Final Exam Review

1. Timeliness: Recentness of the facts in the story.

2. Proximity: Closeness of an event to where you publish from .

3. Human Interest: Dramatic/emotional struggle.

4. Prominence: Importance/"newsworthiness" of a piece.

5. Conflict: Two physical, emotional, or philosophical contradicting sides meeting.

6. Interviews: Talking with a subject of the story. They answer questions and share their views, opinions, stores, beliefs, etc.

7. Research: Looking up information about the topic or subject of your piece prior to the interview.

8. Quotations: Real things the interviewee said.

9. Yes-no question: A question with a yes or no answer. Asked to qualify facts.

10. Follow-up question: A question you ask to get more information on a topic or for when the topic steers in a new direction.

11. Objective writing: Writing about something with out showing your opinion on the subject or topic.

12. Transition paragraph: A paragraph between two quotes that flows them together.

13. Hard news story: Stories that are very timely and newsworthy and usually are about war, politics, economy, etc.

14. Soft news story: Stories that don't have to be super up to date and are usually bout music, arts, human interest, etc.

15. Inverted Pyramid: The way typical news stories are structured. Most important info --> important details --> other info

16. Third-person point of view: The POV that explains all sides and doesn't take a side.

17. 5 Ws and H lead: Who, what, where, when, why, how. As many as possible are answered in the intro sentence.

18. Editing: Modifying/making changes to your original piece.

19. Attribution: Giving somebody credit for something or a quality of a person.

20. Paraphrase: Briefly explain something. Not using the original wording.

21. Fragmentary quotation: A piece of a quote.

22. Direct quotation: Something the interviewee said verbatim in a piece.

23. Partial quotation: Using parts of a quote to make more sense to the piece.

24. Uses of quotations: Use quotations to add personality and a voice to the piece.

25. When to use quotations: Use quotations in between transitions.

26. When quotations are unnecessary or not desired: When they just give straight and boring facts or information that could be included in transition paragraphs.

27. Editorial: Gives the authors opinion on a topic.

28. Editorial page: Page with editorials on it.

29. Columns: A continuous opinion or advice piece in a newspaper.

30. Editorial that criticizes: An opinionated piece that criticizes a certain topic. The opinion of the author is strongly against the topic.

31. Editorial that explains: An opinion piece that explains why a person feels a way about a topic.

32. Editorial that persuades: An opinionated piece that persuades readers to agree with the author's opinion on a certain topic.
33. Letter to the editor: A letter sent to the newspaper by readers and is typically published.

Current Events #3.3

1. How many percent increase of his salary paid as a bonus COULD have Mark Houser gotten according to his contract?Mark Houser could have gotten a 200% increase on his salary under his contract.

2. What NON-TEXTUAL clues are evident in the political cartoon on page A7 help the viewer to understand the artists perspective?
-the sarcasm of this piece
-the stereo typical dumb trucker look of the character
-the phrase on the shirt
-the second speech bubble as kind of an afterthought 

3. What is the so-called 'Merry Christmas Law?"
The 'Merry Christmas Law' is under the first amendment and states that "no school official in Texas can silence a biblical reference to Christmas. This is an attack on religious liberty."

4. Why is Whole Foods being removed from the Nasdaq-100 index?
Whole Foods is being removed from the Nasdaq-100 index because the Whole Foods market cap has dropped from $22 million to about $9.9 billion in the past three years, and "the Nasdaq-100 index is composed of the 100 largest non financial companies companies."

5. What is so special about Harry Potter yoga?
Harry Potter yoga is special because it is a yoga class with Harry Potter decorations everywhere, and the participants pretend they are in Harry Potter world, transforming into features or casting spells with their wands.

6. Long Response
The DNA analysis lab at the Austin Police Department has officially been shut down. The staffers working to get it up and running again after its temporary break didn't meet expectations and as a result the lab will not be in use. Two of the staffers were sent to a different location to continue working with hopes of getting the lab running again. The lab was using out of date protocols which were skewing the results of the lab. I think it is crucial for the teams to use the newest and proper protocols in order to get the most accurate results. When dealing with crime, you can't run the risk of accusing the wrong person or mixing up results. It's important that the staffers chosen to leave left because they weren't qualified for the job of DNA testing. If they didn't meet the department's expectations of following correct procedures and continued to defend their outdated protocols, then it is for the better that they were asked to leave. The lab closed in the first place in June due to operational issues, and is unable to get running gain due to four scientists on the staff there. Not having a DNA testing lab in our police department will affect our safety department as well as our community as a whole. Tricky cases that require DNA tests will be delayed and hopefully labs in nearby cities or police departments will be able to assist our police. I do not think that our police department should be running a DNA testing lab if we do not have the proper staff to work it. I think having the lab would be good, but that requires having a staff that meets expectations.

