Week #6

National News:

Snowstorm in Northeast, rain pounds New England

A slow-moving winter storm packing heavy, wet snow and potentially flooding rain spread over the Northeast on Thursday, disrupting air traffic and closing schools. Utility companies braced for possible widespread power outages overnight due to high winds and toppled trees.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100226/ap_on_re_us/us_winter_weather;_ylt=AkBy5uZ3IZXDCBjxj7aPF0JvzwcF;_ylu=X3oDMTJtazRpZWNkBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMjI2L3VzX3dpbnRlcl93ZWF0aGVyBHBvcwMxBHNlYwN5bl9hcnRpY2xlX3N1bW1hcnlfbGlzdARzbGsDc25vd3N0b3JtaW5u

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness, proximity and impact.  Lately the weather has been very wintery.  Since Thursday a winter-storm has been touching down all along the east coast, mainly, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and the New England states as well.  This weather is causing major disturbances among the people living in these areas since such a harsh winter was not expected and most were not and still aren't really prepared to deal with it.

SeaWorld will keep whale despite trainer's death

Despite calls to free or destroy the animal, SeaWorld said Thursday it will keep the killer whale that drowned its trainer, but will suspend all orca shows while it decides whether to change the way handlers work with the behemoths.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100226/ap_on_re_us/us_seaworld_death;_ylt=ArAtKh_kTCAEra.ewfWSxih_ws8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJubzg2Ym45BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMjI2L3VzX3NlYXdvcmxkX2RlYXRoBHBvcwMxBHNlYwN5bl9wYWdpbmF0ZV9zdW1tYXJ5X2xpc3QEc2xrA3NlYXdvcmxkd2lsbA--

Photo Caption: In this photo taken on Dec. 30, 2005, Dawn Brancheau, a whale trainer at SeaWorld Adventure Park, is shown while performing. Brancheau was killed in an accident with a killer whale at the SeaWorld Shamu Stadium Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 24, 2010.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Orlando Sentinel, Julie Fletcher

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness, impact and bizarreness. A few days ago a whale trainer was killed by one of the whales she frequently worked with.  It was not expected and it makes people who work at the SeaWorld Shamu Stadium if it is safe to keep this whale there or get rid of it whether they were to free it or destroy it.  This whale; however, has been behind two other deaths over the past two decades.

Beverly Hills disowns Miss California contestant

 Less than a year after dethroned Miss California USA Carrie Prejean stirred up controversy with her remarks against gay marriage, a similar war of words is brewing in Beverly Hills.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100225/ap_on_re_us/us_miss_beverly_hills;_ylt=ApdiEHZP4lTgj7DxUu_ntrh_ws8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJzdnYxbDlnBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMjI1L3VzX21pc3NfYmV2ZXJseV9oaWxscwRwb3MDMTUEc2VjA3luX3BhZ2luYXRlX3N1bW1hcnlfbGlzdARzbGsDYmV2ZXJseWhpbGxz

This story holds the news values of conflict, currency, prominence and timeliness.  Recently the former Miss California USA and a new Miss California USA contestant are ruffling feathers by being extremely offensive when it comes to gay marriages.  They are completely against it and keep making statements to the media about it no less.  They are both celebrities in a sense and the mayor of Beverly Hills is outraged by both of them.

International News:

India, Pakistan break the ice, but chill remains

India and Pakistan's first official talks since the 2008 Mumbai attacks moved relations out of the diplomatic deep freeze, but left both sides at loggerheads on how to take the dialogue forward.   Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100226/wl_sthasia_afp/indiapakistandiplomacy;_ylt=Aju_9FBLhKJB21RWqZiI_oBvaA8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJ0djkycGJpBGFzc2V0A2FmcC8yMDEwMDIyNi9pbmRpYXBha2lzdGFuZGlwbG9tYWN5BHBvcwMyMQRzZWMDeW5fYXJ0aWNsZV9zdW1tYXJ5X2xpc3QEc2xrA2luZGlhcGFraXN0YQ--

Photo Caption: Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao (L) shakes hands with her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir in New Delhi on February 25. India and Pakistan's first official talks since the 2008 Mumbai attacks moved relations out of the diplomatic deep freeze, but left both sides at loggerheads on how to take the dialogue forward.

