Nampa man is ‘hero’ for saving child from Indian Creek- Idaho Statesman
Michael Davey saved a 1-year-old baby boy from drowning in the Indian Creek on Saturday.
He was out by the creek feeding the ducks when he heard the mother of the 1-year-old baby boy screaming hysterically. The baby had been playing with some older children, and even though they had adult supervision, the baby had walked around the fence and fell into the water. The mother tried to save the baby, but the fast current made it hard for the mother to catch up.
Davey said he felt like he was watching a cabbage patch doll, floating face down in the Indian Creek. Davey jumped into the mud and water and was able to pull out the baby boy who was blue and life-less.
When Davey pulled the baby out of the water he began performing techniques to help the him become conscious. He pounded on his back and was able to get the baby to vomit and begin to cry. He said that he had never been so happy to be vomited on.
The ambulance and police arrive and warmed up the child. The mother suffered an asthma attack from the event.
Davey said that he did what anybody else would have done, “I am just a person who saw a baby drowning and jumped in.”
Bill Augsburger who is the Nampa Police Department Chief said, “Mr. Davey is truly a hero.”
Regan S. Late last night the truck of state schools Chief Tom Luna was vandalized. He reported the incident to the police around 4:30 in the morning today. The vandalization consisted to slashing two tires, and writing “Luna” with and X through it in black spray paint. Luna told reporters that earlier this weekend, he was harassed at his mother’s home by an angry teacher, and also heckled outside a coffee shop in downtown Boise. Luna believes that both of these occurrences, and probably the vandalizing, are a result of people not agreeing with his plan to increase class size in Idaho to help pay for new, necessary technologies. I can understand why a teacher would be upset about this. Increasing class size makes it harder for them to give each student the attention they need to properly learn and develop, which is one reason America is falling behind other nations in education. Though I understand the teacher’s frustration, I do not believe that violence or threats are the way to solve anything. Luna goes on to accuse the IEA (Idaho Education Association) of sending out e-mails with the names and addresses of all the people in support of his bill, and encourages them to “go talk to their neighbors and tell them not to support this.” This can, of course, be a very dangerous s thing because people, such as the angry teacher, are wanting to take matters into their own hands, and providing them with names and addresses allows them to do so. The IEA later said that they never sent out any such e-mail, and that they do not condone violence, so who do we believe?
Boise State football coach Chris Petersen to get bonus, raise; Bobby Dodd award tickets on sale By Chadd Cripe
This story is about Boise State football coach Chris Petersen and how he will be receiving a raise if the State Board of Education approves his contract adjustments. Coach Petersen will receive a $50,000 bonus and a $35,000 per year raise if the board approves, a raise that is much deserved, but a lot of people also believe he shouldn’t get the raise. People believe it should go to teachers instead, which is understandable, but without coach Petersen would the Boise State Football program be what it is today? Would the school be what it is today? And would the town of Boise be what it is today? My answer, I don’t believe so. Coach Petersen has built the football program into an elite program, he isn’t just a coach he’s a life mentor and know other coach is better than him, in my honest opinion. According to Chad Cripe of the Idaho Statesman, the raise will apply to each of the five years remaining on his contract. Petersen made $1.49 million, including a longevity incentive, in 2010. The raise increases his total compensation to $1.525 million in 2011, $1.625 million in 2012, $1.725 million in 2013, $1.825 million in 2014 and $1.875 million in 2015. Is that too much? We’ll when you look at other elite program like Texas and Florida, the head coaches are receiving at least five million dollars a year. So in that case, no. Coach Petersen is not overpaid for what he does. He teaches his players a lot more than just football. He teaches them life lessons that are more valuable than football itself.
Shantel Darrah February 15, 2011 – Boise State Arbiter
The brief article informed its readers of the new book coming about soon about the Chilean Miners that were trapped in a mine for nine weeks. The article also gave the readers a little teaser about what a section of the book was going to be about; The Chilean’s sexual needs while trapped and their request for sex dolls. Very intriguing, the article definitely catches your attention. Who does not want to read about the request and denial of plastic dolls used for sexual release? (The request was denied because a donor would only donate 10 dolls and the government did not want the 33 miners fighting over them while they were trapped since there wasn’t enough for each to have their own.) But the article ends abruptly after the 3 paragraphs with the disclosure that the book titled, 33 men, will be released this month but it does not give the reader an exact date. From a reader’s standpoint, the article seems to grasp as straws with basic information. A specific date would have been nice to know, especially with such an intriguing opening, as well as more research into the topic and background information. The article also jumps from telling the reader about the background of the miners’ ordeal, to the new book coming out, something unexpected from the headline or lead. A smoother transition, or a least a little bit of a warning before topic change would have been nice.
Whitney Holm “Boise bank given deadline to raise money” Source: idahostatesman.com
Idaho Banking Company has been given a 90-day notice to raise the $6 million to $10 million dollar deadline set by the Federal Reserve. It is unclear how this bank will raise this kind of money is such a short amount of time. The Federal Reserve stated that Idaho Banking Company has failed to submit an adequate restoration plan for the time originally given. The bank is making plans to take care of faulty loans and become organized by the dead line presented. Idaho Banking Company is insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 for deposits. This article was important to me because I work in the banking industry. It seems as though another bank in the area might fail or be bought out by another because of faulty loans and lack of organization. I know that lots of people do not like seeing articles like this surface because a panic begins. The banking crisis seemed to pass for a bit and might be back in full swing. The article stated that a 90-day deadline would be in place in order to meet the demands of the FDIC. Somehow, this does not seem like enough time to get loans in order and get organized. This article said that other banks have been given similar notices. I do not like articles like this because it makes working where I work very difficult. We have to answer questions to people about the future of our bank. Reassurance to the customer seems impossible.
Idaho Statesman: Both drivers in two-vehicle crash in Boise cited; police say one ran red light, other failed to properly secure child
Two children secured while the third one in the third row was not in a two car accident yesterday February 15, 2011 on Ustick and Milwaukee in Boise. Police found the accident with a 6 year old girl ejected from the car of a Dodge minivan because the strap to go over your shoulder was sitting behind the little girl. College aged man, 22, was cited for rolling through a traffic stop light and hitting the minivan head on causing the minivan to roll. The mother driving the van was an Eagle mom who is currently pregnant with her 4th child, had a 3 and 5 year old boys in the middle row securely strapped into their seats. The crash happened at 1:35 pm and police are not sure if there were any witnesses of the accident. The mother of the minivan was cited with a citation of 79 dollars for improperly securing her 6 year old girl. The driver of the Honda Accord was cited with an 85 dollar charge for not obeying the traffic laws. The spokeswomen for the Boise Police released to the press that all 6 people involved in the accident were sent to the hospital to check for injuries. The 6 year old girl who was ejected from the vehicle and driver were admitted into the hospital but later was released.
An Iraqi informant to the U.S. government, who goes by the name “Curveball,” admits to lying about bioweapons in Iraq in order to have the U.S. invade and overthrow Saddam Hussein’s regime. Hi s information was part of the justification for the U.S. to invade Iraq in 2003. He says that despite the ensuing war, he is happy with his decision.
“I had a problem with the regime. I had the chance to fabricate something to topple the regime . . . We are proud that we were the reason to give Iraq the margin of democracy,” says Curveball, whose real name is Rafid Ahmed Alwan al-Janabi.
Then-Secretary of State Colin Powell was not told that Al-Janabi was flagged as untrustworthy, and that previous statements to German officials that Iraq was possessing bioweapons were vehemently denied by Al-Janabi’s former boss at the Military Industries Commission. Tyler Drumheller, the former head of the CIA in Europe, warned his superiors that Al-Janabi was a liar before the invasion in 2003. He believes this is a wake-up call to people who still believe that there are weapons of mass desctruction in Iraq today.
Al-Janabi says that he is sad when he hears about the death toll from the war, but he believes it was the only way to overthrow the dictatorship regime of Hussein.
