The Zonie Report, Dec. 16, 2008
TUCSON — A newly founded, all-bamboo T-shirt company will be adding a fifth animal to its line of endangered species shirts next month.
The American Jaguar will be the next animal featured in the “Wild Animal Tees” line from amazingteesUS.com, a line of shirts that was created for the dedication of increasing awareness and protection of endangered animals.
The line currently consists of shirts with depictions of the Red Eyes Tree Frog, the Siberian Tiger, the Giant Panda and the Orangutan. Each shirt also comes with a tag that includes a fact about the animal.
Ten percent of the Wild Animal Tee line proceedings go to the World Wildlife Fund.
Dale Lips officially opened the online store in August. Originally, her plan was to create clothes for women that were comfortable, flattering and, most of all, sustainable. Her plan was then extended to include items that are more eco-friendly.
The company is “influential, educated, travel and socially conscious,” Lips says.
Lips decided to start the company after buying her own bamboo-made T-shirt. She personally attempted several “clothing-care don’ts” – such as washing and drying it in high temperatures, pouring wine on it and stretching it when it was wet – to test the shirt’s quality. But nothing affected it, Lips says.
Bamboo is a rapidly renewable source, making it environmentally friendly. It has also become popular for its use in flooring and other typically wooden products. According to BambooTex.com, bamboo fiber has the advantage of bring naturally antibacterial, biodegradable and more breathable than cotton fabrics.
AmazingTees is currently solely an online store, Lips says, and many items are also geared toward men’s and kid’s t-shirts and polos. However, the company will be sending a few of its future projects to particular clothing and yoga stores, Lips says.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
On Election Day, Prop. 105 still puzzles
The Zonie Report, Nov. 4, 2008
PHOENIX — Propositions can be confusing and frustrating. Ballot language can seem completely foreign. And the messages of one-sided commercials can sway a viewer back and forth.
“Propositions are sometimes worded tricky,” says Ashley Paul, a 23 year-old native of Washington state who is a student at Arizona State University.
Paul discusses Arizona’s propositions with her roommate usually a couple of hours per week to help her toss ideas and thoughts around before voting time comes.
“I think it’s a supplement for her as an Arizona resident,” says Paul, who is registered to vote in Washington but has lived in Arizona off-and-on for five years.
A proposition that seems to be particularly confusing is Proposition 105, sponsored by Majority Rules – Let the People Decide. The group is supported by a large fast-food franchisee and the food-and-beverage industry, which some experts say is fearful of voters passing a future tax on alcohol.
“I was definitely confused (by the advertisements),” says ASU student Yousef Hawash, 19. “The ads don’t make as much sense as they should.”
Proposition 105 addresses the significance or value of a registered voter whether that right to vote is exercised or not. The actual text of this proposition says that for any initiative that increases taxes, fees or involves government spending, “shall not become law unless the measure is approved by a majority of qualified electors then registered to vote in this state,” according to language posted on the Arizona Secretary of State’s website.
In other words, a bill that involves finances – and nearly every bill could be construed to do so – would require a majority of all registered voters in Arizona, whether they participated or not. That’s a huge departure from the current requirement of a simple majority of participating voters.
Those opposed to the bill say that this would make it nearly impossible for a piece of legislation that requests money to pass because all of those who stay home will be counted as a no vote, according to the blog by Judy Hedding, an About.com Guide to Phoenix and Arizona resident since 1979.
“If you’re not voting then you don’t care enough…” says Shawnnah Chaney, 20, of Phoenix. “For their unwillingness (to learn about the propositions and vote) to count as a no…t doesn’t make any sense.”
Chaney says that she normally doesn’t spend any time learning about the issues and propositions and therefore it didn’t matter. However, she recently changed her registration from an Independent to a Democrat because she wants to spend more time learning about them so that she can vote in the future primaries.
“Some people who decide not to vote aren’t educated on the issues, so it doesn’t make sense to count their vote as anything,” Chaney says.
Those who are in favor of the proposition, according to Hedding’s blog, say that it would remove the ability for “special interests” to use ballot initiatives to raise taxes or increase spending and would limit the stretching of Arizona’s budget to fund so many special projects.
