Last night was crazy! After leaving the hotel in search of an internet cafe, we met an Egyptian who not only took us to one, but also took us back to his art studio to show us some of his work on paypyrus. He took us through winding (and dark) back alleys, speaking in broken English. At first, I legitamtely thought I was going to be kidnapped, beaten, and have my money taken. (Okay so maybe that's morbid, but hey, your a young white kid in the middle of the biggest city in Africa). It turns out he was just showing Egyptian hospitality. When you meet someone, they want to know everything about you and introduce you to every member of their family (I'm not kidding). Its one of those things thats different about Middle Eastern culture than life back in the U.S. If someone took me through wondering streets of Seattle, I might be afraid. But here, its just how things work.
Anyway...after that we finally made it to the train station. After running up and down stairs and from platform to platform, we finally found the train to Luxor, Egypt. After finding our seats we were suprised at what we found. An entire Egyptian family (meaning mom, dad, four children, grandma etc) plus two recently graduated kids from America. They looked at us like "what the crap are you doing here" and we looked at them the same way. It was a good experience, however. They didnt speak English but kept on saying "welcome, welcome" - trying to show as much hospitality as possible. Anyway, after an 11 hour trip we made it to Luxor where its well over 100 degrees and down-right beautiful. The Nile River makes everything so green. We visited several temples today and are enjoying life on the cruise ship. It's amazingly nice!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
I Have Arrived...
After flying through Amman, we reached Cairo, Egypt last night. I dont have much time to write (as I am about to catch a train to southern Egypt), but here are a few brief highlights. Last night we checked into the Hilton Ramses along the Nile River. It was a great room with an even better view. Today we went to the Egyptian Musuem and to see the Pyramids of Giza as well as the world-famous sphinx. Then a great dinner along the Nile River and then tomorrow is a cruise between Luxor and Aswan. I will post more and upload photos as I can. Hope you all are doing well!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The night of Jesus’ arrest
The trees are in the Garden of Gethsemane (where Jesus prayed the night of his arrest). The steps are over two thousand years old are and believed to be where Jesus walked to his false trial.
Dead Sea
Big or small…it’s easy to float the Dead Sea. It's made up of thirty percent salt. And yes my eyes look squinty…it was 100 degrees and sunny! Please also note the age of the people behind me. I don't fit into the equation.
Random Pictures
I am finally able to upload photos of Tel Aviv. Unfortunately, I am now at a location with a bad keyboard. So I am switching temporarily from words to pictures. There are also pictures from Jaffa south of Tel Aviv (see picture of mosque below). I hope you enjoy them! Dozes more will be posted when I get back to the United States.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Heading Back to Tel Aviv
Yesterday was a trip up to Nazareth and Galilee (where I had an amazing meal of hummus, oives, peta, chicken, turkish coffee etc). Then chill time with some people at the hostel last night. After visiting the Temple Mount this afternoon, I'm heading back to Tel Aviv via train. I'll be hanging out on the beach this evening, touring the city again tomorrow and then on Thursday evening taking off for Jordan and then Egypt! Sorry for a short post. More is coming soon including the stories of two people I've met here. One involves reconciliation between Americans and Muslims and the other involves a funny traveler from Ireland.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Q & A
Q: Don't you find it striking in the Old City that the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Western Wall, and Temple Mount (Dome of the Rock) are all within a few hundred yards of one another? The three Abrahamic faiths intersect in that very spot in a huge way and have, of course, for centuries. There is an incredible energy there, not necessarily religious, but certainly spiritual relating to all the souls who've come as pilgrims to that very crossroads. I always feel that energy when I'm there. Is it too esoteric to ask if you feel it too?
A: Eric, I am contiually fascianted by the three major religions so close together. One second you see a Hassadic Jew crossing the street, next to a Catholic nun, next to a Muslim Cleric. I'm not sure I "feel the energy" so much as its so interesting to me to see everyone interact. I really wish I knew someone on the inside, meaning someone who has lived in Jerusalem for a long time. I have so many questions to ask. But in the conversations I've had with people here (both tourists and people who live here), one thing is clear: people come here for a reason. This is not a place you just happen to stop by. It's not like Caifornia where people go just to go. People come here on a mission. Many Americans come to tour the footsteps of Jesus. Some come here to work in Palestinian refugee camps. Others come here to interact with the other major faiths. Regardless, everyone has a purpose. It's been interesting to see.