Aaron Nelson week 5 word post ESPN.COM MELO DRAMA The NBA season has been great so far. This summer the free agent market was one of the best in recent years. Dwayne Wade, Lebron James led the class. The summer was dominated by these two deciding where they would play basketball. The past few months the same thing has happened, but this time it involves Carmelo Anthony. There have been so many rumors this season about where he would be traded to. Melo had a contract extension offer on the table for 3 years 65 million. Melo did not sign the extension, so he is free to go after this season. So the Nuggets must deal him off now and get something for him, or in the summer he can leave and they get nothing. There are a few teams that are very interested in Melo. The Nets, the Knicks are the teams fighting the hardest to get Melo. The best fit for him would be New York. He has said many times that he would love to play there and they have a good team, with a player like him it would make them so much better. The trade talks are at their highest right now, both teams are trying to get the trade done it just depends on the deal details. The deal must be done by February 26th that is the trade deadline, so if this trade is going to happen it must be before that deadline.
This story from an AP economics writer covers recent price increases across several industries. It explains that while mortgage rates are lowering and overall money is cheap; the price of raw good is being driven upward and now businesses have to decide if they are going to pass this increase along to their customers. The article looks at everything from prescription drugs to clothing to new home construction. Some are fearful that as our economy is starting to improve, inflation will become a problem. The argument is that unemployment rates are still too high for anyone to be concerned; that inflation occurs when wages are inflated. The story contained so much information it was hard to read all the way through. There were transition words at the beginning of many of the paragraphs but it seemed that their only purpose was to trick the reader into continuing to read. On the other hand, I could scroll to any part of the story and start to read and each paragraph made perfect sense on its own. I felt like I could bite off smaller chunks of information at a time and I thought that was an effective strategy.
Kristine D-TuTh News Review February 17, 2011 Source of original story MSN website Boarders will after all file chapter 11 bankruptcy. This will force them to close more than 200 stores. All of the stores they plan to close are superstores. As the pioneer of “superstores” Boarders was directly responsible for putting hundreds of mom and pop bookstores out of business. Now underwater with debts and sluggish responses to a fast changing industry they are the one’s going out of business. “Boarders does not have the capital resources it needs to be a viable competitor,” President Mike Edwards said in a written statement. The company also owns some Boarders Express stores and Waldenbooks which at this point won’t be affected. Several superstores in Florida and the southern region will close their doors. Hundreds more across the nation will be affected over the next few months. Consumers can expect clearance sales to start as early as this weekend. They plan to operate normally, honor gift cards and it’s loyalty program as it reorganizes. According the Chapter 11 filing Boarders had $1.28 million in assets and $1.29 million in debts as of December 25th, 2010. Boarder owes publishers including, Penguin Putnam, Hachette Book Group, Simon & Schuster, and Random House. They have been unable to reach an agreement with creditors and an offer to finance a $16 per-share Boarder-led takeover bid for competitor Barns & Nobel never materialized. All signs that creditors do think Boarders will be a viable competitor moving forward. Perhaps some mom and pops should consider opening shops.
Committee dives into use of year-around educational system by Edina Macic The Alternative Academic Calendar committee (AACC) has been asked to review Boise State’s current system and make suggestions about what could be done. This could mean that Boise State will be going to a trimester model. The existing model is that we have two 15 week semester with a summer term available to students. The summer session has up to ten weeks which gives some students a summer break. The AACC was asked to analyze potential more beneficial models for future academic calendars. Boise State’s goal is to utilize resources during the summer and expand opportunities for students and faculties. The committee is also looking into the reasons why students don’t attend summer classes and how increase summer school with not just classes but faculty and students as well. Faculty members have to be willing to offer classes during the summer and students willing to take them. The committee has met six times since the beginning of the school year and have three academic models to work with. The first academic model is the one Boise state currently has, the second is the trimester system and the third one only has two semesters but increase the summer to twelve weeks instead of ten. The Pro’s and con’s that need to be looked at are: impact on student life, financial aid, student government, and need for additional faculty.
Wisconsin Protests: Over 30,000 Wisconsin residents were peacefully rallying in front of the Statehouse on Wednesday. Then, Madison County Schools had already been closed for two days because of teachers calling in sick and students walking out pending the verdict in the labor union disputes. If this bill is passed, wages will be frozen and benefits will be slashed for the largest union in the state. This particular union includes state, county, and municipal employees. This particular bill, targeting collective bargaining rights, is said to save the state $30million in the next year and $300million over the next three years. Included with the cuts is a 7 percent reduction in all government workers pay. Large tax declines and the slowing economy has forced By Wednesday night, this crowd of upset workers filled the state building hallways as committee members met. Republican legislators began to let these people speak early into the next morning in hope to “kill the bill.” In order to pass this bill, there will need to be at least one democrat to vote. By Thursday, the 14 democrats had left forcing republicans to negotiate the bill that is touted as ripping the state apart.
BY: NADINE RUSSELL Salt Lake Tribune Clothing Prices to Rise 10 Percent in the spring The recovering economy is forcing clothing retailers to hike up prices on their clothing names. During the recession retailers experimented with using blended materials for their clothing as well as cheap overseas labor but since the economy has been on the up and up, the demand for labor surges and raw material costs are rising. Cotton has more than doubled in price in the last year, hitting an all time high since the great depression. Along with cotton, other synthetic materials have risen fifty percent as the demand for blended materials increases with the rise of cotton prices. Clothing prices are expected to rise 10 percent in the next upcoming months, with the biggest rises in the second half of the year according to Flickinger III of the Strategic Resource Group. Brands such as Levi Strauss, Wrangler, Steve Madden, Nike, and stores such as J.C. Penny and Abercrombie and Fitch all plan to raise prices of their clothing this upcoming year. The rising costs will also effect how the clothes are made. There will be fewer color choices for shoppers as well as fewer embellishments on jeans especially along with more synthetic clothing productions taking place. Retailers are trying to figure out whether consumer demand during the holiday season will keep them afloat as the prices continue to rise. Their fear however is that the higher prices will nip the building of clothing demand. Stores with low income shoppers will have the most difficult time adjusting to the new cotton prices. Even the mega conglomerate Wal-Mart is struggling with the new prices. Cotton prices have jumped past the record highest price during the Civil War which was at $1.89 per pound. Cotton last Friday was $1.90 per pound.
Two plants in Idaho could turn 250 tons of trash a day into power for 10,000 homes
This article from the Arbiter Online was very well written and kept me interested throughout. Based on the fact that our society is becoming increasingly concerned with going green and finding alternative energy sources, the author chose a great topic which can be relatable to all.
The information put into this was very strategically placed and gave enough give and take between facts and quotes which kept me engaged. One quote really stuck out: “’Burying our waste is the second-dumbest thing humans do,’ said Mahaffey.” This quote adds a little humor into this while also explaining how a reputable source dealing with this stuff every day views the world.
Most of this information was very mind blowing which also helped to keep my mind from wandering. One of the most important things this article does is to answer all of the W questions. The author explains who is being affected by the landfill waste as well as the parties involved in cleaning up this mess. It explains what the issue is, where the plants will be, when these new plants will be put into effect, why we need new alternative energy sources, and most importantly how this process will benefit Idahoans and the rest of the world. Without the “how” this would not be believable, but adding this in made this a very important story.
The author did a great job with this piece and gives hope to basically everyone in America, especially those in Idaho, who shares a common goal in going green and finding ways to do so.
With anticipation building for warm weather, so does baseball season. The Phillies made the biggest off season pickup by acquiring Cliff Lee. The addition of Lee adds on to an already strong pitching staff. A staff filled with Cy Young winners and All Stars includes Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, Joe Blanton, and now Cliff Lee. Cliff Lee makes his return to the Phillies as he was on the 2009 team where he delivered an immediate punch to the team. His game one performance of the 2009 World Series was one of the most dominant performances in world series history. The next season he was part of a 3 team trade to acquire Roy Halladay. While his time here in Philly has been shorter than all of the other pitchers on the staff, Lee has attracted the most attention than anyother player on the whole team. The idea of having the best pitching rotation in the history of baseball has put even more pressure on the most successful National League team in the past 3 seasons. Philly is ready for some baseball and they are now ready for R2C2 (Roy H., Roy O., Cliff, and Cole).
