Headsup Blog: The random language of headlines

Headlines can be read several different ways, depending on the wording and structure of it. Editors have to pay attention to every word they choose for the respective headline because every word chosen counts. How the headline is read and the choice of words sets the stage for the story, let there be no question to what the story will contain.

Headsup: The Blog


(Another Day on Planet Fox)




As you read the original Sandusky story that Fox News did, it isn't hard to notice the language used is of early judgement. Even though Fox News considers themselves fair and balanced in their reporting, most news outlets have some type of buyist or slant. These slants are easy to identify when reading their reported stories. In reading the Sandusky story, words such as "disturbing" and "unusual" are ridden through out the article which is a flaw in reporting.

Words We Love Too Much NYT's Blog After Deadline

     Popular words tend to get used too often, although unconsciously, but being aware of how often these words are being used is important. Readers could be overburdened when they see overused words, for example, his "signature moment," or the "signature steak." More recently, it has appeared in news stories as "President Obama's signature health bill." This blog addresses the overuse of words like this but not to say that they should be banned, but simply recognized when they're overused. Ken Paul points out in the usage of grammar and style that other words can replace words like signature, for example, using words like familiar, usual, or the option to just simply leave them out all together is suitable.

Regret the Error 2

The subject of this blog story was initial online reporting. It was focused on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's illness and death. At 8:30 p.m. the New York Times had a lead stating, "Former President Hosni Mubarak, who led Egypt for three decades until he was toppled last year in a popular uprising, was on life support at a military hospital late Tuesday after he was declared “clinically dead” by doctors, according to Egyptian officials and state news media." By 9:18 p.m. it had to be changed but the report also quoted officials. Does this mean that the same officials changed their minds or there was a second entirely different set of officials? Is it a fabrication for authenticity, is it plagiarism? This seems to be a clear error that was glazed over by a very prominent publication. Speed may get you advertising but it will not keep readers. We as journalists should slow down and check out facts multiple times before publication even if it means being a bit slower than the competition. 

Regret the Error Blog

There is a new Jayson Blair and Stephen Glass in journalism. His name is Paresh Jha and he worked for the New Caanan News, owned by Hearst. 25 of Jha's stories were fabricated, with false quotes created over a year and a half. Glass made up 27 of his 41 total stories at The New Republic and Blair had dozens of plagarized stories himself. This creates the question of why? It seems that these people have no problems with their writing technique, or they wouldn't have jobs at these prestigious papers, so does this mean they are lazy or just trying to lie for their own amusement? Also is the blame all on the reporters who are lying or the entire paper? My own personal belief is that with the 24 hour news format these reporters are always on the hook for a story, and speed pays. Once a reporter realizes how fast and easy it is to fabricate a story they are doomed, so the key is to make sure no reporter does this ever. I believe this must begin at the collegiate level, and every fact should be checked as thoroughly as any newspaper. If the punishments are harsh enough, every reporter out of college will know that fabrication is unnacceptable and perhaps we can salvage, some of the already blemished, the perceptions of the reporter.

Pita Pit opens the doors to it's new location on the Oxford Square.

Pita Pit comes to Oxford

The Pita-Pit is the newest member to the arsenal of fun, eclectic eateries that pepper the Oxford Square and entice families and college students alike with reasonable prices and late night services to provide satisfaction when fourth meal comes calling.

Although Pita-Pit is currently experiencing the large crowds stimulated by the excitement of being something new, many critics cite the high turnover rate of restaurants in Oxford and worry that the Pita-Pit will just be another name on the long list of abandoned projects.

It is no accident or surprise that for the past five years, the city of Oxford, MS has experienced high restaurant turnover.  The housing market crash of 2008 led to an unfavorable business climate characterized by less bank loans and customers with less cash. 

Residents of Oxford experienced this first hand as Emileigh’s Kitchen was forced to relocate and establishments such as Deli News, Locker Room and Waltz were forced to close their doors for good.

Even with these many closings, the enticement of college town business potential continues to attract entrepreneurs to Oxford, and the past two years alone have seen new restaurants such as Rice N’ Spice, Soulshine and South Depot open their doors.

Although challenged to navigate within a crowded market that proves to yield many closings, Pita-Pit Manager, Maggie Baker, said they are here to stay.

“Our first month of business has been very successful and busy and I think our location on the square plays a big role in that. If we can stay efficient in what we do, we should be around for a while,” said Baker.

Popular in college towns across the nation, Pita-Pit opened its doors last month in Boure’s old locale, located at 309 N. Lamar Blvd. The Oxford location is Pita Pit’s first chain in the state of Mississippi.

Pita Pit offers a variety of pita sandwiches with the choices of different kinds of meats, vegetables, or breakfast options.  In addition, soups, salads, and smoothies are also available.

