Explosion at Sioux City Mall
October 29, 2010 by Reid · Leave a Comment
Two are dead and many injured in an Explosion at the Sourthern Hills Mall. In the main court at 1:59 pm today a mysterious blast rocked the foundation of the food court. The Sioux City Police are still in investigation for the causes of the blast. Homeland security has been notified and no suspects are present. No names have been released of the causalities.
Eyewitness to the blast Grace Horner said that “My friend was killed in the blast.” As Grace was walking around the JC Penny her fellow walker was in the food court when the blast occurred. Grace heard the blast but never saw it take place.
The mall has been closed because of structural damage from the blast. Torin Otis Mall Security said that following the blast one case of looting occurred. Torin said “The mall is an easy target and was bombed near lunch time so it had a lot of targets.”
More information is expected to be released tonight at 5 at the Police Station. There is an ongoing search for two missing children. Both set of parents reported that their kids were at the mall during the blast but have not heard from them.
China Takes the SuperComputer
Reid Rosen
Friday Posts
10/28/2010
In a BBC report China has taken the top spot with the new super computer Tianhe- 1A. The computer is capable of 2.5 trillion calculations per second. To reach such a huge processing power the computer uses 7,000 graphic processors and 14,000 Intel chips. Tianhe-1A is 50% faster than any other rival computer. The closet competitor was America’s XT5 Jaguar in Oak Ridge national headquarters in Tennessee. The super computer is housed in more than 100 fridge sized cabinets and weighs more than 155 tons. The computer is now being used for weather and also by the National Offshore Drilling Corporation.
Its kind of a scary thought that China has beaten the US at its own game. The United States was responsible for the invention of the Computer and the Super Computer. China’s capabilities are such because of the capital they now have access too. A point I want to make about the article is how brief it is. No, quotes from anyone who works on the computer only some from the US man who saw it. I think this is any interesting part about journalism especially one that is global. Journalism stories that are truly ground breaking may more than likely not taking place in the US. Even more important is how News media’s are adjusting to meet the global need. This would be a subject that I would find interesting to discuss in class.
No more Japanese
October 22, 2010 by Reid · Leave a Comment
Reid Rosen
Friday Posts
10/22/2010
An NPR article from this week addresses several Japanese companies decisions to move into speaking English. English is not an unfamiliar language to the Japanese they have been taking classes for decades; considering they are the third largest economy in the world they have had to. But, the e-commerce company Rakuten Inc. has required all its employees by 2012 to speak English. This includes in all emails, and meetings. Some people in Japan have been upset over the decision however. Many young people are against the move and even the president of Honda motors said the move was “boneheaded”. The Japanese government has even made a move to English. It is requiring all English classes to be taught completely in English by 2013.
I found the article to be really interesting because Japan has always had such a distinct culture. To see Japan move more towards English seems somewhat of Westernizing. But, the article does make a good point Japan has moved from manufacturing to service industries. In fact 70% of Japan’s GDP comes from service industry. Just like in the US we have had a backlash in learning even a little Spanish, the Japanese are experience something similar but on a larger scale. I also thinks its interesting about the media the Japanese are using it to teach English the NPR page had a video link to a hilarious clip.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/10/21/130733615/japanese-companies-go-english-only-headaches-outrage-follow
Promoted in Al-Qaida
October 15, 2010 by Reid · Leave a Comment
Reid Rosen
Friday Posts 10/15/2010
An NPR article from today sheds light on two Americans who joined Al-Qaida. Not only were are both Americans native to the US and have been active in the terriorist group Al-Qaida, they have been promoted to senior positions. Adam Gadahn from California and Anwar al-Awlaki from New Mexico has given al-Qaida possible media strategies to target American recruits. Both radical leaders have different approaches into how to influence. Each radical leader has a different approach to the how they speak to the public via the internet. Gadahn, grew up on a goat farm in California and had parents who were hippies. Gadahn was homeschooled, but became big into death metal rock. Gadahn when giving his speeches is similar to the music he listens to. Being confrontational, aggressive and speaking directly to the viewer, often pointing at the camera. Awlaki’s story couldn’t be more different, moving to New Mexico with his father who was a Rhode Scholar. Awlaki got his master’s in engineering and shortly after wards became an Imam. But, only after Awlaki was imprisoned in Yemen in 2004 did his message become dark.
This article is interesting yes because the difference between both Islamic leaders. But, I think the other important piece and pertains to what we have discussed in class; the use of social media to attract members into al-Qaida. Apparently Awlaki using Youtube and videos has been able to not only recruit new young Americans; but rather than al-Qaida having to look for the recruits, the recruits look for al-Qaida. I think a topic like this goes into our discussion about media values. I personally think we should take all measures to not allow these videos to be found on the internet. We talked about the freedom of speech in class, but what if that speech is promoting terrorism? The freedom of speech is not such an easy issue.
Branstad Increases oppurtunity for students
October 13, 2010 by Reid · Leave a Comment
Reid Rosen
10/13/2010
Former Governor Terry Branstad said he will increase the opportunities for students. While speaking in front of Morningside students, the Rebulican Candidate Terry Branstad addressed the issue of Iowa Tuition Grants.
