This is a combined list of added terms from the database editors and graphics editors subject lists and Pete Basofin's subject list for book catalog in Access.
Use of this list will filter the relevant stories on a subject or identify abstract ideas, such as CLOSING; to bring together material on the closing of a business or organization.
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A
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ABORTION: to distinguish stories specifically regarding abortion.
ABUSE$: general stories about ANIMAL, CHILD, DRUG, ELDERLY, or ALCOHOL abuse, etc.
ABUSE: specific stories about ANIMAL, CHILD, DRUG, ELDERLY, or ALCOHOL abuse, etc.; crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence
ACCIDENT: add to first story only - not for follow-ups; also for general stories concerning statistics; see also DISASTER.
ACTOR
ADMINISTRATION: use with general stories about the executive branch of government at all levels (city, county, state, and federal).
AERIAL
AGE: of a person, building, group, movement, when the age is important.
AGREEMENT: use when an agreement is announced.
AGRICULTURE: general stories on farming, growing/producing.
AID: government aid to states, cities or foreign countries; CHARITY is used for private giving
AIRPORT
ALCOHOL$: use instead of liquor; may be used with ABUSE, STATISTICS, JUVENILE, etc.; for general stories only.
ALCOHOL: specific cases of DUI, minor consumption, etc.
ALMANAC
ALTERNATIVE: an unconventional way of doing something.
AMUSEMENT
ANALYSIS: used for an in-depth piece on a subject
ANECDOTE: funny, embarrassing, silly, or absurd happening or action; the stories so labelled will be considered for the year-end "Sour Orange Awards" -- FLORIDA STORIES ONLY.
ANIMAL: retrieves all stories about animals; this includes insects, birds, etc.
APPOINTMENT: used when a person has been appointed to or is being considered for a post.
ARCHITECTURE: aesthetic design; profession as a whole; general stories only.
ARMS
ARRESTED
ARSON$: crime word, general stories.
ARSON: crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence
ART: fine arts; use also with REVIEW; contrast with HANDICRAFT.
ART SHOW
ARTICLE: used to label related stories (sidebars) in a single day's paper; see also MAJOR STORY.
ASSET: used for personal finance, debt or bankruptcy; e.g. a political candidate's; FINANCE is used for business.
ASSAULT$: crime word ... used for general stories.
ASSAULT: crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, and sentence
ATLAS
ATTEMPT: may be used with but is not restricted to crime stories.
AUTOMOBILE
AVIATION$: general stories only; e.g. INDUSTRY.
AVIATION: specific stories; may use with ACCIDENT, STRIKE, MERGER, etc.
AWARD: may be used with NAMELIST; may add personal or corporate name in subject field.
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B
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BANK: for general stories about saving and lending institutions; NOT to be used as an adjective
BASEBALL
BASKETBALL
BEACH: used to bring together significant stories about local beaches.
BEAUTY
BEGIN: to start something, except a business; see also FINISH
BEHAVIOR: used to bring together various stories on, but not exclusive to, psychology.
BEVERAGE
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BICYCLE
BIOGRAPHY: used if there is significant personal data in a story; ALWAYS with candidate boxes; the person's name may appear in the subject field.
BIRTH: limited to medical aspect, including pregnancy and birth control.
BLACKS: used to identify stories about African American people as a group.
BOAT
BOMB
BOOK: used, in most cases, with REVIEW.
BOXING
BRIDGE: used to filter out stories about causeways, bridges, etc.
BUDGET: used for government stories; FINANCE is used for non-government stories.
BUILDING: used as a noun to identify a structure; used to link stories about individual buildings, e.g. the Don CeSar.
BURGLARY$: crime word ... used for general stories only.
BURGLARY: crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence
BUSINESS: used for retail and service businesses; contrast with INDUSTRY.
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C
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CABINET
CAMP
CANCER: used when the word is important but not necessarily mentioned in the story, e.g. stories about leukemia.
CANDIDATE: used ONLY when announcement is made; name may appear in the subject field.