Q: Have you grown accustomed to all the machine guns? and searches?
A: Eric, you know, it was weird at first in Tel Aviv. We went to this great restaurant on the beach and the security guard had his weapon in plain view. For those of you that dont know, this is common in pretty much all public areas including malls, banks etc. It was even more weird to see members of the military carrying weapons...especially because their so young and the guns are so dang big. One thing I have noticed, security tends to centralize in Muslim/Arabic neighborhoods. For instance, here in the Old City of Jerusalem, I see many officers/miliary members in the Muslim Quarter, but few in the Christian/Jewish quarter. But I'm getting used to it now. It's kind of a weird paradox. In one sense, I'm glad they are there. In the other sense, its sad they are needed in the first place.
Q: Skiff I have a question? Is Tyler eating more than just bread and peanut butter? Will you please make sure he eats? If he doesn't want to spend the money tell him I will buy him at least two to three meals and he can give me the bill when he gets back...just make sure he's eating, okay? Thanks Skiffy! :)
A: Kim, be happy to know Tyler is eating more than peanut butter. We did have a conflict (or as SPU calls it, a care-fron-tation) about such matters, but all is well. Yesterday we went for a sandwich/salad/espresso, today we had fallafel/fresh squeezed orange juice. He's doing well. I think he's also comforted by the fact that things will be crazy cheap in Egypt, so is okay to spend money here. P.S., I loved the e-mail about Rouner. Classic.
Q: Are people who live in Jerusalem scared? hopeful? Tentative? how does it 'feel' as a city? I'm always captivated by how a city 'feels' ... the emotional temperament of the people who live there as an almost collective experience.
A: Travis, I would say people are most definitley not scared. It is very common to see Jews in the Muslim Quarter, Christians in the Jewish Quarter etc etc. I have also traveled to Arabic neighborhoods and see a wide range of people there. In fact, it seems Jerusalem is a good example of how people can live in peace with one another. While it might be cheesy, a lot of the vendors in the area have shirts that say something along the lines of Jerusalem: City of Peace. I think that is the general consensus. It's also interesting because the city has such an amazing mix of old and new. You see a four-thousand year old tunnel one minute, and the next you see people carrying their laptops and watching CNN International. It's a great place and as for me: I've felt completly safe the whole time. Now its your turn to visit.
Q: Can you please have dan-eric-slocum, someone I happen to like very much, refrain from referring to all those machine guns, etc.? I know your mom reads this, too.... :o) Actually, I think I'd feel safer in a weird sort of way. I know Rachel feels comfortable living there. Ask kp if she will pay for some of your meals, too.....just kidding. I have someone in mind who will, if you need extra $$. Can't wait to read what you'll write about next. Love!
A: Mom, you will have to take it up with dan-eric-slocum about his choice of words. But I would rather have police with guns than terrorists or what have you. I think Kim is generous and would probably pay for my meals. I don't think you should though becaus you/dad have been plenty generous paying for a 30-thousand dollar a year college. But I will be sure to e-mail you if I'm in need of cash. If I wont, you know Brian will! :) Love you. Say hi to Dad, Brian, Granny, Gracie etc.
Q: My buddy Chris (whose blog I sent to you) mentioned that when he first saw the Dome of the Rock he started crying...at least until the guy next to him essentially said "suck it up, Nancy." What's been the most emotionally stirring moment for you so far?
A: Jon. I'm not really sure. I've seen and experienced so much in such a short amount of time that sometimes its hard to take in. I havent gotten so emotional as to cry yet, but there has been some moving experinces. There are two places in the city that could be where Jesus died and was buried. One is in a church in town, the other is outside the city near the Muslim quarter. While most scholars/archeologists believe it is the one inside the city, the "Garden Tomb" outside the city is breath-taking. Inside I saw people speaking at least 10 different languages - representing the diversity of Christinaity around the world (rather in the Northwest, which generally consists of rich white people). It was crazy to experience that. Very emotional. Even those in my group from the hostel who are not followers of Christ found it to be very moving as well. But even just looking at the City from my hostel or from the Mount of Olives is a moving experience. There is so much life, so much hope, its hard to describe via words.
