Feature Story Notes

Main Subject Interview: Carmen Clarke
1. How many different countries have you visited? Definitely over 20, probably around 36.
2. What was your favorite trip and why? My favorite trip was to Egypt in 2006. I got to sail the Nile and see tombs and pyramids. When I was younger I always loved learning about the pharaohs and King Tut in magazines like National Geographic, so it was a really good experience to finally see it all in person.
3. What cities have you lived in? Corpus Christi-TX, Pereira-Colombia, San Marcus-TX, El Paso-TX, Austin-TX, Paris-France, Houston-TX, and Dubai-UAE.
4. Where was your favorite place to live and why? Paris, France because it was beautiful and historical. The urban lifestyle was so exciting! There were gorgeous museums and cafes, and I loved the language.
5. Have any of these places change your viewpoint politically? And how? Oh yes! Growing up I used to think I was a big conservative, but France, being one of the most liberal countries in the world, changed me into more of a liberal. 
6. Have any of these places change your viewpoint spiritually? When I was younger, my religion classes toured mosques and synagogues to educate us about other religions, so I was always aware and informed of other faiths. But it is a good experience to meet other people with religious beliefs different than your own.
7. What was the most life-changing experience you've had in your traveling and where was it? Moving to France! When I moved there I was young and immature. I felt like what I had to say was very important. Before I learned French, the language barrier kept me quiet. For the first time in my life I really just listened. I realized I can learn a lot from being an observer. I learned to just shut up and appreciate what was around me.
8. How did it change your point of view? Living in France gave me some perspective on our own country. We have the "our way is the best way" American attitude. It's ignorant. There are beautiful, functioning places the world that are far from "our way."
9. What significance does it have in your life now? I am more openminded now and try to see different sides of issues. Maybe that's what wisdom is. It's what we're all working towards.
10. How has it changed you as an individual? I am a better, nicer person. I can relate more to other people now.
11. How has it changed you as a member of society? I feel responsible. I used to not care about anything outside my own world, now I vote for every office position I can and keep up on current events. I am an engaged, more aware, member of society.
12. Has it changed the role you play in your family? Yes, because I'm not always there. I am less involved with my family on a day to day basis.
13. Do you think if your perspective hadn't changed, would you feel the same now? In 10 years? I think so, there are other routes to grow spiritually and become a better person. 
14. Have you brought the significance of this experience back into your Houston "home life" through any activity or ritual? Yes, Ken (husband) and I, talk about where we want to go next. We keep traveling and learning new languages.
15. Do you share it with others? Yes, whenever I hear other people talking in a different language I see if I know it, then try to greet them in their own language. I also meet with women's groups, most of the ladies are adventurous travelers so we share our stories and experiences. One of the women lived in France too so we get together and only speak French.
16. How do you think they see it? Everybody appreciates it. I've rarely met someone who didn't like living someone else for a few years. Though it can take some adjusting at first.
17. How do you feel about the attacks in paris? It is tragic. It felt like 9/11 all over again for me, because it hit home. It also made me notice how much attention we have for places we've idealized. Bombs went off in Beirut a few days before, so I feel like we are desensitized to violence taking place in these countries that we don't picture as developed.
18. Since living abroad had expanded your point of view, do you think it has touched your family in a similar way? I definitely think they've come out of their comfort zone when they came to visit me.
19. Where are you going next? Hopefully Peru!
20. What are you looking forward to doing there? I think we will go to Matchu Pitchu and try to hike up.




Secondary Interview #1: Lloy Lizcano
1. How are you related to Carmen? I am her mom.
2. What impact have her world travel experiences had on you? I got the opportunity to visit her and learn more about the culture and the language. Plus the cool souvenirs!
3. From your personal point of view, do you think her opinions have changed due to her worldwide experiences? Definitely. She has become very open to learning from other cultures, and has learned a lot of languages as well. Carmen is also a very good chef due to sampling foreign cuisine!
4. Have you visited her while she was living or visiting another location? Yes
5. Was it out of the country? Yes, in France and Dubai.
6. Did she participate actively in the community? Yes, especially in France. She was apart of a couple lady's clubs.
7. Is there anywhere she behaved more like a tourist? Around the area where she was living, she always traveled. While living in France, she toured Europe.
8. Do you think her travel and exposure to new ideas has affected her political stand point? She has become more liberal. She listens to all sides of the issues and tries to understand their point of view.
9. What about her role in society? Since living abroad, she comes back and does more charity work in Houston.
10. Has any of this inspired you to make a change? What was it? I definitely try to get more involved with charity work now. I'm volunteering for "Drive a Senior" tomorrow.