Photo Credit: AFP/Raveendran

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness and impact.  Recently the Indian Foreign Secretary and her Pakistani counterpart have been in talks.  This hasn't occurred since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.  These two countries are looking to move forward in their relationship.  They are looking to better their relationship in general and hopefully in months to come it will.

Shark-filled aquarium in Dubai mall springs leak

 Water gushed from a leak in a shark-filled aquarium in a ritzy Dubai mall on Thursday, sending startled shoppers scattering and shutting down nearby shops in one of the city's proudest attractions.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100225/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_dubai_mall;_ylt=AiiQKD7Th5uM56HlW5If2bMQr7sF;_ylu=X3oDMTJqdHJnNHRzBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMjI1L21sX2R1YmFpX21hbGwEcG9zAzQEc2VjA3luX3BhZ2luYXRlX3N1bW1hcnlfbGlzdARzbGsDc2hhcmstZmlsbGVk

Photo Caption: In this Wednesday, July 22, 2009 file photo, tourists and other people observe fish as they walk through the aquarium tunnel at the Dubai Mall in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A large section of the Middle East's biggest shopping mall has been closed as maintenance crews scramble to contain a leak Thursday Feb. 25, 2010 at the massive, shark-filled aquarium there. An official at Dubai's civil defense department said 'there has been a small break in the glass,' and that rescue crews are on the scene.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness and impact.  Recently a leak was sprung and it caused a little bit of fear as well as worry since Dubai is already in a bit of a predicament; trying to restore their once gilded image.

Dog of war: UK Lab fetches medal for bomb-sniffing

A perky British Labrador whose bomb-sniffing exploits helped save lives in Afghanistan was decorated for canine courage in a ceremony at London's Imperial War Museum Wednesday.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100224/ap_on_re_eu/eu_britain_hero_dog;_ylt=Ag1aFN3zBLijQRgj6A7YuXwQr7sF;_ylu=X3oDMTJxcTM3bTk0BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMjI0L2V1X2JyaXRhaW5faGVyb19kb2cEcG9zAzEyBHNlYwN5bl9wYWdpbmF0ZV9zdW1tYXJ5X2xpc3QEc2xrA2RvZ29md2FydWtsYQ--

Photo Caption: Treo, an eight-year-old black Labrador from the Military Working Dogs, who is to be presented Wednesday with Britain's Dickin medal, awarded for bravery and commitment in wartime, the highest military honor an animal can expect, poses with the medal at the Imperial War Museum in London, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010. Treo is being decorated for his work sniffing out explosives in Afghanistan.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Sang Tan

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness and bizarreness.  This dog is going down in history for his heroic ways.  He is among very few other animals to receive such an award.  Furthermore, it recently happened and he is still set to go back to Afghanistan to save even more lives with that bomb-sniffing nose of his with his wonderful trainer.

Local News:

Heavy, wet snow storm in N.J. intensifies, disrupts traffic, causes power outages

5,000 utility customers without power as forecasters warn of blizzard-like mix of snow, strong winds, with gusts up to 50 mph.  Full Story

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/02/heavy_wet_snow_storm_intesifie.html

This story holds the news values of timeliness, currency, proximity and impact.  This weather is disturbing traffic in the tri-state area especially in New Jersey.  The wintery-mix is causing power outages and more damage; car accidents, etc....

CBS 2 Probe: Seinfeld's Free NYPD Parking Pass

Anyone who tries to park around New York City knows a free street spot is nearly impossible to find. But Jerry Seinfeld isn't just anyone. He's a major celebrity. So the question is, has he used his stardom to obtain a juicy perk? It's no joke. Seinfeld, the superstar-comedian, media mogul and now…narcotics cop?  Full Story

http://wcbstv.com/local/jerry.seinfeld.seinfeld.2.1521259.html

This story holds the news values of proximity, prominence, conflict, timeliness and currency.  Seinfeld appeared to getting special treatment courtesy of his driver who happens to be a retired police officer.  The question was raised if it was fair that he was getting this special treatment since he is a celebrity.  It wasn't so now he can no loner use the placard.

Homemade Explosive Found at 125th Street Station

A homemade explosive has been found at a Manhattan train station, and one man has been taken into custody.  Full Story

http://www.1010wins.com/pages/6447509.php?contentType=4&contentId=5648235

This story holds the news values of proximity, timeliness, currency and impact.  A few nights ago this homemade bomb was found in a Manhattan train station.  A man was taken into custody, but one of his supposed accomplices was released and the search for the third continues.  The intentions of the trio is unclear still.  The safety of New Yorkers using the train station is now in question.  An increase in security may be needed now.

