The Student Entertainment Board decided for the 2010 homecoming week, there will be no Homecoming king and queen, breaking a tradition held since1907.
A lack of student excitement has led to this decision and the decision of 86 percent of campuses across the country since 1959.
“There could be more successful events,” said Susan J. Wells, Panhellenic Vice President of Programming and Development. “Students just aren’t interested in the homecoming royalty anymore. It’s time for a new tradition.”
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Top-two primary system
Confidence and persistence proved responsible for the eventual adoption of Top-two primary
Secretary of State, Sam Reed, smiled to a crowd of donut-nibbling college students as he began his account of the Initiative he’s overseen since day one, nearly a decade ago.
The Foley Institute hosted Reed, a WSU alumnae, as a part of their Coffee and Politics series Sept. 22. He spoke about the trials he went through in order to see the initiative through and where this plan is going for the future.
The top-two primary voting system allows the public to vote for whom ever they choose without affiliating with a political party. The two candidates who win the primary regardless of their party affiliation qualify for the general election according to the secretary of state’s website.
“I do believe top-two primary fits the political culture in Washington,” Reed said.
Washington State has a long history of people thinking they have the right to control how they vote, he said. But just two hours after he was sworn in as the 14th Secretary of State on Jan. 10 2001, he found himself slapped with a lawsuit by the Democratic Party.
This initiative removes some of the freedom from the parties to essentially hand pick those seen on the ballot.
“For the first time, candidates have to show up, and take a stand,” Reed said. “Anyone can run, anyone can win, and you don’t have to be blessed by a political party.”
Candidates who run in a predominately Republican or Democratic area now have to make more of an effort to campaign where they may have ran unopposed or against those in the same party in the past.
Jeremy Bradbury, a Junior Mechanical Engineering major, agreed with Reed, hoping that maybe this could motivate younger people to get involved in voting.
“If you make people choose a party, they are just going to vote along party lines, without knowing what or who they are voting for most of the time,” Bradbury said.
In 2004 the initiative was passed by the people by almost 60 percent according to the secretary of state’s website. But in 2005, before the law was put into action, the Democratic, Republican and Libertarian Parties sued, and the case went all the way to the Supreme Court.
In March 2008, the Supreme Court upheld the law and the new primary was used in the 2008 primary and general races.
Two years later, on Jan. 22, 2010, the Democrat and Republican Parties of Washington State filed additional complaints based on empirical observations of confusion based on the 2008 election.
Sophomore Jake Curnutt, a Business management and operations major hopes the top-two primary system will continue.
“You shouldn’t have to declare your own party, there are things I disagree and agree with from each side,” Jake said. “It’s not effective to have to choose.”
Reed has dealt with many people in his party and the opposing that were angered and disapproving of his choice to stand behind the top-two system. In 2004, he received 16,000 emails in 24 hours, a lot involving obscenities.
“Once you cross that threshold you’re there to act for people, not a partisan,” Reed said.
Recently the top-two primary system was passed in California. However, Oregon overwhelmingly rejected the idea in 2008. Since then, their secretary of state seems similar to Reed as a strong advocate, in hopes to pass this initiative in the future.
Outline:
I. What brought Sam Reed to Pullman
-Alum to wsu
-Spreading the word
-Reiterating his confidence in the program.
II. History/definition of initiative
- Lawsuits
-new lawsuit
- What it means to use this primary voting system
III. What it means for the future
- California/Oregon
- Effect it has had on Reed
Questions
1. Do you think this will motivate young people to vote and get involved in the vote now that they have the choice?
2. What was the most difficult moment when seeing this initiative through for the past 10 years?
3. Do you think this will eventually be a nation-wide primary voting system?
Sources:
Ballot-access.org
Wei.secstate.wa.gov
Sam Reed
Jake Curnutt – 425-314-8888
Jeremy Bradbury- 253-951-1414
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Comma splice exercise
Comma splice? Yes or no. If it is a comma splice, fix the sentence.
1. “We just buy and sell real estate, it is what we do but the market doesn’t dictate the price,” she said.