A: Eric, I am contiually fascianted by the three major religions so close together. One second you see a Hassadic Jew crossing the street, next to a Catholic nun, next to a Muslim Cleric. I'm not sure I "feel the energy" so much as its so interesting to me to see everyone interact. I really wish I knew someone on the inside, meaning someone who has lived in Jerusalem for a long time. I have so many questions to ask. But in the conversations I've had with people here (both tourists and people who live here), one thing is clear: people come here for a reason. This is not a place you just happen to stop by. It's not like Caifornia where people go just to go. People come here on a mission. Many Americans come to tour the footsteps of Jesus. Some come here to work in Palestinian refugee camps. Others come here to interact with the other major faiths. Regardless, everyone has a purpose. It's been interesting to see.
Q: Have you grown accustomed to all the machine guns? and searches?
A: Eric, you know, it was weird at first in Tel Aviv. We went to this great restaurant on the beach and the security guard had his weapon in plain view. For those of you that dont know, this is common in pretty much all public areas including malls, banks etc. It was even more weird to see members of the military carrying weapons...especially because their so young and the guns are so dang big. One thing I have noticed, security tends to centralize in Muslim/Arabic neighborhoods. For instance, here in the Old City of Jerusalem, I see many officers/miliary members in the Muslim Quarter, but few in the Christian/Jewish quarter. But I'm getting used to it now. It's kind of a weird paradox. In one sense, I'm glad they are there. In the other sense, its sad they are needed in the first place.
Q: Skiff I have a question? Is Tyler eating more than just bread and peanut butter? Will you please make sure he eats? If he doesn't want to spend the money tell him I will buy him at least two to three meals and he can give me the bill when he gets back...just make sure he's eating, okay? Thanks Skiffy! :)
A: Kim, be happy to know Tyler is eating more than peanut butter. We did have a conflict (or as SPU calls it, a care-fron-tation) about such matters, but all is well. Yesterday we went for a sandwich/salad/espresso, today we had fallafel/fresh squeezed orange juice. He's doing well. I think he's also comforted by the fact that things will be crazy cheap in Egypt, so is okay to spend money here. P.S., I loved the e-mail about Rouner. Classic.
Q: Are people who live in Jerusalem scared? hopeful? Tentative? how does it 'feel' as a city? I'm always captivated by how a city 'feels' ... the emotional temperament of the people who live there as an almost collective experience.
A: Travis, I would say people are most definitley not scared. It is very common to see Jews in the Muslim Quarter, Christians in the Jewish Quarter etc etc. I have also traveled to Arabic neighborhoods and see a wide range of people there. In fact, it seems Jerusalem is a good example of how people can live in peace with one another. While it might be cheesy, a lot of the vendors in the area have shirts that say something along the lines of Jerusalem: City of Peace. I think that is the general consensus. It's also interesting because the city has such an amazing mix of old and new. You see a four-thousand year old tunnel one minute, and the next you see people carrying their laptops and watching CNN International. It's a great place and as for me: I've felt completly safe the whole time. Now its your turn to visit.
Q: Can you please have dan-eric-slocum, someone I happen to like very much, refrain from referring to all those machine guns, etc.? I know your mom reads this, too.... :o) Actually, I think I'd feel safer in a weird sort of way. I know Rachel feels comfortable living there. Ask kp if she will pay for some of your meals, too.....just kidding. I have someone in mind who will, if you need extra $$. Can't wait to read what you'll write about next. Love!
A: Mom, you will have to take it up with dan-eric-slocum about his choice of words. But I would rather have police with guns than terrorists or what have you. I think Kim is generous and would probably pay for my meals. I don't think you should though becaus you/dad have been plenty generous paying for a 30-thousand dollar a year college. But I will be sure to e-mail you if I'm in need of cash. If I wont, you know Brian will! :) Love you. Say hi to Dad, Brian, Granny, Gracie etc.
Q: My buddy Chris (whose blog I sent to you) mentioned that when he first saw the Dome of the Rock he started crying...at least until the guy next to him essentially said "suck it up, Nancy." What's been the most emotionally stirring moment for you so far?