Marijane Weitensteiner T/Th Class CNN.com: "'Green River Killer' to plead guilty to 49th murder" By the CNN Wire Staff
Gary Ridgway, known far and wide as the "Green River Killer" is slated to be in court some time today to plead guilty for a 49th murder that he committed. That woman was Becky Marrero, who Ridgway confessed to killing along with 48 other women back in 2003 when DNA finally brought him to justice and an end to the western United States' most unsolve serial killer mystery. According to the article when Ridgway confessed to the murder of Marrero he couldn't recall enough information to charge him, which included where to find her body. That mystery was solved last December when a pair of teenagers exploring a ravine near Auburn, Washington discovered Marrero's remains. Now Ridgway must take responsiblity for her death, adding another life sentance to his other 48 consective life sentances. This whole story makes me wonder if there are more bodies/human remains out along the Green River and other dumping grounds that Ridgway used when he was killing, ones that he has not confessed to, or have we finally found all of the "Green River Killer's" victims. I only hope that Marrero's family can finally find some peace in the fact that they can finally have some sort of closure now that they can burry Marrero and that her killer will NEVER be able to get out of jail to hurt anyone else. Small consolation I know but it is the only thing that the criminal justice system can do. Another question I have is why do we remember the killers more than we remember the victims? We should think more about the lives Ridgway and others like him have taken instead of focusing on him and other killers. Maybe people just have a sick facination with serial killers which is why the focus on the killers and not the lives they took. I wish I could find out more about these women who may have been on the edge of society and working the "red light" districts in the Washington area but they were also someone's daughter, sister, mother, cousin, aunt, granddaughter and freind. RIP Marrero and all the victims of the "Green River Killer".
Nichole Stallings "Boise man pleads guilty for 'tapping' 15 year-old on airplane" February 17, 2011 Arbiter Russell Miller, while taking a flight on Southwest Airlines, noticed that the young boy siting next to him still had his cell phone on after the stewardess had asked everyone to turn off their phones. Miller nudged the boy next to him as to tell the boy to put the phone away, and the kid went crazy. Russel has been charged with a misdemeanor charge of battery and has plead guilty. He said that he simply “tapped” the boy. The stewardess checked the boy’s arm for any sign of injury and there was not a mark upon him. Russel says that yes he is guilty for tapping the boy but he is NOT guilty of any abuse or battery. Either way, the judge sentenced him to two days in jail and a $287 fine.
This is completely ridiculous. The teenager in this scenario obviously was not harmed and is just exercising his right to be an obnoxious teen. The man, who was concerned with not only his safety and the safety of the others on the plane, was simply calling to attention to the boy that his phone should be turned off. In other countries, people respect elders. This situation never would have happened. The kid pressing charges against this man should not be allowed to have such an impact on the man’s life when clearly he was not following directions in the first place. Furthermore, the judge claims that the reasoning behind his sentencing is that Russell Miller “overstepped his boundaries, taking on a job which was not his own.” Fact of the matter is that there is no difference between a grandpa instructing his grandson and the situation at hand.
Jacy S. Tu/Th Italian researchers argue the Mona Lisa model was a male Retrieved on February 15, 2011 From dw-world.de http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,14814400,00.html For one of my other classes I have to follow a foreign newspaper, and I chose to look at this German one. I found this article about the Mona Lisa and thought that it was pretty interesting. Italian researchers seem to think that they have uncovered the long-discussed identity of the model for Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Silvano Vinceti, that chairmand of the Itailain national committee for cultural heritage, claims that the artist’s male apprentice and possible lover Salai was the main inspiration for the picture. He is making this claim off of comparison to other works by da Vinci that Salai was the known model for, like the “St. John the Baptist”. The two paintings reveal striking similarities with Mona Lisa’s nose and mouth. Also Vinceti’s said that he found tiny letters painted into the eyes of the Mona Lisa, one L for Leonardo and one S for Salai. All of Vinceti’s claims have been immediately disputed by the experts at the Louvre, where the painting on currently on display. Vinceti is ready to take his team to Paris to prove to the world that he is right. No word on whether or not the art museum will take him up on his offer or not. It seems that the Louvre is quite upset with Vinceti’s claim, and I’m sure a lot of other people in the art world are also very upset.
Larisa Gavrilyuk (Monday Night class) http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/18/us/18broadband.html?pagewanted=1&ref=us The New York Times
Digital Age Is Slow to Arrive in Rural America
COFFEEVILLE, Ala. It is the 21st century and many of us don’t even stop to think about the Internet. It is something that we have available 24/7. Well that is not the case in rural America. Coffeeville, Alabama is one of the cities that still uses dial up. Most of the population doesn’t even have the Internet. The digital age has taken over two billion people. That use the Internet regularly they have fast reliable Internet and those like in Coffeeville, like the young students who only use the computer at school. Also in Clark County half of the 27,867 people do not have Internet. According to report released Thursday by the Department of Commerce, in rural America only 60 percent of households use broadband Internet service. That is 10 percent less than in urban households. Could you believe that 28 percent of Americans do not use the Internet at all. It is all about the money and how much it cost do get Internet to those areas. Most rural American areas do not even have cell phone reception. Many citizens believe that having broadband Internet available would be very beneficial. One lady said that it took her three days to arrange a meeting with the governor because she had to find Internet to use to e-mail him because this could not be set up on the phone. Such rural towns like Thomasville have set up Internet cafes with broadband Internet so people can have access to the Internet and stay in the loop with the world. Many have been trying to get government funding to get Internet, Satellite, and cell phone reception to rural areas of America. They have been denied funding and have yet to succeed. And many still think it will be a long time before the digital age comes to rural America.
Idaho Statesman- Boise Man Pleads Guilty to Battery for 'Tapping' 15-Year-Old Who Wouldn’t Turn Off Phone on Airplane
Back in December a case involving a Boise man who supposedly battered a teen on a plane was all over the news. The story made it to the national level making it on to networks such as MSNBC and CNN. Monday the man was forced to plead guilty to the charges and faces either two days in jail or the same amount of time in community service. According to police reports the man was not aware that the passenger in the seat next to him was a teenager. Initial reports say the boy was enraged after being stuck by the man for continuing to use a cell phone after the appropriate time. The stewardesses at the scene examined the boy and reported no visible marking on the boys arm, however according to the case the boy had a red mark on his arm. The opposing argument in the case is that the man overstepped his boundaries when the stewardesses should have been left to deal with the boy. The article was very well written, and it contained a wealth of knowledge on the issues surrounding the case. One thing that will be interesting to watch for after this trial is how airplane security will change regarding passenger safety. If a tap is considered battery regulations could change quite a bit.
Idahostatesman: University of Idaho will lead $20 million look at Pacific Northwest Climate Change
The University of Idaho just got a governmentally funded grant of 20 million dollars to research the difference in the weather in the Pacific Northwestern United States in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, respectively. Among this 20 million dollar grant are not only University of Idaho, Washington State University, and Oregon State University. According to the story, this is all based on agriculture and the wheat and grain crop grown in the Palouse in Washington and Northern Idaho. The Northwest has had very inconsistent weather over this last couple of years and this year is no slouch. As there is snow and rain every other day after a beautiful day and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The Northwest United States have grown 80% of the white winter wheat produce in the all of the United States. White winter wheat is the main ingredient for most cereals and that is a gigantic industry in the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has funded this grant for these Universities to help study the weather, the soil, and the most efficient way to grow wheat and grain. This will have a big impact on the area because a lot of people went to University of Idaho and Washington State University around the Boise area. This is a big deal due to the depression in our economy. We need to watch what we spend as a society, maybe this will help our country.
Russell Miller of Boise will have spend two days in jail or do the equivalent amount of community service after pleading guilty Monday to a misdemeanor charge of battery in connection with a December 28th incident that made him an internet sensation. Boise police said Miller hit a 15 year old boy on the arm of a Southwest Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Boise because the boy didn’t turn off his phone during takeoff. Miller’s arrest soon became a national story—from being discussed on CNN and MSNBC—to being the topic of several internet blogs. Miller told Fourth District Magistrate judge on Monday that media reports indicating that he punched or slugged the boy were incorrect. Miller also disputes that the boy had a red mark on his arm from the force of the blow and said that the stewardess examined the boy’s arm and said there was no mark. “I tapped him on the arm to get his attention,” Miller said. Miller was sentenced to pay $287 in fines and ordered him to spend 60 days in jail with 57 days suspended.
I found this article to be quite interesting. Not because a Boise man became an internet sensation, but because people have a tendency to throw things way out of proportion and exaggerate the truth. I believe Miller tapped the boy on the arm; I do not believe he assaulted the boy. Miller seems like an old school guy. He asked the boy in a calm and polite manner and just touched the boy on the arm to get his attention. Nowadays, if you pat a kid on the back, the parents are going to slap an assault charge on you like ugly on an ape. I can’t believe the judge ordered him to spend 60 days in jail to begin with. It seems like an outrageous sentence for just a little tap on the arm.
