Elizabeth Trovall · Storify

Reactions to the Rising 2013 Body Count in Belize City, Belize

Elizabeth Trovall — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:49:59 GMT

Citizens react to four deaths on Tuesday. With an estimated 68,000 people living in the area, the city has some of the highest murder rates in the world.

Storified by Elizabeth Trovall · Tue, Jan 15 2013 06:49:59

Blood shed in Belize City on Tuesday, January 8th.

4 killed in Belize City today according to BZ reporter Patrick Jones. http://tinyurl.com/al4ws2z
— Elizabeth Trovall · Tue, Jan 08 2013 08:28:39

Local news reporters cover the blood bath.

"Feesha Felix, 22, of Gill Street, went to bed Friday night, January 5. She never woke up, however, because she was shot dead in her bed Saturday morning at about 2:30."

Feesha Felix, 22, shot dead in her sleep

Therese Felix's only daughter died after a hail of bullets hit her house It seems that tragedy simply cannot leave the Felix family alone...

Several schools in the city are asking that parents go pick up their children including Maud Williams High School, Salvation Army Primary School, St. John's Anglican Primary School, Belize Elementary School, among others....we will have an updated list for you shortly.
— Lovefm Bze · Tue, Jan 08 2013 08:38:08

The Prime Minister of Belize has scheduled a press conference for 3pm today at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel. Love FM will be carrying this LIVE!!! Tune in on 88.9 FM or 95.1 FM or on www.lovefm.com or www.lovetv.com.bz
— Lovefm Bze · Tue, Jan 08 2013 09:11:08

Belize City reacts to the surge of violence.

its so crazy..this morning we all had to scramble at school to pick up our kids after hearing the barage of gunshots that came from george street..hearing it from the close range that we were..its was so frightening...God please help belize in this time of madness..
— Carmita Gomez · Tue, Jan 08 2013 14:34:47

Its sad to see how such a small developing nation is ranking high on all negative problems that can affect a society: crime/violence, HIV/AIDS, Drug trafficking, political corruption, illiteracy, unemployment etc. Now wat does this mean for a nation so small? Destruction. Looking at news, the sight of police and the citizen at war its so devastating,we need to stop our separation and start working together in unity as citizens of this country. Its difficult to just watch such a beautiful nation get tore down. I love my country and I pray for Belize to be the safe haven it once was .
— Blessed Princess Palacio · Tue, Jan 08 2013 17:20:13

I personally think dem 4 men get killed by people weh dem da mi fren any compney wit, no honor amongst theives and rivalries aways di happen within gang ranks. Me nuh see nothing rang with how police mi di buss shot dem had to control da crowd. Police mi out numbered and dem people mi di staat shyt by throw dem bottles, dem mi wah staat shoot next if police neva control da situation. I woulda mi do the same thing.
— Jon Ramnarace · Tue, Jan 08 2013 16:57:35

My 6year old son dont even want to sleep afta seeing d news wt all d senseless murders happening here in our country Belize. Please let us all PRAY for BELIZE. :-((:-((
— Jenisha Molina · Tue, Jan 08 2013 19:04:20

Tuesday, January 8th Prime Minister Barrow of Belize said gang members involved in violence had left the area.

Locals React:

So Barrow wants to talk to gang members n protect them and Fonseca wants to pray. Way to go my Belize.
— Julio Valdez · Tue, Jan 08 2013 17:24:23

We need not pray for Belize. We need action and real politicians who aren't afraid. Catering to thugs is NOT the solution
— Janel Jenean Philippides · Tue, Jan 08 2013 17:01:04

Due to news of four dead/tortured bodies found in Belize City this morning, the US Embassy has advised that all those planning to visit Belize put their trip on HOLD for the time being.............................Heed the warning and Pray for Belize....
— Arlene Rosado · Tue, Jan 08 2013 16:25:02

Belize's national crime statistics from last year.

A 2012 report says that nationwide Belize is the sixth most dangerous country in the world with 39 homicides per 100,000 residents.