Secondary Interview #2: Katy Lizcano
1. How are you related to Carmen? She's my sister! (We have the same parents.)

2. What impact have her world travel experiences had on you? Because she's lived all over the world for extended periods of time, I've had the opportunity to visit her and stay longer in places that I normally wouldn't. The gifts are cool, too.

3. From your personal point of view, do you think her opinions have changed due to her worldwide experiences? Because she's lived all over the world for extended periods of time, I've had the opportunity to visit her and stay longer in places that I normally wouldn't. The gifts are cool, too.
4. Have you visited her while she was living or visiting another location? Yes!
5. Was it out of the country? Yes! In Paris, France!
6. Did she participate actively in the community? Definitely. She has joined local groups, learned the local languages, and helped other foreigners adapt the way she did.
7. Is there anywhere she behaved more like a tourist? Probably Dubai because the local traditions are so different from her own.
8. Do you think her travel and exposure to new ideas has affected her political stand point? Yes, definitely. She was able to see different types of governments and cultures and how they work, even though they are different than what she was accustomed to.

9. What about her role in society?  Because she was often alone in these foreign countries, she has developed a more independent spirit and a strong sense of purpose.
10. Has any of this inspired you to make a change? What was it? Yes- it has encouraged me to travel more often.





Secondary Interview #3: Ana McPherson
1. How are you related to Carmen? I am her twin sister.
2. What impact have her world travel experiences had on you? I got the opportunity to visit her in France, and when she started understanding world politics it gave me more perspective on world relations along with other countries interests.
3. From your personal point of view, do you think her opinions have changed due to her worldwide experiences? Yes, she's become more liberal.
4. Have you visited her while she was living or visiting another location? Yes.
5. Was it out of the country? Yes, it was Paris, France.
6. Did she participate actively in the community? She joined the American Womens' Organization while living in Dubai and France.
7. Is there anywhere she behaved more like a tourist? (Answer not given)
8. Do you think her travel and exposure to new ideas has affected her political stand point? Yes, she became less conservative.
9. What about her role in society? Yes, when she moved overseas, and was no longer employed, she started volunteering and became a leader.
10. Has any of this inspired you to make a change? What was it? Yes, it made me realize that I want to travel more and see many different countries.

Feature Story Brainstorm

1. Who is your main subject?

Carmen Clarke

2. Supporting interviews (who else do you need to talk to)?
I'll interview Ana McPherson, Ken Clarke, Katy Lizcano, and Lloy Lizcano. 

3. What is the topic or potential topic?
A potential topic for this story is some of Carmen's world travel experiences, or maybe focus on one important trip that changed how she thought about something.

4. Which angle from above will you write the story?
How one of her trips changed her outlook on an event/person/life.

5. Then to help you get going faster, come up with 20 questions that you can ask your main subject. Type these in your blog.
1. How many different countries have you visited?
2. What was your favorite trip?
3. What cities have you lived in?
4. Where was your favorite place to live and why?
5. Have any of these places change your viewpoint politically and how?
6. Have any of these places change your viewpoint spiritually?
7. What was the most life-changing experience you've had in your traveling and where was it?
8. How did it change your point of view?
9. What significance does it have in your life now?
10. How has it changed you as an individual?
11. How has it changed you as a member of society?
12. Has it changed the role you play in your family?
13. Do you think if your perspective hadn't changed, you would feel the same now? In 10 years?
14. Have you brought the significance of this experience back into your Houston "home life" through any activity or ritual?
15. Do you share it with others?
16. How do you think they see it?
17. How do you feel about the attacks in paris?
18. Since living abroad had expanded your point of view, do you think it has touched your family?
19. Where are you going next? 
20. What are you looking forward to doing there?

6. Once you complete that portion, you need to come up with 5-10 questions you need to ask your supporting interviews. Type these into your blog. You may need different questions for each supporting subject.
1. How are you related to Carmen?
2. What impact have her world travel experiences had on you?
3. From your personal point of view, do you think her opinions have changed due to her worldwide experiences?
4. Have you visited her while she was living or visiting another location?
5. Was it out of the country?
6. Did she participate actively in the community?
7. Is there anywhere she behaved more like a tourist?
8. Do you think her travel and exposure to new ideas has affected her political stand point?
9. What about her role in society?
10. Has any of this inspired you to make a change? What was it?

7. You will need to do a little research on the topic you expect to interview your main subject about. Take a little time and do some google searching - find at least 5 new things about the intended topic you should know before you interview your main subject. List those on your blog.
1. Living abroad tends to give you more patients because of the language barrier, it takes longer for people to understand you.
2. Have a lot of experience with foreign language, so people who travel that much often know a few.
3. Due to foreign cuisine, they don't fear food and have more evolved taste.
4. A lot of the times, people with exposure to a lot of other countries and new ideas, become more aware of themselves. They get to know themselves better.
5. People who travel and develop good tourist skills, become tourists of their own city, very up to date on current activities.

