Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
shattered glass
1. What do the fact checkers at the New Republic do when they cannot find the information to verify?
They contact the alleged sources and see if its true or not
2. How does Charles Lane feel about Glass once he discovers he is lying?
He is frustrated because he sees a lot of talent but he feels like its being wasted with his lies
3. How does Glass gain the sympathy of his fellow journalists at the New Republic?
He seems to be depressed, and as already gained many friendships at the New Republic through his "talent"
4. How does Glass dodge the truth again once he realizes he has been caught by Forbes!
He makes more lies up, and is basically in a sea of lies that he can't get out of
5. What excuse does Glass give Lane for lying?
He said if he could get through a story he could get a break
6. What is the argument for not firing Glass from the New Republic?
That "Hack Heaven" was the only fabricated story which ended up being false
They contact the alleged sources and see if its true or not
2. How does Charles Lane feel about Glass once he discovers he is lying?
He is frustrated because he sees a lot of talent but he feels like its being wasted with his lies
3. How does Glass gain the sympathy of his fellow journalists at the New Republic?
He seems to be depressed, and as already gained many friendships at the New Republic through his "talent"
4. How does Glass dodge the truth again once he realizes he has been caught by Forbes!
He makes more lies up, and is basically in a sea of lies that he can't get out of
5. What excuse does Glass give Lane for lying?
He said if he could get through a story he could get a break
6. What is the argument for not firing Glass from the New Republic?
That "Hack Heaven" was the only fabricated story which ended up being false
Thursday, March 18, 2010
FINAL OPINION EDITORIAL
Over the last couple of years there has been so many debates about weather marijuana should be legalized, if it should be illegal or not; and the debate about if it is made legal should everyone be able to use it? I personally think that marijuana usage is very bad for anyone that uses it because; it causes very bad health problems later on. I understand where people who support it are coming from; I have quite a few arguments against their claims.
One argument that people have is that “marijuana is not harmful to the human body.” And that is not true because, actually marijuana is one of the most dangerous drugs, because it has over 420 chemicals which can cause serious problems to the brain, lungs, and other parts of the body. So, I feel that the argument doesn’t really make sense because, you are causing major damage to your respiratory system and according to some scientific research, they are saying that it might not affect you as much when you do marijuana at an early age, but when the person grows older it can affect the body a lot more than if they did not smoke.
One of the most popular arguments is that marijuana is being used as a medicine; marijuana supporters say “the drug can reduce pain, reduce muscle spasms, and relieve nausea. Supporters also say cancer patients and AIDS sufferers are among those who have drawn real benefit from using this drug,” I feel that even though this statement might be true, it also created a problem because, ever since they legalized marijuana in 13 states, the big issue now is that anybody can say an excuse that they are using marijuana as a medicine because, by law, they don’t require a prescription and any individual can say that the doctor prescribed orally, so really, this causes more problems because, even teens can get easier access with the drug. Also according to the American Cancer society “Marijuana is more cancer causing than using tobacco or cigarettes.”
Also, many people question if “marijuana should be legalized in all the 50 states,” and my thoughts on that is that they should not do it because, I feel it would ruin so many peoples’ lives because, if they legalize it, sure there will be people who use it for their pains and stuff, but I know for a fact this would cause major problems in drug use for everyone else especially to teens and drug dealers because, it will be a lot easier to get marijuana and I feel it would just cause more health problems that could cause economical downpours in our economy because, health insurance could rise and other problems of that nature.
So overall, I feel that this is a big controversy in our world today and legalizing marijuana would be a terrible thing to do, not just because of the health effects, but also because it would create a big impact among our country and it puts the danger of our kids, teens, and friends or other family members that, one by one, could be affected by this problem.
One argument that people have is that “marijuana is not harmful to the human body.” And that is not true because, actually marijuana is one of the most dangerous drugs, because it has over 420 chemicals which can cause serious problems to the brain, lungs, and other parts of the body. So, I feel that the argument doesn’t really make sense because, you are causing major damage to your respiratory system and according to some scientific research, they are saying that it might not affect you as much when you do marijuana at an early age, but when the person grows older it can affect the body a lot more than if they did not smoke.
One of the most popular arguments is that marijuana is being used as a medicine; marijuana supporters say “the drug can reduce pain, reduce muscle spasms, and relieve nausea. Supporters also say cancer patients and AIDS sufferers are among those who have drawn real benefit from using this drug,” I feel that even though this statement might be true, it also created a problem because, ever since they legalized marijuana in 13 states, the big issue now is that anybody can say an excuse that they are using marijuana as a medicine because, by law, they don’t require a prescription and any individual can say that the doctor prescribed orally, so really, this causes more problems because, even teens can get easier access with the drug. Also according to the American Cancer society “Marijuana is more cancer causing than using tobacco or cigarettes.”
Also, many people question if “marijuana should be legalized in all the 50 states,” and my thoughts on that is that they should not do it because, I feel it would ruin so many peoples’ lives because, if they legalize it, sure there will be people who use it for their pains and stuff, but I know for a fact this would cause major problems in drug use for everyone else especially to teens and drug dealers because, it will be a lot easier to get marijuana and I feel it would just cause more health problems that could cause economical downpours in our economy because, health insurance could rise and other problems of that nature.
So overall, I feel that this is a big controversy in our world today and legalizing marijuana would be a terrible thing to do, not just because of the health effects, but also because it would create a big impact among our country and it puts the danger of our kids, teens, and friends or other family members that, one by one, could be affected by this problem.
OPINION EDITORIAL PEER EDIT
I EDITED JACOB'S PAPER.
1. Is there a clear point of view? (position)
YES I FEEL THAT THE AUTHOR MADE A GREAT POINT OF VIEW AND IT CORRESPONDS THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EDITORIAL.
2. Does the Op-Ed state the problem and solution simply?
YES IT DOES I FEEL THAT IT'S GREAT
3. Does the piece address the counter arguments?
YES I FEEL THE PEICE ADRESSED SOME OF THE COUNTER ARGUMENTS EVEN THOUGH MORE WOULD BE GOOD TO HAVE.
4. Is the Op-Ed interesting?
YES I DEFINETELY THINK IT WAS AN INTERESTING EDITORIAL
5. Are the paragraphs organized logically?
YES THE PARAGRAPHS WERE ORGANIZED LOGICALLY THEY MADE SINCE.
6. Does each paragraph develop an idea to support the thesis?
YES IT DID IT WAS A GOOD EDITORIAL OVER ALL.
I EDITED LUCAS GANSMOE'S PAPER
1. Is there a clear point of view? (position)
yes he did a great job stating his position
2. Does the Op-Ed state the problem and solution simply?
yes it does explain very good
3. Does the piece address the counter arguments?
yes the editorial addressed good counter arguments.
4. Is the Op-Ed interesting?
yes it was interesting
5. Are the paragraphs organized logically?
yes they were good in organization
6. Does each paragraph develop an idea to support the thesis?
yes each paragraph made since and gave me an idea of what it was trying to tell me.
7. Is the writing clear?
yes the writing was great.
1. Is there a clear point of view? (position)
YES I FEEL THAT THE AUTHOR MADE A GREAT POINT OF VIEW AND IT CORRESPONDS THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EDITORIAL.
2. Does the Op-Ed state the problem and solution simply?
YES IT DOES I FEEL THAT IT'S GREAT
3. Does the piece address the counter arguments?
YES I FEEL THE PEICE ADRESSED SOME OF THE COUNTER ARGUMENTS EVEN THOUGH MORE WOULD BE GOOD TO HAVE.
4. Is the Op-Ed interesting?
YES I DEFINETELY THINK IT WAS AN INTERESTING EDITORIAL
5. Are the paragraphs organized logically?
YES THE PARAGRAPHS WERE ORGANIZED LOGICALLY THEY MADE SINCE.
6. Does each paragraph develop an idea to support the thesis?
YES IT DID IT WAS A GOOD EDITORIAL OVER ALL.
I EDITED LUCAS GANSMOE'S PAPER
1. Is there a clear point of view? (position)
yes he did a great job stating his position
2. Does the Op-Ed state the problem and solution simply?
yes it does explain very good
3. Does the piece address the counter arguments?
yes the editorial addressed good counter arguments.
4. Is the Op-Ed interesting?
yes it was interesting
5. Are the paragraphs organized logically?
yes they were good in organization
6. Does each paragraph develop an idea to support the thesis?
yes each paragraph made since and gave me an idea of what it was trying to tell me.
