Morning Coffee

I continue my exploration of the world through visual means. Words can rest for a while. Outside my bedroom window, the pumpkins that I planted from last year's seeds are gaining width and color.










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Athens on the Web

I've been thinking a lot about the whole idea of "citizen journalism" - which seems to be one of the hot topics among journalism innovators and the money-giving foundations. How does that trend play out in terms of the journalism we do and newspapers' future online? For me, in the context of immigration coverage, it of course goes back to those who relentlessly send angry comments, mostly anti-illegal immigrant in nature. But also, it's a question of how journalism will look like in the future as we head towards more interaction, more reader inclusion. The NYT had an interesting article last Sunday addressing internet public participation. With that, two other articles to add to the mix. What are the implications for journalists?

"Athens" on the Net
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/13/weekinreview/13giridharadas.html

Some fear GOP is being carried to the extreme
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-gop-fringe14-2009sep14,0,940651.story

House Passes Resolution Rebuking Rep. Wilson for Outburst
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/15/AR2009091502943.html?hpid=topnews




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Photo of the day - little girls' birthday

The sun came out just in time for this birthday.

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Photo of the day - by the lake

The evening light was gentle at the lake of Laurelhurst Park. It was a dizzy day. At work, I was humbled to find out that I won a Blethen award for distinguished journalism.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009888989_apwablethenawards.html

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Photo of the day - in my garden

Today I woke up at 6 am. It gave me time to notice what I usually don't see in my haste. New roses opened up, and dozens of spider webs are strategically extended all over the garden, catching rain and flies.

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Some facts on the healthcare debate

Here are the facts on the uninsured, just released by the U.S. census.
http://www.census.gov/prod/2009pubs/p60-236.pdf

A study on what immigrants contribute to the insurance system:
http://www.ajph.org/cgi/content/abstract/99/7/1322

Newsweek article about why insuring undocumented/illegal immigrants might be good:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/215340



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To consider

From a Taize letter from Kenya:

"Let us consent to what we are or what we are not; let us even take responsibility for all we have not chosen."



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A life

As a reporter, you enter people's lives suddenly and you exit them suddenly. Today, I entered the life of a family whose son was stabbed to death. It was a simple, poor family, whose faith helps to understand the world. I was there in the middle of their living room, asking about their dead son and looking through his artwork, wondering why people offer journalists like me intimate pieces of their lives. I felt very humbled, very touched, and saddened by this unnecessary death.

Slain Beaverton teen was never in a gang, police and family say
http://www.oregonlive.com/washingtoncounty/index.ssf/2009/09/slain_beaverton_teen_was_never.html#more

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