8. Write when you plan to conduct the interview(s)?
I'll be interviewing over the course of Thanksgiving break. A few will be over Skype, the others will be done on Wednesday or Thursday.

9. Where you will interview them (some interviews are better to do in the persons environment, while others should be done in public places, ALL interviews should be done in person)? I'll be doing most of my supporting interviews over FaceTime or Skype, but some will be done in person along with my main subject interview.

10. How will you record the information? (taking notes is ideal, and if you want to record the conversation you MUST get permission. You can do both if they will allow you to record, this is a really strong technique that you could use.) 
I will be taking notes during the interview.

CE 3.2

1. What are the unusual requests made by the defense attorney for VonTrey Clark's murder arraignment? Page A1 "Ex-Austin cop pleads...."
The unusual requests were to prevent VonTrey from being charged in the media instead of the courtroom. 
2. Why are students at Princeton sitting in the president's office? Page A7 "Students sit in president's office" Some students at Princeton were sitting in the President's office and refusing to leave until their demands to improve the social and academic experiences of black students were met.
3. Who are the current four teams that are predicted to play in the college football play-offs, according to the article on page C4 "Power four plus more"? According to the article, the four teams that are predicted to play are Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State, and Oklahoma.
4. Who are the five "platinum" biker-friendly cities in the United States? Page D3 "Austin earns gold status..." The five platinum cities are..
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Fort Collins, Colorado
- Boulder, Colorado
- Portland, Oregon
- Davis, California

5. What other films where compared to the final Hunger Games film out this week, for their lack of....really exciting viewers at the end? Page D6 "Hunger Games finale...." Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn- Part II, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.


Read the story on page B1 "Ed Board rejects new fact checking".

1. Is this a good decision by the board? Why or Why not?
I think the board's decision is a bad move on their part. They should be trying to minimize conflict when it comes to state education issues. Majority of the board sees it as waste of time, but the truth is they will end up spending more time trying to deal with the backlash of not fact checking their textbooks. People will catch mistakes, and now that more are aware of other issues like this, they will speak out against whatever miscommunication they feel the book has expressed.

2. What do you think about the example set forth, where a world geography book had a caption that read that slaves who were brought over from Africa were "workers"? Is that acceptable? Why?
I learned about this incident in Geography last month. In fact, my teacher had this book. It is an unacceptable mistake because it states that slaves were "workers." This implies they were paid and the labor was optional. The slaves brought over from Africa were mistreated with no pay, bad travel conditions, poor working conditions, etc. It isn't a factual statement to call them "workers."

3. Should textbooks be re-checked by experts in the field or by a group of people selected by the board which includes, parents, educators, and other experts? I think the textbooks should be reviewed by a selected group of people. The group the board will select will most likely be reading the books from the same perspective as a student. The experts might get a tad to know-it-all-y. The diverse group can pick up more important mistakes.

4. Do you think your textbooks are accurate?

Feature Writing Preview

1. What is the difference between a hard news lead (lede) and the one you read above? The lead was the opening hook to a story meant to give the reader a short summary or "quick run down." The opening sentence of the story from the Columbus Dispatch was meant to intrigue the reader.

2. What paragraph(s) did you learn the following information?
a. Who- Paragraph 2
b. What- Paragraph 3
c. Where- Paragraph 2
d. When- Paragraph 8
e. Why- Paragraph 2
f. How- Paragraph 9

3. Are there quotes in this story?
Yes, there are a lot of quotes in the story.

4. Are those quotes arranged in the "quote-transiton" style we used in news writing? No, the quotes aren't in the same style. The small paragraph format was similar though.

5. Who is quoted in the story?
Ted Williams, Kevin McLoughlin, Ken Andrews, Tony Florentino, Shane Cormier, and Patrick.
6. What quote is the most powerful in the story, in your opinion?
When Ted Williams is demonstrating his radio voice he says, "Don't forget: Tomorrow is your chance to win!" I think that quote is inspirational and also adds a bit of foreshadowing.
7. How many paragraphs is the story?
There are 33 paragraphs in the story.
8. How many words is the story (hint: you can copy and paste into Word and get a word count)? 762 words

9. What is significant about the lead (lede) and the final paragraph of the story?
The lead in the final paragraph of the article doesn't warp up the story. It leaves you wanting to know how the story of Ted Williams ends.