7. Is the writing clear?
yes the writing was great.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
EDITORIAL ROUGH DRAFT
Over the last couple of years there has been so many debates about weather marijuana should be legalized, if it should be illegal or not; and the debate about if it is made legal should everyone be able to use it? I personally think that marijuana usage is very bad for anyone that uses it because it causes very bad health problems later on. While I understand where people who support it are coming from, I have quite a few arguments against their claims.
One argument that people have is that” marijuana is not harmful to the human body.” And that is not true because actually marijuana is one of the most dangerous drugs because it has over 420 chemicals which can cause serious problems to the brain, lungs, and other parts of the body. So I feel that the argument doesn’t really make since because you are causing major damage to your respiratory system and according to some scientific research they are saying that it might not affect you as much when you do marijuana at a early age, but when the person grows older it can affect the body a lot more than if they did not smoke.
One of the most popular arguments is that marijuana is being used as a medicine; marijuana supporters say “the drug can reduce pain, reduce muscle spasms, and relieve nausea and increase Supporters also say cancer patients and AIDS sufferers are among those who have drawn real benefit from using this drug.” But I feel that even though this statement might be true it also created a bad problem because ever since they legalized marijuana in 13 states, the big issue now is that really anybody can say an excuse that they are using marijuana as a medicine because by law they don’t require a prescription and any individual can say that the doctor prescribed orally so really this causes more problems because even teens can get more easy access with the drug. Also according to the American Cancer society “Marijuana is more cancer causing than using tobacco or cigarettes.”
Also many people question if “marijuana should be legalized in all the 50 states?” And my thoughts on that is that they should not do it because I feel it would ruin some many people lives because if they legalize it, sure there will be people who use it for their pains and stuff but I know for a fact this would cause a major problems in drug use for everyone else especially to teens and drug dealers because it will be a lot easier to get the pot and I feel it would just cause more health problems that could cause economical downpours in our economy because health insurance could rise and other problems of that nature.
So overall I feel that this is a big controversy in our world today and legalizing marijuana would be a terrible thing to do not just because of the health effects, but also because it would create a big impact among our country and it puts the danger of our kids, teens, and friends or other family members that one by one could be affected by this problem
One argument that people have is that” marijuana is not harmful to the human body.” And that is not true because actually marijuana is one of the most dangerous drugs because it has over 420 chemicals which can cause serious problems to the brain, lungs, and other parts of the body. So I feel that the argument doesn’t really make since because you are causing major damage to your respiratory system and according to some scientific research they are saying that it might not affect you as much when you do marijuana at a early age, but when the person grows older it can affect the body a lot more than if they did not smoke.
One of the most popular arguments is that marijuana is being used as a medicine; marijuana supporters say “the drug can reduce pain, reduce muscle spasms, and relieve nausea and increase Supporters also say cancer patients and AIDS sufferers are among those who have drawn real benefit from using this drug.” But I feel that even though this statement might be true it also created a bad problem because ever since they legalized marijuana in 13 states, the big issue now is that really anybody can say an excuse that they are using marijuana as a medicine because by law they don’t require a prescription and any individual can say that the doctor prescribed orally so really this causes more problems because even teens can get more easy access with the drug. Also according to the American Cancer society “Marijuana is more cancer causing than using tobacco or cigarettes.”
Also many people question if “marijuana should be legalized in all the 50 states?” And my thoughts on that is that they should not do it because I feel it would ruin some many people lives because if they legalize it, sure there will be people who use it for their pains and stuff but I know for a fact this would cause a major problems in drug use for everyone else especially to teens and drug dealers because it will be a lot easier to get the pot and I feel it would just cause more health problems that could cause economical downpours in our economy because health insurance could rise and other problems of that nature.
So overall I feel that this is a big controversy in our world today and legalizing marijuana would be a terrible thing to do not just because of the health effects, but also because it would create a big impact among our country and it puts the danger of our kids, teens, and friends or other family members that one by one could be affected by this problem
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Editorial pre writing
1. What is a problem/issue that our entire student body (our school, community, country, etc.) faces today?
marijuana
2. What is your view/position on the problem or situation?
my position is that i am opposing the legalization of marijuana.
3. What would you like to achieve with your editorial? (What is the desired result?)
I want to persuade my readers to not use marijuana.
4. How will you persuade your audience to adopt your viewpoint as theirs? List at least 4 persuasive points.
1.Its bad for your health
2.It can cause problems in your life
3.Side effects when the person gets older can affects the person alot.
4.marijuana has many deadly chemicals that can kill you.
5. How will you motivate your readership to action in your conclusion?
Well I am going to finish with a strong paragraph that i hope touches readers to change their bad habits.
6. How will your editorial serve a public purpose?
It will help individuals think twice before using any type of illegal drugs.
marijuana
2. What is your view/position on the problem or situation?
my position is that i am opposing the legalization of marijuana.
3. What would you like to achieve with your editorial? (What is the desired result?)
I want to persuade my readers to not use marijuana.
4. How will you persuade your audience to adopt your viewpoint as theirs? List at least 4 persuasive points.
1.Its bad for your health
2.It can cause problems in your life
3.Side effects when the person gets older can affects the person alot.
4.marijuana has many deadly chemicals that can kill you.
5. How will you motivate your readership to action in your conclusion?
Well I am going to finish with a strong paragraph that i hope touches readers to change their bad habits.
6. How will your editorial serve a public purpose?
It will help individuals think twice before using any type of illegal drugs.
Monday, March 15, 2010
FINAL FEATURE STORY
From a very early age I was raised in two completely different countries and I was exposed too two diverse different cultures. “I like everything about Honduras it’s my place of birth and the place I grew up in.” says my mother. The reason I been back and forth here in United States and then in Honduras located in Central America is because my mom had a job that was basically about buying merchandise like refrigerators, stoves, and other appliances that people could use in Honduras. So my mother would buy them from here in Minnesota and then my step dad and my mother would take all of the items to sell in Honduras. So I was always traveling and the nice thing about that is that I was with my family most of the time traveling through many countries it was like an adventure movie. I liked that I got to see two different places and even though I was young, I still understood many things about the cultures of both countries. An at the same time everything was so weird to me because 5 months I would be in a trilingual school in Honduras speaking Spanish, English, and Arabic and then 2 months later I would be here in Minnesota in a full English speaking school. I guess sometimes it was really hard for me because I had to get adapted to the environment and also I was meeting new people almost every day was a really interesting experience because I made friends in both countries that too this day I still have.
When you live in two countries in a short amount of time you could not imagine how much you can learn from two cultures. “I have learned so much from living in two different countries and it just gives more knowledge on every aspect and that has helped me through my life.” my step father said. In Honduras life is really hard because it’s one of the poorest countries in Central America and even though I was “lucky” enough, to have a house over there in a safe neighborhood, and what I mean by that is that there is a lot of criminal activity in Honduras due to the fact that a lot of people don’t have a lot of money, and so they decide to steal for a living but in the neighborhood I used to live in is one of the richer parts of Honduras so there isn’t that much criminal activity even though it happens once in a while and well at least I never had to face getting stolen from and also neither has my family. But there is also positive sides about Honduras that I miss a lot know and that is the beautiful weather since Honduras has a tropical climate, the temperatures are just perfect even though I have to admit sometimes it gets so hot to the point that you feel like you are roasting in the oven. My aunt says “If I had to choose between what countries had the best climate I would always choose Honduras because it’s so refreshing and “rico” which means like nice and beautiful in Spanish.
I also feel like there is more freedom over there, like for example my friends and I we play in the street a “potra” which means a soccer scrimmage game in Spanish, and we can be there playing all day, but here in Minnesota people would think that is crazy and dangerous to play in the street. Also friendship is a big thing in Honduras and what I mean by that is that here the United States because it’s not only Minnesota is really hard to get to know people because it’s such a huge country and in Honduras since it’s a country with a little over seven million habitants then people over there no matter what city you are in they will walk up to you and try to start a conversation with you is so funny sometimes but hey I always see the bright side of it. And also the houses are like right next two each other so your neighbors become like your lifetime friends due to the fact in Honduras if people buy a house then they stay in that house for a long time. “I miss so many things about Honduras like my family, friends, and also the climate is just amazing.” My mother spoke. But I feel that here in Minnesota it is a lot easier to live and what I mean by that is that there are many resources here to help you and there is more guidance overall if you don’t have money or food for example there are places that can assist you with that and that is something that I love about being here in Minnesota now, and is not that I am saying Honduras doesn’t have that help to but it just more scarcer than here in Minnesota. But at the same time I love Minnesota because there are a lot of other opportunities like jobs and stuff of that nature and many other activities that you can do.
