What separates “News” from “opinion”?

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at 12:12 pm

After watching the national news nonstop for the last couple of weeks, I just wondered why today’s brand of news is more like gossip and opinion than a representation of authentic journalistic reporting.

Main Entry: news
Pronunciation: \ˈnüz, ˈnyüz\
Function: noun plural but singular in construction
Usage: often attributive
Date: 15th century
1 a: a report of recent events b: previously unknown information <I’ve got news for you> c: something having a specified influence or effect <the rain was good news for lawns and gardens — Garrison Keillor> <the virus was bad news>
2 a: material reported in a newspaper or news periodical or on a newscast b: matter that is newsworthy

Main Entry: news·wor·thy
Pronunciation: \-ˌwər-thē\
Function: adjective
Date: 1932
: interesting enough to the general public to warrant reporting

Main Entry: 1gos·sip
Pronunciation: \ˈgä-səp\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English gossib, from Old English godsibb, from god god + sibb kinsman, from sibb related — more at sib
Date: before 12th century
1 adialect British : godparent b: companion , crony c: a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others
2 a: rumor or report of an intimate nature b: a chatty talk c: the subject matter of gossip
— gos·sip·ry \-sə-prē\ noun

All definitions above are from the Meriam Webster Dictionary Online.

Where can I find financial help for my "green" home?

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 at 7:05 pm

I’m looking for grants/ subsidies (whatever those are) or low interest loans. Northern California. Off-grid house. Full solar. Adding wind later. 3500 sq ft. 20 acres. Will start small ag business (goats and goat soaps). SIP frame, ICF foundation, reflective wrap, radiant heat/ cool. Trying to show convenient living for modern houses while using latest energy conservation techniques.

I know there’s funding out there but I don’t know where to look. Construction just completed and current bank’s a jerk and ruined our credit and refinance options through excessive late penalties (late on construction deadline, not payments). Ran up credit cards to finish construction and no loan left to pay them off.

Want to demonstrate off-grid living that doesn’t involve tiny houses, wood stoves, LED lights, so it can be more mainstream. Don’t believe new owners could – still working out kinks in system.

Anyone know any public or private funders for this type of project?