Media Journalism

Writing Tip #9

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 21:39:33 -0400

Keep your exclamation points under control. You are allowed no more than two or three per 100,000 words of prose.

http://www.writingclasses.com/InformationPages/index.php/PageID/304

#16 New Phone by Facebook to Showcase Its Network

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 21:39:12 -0400

Headline: New Phone by Facebook to Showcase Its Network

Byline: BRIAN X. CHEN and NICK BILTON

Date: April 1st, 2013

Publication: NYtimes.com

Page:A version of this article appeared in print on 03/30/2013, on page B1 of the NewYork edition with the headline: New Phone By Facebook To Showcase Its Network.

Link: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/29/facebook-to-introduce-its-own-flavor-of-android-for-smartphones/?src=recg

Summarize the content of the article: This article talks about how Facebook is coming out with their first name. It talks about the perks and specs of the phone.

Comment on the style of the article: The style of the article seemed very relaxed. It seemed like a friend was talking to me. I enjoyed the flow of this one! The article was new for me. Overall, there were no out of placed words.

Observe the structure:

a) What made the lead strong or weak? The lead wasn’t too catchy, but I read it because I knew what the story was going to be about.

b) What made the nut graph strong or weak? The nut graph wasn’t the best.

c) What made the ending strong or weak? It just talked about Google is pairing up wit this phone to enhance it.

d) What made the story organization strong or weak? The fact that this was all new info made me want to read it.

What did you like or dislike about the piece? This one was okay for the most part.

#16 New Phone by Facebook to Showcase Its Network

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 21:37:25 -0400

Headline: New Phone by Facebook to Showcase Its Network

Byline: BRIAN X. CHEN and NICK BILTON

Date: April 1st, 2013

Publication: NYtimes.com

Page:A version of this article appeared in print on 03/30/2013, on page B1 of the NewYork edition with the headline: New Phone By Facebook To Showcase Its Network.

Link: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/29/facebook-to-introduce-its-own-flavor-of-android-for-smartphones/?src=recg

Summarize the content of the article: This article talks about how Facebook is coming out with their first name. It talks about the perks and specs of the phone.

Observe the structure:

a) What made the lead strong or weak? The lead wasn’t too catchy, but I read it because I knew what the story was going to be about.

b) What made the nut graph strong or weak? The nut graph wasn’t the best.

c) What made the ending strong or weak? It just talked about Google is pairing up wit this phone to enhance it.

d) What made the story organization strong or weak? The fact that this was all new info made me want to read it.

What did you like or dislike about the piece? This one was okay for the most part.

#15 Nature’s Drone, Pretty and Deadly

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 21:30:09 -0400

Headline:#15 Nature’s Drone, Pretty and Deadly

Byline: NATALIE ANGIER

Date: April 1st, 2013

Publication: NYtimes.com

Page: A version of this article appeared in print on April 2, 2013, on page D1 of the New York edition with the headline: Nature’s Drone, Pretty and Deadly .

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/02/science/dragonflies-natures-deadly-drone-but-prettier.html?hp&_r=0

Summarize the content of the article: This article talks about how unique dragon flys are despite what we may think. They talk about how dragon flies are so great at catching their prey.

Comment on the style of the article: The article was has a lot of detail about dragon flies. The article is interesting. I never knew how interesting dragon flies were until I read this article. Overall, there were no out of placed words. One quote I liked was, ““They’ll tear up the prey and mash it into a glob, munch, munch, munch,” said Michael L. May, an emeritus professor of entomology at Rutgers.

Observe the structure:

a) What made the lead strong or weak? The lead was okay, I wish it talked about how savage dragon flies are.

b) What made the nut graph strong or weak? The nut graph had lots of detailed information!

c) What made the ending strong or weak? How they wrapped everything together made the ending perfect.

d) What made the story organization strong or weak? The compelling information kept me reading.

What did you like or dislike about the piece? This one was pretty different but I liked it.

Writing Tip #8

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 20:34:39 -0400

Always have three key words at the ready to guide the day’s writing session.

#16 Your Phone vs. Your Heart

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 20:32:46 -0400

Headline: Your Phone vs. Your Heart

Byline: Barbara L. Fredrickson

Date: March 23, 2013

Publication: nytimes.com

Page #: A version of this op-ed appeared in print on March 24, 2013, on page SR14 of the New York edition with the headline: Your Phone Vs. Your Heart.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/24/opinion/sunday/your-phone-vs-your-heart.html?src=recg

Summarize the content of the article: This article talks about how attach we as a society have been to our phones. We can’t do anything without it.

Comment on the style of the article: There was not much research but a lot of truth in this article about our society today with our phones. The article flows pretty well. There is no out of place words or anything that I could not understand. It was straight forward with the story and an easy read. It talks about how it effects you health and your empathy skills. No interviews in this article.

Observe the structure:

a) What made the lead strong or weak? The fact that it is relatable to me made the lead strong. Easily and quickly gabbed my attention.

b) What made the nut graph strong or weak? How catchy it was.

c) What made the ending strong or weak? It gave you advice of what to do when you see your friend glued to the phone, and it was find a way to pull them away.

d) What made the story organization strong or weak? How concise and to the point it was.

What did you like or dislike about the piece? It is super relative to our techno-savvy economy.

#15 Finding Their Next Facebook

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 20:22:10 -0400

Headline: Finding Their Next Facebook

Byline: Jesse McKinley

Date: March 22, 2013

Publication: NYtimes.com

Page #: A version of this article appeared in print on March 24, 2013, on page ST1 of the New York edition with the headline: Finding Their Next Facebook.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/24/fashion/winklevoss-brothers-move-on-from-facebook.html?ref=style&_r=0

Summarize the content of the article: A pair of identical twins hope to create a social media site larger than Facebook, who say that Mark Zuckerberg took their idea for Facebook.

Comment on the style of the article: There was definitely a good amount of research for this article. They interviewed both of the brothers. The article also had a lot of information about the how they plan to continue to move ahead no matter what hardships they went through. The article flows pretty well. There is no out of place words or anything that I could not understand. It was straight forward with the story and an easy read. I liked this quote, “Our business isn’t to be famous: that’s not what we do, that’s not what we strive for,” said Tyler.

Observe the structure:

a) What made the lead strong or weak? The lead fact that you were about to learn about these brothers we started off with Zuckerberg but are going to be doing their own thing.

b) What made the nut graph strong or weak? The interesting topics easily kept me reading.

c) What made the ending strong or weak? The typical "feel good” story made the ending perfect. Left off with lots of optimism.

d) What made the story organization strong or weak? The constant use of the quotes made the story strong.

What did you like or dislike about the piece? I liked that is was so interesting and intriguing.

Wreck It Ralph!

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 22:20:05 -0500

Wreck it Ralph scores big!

If you are a classic video game lover, director Rich Moore may have created this movie just for you.

Even if you aren’t this fun and corky plot will also grab your attention.

Disney’s wacky new comic adventure movie has a video game character at its center who’s name is Ralph (hence the title).

Actor John C. Reilly, who realizes he is tired of always being second to Fix-it-Felix, played by Jack McBrayer, plays Ralph.

Each and everyday Fix-it-Felix always gets to save the day, until now.

Ralph starts a journey through every generation of arcade games to prove he has what it takes to also be a hero.

The movie combines an old school and new-school feel, which absolutely rocked!

It is in complete 3-D animation, and favors an 80’s era arcade look and feel.

Everything was going good until a feisty misfit by the name of Vanellepe von Schweets, played by Sarah Silverman, unleashes a deadly enemy that threatens Ralph’s entire journey to reach his dream.

Will he succeed or will he crumble under pressure.

You must see it for yourself to find out the ending and why so many people fell in love with this movie that made over $150 million dollars thus far.

For Kean TV News Reviews, I’m SB.

WKNJ Nov21st Script

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 08:00:00 -0500

WKNJ Newscast

November 21st, 2012

Good afternoon, it’s Wednesday, November 21st, 2012 at _____________ o’clock and you’re listening to 90.3 WKNJ-FM, Union, New Jersey, and I’m _____________ with the news.

In Local News…

Some relief for Hurricane Sandy victims…

According to nj.com over 100,000 people are still recovering from the damages and devastation to Hurricane Sandy. Luckily, a decision was made yesterday afternoon in Trenton by he Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez to that victims may be able too receive a one-time stipend through the federal food stamps program. As long as certain requirements are met such as residency, asset limit requirements and income they may be eligible and contacted within 30 days. In the mail they will receive a debit card with enough money for the family. Applicants must live in the 16 counties affected by the storm as well as one of the 26 zip codes from those areas. Velez said “By providing D-SNAP in the counties that suffered the worst damage, we ensure that people who were struggling financially before the storm, and who now have these unexpected expenses, at least can buy food.”