Also I like the winter in Minnesota I mean I don’t like the driving, but since I been in a tropical climate that is super warm, and humid and then to change to below freezing temperatures is just so cool to me because you see how from the beginning of fall the leaves starts to change into beautiful, rich, and vivid colors and then they fall, and in a matter of days everything is covered in snow. A lot of my family members still travel to Honduras and the crazy thing is that they travel in a bus like what my mother use to do they buy buses, and then they fill them up with merchandise, but is not just appliances they take, they also take cars, or any other items that Honduran families here in Minnesota want to send to their family over in Honduras. But also they make a lot of money selling their items in Honduras because most of Honduras economy is made up of imports and exports and well merchandise is a big part of the economy over in my country. My aunt says “ She thanks god every day for the opportunities she has been able to get of traveling back and forth and being able to see the changes of both countries economically and environmentally.”
Also some other differences between Honduras and Minnesota are the schools, in the United States public schools are free and they can be really good schools and in Honduras if a parent wants there son or daughter to study in a good school they have to pay some money for putting their child in an actual good school and besides that they have to pay a monthly fee for their child to attend school and a lot of families in Honduras are poor so sometimes their kids don’t even get to attend school so instead from little kids to big kids they are forced to work and some of the jobs are very dangerous. The kids sell fruits or gum and chips on the side of the road and sometimes the kids get in the middle of traffic and then they “knock on your window as if they were knocking on a door” and a lot of kids have died because they have got struck by incoming cars. So I am just glad that I got the opportunity of being in both places because if I was in Honduras right I would probably be having a more challenging life than I have here, even though I must say miss Honduras a lot and I will be going back soon to visit my family, but in the meantime for now I am here in Minnesota in school at eastview high school really close until graduation so I am really excited about that. And well the life I have had up until this point I feel has made me the person I am today and I really thank God and my family for making me the person I am today.
When you live in two countries in a short amount of time you could not imagine how much you can learn from two cultures. “I have learned so much from living in two different countries and it just gives more knowledge on every aspect and that has helped me through my life.” my step father said. In Honduras life is really hard because it’s one of the poorest countries in Central America and even though I was “lucky” enough, to have a house over there in a safe neighborhood, and what I mean by that is that there is a lot of criminal activity in Honduras due to the fact that a lot of people don’t have a lot of money, and so they decide to steal for a living but in the neighborhood I used to live in is one of the richer parts of Honduras so there isn’t that much criminal activity even though it happens once in a while and well at least I never had to face getting stolen from and also neither has my family. But there is also positive sides about Honduras that I miss a lot know and that is the beautiful weather since Honduras has a tropical climate, the temperatures are just perfect even though I have to admit sometimes it gets so hot to the point that you feel like you are roasting in the oven. My aunt says “If I had to choose between what countries had the best climate I would always choose Honduras because it’s so refreshing and “rico” which means like nice and beautiful in Spanish.
I also feel like there is more freedom over there, like for example my friends and I we play in the street a “potra” which means a soccer scrimmage game in Spanish, and we can be there playing all day, but here in Minnesota people would think that is crazy and dangerous to play in the street. Also friendship is a big thing in Honduras and what I mean by that is that here the United States because it’s not only Minnesota is really hard to get to know people because it’s such a huge country and in Honduras since it’s a country with a little over seven million habitants then people over there no matter what city you are in they will walk up to you and try to start a conversation with you is so funny sometimes but hey I always see the bright side of it. And also the houses are like right next two each other so your neighbors become like your lifetime friends due to the fact in Honduras if people buy a house then they stay in that house for a long time. “I miss so many things about Honduras like my family, friends, and also the climate is just amazing.” My mother spoke. But I feel that here in Minnesota it is a lot easier to live and what I mean by that is that there are many resources here to help you and there is more guidance overall if you don’t have money or food for example there are places that can assist you with that and that is something that I love about being here in Minnesota now, and is not that I am saying Honduras doesn’t have that help to but it just more scarcer than here in Minnesota. But at the same time I love Minnesota because there are a lot of other opportunities like jobs and stuff of that nature and many other activities that you can do.
Also I like the winter in Minnesota I mean I don’t like the driving, but since I been in a tropical climate that is super warm, and humid and then to change to below freezing temperatures is just so cool to me because you see how from the beginning of fall the leaves starts to change into beautiful, rich, and vivid colors and then they fall, and in a matter of days everything is covered in snow. A lot of my family members still travel to Honduras and the crazy thing is that they travel in a bus like what my mother use to do they buy buses, and then they fill them up with merchandise, but is not just appliances they take, they also take cars, or any other items that Honduran families here in Minnesota want to send to their family over in Honduras. But also they make a lot of money selling their items in Honduras because most of Honduras economy is made up of imports and exports and well merchandise is a big part of the economy over in my country. My aunt says “ She thanks god every day for the opportunities she has been able to get of traveling back and forth and being able to see the changes of both countries economically and environmentally.”
Also some other differences between Honduras and Minnesota are the schools, in the United States public schools are free and they can be really good schools and in Honduras if a parent wants there son or daughter to study in a good school they have to pay some money for putting their child in an actual good school and besides that they have to pay a monthly fee for their child to attend school and a lot of families in Honduras are poor so sometimes their kids don’t even get to attend school so instead from little kids to big kids they are forced to work and some of the jobs are very dangerous. The kids sell fruits or gum and chips on the side of the road and sometimes the kids get in the middle of traffic and then they “knock on your window as if they were knocking on a door” and a lot of kids have died because they have got struck by incoming cars. So I am just glad that I got the opportunity of being in both places because if I was in Honduras right I would probably be having a more challenging life than I have here, even though I must say miss Honduras a lot and I will be going back soon to visit my family, but in the meantime for now I am here in Minnesota in school at eastview high school really close until graduation so I am really excited about that. And well the life I have had up until this point I feel has made me the person I am today and I really thank God and my family for making me the person I am today.
PEER EDITING 03/15/2010
Peer Editing Feedback- ARIANA JOHNSON
1. What are some areas that could use more detail? Why?
I think her story is really good in detail and i like that she gives really good descripiton of things.
2. What additional sources might the author use? Does the lead involve you in the story?
I think that it doesn't need more sources, i feel the author did a great job with using sources, and yes the lead does involve me in the story.
3. Does the story contain a well defined scene (a detailed description of someone doing something or something happening)? What is it? If not, make a suggestion for a scene that might work.
Yes i feel the story does contain a well defined scene. I feel that she did a good job describing.
4. What would you like to see or hear more of? Less of? Include, any other suggestions you have for improvement.
I think the whole feature story was great.
Peer Editing Feedback- Dann Augustine
1. What are some areas that could use more detail? Why?
I think that his story had really good detail so i dont think he needs any more detail added.
2. What additional sources might the author use? Does the lead involve you in the story?
None i feel the author used good enough resources and yes the lead involved me in the story.
3. Does the story contain a well defined scene (a detailed description of someone doing something or something happening)? What is it? If not, make a suggestion for a scene that might work.
Yes the story does contain a well defined scene i feel the story was really descriptive.
4. What would you like to see or hear more of? Less of? Include, any other suggestions you have for improvement.
I think he did a really good job describing some of the personal stories and stuff so i really don't think he should take anything out.
1. What are some areas that could use more detail? Why?
I think her story is really good in detail and i like that she gives really good descripiton of things.
2. What additional sources might the author use? Does the lead involve you in the story?
I think that it doesn't need more sources, i feel the author did a great job with using sources, and yes the lead does involve me in the story.
3. Does the story contain a well defined scene (a detailed description of someone doing something or something happening)? What is it? If not, make a suggestion for a scene that might work.
Yes i feel the story does contain a well defined scene. I feel that she did a good job describing.
4. What would you like to see or hear more of? Less of? Include, any other suggestions you have for improvement.
I think the whole feature story was great.
Peer Editing Feedback- Dann Augustine
1. What are some areas that could use more detail? Why?
I think that his story had really good detail so i dont think he needs any more detail added.
