News article for 9/3/2010
Stephen Hawkings new book claims that the universe’s creation of itself is due to gravity, not God. But religious leaders are firing back, claiming that God is not a way to plug the gaps in science.
I believe in God. I am what some would call a “cradle Catholic”: born, raised, believing and dying with the Catholic faith. But it is so much more than that. I believe in evolution, but I don’t believe the universe created itself. The Bible says that God created the universe in seven days. Who’s to say that seven days in that time was seven days in our time? Maybe 1 day was the equivalent of 1000 years. We just don’t know. But evolution is a fact. Humans have gotten smarter, taller, and have discovered new technologies. Who is to say that God and evolution are not one in the same?
I know what I believe, and I don’t want to cause anyone else not to believe what they do. I am always open to others ideas and I see the place that science can inhabit in religion. I feel they should peacefully exist and each should appreciate what the other provides.
Bleak Houses Leads
According to Mortgage Bankers association, one in every 200 homes will be forclosed. That number is staggering, even with President Obama’s incentives for first time home buyers. The housing market still suffers the worst of many industries, and even families who bought their home before the recession are weighing their options. But the choice is not an ordinary one for most people. They ask themselves what is the most financially savvy way to keep a roof over our heads. Refinancing and second mortgages are always options, but for some, its just not enough to save their homes.
News and Feature Writing Assignment – 8/31/2010
A Nebraska plant is being sued over its treatment of Muslim workers.
Here are five possible feature stories that could come out of this:
1. A profile of one of the Muslim workers and how being fired has affected his/her life and the life of their family.
2. After the trial, a story about the scene in the court room with reactions from both sides.
3. A story with a local government about how the firings have affected the local economy.
4. A profile of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission worker who is handling the case.
5. Interview lawyers or officials from the plant and find out why they wouldn’t let workers leave to pray.
Since this story is an example of a disgusting injustice against Muslims for their racial practices, I think I would like to do the profile of a family affected by the firings.
Introducing Landon Wright
Landon Wright had numerous options ahead of him as a senior in high school. He had recieved football scholarships from Buena Vista University, Simpson College, and Wayne State College. But Wright was drawn out of Moville, Iowa, by a scholarship to Morningside College. He says a likeable coach and friends who had alread joined the team were defining factors in his decision. Wright has accomplished a lot since then. He is now a 21-year-old senior at Morningside, majoring in Graphic Design. He looks forward to graduating in May, but his plans for afterwards are still undefined.
Stories from the last 2 weeks
Prevent faux “paws” at the dog park
If you take your dog to one of Rapid City’s several dog parks, you will probably see a lot of paws, but hopefully not faux “paws.”
More than 73 percent of Americans have a dog in their family, so a few simple rules can keep crowded dog parks a positive experience.
Do not bring a water bowl or treats to keep from frustrating other dogs or annoying other patrons. Owners should not leave their dog because you are responsible for its actions.
But many dog parks shut down or never open for a reason that is one owner’s “pet peeve.”
“The biggest pet peeve I would have is the dog owners that don’t pick up after the pets after the pets relieve themselves. You don’t want to step in a mess in the park,” says Chris Shreves, a Rapid City dog owner.
A dog park is a great place for your pet to exercise and socialize, but remember that you are there for the enjoyment of your dog.
Tips for keeping pets safe this summer
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Grace Horner
You may pay more attention to the safety of your children during the summer months, but what about your pets?
The Humane Society of the United States wants to remind people of a few tips for keeping pets safe this summer.
- Do not leave your pet in an unattended car on a warm or sunny day. Cars heat up very quickly, even if the windows are open.
- Make sure your pets vaccinations and medications are up to date. Warm weather makes fleas, ticks, and heartworms more active.
- Keep rabbits and cats indoors to protect them from heat and other animals.
- Train, socialize, and spay or neuter your dog to reduce the risk of bites.
- Many gardening products can smell appetizing to pets, but they are fatal if ingested. Keep that in mind when working in your lawn or garden.
- If you are walking your dog on a hot day, plan for shorter walks midday and longer ones in the morning or evening. And walk on the grass when possible because hot sidewalks can burn the pads on a dog’s paws.
- Never leave a dog outdoors unattended on a chain. Long-term exposure can lead to insect bites, dehydration, and heat stroke.
- When driving with pets, keep them properly restrained and inside the vehicle. The back of a pick-up is never a safe place for a pet.
- Don’t allow pets to harass birds, rabbits, squirrels, or other wild animals.
Following these tips will help ensure that your four-legged family members stays happy and safe during the summer months.
Last Week’s stories
Ok, well I had a story on Sunday night, but I think they were running out of time so it got cut off. 🙁 Not cool!
Adam has been a very good resource for me during this time. He makes an effort to watch my stories (which I TiVo) and then give me feedback on my writing and shooting. He also does a great job of encouraging me when I get frustrated.
