After watching the video, please write your responses to the following on your blog:
In the video, there are examples of digital manipulation in photos and videos. When, if ever, is it ethical to alter a photograph or video that accompanies your news reporting?
In my opinion, under no circumstance is it ever ethical to a alter a photograph or video that accompanies your news reporting. Through this type of manipulation, readers are intentfully mislead and are presented with a skewed view of reality. For instance, in the video Oprah and Nelly Furtado's photos were presented as evidence of this type of alteration. The media, therefore, mislead both viewers and fans into believe that these celebrities looked like that in real life. Jounalists should hold themselves to higher standards, by reporting the truth rather than lies.
The video shows examples of "hype"-filled headlines and alarmist reporting. In many cases, this is due to the fact that such reporting tends to get the attention of audiences. Should the news media adjust their news reporting strategies based on reader demand and/or interest?
No, the news media should never adjust their news reporting stratefies based on reader demand and/or interest. While such "hype"-filled headlines may grab the attention of readers, it often instills false fears and uncessary worries in the mids of the general public. For instance, the video mentions many news station's exaggeration in reporting about the "Summer of the Shark." In numerous versions of this story, readers/ viewers were provided with manipulated facts about the "escalation" of shark attacks that occurred during a given summer. This year, when journalists reported on the escalation of swine flu at WSU, they actually mislead the public, in some respects, about it's escalation on our campus. A reporter acutally interviwed one of my friends on the subject a few months ago and, when we wathced the tape, we realized the news station had edited what he said to make his fears about the virus sound worse than they actually were. The media plays a huge roll in controlling how people view the world and should present a moral, fair and balanced report of all stories.
Several publications and media outlets accept "freebies" and "junkets" from PR firms and lobbyists. Under what circumstances, does this present a conflict of interest for the journalists?
When publications and media outlets accept "freebies" and "junkets" from PR firms and lobbyists, this presents a substantial conflict of interest for journalists. Oftentimes, journalists may be swayed to present a better image of the story as form of remuneration for whatever "freebies" they were given. For instance, the video explored how various car magazine reporters often accept free trips, dinners and entertainment activities from various car companies. Therefore, it is often difficult to determine the accuracy of their reporting since they may have been swayed to respond to the cars a certain way as a result of the free gifts they received. Once again, when actions such as these are taken, the public is presented with a skewed view of reality.
Why do you think so many media outlets were fooled by the "Fat Squad" and other fake news stories? Do you think that the Internet news media is more or less likely to fall for such pranks?
I think numerous media outlets were fooled by the "Fat Squad" and other fake news stories simply because they wanted to report stories that were unusual, interesting and would undoubtably attract viewers. For many news outlets, reporters and editors are more focused on ratings rather than accuracy and moral reporting. I think that the Internet news media is just as likely to fall for such pranks as various sites continue to compete for readers/viewers. Whenever such competition exists, it is inevitable companies will continue to seek out such stories whether or not they are true.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Second Life Enterprise Offers New Opportunities for Businesses
Sarah Linker
10952255
Press Conference Assignment
15 November 2009
Second Life Enterprise Offers New Opportunities for Businesses
Businesses can now conduct meetings, events, and training sessions in a virtual, 3D workplace with Linden Lab’s new, firewall product, Second Life Enterprise.
Several organizations have already tested the Beta program that was introduced to the public earlier this month. IBM, Northrop, Grumman, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, DenfenseWeb Technologies and Case Western Reserve University are some of the groups using this interactive environment, according to a Nov. 4 news release.
Brett Atwood, the Web Content Strategist for Linden Lab, said Second Life Enterprise allows companies to cut back on expenses such as travel costs.
IBM saved hundreds of thousands of dollars on a conference that would normally cost the business about $800,000 to conduct in a non-virtual space, Atwood said.
In addition to being cost effective, Atwood mentioned that Second Life Enterprise offers a safe and secure network for its users.
“This is a secure solution,” he said. “An organization can set it up securely and control who has access to these environments.”
