Monday, December 20, 2010

Global News

Guns Gone Wild

As India Gets Rich, They Trade Guns

As eight year olds throw punches in America, Indian teenagers in New Delhi gun down their friends over small arguments. As girls argue in public hallways, bullets are shot in stairwells.  As of right now, school gunplay is not common but it is most definitely a developing obsession. More and more people try to get legal guns and people are promoting a rule like the National Riffle Association. As we hope that child arguments in schools occur less frequently, we must put things in perspective because there are mothers who pray everyday that their child will not be shot on their way to class.

International News

New Documentary

New York Times

Many students face traumatic breakdowns, loads of paperwork, and excessive work loads, therefore, a new documentary "Race to Nowhere." will be filmed about the pressure put on student teens. It will be about the classes, athletic accomplishments, and extra-curricular activities that are forced upon teens in order to build up their résumés towards being accepted into better colleges. However, sometimes this is not for the better. This movie will introduce an idea that "One thing is clear: We can’t be content with just giving kids “coping strategies” that leave the structural problems intact; we have to change the structures themselves."

Local News

Birthday Brawl

The Bergen Record

In Paterson New JErsey, at the Hookah Lounge, a birthday party was disrupted by a brawl. This argument left the "smoking lounge trashed and two men in the hospital with stab wounds." The stabbers have not been determined, and apparently the people had thrown tables and chairs through the front windows as the managers tried to get patrons out the back door. The accused victims have not been questioned, as they are not physically ready, however, anyone with information about the incident should call Detective Todd Pearl at (973) 321 1120.

Monday December 13, 2010

Global News
Decembrow 
Aol News


A feminist group has begun to spread the idea of 'Decembrow' by promoting women to grow out their eyebrows to promote "being open minded about looks." Another part of Decembrow is to promote people to donate to any type of charity. And how is this supposed to be spread around the world? People are supposed to take pictures of their unibrow and post it on social networking sites to encourage others to partake in the 'Decembrow' celebration.


(http://weirdnews.about.com/b/2010/12/13/grow-out-your-eyebrows-ladies-decembrow-is-here.htm)


National News
Facebook Police
New York Times


In Palo, Alto California, Mark Zuckerberg (founder of Facebook) suits up for the job everyday. Instead of sporting a blue button down and a badge, he wears shorts and flip flops. Is he a police? No, but a monitor? Of course. Some people say that Facebook is too slow to respond to issues and do not do enough to prevent certain abuses, like bullying. However, Mark does his best to watch out what people can write on others wall's by flagging specific words.


(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/13/technology/13facebook.html?_r=1&ref=us)


Local News
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
Bergen Record


Ho ho ho! Happy Christmahannahkwanzika. Steve Tuch thought that just as much as Christians deserve Santa Claus climbing down their chimney and leaving presents under the tree, Jews deserve someone a little more exciting then 'Hanukah Harry.' Therefore, he invented 'Gefilte Fish Guy', which didn't end too well. Later in the year, the Jew dressed as Santa Claus and his moment of fame was when the boy sitting in his lap in Paramus Park, New Jersey said, "Hey, look at that," he exclaimed 'It's Gefilte-Fish Guy!'" So, from the Gefilte-Fish-Guy, "Happy Christmahannahkwanzika!"


(http://www.northjersey.com/community/111576749_A_holiday_tradition_that_never_quite_caught_on.html?c=y&page=2)

Hello my name is...

As you shake hands and introduce yourself to the woman in the button down shirt with the 'Hello My Name Is...' sticker stuck to her pocket, have you ever wondered what the origin of her name was? Although I knew someone by the name of Suzan since I was three, we never were the closest friends, but after a simple assignment on 'getting to know more about your name' I had felt like I known her much more. Suzan, also known as Suzie-Q or Suzzie by her close family and friends says that she "sometimes feels like it is a name for an elderly." Ironicly, she was named after her great grandmother Sylvia, however, it has not affected her personality. When Suzan and I were discussing the meaning of her name, we had found out it was like a 'graceful lilly'. Not only does Suzan's name mean graceful lilly, but before she knew this she said that if she had the oppertunity to change her name, she would change it to Lilly.  As our conversation grew and we learned more about one another and Suzan said she hopes to name her children Clarissa, Gemma, Isabella, or Carter. Suzan will no longer just be a name, but the meaning behind it has added a whole new dimension to the meaning of my friend.

