Current Events Quiz #2.3

1. In Tuesday's paper on page A3 "Ellis Island", what do you know about Ellis Island? Would you like to visit the island? WHY or WHY NOT

 I know that Ellis Island is the island where millions of immigrants came through to become an American citizen. My great grandfather came through Ellis island from Russia. I would like to visit the island because i believe it would be very interesting to find out bout the many people who traveled through there.

2. In Tuesday's paper on page A7 "Thanks, Texas..." What points are the author trying to make about Texas? Do you agree or disagree with his perspective? WHY or WHY NOT

  the author is saying thank you to texas because we made it possible for them to have free healthcare and that is because Texas is not giving in to Obamacare. I disagree that Obamacare is a bad thing because it makes it so that very one has to pay for medical expenses and so that people that do pay their bills don't have to pay more just so they can pay for the people who don't. I see where some people are coming from with the idea that Obamacare takes away people's free will and their right to decide if they want to pay for healthcare but the fact is it just is not fair to the other people.

3. In Tuesday's paper on page B1 "School staff to get ...." What are your reactions to the story? Do you think the Bastrop staff should get the training? WHY or WHY NOT

 I think it is horrible that staff at a high school are treating kids that way. I have seen this kind of treatment towards students. At the middle school i went to a teacher used a racial slur when calling on a student and does not work at our school anymore. I think Bastrop should definitely get the training because all it can do is help.

4. In Wednesday's paper on page A11 "NFL not..." Do you think the concussion issue is enough to cause changes in the NFL? WHY or WHY NOT

I think concussions are a major issue in football but its not enough to really change the whole sport since it is such a "powerful" sport. the concussion issue might spark changes in equipment and the rules about playing injured players but no more than that.

5.  In Thursday's paper on page A1 "Guards at lockup..." What should happen to guards at the facility?

 the guards at the facility should be fired and not allowed to be in any kind of protective service. What they did was wrong.

6.  In Thursday's paper on page 1 "Sebelien apologizes: Obama tries..." Should the computer problems plaguing the ACA be reflective on the job the President is doing as the leader of the United States? WHY or WHY NOT

 No i don't think it should be reflective on President Obama because computers malfunction it happens, though the technology that they are using should be better functioning but it has nothing to do Obama.

SNO Online Papers

1. Who wrote the story?

Georgina Kuhlmann

2. What is their story about?

It was a review of the newest Iron Man movie.

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

"...But the unexpected twists, the brilliant acting and the focus on Tony's character more than ake up for its fault."

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

No 

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 they were not. They had good and bad things to say but she was confident in all of her comments.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No

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

1st

1. Who wrote the story?

Nikki Humble and Kathryn Revelle

2. What is their story about?

The Mumford and Sons concert they attended

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

"This was the best concert we have ever attended, and we highly recommend giving the band’s music a try."

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

No

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 they were not they were very enthusiastic about their opinion and very sure of it.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No

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

1st

1. Who wrote the story?

Margaret Norman

2. What is their story about?

The Bruno Mars Concert she attended.

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

"All in all, the concert was amazing. Between singing, playing the guitar and playing the drums, Bruno Mars is one talented guy. I’d have to say this concert was one of the highlights of my summer."

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

Yes

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 was very sure of herself having been a sort of fan of Bruno Mars then left totally in love.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

no 

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

1st

Personal Essays

1. What was one idea that the writer gave in the Wide Range of Topics section that you can use as you start deciding on a topic?
 One idea is use a topic that you would like to carry a conversation about. This is a good idea because chances are if you can carry on a conversation about you know a lot about it and are really passionate about it.
2. What was one idea the writer gave in the Opinions Pieces section that you should remember as you are writing your piece?
 One idea is to write the piece so that the topic is wide enough for anyone to relate to. This is good advice because people will not read stories they can't relate to.

3. List three suggestions the writer makes in the Personal Essays and Crafts section that you will use as you write.
*Do not use to many "I"s because  it will take away from the rythym and fluidity of a piece.
*Do not use too many facts because it makes the piece sound more like a hard news story and less like and opinion piece.
*Write to convey all five senses because it will help your readers to envision what you are writing about and ultimately keep them more interested.

Higher Success Seen in Students who are Part of Extracurriculars

        There are tons of extracurriculars, clubs, and specialized electives for students to choose from here at Bowie. There is something for everyone.
        There are a lot of students who get involved but not everybody does and I believe everybody should find a place where they can be themselves. There are many benefits to joining a club or trying out for an extracurricular activity.