2. What additional sources might the author use? Does the lead involve you in the story?
None i feel the author used good enough resources and yes the lead involved me in the story.
3. Does the story contain a well defined scene (a detailed description of someone doing something or something happening)? What is it? If not, make a suggestion for a scene that might work.
Yes the story does contain a well defined scene i feel the story was really descriptive.
4. What would you like to see or hear more of? Less of? Include, any other suggestions you have for improvement.
I think he did a really good job describing some of the personal stories and stuff so i really don't think he should take anything out.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
FEATURE STORY ROUGH DRAFT
From a very early age I was raised in two completely different countries and I was exposed too two diverse different cultures. “I like everything about Honduras it’s my place of birth and the place I grew up in.” says my mother. The reason I been back and forth here in United States and then in Honduras is because my mom had a job that was basically about buying merchandise like refrigerators,stoves and other appliances that people could use in Honduras from here in Minnesota and then taking all of the items to sell in Honduras. So I was always traveling and the nice thing about that is that I was with my family most of the time traveling through many countries it was like an adventure movie. I liked that I got to see two different places and even though I was young, I still understood many things about the cultures of both countries. An at the same time everything was so weird to me because 5 months I would be in a trilingual school in Honduras speaking Spanish, English, and Arabic and then 2 months later I would be here in Minnesota in a full English speaking school. I guess sometimes it was really hard for me because I had to get adapted to the environment and also I was meeting new people almost every day was a really interesting experience because I made friends in both countries that too this day I still have.
When you live in two countries in a short amount of time you could not imagine how much you can learn from two cultures. “I have learned so much from living in two different countries and it just gives more knowledge on every aspect and that has helped me through my life.” my step father said. In Honduras life is really hard because it’s one of the poorest countries in Central America and even though I was “lucky” enough, to have a house over there in a safe neighborhood, and what I mean by that is that there is a lot of criminal activity in Honduras due to the fact that a lot of people don’t have a lot of money, and so they decide to steal for a living but in the neighborhood I used to live in is one of the richer parts of Honduras so there isn’t that much criminal activity even though it happens once in a while and well at least I never had to face getting stolen from and also neither has my family. But there is also positive sides about Honduras that I miss a lot know and that is the beautiful weather since Honduras has a tropical climate, the temperatures are just perfect even though I have to admit sometimes it gets so hot to the point that you feel like you are roasting in the oven. My aunt says “If I had to choose between what countries had the best climate I would always choose Honduras because it’s so refreshing and “rico” which means like nice and beautiful in Spanish.
I also feel like there is more freedom over there, like for example my friends and I we play in the street a “potra” which means a soccer scrimmage game in Spanish, and we can be there playing all day, but here in Minnesota people would think that is crazy and dangerous to play in the street. Also friendship is a big thing in Honduras and what I mean by that is that here the United States because it’s not only Minnesota is really hard to get to know people because it’s such a huge country and in Honduras since it’s a country with a little over seven million habitants then people over there no matter what city you are in they will walk up to you and try to start a conversation with you is so funny sometimes but hey I always see the bright side of it. And also the houses are like right next two each other so your neighbors become like your lifetime friends due to the fact in Honduras if people buy a house then they stay in that house for a long time. “I miss so many things about Honduras like my family, friends, and also the climate is just amazing.” My mother spoke. But I feel that here in Minnesota it is a lot easier to live and what I mean by that is that there are many resources here to help you and there is more guidance overall if you don’t have money or food for example there are places that can assist you with that and that is something that I love about being here in Minnesota now and is not that I am saying Honduras doesn’t have that help to but it just more scarcer than here in Minnesota. But at the same time I love Minnesota because there are a lot of other opportunities like jobs and stuff of that nature and many other activities that you can do. Also I like the winter in Minnesota I mean I don’t like the driving but since I been in a tropical climate the change to below freezing temperatures is just so cool to me because you see how from the beginning of fall the leaves starts to change into beautiful, rich, and vivid colors and they fall and in a matter of days everything is covered in snow. A lot of my family members still travel to Honduras and the crazy thing is that they travel in a bus like what my mother use to do they buy buses and then filled them up with merchandise and sell it in Honduras because most of Honduras economy is made up of imports and exports and well merchandise is a big part of the economy over in my country. My aunt says “ She thanks god every day for the opportunities she has been able to get of traveling back and forth and being able to see the changes of both countries economically and environmentally.” Also some other differences between Honduras and Minnesota are the schools, in the United States public schools are free and they can be really good schools and in Honduras if a parent wants there son or daughter study in a good school they have to pay some money for putting their child in an actual good school and besides that they have to pay a monthly for their child to attend school and a lot of families in Honduras are poor so sometimes their kids don’t even get to attend school so instead from little kids to big kids they are forced to work and the jobs are very dangerous. The kids sell fruits or gum and chips on the side of the road and sometimes the kids get in the middle of traffic and “knock on your window as if they were knocking on a door” and a lot of kids have died because they have got struck by incoming cars. So as you can see there are big differences from Minnesota and Honduras and some these differences are really sad that happen to kids and teenagers in Honduras that don’t have the same opportunities that u have gotten and well I am really thankful for my life and I am just glad that everything I have gone through has happened because otherwise I don’t know where I would be and what I would be doing with in my life.
When you live in two countries in a short amount of time you could not imagine how much you can learn from two cultures. “I have learned so much from living in two different countries and it just gives more knowledge on every aspect and that has helped me through my life.” my step father said. In Honduras life is really hard because it’s one of the poorest countries in Central America and even though I was “lucky” enough, to have a house over there in a safe neighborhood, and what I mean by that is that there is a lot of criminal activity in Honduras due to the fact that a lot of people don’t have a lot of money, and so they decide to steal for a living but in the neighborhood I used to live in is one of the richer parts of Honduras so there isn’t that much criminal activity even though it happens once in a while and well at least I never had to face getting stolen from and also neither has my family. But there is also positive sides about Honduras that I miss a lot know and that is the beautiful weather since Honduras has a tropical climate, the temperatures are just perfect even though I have to admit sometimes it gets so hot to the point that you feel like you are roasting in the oven. My aunt says “If I had to choose between what countries had the best climate I would always choose Honduras because it’s so refreshing and “rico” which means like nice and beautiful in Spanish.
I also feel like there is more freedom over there, like for example my friends and I we play in the street a “potra” which means a soccer scrimmage game in Spanish, and we can be there playing all day, but here in Minnesota people would think that is crazy and dangerous to play in the street. Also friendship is a big thing in Honduras and what I mean by that is that here the United States because it’s not only Minnesota is really hard to get to know people because it’s such a huge country and in Honduras since it’s a country with a little over seven million habitants then people over there no matter what city you are in they will walk up to you and try to start a conversation with you is so funny sometimes but hey I always see the bright side of it. And also the houses are like right next two each other so your neighbors become like your lifetime friends due to the fact in Honduras if people buy a house then they stay in that house for a long time. “I miss so many things about Honduras like my family, friends, and also the climate is just amazing.” My mother spoke. But I feel that here in Minnesota it is a lot easier to live and what I mean by that is that there are many resources here to help you and there is more guidance overall if you don’t have money or food for example there are places that can assist you with that and that is something that I love about being here in Minnesota now and is not that I am saying Honduras doesn’t have that help to but it just more scarcer than here in Minnesota. But at the same time I love Minnesota because there are a lot of other opportunities like jobs and stuff of that nature and many other activities that you can do. Also I like the winter in Minnesota I mean I don’t like the driving but since I been in a tropical climate the change to below freezing temperatures is just so cool to me because you see how from the beginning of fall the leaves starts to change into beautiful, rich, and vivid colors and they fall and in a matter of days everything is covered in snow. A lot of my family members still travel to Honduras and the crazy thing is that they travel in a bus like what my mother use to do they buy buses and then filled them up with merchandise and sell it in Honduras because most of Honduras economy is made up of imports and exports and well merchandise is a big part of the economy over in my country. My aunt says “ She thanks god every day for the opportunities she has been able to get of traveling back and forth and being able to see the changes of both countries economically and environmentally.” Also some other differences between Honduras and Minnesota are the schools, in the United States public schools are free and they can be really good schools and in Honduras if a parent wants there son or daughter study in a good school they have to pay some money for putting their child in an actual good school and besides that they have to pay a monthly for their child to attend school and a lot of families in Honduras are poor so sometimes their kids don’t even get to attend school so instead from little kids to big kids they are forced to work and the jobs are very dangerous. The kids sell fruits or gum and chips on the side of the road and sometimes the kids get in the middle of traffic and “knock on your window as if they were knocking on a door” and a lot of kids have died because they have got struck by incoming cars. So as you can see there are big differences from Minnesota and Honduras and some these differences are really sad that happen to kids and teenagers in Honduras that don’t have the same opportunities that u have gotten and well I am really thankful for my life and I am just glad that everything I have gone through has happened because otherwise I don’t know where I would be and what I would be doing with in my life.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
FEATURE STORY INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
MY MOM
1. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT HONDURAS?
2. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABUT THE MINNESOTA?
3. WHAT DO YOU MISS ABOUT BEING IN HONDURAS?
4. WHAT ARE SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MINNESOTA AND HONDURAS?
5. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM BEING IN TWO COMPLETE DIFFERENT COUNTRIES?
MY STEP DAD
1. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT HONDURAS?
2. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT MINNESOTA?
3. WHAT DO YOU MISS ABOUT HONDURAS?
4. WHICH CLIMATE DO YOU LIKE BETTER?
5. WHAT ARE SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MINNESOTA AND HONDURAS?
MY AUNT
1. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT HONDURAS?
2. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DIFFERENCES THAT YOU SEE BETWEEN HONDURAS AND MINNESOTA?
3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE MINNESOTA?
4. WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT HONDURAS?
5. HOW IS LIFE DIFFERENT IN MINNESPTA THAN IN HONDURAS?
1. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT HONDURAS?
2. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABUT THE MINNESOTA?
3. WHAT DO YOU MISS ABOUT BEING IN HONDURAS?
4. WHAT ARE SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MINNESOTA AND HONDURAS?
5. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM BEING IN TWO COMPLETE DIFFERENT COUNTRIES?
MY STEP DAD
1. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT HONDURAS?
2. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT MINNESOTA?
3. WHAT DO YOU MISS ABOUT HONDURAS?
4. WHICH CLIMATE DO YOU LIKE BETTER?
5. WHAT ARE SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MINNESOTA AND HONDURAS?
MY AUNT
1. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT HONDURAS?
2. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DIFFERENCES THAT YOU SEE BETWEEN HONDURAS AND MINNESOTA?
3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE MINNESOTA?
4. WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT HONDURAS?
5. HOW IS LIFE DIFFERENT IN MINNESPTA THAN IN HONDURAS?
Monday, March 8, 2010
FEATURED STORY TOPIC
MY FEATURED STORY IS GOING TO BE ABOUT THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MINNESOTA AND HONDURAS.
FEATURE STORY NOTES
Qualities of a Feature Story
• Feature stories are descriptive and full of detail.
• Feature stories generally have a strong narrative line.
• Feature stories have a strong lead that grabs readers and makes them want to read on.
• Feature stories often depend on interviews.
• Feature stories include quotations from the person(s) involved.
• Feature stories combine facts and opinion, with a focus on the human interest side of the story. While they can report news, the news content is not of primary importance.
• Feature stories both educate and entertain. They can include colorful detail as well as humor.
• Feature stores contain the voice of the writer.
• Feature stories can be organized in a variety of ways (i.e., chronologically, narrative fashion).
• Feature stories often put the “meat” on the “skeletal bones” of a news story.
News stories aren't the only type of material that appear in newspapers and magazines. Longer articles, such as magazine cover articles and the pieces that lead the inside sections of a newspaper, are known as features. Feature stories differ from straight news in several ways. Foremost is the absence of a straight-news lead, most of the time. Instead of offering the essence of a story up front, feature writers may attempt to lure readers in.
While straight news stories always stay in third person point of view, it's not uncommon for a feature magazine article to slip into first person. The journalist will often detail his or her interactions with interview subjects, making the piece more personal.
A feature's first paragraphs often relate an intriguing moment or event, as in an "anecdotal lede". From the particulars of a person or episode, its view quickly broadens to generalities about the story's subject.
The section that signals what a feature is about is called the billboard. Billboards appear as the third or fourth paragraph from the top, and may be up to two paragraphs long. Unlike a lede, a billboard rarely gives everything away. This reflects the fact that feature writers aim to hold their readers' attention to the end, which requires engendering curiosity and offering a "payoff." Feature paragraphs tend to be longer than those of news stories, with smoother transitions between them. Feature writers use the active-verb construction and concrete explanations of straight news, but often put more personality in their prose.
Feature stories often close with a "kicker" rather than simply petering out.
• Feature stories are descriptive and full of detail.
• Feature stories generally have a strong narrative line.
• Feature stories have a strong lead that grabs readers and makes them want to read on.
• Feature stories often depend on interviews.
• Feature stories include quotations from the person(s) involved.
• Feature stories combine facts and opinion, with a focus on the human interest side of the story. While they can report news, the news content is not of primary importance.
• Feature stories both educate and entertain. They can include colorful detail as well as humor.
• Feature stores contain the voice of the writer.
• Feature stories can be organized in a variety of ways (i.e., chronologically, narrative fashion).
• Feature stories often put the “meat” on the “skeletal bones” of a news story.
News stories aren't the only type of material that appear in newspapers and magazines. Longer articles, such as magazine cover articles and the pieces that lead the inside sections of a newspaper, are known as features. Feature stories differ from straight news in several ways. Foremost is the absence of a straight-news lead, most of the time. Instead of offering the essence of a story up front, feature writers may attempt to lure readers in.
While straight news stories always stay in third person point of view, it's not uncommon for a feature magazine article to slip into first person. The journalist will often detail his or her interactions with interview subjects, making the piece more personal.
A feature's first paragraphs often relate an intriguing moment or event, as in an "anecdotal lede". From the particulars of a person or episode, its view quickly broadens to generalities about the story's subject.
The section that signals what a feature is about is called the billboard. Billboards appear as the third or fourth paragraph from the top, and may be up to two paragraphs long. Unlike a lede, a billboard rarely gives everything away. This reflects the fact that feature writers aim to hold their readers' attention to the end, which requires engendering curiosity and offering a "payoff." Feature paragraphs tend to be longer than those of news stories, with smoother transitions between them. Feature writers use the active-verb construction and concrete explanations of straight news, but often put more personality in their prose.
Feature stories often close with a "kicker" rather than simply petering out.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
CHILE EARTHQUAKE
Chile Earthquake
Last Saturday February 27, 2010 there was a very devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Chile. The earthquake hit at a very early time in the morning, it collapsed many buildings and it also destroyed about five hundred thousands of homes. After the earthquake there were thousands of people injured and many people left dead. Then later Saturday morning there was a Tsunami warning issued for Chile, Hawaii and many other counties around the Pacific Ocean. The Tsunami struck Chile leaving even more destruction and deaths around major populated cities like Concepcion, Valparaiso, and Santiago. After this massive earthquake thousands of Chileans have gotten desperate to the point that they have been looting supermarkets and businesses that were destroyed. I interviewed Francisco Izquierdo a student from Chile at Eastview High School and I asked him about how he felt about the earthquake in Chile, he said “Well it is really hard to see my country in the hard situation they are in right now and not having the ability to do anything about it is even harder also he said “It is really hard because I wish I could be with my family and friends.” And all he hopes is that other countries can help out and wish that, step by step, Chile can rebuild its way back.” I also asked if he had any family members that were impacted by the earthquake. His face lifted and said “Well all my family is doing great thankfully, but my uncle had a company that was destroyed by the flooding of the river and he lost a lot of property.” I also asked him how do you think neighborhoods, communities have reacted, and he said “Well there is a bunch of people that are helping each other out and many other volunteers too. Also a lot of people are trying to change to new apartments because there homes have been destroyed, and many others that don’t have a lot of money are sleeping in the streets, and it has caused many individuals to steal food and other items from broken down supermarkets and stores.”
Next I interviewed Mrs. O’ Neill a history teacher at Eastview High School. I asked her what you think about the earthquake in Chile, and she said “It’s a tragic event, and it’s tough that humans have to go through those horrific events.” Then I asked her do you know anyone affected by the Chile earthquake, and she said” Well I am concerned about a co- worker I used to work with at Rosemount High school and I wonder if his family is doing okay. And finally I asked her how she thought Chile’s economy is going to be affected by the earthquake, and she said “It will be like USA after the 9/11 incident and it will take Chile awhile to get their economy running again. She also said that we are going to have to pay higher prices for produce because we get a lot of produce from Chie.