In a statement issued by Linden Lab, Douglas Maxwell, the program technology lead for the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, emphasized that information shared on Second Life Enterprise is communicated securely and confidentially within the Navy’s network.
“Hosting the Second Life Enterprise on a secured network allows us to conduct training, concept of operations exercises, and collaborative engineering activities using sensitive information in safety,” he said.
Along with training, Atwood said other organizations have utilized this program to recruit employees and conduct new hire orientations.
“Believe it or not this technology has been used to sniff out potential employees,” he said. “Amazon.com actually used Second Life to identify, meet with and recruit engineers and technical leads for their respective organization”
Atwood said the program costs $55,000 and allows up to 800 concurrent users to login and participate at any given time.
With Second Life Enterprise users can also use real names opposed to fictionalized ones, he said.
Atwood emphasized that the program allows for teambuilding and socializing opportunities for all its users.
“If you work in a distant or remote office and you’re interacting with the main office, this is way to simulate that sort conversation that you see in offices,” he said. “It (Second Life Enterprise) enables for that sort of centralized space where people can share office gossip and talk about whatever is going on.”
Even though employees are not able to meet in-person, Atwood said Beta customers can still gain similar benefits.
“People can still collaborate and meet, not exactly the same as face to face, but it offers many of the same opportunities,” he said.
To complement this Second Life Enterprise, Atwood said Linden Lab plans to launch The Second Life Work Marketplace in 2010. This web-based program will allow users to purchase virtual goods and various items from third party developers, Atwood said.
“Linden Lab has been in business for quite a few years listening to and responding to the interests, concerns and needs of the people that have used it,” he said. “These (programs) are just the outcome of that.”
10952255
Press Conference Assignment
15 November 2009
Second Life Enterprise Offers New Opportunities for Businesses
Businesses can now conduct meetings, events, and training sessions in a virtual, 3D workplace with Linden Lab’s new, firewall product, Second Life Enterprise.
Several organizations have already tested the Beta program that was introduced to the public earlier this month. IBM, Northrop, Grumman, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, DenfenseWeb Technologies and Case Western Reserve University are some of the groups using this interactive environment, according to a Nov. 4 news release.
Brett Atwood, the Web Content Strategist for Linden Lab, said Second Life Enterprise allows companies to cut back on expenses such as travel costs.
IBM saved hundreds of thousands of dollars on a conference that would normally cost the business about $800,000 to conduct in a non-virtual space, Atwood said.
In addition to being cost effective, Atwood mentioned that Second Life Enterprise offers a safe and secure network for its users.
“This is a secure solution,” he said. “An organization can set it up securely and control who has access to these environments.”
In a statement issued by Linden Lab, Douglas Maxwell, the program technology lead for the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, emphasized that information shared on Second Life Enterprise is communicated securely and confidentially within the Navy’s network.
“Hosting the Second Life Enterprise on a secured network allows us to conduct training, concept of operations exercises, and collaborative engineering activities using sensitive information in safety,” he said.
Along with training, Atwood said other organizations have utilized this program to recruit employees and conduct new hire orientations.
“Believe it or not this technology has been used to sniff out potential employees,” he said. “Amazon.com actually used Second Life to identify, meet with and recruit engineers and technical leads for their respective organization”
Atwood said the program costs $55,000 and allows up to 800 concurrent users to login and participate at any given time.
With Second Life Enterprise users can also use real names opposed to fictionalized ones, he said.
Atwood emphasized that the program allows for teambuilding and socializing opportunities for all its users.
“If you work in a distant or remote office and you’re interacting with the main office, this is way to simulate that sort conversation that you see in offices,” he said. “It (Second Life Enterprise) enables for that sort of centralized space where people can share office gossip and talk about whatever is going on.”
Even though employees are not able to meet in-person, Atwood said Beta customers can still gain similar benefits.
“People can still collaborate and meet, not exactly the same as face to face, but it offers many of the same opportunities,” he said.