        There are numerous studies that show that students who participate in extra school activities are much more likely to have better grades and GPAs. 

        Also students who participate in clubs and specialized electives have better social interaction. Extracurriculars are a great chance to meet new people who have the same interests as you and make friends and just having friends greatly boosts a student's self-confidence.

        A lot of students who do not participate in any extra school activities say there isn't anything that they are good at. Well students don't have to be good at anything to get involved. All students have to do is choose something that interests them and give it a try.

        Participating in extracurriculars can boost student's self esteem and their grades. So just try something new and go for it.

Opinions Writing

1. What do you think the major differences between a hard news story and an opinions piece? Come up with at least three.

One major difference is that in hard news stories you must use third person point of view but in Opinion writing you can use first person point of view and a lot of writers do. Another difference is in hard news stories they all include direct quotes but many opinion writings use indirects quotes or none at all. The last difference is that hard news stories must be on topics that are very recent, opinion news stories are usually somewhat recent but really they can really be written about anything.

2. Why do you think there aren't very many photos on this page?

I think there aren't many photos on this page because the articles are about the authors own thoughts photos would be hard to make fit in to those very specific opinion.

3. What are three topics you think would be good to write an opinions piece on?

I think three topics an opinion piece should be written on is off campus policies, the atmosphere at football games in the student section, and  how students should get involved in extracurriculars and things like that.

Opinions

FIT Proves Beneficial for Student Body

1. Who wrote the story?

It is editorial so it is unknown.

2. What is their story about?

The story is about the benefits of FIT for the students at Bowie.

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

"Flexible Instruction Time is a beneficial program for the student body excluding the glitchy and unfriendly A.I.S.D Portal system." 

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

Yes

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 the write was not wishy washy they were confident in their opinion and stated it without hesitation. The writer did present other's concerns and dislikes about the topic in a good way though. They added how those things that are concerning should be changed.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No

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

3rd 

Dress code Enforcement Remains Drastically Strict

1. Who wrote the story?

Elyas Levens

2. What is their story about?

The stricter dress -code policies and how they are not necessary.

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

"Almost nobody in the school takes the dress code seriously but they still pass school just fine. Basically this completely contradicts the idea of dress code proving it is irrelevant." 

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

Yes he does but he saids why he doesn't believe the same thing.

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 he definitely was not. Levens was very confident in his opinion and stated it very directly.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

no

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

1st

Social Media Damages Teenagers Minds

1. Who wrote the story?

Ashlee Thomason

2. What is their story about?

The harmful effects of social media and how they are effecting teens look at themselves and others.

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

"Life would be less complex without social media. Social media dictates the lives of teenagers, which affects their day-to-day moods."

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

Yes she addressed how teens say it is a way of communication.

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 I do not think her opinion was wishy washy because she did not contradict herself at all.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

Yes but it is an indirect quote.

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

1st

Seniors are Stereotyped by Poking Fun at "Fish"

1. Who wrote the story?

Meagan Prehn

2. What is their story about?

how seniors are seen as bullies when horsing around with the freshman while calling them "fish" and other senior stereotypes that are misleading.

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

"Seniors are constantly stereotyped as huge blockades that stand in front of the academic building on the first day of school to taunt and humiliate incoming freshman. As well as never attending school and simply not caring about our classes in general anymore. Well I don't believe thats exactly accurate."

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

Yes she did.

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 was not wishy washy about her opinion but her topic was not a very serious topic so she had a little more fun with it.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

no

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

1st

Stress, Pressure, and Grades

1. Who wrote the story?

Maryam Hussain

2. What is their story about?

The pressure that comes along with school when you start high school about grades and college.

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

"As a junior I feel I am constantly worrying more about my grades than the content of work being studied. All I'm concerned about is how to improve my grades and boost my GPA..."

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

Yes

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 they were not wishy washy with her opinion.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

Yes there are indirect quotes

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

1st

Lone Star Dispatch-News Evaluation

Mentoring Program Creates Mixed Feelings on Campus
1.Who-Students and Staff at Bowie
What-Have different opinions about FIT which was changed at Bowie
When-This 2013-2014 school year
Where-Here at Bowie
Why-To give students as many opportunities as possible to get help with schoolwork
How-By having a half hour period after first period on Mondays and Tuesdays where the students choose what they want to do.

