Niche Blog Video Intro

During this assignment I realized I am a lot more camera shy then I thought. I have never been embarrassed about being in front of the camera but doing this assignment took a few takes to get the final video. I enjoyed the video process however, because after a while I started to just have fun with it and enjoyed myself. Because of the nature of my blog I was not able to come up with a lot of explanation or discussion however I think I was able to address what I was hoping to accomplish with my blog. I also was not able to figure out how to layer still photos into the video which is something I hope I can figure out in the future. 

Video Assignment

These are some videos I have recorded for the Grand Blanc News and the Fenton Press. They're short and simple but I figured they might be of interest. I put the link to each story underneath its video.

Amy Fitzgibbon

Harley Pebbles

R & B Used Books

Carman-Ainsworth Senior Center plans New Year's Eve casino trip

Sponsoring their annual New Year's Eve Casino Trip to Odawa and Soaring Eagle Casinos, Carman-Ainsworth Senior Center is taking reservations. The cost is $145 per person and the trip last from New Year's Eve morning to New Year's Day night.

I aggregated this story because both maps allow for directions to where the citizens will be going. The first is if they choose to go to Odawa Casino and the second is if they choose Soaring Eagle Casino.

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This photo was taken on April 19, 2007 inResort, Michigan, US, using a Nikon D70s.
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This photo was taken on April 1, 2008 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, US.

Barn fire coverage shows breaking news evolution

Credit: Christofer Machniak/Hartland Patch • Hartland Area Firefighter Jim Brake scrapes the charred ground as Fire Marshal Mike Bernardin takes pictures Saturday in the area where the animal barn once stood until a fire Friday night at Spicer Orchards Farm Market and Cider Mill, 10411 Clyde Road, in Hartland Township, Mich. The building that contains the farm market, winery and bakery stands in the background.

HARTLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Because of how the semester evolved, we didn't do a breaking news assignment as planned, but I still want to provide some insight into how this is changing the nature of journalism.

The example I'm going to use is from Hartland Patch, where on Friday night I began to report about a fire at a well-known farm and cider mill — Spicer Orchards (A photo from my follow-up story is above). What's really important to note is the first news of the fire wasn't even published by me on my site — it came from a user named Mary who broke the story in our activity stream (See below). After I saw that, I immediately checked to see if other media had anything and I found that the countywide newspaper, the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus already had a brief story and pictures. So, I engaged the audience by responding with what I knew at that point, correcting her report that it was a "large" barn and to explain that we now we're working on the story (also below).

I also linked to the Press & Argus story on Hartland Patch's Facebook page. In this new world of journalism while I still see myself competing with the paper for stories, my philosophy is to also link to their coverage whenever it's useful to my audience, especially on stories that are breaking or that I know Hartland Patch won't be doing. This could be called the Kriss Kringle strategy — in the holiday classic “Miracle on 34th Street” where Santa earns the trust of shoppers by sending Macy customers to rival Gimbel's because it makes sense and is the right thing to do. This is basically the same except I'm trying to build credibility with users as well as make Hartland Patch the place to go for hyperlocal news.

Video widths

HARTLAND TOWNSHIP, Michigan — I was glad to see many of your welcome videos posted here. One item, I did notice and that I wanted to address in this post is width. In some, you'll notice the width of the video bleed over. That's because the default width setting is wider than the default on this blog. You can adjust, though, in the html coding. Look for width. It's in pixels and sometimes you have to adjust it through trial an error to get it where you'd like it to be.

For example, in YouTube embeds, it's repeated twice. Here's how the code looks with 480 pixels, which fits here nicely. The second embed, it's at 680, which you can clearly see is too wide.

So, for those of you who have videos that are too wide, I recommend you fix them before I grade the assignment.

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PN2HAroA12w?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PN2HAroA12w?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

Video Assignment

While making my welcome video, I will admit it can be difficult, if you're not familiar with it creating videos but if you make sure you're having fun with the project, I'm sure it'll be much easier. I rarely use iMovie on my mac, so this was very new to me. I used my camera on my computer and was trying to talk off the top of my cranium. Excuse Keeping Up With The Kardashians in the background - it's a guilty pleasure. All the images are from complex.com, from posts that I've written, Didn't want to add any more than what was necessary even though I had tons I wanted to throw in there once I figured out how to lay them over my voice to keep it going when the camera picked back to me. Thanks to this class, I will be being more creative with this iMovie, making tons of pointless and/or purpose-filled videos.

JRN 350 Blog Project from Christopher Nic. on Vimeo.

