Finish watching shattered glass.
Answer the following questions in your blog:
1. What do the fact checkers at the New Republic do when they cannot find the information to verify?
They contact both Glass' editor and Glass himself in hopes of finding contact numbers, and if not, being able to espose him.
2. How does Charles Lane feel about Glass once he discovers he is lying?
Lane is concerned for Glass and his career. He is also concerned about the well-being of the New Republic and his position as editor.
3. How does Glass gain the sympathy of his fellow journalists at the New Republic?
He makes himself appear as the victim. He blames the editor for allowing him to be needlessly interogated.
4. How does Glass dodge the truth again once he realizes he has been caught by Forbes!
He created websites and phone numbers, and business cards. He created people and made their voices up. He had to make lie after lie to cover-up all of his past lies.
5. What excuse does Glass give Lane for lying?
Glass says that he was duped by his sources and at the time he did not realize it. He then blames his editor for not supporting him.
6. What is the argument for not firing Glass from the New Republic?
He is not fired because he is a "confused, distraught kid." They are also concerned that other people would leave if he was fired.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
1. Is there a clear point of view? (position)
Yes, it is clear that you are for alternative energy source, and want to lessen Amercian dependence on oil and other enviromentally unfriendly energy sources.
2. Does the Op-Ed state the problem and solution simply?
Both the problem and solution are simply stated. I would add more analysis to make them even stronger though.
3. Does the piece address the counter arguments?
Yes! You did a really good job of that, especially with acknowledging the initial expense of alternate energy sources.
4. Is the Op-Ed interesting?
Yes, especially for someone who is interested in investing in alternate energy sources. The story is current because it is a present concern of the United States.
5. Are the paragraphs organized logically?
You did a good job of breaking them down into different ideas. I might rearrange them so that negatives come at the beginning and then you finish by stating the positives.
6. Does each paragraph develop an idea to support the thesis?
Yes they all revolve around the idea that alternate energy is necessary, and action must be taken.
7. Is the writing clear?
The writing is very easy to understand, which made your point clear. To strengthen your overall writing try to take out phrases like "such as" and instead make your writing flow right into an example.
Yes, it is clear that you are for alternative energy source, and want to lessen Amercian dependence on oil and other enviromentally unfriendly energy sources.
2. Does the Op-Ed state the problem and solution simply?
Both the problem and solution are simply stated. I would add more analysis to make them even stronger though.
3. Does the piece address the counter arguments?
Yes! You did a really good job of that, especially with acknowledging the initial expense of alternate energy sources.
4. Is the Op-Ed interesting?
Yes, especially for someone who is interested in investing in alternate energy sources. The story is current because it is a present concern of the United States.
5. Are the paragraphs organized logically?
You did a good job of breaking them down into different ideas. I might rearrange them so that negatives come at the beginning and then you finish by stating the positives.
6. Does each paragraph develop an idea to support the thesis?
Yes they all revolve around the idea that alternate energy is necessary, and action must be taken.
7. Is the writing clear?
The writing is very easy to understand, which made your point clear. To strengthen your overall writing try to take out phrases like "such as" and instead make your writing flow right into an example.
1. Is there a clear point of view? (position)
Yes it is clear that Rachel does not like the drastic increase in college tuition.
2. Does the Op-Ed state the problem and solution simply?
There is a relatively simple solution (continueing to live at home) but the issue is too complex to have a one-answer, easy solution.
3. Does the piece address the counter arguments?
I did not notice a counter arguement, maybe add why colleges need to raise the cost of tuition.
4. Is the Op-Ed interesting?
Yes it was, and it was definately something that nearly everyone in the school can relate to and is concerned about.
5. Are the paragraphs organized logically?
I would have a more definate intro and conclusion, four paragraphs instead of the two.
6. Does each paragraph develop an idea to support the thesis?
Yes they do, you address both the financial increase of college tuition, as well as possible solutions.
7. Is the writing clear?
Yes, both the idea you are potraying and the actual writing was very easy to understand and learn from.
Yes it is clear that Rachel does not like the drastic increase in college tuition.
2. Does the Op-Ed state the problem and solution simply?
There is a relatively simple solution (continueing to live at home) but the issue is too complex to have a one-answer, easy solution.
3. Does the piece address the counter arguments?
I did not notice a counter arguement, maybe add why colleges need to raise the cost of tuition.
