Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Peer Reflections

1. Who wrote the story?
Carissa Duran
2. What is their story about?
Animal cruelty
3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.
Her opinion is that animals should be treated with more respect and should not be slaughtered for our own food and pleasure. "Someday we all need to wake up and ask ourselves, 'What did animals ever do to us?' Carissa said.
4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?
Yes
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.
She was very clear with her opinion and doesn't think that animals should be treated like how they are currently.
6. Are there any quotes in the story?
No
7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?
1st

Monday, October 27, 2014

Opinion/commentary Piece


  Twins have been around since the beginning of time and have fascinated mankind. I happen to be a twin and I wanted to know more about it, how common it is and the different types of twins. Twins are very interesting and there are so many different factors to how they are created and the different types of twins.

I knew that there were the two main types of twins, fraternal and identical but there are seven different types of twins: identical, fraternal, half-identical, mirror image twins, mixed chromosome twins, superfecundation, and superfetation. Identical and fraternal twins are the most common but the other five are definitely not impossible.

           I had no idea that twins do not have to be born on the same day; the longest birth gap between twins ever recorded is 85 days. This mostly happened when one twin is born early because of aging complications and the other twin is left in the womb for further development, which is very unhealthy for the first born twin, but beneficial for the second.

            About 25% of twins are called a mirror image twin which means that they are identical but are in a mirror image reflection. Scientists think that this has to do with the egg splitting later than normal after gestation. For example if one twin has a birthmark on the right arm then the other twin would have it on the left. I think that it is really cool that this can happen and that the genetics between the two children are shared and it makes similar features.

            Research shows that taller women are more likely to have twins than shorter women because of the extra weight of two children in the womb and insulin like growth factors that promotes twins production. Also women over 35 are more likely to have twins than younger than 35 due to higher levels of follicle-stimulating hormones.

            Identical twins do not have identical finger prints, which are caused by random stresses experienced in the womb. Also a different umbilical cord can change the finger print and is a way for doctors to tell them apart.

            Multiple studies have shown that location plays a role into how many twins in the area are born. Some areas have higher twin birth rates than others like the city Benin; Africa has 27.9 twins for every 1,000 babies born. Massachusetts, New Jersey and Connecticut have a 25% higher rate of twin births than the rest of the nation. Hawaii and Mexico have a twin birth rate of 30% lower than the national average. In some societies having twins is not at all common and is considered a strange thing.

            Twins do not have to have the same father; it is possible that a woman gives birth to two children at the same time with different fathers. It is called heteropaternal superfecundation when this happens and it is very uncommon, but it is possible according to genetic tests and research.

            There is a gene that is passed through the family that is likely to cause the birth of twins called hyper-ovulation which increases the chances of having twins and makes it possible for twins to run in the family. Scientists have said that it skips a generation but that fact is not proven. Me and my brother are twins, and my cousins are twins (my dads sister), and twins do run in my family because my aunts are triplets.

            Twins are shown to have some sort of bond even in the womb, studies show that the fetuses interact even before they are born and within hours after the birth. That supports the saying that twins have an unbreakable bond and are in a way “connected” to each other. Me and my twin brother are pretty close to each other and we have sort of bond that not all siblings have.
           
            Some places in the world not have a lot of twins and they think it is very strange for that to occur and consider twins to be "evil" and "unnatural". I don't think that is ethical or correct at all because twins are a completely natural occurrence that happens all the time and it is even common to have more than two kids at a time like triplets or more.
                        

Friday, October 24, 2014

Current Events Quiz #2.7

1. Why were multiple same-sex schools started in AISD? Page A1 "New single-sex schools…"
to close gaps in education and provide a new learning environment.
2. What is the name of the first person who is the first confirmed case of Ebola in New York City? Page A3 "Physician in New York…"
Dr. Craig Spencer
3. Who is the current favorite to become the new governor of Texas? Page B1
Greg Abott is the current favorite.
4. What is former UT football star Vince Young's new job title? Page C1"Vince Young, diversity salesman"
Development officer for alumni relations in the university's Division and Community Engagement.
5. In the Tech Extra section, on page SA3, which one of the 4 items in the main story on the page would you like to own and WHY?
I would like to have the Samsung Galaxy S5 because they have good screen and camera quality.