 According to college-town students, a major component of Pita Pit’s operations besides the food is the convenience. Pita Pit’s doors are open until 3 A.M and offer a delivery service until 3 A.M on weekends as well. During the week they are open and deliver until 1 A.M. This late-night aspect of Pita Pit has proved to be thoroughly enjoyed my majority of students who tend to eat at later hours.

“Whether I’m returning home after a night out with friends or I’m up late studying, Pita Pit is definitely a convenient option for grabbing something to eat.” said senior, Liberal Arts major, Mary-Brock Bobo.

For more information or to see a menu, visit www.pitapit.com or call (662) 238-3535.

Best Practices Blog

Journalism professor Lawrie Zion at LaTrobe University in Australia develops a blog as an ethics guide for journalist. Right now Zion is the only main blogger but he says that he hopes to invite guest on the blog as well. This tool he created to simplif the process of knowing right from wrong well dealing with ethical issues.

Connecticut Newspaper fires Reporter for Fabricating sources

After receiving, "two awards at the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists Award Ceremon," last month, Paresh Jha was fired from the New Canaan News, a weekly newpaper, for fabricating quotes and sources in his articles.
After fact checking one of Jha's articles and finding the fabrication, the New Canaan News will go through his prior work to collect what else has been made up. The newspaper appologizes to it's readers for the acts of Jha and notes that this is a, "gross violation of their standards."

The already Determined 2012 Presidential Election

Predicting the Next President: The Keys to the White House 2012,  a book written by Allan Lichtman claims that the contest for the 2012 election is over.
According to Lichtman there are 13 keys to winning the election and the winner must reach six of those in order to win. So far, Obama is sitting pretty well with hitting 9 keys so far.
So how accurate are these predictions? Lichtman has been predicting the president since 1984 and has yet to miss the mark. That being said, he has also determined each president more than a year in advance when exit polls are still up in the air.

The Difference Between 'Lose' and 'Loose?' A Hemorrhoid

JOUR 379 Editors: Looking forward to seeing your blog posts in this spot next week. Keep us updated on what copy editors and other news writers concerned about accuracy are up to.

About the top of this post...Be sure and check out "Ten Words You Need to Stop Misspelling" here.

Boys and Girls Club Keeps Oxford Kids Healthy

Local kids take a break from the hot summer heat.

Oxford’s Boys and Girls Club Keeps Kids Healthy

 Written by: Jon Robertson

       Many locals do not know the actual location of Oxford’s Boys and Girls Club, but their works are not going unnoticed. Located behind Oxford Middle School on 413 Washington Ave., the Boys and Girls Club is providing kids healthy activities throughout the summer.
       Ex-alumni Lamont Watkins is in charge of the Boys and Girls Club in Oxford and knows from personal experience how helpful the program is to the children. “It gave me a place to go when I was a kid in North Carolina, and it gives the kids a positive place to go.” Watkins said. “It also relieves the parents from thinking about if their kid is getting into trouble or running up the electric bill.”
       For kids from kindergarten to high school, the Boys and Girls club provide numerous activities. With two full basketball courts, a computer lab, an arts and crafts center, and plenty of playing area, kids are able to be active. Local volunteers and interns help run age groups and run organized activities like kickball and dodge ball.
       “I’m glad I can come by for a couple of hours and play with these kids and give them a older person to look up to,” said Austin Burke, a Parks and Recreation major at Ole Miss.
       With kids staying busy, they are staying out of trouble. “It just gives the kids something positive to do during their summer days.” Watkins said. The Club also provides breakfast, lunch and a snack to all the kids.
       Kids are broken into age groups as well to spend time at the city pool to get some pool time as well during the summertime. Watkins and helpers are planning summer field trips for the age groups.
       “Some of our teen groups went earlier this week on a field trip to Tupelo to visit the Teen Center.” Watkins said. Watkins continued on about different trips including a skating trip however he did address one problem. Watkins talked about the trouble of dealing with transportation with such a large number of kids and so many different age groups. “With so many kids in our program, it’s hard to do anything with just a 15 passenger van.”
       Watkins talked about the program working on getting larger modes of transportation to take larger numbers on these field trips.
       For decades, the Boys and Girls Club has been a positive environment for young adults to interact in and have healthy active lifestyle. Kids also learn positive leadership skills as well as important social skills that help develope children into successful adults.
      For more information on the Boys and Girls Club in Oxford, Ms contact (662) 832-0602 or visit their national website at www.bgca.org.

Yokna Bottoms: Healthy Food Done Right

           Staying healthy is important to longevity and quality of life. This starts with what you decide to eat and what you pass up. In Oxford there isn’t a Whole Foods Market, and for the most part college students couldn’t afford to shop there anyway. So what are the options? Welcome to Yokna Bottoms Farm, Oxford’s only 100 percent organic farm.