TRENTON — An estimated 100,000 people who suffered substantial losses because of Hurricane Sandy may qualify for a one-time stipend through the federal food stamps program, Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez announced today.

County Boards of Social Services will accept applications for the “Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program” beginning Monday, Nov. 26 through seven business days, according to the announcement. If applicants meets the residency, income and asset limit requirements, they will be contacted within about 30 days to retrieve an electronic debit card containing a cash amount based on their family size.

Applicants must bring pay stubs and bank statements from Oct. 28th through Nov. 26th, as well as proof of residency, to the social service board in their home county or in the county they’ve been relocated to as a result of the storm. They must also show they have spent at least $100 because of the disaster during the same month. Receipts for restaurants, motels, home, car business repairs and clean up, gasoline for a generator, and replacement clothing and household items will be accepted.

Applicants must live in the 16 counties most affected by the storm: Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties. Burlington and Cumberland county residents may apply if they live in one of the following zip codes: 08224, 08010, 08016, 08515, 08075, 08511, 08562, 08068, 07081, 08088, 07676, 08046, 08562, 08323, 08320, 08311, 08345, 08321, 08315, 08349, 08348, 08324, 08314, 08327, 08329, 08316.

A person with income and assets not exceeding $2,268 for the month will get a $200 debit card to buy food at a grocery store. A family of two under the $2,965 limit would get $367; a family of three under the $3,416 limit would get a $526; a family of four under $4,034 limit would get $668, according to the announcement.

“Now that New Jerseyans have power restored and most are returned to their homes, the tally of costs associated with cleanup and rebuilding are mounting,” Velez said. “By providing D-SNAP in the counties that suffered the worst damage, we ensure that people who were struggling financially before the storm, and who now have these unexpected expenses, at least can buy food.”

Disaster SNAP is not for people who already receive food stamps, according to the announcement.

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As Black Friday approaches..

NJ.com reported yesterday that the New Jersey Transit No.126 bus route from Hoboken to Manhattan is going to be crowded as ever for this sale seeking holiday. Since the hurricane hit that bus line already tripled the number of passengers.

With the PATH train service still down in Hoboken the estimated 8.000 commuters have been relying on this bus

There will be extra staff dressed in yellow safety vest to assist customers that are traveling around to and from their destinations.

Port authority gave some important advice to these travelers and that is to arrive early, expect long waiting line and try to travel off peak hours.

HOBOKEN – With three times the normal number of passengers using the New Jersey Transit No. 126 bus line between Hoboken and Manhattan since Hurricane Sandy, officials expect the Thanksgiving holiday commuter crowd to be bigger than ever.

With the PATH train service from Hoboken down since Hurricane Sandy, there are an estimated 8,000 commuters using the bus line daily, three times the normal passenger volume on the No. 126 route, officials said.

The NJ Transit Bus 126 that runs between the Port Authority Bus Terminal and Hoboken will operate from Area X on the north side of 41st Street in Manhattan and will begin early getaway service at 1 p.m. Wednesday, officials said.

The Port Authority will deploy extra staff clad in yellow safety vests to assist customers traveling to and from their holiday destinations.

During the five-day holiday weekend, the Port Authority Bus Terminal will handle approximately 600,000 customers, officials said.

The Port Authority urges bus terminal travelers to adjust their travel times to off-peak hours, arrive early and expect long lines waiting to board buses. The authority is also is advising travelers to check departure and arrival times before heading to the Bus Terminal.

For the most up-to-date information, motorists may call the agency’s tunnels and bridges “Customer Connection” line at 800 221-9903 or visit the Port Authority webiste.

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In National News…

The spirit of thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts is kept alive…

According to the nytimes.com many residents of this town were giving thanks yesterday to the blue laws that prevent retail stores from opening up on Thursday, November 4th.

While most of the country will be out shopping, this town actually enjoy a full day celebrating Thanksgiving.

“Thanksgiving is supposed to be about giving thanks for all you have,” said Mr. Brewster, 47, who lives in the town and runs a computer repair business.

As we all know, many retailer are now opening pre Black Friday meaning Thanksgiving night such as Target, Sears, and Toys “R” Us to give out barain specials beginning at 8pm.

Massachusetts wont be the only one, Maine and Rhode Island’s stores will also be opening on a normal schedule friday.

PLYMOUTH, Mass. — Here in the birthplace of Thanksgiving, where the Pilgrims first gave thanks in 1621 for their harvest and their survival, some residents are giving thanks this year for something else: the Colonial-era blue laws that prevent retailers from opening their doors on the fourth Thursday of November.

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Charlie Mahoney for The New York Times

In Plymouth, Mass., the Thanksgiving parade was on Saturday.

While shoppers in the rest of the country will skip out on Thanksgiving to go to Walmart or Kmart or other big-box stores, William Wrestling Brewster, whose ancestors arrived on the Mayflower and participated in that first Thanksgiving, will limit his activities to enjoying a traditional meal here with his extended family at his parents’ house.

“Thanksgiving is supposed to be about giving thanks for all you have,” said Mr. Brewster, 47, who runs a computer repair business. “I cringe to think what society is doing to itself,” he said of the mercantile mania that threatens one of the least commercial holidays.

Some of the nation’s biggest retailers — Sears, Target and Toys “R” Us among them — announced this month that they would be moving up their predawn Black Friday door-buster sales to Thanksgiving Day or moving up their existing Thanksgiving sales even earlier on Thursday. Walmart, which has already been open on Thanksgiving for many years, is advancing its bargain specials to 8 p.m. Thursday from 10 p.m.

But in Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the stores will sit dark until the wee hours of Friday. Even Walmart will not open in Maine until just after midnight Friday or in Massachusetts or Rhode Island until 1 a.m.

New England’s blue laws were put down by early settlers to enforce proper behavior on Sundays. (The origin of the term is unclear. Some have said the laws were printed on blue paper, while others have said the word “blue” was meant to disparage those like the “blue noses” who imposed rigid moral codes on others.)

Over decades, many of those laws — which banned commerce, entertainment and the sale of alcohol, among other things — were tossed aside or ignored, or exemptions were granted. In some cases, the statutes were extended to holidays and barred retailers specifically from operating on Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Maine granted an exception to L. L. Bean, whose store in Freeport is open around the clock every day, including Christmas. When the blue laws, which had faded, were revived in the 1950s, the store in Freeport was already operating 24/7, said Carolyn Beem, a spokeswoman. She said that the store, which originally catered to hunters and fishermen who shopped at odd hours, was grandfathered in and allowed to stay open on the holidays.

Nationwide, a protest is developing against Thanksgiving Day sales. Workers at some stores have threatened to strike, saying the holiday openings were disrupting their family time. Online petitions have drawn hundreds of thousands of signatures protesting the move. The stores say that many of their workers have volunteered to work on the holiday, when they will get extra pay, and that consumers wanted to shop early. It is not yet clear what effect the protests might have.

At the same time, this corner of New England is serving as something of a bulwark against the forces of commercialism.

Even the Retailers Association of Massachusetts is treading gently on the notion of Thanksgiving sales.

“There hasn’t been any outcry from our members over the years pushing this,” said Bill Rennie, vice president of the association.

But, as Thanksgiving shopping becomes more common, he said, “it may be time to have a discussion about it.”

Blue laws seem anachronistic when people can shop anytime online, he said.

There is also the case of simple economics. These states are already at risk of losing sales to stores in New Hampshire, which has no sales tax. Now, Mr. Rennie pointed out, they could lose even more in the holiday bargain rush when stores in New Hampshire are open and stores here are closed.

Still, Barry Finegold, a Massachusetts state senator whose district abuts New Hampshire, said that so far, none of the retailers in his district had asked for a change in the law.

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California makes mariuana legal however bans wants to ban nudity…

According to Foxnews.com the lawmakers yesterday in San Francisco approved a proposal to ban public nakedness to a 6-5 vote by the Board of Supervisors. This means that exposing genitals will not be aloud in areas suh as sidewalks, public transit, and most public places.

Because many men in the predominantly gay Castro distract would always walk around with a lack of clothing it caused Supervisor Scott Wiener to introduce this measure after all the complaints he was receving.

“The Castro and San Francisco in general, is a place of freedom, expression and acceptance. But freedom, expression and acceptance does not mean anything goes under any circumstances,” Wiener said Tuesday. “Our public spaces are for everyone and as a result it’s appropriate to have some minimal standards of behavior.”

SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco lawmakers on Tuesday narrowly approved a proposal to ban public nakedness, rejecting arguments that the measure would eat away at a reputation for tolerance enjoyed by a city known for flouting convention and flaunting its counter-culture image.

The 6-5 Board of Supervisors vote means that exposed genitals will be prohibited in most public places, including streets, sidewalks and public transit.

