According to a story on MSNBC, a woman was awarded $9M after being dropped from her health insurance provider in 2004. When Patsy Bates, 52, found out that she had breast cancer, her health insurance, Health Net Inc., dropped her coverage and left her with more than $129,000 in unpaid hospital bills.
On Friday, arbitration judge, Sam Cianchetti ruled in favor of Ms. Bates, and awarded her million of dollars in punitive damages.
This story really hits home with me. Upon reading about her situation, I put myself in her place, and I immediately connected with her. Being diagnosed with cancer, and going through ridiculous amounts of treatment would already be more than I could bear. But then, to be dropped from your insurance, in the middle of care, is an absolute atrocity. I for one hope this sets an example for the rest of the insurance agencies worldwide.
"Obviously we regret the way that this has turned out, but we are intent on fixing the processes to maintain the public trust," spokesman David Olson said.
How can you drop someone when they actually need something in return? Most of the time you get free money from the rest of us that are in good health. You mean to tell me, you don't have a few hundred thousand lying around that you could give to people that actually, truly need it? Unacceptable. Perhaps we do need national health coverage like the other countries?
This story definitely has impact, because there are only a small percentage of people who do not have health insurance. I would say this story also has currency as well, seeing as how the hot topic with the candidates now is health care. And finally this story also has conflict. When the little person goes up against the big company, the outcome usually isn't favorable.
Link found here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23307983/
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Week 5 - AP Style Quiz I-L
1) The last time she played soccer, she sustained a serious injury to her knee. Sometimes it's hard to understand why she wants to keep playing. (2)
2) He was indicted on an assault charge, but his lawyer said the case against him is circumstantial and she is sure the inquiry will exonerate him. (2)
3) He knows it isn’t kosher, but green Jell-O is his favorite dessert. This admission has prompted his friends to question both his taste and his judgment. (3)
4) Now that he has DSL, he finds it much easier to go online to check his e-mail and download files. (3)
5) He stood at the lectern, addressing his longtime colleagues at the Knights of Columbus. (3)
2) He was indicted on an assault charge, but his lawyer said the case against him is circumstantial and she is sure the inquiry will exonerate him. (2)
3) He knows it isn’t kosher, but green Jell-O is his favorite dessert. This admission has prompted his friends to question both his taste and his judgment. (3)
4) Now that he has DSL, he finds it much easier to go online to check his e-mail and download files. (3)
5) He stood at the lectern, addressing his longtime colleagues at the Knights of Columbus. (3)
Week 5 - Copy Edit the World
Course # for this class according to sjsu, is 27993, not 55471 - via your syllabus
"you always have to option to buy certain content" should read you always have the option to buy certain content - via ps3fanboy.com
In the first sentence "we've all ideas" should read we all have ideas - via engadget.com
"fifth-grade" should read fifth-grader via- engadget.com
Extra "the" in second paragraph - via joystiq.com
"you always have to option to buy certain content" should read you always have the option to buy certain content - via ps3fanboy.com
In the first sentence "we've all ideas" should read we all have ideas - via engadget.com
"fifth-grade" should read fifth-grader via- engadget.com
Extra "the" in second paragraph - via joystiq.com
Week 5 - Feauture Lead
Feature Lead
NEW YORK – A squirrel stopped the commute of 47,000 people Monday afternoon when it climbed up the Metro-North Commuter Railroad power lines and set off an incredible chain of events.
While the squirrel was scampering around atop the lines, he unwittingly got himself electrocuted. The resulting power surge of the lone squirrel’s adventure weakened an overhead bracket, leaving a dangling live wire in an oncoming train’s path.
The wire became entangled with the passing train and ultimately caused the entire web of wires to be ripped down at high speeds.
The resulting incident left thousands of people stranded and waiting in Manhattan. The commuters all had to change their plans seeing as how the entire system was down until early Tuesday morning when crews finally got the power up and running.
No injuries were reported except for the loss of the adventurous squirrel.
NEW YORK – A squirrel stopped the commute of 47,000 people Monday afternoon when it climbed up the Metro-North Commuter Railroad power lines and set off an incredible chain of events.
While the squirrel was scampering around atop the lines, he unwittingly got himself electrocuted. The resulting power surge of the lone squirrel’s adventure weakened an overhead bracket, leaving a dangling live wire in an oncoming train’s path.
The wire became entangled with the passing train and ultimately caused the entire web of wires to be ripped down at high speeds.
The resulting incident left thousands of people stranded and waiting in Manhattan. The commuters all had to change their plans seeing as how the entire system was down until early Tuesday morning when crews finally got the power up and running.
No injuries were reported except for the loss of the adventurous squirrel.
Week 5 - News Story 3 & 4
News Story #3
A high-pressure gas pipe ruptured yesterday near Folsom and 11th Street, forcing near-by business owners and residents to evacuate a four-block area.
Around 12:30 p.m., a private construction crew was repairing sewer lines. During their repairs, they tore a two-inch gas pipe in half with a backhoe, resulting in a complete traffic gridlock and at least a 100-person evacuation.