Of the 1,961 people who have visited Hedding’s blog and have cast their “vote” on her site, as of this morning, only 41 percent clicked “yes,” in favor of the proposition. However, one must note that there is no log-in process to keep the same blog viewers from voting multiple times.
“People are unpredictable,” Paul says. “It’s really hard to predict whether people will be likely to vote if their vote counts no matter what. People can say one thing and do another.”
PHOENIX — Propositions can be confusing and frustrating. Ballot language can seem completely foreign. And the messages of one-sided commercials can sway a viewer back and forth.
“Propositions are sometimes worded tricky,” says Ashley Paul, a 23 year-old native of Washington state who is a student at Arizona State University.
Paul discusses Arizona’s propositions with her roommate usually a couple of hours per week to help her toss ideas and thoughts around before voting time comes.
“I think it’s a supplement for her as an Arizona resident,” says Paul, who is registered to vote in Washington but has lived in Arizona off-and-on for five years.
A proposition that seems to be particularly confusing is Proposition 105, sponsored by Majority Rules – Let the People Decide. The group is supported by a large fast-food franchisee and the food-and-beverage industry, which some experts say is fearful of voters passing a future tax on alcohol.
“I was definitely confused (by the advertisements),” says ASU student Yousef Hawash, 19. “The ads don’t make as much sense as they should.”
Proposition 105 addresses the significance or value of a registered voter whether that right to vote is exercised or not. The actual text of this proposition says that for any initiative that increases taxes, fees or involves government spending, “shall not become law unless the measure is approved by a majority of qualified electors then registered to vote in this state,” according to language posted on the Arizona Secretary of State’s website.
In other words, a bill that involves finances – and nearly every bill could be construed to do so – would require a majority of all registered voters in Arizona, whether they participated or not. That’s a huge departure from the current requirement of a simple majority of participating voters.
Those opposed to the bill say that this would make it nearly impossible for a piece of legislation that requests money to pass because all of those who stay home will be counted as a no vote, according to the blog by Judy Hedding, an About.com Guide to Phoenix and Arizona resident since 1979.
“If you’re not voting then you don’t care enough…” says Shawnnah Chaney, 20, of Phoenix. “For their unwillingness (to learn about the propositions and vote) to count as a no…t doesn’t make any sense.”
Chaney says that she normally doesn’t spend any time learning about the issues and propositions and therefore it didn’t matter. However, she recently changed her registration from an Independent to a Democrat because she wants to spend more time learning about them so that she can vote in the future primaries.
“Some people who decide not to vote aren’t educated on the issues, so it doesn’t make sense to count their vote as anything,” Chaney says.
Those who are in favor of the proposition, according to Hedding’s blog, say that it would remove the ability for “special interests” to use ballot initiatives to raise taxes or increase spending and would limit the stretching of Arizona’s budget to fund so many special projects.
Of the 1,961 people who have visited Hedding’s blog and have cast their “vote” on her site, as of this morning, only 41 percent clicked “yes,” in favor of the proposition. However, one must note that there is no log-in process to keep the same blog viewers from voting multiple times.
“People are unpredictable,” Paul says. “It’s really hard to predict whether people will be likely to vote if their vote counts no matter what. People can say one thing and do another.”
Economy, environment help East Valley scooter empire grow
The Zonie Report, Oct. 1, 2008
TEMPE — Residents of urban Arizona cities are increasingly interested in scooters as a mode of transportation as economic strains grow nationwide.
Scooter Invasion, a scooter shop near Arizona State University in Tempe, opens a second location in Chandler today to offer more than just students a cheaper traveling solution.
With lower emissions than a car and an average of 120 miles per gallon, scooters provide a greener solution for trips between two blocks and two miles long.
Scooter Invasion owner Robert Walstrom says he first opened in 2003 and targeted local students. Two years later, the scooter trend began to kick in and spur steady sales.
Still, Walstrom says he was surprised at the ratio of student versus other clientele.
“About 20 to 30 percent of people interested [in scooters] are students,” Walstrom says. “The rest are families who are looking for a second [form] of transportation.”
With the recent craze of green solutions and rising gas prices, Walstrom found that his sales were increasing too. Insurance rates also played a role.
