Lone Star Dispatch Issue #2

Dawgs demolish Trojans behind Mayers' four TD's 

Write a two sentence summary of the story.
This article explains how Bowie was on an almost perfect winning streak and beat the Trojans. Bowie has only lost 1 game all season and the players are very proud to be on the team, and making memories together.

Who? Bowie's Bull dawgs and Anderson's Trojans 

What? Homecoming game

Where? Burger Stadium

When? November 1st 

Why?

How?

Who was quoted in the story?

Senior Capitan Tyler Walker 

Senior Pedro Martinez

Senior Joseph Lewright 

Senior Keith McAlonan 

What quote was the strongest in your opinion?

"I had faith in our team that we would play to the best of our ability and the hard work paid off."

Did the lead sentence make you want to keep reading?

If I was someone with school spirit or interested in football, then yes.

Was the conclusion a quote or a statement?

First Lunch

Write a two sentence summary of the story.
This article is about the struggle First Lunch causes. Students are usually very hungry for the rest of the day and we only just ate lunch when 1st lunch comes around.

Who? Student at Bowie

What? Dilemmas with first lunch

Where? At bowie 

When? First lunch; around 10:30 every day

Why?

How?

Who was quoted in the story?

It was an opinion piece so it was the authors quotes.

What quote was the strongest in your opinion?

No quotes 

Did the lead sentence make you want to keep reading?

Yes because I have first lunch and can relate.

Was the conclusion a quote or a statement?

"Eating lunch so early in the morning disturbs me from doing  the best I can academically."

Twitter fun turns into double dare

Write a two sentence summary of the story.
The article about Sophomore Tyler Hudson and how he got 500 retweets to jump off a bridge into Town Lake naked. He did it as a joke but then it stated to get more and more retweets and he finally had to do it while posting the proof on Instagram.

Who?  Sophomore Tyler Hudson

What? A tweet that got him in some trouble

Where? Town Lake 

When?  He jumped on October 19th 

Why? He got 500 retweets 

How?

Who was quoted in the story?

 Sophomore Tyler Hudson

What quote was the strongest in your opinion?

"I started regretting my tweet as it got closer and closer and then when i was at four hundred I just started planing it out so I wouldn't get arrested."

Did the lead sentence make you want to keep reading?

Yes, it sounded very funny.

Was the conclusion a quote or a statement?

Hudson's video can be found on his Instagram profile, tylerhudson16.

Fans exuberant over most recent Hunger Games 

sequel Catching Fire

Write a two sentence summary of the story.
It is about how student are excited for the new Hunger Games. The movie is coming out soon and various Bowie stunt can barely contain their excitement.

Who? Bowie Student 

What? The Hunger Games series new movie

Where? At Bowie

When? The movie comes out November 22nd 

Why?

How?

Who was quoted in the story?

Freshman Kelsey Powers

Junior Laurie Bengoa

Freshman April Briggs

What quote was the strongest in your opinion?

"Like any book lover, I began reading the Hunger games in search of a book that would get me hooked into a superficial reality where I could fall in love with the characters and wish myself into a book,"

Did the lead sentence make you want to keep reading?

No, not really because I don't really love the Hunger Games. Though if you do, yes, it would get you hooked.

Was the conclusion a quote or a statement?

"Now lets see which lone victor remains in Catching Fire and how the movie ends. Catching Fire comes out November 22nd."

A few of your beauty questions; asked and answered

Write a two sentence summary of the story.
It is just answers to questions about beauty tips. Very useful if you are into beauty tips.

Who? Senior Tess Reuter answers beauty questions

What? Answers to various beauty questions

Where? Beauty Spa and Salon

When? 

Why? To answers question from Bowie students

How?

Who was quoted in the story?

Senior Tess Reuter

Junior Lily Howard

Senior Jason Galarza

Sophmore Taylor Nibblet

What quote was the strongest in your opinion?

None of the quotes are very strong, they are just questions and answers

Did the lead sentence make you want to keep reading?

If you are into makeup, yes.

Was the conclusion a quote or a statement?

Talking about perfume and how to get it of if you use too much.