From the Idaho Statesman: "Idaho Lawmakers Move Public School Reforms Forward"
State legislators in Idaho are beginning the process of moving forward on the recommendations by the state's superintendent Tom Luna. The basic outlines of the bill is that it would expand online courses while also increasing class sizes, cutting 770 paid teaching positions in the process. The bills main detractors, as to be expected, are primarily teacher-based interests. "From the beginning, The Luna plan's fatal flaw has been the lack of stakeholder involvement," said the president of the Idaho Education Association, Sherri Wood. Among the bill's proponents, Idaho Governor Butch Otter's administration believes that the measure is unfairly being labeled as extreme when many, as the administration argues, believe it's a necessary step to getting Idaho schools to level where they need to be. "There's nothing radical about the three bills in front of you today, " said Roger Brown, chief education adviser to the governor. And while the votes in the State Senate lined up in mostly among party lines (Republicans voting for and Democrats voting against), several GOP members were found waining in their support. Complaining about the negative emails he has been receiving from constituents, Senator John Andreason, a Republican from Boise, was the only member of his party to vote against all three education bills in committee. "I've received over 1,400 emails. Ninety percent were against this plan," said Mr. Andreason. Another "no" vote against the Luna plan was that of Senator Mitch Toryanski, another Boise Republican, who voted against the legislation on fiscal grounds, claiming the state could not afford the plan to donate laptops to Idaho students. The bill is expected to pass the House and be on the Governor's desk without too much more controversy.
Kyle Blackhurst Snow may be in the forecast for Boise, Idaho this upcoming week. This weekend could bring up to 4 inches of snowfall. There is a low pressure system coming from the south and it is bringing snow with it. The snow is coming to the higher elevations of lower Idaho and to the Treasure Valley. The Treasure Valley could see some snow late Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Since Wednesday, Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area has received 9 inches of snow, including 4 inches Friday. The temperatures in Boise are expected to drop to 33 degrees Friday night. The high for Saturday will be somewhere around 44 degrees. On Saturday, they expect to have big weather changes with warm air from the south being followed by cold air. A winter storm warning will be in effect or the Owyhee’s from 9 p.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Sunday. The forecasters are saying that area may get hit from anywhere between 8 to 12 inches of snow. In the Treasure Valley, there will be a winter weather advisory from 9 p.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Sunday. The valley may get 2 to 4 inches of snow when that storm passes through. Sounds like you’re in for a good weekend if you like the white powder and hitting up the slopes. If you’re into the winter spirit, go out and enjoy the snow on the hills. Or if you hate it, stay inside and have a nice kick back movie day.
Lauren Hooker Idaho woman Greece-bound for Special Olympics Idaho Statesman (aka wired from Coeur d’ Alene Press)
Loretta Lyon, 25, from Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, will be attending the Special Olympics in Athens, Greece. Lyon, who has been participating in the Special Olympics thirteen years, will be one of ten competitors from Idaho to attend the World Games.
I chose this article because it was much more than just an article; it was a story. I really enjoyed the narrative elements in this piece, and was able to pick out some favorite aspects that really drew me in.
The beginning talking about the amount of medals that Lyon has amassed from her time in the Special Olympics; but instead of simply stating an amount, the writer incorporated specific story elements that made it feel so much more real; her mom isn’t positive that she has forty, she’s just guessing because she thinks they’ve lost some along the way. That, in fact, they’re working on making a special place to keep the medals. This little part of the story made it seem, well, REAL; it’s not just another cut and dry news story about some girl going to the Special Olympics.
There is humor, but there is also emotion and seriousness; when Lyon was in the womb, the umbilical cord wrapped around her throat, which caused brain damage that ultimately affected her motor skills and memory. This is the part where the reader begins to care; you put yourself in Lyon’s shoes. What if that happened to you, or your child? But they’re not looking for a pity party; no, Lyon is determined, as show in the storytelling, and she’s going to Greece to show the world that some girl from Idaho is awesome.
The story wove in bits and pieces from throughout Lyon’s life to bring life to the piece; how she was shy as a child, and how the Special Olympics made her come out of her shell.
I really enjoyed this story, and will stay tuned to see how Lyon does in the Special Olympics!
This story is about the change in gas prices in all of Idaho. Idahoans should begin seeing a huge change at the pump, and not in a good way. Gas prices throughout all of Idaho are on their way up, and no end is in sight. The prices, which have risen from an average of $2.96 to earlier to $3.10 as of Friday, are expected to spike up even higher by end of July. By Memorial Day in Idaho, those at the pump should prepare themselves for an increase of 40 cents, from a projected $3.30 per gallon at the end of spring, to a whopping $3.70 or so. Many stores in Eastern Idaho have been selling gas below the average in hopes of increasing sales, but are now forced to raise prices dramatically in order to make up for the money lost. There are no exact reasons for the recent jump in prices, and few can pinpoint any certain thing as the blame. Some say the recent climb in gas prices could stem from the situation going on in Egypt, as those investors in crude oil may not feel comfortable at the moment investing on what seems to be shaky ground. As of Friday, oil prices hovered at just under 90 dollars a barrel, and don’t look to go down anytime soon.
Nampa has a new 967,326 square foot Gateway Shopping Center. Big stores like: Macy’s, JC Penney, Sports Authority, and Idaho Athletic Club, are already doing business at the Center. While new stores like: Better Life Supplements, Import Outlet, Tiffany’s Hair Salon, and Royal Bakery, have readymade retail spaces. These readymade spaces are part of the Developers push to bring in local stores. Although retail is still challenged by the current economic fall, making vacancies as high as they’ll get; many companies are building their own buildings. Lower land prices and interest rates on loans have spurred opportunities for stores that may have taken readymade spaces at the Gateway Shopping Center. Jeff Needs looks forward to the Gateway becoming a family entertainment center, with additions like; a 14,000 square foot entertainment venue, a Panda Express, and Idaho Aquarium. There are plans to add a 5,000 square foot parent supervised play center also. Needs is the Colliers Broker in charge of Canyon County office. Mike Pena, a leasing agent for Colliers, held a breakfast for 100 business leaders at the Nampa Hampton Inn. Pena hopes they will see the readymade spaces as opportunities for expansion. By Megan Reece http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/02/18/1532485/nampa-gateway-center-has-new-tenants.html
Tawnya G. Three hungry and thirsty lost snowboarders where located Monday at 12:40 a.m. at Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area. The three were rescued by members of the all-volunteer Idaho Mountain Search & Rescue Unit. The snowboarders had been lost since before 5 p.m. on Sunday. They used their almost dead cell phone at that time to call for help. Since the cell phone had little battery power, they quickly informed the dispatcher that they were lost and decided to stay put at their present location for the night. They set up camp and waited for the search party to find them. The ski patrol started looking immediately for the lost snowboarders, but had to stop the search at 8 p.m. due to the lack of manpower, and the inability to attempt the dangerous territory without the light of day. After gathering more manpower, a volunteer search and rescue team of more than a dozen set out a little after 10:30 p.m. to continue the search for the three lost men. The men were found in a deep ravine in the Dry Creek Drainage on the south side of the mountain. The snowboarders were lead out of the ravine on foot after properly hydrating and eating. The men were out of the cold, uninjured, and safe by 2:45 a.m. Reports of a tree on fire near the lost snowboarders location aided in the retrieval of the men. By 9 p.m. emergency dispatch had heard a number of reports of the tree fire. The fire was east of milepost 12.5 and Bogus Basin is at 16.2. All commotion was resolved; the fire was put out and the three snowboarders were rescued.
Sydney Gill
ReplyDeleteNampa man is ‘hero’ for saving child from Indian Creek- Idaho Statesman
Michael Davey saved a 1-year-old baby boy from drowning in the Indian Creek on Saturday.
He was out by the creek feeding the ducks when he heard the mother of the 1-year-old baby boy screaming hysterically. The baby had been playing with some older children, and even though they had adult supervision, the baby had walked around the fence and fell into the water. The mother tried to save the baby, but the fast current made it hard for the mother to catch up.
Davey said he felt like he was watching a cabbage patch doll, floating face down in the Indian Creek. Davey jumped into the mud and water and was able to pull out the baby boy who was blue and life-less.