“Insurance is extremely low on scooters…and for our most popular scooter – the 49cc motor – only a driver’s license is required to drive it,” Walstrom says.
Scooters might not be right for some budgets or lifestyles, according to Charlene Bashore, a biochemistry senior at ASU who proudly rides her bicycle around campus.
“Bikes are cheaper and you get exercise, so it’s better for you,” Bashore says. “But I guess [a scooter] would be easier for some cases. It is hard to get groceries with a bike.”
Scooter prices range from $1,500 to $5,000. Walstrom sells between 30 and 50 scooters every month.
Walstrom and his son, who lives just across the street from the Tempe store, drive scooters around all the time. The only reason that he has to keep his truck around for deliveries and long trips, Walstrom says.
Many of his employees drive scooters to and from work, with the exception of those who live farther away.
“It’s just a good way to go,” Walstrom says.
TEMPE — Residents of urban Arizona cities are increasingly interested in scooters as a mode of transportation as economic strains grow nationwide.
Scooter Invasion, a scooter shop near Arizona State University in Tempe, opens a second location in Chandler today to offer more than just students a cheaper traveling solution.
With lower emissions than a car and an average of 120 miles per gallon, scooters provide a greener solution for trips between two blocks and two miles long.
Scooter Invasion owner Robert Walstrom says he first opened in 2003 and targeted local students. Two years later, the scooter trend began to kick in and spur steady sales.
Still, Walstrom says he was surprised at the ratio of student versus other clientele.
“About 20 to 30 percent of people interested [in scooters] are students,” Walstrom says. “The rest are families who are looking for a second [form] of transportation.”
With the recent craze of green solutions and rising gas prices, Walstrom found that his sales were increasing too. Insurance rates also played a role.
“Insurance is extremely low on scooters…and for our most popular scooter – the 49cc motor – only a driver’s license is required to drive it,” Walstrom says.
Scooters might not be right for some budgets or lifestyles, according to Charlene Bashore, a biochemistry senior at ASU who proudly rides her bicycle around campus.
“Bikes are cheaper and you get exercise, so it’s better for you,” Bashore says. “But I guess [a scooter] would be easier for some cases. It is hard to get groceries with a bike.”
Scooter prices range from $1,500 to $5,000. Walstrom sells between 30 and 50 scooters every month.
Walstrom and his son, who lives just across the street from the Tempe store, drive scooters around all the time. The only reason that he has to keep his truck around for deliveries and long trips, Walstrom says.
Many of his employees drive scooters to and from work, with the exception of those who live farther away.
“It’s just a good way to go,” Walstrom says.
Computer-aided Chicano art comes to Phoenix
The Zonie Report, Oct. 8, 2008
MESA — If art isn’t free, then what is it, asks local artist Ignacio Farías.
Farías, 61, is a self-taught Chicano artist who creates abstract works using digital composition with acrylics and paints. His sole intention for his work is only to be beautiful, and he makes no bones about being called a “wall decorator” or using a computer to help create his works.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Farías began drawing things as a child. He said he was always in trouble at school for drawing caricatures of teachers and doodling in class.
He moved to Arizona in 1983 with his first wife, a native Arizonan, and their children. His techniques and unique styles come from experimentation and his only standard is to rarely, if ever, use a paintbrush.
“(In the beginning), I felt reluctant to use brushes,” Farías says. “Everyone uses brushes so I had to find another way.”
Instead, he uses a variation of tools that ranges from kitchen and carving utensils to spatulas, ice picks, combs and syringes. The only consistent marking that can be found on his works that were made with a brush is his signature, which he said enabled him to sign his name in a unique, Asian-looking style.
But it was his other hobbies, such as photography and advertising, that led to the use of digital composition in his artwork.
These tools of the 21st Century are the reason that Farías refers to his work as the product of “extreme mix media.” He says he’s a PC guy who uses a Velocity and plenty of Adobe software to bring his artistic visions to life.
Although the use of a computer may help with artistic effects, it doesn’t necessarily make the process go faster, Farías says. Much of the process involves the subconscious mind.
“Inspiration is not related,” Farías says. “Art is like a blessed area where the most beautiful things can happen. Never mind what is outside.”