            Yokna Bottoms is just outside of Oxford, down Highway 7and off of Highways 420 and 469. Once there you will see the sea of pine trees a lays a picture perfect farm.

            The farm sits on 19 acres of land with approximately two acres in production. The major difference between Yokna Bottoms and other commercial farms is the method of work.

            Typically farming is synonymous with diesel tractors, pesticides and a myriad of other time saving techniques. This is not the case here. All the work is done by hand; they even use a hand tractor.

            “We utilize minimal off-farm inputs, and work hard to keep our petroleum use minimal. We opt for more sustainable, environmentally friendly alternatives to common organically grown operations such as black plastic mulch and OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) approved fertilizers,” Taylor Murchison, co-manager of Yokna Bottoms says.

            Yokna Bottoms opened in January 2010 and was Oxford’s only community supported agricultural (CSA) farm, a method that is quickly gaining popularity nationwide.

            A CSA farm sells local and seasonal vegetables, fruits and even livestock directly from the farmer, eliminating the need for a grocery store. The farmers sell “shares” of the farm to the general public. Then those that own shares will receive their portion of the weekly or bi-weekly yield.

            Montana Stovall is the farm manager at Yokna Bottoms. “We serve around 80 members with each customer receiving between $25-$30 worth of produce weekly for the 26 week growing season, which is from May 1 to October 31,” he said.

            There are many benefits to the CSA system. The farmer is paid for shares before the growing season begins which allows them to cover the costs of growing. The customers receive food that is fresher than anything that can be found in a grocery store, they will get to try food they haven’t heard of and finally they get to meet and interact with the people who work hard so they can eat healthy.

            Yokna Bottoms is still very young as a farm, but they are doing very well and have been registered under the Certified Naturally Grown guidelines, which are very strict and were supposed to be impossible to satisfy in Mississippi. The farm continues expand and when asked about long term goals Murchison said, “Our long term goals include further expansion of our vegetable, herb and small fruit production, the introduction of hens for eggs, pastured broilers (chickens raised for meat), as well as other small livestock to the farm. We also want to incorporate more season extending tools such as high-and-low-tunnels.”

            They are currently growing around 33 different vegetables and fruits, so if you want to eat as well as anyone can look into a full or half share from Yokna Bottoms. Try new food and stay healthy this summer.

Campus Bellhops News Story

Ole Miss welcomes a new company to help with student-moving day.

     Campus Bellhops comes to Oxford

With the 2012 fall semester approaching, Ole Miss students are starting to pack up and move into different types of housing throughout Oxford.

Move-in days are usually long, exhausting and create memories most students try to forget, even despite the excitement of a new year.

“It’s just really hot,” senior Jamie O’Dea said. “Everywhere in Oxford is crowded, and it’s a day I just never look forward to.”

Run by fellow students, Campus Bellhops works to relief some of that move-in day exhaustion.

Established in May 2012, Senior Parker Mosley found a way to help his fellow students at this stressful time. Working as the campus manager of Campus Bellhops, a new company in town, Mosley and more than 150 male students are offering their moving services to the Ole Miss and Oxford communities.

“We do both on- and off-campus moves and also can provide a truck for the moving process if necessary,” Mosley said.

Campus Bellhops, a company started at Auburn University by an Auburn alumnus, now has locations throughout the Southeastern Conference. Students and their parents can register online for moving assistance for $150 with furniture or $100 without furniture.

Students and their parents can schedule their move today at www.campusbellhops.com.

Belles and Beaus takes Oxford by Storm

        Two years ago Cathy Lowe and her mother, Betty Jane Cadle, had a dream. However, this dream had been around for much longer. Lowe, a mother of three, was an elementary school teacher for eight years. During that time, she felt that she wasn’t getting enough time with her children.
“After I found out I was pregnant with my third I decided I wasn’t going to go back to work,” Lowe said. “So my mother and I decided to follow our dream of opening up a children’s boutique. It was good timing because there was a need in Oxford.”
Thus, Belles and Beaus was born. The store has prospered during its two year existence in Oxford, and is looking to continue to serve the community with their unique selection of children’s clothing.
Lowe credits her children for bringing the idea to life and pushing her and her mother into opening the business.
“My kids are our inspiration for it,” she said. “We also had friends asking us to do it because they knew that we had this plan and that there was a need in the Oxford area.”
Belles and Beaus has been able to set itself apart from many stores in Oxford by their emphasis on having affordable quality children’s clothing, but also having the ability to monogram all of it.
“All of our monogramming is free and our appliques are very cheap,” store employee Jonna Williamson said. “We know that monogramming has really become a big thing and believe that being able to do it for free was a big plus for us.”
After realizing what a success Belles and Beaus had become, Lowe and Cadle decided to take another step in making their business grow. So they decided to open another store next door, Tummies Maternity.
“We opened Tummies this past year because there was nowhere in Oxford to get maternity,” Lowe said. “Our customers were asking for it, so we just decided to go ahead and do it.”
Now that the stores have taken Oxford by storm, the duo is looking at a possible expansion to other cities.
“I have heard about the store possibly going to Starkville and maybe Jackson,” Williamson said. “But I know they are happy here so it is really up to them.”
Belles and Beaus prides itself in customer satisfaction and friendliness and the store is always looking to cater to anyone’s needs when it comes to welcoming in a new baby.
“We are a very inviting business and we just do anything you need when it comes to baby showers, pregnancies, or having a new baby,” Williamson said. “We are just overall very family oriented and a good environment for anyone baby shopping.”

