Anecdotal Lead

Roger Cohen, Op-Ed Columnist, The New York Times:

“NEW YORK — Where Oedipus once tormented us, it is now Narcissus.” 

I find the first few paragraphs relatively boring, with overly-technical writing. I was still encouraged to read past the first two paragraphs, however, just to find a better explanation to the lead.  

Straight Lead

Associated Press:

“WASHINGTON – Former vice president Dick Cheney was hospitalized after experiencing chest pains today, an aide said.”

The lead works because it is Dick Cheney and, even though many readers hate him, they want to know about his trip to the hospital.  

Question Lead

Dan Turner, Los Angeles Times :

“Was Joseph Andrew Stack, who is presumed dead after flying a small plane into an Austin, Texas, office building today that housed Internal Revenue Service workers, a terrorist?”

The lead does not work so well because, while story may turn out interesting, many readers probably don’t care whether or not he was a terrorist by a journalist’s definition.  Maybe Dan Turner’s fans will care, but that may be about all he has going for himself on this one.

Pastor Wilbur Straking said he will lead a group of 25 “dedicated Christians” to the state capital next Monday to protest the University’s teaching evolution.

“We believe the teaching of evolution is against the principles of this Christian country, ” said Straking, “and we want to put a stop to it.”  Straking, pastor of the Ever-Faithful Church of the Living Water, and his group are objecting to a class taught by Laura Cliff, associate professor of biology.  Neither Cliff, nor the university president would comment on the group’s charges.

The Olympics coverage is in a frenzy over U.S. Olympic snowboarder, Scott Lago, ever since “racy” pictures of him surfaced on TMZ.com, friday morning.  

While many reporters used their insidious wit to describe the photos, you can see for yourself.   Lago, who received a Bronze Medal in the men’s half-pipe tournament, quickly apologized to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association and the U.S. Olympic Committee, then volunteered to leave Vancouver at once. There was speculation that he was coerced to leave voluntarily. Lago, however, told The Daily News that it was solely his decision.  

The US Ski and Snowboard Association President and CEO, Bill Marolt released a written statement Saturday and said:

“Scotty Lago is a great athlete, but with that comes a responsibility of proper conduct and his involvement in this situation is not acceptable. Scotty realizes his conduct was inappropriate. He has formally apologized and also made a decision to leave Vancouver today.”

Marolt also denied that Lago was coerced to leave.

With all fingers pointed at Lago for his misconduct, TMZ.com and its role goes unquestioned.  TMZ.com has been downplaying its own decision to throw up the pictures early Friday, while attempting to salvage support for Lago:

“He’s a snowboarder for cryin’ out loud.  They should have cut him a break.” 

Maybe, readers should also cut celebrity media a break for escalating such foolish charades, maybe not.

Quotation 1:  Martin Goldsmith, general manager of the local public radio station, said the goal is to raise $100,000 in support this year – 15 percent more than last year, in an effort to battle rising costs.

Quotation 2:  Marilyn Wall, president of locally owned Walls Tire Co., said business is up 20 percent this year and they were able to not only recall many previously laid off employees, but also add roughly 20 factory jobs.

Quotation 3:  Marsha Moss, director of the local symphony orchestra, said she was gratified at the audiences response to last night’s concert and playing in front of an audience that appreciates the orchestra’s hard work is “a lot more fun.”

Story:  “Good Guy” Holds Teacher, Students Hostage

1.  The news values present in the story are proximity and the bizarre and unusual.

2.  Who: Eli Dean (student), a teacher and, “about 15 students.”

      What: A hostage situation/stand-off with police.

      When:  11:10 a.m. until about 2 p.m., Monday

      Where: Central High School

      Why and how: Dean entered the classroom with a firearm.  The why is somewhat unclear, but the reporter made several attempts                                      to explain.  First, the article makes it clear that Dean was suspended twice in the past two weeks for pranks.                                                Second, the article quotes a fellow student whose hypothesis is that Dean, seemingly a great guy, was upset and                                          went crazy.  

3.  Of the three major types of sources, this article used people (the police Sgt. and the student) and records (perhaps Central High School’s record of Dean’s suspensions).  

4.  Sources:  Police Sgt.Martin Jenkins – The reporter either called Jenkins’ office or attended a press conference.

                        Amanda Garr – The reporter could have gone to the school shortly after the incident or gotten in contact with her by                                                                 phone.

5.  The major point of the story that could contain inaccuracy is the entire premise that Eli Dean is such a “good guy.”  The reporter quotes a “fellow student” who supports Dean’s good character but that is all.  Additional sources supporting that notion could enhance the premise that Dean is in fact widely viewed as a good guy.  Also, the fact that “Good Guy” appears in the headline increases the need for more evidence on the fact.

Avatar takes its storyline, out of the history book on indians versus imperialists, to the future on another planet.  The film captures audiences with its state-of-the-art 3-D filming, which is enjoyable.  Four stars.

There was no doubt Hannah would one day become an internationally renowned jazz singer.

Midville is small, with a small town atmosphere of safety and security for residents, especially to those raising children.

Erin could no longer see any point in paying college tuition when she was convinced she was not getting her money’s worth for an education.

For most of Febraury, Laura hid from the cold in her room.

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