* CARJACKING$: crime word ... general discussion of
* CARJACKING: crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence
CAUSE: the reason something happened.
CELEBRITY: use with MURDER, FRAUD, DEATH, etc., to show association
CENSORSHIP: idea or act of censoring; censor: examines books, plays, news reports, motion pictures, radio programs, for the purpose of suppressing parts deemed objectionable on moral, political, military, or other grounds
CHAMPIONSHIP
CHANGE: something significant has happened; is not used with MERGER, BEGIN, FIRST, or FINISH.
CHARITY: non-governmental giving.
CHESS
CHILD: used for general stories about people twelve and under; JUVENILE is used where the legal aspect dominates.
CHILD ABUSE$: crime word ... general discussion of
CHILD ABUSE: crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence
CHILDREN
CHRONOLOGY: used when one is present in a story.
CITY: used where the distinction is important.
CITY COUNCIL: used for stories about the body itself, no matter what a community calls the group.
CIVIL RIGHTS
CLOSING: of a company or business; contrast with OPENING.
COINCIDENCE: an ironic set of happenings
COLLEGE: used for all post-secondary schools; (see also SPORTS TERMS)
COMEDY
COMPARISON: used to compare one thing with another
CONFLICT: armed conflict between nations and identifiable groups of people (e.g. Christian militia in Lebanon). Use REBELLION when the object of conflict is overthrow of the existing government by rebels.
CONGRESS: used for both the U.S. House and Senate.; may be used with major conflicts of federal legislation
CONSTRUCTION: use for general stories about the industry; may include major construction projects, e.g. state roads; not a synonym for BUILDING.
CONSUMER: links various stories about consumer issues.
CONTAMINATION: non-environmental (as in food, medicines, drinking water and other consumables); use POLLUTION for environment.
CONTEST: for all types of contests.
CONTROVERSY: can be used for both controversial issues and people.
CONVENTION
COST: use to note specific dollar amounts.
COUNTY: use when the distinction is important.
COURT: use for the judicial process in a general sense
CRIME: use in a general sense to filter out major stories; can be paired with STATISTIC, CELEBRITY, EMPLOYEE, etc.
CULT: religious or political groups.
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D
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Damage
DANCE: use both for dance productions and the art; also used with REVIEW.
DATE: use when a specific one is given, either past or future; when it is important or significant
DEATH: use when a death is mentioned; is often added to STABBING, SHOOTING, ACCIDENT, DISASTER, etc.
DECREASE: may include statistics; not to be used for speculations; see also INCREASE.
DEFECT: as in auto (use VEHICLE), product, process.
DEFENSE: for stories about a nation's military or defense of the nation in general; may use the name of a country in the subject field.
DELAY: use when something is ""held up.''
DEVELOPMENT: use as a noun for real estate, office buildings, etc; may use for state, county, etc. in a larger sense.
DICTIONARY
DIRECTORY
DISASTER: natural or human-caused as in an explosion, hurricane; often used in conjunction with ACCIDENT, DEATH, STATISTIC.
DISCRIMINATION: may use with WOMAN, BLACKS, ELDERLY, HISPANICS, HOMOSEXUAL, etc.
DISEASE$: used to clarify and link specific diseases; often used with RESEARCH.
DISEASE: used for stories about individuals afflicted with a disease, e.g. AIDS; may also be used for epidemics of specific diseases.
DIVING
DOG RACING: may use with regulation of gambling; (see also SPORTS TERMS)
DROWN: often used with DEATH, RESCUE, ATTEMPT.
DRUG$: general stories about illegal only; use MEDICINE for legal use.
DRUG: for specific cases of illegal use, possession, selling, etc.; also crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence
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E
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EARTHQUAKE
ECONOMY: use for places, not for an industry or business; FINANCE is used for a company and ASSET is used for a person.
EDUCATION: general; used with CHANGE, ALTERNATIVE, HANDICAPPED, etc
ELDERLY: use for general stories about people over 60; may use specifically with ABUSE, FRAUD, DISCRIMINATION, etc.
