2nd opinions piece

     Violence on TV is present in almost any show on television (excluding shows geared towards toddlers and younger children and such), but is it a problem?

     Many people say that TV shows may evoke violent behavior from children who watch too much TV, which I think is true.

     Too much of anything will change someones behavior, however what I don't agree with is the amount of TV at which they say can affect children.

     The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry says that single show may evoke rash or over aggressive behavior in children, which I find to be ludicrous.

     That child to feel and act more aggressive after watching a single show would need to be seriously messed up in the head.

     But I do see where they are coming from. For example, whenever I see a movie at the movie theatre, say for example "Pirates of the Caribbean", when I walk out of the theatre, I wanna be a pirate, regardless of my age.

     However, even though I feel this way, I don't run away from my parents to go sail the 7 seas, that's just unheard of and ridiculous.

     There is an extremely high amount of violence on TV today though then there was 10 years ago.

     Today's culture has become somewhat de-sensitized to violence and sees it as just another part of daily life.

     The sad thing is this rise in violence is not just exhibited through fictional "detective" and "spy" shows, but our own local and national news.

     It seems that they are only trying to focus on negative things happening in the world, ranging from things such as the never ending crisis in the middle east to that local shooting that happened on the other side of the tracks in your city.

      

     This is actually happening, it's not some random case on Castle or Sherlock, this is real life.

     However, is violence in TV really that big of a problem? It's just another element to TV, just another thing to watch.

     Who says that violent even does anything to people who watch TV? Maybe some people are just getting all bent out of shape because they are a bunch a sensitive whining babies.

     Seriously, it could be looked upon just like "offensive language". If you're watching a violent TV show, that's your choice.

     Who's to say that you aren't the one "numbing" yourself to this gruesome and gory subject.

     You don't ever have to watch TV, let alone watch violent TV shows. If you do, and feel like you want to go out and be violent, you are letting the program do that to you. It's your choice on what you watch and what you feel.

     However, regardless of whether or not it's your own fault, the phrase "too much of good thing" should be changed to "too much of anything.

     If you watch hours and hours on end of TV, over and over, then yes, you are going to start feeling like that is all that matters, and perhaps act like other characters, and if it's a violent show, then exhibit violent behavior.

     My point is, violence on TV is an issue. But only if you let it be, you monitor your self on what you watch, and how much.

Peer Reflections

SM

1. Samantha Jones

2. Gay and Lesbian couples

3. Gay and lesbian couples should be able to get married and have a normal life.
4. Yes, she talked about her great grandmother being raised in the Depression and how she thinks it's wrong that they allow gays and lesbians to get married.
5. They were not wishy washy but addressed the entire topic as a whole, from all perspectives.
6. No
7. 1st

CD

1. Carissa Duran

2. Animal slaughter houses and murdering animals for food.

3. She doesn't believe or understand why somebody would kill and animal for food.

4. No

5. She absolutely stuck to her opinion and didn't let it sway in another direction than her own.

6. No

7. 1st

Opinions Article

     "Freedom of speech" is the most prominent amendment to our constitution, but not completely evident in our everyday life.

     Cursing words shouldn't be excluded from our everyday vocabulary, and should be perfectly accepted words used in daily life.

      Cursing, cussing, or swearing whatever you would like to call it, has been deemed socially unacceptable in today's society in public.

      You never hear anyone swearing in front a teacher, a boss, or a client. However, we have all sworn at one point in time have we not?

     If we cuss in private, why not in public? The only difference is how many people are present when we do it.

     Parents always preach to children that swearing is "wrong" or "a sin".

     But what even is swearing? The dictionary definition is "to use profane oaths or language".

     Profanity is defined as "characterized by an irreverence or contempt to god".

     If it all comes down to religion, then isn't the definition of swearing being wrong based entirely off other peoples beliefs?

     But that's an entirely different topic, that I'm not going to get into that right now.

     Why do you think people get offended when people swear anyway? Why do you get offended (if you do) if somebody swears?

