Friday, May 29, 2015

Lone Star Dispatch #8

Front Page- "Votes are in and the elections come to a close, drum roll please"
Write a three to five sentence summary of the story.
Student council elections were cast and the new presidents for 2015-16 is Shelby Johnson and Marcus Gallardo. To be a student council president, it takes honesty, work ethic, communication skills, and being willing to give up a good amount of time for the school. Eric Moe and Powell Henson leave the office to allow Shelby and Marcus to step up to help improve Bowie. 
On each page of the main section (NOT the senior tab) - so 8 pages, what were the graphic elements on that page? Be specific, describe what it is and what information it contained. 
Front Page- There was 2 pictures for the elections and there was an animation to describe the FIT schedule for next year. This lets you see the difference that we could experience for school days next year. It is 2 calendars with red dots for A Days and blue dots for B days and there is the schedule for this year and for next year.

Student Life- "Seniors on route to the big, tough world"
Write a three to five sentence summary of the story.
Graduation is coming up soon for all the Bowie seniors. Some seniors are so glad to be done with high school and move on to college in the adult world and be able to leave the stress behind. Others will miss being a Bowie Bulldog and the friendships they've made.
2. On each page of the main section (NOT the senior tab) - so 8 pages, what were the graphic elements on that page? Be specific, describe what it is and what information it contained.
Student Life- There was a illustration of the continents and lines that lead to different places in the world that people are going to. There is a picture of the choir's award they received while in Disney World. There is a illustration of a diploma with the statistics of graduation rates as of 2012. 

News- "NHS induction brings new faces"
Write a three to five sentence summary of the story.
To become apart of National Honor Society, there is a long application process you have to go through. The requirements is a 3.75 GPA, they turn in an application that also has record of at least 8 hours of community service. Then Vicki Hebert sends out evaluation forms to the teachers the student likes or is close with to learn of their character and leadership qualities. After that they are rates from 1-5 and a student needs at least a 4 to be reviewed by the faculty committee with Stephen Kane, the principal. 
2. On each page of the main section (NOT the senior tab) - so 8 pages, what were the graphic elements on that page? Be specific, describe what it is and what information it contained. 
There is a photo of the color guard to go with the news story about color guard. There is a quote from Ms. Widner on the new schedules.
Sports- "Spring ball winds down to an end"
Write a three to five sentence summary of the story.
The season for Bowie baseball is coming to a close. They won a total of 20 games, and they went to the quarter finals and are in the third round of the playoffs. Their determination and dedication has paid off. They had a devastating lss to Oak Ridge 4-0 taking them out of the playoffs. 
2. On each page of the main section (NOT the senior tab) - so 8 pages, what were the graphic elements on that page? Be specific, describe what it is and what information it contained.
There was a photo of Kyle Gray pitching for Varsity. There was also a lacrosse photo to go with the story on lacrosse.

Entertainment- "Silver Stars take NYC"
Write a three to five sentence summary of the story.
Silver Stars had their Spring Show with the theme of "Broadway"! For many seniors this was not only their last show, but their last performance with the Silver Stars before they leave for college. During the dance about Central Park, a gas lamp fell, but they professionally fixed the problem and continued the show gracefully.
 On each page of the main section (NOT the senior tab) - so 8 pages, what were the graphic elements on that page? Be specific, describe what it is and what information it contained.
There were two pictures on the SIlver Star spring show. There was a sunflower graphic to go with ACL lineup just as a little element to it. There also was a ticket with information on the movie they reviewed and the rating the staff gave it. 

Commentary- "Why can't teens have fun?"
Write a three to five sentence summary of the story.
This is a commentary piece on how much school affects kids and teens. Elementary school was such a bright place that kids actually want to go to school and now in high school, we are all just trying to get by. There is so much to do for school, there is not always time to just let go and have fun.
2. On each page of the main section (NOT the senior tab) - so 8 pages, what were the graphic elements on that page? Be specific, describe what it is and what information it contained. 
There was art with a kid struggling to hold up a bunch of books for school. This graphic is to show all the classes teens have and they have a lot of weight on us. There was a graphic for the other article with two buildings and different classes illustrated by items for their class with arrows to the other building to represent kids being able to go to Crockett for an auto class.