Cafe Salon Relocates

 


 by Gabrielle McMillan


           Holding the title of Oxford's Best Salon for the past four years, Cafe Salon has relocated on Jackson Avenue to better serve its community and stylists. Owner Amanda Black and her business partner opened the original Cafe Salon located on University Avenue in 2004. 
            “When we opened Cafe Salon we both ran a cosmetology school in Pontotoc, so we had a lot of experienced and educated women who we could put straight to work,” Black said. “Locating in the old KFC, we chose the name Cafe Salon to go along with that theme.” With it's educated staff in place, the salon received a warm welcome from the city of Oxford. “
            All of us have gone to cosmetology school and have gotten our state license,” hair and nail stylist Brandi Niles said. “It takes a lot of experience as well. You've got to learn how to have a visual in your mind for what you're about to do.” 
           With great success, there came a need for more parking and an updated look. Owners chose to move the salon in April 2012. 
           Aiding in the flow and efficiency of the new salon are a spacious-layout, new design and updated equipment. 
         “In the old building we ran out of room, our space was limited and the building was just getting too old,” Black said. “As much as we want to maintain that family atmosphere, we don't want to be working on top of each other. It's important that I give my stylists the room to work and function at the highest level they can and in this case, it was an issue of space.” 
         “We have great equipment here and it's very clean, it helps when you're trying to focus on the creative side to what your about to do,” Niles said. 
          Making the salon their “home away from home,” the stylist run the salon with their southern charm and family-like atmosphere.
         “Here we like everybody and we love working with each other. I think that helps to make our customers feel welcome,” Niles said. “We don't have costumers coming in with a specific stylist in mind because it's not just one person doing your hair, it's our team.” 
         Call and make your appointment today (662) 234-0404 or visit their facebook page www.facebook.com/Cafe-Salon.

Baptist Memorial Hospital's Growth Leads to Expansion

A nurse stands in the halls of the near-capacity step-down unit of Oxford's Baptist Memorial Hospital.  The Memphis-based nonprofit organization, which operates hospitals and clinics across the Mid-South, has bought 150 acres for the new facility which is expected to be complete by 2016.

         Charlotte Weeks, registered nurse of 18 years, works in the step- down unit of Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford and witnesses on occasion the unit being at or near capacity.

          “I have been a nurse here for a long time, and so I am happy that we are moving to a new location.  Our large staff and the patients we care for are in need of a bigger facility,” Weeks said.

         Baptist is one of the fastest growing hospitals in the region.  However its current landlocked location has prevented expansions, but the purchase of a new hospital will create a larger, more advanced facility.

         Since Baptist first leased the building for its current location, its medical staff has more than tripled, and they have invested more than $160 million in the hospital.  For this reason, the new $300 million hospital will be of no cost to the city, county, or taxpayers.  

         Oxford resident, Antonio Malone said, “I think it’s great that these hard working doctors and nurses have invested enough that the new hospital is being built without any help. A really, really good hospital is rare, and I think Oxford has one and will only be better when it gets bigger.”

         According to Dennis Fisher, Human Resources Director of Baptist Memorial Hospital, a larger structure will advance the hospital’s position as a regional referral center.

         “We will be able to provide space to increase services as well as superior accessibility for patients,” Fisher said.

         Areas that are routinely at or near capacity include the intensive care unit, the step-down unit, and the emergency department.

         The upgrades of the new hospital campus will include the following: 50 percent larger patient rooms, an emergency department expansion of more than 25,000 square feet, an intensive care unit expansion to 24 beds with the capacity to add 12 more in the future, and two medical office buildings totaling 40,000 square feet.

         The hospital plans to expand to a six-story, 217-bed tower on 150 acres off Old Taylor Road.          

         Construction will begin in 2013 and expected to be complete in three years.

         Weeks said she is excited about the move, but knows it will be exhausting. 

         “We are integral to hospitalized patients’ care and the efforts to improve quality. With the growth and move, the hospital is reliant on us to help address these demands as we go through this process,” Weeks said. 