Self-Critique

1. Who were the sources?
Sabrina Der, Andrew Aman, Winnie Aman

2. Summarize in 1-3 sentences the story:
Sabrina is a young adult with disabilities. She applied for and was accepted into Project SEARCH. This story is about what Project SEARCH is and how it has helped Sabrina.

3. How many paragraphs is the story?
30

4. How many words is the story?
960

5. How many direct quotes are there in the story?
14

6. How many different people are quoted in the story?
3

7. Which quote is the most impactful of all the ones included?
“I think a lot of people know that I have a disability, but some people do not know,” Der said. “And one of them doesn’t really like me because I can be really slow or get behind. But Project SEARCH taught us that if someone doesn’t like you, you can still work really well and focus on your own accomplishments.”

8. Where is that quote located in the story (beginning, middle, end)?
Towards the end

9. Does the lede effectively capture the readers attention?
Yes

10. If their could have been one additional person interviewed for the story, who would it be?
Someone from the hospital

11. Is the story objective, which means are all non-direct quotes statements of fact and NOT the opinion of the writer?
Yes

12. Are there any unanswered questions that you have after reading the article?
No

13. Write a headline to go with this story:
Searching for new opportunities 

14. Sum up the opinion of the story:
Project SEARCH is an opportunity for young adults with disabilities to get real world work experiences.

15. Give yourself a self grade from 0-100
88

Current Events #3.2

1. Who are three of the Trump cabinet choices that critics say are unqualified to be in those positions?
Three of the Trump cabinet choices that critics say are unqualified are Ben Carson, Nikki Haley, and Steve Mnunchin.

2. How, specifically, have county jails in Texas reduced the number of suicides over the past year?
County jails in Texas have reduced the number of suicides by paying closer attention to inmates who have mental health issues or who do require special attention based on their physical or mental state.

3. What kind of business is Perk Inc.?
Perk Inc. is a mobile rewards business that awards prizes to users for doing certain things like shopping or playing certain games.

4. Who are the five Heisman candidates and what school do they attend?
The five Heisman candidates are Lamar Jackson from the University of Louisville, Jabrill Peppers from the University of Michigan, Deshaun Watson from Clemson University, and Baker Mayfield and Dede Westbrook both from the University of Oklahoma.

5. What are two things you could do in Pt. Reyes, CA?
Two things you can do in Pt. Reyes are going on the Meteor Shower Kayak Adventure or going on the Secret Caves & Hidden Beaches guided walk.

6. Long Response
This story took place in west Texas, near Big Spring, Texas. The victory was Iran's football team winning the game and advancing to semifinals. The tragedy was that their bus driving cheerleaders and two of their team sponsors got in a fatal car wreck. Many of the cheerleaders had injuries, and one of the team sponsors passed away. I really enjoyed this piece. It was about something sad, but the author wrote it in a very interesting, but very tasteful and sensitive way. The author addressed the audience in the opening and gave almost all the 5 Ws. I think they did this because it was a very sensitive and touchy piece, and it was sort of a forewarning set up to the story. It showed how unexpected things can happen and how they were originally just planning to cover the school's football game.

Peer-Critique

Peer critique on Imogen's story--

1. Who were the sources?
Steve Southerland, Steviee Southerland, Heather Southerland

2. Summarize in 1-3 sentences the story:
Eldon Rainey lived in Spokane, Washington. He fixed the clocktower for the fair. 
When his life was coming to an end, the clock stopped at the exact time he was
 saying his goodbyes, as if it were having a moment of silence.

3. How many paragraphs is the story?
34

4. How many words is the story?
929

5. How many direct quotes are there in the story?
16

6. How many different people are quoted in the story?
Three

7. Which quote is the most impactful of all the ones included?
The final one

8. Where is that quote located in the story (beginning, middle, end)?
The last paragraph

9. Does the lede effectively capture the readers attention?
Yes, it draws in the reader, but it seems like it's just thrown in. It isn't specific 
to the story. It builds up a huge event.