4. Is the Op-Ed interesting?
Yes it was, and it was definately something that nearly everyone in the school can relate to and is concerned about.
5. Are the paragraphs organized logically?
I would have a more definate intro and conclusion, four paragraphs instead of the two.
6. Does each paragraph develop an idea to support the thesis?
Yes they do, you address both the financial increase of college tuition, as well as possible solutions.
7. Is the writing clear?
Yes, both the idea you are potraying and the actual writing was very easy to understand and learn from.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The unpredictable roller coaster of a ride that is oil prices in the U.S. has suffiently captivated and maintained constant public attention. With everything from grocery stores to banks using price increases to their advantage in advertising, the public seems to be convinced that they are experiencing nearly intolerable economic times. When oil consumer's lives seem to be ruled so much by the pricey product, imagine the lives of the people from the countries where the oil came from. For most of the U.S. that is dificult, especially considering the small amount of people who are actually aware that their means of getting from point A to point B is the same means of a simultaneously occuring genocide.
Sudan, and specifcally the region Darfur have been subjected to genocide since 2003. This has happened at the hands of the Janjaweed, a deadly militia. The Janjaweed are working with Sudan's own government to elimnate the "Arab" as opposed to Fur ethnic group. The word Arab is used loosely, and applies to anyone who is not Fur. The Janjaweed consists of Fur males ages 20 to 60. While the Sudanese government denies any connection to the Janjaweed, the militia and military have the same weapons and the only difference in the uniforms in the Janjaweed's breastpocket. These racial tensions have created a situation where those of the “Arab” race are forced to flee and attempt to make it to Congo, and even there the Janjaweed have been able to target them. Those who remain in Darfur live in cramped little camp-like places. Woman are sent outside the camp to get water because the men are killed by the Janjaweed, woman are merely raped mercilessly. Still, even once you add in the starving children and diseased and dying, this genocide has managed to stay out of the media for the most part.
The worst part of this particular genocide is that there are two countries who have the ability to easily interfere, and all with a threat. Not a threat of war, a business threat. Should Russia and China, Sudan's two biggest oil customers, threaten to put there business elswhere, the government would be in a potentially devastating position. If Russia and China put their money elsewhere, not only would Sudan lose its main souce of income, but the United Nations and most other countries in general would officially acknowledge their awareness and disaproval of what is going on. This in itself would prevent Sudan from gaining new business. Russia and China would quickly have their source of oil back, considering Sudan is not economically sound enough to last long without caving. Naturally both countries are concerned about the possibility of a sudden oil shortage, but neither Russia nor China rely solely on Sudan for oil. The alternatives to an oil strike would be to wage war or do nothing. Since Russia and China both have influence in the U.N, the U.N. itself would not fund a war. This leaves individual countries to act, and during times of economic hardship this is not feasible. If Russia and China were to withdraw the financial relationship with Sudan,not only would the oil trade be stable again, or as stable as presently possible, but a genocide would be put to rest. The Janjaweed will no doubt take a while to subdue, but at about 140 in numbers, that should be relatively easy to achieve.
While oil may control the most peoples lives, the Sudanese government and Janjaweed is controlling the lives of those in Darfur. They have gotten away with an attempt to destroy a race for 6 years because each country is wrapped up in their own turmoil and ignorance, and because in confronting the genocide Russia and China may risk consequences in the form of oil. If a car ride is worth a genocide then do nothing, if the lives of hundreds of thousands people lost does have some value, at the very least be aware.
Sudan, and specifcally the region Darfur have been subjected to genocide since 2003. This has happened at the hands of the Janjaweed, a deadly militia. The Janjaweed are working with Sudan's own government to elimnate the "Arab" as opposed to Fur ethnic group. The word Arab is used loosely, and applies to anyone who is not Fur. The Janjaweed consists of Fur males ages 20 to 60. While the Sudanese government denies any connection to the Janjaweed, the militia and military have the same weapons and the only difference in the uniforms in the Janjaweed's breastpocket. These racial tensions have created a situation where those of the “Arab” race are forced to flee and attempt to make it to Congo, and even there the Janjaweed have been able to target them. Those who remain in Darfur live in cramped little camp-like places. Woman are sent outside the camp to get water because the men are killed by the Janjaweed, woman are merely raped mercilessly. Still, even once you add in the starving children and diseased and dying, this genocide has managed to stay out of the media for the most part.