"We just buy and sell real estate," she said. "It is what we do, but the market doesn't dictate the price."
2. In 2007, while the average income in Washington was $55,628, the average income for Whitman County was $36,438. OK
3. Going green took on new meaning this year when WSU Waste Management announced dramatic changes to the recycling program in an effort to save money across the university, the city plans to follow suit.
Going green took on new meaning this year when WSU Waste Management announced dramatic changes to the recycling program in an effort to save money across the university. The city plans to follow suit.
4. “Take a little out of athletics, take a little from the library, and save the rest of the money,” Jones said.
"Take a little out of athletics, take a little from the library and save the rest of the money," Jones said.
5. Dan is using an emerging dairy trend, he installed an anaerobic digester two years ago.
Dan is using an emerging dairy trend. He installed an anaerobic digester two years ago.
6. He entered the three-mile race yesterday morning, however he does not have any shoes.
He entered the three-mile race yesterday morning; however, he does not have any shoes.
1. “We just buy and sell real estate, it is what we do but the market doesn’t dictate the price,” she said.
"We just buy and sell real estate," she said. "It is what we do, but the market doesn't dictate the price."
2. In 2007, while the average income in Washington was $55,628, the average income for Whitman County was $36,438. OK
3. Going green took on new meaning this year when WSU Waste Management announced dramatic changes to the recycling program in an effort to save money across the university, the city plans to follow suit.
Going green took on new meaning this year when WSU Waste Management announced dramatic changes to the recycling program in an effort to save money across the university. The city plans to follow suit.
4. “Take a little out of athletics, take a little from the library, and save the rest of the money,” Jones said.
"Take a little out of athletics, take a little from the library and save the rest of the money," Jones said.
5. Dan is using an emerging dairy trend, he installed an anaerobic digester two years ago.
Dan is using an emerging dairy trend. He installed an anaerobic digester two years ago.
6. He entered the three-mile race yesterday morning, however he does not have any shoes.
He entered the three-mile race yesterday morning; however, he does not have any shoes.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Five things learned from Mike Wallace
Interview tips
- Know full background about subject.
- Goes to subject's house
- Talked to other people directly involved in the conflict.
- Established that interviewer did research to subject.
- Quoted other people to subject.
- Ask anything you want to say to audience.
- Interviews others before main subject to use that information and quotation in interview.
- Looks at other situations dealing with subject.
- Most important question at the end
Clemen's motivation:
- Want to prove innocent.
- Want to add emotional component to the issue - asking how anyone could possibly accuse him of that - doesn't he deserve respect from fans and friends etc.
- Know full background about subject.
- Goes to subject's house
- Talked to other people directly involved in the conflict.
- Established that interviewer did research to subject.
- Quoted other people to subject.
- Ask anything you want to say to audience.
- Interviews others before main subject to use that information and quotation in interview.
- Looks at other situations dealing with subject.
- Most important question at the end
Clemen's motivation:
- Want to prove innocent.
- Want to add emotional component to the issue - asking how anyone could possibly accuse him of that - doesn't he deserve respect from fans and friends etc.
Edit peers
1. Washington State provided a subsidy of over $2000 for in state students.
Washington State provided a subsidy of more than $2,000 for in-state students.
2. “The 13.5 million is the tip of a larger iceberg,” Coordinator of Arts and Culture, Jerry McCollum, said.
"The $13.5 million is the tip of a larger iceberg," said Jerry Mccollum, coordinator of arts and culture.
3. “What I know if the system is broken right now, we can’t live in a world with 14% tuition increases,” President Floyd said.
"What I know is, the system is broken right now," President Floyd said, "We can not live in a world with 14 percent tuition increases."
4. The Co-President’s announced a club to meet more people that are interested in hiking.
The co-presidents announced a club for people who are interested in hiking.
5. Williams said, “There are still new things to say with art music, it’s hard to stop and listen, but when you do it can be an extremely pleasant surprise.”
"There are still new things to say with art music." Williams said, "It is hard to stop and listen, but when you do it can be an extremely pleasant surprise."