When Davey pulled the baby out of the water he began performing techniques to help the him become conscious. He pounded on his back and was able to get the baby to vomit and begin to cry. He said that he had never been so happy to be vomited on.
The ambulance and police arrive and warmed up the child. The mother suffered an asthma attack from the event.
Davey said that he did what anybody else would have done, “I am just a person who saw a baby drowning and jumped in.”
Bill Augsburger who is the Nampa Police Department Chief said, “Mr. Davey is truly a hero.”
Regan S.
ReplyDeleteLate last night the truck of state schools Chief Tom Luna was vandalized. He reported the incident to the police around 4:30 in the morning today. The vandalization consisted to slashing two tires, and writing “Luna” with and X through it in black spray paint. Luna told reporters that earlier this weekend, he was harassed at his mother’s home by an angry teacher, and also heckled outside a coffee shop in downtown Boise. Luna believes that both of these occurrences, and probably the vandalizing, are a result of people not agreeing with his plan to increase class size in Idaho to help pay for new, necessary technologies. I can understand why a teacher would be upset about this. Increasing class size makes it harder for them to give each student the attention they need to properly learn and develop, which is one reason America is falling behind other nations in education. Though I understand the teacher’s frustration, I do not believe that violence or threats are the way to solve anything.
Luna goes on to accuse the IEA (Idaho Education Association) of sending out e-mails with the names and addresses of all the people in support of his bill, and encourages them to “go talk to their neighbors and tell them not to support this.” This can, of course, be a very dangerous s thing because people, such as the angry teacher, are wanting to take matters into their own hands, and providing them with names and addresses allows them to do so. The IEA later said that they never sent out any such e-mail, and that they do not condone violence, so who do we believe?
http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/02/15/1528601/nampa-police-state-schools-chief.html
Boise State football coach Chris Petersen to get bonus, raise; Bobby Dodd award tickets on sale
ReplyDeleteBy Chadd Cripe
This story is about Boise State football coach Chris Petersen and how he will be receiving a raise if the State Board of Education approves his contract adjustments. Coach Petersen will receive a $50,000 bonus and a $35,000 per year raise if the board approves, a raise that is much deserved, but a lot of people also believe he shouldn’t get the raise. People believe it should go to teachers instead, which is understandable, but without coach Petersen would the Boise State Football program be what it is today? Would the school be what it is today? And would the town of Boise be what it is today? My answer, I don’t believe so. Coach Petersen has built the football program into an elite program, he isn’t just a coach he’s a life mentor and know other coach is better than him, in my honest opinion.
According to Chad Cripe of the Idaho Statesman, the raise will apply to each of the five years remaining on his contract. Petersen made $1.49 million, including a longevity incentive, in 2010. The raise increases his total compensation to $1.525 million in 2011, $1.625 million in 2012, $1.725 million in 2013, $1.825 million in 2014 and $1.875 million in 2015. Is that too much? We’ll when you look at other elite program like Texas and Florida, the head coaches are receiving at least five million dollars a year. So in that case, no. Coach Petersen is not overpaid for what he does. He teaches his players a lot more than just football. He teaches them life lessons that are more valuable than football itself.
Shea McClellin
Tue/Thur
Shantel Darrah
ReplyDeleteFebruary 15, 2011 – Boise State Arbiter
The brief article informed its readers of the new book coming about soon about the Chilean Miners that were trapped in a mine for nine weeks. The article also gave the readers a little teaser about what a section of the book was going to be about; The Chilean’s sexual needs while trapped and their request for sex dolls.
Very intriguing, the article definitely catches your attention. Who does not want to read about the request and denial of plastic dolls used for sexual release? (The request was denied because a donor would only donate 10 dolls and the government did not want the 33 miners fighting over them while they were trapped since there wasn’t enough for each to have their own.) But the article ends abruptly after the 3 paragraphs with the disclosure that the book titled, 33 men, will be released this month but it does not give the reader an exact date.
From a reader’s standpoint, the article seems to grasp as straws with basic information. A specific date would have been nice to know, especially with such an intriguing opening, as well as more research into the topic and background information. The article also jumps from telling the reader about the background of the miners’ ordeal, to the new book coming out, something unexpected from the headline or lead. A smoother transition, or a least a little bit of a warning before topic change would have been nice.
Whitney Holm
ReplyDelete“Boise bank given deadline to raise money”
Source: idahostatesman.com
Idaho Banking Company has been given a 90-day notice to raise the $6 million to $10 million dollar deadline set by the Federal Reserve. It is unclear how this bank will raise this kind of money is such a short amount of time. The Federal Reserve stated that Idaho Banking Company has failed to submit an adequate restoration plan for the time originally given. The bank is making plans to take care of faulty loans and become organized by the dead line presented. Idaho Banking Company is insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 for deposits.
This article was important to me because I work in the banking industry. It seems as though another bank in the area might fail or be bought out by another because of faulty loans and lack of organization. I know that lots of people do not like seeing articles like this surface because a panic begins. The banking crisis seemed to pass for a bit and might be back in full swing. The article stated that a 90-day deadline would be in place in order to meet the demands of the FDIC. Somehow, this does not seem like enough time to get loans in order and get organized. This article said that other banks have been given similar notices. I do not like articles like this because it makes working where I work very difficult. We have to answer questions to people about the future of our bank. Reassurance to the customer seems impossible.
Kelly Sweeney
ReplyDeleteIdaho Statesman: Both drivers in two-vehicle crash in Boise cited; police say one ran red light, other failed to properly secure child
Two children secured while the third one in the third row was not in a two car accident yesterday February 15, 2011 on Ustick and Milwaukee in Boise.
Police found the accident with a 6 year old girl ejected from the car of a Dodge minivan because the strap to go over your shoulder was sitting behind the little girl. College aged man, 22, was cited for rolling through a traffic stop light and hitting the minivan head on causing the minivan to roll.
The mother driving the van was an Eagle mom who is currently pregnant with her 4th child, had a 3 and 5 year old boys in the middle row securely strapped into their seats. The crash happened at 1:35 pm and police are not sure if there were any witnesses of the accident. The mother of the minivan was cited with a citation of 79 dollars for improperly securing her 6 year old girl. The driver of the Honda Accord was cited with an 85 dollar charge for not obeying the traffic laws. The spokeswomen for the Boise Police released to the press that all 6 people involved in the accident were sent to the hospital to check for injuries. The 6 year old girl who was ejected from the vehicle and driver were admitted into the hospital but later was released.
Sam Alderman
ReplyDeleteSource: msnbc.com
An Iraqi informant to the U.S. government, who goes by the name “Curveball,” admits to lying about bioweapons in Iraq in order to have the U.S. invade and overthrow Saddam Hussein’s regime. Hi s information was part of the justification for the U.S. to invade Iraq in 2003. He says that despite the ensuing war, he is happy with his decision.
“I had a problem with the regime. I had the chance to fabricate something to topple the regime . . . We are proud that we were the reason to give Iraq the margin of democracy,” says Curveball, whose real name is Rafid Ahmed Alwan al-Janabi.
Then-Secretary of State Colin Powell was not told that Al-Janabi was flagged as untrustworthy, and that previous statements to German officials that Iraq was possessing bioweapons were vehemently denied by Al-Janabi’s former boss at the Military Industries Commission. Tyler Drumheller, the former head of the CIA in Europe, warned his superiors that Al-Janabi was a liar before the invasion in 2003. He believes this is a wake-up call to people who still believe that there are weapons of mass desctruction in Iraq today.
Al-Janabi says that he is sad when he hears about the death toll from the war, but he believes it was the only way to overthrow the dictatorship regime of Hussein.
Aaron Nelson week 5 word post
ReplyDeleteESPN.COM MELO DRAMA
The NBA season has been great so far. This summer the free agent market was one of the best in recent years. Dwayne Wade, Lebron James led the class. The summer was dominated by these two deciding where they would play basketball.
The past few months the same thing has happened, but this time it involves Carmelo Anthony. There have been so many rumors this season about where he would be traded to. Melo had a contract extension offer on the table for 3 years 65 million. Melo did not sign the extension, so he is free to go after this season. So the Nuggets must deal him off now and get something for him, or in the summer he can leave and they get nothing.
There are a few teams that are very interested in Melo. The Nets, the Knicks are the teams fighting the hardest to get Melo. The best fit for him would be New York. He has said many times that he would love to play there and they have a good team, with a player like him it would make them so much better. The trade talks are at their highest right now, both teams are trying to get the trade done it just depends on the deal details. The deal must be done by February 26th that is the trade deadline, so if this trade is going to happen it must be before that deadline.
