WAG - Information from beyond the secret door

J.K. Rowling has announced the title of the sixth book in the Harry Potter series.

It has been hidden on her site, but she confirmed Harry Potter and the HBP was the actual title of the next book.

Want to know the actual title?

Wizard News.com offers a walkthrough of how to get to it (or you can keep reading here, since I added some details to their directions).

On J.K. Rowling’s main page, there is a black hair tie between the golden “Fan Sites” key and the decorative computer disk. It is currently designated “?”

Click on it, and you will be taken to another room. There you will see a window, a door, and a mirror (which if you stick around long enough, Peeves will write you a crude message).

The door was formerly locked, but now you can open it to see a brick wall.

There are five bricks that when clicked will slide away. You have to click around for them. You can hunt for them or specifically find their locations moving from top to bottom: 1) three down and two complete (not a half or partially missing) bricks over moving left to right, 2) five down and two complete over, 3) seven down and three complete over, 4) 19 down and two complete over (or six up from the bottom and 2 over), and 5) 23 down and two complete over (or three up and two over).

Found them? Good. Now you have to click them in a certain order. You need to click them in the order of 3-4-2-5-1.

This should make the bricks slide out of the way to reveal a secret room. Click on the fan and it will blow several papers your way. One will fly up and the title of book six will be typed out on it.

Going back to the “News” site, Rowling clarifies, "The HBP is neither Harry nor Voldemort,” but says she will make no more comment about the identity until after the book is published. We also learn Rowling mean to include more information in Chamber of Secrets, but decided it would be better placed in book six.

This is all cool. Though we still don’t know when the next book will be released, this tidbit should tide me over till the weekend. Maybe… Must keep from speculating, for that will only drive me crazier…

'So_who_IS_the_prince'

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WAG - Dear Iraq,

It's official.

Here's wishing you many congrats and best wishes on your self-controlled future.

Have an extra piece of cake, or baklava, your choice, on me.

I wish I could have seen the look on people's face's when they learned things were going down two days early. Bet they didn't see that coming.

Anyway, I know you will behave yourself and act properly concerning your new responsibilities. Though the rough that lies ahead is bumpy, and there will be internal struggles to go along with the external conflicts, I know you have come a long way and truly believe you're going to make it after all.

Toss your hat in the air and celebrate.

Your's truly,

The Coalition:

Afghanistan, Albania, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan (post-conflict only),Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain (pre-May) Turkey, United Kingdom, the United States, and Uzbekistan.

Let Freedom Reign!

'Careful_blowing_out_the_candles'

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WAG - Here ye, hear ye!

or You here, listen up!

This is an announcement of the first annual

Loose Thread Wrap Up Sunday!

I have many posts I’ve been working on and instead of letting them wither away in the recesses of my information clogged computer, I’ll be working to bring them a place with more room and fresh air in cyberspace.

At least, that’s the idea.

Below are three other posts that I’ve been meaning to get to. One is serious, one is bizarre, and one is a promised follow up.

The fact my eclectic brain can cook up all three in a single sitting (well, the end three hour final drafting, editing, and posting process [some notes or topic ideas had been sketched out earlier in the week]) is pretty neat, and probably disconcerting to many readers. No matter what your diagnosis of my mental health may be, I wish you happy reading.

Enjoy.

'Annual_implies_regularity_so_I_will_work_to_do_this_more_in_the_future'

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WAG - Tired of Tortuous Talk

A question I’m sick of listening to experts debate: Did American and British soldiers torture the inmates at Abu Ghraib prison?

The answer I keep screaming at the talking heads on the TV screen: No!

A deeper Question that is not actively being asked: What is it then?

Let me try to answer…

I have been silent on this subject on this site, and largely in conversations as well. I’ve read much about this, and I want to place things in context; especially with some of the “research” I’ve done today.

This topic has been bounced back by the media since the occurrence became public. It came to light due to a military investigation and was even reported to the press, though with limited details. The incident only became “a story” when photos surfaced.

