Lone Star Dispatch Evaluation #2

Silver Stars Participate in Champions for Children

Type: News

Summary: The Silver Stars sponsor Kayleigh, a little girl who has an undiagnosed disease and chose the Silver Stars through an organization called Champions 4 Children. The silver stars also are having auditions for the team this week.

Who- Silver Stars

What- Support Kayleigh and are having team auditions.

Where- Bowie

When- This year and this week

Why- To help this little girl through a try hard situation and to choose new members for the team

How- By having Kayleigh come to the games and perform with them and by teaching dances that will be performed for a panel of judges.

Who was quoted in the story?

Me! I was quoted in the story. Also the Silver Star director Jennifer Dawson and Captain of the SIlver Stars Maddie Hacking were quoted in the story.

What quote was the strongest in your opinion?

I think the strongest quote in the story is Dawson's quote about how the Silver Stars are helping Kayleigh.

Did the lead sentence make you want to keep reading?

Yes it did make me want to keep reading.

Was the conclusion a quote or a statement?

It was a quote (My quote:).

FIT Pros and Cons

Type: Commentary

Summary: Two different writers address both the good and bad of FIT. FIT is good for getting extra help on a student's weak subjects but is ultimately designed and executed poorly.

  

Who- Students at Bowie

What- Feel differently about FIT.

Where- Bowie

When- This year

Why- FIT is beneficial for getting help but is over scrutinized.

How- Students can choose the class they want to go to but if they are in the hallway they are interrogated by faculty.

Who was quoted in the story?

Nobody was quoted in the story.

What quote was the strongest in your opinion?

There were no quotes.

Did the lead sentence make you want to keep reading?

Yes the leads made me want to read however the way the story is setup the headline acts as more of a lead and headline.

Was the conclusion a quote or a statement?

Statement

Twitter Fun Turns into Double Dare

Type: Student Life

Summary: Sophomore Tyler Hudson posted on twitter that if his post got 500 likes then he would jump off Town Lake bridge naked. His post got enough tweets so he went through with the dare and posted a video of it on his instagram.

Who- Tyler Hudson

What- Jumped off Town Lake bridge naked because of a twitter post

Where- Town Lake bridge

When- The week of Oct. 17

Why- Because he made it a bet

How- By doing it fast when there weren't many people.

Who was quoted in the story?

Sophomore Tyler Hudson

What quote was the strongest in your opinion?

The one where he talks about regreting his decision and how he prepared himself.

Did the lead sentence make you want to keep reading?

Yes the lead made me want to keep reading.

Was the conclusion a quote or a statement?

statement

Fans Exuberant Over Most Recent Hunger Games Sequel Catching Fire 

Type: Entertainment

Summary: The Hunger Games Sequel is coming out this Friday. Many Bowie students are very dedicated fans and can't wait till the movie comes out.

Who-Bowie Students

What- Are excited for the newest Hunger Games movie to come out.

Where- Bowie

When-November 22

Why- The Hunger Games is a very popular series

How- by purchasing tickets in advance

Who was quoted in the story?

Freshman Kelsey Powers, Junior Laurie Bengoa, and freshman April Briggs

What quote was the strongest in your opinion?

The quote where Bengoa says why she loves the books

Did the lead sentence make you want to keep reading?

Yes the lead made me want to keep reading

Was the conclusion a quote or a statement?

statement

A Few of Your Beauty Questions Asked and Answered

Type:Trends and Culinary

Summary: Students asked questions that have to do with beauty tips. Then other students answered their questions.

Who- students

What- ask for beauty advice

Where- Bowie

When- Last week

Why- Facial beauty is a big part of many girls and women and men these days.

How- By asking their most important beauty questions

Who was quoted in the story?

Junior Lily Howard, Senior Tess Rueter, Senior Jason Galarza, Beauty consultant Ashley, and Sophomore Taylor Niblett

What quote was the strongest in your opinion?

Galarza's quote about when he washes his face.

Did the lead sentence make you want to keep reading?

There wasn't really a lead sentence

Was the conclusion a quote or a statement?

Statement

Famous Number Retired

Type: Sports

Summary: Michael Griffin is an NFL player who used to play here at Bowie. He came home to retire his jersey number at the Akins game.

Who- Michael Griffin

What- came home to retire his jersey number.