The worst part of this particular genocide is that there are two countries who have the ability to easily interfere, and all with a threat. Not a threat of war, a business threat. Should Russia and China, Sudan's two biggest oil customers, threaten to put there business elswhere, the government would be in a potentially devastating position. If Russia and China put their money elsewhere, not only would Sudan lose its main souce of income, but the United Nations and most other countries in general would officially acknowledge their awareness and disaproval of what is going on. This in itself would prevent Sudan from gaining new business. Russia and China would quickly have their source of oil back, considering Sudan is not economically sound enough to last long without caving. Naturally both countries are concerned about the possibility of a sudden oil shortage, but neither Russia nor China rely solely on Sudan for oil. The alternatives to an oil strike would be to wage war or do nothing. Since Russia and China both have influence in the U.N, the U.N. itself would not fund a war. This leaves individual countries to act, and during times of economic hardship this is not feasible. If Russia and China were to withdraw the financial relationship with Sudan,not only would the oil trade be stable again, or as stable as presently possible, but a genocide would be put to rest. The Janjaweed will no doubt take a while to subdue, but at about 140 in numbers, that should be relatively easy to achieve.
While oil may control the most peoples lives, the Sudanese government and Janjaweed is controlling the lives of those in Darfur. They have gotten away with an attempt to destroy a race for 6 years because each country is wrapped up in their own turmoil and ignorance, and because in confronting the genocide Russia and China may risk consequences in the form of oil. If a car ride is worth a genocide then do nothing, if the lives of hundreds of thousands people lost does have some value, at the very least be aware.
Monday, March 16, 2009
1. What is a problem/issue that our entire student body (our school, community, country, etc.) faces today?
Darfur and Sudan as a whole are suffering from a genocide that nobody is doing anything about, few people are even aware of the extent to which this region/country is suffering. China is not doing anything about the problem for fear of losing a main oil source, and they are the country who would have the most impact.
2. What is your view/position on the problem or situation?
The U.S. needs to put more pressure on China, if China was to threaten Sudan with walking out on their oil trade,it would provide an incentive for Sudan's government (who is connectewd to the janjaweed!) to reconsider their actions at the threat of losing a primary business source. The same goes for Russia as wel.
3. What would you like to achieve with your editorial? (What is the desired result?)
I want to bring awareness to an issue that most people are ignorant of. Nothing is being done for these innocent people and it is ridiculous that we are allowing another genocide to happen after saying "Never again" after Pol Pot, Hitler, etc.
4. How will you persuade your audience to adopt your viewpoint as theirs? List at least 4 persuasive points.
I will place focus on needless suffering and an easy solution, also on how oil controls so much of the world, and how fuel becomes a justification for the slaughter of people.
5. How will you motivate your readership to action in your conclusion?
I will throw in a few references to my favorite advocate groups supporting the Darfur cause.
6. How will your editorial serve a public purpose?
Even if people will not act on something, they should at the very least be aware of what is going on. The public should not just be aware of what is going on in their community or country, people need to be aware of world events, or else history's most terrifying events will just keep repeating themselves.
Darfur and Sudan as a whole are suffering from a genocide that nobody is doing anything about, few people are even aware of the extent to which this region/country is suffering. China is not doing anything about the problem for fear of losing a main oil source, and they are the country who would have the most impact.
2. What is your view/position on the problem or situation?
The U.S. needs to put more pressure on China, if China was to threaten Sudan with walking out on their oil trade,it would provide an incentive for Sudan's government (who is connectewd to the janjaweed!) to reconsider their actions at the threat of losing a primary business source. The same goes for Russia as wel.
3. What would you like to achieve with your editorial? (What is the desired result?)
I want to bring awareness to an issue that most people are ignorant of. Nothing is being done for these innocent people and it is ridiculous that we are allowing another genocide to happen after saying "Never again" after Pol Pot, Hitler, etc.
4. How will you persuade your audience to adopt your viewpoint as theirs? List at least 4 persuasive points.
I will place focus on needless suffering and an easy solution, also on how oil controls so much of the world, and how fuel becomes a justification for the slaughter of people.
5. How will you motivate your readership to action in your conclusion?
I will throw in a few references to my favorite advocate groups supporting the Darfur cause.
