Public Comment to the Editor:
Keen-eyed readers spot reflection errors
I just saw the Washington Monument picture taken by Ericka Davis (Snapshot Winner, May 2007) and have a comment: it looks like it’s been “Photoshopped.” How could there be a cloud in front of the monument in the reflection but not in front of the monument in the air? And, the reflections of the trees and objects within ¾” of the left side of the monument do not match the real thing. Do you see what I’m talking about?
— Dan Swain, Commissioner, Fulton County, Pa.
How much photo enhancing do you allow? The Monumental Reflections photo from April 20, 2007, (www.americancityandcounty.com/weeklysnapshot) was significantly re-touched as noted most prominently in the clouds blocking the monument’s reflection, which do not match the non-reflected image. Polluted water, or touched-up photo by forensic photographer?
— Jeff Knowles, Deputy Director of Public Works, Vacaville, Calif.
[Editor’s note: Davis reports working with the picture in Photoshop, but only to adjust color tones and contrast. She says the mysterious cloud reflection in the water appears to have been caused by a stray brush stroke and was not an intentional image alteration. American City & County does not prohibit photographers from altering images submitted for the Weekly Snapshot competition but requests that any extensive image alteration (moved objects, etc.) be disclosed with the submission.]
Race out and appeal for more real news
I just finished “Race to the bottom” (May 2007). What a great piece; my husband and I have been complaining for years about poor journalism. We get so frustrated at the “editorials” contained within the front page stories. I wish more Americans would demand the real news we need to hear, as you spoke to in your article. Good job!
— Diane Martin, Human Resource Director, Bradford, Pa.
California water bill correction
In Patricia Frank’s recent article, “The Next Drug Problem” (June 2007), she mentions that SB 966 in California had been voted down. Not true. It passed through the State Senate with the minimum votes needed and now will be heard in the Assembly.
— Jen Jackson, Pollution Prevention, East Bay Municipal Utility District, Oakland, Calif.
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