67. Spanish Dam Broken

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: A dam breaks at a waste reservoir in Spain
• WHERE: Spain
• WHEN: 4/25/98
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

A dam at a waste reservoir in Spain broke, and millions of gallons of toxic material headed toward a nature preserve. A dike was built in time to save the preserve. The company that owns the reservoir agrees to pay for the cleanup.  Related stories include those about how or why the break occurred, how the dike was built (what resources, in what time frame), and any reactions (were people evacuated? any government agencies brought in?). Also on topic would be stories about victims, if there were any, and damage to the environment, and any clean up efforts. Due to the number of environmental disasters in Spain this year, we may see articles about stricter regulations which include some information about THIS particular spill. Read these carefully.

68. DiBella Treatment CURES Cancer?

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Italian doctor Luigi DiBella claims that a cocktail of hormones and vitamins can cure all types of cancer.
• WHERE: Italy
• WHEN: early April
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

Italian Doctor Luigi DiBella claims his cocktail will cure any cancer. According to him, it inhibits tumor growth. The related article discusses the protests in Italy because the government refuses to immediately approve the treatment (called the DiBella cure). While the medical community is skeptical, the response from cancer patients is overwhelming.  They want the government to legalize the treatment and offer it for free. Further tests need to be done, and clinical trials will be completed before approval will happen. Related stories include those about the clinical trials, the responses from the medical community, the doctor's original research and discoveries and the development of the treatment for mass distribution, should that happen. Also on topic are stories about the radio station taking phone calls from people who want this treatment legalized immediately.

69. Carter reunion

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: President Jimmy Carter plans a family reunion
• WHERE: Plains, Georgia
• WHEN: 5/2/98
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

President Carter invited more than 500 of his relatives in honor of his great, great, great grandfather's birthday. It was the first Carter family reunion. On topic are stories about the big celebration, the family members who traveled from all over the country to meet their famous relative, people's reactions to realizing the they were related to Carter (one woman hung up on him!) and the town's reaction to hosting such a huge event.

70. India, A Nuclear Power?

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: India begins nuclear testing
• WHERE: India
• WHEN: May 11, 1998 (testing begins)
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

The related article is about the second round of tests, twice as many as in the first round. Clinton's reaction was to impose sanctions immediately. Stories on topic are about the testing, Pakistan's reactions (they begin nuclear testing of their own), U.S. reactions (the sanctions, Albright begins meetings with Indian and Pakistani heads of state), other reactions around the world, and reactions of Indian citizens. Also on topic are stories about motivation for testing. This topic begins with the detonation of new weapons in early May; it does not reach back so far as to include the talks of testing from 10 years ago. It is distinct from the topic of the Parliamentary Elections, though it is possible to find stories that link the two events (such as, the BJP party regains power, it can forward its push toward making India a nuclear state, tests begin.)

71. Israeli-Palestinian Talks (London)

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: U.S. mediated talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders occur in London
• WHERE: London
• WHEN: 4/18/98 (invitation from Tony Blair) through 5/15/98 (end of Washington talks)
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

Blair invited Netanyahu and Arafat to London to discuss the remaining issues stalling the peace process. These talks fall apart largely around the issue of West Bank land use. The related article discusses Clinton's hard stand on the talks, and his insistence that the two leaders meet in Washington during the week of 5/11 to continue talks. Related to this topic are stories about Blair's invitation and plans for the London meeting, stories about the actual meetings, and stories about the follow up meetings in Washington. NOTE: the limits placed on this topic are the result of extensive debate and speculation among annotators regarding the potential for a "machine gunning" approach which would identify a huge number of stories re: the West Bank land negotiations as on topic. In order to successfully annotate this topic, it needed to be clearly defined and moderately contained.

72. Tony Awards

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: The Tony awards
• WHERE: Radio City Music Hall, New York City
• WHEN: 5/4/98 (Awards nominations), 6/7/98 (Awards given)
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

The Tony Awards were notable this year because the best director for both a play and a musical were women. First time in history for both awards. The related article is about the nominations. Topic related stories include those which discuss the leading contenders (the Lion King, Ragtime, Cabaret, and The Beauty Queen of Leenan), winners, surprise showings (Freak, John Leguizamo's one man show) all in the context of the awards. Also on topic are stories about the show (Rosie O'Donnell hosted).