Where- At the Akins game

When- At the Akins game

Why- To honor his accomplishments

How- By doing it at a game

Who was quoted in the story?

Michael Griffin

What quote was the strongest in your opinion?

Griffin's quote about how Bowie is doing well this season

Did the lead sentence make you want to keep reading?

Yes it did.

Was the conclusion a quote or a statement?

statement

Bill Changes Graduation Requirements 

Type: In Depth

Summary: Graduation requirements have been changed for the rest of the students coming in to high school after this year. Students will no longer have to have the four by four plan to graduate and do not have to take as many tests.

Who- Students

What- will not have the same grade requirements anymore

Where- Austin

When- next year's incoming freshman and on

Why- because they decided more students should be allowed to graduate

How- by changing the graduation requirements.

Who was quoted in the story?

Counselor Karina Reyna, Senior Natalie Pelayo, Senator Donna Campbell, Senior Garrett Custer, teacher Kimberly Nunnery, Sophomore Garrett Jordan.

 

What quote was the strongest in your opinion?

Reyna's quote about how it will be beneficial to students.

Did the lead sentence make you want to keep reading?

yes the lead made me want to keep reading.

Was the conclusion a quote or a statement?

quote

Rewritten lead: The Bowie Silver Stars are known for their halftime performances at the football games and their dances in the stands, but many people don't know what they do outside of the stadium. 

Current Events Quiz #3.3

1. Monday, page A1 (front page) - "Most food trailers..." - What are the THREE biggest difference for food trailers and the inspection process versus brick-and-mortar restaurants, according to the article?
The three biggest differences are that food trailers have to worry more about having a constant source of power, refrigeration, and a constant source of water.
2. Monday, page B5 - "Twitter latest to..." - What does Perfect Forward Secrecy do?
It adds an "extra layer of security" to make it harder for for people and the government to "eavesdrop" on people. 
3. Monday, page C4 - "Report: Investigator will..." - What is the current situation for Jonathan Martin?
The bully who bullied him is being suspended, he is being questioned about what happened, and i receiving emotional counseling.
4. Sunday, Page C1 - "Time for some parting shots" - What was Mike Leggett's final parting statement to his friends on the Statesman staff?
“If you’ve never drunk beer in the parking lot on a Saturday night or made out in a darkroom, you’ve never worked at a newspaper.”

5. Sunday, Page D1 - "Blueprint" - What portion of the Blueprint caught your eye first when I directed you to the page?
The turkey caught my eye first.
6. Sunday, Page E1 - "I, Robot..." - Do you think robots will have an active role in your life in the future? Why or why not?
yes i do think robots will play an active role in my future life because our world is becoming increasingly technological and increasingly lazy!

Current Events Quiz #3.2

1. Thursday, Page A5 "Ancient Boy's DNA..." What were the two surprises about the remains of the boy in Siberia"
The first surprise was that he was found further East than they have found anything or anyone else. Also his DNA showed that he was Native American which reveals Native Americans today might have a different ancestry than previously thought.

2. Thursday, Page B5 "11-year old boy honored..." What paragraph did you learn the following information:In many different paragraphs through out the article.

Who- Leo "willy" Click jr.
What- saved his family from a burning car and was honored for it
Where- Texas 35
When- Tuesday evening
Why- What he did was very heroic
How- caring for his cousin's wounds and finding help

3. Thursday, Page D1 "No Barriers" What is so different about this tv show? What are some of the ways deaf people communicate with the hearing, according to the story?
What is different about the show is the host is deaf and it is a subtitle based documentary type show.  Deaf people communicate with video phones that are like cell phones but they watch the message instead of listening to it.
4. Sunday (Nov. 17), Page A13 "Lincoln' true words" What was the most important difference between the supposed different versions of his famous speech, according to the article?
The most important difference is that some of the speeches had the words "under god" in them and others didn't.
5. Sunday (Nov. 17) Page E5 "Now you can sail..." What does this app do and why is it significant to people who like John Lennon?
This app allows people never before seen insight on Lennon's journey to Bermuda. It is significant to Lennon lovers because it is all about Lennon's famous sail.

Current Events Quiz #3.1

1. In Thursday's paper on page D1in the story called "Flatbed taking on key role in arts," what is the main focus of the story? Please be specific and summarize the entire story.