Lindsey Hileman
ReplyDeleteRising wholesale prices spur inflation concerns
Idaho Statesman
This story from an AP economics writer covers recent price increases across several industries. It explains that while mortgage rates are lowering and overall money is cheap; the price of raw good is being driven upward and now businesses have to decide if they are going to pass this increase along to their customers. The article looks at everything from prescription drugs to clothing to new home construction.
Some are fearful that as our economy is starting to improve, inflation will become a problem. The argument is that unemployment rates are still too high for anyone to be concerned; that inflation occurs when wages are inflated.
The story contained so much information it was hard to read all the way through. There were transition words at the beginning of many of the paragraphs but it seemed that their only purpose was to trick the reader into continuing to read. On the other hand, I could scroll to any part of the story and start to read and each paragraph made perfect sense on its own. I felt like I could bite off smaller chunks of information at a time and I thought that was an effective strategy.
Kristine D-TuTh
ReplyDeleteNews Review
February 17, 2011
Source of original story MSN website
Boarders will after all file chapter 11 bankruptcy. This will force them to close more than 200 stores. All of the stores they plan to close are superstores. As the pioneer of “superstores” Boarders was directly responsible for putting hundreds of mom and pop bookstores out of business.
Now underwater with debts and sluggish responses to a fast changing industry they are the one’s going out of business. “Boarders does not have the capital resources it needs to be a viable competitor,” President Mike Edwards said in a written statement.
The company also owns some Boarders Express stores and Waldenbooks which at this point won’t be affected. Several superstores in Florida and the southern region will close their doors. Hundreds more across the nation will be affected over the next few months.
Consumers can expect clearance sales to start as early as this weekend. They plan to operate normally, honor gift cards and it’s loyalty program as it reorganizes.
According the Chapter 11 filing Boarders had $1.28 million in assets and $1.29 million in debts as of December 25th, 2010.
Boarder owes publishers including, Penguin Putnam, Hachette Book Group, Simon & Schuster, and Random House. They have been unable to reach an agreement with creditors and an offer to finance a $16 per-share Boarder-led takeover bid for competitor Barns & Nobel never materialized.
All signs that creditors do think Boarders will be a viable competitor moving forward.
Perhaps some mom and pops should consider opening shops.
Katie
ReplyDeleteTu/Th
The Arbiter
Committee dives into use of year-around educational system by Edina Macic
The Alternative Academic Calendar committee (AACC) has been asked to review Boise State’s current system and make suggestions about what could be done. This could mean that Boise State will be going to a trimester model. The existing model is that we have two 15 week semester with a summer term available to students. The summer session has up to ten weeks which gives some students a summer break. The AACC was asked to analyze potential more beneficial models for future academic calendars. Boise State’s goal is to utilize resources during the summer and expand opportunities for students and faculties. The committee is also looking into the reasons why students don’t attend summer classes and how increase summer school with not just classes but faculty and students as well. Faculty members have to be willing to offer classes during the summer and students willing to take them. The committee has met six times since the beginning of the school year and have three academic models to work with. The first academic model is the one Boise state currently has, the second is the trimester system and the third one only has two semesters but increase the summer to twelve weeks instead of ten. The Pro’s and con’s that need to be looked at are: impact on student life, financial aid, student government, and need for additional faculty.
Michele Sneed
ReplyDeleteWisconsin Protests:
Over 30,000 Wisconsin residents were peacefully rallying in front of the Statehouse on Wednesday. Then, Madison County Schools had already been closed for two days because of teachers calling in sick and students walking out pending the verdict in the labor union disputes.
If this bill is passed, wages will be frozen and benefits will be slashed for the largest union in the state. This particular union includes state, county, and municipal employees.
This particular bill, targeting collective bargaining rights, is said to save the state $30million in the next year and $300million over the next three years. Included with the cuts is a 7 percent reduction in all government workers pay. Large tax declines and the slowing economy has forced
By Wednesday night, this crowd of upset workers filled the state building hallways as committee members met. Republican legislators began to let these people speak early into the next morning in hope to “kill the bill.” In order to pass this bill, there will need to be at least one democrat to vote. By Thursday, the 14 democrats had left forcing republicans to negotiate the bill that is touted as ripping the state apart.
BY: NADINE RUSSELL
ReplyDeleteSalt Lake Tribune
Clothing Prices to Rise 10 Percent in the spring
The recovering economy is forcing clothing retailers to hike up prices on their clothing names. During the recession retailers experimented with using blended materials for their clothing as well as cheap overseas labor but since the economy has been on the up and up, the demand for labor surges and raw material costs are rising.
Cotton has more than doubled in price in the last year, hitting an all time high since the great depression. Along with cotton, other synthetic materials have risen fifty percent as the demand for blended materials increases with the rise of cotton prices.
Clothing prices are expected to rise 10 percent in the next upcoming months, with the biggest rises in the second half of the year according to Flickinger III of the Strategic Resource Group. Brands such as Levi Strauss, Wrangler, Steve Madden, Nike, and stores such as J.C. Penny and Abercrombie and Fitch all plan to raise prices of their clothing this upcoming year.
The rising costs will also effect how the clothes are made. There will be fewer color choices for shoppers as well as fewer embellishments on jeans especially along with more synthetic clothing productions taking place. Retailers are trying to figure out whether consumer demand during the holiday season will keep them afloat as the prices continue to rise. Their fear however is that the higher prices will nip the building of clothing demand. Stores with low income shoppers will have the most difficult time adjusting to the new cotton prices. Even the mega conglomerate Wal-Mart is struggling with the new prices.
Cotton prices have jumped past the record highest price during the Civil War which was at $1.89 per pound. Cotton last Friday was $1.90 per pound.
Sara Cray
ReplyDeleteTwo plants in Idaho could turn 250 tons of trash a day into power for 10,000 homes
This article from the Arbiter Online was very well written and kept me interested throughout. Based on the fact that our society is becoming increasingly concerned with going green and finding alternative energy sources, the author chose a great topic which can be relatable to all.
The information put into this was very strategically placed and gave enough give and take between facts and quotes which kept me engaged. One quote really stuck out: “’Burying our waste is the second-dumbest thing humans do,’ said Mahaffey.” This quote adds a little humor into this while also explaining how a reputable source dealing with this stuff every day views the world.
Most of this information was very mind blowing which also helped to keep my mind from wandering. One of the most important things this article does is to answer all of the W questions. The author explains who is being affected by the landfill waste as well as the parties involved in cleaning up this mess. It explains what the issue is, where the plants will be, when these new plants will be put into effect, why we need new alternative energy sources, and most importantly how this process will benefit Idahoans and the rest of the world. Without the “how” this would not be believable, but adding this in made this a very important story.
The author did a great job with this piece and gives hope to basically everyone in America, especially those in Idaho, who shares a common goal in going green and finding ways to do so.
Joe Ross
ReplyDeletePhilly.com
Phillies' Lee becoming a fan favorite once more
With anticipation building for warm weather, so does baseball season. The Phillies made the biggest off season pickup by acquiring Cliff Lee. The addition of Lee adds on to an already strong pitching staff. A staff filled with Cy Young winners and All Stars includes Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, Joe Blanton, and now Cliff Lee. Cliff Lee makes his return to the Phillies as he was on the 2009 team where he delivered an immediate punch to the team. His game one performance of the 2009 World Series was one of the most dominant performances in world series history. The next season he was part of a 3 team trade to acquire Roy Halladay. While his time here in Philly has been shorter than all of the other pitchers on the staff, Lee has attracted the most attention than anyother player on the whole team. The idea of having the best pitching rotation in the history of baseball has put even more pressure on the most successful National League team in the past 3 seasons. Philly is ready for some baseball and they are now ready for R2C2 (Roy H., Roy O., Cliff, and Cole).
