Online Journalism

2003-11-21T11:34:00.000-08:00

The weather outside was cold and gloomy, almost depressing. But after I gathered all my strength to pull open the heavy doors and hike up the 14 steps to the Doheny Library, I sat down in a soft, wooden chair and felt at peace.

The place perfectly fit my mood. Sleepy-eyed students dressed in sweaters and scarves sat at their own tables, and all of them seemed as though they were in their own world. "What brings these people here at 10:30 in the morning on a Friday?" I thought, as more and more students walked in over the 20 minutes I spent inside.

From the moment you walk passed the high-arched entrance to the room, you are fully aware you are in a zone of academia. If the book-lined walls and 12 computers up front don't make you aware of it, then the guy at the corner table with his right elbow propped up, fingers touching his forehead and flipping through a giant book will make it completely clear.

The room feels cozy and inviting. Though not a single painting adorned any of the three walls, the hanging lamps and steady stream of warm light created a welcoming atmosphere. The high, Moorish-style ceilings and the dozens of long, 12-seat tables make you feel like you can breathe, like you have your own personal space, even though no borders block any one person's space from another's. I felt so comfortable that neither the murmur of the group sitting at the table in front of me nor the loud crunching sounds coming from the guy eating a bag of Lays at the end of my table annoyed me.

After spending those few, pleasant minutes inside the room, I promised myself that if I would ever be in need of a Canadian dictionary, a book on Mayan tapestries, or 20 minutes to wind down, this would be the place for me.

2003-11-13T22:03:00.000-08:00

Attacks in Iraq Draw National Attention

Whether directly or indirectly, the Nov. 2 attack on a U.S. helicopter in Falluja, Iraq affected Americans all over the world.

In the days following the attack, which was the deadliest assault on American troops since the United States invaded Iraq in March, government officials responded by passing controversial congressional decisions and developing new military strategies.
Yahoo! News reported Congress approved an $87.5 billion military and aid package one day after the attack. According to Congress, the money will provide support to make Iraq more secure and able to succeed in its transition to self-government.

Since its initial proposal, the spending bill aroused controversy. The Oct. 14, 2003 post on a web log titled "Hypocrisy Daily" revealed one writer's dissatisfaction with the spending bill. "The decision to support Bush's disastrous policies by these cowards in Congress flies in the face of the majority of Americans who, in the most recent poll, are against sending the $87 billion of their money to Iraq by a margin of 57% against sending it to 41% in favor," the author wrote.

Yet others supported the congressional decision to approve the bill. In the Nov. 3, 2003 post on a web log titled "Pipeline," another person wrote, "It is very possible for people to hold the Bush administration accountable for invading Iraq without an exit or development plan, and also without engendering support from allies for this part of the process, but to still support the notion that our troops have to be there, and that the money has to be there, too."

The United States has also responded to the attack with new military strategies. According to a New York Times article, helicopter pilots in Iraq are implementing tactics such as changing their flight patterns to lower the risk of being shot down.

While the government developed these new military plans, however, others mourned the dozens of troops who were killed in the Nov. 2 and subsequent attacks. In a New York Times article, writer Terence Neilan reported on a memorial held in honor of those killed. In a Los Angeles Times article, writer Patrick J. McDonnell reported on the killings of two more U.S. troops this week. These deaths bring the number of U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq since the beginning of the war to 382.

2003-11-07T11:41:00.000-08:00

Unknown Missile Shoots U.S. Helicopter Killing 16

TENT CITY, Kuwait — An unknown missile took down Friday morning a helicopter carrying soldiers to Baghdad International Airport, killing 16 and injuring 20.

The helicopter crashed 32 miles west of Baghdad in Al Fallujah.

Army officials said they are speculating the cause of the crash is a Russian-made SA-7 missile known as Strela.

This is the deadliest attack on American forces in the past 6 months, bringing the number of American soldiers killed in hostilities in Iraq to 138.

Witnesses said they saw the missile hit the aircraft’s engines, said Lt. Col. Travis F. Smith.

Over the past week, 27 soldiers have been killed in Iraq. Officials said three groups are to blame for the violence — loyalists to Saddam Hussein, homegrown Islamic extremists and terrorists from neighboring countries.

“Some intelligence officials think groups may be collaborating,” said Smith.

As of yet, there has been no military retaliation. Investigations are ongoing.

2003-11-06T22:04:00.000-08:00

Millions celebrate Halloween across the U.S.

On Halloween last Friday, both children and adults had much more to do than just trick-or-treat.

Annual festivals, haunted houses, parties and parades kept porch lights on well into the night.

More than two million New Yorkers showed up in their costumes to participate in the 30th annual Village Halloween Parade (image) in Greenwich Village. People danced through the night to over 38 different types of music, including Brazilian and Irish sounds. The event’s main attraction was the display of giant papier-mâché puppets (image) that were built, carried and animated by almost 1,000 volunteers. Each year, the event’s national and international publicity brings over $60 million in tourism and related revenues to New York City.