Absence of Malice

      As a student in a Journalism class my assignments are fairly clear cut and there are no ethical decissions I must make before publishing any of my pieces because I am not writing for the 'real world' to hear. However, I have been prepared for scenarios in which I must make a choice regarding what is morally correct, not legally.
      After watching the movie 'Absence of Mailce', I have created a much more firm base from which I would come to conclusions as a journalist. I feel that although the man had intended for Meg to read the file, it would have been much more responsible of Meg as a journalist to not 'snoop' and read the folder. Besides that, I think that Meg's decisions were not unethical because they did not have a negative effect on society in a permanent way being that the character's had moved on. Journalists' jobs might be to 'report news' but that title comes along with many ethical choices and decisions as well.
      For example, if a student in your school committed a crime and it was your responsibility to report the story. Do you publicly mortify the student and print his/her name, or sacrifice the publicity and do him/her a favor? If the writer would do the teenager a favor and not mention the criminal's name he would receive praise. On the other hand, the criminals reaction would be restricted because it is the truth, but still embarrassment and publication of his/her personal life. Sometimes, like in Meg's situation, it can be taken to an extreme when the person being written about takes their life. IT is each journalist's decision what to

Monday, December 6, 2010

Global News
H.I.V Spreading in South Africa
The New York Times


In Dayton, Africa, approximately 5.7 million people are H.I.V positive If the African budget was not as strained, they would be able to reduce the large number of people H.I.V positive to only 200,000. According to a source, last year, an approximate 2.1 billion dollars were spent towards curing AIDS.It is expected that by 2020 the majority of people can be cured.


(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/20/world/africa/20safrica.html?_r=1&ref=africa)


National News
Noah's Ark Theme Park
The New York Times


In Kentucky the jobs are limited, so a solution has been devised. This will attract tourists and supply the community with more occupations. However, there is a religious dilemma and when asked about it, Mike Zovath, a memeber of a group Gensis a “It’s our opportunity to present accurate, factual biblical information to people about a subject that they’re really interested in,” said Mike Zovath, a senior vice president of Answers in Genesis. Some say that this may cause an uproar in religious wars and an opposer to this establishment said, "The fact that it's an economic development plan doesn't ascuse it."


(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/06/us/06ark.html?ref=us)


Local News
Apple Store Robbery
Bergen Record


The Apple store, in Tice's Corner WCL New Jersey was broken into at 2am on Monday morning. The robbers were not identified, nor was the price of items stolen. The tools used to break into the store were robbed from another nearby store. Police ask anyone who may have seen anything in Monday’s burglary to call (201) 391-8222.


(http://www.northjersey.com/news/crime_courts/120610_Woodcliff_Lake_Apple_store_burglarized.html)

Pre Movie Questions

-   What kinds of things does Sally Field do that are considered unethical for a journalist?

o      She does two major things that can be considered unethical. One, she prints a story that contained secret facts that were leaked to her through a source. Her writing was unattributed and her editor let it slide by without a problem because he knew it would draw attention to the paper. Two, she then slept with the source and his dirty revenge becomes an affair which is frowned upon in the journalism world. For a journalist to become occupied with one of the subjects in their story is unjust and might create a biased story.

-   Describe Sally Field's character.

o      She is honest and genial lady who’s heart can lead her down the wrong path. Sometimes her editor can have too much of an influence on her.

-   Describe Paul Newman's character.

o      He is an innocent man who has a bad reputation that hovers over him like a dark cloud of his fathers past relationships and experiences. However, he is smart and has not committed a crime.

-   Does Roger Ebert think that the events in this movie are realistic

o      No, he says that no expectable journalist would do what they have done in he movie.