Dissecting Video

Okay, I'll be straight with you. While this assignment was difficult-sounding on paper, I actually had a lot of fun with it. I own a FlipCam, which if you're a journalist, you should really own anyway, but I used that instead of the iChat function on our computers in my office or my Skype webcam at home. As soon as I finished my video, I opened iMovie on the Macs in my office and proceeded to just start playing around. I was able to cut the very beginning and end of my starting and stopping the recording so it looked more natural. I placed the full one and a half minute video in the editing section and jumped on Flickr, where I got the first three photos in my video. I took screenshots of those, as well as the last picture which is off ESPN.com, and dragged them onto the editing section of iMovie, where it asked if I wanted to put it in as a cutaway where it would show the photo, but I would still be talking over top of it. I looked thorough the video again to make sure it worked then exported it to Youtube. The process took about two hours.

Of course, there were some roadblocks and speed bumps, before finding the cutaway feature, I just tried dropping the photos wherever, but that would take the video and audio up to the photo, then stop to show the photo, then come back to me speaking where it left off. That was tricky, so I consulted the help option and was able to figure out how to do cutaways. Because there were four photos, when I was running through the video, it would show the first photo, then freeze on me when trying to show another. I deleted the last two photos for memory's sake, then uploaded it and it ran through with no problem. I went back and put the two photos back in and uploaded it again and it ran perfectly.

I loved the assignment actually, it was a lot of fun. I got to mess around with something I have never had to do before and I feel like I could do this time and time again even after this class is over.

Video Foundation Assignment- Vrbensky

While getting things ready for this video was not hard to do I did have some problems piecing everything together in such a way that I was actually happy with. I had small problems with my audio over the pictures and figuring out how to use an updated version of my video editor. I did know my way around for the most part because of a class that I took while in high school, but finding the things that I knew that I wanted to use was a little tedious. To begin with I wrote a short script that went through the steps that I wanted to take with my blog. I then found the pictures that I wanted to use and began piecing it all together in the editor. That was probably the longest part, but I was most nervous about the video. All in all it was not a bad project and I enjoyed getting back into the video editing that I had fun with in high school.

Dissecting Video

In the process of making this, I learned a few things. The first thing is that if you have the basic knowledge, all technology is easy, and basically the same. You can edit video the same way you edit audio. The next is that I really need a video camera! I don't have one, or even a webcam, and I had a wedding this weekend, so I had to improvise since I was crunched for time. I also learned that I need to work on my time management skills. Other than that though, once I realized that my computer had Movie Maker on it, it was a snap. Like I said, once you know the basics, the rest is kind of simple. I recorded the video with my digital camera and then threw in some pictures from my computer. I know it isn't the best, but for what I had to work with, I think it turned out okay. All of the pictures used are owned by their respective movie studios, but I think since they aren't the focal point, that should count under 'limited use', right? Correct me if I am wrong. Anyway, since the whole idea was to prove that you know how to edit video, I think the point is proven. Thanks to this class, I now know how to make rudimentary videos.

Video Blog Reflection

To have troubles is saying the least for me when creating this blog. To start things off, I had A LOT of trouble finding a camera in my house that would upload to Windows Movie Maker (the only program I have on my ancient laptop.) It's upsetting to me because I have more extensive knowledge of recording video than I this video shows. I hope to get better equipment in the upcoming months. This will also help me with my current job at the Hartland Patch, where creating videos is something that I would like to pursue.

Video Blog Reflection

While I enjoyed making the welcome video, the process definitely presented some difficulties along the way. I used my camera to take the video for the welcome address and used screenshots of my Twitter and Facebook pages for inserts in the video. I also used power point to make the initial slide. It was difficult for me to use the screenshots because I did not know how to save them as images. After foraging through little used programs on my laptop, I found Microsoft Office OneNote and used a program on it to save the screenshots as JPEG images. There has to be an easier way than using OneNote, but, in the end, the program was sufficient.

The other major issue I ran into was using editing software to piece the video together. I read online that Jumpcut.com was the best free program to use on a PC, but I was unable to access the program at all. Whenever I typed in the web address, the browser automatically directed me to the Yahoo! homepage. I know Professor Machniak mentioned that Jumpcut was recently bought out by Yahoo!, so I assume that is why I was redirected to their homepage. However, even after scouring the Yahoo! homepage I was unable to access the program. There were other programs available online but they were taking much too long to download on to my computer. I had recently bought a Canon camera and was looking through the software that came with the camera when I found an editing application. I ended up using this software to complete the video. It definitely is not an advanced video but at least it meets specifications.

Dissecting Video

HARTLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. — As you work on your video assignment, I thought I'd share a little bit about the ones I've been producing for Patch. Note, I've included one I haven't done, as well, for discussion purposes.

First, let me explain my philosophy on videos: Like articles, my style is to not insert myself overtly into the story. That means I want the subject to come through as much as possible, so I edit out my questions and banter in favor of black screens with the questions in text form. This way, I can edit down the footage more easily and provide transitions for the viewer.

I also want to say that video is not my greatest strength. While I've had visual experience in my journalism career (taking a video and photography classes in high school and shooting pictures on one of my internships) writing has always been my main focus. Yet, I welcome more video opportunities because it gives journalists, I believe, more options in telling the story.

