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.

Prom Photos

Prom is Saturday night! There's nothing teens love to see more in the yearbook than prom photos (at least in my experience). What are the 10 MUST HAVE photos that will capture the essence of this event. Be specific!

Remember that I am the prom photographer extraordinaire. I'll do my best to capture what you recommend.

Link to Summaries of Episodes

Go here to read the summary of what happened on each episode of The Food Revolution. Comment about something that you read. Be sure to include the episode number you are referring to.

http://abc.go.com/shows/jamie-olivers-food-revolution/episode-guide

Comment on Your Classmates Responses

Once I made the comments on the Food Revolution post public, go back and read what your classmates have written. Add a comment on THIS POST in response to something that a classmate has said.

Please remember that while your opinion may differ, you still must be respectful.

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

Over spring break, I had the chance to finally see an episode of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution on ABC. Oliver, a celebrity chef from the Food Network, chose the town in the US that had the highest percentage of child obesity to come in and redo their school lunches. His goal is to eliminate the processed "junk" (his words) such as breakfast pizza, chicken nuggets and french fries from the menu and replace it with whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits. He also gives high school students cooking lessons, since he believes preparing meals at home instead of going to fast food chains will lead to weight loss, or at least prevent weight gain.

Answer the following questions.
1. What are your thoughts on his efforts? Would improving school lunches be enough to turn childhood obesity around? Why or why not?

2. Visit the website for The Food Revolution http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution/school-food. Click on the link for the PDF file that contains 2 weeks worth of menus for school lunches. Do you believe high school students would enjoy these? Why or why not? Consider the entire menu--not just the main entree.

3. Of the lunches, which do you believe would be received as the favorite? the least favorite?

Overkill in the Media, Undercoverage and Just for Fun

(1) Think about what stories are currently dominating the headlines. (If you don't know, you have access to the Internet and hundreds of online newspapers.) What current news stories are receiving TOO MUCH attention? Support your story with your reasoning for why it's receiving too much attention. Why do you believe the news outlets are focusing so much on this story?

(2) On the flip side, what news event is not receiving the coverage you feel it should? Again, explain your reasoning.

(3) What news story did you discover today that is just intriguing to you? (Remember Coty's discovery of the lady who is trying to be the largest woman in America from last week? This is what I'm talking about.) Provide a link to your story and explain why it grabs your attention.

PLEASE LABEL YOUR RESPONSES TODAY WITH THE CORRESPONDING NUMBER.

School Spirit

Be sure to answer ALL parts of the question. Blog responses will not receive credit for partial responses.

1. In your opinion, is school spirit in decline, increasing or staying the same OVERALL at SCHS? Support your response with examples.

2. What are the causes for either a decline or an increase in school spirit here? Be specific.

3. Conduct some online research. Is a decrease in school spirit a national trend? Cite your source of information. (This will require some digging. Info it out there, but it doesn't show up as the first hit on a google search.)

SAE Follow Up

Today in class we read an article about an "incident" that happened at the SAE house. Conduct some online research (www.kentucky.com) to determine what exactly the incident was. What recommendation has authorities made in regards to the SAE house? Do you believe this recommendation is fair? Why or why not? Provide a link in your response to document your source.

Social Media

*NOTE: This assignment requires MULTIPLE steps. Please do not post until you have all steps complete. It may be helpful to keep track of things in a word document, and then copy and paste your complete response here. THIS POST MUST BE ANSWERED BY TUESDAY.

Part A: In the past few years, there has been an EXPLOSION in the interest of social media outlets such as Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter. In a well-developed paragraph (4-5 sentences) discuss what role social media plays in your life. If you choose not to use social media, discuss why you stay away from it.

Part B: Interview two people (two different genders, 2 different grade levels) about the role social media plays in their lives. Please list both the question and the response you receive here. Be sure to identify who answered the question.

Olympic Success!

Without a doubt, the Olympic games produce many heart-warming moments as athletes achieve their goals after years of sacrifice, dedication and pure hard work. What story seems to be most inspirational to you and why?

If you have not watched a single moment of the Olympics, you still must answer these question in a manner that reflects effort and thought. There are tons of "feel good" Olympic stories available on the Internet.

Due Monday, February 22nd.

Olympic Tragedy

When the Olympic games opened last Friday, they were already marred by tragedy. An athlete from Georgia, a small country formerly part of Russia, died as a result of an accident on a luge training run. He was traveling at over 90 mph when he lost control of his sled and crashed into a large unpadded pole.