-   After reading this review are YOU interested in seeing this movie?

o      Yes, I think it will be a great combination of education, humor, and enjoyment.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Global News:
The New York Times
Chaos At the Polls in Haiti


In Port-au-Prince Haiti, some of the ballots were destroyed so it was difficult to track the winners. However, according to Gaillot Dorsainvil 


“Only 3.5 percent of the voting centers had trouble, that’s not enough to ruin the election,” said the national election council president, Gaillot Dorsainvil. Not only were candidates upset with the scenario, but voters were as well. Some were convinced that it was not a mistake, but moreover the unity Party was trying to promote a win for Célestin. A candidate says, “This is an earthquake of an election, this will divide the country, not unite it.” Which was 100% true, because fingers are being pointed in a million directions and no one can do anything about it.


(http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/11/28/world/americas/HAITI.html?ref=world)


National News:
Detroit News
Missing Children


As of the Friday night, Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner Skelton from  Morenchi Michigan are missing. The kids were left with a stranger by their father right before he had attempted suicide. The 9, 7, and 5 year olds were taken by a lady names Joann Taylor, and the father had expected her to give the kids to their grandmother. Little did he know that as he failed at suicide, his children would be the new kids on the black and white posters on the street signs under the breathtaking words: MISSING. 

(http://detnews.com/article/20101128/METRO/11280318/Town-in-desperate-search-for-three-missing-boys)


Local News:
The Bergen Record
Burglary and Assault


After breaking into a local woman's home, the Englewood man by the name of Gustavo Cifuentes had been charged with burglary, possession a weapon,  and sexual assault. He will remain in the Bergen County jail until he is bailed at a high cost of $750,000.


(http://www.northjersey.com/news/bergen/bergen_prosecutor/112810_Englewood_man_charged_in_burglary_sexual_assault.html)

Monday, November 22, 2010

Global News
Death at a Stampede
The New York Times

The prime minister of Phnom Penh, Cambodia announces that more than 180 people died at a water festival. Then as the group was crossing a bridge, a person fell off the side, causing trauma. This festival marks the end of the rainy season, and the death of many others. Being that Cambodia is one of the poorest countries, it will be difficult for the doctors to deal with this wide-spread death.


(http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/11/22/world/asia/AP-AS-Cambodia-Stampede.html?_r=1&ref=world)

National News

Two Arrests in Shooting Death of 5-Year-Old

The New York Times

A five year old child Aaron Shannon Jr. from Los Angeles was shot n the back of the head while posing in his Spiderman Halloween costume in his backyard. Two men have been arrested for this crime, and investigations have just begun. The families had no gang ties, so there was no particular reason for the shooting.


Local News
New Jersey Teen's Fatal Beating
The Bergen Record


A 17-year-old from New Brunswick New Jersey is currently under house arrest for public beating, underage drinking, and violation of curfew. Five people were charges for the death of a 49=year-old man while he was out on a walk with his family. Although these children are only under house arrest, they will face trial as adults. 


(http://www.northjersey.com/news/crime_courts/112110_House_arrest_for_NJ_teen_indicted_in_fatal_beating.html)


(http://www.northjersey.com/news/crime_courts/112110_House_arrest_for_NJ_teen_indicted_in_fatal_beating.html)

Case Information

Case 1:
Ward v. Rock Against Racism (1989)

What was the case? Rock Against Racism, a group that played music in Central Park's music got shut down after people had complained about the excessive noise. In effect to this the audience became abusive and disruptive. The performers objected and said that it had contradicted the first Amendment. Then, after the bawl was broken up, and all voices were heard, one suggested that for future concerts, the city should supply the performers with proper equipment that would suit the city's needs. 
What was the result? The outline they have created now allows for freedom of 'speech' (song) but in lower amounts, less noise just to satisfy the neighbors.

Case 2:

Marsh v. Alabama (1946)

What was the case? The U.S government was going to impose criminal punishment on a group of people for hanging religious posters around their neighborhood. The group had explained that it contradicts the first Amendment and if their town allows them to do it, they can. 