Belize 2012 Crime and Safety Report

Report DETAILS Belize 2012 Crime and Safety Report Murder; Burglary; Theft; Stolen items; Rape/Sexual Violence; Transportation Security; ...

Reader Response: Real vs Artificial Trees

Elizabeth Trovall — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:46:40 GMT

Here's a little known fact: fake Christmas trees were invented to help the environment. The first artificial trees were created in Germany in the 19th century. Made of goose feathers painted green, the trees were intended to prevent deforestation, according to researcher James Hewitt. These days mo

Storified by Elizabeth Trovall · Tue, Dec 18 2012 09:46:40

Real vs Artificial Christmas Trees: An Easier Choice Than You Think

Well, the debate is over. When it comes to picking a low-impact holiday tree, it turns out the choice between fake and artificial trees, ...

According to the study, no matter which tree you choose, there are many ways of reducing its environmental impact. For example, artificial trees become more efficient for each year they are reused, cutting out yearly car trips to a tree farm and reducing waste. In a similar vein, trees purchased closer to home, whether they are fake or real, are better because less time is spent driving a car.

Deck the halls... @summernyelton #tree #car #kids #boys #carter #cord #christmas #christmastree #instagood #instagood_lawrenceburg_indiana #enjoyingthesmallthings · ~Shari

Laura Morrison, a Senior Consultant who worked on the study, also recommended switching to LED lights instead of incandescent bulbs. The study says, "The electricity consumption during use of 400 incandescent Christmas tree lights during one Christmas season is 55% of the overall Primary Energy Demand impact of the unlit artificial tree studied, assuming the worst‐case scenario that the artificial tree is used only one year."

Glowing Christmas Tree Lights in the Winter Night · epSos.de

Not surprisingly, the study has not ended the debate, as our reader comments prove. Some of you responded with your own advice and opinions on trees environmental impact. Some of you offered alternatives to buying fakes or cutting down trees.

There is a third option of buying a live potted tree from a local nursery. Our family started this tradition five years ago when we were looking for an earth friendly alternative.
We had our first tree for 3 years and finally planted it in the yard with the kids when it got too big to move in and out. We all have enjoyed watching it continue to grow, just like our kids have been. It's now about 20 ft. tall.
Last year we purchased our second tree which we figure will last us another year or two.

They can be a bit more than a cut tree initially. However, you get a few Christmas' out of it and a nice tree for the yard that will last a lifetime or more. Helping to remove more carbon from the air.

A few years ago there was an article online about someone who rented out live trees too. Not sure if that's still happening.

Fake trees will always look like fake trees and never decompose. They will only be more land fill fodder. Seeing so many trees cut down and then tossed to the curb the day after Christmas is heartbreaking and wasteful.
Try a live one. You won't regret it and neither will your kids or the planet!
— Greener Options · Sun, Dec 16 2012 13:36:41

Other ways to cut back the impact of a natural tree is to recycle them. Most large cities offer tree recycling programs with designated drop-off areas. Instead of being lugged off to a landfill, the trees are composted.

In the not-so-settled debate of artificial vs real trees, the economic impact of buying local also entered the discussion.

Don't forget that buying real trees supports family farms, providing income that can be used to keep these areas open instead of turned into malls or subdivisions.
— KL · Mon, Dec 17 2012 04:29:37

"They are a crop," says another commenter.

Real trees (with a small number of exceptions) come from farms. They are a crop, not unlike any other crop we have really no qualms about harvesting. By and large these are not forest trees. This is land that would be in production for something. Do we need Christmas trees? No. We don't need corn syrup either; how many millions more acres are devoted to that. I'd much rather walk through a tree farm than a box store. And you can't compost a plastic tree.
— Dan Sines · Sun, Dec 16 2012 20:08:47

Greenery · Donald Lee Pardue

People also wanted to know about the environmental impact beyond a tree's carbon footprint. One commenter says, "What is the entire ecological footprint?"