Finally I interviewed a friend of my family Hugo Garrido and I asked him what his thoughts about the earthquake were, and he said “ I feel that this a very sad event that happened in my country and I just hate the fact that it took many people lives and left thousand without a home to live in.” Finally I asked him what you think Chile has to do to rebuild. And he responded “We need to have a lot of faith in God that everything is going to be fine. Of course we are going to need help from other countries and overall a lot of prayers.
So here were some of the stories of a student from Chile, history teacher and a Chilean family friend and ask you can see this earthquake has a global impact in many Chileans around the world and how this tragic earthquake can impact millions of people globally around the world.
Last Saturday February 27, 2010 there was a very devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Chile. The earthquake hit at a very early time in the morning, it collapsed many buildings and it also destroyed about five hundred thousands of homes. After the earthquake there were thousands of people injured and many people left dead. Then later Saturday morning there was a Tsunami warning issued for Chile, Hawaii and many other counties around the Pacific Ocean. The Tsunami struck Chile leaving even more destruction and deaths around major populated cities like Concepcion, Valparaiso, and Santiago. After this massive earthquake thousands of Chileans have gotten desperate to the point that they have been looting supermarkets and businesses that were destroyed. I interviewed Francisco Izquierdo a student from Chile at Eastview High School and I asked him about how he felt about the earthquake in Chile, he said “Well it is really hard to see my country in the hard situation they are in right now and not having the ability to do anything about it is even harder also he said “It is really hard because I wish I could be with my family and friends.” And all he hopes is that other countries can help out and wish that, step by step, Chile can rebuild its way back.” I also asked if he had any family members that were impacted by the earthquake. His face lifted and said “Well all my family is doing great thankfully, but my uncle had a company that was destroyed by the flooding of the river and he lost a lot of property.” I also asked him how do you think neighborhoods, communities have reacted, and he said “Well there is a bunch of people that are helping each other out and many other volunteers too. Also a lot of people are trying to change to new apartments because there homes have been destroyed, and many others that don’t have a lot of money are sleeping in the streets, and it has caused many individuals to steal food and other items from broken down supermarkets and stores.”
Next I interviewed Mrs. O’ Neill a history teacher at Eastview High School. I asked her what you think about the earthquake in Chile, and she said “It’s a tragic event, and it’s tough that humans have to go through those horrific events.” Then I asked her do you know anyone affected by the Chile earthquake, and she said” Well I am concerned about a co- worker I used to work with at Rosemount High school and I wonder if his family is doing okay. And finally I asked her how she thought Chile’s economy is going to be affected by the earthquake, and she said “It will be like USA after the 9/11 incident and it will take Chile awhile to get their economy running again. She also said that we are going to have to pay higher prices for produce because we get a lot of produce from Chie.
Finally I interviewed a friend of my family Hugo Garrido and I asked him what his thoughts about the earthquake were, and he said “ I feel that this a very sad event that happened in my country and I just hate the fact that it took many people lives and left thousand without a home to live in.” Finally I asked him what you think Chile has to do to rebuild. And he responded “We need to have a lot of faith in God that everything is going to be fine. Of course we are going to need help from other countries and overall a lot of prayers.
So here were some of the stories of a student from Chile, history teacher and a Chilean family friend and ask you can see this earthquake has a global impact in many Chileans around the world and how this tragic earthquake can impact millions of people globally around the world.
Monday, March 1, 2010
TOPIC AND ANGLE
MY TOPIC IS ABOUT HOW THE CHILE EARTHQUAKE AND MY ANGLE IS HOW THAT IS AFFECTING THE WHOLE WORLD AND PEOPLE LIVES.
Friday, February 26, 2010
WRITING A NEWS STORY!
Writing a News Story
1. What can I write about? What is news?
On the surface, defining news is a simple task. News is an account of what is happening around us. It may involve current events, new initiatives or ongoing projects or issues. But a newspaper does not only print news of the day. It also prints background analysis, opinions, and human interest stories.
Choosing what's news can be harder.
The reporter chooses stories from the flood of information and events happening in the world and in their community. Stories are normally selected because of their importance, emotion, impact, timeliness and interest. Note: all these factors do NOT have to coincide in each and every story!
2. Identify what kind of a story it is
Hard news (+/- 600 words): This is how journalists refer to news of the day. It is a chronicle of current events/incidents and is the most common news style on the front page of your typical newspaper.
It starts with a summary lead. What happened? Where? When? To/by whom? Why? (The journalist's 5 W's). It must be kept brief and simple, because the purpose of the rest of the story will be to elaborate on this lead.
Keep the writing clean and uncluttered. Most important, give the readers the information they need. If the federal government announced a new major youth initiative yesterday, that's today's hard news.
Soft news (+/-600 words): This is a term for all the news that isn't time-sensitive. Soft news includes profiles of people, programs or organizations. As we discussed earlier, the "lead" is more literary. Most of YPP's news content is soft news.
Feature (+/-1500 words): A news feature takes one step back from the headlines. It explores an issue. News features are less time-sensitive than hard news but no less newsworthy. They can be an effective way to write about complex issues too large for the terse style of a hard news item. Street kids are a perfect example. The stories of their individual lives are full of complexities which can be reflected in a longer piece.
Features are journalism's shopping center. They're full of interesting people, ideas, color, lights, action and energy. Storytelling at its height! A good feature is about the people in your community and their struggles, victories and defeats. A feature takes a certain angle (i.e. Black youth returning to church) and explores it by interviewing the people involved and drawing conclusions from that information. The writer takes an important issue of the day and explains it to the reader through comments from people involved in the story.
Hint: Remember to "balance" your story. Present the opinions of people on both sides of an issue and let the readers make their own decision on who to believe. No personal opinions are allowed. The quotes from the people you interview make up the story. You are the narrator.
Editorial: The editorial expresses an opinion. The editorial page of the newspaper lets the writer comment on issues in the news. All editorials are personal but the topics must still be relevant to the reader.
Young People's Press publishes two types of editorials:
3. Structure for your article
The structure of a news story (hard & soft news & features) is simple: a lead and the body.
The lead
One of the most important elements of news writing is the opening paragraph or two of the story. Journalists refer to this as the "lead," and its function is to summarize the story and/or to draw the reader in (depending on whether it is a "hard" or "soft" news story - See below for the difference between these two genres of news stories).
In a hard news story, the lead should be a full summary of what is to follow. It should incorporate as many of the 5 "W's" of journalism (who, what, where, when and why) as possible. (e.g. "Homeless youth marched down Yonge St. in downtown Toronto Wednesday afternoon demanding the municipal government provide emergency shelter during the winter months." - Can you identify the 5 W's in this lead?)
In a soft news story, the lead should present the subject of the story by allusion. This type of opening is somewhat literary. Like a novelist, the role of the writer is to grab the attention of the reader. (e.g. "Until four years ago, Jason W. slept in alleyways...") Once the reader is drawn in, the 5 "W's" should be incorporated into the body of the story, but not necessarily at the very top.
The body
The body of the story involves combining the opinions of the people you interview, some factual data, and a narrative which helps the story flow. A word of caution, however. In this style of writing, you are not allowed to "editorialize" (state your own opinion) in any way.
MR KREBS SIX STEPS
1. FINDING A TOPIC
2. FIND AN AGLE
3. COLLECT INFORMATION
4. CONDUCT INTERVIEWS
5. ORGANIZE AND WRITE
6. REVISE AND EDIT
1. What can I write about? What is news?
On the surface, defining news is a simple task. News is an account of what is happening around us. It may involve current events, new initiatives or ongoing projects or issues. But a newspaper does not only print news of the day. It also prints background analysis, opinions, and human interest stories.
Choosing what's news can be harder.
The reporter chooses stories from the flood of information and events happening in the world and in their community. Stories are normally selected because of their importance, emotion, impact, timeliness and interest. Note: all these factors do NOT have to coincide in each and every story!
2. Identify what kind of a story it is
Hard news (+/- 600 words): This is how journalists refer to news of the day. It is a chronicle of current events/incidents and is the most common news style on the front page of your typical newspaper.
It starts with a summary lead. What happened? Where? When? To/by whom? Why? (The journalist's 5 W's). It must be kept brief and simple, because the purpose of the rest of the story will be to elaborate on this lead.