6. In Sept. 2010, the wine tasting endorsement will be available to stores, according to Jane Westman, Culinary Coordinator for Metropolitan Market.
In September, the wine-tasting endorsement will be available to stores, said Jane Westman, culinary coordinator for Metropolitan Market.
7. He died from a massive heart attack in Sept. 1996.
He died from a heart attack in September 1996.
8. In fact, the club even has their own audio engineer.
The club has its own audio engineer.
9. When it blasted off, the shock of excitement from the noise of the cannon added to the emotion of the game.
The shock from the noise of the cannon added to the emotion of the game.
Shorten the following sentences.
1. It is evident that sleep becomes less of a priority for many students.
Sleep is less of a priority for many students.
2. In fact, there is a new workout routine that is sweeping the country.
There is a new workout routine sweeping the country.
Does this need attribution?
1. When you tell somebody not to do something they are going to want to do it even more.
YES
2. When finals week approaches for college students around the country, one word can be heard from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic: Adderall.
YES
3. Organized crime has nearly all control over unions and the concrete industry in New York.
YES
4. This new trend is taking hold in many areas across the nation, especially high population areas and college campuses.
YES
5. Students do not stop to think of the consequences that might occur after a night of drinking.
YES
Washington State provided a subsidy of more than $2,000 for in-state students.
2. “The 13.5 million is the tip of a larger iceberg,” Coordinator of Arts and Culture, Jerry McCollum, said.
"The $13.5 million is the tip of a larger iceberg," said Jerry Mccollum, coordinator of arts and culture.
3. “What I know if the system is broken right now, we can’t live in a world with 14% tuition increases,” President Floyd said.
"What I know is, the system is broken right now," President Floyd said, "We can not live in a world with 14 percent tuition increases."
4. The Co-President’s announced a club to meet more people that are interested in hiking.
The co-presidents announced a club for people who are interested in hiking.
5. Williams said, “There are still new things to say with art music, it’s hard to stop and listen, but when you do it can be an extremely pleasant surprise.”
"There are still new things to say with art music." Williams said, "It is hard to stop and listen, but when you do it can be an extremely pleasant surprise."
6. In Sept. 2010, the wine tasting endorsement will be available to stores, according to Jane Westman, Culinary Coordinator for Metropolitan Market.
In September, the wine-tasting endorsement will be available to stores, said Jane Westman, culinary coordinator for Metropolitan Market.
7. He died from a massive heart attack in Sept. 1996.
He died from a heart attack in September 1996.
8. In fact, the club even has their own audio engineer.
The club has its own audio engineer.
9. When it blasted off, the shock of excitement from the noise of the cannon added to the emotion of the game.
The shock from the noise of the cannon added to the emotion of the game.
Shorten the following sentences.
1. It is evident that sleep becomes less of a priority for many students.
Sleep is less of a priority for many students.
2. In fact, there is a new workout routine that is sweeping the country.
There is a new workout routine sweeping the country.
Does this need attribution?
1. When you tell somebody not to do something they are going to want to do it even more.
YES
2. When finals week approaches for college students around the country, one word can be heard from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic: Adderall.
YES
3. Organized crime has nearly all control over unions and the concrete industry in New York.
YES
4. This new trend is taking hold in many areas across the nation, especially high population areas and college campuses.
YES
5. Students do not stop to think of the consequences that might occur after a night of drinking.
YES
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Improved speech ledes
1. This year's 14 percent tuition increase for Washington State Univerisity proves to be a sneak peak of the future as higher education will continue to be at risk until the economy turns around according to the District 9 Senator, Mark Schoesler.
2. Global warming is said to be the cause of 180 amphibian species' extinction and a very small increase in any species' population according to an associate professor of the WSU School Biological Sciences, Andrew Storfer.
2. Global warming is said to be the cause of 180 amphibian species' extinction and a very small increase in any species' population according to an associate professor of the WSU School Biological Sciences, Andrew Storfer.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
3 good ledes
TEHRAN, Iran - In just a few dizzying hours, American Sarah Shourd exchanged a cell in Tehran's Evin Prison for a private jet crossing the Persian Gulf on Tuesday, after an apparent diplomatic deal to cover a $500,000 bail and secure a release that seemed in jeopardy from the start.