I am making a lot of friends at the news station. Everyone is always willing to help me and give me feedback. Plus, when I turn in my writing, they always let me watch them edit so I can see what I am doing wrong.
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Another day…
Black Hills youth have trouble finding summer jobs
Posted: Jun 18, 2010 3:45 PM MDT
Grace Horner
Unemployment numbers are improving for adults, but not for teens who say it hasn’t been easy to find a job in KOTA Territory.
Economists say the national youth unemployment rate is at a record high 19 percent.
In KOTA Territory there are usually many openings in the tourism and hospitality industries for college and high school students.
High school graduate, Taylor Rohrbach finally found a job at Black Hills Gold Outlet in Keystone. She says she’s lucky because many of her friends are still unemployed.
“It’s very frustrating not to find a job. The people I know, my friends, they can’t find any. I know they’re having a hard time. They don’t know what to do to save money for college,” Rohrbach said.
Economists say nearly 1.3 million workers ages 16 to 24-years have given up looking for jobs, some are going to school instead.
The video for this was kinda tough, because there weren’t any customers in the store. I also did another story for this weekend. 🙂
Last Nights Videos
Hey everyone! Here’s the video of my stories from last night.
http://www.kotatv.com/Global/story.asp?S=12662640
http://www.kotatv.com/Global/story.asp?S=12662650
June 16, 2010
State bar discusses cameras in the courtroom
Grace Horner
The practice of state law and its issues are very complicated, much like an issue on the table for the State Bar of South Dakota.
One major issue on this year’s agenda at their annual convention in Rapid City this week, is the ability of the media to bring cameras into the courtroom.
Currently, cameras are only allowed in the courtroom during South Dakota Supreme Court hearings. However, in most states cameras are allowed in nearly every courtroom unless protested by one of the parties. The bar is deciding whether or not to go in that direction.
“The other options are kind of a work in progress, trying to get input from our members as to whether cameras should be allowed, and if so, under what circumstances,” said Dick Casey, the state bar’s president elect.
Over 700 lawyers, judges, and other law professionals are in attendance.
Downtown restaurants see an increase in customers
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Grace Horner
If you are planning on eating out in downtown Rapid City this summer, you can expect a little wait.
Tourism and retail sales aren’t the only ones seeing an increase this summer, restaurants are reporting an increase in the customers coming through the front door.
Several of the downtown business owners we talked to report a ten to fifteen percent gain since the tourism season started. Those increased sales are making restaurant owners very happy.
“Things have gone well in the last week and we’re much relieved because we invested everything we had in this so when people come and eat and drink here, that’s what you’re shooting for,” said Peter Compton, a local restaurant owner.
The National Restaurant Association expects a small increase in sales dollars adjusted for inflation, an improvement over the last two years of decline.
I had a very good day today! I felt like I really nailed my stories. I even ended up doing a story that another reporter (from another news station) was at. I really took that as a challenge to do my best, and knock her socks off. Here is the story she wrote:
State Bar Annual Meeting
Nearly 1,000 lawyers, judges, law students, and other members of the State Bar Association of South Dakota are in Rapid City for the annual meeting of the state bar.
Lawyers take part in continuing legal education programs during the convention.
The three-day convention helps those in the industry get together and discuss hot topics in South Dakota like cameras in the courtroom.
The president elect for the state bar says this is one topic that bar members will not be unanimous on because it’s an issue that involves balancing the rights of those being tried and the right of the public to be informed.
“It’s very complex and we’re taking it, the Supreme Court is taking a deliberate and measured approach to determine what is best considering all the interests in terms of policy for this state,” says SD Bar President Elect, Dick Casey.
Those attending the conference at the Ramkota say since South Dakota has just one law school the event is also like an all-school reunion.
Also, she clearly did not ask how many people came in. She went off the press release, which said 950. However, when I asked, they said 700. Just saying…
I’ll put the links in when my videos are up.
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Last Nights Story
Things to consider when budgeting for vacation
Posted: Jun 14, 2010 6:14 PM CDT
Grace Horner
If you’re trying to make your money go further on vacation, those who know how to budget best have some tips.
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants recommends preparing a budget in which you evaluate potential vacation costs and options like flying versus driving. Lodging options are also important to consider because staying at a hotel can get very costly. If you rent a house, you can also eat in, which cuts down on food costs.
For travelers in KOTA Territory, it’s all about planning and saving well ahead of time.
“I work for the government and I did a lot of traveling, and based on that, I had a lot of free mileage,” said Barbara Wilson, a tourist from California.
“Every paycheck we stuck $50 back into a jar and we saved all of our pop can money all year long and that goes in a jar for vacation too,” said Linda Fetterman, a tourist from Iowa.
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants also suggests checking state and local tourism Web sites to help plan a cost efficient vacation.
I’ll post the video as soon as it’s up. Check back later!