So, I would encourage everyone to practice video and incorporate it whenever you can because there aren't as many people out there with these skills.

Blog Proposal

For my week of blogging I would like to develop a blog about books. My blog would include aggregations from different major websites. Aggregation pieces would include new interviews with authors, new book releases, publishing news, and various other pieces that might relate back to the subject of books. Books are a subject that I am very passionate about and, therefore, I think I would be well suited to write this blog. For journalistic pieces within the blog, I would like to feature brief book reviews and industry news, including a piece on the increasingly popular social website, GoodReads. I could also write a piece on how the newest Harry Potter movie compares to the book since the movie is due out during my week of blogging. I would like my week of blogging to begin on Nov. 16 and end on Nov. 22.

My one quandary about taking this subject as the topic of my niche blog is whether or not I could relate my final project back to this subject. As of yet, I have not thought of a final project that I could relate to book industry. However, given time and a little bit of research, I am sure I could develop a final project well suited to this idea.

As I continue to prepare my blog site and further develop my idea, I am sure I can narrow down this topic to a more precise niche. However, should this idea prove too broad or subjective, I have a couple of other plans. Supporting blog ideas include writing a blog about UM-Flint, focusing on UM-Flint as a place of renewal within the city; or, writing a blog about my hometown of Davison. I am not too enthused about the Davison idea as I spend more time in the Flint area than I do in my hometown.

4 found guilty in NYC synagogue bomb plot case

This photo was taken by Andys Productions under the Creative Commons License.

Four guys - James Cromitie, David Williams, Onta Williams and Laguerre Payen - were found guilty today of planning to bomb a synagogue and Jewish center in New York and plotting to shoot military planes with missiles. All men are from Newburgh, New York.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/10/18/new.york.synagogue.plot/index.html?hpt=T2

Rich Rodriguez believes youth is too much for Michigan

A report from The Detroit News said that Rich Rodriguez believes the youth on his 2010 Michigan Wolverine football team is "too much for Lombardi to overcome.

The Wolverines are ranked 105th in defense in all of college football, however Rodriguez trusts his defensive coaches. "I certainly want to know what we're doing defensively and can always have some input, but those guys spend a lot more time watching that film and studying that and have got expertise."

Two Chinese students killed, three injured in Michigan crash

View Ann Arbor in a larger map

A report from The Chicago Tribune informs about a car crash in Ann Arbor, Michigan that killed two Chinese students and left three injured.

Four of the students were enrolled at the University of Michigan and one was enrolled at Michigan State University. The cause of the crash is unknown.

Local Democratic Party leaders meet to name a replacement for Robert B. Jones

View Communications Workers of America, Local 4123 office in a larger map


The members of the Democratic Party will “put forward nominations and see if anybody is willing to run as a replacement” for Robert B. Jones due to a recent death from esophageal cancer. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Communications Workers of America, Local 4123 office, 3530 Douglas Ave.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/10/democratic_party_leaders_to_me.html

This photo was taken by mtsn on January 19, 2008 using a Panasonic DMC-FZ18.

New media frenzy claims GM has lied about the new Volt, however these accusations are merely the ideas of tabloids fulfilling their own will. The Volt is said to have a supplement to it's electric power with energy from it's 1.4-liter gasoline engine.

http://www.mlive.com/auto/index.ssf/2010/10/auto_writer_gm_didnt_lie_about.html

Search for black Tahoe after Flint carjacking

A 2002 black Tahoe was carjacked around 7:30 pm according to a scanner. It was last seen on Brownell Boulevard by W Pasadena Ave.

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/10/police_searching_for_black_tah.html

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First Amendment case against Flint supervisor going to federal appeals court

This image is property of the United States Government.

A Flint Township supervisor is being taken to a federal appeals court to determine whether he decision to fire an employee violated that employee's First Amendment right.

Jackson-Hardy house fire deemed "highly suspicious."

View Jackson-Hardy fire deemed "highly suspicious." in a larger map

The Jackson-Hardy house that was destroyed by a fire early Sunday morning has been deemed a "highly suspicious" fire by the Flint fire officials. The fire started in the basement.

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/10/jackson-hardy_fire_highly_susp.html

Jackson-Hardy House Fire

This is what the Jackson-Hardy House looked like prior the fire that deastroyed it Sunday morning. This photo was taken by sarrazak6881 on 10-17-2010 and used here under a Creative Commons License

Fire Destroys Home in Carriage Town Neighborhood, Also Destroys UM Flint Urban Alternatives House

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The Jackson- Hardy House, a 36 room boarding home that was set to receive a $330,000 grant for restoration, was destroyed by a fire early this morning. The home next door, used as the UM Flint Urban Alternatives house, was also destroyed. There were no injuries and it is not clear if this was a case of arson.