Marijane Weitensteiner
ReplyDeleteT/Th Class
CNN.com: "'Green River Killer' to plead guilty to 49th murder" By the CNN Wire Staff
Gary Ridgway, known far and wide as the "Green River Killer" is slated to be in court some time today to plead guilty for a 49th murder that he committed. That woman was Becky Marrero, who Ridgway confessed to killing along with 48 other women back in 2003 when DNA finally brought him to justice and an end to the western United States' most unsolve serial killer mystery. According to the article when Ridgway confessed to the murder of Marrero he couldn't recall enough information to charge him, which included where to find her body. That mystery was solved last December when a pair of teenagers exploring a ravine near Auburn, Washington discovered Marrero's remains. Now Ridgway must take responsiblity for her death, adding another life sentance to his other 48 consective life sentances. This whole story makes me wonder if there are more bodies/human remains out along the Green River and other dumping grounds that Ridgway used when he was killing, ones that he has not confessed to, or have we finally found all of the "Green River Killer's" victims. I only hope that Marrero's family can finally find some peace in the fact that they can finally have some sort of closure now that they can burry Marrero and that her killer will NEVER be able to get out of jail to hurt anyone else. Small consolation I know but it is the only thing that the criminal justice system can do. Another question I have is why do we remember the killers more than we remember the victims? We should think more about the lives Ridgway and others like him have taken instead of focusing on him and other killers. Maybe people just have a sick facination with serial killers which is why the focus on the killers and not the lives they took. I wish I could find out more about these women who may have been on the edge of society and working the "red light" districts in the Washington area but they were also someone's daughter, sister, mother, cousin, aunt, granddaughter and freind. RIP Marrero and all the victims of the "Green River Killer".
Nichole Stallings
ReplyDelete"Boise man pleads guilty for 'tapping' 15 year-old on airplane"
February 17, 2011 Arbiter
Russell Miller, while taking a flight on Southwest Airlines, noticed that the young boy siting next to him still had his cell phone on after the stewardess had asked everyone to turn off their phones. Miller nudged the boy next to him as to tell the boy to put the phone away, and the kid went crazy.
Russel has been charged with a misdemeanor charge of battery and has plead guilty. He said that he simply “tapped” the boy. The stewardess checked the boy’s arm for any sign of injury and there was not a mark upon him. Russel says that yes he is guilty for tapping the boy but he is NOT guilty of any abuse or battery. Either way, the judge sentenced him to two days in jail and a $287 fine.
This is completely ridiculous. The teenager in this scenario obviously was not harmed and is just exercising his right to be an obnoxious teen. The man, who was concerned with not only his safety and the safety of the others on the plane, was simply calling to attention to the boy that his phone should be turned off. In other countries, people respect elders. This situation never would have happened. The kid pressing charges against this man should not be allowed to have such an impact on the man’s life when clearly he was not following directions in the first place. Furthermore, the judge claims that the reasoning behind his sentencing is that Russell Miller “overstepped his boundaries, taking on a job which was not his own.” Fact of the matter is that there is no difference between a grandpa instructing his grandson and the situation at hand.
Jacy S.
ReplyDeleteTu/Th
Italian researchers argue the Mona Lisa model was a male
Retrieved on February 15, 2011
From dw-world.de
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,14814400,00.html
For one of my other classes I have to follow a foreign newspaper, and I chose to look at this German one. I found this article about the Mona Lisa and thought that it was pretty interesting.
Italian researchers seem to think that they have uncovered the long-discussed identity of the model for Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Silvano Vinceti, that chairmand of the Itailain national committee for cultural heritage, claims that the artist’s male apprentice and possible lover Salai was the main inspiration for the picture.
He is making this claim off of comparison to other works by da Vinci that Salai was the known model for, like the “St. John the Baptist”. The two paintings reveal striking similarities with Mona Lisa’s nose and mouth.
Also Vinceti’s said that he found tiny letters painted into the eyes of the Mona Lisa, one L for Leonardo and one S for Salai.
All of Vinceti’s claims have been immediately disputed by the experts at the Louvre, where the painting on currently on display.
Vinceti is ready to take his team to Paris to prove to the world that he is right. No word on whether or not the art museum will take him up on his offer or not.
It seems that the Louvre is quite upset with Vinceti’s claim, and I’m sure a lot of other people in the art world are also very upset.
Larisa Gavrilyuk
ReplyDelete(Monday Night class)
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/18/us/18broadband.html?pagewanted=1&ref=us
The New York Times
Digital Age Is Slow to Arrive in Rural America
COFFEEVILLE, Ala. It is the 21st century and many of us don’t even stop to think about the Internet. It is something that we have available 24/7. Well that is not the case in rural America. Coffeeville, Alabama is one of the cities that still uses dial up. Most of the population doesn’t even have the Internet. The digital age has taken over two billion people. That use the Internet regularly they have fast reliable Internet and those like in Coffeeville, like the young students who only use the computer at school. Also in Clark County half of the 27,867 people do not have Internet.
According to report released Thursday by the Department of Commerce, in rural America only 60 percent of households use broadband Internet service. That is 10 percent less than in urban households. Could you believe that 28 percent of Americans do not use the Internet at all.
It is all about the money and how much it cost do get Internet to those areas. Most rural American areas do not even have cell phone reception.
Many citizens believe that having broadband Internet available would be very beneficial. One lady said that it took her three days to arrange a meeting with the governor because she had to find Internet to use to e-mail him because this could not be set up on the phone.
Such rural towns like Thomasville have set up Internet cafes with broadband Internet so people can have access to the Internet and stay in the loop with the world.
Many have been trying to get government funding to get Internet, Satellite, and cell phone reception to rural areas of America. They have been denied funding and have yet to succeed. And many still think it will be a long time before the digital age comes to rural America.
James Snyder
ReplyDeleteTuesday/Thursday
Idaho Statesman- Boise Man Pleads Guilty to Battery for 'Tapping' 15-Year-Old Who Wouldn’t Turn Off Phone on Airplane
Back in December a case involving a Boise man who supposedly battered a teen on a plane was all over the news. The story made it to the national level making it on to networks such as MSNBC and CNN. Monday the man was forced to plead guilty to the charges and faces either two days in jail or the same amount of time in community service.
According to police reports the man was not aware that the passenger in the seat next to him was a teenager. Initial reports say the boy was enraged after being stuck by the man for continuing to use a cell phone after the appropriate time. The stewardesses at the scene examined the boy and reported no visible marking on the boys arm, however according to the case the boy had a red mark on his arm.
The opposing argument in the case is that the man overstepped his boundaries when the stewardesses should have been left to deal with the boy.
The article was very well written, and it contained a wealth of knowledge on the issues surrounding the case. One thing that will be interesting to watch for after this trial is how airplane security will change regarding passenger safety. If a tap is considered battery regulations could change quite a bit.
John Lloyd
ReplyDeleteIdahostatesman: University of Idaho will lead $20 million look at Pacific Northwest Climate Change
The University of Idaho just got a governmentally funded grant of 20 million dollars to research the difference in the weather in the Pacific Northwestern United States in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, respectively. Among this 20 million dollar grant are not only University of Idaho, Washington State University, and Oregon State University. According to the story, this is all based on agriculture and the wheat and grain crop grown in the Palouse in Washington and Northern Idaho. The Northwest has had very inconsistent weather over this last couple of years and this year is no slouch. As there is snow and rain every other day after a beautiful day and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The Northwest United States have grown 80% of the white winter wheat produce in the all of the United States. White winter wheat is the main ingredient for most cereals and that is a gigantic industry in the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has funded this grant for these Universities to help study the weather, the soil, and the most efficient way to grow wheat and grain. This will have a big impact on the area because a lot of people went to University of Idaho and Washington State University around the Boise area. This is a big deal due to the depression in our economy. We need to watch what we spend as a society, maybe this will help our country.
Jarrod Driskell
ReplyDeleteT/TH
Arbiter
Russell Miller of Boise will have spend two days in jail or do the equivalent amount of community service after pleading guilty Monday to a misdemeanor charge of battery in connection with a December 28th incident that made him an internet sensation. Boise police said Miller hit a 15 year old boy on the arm of a Southwest Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Boise because the boy didn’t turn off his phone during takeoff. Miller’s arrest soon became a national story—from being discussed on CNN and MSNBC—to being the topic of several internet blogs. Miller told Fourth District Magistrate judge on Monday that media reports indicating that he punched or slugged the boy were incorrect. Miller also disputes that the boy had a red mark on his arm from the force of the blow and said that the stewardess examined the boy’s arm and said there was no mark. “I tapped him on the arm to get his attention,” Miller said. Miller was sentenced to pay $287 in fines and ordered him to spend 60 days in jail with 57 days suspended.