NBC, the American station carrying the Olympic coverage, slowed a video of his crash in slow motion several times during prime time viewing Friday night. The video was so detailed that viewers were able to see blood flying from his head and spraying the walls of the luge run.

Was showing this video ethical? Why or why not?

Due End of Class Today, Friday, February 19th

Let's Cheer for the Olympics!

GO TEAM USA!

Yes, yearbook people of 2010, the Winter Olympics are about to begin in Vancouver on Friday, and I for one, will be watching. There's nothing greater to pass away a dreary February day than with a few hours of elegant figure skating followed by some heart-stopping bobsledding.

However, the scandals are already beginning in Vancouver before the Olympic torch is officially lit. Spend some time reading some of your favorite news sites and see if you can identify at least two of potential Olympic scandals. Summarize the scandal and be sure to provide your source of information.

Follow the Olympic coverage throughout the next few weeks by either actually watching the events or reading the headlines in the news...more blogs on this most wonderful time of year to come. :)

Super Bowl Sunday

Most every American has heard some talk about the upcoming Super Bowl game this Sunday. Answer the following questions about the Super Bowl. DO NOT GIVE ME ANY ANSWER ALONG THE LINES OF "I don't like football," or "I could care less about football" and expect a grade. If you don't know the answers, use the internet to do some basic research.

1. Which two teams are in the big game? Are you cheering for a particular one?

2. What role does commercials have for the SuperBowl? What is the going rate for a commercial shown during the game?

3. Is there any company's whose commercials you are eager to see? For example, when I was in high school, the Budweiser frogs were all the rage. Everyone was always wondering what the frogs were going to do next...

Enjoy the game if you watch it. If football is not your thing, celebrate anyway with lots of buffalo chicken dip. :)

Read the News

Spend some time today reading the news online.

1. Which hard news story caught your attention? Summarize the event and explain why it interested you.

2. Which soft news story caught your eye? Why? (Avoid the Grammy coverage for this one.)

3. Which Grammy winner do you believe is most deserving? Why? If you did not watch the awards last night, look online for a list of winners.

Photos Wanted

What is one photos that you REALLY wish we had for the yearbook but we don't? Is this a photo that we can get easily, or have we missed out on the opportunity because the event has passed, etc. Be specific.

Peanut Butter Drive

Mrs. Duncan and Mr. Maxwell have a passionate desire to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti by collecting and sending jars of peanut butter. They have set the goal for 3 million jars.

1. What do you believe about their goal? Is it obtainable or a bit lofty? Explain your answer.

2. Brainstorm a list of 10 possible photographs that you could take to document the story of the peanut butter drive.

3. Develop 6 questions for the PB drive organizers.

4. Create 3 questions for those who choose to donate to the drive.

*Please do not collaborate with your classmates.
Due end of period today.

The Haiti Earthquake and the News

The top news stories the past few days have been centering around the earthquake that struck Haiti. Spend some time browsing some major news websites (cnn.com, msnbc.com, usatoday.com, etc.) Read the articles and then come back and answer these questions.

1. First tell me the source of the news.

2. What different angles are being used to report on the story?

3. Do you detect any bias? (Are stories suggesting you should do something as a reaction to the quake?)

4. Describe the photography used to accompany the article. Choose a single photograph and tell me about it in great detail. How is the tragedy of the event being illustrated or enhanced by the use of photography.

Please number your responses to correspond with the question above.

Due TODAY!

Reacting to the News

Read the article in the link below. You'll need to copy and past it into your web browser.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34799796/?GT1=43001

Discuss YOUR personal reaction to this news event. Would you participate? Why or why not? What would you have done if you witnessed this event?

What obstacles might a reporter have when covering this story? Discuss in a paragraph.

Theme Implementation

We're halfway through the school year now, and we have designed approximately 1/3 of the pages for this year's book. How well do you believe we are doing on integrating the theme "Tune into 2010?" Discuss IN DETAIL one strength you've seen and one weakness. Provide TWO suggestions for you believe we can develop the theme well from this point on.

Reply by the end of the class period on Monday, January 4th!

Happy New Year!

Hello, 2010. So glad to see you here.

Journalists across the world now how a dilemma--what exactly will they call the new year? Will they say two thousand and ten, or twenty ten when they need to annouce the date? Which is your personal preference and WHY?

We have also reached the end of the decade. I was born in the eighties, you guys the nineties. This is how we refer to those decades. What do you believe the decade that just ended will be referred to as in history? What options do you believe would be appropriate.

Answer today's question by the end of the class period!