Images included inmates being threatened with a barking dog, a woman leading a nude prisoner around on a leash, another woman making a tacky “check it out” gesture at a line of naked men, and the most famous, the buck-naked pyramid.

These are tasteless, degrading acts. They do not reflect kindly on the soldiers or the countries they represent. That acknowledged, THIS IS NOT TORTURE!

Both as an avid newsreader and as an American I am more upset with the critics and so-called pundits that try to equate what happened with gross abuse, or even worse, equal to what Saddam Hussein, his twisted sons, and followers committed.

The prisoners in Abu Ghraib were not innocent Iraqis randomly persecuted by soldiers. Thousands of prisoners, even some minor level insurgents had been released even before President George Bush said, “Mission accomplished.” Skipping any issues people may have with that phrase, countless people were told to go home and begin new lives. Those that remained, or were imprisoned as the time went on, were the roughest, skuzziest of the lot. The hardcore fanatics, murders, and rapists were the ones locked up. These are not people to be treated kindly, for they would not return any respectful treatment.

What do you do with the unrepentant criminals? How do you punish a suicidal follower? How do you strike fear into the heart of those unafraid to die? The answer is simple: force them to live with themselves.

Part of it is a culture thing, but of the imprisoned Iraqis would rather die than live a shamed life. That is why, when the pictures began to spread exponentially, reporters were able to find people who found the American’s actions, which left the prisoners alive, more barbaric than Saddam who killed many of his victims when he was done with them. This is not a majority view, but it was sometimes touted as one by some media outlets.

This has been blown out of proportion. It is not an event to be ignored, for it has lost us some standing in the eyes of many, but it is not something that is representative of the cause we are continuing to fight for nor is it a burden we are attempting to shirk.

“War is hell,” Civil War General William Sherman observed. Atrocities happen, and many come to the surface, but this is a case where justice will occur. Already, court martial have occurred. More trials are to come. This is not something we are attempting to shy away from or cover up, but is something we are taking responsibility for.

I think a reason why the story has gone so far are the sensational pictures. They are electrifying, stirring shots. Put them in the center of the page and the story writes itself. But if these images are able to be so easily presented to the public, are they really that bad?

Embarrassing they may be, for everyone involved (either at the time or in hindsight), but not true depictions of torture. Shocking these images may be, but they pale in comparison with the true acts of torture they are likened to. Ignoring the sheer disparity of numbers of alleged victims of American torture and the mass graves that have been unearthed, we shall focus on the acts themselves.

Most of us have heard the accounts of Saddam poisoning Kurds with sarin gas and the rape houses and other systematical torture. The accounts are also potent, but for most people lack the full impact of a visual. Today, I rectified that personal deficiency.

I’ve read more accounts than most people I know about this subject. I know of penalties Uday Hussein forced upon members of the Iraqi Olympic team (and these people were given "preferential" treatment). I know the descriptions of people loving clutching bags of bones of formerly missing family members that could now be laid to rest. I also knew of a recent screening where members of the press were given the opportunity to view films taken under Saddam’s regime. Despite the interest in the American “torture,” few turned out to see the evidence of the original torturers.

Transcripts of the discussion, which included a panel of five victims of Iraqi torture, and the short video was deemed to extreme for many people to cover. Much of the presentation’s material was put online and I finally decided to watch it.

With a heavy heart, even as the file downloaded, I prepared myself for what I was about to see. I went through four separate warnings that the material would be graphic (from the news site that linked to the AEI site to a 30 second warning on the clip itself). For those who do not wish to view the video itself, I watched – often through my fingers – scenes of a hand being surgically removed, an arm slowly chopped up, an man being brutally beaten, and for me most eerily, throngs of Iraqi soldiers cheering the order, in the name of “Allah the merciful,” to break a man’s arm.

This is true torture.

Recent beheadings by Islamic extremists further illustrate the difference between sophomoric and barbaric. Hazing is horrible and should not be tolerated, but it is not equal to murder.

When pictures were shown, usually it was images of the hostage was still living, manacled and positioned between his captors. Though the “Before” was well documented, I never saw any of the “After” pictures on any of the mainstream news outlets. I had to go to alternative sites to see such images.