What was the result? They had received no punishment and nothing was made of it.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Global News
A School Fights For Life in Battered Haiti
The New York Times

In Port-au-Prince, Haiti, a spark of hope has been lit. A public school for girls 'from first graders in hair ribbons to seniors in lip gloss,' the girls were filled with excitement. However, when assembled in the dusty parking lot, they were told that the school year and classes would be postponed for a week. Although this was upsetting to hear, there still is great hope of conquering the current epidemic and overcoming the obstacles of the hurricane.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/15/world/americas/15haiti.html?_r=1&ref=world

National New
Subway Announcer
The New York Times

As you are anticipating your business meeting, or looking forward to seeing your mother after a break, or rushing to work, the voice above you is coming all the way from Maine. Ever wonder who that lady is? It's Caroyln Hopkins, a subway announcer who has been announcing for 15 years. Her voice is heard worldwide, from Chicago to Paris where the little English spoken on the Met is her! So, next time you are awaiting your train, think of Ms. Carolyn who is busy at work, making sure you get to your destination safely.

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/14/announcing-the-subway-announcement-lady/?ref=nyregion

Local News
Letters to Prisoners
The New York Times

Officer Deborah Roberts wakes up each morning and drives to Newark, New Jersey to check mail. How exciting right? But seriously, it is her job to check every single piece of mail that enters the Northern Sate Prison before it is opened by the receiver. Coding to assembling a bomb? Cell phones with secretive numbers? Or.. a musical holiday card that's 'music box' is a bomb? All of these scenarios are situations that Deborah must consider before she allows the mail to pass her office.

http://www.northjersey.com/news/crime_courts/108085494_Prison_inmate_mail_taken_seriously.html

Guest Speaker

Today, we had a guest speaker whom had a wonderful education and an experience of a lifetime. As this speaker shared his experience his passion towards his occupation and his drive towards success inspired me to strive for the things I want even though they may be in far reach. He had explained to us the development of newspapers over time which really sparked my interest. If you refer back to my first post, it was about the death of newspapers. However, much like magazines and newspapers submit corrections, I would like to correct myself. It is not the 'death of newspapers', but the 'change of newspapers'. This speaker really showed me that newspapers are not dying! It is the content that is important. Sure, it is nice to smell the stained coffee and flip the pages, but when you think about it, it truly is the content that will be memorable. He had also motivated me to collect newspapers because they are memorable documents. In conclusion, this speaker had taught me a lot and also made me realize the true importance of the printing press.

Fact Checking Examples

In August 1999, the Arizona Republic fired one of their journalists Julie Amparano for a lack of siting. She had claimed that the paper had not supplied her with enough time to seek the sources. A Syrian journalist from Cox News George Baghdad had printed neumerous articles that contained plagiarized material and put the blame on his assistant. Another journalist Kathleen Breeden, a colleague (2006) at Harvard, was reported for releasing copied political cartoons from a different magazine. 

November 8, 2010

Global News
The New York Times
For Afgan Wives, a Desperate Fiery Way Out

For many Afgan teens, excuse me, Afgan wives, their lives are a torture chamber. Forced marriages at such young ages (14 being the most common), and torment/beatings from their supposed 'husbands' are just two of the many reasons these young ladies would rather burn themselves nearly to death, then live in such an environment. For Afghan women, this is a normal occurrence. But just because something is a normal occurrence, does not mean it has to be accepted. Someone, somewhere, has to take action one town, one household, one family at a time.

(http://community.nytimes.com/comments/www.nytimes.com/2010/11/08/world/asia/08burn.html)

National News
The New York TImes
90 Year Old Marathon Runner

Since he was 78, John Mendes has been participating in the New York Marathon. Running? Not quite. But speed walking? You bet! The time does not matter to John, he just hopes that he will finish before it is dark! Although he used to be a smoker, the idea that it could jeopardize his running career motivated John to stop. The first few years, John had ran most of the marathon, but now, nearly doubling his time John finished with a jog to make it seem like he ran the whole way.

