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