Reporters on the Job

from the July 7, 2008 edition

• No E-mail, I'm Hooked on BMX: Staff writer Christa Case Bryant admits that she knew little about BMX cycling when she got the assignment to cover the US Olympic trials last month (see story). "I read up on it, but when I showed up at the Olympic training center in Chula Vista, Calif., I had no idea what I'd see," she says.

As a good reporter, she hunted for an expert. "I scanned the crowd for fans with tattoos and body piercings, because that was my stereotype of a BMX fan. It worked. I found James Bradley, a construction worker. He talked to me for an hour explaining the ins and outs of the sport. I thanked him and told him I'd e-mail him a copy of the story," she says.

But Mr. Bradley didn't have an e-mail address. He said that he doesn't want to waste time on the computer. "As soon as he gets off work, he gets on a bike. He goes out until late at night and practices all weekend," says Christa.

– David Clark Scott

World editor

• Monday, July 7:Hokkaido, Japan: Group of Eight nations summit on trade, food and fuel prices, and the environment.

• Tuesday, July 8:Sapporo, Japan: China, India, and other G-8 observers hold a separate summit.

• Wednesday, July 9:Guantánamo, Cuba: Hearings for five detainees accused in the Sept. 11 attacks.

• Thursday, July 10:London: "Best of the Booker" named to mark 40th anniversary of the literary prize. The winner is chosen by public vote.

• Saturday, July 12:Soweto, South Africa: Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf delivers annual lecture marking former South African President Nelson Mandela's birthday.

– Associated Press