This dispatch was added by one of our Nonprofit Neighbors. It does not represent the editorial voice of The Rapidian or Community Media Center.
Lisa in the garden with her daughter Emma.
Catalyst Radio is a weekly radio show with hosts Linda Gellasch and Denise Cheng that looks at the behind-the-scenes of Rapidian reporting as well as grassroots and nonprofit efforts around the community. The show comprises a media analysis and developments portion, interview segment and calendar of events. You can catch it on air at noon every Friday on WYCE 88.1 FM or streaming on the Grand Rapids Community Media Center Website.
This week, Catalyst Radio speaks with Lisa Rose Starner, author of The Local Beet on The Rapidian. The featured song is "Harvest The Bounty" by Phil WIntermute from the compilation "Something Fresh."
MEDIA ANALYSIS
Twitter more like a news agency than a social network
In a presentation on a recent study, Korean researchers shared their findings on Twitter, a micro-messaging social network. Their research showed that because Twitter does not have a reciprocal relationship—anyone can follow another Twitter user without that Twitter user subscribing to their tweets in turn—very few users actually follow each other back. Instead, most users follow major information sources and rebroadcast informational tweets with links.
Find out more at Nieman Lab.
Cops' addresses and phone numbers are not protected
In Florida, a federal judge ruled in favor of a plaintiff who had been briefly jailed for revealing a police officer's home address and phone number in a comment on RateMyCop.com. The site gives voice to community members with complaints about specific police officers, matching up those complaints to specific officer numbers. The judge said that revealing an officer's home address is protected under free speech and does not directly endanger police officers.
More on Wired.
Newsweek on sale
After 77 years in print, Newsweek was put up for sale last week by its parent company, The Washington Post.
More on The Washington Post, Salon.com.
Government agencies on Facebook exceed 400 pages
In 2009, several government agencies started a project with Facebook to have fan pages for various programs on the social network. One of the most recent is "Congress on Facebook," which will highlight innovative social media strategy by congressional officers.
More on Politico, Facebook
CALENDAR
On Monday, May 24, The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and Davenport University are partnering to host a 3rd Congressional District Debate. The event is scheduled for from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Davenport University Student Center. Candidates will describe their platform and why they are the best candidate to replace Congressman Vern Ehlers, who is stepping down after 17 years in Congress. Candidates will also address issues of the economy, health care, the federal budget and the environment. The event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are requested. RSVP to Abby Albers at the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce at 616.771.0336. The public is invited to submit questions in advance for the candidates which may be used during the debate. For more information, visit www.grandrapids.org/debate. [More info]
On Tuesday, May 25 Our Kitchen Table will launch its Food Diversity Project Series with a free gardening workshop. The event is planned from from 6 to 9 p.m. The workshop will be held at Southeast Community Association (SECA), and welcomes children ages 10 and over to attend with their parents or grandparents. The workshop will cover how to pick a spot, testing and understanding soil samples and tips for successful food gardening; collect soil samples for testing. More information can be found on the Facebook event entry. [More info]
On Wednesday, May 26, West Michigan Film Video Alliance is providing a venue for filmmakers to screen their work in an “open mic” night style format. Every Fourth Wednesday of the month, all year long, WMFVA members/independent filmmakers can screen their completed and works-in-progress for free at the Wealthy Theatre Koning Micro-Cinema. Constructive feedback from peers and public in attendance are offered to the filmmaker on request. Screening and attendance is free to all WMFVA members. Contact [email protected] for questions and programming. [More info]
On Friday, May 28, The GVSU LGBT Resources Center will be screening Priscilla, Queen of the Desert as part of THE QUEERIES, a monthly LGBT movie series at Wealthy Theatre. Admission is $6. For more information, you can visit grcmc.org. [More info]
On Sunday, May 30, Whitney Steele will perform at the Wealthy Theater. Steele was discovered when she was selected as a finalist to compete for a chance to perform "You Won't See Me Crying" on an episode of the show "One Tree Hill." Find more information on her website, www.whitneysteele.com. [More info]
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Comments
This past weekend in Portland, I had a homemade soda flavored by wild stinging nettles. It was so delicious! Thanks for reminding me that there is a place to procure them here.
Great interview!