Oxford Youth Find Free Ways to Stay Active, Cool

Grant Kanavage (above) works to perfect his skateboarding skills at the local skatepark while Keonta Davis (below) goes for an afternoon jog in Lamar Park

As the first week of summer has nestled its blazing heat on our backs, Oxford’s recreational parks offer both a place to stay active and a place to find shade.

Oxford’s local parks often go unnoticed during the summertime while the majority of people look to stay indoors or by the comfort of a swimming pool.

Lafayette County offers just that and at no cost.

The Oxford City pool is convenient for families who live near by because of its close location to the Oxford Middle School.

The public pool allows families with younger children to relax while their kids are near by.

It is located on the corner of Washington Avenue across from the Stone Center and is open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Oxford Skate Park is also open to the public creating an alternative recreation to those looking to skateboard or rollerblade.

Less than a mile from the Skate Park is Avent Park, open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This park offers walking trails, soccer fields and tennis courts.

The tennis courts are equipped with lights to allow late night games.

The walking trails also offer a shady path for afternoon strolls.

Lamar Park is another popular public park located on Country Club Rd. off of Jackson Avenue.

There are multiple fields and paved walking paths along with a large pond accompanied by lounging patios.

Both Avent and Lamar Park are ideal for walking, running, fetching with your dog or even having a picnic.

Oxford also takes pride in its bike trails around town from Molly Barr Road to Old Taylor Road.

The bike paths are designed to be scenic, convenient and safe.

Each path has numerous outlets around common student housing and campus.

Just outside of campus one can find the Whirlpool Trails where cross-country runners and off road bikers can exercise in the forest for both an exhilarating and serene workout.

The primary trail winds nearly three and a half miles into the forest with numerous bike trails branching off from it.

The majority of the trail is covered by thick trees, making running in the heat much more tolerable and enjoyable.

Former ASB President Taylor McGraw has recently made a giant step to ensure that the public park system in Oxford continues to grow and thrive.

McGraw recently petitioned to the Board of Aldermen to build a new public basketball facility.

“The facilities for every other sport and outdoor recreational activity in Oxford have expanded or improved in the last decade,” said McGraw in his online petition. “We think it’s time to act.”

Oxford has proved it has sufficient funds for the court, but believes there is not enough public interest to begin building.

The variety of convenient and accessible venues produces an interest in exercise, especially during the summer months.

“The fact Oxford has so many places to either walk or run makes exercising something that I want to do, but also something I like to do. I think switching up your daily activities is what keeps it fun,” says student Caty Cambron who agrees that it is important for Oxford to offer various recreations around town.

Whether it is to socialize or stay in shape, the citizens of Oxford remain active during Mississippi’s hottest months.

Each of these different locations allow the community of Oxford, both residents and Ole Miss students, to join together and beat the heat of summer, a task few communities can accomplish.

Oxford's Bike Paths are Expanding

 Oxford has two Pathways projects under construction, Sisk Avenue and Bike Paths Phase Two; students,
Pierce West (top right) and Taylor Nelson (bottom right) take advantage of current bike paths on campus 

      The city of Oxford currently has two Pathways projects under construction, Sisk Avenue and Bike Paths Phase Two. The $2.4 million Phase Two project will expand the $1.1 million Phase One project completed in the fall of 2007.
     “There are many student housing complexes that are accessible to campus by bike. Several new developments have advertised their convenience to the trails,” said Mike Mossing, Pathways Commission member. 

      The initial goal of the Pathways projects is to promote bicycling and walking for fitness, transportation and recreation.  The construction and design of safe roadways provide more opportunities for community involvement. Also, a bike map has been developed and is accessible on-line and at City Hall.
      The concept of expanding bike paths has a deeper meaning. There is a national organization that encourages towns, cities, states and the federal government to develop transportation infrastructure for all modes of transportation
      “Oxford has actually moved beyond the idea of pathways (maybe we should change the name of the commission) to a concept called Complete Streets. The Board of alderman passed an ordinance in 2011 to make sure that all new streets and all repairs will be done with pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders in mind,” Mossing said.
      While most students drive their vehicles, their are some who put the bike paths to use by riding their bikes, skate boards, or wheel chairs.
      "Well, it's been improving over the years and I'm glad that they're expanding the bike paths because they benefit skaters like me," said Pierce West, an Ole Miss student.
      Some of the current bike paths are benefiting Ole Miss students who ride their bikes to work.
      "I'm loving the fact that their expanding the bike paths because I ride my bike from school to work every other day; safe bike paths are important," said Taylor Nelson, a history major at Ole Miss.
      “The Mixed Use Paths (like the Oxford Depot Rail Trail) are designed for use by everyone, babies in strollers, kids with roller skates, lots of people walking dogs. The paths will be as safe as the people that use them. We like to remind everyone that may consider passing someone on the trail that they are responsible for the safety of whoever they are passing, just as vehicles on the road have the responsibility to wait patiently until it is safe to pass,” Mossing said.
       This project has not only provided students with safe bike paths but has also created summer jobs for high school students. Right now a MDOT-funded summer jobs program is employing 20 high school students planting bushes along the depot trail.
       "All of the pathways should look more pleasant after the work is completed and allow safe transportation and exercise in a pleasant environment to and from residences, school, work, shopping and recreation," said Scott Rone, Pathways Commission member. 