Farías’ works are often created as a series, such as “The Eyes of a Woman,” which has about 80 different versions.
“No two women have the same eyes,” Farías said. “(They are) like fingerprints.”
View Larger Map
Each displays the different types of women in the world. However, a few of them have an animal name that identifies the type of woman it depicts according to the Mesoamerican culture of Mexico. For example, the painting called “Eagle Woman Eyes” is a depiction of the “executive woman.”
Some of his other works are depicted on multiple canvases, such as “A Fascinating City,” which was done as an ode to Paris. This work is a display of five separate canvases that are displayed inches apart from one another but are connected by the flow of the elongated picture that they depict.
Samples of Farías’ work are on display at the Chicano Museum near First and Adams streets in Downtown Phoenix through the end of October. Admission is $2.
MESA — If art isn’t free, then what is it, asks local artist Ignacio Farías.
Farías, 61, is a self-taught Chicano artist who creates abstract works using digital composition with acrylics and paints. His sole intention for his work is only to be beautiful, and he makes no bones about being called a “wall decorator” or using a computer to help create his works.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Farías began drawing things as a child. He said he was always in trouble at school for drawing caricatures of teachers and doodling in class.
He moved to Arizona in 1983 with his first wife, a native Arizonan, and their children. His techniques and unique styles come from experimentation and his only standard is to rarely, if ever, use a paintbrush.
“(In the beginning), I felt reluctant to use brushes,” Farías says. “Everyone uses brushes so I had to find another way.”
Instead, he uses a variation of tools that ranges from kitchen and carving utensils to spatulas, ice picks, combs and syringes. The only consistent marking that can be found on his works that were made with a brush is his signature, which he said enabled him to sign his name in a unique, Asian-looking style.
But it was his other hobbies, such as photography and advertising, that led to the use of digital composition in his artwork.
These tools of the 21st Century are the reason that Farías refers to his work as the product of “extreme mix media.” He says he’s a PC guy who uses a Velocity and plenty of Adobe software to bring his artistic visions to life.
Although the use of a computer may help with artistic effects, it doesn’t necessarily make the process go faster, Farías says. Much of the process involves the subconscious mind.
“Inspiration is not related,” Farías says. “Art is like a blessed area where the most beautiful things can happen. Never mind what is outside.”
Farías’ works are often created as a series, such as “The Eyes of a Woman,” which has about 80 different versions.
“No two women have the same eyes,” Farías said. “(They are) like fingerprints.”
View Larger Map
Each displays the different types of women in the world. However, a few of them have an animal name that identifies the type of woman it depicts according to the Mesoamerican culture of Mexico. For example, the painting called “Eagle Woman Eyes” is a depiction of the “executive woman.”
Some of his other works are depicted on multiple canvases, such as “A Fascinating City,” which was done as an ode to Paris. This work is a display of five separate canvases that are displayed inches apart from one another but are connected by the flow of the elongated picture that they depict.
Samples of Farías’ work are on display at the Chicano Museum near First and Adams streets in Downtown Phoenix through the end of October. Admission is $2.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Podcasts
Sydney's Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travelstories/podcast/mardigras_sydney_0308/
Within just the title of a story like this, there are so many aspects that the reader is going to have questions about that the journalist needs to answer. They're going to have to depict something that distinguishes the story is in Sydney of all places. The gay and lesbian theme obviously has to be present and simultaneously, the journalist must describe the mardi gras holiday all in one gathered group of information.
This story is completely soft news. This podcast is solely audio and therefore benefits the journalist in this story by allowing the listener to imagine the scene as they hear the music and background sounds of the crowds. However, I think it is more beneficial to have a visual image rather than have to imagine it. Video footage would have given the viewer a more complete picture through combining the narration with the images of green, purple and yellow masks and beads and capturing the excitement of the event itself. I'm a little disappointed that this podcast doesn't have video footage. This would have been full of great visual shots.