Read BOTH of the articles on page A11 at the top under the headline Balanced Views. What arguments are both making about the current political situation in the United States? Why do you think there are titles "From the Left" and "From the Right" on those two stories? Why would the newspaper put this in on the opinions pages? What the the newspapers goals doing this?

The arguments on both sides are that the right side article is republican and the left side is democratic. They were arguing about the political standpoint of the us government. I think they are titled "From the Left" and "From the Right" because they the opinions from different sides of the sale and arguments. They put this article in the opinions page because they were about the opinions on the government between republican views and democratic views. The newspaper is trying to show the different opinions and choose a political party to agree with.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

SNO online papers

1. Who wrote the story?
LaShaye Martin
2. What is their story about?
How social media can have a positive impact on teens.
3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.
There are negative effects of social media such as bullying and drama, but what people don’t realize is that social media can have positive effects on teens. - See more at: http://www.westbrooktimes.com/opinion/2014/09/23/social-media-can-have-a-postitive-effect-on-teens/#sthash.2zqvCKiO.dpuf

Monday, October 20, 2014

Personal Essays

1. What was one idea that the writer gave in the Wide Range of Topics section that you can use as you start deciding on a topic?
What ever you care about is fair game for an essay topic.
2. What was one idea the writer gave in the Opinions Pieces section that you should remember as you are writing your piece?
If you’re writing about the “small” personal occurrence — a move, your first pet — put it in a context that gives the reader insight to both the small moment and the wider perspective.
3. List three suggestions the writer makes in the Personal Essays and Crafts section that you will use as you write.
  • Personal essays by definition contain a personal perspective. You should be there. Watch your construction. If every sentence begins “I”, you need to rephrase to provide a better rhythm and pace to your piece.
  • No extra points for the number of facts you include. Academic essays contain more facts than opinion, personal essays contain more opinion than facts. But ensure the facts you use are accurate. Check names, spellings, numbers. Two sources of confirmation are better than one.
  • Make connections. If you’re writing about a global theme (poverty, unemployment, child abuse) bring the subject closer to home by relating it to specific, individual examples. If you’re writing about more mundane subjects (left-hand turn signals, the search for the best French Fries, your daughter’s graduation) again, set your views against a wider backdrop or perspective so the reader can relate to it.

Current Events Quiz #2.6

1. Where could one go to find out where they should vote and what hours they are open? Page A1 "Voters asked to..." (HINT: the answer is on this page)
Depending on the county you live in affected which website you go to, but all hours and locations are posted on county websites.
2. Why is Whole Foods launching a series of national ads? Page B9 "Whole Foods launching…"
They are trying to emphasize the higher quality of their products and their lower prices for bette business.
3. What change could encourage football teams in Class 6A (which Bowie is in) to win their districts? Page C1 "District football champs…"
District 6A champions will get the home field advantage in the first round of playoffs, stating in 2015.
4. What kind of things might one find at the City-Wide Garage Sale? AND where and when is it? AND have you been? Page D2 "...been to the…"
People can find vintage items, antiques and random things at the City-Wide Garage Sale, held at the Palmer Events Center this saturday 10am-5pm and 11am-5pm sunday. I have not been.
5. Read the first letter to Dear Abby on page D5 (it is at the bottom) about halloween costumes. Do you agree with the advice and should the little girl wear the costume she wants?
I think that the little girl should be able to bring a toy gun and holster with her trick or treating because it is a toy and would not be harmful. I also agree that the toy gun should not be brought to school because it would not be appropriate and the costume would still be relevant.
Short Answer:Today begins early voting across the city. There are a number of important issues on the ballot and the last few days of the newspaper have been filled with information, advice and commentary. In addition, mailboxes across town have been filled with flyers and advertisements from people running for office. Do you think voting is important? Do you know if your parents vote? What do you think you are supposed to do as a responsible citizen in a democracy? Do you have any ideas what some of the major issues are this election? Do you think local elections play any role in the bigger national political process?
I think that voting is important because everyone has the right to express their opinion on who they think should be running for office and who should win. My parents do vote because they feel the need to contribute to the community and got for who they think should win. I think that all people are responsible for voting in our community for who they want to win the election and anyone able to vote should do so. I don't really keep up with the elections because I can't vote but I do know that there is a lot of controversy about who should win and their motives to be in office. I think that our city and state elections affect the nation because their decisions change what happens in our area and how we deal with that.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Huntington Story

Who: Janice Jones and Tammy Rye
What: Janice Jones was shot in the leg
When: 10p.m. Wednesday
Where: Barstow, California, Beach Boulevard near Highway 1
Why: A gun was knocked over and discharged as it hit the ground and went through Jones’ leg.