73. Mother-Tongue Teaching

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Encouraging mother-tongue teaching in the public schools
• WHERE: Hong-Kong, China
• WHEN: 5/11/98
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

The related article discusses the advertising campaign designed to encourage teaching in Chinese in China's public school system. While many advocates of mother-tongue teaching respect the teaching of English, and bilingualism among students, they believe that mother-tongue teaching will result in the best education and the highest level of learning for students. The advertisement ran in the Sing Tao Daily and the Oriental Daily News on May 11, with signatures from more than 100 educators. The action was initiated by Andrew Tu Hsueh-kwei, principal of the Mu Kuang School. Related stories include any on the above information, and any that discuss reactions to this movement among other educators or parents or students. Also on topic are changes in the curriculum based on this movement, and stories about the motivation for the movement.

74. Nigerian Protest Violence

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Anti-government activity/violence, related to upcoming elections
• WHERE: Nigeria
• WHEN: Spring, 1998
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

The related article discusses an event where protesters were gathered to protest the rule of Suni Abachi, they were attempting to set fire to buildings and cars believed to belong to his supporters. Police were brought in, and they opened fire on the protesters. Seven people were killed and several more were wounded. Topic related stories would include those about the election process whereby Abachi takes power (these are the motivation for the protests and violence), stories about other demonstrations or further violence, stories about the victims of the violence, Abachi's or other Nigerian ruler's reactions to the violence and the protests.  Abachi dies of an apparent heart attack on June 8, 1998, sparking further violence.  Stories covering Abachi's death that also discuss anti-government protests are on topic.

75. Food Stamps

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: The political activity around the removal and the restoration of food stamps for legal immigrants
• WHERE: Washington, DC
• WHEN: Spring 1998
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

Welfare reform resulted in many legal immigrants losing their food stamps. New legislation proposes to restore eligibility for children, the elderly and the disabled. It passed largely because it was tacked onto a $1.9 billion agriculture research bill, which was a long time coming. Topic related stories include those about the development of this legislation, how it fares in the House, what ramifications that has at the state level while these benefits are restored, the reactions from different advocacy groups or anti-welfare groups.

76. Anti-Suharto Violence

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Student protests against Indonesian president Suharto based on political differences, motivated by the crushing economic crisis.
• WHERE: Jakarta, Indonesia
• WHEN: Spring 1998
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

The related article discusses the U.S. efforts to get nationals out of Jakarta for fear of more rioting and violence. The rioters demand is for Suharto to step down, but he doesn't until mid-May. Stories on topic include those about the early student protests, the escalation to violence, Suharto's resignation, victims of the violence, other nations efforts to save their citizens living in Jakarta. Protests against Suharto's replacement Habibie during the first few days of his regime are also on-topic (since it was perceived that Habibie was just a puppet for Suharto). Stories that focus on the anti-Chinese violence in Indonesia are not the same topic.

77. Unabomber

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Activity of Unabomber's trial/conviction
• WHERE: Sacramento, CA
• WHEN: January, 1998 (trial) through May, 1998 (sentencing)
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

Theodore Kaczynski was arrested for an 18-year string of bombings which killed at least 3 people and injured many others. His identification, search, arrest, plea bargaining, and all legal negotiations are on topic, as are his sentencing, his time in prison, etc.

78. Denmark Strike

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Negotiations for a 6th week of vacation for union workers fail, workers strike
• WHERE: Denmark
• WHEN: Late April through early May, 1998
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

The related article is a brief status report during week 2. The 450,000 strikers have effectively shut down the airport, gas stations have no gas, grocery stores have no groceries. The main sticking point is a 6th week of paid vacation. Topic related stories include any about the negotiations before the strike, the decision to strike, the ramifications of the strike. Reports on outcomes of the strike are also on topic (Parliament steps in and offers workers a compromise).

79. Akin Birdal Shot & Wounded

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Akin Birdal, head of the Turkish Human Rights Association, was shot and wounded by 2 gunmen
• WHERE: Ankara, Turkey
• 5/12/98
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

Mr. Birdal was shot by 2 armed men who requested a meeting with him. His secretary witnessed the shooting, and within the week 5 men (one allegedly a soldier) were arrested. He was shot in the chest, the shoulder and the leg, and was hospitalized. The shooting sparked protests all over Turkey. Birdal is a defender of Kurds, and the State accuses him of being affiliated with the Kurdish Worker Party, the PKK. Birdal denies that allegation. Stories on topic include any about the shooting, his survival/condition, the arrest of the gunmen, their motivation/affiliations, their trials/sentencing etc. Also on topic are stories about worldwide reactions to this shooting.

