should guide him or her clearly through any argument, narrative or written prose.
Greek Socialists win election
The New York Times reported Sunday that the nations Socialist party had won the country's national election over the center-right New Democratic Party in a climate of rising economic crisis for Greece.
CNN also reported the Socialist leader, George Papandreou, "promised to chart a new course for an economic comeback."
The newly elected official spoke to the people, reminding them that the path out of financial crisis will not be easy and will take extensive work and effort. The Times reported the leader's speech spoke of building the Greece they want and need, but that they had "no time to waste."
CNN also reported that, "Sunday's national elections were held two years before originally scheduled. Karamanlis called the elections in response to pressure from Papandreou's Panhellenic Socialist Movement of Greece, which threatened to block the election of a president in February if no general election was held. The Greek constitution requires the two major parties to agree on the election of a president, giving either party an effective veto."
The former leader, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, failed to convince the people of Greece to trust another economic plan, but was shot down by the country. Karamanlis said he respected the people's decision in the end.
CNN also reported the Socialist leader, George Papandreou, "promised to chart a new course for an economic comeback."
The newly elected official spoke to the people, reminding them that the path out of financial crisis will not be easy and will take extensive work and effort. The Times reported the leader's speech spoke of building the Greece they want and need, but that they had "no time to waste."
CNN also reported that, "Sunday's national elections were held two years before originally scheduled. Karamanlis called the elections in response to pressure from Papandreou's Panhellenic Socialist Movement of Greece, which threatened to block the election of a president in February if no general election was held. The Greek constitution requires the two major parties to agree on the election of a president, giving either party an effective veto."
The former leader, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, failed to convince the people of Greece to trust another economic plan, but was shot down by the country. Karamanlis said he respected the people's decision in the end.
E.Coli outbreaks rising in the last years.
Saturday the New York Times released an investigative piece on the rise in outbreaks of the E.Coli virus, uncovering lapses in the safety and testing of the ground beef industry.
The story focused specifically on 22-year-old Stephanie Smith, a native of Cold Spring, Minn. who was stricken by the E.Coli two years ago after eating a hamburger distributed by Cargill and cooked by her mother. She was left paralyzed from the waist down and suffered brain damage after several seizures and nine weeks in a medically induced coma.
Once a children's dance instructor, doctors don't expect her to walk again.
The times used Smith's story to couch a further investigation of the meat industry's E.Coli testing and practices. Though Cargill refused to answer questions and released a statement concerning their desire for safe food, the paper was able to interview Costco representatives who explained the extensive testing procedures Costco ensures for their ground beef.
The trouble, reported the Times, is that ground beef is not one cut of meat, it is a combination of many kinds of meat ground together. Because the meat is combined, it is easier to infect large quantities of meat with meat that carries even small amounts of the bacteria. Confidential records from Cargill reported that though Smith's burger was toted as 100% Angus beef, its actual contents came from a mix of slaughterhouse trimmings and a mash-like product derived from scraps that were ground together at a plant in Wisconsin. The ingredients came from slaughterhouses in Nebraska, Texas and Uruguay, and from a South Dakota company that processes fatty trimmings and treats them with ammonia to kill bacteria.
The company also keeps its processes and ingredients very secretly.
In concurrence with the Times piece, the United Press International released a piece Sunday discussing a boost in the bacteria's activity. According to professors at the University of Illinois, they have reached a better way to study the bacteria and its affects using lasers and optical traps to track the way the bacteria behaves.
Because these laser can confine specific cells to track, it is then easier to introduce specific stimuli and track the way in which the cell responds.
Though most outbreaks of E. Coli are not as severe as Smith's, thousands of individuals are stricken with the affects of the bacteria each year through food borne illness.
The story focused specifically on 22-year-old Stephanie Smith, a native of Cold Spring, Minn. who was stricken by the E.Coli two years ago after eating a hamburger distributed by Cargill and cooked by her mother. She was left paralyzed from the waist down and suffered brain damage after several seizures and nine weeks in a medically induced coma.