For more on this story from the Flint Journal, Click Here

Freedom Skater

A graduate from Kettering University is skating across America to inspire his generation to forge their own paths in the world. He began his trip starting at the statue of liberty last month.

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/10/kettering_university_graduate_2.html
View Kettering University in a larger map

This graphic is used thanks to Creative Commons and is the property of >ange< (http://search.creativecommons.org/#)

A Trenton woman is behind bars tonight after trying to run over a neighbor with her car. Jennifer Petkov made the news recently for cyber-bullying her terminally ill 7-year-old neighbor, among other things. According to mlive.com, she was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.
Petkov and her husband apologized after 'receiving death threats', but that didn't stop the news from going viral online, prompting several stories to be done about the issue.
Some good did come out of this though. Kathleen Edward, who is in the final stages of Huntington's Disease, was given the red carpet treatment when a local toy store gave her a shopping spree.

This photo is used thanks to Creative Commons and is the property of Schmuela (http://www.flickr.com/photos/klg19/4460887756/)

Film shot in Grand Blanc

The film 'Tetherball', produced by Manifest Productions in Flint, filmed a scene in a Grand Blanc home Friday night.

View Tetherball Movie Shoot in a larger map

The movie, which according to mlive.com is supposed to be like "American Pie" with sports, has already filmed scenes with the likes of Andy Dick and Dustin Diamond. The movie will continue to shoot in the Flint and Ann Arbor areas through the end of the month.

33 Bridges in Genesee County Found Structurally Deficient

A recent report from the Michigan Department of Transportation listed 33 of Genesee County’s bigger bridges as structurally deficient. Throughout the state, 429 of 4,401 bridges have been considered structurally deficient or obsolete.

This photo – by Tatiana12 – is licensed under the Creative Commons on Flickr and can be found here http://www.flickr.com/photos/stella12/4600137614/sizes/m/in/photostream/.

This article can be found at http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/10/state_report_60_bridges_in_gen.html.

Underage tobacco and liquour sales rise

A recent crackdown on underage liquor and tobacco sales led to the ticketing of fifty-seven local party stores, bars, and restaurants.

This image is licensed under the Creative Commons on Flickr and can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetruthabout/2727681008/

An article on ConnectMidMichigan.com lists all the businesses that received citations.

Stranger at local junior high

View Maginn Court, Mt. Morris in a larger map

Two teenage girls were approached by a strange man at approximately 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010. After the stranger inquired if the girls needed a ride, they ran to a home nearby where the homeowner attempted to chase the man down. Local authorities are asking for anyone with information to come forward. ConnectMidMichigan.com described the man as a "white male in his 30's with red hair and a scruffy red beard."

New Book "Lost Detroit" Features Historic Buildings

Recently, the Detroit Free Press featured photos from writer Dan Austin's book, ""Lost Detroit: Stories Behind the Motor City's Majestic Ruins". The photographs, which were taken by photographer Sean Doerr, feature different ruined historical buildings around Detroit and the history of those buildings. Among those pictures on www.freep.com are photographs of Michigan Central Station, the Grand Army of the Republic Building, Broderick Tower, United Artists Theatre, and the Eastown Theatre. One of the most impressive photographs in Austin's book is a picture of the Michigan Theatre in Detroit - an ornate opera house that is now being used as a parking garage. Below is a map of the sites mentioned in Austin's book. To look at the photographs, please visit http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=C4&Date=20101002&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=10020806&Ref=PH&Params=Itemnr=1.


View New Book "Lost Detroit" Features Historic Buildings in a larger map

Freedom of Speech & Protest

This child is holding a protest sign on March 26, 2010, often used by the Westboro Baptist Church, which was in the news today as part of a Supreme Court case about whether its members can be restricted from protesting during funerals. This photo — by k763 — is reproduced under a Creative Commons license.

HARTLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. — For picture part the assignment, you just need to complete all the elements above:

• Upload the photo.
• Aggregate it to an item in the news.
• Credit the photo and link to the photo, CC license and photographer.

That aside, I also picked this photo because I was hoping you could tell me if it's appropriate to use in a news context, especially given it's a child? Also, is it appropriate to use to describe an event that happened today even though this picture was taken in March?

Remember, extra credit points for commenting …

Pistons tap Ilitch to buy team; Talks continue

The rumors have swirled around the city of Detroit for months, even years. Could the Detroit Pistons be bought out? Will they be bought out by an out-of-state buyer who will relocate the team? Or will a hero come from Detroit to keep the Bad Boys in the D?



That hero may well be Mike Ilitch, known currently as owner of Little Caesar's Pizza chain, along with the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings. Now, there is a very good chance that Ilitch could soon be the owner of three out of the big four Detroit sports franchises.

Current Pistons owner Karen Davidson had been in talks with Ilitch earlier in the year to purchase the team left to her by her late husband, Bill.