80. Human Rights.Ethiopia

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: International Human Rights Conference
• WHERE: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• WHEN: 5/18/98 - 5/22/98
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

Ethiopia hosted its first international human rights conference in May. They also set up an internal human rights commission and ombudsman. Independent international agencies like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch were not invited to the conference, nor were local human rights organizations. Related stories might include discussions of the preparations for the talks, international commentary about the talks and any resulting proposals or conclusions that developed, as well as commentary from local and international organizations about their exclusion from the talks.

81. Bad juice

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Settlement in contaminated apple juice case against Odwalla, Inc.
• WHERE: Seattle, Washington
• WHEN: 5/26/98
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

In 1986, supplies of apple juice produced by Odwalla, Inc. were found to be contaminated with the E. coli 0157:H7 bacteria after several people became ill. On May 26th of this year, Odwalla, Inc. settled with five families whose children had become severely ill after ingesting the juices. A federal grand jury is now investigating whether the company committed any criminal violations of food safety laws. On topic could be stories discussing any further details about the case, or families and children involved, as well as further developments in the criminal investigation. Details about the litigation and the settlement agreement are also on topic. Note that in May there were also a number of reports of people becoming ill after exposure to E. coli in a public swimming pool. Stories which mention the swimming pool incident are not on topic, unless they also mention the Odwalla case.

82. Abortion clinic acid attacks

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Acid attacks on abortion clinics in Miami area
• WHERE: Miami, Florida
• WHEN: mid-May, 1998
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

Five Miami-area abortion clinics were attacked with butyric acid the day after Governor Lawton Chiles vetoed a specialty license plate with an anti-abortion slogan. Butyric acid is a noxious chemical that can cause breathing difficulties and in high concentrations is fatal. The FBI is investigating the attacks, and the possibility of their connection to three other butyric acid attacks in the state earlier in the month. On topic stories may include speculation of the motivations for the attacks, claims of responsibility, injuries sustained, the FBI investigation, and possible prosecution efforts against the perpetrators if they are caught.

83. World AIDS Conference

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: 12th World AIDS Conference opens in Geneva, Switzerland
• WHERE: Geneva, Switzerland
• WHEN: 6/29/98-7/3/98
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

The 12th World AIDS Conference opened in Geneva, and was attended by international speakers concerned with the continuing spread of the AIDS epidemic. Stories on topic may cover reports on panel discussions, preparations made for the conference, concluding proposals, suggestions and possible actions towards international legislation to address the continuing spread of the virus. Reports that are solely on medical advancements in the fight against AIDS that bear no linkage to the conference are not on topic.

84. Job incentives.

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Companies are offering generous incentive packages to attract workers
• WHERE: United States
• WHEN: ongoing
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

The seed story discusses the trend toward companies offering generous incentives to keep employees, a necessity given the current low unemployment rates. Stories would be on topic if they discuss incentives companies offer to attract or retain workers. Note that stories about the unemployment rate or the health of the economy will not be considered to be on topic unless they also directly discuss incentive plans and programs.

85. Saudi Soccer coach sacked

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Carlos Alberto Parreira is fired as coach of the Saudi World Cup soccer team.
• WHERE: Saudi Arabia
• WHEN: June 1998
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

Carlos Alberto Parreira was fired by the Saudi soccer federation after the team's two losses in its first two World Cup matches. Parreira formerly coached the Brazillian team to its 1994 World Cup victory. After Saudi Prince Faisal bin Fahd's prediction that his team would defeat the French team, their loss was particularly embarrasing. Parreira was the 8th coach to be fired in four years. On topic stories may include predictions of Saudi victory, reports of their loss (vs. France), the firing, and related stories discussing fan and team reactions to this. General reports about the World Cup are not on topic.

86. GM Strike

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: General Motors auto workers go on strike
• WHERE: Flint, Michigan and elsewhere
• WHEN: June -July 1998
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

On June 5th, members of the United Auto Workers Union went on strike at a metal stamping factory in Flint, Michigan. The ensuing parts shortages caused closures at GM assembly plants across North America. Stories on topic discuss the strike and its effect on workers and their families, plant shutdowns in Flint and other sites, talks between the UAW and GM, commentary, and stories on the resolution.