This article told us very little. What about the entire ecological footprint? Something tells me that a petroleum product that will be around for a few hundred years made with toxic materials is NOT the same as a naturally grown tree. There is more to this story.
— republicans4npr · Sun, Dec 16 2012 13:35:55

It's true that the research focuses on a trees potential carbon footprint. Though there is data on energy demand, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, and smog potential for both artificial and natural trees. Toxicity is not included in this study.

Finally, some readers questioned the methodology behind the report.

republicans4npr: I agree with you that there is more to the story. Peer-reviewed by whom? What journal? Funding? Conflicts? Precise questions? Findings? Going to go read it now. We've had our fake tree for over two decades, switched to LED lights, isn't plastic, and few know the difference when they see it except for the fam. lol.
— Cherri B · Sun, Dec 16 2012 14:28:35

The study was funded by the American Christmas Tree Association, and done by consultants with PE INTERNATIONAL, Inc. & Five Winds Strategic Consulting. It was peer-reviewed by professors at North Carolina State University and Carnegie Mellon University as well as a plastics specialist on the American Chemistry Council.

You can spend your holiday vacation reading the complete 107-page study online here.

PPG Christmas Tree · JohnWDavisJr

Reader Response: The Dove Dinner that Ruffled So Many Feathers

Elizabeth Trovall — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:57:04 GMT

The media is still talking about Ryan Adams and his blog post about illegally eating a dove that flew into the side of his house. In homage to the close of dove season, we've rounded up some of our favorite user comments on this quirky Texas wildlife story.

Storified by Elizabeth Trovall · Thu, Nov 01 2012 13:57:04

It all started with a thump in the night:

When life gives you wild game...

UPDATE: Wow. It's definitely been a very interesting 48 hours. First off, I'd like to thank the multitude of people who have reached out ...

A dove flew into Ryan Adams' house, so he decided to cook and eat it, and then blog about it. Which got the attention of Reddit….

A dove slammed into my house, breaking its neck. So I grilled it. : food

reddit: the front page of the internet

AKAFORTY: "There's a czech saying "Grilled doves do not just fall into your mouth". I guess you kind of proved that one wrong a bit."

Some people expressed concern for the dove.

Dophie23: "Aww poor dove :( that sad. I guess good on you for eating it and not eating factory farmed meat for a day! Good on you! Doves mate for life though. Some dove out there may be missing it SO.

And then somebody asked: can you even do that?

Glasnostic: "Only thing I worry about is the legality. Our state has laws against keeping road kill, not sure about suicidal doves though."

The commenter was right. Adams did break the law.

“It is illegal to possess wildlife resources, and the white-winged dove are a migratory game bird on the wildlife resource list." -Steve Lightfoot, spokesperson for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

The story got out that Texas Parks and Wildlife was allegedly "investigating" Adams. Comments got pretty heated even though it wasn't really true.

E. Nassar: "The TPWD in this case are absolute a** clowns who are accomplishing nothing but harassing a decent tax-paying citizen! Seriously, talk about following the letter of the law as opposed to the spirit of the law. I applaud you for what you did Ryan. Afterall the damn bird basically flew into your pan." (http://www.nosetotailathome.com/2012/10/18/still-dealing-with-dove-fallout/)

Joel: "I still think you should do the exact same thing even if you have a bald eagle commit suicide on your house." (http://www.nosetotailathome.com/2012/10/18/still-dealing-with-dove-fallout/)

Some commenters brought national politics into the discussion.

Mary Lambert: "Obama's police state and endless trashing of our Constitution through "executive" order will end come November." (http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2012/10/11/dove-dinner-lands-texas-man-in-hot-water-with-law/#comments)

But Texas Parks and Wildlife never intended on pressing charges.

“We wanted to reassure him that this was one of the rare instances of ignorance of the law and we gave him a warning." -Steve Lightfoot, spokesperson for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Adams felt bad about the attacks on Texas Parks and Wildlife, so he decided to deliver them a peace offering. No, not a dove - donuts.

How One Food Blogger Caused a Firestorm For Texas Parks and Wildlife

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has been receiving hate mail from around the country thanks to the gastronomic adventures of an A...