The deal is not only the Pistons, but the entire Palace Sports and Entertainment empire, which includes The Palace Of Auburn Hills, DTE Energy Music Theatre and Medowbrook Music Theatre.

Now the question is if the team will relocate from the suburb of Auburn Hills to downtown Detroit, alongside possible future sibling teams, Tigers and Red Wings.


Ilitch to buy Pistons

Melvindale High School football players facing sexual assault charges

Melvindale police are investigating allegations of sexual assault. The accused are members of the Melvindale High School varsity football team.

The incident took place after the homecoming dance last weekend. Two teenagers, 16 and 17, are in custody, accused of assaulting a girl, 14, at a Comfort Inn at an after party.

Police are looking for others who may have been in the room while the girl was being attacked. They say there may have been as many as 10 other males in the room at the time.

The superintendent and principal of Melvindale High School have yet to comment.

Police are also looking for the parents who reserved the room.

ClickOnDetroit.com coverage of charges

Supporters push for more coverage for Autism patients

Lansing saw the last in a state-wide series of public hearings pushing for legislation that requires insurance coverage for certain, intense therapies for Autism patients.

Supporters of the expanded coverage are hoping to see the changes approved by the end of the year. Nearly half a dozen states in the United States currently have the legislation in the books.

Some say that Autism should not be singled out as a disorder that will require special attention, while others worry about the mounting costs for mandating the treatments.

Advocates Push For More Autism Coverage

Teen Accused of killing classmates faces judge

18-year-old Josh Quaderer faced a judge in Saginaw County with his family on his right and the familes of his friends on his left.

Those friends, 18-year-old John Muro and 15-year-old Anthony Larkin Junior, were killed April 2 as they were walking down Seymour Road in Teymouth Township. The driver at the wheel was Quaderer.

The prosecution is arguing that the act was not premeditated and was not intentional, but Quaderer's actions caused the boys' deaths.

Teen accused of killing classmates faces a judge: "Josh Quaderer waves his right to a preliminary examination"

NBC25 MidMichigan

Missing girl found safe in California, according to Fresno police

An 8-year-old girl has been found safe in Fresno, California. Police are crediting "good samaritans" with aiding in her recovery.

However, her rescue turned from joyful to bittersweet when authorities stated the victim had been sexually assaulted.



Descriptions of the girl, the suspect and his vehicle had been made public. Police Cheif Jerry Dyer said a good samaritan recognized the suspect's vehicle and noticed a girl pop her head up in the window. The driver then cut off the suspect's pickup truck, the girl then "took the moment of opportunity, opened up the passenger door, and jumped out and ran," he said. A second good Samaritan stayed with the girl, Dyer said.

The suspect, Gergorio Gonzalez, 24, of Fresno will face charges of kidnapping, false imprisonment and sexual assault.

Earlier reports via Twitter had identified the girl, but due to the developing charges, those reports have been removed as CNN does not release the names of possible sexual assault. When the story broke, the charges had not been announced. CNN is now taking steps to no longer identify the girl.

Request for National Guard Shot Down by Governor’s Office

Gov. Granholm’s spokesperson has announced that the request of a single individual is not enough to trigger activation of the National Guard in Flint. While the governor has yet to see the request sent by former state representative Vera Rison, her spokesperson says that the move would need far more support, such as from the police department before it would be considered. Rison’s most recent request came after Flint police announced that there have been 50 murders in the city in only nine months.

Origional Source

New Movie to Film Some Scenes in Flint Area

Flint is once again going to see lights, cameras, and film crews out and about, as filming is set to start for the movie “Tetherball.” Today marks the first day of local shooting of the movie which stars Andy Dick. The film is about four telemarketers who find fame as tetherball players. Don’t expect to see the movie in many theaters though. While it may have a small release, it is expected to be primarily a TV and DVD release.

Origional Source

Flint Islamic Center Reaching Out

The Flint Islamic center is trying to end Islamophobia in light of workplace discrimination occurring across the country and the controversy over the new Islamic center near ground zero. The group has and continues to hold frequent open houses to introduce people to what Islam really stands for and answer questions that they may have. They are trying to do away with the misconceptions that people may have about the faith, of which 1 billion people practice. The next planned event is set for Nov. 16th, 2010, or in Islam, the second Eid.

Origional Source

First Embryonic Stem Cell Line Created at UM Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan has confirmed this past Sunday that it has created the first human embryonic stem cell line. It is hoped that the cells like these can one day be used to treat conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and other life-altering illnesses. Scientist were able to do this impart because of a constitutional amendment in 2008 that allowed surplus embryos from fertility clinics to be used in scientific research.

Origional Source

University of Michigan Flint to Receive Grant for Advanced Nursing Education

Today, US Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, both D-Mich., announced the allotment of just over 1.4 million dollars to the University’s Department of Nursing. The money is part of the 13 million dollars given to select programs in the state to expand training of medical personnel and comes from the passage of the Affordable Care Act six months ago. The money is expected to support 30 to 60 full-time nurse practitioner (NP) and nurse midwife (NMW) students for up to 2 years.