To complement this Second Life Enterprise, Atwood said Linden Lab plans to launch The Second Life Work Marketplace in 2010. This web-based program will allow users to purchase virtual goods and various items from third party developers, Atwood said.
“Linden Lab has been in business for quite a few years listening to and responding to the interests, concerns and needs of the people that have used it,” he said. “These (programs) are just the outcome of that.”
Monday, November 2, 2009
Frontline: "News War"
Frontline’s multipart series “News War” with Lowell Bergman was a truly frightening documentary. The fact that an overwhelming number of Americans believe the Daily Show on comedy central is legitimate new is astonishing. News today, it seems, has become more entertainment driven than anything else. In my opinion, this is because of the competitive nature the newspapers are facing in a dying industry. Sadly, in our society, more people want to hear the latest news about Britney Spears rather than what is going on in Iraq. Since such a demand exists, it’s obvious that papers will try to this audience’s needs. “Newsworthy” stories are, as a result, often ignored or receive little coverage.
It’s also horrific that it takes literally no skill to become an online journalist today. While I think it’s important for individuals to get their opinions out there and report on various issues they deem relevant, I feel that such practices are neither credible nor reliable. Newspaper companies, in general, are usually pretty darn accurate and will readily confess to any information that was reported inaccurately. However, random individuals reporting news are not held to these same standards. Who is there to fact check the information they are reporting? In most cases, no one. Reporters such as these should not be relied on for accurate, fair and balanced information. Also, the fact that some of these online journalists have no educational background in the field is pretty scary. Through years of schooling in journalism, reporters learn how to organize information in an honest way and are able to practice perfecting their reporting skills before going out into the real world. As reiterated in the video, when news is presented in such a way by somewhat “unskilled” individuals, news becomes meaningless.
I’m not trying to completely bash this new age of reporting, for it does offer considerable benefits. Some stories that would have never been explored are being posted on the web. People all over the world are able to share their perspectives with others in an easier, time-efficient manner. In addition, audiences are able to access news more readily and without a lot of hassle. However, the benefits provided by newspapers cannot be underestimated.
Also, while reporting international and national news is extremely important, I think that newspapers may be able to gain more readers through the approach the video defined as “hyperlocalism.” It’s hard to say though whether or not advertisers will continue to support such a focus. Without advertisement (as this video explains again and again) newspapers are in deep trouble.
It’s also horrific that it takes literally no skill to become an online journalist today. While I think it’s important for individuals to get their opinions out there and report on various issues they deem relevant, I feel that such practices are neither credible nor reliable. Newspaper companies, in general, are usually pretty darn accurate and will readily confess to any information that was reported inaccurately. However, random individuals reporting news are not held to these same standards. Who is there to fact check the information they are reporting? In most cases, no one. Reporters such as these should not be relied on for accurate, fair and balanced information. Also, the fact that some of these online journalists have no educational background in the field is pretty scary. Through years of schooling in journalism, reporters learn how to organize information in an honest way and are able to practice perfecting their reporting skills before going out into the real world. As reiterated in the video, when news is presented in such a way by somewhat “unskilled” individuals, news becomes meaningless.
I’m not trying to completely bash this new age of reporting, for it does offer considerable benefits. Some stories that would have never been explored are being posted on the web. People all over the world are able to share their perspectives with others in an easier, time-efficient manner. In addition, audiences are able to access news more readily and without a lot of hassle. However, the benefits provided by newspapers cannot be underestimated.
Also, while reporting international and national news is extremely important, I think that newspapers may be able to gain more readers through the approach the video defined as “hyperlocalism.” It’s hard to say though whether or not advertisers will continue to support such a focus. Without advertisement (as this video explains again and again) newspapers are in deep trouble.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Internet Sources
1. Several crime statistics are available at the FBI's "Uniform Crime Report" Web site:
http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm.
At this site, you should be able to search for crime statistics by year.