3. Which graphic in this paper was the strongest, in your opinion? WHY?
I think the FIT schedule graphic was the strongest because it was a great way to show the pending schedule for next year in a graphic and being able to show it in compare to our current schedule.
4. Which graphic was the weakest, in your opinion? WHY?
I thought the the political cartoon was a little difficult to grasp the concept and I thought they could have done a better job on the schools so it would have a better look.
5. Look at the political cartoon on page 7 next to the editorial. What is the artists message
?
The artist's message is that the idea of letting kids go to other schools for classes is not a good idea and is messing with the system we already have and we don't need to have something like that at Bowie.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Free Write

I was born into the world on April 21st, 2000. My parents are Laurie and Michael Clark. My dad is my rock, he is always there when I need him.  When I was young, he was always the one tickling me until I cried and always playing games with me no matter how ridiculous. I am his little girl forever and always.

As I grew older, we still remained the same, laughing and playing together like two peas in a pod. I have to admit, I’m a daddy’s girl. He would discipline me but I could never stay mad at him, he was my pal, my partner in crime. He’s always up for doing anything, even if it is getting food at 10:30 at night, we are there. When I’m sad or down, he always knows how to pick me up again. I am truly blessed to have a dad like him. He makes me laugh and smile more than any other person on this planet. And he’ll always be there for me.

Who could ask for a better dad? He is a true role model to me. When I’m older I want a husband like my dad. He is great with kids, funny, kind, and puts others before himself. He has set a high standard for other guys in my life because he is so amazing. I love my dad so much, he is an important figure in my life and he inspires me. A reason he inspires me is his job. He found a job he can really contribute to and he loves going to work because he loves his job. He is a computer engineer and what he does is truly astounding to me.

He is always the one helping me when I’m sick. No matter if it is strep throat or a stomach bug, he is always there to try and make me feel better. When I had strep throat over Christmas Break and I couldn’t attend the Christmas Eve church service, only my favorite service in the world, he took pictures and sent them to me. He stayed by my side and even went to the store late at night to get me more ice cream. My mom thought it was just a virus type thing and it would go away in a few days. When we came upon the 5th day and I was still in a lot of pain, my dad got up early in the morning with me and took me to the urgent care center to get medicine because he couldn’t see me in that pain anymore.


My dad is truly inspiring to me. He is the person I go to when I am sad or mad, because he can always make me feel better. We have a special bond that could never break. We truly are two peas in a pod. I love my dad so much and I couldn't imagine my life without him in it. 

Monday, May 18, 2015

CE #6.2

1. How many people were killed in Waco this weekend in a rival biker gang shootout? How many were injured? How many were detained for questioning? What location did this happen? 
9 people died. 18 injured. Somewhere between 25 and 70 people were detained for questioning. It happened at Twin Peaks in Waco.
2. What are the five topics the state legislature plans to take on in the final two weeks they are in session?
Tax cut talks, budget debate, abortion, gun bills, and border security.
3. Summarize the stats presented in the info graphic on page B1 
The rain really had an impact on all people alike from the amount pouring down to rain delays of games and other events.
4. What are some of the technological inventions that real estate agents are using to help sell homes in markets where homes do not stay on the market very long?

FaceTime and a 3D walkthrough program to help buyers not only see the house but for absent house buyers to get in contact with sales people.
5. Why will funding to help pay for those who died and injured in the Amtrak train wreck be limited to $200 million?
Because of a 1997 effort to help Amtrak one day be independent. 


Short Answer: Read the story on page A2 "Will death make Tsarnaev a martyr".
What do you think about this topic? If they put Tsarnaev to death, will he become a martyr and inspire more attacks, or does it matter at this point since he has already carried out his attack?

    I think this is a very tough situation because there have been martyrs in the past and they don't want others to be inspired by him and cause more chaos. But at the same time the crime he committed should end with him being sentenced to death. To me, I think if he dies, he will become a martyr.
   I personally do not think that they should but Tsarnaev to death because it could guarantee a martyr on him and cause more attacks. It is safer to put him into life in imprisonment and not worry about that chance. Of course he deserves to be sentenced to execution but the government has to look at the big picture and what else could happen besides just one man. It is a risky maneuver for the government to figure out.
   I think him just carrying out the plan is possibly already him becoming a martyr but the government would be making the likelihood of him becoming one greater. His plan being successful was already devastating and could inspire people. The execution could easily strengthen that inspiration of his that can cause more devastating attacks in the future.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Movie Review

If you don't go see Captain Phillips you'll need to walk the plank
By: Avery Clark

     We all have seen movies like Pirates of the Caribbean with pirates and everyone jokes about them and dresses up as them for Halloween. This movie revolves around pirates but not just any pirates they are Somalian pirates. They are very violent and intense unlike some pirate movies they have today.
This movie would be characterized as a biographical thriller/action drama.