How: While eating pork chops her dog knocked off her 9 mm handgun off the seat and hit her.

After she was shot, Jones was transported to the Huntington Beach Hospital in an ambulance and then to the Irvine Medical Center. Jones’ dog Tombo was sent to the Huntington Beach Animal Control officers because he was underfed and had fresh cigarette burns on his forehead. The animal center is looking into filing animal abuse charges against Jones.
The Huntington Beach Hospital confirmed that Jones was treated but released no further information.
When the weapon hit the floor it was discharged and the bullet passed through Jones’ leg and through the left side of the vehicle.
“It could have been worse, the bullet hit two inches from the gas tank” California Highway Patrol press liaison Tammy Rye said.
Her dog was also sent to an animal hospital and treated for burns on its forehead and being underfed.
"“It could have done with a little less abuse and a few more of those pork chops,” animal control officer Janet Ngo said.
The police officers cited Jones for expired plates and were considering whether or not to charge her in relation the the gun accident.
"Jones doesn't have a permit for the gun" Officer Rye said.

Current Events Quiz #2.5

1. What percentage of Texas students are considered college-ready compared to the rest of the United States? Page A1 "Texas SAT scores…"
33.9 Texas students are college ready compared to the rest of the United States.
2. Which group has spent the most money lobbying about Proposition 1 AND are they for or against light rail? Page A1 "Spending heavy on…"
Let's Go has spent the most money ($266,000) and are against the light rail.
3. Which philosophy or model is Webb Middle School using to keep at risk students in school and being successful? Page B1 "Webb, Reagan…."
They are using the Breakthrough program which is a non profit organization.
4. What big change in sanitation recommendations will help canners this year? Page SA2 "Home canning now easier"
The big change is that Jarden says that now instead of boiling the jars for 10 minutes before canning is no long necessary and all you have to do is wash the jar with warm soapy water and dry for sanitation and it a lot quicker.
5. Of the three "Top Things to Do" on Page D2, which would you like to see or go do the most if you could AND WHY? Page D2 "Top Things to Do"
I would like to go to the Contemporary Austin's Fall 2014 Rooftop Architecture Series because I would like to see the different architecture and films.

Short Answer: On Tuesday the United States Supreme court refused to hear arguments from multiple states about the Constitutionality of a same sex marriage bans which had been overturned in those states. Effectively the refusal to hear the cases means that those rulings will now stand, paving the way for same sex marriages in more than 30 states across the country. What do you think about this ruling and the result? Be sure to tell me why!!!

I don't support same sex marriage because I don't think that is how we were meant to be like that. Although I do believe that some people are born with those feelings but I don't think they should act upon them and that it's a choice. The result doesn't really affect much but i think that they have a right to do what they please because its their lives.

Monday, October 6, 2014

Lone Star Dispatch #1- News Evaluation

Page #1-
F1 'STEM's into school curriculum-
1. Who: Mazda's STEM program that is used to show students the importance of engineering.
What: They wanted to show future engineers to the different kinds of race car engineering.
When: Presenters from Mazda came on September 16th.
Where: Bowie High School and Akins High School
Why: To show the impact of engineering on the world and the job possibilities in the future.
How: Presenters brought a SKYACTIV-D Mazda to the school along with speaker and race car driver Joel Miller

2. Presenters from Mazda brought the 'Racing Accelerates Creative Education' program to our campus with the purpose of showing students the possibilities of engineering in the car field and the benefits it can bring to our community. They showed how there is a clean diesel prototype race car, provided new possibilities of engineering and science and gave students a new outlook on the racing business field.