Jackson Ave Gains CVS

CVS is almost complete and ready for business. With just a few things to set up inside, the store will be serving customers starting July 8th.

    The addition of a CVS pharmacy on Jackson Avenue brings the convenience of pharmacy, beauty, photo and more to Oxford's biggest street. 

The new CVS is located on the corner of Harris Drive and West Jackson Avenue and will be open for business on July 8th. 

The CVS will offer another pharmacy option as well as a drive through to those who live around Jackson Avenue and wish to avoid their only previous option on the street, Walmart. 

"I can't wait for CVS to open. It will be so nice to not have to drive all the way to Walmart and face a huge crowd and no parking just to get something little like shampoo or Advil," said Emily Philpot, a resident of Anderson Road. 

Along with offering a small scale grocery store to compete with Walmart, the store may also pull business from the superstore's pharmacy department. 

Walmart employees, however, do not seem to be worried about losing any business to the new pharmacy. 

"We'll just have to wait and see. I think most people come to Walmart for the $4 plan and CVS is known to be a bit more expensive," said Walmart pharmacist. 

The $4 plan refers to a program unique to Walmart in which patients can get a 30 day supply of medicine from a specific list of prescriptions for just $4 including antibiotics, asthma, allergy and diabetes medication, and many more. This plan also offers these prescriptions for $10 for 90 days. 

People of Oxford will now have a choice between convenience and cost when choosing between CVS and Walmart. 

University Avenue has a similar situation with Walgreens and Kroger. 

"Even though Oxford is such a small town, University and Jackson seem like different worlds. I'm glad I have Walgreens for quick stops but I also need Kroger for the things Walgreens does not have," University Avenue resident, Schaefer Marks, said. 

The new CVS is one among many new developments in Oxford this summer. Others include a new Pita Pit on the square, a Buffalo Wild Wings at the end of West Jackson, and a new hospital. 

"It's always exciting as a student to come back from the summer and see new stores and restaurants that pop up. Especially in a small town like Oxford. I see the new CVS doing really well on Jackson," Marks said. 

Journalists in Movies

It seems obvious to me that journalists are glamorized in movies, simply because that is what Hollywood does. I believe this is exactly why "Page One" exists, to show what it is really like in a newsroom, and even that seemed a bit prettier than what most newspapers are sure to be. However, the article states that with the current situation of newspapers in America, these glamorized movies may be the lasting memory of how a newsroom is. With this in mind, we as journalists need to get on top of the technology and make sure we can continue at least long enough for movies like "Blessed Event" to fade away.

Adam Penenberg, a former Forbes Digital writer, who is depicted in the movie "Shattered Glass" as Stephen Glass's whistleblower, has his own take of another journalist's complaints about how journalists are reflected in movies. Penenberg, via a recent tweet: "Few things are as tiresome as a journalist complaining that movies don't reflect his own experiences in a newsroom."

What do you think? Read this New York Times article and post your comments here by Monday, 18 June. 

Feds: Horse racing operation tied to Mexican drug cartel


http://content.usatoday.com/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=clarionledger&sParam=55568356.story

New Method to Track Gun Use Stalled by Foes

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/13/us/code-on-shell-casings-sparks-a-gun-debate.html?pagewanted=1&ref=us

On the stand, McQueary holds to his Statement

http://mobile.philly.com/news/?wss=/philly/news&id=158743715

Hard News Story

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20120612/NEWS01/206120323/1-dead-after-parking-lot-altercation

Ole Miss looks closer at smoking on campus

       In 2009 the University of Mississippi adopted a policy which limited the use of 

tobacco products to designated areas on campus. However, is the policy being enforced 

and are smokers abiding by these rules?

According to the policy, some of these undesignated spots should be outlawed 

because the new policy has set up smoking areas mainly in parking lots located across 

the university campus, which can be identified by cigarette butt receptacles. 

Not only is the university trying to cut down tobacco use on campus, but it is also 

hoping to educate users on the effects and potential of quitting. The establishment of 

the ACT Now Tobacco Quit Program has provided many with helpful information about 

the effects of tobacco on their body and others around them. However, tobacco usage 

on campus is still prevalent according to many faculty, students, and enforcement 

officers.

“I still see people smoking on campus all the time,” sophomore non-smoker 

James Bruchman said. “Even though I personally don’t have a problem with it, I know 

some people do. Normally though, smokers are in spots that are known smoking areas, 

designated or not.”