Silver Stars participate in Champions 4 Children

Write a two sentence summary of the story.
The silver stars recently helped with Campions 4 Children. They had taught children with rare or undiagnosed diseases a dance and preformed it at a football.

Who? The Silver Stars

What? Silver stars participate in Champions 4 children and Silver star auditions 

Where? Westlake Game

When? The auditions are November 21st 

Why?

How?

Who was quoted in the story?

Silver Star Director Jennifer Dawson
Captain of the Silver stars Maddie Hacking
Freshman Corin Taylor
What quote was the strongest in your opinion?
"I love to dance and I think it is a grab way to meet people. I also think it would be a great way to get involved and support our school"

Did the lead sentence make you want to keep reading?

Yes, it was a strong lead.

Was the conclusion a quote or a statement?

 "I also think it would be a great way to get involved and support our school."

Current Events Quiz 3.1

1. In Thursday's paper on page D1in the story called "Flatbed taking on key role in arts," what is the main focus of the story? Please be specific and summarize the entire story. Tina Weitz, a local photographer 

It is all about a gallery called flatbed and how it came to be. It was opened 14 years ago in 1999 and is still going strong in East Austin. They recently gained Gallery Shoal Creek, another, smaller and older, gallery, as a tenet. Tina Weitz, a local photographer, has also recently joined the flatbed team.Flatbed works had to give local artist a chance to shine and thrive.
2. On the side of that story, there is a "sidebar" with additional information about arts in Austin. What types of information were provided in those sidebars that you didn't get from reading the "Flatbed" story?

The sidebar focuses on a certain piece and where you can find it. It doesn't talk about the    gallery, but about an artist.

3. In Wednesday's paper on page D1 in the story called "Formula one for success," what is the main focus of the story? Please be specific and summarize the entire story.

It starts out about Formula one and fish and chips. It explains one mans experience and how it created his love of food. He know faces a challenge revolving around the places Formula One takes place and the foods in that area. He talks recipes and his up and downs. He also speaks about his strategy during the challenge. And about traditional dishes he has attempted.

4. What does the writer do that causes you to keep reading the article even if you don't care about cooking, or formula one car racing?

He adds a certain sense of humor to an article that could have been boring. The way he describes his cooking in comparison to racing is very interesting.

5. What techniques did the page editors at the Austin American Statesman use to break up the lengthy text present in that story?

They used tittles of each section to show what he was writing about and how it was compared to racing, like The Finish Line.

6. In Tuesday's paper on page D1 in the story called "Hug to out is the ethos of Roy Spence," 

what is the main focus of the story? Please be specific and summarize the entire story.

It is about the author of "The 10 essential hugs of life" Spencer Roy.  The author of this piece talks about how her was nerves to meet Roy because he didn't like hugs but he enjoyed it. It talks about Roy's experiences with hugs and how they effect people. Roy talks about his parents and grandfather who helped him realize how important hugs are.

7. Would you want to get a hug from Roy Spence? Why or Why not.

I would because he wrote a while book about them so he must be good at them.