Even the Queen of England has a Podcast
http://www.katu.com/news/tech/4990566.html
I must say it is one thing to watch any leader of a country on the news for a couple of seconds in the news summation of their speech, but to watch or listen to an entire podcast from the President or the Queen of England would be pretty darn cool. In her podcasts, Queen Elizabeth II addresses her citizens locally in England and the British armed forces in distant lands. This news link is reporting her podcast to the nation about the importance of learning from different generations. The video displays her playing with children and helping them make a nativity scene. This kind of reporting is especially beneficial in that it isn't exactly hard news. The news of the podcast release date might be but any further details about it could benefit from a cathup podcast later in the day.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travelstories/podcast/mardigras_sydney_0308/
Within just the title of a story like this, there are so many aspects that the reader is going to have questions about that the journalist needs to answer. They're going to have to depict something that distinguishes the story is in Sydney of all places. The gay and lesbian theme obviously has to be present and simultaneously, the journalist must describe the mardi gras holiday all in one gathered group of information.
This story is completely soft news. This podcast is solely audio and therefore benefits the journalist in this story by allowing the listener to imagine the scene as they hear the music and background sounds of the crowds. However, I think it is more beneficial to have a visual image rather than have to imagine it. Video footage would have given the viewer a more complete picture through combining the narration with the images of green, purple and yellow masks and beads and capturing the excitement of the event itself. I'm a little disappointed that this podcast doesn't have video footage. This would have been full of great visual shots.
Even the Queen of England has a Podcast
http://www.katu.com/news/tech/4990566.html
I must say it is one thing to watch any leader of a country on the news for a couple of seconds in the news summation of their speech, but to watch or listen to an entire podcast from the President or the Queen of England would be pretty darn cool. In her podcasts, Queen Elizabeth II addresses her citizens locally in England and the British armed forces in distant lands. This news link is reporting her podcast to the nation about the importance of learning from different generations. The video displays her playing with children and helping them make a nativity scene. This kind of reporting is especially beneficial in that it isn't exactly hard news. The news of the podcast release date might be but any further details about it could benefit from a cathup podcast later in the day.
Are bloggers real journalists?
Are bloggers real journalists?
One reason why this question is so important and necessary to be addressed today is because of the popularity of blogs posted throughout the internet. With so many blogs instead of official articles that can be associated with a particular newspaper, the reader needs to know that they can trust the bloggers information.
I think another way that we can look at this, is to ask yourself: does anyone who owns a journal have the title “journalist.” The answer to that is no. Blogs, just like journals can most often be more accredited as a log of personal thoughts and emotions. It is a place where someone can elaborate on their biases and opinions and escape from logic and reality for their dreams and hopes. A blog can be just that, with the exception that the writer is intending for others to know his or her opinions and thoughts.
A journalist, whether in print or online, is someone who writes with the facts as their main priority and only uses commentary if it is eluded as such and/or if they are, for example, a critic of a particular sort. As long as a writer reports facts and leaves out bias, then they can be considered an accurate and credible journalist. But again, it depends on the subject matter on which they are blogging. A blogger who gives opinions on local restaurants could be considered a journalist as long as they’re not glorifying or executing every eatery out there based on personal bias or just a single element such as a bad waitress or an authentic décor. Anyone could write that biased or that credibly. Bloggers just haven’t been hired or rejected yet from the newspapers.
If a blogger is writing about a local city government’s council meetings because they feel strongly about the policies they are making, then this could get tricky. A professional journalist knows how to address government issues and play the watchdog role without letting personal issues get in the way. To be considered a real journalist, or at least a credible one, they would have to separate their information about the meetings from their commentary on them. Commentaries and opinions don’t make someone not a journalist, because newspapers have editorials too, but the difference is when you don’t expect people to view your commentary and opinions as the news and information they should factually know rather than just a personal opinion they can consider.
One major issue that becomes tied in with this question is if a blogger is a real journalist, should they be protected by the Federal Shield Law that protects journalists from having to reveal their sources in court.
In my opinion, if a blogger has built enough accreditation that they can be interviewed by state or federal officials for the information they have posted, there is no question that they should be considered a journalist. The government is not going to waste their time looking into a blogger’s posts if they have not demonstrated some kind of authenticity of facts in multiple topics of interest. Therefore, I do think that a blogger has the right to be protected under the Federal Shield Law for journalists. If any government official needs to contact their sources, they can do other police work to get a witness than by going through a blogger.
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