87. NBA finals

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: NBA finals, Utah Jazz vs. Chicago Bulls
• WHERE: USA
• WHEN: June 3-14, 1998
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

The Chicago Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz in the NBA finals. This marks the sixth Bull's NBA title in a decade. The championship is decided by whomever wins the best of seven games. On topic stories include reports of the game, individual performances and injuries, interviews and commentary.

88. Anti-Chinese Violence in Indonesia

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Human rights groups document anti-Chinese violence in Jakarta during riots
• WHERE: Jakarta, Indonesia
• WHEN: Spring 1998
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

Human rights groups have begun to document what they say has been a campaign of assults, gang rapes, and killings of ethnic Chinese women during three days of rioting in Jakarta last month. The anti-Chinese sentiment in Indonesia may have been exacerbated by the current economic and political crisis in Asia. Though they make up less that 4 percent of Indonesia's 200 million people, ethnic Chinese are estimated to hold as much as 70 percent of the country's private wealth, and they are widely resented for this. On topic stories include discrimination and violence against those of Chinese ethnicity, precautions taken by the Chinese population, official reaction to claims of covertly sanctioning this discrimination. Stories on the riots that are related to possible ethnic discrimination would be on topic. Stories relating to human rights groups' documentation of examples and interpretation of the violence against ethnic Chinese would also be on topic. This topic may cause some head scratching at first. Keep in mind that the economic crisis is not related to this topic unless the article makes specific mention of anti-Chinese activities in Indonesia, or unless the economic activity occurs as a direct result of anti-Chinese discrimination.

89. Afghan Earthquake

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Earthquake
• WHERE: Afghanistan
• WHEN: 5/30/98
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

An earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale struck Afghanistan on May 30th, 1998. Hundreds of towns and villages were stuck, resulting in widespread death and devastation (at least 5000 killed and 70,000 homeless). Stories discussing the earthquake, relief and rescue efforts on both the domestic and international level, injuries and suffering from the quake are on topic, as are stories about the aftershocks of the earthquake. Please be advised that there was an earlier earthquake in Afghanistan in February which is a separate event.

90. Unwed Fathers' Law

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: CA adopts law legalizing the use of paternity forms for unwed fathers
• WHERE: Sacramento, CA
• WHEN: January 1997
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

In 1997, law was passed in California that allows licensed hospitals to provide a "declaration of paternity" form for the unwed parents of a newborn to sign. This document makes unwed fathers legally responsible for the child. Signing the declaration form is voluntary. The declaration entitles children to the same rights and privileges as children born to married parents, and makes unwed fathers easier to track down should they become "deadbeat dads" (decline responsibility and leave the child and mother without financial support). The document provides the child with legal access to parental medical records, and the noncustodial parent's medical benefits. Several states have adopted the use of this document. Stories discussing cases invoking the use of this law, the developing partnership with clinics, county welfare offices, local vital records offices and courts, and related stories discussing the effects this may have nationally are on topic. The implementation of this law by other states as well as California are on topic if they specifically mention the CA law or the "declaration of paternity" form.

91. German Train derails

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: High speed train derails in Germany
• WHERE: Eschede, Germany
• WHEN: 6/3/98
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

At least a hundred people were killed in Germany's worst post-war train crash. Prior to this crash, the high speed trains were prized for their speed and safety. On topic stories may cover investigations of possible reasons for the crash, reports from and about survivors, and actions taken regarding the safety of the other forty-three high speed trains currently in service.

92. No Fat Drug

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Anti-obesity drug clinical trials
• WHERE: Amgen, Inc.
• WHEN: mid-June 1998
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

The first clinical trials on the drug leptin indicate that it contributes to weight loss in humans. Leptin was discovered three years ago. It is a natural protein produced in fat cells that sends signals to the brain to suppress the desire for food. These trials showed that additional leptin supplements can encourage weight loss in obese individuals. The genetic engineering patents for leptin are being licensed by Amgen, Inc. On topic stories may discuss the research on leptin, further clinical trials, FDA approval, effects of the announcement on Amgen stock, and the impact on everyday life that these findings may appear to have.