Students still feel the need to get their nicotine fix wherever they please. Although some can get away with it, others 

are not so lucky. A fine of up to $25.00 may be assessed for faculty, staff, or students who are found violating the policy.

The policy also distinctly outlines what is considered a violation of the policy. Examples include any littering of tobacco-related products, tampering or damaging receptacles, the use of tobacco in a university-owned vehicle, and the use of tobacco products at athletic events in any area other then those designated for use. The tobacco policy also prohibits the use of tobacco products in fraternity and sorority houses, including porches. However, Neal Wilkerson, president of the Sigma Pi fraternity at Ole Miss, said he believes that this won’t effect the current lifestyles at fraternity houses.

“No one smokes on the front porch,” Wilkerson said. “On the back porch maybe a couple times a week, very little. Usually though, it is only on the weekends and when we have guests over. I just don’t think that UPD has the amount of officers to be checking in every fraternity house to see if anyone is smoking, even if no one is.”

Associate university attorney Donna Gurley also agrees that enforcing the policy is tough, but is manageable.

“It is hard, it is difficult for us to catch everyone,” she said. “I know a lot of times people get stopped and the police are going to give them a ticket, but they say I don’t know where the designated area is or I was in the designated area and I’m about to put it out. That is part of the reason that I think many people are starting to think we should go tobacco free.”

In Wilkerson’s experience so far, after the passing of the policy, he says that people seem to be abiding by the rules for the most part.

“For the most part people have seemed to follow the rules,” he said. “Of course you’ve got a few folks here and there who don’t care, because honestly I’ve never seen a cop get onto somebody for smoking in a spot that their not supposed to smoke. When you see people smoke on campus they are usually all congregated in one area doing it.”

So could it be that people have accepted the rule for what it is and gone with it? Or perhaps some feel that they can get away with it simply because of the lack of disciplinary action by law enforcement?

Soon, however, this may not be an issue. Recently rumor has spread that the university is strongly considering adopting a smoke free policy, which would outlaw tobacco use completely on campus.

“I could see Ole Miss moving in this direction,” junior non-smoker Stephen Horlock said. “Honestly though, I think it would annoy a lot of people. If it passes it passes, and I guess it’ll just be one of those things no one can really do anything about.”

Second Sandusky Accuser Details Bedtime Routine


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303768104577462212021282988.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5

Tuition Increase at Ole Miss

            The state college board voted to increase tuition at Ole Miss this year by 8.5 percent at their meeting on May 7. An additional 6 percent increase will be added for spring of 2013.

            This fall, resident’s tuition will increase from $5,792 to $6,282 and to $6,616 for the spring of 2013. Nonresident tuition will increase 9.9 percent, from $14,797 to $16,266. Fiscal year begins on July 1 to June 30. Sparks stressed that the numbers for 2014 are not fiscal.

            “Basically, higher education has gone through a shifting of funding within the past 30 years. When I was going to college, tuition was a much smaller piece of an institution’s budget and support from the state was a much bigger piece. It was closer to the K12 program in terms of subsidies. It was perceived that public education was something that the government provided through tax payers,” Sparks said.

            The main sources of revenue for an institution’s core operations are tuitions and state appropriations. The national allocating of funding has affected higher education in terms of funding. Factors include a cut under 1 percent in state appropriations and the lack of funding for the Public Employment Retirement System, according to Larry Sparks, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance at Ole Miss.

            In 1979, tuitions and fees were 32 percent and state appropriations were 64.7 percent compared to this current year’s tuition and fees of 63.6 percent to state appropriations 25.3 percent. The numbers show that there is a shift in funding between the individual and state appropriations.

            “More out of state students continue to apply because it’s still a relatively good buy for nonresidents because many say they would pay just as much at their home institutions,” Jody Lowe said.

            Some students would agree, “It won’t affect me because this is my last semester but you have to expect it to go up some. It’s not that bad necessarily but I don’t think people will be happy about it,” Richard Blount said.

            “There is a national tread in public higher education, it is not unique to Mississippi and it’s certainly not unique to Ole Miss. Tax payers are paying less of the cost of education and the actual individuals who are in school are picking up a bigger piece of the pie. It’s happening everywhere but it has accelerated at Ole Miss because we get far less funding than the other institutions in appropriations because we have grown faster.  The rate of higher education in terms of student growth is growing faster than the state’s economy. A college degree has become almost a necessity for the job market,” Sparks said.

Dead Week May Not Be What it Claims

  Many students, from high school all the way to doctorate programs, understand that the last two weeks of school are full of heavily weighted assignments and even heavier eyelids.

  Theater major John Baine attended the University of Mississippi for three years before he left to attend St. Louis University for his senior year.

  "Ole Miss didn't have a dead week, but we do at St. Louis University. I have to honestly say that I believe I had to stay more focused at Ole Miss without the extra week of study. At St. Louis University I was already stressed out for finals and having the week essentially off just made me want to sleep in late and hang out with friends, not work," Baine said.