The public would not stand for those sights to be plastered across the page or screen. It would be too ghastly, too extreme, too much.

That is the reaction that true torture elicits. Most people can’t bear to look at humanity at its ugliest. I do not blame people who don’t hold up to the emotional onslaught such viewing causes, but I do take issue with those who refuse to truthfully say where the line is.

Were American actions in Abu Ghraib outrageous, condemnable, and outright wrong?

Yes.

Was it torture?

No.

'Though_the_discussion_will_go_on'

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WAG - Giving credit and thanks

Here’s a belated follow up to Wednesday’s teaser.

The documents I hurriedly retrieved Wednesday, which triggered the earlier mentioned bombshell at the daily planning meeting, pertained to the Valencia-Rios case.

As documented earlier, the main “person of interest” in the investigation of a MU student’s death is a Columbia cop.

Tuesday we reported a special outside prosecutor was being named in the case. The next day, I was asked to go down to the Boone County Courthouse to see what the official request entailed.

We briefly speculated that it could just be a formal “we, the previously mentioned aforesigned etc, request that a future office, to be determined, be named to take over the case which currently possesses many conflicts of interest, yada yada yada.” It wasn’t expected, but we hoped the application might have listed breakdown of reasons why they wanted an outside attorney. This tied in directly to the fact the police department refused to deem the officer a “suspect” for fear of giving a perception of guiltiness, despite the fact that wasn’t common conduct in other cases (where one of their own was a potential culprit).

I was selected, I believe, due to my advanced reporting level, my availability and my suspected history with information requests. While I am in 307, not 306, and had the time to answer my editors’ call, I have never had to worry about a “Freedom of Information” request. Sunshine laws make it possible to get access to government documents, though sometimes you have to give formal requests to do so. While other people I know seem to have to file such petitions every other story they write, I have yet to face that position.

Though conflict wasn’t expected, I was told to go in with a FOI – just in case.

Excited and freaked, I went back to the computer stations to double check the judge’s office I needed to go to and get a crash course on FOI requests from a knowledgeable friend. We found the right site, though I found the Missourian printers weren’t working. I hastily copied down the crucial lines on notebook paper, I figured it would be sneered at but would still do the job in a pinch, and booked it out of the newsroom.

I made it to the courthouse. Going through security, I realized I had two pocketknives left in my backpack from working with tool craft in Royal Rangers. Actually, the security guard only noticed my big buck knife until I said I probably had another in there.

“Oh yeah,” he said restudying the x-rayed contents of my backpack. “There’s one more.”

After turning in my other knife, I went to the clerk’s office and found the document. I read, re-read, and triple read what I had. Wow.

I asked for a copy and got another thrill when I heard one of the clerks remark, we’d better make several copies. This is going to be a popular piece of paper. That meant, I was the first to have the documents and the Columbia Tribune was behind us.

I kicked in a dollar for copies (it only cost 50 cents, and I probably could have gotten if for free if I pressed – for the good of the public, but I said it would probably cover the cost of the Tribune reporter who followed me).

Making a fast dash back to the Missourian, it helped that I was cruising downhill and pepped up on “breaking news adrenaline” as it was, I mentally reviewed what I had. Even upon reaching Lee Hills Hall, where the reporters are housed, I was still double checking the wording as I hurried up the stairs.

I found the budget meeting was still going on upon my return. I walked up to one of the editors that sent me on this wild dash and pointed at a certain line. It was the proverbial “hot of the presses” (well, copier) moment. The editor read the paragraph that said the first reason why an outside prosecuting attorney was requested was the fact that they expected to serve a warrant to the police officer to arrest him for murder.

Boom, and we were off like a shot.

It was the journalistic highlight of the week. I did a victory jig that afternoon when I learned the Trib didn’t catch the story on their cycle (they publish around 1 p.m. and I picked up the request around 11:15 a.m.).

The next day when the story ran, I was even further thrilled to be cited at the bottom for helping with the article.