Feature Writing Preview

1. What is the difference between a hard news lead (lede) and the one you read above?
The Story we read is paragraphs of information then several different quotes.2. What paragraph(s) did you learn the following information?
a. Who- The smooth baritone of Ted Williams(paragraph 2)
b. What- Wiliams was carrying a hand-scrawled cardboard sign touting his "God-given gift of voice" when The Dispatch found him(paragragh 3) 
c. Where- Hudson Street ramp off northbound I-71 (paragraph 2)
d. When- The story was published Wednesday, January 5, 2011(under titttle
e. Why
f. How 
3. Are there quotes in this story?
Yes, there are many different quotes in this story
4. Are those quotes arranged in the "quote-transiton" style we used in news writing?
No, they ar organized differently.                                                                                                                         5. Who is quoted in the story?
 Kevin McLoughlin, director of post-production films for the National Football League
 Dispatch videographer, Doral Chenoweth III
Shane Cormier, a Los Angeles agency owner
And Ted Williams himself
 6. What quote is the most powerful in the story, in your opinion?
"I'm trying hard to get it back," Williams says. I think it is the most powerful quote because even though Williams made wrong choices that led up to him becoming homeless, he is positive and working towards becoming a radio voice again.
7. How many paragraphs is the story?
There are 33 paragraphs.8. How many words is the story (hint: you can copy and paste into Word and get a word count)?
There are 762 words.9. What is significant about the lead (lede) and the final paragraph of the story?
They are both only a few words yet they define a mod or tone in the story or ending the story.10. Why do you think the writer did that with the lead (lede) and final paragraph?
I think it makes the piece more serious.11. Was the story interesting to read?
I didn't find it very thought- provoking but I can see how some might enjoy it.12. When you finished the story, but BEFORE you watched the video, did you want to hear the voice?
Yes, the author made the reader want to hear his voice to see what all the hype is about.13. Multimedia approaches are powerful tools, what impact did the video have when watched directly after reading the story?
It was very similar to the piece.14. Would the story have lost its impact without the video?
No, I don't believe but it would have left the reader wanting to hear the 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?
He described it through other peoples opinions of it and in his own opinion.16. How did the writer do that?

He said "The smooth baritone" and "his radiant pipes". and also included other people opinion of it.

Current Events Quiz 2.4

1. Who is the new UT Athletic Director, or what school did he come from (first or last name)?

2. Did the affordable housing bond pass?

No, I don't believe it did.

3. Why is the county about to pay almost $50,000 to move a tree?

I think it was hays but it might just be somewhere very close and its a 10 year old tree.

4. What is the 15th state to allow gay marriage?

Illinois 

5. What country just launched a mission to Mars?

India

1. A Miami Dolphin football player, named Richie Incognito, was just suspended this week from the team for allegedly bullying a teammate, named Jonathan Martin, so much that Martin walked out in the middle of the day just before practice and has not returned to the team. Feedback from the league has been mixed. Some former players say that this kind of thing should never happened and that the severity of the bullying went way over the line, while others say that Martin needed to deal with the situation behind closed door and that he is a "sissy" and a "tattletale". Do you think that professional football players should be held do a different standard when it comes to these types of incidents because its a "Mans" sport or not? WHY? (MAKE SURE TO ANSWER WHY?) Do you think that Incognito should be allowed to play again? WHY? Do you think the other Dolphin players will welcome Martin back to the team with open arms? WHY?

I think that bullying is not right, no matter where it is. Saying that it is okay because it is football is completely wrong. I think that other players allying their teammate a "sissy" is rude and they are just trying to keep Richie Incognito out of trouble. Incognito should be able to play again but maybe after some time off and an apology to Martin.  The players also should not have any kind of  vendetta against Martin because it wasn't his fault.

Opinion writing 2

Recently I have downloaded the new Katy Perry Album "Prism" and I had some strong feeling on it.

I will admit that I absolutely adore Katy and her whole attitude when it comes to music and that I have been waiting for this album since she released her single from the album "Roar". 

This album definitely wasn't my favorite at first, but it has really grown on me. I have followed Katy's career since I heard her first single on the radio. When her concert movie came out, I'm pretty sure I was jumping for joy. I feel she has been just getting better and better with age.

That being said, I had big expectations for this album, some that were not met. I admire so much the fact that Katy went through her very public divorce with husband Russell Brand and found the strength to continue her tour and write this album. You can feel her pain and sassiness with every lyric she sings.

Her song "By the grace of god" really exhibits her strength. With the lyrics "When the truth was like swallowing sand" and "Found I wasn't so tough, lying on the bathroom floor" you get a look into what she went through. She also sings "And I looked in the mirror and decided to stay, wasn't gonna let love take me out that way" which I think shows that no matter what she went with, she didn't give up and became stronger.

One of my personal favorites, "International Smile", really makes you want to get up and strut to the beat. When she sings"Cause she's got that one international smile" it makes you want to smile.  The beat of the song will have you dancing around in your room, using a hairbrush as a microphone.