Supervisor Scott Wiener introduced the measure in response to escalating complaints about a group of men whose lack of clothing was an almost daily occurrence in the city’s predominantly gay Castro District.

Weiner’s opponents on the board said a citywide ban would draw police officers’ attention away from more critical problems and eat away at city’s reputation for tolerance.

“I’m concerned about civil liberties, about free speech, about changing San Francisco’s style and how we are as a city,” Supervisor John Avalos said.

Under Weiner’s proposal, a first offense would carry a maximum penalty of a $100 fine, but prosecutors would have authority to charge a third violation as a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine and a year in jail.

Exemptions would be made for participants at permitted street fairs and parades, such as the city’s annual gay pride event and the Folsom Street Fair, which celebrates sadomasochism and other sexual subcultures.

A federal lawsuit claiming the ban would violate the free speech rights of people who prefer to make a statement by going au naturel was filed last week in case the ordinance passes

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Senior citizen kills two women before killing himself..

This occurred yesterday in Southern California in Torrance.

Authorities say that it was a double muder-suicide in the senior citizens high-rise.

In the lobby of the Gold West Tower apartments is where they believe the man shot the two women before shooting himself in the lobby.

The motive is unknown of the killer is unknown. Witnesses are being interviewed and trying to get footage from the scene.

TORRANCE, Calif. – Southern California authorities say three people have died in what appears to be a double murder-suicide at a senior citizens’ high-rise in Torrance.

Police Sgt. Robert Watt says an elderly man is believed to have fatally shot two women before turning the gun on himself in the lobby of the Golden West Tower apartments.

The shooting occurred shortly after noon Tuesday.

Watt says the victims haven’t been identified and the motive is unknown. One of the women is believed to have been an employee.

Witnesses are being interviewed, and police are trying to obtain surveillance footage.

According to the city of Torrance’s website, Golden West Towers is a 180-unit, privately owned and operated facility. The low- and moderate-income housing is for seniors who can live independently.

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In International News…

Greek policeman arrested after immigrant muggings..

According to foxnews.com a Greek policeman was arrested last night in Athens, Greece. Allegedly he was arrested on suspicion of robbing immigrants in the central part of Athens.

Another Greek man was arrested for suspicions of helping the policeman in his muggings.

This 31-year-old policeman was taken into custody yesterday after stealing about $1,200 after holding and Iranian man at gun point.

A home to thousands of immigrants from Africa and Asia is where the muggings took place in the Aghios Panteleimon district.

It is said to racial attacks.

ATHENS, Greece – A Greek policeman has been arrested on suspicion of carrying out a series of armed robberies against immigrants in a racially tense part of central Athens.

A police statement said the 31-year-old was taken into custody early Thursday, after allegedly stealing €1,000 ($1,275) at gunpoint from an Iranian man. A second Greek man was arrested on suspicion of aiding the policeman in the mugging.

The statement said the policeman is suspected of similar attacks on another two immigrants since September.

The muggings took place in the capital’s Aghios Panteleimon district, home to thousands of immigrants from Asia and Africa — many of whom entered Greece illegally. The crime-ridden area has become a flashpoint of recent racist attacks, with gangs of ultranationalists smashing immigrants’ shops and attacking dark-skinned people.

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Venezuela sees economic growth in the 3rd quarter..

According to foxnews.com Venezuelan officials report that there was a 5.2 percent growth as compared to the same period of last year.

Their Central Bank has credited more supplies of raw materials, imported goods, as well as spending on public housing.

When President Hugo Chavez was re-elected the government increased spending on housing.

"Stable, sustainable,“ were the words spoken by planning Minister Jorge Giordani after seeing the growth.

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuelan officials are reporting 5.2 percent economic growth for the third quarter as compared to the same period last year.

Venezuela’s Central Bank credited more supplies of imported goods and raw materials, as well as government spending on public housing projects.

The government’s increased spending on housing came ahead of the Oct. 7 election, when President Hugo Chavez was re-elected to another six-year term.

The quarterly economic results announced Tuesday showed Venezuela’s economy growing for an eighth consecutive quarter. Planning Minister Jorge Giordani said the results show Venezuela’s growth is, in his words, "stable, sustainable.”

The economy expanded at a quicker rate than last year’s third quarter, when growth stood at 4.4 percent.

More news, sports, and weather coming up………

(play PSA #1 here.)

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In Sports…

Seattle’s Winston Guy is suspended..

According to foxnews.com their safety has been suspended for 4 games. This includes no pay due to violating the NFL’s policy on “performance-enhancing substances,” better known as steroids.

The league announced this decision last night and it will be in place immediately. He has to wait unto December 17th to rejoin the Seattle’s active roster.

RENTON, Wash. – Seattle Seahawks rookie safety Winston Guy has been suspended for four games without pay for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

The league announced the suspension Tuesday. He will begin the suspension immediately and will be eligible to rejoin Seattle’s active roster Dec. 17.

Guy’s agent, Greg Linton, says the positive test was the result of an ingredient found in an over-the-counter supplement that his client took. He says Guy has no intentions of appealing his suspension and called it an innocent mistake.

Guy, a sixth-round pick out of Kentucky, has been active for only two of 10 games this season.

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Medlock waived, and Panthers add K Gano..

In Charolette, NC the Carolina Panthers signed Graham Gano, a new kicker, and waived kicker Justin Medlock.

In the 10 games for the Panthers this season, Medlock made 7-10 field goal attempts.

While playing for the Washington Redskins from 2009-11 Gano converted 59-of-80 field goal attempts.

Charlotte, NC – The Carolina Panthers have signed kicker Graham Gano and waived kicker Justin Medlock.

Medlock made 7-of-10 field goal attempts in 10 games for the Panthers this season.

Gano played for the Washington Redskins from 2009-11, converting 59-of-80 field goal attempts with a long of 59 yards.

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Your WKNJ hourly weather update …

Right now on the campus of Kean University, it is partly cloudy 44 degrees with highs going up 52. Low 37.

Tune in later for meteorology reports on 90.3 FM.

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In Entertainment…

A grenade was brought on a plane by frontman from Flaming Lips..

Wayne Coyne carried a grenade on a plain inside his carry-on luggage, that instantly caused mayhem to all the travelers.

Even though the weapon wasn’t live, the treat was what concerned authorities that lead to the shut down of the terminal at Oklahoma’s Will Rogers airport.

He later went to Twitter and apologized emphatically saying, “Sorry Sorry Sorry!! Everyone that was inconvenienced because of my grenade at OKC airport!!“

For everyone traveling remember to stay safe and most importantly aware of your surroundings.

As some holiday travelers were dutifully stripping off their socks and ditching their $5 water bottles at security, at least one passenger was—shall we say—a little less concerned with TSA regulations.

Specifically, Flaming Lips’ lead singer Wayne Coyne brought a grenade on board a plane in his carry-on luggage and caused complete travel mayhem. Let us repeat: He packed a grenade in a carry-on.

Turns out the weapon wasn’t live, according to the police report, but the threat concerned authorities enough to shut down a terminal at Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers airport while they scrambled to make heads or tails of the situation and keep the crowd safe.

Remember the feud between the Flaming Lips and Erykah Badu?

For all the commotion he caused, Coyne did seem repentent. He took to Twitter to apologize emphatically: "Sorry Sorry Sorry!! Everyone that was inconvenienced because of my grenade at OKC airport!!” complete with a photo of himself flashing a peace sign.

If only Bruno Mars had been on hand to catch any potential grenades (for ya…), public safety may never have been threatened.

Enjoy your seamless Thanksgiving travel, everyone!

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That’s it for your news. You’re listening to 90.3 WKNJ-FM, Union, New Jersey. I’m _____________________ and we’ll be right back after this.

(Play PSA #2 here.)

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WKNJ Nov20th Script

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 10:55:00 -0500

WKNJ Newscast

November 20th, 2012

Good afternoon, it’s Tuesday, November 20th, 2012 at _____________ o’clock and you’re listening to 90.3 WKNJ-FM, Union, New Jersey, and I’m _____________ with the news.

In Local News…

Fatal shooting in Newark…

Two people were left dead after a fatal shooting, then a fatal ambulance crash, following a collision between police officers yesterday afternoon on South Orange Avenue in Newark NJ according to NJ.com. The first crash had nothing to do with the police collision that happened shortly after while the officers were heading to the scene of a shooting. This started around 11:00 am when a Chrysler Pacifica crashed into an ambulance which sparked a chain reaction car wreck involving a food truck and a county transportation bus. This crash killed 30-year-old Keith Chipepo, Montclair resident. Last night charges of aggravated manslaughter were announced for the driver of the Chrysler, James A. Sterling, 29. Shortly after the car incident Joel Evans, 31, from Newark was shot. Then five minutes after that two Newark police cruisers crashed into each other. Authorities are asking anyone with information from the fatal accidents please call 1-877-847-7432.