Origional Source

National Guard in Flint?

The highest number of killings that took place in Flint was 61 and that was in 1986. As of today there have been a total of 50 killings this year. For most people this is putting fear as an all time high emotion that is being felt. But, for one woman this fear is not enough. She is enraged and wants to see something change for Genesee County. Former state representative Vera Rison has written a letter to the governor asking that the National Guard be brought in to help Flint's police. She is unsure whether they can actually be called in, but she is willing to take the chance and at the very least ask. If her request does not go through with the governor she has decided to make her case to Washington.


http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/local&id=7700680

Woman Shot

One woman was shot in cross-fire today near DuPont and Stewart. The van that she was sitting in also held nine other people, a few of which were children. The woman is in fair condition and no one else was injured. The shooting took place around 2pm this afternoon. At this time police have made no arrests.


http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/10/one_woman_hospitalized_after_b.html

Genesee Parks Receive Grant from Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

The Charles Mott Foundation has given a grant of $1.2 million to the Genesee County Parks at a very critical time in this economic struggle. The foundation is showing how much they truly believe in these parks and their continued support is very appreciated. This week the 2010-2011 budget was approved by the Board of Commissioners with the elimination of 118 positions. This grant is a blessing to the parks community and those employed by them.

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/10/charles_stewart_mott_foundatio.html

Flushing Community on Alert

Flushing Community on Alert

Families in Flushing have been told to be cautious of a man offering rides to children in the area. This is the second time in the past two weeks that a letter has been sent home to the parents of students warning of the suspicious man that has been offering rides to students in the community.

http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/local&id=7697715

AIDS Awareness

AIDS Awareness

The walk for AIDS awareness will be held this Saturday on the U of M-Flint campus. This is a topic that many people shy away from, but it is a growing one in the Genesee County area. This walk is taking place to help people 'come together and provides a support network' for those that have been impacted by this disease in some way. The walk is scheduled to start at 2pm.

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/10/genesee_county_ranked_eighth_i.html

Being There

Friday, October 1, 2010

Being There

Dealing with the stress of a loved one in surgery can be very overwhelming. One Flint resident has found a way to be there for these families and individuals as they go through the endless waiting process in the hospital waiting room. Reaching out to these people and letting them know you are there is what she specializes in. Helping our community in this small way has a huge impact in the lives of many:

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/10/making_a_difference_hurley_med.html

Joshua H. earns EC point

YPSILANTI, Mich. — Joshua H. caught a mistake on my portfolio page where I had a missing word in my introduction. That shows the importance of proof-reading and that anyone — teachers included — can make mistakes. Thanks for your help, Joshua.

It also gets him on the board in the Extra Credit Contest.

50 Homicides in Nine Months for Flint

A body found in an abandoned home in Flint has been ruled a homicide by the Flint police, making it the 50th homicide in Flint in less than nine months. This is five times the national average and it is the third time Flint has had 50 homicides in one year since 1990. In a press conference on Wednesday, Mayor Dayne Walling and Police Chief Alvern Lock urged Flint residents to be proactive about crime prevention. They emphasized the anonymous tipline that the city instituted in July 2009 to help investigators. The tipline number is (810) 237-6812.

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/09/a_killing_field_--_50th_flint.html

Actor Tony Curtis Dies at 85

Actor Tony Curtis died on Wednesday, September 29, at his home in the Las Vegas Area. Coroner Mike Murphy confirmed that the actor died of a heart attack. He was 85 years old. Curtis is most known for his roles in movies like “Sweet Smell of Success”, “The Defiant Ones”, and “Some Like it Hot”. His first wife was the star of “Psycho”, actress, Janet Leigh. Curtis and Leigh’s first daughter is famous actress, Jamie Lee Curtis. Besides Jamie Lee, Curtis is survived by five other children.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20100930/OBITUARIES/9300440/1361/UPDATE/Actor+Tony+Curtis+dies+at+Las+Vegas-area+home

Mother Accused of Faking Son’s Illness

Carol Schnuphase, a 47-year-old Roseville mother, raised more than $7,000 to help her son fight against leukemia. She asked for money at a variety of events held through her neighborhood church and Facebook. When her twelve-year-old son died of leukemia, Schnuphase opted not to hold a funeral.

This is when family and friends became suspicious.

