The Progressive Student Union (PSU) is facing difficulties in planning a concert and lecture featuring Immortal Technique, a social activist and rapper, due to university budget cuts and a general lack of funding.
Breanna Van Engelen, a political science major and PSU member in charge of planning the Immortal Technique events is currently re-negotiating with Immortal Technique the cost of the possible concert and lecture, she said in a PSU meeting Wednesday.
Due to a number of budget cuts affecting the Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), Aric Kleppin, one of the leaders of PSU and a 22-year-old History and Spanish major, said he doubted that the concert would take place this semester.
“The program that (the university) canceled was the Student Programming Grant, which is where RSOs get a lot of their money from,” Kleppin said. “In the budget cuts they got rid of that (grant) completely, so that kind of hurt our chances for having the concert.”
Tim Krautkraemer, a 21-year-old, comparative ethnic studies major and one of the leaders in PSU explained that in previous years RSOs could apply for the grant, which offered about $30,000 to $35,000 to fund the events of various student groups. Last semester, however the program was cut completely and replaced with a “Cougar Parent Grant,” which was a much smaller grant and more difficult for RSOs to apply for.
“We didn’t get any money out from the Cougar Parent Grant to fund the concert,” he said. “So that made it a lot harder. There is just less money going around for student groups on-campus.”
In addition to the university budget cuts, Engelen said the fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon, who had originally offered to help pay for the concert had recently dropped their offer.
Despite the budget setback, Engelen said she is still trying to negotiate a smaller fee with Immortal Technique to get him to come.
“I am trying to get him to come for the price of all his concert tickets,” she said. “Tickets would be $10 and we can fit 1,300 people in the CUB senior ballroom, so he would get paid (up to) $13,000.”
If Immortal Technique was willing to come for just the profit of the ticket sales, she said, then PSU would be responsible for only the costs of hosting the events.
“We would pay to put on the concert (and) lecture; all of the audio equipment, security, hotel, which would be like $4,000,” she said.
Kleppin said he thought $4,000 was a reasonable amount of money for the group to come up with, however he was not convinced it would be possible.
PSU may be able to get other student groups on-campus involved in the organization and funding of the events, such as the Black Student Union and Middle Eastern Student Association, he said.
“It is really important to get different perspectives and alternative opinions to a university the size of Washington State,” Krautkraemer said. “(Immortal Technique) is a really talented musician and really well-spoken and I think our university would benefit from hearing someone with experience with the criminal justice system and a really good perspective on global issues.”
Krautkraemer said it was the goal of PSU to promote diversity of perspectives and an awareness of global and social justice issues.
The idea of bringing Immortal Technique to campus was brought up last semester and PSU have been working on it ever since, he said.
“It is a really ambitious goal for a group our size and our budget,” Krautkraemer said. “I think it is going to be something really hard to organize given the financial situation with the student groups on campus.”
He said the tentative dates for the lecture and concert are April 22 and 23.
Engelen said she was currently waiting to hear back from Immortal Technique and by PSU meeting next Wednesday she would know whether he would be willing to come to WSU without a fixed rate.
OUTLINE
1. What happened?
a. Immortal Technique may or may not come to WSU because of budget cuts and price negotiations
b. There is still a possibility of him coming, it all depends on the outcome of current negotiations
2. How did the budget cuts affect the planning of the concert?
a. They affected all RSOs, making the possibility of a concert almost non-existent
b. Also the fraternity bailed on them.
c. How are they trying to get around this obstacle?
i. Trying to come up with a reasonable sum they will be able to fundraise for.
3. Why Immortal Technique? How does he fit into the Progressive Student Union’s views? What would he bring to WSU?
a. Diverse perspectives
b. He is a successful ex-con, who has a “different” and alternative perspective on global issues
Sources
Aric Kleppin, a student leader in PSU and a WSU student majoring in Spanish and History.
Aric.Kleppin@gmail.com
(907)748-7215
Tim Krautkraemer, one of the student leaders in PSU and a WSU student majoring in comparative ethnic studies.
509-339-3335
tkrautkraemer@wsu.edu
Breanna Van Engelen, event planner for Immortal Technique concert, PSU member and a WSU student majoring in political science
208-866-5919
breannav@wsu.edu
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Outline to Seattle budget cuts.
I. What: Due to budget shortfall, the city of Seattle will be laying off 30 workers and shutting down libraries for a week.
II. Why it is happening/how will it be fixed: What exactly Mayor Nickels doing to make up for the shortfall. What specific programs will be fixed/cut.