     You see black people all the time calling each other "n**ga" and none of them are ever offended. It's more like a sign of "brotherhood".
      Swearing more than half the time is used non-serious or for emphasis, like any "very" or "extremely".
      It's extremely easy to tell if somebody to means it offensively by other things such as body language and tone of voice.
     My point is, it's ridiculous that people get offended by swear words, as there only backing to it is that that simply is how society is.
     If you are offended by swearing, that is entirely your decision, and you are choosing to be offended. It's just a word, get over it.
     When I hang out with my friends, and somebody calls somebody else a b**ch, or a f*g, it's not like we all go silent in disbelief at how we think of each other.
     How do we respond? Laugh, and retaliate back with another type of meaningless insult, whether it be a swear word or not.
     I'm aware that many people, adolescents especially, swear only for the purpose of seeming tough and mature.
     I think it's dumb, but I see why kids do it. Kids are always trying to act older like their elders.
     As a kid, parents tell their kids not to swear, if not just avoiding that entire part of the English "language".
     Once kids learn these words that their "not supposed to know or say", go right ahead and begin to use them.
     It's like if a mom set's some cookies out on the table and says "You're going to be home alone for a while but don't eat any cookies.". This ensures the disappearance of at least a few cookies.
     It's almost as if our society encourages kids to use this language in a way. So why in turn, do we get angry when it's our own fault with the help of human nature?
     You don't need to look closely at this whole thing to see how ridiculous the entire "inappropriate language" mirage is.
     All you need to do is get over the fact that it's just words. Wake up and smell the roses.

Current Events Quiz 2.7

1. School were turned into single-sex schools to try and revive failing and struggling schools.
2. Dr. Craig Spencer has Ebola and lives in New York.
3. Gregg Abott is favored to become next governor of Texas.
4. Vince Young is a development officer for alumni relations.
5. I would want the UE Boom Bluetooth speaker because I have one that is JBL, but it doesn't connect to my phone anymore
6. Both articles are basically saying that current political situation is is total disarray. The titles are what they are because this refers to the political spectrum. "Right" meaning the Republican point of view, and "left" being democratic. The newspaper would put this in the paper to show that even though these two articles express opinions from generally opposing groups, but on this one topic they had reached somewhat common ground, on that the government is no longer effective in making decisions.

SNO Online Papers

Lewisville Highschool: On being a senior: Look it up, live it

1. Karen Cooke

2. What it feels like to be in your last year of high school.

3. It's extremely scary, but it's so exciting that you can't be excited enough.

4. There is no other. it's a commentary on moving on and life as a senior.
5. No. She simply is commenting on how she feels about leaving high school lie all the other seniors at that school.
6. Yes
7. 1st

Lamar Highschool: Should prom have a dress code?

1. Nour Al-hussayni

2. Dress code at prom

3. Prom should have a dress code

4. No. She only talks about the benefits there would be of having a dress code.

5. No.

6. No.

7. 3rd

What's wrong with my notes?

1. Anonymous

2. Cornell note taking at school
3. It depends on who you are on whether you should use these notes or not
4. Yes
5. No. His opinion was make your own decision based on who you are.
6. Yes
7. 3rd

Opinion Writing Preview Activity

Dress code? What's dress code?

1. Anonymous

2. The purpose and opinions of drew code.

3. Dress code is necessary, however it is too extreme at times. It's understandable to not want to obey dress code, but if you want to protest it, please do so in mature fashion.
4. They clearly addressed both sides of the issue.
5. Slightly wishy washy, but only because their opinion is a criticism to both sides.
6. No
7. They wrote in 3rd person

Counselors have electives saying "Et tu, Brute?"

1. Ashlee Thomason
2. The issue of schedule changes that has been presented as a huge issue this year.
3. There are many controversies with certain electives only occurring at the same time, which leads to a large amount of wanted schedule changes. A computer program should be put in place that allows students to change their schedule before the start of school.

4. Not really, it was only discussed on how the system could change, not the students who want to change there schedule.
5. It was unclear in the sense that she addressed the issue and several very different ways to solve it.
6. Yes
7. 1st

The summertime blues

1. Gabby Bourgeacq

2. Summer homework

3. "It would be better to read a book and write and essay on it for extra credit at the beginning of the year."

4. Yes
5. No. They clearly stated what they thought needed to change about the summer homework assignments.
6. No
7. 1st

Racism here at home

1. Justin Capello

2. Racism and acts of violence in the country

3. The nation should be peaceful and equal between races.

4. Yes.

5. No. They stated and repeated several times they're pro non-violence.

6. No.

7. 1st.