When family and friends investigated further, they found that Carol Schnuphase had been faking her son’s illness and death the entire time. She began her ruse by making a Facebook page,but quickly increased her earnings through church events and public fundraisers. Schnuphase shaved her son’s head and eyebrows to make it look like he received chemotherapy and reportedly spiked his applesauce with opiates to make him look more ill. With her son fully costumed, Schnuphase had him make public appearances to ask for donations. Carol’s son is now in foster care and Schnuphase faces felony charges.

http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2010/09/roseville_police_mom_raised_7k.html

Fenton Bookstore Redesigned and Renamed

Little Professor Book store in Fenton has been reopened as Fenton’s Open Book. Owner Karen Piacentini was a former Little Professor employee who decided to reopen the store because she saw a need within the community. Piacentini wanted to continue the tradition of a locally owned book store in Fenton. By changing the shop’s layout and adding a café and Wi-Fi internet access, Piacentini hopes to make a quaint and cozy environment for local readers.

http://www.mlive.com/fenton/index.ssf/2010/09/around_town_fentons_open_book.html

Sunday Mornings No Longer Sober

Yesterday, Michigan lawmakers approved a bill that would allow the sale of alcohol on Sunday mornings. The current law does not allow store owners to sell alcohol before noon on Sundays. This approved 58-page bill would allow alcohol sales after 7:00 am on Sunday mornings. However, store owners would have to buy a special license for $160. Now that the bill has been approved by lawmakers, the decision to pass it lies with Governor Granholm. The bill was one of the last addendums to the budget for the next fiscal year.
http://www.detnews.com/article/20100930/POLITICS02/9300404/Bill-to-expand-Sunday-liquor-sales-heads-to-Granholm-s-desk

Schools offer prizes to get children in school

Schools all over Mid-Michigan are finding incentives for children to show up for school on Student Count Day. 75% of the Flint Community schools budget is typically what the $8,000 per child present in state funding gives. Even though Flint Administrators expect the budget to drop, they are being optimistic with a goal of 11,000 students which would be roughly a drop of 1,200-1,500 students. Durant - Tuuri - Mott Elementary school had 98% of their 530 students showed up. For the students who were not able to make it to school, there is another count day in February.

Deer Virus in Berrien, Cass counties

Hunters in Berrien, Cass, and Ottawa counties may be taken aback due to cases of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease that have been found in white-tailed deer. Although rare this far north, the first case of this disease in Michigan was recorded in 1955 with more cases in 1974, 2006, 2008, and 2009. Tom Cooley, spokesman for MDNRE, said the disease should be gone two weeks after the first frost of the season.

http://www.southbendtribune.com/article/20100929/News01/100929412/1130

New Legislation may change Michigan Teen Driving Laws

Support for a new piece of legislation grew with the Obama administration on Tuesday. The Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act, if passed, requires a more restrictions on teen driving which would force Michigan and other states, to change their laws. If Michigan does not change its laws, it would lose highway funding. This law requires three stages of licensing and drivers would not have unrestricted driving until they turned 18. Michigan's law, passed in 1997, allows 17 year olds to have unrestricted licenses if they meet certain requirements.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20100929/AUTO01/9290338/1022/Michigan-may-be-forced-to-alter-teen-driver-laws

Michigan Man Jailed, Failure Paying 23 Child Supports

Howard Veal has been sentenced 23-48 months in jail for not paying child support for his 23 children. Veal owes $533,000 in child support and has allegedly fathered 23 kids with 14 different women. "In my entire career I have never seen a case like this where so much was owed to so many and ignored," Kent County Judge Dennis Leiber, who has ruled in support cases for over 20 years, said. The guidelines for a case like this calls for no more than six months in jail, however after the facts of the case were laid out the judge deviated from these guidelines.

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/michigan-father-23-kids-jailed-paying-child-support/story?id=11747999

Michigan Assistant Attorney General Attacks University Of Michigan Student President

Michigan Assistant Attorney General Andrew Shirvell attacks the student assembly president of the University of Michigan Chris Armstrong's "radical homosexual agenda" using a blog he has started titled "Chris Armstrong Watch." Shirvell has also gone to Ann Arbor to protest outside of Armstrong's house and to attend the student assembly meetings controlled by Armstrong. During Shirvell's interview last night he claims his main issue is Armstrong's idea of gender-neutral housing. Armstrong states, "I will not back down."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/29/andrew-shirvell-assistant_n_743953.html

Granholm to visit Flint middle school

Governor Granholm is scheduled to be at McKinley Middle School in Flint on Wednesday at 1:30 pm for the opening of a family resource center, according to a release from the governor's office. The purpose of the resource center increase public access to public aid, health and social service programs. The governor will also travel to Midland earlier in the day Wednesday to visit the DOW chemical campus at 11:30 am.

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/09/granholm_to_visit_flint_middle.html

Local residents assaulted and robbed by Craigslist users

The Tri-County Times is reporting that local residents being assaulted and robbed by craigslist users. On Sunday, Aug. 22 an 18 year-old Durand resident filed a complaint with the Durand police after a craigslist transaction failed. There were two other cases from the Fenton and Holly area becoming victim to craigslist robberies.