10. Why do you think the writer did that with the lead (lede) and final paragraph?
The writer did this with the final paragraph to emphasize how quick a life could change. The author wanted to leave you thinking.

11. Was the story interesting to read?
Yes, the story was very exciting to learn about.

12. When you finished the story, but BEFORE you watched the video, did you want to hear the voice? No, I couldn't visualize him, so I didn't hear it.

13. Multimedia approaches are powerful tools, what impact did the video have when watched directly after reading the story? The video put a face to the name and gave the viewers the opportunity to hear his voice. 

14. Would the story have lost its impact without the video? A little, the story would still be of significance, but it would have less impact on the readers if they never got to hear his voice.

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?
The writer quoted the things Ted Williams said when he was asked to do the voice, but I think he did a good job painting a word picture of a voice.

16. How did the writer do that? The writer used descriptive words and analogies to help you understand what his voice sounds like in person.

Peer Reflections #2

Story 1: "How Social Media is Unhealthy"
1. Who wrote the story?

The author is Darcy K.

2. What is their story about?

The story,"How Social Media is Unhealthy" , is about how social media can distract students to much in school. It can also cause things like cyber bullying. 

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

"Social media has helped in some ways. It has helped be more connected to what is going on around the work, helped us keep up with friends, and in some ways has helped raise money for important companies and problems. There are the good sides, but I think social media has done more bad than good."

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

Yes, the author explained the positive effects of social media, as well as addressing what the other side would have to say.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean do they ever write anything that makes it sounds like they really aren't sure about their opinion?

No, the author was very direct with her opinion and stated it well.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

Yes, Darcy used facts quoted from studies on her topic.

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?
1st person
8. Can you tell if this person was writing an editorial or a straight commentary piece? Yes, it was an editorial. It stated facts and information, as well as her brief opinion.


Story 2: "Cell Phone Addiction and how it affects Teens"

1. Who wrote the story?

Fanny

2. What is their story about?

This story is about the affects of excessive cell phone use on teens of our generation, specifically their social life.

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

"Cell phone addiction is a teenage problem that has to be stopped. Cell phone addiction can make a person( especially teens) lose everything. They will lose their relationships (family and friends), their grades, their social lives, their health and everything they care about.

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

Somewhat, it was briefly at the beginning.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean do they ever write anything that makes it sounds like they really aren't sure about their opinion?

No, they were direct and didn't go back on their opinion.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

Yes, they referred to studies done on their topic.

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?
3rd person
8. Can you tell if this person was writing an editorial or a straight commentary piece? Yes, it was included in the title.

CE 3.1

1.Why does Travis County want to ban the Confederate flag from a parade to be held this month in Austin? Page A1 "Controversy erupts over..." Travis County wants to ban the Confederate flag from the Veteran's Day parade because it's a "political symbol of hatred and racism."

2. How did Julian Hernandez find out he was a victim of kidnapping by his father? Page A12 "Teen discovers..." Julian Hernandez discovered his kidnapping when he started applying for colleges and discovered a problem with his social security number.

3. Why does a group of kids have to climb a ladder to get to school? Page B2 "Young students' trek to school.." A group of kids have to climb a up a ladder, and down the other side, to walk through Dessau Fountain Estates in order to get to Barron Elementary. They don't have busing or sidewalks for those students.

4. Three-part question, make sure to answer all 3: What business is Whole Foods in? What business is Amplify Snacks in? What business is HomeAway in? BE SPECIFIC FROM THE READINGS. Page B6 top 3 stories on the page. 
Whole foods is in the organic food business, Amplify Snacks is in the health conscious snack business, and HomeAway is in the online vacation rental industry.

5. What is Elena Donio trying to do with her life and how is she carrying her goals out? Page SA1 "Mentoring women in tech". Elena Donio is mentoring women who want a tech career and a family, and she is doing the same thing. She is about to be promoted to president of her company, Concur, in December. 

Read the article on page A17 headlined "Learn who you really are by choosing to do without".

1. What kind of article/story is this, based on what you have learned in my class this year?
I think this story is an editorial because he's getting into the topic of simple living.
2. What was the argument David Brooks was making in the piece?
David Brooks made the argument that with all the new technology and just overall clutter of our modern lives needs some clearing out. He's motivating you to see what you can do without.
3. What support did he offer to prove his point to you?
The author refers to his New York Times colleague, books, and historical facts while trying to establish his point.
4. Why do you think the article was termed "From the Right" at the top of the story?
"From the Right" was at the top of the story because the page has balanced views. They use "From the Left" and "From the Right" as a term for 2 opposing sides.
5. Did he convince you of his point? WHY
The author, David Brooks, convinced me of his point because he referenced a book that I've heard a lot about from my mom. I was able to connect the dots with his research, and not only understand, but agree with what he was talking about.