In the past year, there have been some high-profile attacks on the WSU campus. Many reports suggest that these incidents may fall under the category of "hate crimes." Use the "Uniform Crime Report" link above to research the crime statistics for "Hate Crimes" in Pullman in 2006 and 2007. How does Pullman compare to other Washington cities? Is there a particular kind of "hate crime" that is of concern? (Hint: One of the "tables" contains all of this information for each year).
"Hate Crimes" in Pullman in 2006:
http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/hc2006/table13wa.html
--> 4 recorded "hate crimes"
*All hate crimes based on sexual orientation
"Hate Crimes" in Pullman in 2007:
http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/hc2007/table_13wa.htm
--> 5 recorded "hate crimes"
*Majority of hate crimes are based on race
According to both of these tables, it apparent that race and sexual orientation "hate crimes" are of immediate concern in Pullman.
In comparison to other cities, it seems that the total number of hate crimes that occurred in Pullman are about average. Most cities had roughly 3-6 recorded hate crimes in both years. However, both Seattle and Spokane appeared to be the cities in which the most hate crimes occurred. (For instance, in 2007, over 20 hate crimes took place in Seattle.)
2. Followthemoney.org is a Web site that allows you to track flow of money in state politics. Use the site (Hint: Use "Explore" link then "State Overviews") to research and answer the following questions:
- Which Washington state governor candidate received the most political donations in 2008? How much did he or she receive in total tracked donations for 2008?
Christine Gregoire received the most political donations in 2008. In total tracked donations she received $12,002,778.
http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/state_candidates.phtml?s=WA&y=2008&f=G
- For each of the two leading gubernatorial (governor) candidates, what industry contributed the largest donations (aside from the candidates' own political committees)? How much did they give?
For each of the two leading gubernational candidates, the industry that contributed the largest donation overall was the Associated General Contractors of Washington who gave $7,300. However, an anonymous donation was also given for $10,736.
Christine Gregoire's largest donation, aside from those of her own political committees', was from an anonymous donor for $7,560.
Dino Rossi's largest donation, aside from those of his own political committees', was from the Associate General Contractors of Washington for $5,800.
- Use the same tool to investigate how donations play a role in politics. Use the "Explore" and then "Industry Influence" link to load in charts by each industry topic. At the bottom of the page, you can expand a category to select a particular industry. Then, once you click SUBMIT, you will see a graphic that details how much the selected industry contributed to each respective political party. Using this tool, answer the following:
What political party was the recipient of more donated money from the "forestry & forest products" industry in Washington state in 2008?
--> The Republicans
http://www.followthemoney.org/database/IndustryTotals.phtml?f=0&s=WA&i%5B%5D=9
What political party received the most donated money from the "lobbyists & public relations" industry in Washington state in 2008?
--> The Democrats
http://www.followthemoney.org/database/IndustryTotals.phtml?f=0&s=WA&b%5B%5D=K2000
3. Use Google's Patent Search to find the patent application with the FIRST REFERENCES to these technologies:
* Digital Video Recorder
http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=N7h1AAAAEBAJ&dq=Digital+Video+Recorder
* Social Networking
http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=aTB4AAAAEBAJ&dq=Social+Networking
* Automobile
http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=IiIPAAAAEBAJ&dq=Automobile
http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm.
At this site, you should be able to search for crime statistics by year.
In the past year, there have been some high-profile attacks on the WSU campus. Many reports suggest that these incidents may fall under the category of "hate crimes." Use the "Uniform Crime Report" link above to research the crime statistics for "Hate Crimes" in Pullman in 2006 and 2007. How does Pullman compare to other Washington cities? Is there a particular kind of "hate crime" that is of concern? (Hint: One of the "tables" contains all of this information for each year).
"Hate Crimes" in Pullman in 2006:
http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/hc2006/table13wa.html
--> 4 recorded "hate crimes"
*All hate crimes based on sexual orientation
"Hate Crimes" in Pullman in 2007:
http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/hc2007/table_13wa.htm
--> 5 recorded "hate crimes"
*Majority of hate crimes are based on race
According to both of these tables, it apparent that race and sexual orientation "hate crimes" are of immediate concern in Pullman.
