Top News Story Week 15

Top News Stories 15

1. Congo Peace Talks-world.

2. Contaminated Pork Scare.-world.

3. Three Dead After Military Jet Crash.-U.S.

4. Marines Slow To Get Protective Vehicles.-U.S.

5. Cal State Student Employees Call Off Strike.-local

6. Inmate Fails to Get Conviction Reversed.-Local

7. March 3 California Election.

8. Prosecution Won't Call Jaramillo.

9. Luke Walton Will Start Tonight.

10. Michelle Wie 

My Top Story

OJ Simpson

O.J. Simpson was found guilty of burglary this week and was likely to be sentenced to 15 years in prison. I think it's great that he finally has to spend SOME time behind bars where he belongs. Everyone knows he killed his wife. It was strange listening to his final plea before sentencing last week. Even though I believe him to be a terrible man, and think he deserves what is coming to him, I still was charmed by him and I felt sorry that his stuff got stolen. He is a very charming man and thats scary. Anyway..I'm really glad that some justice is finally coming to this man. I think it's long overdue. The story was really fun to watch..it had a lot of news coverage. I believe the first time I saw the story was actually on ESPN or something. I hope they continue to update us as to what happens with his case.

Krystina Gillenwater-

Top News Stories Week 14

My Top Stories of The Week

1. Thailand's Political Crisis.-world.

2. Rice Heads to India.-world.

3. Biological Terror Attack Likely.-U.S.

4. Uncertain Future For Auto Industry.-U.S.

5. Japanese Man Committed Suicide.-Local. 

6. Four Men Injured In Pacoima Shooting-Local.

7. K.J. Choy Wins Skins Game.

8. Lakers Lose To Pacers.

9. Sun Never Sets On Tom Lasorda's Empire.

10. GM Ends Tiger's Contract Early.

Most Approve of Obama's Cabinet Picks

President elect Barack Obama has been making some very strategic cabinet picks after his election.  The most talked about had to be his choice of Hilary Clinton as Secretary of State. I wanted to write on this story because i feel it is really interesting that he picked her. During the presidential campaign the two were bitter rivals and didn't agree on most of the major issues. I don't think that Hilary or Bill will try to push their own agenda during Obama's term. i know a lot of American's have raised that question. I think it was a wise choice to select her to his cabinet. Bush's cabinet was far too conservative. Now, with Obama's recent picks, the cabinet is looking to be a healthy balance of both liberals and conservatives. I think that's great for the country! Too much of one thing is never good. 

Krystina Gillenwater-

Week 13 Top Stories

Top News Stories of Week 13

1.Brazill Flooding.-World

2. Iran's Nuclear Progress.-World

3. Mystery Piano.-U.S.

4. Judge Overturns Florida Ban on Adoption For Gays.-U.S.

5. Boat Capsizes Near Oxnard.-Local

6. Woman Dies in Accident Near Skirball Center. Local

7. Plane Goes Down In Monterey.

8. Storm Evacuations Ordered In OC.

9. Barbara Bush Recovering From Surgery.

10. Obama Cabinet Vetting Historically Fast.

Rain, quake lead to evacuations in Yorba Linda

I chose to write about what is going on in Yorba Linda with the rain and the earthquake this morning because I have family who live there. It is amazing how much they have been affected by natural disasters lately. From the fires, to the heavy rainfall with threats of massive  mudslides, and now the earthquake this morning. Luckily, the quake was small..and didn't do a lot of damage. But it has left the grounds very unstable because of the rain and residents are being told to evacuate. It is so sad that these people just can't seem to catch a break these last few weeks. The major media outlets do a good job of covering what is taking place, but I hope that they can raise awareness of how much help is needed for residents. Media should be a tool that can bring help, not just news. Thousands of people across California have been devastated by the fires, and now the rain. It's a shame more people don't help them out. 