6. How will your editorial serve a public purpose?
Even if people will not act on something, they should at the very least be aware of what is going on. The public should not just be aware of what is going on in their community or country, people need to be aware of world events, or else history's most terrifying events will just keep repeating themselves.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
At the ages of nine and twelve, B.J. and Emily Viau had to face an unfortunate reality; their mother had been diagnosed with Huntington's Disease. The disease is a combination of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, causing its victim to progressively lose their mental and physical capabilities. In essence, B.J. and Emily were going to have to watch as they slowly lost their mom, and with no cure in sight. Through the jolt of realizing that his life would be constantly changing, B.J. Held on to the two consistent parts of his life, basketball and the love of his family.
When the hereditary disease, from which multiple people from B.J. and Emily's family had suffered, the Viau family seemed to have reached a point where they could no longer sit and not at least try to make and impact. Both Emily and B.J. themselves have a 50% chance of contracting the disease. It was a combination of this, B.J.'s love for his mother, and his passion for basketball that led to the creation of the Hoop-A-Thon. The first year had only 50 people in attendance, and raised $5000. Twelve years later the Hoop-A-Thon is raising over $50000 and drawing a drastically larger crowd around 5000.
This year the Hoop-A-Thon is experiencing a great deal of changes as B.J. himself is having a new experience; His St.Thomas basketball team has become a powerful force this year, as he plans for the Hoop-A-Thon he also has to plan for the possibility of jumping on a plane to play his next game. Just last weekend he played in Chicago with his big sis Emily boarding a plane right after a Hoop-A-Thon meeting at Eastview. Even though the family has been focused on the success of B.J. And his team, they have also been working towards revamping their own event. One of the biggest is that many of father Brian's tasks will be passed down to Emily. “All I can say is it's been a learning experience.” As Emily describes the difference as a change from being, "...part of the planning before but I didn't have a true appreciation for the amount of time and effort that goes into this event until this year." With new leadership, other changes are naturally are taking place. Emily wants to "bring a fresh face to the event. The goal is to keep things similar enough so people recognize the event but different enough to keep them interested and wanting to come back next year with more donations!" Each alteration made is with the hope that the community will develop more of an awareness and understanding of Hoop-A-Thon and raise more money towards a cure.
Emily's brother, B.J. has a similar take. He seems to be most excited about the crowd that the changes will draw. Brian predicts that the, "The record crowd will be able to watch the Timberwolves "Dunk Team" who put on a dunking act off trampolines from the FT line. We will stop the event and have everyone gather around for the entertainment." With all the new ideas that will change the event B.J. will probably get his wish. Just for donating $25 the the donate will receive a gift bag with a T-shirt and other prizes including giftcards. Donate $100 and two Timberwolves tickets worth $44 will be added to your bag. With new games for kids and adults alike, and a silent auction for the adults, the Hoop-A-Thon truly will have as Emily worded it a, "a new face."
The Viaus' are not the only ones participating in creating the changes, the Hoop-A-Thon planning committee has been out in the community getting businesses involved as well. Event planner and volunteer coordinator Emily Bryant is noticing the changes as well. As someone who worked at the Hoop-A-Thon last year, one of the biggest differences she has witnessed is, “...all the new businesses that are getting involved. We have kids going out and getting support from businesses all over Eagan, Apple Valley, and Burnsville.” It is this new support that will help contribute to both this years success, as well as any alterations made. Culvers has traditional provided custard to participants, and new contributers are bound to provided other perks from there own businesses.
These alterations have already attracted the publics attention, Elementary schools from over an hour away are planning on bringing 100 kids to the event. This in itself is a $25 donation from each equaling a minimum of a $2,500 donation. While they are at the event itself they will be able to enjoy the new games and activities added for their pleasure.
Like the Viau's life, with their mother's condition constantly changing, this years event will as well. The Viau's will continue to fight and to work for a cure, just as St. Thomas will keep fighting this for the title this week. T throughout these last 12 years basketball and love has been this families constant, and on April 12 the community is welcome to come and see it.
When the hereditary disease, from which multiple people from B.J. and Emily's family had suffered, the Viau family seemed to have reached a point where they could no longer sit and not at least try to make and impact. Both Emily and B.J. themselves have a 50% chance of contracting the disease. It was a combination of this, B.J.'s love for his mother, and his passion for basketball that led to the creation of the Hoop-A-Thon. The first year had only 50 people in attendance, and raised $5000. Twelve years later the Hoop-A-Thon is raising over $50000 and drawing a drastically larger crowd around 5000.