In comparison to other cities, it seems that the total number of hate crimes that occurred in Pullman are about average. Most cities had roughly 3-6 recorded hate crimes in both years. However, both Seattle and Spokane appeared to be the cities in which the most hate crimes occurred. (For instance, in 2007, over 20 hate crimes took place in Seattle.)
2. Followthemoney.org is a Web site that allows you to track flow of money in state politics. Use the site (Hint: Use "Explore" link then "State Overviews") to research and answer the following questions:
- Which Washington state governor candidate received the most political donations in 2008? How much did he or she receive in total tracked donations for 2008?
Christine Gregoire received the most political donations in 2008. In total tracked donations she received $12,002,778.
http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/state_candidates.phtml?s=WA&y=2008&f=G
- For each of the two leading gubernatorial (governor) candidates, what industry contributed the largest donations (aside from the candidates' own political committees)? How much did they give?
For each of the two leading gubernational candidates, the industry that contributed the largest donation overall was the Associated General Contractors of Washington who gave $7,300. However, an anonymous donation was also given for $10,736.
Christine Gregoire's largest donation, aside from those of her own political committees', was from an anonymous donor for $7,560.
Dino Rossi's largest donation, aside from those of his own political committees', was from the Associate General Contractors of Washington for $5,800.
- Use the same tool to investigate how donations play a role in politics. Use the "Explore" and then "Industry Influence" link to load in charts by each industry topic. At the bottom of the page, you can expand a category to select a particular industry. Then, once you click SUBMIT, you will see a graphic that details how much the selected industry contributed to each respective political party. Using this tool, answer the following:
What political party was the recipient of more donated money from the "forestry & forest products" industry in Washington state in 2008?
--> The Republicans
http://www.followthemoney.org/database/IndustryTotals.phtml?f=0&s=WA&i%5B%5D=9
What political party received the most donated money from the "lobbyists & public relations" industry in Washington state in 2008?
--> The Democrats
http://www.followthemoney.org/database/IndustryTotals.phtml?f=0&s=WA&b%5B%5D=K2000
3. Use Google's Patent Search to find the patent application with the FIRST REFERENCES to these technologies:
* Digital Video Recorder
http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=N7h1AAAAEBAJ&dq=Digital+Video+Recorder
* Social Networking
http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=aTB4AAAAEBAJ&dq=Social+Networking
* Automobile
http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=IiIPAAAAEBAJ&dq=Automobile
Monday, October 5, 2009
"Special Leads Homework"
"Scottsdale retiree Ken Coleman doesn't know how to play the guitar that took 15 weeks for him to build. But you wouldn't know it by the way he lovingly holds the sleek, finely-tuned instrument that seems almost a work of art."
-azcentral.com (The Arizona Republic)
by Georgann Yara - Oct. 1, 2009 12:00 AM
http://www.azcentral.com/community/scottsdale/articles/2009/10/01/20091001abg-smallbiz1001.html
Type of lead: Direct Address Lead
•Is this the best lead for this story?
Yes. By incorporating "you," the piece becomes more "personal" and draws the reader into why this man decided to build guitars even though he doesn't know how to play one. (It also provides a good intro into describing George Leach's guitar making shop).
•Can this lead be improved?
No, I think this lead fits this feature perfectly as it shows why some people decide to take one of Leach's guitar building classes.
•Is a summary more appropriate?
No, a summary lead might take away from the "humanistic" elements that this particular piece offers.
•Would one of the other special leads work better?
A quotation lead might have also been appropriate for this story, since it focuses on Coleman, his love of guitars and the guitar building class Leach teaches.
"Every time Druann Letter sees a teenage boy full of energy and a glowing smile, she wonders, "Is that what Weston would have looked like?""
-azcentral.com (The Arizona Republic)
by Ofelia Madrid - Sept. 30, 2009 12:31 PM
http://www.azcentral.com/community/scottsdale/articles/2009/09/30/20090930sr-pools0930.html
Type of Lead: Narrative lead/quote lead/question lead
•Is this the best lead for this story?