ELECTION: use for political campaigns; for outcome RESULT is used.
ELECTRONIC
EMPLOYEE: use for workers who are not executives; may use for layoffs
EMPLOYMENT: includes unemployment; often used with STATISTIC.
ENCYCLOPEDIA
ENDORSEMENT: use only when the Times editorially endorses candidates or issues.
ENERGY: catch-all term; may use for rate increases; may be used with NUCLEAR.
ENTERTAINMENT
ENVIRONMENT: used as an issue and for stories about the effects on.
EQUIPMENT
ESPIONAGE$: for general stories only.
ESPIONAGE: used for specific spy cases; may also be crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence
ETHIC: where a code of behavior is discussed.
ETHNIC: whenever the story emphasizes an ethnic group and its customs.; may be used with FOOD, etc.
EXPLOSION
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F
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FAD: links various topics, such as hula-hoops, pet rocks, etc.; use FASHION for clothing.
FAIR
FAMILY: general stories about families and family life.
FARM
FASHION: use for clothes only; may use with REVIEW; contrast with FAD.
FEDERAL: identifies U.S. government, AID, BUDGET, LAW, etc.
FESTIVAL
FINANCE: use for companies; stories refer to profit/loss, quarterly reports, etc. ECONOMY is used for places; a company name may appear in the subject field.
FINISH: people quitting, layoffs, retirement; project or event is over; use CLOSING for a business.
FIRE$: not to be confused with ARSON; used for general stories about fires.
FIRE: use for all stories about building, automotive, trailer, etc. fires.
FIRST: use to identify the first time something happens.
FISHING: may be used with INDUSTRY, LAW, etc.; (see also SPORTS TERMS)
FLOOD
FOOD: use for consumption of, preparation of, or nutritional aspects of food.
FOOTBALL
FORECAST: prediction or analysis of trends
FORGERY$: crime word ... general stories only.
FORGERY: crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence
FOUND: when a person or thing is found.
FRAUD$: crime word ... general stories only.
FRAUD: crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence
FUNERAL
FURNITURE
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G
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GAMBLING: general stories; may be used for lottery stories
GAME
GLOSSARY: explanation of words peculiar to a situation or a group; used only if the glossary is a part of the story.
GOLF
GOVERNMENT: use when a particular level of government is treated as a whole; a geographic name may appear in the subject field.
GUIDELINE: use when a story offers advice on where to go, or whom to call; use HOW-TO for stories on how to do something.
GYMNASTICS
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H
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HANDICAPPED: for all stories on the disabled.
HANDICRAFT: often used with HOW-TO in stories on arts and crafts.
* HARASSMENT: use with gender, race, sex, etc. for FORMAL complaints
* HATE CRIME$: crime word ... general discussion of
* HATE CRIME: crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence
HAZARDOUS: use for transportation, storage, and leaks of hazardous materials.
HEADSHOT
HEALTH$: refers to the general soundness and vigor of the mind or body.
HEALTH: the same definition as HEALTH$ although with specific reference to a person
HEAVY EQUIPMENT
HIJACKING
HISPANICS: use to link stories about hispanic people as a group.
HISTORY: use only when significant details are given; contrast with CHRONOLOGY.
HOBBY: to bring together hobbies like collecting baseball cards, etc.
HOCKEY
HOLIDAY
HOMELESS
HOMOSEXUAL: used for gay men and lesbian issues
HORSE RACING: regulation / gambling in the industry; (see also SPORTS TERMS)
HOSPITAL: may be used for general or specific discussions.
HOSTAGE
HOUSING: may be used with ELDERLY or WELFARE; not used as a synonym for construction
HOW-TO: stories that tell you how to do something; contrast with GUIDELINE.
HUMAN RIGHTS: includes civil rights; used with BLACKS, WOMAN, etc.