Cited Soure:

A fatal ambulance crash, a fatal shooting and then a collision between police cruisers left two people dead and six injured during a chaotic 45 minutes in Newark’s West Ward this morning.

Although the first crash was unrelated to the other incidents, the police car collision involved officers heading to the scene of the shooting.

The mayhem began around 11 a.m. when a Chrysler Pacifica crashed into an ambulance at South Orange Avenue and South 9th Street, sparking a chain-reaction car wreck that also involved a food truck and a county transportation bus, according to Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray.

The crash killed 30-year-old Montclair resident Keith Chipepo, an employee of the private ambulance company, and left three others suffering from non-life threatening injuries, officials said.

Murray said the circumstances of the crash were under investigation but declined to comment further. State Troopers were apparently searching for the Chrysler Pacifica involved in the incident, according to Attorney General’s Office spokesman Paul Loriquet, who said his agency is reviewing the State Police’s involvement in the wreck.

The carnage from the collision was still evident on South Orange Avenue early Monday afternoon, as dozens of police surrounded the wrecked ambulance. The vehicle lay on its side in the middle of the roadway, while the food truck sat at the base of a lamppost where it had spun to after the crash.

Jerry McCrea/The Star-LedgerPolice investigators examine a coat left on the ground as they work the scene following a shooting incident on South 19th St near Springfield Avenue in Newark. 11/19/2012 (Jerry McCrea/ The Star-Ledger)Newark Police investigagte shooting on South 19th St. gallery (5 photos)

Aggravated manslaughter charges were announced Monday night against the driver of the Chrysler, James A. Sterling, 29, of Elizabeth, officials said. He faces charges of eluding, aggravated assault and driving with a suspended license and causing death and bodily injury, they said. When released from hospitalization, he will be held on $300,000 bail, officials said.

Less than 30 minutes after the wreck that killed Chipepo, Newark resident Joel Evans, 31, was shot and killed near the corner of Springfield Avenue and South 19th Street, officials said.

City Police Director Samuel DeMaio described the incident as a “targeted shooting,” but did not explain a motive for the killing.

Five minutes after that, DeMaio said, two Newark police cruisers crashed near the intersection of 15th Avenue and South 7th Street, injuring three officers who were heading to the scene of Evans’ death. The officers suffered non-life threatening injuries, according to DeMaio, who said one of the officers involved in the crash was Capt. Steven Yablonsky — the captain of the precinct that patrols most of the West Ward.

“Officers were out there doing what they’re supposed to do, responding for calls for help from citizens,” said James Stewart Jr., president of Newark’s Fraternal Order of Police. “Unfortunately this is one of the dangers they face every day.”

The attack continued a bloody 72 hours in the state’s largest city. Evans was the third person killed in as many days in Newark, and three other people were wounded by gunfire in the city Sunday night.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about today’s shooting to call the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-847-7432.

Staff writer Tomas Dinges contributed to this report.

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On the brighter side of things..

NJ.com reported last night that the state Motor Vehicle Commission launched an emergency next-of-kin registry which allows enforcement to quickly track down loved ones of car crash victims who are unable to communicate.

Colorado, Florida, Delaware, Illinois, and Indiana were the first and now New Jersey is added to the list.

“Sara’s Law” was put in place a year ago after Sara Elizabeth Dubinin of Sayreville was unresponsive after her car crash and went into a coma before her parents were even notified.

The registry allows anyone to put in their drivers license number or state ID and enter up to two emergency contacts and phone numbers that they can be contacted at.

Cited Source:

An emergency next-of-kin registry has been launched by the state Motor Vehicle Commission to help law enforcement quickly track down family members of car crash victims who are unable to communicate.

New Jersey joins a half-dozen other states with similar registries, including Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.

“Sara’s Law” was signed last year in memory of 19-year-old Sara Elizabeth Dubinin of Sayreville, who was unresponsive following a crash in September 2007, then lapsed into a coma before her parents could be notified.

The registry is an online resource that gives people with either a driver’s license or ID card the opportunity to enter up to two emergency contacts and phone numbers into a protected database.

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In National News…

Immigrants of Massachusetts have hope..

According to nytimes.com so many of the illegal immigrants living Massachusetts can now qualify for in-state tuition rates at their state colleges. This policy was passed last night by Governor Deval Patrick. This policy builds on the Obama administration policy that passed in June. That policy stated that the federal government will not deport young children immigrants that have been brought to the US or kept here illegally.

Only a select few of immigrants are enrolled in in-state colleges there and would benefit from this if they only knew. Nytimes.com reported that the state’s flagship college, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, charges state residents $13,230 in tuition and fees; students from outside the state pay more than twice as much, $26,645.

The number of individuals who applied for far world wide is only 300,000 while over a million may be able to qualify.

Many immigrants were scared about this policy because Romney said he would overturn this decision if he was elected into presidency. Now they have a chance.

Cited Source:

Immigrants to Pay Tuition at Rate Set for Residents

By RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑA

Published: November 19, 2012

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Thousands of illegal immigrants living in Massachusetts can qualify for state resident tuition rates at state colleges, under a policy laid out on Monday by Gov. Deval Patrick — another shift in the fast-changing mosaic of states’ policies toward that population.

The shift builds on the Obama administration policy, adopted in June, that the federal government will not seek to deport most young immigrants who, as children, were either brought to the United States illegally or kept here illegally. The Massachusetts policy applies to that same group.

Officials say there are very few illegal immigrants currently enrolled who might benefit from the in-state tuition discount; the much larger effect will be in encouraging others to enroll. They estimate that Massachusetts has 15,000 to 17,000 residents in the age group affected by the change in the deportation policy; they would not guess how many might take advantage of new state and federal rules.

“Our experience has been that the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition is a prohibitive barrier,” said Paul Reville, the state’s secretary of education. The state’s flagship college, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, charges state residents $13,230 in tuition and fees; students from outside the state pay more than twice as much, $26,645.

“Some states are playing real hardball on college tuition and other benefits, while others are moving toward accommodation, and it’s changing all the time,” said Michael A. Olivas, a University of Houston law professor who tracks the issue around the country.

By his count, 12 states have laws allowing illegal immigrants to claim state residency and pay in-state tuition; this month, Maryland became the first to adopt such a law by popular vote. The others are California, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.

He lists six other states — Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio and South Carolina — that have adopted laws explicitly barring illegal immigrants from qualifying for in-state tuition. A law enacted in Alabama in 2011 prohibits such people from attending state colleges at all, but it faces legal challenges.

Many other states do not have laws on the books to address the question but rely on a range of policies that are also in flux. In August, a New Jersey appellate court struck down a state practice that prevented an American citizen from claiming residency and in-state tuition because her mother was an illegal immigrant.

Some states charge illegal residents the lower rate but do not allow them to qualify for state financial aid; California is scheduled to begin providing them financial aid on Jan. 1.

And the battles over states’ treatment of illegal immigrants extends beyond college, to questions like granting driver’s licenses or inquiring about immigration status in routine police matters.

The Obama administration policy applies to anyone who arrived in the United States before turning 16, has lived here for at least five years, is under the age of 31, has no serious criminal record, and either is in school, has a high school diploma or equivalent, or has been honorably discharged from the armed services.

Young people can apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services agency for formal recognition under the policy, which automatically qualifies them for a work permit.

The number of people who qualify may be over one million, but about 300,000 have applied so far to be formally recognized by the federal government. Advocates say that many immigrants did not want to step forward until after the election, because Mitt Romney had said he would overturn the policy if elected president. When he was governor of Massachusetts, Mr. Romney vetoed a bill that would have granted in-state tuition to illegal immigrants. Since then, such bills have stalled in the legislature, despite urging from Mr. Patrick.

The governor’s action on Monday is more clarification than new policy. Since 2008, the state has recognized an immigrant’s federal work permit as evidence of state residency, qualifying students for lower tuition.

Officials said that in the wake of the new federal rules, there were questions about whether the state would treat the newly granted work permits the same way. On Monday, the governor informed the state higher education system that it would.

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With Black Friday approaching..

Walmart files legal complaint against protests ahead of Black Friday.

Walmart will be filing an unfair labor practice over protests at its stores across the country. Including, rallies planned for Black friday. Which we all know is considered the biggest shopping day of every year.

Walmart filed a complaint against the United Food and Commcerical Workers International Union. It stated that they have unlawfully disrupted business by staging protests at the warehouses and stores all over the country for the past 6 months.

This company has over 1.4 million US workers who are asking the National Labor Relations Board for an injunctions against pickets and rallies.