As the song says, I’ve got to give credit where credit is due. I wasn’t expecting a “contributed to” credit. Several people may help compile information for a story, but their names usually won’t appear unless they helped write a portion of the story. There are exceptions of course, like when you help bring a big puzzle piece to the board or are friends with the people writing the main part of the story. Andrew did a lot more work than I did and Sarah, well, she’s the toast of the newsroom.

Even in the first draft of the story for the online edition that went out Wednesday night, I wasn’t included. I was simply the messenger boy: one who was trusted enough to get the goods for the sake of others. I guess along with my attitude toward teamwork, it didn't hurt that I know and have worked with these reporters well on other articles.

It was a cool day. I have a killer clip, a cool story, and a confirmed concern that Boone County Courthouse security isn’t what it ought to be. No bad for a quick bike ride.

'One_knife_Two_knives_No_big_deal'

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WAG - No film at Eleven

Note: This post was started Monday. It was finished Tuesday morning. Somehow, it was deleted Tuesday afternoon (at least when viewed through Microsoft Explorer; it could still be seen using Netscape). Here's a re-posting for those of you who want the complete story:

So the call comes to the Missourian newsdesk Monday asking to talk to interview a reporter.

Is there a specific reporter, the J-306 receptionist for the day asks.

No, any reporter will do, is the reply.

Who wants to talk about being a reporter is the general question that sweeps the computer terminals close enough to the front desk to hear the quasi-secretary's question.

Way too quickly for my taste, people start to home in on me.

Can you do it Caleb, I am asked.

The disparaging phrases I use in place of obscenities softly spill from my lips.

I try to pass the buck.

I ask another reporter, more experienced than me in the profession, if she is doing anything important.

The look I receive in turn quickly informs me, yes, she is and how dare I take up her time to insinuate otherwise...

I come to the realization I cannot gracefully pass the buck any farther down the line and agree to do the video.

It won't be shown on TV, the girl over the phone tells me.

I get the vibe it is for a class project as I jot down details and agree to show up an hour later.

Time passes and I show up in the old media lab control room. I know it quite well from all the time I spent helping film "JC Rocks," the local Christian TV show on campus, which used the same location. People are scrambling around. Someone tells me I’ll be next after they finish this interview and I pick a corner as far removed from the bustle as I can and read a book.

The interview ends and everyone starts swapping stations. The producer comes up to me, introduces herself, and gives me a list of questions. I am brought onto the stage and I am reminded how life beneath the blazing lights is always warm.

I soon realize this is a class of Communications majors. I learn they do about 12 different snippet programs a week all while working with different jobs in the process. The interviewer shows up, I would guess he was changing into his snazzy outfit after his last task was completed, and we have a pre-interview.

We have a good rapport and the three camera operators tell us we did well; and I trust that since camera workers are typically brutally honest when they decide to say something (though when they remain silent about your performance, that speaks volumes as well).

The countdown comes and we do the same thing while the cameras are rolling. I have quick concise answers filled with colorful vocabulary but still sounding somewhat intelligent. I am proud of myself.

Then we do the interview twice more, both to tweak some minor things and just because there is time.

The following times are a bit harder, for one wants to keep answers short and not ramble on a tangent for fear of going over the allotted three minute time. Also, trying to remember the witty answers you’ve given already, and still trying to make them sound off-the-cuff, is especially hard.

I did blank out on a single question during the last run through.

How do I bring information to my readers and ensure it is accurate? We do a series lectures on that topic, and I’m now asked to give an answer in 18 seconds or less? Oh well… I didn’t let that get me too flustered. Though I turned a shade of pink, I still spoke slowly and clearly and kept going (despite desperate wishes to turn to the camera and go “Can we do that again,” for I knew the answer would be no).

I had a good time; even if I messed up once. It was nice being back in the old studio and having no other responsibility than sitting in a chair and answering questions.

When it was all over, I unclipped my microphone and let myself out. I heard a few final compliments, more for my first two interviews, before I slipped out the building.