This year the Hoop-A-Thon is experiencing a great deal of changes as B.J. himself is having a new experience; His St.Thomas basketball team has become a powerful force this year, as he plans for the Hoop-A-Thon he also has to plan for the possibility of jumping on a plane to play his next game. Just last weekend he played in Chicago with his big sis Emily boarding a plane right after a Hoop-A-Thon meeting at Eastview. Even though the family has been focused on the success of B.J. And his team, they have also been working towards revamping their own event. One of the biggest is that many of father Brian's tasks will be passed down to Emily. “All I can say is it's been a learning experience.” As Emily describes the difference as a change from being, "...part of the planning before but I didn't have a true appreciation for the amount of time and effort that goes into this event until this year." With new leadership, other changes are naturally are taking place. Emily wants to "bring a fresh face to the event. The goal is to keep things similar enough so people recognize the event but different enough to keep them interested and wanting to come back next year with more donations!" Each alteration made is with the hope that the community will develop more of an awareness and understanding of Hoop-A-Thon and raise more money towards a cure.
Emily's brother, B.J. has a similar take. He seems to be most excited about the crowd that the changes will draw. Brian predicts that the, "The record crowd will be able to watch the Timberwolves "Dunk Team" who put on a dunking act off trampolines from the FT line. We will stop the event and have everyone gather around for the entertainment." With all the new ideas that will change the event B.J. will probably get his wish. Just for donating $25 the the donate will receive a gift bag with a T-shirt and other prizes including giftcards. Donate $100 and two Timberwolves tickets worth $44 will be added to your bag. With new games for kids and adults alike, and a silent auction for the adults, the Hoop-A-Thon truly will have as Emily worded it a, "a new face."
The Viaus' are not the only ones participating in creating the changes, the Hoop-A-Thon planning committee has been out in the community getting businesses involved as well. Event planner and volunteer coordinator Emily Bryant is noticing the changes as well. As someone who worked at the Hoop-A-Thon last year, one of the biggest differences she has witnessed is, “...all the new businesses that are getting involved. We have kids going out and getting support from businesses all over Eagan, Apple Valley, and Burnsville.” It is this new support that will help contribute to both this years success, as well as any alterations made. Culvers has traditional provided custard to participants, and new contributers are bound to provided other perks from there own businesses.
These alterations have already attracted the publics attention, Elementary schools from over an hour away are planning on bringing 100 kids to the event. This in itself is a $25 donation from each equaling a minimum of a $2,500 donation. While they are at the event itself they will be able to enjoy the new games and activities added for their pleasure.
Like the Viau's life, with their mother's condition constantly changing, this years event will as well. The Viau's will continue to fight and to work for a cure, just as St. Thomas will keep fighting this for the title this week. T throughout these last 12 years basketball and love has been this families constant, and on April 12 the community is welcome to come and see it.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Peer Editing Feedback
1. What are some areas that could use more detail? Why?
Add more on what you will miss going into college; compare what you will miss from your childhood to that and note differences and similarities.
2. What additional sources might the author use? Does the lead involve you in the story?
Get a few more comments from your cousin and how they viewed you back when you were looking up to them. Change your lead into more of a story, it could even be the story where you were preparing for battle.
3. Do the first 450 words contain a well defined scene (a detailed description of someone doing something or something happening)? What is it? If not, make a suggestion for a scene that might work.
You go in and out of a descriptive scenes, if you talk to more cousins you could probably use their quotes as a lead to another story.
4. What questions would you like answered in the next 300 words? What would you like to see or hear more of? Less of? Include, any other suggestions you have for improvement.
All you need to do is elaborate on a few ideas. I pretty much said them al above, what you will miss going into college and such.
1. What are some areas that could use more detail? Why?
Add more on what you will miss going into college; compare what you will miss from your childhood to that and note differences and similarities.
2. What additional sources might the author use? Does the lead involve you in the story?
Get a few more comments from your cousin and how they viewed you back when you were looking up to them. Change your lead into more of a story, it could even be the story where you were preparing for battle.
3. Do the first 450 words contain a well defined scene (a detailed description of someone doing something or something happening)? What is it? If not, make a suggestion for a scene that might work.
You go in and out of a descriptive scenes, if you talk to more cousins you could probably use their quotes as a lead to another story.
4. What questions would you like answered in the next 300 words? What would you like to see or hear more of? Less of? Include, any other suggestions you have for improvement.
All you need to do is elaborate on a few ideas. I pretty much said them al above, what you will miss going into college and such.
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