School improvements lacking

1. Michelle McDonagh

2. Improvements that should be made to the school.

3. There are many improvements that should be made, some have been executed well, others seem incomplete.

4. No

5. No. They simply listed improvements that could be made and how we could achieve them.

6. No.

7. 1st.

Follow up questions

A. Hard news stories have only facts to support a story, opinion pieces have facts to support an opinion. Opinion pieces also are typically 1/3-1/2 pages long, while hard news stories can be 6 or 7 to a page, or even just 1 to a page. Hard news stories are never in 1st person, but opinion pieces are always in 1st person.

B. To make room for the writing

C. "Offensive" language, 

Personal Essays

1. Write about something you care passionately about, not just something that happened that does't peak your interest.
2. Make it seem real, and don't use over used phrases. Show rather than telling.
3. You need to always have factual evidence (and double-check it), as well as, having more opinions that facts. On top of that, you need to make connections that the reader can relate too.

Current Events Quiz 2.6

1. Go to traviscountyclerk.org.
2. The company has been suffering some sorry earnings reports and looks to expand and show off better buys than other companies.
3. 6A schools would get home field advantage if in the first round playoffs if they won.
4. You might find anything from antique linens, art glass, or sports collectibles. It's at the Palmer events on 900 Barton Springs Rd. I haven't been.
5. I agree 100% with Abby. If the mom is cool with it then it's ok.
6. I think that voting is important to be a good citizen. I know that both of my parents vote. I feel like that I should vote when I get older, but I hate paying attention to politics. Pretty much the only time I ever do is when I watch the Daily Show. Like I have no idea what people are voting on today or who's running or anything. I just don't care enough. Local elections are an extremely large part of politics on a bigger scale. Everything smaller makes a larger impact.

Car Accident

     On Tuesday, at 4:45 PM, Roger Clementine had a head on collision with John Jacob Jingleheimer-Smith and his wife Melba at 1st and Slaughter lane.
     Clementine was an underage driver as well as unlicensed, speeding, and driving on the wrong side of the road. The police cited him for all of the above.
     "The boy should not have been driving at all, let alone out on such a busy street," police officer Billy Joel said.
     At the time of the collision Clementine was driving a 1948 Studebaker at 60 mph and JJJS was driving a 1989 Yugo Firebelcher at 10 mph.
      "Driving isn't all that hard, it was that ol' shmuck who was going way to slow, that's why he hit me," underage driver Roger Clementine said.
      John and Melba JJJS were admitted to the hospital and Melba has been released since. John with a serious head injury and Melba with a bloody nose.
     "Mr. Smith is in bad shape, he received a serious concussion which at his age is incredibly bad. I don't see him making it through the night," brain surgeon Yu Wong Lee said.
     The weather that day was clear and sunny and the road was not slick.
     "This is what the government is doing wrong, they can't keep the cheerun in school, so they run amuck causin ruckus," passenger Melba JJJS said.

Earthquake Story

Who: People residing in McHenry's Auto Supply
What:Earthquake/ Auto shop collapse
When: 8:12 am
Where: McHenry's Auto Supply
Why: Earthquake
How: Earthquake caused building collapse

At 8:12 am yesterday, an earthquake rumbled through San Fransisco, causing a collapse of McHenry's Auto Supply at 2324 Plum St..

The earthquake caused the shop to partially collapse, killing two people as well as injuring 6 others.

Of the 6 others who were injured, only 6 were critically injured and required hospitalization, and they were transported to Hayward General Hospital.

"2 people were killed in yesterday's collapse of McHenry's Auto Shop, and we will be withholding those names until their families have been notified," public information officer of the Hayward Fire Department said.

Buildings in the area suffered structural damage due to the earthquake as well as from the collapse of the McHenry's auto shop.

"I was eating my breakfast when the room started rolling. I dove under the table just as I heard an explosion outside and chunk of cement flew through my kitchen window. That's when the screaming started across the street," Hayward resident Mike Beamer said.

The earthquake while large on the Richter scale, was described by some as a singular rolling motion, with a large jolt in the middle. They said this lasted around 30 seconds.

"This quake was a "strong one"," USGA scientist Penny Gertz said. " This one was around a 6.4 on the Richter scale. The epicenter of this quake resided under Hayward hills, along the Hayward Fault, which runs under the hills."