Carlann Lauria, manager of Crocker’s Lockers, a self-storage facility on Folsom and 10th Street, says her customers,” ..were pretty irate.” However, her employees kept busy, collecting payments from their patrons outside the affected area.
The manager of Wa-Ha-Ka restaurant, Samantha Feldman, says she was forced to evacuate her building. The restaurant is located right next to the ruptured pipe. Ms. Feldman says the evacuation cost her at least $500 worth of business.
At the time of this writing, the pipe has been repaired according to PG&E. The gas was turned back on at 5:09 p.m.
News Story # 4
Last Saturday night, Alan Tiscas-Soto, a 21-year-old man stole a car from a newly married couple, with the bride still in the front seat.
According to Sheryl Wolcott, a San Mateo County deputy district attorney, after their wedding on Saturday on their way to a romantic night at Embassy Suites, the couple stopped by Taco Bell on East Fourth Avenue in San Mateo, to subdue a late night snack craving. Not wanting his wife to get her wedding dress dirty and being more maneuverable in his tuxedo, the groom left the car running, with her inside as he walked into Taco Bell. The groom hadn’t even made it all the way through the door, when a man came rushing out and hopped into the groom’s still running automobile.
Frantic, the groom ran outside to the passenger door of his 2003 Nissan Altima, and tried desperately to get his wife out of the vehicle. The man attempting the carjacking was having a hard time getting the Nissan into gear, so luckily the groom had enough time and was able to get her out before the crazed carjacker crashed the car into a Taco Bell sign. After the crash, the carjacker got out of the car and ran away. Neither the groom nor the bride sustained any injuries. Witnesses immediately called the police.
Shortly after the incident, officer Brendan Boyle noticed a man resembling the suspect’s description running southbound on South Delaware Street and Ninth Avenue. Boyle called for backup and arrested the suspect without incident. However, police say that Mr. Tiscas-Soto told them he was high on methamphetamines for three straight days at the time of arrest.
Currently, Tiscas-Soto, is being held in San Mateo County Jail on a $100,000 bail. He is facing felony carjacking charges and misdemeanor drug charges. He does not have a criminal record. He pleaded not guilty on Monday in San Mateo Superior Court.
Sheryl Wolcott stated that the county private defender program has assigned no attorney to Mr. Tiscas-Soto as of yet. However, Ms. Wolcott also says that if the accused is found guilty, he could face up to nine years in state prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled later this year on May 10th.
The couple’s names were not released at the time of this writing.
A high-pressure gas pipe ruptured yesterday near Folsom and 11th Street, forcing near-by business owners and residents to evacuate a four-block area.
Around 12:30 p.m., a private construction crew was repairing sewer lines. During their repairs, they tore a two-inch gas pipe in half with a backhoe, resulting in a complete traffic gridlock and at least a 100-person evacuation.
Carlann Lauria, manager of Crocker’s Lockers, a self-storage facility on Folsom and 10th Street, says her customers,” ..were pretty irate.” However, her employees kept busy, collecting payments from their patrons outside the affected area.
The manager of Wa-Ha-Ka restaurant, Samantha Feldman, says she was forced to evacuate her building. The restaurant is located right next to the ruptured pipe. Ms. Feldman says the evacuation cost her at least $500 worth of business.
At the time of this writing, the pipe has been repaired according to PG&E. The gas was turned back on at 5:09 p.m.
News Story # 4
Last Saturday night, Alan Tiscas-Soto, a 21-year-old man stole a car from a newly married couple, with the bride still in the front seat.
According to Sheryl Wolcott, a San Mateo County deputy district attorney, after their wedding on Saturday on their way to a romantic night at Embassy Suites, the couple stopped by Taco Bell on East Fourth Avenue in San Mateo, to subdue a late night snack craving. Not wanting his wife to get her wedding dress dirty and being more maneuverable in his tuxedo, the groom left the car running, with her inside as he walked into Taco Bell. The groom hadn’t even made it all the way through the door, when a man came rushing out and hopped into the groom’s still running automobile.
Frantic, the groom ran outside to the passenger door of his 2003 Nissan Altima, and tried desperately to get his wife out of the vehicle. The man attempting the carjacking was having a hard time getting the Nissan into gear, so luckily the groom had enough time and was able to get her out before the crazed carjacker crashed the car into a Taco Bell sign. After the crash, the carjacker got out of the car and ran away. Neither the groom nor the bride sustained any injuries. Witnesses immediately called the police.
Shortly after the incident, officer Brendan Boyle noticed a man resembling the suspect’s description running southbound on South Delaware Street and Ninth Avenue. Boyle called for backup and arrested the suspect without incident. However, police say that Mr. Tiscas-Soto told them he was high on methamphetamines for three straight days at the time of arrest.
Currently, Tiscas-Soto, is being held in San Mateo County Jail on a $100,000 bail. He is facing felony carjacking charges and misdemeanor drug charges. He does not have a criminal record. He pleaded not guilty on Monday in San Mateo Superior Court.