I know the segment will be more graded on the performance of the production values than of the interviewee. I hope I did them justice. I also hope I’m a bit farther away from the newsdesk and working on something important myself the next time a call comes through looking for someone to talk about journalism in an interview that will only be seen by a communications instructor.

'That’s_a_wrap'

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WAG - Going to the courthouse and I'm
gonna get re-ee-ee-cords

The modern newsroom is quite advanced. No longer do pages need to be engraved or typeset hours to be prepared. The long lag between when the paper had to be completed and when it was printed has been greatly reduced. Computer programs help with layout and editing. Last minute changes can be inserted, if necessary, a few minutes before it goes to press. Since pages can be electronically transmitted, printing centers and the newsrooms that use them no longer have to be housed in the same building. Though many are located close by, unless you're looking to use the 50 cent soda machine in the production center, Missourian reproters rarely walk the halls where their work is printed.

Though more efficient presses better serve the reporters and the public they work for, it cuts down on dramatic moments. Due to the previously listed advances, and the distance between the two stages of paper production, I may never experience a "STOP THE PRESSES" moment.

But today, seat covered and my heart pumping, I definately shook up the budget meeting by showing the editors a paper I'd received from the Boone County Courthouse clerk's office.

Check the Missourian tomorrow and see how the Rios-Valencia case is heating up.

MORE TO COME... after I check the Trib in the afternoon to see if they picked up the trail as well.

'STOP_THE____um____discussion'

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WAG - Reporting from Exile

Okay. It's the afternoon, I've finished my english class, and I don't want to go back to the Missourian.

I'm currently posting from the Ellis, the main library on campus. I went in to reserve a book (Flush, a novel by Virginia Woolf about Elizath Barrett Browning's Dog [no, I'm not joking]). It's currently out of print, but my teacher still wanted us to read it. We were encouraged to get it through or Acorn Books. I forgot about that assignment until last night; afterwhich I promptly forgot again. This afternoon in class, when several people reported their troubles in landing the book - they paid for their books but the shipments hadn't arrived yet - I knew I needed to spring into gear. I now have reserved the one copy MU has which you can check out (they have a spare, but it's categorized reading room only).

It's a first edition. I'll have to be careful with it.

Anyway, as I sit here, and realize the story I'm working on won't be ready for tomorrow, I have no desire to go to the Missourian to confirm that fact right now. There's a floor meeting this afternoon, which I feel obilgated to attend for all the meetings I hosted in my position as student stuff. I DO plan to go back to the Missourian later, hopefully after my substitute editor has left (my regular editor is on vacation) and do some prep work for tomorrow.

Just for now... I'm going to enjoy the climate controlled computer lab, the comforting smell of musty books (if you spend multiple summers helping your librarian mother catalog the stacks, you'll get nostalgic for the aroma of old parchment as well), and the sacred silence of the library where I won't be bothered by phone calls or agitated editors.

Don't tell!

'Shhhhh'

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WAG - What do you know? What have you seen?

This list of top grossing movies is starting to hit my friends's websites.

The idea is that you're to bold whatever movies you've seen. How saturated with pop culture are you?

Read and see...