93. Puerto Rico phone strike

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Telephone workers strike to prevent sale of company
• WHERE: Puerto Rico
• WHEN: 6/18/98 (strikes begin)
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

Over 6400 unionized telephone workers in Puerto Rico went on strike in order to try and prevent the sale of the government-owned Puerto Rico Telephone Co. to a consortium led by the GTE Corp. The sale is part of privatization program initiated by Puerto Rican Gov. Pedro Rossels. There has been heated public opposition to selling what many view with nationalistic pride as a profitable public asset that could compete in an open telecommunications market. Workers also fear massive layoffs from Connecticut-based GTE. Possible on topic stories may cover the negotiations between GTE and the striking unions, details of the sale, and actions by GTE to address worker concerns.

94. Nazi-plundered Art

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Assoc. of American Art Museums announce review of holdings for Nazi stolen art
• WHERE: Worcester, Massachusetts
• WHEN: 6/4/98
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

The Association of American Art Museums pledged that its members would review their collections for art that was illegally taken from the rightful owners by the Nazis and never returned. The Association has encouraged families with potential claims to make further inquiries. Much of the art acquired by museums from dealers and donors has often not had rigorous ownership checks to determine that the works have been obtained legitimately. Possible on topic stories would cover the Association's announcement, the discovery of additional works of looted art because of this measure, new claims on potentially looted artwork, and revisions to rules and regulations regarding background checks by museums resulting from this action as well as commentary on the announcement.

95. Turkish Military Officers Fired

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Turkish officers are fired for suspected militant Islamic activities
• WHERE: Turkey
• WHEN: 8/16/98
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

Turkey's top military officials have fired 167 military officers on suspicion of being Islamic militant activists. Turkey is officially a secular state, but has been under pressure to support Islamic teachings in its institutions. The military is the most powerful proponent of maintaining a secular state. There have been several actions against what the military considers Islamic radicalism. Possible on topic stories may include: the firings, possible backlash by Islamic groups to the action, stories that may suggest Islamic militant elements in the military,  and reactions by the Islamist Prime Minister, Mesut Yilmaz, who was asked to endorse the firings.

96. Clinton-Jiang Debate

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: President Clinton and Chinese President Jiang Zemin discuss issues in live televised conference.
• WHERE: Beijing, China
• WHEN: 6/27/98
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

President Clinton is the first sitting U.S. president to visit China since the student protests and aftermath in Tiananmen Square in 1989. The meeting between President Clinton and Chinese president Jiang Zemin ended with a 70 minute news conference, carried live on Chinese national television, in which they expressed differing opinons on the nature of personal freedom. Clinton stated that he believed that the Chinese governmental action in the Square was wrong. Jiang Zemin disagreed. On topic stories could include the planning for their meeting, their discussion, analysis of what they discussed, and the perceived impact of their meeting being televised live.  Keep in mind that the topic here is the debate between Clinton and Jiang.  Discussions of China's human rights record apart from this meeting are not on topic, and general coverage of Clinton's trip to China apart from his discussions with Jiang are not on topic.
 

97. Martin Fogel's law degree

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Martin Fogel receives law degree at 78
• WHERE: New York
• WHEN: May 1998
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

New York businessman Martin Fogel has received his law degree at the age of 78. He is also an avid collector of wind instruments. On topic stories may discuss Folgel's graduation and plans for his newly acquired credentials as well as his accomplishments leading up to this latest achievement.

98. Cubans returned home

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Cuban exiles refuse asylum and are sent home
• WHERE: Bahamas
• WHEN: 5/18/98
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

The government of the Bahamas sent home 65 Cuban exiles, among them 3 baseball players and their coach who defected in March. On topic stories may include reports about their reception in Cuba, the decision of the Bahamas to repatriate the exiles and the possible effect of the Bahamian decision on U.S policies towards Cuban exiles seeking asylum here.

99. Oregon bomb for Clinton?

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Police discover explosives at airport
• WHERE: Eugene, Oregon
• WHEN: 5/13/98
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

Police dicovered and detonated two explosive devices at the airport in Eugene, Oregon, where President Clinton landed. He was on his way to speak at a fund raising event and to deliver the commencement address at Portland State University. The police were tipped off by an anonymous caller. The FBI is investigating the case. On topic stories may discuss the discovery of the individual who left the devices, any arrests, and possible convictions.

100. Goldman Sachs - going public?

Seminal Event:
• WHAT: Goldman Sachs partners discuss having public stock offerings
• WHERE: New York, NY
• WHEN: 6/13/98
• TOPIC EXPLICATION:

Goldman Sachs is the last privately owned New York bank. On June 13th, company partners held discussions about whether to have public offerings on the stock market. On topic stories may include the reasons for going public, share prices, and possible market repercussions.