2. Students this year attend FIT every on day and Tuesday. The Students and Staff have many different opinions on whether they like or dislike FIT and if they could how would they change it to make it better.

3.Coach Robert Deckard: Direct
Principal Stephen Kane: Direct
Sophomore Maddie Cooper: Direct
Junior Scott Mayo: Direct
Senior Megan Hudson: Direct
Senior Joseph Lewright: Direct

4. No there are no opinion transitions.

5.I think the Headline summarizes the story very well because it tells us that not everybody thinks FIT is good or bad but I do think she should have included FIT in the headline because i didn't know thats what it was about until I started reading.

6.yes



Outdoor Performing Ensemble Comes out on Top with a First Place Win at "Bands of America" Contest
1.Who- Bowie Outdoor Performing Ensemble
What- Won Bands of America Austin Regional
When-  On September 28
Where- Bands of America Contest
Why- They won because the Ensemble had the best visual and general effects and were the all around best group.
How- The ensemble puts in a lot of effort at practice and they always try their hardest.

2. On September 28, the Bowie Outdoor performing ensemble won the Bands of America contest. The ensemble won best visual and general effects and placed first overall by putting in lots of time and effort at the practices they have every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Members of the band and color guard were very excited to win and hope to do even better next time.

3. Junior Madeleine McBride: direct
Senior Jordan Sanchez: direct
Senior Moody Schoolar: direct
Band Instructor Stephen Howard: direct
Senior Franco Palomo: direct

4. I did not find any opinion transitions.

5. I think the Headline describes the story very well it is straight to the point and concise.

6. yes


Campus Fundraiser helps out the Landers' Family 
  1.Who- Volleyball coach Jason Landers
What- There is a fundraiser where you can dress as your favorite superhero and run or walk to raise money for cancer treatment for Coach Landers.
When- Saturday Oct 26 at 10:00 am
Where- Bowie
Why-To help Coach Landers in his battle against liver cancer
How- By participating in the event and donating

2. Bowie Students and Staff can support Coach Jason Landers and his family in his battle against liver cancer. The event is on Saturday Oct 26 and begins at 10. You can dress as a superhero and run or walk then donate.

3.no quotes

4. I do not think there were any open transitions in the article.

5. I think the Headline should have included the name of the fundraiser since it wasn't mentioned in the article otherwise it sums up the article very well.

6.no photo or graphic


Harding Inspires Campus with the Groundwater Stewardship Award 
1. Who- Jill Harding
What- Won the Groundwater Stewardship Award
When- On Sept. 26
Where- Bowie
Why- Because she did a lot of wonderful work to preserve the groundwater.
How- By the work she put forward to restore the on campus cave.

2. Jill Harding was awarded the Groundwater Stewardship Award on Sept 26. She won because  she has done a lot of work to restore the on campus cave and make it safer for everyone.

3.  no quotes

4. I did not find any opinion transitions in the article.

5. I do not think the article concisely summarized the story, it did not need to include the part about "Harding Inspires Campus..." because a very small portion of the article was about how Harding inspires the school.

6. no photos or graphics


Hope4JD Event Brings Much Success
1.Who- The Hartman Family
What- In 2008 JD had Traumatic brain damage and the Hartman family has formed a charity called Hope4JD and their big charity event this year was very successful.
When- The accident occurred in October of 2008
Where- At the Hartman's home
Why- JD experienced something called hypoxic/anoxic brain injury.
How- JD fell into the family's pool

2. In 2008 JD Hartman fell into the pool and was knocked unconscious he was rushed to the hospital and the doctors discovered he had experienced HAI. The Hartman family have adjusted to living with JD's new needs. The family has also started a charity called Hope4JD, their annual large fundraising event was very successful this year.

3. JD's dad John Hartman: direct
JD's mom Beth Hartman: direct

4. There were no opinion transitions.

5. I do not think the Headline described the story very well because from reading the headline I thought the story was going to be all about the most recent Hope4JD event but it was mostly about what happened to JD.

6. yes


Debate Team Starts Off the Season With a Win 
1. Who- The Debate team
What- Starts season with a win
When- not mentioned
Where- not mentioned
Why-The competitors put a lot of hard work at the competition
Ho- The team worked very hard at their practices

2. The Debate team wins first competition of the season. There are many new members on the team and they also have a new coach. The team did very well and are excited for the rest of the season.