HURRICANE
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I
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ICE SKATING
ILLNESS
IMAGE: how something is perceived; may be used for stereotypes, as of the HANDICAPPED; also used when story discusses a group or business as a whole.
INCREASE: story should, but not always, include statistics; not to be used for speculations; see also DECREASE.
INDICT: use when charges or arrests are made, or indictment is announced.; may use with any crime word.
INDUSTRY: for general stories; refers to types of manufacturing; may use with MOVIE, TELEVISION, MUSIC, MEDIA; contrast with BUSINESS.
INJURY: general and first reference; often used with ACCIDENT or DISASTER
INSECT
INSURANCE: use to filter out major stories.
INTERNATIONAL
INTERVIEW: principal names are added to the subject field.
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J
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JUDGE
JUVENILE: for legal aspects; under 18 years old.
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K
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KIDNAPPING$: crime word ... general stories only.
KIDNAPPING: crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence; may be a hostage or false imprisonment
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L
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LABOR: use for organized movement; may be blue or white collar.
LAND: use only for major land issues, particularly where the environment is involved; not used where property is an issue.
LANDSCAPE
LANGUAGE: use to bring together various stories under one concept.
LAW: use for all levels of government; includes city / county ordinances
LAW ENFORCEMENT
LAWSUIT: concerning civil litigation
LEAD: the lead story for the daily business section, as well as the weekly Weekend section.
LEADER
LEGISLATION: use for bills being considered on a city, state or federal level
LEGISLATURE: Florida only; links both chambers together; may include conflicts over legislation
LIFESTYLE: a way of living, reflecting attitudes, preferences, etc.
LIST: use for any type of list or ranking, except lists of people, when NAMELIST is used; LIST is often used with RANKING.
LOCAL
LOGO
LOST: for everything except a person; MISSING is used for people
LOTTERY
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M
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MAGAZINE
MAJOR STORY: for the main story on the first day of a breaking story where more than one writer is filing; related stories for the day are labelled ARTICLE.
MAN: used to express males as a group; see also WOMAN
MANUAL
MARTIAL ARTS
MASS TRANSIT: restricted to general discussion of urban or inter-urban mass transportation; often used with CHANGE or ALTERNATIVE.
MEDIA: general stories about the communications media.; journalism, advertising, radio
MEDICAL
MEDICARE: use for major pieces only.
MEDICINE$: general profession, research, trends; prescription drugs; contrast with HEALTH.
MEDICINE: specific person or phenomenon, e.g. transplant patients.
MEMORIAL
MENTAL: use for health, behavior, court rulings
MERGER: includes take-overs, leveraged buy-outs, acquisitions, and buy-outs; can be used when a merger is discussed, not just formalized
MIDEAST: reference to the region; RELATION, CONFLICT, REBELLION
MILITARY: use as an adjective; contrast with civilian, compare with DEFENSE.
MINORITY: for general concept; for specific groups use BLACKS, HISPANICS, etc.
MISSING: as in person; see also LOST; NOT for prison escapes
MOUNTAIN
MOVIE: often used with REVIEW, AWARD, etc.
MULTIPLE: used with MURDER, ACCIDENT, DEATH, BIRTH.
MURDER$: crime word ... general discussion of
MURDER: crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence; covers manslaughter, homocide, killings of all type; NOT for war deaths
MUSEUM
MUSIC: used with REVIEW, AWARD, etc.; recorded or live.
MUSICAL GROUP
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N
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NAMELIST: for lists of names.
NATIONAL
NUCLEAR: may use with ENERGY or WEAPON.
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O
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OBSCENITY$: general stories about obscenity and pornography; adult businesses
OBSCENITY: specific cases of obscenity and pornography; adult businesses; ALSO ... crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence for lewd and lascivious arrests where NO touching was involved
OIL: used instead of petroleum.
OFFICE: use when an office (e.g. St. Petersburg Mayor) is spoken of generally, as a discussion of duties and powers.
OLYMPIC: games sponsored by the International Olympic Committee. (see also SPORTS TERMS)
OPENING: use for businesses; compare with BEGIN.