(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/sports/07marathon.html?pagewanted=2&ref=new_york_city_marathon)

Local News
Bergen Record
Julie Ogden

Julie Ogden, a sixth grade science teacher was awarded "Person of The Year" just last year by the Board of Education at Woodcliff Middle School. But why? Was it her love for dogs, her aspiration to put a spark of interest (regarding science, of course) in every students mind? It was because she had consistently inspired students to reach for the stars and try to make the world a better place. As she teaches her students about the carbon footprint, Mrs. Ogden has left a footprint on many animals, families, and students lives.

(http://www.northjersey.com/community/106668888_Julie_Ogden__In_her_own_words.html?c=y&page=2)

Monday November 1, 2010

Local News:
The Bergen Record
Walmart Star


At 17, Charis Jones was just another cashier at one of the thousands of Walmart stores. Now at 28, he is the market manager for the northern New Jersey region for Walmart, oversees seven stores, and manages his own two. When asked his least favorite part of the business, his response was "I honestly can't say I have a dislike. Eleven years with the company and all the promotions and all the things I've been able to do, I wouldn't trade one minute of it for anything." 


(http://www.northjersey.com/news/106395573_At_28_he_s_a_rising_star_with_Walmart.html?c=y&page=2)


National News:
The New York Times
Cruise Ship Barley Squeezes Under Bridge




The Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas was returning to its port in Fort Lauderdale when it underwent a tight squeeze under Denmark's Storebaelt Bridge. They plan on repairing the issue, and then returning to the regular sailing schedule. All passengers were safely secured and continued their trip, expecting to arrive on the 11th of November. 


Global News:
The New York Times

Brazilian President

Although  Dilma Rousseff has no elected political experience, she was recently elected as the Brazilian president. Much like how America has elected their first african-american president, this is the first woman to be elected into such a high position. Many think that these two events will alter society in many ways and see it as an opportunity for change. Will this change be bad or good?

(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/01/world/americas/01brazil.html?ref=world)

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Global News:
Death Toll Rising After Tsunami Hits Indonesia
(The New York Times)

In Jakarta Indonesia, the death toll has been rising dramatically. There were two horrendous disasters; a tsunami and a volcanic eruption. The tsunami was set off by a 7.7 magnitude near the Mentawai Islands. The effects are tremendous, the earthquake left 113 people dead, hundreds missing, and now thousands homeless. The earthquake also consisted of severe measures. This had caused one death, 10 injuries, and many severe burns. Hopefully Indonesian government can gather themselves after this phenomenon of a loss and try to attain structured society through all of the broken hearts.

(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/27/world/asia/27indo.html?ref=world)

National News:
Teenager Known For Hiccups Now Faces a Murder Charge
(The New York Times)

In Miami Florida, a resident Jennifer Mee; known as 'the hiccup girl' in 2007 became the talk of town. No, her hiccups did not return but she is now in the limelight because she is facing a murder charge. She had forced someone into their home and tried to rob him. When he wouldn't give them the money- he was shot four times and later had passed away. Along with the others involved in this attempted-robbery, she is baing charged with muder unless she can clear her name.

(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/26/us/26hiccup.html?_r=1&ref=us)

Local News:
NJ Transit resumes normal rail service
(The Bergen Record)

Unlike the last few trips, commuters will now be able to travel to and from New York Penn Station. After the train had left its tracks, 17 hours later, around 5 am. Tuesday morning the service was restored. no one was injured when the two trains carrying 150 people each had set off their tracks. The commuters will not face the congestion in the station any longer because officials have taken control of the situation.