A. Lower than expected tax revenue.
B. How he is making up for the shortfall.
III. How city is responding/what more is to come
A. Protesters
B. More budget cuts in future.
c. How much remains in
II. Why it is happening/how will it be fixed: What exactly Mayor Nickels doing to make up for the shortfall. What specific programs will be fixed/cut.
A. Lower than expected tax revenue.
B. How he is making up for the shortfall.
III. How city is responding/what more is to come
A. Protesters
B. More budget cuts in future.
c. How much remains in
Comma Drama
1. He looked through the door, but he did not see anyone inside the church.
2. "We could wait to see if anyone else came, or we could go back home," she said.
3. Reed, a graduate of Washington State University, was elected Secretary of State in 2000.
4. The organization paid the speaker $1,000, but its officers were unable to attend the event.
5. According to Washington state law, bars will become smoke-free on Feb. 15.
6. He saw Karen and they had coffee.
7. The bales are then sold to a processing center in Tacoma, Wash., which ships them to Moscow, Idaho.
8. It was raining, we stayed home.
correct
9. Later he phoned again.
10. This will end up having an effect on consumers, she said.
11. He introduced the speaker to Floyd, Moos and Wulff.
2. "We could wait to see if anyone else came, or we could go back home," she said.
3. Reed, a graduate of Washington State University, was elected Secretary of State in 2000.
4. The organization paid the speaker $1,000, but its officers were unable to attend the event.
5. According to Washington state law, bars will become smoke-free on Feb. 15.
6. He saw Karen and they had coffee.
7. The bales are then sold to a processing center in Tacoma, Wash., which ships them to Moscow, Idaho.
8. It was raining, we stayed home.
correct
9. Later he phoned again.
10. This will end up having an effect on consumers, she said.
11. He introduced the speaker to Floyd, Moos and Wulff.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Reordering the sentances...pt. 2
Danielle, Stephanie, Heidi
Four boys age 7 to 11 drowned when a group of seven boys plunged through thin ice.
It was the worst local Merrimack River tragedy in nearly a century.
The catastrophe left four boys dead, their families crushed and rescue workers shaken following an afternoon of fighting a river of broken ice, the steep mud-covered bank and driving rain.
As seven boys finished their snack run from the Lawrence Boys & Girls Club to Hanson's Market yesterday afternoon, a sudden urge to slide around prompted 11-year-old William Rodriguez to dash for the serene expanse of river ice.
It was a playful impulse that ended with his plunge through the ice, setting off an ill-fated rescue attempt that deteriorated into a mass of desperate children clinging to each other in 35-degree water.
Dead are William Rodriguez, 11, of 292 Howard St.; Christopher Casado, 7, of 18 Jasper Court; Mackendy Constant, 8, of 7 Clinton St.; and Victor Baez, 9, 46 Bernard Ave.
Surviving the incident were Francis Spraus, 9, 14 School St.; Christopher's brother Ivan Casado, 9, 18 Jasper Court; Jaycob Morales, 10, 4 Winslow Place.
Ivan and Francis were released from the hospital last night, and recalled the story from its quiet start.
"Willie said he wanted to go down to the river, to slide on the Ice," Ivan said. “We tried to stop him.”
"He was in the middle of the river," Francis said, Ivan finishing the sentence: "Then the ice broke and he fell down in the water."
"Then we all fell in," Francis said. "I thought I was going to drown."
The ice was one to two inches thick where they ventured off the river bank. Four inches is considered the minimum to support more than one person, and river ice may not be safe even at that thickness because of currents and other factors.
"My legs started to get stiff, and I had a freezing headache," Francis said. "I was hanging on to Christopher, but he started to slip under. I tried holding on to his hand, but it was like he let go."
Lawrence and Andover firefighters equipped with ice rescue suits arrived and after a search of the area where the boys went in, found the four remaining boys under the ice, 25 feet from shore in 15-20 feet of water.
Police said the four dead boys were trapped under the ice at least 10 minutes.
"I threw the rope out once and it landed too far away, so I threw it out again, and again it was too far for them to reach," said Jacques Fournier, a retired maintenance worker.
Because of the steep embankment, rescuers were forced to use ladders to bring the children up off the river to the waiting ambulances.
Members of the state police, Lawrence Police and Merrimack Valley dive teams entered the 38-degree water and conducted an area search to be sure no one was left behind.
Four boys age 7 to 11 drowned when a group of seven boys plunged through thin ice.
It was the worst local Merrimack River tragedy in nearly a century.
The catastrophe left four boys dead, their families crushed and rescue workers shaken following an afternoon of fighting a river of broken ice, the steep mud-covered bank and driving rain.
As seven boys finished their snack run from the Lawrence Boys & Girls Club to Hanson's Market yesterday afternoon, a sudden urge to slide around prompted 11-year-old William Rodriguez to dash for the serene expanse of river ice.