In a statement to FoxNews.com, Wal-Mart spokesman Dan Fogleman characterized the movement as “another exaggerated publicity campaign aimed at generating headlines to mislead” customers and employees.

Cited Source:

Wal-Mart is taking legal action against its organized labor opponents, filing an unfair labor practice charge over widespread protests at its stores across the country — as well as rallies planned for Black Friday, considered the biggest shopping day of the year.

The company filed a complaint on Friday against the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, claiming the labor union — one of the nation’s largest — has unlawfully disrupted business by staging protests at Wal-Mart’s stores and warehouses around the country over the past six months.

The retail giant, which has roughly 1.3 million U.S. workers, is asking the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for an injunction against the rallies and pickets — even flash mobs — that have sprung up at stores nationwide, according to the Wall Street Journal.

“We are taking this action now because we cannot allow the UFCW to continue to intentionally seek to create an environment that could directly and adversely impact our customers and associates,” Wal-Mart spokesman David Tovar said in a statement obtained by Reuters. “If they do, they will be held accountable.”

NLRB spokeswoman Nancy Cleeland said federal officials will decide quickly whether the complaint has merit and noted that, by statute, the agency must make a charge of illegal picketing a priority before all other cases.

The agency, she said, just decided two main issues: whether workers are picketing and if so, whether the picketing intended to unionize workers.

“This is a complicated case,” Cleeland told The Associated Press, adding that if the labor board decides Wal-Mart’s complaint has merit, the matter would then go to district court.

Wal-Mart workers protesting their employer complain of low wages, poor working conditions and inadequate health benefits, among other grievances. “Making Change," A Facebook page devoted to the protests, had more than 29,000 followers as of Monday afternoon.

Wal-Mart employees began walking off the job last week week ahead of Black Friday, when three union-backed groups expect thousands of protests nationwide.

"Wal-Mart is doing everything in its power to attempt to silence our voice,” said Colby Harris, who works at a Wal-Mart store in Lancaster, Texas. “But nothing — not even this baseless unfair labor practice charge — will stop us from speaking out.”

In October, a strike at a Wal-Mart store in Los Angeles spread to stores in 12 other cities, with local and national leaders holding protests at more than 200 stores for better pay, fairer schedules and more affordable health care. Since that time, workers have since walked off the job in Dallas and Richmond, Calif., and other upcoming strikes and protests are expected at stores in Chicago, Miami, Milwaukee and Washington, D.C.

Charlene Fletcher, who works with her husband, William, at a Wal-Mart in Duarte, Calif., became enraged when she learned that both were scheduled to work on Thanksgiving, missing the holiday with their children, ages 2 and 5.

“It’s heartbreaking to miss the holiday with them, and it’s just one more way that Wal-Mart is showing its disregard for our families,” Fletcher said in a statement. “But when our co-workers speak out about problems like these, Wal-Mart turns their schedules upside down, cuts their hours and even fires people. We’re going on strike for an end to Wal-Mart’s attempts to silence its workers.”

Three groups — Making Change at Walmart, OUR Walmart and watchdog group Corporate Action Network — are now calling on the nation’s largest employer to end what they claim are retaliatory tactics against employees who seek out better working conditions.

“We have a great group of associates at Wal-Mart,” Fogleman said. “We’ll have more than one million associates working throughout the holiday weekend, and they’re excited about our Black Friday plans this year. This is the Super Bowl for retailers, and we’re ready.

"We’ve been working on our Black Friday plans for almost a year now and we’re prepared to have a great event. Our associates care about providing a great customer experience on Black Friday, and we’re confident that’s what customers will have at Wal-Mart this year.”

Some of the nation’s other large retailers, meanwhile, have announced earlier hours on Thanksgiving to capitalize on the shopping-heavy holiday weekend.

Like Wal-Mart, Sears will open at 8 p.m. Thursday, while Target will open at 9 p.m. That’s two hours earlier than last year for Wal-Mart and three hours earlier for Target. Sears was closed last Thanksgiving, the Arizona Republic reports.

“I won’t participate in Greed Thursday’s openings,” Donna Forry posted on AZCentral.com's Facebook page. “Keep it Black Friday.”

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Poisoned Alabama University trees damaged by fire..

According to foxnews.com Landmark oak trees in Auburn, Alabama located on the Alabama University Campus barely survived after being poisoned and then damaged by flames.

Authorities hope that the University’s campus will show source of the fire that first occurred Sunday morning after toilet paper was draped on the trees by football players after they defeated Alabama A&M.

Allegedly the trees were poisoned by a University of Alabama fan in fit due to a football rivalry two years ago.

Cited Source:

UBURN, Ala. – Landmark oak trees at an Alabama university that barely survived being poisoned have been further damaged by flames.

Authorities are hoping a video trained on the trees at the edge of Auburn University’s campus will show the source of the blaze Sunday morning that consumed toilet paper draped by jubilant football fans after the school’s team defeated Alabama A&M.

The Opelika-Auburn News quotes (http://bit.ly/UbuMne ) university officials as saying that both trees at Toomer’s Corner were significantly damaged.

The trees were poisoned two years ago, allegedly by a University of Alabama fan in a fit of football rivalry.

Once full and lush, the trees are now gnarly and brown. Officials pruned branches before football season, but fans are still allowed to drape toilet paper on the remaining wood after victories.

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In International News…

French opposition leader causes tension..

In Paris there was vote to choose the next leader of France’s opposition party which is being brought up on angry charges of electoral fraud last night according to nytimes.com.

The Union for a Popular Movement had a tough choice between Francois Fillon, prime minister under President Nicolas Sarkozy, and Jean Francois Cope, a gentleman 10 years younger than Mr.Fillon. There were over 300,000 that were entitled to vote at over 640 different polling places.

The closeness of the race will not help the party find a clear direction being that both men claimed victory. We will have to stay turned to see how this story continues..

Cited Source:

Vote for French Opposition Leader Raises Tensions

By STEVEN ERLANGER and NICOLA CLARK

Published: November 19, 2012

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PARIS — A vote to choose the next leader of France’s center-right opposition party was considered too close to call early Monday morning, and there were angry charges of electoral fraud.

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Benoit Tessier/Reuters

Jean-François Copé, 48, generally shares Mr. Fillon’s views on economic policy and Europe. But as a legislator and mayor of Meaux, northeast of Paris, he has been decidedly more provocative in his statements.

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Kenzo Tribouillard/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

François Fillon, 58, is a traditional conservative who, as prime minister, managed to remain personally popular even as his hyperactive boss sank in opinion polls.

The party, the Union for a Popular Movement, faced a choice between two men of very different styles:François Fillon, the elegant prime minister under President Nicolas Sarkozy, who was defeated for re-election six months ago, and Jean-François Copé, a firebrand 10 years younger than Mr. Fillon who is the acting party leader. Some 300,000 party members were entitled to vote in 650 different polling places, and partial results late on Sunday showed Mr. Copé with a narrow lead.

Both men claimed victory, and the closeness of the result will not help the party find a clear direction.

Mr. Sarkozy’s defeat badly bruised the party, known as the U.M.P. for its initials in French, and it was followed by defeat in legislative elections in June. Now, much like the Republican Party in the United States, the U.M.P. faces difficult choices as it tries to redefine itself and work through a crisis of identity.

Its one advantage now is that the Socialist government of François Hollande, who replaced Mr. Sarkozy, is already declining in popularity as it struggles to rein in the nation’s budget deficit and avert a recession.

In essence, the U.M.P. must decide whether it will remain the political heir to the party founded by Charles de Gaulle after World War II, or will move to the right in the face of a challenge from the far-right National Front.

Mr. Fillon, 58, is a traditional conservative who, as prime minister, managed to remain personally popular even as his hyperactive boss sank in opinion polls. Quiet and urbane, and a touch dull, he has tried to steer the party toward the center, hoping to attract voters who opted to support Mr. Hollande for president but who are already growing disillusioned with his performance.

Mr. Copé, 48, generally shares Mr. Fillon’s views on economic policy and Europe. But as a legislator and mayor of Meaux, northeast of Paris, he has been decidedly more provocative in his statements. He has also been unabashed in his efforts to woo voters from the National Front, whose strong showing at the polls this year split the conservative vote, sealing Mr. Sarkozy’s fate as the country’s first one-term president in three decades.

Mr. Copé describes himself as a “nonpracticing Jew” whose mother was born in Algeria and whose paternal grandfather immigrated from Romania. Some see him as a man in the Sarkozy mold, supporting the former president’s tough policies on immigration and the role of Islam in French society. But critics call him “Sarkozy lite.”

During the campaign, Mr. Copé — a driving force behind a 2011 law that banned the wearing of the burqa, or full veil, in public — adopted a more divisive tone, focusing on themes like stricter immigration laws and the reinforcement of France’s secularism, as a not-so-subtle response to fears of radical Islam.