Krystina Gillenwater-

Week 12 Top Stories

Top Ten News Stories Week 12
1. Pakistan Missile Strike Kills Nine.-world
2. Bombing Across Iraq Kills Dozens.-world.
3. Same Sex Marriage Rally.-U.S.
4. Blind Woman Threatened With Suit Over 1 Cent.-U.S.
5. Aligator caught in venice.-Local.
6. Anaheim Gym Hosts O.C. Fire Victims. Local
7. Mickey Mouse is 80.
8. Clinton Pick Would Be Brilliant.
9. Bill Clinton Agrees to Vetting.
10. Fixing The Big Three.

My top News Story
8-year-old Accused of Killing Father and Another Man.

An 8-year-old boy was accused of killing his father and his fathers friend Friday, Nov. 14. when I first heard about this story, I was shocked, and appalled. My initial thought, like many other people, was that the boy must have had some motive. He couldn't have just woken up that day and decided to kill two people. Police have yet to find any evidence that the boy was abused by his parents, teachers, or anyone else. Thats hard for me to believe. The police have instead made allegations that maybe he learned the behavior from watching violent content in the household, from either TV or video games. This story has been well covered by the media, I haven't come across anyone who hadn't heard the story for themselves. I hope there is some hard investigating done during the future of this case however, that boy had to be abused!

Krystina Gillenwater-

Top Stories Week 11

Top Ten News Stories

1. Bombings Across Iraq-world.
2. China Makes Economy Top Priority.-world.
3. Court Sides With Navy Over Whale Dispute.-U.S.
4. Judge Opens Door For Gay Marriage In Conneticut.-U.S.
5. Man Shot and Killed by LAPD.-Local
6. Vandals Target Pro Obama Signs in Torrance.-Local
7. Overturn Prop 8.
8. Scott Verplank Leads by 3 Shots.
9. Lakers Rally to Stay Undefeated.
10. Manny Ramirez Ready for A Serious Offer.

My Top Story Week 11

Woman Found Dead In San Pedro Harbor

Yesterday, a woman was found dead off the coast of a beach in San Pedro. Police said that they found her body floating in the water. It isnt known yet if this was intentional, or an accident, or even a murder, but the news of this story alarms me. My parents were born and raised in san pedro..it used to be a town of very low crime and violence. Lately, over the past ten years or so, the city has been on a downward spiral. the crime rates are raising rapidly and nobody is talking about it. This story is shocking, and a terrible tragedy but i think it brings awareness to an issue that needs to be talked about. This story was not very well covered, which disappoints me. I hope that there is more coverage about the crime taking place in san pedro.

Krystina Gillenwater-

Top News Stories Week 10

1. Obama Wins-world.

2. Gaza Rocket Hits Israel Coast.-world

3. Teen Crushed In Wisconsin.-national

4. 300-Year-Old Lost Painting.-national

5. Gay Rights Backers File Lawsuits.-Local

6. Death Valley Struggles To Make Mines Safe.-Local

7. Democrats Fall Short of Their Super Majority.

8. Proposition A Falls Just Short.

9. Temecula and Prop 8. 

10. Dodgers make an offer to Manny Ramirez.

My Top Story

Prop 8 Doesn't Pass

This story was of great importance to me during this election. The fact that it didn't pass is completely ludicrous to me. The prop wasn't about teaching marriage in schools. How many times did you hear about how your parents were married in grade school as a kid? Never! I was never taught about heterosexual marriage in school growing up. Homosexual marriage was not going to be taught to our kids. I think its ignorant of voters to think that..and make a decision based on that false information, which i fear a lot of voters did. If voters simply did not agree that homosexual couples deserved the same rights as heterosexual couples then there is nothing I can say to that, they are entitled to their opinion I guess. But it frustrates me that there is so much ignorance in this country. I feel this story was well covered and it was interesting to watch it unravel this week. 

Top Stories 10/29/08 Blog #9

Top Ten News Stories

1. Iraqis Call For Amendments-world.

2. Melamine Scandal Spreads.-world

3. 4 High School Cheerleaders Killed.-U.S.