The Iowa Tuition Grant has been a major help for students that are going to private colleges. Current governor Culver cut the Grant last year. A recipient of the grant said “I was really upset it was cut last year, I even received a letter from Governor Culver that he didn’t sign. If governor Branstad wins I hope he restores the Grant.”
Branstad said about the teacher “We need to recognize students and reward good teachers.” The promise came as a relief to many of the students.
With the election three weeks away, Branstad will continue to spread the message to other colleges throughout Iowa.
Final Draft Article #2
October 13, 2010 by Reid · Leave a Comment
Reid Rosen
Final Draft Article #2
Com 208 Journalism for Print & Web
10/7/10
Gene Ambroson is one interesting guy. Gene worked with IBP which is now Tyson Fresh Meats here in Sioux City.
Why would Mr. Ambroson be considered an interesting guy? Having to deal with labor unions, strikes and lobbyists, Gene now has some interesting stories worth telling. I chose to interview Gene because we often hear about what Unions and Lobbyists do to support US politicians and influence US policies, Gene was in charge of the communications for what was the largest meat packing company in the world until 1987.
Gene is also an expert on the real side of politics playing a large part in trying to influence government policy and Unions to favor IBP. Gene’s careers have taken him all over the Midwest and finally ended him up here at Morningside in charge of Alumni Relations.
Gene Ambroson is a popular guy here on campus but many of us didn’t know his entire story.
Gene graduated college with a major in Mass Communications and started his career working in the media at the NBC affiliate in Sioux City. After an attractive job offer, he ended up working with IBP on employee communications, eventually working his way up to Director of Communications at IBP. Ambroson’s job at IBP incorporated a wide variety of jobs and locations. He had to deal with all manner of issues (usually involving labor relations) at many different locations, from Pasco, Washington to Luverne, Minnesota.
The most difficult issue Ambroson had to face were the strikes at Dakota City. He explained to me that the way IBP was operating had allowed for more automation and had changed how meat was distributed. Gene described the centralization by saying, “For years and years we cut meat into halves and quarters and shipped it by train or truck. Then IBP came along and changed the game by boxing all its meat.” Workers were paid less and became expendable. The Dakota City Strikes were a historical part of the Sioux City community and Gene was at the front lines of the issue.
Gene had the stressful job of settling the strike but making sure IBP was still making money. To do this he had to do a lot of work with Washington. During the early 80’s, IBP set up the political action committee. The committee would pool money together and support a certain politician. The interests of IBP were in Agriculture and Labor relations so IBP gave money to any political group that favored these interests. Ronald Reagan was then president and was very favorable to business and very tough on labor relations. Because Reagan and Bush both received money from IBP, Gene had the opportunity to meet George Bush Senior.
After working over thirty years with IBP Gene was offered a job by Don Kelsey in 1987 at Morningside. He originally thought it was a goofy idea but after some thought Ambroson liked the idea of a transition into education. Ambroson described his move to Morningside by saying, “I was making all the money I ever wanted to make, but there was something pulling me in another direction.”
Gene is now in charge of Alumni Relations. Tom Rice is Gene Ambroson’s boss; he has been working with Gene Ambroson for over 22 years since coming to Morningside. Rice described Gene’s position at Morningside by saying, “Gene is important to Morningside having to work with some 12,600 graduates; Gene has to try and keep communications up with everyone.”
During Homecoming Ambroson is in charge of the majority of events involving the alumni and has to guarantee it runs smoothly. However, Gene’s time at Morningside hasn’t been all easy. Gene saw Morningside’s lowest enrollment in 1999 with only 171 freshmen.
Ambroson’s role in Morningside’s recovery has involved in reconnecting with alumni, as well as successful fundraising for the college. Gene described the situation by saying “We knew we had to change something and my job was to work on new fundraising campaigns.”
Ambroson has also worked on establishing the Acacia Fraternity her on Campus. Starting 1995, Charted it in 1997. Terrance Hancock is the current Venerable Dean of the Acacia fraternity and had said “Gene is the best asset we have.” Ambroson has helped to create a Greek life here on Morningside’s campus allowing students further opportunities.
Gene’s work has left many of us in the Sioux City area and Morningside affected without even knowing it. From settling the Dakota City strike, to helping Morningside bring up its enrollment and earn some revenue from Alumni. The sum of everything Ambroson has done professionally has resulted in Gene playing an interesting part in the Sioux City community.
Article #2
October 8, 2010 by Reid · 3 Comments
Reid Rosen
Article #2
Com 208 Journalism for Print & Web
10/7/10
I interviewed Gene Ambroson on an early Tuesday Morning. I wanted to talk Mr. Ambroson because I had a conversation a month ago over his time working with lobbyists in Washington. I thought Students would find it interesting hearing about what it was really like working with the US government and specifically lobbyists. We often hear about what Unions and Lobbyists do to support US politicians and influence US policies. Gene is an expert because of his thirty plus years working with IBP; playing a large part in trying to influence government policy and Unions to favor IBP.