     The movie is set around the horn of Africa in 2009. Captain Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks) is the captain for the ship M.V Maersk Alabama to take cargo around the horn of Africa to Kenya. While on their ship they are ambushed and hijacked by four pirates, Adan Bilal (Barkhad Abdirahman), Nour Najee (Faysal Ahmed), Walid Elmi (Mahat M. Ali) and the captain of the pirates, Abduwali Muse (Barkhad Abdi). The story follows the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama.

     Tom Hanks was a great selection for the role of Captain Phillips. He really helped tell the story and all his acting and reactions were well chosen to fit well with the context of the scene. Barkhad Abdirahman, Faysal Ahmed, Mahat M. Ali, and Barkhad Abdi all did a very good job of not only playing the intense role of the pirates but also being able to portray the relationships between each one of them flawlessly. There was a lot of ensemble effort put into this group of 4 pirates to really tell the story. I felt Caroline Keener as the wife of Richard Phillips was not a major role but her acting and character seemed to have lacked in the beginning scene. Overall I feel that Barkhad Abdi made the movie with his intensive role as Abduwali Muse.

    I was very impressed with the movie as a whole. I expected the movie to be cheesy and not as intense as it was. After the pirates hijack the ship, the movie is very intense for the rest of the duration of the film. I could not stop watching the movie because it is so interesting and I would definitely call this a high-concept film. I felt that some of the general scenes of the crew together before the hijack weren’t really needed. I liked the aspect of the pirates speaking their own language at certain parts but when they spoke English is was slightly hard to understand what they were saying at times. Just as a warning there is a spoiler in the next paragraph.

    In this movie, the message to me was always have faith in others that you trust. This message is shown multiple times throughout the film. The first time it occurs is when the pirates first try to hijack the ship and Captain Phillips tells all the crew everything they need to do to make sure the pirates do not reach the boat and even when he is increasing the knots and the crew members are getting worried they put their trust and faith in Captain Phillips that he knows what he is doing. The second instance of this is when the pirates make it onto the boat and he gives orders of how to handle this and when the pirates take him hostage, the crew has to put faith and trust into their captain to make those smart decisions and do what is right for all of them. I think others could definitely learn this from the movie and that you need to trust others in drastic situations.

    This movie is rated PG-13, which I think is a good MPAA rating for the film although this could be a little too intense for some kids 13-15 years old. This film is very intense so I do not recommend this movie to those who do not like intense thrillers or the sight of blood because those are both evident in this movie. Overall I think most people would enjoy the movie as a whole. This movie is very good and is a must see movie. 

Rating from 1-5 stars:

**** out of *****
 

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Movie Prep

1. Who are the main characters you would expect to see in the movie, based on the real life events?
Chief Engineer Mike Perry, Richard Phillips, 
 Ali Aden Elmi, Hamac, Abduwali Muse, and captain Commander Frank Castellano, and Captain Larry Aasheim
2. Briefly, in 2-3 paragraphs, tell me what you expect the plot to be in the movie, based on the real life events?
I think the plot will be about the capture of Captain Phillips and the pirates. It is going to tell the story of what happened to Captain Phillips during the attack. It will also cover the time he spent on the pirate's boat. This will show the important part of history. 

This will also focus on the events leading up to the attack. Maybe a little background on Captain Phillips and then jump into the story about the pirates and everything that happened. Then it will close with the saving of Captain Phillips.
3. Why was this story important?
This story is important because it tells a true story of a man's experience not only with pirates but how he was rescued and this incredible story.
4. Why did the pirates try to take the ship?
They wanted to hijack it and take the cargo.
1. List the five most important actors in the film.
Richard Phillips

Abduwali Muse
Adan Bilal 
Nour Najee
Walid Elmi
2. What is the movie rated?
PG-13
3. Who directed the movie?
Paul Greengrass
4. Who was the producer?

Michael De Luca, Scott Rudin, & Dana Brunetti.
5. What awards did it win?
Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Best Edited Feature Film - Dramatic
Top Ten Films of the Year
Outstanding Supporting Actor
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance- Male
Best Sound Editing: Dialogue & ADR in a Feature Film
Supporting Actor of the Year
Best Editing
6. How much did it cost to make?
$55 million
7. How was it received by audiences?
It was received well by audiences.
8. What did other movie reviews think about the movie?

Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 93%. New York Times gave it a really good review.