Other News:

Jennifer Lopez announces split from Sony

Jennifer Lopez is off of Sony's block.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100224/ap_on_en_mu/us_people_jennifer_lopez;_ylt=Ajq1UVLGD435YkknmYSxBFsRr7sF;_ylu=X3oDMTJ2MmlpN2x0BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMjI0L3VzX3Blb3BsZV9qZW5uaWZlcl9sb3BlegRwb3MDNDEEc2VjA3luX3BhZ2luYXRlX3N1bW1hcnlfbGlzdARzbGsDamVubmlmZXJsb3Bl

This story holds the news values of prominence, proximity, timeliness and currency.  Lopez put out the statement recently that she no longer has a home at Sony/Epic Records since her contractual obligations were fulfilled.  She has a new label, which she chose not to mention, but says her new album will be out some time in the summer.

Week #5

National News:

Clinton: Haiti stress accelerated heart problem

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton blamed stress and a lack of sleep since the devastating Haiti earthquake for accelerating a heart condition that caused him to be admitted to the hospital. Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100217/us_nm/us_clinton;_ylt=AiwtVlb0Sr7SjF5azqglTJF_ws8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJodHFlaGFxBGFzc2V0A25tLzIwMTAwMjE3L3VzX2NsaW50b24EcG9zAzM2BHNlYwN5bl9wYWdpbmF0ZV9zdW1tYXJ5X2xpc3QEc2xrA2NsaW50b25oYWl0aQ--

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness, prominence and impact.  Most recently, former President Bill Clinton traveled to Haiti to aid in reconstructing the country.  He fell ill due to an ongoing heart problem that became more severe recently due to lack of sleep and stress from the extensive work he has been doing in and for Haiti.  This can hold such a large impact on anyone with a heart condition since the month of February is dedicated to providing information about health care for the heart anyway.

ChatRoulette: The Perils of Video-Chatting with Strangers

A new website lets strangers watch each other doing -- well, you don't want to know.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100216/us_time/08599196394300;_ylt=AiFuY8z2wJ82pgQnCwJDIxR_ws8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJuOGdqdTNiBGFzc2V0A3RpbWUvMjAxMDAyMTYvMDg1OTkxOTYzOTQzMDAEcG9zAzQ5BHNlYwN5bl9wYWdpbmF0ZV9zdW1tYXJ5X2xpc3QEc2xrA2NoYXRyb3VsZXR0ZQ--

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness and bizarreness.  In recent weeks ChatRoulette has become a hot topic among college students and many others.  It is the newest website to talk to strangers, yet the odd part is that not much talking occurs unless you're a pretty female on one side of the chat with a male on the other or some ridiculous stunts are being pulled.  Overall, this website is stirring quite the buzz!

Shaun White vs. Lindsey Vonn: Who's Better?

Both U.S. icons of the Vancouver Olympics won gold on Wednesday. Their respective sports have a long-time rivalry. Let the bantering about the more impressive athlete begin.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100218/us_time/08599196491400;_ylt=Arf6SXKieRTjV_PBVe2MiU1_ws8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJtOXV2NmhnBGFzc2V0A3RpbWUvMjAxMDAyMTgvMDg1OTkxOTY0OTE0MDAEcG9zAzYEc2VjA3luX3BhZ2luYXRlX3N1bW1hcnlfbGlzdARzbGsDc2hhdW53aGl0ZXZz

Photo Caption: 

USA's gold medallist Lindsey Vonn stands on the podium after the Women's Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics Downhill event at Whistler Creek side Alpine skiing venue. Vonn lived up to her reputation as the best downhill skier in the world by claiming the women's Olympic gold on Wednesday as Shaun White attempts to cement his position as a snowboarding superstar.

Photo Credit: AFP/Fabrice Coffrini

This story holds the news values of prominence, currency, timeliness and conflict.  The two great American Olympians for each of their sports, Vonn a skier and White a halfpipe snowboarder.  Each won gold on Wednesday and now the conflict arises between the fans of each.  One must be better than the other, right?   Well, wrong, they each excel in ways the other cannot.  Both are great, both are Olympians, yet the fans will always argue to say their favorite is better.

