Elizabeth Edwards

Elizabeth Edwards died yesterday at the age of 61.  For many Americans, Elizabeth represented a woman who could handle intense pressure with grace.

Find an online article about Elizabeth Edwards that summarizes the contributions that she made to our American society.  (Be sure to include the link to the article, and try to find one that focuses on more than just her death.) 

After you summarize her achievements, explain in your own words your perception of Mrs. Edwards.  Even if you disagreed with her politics, be respectful. 

Response to Terry Holliday's Article

What was your reaction to the article "High School Class of 2010: What Does Its Future Look Like?"

Identify and discuss one fact that surprised you.

Identify and discuss one fact that did not surprise you.

In my experience as a teacher, student motivation and desire to succeed seems to be declining.  Would you agree or disagree with my observation?  Explain your reasons for agreeing or disagreeing. 

Due Wednesday evening by 9:00 p.m.

World Equestrian Games

The Kentucky Horse Park has the opportunity to host a major event in the equestrian world.  As a result, local news outlets have bombarded us with not only the actual coverage of the WEG, but all the preparation leading up to it.

If you could attend the games, which event would you like to attend?  (Conduct some research to learn about the events if needed.)  Why would you select this one?

In your opinion, do you feel the media is overdoing or underdoing the coverage of the games?  Explain your answer.

Due at the end of the period today. 

Getting in the Habit of Watching the News

Paying attention to the news is an important part of being a journalism student.

By Thursday, tell me about a hard news story that caught your attention this week.  By hard news, I'm referring to something that's meant to inform (weather, political news, product recall, last minute preparation for the Equestrian games, etc.)  Avoid a summary of the latest celebrity gossip for this assignment. 

Summary the news story in 2-3 sentences and be sure to tell me your source of the news.  (It can't be your mom or older brother.) 

Media Ethics

Hopefully you follow the news in some format.  If not, here's my friendly suggestion to start watching the news, listening to a radio news show, or checking out some credible news websites while in this class. 

What stories have been in the news lately that you believe should NOT have been covered.  In other words, what crossed the lines and should be considered unethical in your opinion. 

Be sure to respond in complete sentences and to answer by Thursday. 

Welcome to a New School Year!

Welcome to the 2010-2011 school year! I'm excited that to get to know the new faces in the class and to reunited with my returning yearbook students.

This is our class blog that we'll be using to "discuss" various class and journalism related issues. Be sure to bookmark the address on your computer or write down the address in a safe place. You'll use it frequently.

Here's the ground rules for the blog.
1. Set up your account so that your name (first name and last initial is enough) shows when you enter a comment. Grades will not be given to anomyous posts.
2. Enter your comment on time. A deadline is a deadline. The only exceptions will be when your absent.
3. Even though this is online writing, use correct, standard English. I expect complete sentences with punctuation, correct spelling and grammar.
4. Read the comments that others leave after I approve them. Many times I'll ask you to respond to someone's comment.
5. Respect the ideas and opinions of others.

With that being said, please respond to this question in the comments section. What was the most comical moment from your summer break? For me, it was watching my mother-in-law's three hour attempt to make coffee over an open flame while on a camping trip. :)

Due Date: Beginning of class on Friday, August 20.

Photo Controversy

Last night, a new Miss USA was crowned. (Yes, I openly admit that I watched the last hour of the pageant and shushed William and Anna numerous times so I could hear the contestants lovely respones. Surprisingly this year, no one mentioned world peace.)

Throughout the final hour, there was much discussion about whether or not the official glamour shots for this year's pageant were too racy. Those opposed to the photos said that these women are role models for many young children and needed to have on more clothes; those in support said that they were appropriate and very "fitting" for 2010.

Take a look at the photos yourself by visiting www.missusa.com. Click on the "contestants" link and you'll see all 51 of the shots. What's your opinion on the photos? Too racy or just appropriate? Be sure that you justify your answer.

Kentucky Teen Assaulted

Read the following story about an alleged incident involving teenagers in Kentucky.

http://www.kentucky.com/2010/04/21/1232110/3-jackson-county-teens-charged.html

1. Summarize the story by answering who, what, when, where and why.

The story of Cheyenne Williams has received quite a bit of attention due to the nature of the claims. Read a follow up story that appeared on the Herald-Leader's website earlier this week.

http://www.kentucky.com/2010/04/27/1240166/attorneys-gay-teen-willingly-participated.html

2. Do you believe the defendant's claim that Cheyenne Williams was a willing participant? Why or why not? If the girls involved are found guilty of kidnapping, what do you believe would be an appropriate punishment?

3. Do hate crimes exist in our high school? If so, on what level? What could the school do in order to promote more tolerance regarding individual differences and preferences?

School Lunch a Threat to National Security?

This will be the last post regarding school lunches--I promise. However, the headline from the article on this link caught my attention. Read the article and then share your thoughts on whether or not you believe current school lunches are a threat to national security.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36664612/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/?GT1=43001

Prom Costs How Much!?!?!?

Last night I was instant messaging with my cousin, a high school senior at Nelson County High. She was complaining that her father (my uncle) had finally drawn the line and told her that he was giving her no more money for to pay for prom expenses and what she wanted from this point on was up to her. When I asked how much he'd already given her, she said "$500--and I need at least $250 more..."

GOOD GRIEF!

Here's my questions for you:
1. Are you attending prom? Why or why not?

2. If you're going, what have you spent so far? Do you feel what you've spent is reasonable, or have you maybe gone just a bit overboard? Cover the cost of tickets, clothes, hair/make-up, dinner, transportation and after prom parties...and anything else I may have left out that you've spent money on.

3. If you're not going, explain what think is reasonable to spend on tickets, clothes (dress, shoes and jewelry), hair/make-up, dinner, transporation and after prom parties.

4. How much of the cost of prom do you feel parents should cover? At what point, should they cut off the funds?

Today's responses will not be made public--so feel free to be honest. Your secrets will be safe with me.