4. 8 Year Old Shoots Self.-U.S.

5. Inland Empire Economy Looks Grim.-Local

6. College Tuition May Rise.-Local

7. Zenyatta Stays On Track.

8. UCLA Working On Itss Youth.

9. Older Donated Blood Is Linked To Infection.

10. Ted Stevens Verdict.

My Top News Story of The Week

Fight Against Prop 8

This has been an issue that has been heavily covered in the news over the past few weeks as we get closer to election day. Unfortunately, as most other things in politics, the prop is extremely confusing and misleading. I personally am going to vote no on prop 8. I do not believe that it is okay to take away someone's fundamental rights. people who oppose gay marriage, and are willing to vote yes are under the impression that gay marriage will be taught in schools to kids. That information is completely false. This is what I mean when I say that the prop is misleading. I think this issue is of great importance, not only to the state of California, but for the Nation as a whole. Whatever happens on election day with this prop, its going to make a lot of noise, thats for sure. 

Krystina Gillenwater-

Top News Stories 10/22/08

Top Ten News Stories

1. Two Men Killed In Colombia Protest-world. 

2. Recession Likely in UK-world.

3. San Francisco May Be Safe For Prostitutes-U.S.

4. Woman and 3 Children Dead in House Fire-U.S.

5. Brush Fire Burns 250 Acres in San Bernardino-Local.

6. Two L.A. County Deputies Accused of Beating Up Firefighter-Local.

7. Nuclear Materials Secretly Transported.

8. Enemies Won't Test Me McCain Said.

9. American Hostage Freed In Afghanistan.

10. Pickpocket Granny.

My Top News Story

When To Take A Sleeping Pill

Sleeping pills such as Ambien have become extremely prevalent in our society. It seems that people all over the U.S. struggle to get a good nights sleep. The sad truth is that people dont understand how sleeping pills work and they can really hurt themselves and other people if they dont use them properly. Furthermore, many people dont even have a need for sleeping aids. Often times, insomnia can be defined as a few nights of missed sleep of trouble sleeping. But that is okay, and really common. That doesn't mean that people should be medicated for a few nights of tossing and turning. Insomnia should only be treated if a person goes at least a month without sleep. In that case, people should consult their doctor right away. But sleeping pills can be very dangerous, and not taken too lightly. People have reported blackouts, memory loss, and even disorientation while taking sleeping pills. The public needs to be better informed of these dangers. This subject, like many other public health problems, is not covered very well by the media.

Blog Number 7

Top Ten Stories Week 7

1. British Bank Bailout. Is it enough?-world

2. Iraq Leaders Consider Troop Deal.-world

3. Brad Pitt Plays Rewarding Role In Katrina Recovery.-U.S.

4. Santa Ana Winds and L.A. Fires.-U.S.

5. Downed Power Lines Caused Fire.-local

6. Boy In Grandmothers Lap Dies In Car Crash.-local

7. Phillies Take 3-0 Lead.

8. Harrington Named Player of the Year.

9. Obama Leads in Polls.

10. Bonding With a Mate Changes Brain Chemistry.

My Top Story of The Week. 

Federal Deficit Hits Record Numbers

The federal deficit in our country is almost double compared to what it was in 2007. Our nation is facing the biggest economic crisis in history. This story has been heavily covered by the media. Its hard to  be going through school at this time, i feel. As a student, I am scared as it is to venture out into the real world, and get my life together. Now, with the economy in such distress, nobody can find a job, how am I supposed to feel any sense of calm after i obtain my degree. The federal deficit is going to take years to recover from, years to get out of, and years to be in a stable place in which Americans can have peace of mind. I really hope that young people like myself are following this story in the news, and staying up to date with whats going on, this is a vital time, everything that happens from here on out will greatly affect our lives and our future in this country.

Top News Stories Week 6

My Top News Stories of The Week

1. Rockets Miss Pakistan Politician's Home-world.

2. Senate Approves Nuclear Deal With India-world.

3. California Bus Crash Kills Five-U.S.

4. 300 Suspects Held After Raid In California-U.S.