International News:

How Prisoners Are Using Facebook to Harass Their Victims

Inmates in Britain have found a new way of tormenting their victims after they've been locked up: posting offensive status updates and messages on Facebook.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100218/wl_time/08599196491600;_ylt=Aleuy_IJgFpC2SHXqkWidJRvaA8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJtb25lOW0zBGFzc2V0A3RpbWUvMjAxMDAyMTgvMDg1OTkxOTY0OTE2MDAEcG9zAzEwBHNlYwN5bl9hcnRpY2xlX3N1bW1hcnlfbGlzdARzbGsDaG93cHJpc29uZXJz

Photo Caption: Facebook has given users more control over who gets to see video, virtual cards and other digital content shared using third-party programs at the leading social networking website.

Photo Credit: AFP/File/Loic Venance

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness and impact.  Inmates are using Facebook as well as Twitter to harass the victims and the families of the victims through tweets and status updates.  It is rather scary and must be very difficult for the families and victims to deal with.  U.S. and European Facebook officials are trying their best to crack down on such cases, yet it isn't that easy since inmates can easily smuggle in smart phones and other contraband.

UNICEF Seeks to Keeps Kids Out of Haiti Orphanages

As Haiti releases eight of the ten Americans charged with attempted kidnapping after the quake, Unicef is working to ensure it doesn't happen again.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100218/wl_time/08599196488400;_ylt=As_SDu9NBLfUrhZ_oawqfjRvaA8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJtcmpiN2lmBGFzc2V0A3RpbWUvMjAxMDAyMTgvMDg1OTkxOTY0ODg0MDAEcG9zAzQwBHNlYwN5bl9hcnRpY2xlX3N1bW1hcnlfbGlzdARzbGsDZnVsbG5ic3BzdG9y

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness and impact.  This goes back to the ongoing story with the ten Idaho missionaries that "were smuggling" the Haitian children.  Eight of those missionaries have been freed, yet still may be questioned in weeks to follow.  Since this incident first occurred UNICEF is now stepping in full-force to relocate children until Haiti and the people of Haiti are firmly back on their feet.  Smuggling occurs frequently in tragic events such as this one so it holds a lot of impact on the families suffering.

King Tut DNA testing sheds light on how he lived and died

The results of a study on the mummy of King Tutankhamun, Egypt’s golden-boy pharaoh, released in Cairo this week appeared to disprove the popular theory that King Tut was murdered.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20100217/wl_csm/280762;_ylt=Agr_EYoovNoUgrF.xw5XTkQQr7sF;_ylu=X3oDMTJlZmNmaGswBGFzc2V0A2NzbS8yMDEwMDIxNy8yODA3NjIEcG9zAzIyBHNlYwN5bl9wYWdpbmF0ZV9zdW1tYXJ5X2xpc3QEc2xrA2tpbmd0dXRkbmF0ZQ--

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness, conflict and bizarreness.  Recently this week in Cairo researchers found that King Tut didn't die due to murder, but due to bad genes, bones and a horrid case of Malaria.  There is conflict since some people still believe in the murder theory even though it has now been disproven.  Furthermore, it is so bizarre that people are still so interested in learning about King Tut in such detailed manners, yet it could be understandable due to the increase in all sorts of technology.

Local News:

Woman who falsely accused Duke lacrosse players of rape is charged with assault, arson

The woman who prosecutors determined falsely accused three Duke University lacrosse players of rape, including a New Jersey man, in 2006 was arrested.  Full Story

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/02/woman_who_falsely_accused_duke.html

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness and impact.  This story goes back to 2006; however, in recent days the stripper who was hired and accused the Duke lacrosse players assaulted her boyfriend by setting his clothes on fire and she even threatened to stab him.  The main reason to why this is classified as 'local' news is due to the fact that one of the accused Duke players hails from New Jersey and now he's seeing what this girl rightfully deserves as are the other Duke players.

Bronx named unhealthiest county in New York

The list of the healthiest cities is out, and for New Yorkers, it's not good news.  Full Story

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/health&id=7285127&rss=rss-wabc-article-7285127

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness and impact.  Recently the healthiest and unhealthiest cities.  New York is falling short earning the title of unhealthiest in the Bronx.  The ranking is based on poverty levels, access to nutritional foods, exercise and medical care.  The Bronx is considered to be at the greatest risk concerning health issues.  The president of the Bronx Medical Society announced multiple illnesses including obesity are at epidemic rates.  Due to this news the acting assistant commissioner of epidemiology services is attempting to improve the Bronx.  Clearly the news is impacting residents of this part of New York.  A recent study indicated that the rates in smoking dropped and hopefully over time it'll continue to drop.