I found this article to be quite interesting. Not because a Boise man became an internet sensation, but because people have a tendency to throw things way out of proportion and exaggerate the truth. I believe Miller tapped the boy on the arm; I do not believe he assaulted the boy. Miller seems like an old school guy. He asked the boy in a calm and polite manner and just touched the boy on the arm to get his attention. Nowadays, if you pat a kid on the back, the parents are going to slap an assault charge on you like ugly on an ape. I can’t believe the judge ordered him to spend 60 days in jail to begin with. It seems like an outrageous sentence for just a little tap on the arm.
From the Idaho Statesman: "Idaho Lawmakers Move Public School Reforms Forward"
ReplyDeleteState legislators in Idaho are beginning the process of moving forward on the recommendations by the state's superintendent Tom Luna. The basic outlines of the bill is that it would expand online courses while also increasing class sizes, cutting 770 paid teaching positions in the process.
The bills main detractors, as to be expected, are primarily teacher-based interests. "From the beginning, The Luna plan's fatal flaw has been the lack of stakeholder involvement," said the president of the Idaho Education Association, Sherri Wood.
Among the bill's proponents, Idaho Governor Butch Otter's administration believes that the measure is unfairly being labeled as extreme when many, as the administration argues, believe it's a necessary step to getting Idaho schools to level where they need to be.
"There's nothing radical about the three bills in front of you today, " said Roger Brown, chief education adviser to the governor.
And while the votes in the State Senate lined up in mostly among party lines (Republicans voting for and Democrats voting against), several GOP members were found waining in their support.
Complaining about the negative emails he has been receiving from constituents, Senator John Andreason, a Republican from Boise, was the only member of his party to vote against all three education bills in committee.
"I've received over 1,400 emails. Ninety percent were against this plan," said Mr. Andreason.
Another "no" vote against the Luna plan was that of Senator Mitch Toryanski, another Boise Republican, who voted against the legislation on fiscal grounds, claiming the state could not afford the plan to donate laptops to Idaho students.
The bill is expected to pass the House and be on the Governor's desk without too much more controversy.
Kyle Blackhurst
ReplyDeleteSnow may be in the forecast for Boise, Idaho this upcoming week. This weekend could bring up to 4 inches of snowfall. There is a low pressure system coming from the south and it is bringing snow with it. The snow is coming to the higher elevations of lower Idaho and to the Treasure Valley. The Treasure Valley could see some snow late Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Since Wednesday, Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area has received 9 inches of snow, including 4 inches Friday. The temperatures in Boise are expected to drop to 33 degrees Friday night. The high for Saturday will be somewhere around 44 degrees. On Saturday, they expect to have big weather changes with warm air from the south being followed by cold air. A winter storm warning will be in effect or the Owyhee’s from 9 p.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Sunday. The forecasters are saying that area may get hit from anywhere between 8 to 12 inches of snow. In the Treasure Valley, there will be a winter weather advisory from 9 p.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Sunday. The valley may get 2 to 4 inches of snow when that storm passes through. Sounds like you’re in for a good weekend if you like the white powder and hitting up the slopes. If you’re into the winter spirit, go out and enjoy the snow on the hills. Or if you hate it, stay inside and have a nice kick back movie day.
Lauren Hooker
ReplyDeleteIdaho woman Greece-bound for Special Olympics
Idaho Statesman (aka wired from Coeur d’ Alene Press)
Loretta Lyon, 25, from Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, will be attending the Special Olympics in Athens, Greece. Lyon, who has been participating in the Special Olympics thirteen years, will be one of ten competitors from Idaho to attend the World Games.
I chose this article because it was much more than just an article; it was a story. I really enjoyed the narrative elements in this piece, and was able to pick out some favorite aspects that really drew me in.
The beginning talking about the amount of medals that Lyon has amassed from her time in the Special Olympics; but instead of simply stating an amount, the writer incorporated specific story elements that made it feel so much more real; her mom isn’t positive that she has forty, she’s just guessing because she thinks they’ve lost some along the way. That, in fact, they’re working on making a special place to keep the medals. This little part of the story made it seem, well, REAL; it’s not just another cut and dry news story about some girl going to the Special Olympics.
There is humor, but there is also emotion and seriousness; when Lyon was in the womb, the umbilical cord wrapped around her throat, which caused brain damage that ultimately affected her motor skills and memory. This is the part where the reader begins to care; you put yourself in Lyon’s shoes. What if that happened to you, or your child? But they’re not looking for a pity party; no, Lyon is determined, as show in the storytelling, and she’s going to Greece to show the world that some girl from Idaho is awesome.
The story wove in bits and pieces from throughout Lyon’s life to bring life to the piece; how she was shy as a child, and how the Special Olympics made her come out of her shell.
I really enjoyed this story, and will stay tuned to see how Lyon does in the Special Olympics!
Ebenezer Makinde
ReplyDeleteIdaho Statesman
Gas Prices on the Way up Across Idaho:
This story is about the change in gas prices in all of Idaho. Idahoans should begin seeing a huge change at the pump, and not in a good way. Gas prices throughout all of Idaho are on their way up, and no end is in sight. The prices, which have risen from an average of $2.96 to earlier to $3.10 as of Friday, are expected to spike up even higher by end of July. By Memorial Day in Idaho, those at the pump should prepare themselves for an increase of 40 cents, from a projected $3.30 per gallon at the end of spring, to a whopping $3.70 or so. Many stores in Eastern Idaho have been selling gas below the average in hopes of increasing sales, but are now forced to raise prices dramatically in order to make up for the money lost. There are no exact reasons for the recent jump in prices, and few can pinpoint any certain thing as the blame. Some say the recent climb in gas prices could stem from the situation going on in Egypt, as those investors in crude oil may not feel comfortable at the moment investing on what seems to be shaky ground. As of Friday, oil prices hovered at just under 90 dollars a barrel, and don’t look to go down anytime soon.
Megan Reece
ReplyDeleteNampa has a new 967,326 square foot Gateway Shopping Center. Big stores like: Macy’s, JC Penney, Sports Authority, and Idaho Athletic Club, are already doing business at the Center. While new stores like: Better Life Supplements, Import Outlet, Tiffany’s Hair Salon, and Royal Bakery, have readymade retail spaces. These readymade spaces are part of the Developers push to bring in local stores.
Although retail is still challenged by the current economic fall, making vacancies as high as they’ll get; many companies are building their own buildings. Lower land prices and interest rates on loans have spurred opportunities for stores that may have taken readymade spaces at the Gateway Shopping Center.
Jeff Needs looks forward to the Gateway becoming a family entertainment center, with additions like; a 14,000 square foot entertainment venue, a Panda Express, and Idaho Aquarium. There are plans to add a 5,000 square foot parent supervised play center also.
Needs is the Colliers Broker in charge of Canyon County office. Mike Pena, a leasing agent for Colliers, held a breakfast for 100 business leaders at the Nampa Hampton Inn. Pena hopes they will see the readymade spaces as opportunities for expansion.
By Megan Reece
http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/02/18/1532485/nampa-gateway-center-has-new-tenants.html
Tawnya G.
ReplyDeleteThree hungry and thirsty lost snowboarders where located Monday at 12:40 a.m. at Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area. The three were rescued by members of the all-volunteer Idaho Mountain Search & Rescue Unit.
The snowboarders had been lost since before 5 p.m. on Sunday. They used their almost dead cell phone at that time to call for help. Since the cell phone had little battery power, they quickly informed the dispatcher that they were lost and decided to stay put at their present location for the night. They set up camp and waited for the search party to find them. The ski patrol started looking immediately for the lost snowboarders, but had to stop the search at 8 p.m. due to the lack of manpower, and the inability to attempt the dangerous territory without the light of day.
After gathering more manpower, a volunteer search and rescue team of more than a dozen set out a little after 10:30 p.m. to continue the search for the three lost men. The men were found in a deep ravine in the Dry Creek Drainage on the south side of the mountain. The snowboarders were lead out of the ravine on foot after properly hydrating and eating. The men were out of the cold, uninjured, and safe by 2:45 a.m.
Reports of a tree on fire near the lost snowboarders location aided in the retrieval of the men. By 9 p.m. emergency dispatch had heard a number of reports of the tree fire. The fire was east of milepost 12.5 and Bogus Basin is at 16.2.
All commotion was resolved; the fire was put out and the three snowboarders were rescued.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/02/21/1536168/boise-search-and-rescue-group.html