McHenry's auto shop, deemed structurally unstable after the earthquake, was stabled using ropes by the Hayward firefighters. A searched was conducted as well, and a gas leak was found and capped as well by the firefighters. This leak was caused by the earthquake.

"Three of the six people injured were hurt seriously enough to require hospitalization and were transported to Hayward General Hospital," Vu said. "their were no other serious injuries that have been reported in Hayward.

"People as far south as LosAngeles and as far north as Redding felt the quake," Gertz said.

"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.

Huntington Story

Who: Janice Jones

What: Shot in the leg

When: 10pm Wednesday

Where: Her motor home in Barstow, California

Why: The gun discharged when it hit the floor

How: Her dog knocked it off the table

On Wednesday around 10pm, Janice Jones was shot in the leg in the back of her Barstow, California motor home.

While she was eating pork chops, her dog knocked her 9mm handgun off the table, and the weapon discharged when it hit the ground.

The incident was handled by California Highway Patrol press liaison Tammy Rye.

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

Jones was taken to and treated at Huntington Beach Hospital via ambulance. The dog was malnourished as well as bruised severely.

"Jones was treated at our hospital," Huntington Beach Hospital spokesperson said. No additional information was provided.

Jones dog was a Pomeranian named Tombo. It was placed under care of Huntington Beach Animal Control officers.

“It could have done with a little less abuse and a few more of those pork chops,” animal control officer Janet Ngo said.

"Jones has been cited for expired plates, as well as animal abuse charges," Rye said.

Current Events Quiz 2.5

1. 33.9 % of Texas students are college ready.
2. Let's Go Austin spent the most lobbying for Prop. 1.
3. Breakthrough is a non-profit program being used to help keep kids in school.
4. Washing lids and using them at room temperature is a large breakthrough in sanitation this year.
5. I would like to go to the 'Natural Light' photo gallery because I enjoy looking at photography exhibits.
6. I believe that this is a wonderful advance in equality in the US. My personal opinion on same sex marriage is that it should be legal everywhere. It makes sense to have it like that, as people should be able to decide whether or not they want to spend the rest of their life with another person of the same sex or not. I think that the refusal also exhibits a strength in our government (which really isn't shown in any other places) and that the court is confident in it's decision it made and is standing by it. I hope this will lead to an eventual nation wide law that legalize same sex marriage.

Lone Star Dispatch: Page 4

Rules changes lead to new game experience

1. Who- Bowie Football fans

What- New strict and strictly enforced rules

When- 2014 football season

Where- Bowie football games

Why- Bowie staff believes students get to out of control at football games, detracting from players performance

How- Created a set of new and more strict rules for the coming football season

2. A new set of rules has been enforced upon the fans at Bowie football games. it restricts certain physical items as well as general behavior.

3. Direct Quotes from principal Kane

Direct Quotes from senior Melissa Pittman

Direct Quotes from senior varsity receiver Cole Kuykendall

4. I don't think there are any direct quotes that are opinions, however the interviews seem slightly bias.

5. Definitely captures the entire article in one statement

6. Yes

Rebels protest policy eat school in athletic shorts

1. Who- Students at Bowie

What- Protest against dress code

Where- Bowie

When- Thursday, September 25th, 2014

Why- Students felt dress code was unfair and sexist

How- Many students wore athletic shorts to school

2. Many students protested the dress code rule of athletic shorts by wearing athletic shorts. Students believe the rule is sexist and unfair, as it targets girls. The administration insists it is changing the way they enforce dress code, not the actual rules.

3. Direct Quotes from assistant principal Vincete Trevino

Direct Quote from junior Annie Lin

Direct Quote from junior James Otello

Direct Quote from junior Justice Lozano

Indirect Quote from principal Kane

Direct Quote from senior Allie Clayboss

Direct Quotes from Kate Buffler

4. All is good

5. Perhaps it should be focused more on the idea of protesting dress code, and not the actual incident which sparked the article

6. No visual

Go Green to honor coach Landers

1. Who- JV Volleyball Players

What- Effort to raise awareness for liver cancer

When- October 21, 2014

Where- JV Volleyball Game

Why- In honor of the passing of Coach Landers

How- Where green to the game

2. The JV Volleyball coach, coach Landers, passed away in Junes due to liver cancer. The players want to honor their beloved coach by having everyone where green at the October 21, 2014 at 5:30 and 6:30. This is not just to honor coach Landers, but to raise awarness for liver cancer.