3. Sophomore Miguel Lozano: direct
Sophomore Jamie Godwin: direct
Hoban: direct

4. I did not find any opinion transitions.

5. I think the headline summed up the article perfectly.

6. no graphic or photo


Rain doesn't Stop the Fun, Yearly Event Bulldogs and Hotdogs Continues on Despite Bad Weather
1.Who- Bowie Students
What- Attend Bulldogs and Hotdogs despite the rain
When- Saturday specific day not mentioned
Where- Bowie courtyard
Why- To raise money for the money organizations at Bowie
How- By selling things like food and T shirts.

2. Even though it rained during part of Bulldogs and Hotdogs the attendance was as bustling as ever. there  were lots of things to participate in or buy to support the organizations at Bowie. Admission was free and there was a performance in the gym.

3.Principal Stephen Kane: direct
Sophomore Noe Barrios: direct
Freshman Ethan Berdofe: direct
Class of 2014 Sponsor Michelle Shadwick: direct

4. I did not find any transition opinions.

5. I think the headline summarized the article very well.

6. yes


The Newest Social Media 
1. Who- Students at Bowie
What- have mixed opinions about the new app Pheed
When- recently
Where- On student's phones
Why- Many people have purchased Pheed and use it.
How- It combines the best parts of the other social media apps.

2. Pheed is the newest social media app that seems to have teens hooked. It supposedly combines the best parts of the other popular social media apps. However students have mixed opinions about whether it will catch on and how easy it is to use.

3. Senior Alexa Boone: direct
Junior Carla Kastro: direct
Ramiro Huerta: direct

4. I did not find any opinion transitions

5. I think the headline was perfect for the story.

6. No photo.


New Cell Phone Policies and Dress-code Enforcement
1. Who- Students and Staff at Bowie
What- Have different opinions on new school policies
When- This new school year
Where- Bowie
Why- Students have different opinions from teachers and staff
How- Students think they should not be as strict about phones and dress code and some staff believe the new policies will only help the learning environment

2. This year there are no policies regarding cell phones and dress code. Students and staff have mixed opinions about how the new policies affect the learning environment at Bowie.

3. Freshman Jacob Blacklock: direct
math teacher Dana Stiles: Direct
Chem. teacher Denise Sanders: direct
Sophomore Katy Jacobs: direct
Sophomore Karla Boone: direct
Sophomore Erin Crowley: direct

4. I did not see any opinion transitions.

5. I think the Headline fit the story very well.

6. No photo.

2nd Six Weeks Current Events Quiz #2.2

1. In Monday's paper the lead story on the front page was about bond supporting affordable housing. Why do you think that the city should or should not pass an additional bond this year to help build more affordable housing?

   

    I think they should pass an additional bond because it well help lots of people. People need housing in order to live a healthy, successful life and if the government help make it more affordable then they definitely should.

2. In Monday's paper the top story in the Life and Arts section is called "It's back to the basics". Why would or would you not like to participate in an adventure race like the ones described in the story?

    

    I would not like to compete in a race like this because I am not any good at the things they are competing in. Also I am straight up lazy. I do think it is a very cool and interesting concept.

3. In Monday's paper, on the second page of the Life and Arts section is a regular column called "Like a Local". The main part of the story is about a woman who wrote a book. The story goes on with a list of Becky Murphy's favorite places to go in Austin. Write a short paragraph in that same style about a favorite place you like to go.

     Evangeline's is definite food favorite. They serve Louisiana style cajun food with a little Austin flare.  A customer favorite is the chicken fried chicken drizzled in their special recipe spicy cajun gravy. Evangeline's is a staple when it comes to any cajun dish. Evangeline's is located on South Austin on Brodie.

     

4. In Tuesday's paper, on page A8 there is a story about two Utah men who pushed an ancient rock formation off its foundation. Do you think the men should be prosecuted? WHY OR WHY NOT.

     I think the men should be prosecuted because they purposely toppled over the boulder, a very very old rock formation. Also they shouldn't have posted the video on their Facebook page which is just obnoxious and they should be prosecuted for reckless Facebook posting. Yes that should be a thing.

5. In Tuesday's paper in the Business section on page B7, there is a story titled "Report: 15% of younger Americans idle. In a paragraph tell me your reactions to that story.