The main focus of the story is an art gallery called Flatbed. Flatbed has become a very popular and iconic austin art spot. The owners have moved locations a few times but it has always kept its followers. Many talented artists have their art there and many people come to see the art.

2. On the side of that story, there is a "sidebar" with additional information about arts in Austin. What types of information were provided in those sidebars that you didn't get from reading the "Flatbed" story?

The sidebar tells you about a popular artist and where you can find her work. Also about what type of art she makes.

3. In Wednesday's paper on page D1 in the story called "Formula one for success," what is the main focus of the story? Please be specific and summarize the entire story.

The main focus of the story is about a man who has created a challenge for himself. He makes a meal based on the country where the formula one is racing that week. It combines all his favorite things.

4. What does the writer do that causes you to keep reading the article even if you don't care about cooking, or formula one car racing?

The author makes it relatable and personal. You can tell it means a lot to him and so it makes you interested in it.

5. What techniques did the page editors at the Austin American Statesman use to break up the lengthy text present in that story?

The editors split the article on two different pages. They also recipes in with the article.

6. In Tuesday's paper on page D1 in the story called "Hug to out is the ethos of Roy Spence," 

what is the main focus of the story? Please be specific and summarize the entire story.

The main focus of the story is the author Roy Spence who recently wrote a book all about Hugs. He described what made Spence want to write a book all about hugs.

7. Would you want to get a hug from Roy Spence? Why or Why not.

No I don't think I would like a hug from Spence. It is nothing against him I just don't know him:)

Feature Writing Preview

1. What is the difference between a hard news lead (lede) and the one you read above?
The difference is that a hard news lead includes all the basic information readers are looking for in the feature article there was more stylized writing.

2. What paragraph(s) did you learn the following information?
a. Who-2
b. What-2
c. Where-2
d. When-2
e. Why-3
f. How-24

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?
Ted Williams

6. What quote is the most powerful in the story, in your opinion?
 ''Radio is defined (as) theater of mind,''

7. How many paragraphs is the story?
33
8. How many words is the story (hint: you can copy and paste into Word and get a word count)?
762

9. What is significant about the lead (lede) and the final paragraph of the story?
They connect to each other.
10. Why do you think the writer did that with the lead (lede) and final paragraph?
I think he did it to add a certain effect to the story. He added it to show you could hear his voice somewhere now.
11. Was the story interesting to read?
Yes i found the story very interesting.

12. When you finished the story, but BEFORE you watched the video, did you want to hear the voice?
Yes I was very curious to hear his voice because the whole article was about his "golden voice". 
13. Multimedia approaches are powerful tools, what impact did the video have when watched directly after reading the story?
It reinforced that his voice truly was "golden" and it makes you hope that he will get his life back together.
14. Would the story have lost its impact without the video?
Yes because you wouldn't be able to hear his voice and see how talented he really is.
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?
Yes 
16. How did the writer do that?
He used imagery and onomatopoeia to help us "hear" the voice.

Traffic Editorial

Traffic is a part of most people's daily lives here in Austin and all over the world. Many people get very worked up about traffic however I don't see the point.
Most people know traffic occurs when you have more cars going one direction than can travel passively on the road. This often occurs at times in the day when many people are going the same direction like in the evening when many people are leaving work. Or something more direct can cause it like an accident or construction that is literally blocking a portion of the road.
People get upset about traffic because they believe something can be done about it to fix it. However the reality is you have to wait it out. People in their cars cannot do anything about traffic so people shouldn't' get mad at the other people stuck in traffic or the people who are working to unblock the road. Because the workers are working as hard as they can to unblock the road. I think if people would just accept that than traffic wouldn't be such an issue.
Also people dislike traffic and get worked up about it because it is extremely boring. All you do is sit in your car an wait. I understand this, its true traffic can be miserable. However it doesn't have to be.
Traffic is much more enjoyable if you have something to entertain you. So turn on the radio and jam out to your favorite tunes or listen to news on the radio or other interesting types of radio stations. There are tons to choose from. Or many people like to listen to audiobooks while they are driving. Audiobooks can be purchased on smart phones and are generally inexpensive.
Traffic will only become your pet peeve if you let it. There is nothing people can do about traffic so it is not worth it annoyed over it. The main reason most people hate it is because it is very uneventful you are forced to sit and wait. However this easily fixable. Traffic can be a lot more pleasant if you turn on favorite must really loud and jam out. Or you could listen to a great audio book.
As our world continues urbanize more and more traffic becomes a growing issue however traffic does not have to be as bad as people make it out to be. People simply have to choose not whether or not their going to let it upset them.