It was a playful impulse that ended with his plunge through the ice, setting off an ill-fated rescue attempt that deteriorated into a mass of desperate children clinging to each other in 35-degree water.
Dead are William Rodriguez, 11, of 292 Howard St.; Christopher Casado, 7, of 18 Jasper Court; Mackendy Constant, 8, of 7 Clinton St.; and Victor Baez, 9, 46 Bernard Ave.
Surviving the incident were Francis Spraus, 9, 14 School St.; Christopher's brother Ivan Casado, 9, 18 Jasper Court; Jaycob Morales, 10, 4 Winslow Place.
Ivan and Francis were released from the hospital last night, and recalled the story from its quiet start.
"Willie said he wanted to go down to the river, to slide on the Ice," Ivan said. “We tried to stop him.”
"He was in the middle of the river," Francis said, Ivan finishing the sentence: "Then the ice broke and he fell down in the water."
"Then we all fell in," Francis said. "I thought I was going to drown."
The ice was one to two inches thick where they ventured off the river bank. Four inches is considered the minimum to support more than one person, and river ice may not be safe even at that thickness because of currents and other factors.
"My legs started to get stiff, and I had a freezing headache," Francis said. "I was hanging on to Christopher, but he started to slip under. I tried holding on to his hand, but it was like he let go."
Lawrence and Andover firefighters equipped with ice rescue suits arrived and after a search of the area where the boys went in, found the four remaining boys under the ice, 25 feet from shore in 15-20 feet of water.
Police said the four dead boys were trapped under the ice at least 10 minutes.
"I threw the rope out once and it landed too far away, so I threw it out again, and again it was too far for them to reach," said Jacques Fournier, a retired maintenance worker.
Because of the steep embankment, rescuers were forced to use ladders to bring the children up off the river to the waiting ambulances.
Members of the state police, Lawrence Police and Merrimack Valley dive teams entered the 38-degree water and conducted an area search to be sure no one was left behind.
Reordering the sentances...
The city council voted unanimously to ban alcoholic energy drinks within Pullman city limits on Wednesday.
First, the city council discussed its consent agenda. Then it discussed whether local residents should be able to buy energy drinks that contain alcohol.
The council then discussed public intoxication, the threat to student health, and whether any laws prevented the council from banning the drinks.
“These college kids are out of control and caffeinated booze is the only cause,” said Councilman Arlen Judge. “A ban will solve all our problems at once.”
Students planned to protest the meeting, but only two students attended the meeting.
“We’re being hit with tuition increases and more debt. Please don’t take away our cheap buzz,” said Will Wilson, a 24-year-old undeclared sophomore.
Finally, after 45 minutes of debate, the City Council voted unanimously to ban alcoholic energy drinks within city limits.
'This ban will finally restore order to College Hill,” said Judith Peterson, a 44-year-old podiatrist who lives near campus.
The meeting was held at City Hall, 1492 Constitution Ave. It was a public meeting, and the public was invited to attend. The meeting began at 7 p.m.
First, the city council discussed its consent agenda. Then it discussed whether local residents should be able to buy energy drinks that contain alcohol.
The council then discussed public intoxication, the threat to student health, and whether any laws prevented the council from banning the drinks.
“These college kids are out of control and caffeinated booze is the only cause,” said Councilman Arlen Judge. “A ban will solve all our problems at once.”
Students planned to protest the meeting, but only two students attended the meeting.
“We’re being hit with tuition increases and more debt. Please don’t take away our cheap buzz,” said Will Wilson, a 24-year-old undeclared sophomore.
Finally, after 45 minutes of debate, the City Council voted unanimously to ban alcoholic energy drinks within city limits.
'This ban will finally restore order to College Hill,” said Judith Peterson, a 44-year-old podiatrist who lives near campus.
The meeting was held at City Hall, 1492 Constitution Ave. It was a public meeting, and the public was invited to attend. The meeting began at 7 p.m.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Active vs. passive
Active vs. passive
Would you change the following sentences? If not, why not? Rewrite those that need clarification.
1. Rubber-coated bullets were fired into the crowd by police in riot gear.
The police in riot gear fired rubber 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 that day.
3. With five seconds left, a three-point shot was missed by LeBron James.
With five seconds left, Lebron James missed the three-point shot.
4. Participants in the survey were asked about their changes in political affiliation.
The survey asked participants about their changes in political affiliation.
5. Tall buildings and mountain roads were avoided by Raoul because he had such a fear of heights.
Raoul avoided tall buildings and mountain roads because he had such a fear of heights
6. The bill is being considered by the Legislature.
The Legislature is considering the bill.