A: Jon. I'm not really sure. I've seen and experienced so much in such a short amount of time that sometimes its hard to take in. I havent gotten so emotional as to cry yet, but there has been some moving experinces. There are two places in the city that could be where Jesus died and was buried. One is in a church in town, the other is outside the city near the Muslim quarter. While most scholars/archeologists believe it is the one inside the city, the "Garden Tomb" outside the city is breath-taking. Inside I saw people speaking at least 10 different languages - representing the diversity of Christinaity around the world (rather in the Northwest, which generally consists of rich white people). It was crazy to experience that. Very emotional. Even those in my group from the hostel who are not followers of Christ found it to be very moving as well. But even just looking at the City from my hostel or from the Mount of Olives is a moving experience. There is so much life, so much hope, its hard to describe via words.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Questions? I Have Answers...
Today I'm taking it easy in Jerusalem. So, do you have any questions? Is there something you want to know about my trip that I havent blogged about yet? Let me know. I'll answer them later today (Sunday night here).
Look Ma...I Can Float..
Yesterday I took a trip to the Dead Sea (which borders Israel/West Bank and Jordan). Not only is the sea the lowest point on earth, it also is dang salty. In fact, more than 30 percent of the sea is made of salt! The salt also means its incredibly easy to float. I wish I could show you (I have pictures that I will upload when I get back). But basically, the second you step into the water, you are pushed on your back into the floating position. You could literally walk in the sea with a newspaper and never get it wet because you float so well. It's actually quite difficult to get OUT of the floating position. Anyway..its an interesting experience and I'm glad to have had the opportunity.
Day of Rest...
I love how scripture commands a day of rest. I love even more how the people of Israel (at least here in Jerusalem) take it seriously. I woke up this morning to head to my favorite restaurant in the Jewish Quarter for breakfast. To my surprise, I found it (and pretty much everything else) closed because of the sabbath or shabbat in Hebrew. Later in the afternoon, I took a taxi to the train station to take a day trip to Tel Aviv. To my surprise, the trains were closed there too. After wasting about 50 shekels (or about 15 dollars), I finally figured out sabbath is a big deal here. It's been amazing to see. Instead of working in grocery stores or restaurants, the Jewish people spend time praying at the Western Wall or outside with their kids. As someone who practices a sabbath back home in America, I very much appreciate a large group of people who celebrate community in their daily lives. I wish people in the U.S. felt the same way.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
What I'm Eating...
Okay so maybe I'll post a little on that now. What I eat depends mostly on WHERE I am. In Tel Aviv I had traditional Israeli breakfasts (made up of eggs, juice, coffee, cheese, bread, olives etc). I also had pastries with chocolate, butter, and jam. For lunch I had great sandwiches (everything from tuna and chicken). Both came with a lot of great roasted vegetables. One of my favorite drinks is mint lemonade. I'm not sure if its traditional to Israel, but I've seen a lot of people drinking it. Here in Jerusalem, it also depends on what quarter I'm in. The Old City is divided up into five sections (two Christian, two muslim and one Jewish). So the food varies from Kosher Pizza in the Jewish Quarter to Burger and fries in the Chrisitan quarter. Also, the bagels in the Jewish Quarter are amazing. Yum.!
Something Strange...
I've known for most of my life that the world's three largest religions collide in one spot called Jerusalem. But reading a textbook does not prepare you for seeing it in real life. Quite honestly...its really strange. Every morning the sound of cries to Allah fill the streets of Jerusalem. It is so loud, everyone wakes up (whether they want to or not). The prayers (which sound like a mix of beautiful music combined with the voice of a screatchy pre-puberescent teenage boy) dwarf the sound of birds and conversation. Then a few minutes later, church bells ring throughout the streets. My hostel is located across the street from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (inside shown above) where Jesus was crucified and ressurected. Those bells ring loud, long, and proud. Then a few minutes later the Jewish Quarter lights up with sounds of music and dancing. It really is a strange mix.
Today is off to the Dead Sea (didnt make it there yesterday), Ein Gedi (where David wrote most of the psalms) and Massada (where Herod built a huge complex and is the site of where hundreds of Jews killed themselves to avoid capture). Oh and more about the food coming tomorrow. Yes Colleen, the falafel is amazing. Even though I love it, the Grecian Corner cannot compare!