10.If their could have been one additional person interviewed for the story, who 
would it be?
Someone who knew the story, but did not know Eldon.

11. Is the story objective, which means are all non-direct quotes statements of
 fact and NOT the opinion of the writer?
No

12. Are there any unanswered questions that you have after reading the article?
No

13. Write a headline to go with this story:
"A Moment of Silence for Rainey"

14. Sum up your opinion of the story:
I loved the story, it was about something super cool! I think it could have been 
written better by getting to the actual even quicker and elaborating on that part 
instead of most of it being build up. Also, it was kind of confusing to read with all 
the brackets.

15. Give them a peer grade from 0-100
90

Feature Story

Feature Story Work

Story First Draft

Fun in the Sun!

It seems to me that the people change with the seasons. And I know it's not just me, that's just a basic cliche. And I know there is definitely scientific proof backing me up, but this year especially I have noticed things in other people as well as myself that I haven't before.
I have learned so much in 2016, book smarts and street smarts included.

So, with that being said, here are 50 things I learned in 2016--

1. Don't be afraid of change, embrace it.
2. Success doesn't come without hard work.
3. Give 110% into everything you do.
4. Do not be afraid of voicing your opinion!
5. Cry whenever you feel like it.
6. It is so so important to pay attention to your own happiness and health.
7. Who cares what other people think of you.
8. Spend as much time as you can with your parents.
9. Splurge on yourself once in a while.
10. Saturdays are for the girls (;
11. Roll down the windows and sing as loud as you can.
12. Online shopping is the best therapy.
13. Postmates are a gift sent from heaven.
14. Put yourself out there as much as possible.
15. Take personal days.
16. Prepare for the worst.
17. Tell the truth.
18. Cousins make the absolute best friends.
19. Set goals.
20. Try out new restaurants and shops often.
21. Do things that scare you.
22. Eye contact and a nice introduction does go a long way.
23. Be engaged when you're talking to somebody.
24. Learn as much as you can!
25. Judging others does you absolutely no good.
26. Forgive, but don't forget.
27. Make the best of every situation.
28. Just because your friends don't invite you to something, doesn't mean they don't like you.
29. Get as close as you can at every concert.
30. Take hot baths.
31. Let people you care about know how much you appreciate them on a regular basis.
32. A snapchat streak is not a friendship.
33. A high school break up is not the end of your life.
34. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
35. Don't go to bed mad at someone.
36. It's okay to say "I'm sorry, I'm too busy."
37. Go get a second serving of that cake.
38. Live in the moment.
39. People have different opinions, accept that.
40. Stretch on the daily.
41. Memorize the directions to your best friends house, the grocery store, and the nearest Coffee Bean.
42. Not everybody is going to like you.
43. Nobody can define who you are but yourself!
44. Remember little details about your friends.
45. Keep an organized agenda and to-do list.
46. Mind your Ps and Qs.
47. Learn how to accept compliments.
48. Find what you are passionate about.
49. Remember: this is just high school. Don't take things too seriously.
50. Have as much fun as you possibly can!

Lone Star Dispatch - News Evaluation #2

NEWS

Forensics individuals qualify to state at competition
1. The story was about how the Bowie speech and debate team did so well at their recent tournaments. Many students won numerous awards and qualified for state.
2. Caleb Newton and Marco Bazan
3. In my opinion, the strongest quote was the last one
4. Yes
5. Quote

COMMENTARY
Bottle flipping trend should not be common at school
1. This story was about how annoying Gavin finds water bottle flipping. He thinks the kids interested in it should just move on and find another hobby and spend their time doing actually productive things.
2. No quotes
3. No quotes
4. A little, I could already tell where the story was going to end based on the headline, so I wasn't too interested to read it in the first place.
5. Statement

FEATURE
Ready, set, teach; the teachers of the future
1. The story is about a program at Bowie for students who want to be teachers in their future. It talks about the structure of the class and some things they do.
2. Janette Fattouh, Taylah Rasmussen, Kim Lee, Jean Frazier
3. The final quote
4. Yes
5. Quote