Editorial- Cell Phone Addiction

                             Cell Phone Addiction (with the typical college student)

The cell-phone addiction we face nowadays has taken a turn for the worst, especially with the modern college student. Cell phones are needed for academic purposes and information multiple times a day, but we still need to be wary of our tendencies once we log on. Cell phones, specifically our smart phones, carry all of the tools we could need. They are conveniently distracting.

Some studies find the increasing dependency on mobile phones the only normal option for the technology evolving nowadays. How are you expected not to make a habit out of checking your phone when the world around you is moving at the same fast pace. The information and updates we need aren't obtainable without a mobile device or cell phone.

Our study notes that approximately 60 percent of college students admit they may be addicted to their cell phone", said Roberts, lead author of the article “The Invisible Addiction: Cellphone Activities and Addiction among Male and Female College Students.” This study was based on an online survey of 164 college students. It showed that some of our cell phone's functions — among them Pinterest and Instagram — are associated significantly with cellphone addiction. But others like internet use and messaging, were not. Another study done at Baylor University was on cellphone activity. It is published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions. It concluded that, "Women college students spend an average of 10 hours a day on their cellphones and men college students spend nearly eight, with excessive use posing potential risks for academic performance."

Excessive use of cellphone use spells trouble for a lot of students, especially with their time management. So to improve the compability of a student to stay on task, a phone should have a homework mode. The iPhone has a pull up menu that shortcuts to Airplane mode, they should invent a homework mode that only allows certain app/online activity. The study at Baylor University also showed that of the top activities, respondents reported spending the most time texting (an average of 94.6 minutes a day), followed by sending emails (48.5 minutes), checking social networks (38.6 minutes), surfing the Internet (34.4 minutes) and listening to their music. (26.9 minutes). So to help minimize some of that time, avid e-mailers can download the apps like SpamDrain that help filter your emails so that you can get through your inbox faster.

In the twenty-first century, the reality is there isn't going to be any relief in the world's technological advances. New products and mobile devices are going to keep progressing and improving. To do what's best for ourselves, we can make an effort to maintain some level of productivity when it comes to using our cell phones.



Click below to read about the study at Baylor:
(https://www.baylor.edu/mediacommunications/news.php?action=story&story=145864)

Editorials and Personal Columns

Three ideas you have for an editorial that could appear in the Lone Star Dispatch....

• How the severe weather was handled last Friday/ the reverse evacuation
• The school's money division (AKA where most of the money goes and who doesn't get enough)
• What our school blocks on it's computers

I always read the advice column in Seventeen magazine. I read it because sometimes they include funny stories and questions. Other times they include advice that's actually helpful. I keep going back to read it because the column is applicable to my life.

FINAL ASSIGNMENT

The final assignment of the 6 weeks is to write a 2nd opinions piece, either an editorial, a personal column OR a regular opinions piece. Each has different characteristics and you have to follow them correctly.

If you choose to do an Editorial (500 words), you must choose from the following topics:
Cell phone addiction
Snapchat
Fast food
Traffic

If you choose to do a normal opinions piece (500 words) you must choose from the following topics:
A book, album or movie review (yes you must have read, seen or heard the subject)
Violence on television
Allowances
Social Media

If you choose to write a personal column (length to be determined upon approval), you must clear your topic with Mr. Reeves prior to beginning.

Peer Reflections #1

Story 1: "Accepting Refugees"
1. Who wrote the story?

Katie Ash

2. What is their story about?

The refugees from the crisis in Syria, and how countries need to be more welcoming to those who have already been through so much.

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

"If all of the countries around the world pulled their weight and assisted in the immigrant crisis there would be a real improvement in the situation overall, and the refugees would be better off as well."

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

Yes, the author stated both points of view to the situation.

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.

The article was very straight forward, not wishy washy. There were facts and numbers involved in their argument.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No quotes

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

3rd

Click below to read Katie's article!

Katie A's Blog

Story 2: "Child Autonomy for Medical Choices"

1. Who wrote the story?

Maya Joyner

2. What is their story about?

Maya's story is about a child's autonomy for medical choices.

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

"I think that adolescents should have legal authority over their own body once they reach the age of thirteen, the age commonly regarded as the beginning of adolescence."

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

Yes, the author addressed the opposing side of the debate.

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 supported their opinion and didn't go back on it. The author always stuck by the side of the kid, she believes that after a certain age their input should matter.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No quotes

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

1st

Go check out Maya's Story by clicking the link below!
Maya J's Blog