ORGANIZED CRIME: crime word ... specific and general
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P
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PARADE
PARENT
PARK
PHOTOGRAPHY
PLANT
PLAY
POETRY
POLICE: specific or general; may find name of city, etc. in subject field.
POLITICS
POLLUTION: environmental; oceans, bays, etc.; see also CONTAMINATION
POOL
POPULATION: may use with STATISTIC; may be animals, people, though NOT schools; geographic name may appear in the subject field.
POVERTY: stories about the poor, general or specific
PRESS CONFERENCE: use if the story features a mass interview with the President, Governor or some other official; AFTER it has occurred
PRISON: includes jails; NOT used for escapes
PRO: for professional sports; contrast with SCHOOL and COLLEGE. (see also SPORTS TERMS)
PROBE: official investigation; may include police investigations
PROFILE: used if there is significant historical data about a business or non-profit group; may also use where a person or organization is the subject of the story in detail; may also use BIOGRAPHY
PROFESSION: discussion of an activity as a profession; may be blue or white collar
PROPOSED: use only for tangible objects, e.g. roads, bridges, stadiums.
PROTEST: includes demonstrations, organized boycotts, petition drives; NOT for individual statements such as hunger strikes
PUBLISHING
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Q
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QUOTE: important quotes only; name of person may appear in subject field
QUOTATIONS
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R
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RACE
RADIO
RAILROAD$: links general stories only; As of JANUARY 1995, this term is no longer in use.
RAILROAD: specific stories of accidents, derailments, etc.
RANKING: used often with LIST and NAMELIST.
RAPE
REACTION: may use in addition to MAJOR STORY; usually when a big story breaks.
REBELLION: armed conflict where the object is the overthrow of an existing government by rebels.
RECORD: used only when a record is established or if history is given; NOT for use with individual or team records (see also SPORTS TERMS)
RECREATION: links various topics of leisure activities; contrast with SPORT
* REFUGEES: individuals or groups fleeing a country for social, economic, war issues, etc.; may be specific or general
RELATION: for relations between nations and other places; geographic name may appear in subject field.
RELIGION: links various stories together.
REPORT: when results of research are announced
RESCUE: use when attempted or completed.
RESEARCH: may use with MEDICINE, etc.
RESTAURANT: may use with REVIEW, PROFILE, OPENING, CLOSING
RETIREMENT: general stories about lifestyle, economics, etc.; may use with social security stories
RESULT: final outcome of a process, e.g. used with ELECTION; may use with a SURVEY's findings
REVIEW: e.g. MOVIE, RESTAURANT, MUSIC, ART
RIOT
RIVER
ROAD: links various stories together.
ROBBERY$: crime word ... general stories.
ROBBERY: crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence
ROYALTY
RULING: court ruling in a civil lawsuit, within a criminal trial regarding terms of the trial; contrast with VERDICT.
RUNNING
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S
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SAFETY: links various stories
SALARY: used when specifics are given; personal name may appear in subject field.
SALE: used when sale is first announced, then when the deal is done; particularly when a dollar amount is given.
SCHEDULE: used when specific information is given.
SCHOOL: issues related to schools, school boards, safety, etc.; contrast with EDUCATION; (see also SPORTS TERMS)
SCIENCE: may be used with RESEARCH, CHANGE.
SENTENCE: court decision regarding punishment in a criminal case.
SEWAGE: waste matter which passes through sewers; treatment plants.
SEX: NOT criminal; physiologial function; may use with EDUCATION, TEEN, BEHAVIOR, etc.
SEX CRIME$: crime word ... general pieces on rape, sexual assault, molestations, prostitution; where touching is involved
SEX CRIME: crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence; covers rape, sexual assault, prostitution, fondling; where touching is involved
SHIP$: use for general stories only; often used with INDUSTRY.
SHIP: may include boats, canoes, racing crafts, etc.
SHOOTING$: crime word ... general stories; may be used with STATISTIC.