  This seems to be a common trend. In psychology there is the theme of give an inch, take a mile and that may be the case with the addition of a dead week.

  On top of this is the fact that the dead week may not improve the performance of students during finals week, it may also add more time, and perhaps more money to an already long and expensive semester.

  According to the Christian Science Monitor tuition at a 4 year university has risen 73 percent from 1999 to 2009, with average family income decreasing at a rate of 7 percent. Couple this with an average student loan debt of around $25,000 and a new question arises: do we really need a longer semester?

  Whitman Smith is the Director of Enrollment Services at Ole Miss, and he ushers in each new Rebel class with open arms. His opinions reflect what the student body wants as well as what parents of these students want.

  Smith never had a dead week in school himself and he is unsure of whether or not a dead week would be beneficial to Ole Miss students.

  "I myself am not in favor of having a dead week at all," Smith said.

  Even with some obvious hesitance from the Ole Miss community the Associated Student Body is still pushing to get the resolution passed. This effort was led by Emmalee Rainey and former ASB president Taylor McGraw.

  "I get the sense that most professors are already very conscious of the workload they are placing on students and plan their syllabi very carefully," McGraw said. "Obviously they cannot coordinate with every other professor on campus, so some students may feel like they have a disproportionate amount of work the week before finals, and I can sympathize with those students," (from DM article February 23, 2012).

It's Written on the Walls

Faulkner is remembered today for his iconic novels and short stories as well as his unconventional methods. For his novel, "A Fable", Faulkner adorned the walls of his Rowan Oak office with the outline. Rowan Oak curator Bill Griffin describes Faulkner's writing talent as "demon driven and obsessed", spilling out of him uncontrollably as seen here. Although Faulkner's methods to writing were a bit odd, he certainly got the job done. "Faulkner didn't try and be the voice of the south, just his own south" said Griffin. 

Rowan Oak Post

                                                                    An Oxford Odyssey

"Demon-possessed with writing" - Bill Griffin
"People could relate to Faulkner's drinking...however Faulkner never drank while he wrote." - Bill Griffin

Even though no one has lived in the famous Faulkner home for decades, Rowan Oak is still a living organism contributing to present day Oxford. Still preserved as if William Faulkner made breakfast there that morning, the plantation provides a rich, palpable history about the great Southern writer and the local community he loved so dear. Considered the Trailblazer of Southern Modern Literature, Faulkner never wrote about THE South in general, he wrote about HIS South, as a Southerner. 

Faulkner Avoids Punctuation

"He wrote as I am speaking now, " said Rowan Oak curator Bill Griffith. "He didn't use puctuation marks because I dont say period. He wanted you to get the idea that someone was talking to you through the written word."

A Backward Path to William Faulkner

     Viewing out the screen door from William Faulkner's home here at Rowan Oak in Oxford, Miss., reflects a backward path into the writer's life.  Standing behind this door is Hanna McMaham who greets everyone  entering.
     "Besides the patio, he mostly wrote in this library," Hanna said. Each room has a story to tell but this is the first room where a bulk of the writing took place until he built his own writing room at the rear of the house. "The most interesting room is where he did most of his writing," said Bill Griffin pointing to this room.

   Literature's Best Known Drunk

 Inside the Rowan Oak estate, a few old, empty bottles of ink and bourbon from William Faulkner's stash can be found. According to Rowan Oak and William Faulkner enthusiast, Bill Griffin said,  "With the completion of each novel, he went into a depression." While Faulkner has been called of of literature's best known drunks, he never wrote and drank simultaneously.
"He used liquor as a way to escape his life, but he did not feel that it aided his creative process," Griffin said.

A House of History: Faulkner's Home

The history and memories of Mississippi's only Pulitzer Prize winner, William Faulkner, can be found at his old home in Oxford. "Faulkner opened the door for Southern writers," said Bill Griffith, Curator of Rowan Oak. "There were two things Faulkner could not say no to, bourbon and children".

William Faulkner: The Legacy Lives On

The legacy of southern writer William Faulkner can be found in Oxford at his old home, Rowan Oak.
"He brought modern literature to the South," Faulkner enthusiast and Rowan Oak curator Bill Griffith said. "Before William Faulkner started writing, no one had written a modern novel in the South."
"He opened the door for southern writers to write about their South."

The Ghost of Rowan Oak

This unassuming magnolia tree and balcony at Rowan Oak, William Faulkner's Oxford home, are the site of the house's only ghost story, "because the house needed a ghost." According to William "Bill" Griffith, curator of Rowan Oak, the story was made up to deter his stepchildren from asking him to restore the antebellum gardens on the property. "There were only two things Faulkner couldn't say no to, bourbon and children," said Griffith.