I think the one that got the most attention, since it was the first single and she preformed it at multiple award shows, is "Roar". Now don't get me wrong, I love this song to no end, but can you say over played? I felt everywhere music was played, in the car, my favorite app 8 tracks, or even just my mom singing it while doing laundry. And even though I'm pretty sure I could sing it backward in my sleep, It never ceases to get me singing at the top of my lungs and dancing ( if you could call it that) all around my house.

Another track from "Prism" is called "Legendary Lovers". Let me start out by saying this just wasn't "my cup of tea". To me, this song is just a bunch of random synthesized notes put together that does absolutely nothing for Katy's voice. As harsh as that may sound, I have found it to be complete true from multiple listens. Katy also has parts where she is sing kind of fast and it sounds too rushed. However, not all the lyrics are bad. I really like the part where she sings "I never knew Karma could be so rewarding". I'm not sure why I like it, but there is something that makes it relatable.

Another favorite would be "Dark hours ft. Juicy J".  Quite honestly, the first time I heard it, I thought it was terrible. I'm usually not into songs that you can't hear instruments but artificial beats, but this album changed my opinion.  I wrote this song off as terrible too quickly and I know that. After some persuasion from a friend, I listened to it again and fell in love. "So you wanna play with magic? Boy you better know what you asking for" and "Are you ready for, ready for a perfect storm, perfect storm" are my favorite lyrics from this song.

Other tracks to check out would be "Unconditionally", "This Moment", and "Love Me". They are all amazing songs from the album that I have downloaded.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this to a friend. Some songs might not be my favorite but the album as a whole is very good. Once again, Katy Perry has shined like the star we all know she is.

Editorials and Personal Columns

1. Is EOC and varies other district tests adding more unneeded stress onto students?

2.Was homecoming really worth all the hype it got?

3. Is FIT long enough to actually get something productive done?



I get on Tumblr on a regular basis and I follow a lot of people. I follow certain people for different reasons but I follow people  because I like the content of their blogs.  If they talk about something that interest me or has a lot of funny things I can relate to, I feel compelled to keep looking at their blog and following them.

Personal Essays

Should teens legally be able to drop out of school at 16? She said no.

http://www.azlestinger.com/opinions/2011/05/16/should-teens-legally-be-able-to-drop-out-of-school-at-16-she-said-no/

1. Who wrote the story?

Assistant Editor Katy Willis

2. What is their story about?

Should teens be able to drop out of school

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

"But, I don’t think there is any reason for a student to drop out of school unless they are failing miserably or there is a family incident that requires them to be home schooled."

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

She did mention reasons why they might drop out but she didn't go into detail.

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 sure about what her opinion on the matter is and was very straight forward with it.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No quotes

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

First person

My Phone Can Be a Dictionary, Calculator, Translator & Planner All At Once 

http://mhstrailblazer.com/opinion/2013/10/13/my-phone-can-be-a-dictionary-calculator-translator-and-planner-all-at-once/#sthash.tOWs3vKK.dpuf

1. Who wrote the story?

Reporter Anna Qi

2. What is their story about?

The story is about how we can use your phones apps for many different thing instead of carrying varies tools around in our bags.

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

"Through these apps, I am able to stay more organized, solve my homework problems, and take a weight off my shoulders. The world is constantly becoming more developed with electronics, so why not make some use out of it? Through my phone I can do so many things – text, take high quality pictures, and surf the Web instantly, but I can also govern my student life on the edge of my fingertips"

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

No, she talked about how she uses apps in her day-to-day life.

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 only spoke about how apps help and how she uses them.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

This story includes no quotes

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

First person

New Cell Phone Policy

http://getthebearfacts.com/opinion/2012/11/01/new-cell-phone-policy/

1. Who wrote the story?

Arts & Entertainment Editor Jacqueline Guevara

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

"Overall, the new cellphone policy seems to be very helpful. Students just have to follow the rules, and not abuse their new privileges. iPads, iPods, iPhones, and laptops can help greatly, and make a student’s life much easier."

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

She had quotes from various people about what they think about this change from both a student and a teacher.

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.

Again, she used other peoples opinions on the mater to prove the opinion.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

Yes she quotes Geometry teacher James Coffey and Sophmore Mario Cavazos.

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

I think it is 3rd person.