Yes, this lead incorportes a few different approaches that effectively address the issue of child drowings in Arizona.
•Can this lead be improved?
No, I really like the writers approach because the reader becomes interested to read into the story to find out why Letter asks herself this question.
•Is a summary more appropriate?
No, like the last lead, a summary lead might take away from the "humanistic" aspect that this particular piece offers.
•Would one of the other special leads work better?
No, I believe this lead is perfect as it incorportes a few of the different lead techniques.
-azcentral.com (The Arizona Republic)
by Georgann Yara - Oct. 1, 2009 12:00 AM
http://www.azcentral.com/community/scottsdale/articles/2009/10/01/20091001abg-smallbiz1001.html
Type of lead: Direct Address Lead
•Is this the best lead for this story?
Yes. By incorporating "you," the piece becomes more "personal" and draws the reader into why this man decided to build guitars even though he doesn't know how to play one. (It also provides a good intro into describing George Leach's guitar making shop).
•Can this lead be improved?
No, I think this lead fits this feature perfectly as it shows why some people decide to take one of Leach's guitar building classes.
•Is a summary more appropriate?
No, a summary lead might take away from the "humanistic" elements that this particular piece offers.
•Would one of the other special leads work better?
A quotation lead might have also been appropriate for this story, since it focuses on Coleman, his love of guitars and the guitar building class Leach teaches.
"Every time Druann Letter sees a teenage boy full of energy and a glowing smile, she wonders, "Is that what Weston would have looked like?""
-azcentral.com (The Arizona Republic)
by Ofelia Madrid - Sept. 30, 2009 12:31 PM
http://www.azcentral.com/community/scottsdale/articles/2009/09/30/20090930sr-pools0930.html
Type of Lead: Narrative lead/quote lead/question lead
•Is this the best lead for this story?
Yes, this lead incorportes a few different approaches that effectively address the issue of child drowings in Arizona.
•Can this lead be improved?
No, I really like the writers approach because the reader becomes interested to read into the story to find out why Letter asks herself this question.
•Is a summary more appropriate?
No, like the last lead, a summary lead might take away from the "humanistic" aspect that this particular piece offers.
•Would one of the other special leads work better?
No, I believe this lead is perfect as it incorportes a few of the different lead techniques.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Second Day Lead
Police continued their search for a 4-year-old girl who went missing yesterday, knocking on every door in the six-block area around her house.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Mutt Strutt supports future dog park
Dog lovers and their furry friends strutted in Sunnyside Park on Sunday to raise funds for the construction of Pullman’s first dog park.
Although Mutt Strutt fell short of meeting its $32,000 goal, Trevor Bice, a board of director’s member for the Whitman County Humane Society, deemed it a significant milestone for the organization’s fundraising efforts.
“We raised a little under $6,000,” Bice said. “I think it was a huge success for the first annual walk.”
Bice said the park will be completed around the fall of 2010, but mentioned this estimate is subject to change since the project is dependant on the community’s generosity.
Lori Ammons, a member of the Pullman dog park committee, attended the walk with her two dogs, Pawsley and Cinnamon. As a dog owner, she believes there is a huge need for a dog park in Pullman.
“The city put out a survey and 80 percent of the people who responded said a dog park was needed,” she said. “There is certainly a need for a dog park based on the volume of people and dogs in the area.”
Ammons mentioned there are a number of safety issues for people who let their dogs run off leash in Pullman.
“On average police write six citations per day in Pullman public parks to people who have their dog off leash,” she said. “There are other animals out there such a coyotes, hawks and owls that can endanger smaller animals. A hawk could pick up a tiny Chihuahua and eat it for dinner. Animals such as these do not tend to go where there’s a gathering of people.”
She also emphasized that there are other diseases dogs can pick up if they’re out in water sources that other wild animals use.
“They’re a family pet and you want them to be safe,” she said.
Alan Davis, the superintendent of parks and recreation for Pullman, said a dog park has not been built in the past because the city did not have ground that was conducive for such a project. He also mentioned that there are some negative aspects of having a dog park.