ENTERTAINMENT
Senior-directed shows take flight
1. Every year the seniors direct children shows, probably the favorite set of shows for actors. Any student can audition, and they get to tour to perform at elementary schools.
2. Lauren Norris, Bronwyn Neale, David Garza
3. The first quote by Lauren Norris
4. Yes, very much
5. Quote

ATHLETICS
Sophomore soars elegantly on the silks
1. The story is about Layla Harris and her unique skill of aerial acrobatics.
2. Layla Harris, Toni Harris, Sophia Harris
3. The first quote
4. Yes
5. Quote

REVIEWS
Lady Gaga stuns fans with her new album
1. The story was an album review over Lady Gaga's new album, Joanne. It is very different from what we are used to coming from her.
2. No quotes
3. No quotes
4. Yes, a lot
5. Statement

IN-DEPTH
Students find their talents through clubs
1. This story was about all the unique clubs offered at Bowie. Every club has a unique story and purpose, and are open to anyone at Bowie.
2. Caleb Newton, Max Wood, Christina Jia, Bridget Alvarez, Lauren Aman, Hosei Nakajima, Emily Robinett
3. The final quote was the strongest
4. Yes
5. Quote

Current Events #3.1

1. How many people were injured in the attack yesterday at Ohio State University? 
11 people were injured in the attack yesterday at Ohio State University.

2. What is the 'word of the year' and what does it mean? 
The word of the year is xenophobia, it means "fear or hatred of foreigners, people from different cultures, or strangers."

3. What effect, according to Jonathan Saenz in the story, is the Dripping Spring school board failure to take action on transgendered issues at Walnut Spring Elementary School?
The Dripping Spring school board's failure to take action on transgendered issues at Walnut Spring Elementary School will result in parents and taxpayers arguing against the policy because they think it puts their kids at risk.

4. Who would Elise Foradory like to have dinner with?
Elise Foradory would like to have dinner with her mom, dad, and brother.

5. What is the Marco Polo App? 
The Marco Polo App is another social media app that basically combines Messenger, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.

6. Long Response

Beginning in 2014, Obama ha tried to make peace and "normalize relations with Cuba." Since then it has been a slow climb uphill, but lots of progress has been made on the issue regarding the relationship between Cuba and the United States. But on Monday, Trump tweeted "If Cuba is unwilling to make a better deal for the Cuban people, the Cuban/American people, and the U.S. as a whole, I will terminate the deal." Since he tweeted this, there has been a lot of nervousness around the issue. If Trump finds a way to destroy the relationship with Cuba that both countries have worked so hard for, there would be a lot of consequences. Both countries would suffer economic blows, especially Cuba. I do not know much on the situation, but based on what I know, I don't think it's a good idea to cut relations with Cuba. I think it will have many negative effects, including some that can't be explicitly predicted. I think cutting relations will make things for citizens with ties to both countries hard. They would essentially have to chose a country. I would definitely be interested in Cuba, so it would be upsetting and kind of scary if the U.S. cut ties with the country. It is such a beautiful place. The new relationship under Obama's administration has helped commercial travel and commerce industries, and the flow of information to Cuba. To end the deal with the countries would be a major backfire on so many advancements made in the past couple years.

Feature Story Brainstorm

1. Who is your main subject?
Sabrina Der, my step sister

2. Supporting interviews (who else do you need to talk to, minimum 2 people)?
Winnie Aman, my step mom
Andrew Aman, my dad

3. What is the topic or potential topic?
Sabrina works in a program called Project SEARCH at Dell Children's Medical Center. It's a program run through Seton Healthcare that gives internship opportunities to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

4. Which angle from above will you write the story?
First-hand experience

5. Then, to help you get going faster, come up with 20 questions that you can ask your main subject.
-1. What do you like about where you work?
-2. How did you find out about project SEARCH?
-3. How did the application process work?
-4. How did you find out you were accepted?
-5. Who was the first person you told and why?
-6. Did you go through any special training?
-7. If so, can you describe the process?
-8. Describe your first day of actual work.
-9. Describe a typical day at work.
-10. What responsibilities does your job have?
-11. What is your favorite part about your work?
-12. Least favorite?
-13. What do you find rewarding about your work?
-14. What is the community at the hospital like?
-15. What have you learned from this job?
-16. Would you say your job is difficult?
-17. If so, why?
-18. What made you want to first apply?
-19. Do you see yourself having a future at the hospital, or in this field?
-20. What are some qualities you think a person needs for this job?