Amusement parks across the country hosted their own parties. Every weekend in October, Six Flags theme parks across the world held Fright Fest, their annual Halloween festival. Fright Fest brings children, teenagers and their parents to the theme parks to watch live performances, take part in magic shows and play games.

Knott’s Berry Farm, which turns itself into Knott’s Scary Farm throughout October, hired professional “scaremasters” (video, large file) to entertain its guests. The park set-up several mazes and haunted houses adorned with cobwebs, pumpkins and other Halloween decorations.

Although thousands of people attended these amusement parks, many decided to take the celebration into their own hands. Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion (image) drew hundreds of people to Poughkeepsie, New York for the 26th year. The mansion consists of multiple rooms decorated with skeletons (image) and candles, with special effects and digital sound creating an exciting atmosphere.

For the less fear-friendly, numerous schools and charity organizations put on parades for their communities.

The Downtown Henderson Project in Henderson, Kentucky included children of all ages to participate in its annual parade (image).

Best Buddies, an international non-profit organization that provides assistance to people with intellectual disabilities, gave its members the chance to celebrate through its Halloween Social (image).

Other companies such as Distortions and Brainstorm Studios worked to help organizations put on Halloween events in their communities through offering them monetary assistance. In order to raise funds, these companies sold digital artwork (PDF file) and asked corporations for donations.

Despite the variety of community activities, some people had their own private Halloween parties.

Students at Holderness School, a private school in New Hampshire, dressed up (image) and competed against one another for various costume awards.

Children in Indianapolis, Indiana accompanied their parents (image) at work to take part in Halloween activities.

With all the festivities this year, the unifying spirit of Halloween spread from coast to coast.

2003-10-31T11:42:00.000-08:00

I Love Lawrence

1. Police suspect deputy of stealing autographed basketballs

Sheriff is asking the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to investigate the theft of basketballs. The basketballs — one signed by hall-of-famer Wilt Chamberlain — were taken from a Lawrence home earlier this month.

2. Group upset with light medical malpractice punishments

"For a number of the offenses committed by Kansas doctors, the disciplinary actions have been quite lenient," said Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of Public Citizen's Health Research Group, remarking on the moderate punitive measures imposed on physicians charged with malpractice.

3. KU teaching assistants protest inadequate health insurance

KU’s graduate teaching assistants are upset about the minimal coverage of their health insurance plans. The Graduate Teaching Assistant’s Coalition holds a rally to ask for more inclusive health coverage.

4. Teenagers arrested for breaking in and vandalizing two schools

"It makes me angry," Supt. Randy Weseman said, commenting on the thousands of dollars of damage to equipment and facilities at the schools allegedly caused by two 14-year-olds and one 15-year-old. "There's no explanation," he said.

5. Professor discusses effects of global warming and climate changes

“He works in a very important area of the geosciences," said Don Steeples, vice provost for scholarly support, discussing a distinguished professor’s lecture on the effects of climate changes spanning millions of years.

2003-10-30T15:17:00.000-08:00

Today's Headlines
From the Spokesman-Review

Economy bouncing back
Thursday, 10/30/03

"Consumers were buying everything from cars and clothes to homes, and businesses are seemingly coming out of their cocoon," said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Economy.com, remarking on the recent surge in the economy.

More U.S. blood shed in Iraq
Thursday, 10/30/03

A top U.S. diplomat is blaming Al-Qaeda for the multiple blasts that killed one U.S. soldier and injured two others in Baghdad Thursday.

Rain hardly helps California's firefighters
Thursday, 10/30/03

Despite cooler weather, firefighters are still battling devastating fires in several California counties.

Halloween costume puts police in battle gear at U.S. Capitol
Thursday, 10/30/03

A toy gun stopped the House of Representatives and alerted security personnel at a congressional building Thursday.

Three killed in casino parking garage collapse
Thursday, 10/30/03

"It sounded like an earthquake,” said Harold Simmons, a pipefitter inside the garage, describing the collapse of the top five stories.

Rosie O'Donnell battles publisher
Thursday, 10/30/03

Legal tensions rise in court between O’Donnell and the publisher of her magazine.

Sex offenders confined to their homes on Halloween
Thursday, 10/30/03

Convicted child molesters required to be home by 6 p.m. and keep their doors closed to trick-or-treaters.

Congress considers increasing fire-prevention budget
Thursday, 10/30/03

The House of Representatives discusses a spending bill that allows $800 million for battling wildfires and over $900 million for fire prevention.

Fall Folk Festival showcases a variety of folk music
Thursday, 10/30/03

Over 70 musical and dance performances scheduled for annual event.

Sniper shooting victim testifies at trial
Thursday, 10/30/03

A 14-year-old boy talks about being shot by sniper.