Sheryl Wolcott stated that the county private defender program has assigned no attorney to Mr. Tiscas-Soto as of yet. However, Ms. Wolcott also says that if the accused is found guilty, he could face up to nine years in state prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled later this year on May 10th.
The couple’s names were not released at the time of this writing.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Week 2 - Top News
Largest Beef Recall Ever!
According to MSNBC, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recalled 143 million pounds of frozen beef today from Chino, California Westland/Hallmark Meat Company. The recall is based on evidence found by Ed Schafer, the Secretary of Agriculture, which proves the animals were routinely not given proper veterinary care when needed. "Because the cattle did not receive complete and proper inspection, Food Safety and Inspection Service has determined them to be unfit for human food," says Mr. Schafer.
Perhaps one of the most disturbing facts of this story is that 37 million pounds of this recalled beef has already been distributed to schools and is believed to have been consumed. And yet, the recall is for food from Feb 1, 2006. Way to go. Recall all the food after it has been eaten.
This is an incredible story. When I was reading about the horrible things being done to the animals, I couldn't help but picture a man with a white beard, a large top hat, and a huge monocle on one eye. Every part of this story screams wealthy tyrant. I would have to agree with Sen. Tom Harkin, and his question, "This begs the question: how much longer will we continue to test our luck with weak enforcement of federal food safety regulations?" I wish I knew the answer, but I threw out all of my meat in the fridge. How should I know where it came from? There isn't much truth to labels these days, just deception.
To the USDA, U.S. Government, or anyone who has power in the food industry. If there is any chance of a food product being tainted, recall it. Don't wait for preliminary investigations when there are lives at stake. Makes you wish everyone had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The world would be a much better/worse place.
Link found here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23212514/
The news values associated with this story are impact, prominence, timeliness, proximity, and currency.
Even if only one person bought a pound of beef each, this recall has the potential to affect a minimum of 143 million people. And since the factory was California based, it's safe to assume that whether you shop at Safeway, eat Jack in the Box, or In-N-Out is more your cup of tea, you have consumed some of this recalled meat. Scary thought isn't it?
According to MSNBC, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recalled 143 million pounds of frozen beef today from Chino, California Westland/Hallmark Meat Company. The recall is based on evidence found by Ed Schafer, the Secretary of Agriculture, which proves the animals were routinely not given proper veterinary care when needed. "Because the cattle did not receive complete and proper inspection, Food Safety and Inspection Service has determined them to be unfit for human food," says Mr. Schafer.
Perhaps one of the most disturbing facts of this story is that 37 million pounds of this recalled beef has already been distributed to schools and is believed to have been consumed. And yet, the recall is for food from Feb 1, 2006. Way to go. Recall all the food after it has been eaten.
This is an incredible story. When I was reading about the horrible things being done to the animals, I couldn't help but picture a man with a white beard, a large top hat, and a huge monocle on one eye. Every part of this story screams wealthy tyrant. I would have to agree with Sen. Tom Harkin, and his question, "This begs the question: how much longer will we continue to test our luck with weak enforcement of federal food safety regulations?" I wish I knew the answer, but I threw out all of my meat in the fridge. How should I know where it came from? There isn't much truth to labels these days, just deception.
To the USDA, U.S. Government, or anyone who has power in the food industry. If there is any chance of a food product being tainted, recall it. Don't wait for preliminary investigations when there are lives at stake. Makes you wish everyone had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The world would be a much better/worse place.
Link found here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23212514/
The news values associated with this story are impact, prominence, timeliness, proximity, and currency.
Even if only one person bought a pound of beef each, this recall has the potential to affect a minimum of 143 million people. And since the factory was California based, it's safe to assume that whether you shop at Safeway, eat Jack in the Box, or In-N-Out is more your cup of tea, you have consumed some of this recalled meat. Scary thought isn't it?
Week 2 - Leads
Lead #1
A local couple was awarded $150,00 in damages yesterday at Butte County Court, after suffering injuries from an accident in March.
Leads #2
Another snowstorm is expected to hit the Sierras again today, and more are on the way.
Leads #3
According to the police, a fire erupted at 204 Union Avenue today injuring three firefighters and forcing 41 families to evacuate a six-story building.
Lead Exercise #2
A US Air airplane on its way from Chicago plummeted into the ground yesterday as the plane was approaching the runway. All 131 people on board were killed resulting in the worst air disaster in the U.S. in the past three years.
A local couple was awarded $150,00 in damages yesterday at Butte County Court, after suffering injuries from an accident in March.
Leads #2
Another snowstorm is expected to hit the Sierras again today, and more are on the way.
Leads #3
According to the police, a fire erupted at 204 Union Avenue today injuring three firefighters and forcing 41 families to evacuate a six-story building.
Lead Exercise #2
A US Air airplane on its way from Chicago plummeted into the ground yesterday as the plane was approaching the runway. All 131 people on board were killed resulting in the worst air disaster in the U.S. in the past three years.
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