6. Once you complete that portion, you need to come up with 5-10 questions you need to ask your supporting interviews.
-1. How did you find out Sabrina was accepted?
-2. What was your initial reaction?
-3. How do you, if you do, help Sabrina? (concerning her job)
-4. So far, what kind of changes have you seen in Sabrina since she began Project Search?
-5. What kind of changes do you hope to see in her?
-6. Why do you, as her parent, support her with this?

7. You will need to do a little research on the topic you expect to interview your main subject about. Take a little time and do some google searching, and find at least 5 new things about the intended topic you should know before you interview your main subject.
-1. Initially implemented in the fall of 2007, Project SEARCH at Seton was the first of its kind in Texas.
-2. Project SEARCH at the Seton Healthcare Family is currently operating at five Seton sites
-3. Project SEARCH interns spend a majority of their day in internship rotations which offer opportunities to work in different hospital departments
-4. About a quarter of the student interns may be hired at the host business. 
-5. For a high school Project SEARCH program, the students need to be at least 18 years old to be considered for the program. 

8. Write when you plan to conduct the interviews.
Anytime over thanksgiving break

9. Where will you interview them?
At home or at a coffee shop (or any small, friendly environment)

10. How will you record the information?
Record the interview on my phone and take notes.

Current Events #2.4

1. What is causing earthquakes in Oklahoma?
The recent earthquakes in Oklahoma have been caused by injection wells cutting back on the fluids injected into the ground.

2. Why are open-record laws so important?Open-record laws are important because it allows people to have access to public records, and doesn't allow the people holding the records to hide them from certain people.

3. What was so interesting about a judge and her friend rescuing two boys from a fire?
The interesting thing about a judge and her friend rescuing two boys from a fire was that they were able to get the boys out without professional help, but they saw the two parents avoiding the scene and not offering help.

4. What is Lance Armstrong's objective with his new podcast "The Forward."?Lance Armstrong is essentially trying to revamp his image with his new podcast after the scandal he was involved in. He is trying to make positive changes by trying new things and working with the media.

5. What movie do you want to see?
I want to see the movie Trolls.

6. Long Response
I think Trump, sadly, is going to win the 2016 presidential election. I feel like he has gotten more coverage, and more people talk about him. Weather it be good or bad, exposure is still exposure. If Trump does in fact win, I think it will have a negative impact on America. And I'm not just talking about with his controversial policies and ideas for presidency, but with the citizens of America. His "fan base" has lived up to its reputation for being entitled, ignorant, racist, sexist, and straight up rude. If Trump wins, I think this will further their pride and result in fights and heavy disagreements throughout the country. If Tump wins, I have no idea how it would affect me. As much as I like to keep my political opinions to myself (which is very unlike me, I usually love sharing my thoughts on controversial things) I still think having Trump as our president wouldn't be good. For one, people who have tried to force their pro-Trump opinions on me would probably rub it in. It would also negatively affect me because I would be annoyed about the future of America. Having a new president come into office is so strange to me because Obama has been president for half my life, and the half before that was Bush. The president getting elected today will be the third president I've had in office during my life, which is crazy to think about. I didn't know that pro-acted decisions were a thing, but i don't think this would happen. I personally think the electoral college is a dumb and inaccurate voting process. I think the president should be decided by a popular vote. If we voted with a popular vote instead of the electoral college, the candidates would probably (hopefully) focus less on only trying to win over the big states, and focus more on their plans and how their visions appeal to the entire country. I have seen so many times the candidates changing what they say entirely based on their audience. While this can be effective to a certain degree, I think they take it too far because they are only caring about their image in the big states and swing states. I do see a future in America where more parties than just democratic and republican are represented. With so many things changing in our culture, such as sexuality acceptance and fighting for equal gender roles, the smaller parties are getting more of a voice. Even though it is small steps, take Gary Johnson for example. He gained a lot of popularity in younger generations during the last leg of the race. I am a little concerned for the next president, but I don't think it will necessarily be the fall of America, as some people are making it out to be. I am definitely going to watch as much of the election as I can. I'll probably have it on in the back while I'm doing homework.

The Man Who Played Violin

In a commonplace environment at an unexpected hour...