Last month, in “A Manifesto for an Uninhibited Right,” Mr. Copé wrote that the suburbs of France’s biggest cities had become bastions of “anti-white racism,” a term much discussed and mocked in the French news media. He later used his Twitter account to relay an anecdote about a child who had been robbed of a chocolate pastry by “thugs” who were said to be enforcing the Ramadan fast. The remarks prompted outrage on the left and produced cringing among some U.M.P. members.

“All these little phrases are toxic and dangerous,” said François Baroin, a former Sarkozy finance minister and a supporter of Mr. Fillon. Benoist Apparu, a former junior minister, concurred. “Such positions weaken our political family,” he said.

Others disagreed.

“He speaks the truth about these things that others are afraid to say,” said Nadine Morano, a former minister close to Mr. Sarkozy who backed Mr. Copé. His frankness is especially appealing to “exasperated” young conservatives, she said. “They are very attached to the language of the truth.”

For Marine Le Pen, the leader of the National Front, Mr. Copé’s strategy was an admission that party leaders are out of touch. “The U.M.P. rank and file feels much closer to our positions than to those of the U.M.P. leadership,” she said in a radio interview. “Mr. Copé is chasing after his base.”

This election will give analysts “a sense of the balance of power,” said Bruno Cautrès, a public opinion specialist at the Center for Political Research at the Institut d’Études Politiques, or Sciences Po. “It will determine their electoral strategy — not only for 2017, but for interim elections in 2014.”

After losing the presidency and both houses of the legislature in June, the party is now focusing on local and municipal elections scheduled in just over a year’s time. Local government is dominated by the left now, but with Mr. Hollande’s government struggling, analysts suggested that the right could make real gains.

Regardless of who becomes the leader of the party, the U.M.P. is likely to continue its delicate dance with far-right voters while avoiding any outright alliance with the National Front. “Marine Le Pen is young; she’s only 43 years old,” Mr. Cautrès said. “The French right will have to deal with her for some time.”

Both Mr. Fillon and Mr. Copé reject any partnership with the National Front, a move that would be considered politically suicidal.

The U.M.P. is already displaying some nostalgia for Mr. Sarkozy, 57. After a summer spent on the beaches of Morocco and southern France, he began a series of public appearances that seemed choreographed to keep him in the picture for the presidential race in 2017.

The French news media has seemed only happy to oblige him: “Yoo-hoo! I’m back!” was the headline on a recent cover of the magazine Le Point, over a photo of Mr. Sarkozy.

“Like any president who has been beaten — especially after only one term, and so narrowly — he dreams of revenge,” Mr. Cautrès said. “Officially, he makes it seem like he has turned the page, that he lives another life. But that is a complete fantasy.”

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Unfortunately..

According to the nytimes.com, yesterday afternoon a Chinese poet was sentenced for 12 years in southwestern China for contract fraud. Li Bifeng, the poet, was formerly arrested for five years because of his involvement in the Tiananmen Sqaure democracy movement, says his lawyer Zhao Jianwei.

Bifeng was caught up in a case involving a sales agreement that had to do with selling apartments.

Cited Source:

China: Dissident Poet Jailed for 12 Years

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: November 19, 2012

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A dissident Chinese poet was sentenced Monday by a court in southwestern China to 12 years in prison for contract fraud, his lawyer said. The poet, Li Bifeng, who was formerly imprisoned for five years for his involvement in the Tiananmen Square democracy movement, was sentenced in Sichuan Province, said his lawyer, Zhao Jianwei. Mr. Li’s wife, Zhan Xia, said the case was related to a sales agreement that her husband had signed with a company to help sell some apartments but that the charges against him were “groundless.” A friend of Mr. Li’s, the exiled dissident Liao Yiwu, said Mr. Li, 48, was singled out because he was suspected of financing Mr. Liao’s escape from China last year. Mr. Liao said those suspicions were false.

More news, sports, and weather coming up………

(play PSA #1 here.)

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In Sports…

Colin Kaepernick made all the right throws..

Kaepernick is a fill-in who made all the right throws last night according to msn.fox.sports.com.

He passed over 240 years and two touchdowns. This is his first career start in place of Alex Smith who is an injured San Francisco 49er.

The San Francisco 49ers beat the Chicago Bears 32-7 Monday night .

“It’s everything I could’ve ever wished for,” Kaepernick said. “It feels great just to be out there.”

Cited Source:

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)

As Alex Smith stood on the sideline with a concussion, San Francisco’s potential quarterback of the future went to work — and fast.

WEEK 11 SCOREBOARD

Strong-armed fill-in Colin Kaepernick made all the right throws, looking every bit a capable NFL No. 1.

Kaepernick passed for 243 yards and two touchdowns in his first career start in place of the injured Smith, and the49ers whipped the Chicago Bears 32-7 on Monday night in a highly touted NFC showdown that hardly lived up to the hype.

“It’s everything I could’ve ever wished for,” Kaepernick said. “It feels great just to be out there.”

Kaepernick threw touchdown passes to Vernon Davis andMichael Crabtree, and Kendall Hunter ran for a 14-yard score as San Francisco (7-2-1) jumped out to a big lead by scoring on each of its first four possessions - withAldon Smith wreaking havoc on the other side of the ball with 5 ½ sacks.

Jason Campbell, the other quarterback in this matchup of backups for division leaders, threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Marshall in the third quarter but was sacked five times and threw two interceptions in his first start since October 2011 for Oakland.

He faced fierce pressure all night, on the field for the Bears (7-3) as starter Jay Cutler recovers from a concussion suffered eight days earlier — just like Alex Smith.

After Kaepernick’s stellar night on the big stage, there’s certain to be chatter of a quarterback controversy for the NFC West-leading Niners. And anyone who knows coach Jim Harbaugh knows he’s all about competition - at every spot on the field.

START THE FIRE

A cold night in Buffalo won’t keepNFL Week 11 from having blazing action. Check out the best photos.

“I usually tend to go with the hot hand, and we’ve got two quarterbacks with hot hands,” he said. “We’ll make that decision when we have to make it.”

Aldon Smith took over the NFL sacks lead with 15, passing Denver’s Von Miller with 13, and recorded the second-best total in franchise history behind Fred Dean’s six-sack day on Nov. 13, 1983, against New Orleans. Tarell Brown andDashon Goldson each had an interception for San Francisco’s stingy defense, which shut down Campbell,Matt Forte and Co. three years after the teams last met in a 10-6 49ers home win.

“I have a thing for night games; I love playing at night,” Smith said. “I love playing under the lights.”

Kaepernick, Aldon Smith and Hunter sure made general manager Trent Baalke look good for his selections from the 2011 draft class.

And reigning NFL Coach of the Year Harbaugh earned a key victory four days after his own health issue. The 48-year-old Harbaugh underwent a minor procedure for an irregular heartbeat Thursday.

The 49ers added a safety in the fourth quarter after a replay review. With 9:24 left, former San Francisco offensive lineman Chilo Rachal was called for intentional grounding out of the end zone, but Harbaugh challenged and the review showed Rachal’s knee was down in the end zone before the ball left.

“Tonight was probably the worst nightmare. We just have to find a way,” Campbell said. “It’s one game that we lost. We have to pick it back up next week and try to get back on the winning side. Our goals and everything still sit ahead of us.”

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The soft-spoken, stone-faced Kaepernick went 16 for 23 with a 133.1 passer rating. He completed 12 of his first 14 passes with a 57-yard strike to Kyle Williams that set up Davis’ 3-yard TD on the next play, and he already had amassed 126 yards passing by the end of the first quarter.

The 49ers led 17-0 on Hunter’s early TD run in the second, quickly topping the 14.8 points the Bears were allowing per game.

Kaepernick threw for 184 yards in the first half alone — an impressive outing for the second-year pro selected in the second round out of Nevada.

“After the first drive I felt really comfortable with what they were doing and what we had in our game plan,” he said. “I really wasn’t too nervous. I’ve had a lot of time in this offense. My teammates were really supportive.”

Frank Gore ran for 78 yards and David Akers kicked field goals of 32, 37 and 32 yards for the 49ers, eager to defend their home field a week after settling for a frustrating 24-24 tie against the division rival St. Louis Rams.

They outgained Chicago 249-35 in a lopsided first half.

Davis got his prime-time moment just how he loves it. Eager to get more involved in the offense down the stretch this season, the tight end had a team-best six catches for 83 yards.

WHO SETS THE CURVE?

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“It felt like somebody took the handcuffs off,” Davis said. “It sends out a message we’re for real and we’ll step up in big games.”