“There’s always been issues with people that let their dogs run free and don’t clean after them,” he said.
Located adjacent to the Fireside Grill, Bice said the future park will sit on five acres of land and will contain two fenced off sections, one for big dogs and one for small dogs. It will be fully grassed and landscaped with fountains and underground sprinklers and will feature various toys for dogs to play on.
The park will be open to anyone that wants to be a member and the cost, although not determined yet, will be very affordable, Bice said.
Ammons, who currently takes her dogs to the Moscow dog park, said a Pullman park would be much more practical and convenient.
“They’ve (Moscow residents) been really hospitable to a lot of people from Pullman,” she said. “Their dog park could use a break from all the activity and its 40 minutes from here so it would be nice to have something closer by.”
Heather Kelley, the event coordinator of Mutt Strutt, said WSU students will largely benefit from the construction of the park.
“I knew lots of friends who have dogs and they’re stuck in the apartments, they don’t have a yard to run around in, they don’t get the chance to get out and play with other dogs,” Kelley said.
Bice believes the park will be advantageous for both dogs and people.
“Other than the benefits to dogs, the benefits to this community are huge,” he said. "The community is full of dog lovers. It will give us a place to gather and become friends.”
Although Mutt Strutt fell short of meeting its $32,000 goal, Trevor Bice, a board of director’s member for the Whitman County Humane Society, deemed it a significant milestone for the organization’s fundraising efforts.
“We raised a little under $6,000,” Bice said. “I think it was a huge success for the first annual walk.”
Bice said the park will be completed around the fall of 2010, but mentioned this estimate is subject to change since the project is dependant on the community’s generosity.
Lori Ammons, a member of the Pullman dog park committee, attended the walk with her two dogs, Pawsley and Cinnamon. As a dog owner, she believes there is a huge need for a dog park in Pullman.
“The city put out a survey and 80 percent of the people who responded said a dog park was needed,” she said. “There is certainly a need for a dog park based on the volume of people and dogs in the area.”
Ammons mentioned there are a number of safety issues for people who let their dogs run off leash in Pullman.
“On average police write six citations per day in Pullman public parks to people who have their dog off leash,” she said. “There are other animals out there such a coyotes, hawks and owls that can endanger smaller animals. A hawk could pick up a tiny Chihuahua and eat it for dinner. Animals such as these do not tend to go where there’s a gathering of people.”
She also emphasized that there are other diseases dogs can pick up if they’re out in water sources that other wild animals use.
“They’re a family pet and you want them to be safe,” she said.
Alan Davis, the superintendent of parks and recreation for Pullman, said a dog park has not been built in the past because the city did not have ground that was conducive for such a project. He also mentioned that there are some negative aspects of having a dog park.
“There’s always been issues with people that let their dogs run free and don’t clean after them,” he said.
Located adjacent to the Fireside Grill, Bice said the future park will sit on five acres of land and will contain two fenced off sections, one for big dogs and one for small dogs. It will be fully grassed and landscaped with fountains and underground sprinklers and will feature various toys for dogs to play on.
The park will be open to anyone that wants to be a member and the cost, although not determined yet, will be very affordable, Bice said.
Ammons, who currently takes her dogs to the Moscow dog park, said a Pullman park would be much more practical and convenient.
“They’ve (Moscow residents) been really hospitable to a lot of people from Pullman,” she said. “Their dog park could use a break from all the activity and its 40 minutes from here so it would be nice to have something closer by.”
Heather Kelley, the event coordinator of Mutt Strutt, said WSU students will largely benefit from the construction of the park.
“I knew lots of friends who have dogs and they’re stuck in the apartments, they don’t have a yard to run around in, they don’t get the chance to get out and play with other dogs,” Kelley said.
Bice believes the park will be advantageous for both dogs and people.
“Other than the benefits to dogs, the benefits to this community are huge,” he said. "The community is full of dog lovers. It will give us a place to gather and become friends.”
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