New York Times reporter accused of plagiarism resigns: NYT

A Wall Street and finance reporter for The New York Times accused of plagiarism has resigned, the newspaper reported.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100217/tc_afp/usmediaindustrynewspapersnytimes;_ylt=AvNSCKHHHsCtwQ5Cfgpri5l_ws8F;_ylu=X3oDMTM4OHBsdTN0BGFzc2V0A2FmcC8yMDEwMDIxNy91c21lZGlhaW5kdXN0cnluZXdzcGFwZXJzbnl0aW1lcwRwb3MDMzgEc2VjA3luX3BhZ2luYXRlX3N1bW1hcnlfbGlzdARzbGsDbmV3eW9ya3RpbWVz

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness, impact and prominence.  Considering that the reporter wrote for TNYT he is held to a higher standing.  He is a celebrity in the world of print media in a sense since he was writing for such a well-known newspaper in New York.  Furthermore, there have been many recent stories involving journalists plagiarizing and then resigning from their positions.  It is quite critical since the public now gets to continue questioning all other journalists and even doubting their honesty due to the few that don't follow the code of ethics.

Other News:

'Harry Potter' author hit with plagiarism lawsuit

J.K. Rowling has been named in a lawsuit alleging she stole ideas for her wildly popular and lucrative "Harry Potter" books from another British author. Rowling denied the allegation.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100218/ap_on_en_mo/as_australia_rowling_lawsuit;_ylt=AlpKCSGxq2aPGLN4Me1sLMYRr7sF;_ylu=X3oDMTMyODcwamtzBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMjE4L2FzX2F1c3RyYWxpYV9yb3dsaW5nX2xhd3N1aXQEcG9zAzcEc2VjA3luX3BhZ2luYXRlX3N1bW1hcnlfbGlzdARzbGsDaGFycnlwb3R0ZXJh

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness, prominence and impact.  Rowling is a celebrity in a sense since she has one of the most popular book series.  It keeps reoccurring that she stole the work of a now deceased author and the case will be heading to court soon.  If she did plagiarize the 'Harry' series her fans and others will frown upon her for sure.

Week #4

National News:

49 states dusted with snow; Hawaii's the holdout

Forget red and blue — color America white. There was snow on the ground in 49 states Friday. Hawaii was the holdout. Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100212/ap_on_re_us/us_united_states_of_snow;_ylt=AiB5hcrXib9uai1cL8u1HZpvzwcF;_ylu=X3oDMTJwM29wN3BxBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMjEyL3VzX3VuaXRlZF9zdGF0ZXNfb2Zfc25vdwRjcG9zAzIEcG9zAzcEc2VjA3luX3RvcF9zdG9yeQRzbGsDNDlzdGF0ZXNkdXN0

Photo Caption: Graphic shows snow coverage of the U.S. on Friday.

Photo Credit: AP

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness, proximity, impact and bizarreness. Currently there has been plenty of snow storms all over America.  Mainly on the east coast in the Mid-Atlantic states, but the snow has reached out further hitting states such as Florida, Georgia and Texas, that usually never get touched by the white powder.  Therefore, this story is timely, current, close by and so very strange.  Plus, due to the extreme amounts of snow people are being hugely impacted by not having school and stores have been selling out of shovels and other materials needed during such storms.

Will Bill Clinton slow down after heart procedure?

Right until he was wheeled into an operating room for a heart procedure, Bill Clinton was on the phone, talking about Haiti earthquake relief. An aide finally took the phone away from him. Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100212/ap_on_re_us/us_bill_clinton;_ylt=AjS2TLFnxW0ITzmsRU87QbpvzwcF;_ylu=X3oDMTJoa2NwaXV2BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMjEyL3VzX2JpbGxfY2xpbnRvbgRjcG9zAzMEcG9zAzExBHNlYwN5bl90b3Bfc3RvcnkEc2xrA2JpbGxjbGludG9ucg--

Photo Caption: In this Feb. 5, 2010 file photo, UN special envoy for Haiti and former President Bill Clinton waves to reporters after his arrival in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Clinton was recovering at his suburban home with his wife on Friday, Feb. 12, 2010 after leaving a Manhattan hospital where he underwent a heart procedure to fix a blocked artery.