2003-10-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

1. German film funds up for grabs

2. U.K. Film Council makes budget changes

3. Kirov Ballet improvises opening night

4. New museum unique in its class

5. New voodoo lounge attracts hip crowd

6. Comatose woman may die soon

7. Boone keeps Yankees going strong

8. Avalanche sweep the Wild

2003-10-23T23:36:00.000-07:00

New Crew Reaches the International Space Station

For the next six months, a new space crew will be calling the International Space Station home.

The United States and Russia teamed up to send two of their most experienced astronauts to the ISS, Science Officer Michael Foale and Flight Engineer Alexander Kaleri (image). Foale and Kaleri traveled to the ISS with Spanish astronaut Pedro Duque aboard the ISS Soyuz 7 spacecraft. The spacecraft launched (video, large file) Saturday from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The crew will replace the Expedition 7 crew, which spent over five months at the ISS.

Their mission (.pdf file) is mainly to continue working on experiments currently being conducted aboard the ISS. They may also begin researching physical and life sciences, the effects on humans of long-term exposure to microgravity and the development of space products.

Both Foale and Kaleri have spent considerable time in space. Foale spent 145 days aboard the Mir Space Station in 1997 and Kaleri has amassed a total of 416 days in space.

Given their experience, Foale and Kaleri may set records during their time at the ISS. After months of preparation (photo gallery), Foale and Kaleri have the opportunity to become the first ISS crew to perform a spacewalk without a crewmember inside the ISS.

In addition, Kaleri is currently 11th on the list of humans with the most accumulated time in space. When he returns to Earth in late April 2004, he will occupy the fifth spot.

2003-10-10T01:53:00.000-07:00

It’s always difficult for me to imagine my future. There is so much I hope to accomplish that I worry whether I will realize all of my goals.

But, five years from now, I hope to be a great lawyer, a loyal friend and a loving wife. I hope to have a wonderful husband, a successful job and a healthy lifestyle.

I also hope that by that time I will be able to bake a chocolate cake, take a long vacation and write a proper sentence.

I hope that my hard work and effort will pay off, and I hope to have a sense of personal satisfaction. I hope to stay active in community affairs and make a difference in someone's life. I hope I will be proud of myself.

Most of all, I hope to be happy.

2003-10-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

Two Days to Go

I can’t believe it — the Law School Admission Test is in two days! In addition to that, I turn 20 tomorrow. How awesome is it that I’m taking the LSAT the day after my birthday?

I will feel like a new woman when this test is out of my life. (It has been the bane of my existence for four months now.) I’m feeling nervous though … I didn’t do very well on a practice test I took yesterday. However, I’m trying to stay positive; confidence on test day is super important.

I’m going to take the test at a high school in Woodland Hills. I had no idea the administration council was assigning applicants to testing locations on a first-come, first-served basis. As a result, I could not register to take the test at USC because it was already full.

Even though I don't get to take the test at my number one choice, right now I only have one thing on my mind: putting on my game face for Saturday.

2003-09-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

Cookie Monster

Today, I ate 12 of the most amazing cookies I have ever eaten.

My friend Ben knows how much I appreciate a good sugar-filled snack, so whenever he can, he takes leftover cookies and other healthy treats from his bakery and brings them over to me. At times like these, I simultaneously love and hate him.

Imagine a pancake from IHOP—this is how enormous the cookies are. Last night, he brought over a box filled with at least 25 of them, sorted by flavor. The flavors were coconut-cranberry, chocolate, oatmeal-raisin and chocolate-chip. He joked with me about how they would probably all be gone the next day. With six other girls in the apartment, it was no joke to me.

Little by little, my roommates and I devoured them. By 9 p.m., my roommate Kelsey and I dunked the last two into our cups of milk and finished them off. I had eaten my twelfth cookie of the day. I had set a personal record, and I had gained 2 pounds.

2003-09-19T02:13:00.000-07:00

Oh, Spain.

I miss the European style of living.

Last semester I spent January through May living in one of the world's most relaxed cities, Madrid, Spain. During those four months nothing other than having as much fun as possible mattered to me. Everything is completely different in Los Angeles.

Now I'm back to being the same person I was before I left: stressed, paranoid and tired. Only now I realize how much the society you live in affects so much more than just your experiences, it also affects your frame of mind.

I wish Americans weren't so consumed with always trying to get ahead, to be better than the next guy. I wish turning 50 years old didn't depress people.

In Spain, there is such a passion for living that almost overpowers you. In four months I was transformed from a walking ball of anxiety to someone who just took life in and dealt with its positive and negative aspects. I was around people who would grab a coffee with friends at midnight instead of 6 a.m. before work. I lived with a woman who loved being 55 years old.

I miss that.

2003-09-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

I'm super excited about my first blog post.