(Seattle Times by Nasser Karimi and Brian Murphy)
NEW YORK (AP) — Reggie Bush took the unprecedented step of giving back his Heisman Trophy on Tuesday, saying the scandal over improper benefits while he was a star running back at Southern California should not stain ``the dignity of this award.''
(Comcast.net by Ralph D. Russo)
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A brain autopsy of a University of Pennsylvaniafootball player who killed himself in April has revealed the same trauma-induced disease found in more than 20 deceased National Football League players, raising questions of how young football players may be at risk for the disease.
(New York Times by Alan Schwarz)
(Seattle Times by Nasser Karimi and Brian Murphy)
NEW YORK (AP) — Reggie Bush took the unprecedented step of giving back his Heisman Trophy on Tuesday, saying the scandal over improper benefits while he was a star running back at Southern California should not stain ``the dignity of this award.''
(Comcast.net by Ralph D. Russo)
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A brain autopsy of a University of Pennsylvaniafootball player who killed himself in April has revealed the same trauma-induced disease found in more than 20 deceased National Football League players, raising questions of how young football players may be at risk for the disease.
(New York Times by Alan Schwarz)
Improved lede
Original lede: A Lack of volunteers and additional funding lead to Women’s Transit delayed starting date according to Women’s Resource Center representative at the ASWSU Senate meeting, Wednesday Sept. 1.
Improved lede: Many women began the year without a safe ride due to Women's Transit delaying operation until Sept. 13 because of a lack of funding and volunteers.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Best lede in my opinion
8. The Society for Human Resource Management at Washington State University is aiming to provide new opportunities and skills applicable to their member's professional lives.
Meeting story one
Budget cuts caused pause in plans to repair Women’s Transit resources
A lack of volunteers and budget cuts led to Women’s Transit delayed starting date, a Women’s Resource Center representative told the ASWSU Senate, Wednesday, Sept. 1.
Francesca White, Coalition for Women Students Chair, said the budget cut of $30,000 set back Women’s Transit this fall after the program coordinator’s recruiting funds decreased resulting in her resignation. She also hoped the ASWSU Senate could help with getting the word out about the program.
“There was a pay reduction for the Women’s Transit coordinator so she couldn’t do regular recruitment,” said White. “We are in the process of hiring, but right now it’s on our shoulders to find volunteers.”
The program's interim coordinator, Kim Barrett had hoped to service the three 2004 cars and a replace several others this year.
“We pay for gas and there is a need for more money for maintenance issues,” said Barrett. “We have GPS now, but we use six-year-old radios.”
A misprint in the Women’s Transit signs and fliers was a reason for the earlier failed start date, according to the Women’s Resource Center Director Turea Erwin.
“Unfortunately there were not enough volunteers at that time. We probably could have run but at a reduced rate,” said Erwin.
For Women’s Transit to run daily, 100 to 150 volunteers per semester are needed according to Barrett.
Designed not as a taxi service but a program to reduce sexual assault risk, Women’s Transit provided rides for women in need, such as sophomore communication major, Brooklynn McIntyre, 19.
As a freshman, McIntyre lived in the Gannon-Goldsworthy residence hall, quite far from campus, town and her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta.
“The main benefit of Women’s Transit was knowing they would come pick me up and they were someone I could rely on to get places fast and efficiently,” McIntyre said.
With limited vehicles, the wait could discourage women to call, she said.
“A couple of times I had to wait 30 minutes to an hour,” McIntyre said. “This really impacts if people are going to use it or not. It can be a hassle if it takes an hour.”
Despite the rough start, Barrett is confident that the program should be up Monday, Sept. 13, the program is still looking for more volunteers.
“This is a very important program. It has survived 33 years and is really a great opportunity for students to get involved in the community,” Barrett said.
Erwin agreed they still need more help and emphasized that it is a unique student-run volunteer program.
According to the WSU website, Women’s Transit originated in 1977 and began running a year later. Now, the door-to-door transportation service logs an average of 80 rides per night. Applications are located in Wilson Room, or can be completed online.