Once a children's dance instructor, doctors don't expect her to walk again.
The times used Smith's story to couch a further investigation of the meat industry's E.Coli testing and practices. Though Cargill refused to answer questions and released a statement concerning their desire for safe food, the paper was able to interview Costco representatives who explained the extensive testing procedures Costco ensures for their ground beef.
The trouble, reported the Times, is that ground beef is not one cut of meat, it is a combination of many kinds of meat ground together. Because the meat is combined, it is easier to infect large quantities of meat with meat that carries even small amounts of the bacteria. Confidential records from Cargill reported that though Smith's burger was toted as 100% Angus beef, its actual contents came from a mix of slaughterhouse trimmings and a mash-like product derived from scraps that were ground together at a plant in Wisconsin. The ingredients came from slaughterhouses in Nebraska, Texas and Uruguay, and from a South Dakota company that processes fatty trimmings and treats them with ammonia to kill bacteria.
The company also keeps its processes and ingredients very secretly.
In concurrence with the Times piece, the United Press International released a piece Sunday discussing a boost in the bacteria's activity. According to professors at the University of Illinois, they have reached a better way to study the bacteria and its affects using lasers and optical traps to track the way the bacteria behaves.
Because these laser can confine specific cells to track, it is then easier to introduce specific stimuli and track the way in which the cell responds.
Though most outbreaks of E. Coli are not as severe as Smith's, thousands of individuals are stricken with the affects of the bacteria each year through food borne illness.
Michigan native wins Twin Cities marathon
Sunday, the Star Tribune reported the winner of the Twin Cities Marathon.
Jason Hartmann from Conchord, Mass. won the 26.2 mile foot race with a time of 2:12:16 and claiming a personal best and the marathon's $25,000 prize.
USA Today published an AP post recording the course began in downtown Minneapolis and finished in St. Paul at the state's capital. The course meanders the Mississippi's turns and makes headway down St. Paul's famed Summit Ave.
After his win, Hartmann told the Star Tribune that it was, "A good day to run." noting a critical decision he made in the last few miles of the race. At a routine water stop, Hartmann dropped his energy drink--his necessary fuel for the end of the race and his win.
After careful but keen deliberation, Hartmann decided to go back for the bottle, knowing he wouldn't be able to finish the race without its contents.
He told the Star Tribune that he didn't make the bottle into a bigger deal than it was, and that turning around reminded him of a shuttle drill from his high school basketball team. After realizing his 6'3" body wasn't fast enough or that he couldn't jump high enough for basketball, Hartmann picked up running full time.
He was all-American in track and cross-country at Oregon where he attended college.
After falling back to second place when retrieving the bottle, Hartmann held his own, trusting he would have enough juice for the end. Indeed in the last few miles, he was able to pull ahead and hold his lead for the finish.
Jason Hartmann from Conchord, Mass. won the 26.2 mile foot race with a time of 2:12:16 and claiming a personal best and the marathon's $25,000 prize.
USA Today published an AP post recording the course began in downtown Minneapolis and finished in St. Paul at the state's capital. The course meanders the Mississippi's turns and makes headway down St. Paul's famed Summit Ave.
After his win, Hartmann told the Star Tribune that it was, "A good day to run." noting a critical decision he made in the last few miles of the race. At a routine water stop, Hartmann dropped his energy drink--his necessary fuel for the end of the race and his win.
After careful but keen deliberation, Hartmann decided to go back for the bottle, knowing he wouldn't be able to finish the race without its contents.
He told the Star Tribune that he didn't make the bottle into a bigger deal than it was, and that turning around reminded him of a shuttle drill from his high school basketball team. After realizing his 6'3" body wasn't fast enough or that he couldn't jump high enough for basketball, Hartmann picked up running full time.
He was all-American in track and cross-country at Oregon where he attended college.
After falling back to second place when retrieving the bottle, Hartmann held his own, trusting he would have enough juice for the end. Indeed in the last few miles, he was able to pull ahead and hold his lead for the finish.
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