1. Titanic (1997) $600,779,824
2. Star Wars (1977) $460,935,665
3. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) $434,949,459
- Never saw it. So sue me.
4. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) $431,065,444
5. Spider-Man (2002) $403,706,375
6. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The (2003) $377,019,252
7. Passion of the Christ, The (2004) $370,025,697
8. Jurassic Park (1993) $356,784,000
9. Shrek 2 (2004) $356,211,000
10. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The (2002) $340,478,898
11. Finding Nemo (2003) $339,714,367
12. Forrest Gump (1994) $329,691,196
13. Lion King, The (1994) $328,423,001
14. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) $317,557,891
15. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001) $313,837,577
16. Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) $310,675,583
17. Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) $309,125,409
18. Independence Day (1996) $306,124,059
19. Pirates of the Caribbean (2003) $305,411,224
20. Sixth Sense, The (1999) $293,501,675
21. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) $290,158,751
22. Home Alone (1990) $285,761,243
23. Matrix Reloaded, The (2003) $281,492,479
24. Shrek (2001) $267,652,016
25. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) $261,970,615
26. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) $260,031,035
27. Jaws (1975) $260,000,000
- Never continuously, but this is one the those movies you pick up partway through and must watch through to the end, so I've seen it enough in parts.
28. Monsters, Inc. (2001) $255,870,172
29. Batman (1989) $251,188,924
30. Men in Black (1997) $250,147,615
31. Toy Story 2 (1999) $245,823,397
32. Bruce Almighty (2003) $242,589,580
33. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) $242,374,454
34. Twister (1996) $241,700,000
35. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) $241,437,427
36. Ghostbusters (1984) $238,600,000
- Only about 25 minutes worth.
37. Beverly Hills Cop (1984) $234,760,500
38. Cast Away (2000) $233,630,478
39. Lost World: Jurassic Park, The (1997) $229,074,524
40. Signs (2002) $227,965,690
41. Rush Hour 2 (2001) $226,138,454
42. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) $219,200,000
43. Ghost (1990) $217,631,306
- INSERT PATRICK SWAYZE JOKE HERE
44. Aladdin (1992) $217,350,219
45. Saving Private Ryan (1998) $216,119,491
46. Mission: Impossible II (2000) $215,397,307
47. X2 (2003) $214,948,780
48. Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002) $213,079,163
49. Back to the Future (1985) $210,609,762
50. Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) $205,399,422
51. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) $204,843,350
52. Exorcist, The (1973) $204,565,000
53. Mummy Returns, The (2001) $202,007,640
54. Armageddon (1998) $201,573,391
55. Gone with the Wind (1939) $198,655,278
- I've seen the last 5 minutes.
56. Pearl Harbor (2001) $198,539,855
- I'm ashamed to say I paid money to see this.
57. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) $197,171,806
58. Toy Story (1995) $191,800,000
59. Men in Black II (2002) $190,418,803
60. Gladiator (2000) $187,670,866
61. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) $184,925,485
62. Dances with Wolves (1990) $184,208,848
63. Batman Forever (1995) $184,031,112
64. Fugitive, The (1993) $183,875,760
65. Ocean's Eleven (2001) $183,405,771
66. What Women Want (2000) $182,805,123
67. Perfect Storm, The (2000) $182,618,434
68. Liar Liar (1997) $181,395,380
69. Grease (1978) $181,360,000
70. Jurassic Park III (2001) $181,166,115
71. Mission: Impossible (1996) $180,965,237
72. Planet of the Apes (2001) $180,011,740
73. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) $179,870,271
74. Pretty Woman (1990) $178,406,268
75. Tootsie (1982) $177,200,000
76. Top Gun (1986) $176,781,728
77. There's Something About Mary (1998) $176,483,808
78. Ice Age (2002) $176,387,405
79. Crocodile Dundee (1986) $174,635,000
- Once again, another movie where I've only seen the end.
80. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) $173,585,516
81. Elf (2003) $173,381,405
- Maybe next Christmas when it comes out on DVD.
82. Air Force One (1997) $172,888,056
83. Rain Man (1988) $172,825,435
- Saw the end.
84. Apollo 13 (1995) $172,071,312
85. Matrix, The (1999) $171,383,253
86. Beauty and the Beast (1991) $171,301,428
87. Tarzan (1999) $171,085,177
88. Beautiful Mind, A (2001) $170,708,996
89. Chicago (2002) $170,684,505
90. Three Men and a Baby (1987) $167,780,960
- I've seen the first 23 minutes before falling asleep once
91. Meet the Parents (2000) $166,225,040
92. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) $165,500,000
93. Hannibal (2001) $165,091,464
94. Catch Me If You Can (2002) $164,435,221
95. Big Daddy (1999) $163,479,795
96. Sound of Music, The (1965) $163,214,286
- Singing Nuns, Living Hills, and Nazis? No thanks.
97. Batman Returns (1992) $162,831,698
98. Bug's Life, A (1998) $162,792,677
99. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) $161,963,000
100. Waterboy, The (1998) $161,487,252

'Popcorn Please'

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