Outline
I. What was asked of the ASWSU senate
a. Asked senate to get committees involved in spreading awareness.
II. How the budget cuts hurt Women’s Transit/ why they pushed back starting date
a. Pay cut for WT coordinator – results in lack of recruitment efforts
b. Not able to service cars/get new equipment
c. Unable to get the number of volunteers they need
d. Initially a mistake in the printing – couldn’t get enough volunteers by earlier date, had to push back to the 13th.
III. Importance and need for Women’s transit/student’s perspective.
a. Student testimony – helpful/possibly improvements.
b. Safety
Sources
Francesca White (Spoke at meeting) – Coalition for Women students chair - 509-335-7118
Kim Barrett – Program support specialist - 509-335-4386
Turea Erwin – Director Women’s Research Center - 509-335-8200
Brooklynn McIntyre – Women Student – 509-460-3572
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
City Budget Outline
I. Budget cut - $13.3 million out of 2009 general-fund budget - causing Seattle libraries to close for a week in the summer and lay off 30 workers.
II. Most city departments will take between a 1 and 3% cut - causing some to delay purchases of computers and decrease in expenses such as travel, interns, postage, and office supplies -The mayor said the cuts and money left over from 2008, will cover this year's $29.5 million shortfall. (lower than expected tax return/bad economy)
III. City employees are planning a informational packet to protest mayor's cuts. Believe executives should receive salary cuts and think of new tax reform plans.
II. Most city departments will take between a 1 and 3% cut - causing some to delay purchases of computers and decrease in expenses such as travel, interns, postage, and office supplies -The mayor said the cuts and money left over from 2008, will cover this year's $29.5 million shortfall. (lower than expected tax return/bad economy)
III. City employees are planning a informational packet to protest mayor's cuts. Believe executives should receive salary cuts and think of new tax reform plans.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
H1N1 lead
With four confirmed H1N1 cases in Whitman County, public health official believes the 360 vaccine doses should be held until enough to offer majority.
Passive to active voice
1. Rubber coated bullets were fired into the crowd by police in riot gear.
Police in riot gear fired rubber coated bullets into the crowd.
2. Later in the day, the employees were informed of the layoffs by the boss himself.
The boss informed the employees of the layoffs later in the day.
3. With five seconds left, a three-point shot was missed by LeBron James.
Lebron James missed the three-point shot, with five seconds left.
4. Tall buildings and mountain roads were avoided by Jim because he had such a fear of heights.
Jim avoided tall buildings and mountain roads because of his fear of heights.
5. The bill is being considered by the Legislature.
The legislature is considering the bill.
6. The practice of covering up mistakes has been pursued by the government.
The government pursued the practice of covering up mistakes.
7. The car crash was reported by the officer at 1:30 a.m. Monday morning.
The officer reported the car crash at 1:30 a.m. Monday morning.
8. The tiny island has been destroyed by the earthquake.
The earthquake destroyed the tiny island.
9. A new law was enacted to fight crime.
10. The candidate was abandoned.
"They" abandoned the candidate.
Police in riot gear fired rubber coated bullets into the crowd.
2. Later in the day, the employees were informed of the layoffs by the boss himself.
The boss informed the employees of the layoffs later in the day.
3. With five seconds left, a three-point shot was missed by LeBron James.
Lebron James missed the three-point shot, with five seconds left.
4. Tall buildings and mountain roads were avoided by Jim because he had such a fear of heights.
Jim avoided tall buildings and mountain roads because of his fear of heights.
5. The bill is being considered by the Legislature.
The legislature is considering the bill.
6. The practice of covering up mistakes has been pursued by the government.
The government pursued the practice of covering up mistakes.
7. The car crash was reported by the officer at 1:30 a.m. Monday morning.
The officer reported the car crash at 1:30 a.m. Monday morning.
8. The tiny island has been destroyed by the earthquake.
The earthquake destroyed the tiny island.
9. A new law was enacted to fight crime.
10. The candidate was abandoned.
"They" abandoned the candidate.
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