5. Woman is Fatally Shot in Her Car-Local

6.  L.A. Reef is Dismantled-local.

7. Tiger Woods Finds a Way To Keep Busy.

8. Obama and McCain Clash.

9. Killing of Mexico Mayor.

10. 2  Missing in Lebanon journalists. 

My Favorite Story

Man Kills Himself and Family in Porter Ranch.

Last weekend, Karthik Rajaram killed himself, his wife, his three kids, and his mother-in-law to get himself out of the financial turmoil he was facing. Not only are we in an economic depression but a physical and emotional one as well. The financial crisis in this country has gotten so out of hand that people are finding no other reason to live anymore. I think that makes for a pretty extreme situation. It's sad that this crisis is only now being addressed. When the housing market, and the rest of the economy has been in grave turmoil for years.  People are isolating themselves from their family and friends they are so depressed and so lost in this crisis. There are so many foreclosures on homes in California that we can't even begin to count them. I felt this story was extremely relevant and pertinent to what is going on in our day-to-day lives. It's terrible that things like this happen, but maybe some more action will be taken against the financial crisis because of it, who knows..

Top News Stories Week 5

Top Ten News Stories Week 5

1.Four Russian Warships To Stop In Libia.-world

2.U.S. Navy Converges On Kidnapping Pirates.-world

3.Lance Armstrong Cycles To Take Cancer Message Worldwide.-U.S.

4.The Human Face of Economic Uncertainty.-U.S.

5.Metrolink Engineer Sent Te Obama Leads  xt MEssage Moments Before Crash. 

6.Four-Month Nationwide Gang Sweep Nets 1,700 Arrests.

7.Dodgers Power Their Way to 7-2 Victory.

8.Sergio Garcia Turns The Tables at Tour Championship.

9.Obama Leads in Critical Trio of States.

10.Senate Approves Bailout.

My Top News Story of The Week:

Bailout Approved By Senate on Wed.

For a long time now, our economy has been in a downward spiral. Our government could have labeled it a recession, which is what it is, years ago. Our housing market is in turmoil, gas and energy prices, jobs, health care..all of our major industries are suffering immensely. I felt this was a very important story to write about because we are living in one of the most exciting times in our nation's history. Some of us may be too naive to realize it, but this is exciting! We have an African American running for president, we had a woman for a period of time running, our country is facing one of it's greatest economic challenges in history, AND...there is a librarian from Alaska on the Republican ticket..it doesn't get much better than this! The story of the bailout has been very well covered. I can't turn on the TV anymore without seeing some coverage of the economic situation taking place in our country. Which I must say, is a very refreshing thing..American's need to be informed about what takes place in Washington. This country has grown too complacent, too naive, too focused on external affairs. We need to re shift our focus, take care of home, and get the people some help. 

Top News Stories Week 4

Top 10 News Stories..Week 4/J210

1.Missile Attack Reported in Pakistan.-World
2.11 Tourists, 8 Egyptians Kidnapped.-World
3.15 Injured in a Bus/Train Collision in L.A.-U.S.
4.McCain Suspends Campaign.-U.S.
5.Gunman Kills 2, Injures 3 In Compton.-Local
6.Arrest Made in Hit-and-Run Death in Northridge.-Local
7.Pained or Not, L.T. Making Playing and Practicing a Priority.
8.Melamine Found in Imported Chinese Candy.
9.House Votes to End Drilling Ban.
10.Galveston Evacuees Brave Traffic To See Ike Damage.