Keep the writing clean and uncluttered. Most important, give the readers the information they need. If the federal government announced a new major youth initiative yesterday, that's today's hard news.
Soft news (+/-600 words): This is a term for all the news that isn't time-sensitive. Soft news includes profiles of people, programs or organizations. As we discussed earlier, the "lead" is more literary. Most of YPP's news content is soft news.
Feature (+/-1500 words): A news feature takes one step back from the headlines. It explores an issue. News features are less time-sensitive than hard news but no less newsworthy. They can be an effective way to write about complex issues too large for the terse style of a hard news item. Street kids are a perfect example. The stories of their individual lives are full of complexities which can be reflected in a longer piece.
Features are journalism's shopping center. They're full of interesting people, ideas, color, lights, action and energy. Storytelling at its height! A good feature is about the people in your community and their struggles, victories and defeats. A feature takes a certain angle (i.e. Black youth returning to church) and explores it by interviewing the people involved and drawing conclusions from that information. The writer takes an important issue of the day and explains it to the reader through comments from people involved in the story.
Hint: Remember to "balance" your story. Present the opinions of people on both sides of an issue and let the readers make their own decision on who to believe. No personal opinions are allowed. The quotes from the people you interview make up the story. You are the narrator.
Editorial: The editorial expresses an opinion. The editorial page of the newspaper lets the writer comment on issues in the news. All editorials are personal but the topics must still be relevant to the reader.
Young People's Press publishes two types of editorials:
3. Structure for your article
The structure of a news story (hard & soft news & features) is simple: a lead and the body.
The lead
One of the most important elements of news writing is the opening paragraph or two of the story. Journalists refer to this as the "lead," and its function is to summarize the story and/or to draw the reader in (depending on whether it is a "hard" or "soft" news story - See below for the difference between these two genres of news stories).
In a hard news story, the lead should be a full summary of what is to follow. It should incorporate as many of the 5 "W's" of journalism (who, what, where, when and why) as possible. (e.g. "Homeless youth marched down Yonge St. in downtown Toronto Wednesday afternoon demanding the municipal government provide emergency shelter during the winter months." - Can you identify the 5 W's in this lead?)
In a soft news story, the lead should present the subject of the story by allusion. This type of opening is somewhat literary. Like a novelist, the role of the writer is to grab the attention of the reader. (e.g. "Until four years ago, Jason W. slept in alleyways...") Once the reader is drawn in, the 5 "W's" should be incorporated into the body of the story, but not necessarily at the very top.
The body
The body of the story involves combining the opinions of the people you interview, some factual data, and a narrative which helps the story flow. A word of caution, however. In this style of writing, you are not allowed to "editorialize" (state your own opinion) in any way.
MR KREBS SIX STEPS
1. FINDING A TOPIC
2. FIND AN AGLE
3. COLLECT INFORMATION
4. CONDUCT INTERVIEWS
5. ORGANIZE AND WRITE
6. REVISE AND EDIT
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
LAW AND ETHICS NOTES
THE 5 FREEDOM OF SPEECH AMENDMENTS
5 freedoms:
religion
assembly
petition
speech
press
The Tinker Standard:
Tinker vs Des Moines School District.
Student speech cannot be censored as long as it does not materially disrupt class work or involve substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others.
The Fraser Standard:
Because student officials have an "interest in teaching students the boundaries of the socially appropriate behavior" they can censor student speech that is vulgar or indecent even if it does not cause a "material or substantial disruption"
The Hazelwood standard:
Hazelwood school district vs Kuhlmeier (1988)
Censorship of school sponsored student expression is permissible when school officials can show it is "reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns."
The Frederick Standard:
.January 2002, Olympic torch travels through town
. principal morse cancels school
. Senior Frederick unveils a banner on the sidewalk across street which reads " Bong Hits 4 Jesus"
. Suspended for 10 days
Elements of Libel
A Defamatory statement
Published to at least one other person (other than plantiff)...
"Of and concerning" the plaintiff (identify specifically within plaintiff)
That is a false statement of fact (opinions are not libel)...
And made with fault. The level of fault depends on status of plaintiff
-Public Figures: celebs, gov, etc. are required to prove actual malice,meaning the defendant know statements were false
-Private individuals: must only show that the defendant was negligent
5 freedoms:
religion
assembly
petition
speech
press
The Tinker Standard:
Tinker vs Des Moines School District.
Student speech cannot be censored as long as it does not materially disrupt class work or involve substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others.
The Fraser Standard:
Because student officials have an "interest in teaching students the boundaries of the socially appropriate behavior" they can censor student speech that is vulgar or indecent even if it does not cause a "material or substantial disruption"
The Hazelwood standard:
Hazelwood school district vs Kuhlmeier (1988)
Censorship of school sponsored student expression is permissible when school officials can show it is "reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns."
The Frederick Standard:
.January 2002, Olympic torch travels through town
. principal morse cancels school
. Senior Frederick unveils a banner on the sidewalk across street which reads " Bong Hits 4 Jesus"
. Suspended for 10 days
Elements of Libel
A Defamatory statement
Published to at least one other person (other than plantiff)...
"Of and concerning" the plaintiff (identify specifically within plaintiff)
That is a false statement of fact (opinions are not libel)...
And made with fault. The level of fault depends on status of plaintiff
-Public Figures: celebs, gov, etc. are required to prove actual malice,meaning the defendant know statements were false
-Private individuals: must only show that the defendant was negligent
Monday, February 8, 2010
SUPER BOWL COMMERCIALS
What is the company?
BUDWEISER
Who is the target audience:
FOOTBALL FANS AND PEOPLE WHO CONSUME BEER PRODUCTS.
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY MADE IT SEEM LIKE THEY WAS IN A FOOTBALL FIELD REVIEWING THE PLACE,REWINDING.
What is the slogan/message for the company?
NO SLOGAN, BUT IT IS THE KING OF BEER BASICALLY
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT VERY EFFECTIVE BECAUSE IT GOT THE POINT ACROSS TO ME.
What is the company?
CHRYSLER
Who is the target audience:
GIRLS THAT LIKE CHRYSLER
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
ACTION,MUSIC
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY MADE THE GIRL IN THE CAR SEEMED LIKE SHE WAS RELAXED
What is the slogan/message for the company?
DRIVE AND LOVE
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT GOT THE POINT ACROSS WITH THE MUSIC AND EVERYTHING
What is the company?
PEPSI
Who is the target audience:
ADULTS 21-35 YEAR OLDS
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
humor,celebrity,
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
they made the pop switch and stuff like that
What is the slogan/message for the company?
TWIST ON A GREAT THING.
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
NOT REALLY I DIDNT GET IT THAT MUCH.
What is the company?
FEDEX
Who is the target audience:
THE PEOPLE WHO WATCHED CASTAWAY THE MOVIE, ADULTS
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR,SARCASIM
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY PUT SOME CLIPS LIKE THE CASTAWAY MOVIE
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT WAS SUPER GOOD
What is the company?
DODGE
Who is the target audience:
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS, GUYS,
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
MAKES THE COMMERCIAL MORE INTERESTING
What is the slogan/message for the company?
GRAB LIFE BY THE HORNS
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT WAS EFFECTIVE
What is the company?
GATORADE
Who is the target audience:
SPORTS FAN, ATHLETIC
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
CELEBRITY
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY PUT THE RETIRED MICHAEL,THE BULLS MICHAEL, AND COLLEGE MICHAEL
What is the slogan/message for the company?
IS IT IN YOU
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT GOT THE POINT ACCROSS.
What is the company?
SPORTS CENTER
Who is the target audience:
SPORTS FANS, MALES
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR, SPORTS FIGURES
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY WERE USED GOOD
What is the slogan/message for the company?
THIS IS SPORTS CENTER
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YEA IT WAS GOOD
What is the company?
H&R BLOCK
Who is the target audience:
FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE PAYING TAXES, MALES
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
A LOT OF HUMOR
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY WERE USED ON WILLIE
What is the slogan/message for the company?
DOUBLE CHECK YOUR TAXES
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT WAS GOOD
What is the company?
BUDLIGHT
Who is the target audience:
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY MADE THE GUY SEEM LIKE HE WAS SITTING UP SIDE DOWN.
What is the slogan/message for the company?
MAKE IT A BUDLIGHT
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
SORT OF IT TOOK ME A WHILE TO GET
What is the company?