Touring the Places Where Jesus Walked...
So to paint the scene for you, I'm sleeping on the roof of a hostel called the "Citadel" inside and looking over the Old City of Jerusalem. I woke up this morning before sunrise to hear the calls to prayer by the various mosques in town. I fell back asleep and woke up again to see a beautiful sunrise overlooking the Mount of Olives and the Mount of the Rock. Anyway, I woke up this morning, made breakfast, and then began my walk to the otherside of town.
I toured the Mount of Olives (where Jesus wept over the city and went up to pray on a regular basis) as well as to the Garden of Gethsemane (where Jesus was betrayed by Judas with a kiss and taken from to be executed). We also walked through thousands of tombs and ancient remains from several thousand years ago. After lunch today (in which I had a fallafel), we are planning the rest of our day today and tomorrow. Today will probably be walking the steps of the crucifixiton, as well as a trip to the Dead Sea. On another note, the food is amazing and I would come here simply for that.
I toured the Mount of Olives (where Jesus wept over the city and went up to pray on a regular basis) as well as to the Garden of Gethsemane (where Jesus was betrayed by Judas with a kiss and taken from to be executed). We also walked through thousands of tombs and ancient remains from several thousand years ago. After lunch today (in which I had a fallafel), we are planning the rest of our day today and tomorrow. Today will probably be walking the steps of the crucifixiton, as well as a trip to the Dead Sea. On another note, the food is amazing and I would come here simply for that.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
I'm Here..
So I made it into Tel Aviv last night. After taking the cab to the north part of the city, I went to dinner with Rachel Gracino, who works for the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv. I woke up this morning and spent some time of the beach (in which my pasty white self got sun burned in the 95 degree heat) then walked to Jaffe and checked out an old church. Then I took the train to Jerusalem where I'll be for the next five days or so. I'm still recoving from the long traveling time. Although the 12 hour flight between Atlanta and Tel Aviv was made easier because of our upgrade to 1st class. Think steak, wine, cheese, and ice cream at 39-thousand feet.
So far I'm very much loving the area. Much of Tel Aviv is beautiful, as is the countryside to get to Jerusalem. Just a few minutes ago was the final call to prayer for Muslim's inside the city. It was interesting to hear it coming from at least four different mosques at the same time. One last thing before I go: I forgot the connector cord for my digital camera--which means its going to be hard to share photos of my trip as we go. I will try to remedy the situation by using my flash card on my friend Tyler's camera, but as of right now, your out of luck. I promise to upload all of them once I get back. Hey, good things come to those who wait! Sorry!
So far I'm very much loving the area. Much of Tel Aviv is beautiful, as is the countryside to get to Jerusalem. Just a few minutes ago was the final call to prayer for Muslim's inside the city. It was interesting to hear it coming from at least four different mosques at the same time. One last thing before I go: I forgot the connector cord for my digital camera--which means its going to be hard to share photos of my trip as we go. I will try to remedy the situation by using my flash card on my friend Tyler's camera, but as of right now, your out of luck. I promise to upload all of them once I get back. Hey, good things come to those who wait! Sorry!
Monday, June 9, 2008
3...2...1...Liftoff
A quick weekend recap. Friday night went to Il Fornaio with my family. Saturday morning woke up and went to breakfast with my family (along with about four of my friends), Saturday afternoon I went to Graduation. Then went to a party with the families of all the guys in our house. Then went over to Brittany's house to hang out with her and the rest of her friends. Sunday morning, went to church with a friend, then went to lunch with the family, then went to Costco (where I got a new suitcase), REI (where I tried to buy iodine tablets-but purchased the wrong thing), and a few other errands. Then I went to the High-Life in Ballard with some friends. Then I stayed up late to pack. Now...I'm off to the Middle East.
I'm flying this morning from Seattle to Atlanta. Then tonight I go from Atlanta to Tel Aviv. Assuming we dont have any problems, I'll be in Tel Aviv and with my mom's friend Rachel (from the U.S. Embassy) tomorrow. Hopefully, Tel Aviv will be the location of my next blog-post. Safe travels!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
She Suspends, But Does She Quit?
