Boston Globe - North Korea

A few weeks ago, North Korea reportedly tested a miniature nuclear explosive device, and their development is not stopping there. The country reiterated this Saturday that they are in "a state of war" because of a truce rather than peace treaty signed by the country and the United States after the completion of the war between the two nations in the 1950's.

In early March, the U.S. and South Korea established a joint military exercise that the Northern nation took as a threat. Additionally, after the most recent nuclear test by the North Koreans, the United Nations imposed more sanctions against the country, which they undoubtably took as imposing on their freedom.

Certainly, conditions between our countries are not encouraging, with the two societies seeing far from eye-to-eye.

Kim Jong Un, who took over after the death of his father Kim Jong-il, ordered all his missile units to be on standby. Moreover, he declared that if provoked, North Korea will not hesitate to attack the United States and South Korea with "nuclear-tipped long-range missiles."

Though the threats may ring hallow, something must be done to ease the tension between the United States and North Korea. Nuclear war would not only destroy any nation involved, but would have detrimental effects on the world as a whole.

Kevin Ware - Leg Injury

Louisville basketball player Kevin Ware suffered a disturbing leg injury against Duke University in the Elite Eight round of the 2013 NCAA Tournament.

The injury was reminiscent of the one sustained by Washington Redskin's player Joe Theisman in the 80's.

Ware attempted to block a Duke player's shot near the three-point line. He landed awkwardly on his leg which proceeded to buckle almost immediately. The severity of leg injury actually caused some of his teammates to fall to the ground and a few were forced to tears.

Not only did his leg snap but according to Louisville coach Rick Pitino, "the bone's 6 inches out of his leg."

Ware was transported to a Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis where he is surely heavily medicated to "ease" his pain.

Weekly Blog Post - Finding a Story

As we are midway through the semester, and have written multiple news stories, I can look back on my work so far and consider the strengths and weaknesses of the writing. The biggest thing I seem to be struggling with is finding the heart of a story and presenting it in a way to grasp the reader's attention. Although I may have a solid general idea for a piece such as the new inclusion of table games in Maryland's first casino; however, the story lacks a voice and usually just reads as facts. I would like to be able to add a more personal touch to the writing so that the reader can picture the events as though they were there. 

Additionally, since a interesting and insightful news story must have a group of people that drive the point, its important to get good quotes from the right people. Although a quote from the director of marketing or human resources may be helpful, it does not always add that sense of purpose to the story. Sometimes, the quotes drag on and do not add any sense of personality to the piece, instead dulling it out. 

My focus is to find the most relatable and interesting aspect of a story idea, while using strong detail to describe the story. For example, rather than writing about the casino itself I could focus on a specific crowd that the table expansion will bring, as Professor Marsters suggested "the three little old ladies" that are now visiting the casino. This includes a personal touch to the story instead of simply listing facts and data that could be found easily online.

Weekly Boston Globe Post

Eddie Beatrice needed a kidney transplant if he wanted to survive a severe bacterial infection, and he found a donor through Facebook. Beatrice from North Reading, MA, used the internet and a Living Kidney Donor Network page on Facebook to track down Kelly Wright. Wright posted a message saying she wanted to donate a kidney and through the social media website, Beatrice found a kidney match and beat death.

This addresses an interesting notion about the growth of technology and its helpfulness in society. Not only can we research endless information, but the expansion of things like the internet can help establish connections that may have never been. It brings people from all over the world together; creating connections through a virtual society. We are able to develop new things through technology and help humanity, even so far as to save a life.

French Connection

A suspected hitman murdered four victims before being pursued and killed by NYPD detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle.

The police officer was investigating a heroin smuggling operation before the shooter earned his attention. According to witness testimony and official police documents, this Saturday's events unfolded as follows.

The first shot was fired early in the afternoon this past Saturday on 52nd Avenue outside of Franklin Park. The first victim, Betty Badluck, was struck by this shot and killed instantly; however, police believe the bullet was meant for officer Doyle.

Officer Doyle proceeded to pull out his standard issued pistol as two more shots rang out, narrowly missing him.

The officer took for safety behind a tree as the assailant fired off another round from his sniper rifle.

A fifth and final shot was aimed at the tree before the officer rolled his way to side wall of the building from which the shooter was firing from the roof.

Officer Doyle then ran into the building where he emerged on the roof to find the suspect's rifle and empty shells.

Forcing the man to flee, the suspect evaded capture on the El train tracks. The suspect then got on a train marked 4572 where he began terrorizing those on board.

Officer Doyle commandeered a citizen's vehicle to pursue the train from the street below.

On board, Sunny Grosso, a subway policeman began to follow the sketchy suspect but was shot and killed in front of the train's passengers.

Afterwards, the suspect forced his way into the control room of the train and took the conductor Peter Howe hostage. He demanded that the train not be stopped at the next station, which brought attention to the situation and encouraged the remaining subway policemen to ask questions.

Policeman began to knock on the control room door and in a state of shock, Howe died from a heart attack.

The suspect then emerged from the control room where he encountered three subway policemen. One of the police, Sam Clemens, attempted to talk down and apprehend the criminal but could not do so and was subsequently shot and killed.

The train then came to a screeching halt as the assailant forced his way through the doors.

With Officer Doyle still following from the streets below, the suspect would not flee another crime scene.

The two met face to face under the El at the 35th street entrance. Officer Doyle aimed his weapon at the suspect and ordered him to stop as he turned to run. The criminal did not heed the officer's warning and was shot in the back, falling down the stairs to his death.