VISA CHECK CARD
Who is the target audience:
EVERYONE 18 AND OLDER
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR, CELEBRITY
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY MADE THE YAO AND THE GIRL SEE THEIR OWN HEIGHT
What is the slogan/message for the company?
EVERYWHERE YOU WANT TO BE
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT GOT THE POINT ACROSS
What is the company?
BUDWEISER
Who is the target audience:
FOOTBALL FANS AND PEOPLE WHO CONSUME BEER PRODUCTS.
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY MADE IT SEEM LIKE THEY WAS IN A FOOTBALL FIELD REVIEWING THE PLACE,REWINDING.
What is the slogan/message for the company?
NO SLOGAN, BUT IT IS THE KING OF BEER BASICALLY
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT VERY EFFECTIVE BECAUSE IT GOT THE POINT ACROSS TO ME.
What is the company?
CHRYSLER
Who is the target audience:
GIRLS THAT LIKE CHRYSLER
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
ACTION,MUSIC
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY MADE THE GIRL IN THE CAR SEEMED LIKE SHE WAS RELAXED
What is the slogan/message for the company?
DRIVE AND LOVE
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT GOT THE POINT ACROSS WITH THE MUSIC AND EVERYTHING
What is the company?
PEPSI
Who is the target audience:
ADULTS 21-35 YEAR OLDS
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
humor,celebrity,
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
they made the pop switch and stuff like that
What is the slogan/message for the company?
TWIST ON A GREAT THING.
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
NOT REALLY I DIDNT GET IT THAT MUCH.
What is the company?
FEDEX
Who is the target audience:
THE PEOPLE WHO WATCHED CASTAWAY THE MOVIE, ADULTS
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR,SARCASIM
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY PUT SOME CLIPS LIKE THE CASTAWAY MOVIE
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT WAS SUPER GOOD
What is the company?
DODGE
Who is the target audience:
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS, GUYS,
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
MAKES THE COMMERCIAL MORE INTERESTING
What is the slogan/message for the company?
GRAB LIFE BY THE HORNS
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT WAS EFFECTIVE
What is the company?
GATORADE
Who is the target audience:
SPORTS FAN, ATHLETIC
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
CELEBRITY
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY PUT THE RETIRED MICHAEL,THE BULLS MICHAEL, AND COLLEGE MICHAEL
What is the slogan/message for the company?
IS IT IN YOU
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT GOT THE POINT ACCROSS.
What is the company?
SPORTS CENTER
Who is the target audience:
SPORTS FANS, MALES
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR, SPORTS FIGURES
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY WERE USED GOOD
What is the slogan/message for the company?
THIS IS SPORTS CENTER
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YEA IT WAS GOOD
What is the company?
H&R BLOCK
Who is the target audience:
FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE PAYING TAXES, MALES
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
A LOT OF HUMOR
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY WERE USED ON WILLIE
What is the slogan/message for the company?
DOUBLE CHECK YOUR TAXES
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT WAS GOOD
What is the company?
BUDLIGHT
Who is the target audience:
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY MADE THE GUY SEEM LIKE HE WAS SITTING UP SIDE DOWN.
What is the slogan/message for the company?
MAKE IT A BUDLIGHT
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
SORT OF IT TOOK ME A WHILE TO GET
What is the company?
VISA CHECK CARD
Who is the target audience:
EVERYONE 18 AND OLDER
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR, CELEBRITY
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY MADE THE YAO AND THE GIRL SEE THEIR OWN HEIGHT
What is the slogan/message for the company?
EVERYWHERE YOU WANT TO BE
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT GOT THE POINT ACROSS
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
JOURNALISM NOTES
Definition:
Define “Journalism” in 1-3 sentences.
CURRENT EVENTS THAT ARE NEWSWORTHTY THAT ARE SEND THROUGH NEWSPAPER,INTERNET,RADIO,TV ETC
List and describe the six criteria of newsworthiness.
TITLE DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
1 SIGNIFICANCE- ARE IMPORTANT EVENTS THAT IMPACT A LOT OF PEOPLE.
2. TIMELINESS- CARE ABOUT THE THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING NOW OR TODAY.CARING ABOUT THE PRESENT.
3. UNUSUALNESS- WE CARE ABOUT UNUNSUAL EVENTS THAT HAPPEN ONCE IN A WHILE LIKE FIRES,MURDERS,EARTHQUAKE,9/11
4. PROXIMITY- WE CARE ABOUT LOCAL NEWS, WEATHER,TRAFFIC OR RELATIVE LOCATIONS
5. PROMINENCE- WE CARE ABOUT CELEBRITIES NEWS AND INTERESTING THINGS THAT GO ON IN THEIR LIVES
6. HUMAN INTEREST- A FEEL GOOD STORY, A BABY DOLPHIN BORN AT THE ZOO;)
What are the advantages of print journalism?
1.THE ABILITY OF HAVE THE PAPER IN YOUR HAND AND READ IT WHEN EVER YOU WANT TO.
2.ITS SOMETHING TANGIBLE THAT YOU CAN TAKE WITH YOU. PORTABLE AND BRING IT WITH YOU WHATEVER.
3.THERE IS MORE INFORMATION AND IT IS MUCH MORE DESCRIPTIVE.
What are the advantages of broadcast journalism?
1. BROADCAST JOURNALISM IS A LOT MUCH MORE FASTER THAN NEWSPAPER.
2. YOU HAVE THE ELEMENT OF VIDEO AND SOUND AND YOU GET MORE EXCITEMENT OR FEELINGS FOR THE STORY.
3. IT IS MUCH MORE CURRENT AND THERE IS ALOT OF LIVE NEWS STORIES.
Why has online journalism (convergent media) become so popular?
BECAUSE IT IS A LOT MORE FASTER AND IT ALSO HAS ALOT OF ADVANTAGES FROM PRINT NEWS AND IT PUTS IT IN ONE PLACE. AND IT HAS MUCH MORE VIDEO AND SOUND JUS OVERALL MUCH BETTER QUALITY.
Define “Journalism” in 1-3 sentences.
CURRENT EVENTS THAT ARE NEWSWORTHTY THAT ARE SEND THROUGH NEWSPAPER,INTERNET,RADIO,TV ETC
List and describe the six criteria of newsworthiness.
TITLE DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
1 SIGNIFICANCE- ARE IMPORTANT EVENTS THAT IMPACT A LOT OF PEOPLE.
2. TIMELINESS- CARE ABOUT THE THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING NOW OR TODAY.CARING ABOUT THE PRESENT.
3. UNUSUALNESS- WE CARE ABOUT UNUNSUAL EVENTS THAT HAPPEN ONCE IN A WHILE LIKE FIRES,MURDERS,EARTHQUAKE,9/11
4. PROXIMITY- WE CARE ABOUT LOCAL NEWS, WEATHER,TRAFFIC OR RELATIVE LOCATIONS
5. PROMINENCE- WE CARE ABOUT CELEBRITIES NEWS AND INTERESTING THINGS THAT GO ON IN THEIR LIVES
6. HUMAN INTEREST- A FEEL GOOD STORY, A BABY DOLPHIN BORN AT THE ZOO;)
What are the advantages of print journalism?
1.THE ABILITY OF HAVE THE PAPER IN YOUR HAND AND READ IT WHEN EVER YOU WANT TO.
2.ITS SOMETHING TANGIBLE THAT YOU CAN TAKE WITH YOU. PORTABLE AND BRING IT WITH YOU WHATEVER.
3.THERE IS MORE INFORMATION AND IT IS MUCH MORE DESCRIPTIVE.
What are the advantages of broadcast journalism?
1. BROADCAST JOURNALISM IS A LOT MUCH MORE FASTER THAN NEWSPAPER.
2. YOU HAVE THE ELEMENT OF VIDEO AND SOUND AND YOU GET MORE EXCITEMENT OR FEELINGS FOR THE STORY.
3. IT IS MUCH MORE CURRENT AND THERE IS ALOT OF LIVE NEWS STORIES.
Why has online journalism (convergent media) become so popular?
BECAUSE IT IS A LOT MORE FASTER AND IT ALSO HAS ALOT OF ADVANTAGES FROM PRINT NEWS AND IT PUTS IT IN ONE PLACE. AND IT HAS MUCH MORE VIDEO AND SOUND JUS OVERALL MUCH BETTER QUALITY.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