Campbell was slow to get up after a hit by Ahmad Brookswith 6:06 left in the third quarter, not an encouraging sign as third-string QB Josh McCown started loosening up.

Chicago dropped into a first-place tie in the NFC North with Green Bay, which owns the tiebreaker after beating the Bears in Week 2. The Bears have lost two straight following a six-game winning streak.

Things were much less stressful on the opposite sideline, where Kaepernick chatted between series with Alex Smith, who was out of uniform and dressed in red 49ers jacket on a crisp, windy fall evening at sold-out Candlestick Park.

Smith, the 2005 No. 1 overall draft pick, was ruled out earlier Monday after being evaluated by team medical director Dr. Dan Garza.

Kaepernick completed an 8-yard pass to Mario Manningham on the first snap and hit Davis twice for 34 yards during the opening drive. But he overthrew Davis in the back of the end zone on third down and Akers kicked his first field goal.

Campbell had little chance as his offensive line was overmatched all night, spoiling his first start since last October and before a broken collarbone derailed his 2011 season and forced him to miss the final 10 games.

LET’S GET NUTS!

NFL fans are a special breed, and they bring their own brand of craziness on game day.

Forte was limited to 63 yards on 21 carries — not much better than his 41-yard day on 20 carries in the loss here in 2009, when Cutler threw five interceptions.

“We all let the team down at one point or another in the ballgame,” Marshall said. “We’re just taking turns.”

San Francisco featured the opportunistic, ball-hawking defense this time after the Bears came in with an NFL-leading 30 takeaways and 19 interceptions.

“Coming in I think there may have been some questions about who may have been the better defense,” Aldon Smith said. “We came out and proved a point tonight.”

NOTES: The 49ers won their fourth straight Monday Night Football game, fifth in six and seventh of 10. … San Francisco’s 43 Monday Night Football victories match the Dallas Cowboys for the most. … Bears WR Alshon Jeffery left with a knee injury in the second half.

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Pat Gronkowski has surgery..

The New England Patriots tight end will definitely be sidelined for a while, up to four or six weeks due to surgery on a broken left arm according to msn.foxsports.com.

He had been hurt while blocking the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday from an extra point late in the Partiots 59-24 win over.

Bill Belichick, Patriots coach, has no current update of this player’s condition.

Asked during an early afternoon conference call if Gronkowski had undergone surgery, Belichick said, “I really haven’t met with our doctors and trainers yet today. I do that at the end of the day. I don’t have any updates.

’‘Whatever the injury information is, we’ll release it in a timely fashion, when we’re required by the league, just like we always do.”

Cited Source:

FOXBOROUGH, MASS. (AP)

No more end-zone spikes from Rob Gronkowski for a while.

PAIN TRAIN

Injuries are a part of football, but these players have been hit particularly hard.

A person familiar with the process said Monday the New England Patriots tight end expects to be sidelined for four to six weeks after having surgery for a broken left forearm. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because there was no official announcement.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick gave no update on the high-scoring, free-spirited tight end, who appeared to be hurt while blocking on an extra point late in the Patriots’ 59-24 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

’'Whatever the injury information is, we’ll release it in a timely fashion, when we’re required by the league, just like we always do.”

The Patriots gave no estimate of how long Gronkowski, who hasn’t missed a game in his three NFL seasons, might be sidelined. But they have to make a quick adjustment with only three days to prepare for Thursday night’s game at the New York Jets.

The Patriots (7-3) lead the other three AFC East teams, including the Jets, by three games.

Gronkowski caught seven passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns against the Colts, becoming the first tight end in NFL history with at least 10 touchdowns in three consecutive seasons. He has 53 catches for 748 yards this season.

NOW WHAT?

With Rob Gronkowski out with an injury, how will that affect the Patriots offense?

After his first touchdown on a 4-yard pass midway through the first quarter Sunday, he spiked the ball, causing a nearby official to throw his hands in front of his body for protection. And after the first of his two touchdowns on Oct. 28 in a 45-7 win over the St. Louis Rams in London, Gronkowski did a high-stepping strut to mimic a local tourist attraction then spiked the ball.

“That was a 'Palace Guard,”’ he joked after the game.

On Sunday, he went to the locker room with team physician Dr. Thomas Gill with 3:55 left in the fourth quarter after blocking on an extra point that increased the victory margin to 35 points.

Gronkowski has played with a hip injury this season and was listed as questionable on the injury report for each of the past seven games. But Belichick voiced no second thoughts of continuing to have him block on kicks.

“I don’t think there are any quicker ways to lose a game than getting a kick blocked and run back for a touchdown,” he said. “Whoever does it, it’s a very important job in the game.”

The extra point on which Gronkowski was hurt followed the final touchdown, a 4-yard run by Shane Vereen. After the kick, and while most of his teammates were gathering near placekicker Stephen Gostkowski to congratulate each other, Gronkowski walked straight to the sideline with his left arm hanging by his side.

On the play, Gronkowski had lined up on the far right of the tight formation. Cornerback Marshay Green charged toward a narrow gap to Gronkowski’s left. Gronkowski raised his left arm, bent at the elbow. The arm bent back as it contacted Green’s left side. Gronkowski’s right arm did not touch anyone.

START THE FIRE

A cold night in Buffalo won’t keepNFL Week 11 from having blazing action. Check out the best photos.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said Monday morning that he had known about the injury but did not know its extent.

“It’s part of this game,” he said on his weekly appearance on WEEI radio. “He’s got to do his best to get back as soon as possible, and we’ve got to go out there and win some games without him.”

Gronkowski had 10 touchdown catches as a rookie in 2010, then set NFL records for tight ends last year with 17 touchdowns and 1,327 yards receiving. He caught 90 passes. But he sprained his left ankle in the AFC title game and was a nonfactor in the Super Bowl, which New England lost 21-17 to the New York Giants.

The Patriots’ other first-string tight end, Aaron Hernandez, has missed the past three games, and a total of six this season, after he sprained his right ankle in Week 2. He has 17 catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns in four games.

“We’ll see,” Hernandez said Monday when asked if he would play Thursday. Belichick said it might come down to “a game-time decision.”

The Patriots will have 10 days following Thanksgiving before they play again, giving Hernandez extra time to recover if he doesn’t play.

“A player’s availability for the game would be judged on its merits, period, for this game,” Belichick said.

LET’S GET NUTS!

NFL fans are a special breed, and they bring their own brand of craziness on game day.

Hernandez practiced on a limited basis Monday, as he has before each of the last three games.

Gronkowski is “one of the best players in the league,” Hernandez said. “It puts pressure on everybody. Not just one player can just replace him.”

The other tight ends on the roster, Daniel Fells, Michael Hoomanawanui and Visanthe Shiancoe, have a total of four receptions. Shiancoe has played just two games since being activated off the injured reserve list. Fells was healthy but inactive and Shiancoe had no catches against the Colts.

“He gets better every time he goes on the field,” Belichick said of Shiancoe. “He has a chance to run the plays in our system, which he missed the majority of training camp being able to do that.”

Shiancoe is not unfamiliar with a starting role. In his 10th season in the league, Shiancoe came into his own as a Viking. After four ho-hum seasons with the Giants, Shiancoe made the most of his time with Minnesota, topping 500 yards receiving three times in five seasons.

In 2008-09 and 2009-10, in fact, he caught 18 total touchdown passes.

9 9 9 9

Your WKNJ hourly weather update …

Right now on the campus of Kean University, it is partly cloudy 44 degrees with highs going up 52. Low 37.

Tune in later for meteorology reports on 90.3 FM.

10 10 10 10

In Entertainment…

Justin Beiber fan?

According to E! online we all have heard that Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez have officially broken up, however they were spotted last night leaving from having dinner together.

It appears they are giving it a second try after being spotted together at the American Music Awards spotted arm-in-am the previous night.

They dined at Benihana in Encino, California.

We’ll have to stay turned to see what happens..

Cited Source:

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez appear to be giving it the old-school try.

A night after they were spotted arm-in-arm at an American Music Awards afterparty, the possibly reconciled duo ate at a Benihana in Encino, Calif.

They were with a group, mind you. But…still.

Are Justin and Selena on the road to reconciliation?

Unlike Friday night when they left an Encino sushi restaurant separately but equally agitated, Bieber and Gomez were careful not to be photographed together on their way in and out of the teppanyaki palace.

Tonight, Gomez held her hand in front of her face as the paparazzi took aim, while Bieber, who arrived in athletic shorts after a workout at an Equinox gym but left in black pants, walked to his car surrounded by an all-male entourage.

Gomez paid a visit to her doctor earlier today to get her throat checked out, a precautionary measure to make sure she hadn’t caught bronchitis from her stepdad.