'Out' in a Small Town

Elizabeth Trovall — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 18:16:17 GMT

Trinity's story is one of several created to profile teen life in rural Missouri. The screening of Trinity's documentary in her hometown of Macon, MO brought up an especially memorable discussion about homosexuality in rural areas. Feel free to continue the discussion @mylifemytown.

Storified by Elizabeth Trovall · Tue, Dec 18 2012 10:16:17

'Out' in a Small Town - produced by Grant Hindsley (photography) & Elizabeth Trovall (audio):

Trinity Rainey - My Life My Town · kbiadotorg

"Trinity Rainey finds it both funny and frustrating when people mistake her for a boy at work. Her short hair and white T shirt complete her self-proclaimed "lesbian look." At 16, Trinity has learned not to spend too much time worrying about what others think, as a gay teen in Macon, Missouri.

A junior in high school, Trinity spends most of her time singing in choir, working two jobs, and playing varsity basketball. Though she hasn't decided what she wants to study, after high school Trinity looks forward to attending the University of Missouri. She already has her own Peace Nook bumper sticker on the back of her car."

The "My Life, My Town" Website - Stories from Glasgow, Lawson, Macon, Mexico and more!

My Life My Town

About the Project. More than a quarter of Missouri's population lives in rural areas . Many of the towns these people live in are be...

Getting the word out:

Gay in a small town? Share your experience at tom night's screening of "Out in a Small Town" & other @MyLifeMyTown short docs in Macon, MO!
— Elizabeth Trovall · Mon, May 14 2012 11:34:57

@elizTrovall @mylifemytown @comissourian @KBIA @edreggi Looking forward to it!
— janet saidi · Mon, May 14 2012 12:38:23

Ragtag Films/Events: My Life, My Town

My Life, My Town. Opens May 10, 2012. Thursday, May 10 at 5:30pm. Multimedia portraits from 8-10 students share their perspective about...

Be sure to check this out! Should be worth the trip to Macon. http://fb.me/15IF6g5lB
— My Life My Town · Tue, May 15 2012 09:30:22

The house (Maples Repertory Theatre) packed with Trinity's high school friends:

We're in Macon! @MyLifeMyTown screening and discussion. http://pic.twitter.com/mnTi502x · janet saidi

"I am pretty sure there is nothing about her I don't know. She's my best friend." #smalltown #lgbt #growingup
— My Life My Town · Tue, May 08 2012 16:24:04

"@TrinityRainy has too big of a heart, she always has." #smalltown #lgbt #midmo
— My Life My Town · Tue, May 08 2012 16:25:49

For the talkback KBIA and The Missourian scored three enthusiastic and eloquent panelists:

MLMT http://pic.twitter.com/qcGEBi4B · Elizabeth Trovall

Trinity expands on her experience as a lesbian in a small town with both tears and laughter:

@mylifemytown: unreal. What a wild experience. Way to go Trinity. So glad I was able to work with such a won http://instagr.am/p/KqzzXAHPNU/ · Grant Hindsley

@mylifemytown screening in Macon, MO. So awesome all these youngsters!!! http://pic.twitter.com/mu2XeRDu · P$

@mylifemytown LINK TO 'BULLY' SCREENINGS AT RAGTAG http://ragtagfilm.com/films.php?id=480
— P$ · Tue, May 15 2012 17:38:56

Retraction Reaction

Elizabeth Trovall — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 04:24:40 GMT

The media buzz about the recent "This American Life" retraction and "theatre" of Mike Daisey.

Storified by Elizabeth Trovall · Tue, Mar 20 2012 21:24:40

We are retracting the episode "Mr. Daisey & the Apple Factory." We devote this week's show to the retraction http://tal.fm/460 #ieconomy
— This American Life · Fri, Mar 16 2012 10:34:58

Mike Daisey - This American Life · Photo Giddy

As much as it sucks that This American Life had to do a retraction, it was almost worth it to hear Ira Glass drill Mike Daisey. If you don't listen to this show, you should.
— Walter Knaub · Tue, Mar 20 2012 14:59:32

We're discussing @ThisAmerLife's "Retraction" in #jenclass right now.
— Jen Lee Reeves · Mon, Mar 19 2012 08:03:18

Ira Glass has just about had it with you · EMParillon

A standing ovation and a boy scout salute to the dignity of "This American Life."
— Steve Martin · Sun, Mar 18 2012 15:48:16

Mike Daisey

4 hours ago ... “Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” —another American monologist. Many consider this week's THIS A...