Take a look at this quote today by Senator Hillary Clinton. "Today as I suspend my campaign, I congratulate him on the victory he has won and the extraordinary race he has run." Did you see it? She said suspend. According to the MW dictionary, suspend means " to cause to stop temporarily." Am I reading too much into this?
Goodnight and Good Luck!
Today is my last day at KOMO. Oh Fisher Plaza, how I will miss you. After getting off work, I went to Il Fornaio with my entire family (I had a Pyramid heffe, Pasta with Vodka sauce, gelato, and then espresso). Then my parents came back to my house and they got to meet Brittany :). Then I went hot tubbing with some friends at one of the hotel's downtown. Tomorrow is graduation. Have a good night! P.S. I am blessed by my family and friends. Over and out.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Craigslist: Never Again...
My phone has been missing for three days. Tonight, me and one of my housemates turned our couch upsidedown to look for it. It fell out...along with a bunch of other things. I will hold off on explaining the contents until I can post a picture along with it. But in the meantime...use your imagination. Whatever you think fell out, probably did. Oh and the moral of the story: never get furniture on Craigslist. If you do, prepare to vomit.
Can You Find Me?
This is a picture taken about four years ago with some of my best friends from Gig Habor. We were at the Cheesecake Factory (which is where every college freshman goes in Seattle until they realize there is more to a culinary experience than a chain restaurant). My hair has changed a bit since then...Brittany wishes it was still long. I don't miss it a bit.
Ladies and Gentlemen: We Have an Update...
I just recieved travel documents for my cruise ship on the Nile River. Please visit this website to check it out.
http://www.sakkaragroup.com/cruisesMonaco.aspx?tdid=td255&parentdivid=48&parentitemcount=2&childdivid=49&childitemcount=9#
http://www.sakkaragroup.com/cruisesMonaco.aspx?tdid=td255&parentdivid=48&parentitemcount=2&childdivid=49&childitemcount=9#
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Help, I Need Somebody...
I am an immediate need of some book reccomendations. I leave for my trip on Monday and am hoping to snag one or two books to bring with me for the long plane ride there and back. I am generally most interested in A) Politics B) Outdoor Adventure or C) Faith and most specifically Christianity/Judiasm. Any ideas?
Interesting...
From Seattle Weekly:
The Seattle Times was first to market with news that federal prosecutors had ordered raids on various businesses owned by the colorful nonagenarian strip club magnate Frank Colacurcio Sr. and his eponymous son, alleging organized prostitution, money laundering, and possible murder. As usual, on a story of this magnitude, Steve Miletich's name showed up in the co-byline.
Miletich is an excellent reporter. He's also married to former KOMO-4 anchor Emily Langlie, who now just so happens to be the chief spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's office here. Typically, the Times is careful not to have a Miletich byline or reporting credit show up in a story his wife is quoted (or declining comment) in (although there's the occasional exception to that rule). But given her position, even when his wife isn't quoted in stories involving the Feds, it's a safe bet that she's not exactly in the dark on what's being exposed.
"There's the possbility of the appearance of a conflict of interest to those people who know that world," says Loren Ghiglione, the Richard Schwarzlose Professor of Media Ethics at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. "It seems to me as sort of on the edge. You saw the story recently about Howard Kurtz, who was reviewing a book on CNN, and he said in the middle of the review that his wife was a P.R. person for the book. So that was discussed for a week or so: whether it was enough for him to reveal [his potential conflict], or if he just shouldn't have reviewed it in the first place. This is somewhat similar."
The Kurtz incident, which actually consisted of the multi-outlet media critic interviewing the author of a book his wife was handling publicity for, sparked plenty of debate last week. As for Miletich and Langlie, while the pair's marriage is hardly a secret, it's never been disclosed in print (even the obit for Langlie's father, a prince of a man whom I once worked with at the Salvation Army, is somewhat cryptic in this regard).
So why is it that Miletich is permitted to cover stories his wife has a role in shaping? "They are both just consummate professionals, and we make sure that he never has any contact with anything she's directly involved in," says Times Executive Editor David Boardman. "And we also have other reporters working on those stories. Generally, we try not to involve Steve in stories Emily's involved in, and this was an exception to that rule, as there were many good reasons to involve him, one being that he's covered the Colacurcios for years. We were really careful yesterday to not involve Steve at all in any of the legal matters. He was onsite interviewing people and looking for the principals involved. And then today, when it shifted more to legal issues, we handed things off to Mike Carter and Jim Brunner, and Steve moved into the background."