SHOOTING: crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence
SIBLING
SIGN
SINKHOLE
SKIING
SKYLINE
SMUGGLING$: crime word ... general stories.
SMUGGLING: crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence; may use with DRUG, WEAPON
SNOW
SOCCER
SOFTBALL
SPACE: links various stories together.
SPEECH: used for significant mention of; often used with TEXT; may add name in subject field.
SPORT: general; contrast with RECREATION; (see also SPORTS TERMS)
SPOUSE
STABBING$: crime word ... general discussion of
STABBING: crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence
STADIUM
STAMP
STATE: when specific state is important; may use with LEGISLATION, POPULATION, ENVIRONMENT, etc.
STATISTIC: used if significant numbers are given.
STRIKE: use with BEGIN, FINISH, LABOR, etc.; (see also SPORTS TERMS)
STUDENT
SUICIDE$: general stories only.
SUICIDE: specific cases and attempts; used only if proven.
SURGERY
SURVEY: use for polls
SUSPECT
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T
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TAX: brings together various stories; use with INCREASE, DECREASE only after such has occurred
TEACHER
TECHNOLOGY: specific or general, includes all computer related stories, information superhighway, etc.
TEEN: primarily social aspects, ages 13-19.
TELEVISION: use with REVIEW, AWARD, INDUSTRY, etc.
TENNIS
TERRORISM$: crime word ... general stories.
TERRORISM: crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence
TEXT: used only when verbatim text is published.
THEATER: used with REVIEW, AWARD, etc. in an arts sense; not for the building
THEFT$: crime word ... general discussion of
* THEFT: crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence
THIRD WORLD: used for general stories about underdeveloped nations.
TOMB
TORNADO
TOURISM: use for stories about the tourism industry.
TOURIST
TOURNAMENT
TOY
TRACK
TRADE: for international commerce; geographic name may be added in the subject field.
TRANSPORTATION
TRAVEL
* TRIAL: ongoing trial, from day one to verdict; used on EVERY trial story
TRIP: for major events such as the president or pope; may add name of person making the trip in the SU: field; NOT for travel stories
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U
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UNIDENTIFIED: as in MURDER, DEATH, etc.
UNION
UNUSUAL: adjective to mean strange or paranormal.
UTILITY
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V
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VANDALISM$: crime word ... general stories; may be used with STATISTIC.
VANDALISM: crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence
VEHICLE$: general stories about cars, trucks, etc.
VEHICLE: use for specific stories; may use with ACCIDENT; use DEFECT with recalls
VERDICT: court ruling in a criminal case
VETERAN: use to filter out significant stories.
VICTIM
VIDEO
VIOLENCE: general, may use with TELEVISION, SCHOOL, etc.; also where mass violence occurs
VOLCANO
VOLLEYBALL
VOLUNTEER
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W
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WAR
WASTE: anything leftover, or superfluous, as excess material, byproducts; can include sewage, as well as
landfill, may be NUCLEAR, HAZARDOUS
WATER: use to identify significant stories on water for consumption.
WATERWAY: a river, canal, or other body of water as a route or way of travel or transport.; also for bays, ponds, etc.
WEAPON: where the weapon is significant as in NUCLEAR, SPACE; crime word ... first story, arrest, verdict, sentence
WEATHER: links together significant stories on climate; NOT for day-to-day forecasts
WEDDING
WEIGHTLIFTING
WELFARE: for government programs; includes Medicaid, food stamps, WIC program, etc.
WITNESS
WOMAN: stories about females as a group.
WOMEN
WORLD
WRESTLING
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Z
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ZONING: of or pertaining to the division of an area into zones.; Zones: an area or district in a city, town, or county under special restrictions as to the type of buildings that may be erected or type of occupancy; NOT for busing or redistricting.
St. Petersburg Times Keywords
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Text and Photo Database Enhancement Terms
SLA News Division Home
Originally posted 6-17-99.
Last Updated: 04/9/2001
Carolyn Edds
ufriverat@gmail.com