11 11 11 11

That’s it for your news. You’re listening to 90.3 WKNJ-FM, Union, New Jersey. I’m _____________________ and we’ll be right back after this.

(Play PSA #2 here.)

Script for Radio Actuality: Our president cares about the...

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:49:00 -0500

Script for Radio Actuality:

Our president cares about the Hurricane Sandy victims. After hearing about the devastation he immediately met with Governor Chris Christie and made a point to head to the shore to show support to these victims who lost everything. During his second visit back to New Jersey he promised to rebuild the shore.

Even though Obama came to help these victims some Kean University students still have mixed feelings.

I caught with my fellow ambassador Nigel Donald who was relieved Obama was re-elected for another four years because of his high spirits about moving the country forward in any way he can, even in crisis.

Nigel:

The reason why I support President Obama is mainly because of that optimism. Because as much as problems go on in Washington, DC. It has to be that one leader that is very optimistic about what he’s doing and very optimistic about how he is doing and very optimistic about how he will handle situations.

However for Brandon Horsley Obama coming to help Sandy victims just was not enough. He’s rather see Romney in office. And when asked why he replied..

Brandon:

See the thing about Mitt Romney is a great candidate because he knew how to run a business and America is like a business, you know. So the thing is, is that he was a senator you know a good guy.

Not only at Kean University do you see these split in views, its nation wide. Over the next few weeks we will see if President Obama owns up to his promises.

You are listening to 90.3 WKNJ.

30 Second News Many students travel to Kean University...

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 09:20:00 -0400

30 Second News

Many students travel to Kean University throughout the week by train for classes, events, and meetings but do not realize that they could beat the hustle and bustle of figuring out train times by downloading the NJTransit App that has recently been released to your smart phone.

Schedules are up to 30 days in advance.

Check advisories about delays.

Track your current position in real time and find the train stations near you.

All that and more is on this new app, if you know many people that commute definitely an app worth telling a friend, or even to check out for yourself.

You are listening to 90.3 WKNJ-FM.

Writing Test WKNJ

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:03:00 -0400

September 27th, 2012

Good afternoon, it’s Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at 11 o’clock and you’re listening to 90.3 WKNJ-FM, Union, New Jersey, and I’m _____________ with the news.

In Local News…

According to the NJ.com, a fatal shooting in broad day light occurred mid-morning Thursday in West Ward Newark at a common hub location for all at Down South’s Kitchen which killed 1 person and injured 2. This restaurant owned by Ms. Gwen has been running for nearly three decades where politicians, friends, and family gather to enjoy her cooking and hang out. Not only did Mark Melvin injure civilians, a bullet grazed her shoulder reported from the women’s daughter. Pastor Ali Bryant considered this place pretty much scared ground, which he compared to like going to a family member’s home. After fleeing the scene Melvin was arrested about three blocks away and charged with the murder of Fuquan Mosely, 39. Both Mosely and Melvin have been arrested a combined 40 times. This incident stunned residents because it was mostly low-key. A neighbor of the victim said she was such a quiet woman; she would sit with and has talks about God with her. Even though things could have been worse, it just tragic to see something happen to a mom and pop kind of place said West Ward Councilman Ron Rice.

It’s Lunch Time..

NJ.com says Nicholas Caccava and Brandon Fair, two Parsippany High School Students, were called to the principal’s office this afternoon in fear of getting in more trouble for protesting the cafeteria newest rules of less portions and higher prices of food, until they realized the principal was on their side. Over 1,000 students, teachers, and faculty liked their Facebook page. This incident has gone viral. Many other schools across the country have made Youtube parody videos referencing the new regulations by the USDA. Even though the prices have slightly increased and the portion size decreased the teens feel that it will add up over time. They hope to bring this issue to the township’s board of education.

Interesting..

According to CBS3, a Philadelphian woman claims she had a miscarriage due to being tasered by the Philadelphia police and wants to sue. Naimah Jone’s lawyer said that she got into the arugement with the cops for leaving her children in the car with the windows rolled up and doors locked outside her north Philly home. According to Jones she was arrested and tasered several times. The Philadelphia Police Department willed be sued on accounts of assault and battery, emotional distress, and malicious prosecution.

In National News…

Another tragic story..

Reported by CNN.com, 12 students from Louisville, Kentucky, were hurt in a bus crash from colliding with a car and steering off road this Afternoon. Jody Duncan, from the local emergency management agency, said that about 50 individuals were hurt in total and rushed to four hospitals in the area. On a lighter notes, after the students of Frost Middle School collided with the three passengers in the Ford Mustang no one was reported in critical condition.

On a lighter note..

Reported by CNN.com, Whitney Kropp, Ogemaw Heights High school student, was elected as the sophomore class royalty by the freshman class president however when a prank was pulled on her however she got the last laugh. This Michigan16-year-old contemplated ending her life after finding out that she was voted for as joke. However, with the support of family and friends she decided to stay and show them what she could really do with opportunity. Deciding to stay in the race came with some perks. Her homecoming gown was donated, a salon offered and did her hair for her, and a Face Book page was created in her honor that received over 96,000 likes. Bernice Kropp, mother, said that she was touched from all the emails she received from both student and parents that said her child is such an inspiration.

For all of our loyal Apple users..

According to CNN.com, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, wrote an apologetic letter to consumers on Friday concerning the terrible map navigation on the newest programming software iOS6, which already built into the iPhone 5. Being that the iPhone 5 was just released last week he feels terrible. The letter let Apple consumers know that he truly apologizes for falling short of their expectations and is working to fix the issue immediately. The Map application no longer runs on Google software and now runs on Yelp. Cook suggests that the more people using Maps the better it will be because he will able to determine what the people need.

In International News..

According to CNN Friday in northern Iraq at least 15 people were killed and injured due to a dramatic jailbreak today. Two car bombs were stopped by armed men in Tirkit at the jail’s gates. The assailants driving were wearing police uniforms and were in cars simiiar to those of police officers. After setting off the bombs, the attackers tried took over the jail which caused lots of chaos. Due to this bombing about 80 prisoners escaped. Tirkit now remains under curfew.

In Sports..

Lebron might be able to do it again, says ESPN.com.

Looking around the locker room Friday he realized it is very possible to champions again with the current line up of the Miami Heat.

With this team including himself being MVP, and 12 returning championship players from last season’s roster they may have what it takes to take them all the way!

After Lebron plated for the Olympics this summer, Lebron in the team are ready to what it tastes because this team has so much potential, which is the reason their practices already started.

Unfortnately, for Lebron James his summer only lasted about a week.

Your WKNJ hourly weather update …

Right now on the campus of Kean University, it is a muggy 72 degrees chances of more rain to come.

Tune in later for meteorology reports on 90.3

In Entertainment news..

T-Rex Car

The newest American Idol judge, Nicki Minaj purchased a $70,000 sports car named T-Rex for Lil Wayne’s birthday, a man who has everything. For his 30^th birthday, Weezy received a motorcycle-car hybrid that weighs 1,040 pounds and reaches speeds up to 150 mph. Lucky guy, now he really has everything.

That’s it for your news. You’re listening to 90.3 WKNJ-FM, Union, New Jersey. I’m _____________________ and we’ll be right back after this.

(Play PSA #2 here.)

Have you always wanted to help someone with cancer but didn’t...

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:15:00 -0400

Have you always wanted to help someone with cancer but didn’t know where to start?

It’s here at Kean.

Join Relay for Life.

The office of student government invites all members of the campus community to join “Team Kean” for Relay for Life on Sunday October 7^th beginning at 8 am at the Hardwood Arena.

All fundraising for this goes straight the American Cancer Society.

This is your chance to help out!

Why not start now?

It’ll be so much fun with tons of food, games, music, and activaties.

At the end of the day you are also helping a cancer patient.

Hope to see you there!

Media Journalism

Writing Tip #9

#16 New Phone by Facebook to Showcase Its Network

#16 New Phone by Facebook to Showcase Its Network

#15 Nature’s Drone, Pretty and Deadly

Writing Tip #8

#16 Your Phone vs. Your Heart

#15 Finding Their Next Facebook

Wreck It Ralph!

WKNJ Nov21st Script

WKNJ Nov20th Script

Immigrants to Pay Tuition at Rate Set for Residents

By RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑA

Published: November 19, 2012

Vote for French Opposition Leader Raises Tensions

By STEVEN ERLANGER and NICOLA CLARK

Published: November 19, 2012

Benoit Tessier/Reuters

Related

Times Topic: France

Kenzo Tribouillard/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

China: Dissident Poet Jailed for 12 Years

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: November 19, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)

FOXBOROUGH, MASS. (AP)

Script for Radio Actuality: Our president cares about the...

30 Second News Many students travel to Kean University...

Writing Test WKNJ

Have you always wanted to help someone with cancer but didn’t...