There's nothing patently false about Boardman's explanation. Miletich has covered the Colacurcios extensively in years past. He did move into the background, garnering a mere reporting credit in the footer of today's follow-up story versus top billing. And when he covers issues involving the office his wife works in, they never carry a solo byline.
But perhaps there's a little intentional naivete going on here. Specifically, just how does one "make sure" a guy who shares the same bed as Langlie "never [has] any contact with anything she's directly involved in"? Seems pretty hard to fathom.
So how about disclosing that the pair is married, ala Kurtz? The Times has opted not do that either. "It's a fair question," concedes Boardman. "But to [state his relationship to Langlie] in the story would imply a connection that's not there. And as you know, she was quite a public figure herself in the years she worked for KOMO."
Fair enough — but even if there's nothing overtly nefarious going on here, it could be argued that Times' readers have a right to know the nature of Miletich and Langlie's relationship. And now they do — only it'd be nice to see it come from the horse's mouth.
http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2008/06/the_times_colacurcio_and_a_que.php
The Seattle Times was first to market with news that federal prosecutors had ordered raids on various businesses owned by the colorful nonagenarian strip club magnate Frank Colacurcio Sr. and his eponymous son, alleging organized prostitution, money laundering, and possible murder. As usual, on a story of this magnitude, Steve Miletich's name showed up in the co-byline.
Miletich is an excellent reporter. He's also married to former KOMO-4 anchor Emily Langlie, who now just so happens to be the chief spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's office here. Typically, the Times is careful not to have a Miletich byline or reporting credit show up in a story his wife is quoted (or declining comment) in (although there's the occasional exception to that rule). But given her position, even when his wife isn't quoted in stories involving the Feds, it's a safe bet that she's not exactly in the dark on what's being exposed.
"There's the possbility of the appearance of a conflict of interest to those people who know that world," says Loren Ghiglione, the Richard Schwarzlose Professor of Media Ethics at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. "It seems to me as sort of on the edge. You saw the story recently about Howard Kurtz, who was reviewing a book on CNN, and he said in the middle of the review that his wife was a P.R. person for the book. So that was discussed for a week or so: whether it was enough for him to reveal [his potential conflict], or if he just shouldn't have reviewed it in the first place. This is somewhat similar."
The Kurtz incident, which actually consisted of the multi-outlet media critic interviewing the author of a book his wife was handling publicity for, sparked plenty of debate last week. As for Miletich and Langlie, while the pair's marriage is hardly a secret, it's never been disclosed in print (even the obit for Langlie's father, a prince of a man whom I once worked with at the Salvation Army, is somewhat cryptic in this regard).
So why is it that Miletich is permitted to cover stories his wife has a role in shaping? "They are both just consummate professionals, and we make sure that he never has any contact with anything she's directly involved in," says Times Executive Editor David Boardman. "And we also have other reporters working on those stories. Generally, we try not to involve Steve in stories Emily's involved in, and this was an exception to that rule, as there were many good reasons to involve him, one being that he's covered the Colacurcios for years. We were really careful yesterday to not involve Steve at all in any of the legal matters. He was onsite interviewing people and looking for the principals involved. And then today, when it shifted more to legal issues, we handed things off to Mike Carter and Jim Brunner, and Steve moved into the background."
There's nothing patently false about Boardman's explanation. Miletich has covered the Colacurcios extensively in years past. He did move into the background, garnering a mere reporting credit in the footer of today's follow-up story versus top billing. And when he covers issues involving the office his wife works in, they never carry a solo byline.
But perhaps there's a little intentional naivete going on here. Specifically, just how does one "make sure" a guy who shares the same bed as Langlie "never [has] any contact with anything she's directly involved in"? Seems pretty hard to fathom.
So how about disclosing that the pair is married, ala Kurtz? The Times has opted not do that either. "It's a fair question," concedes Boardman. "But to [state his relationship to Langlie] in the story would imply a connection that's not there. And as you know, she was quite a public figure herself in the years she worked for KOMO."