Top Story:

Hit-and-Run In Northridge

I First heard about this story yesterday while I was watching the news late last night. I was so shocked and devastated when learning what happened. It seems like there have been many tragedies surrounding the Valley lately. Hearing about this story is especially difficult because the girl was only 19, and she was one of our peers, and the driver was under the influence. I think the story was pretty well covered by the media. The only thing I don't understand is why the girls name hasn't been released yet. It's so difficult to learn that terrible things like this happen all the time, for no good reason, to serve no purpose, it is difficult to take in and understand. I was talking with my roommates about it last night, we were all wondering if we have had a class with her, or seen her on campus somewhere, or even knew her more personally than that. Luckily, the woman who hit her has been arrested. It is inhumane to cause such pain on another person, know they are hurt, and do nothing about it to help them. Hopefully justice will be served.

Week 3 Top News Stories

My Top Ten News Stories
1.Thailand Elects New PM
2.Tainted Baby-Milk Scandal in China.
3.Hurricane Ike in Texas
4.Metrolink Crash and Text Messaging.
5.Schwarzenegger Vows to Veto State Budget
6.San Diego Firefighters In Court
7.Wall Street Plunges Again
8.Ryder Cup Golf
9.Blake Leads Offense in Dodger's Win
10.USC Team Best of Carroll Era?

Metrolink Crash

Of all the news stories this week, this one affected me the most, as I'm sure it did other people. Learning that the Metrolink train had crashed into a freight train this week was devastating. Knowing there were people on that train who i worked with, went to school with, and shared close relationships with made it all too real. My dad has been an L.A. City Firefighter for 25 years, he called me almost the moment it happened to see if me and the people i loved were okay. From that moment on, I was glued to the television all day. From a journalist standpoint, I think the story was covered very well. There were a lot of human interest pieces, hard news stories, and many more. I don't like how the Metrolink organization chose to represent themselves, and divulge information. This whole story has turned into another P.R. fiasco. Now with the stories about the text messaging engineer coming out, it makes things that much more frustrating to have to deal with.

"Lipstick On a Pig"

During a speech, Obama made a reference to change and how what the republican party is proposing simply isnt change. They are basically rewording things and calling them the same thing. Obama then made the comment, "you know you can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig." Almost immediately, there was a huge uproar from the Republican party. They felt that Obama's line was a derogatory remark aimed at the new VP candidate Sarah Palin. I love this kind of story because I have been following the election closely for some time now. This back and forth mudslinging kind of stuff makes it really entertaining. I think this story is extremely newsworthy and well covered. The sad fact of the matter is that this entire election has become more about PR and image and personality then it is about the issues. I guess it can be argued that every election is usually won by the best, "spindoctors", bu this one really takes the cake. Ever since Palin was nominated, the election has taken a completely different course. It will be exciting to see what Obama has planned to combat the brilliant republican move of nominating Palin. Now, the people love her, and McCain is doing very well in the polls. What will the Democrats do to get their popularity back?

Krystina Gillenwater

Top Ten News Stories: J210/Week 2

1.Man eats 23,000Big Mac's in 36 years.
2. Body found after a building collapssed in virginia.
3. U.S. fails to live up to cease fire agreement.
4. North Korea's Kim Jong II Health.
5.California Bishops against gay marriage ban.
6. Suspect booked in four deaths in Lancaster house.
7. Angels clinch AL West.
8. Ohio State admires USC's play.
9. Ron Paul urges voters
10. "Lipstick on a Pig" Obama fires back.
Krys-

First Day of Practice

So, it's my senior year...one more year of glory as an athlete. It's kind of a strange feeling,  knowing that I only have one more year as an athlete, as a member of a team. I have been an athlete my whole life, since I was about 5 years old. I played baseball with the boys growing up, basketball, tennis, and now golf for the past 7 years. I define myself by the hours I have spent in the gym, on the course, the friendships I have made with other athletes, the places I have seen because of athletics, the values I have learned, the opportunities I have been given..what happens when I graduate? When I am no longer an athlete on an organized team? Who do I become? These are the questions I have found that are facing me as I enter my senior year. Questions that frighten me, but at the same time excite me. I hope to graduate with high academic and athletic honors and move on with my life, hopefully with success in my future, I am eager to see what life has in store for me..but, letting go of my 15 year career is going to be difficult.