7. The tiny island has been destroyed by the earthquake.
The earthquake has destroyed the tiny island.
8. The class is reading the book.
Leave it as it is. "The class reads the book" makes it sound like they are doing it this second.
9. An experimental operation was performed at the hospital yesterday.
Leave it as it is... The hospital itself cannot perform an operation.
10. The wheat field was covered by debris from the downed airliner.
The downed airliner covered the wheat field with debris.
Red flag: “To be” + past participle
Would you change the following sentences? If not, why not? Rewrite those that need clarification.
1. Rubber-coated bullets were fired into the crowd by police in riot gear.
The police in riot gear fired rubber 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 that day.
3. With five seconds left, a three-point shot was missed by LeBron James.
With five seconds left, Lebron James missed the three-point shot.
4. Participants in the survey were asked about their changes in political affiliation.
The survey asked participants about their changes in political affiliation.
5. Tall buildings and mountain roads were avoided by Raoul because he had such a fear of heights.
Raoul avoided tall buildings and mountain roads because he had such a fear of heights
6. The bill is being considered by the Legislature.
The Legislature is considering the bill.
7. The tiny island has been destroyed by the earthquake.
The earthquake has destroyed the tiny island.
8. The class is reading the book.
Leave it as it is. "The class reads the book" makes it sound like they are doing it this second.
9. An experimental operation was performed at the hospital yesterday.
Leave it as it is... The hospital itself cannot perform an operation.
10. The wheat field was covered by debris from the downed airliner.
The downed airliner covered the wheat field with debris.
Red flag: “To be” + past participle
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Four dead after an apartment building fire in Pullman - writing exercise
Four people died in an Pullman apartment building fire this morning.
The fire was at 1172 S. Columbia Ave. and the Pullman and Moscow fire departments arrived at 7:30 a.m. They said they were immediately able to contain the fire.
Two victims were pronounced dead on the scene, while the other two were pronounced dead by doctors at Pullman Medical Center.
All of the victims were found in the first floor of the apartment building, while the people in the neighboring apartments were able to escape.
"We are investigating whether the fire was intentional or accidental," the Whitman County Prosecurtor, Paula T. Doe said.
She said the presence of a gasoline canister has raised concerns.
Detective William Mile of the Pullman Police Department said they have opened an investigation into the cause of the fire.
At this point the police have no further information about the cause of the fire and the Whitman County Sheriff’s office is offering a $10,000 reward for details about the fire.
"This was a horrific fire, and we will do everything we can to fully investigate it's cause," Doe said.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact law enforcement.
The fire was at 1172 S. Columbia Ave. and the Pullman and Moscow fire departments arrived at 7:30 a.m. They said they were immediately able to contain the fire.
Two victims were pronounced dead on the scene, while the other two were pronounced dead by doctors at Pullman Medical Center.
All of the victims were found in the first floor of the apartment building, while the people in the neighboring apartments were able to escape.
"We are investigating whether the fire was intentional or accidental," the Whitman County Prosecurtor, Paula T. Doe said.
She said the presence of a gasoline canister has raised concerns.
Detective William Mile of the Pullman Police Department said they have opened an investigation into the cause of the fire.
At this point the police have no further information about the cause of the fire and the Whitman County Sheriff’s office is offering a $10,000 reward for details about the fire.
"This was a horrific fire, and we will do everything we can to fully investigate it's cause," Doe said.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact law enforcement.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Intro to Ethics
1. Yes the information needs to be attributed to the actual source. Especially if later the information is found to be incorrect.
2. You can not publish illegally obtained info, especially if it can cause harm... aka Wikileaks. You have to find other ways to get information.
3. You cannot invent characters or people. There is other ways to present the needed information.
4. Not as a journalist because it is showing only one side to it.
2. You can not publish illegally obtained info, especially if it can cause harm... aka Wikileaks. You have to find other ways to get information.
3. You cannot invent characters or people. There is other ways to present the needed information.
4. Not as a journalist because it is showing only one side to it.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The 10 Commandments of Journalism (ranked from the SPJ code of ethics)
Make certain that headlines, news teases and promotional material, photos, video, audio, graphics, sound bites and quotations do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.
Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity.
Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.
Expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media.
Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable.
Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage.
Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error. Deliberate distortion is never permissible.
Avoid stereotyping by race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social status.
Give voice to the voiceless; official and unofficial sources of information can be equally valid.
Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.
Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity.
Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.
Expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media.
Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable.
Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage.
Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error. Deliberate distortion is never permissible.
Avoid stereotyping by race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social status.
Give voice to the voiceless; official and unofficial sources of information can be equally valid.
Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.
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