Fair enough — but even if there's nothing overtly nefarious going on here, it could be argued that Times' readers have a right to know the nature of Miletich and Langlie's relationship. And now they do — only it'd be nice to see it come from the horse's mouth.
http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2008/06/the_times_colacurcio_and_a_que.php
What Do You Know About the Supreme Court?
I'm about to finish "The Nine," written by CNN Legal Analyst Jeffrey Toobin. The book is interesting and provides inside information about the court and especially the relationships between the nine justices. For instance, did you know former justice Sandra Day O'Connor (appointed by a Republican but generally a liberal justice) and current justice Antonin Scalia (appointed by a Republican but generally a conservative justice) are very good friends and travel partners? Interesting stuff.
I do have one criticism though. I notice he has a tendency to say "so and so believes this," but does not include a direct quotation or even cite that information in the back. I noticed this particuarly with information on Justice Clarence Thomas. I finished reading Thomas' memoir a few months ago and found the information in Toobin's book to contradict. Anyway...just a heads up. Eric, I know you read it...what do you think? P.S., I called the justices either liberal or conservative. Technically, that's not correct. It is better to say something along the lines of living constitutionalist (liberal) or textualist/strict-constitutionalist (conservative).
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Hmmm...What to Blog About?
I'm sitting on the couch in my living room...doing homework. I'm still studying for my American Foreign Relations final. I'm presently looking over the 9/11 Commission Report (which is actually an interesting ready) and comparing it to U.S. Policy toward the Middle East since WW2. I have the final at 8AM-10AM tomorrow. Then my Metals Studio final from 10:30AM-12:30PM. Then I will be done. So the question remains: what are you doing right now?
Monday, June 2, 2008
Huh?
I’m studying for my History of American Foreign Relations final. This class is enough to make me wish I was not a Political Science major (not really, but you get the point). I’m looking at the study guide right now which has 18 questions. He will randomly pick two and require us to answer them. Here is just one of the questions. If you can answer this, I’ll give you a million dollars (not really, but you get the point).“Contrast the post-Vietnam realism of Nixon and Kissinger with the neo-Wilsonian idealism of Jimmy Carter. What long-term tendencies in foreign policy approaches do they exemplify? What can you endorse in the views and actions of each? What makes you feel uncomfortable in each case? Contrast the spirit of détente in the 1970’s with renewed Cold War rhetoric of the early 1980’s. Again: what do you approve, and what do you regret, in each case?"
Now Its Time to Say Goodbye...
Graduation is Saturday. I am thankful it comes so soon. But in the meantime, I have what should be an unlawful amount of homework to do. Three finals, one paper, one art project etc. Nonetheless, it's a great time in life and I'm thankful for it. Count 'Em: Seven Days!
Only seven days until I leave on my trip. First stop: Tel Aviv. I will be staying with a friend of my parents they know from church. She works at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and it should be very interesting to learn from her while we're there. After a few days in Tel Aviv, I will travel to Jerusalem for eight days. Then a few random stops around the country and I'll be off to Egypt. As we say in the "biz," more information as we get it.Will She Stay or Will She Go?
That is the question all of American wants the answer to. You'll remember over the weekend the DNC ruled that delegates from Michigan and Florida will count as "half-votes." That means bad news (and trouble) for Senator Hillary Clinton's campaign. Tomorrow is the last of primaries (with voters in Montana and South Dakota going to the polls). Then what happens next? It seems any normal person would drop out. But Senator Clinton? Who knows. As my friend Eric points out, if you look at the word "fighter" in the dictionary, you see a picture of the Clinton family. For the sake of news and my own love for political unrest, I hope she fights it all the way to the convention.
Also..here's some interesting information from the Associated Press.
Next stop: Montana primary
At stake: 16 Democratic delegates
2004: George W. Bush won the state with 59 percent in the presidential election.
___
Next stop: South Dakota primary
At stake: 15 Democratic delegates
2004: George W. Bush won the state with 60 percent in the presidential election.
At stake: 16 Democratic delegates
2004: George W. Bush won the state with 59 percent in the presidential election.
___
Next stop: South Dakota primary
At stake: 15 Democratic delegates
2004: George W. Bush won the state with 60 percent in the presidential election.
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