Photo Credit: AP/Javier Galeano, File

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness, impact and proximity. Currently former President Bill Clinton has been experiencing pains in his chest and it has been timely too since it just occurred, but the heart problems date back to when he was in office.  Furthermore, he was recently hospitalized in the city so it happened in close range.  Lastly, there is so much impact on his family, on the government and the people of the world actually since he is one of the main government-linked people helping with the tragedy in Haiti.

'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Policy

A truck carries a giant advertising poster for the US Marines. Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Dont-Ask-Dont-Tell-Policy/ss/events/us/060809dontaskdontell;_ylt=AogaaQNVKV4JEtRPSMocQg3ZPdAF;_ylu=X3oDMTE3bnN2OGdoBHBvcwM0BHNlYwN5bl9zbGlkZXNob3cEc2xrA2F0cnVja2NhcnJpZQ--

Photo Credit: AFP/File/Hector Mata

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness and impact.  Currently the issue of this policy keeps coming up.  It is timely as well since recently Admiral Mike Mullen made the remarks to have the policy come to an end.  Gays and lesbians should be accepted.  It is impacting numerous men and women that are apart of our nation's armed forces that happen to be anything other than straight.

International News:

Why can't women ski jump in the Olympics?

Lindsey Van holds the record - among both men and women - for the longest jump off of Whistler, B.C.'s normal ski jump, built for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. The 25-year-old skier trains six days a week, 11 months a year and has been jumping for the past 19 years. But when games kick off on Feb. 12, the 2009 women's ski jumping world champion will be nowhere in sight. That's because women aren't allowed to ski jump in the Olympics.  Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100212/wl_time/08599196344700;_ylt=AhWQ_y_m_aByKnwCJNrkn01vaA8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJtbGNjOGF1BGFzc2V0A3RpbWUvMjAxMDAyMTIvMDg1OTkxOTYzNDQ3MDAEcG9zAzEzBHNlYwN5bl9hcnRpY2xlX3N1bW1hcnlfbGlzdARzbGsDZnVsbG5ic3BzdG9y

This story holds the news values of conflict, currency, timeliness and impact.  This story seems to be holding a lot of sex-orientated discrimination.  Females are not allowed to compete in the ski jump in the Olympics.  There are apparently rules stating that all the Olympic sports must be opened to both sexes, yet there are also rules stating the original 16 events from the 1924 Winter Olympics get to remain male-orientated only.  I personally find that sexist and think the rules should be changed.  I mean we are living in a time where men and women are supposed to be treated as equals now and if other Olympic events are opened to both sexes why not change these to be as well?  Furthermore, this story is timely and current since the Olympics are just beginning and the results of whether the rules will change or remain the same will impact numerous female athletes that have the dream to compete in the Olympics, but might not get to due to these rules.

McQueen's death hurts London fashion scene

Yes, there are other big names: Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney and Paul Smith come to mind. But the sudden death of Alexander McQueen leaves a gaping hole at the center of London's fashion universe. Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100212/ap_on_re_eu/eu_britain_mcqueen;_ylt=AhRjsK6Bxy9l_jVBt7mcjztvaA8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJvNzNrNTEyBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMjEyL2V1X2JyaXRhaW5fbWNxdWVlbgRwb3MDMTcEc2VjA3luX2FydGljbGVfc3VtbWFyeV9saXN0BHNsawNmdWxsbmJzcHN0b3I-

Photo Caption: Flowers are seen under a logo of British fashion designer Alexander McQueen and a note informing customers of his death at his shop in central London, Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010. Brilliant and controversial British fashion designer Alexander McQueen was found dead in his London home Thursday, his company said, after anguished Internet postings that revealed his deep sorrow at the death of his mother. He was 40 years old.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Akira Suemori

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness and impact.  Recently this fashion icon committed suicide.  That is what gives this story the values of currency and timeliness.  Furthermore, London is taking the news extremely hard since McQueen is one of the people that built up London to be 'cool.'  London Fashion Week is still set to be held starting next Friday.