      I am not very surprised by the article I think it is very true. I have seen idle students and teens first hand, my brother skipped and didn't want put in the time at school and I know lots of kids skip school here at Bowie to do nothing. I think it is very stupid because it is just waste of time and if students keep staying idle they won't learn the things they need to to be successful in life and the real world is going to chew them up and spit them out.

6. In Wednesday's paper on the front page, there is a story title "Officer in shooting abruptly retires". Should the officer have been able to retire, and receive a full pension after the incident (please note he was able to buy additional years to get his full pension)? WHY OR WHY NOT.

     I do not think he should have received full pension because it was not decided what the motive, intention was or if it violated police rules. so therefore he should not get full pension because it was not decided. However he should be allowed to retire.

7. In Wednesday's paper in the Metro and State section, the lead story is about a stolen laptop. Do you worry about your private information getting out to the public? WHY OR WHY NOT.

   

 I do not really worry about my private info. getting out to the public because I have my information as private on a computer as I can set it to be . Also I don't really think that people have a reason to get a hold of my personal info. right now. However there are hackers out there who are very good at getting protected info off of computers.

2nd Six Weeks Current Events Quiz #1

1. How many days has the government shut down been going?

11 days

2. What school had a new sidewalk opened to help students get to school safer?

Leander High School

3. Who is Texas playing in football this weekend? OR What is the rivalry called?

OU Red River Rivalry

4. What very small cars are people starting to "Pimp out", just give me one example?

Smart Cars

5. A fairly important person died yesterday, his name was Scott Carpenter, what is he famous for?

he was the second person to go in to Orbit, he was 88 years old. < I think that deserves extra points:)

Answer the four questions below, please write at least a paragraph (3-5 sentences):

REMINDER - Some of you are not writing enough here. A single sentence isn't enough. I expect you to expand upon your writing. If you think you have written enough, you haven't, write more. Be sure to answer WHY you think something.

1. It seems the government shut down is about to come to a close. Have you kept up with what is happening? Explain as best you can what you know about the past 11 days, tell me what has happened as the President and the Congress have been working through their difficulties. Maybe you have heard your parents talking about it, or maybe even in social studies class you have discussed it. Tell me what you know.

I don't know very much about what is going with the government right now. I know the government is shut down because they are having major disagreements about budgeting. It is a major problem because America has a lot of debt. 

Earthquake Story

Monday morning the people of San Francisco specifically the Hayward area experienced a 6.4 magnitude earthquake.

The Hayward community had the most damage. According to Jennifer Vu, a public information officer from the Hayward Fire Department, McHenry's  auto shop began to collapse two were killed and six were injured in this incident. The names of the deceased will not be printed until their families are alerted.

"Three of the six people injured were hurt seriously enough to require hospitalization and were transported to Hayward," Vu said.

Vu added that First responders were able to stabilize the building using ropes and stop a potentially dangerous gas leak.

"Twenty-one fire personnel, 12 police and five American Red Cross workers responded to the building collapse, with some arriving within four minutes of the quake," Vu said.

Mike Beamer a resident living in the apartments that are located across from the auto shop felt the effects of the earthquake as well.

“I was eating my breakfast when the room started rolling. I dove under the table just as I heard an explosion outside and a chunk of cement flew through my kitchen window. That’s when the screaming start across the street,” Beamer said. 

Penny Gertz, a scientist from the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, determined the magnitude of the earthquake and that it came the activity at the Hayward fault.

“strong one” Gertz said.

Gertz also stated that there have been no other serious injuries reported and the quake was felt as far away as Los Angeles and Redding.

Huntington Story

53 year old Janice Jones' misfired her gun while inside a motor home on Wednesday in Barstow California.

Jones was in her motor home when  her pomeranian knocked the gun off a seat and the gun went off. The shot went through Jones' leg and penetrated the side of the vehicle.

"The bullet hit two inches from the gas tank,” Rye said. “It could have been worse.”

Jones was rushed Huntington Beach Hospital then was moved to Irvine Medical Center. A spokesperson for Huntington Beach, John Washington told the press she had been treated but would release no more information.

Jones' dog was placed in the care the Huntington Beach Animal Control officers and when examined hey found the dog was malnourished and and burns from cigarettes on head.

 “It could have done with a little less abuse,” Ngo said.

Jones will be charged for owning a gun without a permit and possibly for animal abuse.