Do we perceive beauty?
People have a strict standard for beauty. If they see something, for example the violin player, in a setting that wouldn't fit their standard for beauty, they would probably overlook that "beautiful thing." We live in such a materialistic world, it's astounding the things people don't take the time to appreciate just because they come across something unusual and unique and they weren't expecting it.

Do we stop to appreciate it?
Often times, no. Most people nowadays are extremely time bound and think mainly of themselves. If a person isn't expecting/planning to take time out of their day to appreciate a street performer, they're going to stroll past without giving it a second thought. 

Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?
No. It is a very rare occasion that a person will stop and recognize something beautiful if they aren't expecting it. For example, in the metro station, people didn't give Joshua Bell a second glance because of the setting. People have the subconscious thought that in order for something to be beautiful, the setting, presentation, and response must all fit the same standard. It's shocking how many things are overseen just because people are so wrapped up in ideals, that something unique is seen as not correct and is not accepted.

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?
A lot of people don't listen to or appreciate classical music, so they may have assumed Joshua Bell was just another performer trying to make it. To the people living in that area, seeing performers like that is a daily occurrence, so it really isn't a surprise that more people didn't stop for a listen. Based on this experiment, odds are people are missing a lot of unexpected beauty in this world. For example, looking at your phone during a car ride instead of looking out the window to catch flowers blooming in spring or the sun shining through clouds after a rain. There are so many tiny things in this world that only the small percentage of people appreciate because they aren't wrapped up in the societal standards of beauty. If you take a few minutes to pause your schedule and take in what's around, ignoring the ideals of others, you'd probably catch something beautiful, by your own standards. 

Feature Writing Preview

1. What is the difference between a hard news lead (lede) and the one you read above?
A hard news lead states as much as the 5 W's as possible, but the lead in the piece above is very short, vague, and pulls in the reader. It doesn't give information on what you're about to read.

2. What paragraph(s) did you learn the following information?
a. Who- second
b. What- second
c. Where- second
d. When- second
e. Why- second
f. How- second

3. Are there quotes in this story?
Yes.

4. Are those quotes arranged in the "quote-transiton" style we used in news writing?
No.

5. Who is quoted in the story?
Kevin McLoughlin, Doral Chenoweth III, Ken Andrews, Tony Florentino, Shane Cormier, Patrick Harris, Ted Williams.

6. What quote is the most powerful in the story, in your opinion?
"The voice became something of a development."

7. How many paragraphs is the story?
33

8. How many words is the story?
765

9. What is significant about the lead (lede) and the final paragraph of the story?
They're both very short, similar, and open the story by drawing you in, and end the story also leaving you intrigued.

10. Why do you think the writer did that with the lead (lede) and final paragraph?
To give the story its own voice and flow, and to make the piece more interesting to read.

11. Was the story interesting to read?
Yes. At times it was slow and was throwing out a lot of facts, but I was so intrigued because I wanted to hear his voice.

12. When you finished the story, but BEFORE you watched the video, did you want to hear the voice?
So bad

13. Multimedia approaches are powerful tools, what impact did the video have when watched directly after reading the story?
The video gave me the image of Williams, and gave me the sound of his voice. It helped the reader/watcher better picture the situation he is in.

14. Would the story have lost its impact without the video?
No, but the video definitely adds to it. 

15. Did the writer try to come up with a way for you to hear the voice, i.e. did he try to describe the voice or give you a way to "hear" the voice without really hearing it?
A little.

16. How did the writer do that?
He used a few unique descriptive words like "smooth baritone."

Editorials and Personal Columns

Lone Star Dispatch editorial ideas:
1. Missing / making up school time
2. Population growth in Austin
3. Obsession with social image

A column I read on a regular basis is Daily News. I read this because they post a lot about celebrities that I don't really find important, but they are entertaining to read.

Peer Reflection #2

1. Who wrote the story?

Sol-Marie

2. What is their story about?

Skateboarding to and around school

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

"...if people [want] to skate somewhere then they should be able to"

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

Yes, sort of. "But administration might have some other thoughts about it."

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, she continued throughout the piece to talk about why skateboarding should be allowed where you want.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?
1st

Peer Reflection #1

1. Who wrote the story?

Elizabeth

2. What is their story about?

School threats on social media

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

She talks about the dangers of the issue, but doesn't exactly state what she thinks of the threats. She does think campus security should be taken seriously. "I think most of the threats on high schools, like the clown threats, are formed by students that have no idea what they are getting into and what the consequences are."