Firing back at critics, Mike Daisey unleashes a scorching new blog post. Which opens by misquoting Mark Twain. Because, THAT'LL show 'em.
— Merlin Mann · Mon, Mar 19 2012 21:26:27

Mike Daisey on Apple's Chinese labor controversy !! "The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs" · ghwelker

A full transcript of Mike Daisey's first public talk after the 'This American Life' retraction http://theatln.tc/GD5vOY
— The Atlantic · Tue, Mar 20 2012 14:42:00

Is @ThisAmerLife getting the brunt of the flak for the Daisey retraction? Should other outlets also share the blame? #jenclass
— Ted Han · Mon, Mar 19 2012 08:12:09

Mike Daisey on Real Time with Bill Maher · mdaisey

Interesting discussion about "This American Life" false report on Apple/Foxconn Factory in China. #Jenclass
— Dan Greenwald · Mon, Mar 19 2012 08:12:27

"But the deeper problem, I think, is that telling stories is the only way these people can conceptualize getting results. And because appealing to the public sphere to be scandalized and to demand reforms is the only kind of result they can envision – because this is how they imagine justice works – the story will inevitably become what it needs to be to appeal to that kind of conscience, whatever will appeal to that sense of the public’s fickle taste." (I have been reading an embarrassing lot about Mike Daisey, but this piece that contextualizes both Daisey's drama and Jason Russell's by referencing one of the strangest parts of The Wire is maybe the best analysis I've seen. (Plus, I am totally stealing the phrase "McNulty Gambit," which has more explanatory power than it has any right to.))
— Matthew Poe · Tue, Mar 20 2012 16:06:19

Mike Daisey speaks out against media in Apple controversy ...

12 hours ago ... Mike Daisey is still standing his ground and refusing to retreat. In fact, he is taking the counter-offensive, blastin...

Monologist Mike Daisey · cspan

This take on the Daisey-TAL fiasco is the best I've seen. Journalists lying to sources are likely lying to audiences: http://bit.ly/GFtitj
— Adam Wagner · Tue, Mar 20 2012 20:52:09

Derek Powazek - How To Spot A Liar

In How to, Journalism on 20 March 2012 Like most people, I've been lied to a few times in my life. I've even told a few, though, as my wi...

Keen On... Mike Daisey: Steve Jobs · techcrunch

Mike Daisey Didn’t Just Break the Rules of Journalism. He Did a Disservice to His Art http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/curtain_call/2012/03/mike_daisey_s_the_agony_and_the_ecstasy_of_steve_jobs_how_the_storyteller_betrayed_his_art_.html?tid=sm_tw_button_toolbar via @slate
— Mitch Moxley · Tue, Mar 20 2012 20:57:13

Glitter and Jazz

Elizabeth Trovall — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:47:18 GMT

Excess everything for Mardis Gras 2012 at "The Dum"

Storified by Elizabeth Trovall · Tue, Feb 21 2012 23:47:18

We like Mardis Gras at #201:

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULER!!!!!!!!!
— P$ · Tue, Feb 21 2012 06:01:33

Hello board · caitlinreader

I wish Columbia had the same enthusiasm for Mardis Gras as other U.S. Cities!

Just in time for your Fat Tuesday lunch: RT @trailerfood: #MARDIGRAS at the food trucks via @CultureMapATX http://bit.ly/y4Ujjc
— CultureMap Austin · Tue, Feb 21 2012 09:39:46

What we lacked in local Mardis Gras spirit, we made up for in nail glitter and rice.

Gaudy Mardi Nails · caitlinreader

Rice & Beans #NOLA #MardiGras #LaissezLesBonTempsRouler · caitlinreader