Gunman opens fire, kills self at UT Austin.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

A man equipped with a ski-mask and AK-47 walked into the library at the University of Texas and opened fire, eventually turning the gun on himself. It is unknown whether or not any victims were identified. Officials are saying that the shooter was indeed a student of the University.

More evidence to be handed over to defense is suspected stabber's trial

Prosecutors are handing over evidence to the defense tea
of suspected serial killer Elias Abeulazam reports the Flint Journal. Abuelazam is believed to have been responsible for the stabbings of 14 people in the Flint and Ohio areas. Two large video segments and telephone data has been handed over to the defense. A pretrial hearing is set for Oct. 29 with a preliminary exam due some time in November. Abuelazam's lawyer, Edwar Zeineh, expects the examination to take two days or longer. More than the typical prelim.

Women, 60, found dead after house fire in Flint.

Flint fire fighters found a 60 year old women dead in her 1-story home at 3744 Lynn Street early Tuesday morning says a report from MLive. Fire fighters were called to the home around 2:30 am and quickly put out the fire located in the kitchen. The cause of the fire is unknown and the cause of the victims death, whose name has not been released, is related to the fire said Batallion Chief Anthony Tinnin.

Transgender student denied crown

Local high school teenager, Oakleigh Marshall, has been denied the crown for homecoming king at his Muskegon high school, because he is really a she. The transgender student, who campaigned for king on Facebook and was voted onto court by fellow students has been denied the crown by staff at the school that state because he is enrolled at the institution as a female he cannot be voted king. NBC 25's sister station WoodTV reported that the case may be taken over by the ACLU.

Michigan oil pipeline to be restarted

Two months after the Enbridge Oil Spill that disturbed the west coast of the state and made national news, officials say that the pipeline has been cleared to be restarted. Since the announcement of the spill on July 26 it is estimated that 820,000 to 1 million gallons spilled near Marshall, Mich., polluting the Kalamazoo River, and injuring the fragile ecosystem of the area.

Water Main break in Fenton

A Monday morning water main break in Fenton may leave numerous residents without running water today. The Adelaide Street Construction Project caused the interruption however service should be reconnected shortly. Officials said that water may appear rusty when it is reconnected but that letting it run clear is substantial for drinking. Boiling is not necessary. A press release was sent to local news agencies by the Fenton Water Department.

Granholm at White House to get bill signed by President

Gov. Jennifer Granholm is spending the afternoon in Washington D.C. today, to meet with President Obama to sign a bill that is expected to help Michigan small businesses create jobs. It is unknown how many jobs will result from the $42 billion bill, that has been modeled after the Michigan Supplier Diversification Program. The original program was created to help fund auto makers when the auto industry downsized. You can also find the story on NPR Michigan's website.

Genesee County animal shelter blames overcrowding on down economy

There is an abundance of sad faces at the Genesee County Animal Shelter lately. The shelter that is home to over 300 lonely pets is facing not only overcrowding but also understaffing. Many of the cats and dogs are dropped off due to the economy, many people are facing hard economic times and can barely afford to take care of their own families, thus have chosen to give up their animals. Many of these pets are "ready to go," meaning they have been spayed/neutered, and declawed. According to a story on connectmidmichigan.com the shelter has been making room for the dozens of pets that are dropped off each day by euthanizing ones that have been there for some time already. Visit the Genesee County Humane Society's website for more information.

Kettering prof uses human waste to power home

According to a story on connectmidmichigan.com the news site hosted by NBC 25, Dr. K. Joel Berry, a mechanical engineering professor at Kettering University may be one step closer to a solution for a renewable energy source. The "fuel cell electric power generator" is a small generator type device that can run on yes, you guessed it, human waste. The device not only cuts down the dependancy on fossil fuels, it also enables a home to keep running even during a power outage. One unit is thought to be about $9,000 and would last approximately 15 years.

Stephen Colbert testifies to Congress

Comedian Stephen Colbert testified to Congress on migrant workers on Sept. 24 said a report on CBS News.

Comedy Central's Colbert testified before a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing in character this morning, speaking on the topic of working in America's fields.

Colbert, testifying next to the president of the United Farm Workers (UFW), discussed his "vast experience spending one day as a migrant farm worker," adding that he was "happy to use [his] celebrity to draw attention to this important, complicated issue."

Colbert appeared amid a swarm of photographers, listened to behavioral directives from the committee's Chairwoman Zoe Longfren (who warned the audience that "if necessary, the Capitol police are here"), and brought the committee levels of media coverage that the committee hadn't seen "maybe since impeachment," as Longfren commented. He delivered remarks that maintained his mocking public persona while shading into serious arguments for the rights of migrant workers.

Suspected serial killer faces five more charges

According to a report from ABC12, suspected serial killer Elias Abuelazam now faces five more charges stemming from attacks in Flint over the last few months.

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton announced those charges at a news conference this morning.

Abuelazam is being held without bond a the Genesee County Jail. He now faces six charges in all, including the open murder count.