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

Yes. "Students think that the ideas they have in mind are entertaining."

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, she mostly spit facts about what's been happening with the school threats, but she did only take one side throughout. 

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?
1st

Commentary Story

Animal Experimentation

Current Events #2.3

1. Why is Austin police chief Art Acevedo threatening to fire certain police supervisors?
Austin police chief, Art Acevedo, is threatening to fire certain police supervisors who fail to report their complaints and issues to the department's Internal Affairs unit.

2. Why are some individuals who are being required to buy federally mandated health insurance choosing to pay a fine instead of pay for the insurance? 
Some individuals who are being required to buy federally mandated health insurance are choosing to pay a fine instead of pay for the insurance because it can sometimes be less expensive to pay the Internal Revenue Service than an insurance company.

3. How could a future Bowie student earn a "micromajor?"
A future Bowie student could earn a "micromajor" because a new program called TEXAS MicroMajor is being launched that allows high school students to take college courses developed by UT faculty.

4. Who won the Formula 1 race at COTA last weekend and who was the headline performer at the concert that night?
Lewis Hamilton won the F1 race, and Taylor Swift was the headline performer. 

5. Which of The Long Weekend five things to do would you like to go to if you could this weekend?
If I could do one of these activities, I would chose to go to the BBQ Fest.

6. Long Response
I think Texas has "turned purple." The gap of "blue vs red" voters has significantly shrunk in the past few elections. At this point in the presidential race Clinton and Trump are very close because so many likely voters don't have a strong opinion on who they want to vote for. I think the poll didn't include Jill Stein because the race is basically between Clinton and Trump. The Green Party is practically irrelevant and the poll was mainly about Clinton and Trump. I think the biggest contribution to the shift towards blue is the generation gap. Most of the voters on the younger side of the spectrum support Clinton. Many voters in the generation above them, like their parents, are siding with Trump. The poll was conducted online and over the phone, and I think it is fairly accurate. The biggest issues that concerned those who were polled were immigration, the economy, education, and taxes. I definitely think those are all very important issues to consider when picking a president. To me, the most important issue is probably the economy and taxes.

Huntington Story

53 year old Janice Jones was shot in the leg in her own motor home when her gun was accidentally discharged on Wednesday night.
"Jones was eating pork chops in the back of her motor home, which was parked on Beach Boulevard near Highway 1," California Highway Patrol press liaison Tammy Rye said. "When her dog knocked her 9 mm handgun off a seat."
Tombo, Jones' Pomeranian, was placed in the care of Animal Patrol while Jones was transported to Huntington Beach Hospital and later to Irvine Medical Center.
"The dog seemed to be malnourished and had fresh cigarette burns on its forehead," Janet Ngo, one of the animal control officers, said. "It could have done with a little less abuse and a few more of those pork chops."
Officers on the scene made note of the many violations on Jones' property.
"The county’s district attorney’s office was considering whether to charge her in relation to the gun accident," Rye said. "Jones doesn’t have a permit for the gun"

Car Accident Story

Paramedics responded to a two car collision at the intersection of 1st Street and Slaughter Lane this afternoon. Driving one car was Roger Clementine, a 13 year old boy, and his unharmed mother.
"It was a very suspenseful wait for the ambulances," Roger Clementine's mother, Clara Clementine said. "But we were glad help arrived before too long."
Roger was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for his minor injuries.
"I was very scared in the moment, but was mostly worried about my mom and the people in the other car," Roger Clementine said.
In the other car was John Jacob Jingleheimer-Smith, 91, and his wife, Melba, 67. They were taken to the same hospital.
"The most recent I've heard was that the doctors were taking him for a CT," Melba Smith said. "All I can do is sit here and hope for the best."
The weather was sunny. The road was not slick. All people involved are from Austin.
"The traffic flow in our city has gotten so congested and the condition is very bad right now," police officer Elizabeth Bowen said. "All drivers on the road need to be especially cautious when driving during rush hour."
The Smiths had ben driving a 1989 Yugo Firebelcher, which was a total loss after the head on crash with the Clementine's 1948 Studebaker. 
"On top of everything, that car was my husband's prize possession," Melba Smith said.
Roger Clementine was cited for driving without a license, speeding, and for driving in the wrong lane.