3. Direct Quote from McCain

4. None

5. Yes

6. No graphic

Annual homecoming dance returns

1. Who- Bowie PTSA

What- Homecoming Dance returns

Where- Bowie

When- October 18th

Why- Wants to keep up tradition started up again last year

How- Looking for support with funds and donations to help contribute to dance

2. The Bowie PTSA is hosting the annual homecoming, a tradition put back into effect as of last year. The PTSA is looking for help with supporting the funds, as well as donations for the evening.

3. None

4. None

5. Sufficiently summarized the event

6. No graphic

Lone Star Dispatch: Page 1

F1 'STEM's into school curriculum

1. Who- Mazda
What- Racing Accelerates Creative Education Program
Where- Bowie HS
When- 2014 School Year
Why- Wanted to introduce aspiring engineers to the world of race cars
How- Brought this program to our campus

2. Mazda brought the 'Racing Accelerates Creative Education Program' program to Bowie to try to introduce the field of race cars to kids who want to be engineers. The program showcased a clean diesel type prototype race car, which runs on things like common household oils and french fry oils. They wanted to show them all the different professions that go into this category like engineers, scientists, nutritionists, medical doctors, and fitness experts.

3. Direct Quote from car driver and presenter Joel Miller
Direct Quotes from science teacher Jill Harding
Direct Quotes from freshman Joshua Rocha

4. No opinions

5. I think that the title and sub-title does summarize the story in full.

6. Yes, it fits. No, it's annoying to try to have to read the words on the edge of the visual.

Student Of The Month Story

Who: Alicia Molina
What: Student of the Month Recipient
When: September 2014
Where: Bowie High School
Why: Was a successful student academically or honorably
How: Worked towards goals


     Every month, a student at Bowie High School receives a Student of the Month award. The recipient for September 2014, was Alicia Molina.
     Students who receive this award have achieved some sort of success whether it be academically or honorably, either or, it requires working hard towards your goals.
     "It looks good on you, and makes you a role model," said Student of the Month Alicia Molina.
     The student of the month program has been a successful program at encouraging kids to do well in and outside of school.
     "The kids are given someone to look up to. Making their peers their role models," said principal Kane.
      The student of the month is expected to act like and be a leader, basically hand crafting a role model for other students in the school to aspire to be like.
     "Alicia is always on task in class. Her goal is to master the information that is handed to her, and to help others achieve that same goal," said geometry teacher Mrs. Lankes.
     The program's goal is to reach out to all students giving them a fair chance to achieve this award. it tries to encourage all students to reach this level of academic achievement.
     "The student of the month program shouldn't be abolished, but revised, to Students of the Month," said 10th grader Felicia Crocker.
     There is no doubt there is some competition for this award as there is with any, however, the overall projection is a positive one.

Additional Interviews for Student of the Month

Interview 3: Another student who did not receive the Student of the month award

Q: What is your name?

A: Felicia Crocker.

Q: How do you feel about the student of the month program?

A: It's stupid.

Q: Could you embellish?

A: I think the program is stupid, it puts other kids down.

Q: The purpose though is to make role models for other students at the school.

A: Well what about the ones who are trying to be that role model? What about those who "don't make the cut?"

Q: Were trying to achieve the Student of the Month award for this past month?

A: I wouldn't say trying. I would say should've received. I did very well in school and held a lemonade stand for Autism.

Q: So do you think the program should be abolished?

A: The program shouldn't be abolished, but revised, to Students of the month.

Additional Student of the Month Interviews

Interview 2: Principal
Q: What is the student of the month program?
A: It's a monthly award given out to a different student every month to signify a large academic or honorable achievement.
Q: What do you mean by honorable achievement?
A: Well, something for example, winning the science fair or holding a fundraiser for charity. Something along those lines.
Q: Do the kids respond well to this?
A: All of the students who received the are monitored, and are excellent role models. It's only a positive impact on them.
Q: What about the kids who don't receive it?
A: The kids are given someone to look up to. Making their peers their role models.