Gene started his career working in Media at the NBC affiliate here in Sioux City and after an attractive job offer, ended up working with IBP on employee communications; eventually working his way up to Director of Communications at IBP. Gene’s job incorporated a wide variety of jobs and locations. He had to deal with all manners of issues (usually involving labor relations) at many different locations, from Pasco Washington to Luverne Minnesota. I asked Gene what the most difficult issue he had to face while working at IBP; he said by far the most difficult issue he had to face were the strikes at Dakota City. He explained to me that the way IBP was operating had allowed for more automation and had changed how meat was distributed. Gene described the centralization by saying “For years and years we cut meat into halves and quarters and shipped it by train or truck, were a butcher broke it down more. Then IBP came along and changed the game by boxing all its meat. Let’s bring all the jobs that we are shipping our meat out to into Middle America.” This move challenged the butchers, and their Unions. It also required less training from the workers in the plant, this meant less pay as Gene described.
To settle the strike Gene had to do a lot of work with Washington. During the early 80’s, IBP set up the political action committee. The committee would pool money together and support a certain politician. The interests of IBP were in Agriculture and Labor relations so IBP gave money to any political group that favored these interests. Ronald Reagan was then president and was very favorable to business and very tough on labor relations. Gene at this time actually met George Bush Senior who was Vice President. Because Reagan and Bush both received money from IBP, Gene had the opportunity to meet George Bush Senior. IBP was able to put the strike down by eventually gaining favor with state and federal government; this allowed them to be very tough on the Unions. Gene also goes on to describe that he had a lot of sway in the use of the master contract. The master contract was used by pretty much every other meat packer at the time except IBP, the wage was a set $13.25 an hour rate. IBP had to contend with the high wage set by the Union and eventually settled the strike with a rate less than the master contract.
My final question to Gene was why he ended up leaving IBP, how did he end up working at Morningside? After spending over 30 years at IBP Gene was offered a job by Don Kelsey and Tom Kerken who were on the board at the time. He originally thought it was a goofy idea but after some thought Gene liked the idea of a transition into education. Gene described his move to Morningside by saying “I was making all the money I ever wanted to make, but there was something pulling me in another direction.”
Holy Carp
Reid Rosen
Friday Post
10/7/10
An article from NPR today addresses the issue of the Asian Carp heading through man made canals in the Chicago River into the Lake Michigan. What have experts concluded as the solution to the current threat of the Asian carp; reversing the flow of the Chicago River. What seems like an impossible task actually occurred in the 1880’s when the public of Chicago was getting their water from Lake Michigan. But, during that same time Lake Michigan was receiving sewage run off, industrial run off and even run off from the Union Stockyards in Chicago. The result was outbreaks of Typhoid and other disease. According to the NPR article engineers reversed the flow by building a 28 mile long canal connecting the Chicago River and the Des Plaines River. This caused the current to flow south down towards St. Louis. It was a remarkable engineering accomplishment. This however has led to the concern of the Asian carp swimming upstream into the lake. Now officials are saying it is time to re-reverse the stream back to its original path. This prevents the deadly carp from entering the great lakes and threating the local fish population.
I found the most interesting part of the article to be the reversal of the Chicago River’s flow in 1880. For the time period this sounds like an amazing accomplishment and the amount of man power needed must have been a tremendous operation. As a journalist I found the article very relevant because of Impact and Prominence. Everyone knows about Chicago and knowing that possibly the river could be redirected is an alarming fact. I personally find the story interesting because I didn’t even know it was possible to change the current of a river which I think makes it somewhat of a large impact.
Scavenger Hunt
Reid
Comm 208: Scavenger Hunt
10/4/10
I left the classroom very confident thinking that the first person I would meet would have a 50-state quarter. I followed the group of people over to Lewis Hall, feeling confident in my big group of people. As we came through the Lewis front doors everyone began to break off every which way looking for their assorted objects. I knew so many people in Lewis Hall but at that moment I couldn’t think of anyone to ask, so I went to the only group of people I saw; a group of three girls sitting at the front desk. The girl actually working at the front desk was named Sam; she was a pretty girl with brunette hair. When I asked her, she rummaged through her purse, while her two friends looked on. I tried to explain my situation but she only laughed and said it was ok. Her search for the quarter was however unsuccessful. So I said I would go to the money bags down the hall and ask for a quarter and got a little laugh from her and her friends; no luck on my first try.
I left Lewis hall with less confidence than before and just started walking. I saw a group of three people sitting beside the M. I approached the group and explained my situation. The first person was a big guy, wore cowboy boots and I had seen him working at Dairy Queen before. The other two people were blond girls, and Kendall (The big guy) must have been hitting on them before I interrupted. All three looked for the 50-state quarter. But, again no luck with the search; no luck on my second try.
I decided I would go where the money is. I went to the café. The lady working the register was older must have been late 60’s she had gray hair and wore glasses that had thick frames and even thicker lenses. Her name was Mary and after asking my question she still seemed confused. I explained my situation more clearly and she got the keys out and opened the register. The first quarter she grabbed was a New Hampshire state quarter. I asked her what she thought was when I asked her about the quarter. She said “I gave it to you when you asked, it was simple.” The third time was the charm and was much easier than any of my previous attempts.