Current Events Quiz #2.4

1. Who is the new UT Athletic Director, or what school did he come from (first or last name)?

Steve Patterson he is from Arizona State

2. Did the affordable housing bond pass?

Yes

3. Why is the county about to pay almost $50,000 to move a tree?

Because it is a very old oak and their are not many old oaks left. 

4. What is the 15th state to allow gay marriage?

Illinois

5. What country just launched a mission to Mars?

India

Answer the 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. A Miami Dolphin football player, named Richie Incognito, was just suspended this week from the team for allegedly bullying a teammate, named Jonathan Martin, so much that Martin walked out in the middle of the day just before practice and has not returned to the team. Feedback from the league has been mixed. Some former players say that this kind of thing should never happened and that the severity of the bullying went way over the line, while others say that Martin needed to deal with the situation behind closed door and that he is a "sissy" and a "tattletale". Do you think that professional football players should be held do a different standard when it comes to these types of incidents because its a "Mans" sport or not? WHY? (MAKE SURE TO ANSWER WHY?) Do you think that Incognito should be allowed to play again? WHY? Do you think the other Dolphin players will welcome Martin back to the team with open arms? WHY?

I think it is just ridiculous that a grown man is being a bully. I mean come on your in the NFL grow up and quit living in high school! Seriously! People look up to NFL players and they should be held to higher standards because of it. And yes he is a grown man that should be mature enough not to bully another player. I think incognito should be suspended from playing because if he is not mature enough to not bully other players than how is he supposed to be able to work well with other players on the field. I think the team will be divided when Martin returns. As you said some thought Incognito went too far and others said he was being a sissy. So Some will welcome him back but he will probably receive some crap from the others.

Book Review of Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

I'm not going to lie I did not choose to read Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, I was forced to read i hover the summer for school. However I was pleasantly surprised by the suspenseful quality Ender's Game.
Ender's Game is the first of a series written by author Orson Scott Card. It is set in a sort of dystopian future where kids are trained from a very young age to be ready to face the allusive threat they call the buggers. Ender is selected to attend battle school and is intensely observed by the heads of the battle school. Through his journey Ender learns a lot about himself and the universe around him.
At the beginning of each chapter Card adds a section dialogue of the heads of battle school discussing Ender's progress. This adds a very intriguing bit of foreshadowing.
This novel definitely includes a race against time feel which is quite suspenseful. Although I  couldn't not tear my eyes from the page it kept me reading.
Card made sure there was plenty of action in this book between fights, battles, and games. I found the amount of action to be a refreshing add of excitement.
The plot in the beginning is well developed however i felt towards the end of the novel it was rushed. I personally like the climax and falling action to be fully represented leaving me with everything i need to know and i do not think the ending did that well. I realize that the ending of this book for purposes of effect that it is supposed to cut out a lot. However it should not end abruptly or leave the reader wondering what just happened you and i feel it did both those things.
For those of you who love a good romance novel or need some sort of attraction between characters to find interest probably will not enjoy this book on that level. There is love between siblings however a main theme of the book is the effect social solitude.
This book reminds of Star trek or Star Wars in that it is about intergalactic warfare and the hero's journey.
Overall Orson Scott Card was an enjoyable book. There was action and suspense that kept me interested in the book. The novel also makes the reader think about what isolation feels like and how it is not always "fun" to be the best at something. It is a quick read and definitely fits in to the recent trend of science fiction post war future young adult novels that seems to be taking the literary world by storm.   I would recommend this book to be read by anyone looking for a quick exciting read and to teens who love The Hunger Games or The Maze Runner.

Editorials and Personal Columns

3 Editorial Topics:
* Only Seniors can leave campus policy
*Changing the 7 min. passing period back in to 10 mins.
*The amount of homework teachers give out


A columnist that I keep going back to is a you tuber that goes by the screen name Dulcecandy87, she also has a blog. She is a fashion and beauty blogger and vlogger. She posts outfits ideas and tips and beauty tips and tutorials. I read her blog because it gives me lots of great ideas for fashion and hair and makeup. She is a very good writer and has a very warm and helpful tone about her, that is why I keep coming back to her blog.