3. Joel Miller- direct quote
Jill Harding- direct quote
Joshua Rocha- direct quote
The Mazda presenters and representatives- indirect quote

4. No opinions

5. The title of the story indicates the summary of the plot.

6. Yes

Rule changes lead to new game experience-
1. Who: The students of Bowie
What: New rules restrict certain items at football games.
When: 2014 football season
Where: Bowie High School varsity football games and future school events.
Why: To protect students and keep everyone at the games safe.
How: Backpacks are not allowed to be brought through the gates of the stadiums and students are not allowed to bring baby powder, silly string, whistles, streamers and other distracting items.

2. New rules state that students are not allowed to bring backpacks to varsity football games and other school events because of safety concerns. They are no permitted to bring silly string, whistles, baby powder or steamers because it is said to be a safety hazard and a distraction to the people around them, including the football players.

3. Principle Stephen Cane- direct quote
Melissa Pittman- direct quote
Cole Kuyukendall- direct quote
Football players- indirect
Students- indirect

4. No opinions

5. The title of the story does summarize the plot.

6. Yes

Rebels protest policy at school in athletic shorts-
1. Who: Bowie students
What: Students protested about a 'sexist' dress code against female athletic shorts.
When: Thursday, September 25, 2014 and friday September 26, 2014
Where: Bowie High School
Why: Students thought there was an inequality between the male and female dress code.
How: Students wore athletic shorts to school in a protest against the said 'unfair' dress code.

2. In protest over a 'sexist' dress code students all over campus wore athletic shorts to show that they thought females were getting targeted for wearing athletic shorts. A dress code re-enforcement was sent out to say that it depends on the event of that day what the adult personally thinks about what is distracting.

3. Annie Lin- direct quote
James Otello- direct quote
Justice Lozano- direct quote
Stephen Kane- direct quote
Vincente Trevino- direct quote
Allie Clayboss- direct quote
Kate Buffler- direct quote
Students of Bowie- indirect quote

4. No opinions

5. The title of this story does summarize the plot.

6. No picture

News Briefs:
Go green to honor coach Landers-
1. Who: Students of Bowie, volleyball students, Coach Landers
What: Students are told to wear green to volleyball games in honor of Coach Landers and the American Liver Foundation
When: Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at 5:30 and 6:30 volleyball games
Where: Bowie High School gym
Why: To raise awareness for liver cancer
 How: By wearing green to the varsity and JV games

2. Students are encouraged to come to the upcoming volleyball games and raise awareness for liver cancer in memory of Coach Landers who passed away in June. There are specially designed shirts that student can buy and pick up  a form from the coaches.

3.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Student of the Month Story

Student of the Month
This past week I interviewed Nya who was nominated by Ms. Welchel for Student of the Month.
            Student of the Month is an award given to students for academics, athletics or both and is a very prestigious award that many students are after.
            “My best subject is English and I am good at academics and track.” Student of the Month Nya said.
She was given this award after she received straight A’s this past six weeks and for her awards in track at last weeks track meet.
            “Getting straight A’s is important to me for success,” Student of the Month Nya said.
Bowie High School has given Freshman Nya this award for the September Student of the Month.
            “I don’t feel pressure to be a good student because it comes naturally to me.
She worked very hard on her school work and did all her homework to achieve Student of the Month. She also was respectful to her peers and teachers.
            “To become Student of the Month I worked hard, got good grades and was respectful to everyone,” Student  of the Month Nya said.
Student of the Month is awarded to the most studious, hardworking and respectful students in the school.
            “It wasn’t really a goal for me it happened out of the blue but I do think I deserved it,” Student of the Month Nya said.
Student if the Month is obviously awarded monthly and is a great honor to get because there are 3,000 possible winners at our school and only one person wins a month.
“No one helped me get it, I just worked hard myself and turned my work in time,” Student of the Month Nya said.
There are many opportunities to get Student of the Month because most students are at the school for 4 years and there plenty of academic and athletic events throughout the school year.
“I like to film and edit in my free time aside from school activities,” Student of the month Nya said.
Although not all students can get the award, it is okay because the school has so many things to do and so many new people to meet. There are tons of clubs and extracurricular activities to get involved in.
“Things that go into people considering a new student of the month are grades, being respectful and being involved in the school,” Student of the Month Nya said.