'Great white' attack was docile carpet shark

A suspected attack by a feared great white shark in Sydney has been exposed as a bite from a docile wobbegong, a species that usually shuns humans, experts said Friday. Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100212/wl_asia_afp/australiaanimalshark;_ylt=AsOntIuPUtjkvitbjYr3J7dvaA8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJyMzMwMTZtBGFzc2V0A2FmcC8yMDEwMDIxMi9hdXN0cmFsaWFhbmltYWxzaGFyawRwb3MDMzIEc2VjA3luX2FydGljbGVfc3VtbWFyeV9saXN0BHNsawMzOWdyZWF0d2hpdGU-

Photo Caption: A wobbegong shark glides over the ocean floor in Sydney. A suspected attack by a feared great white shark in the city has been exposed as a bite from a docile wobbegong, a species that usually shuns humans, experts have said.

Photo Credit: AFP/HO/Sydney Aquarium/Eco Divers/File

This story holds the news values of currency, timeliness and bizarreness.  Recently a shark attack occurred in Australia; however, it was from a species of shark that usually stays away from humans so that gives it the weirdness.

Local News:

Alexander Noyes

The father of Alexander Noyes, the drummer for the most famed United States Pop Band Honor Society Tom Noyes passed away yesterday on Thursday 11th Feb, 2010. The sad news was posted on Alexander Noyes’s official website. Full Story

http://www.shnock.com/alexander-noyes-15017/

This story holds the news values of prominence, proximity, timeliness, currency and impact.  Alex is a celebrity so he is very much in the public eye.  As soon as the information leaked about his father's passing the media jumped all over it.  Alex is one of my friends so I feel bad for him that he needs to share this hard time with the media.  I just hope they respect his and the rest of his family's wishes to stay away during this time.  Alex's family is from Midland Park, New Jersey so it is fairly close by.  Furthermore, it just happened and seems to be impacting numerous people around the world since Alex is a celebrity.  His fans are tweeting about his family being in their prayers and so on.  Aside from the direct impact on him and the rest of his family.  I just wish them the best in this tough time.  Losing someone you love is never easy to deal with.

NY Men Donate Kidneys to Their Mothers

Three men and their moms are celebrating Valentine's Day with the gift of life. The men all stepped up to save their mothers' lives by donating a kidney. Full Story

http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/local_news/new_york_state/ny-men-donate-kidney-to-their-mothers-100212

This story holds the news values of timeliness, currency, impact, proximity and bizarreness. Recently three sons have decided to save their mothers' lives in time for Valentine's Day by each donating a kidney to them.  It is rather odd to hear such a story, but nonetheless it is happening and is very thoughtful.  Furthermore, it is happening out on Long Island in North Shore University's Hospital.  It is very impacting since these moms get to live longer now thanks to their sons kindness.

3-Legged Dog Wins 1st in NYC Shelter Contest

It's not quite the Westminster dog show, but the homeless dogs that competed in a New York City animal shelter's talent contest are surely winners. Full Story

http://www.1010wins.com/pages/6351611.php?contentType=4&contentId=5576158

This story holds the news values of proximity, currency, timeliness and bizarreness.  It is quite unusual to hear about a 3-legged dog, but that would be the one that won the talent contest in the city today.  A pitbull mix named Prince caught three  baseballs with his jaw to be crowned the champion.  The other eight dogs plus Prince are all up for adoption through the ASPCA in the city.

Other News:

'We Are the World' debuts, worldwide airing set

The revamped "We Are the World" made its world premiere Friday during NBC's coverage of the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics, and a simultaneous worldwide screening of the full, seven-minute version of the music video is planned for Saturday. Full Story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100213/ap_en_mu/us_we_are_the_world;_ylt=AhEfEOTSlPULcZi0zDkjMI5xFb8C;_ylu=X3oDMTJrc2VwOGpqBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMjEzL3VzX3dlX2FyZV90aGVfd29ybGQEY3BvcwMxBHBvcwMyBHNlYwN5bl90b3Bfc3RvcnkEc2xrA3dlYXJldGhld29ybA--

This story holds the news values of prominence, impact, timeliness and currency.  In the recent events of the tragedy in Haiti some of America's top celebrities came together to remake "We Are The World."  It aired for the first time tonight during the opening ceremony of the Olympics, but it only showed three minutes of the video; however, it will shown in full tomorrow night.  This is impacting so many people around the world.  It is such a great cause and these celebrities did a wonderful job and hopefully people will continue to donate to help those in Haiti.