(http://www.northjersey.com/news/102610_NJ_Transit_resumes_normal_rail_service.html)

Scholastic Press Association Trip

Today, my journalism class went on a field trip and attended seminars about the aspects of writing. I was given the opportunity to sit in on classes such as 'Teens Writing For Teens On Sexual Health', 'Documentary Photography:Shooting Skills & Video with an SLR', and 'Take it From the Times.' Of all the classes I took part in, my favorite was the 'Take it From the Times' class. In this class, we learned about what makes The New York Times so special. The layout is evoking to all readers, and it portrays no dull topics, being that the staff consists of no dull writers. No matter the topic, The New York Times writers bring out the importance and excitement of the piece. This infamous newspaper shows a constant repetition of 'the three's.' It is when the writers use a list of three things, typically descriptive words to capture the readers attention. What I found so different from The New York Times and our school newspaper is the emotion in the writings. School newspapers tense when publishing a piece with a lot of emotion. This is a way of keeping the readers in a bubble by not bringing out the true feelings the topic captures from a person. If we apply the skills that The New York Times writers use into our writings, our pieces can become much more thought provoking and attract a lot more attention.

October 18, 2010

Global News:
Euronews
Miners Return to the Site of their Torment

Being that they had spent 69 days stuck in the mine, one would never think that the men would return to the site of their torment with smiles on their faces. On Saturday, October 16th the thirty-three men had returned to the site in order to pray. Their prayers were not in plea of being rescued, but in thanks of their survival. On the down side, there was a protest being held outside of the mine where other miners who were asked to work during the incident were demanding pay.

(http://www.euronews.net/2010/10/18/miners-return-to-the-site-of-their-torment/)

National News:
News 7 Online
Bullied to Death?


There was a special on news 7 based on Tyler Clementi's suicide. This document did not only focus on the tragedy of Tyler, but those of the hundred other across America. There were a few people who had not let the tormenting get the best of them and had spoken out against this tragedy. Even bullies had explained why they did what they had done and what they were expecting to get out of it. There was one girl who when in the sixth grade watched a video on youtube called "6 ways to kill Pipper" which displayed graphic cartoons of how her fellow students intended to kill her. Pipper had realized the importance of this issue and began to spread her message of kindness and respect across America. Incidents like such happen every day in every school, and if it does not come to a stop, more students will take their lives.

(http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news&id=7701273)

Local News
Bergen Record
Snooki Signs for Fans After Community Service

Being welcomed with squeals and smiles after performing court-ordered community services? That's Snooki! After Snooki had worked at the zoo for a day and cleaned the police stations, people are still fanatic about her and pay 10-20 dollars just for an autograph from the famous party girl. This had occurred in Seaside Heights, where the reality show is filmed as well.

(http://www.northjersey.com/arts_entertainment/101810_Snooki_signs_for_fans_after_community_service.html)

October 12, 2010

Global News
17 People Killed in Bus Crash in Poland
(The New York Times)

In Warsaw, Poland a tragic accident killed all but one of the passengers on a local bus heading towards an orchard. Police say that the Volkswagen minibus was carrying many more passengers then permitted. Investigators are still working to find the exact cause of this accident, but it seems that it had swerved into the opposite land and collided with a bus.
(http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/10/12/world/europe/AP-EU-Poland-Bus-Crash.html?_r=1&ref=world)

National News
Paladino Calls Gay Parades "Disgusting"
(The New York Times)

Carl P. Paladino, a candidate  for the New York governor had recently been on the "Today" show expressing his views on the local gay parades. Many offensive comments had been mad the day of the parade, and when asked about the situation, he has replied, "No, I don’t regret the remarks,”. This could bring Paladino's rankings up or could completley destroy his oppertunity of winning the position. Paladino's remarks call for an apology, but according to his recent interview he is allowed to express his feelings and there will be no changing him.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/12/nyregion/12paladino.html


Local News
Obama Weighs Appeal of Gays In Military Ruling
(The Bergen Record)


After a long debate between political parties, it has been decided that gays are now allowed to be in the military. A heated debate had been risen when some ask, "Why does it matter the gender one loves? It has no relation to their military capabilities." However, the bill has been passed and gays may now apply to join the military. Although many people oppose this, cultural values have slightly shifted since the law has passed. 
(http://www.northjersey.com/news/101010_Gates_says_courts_should_not_set_policy_on_gays_.html?page=all)

October 4, 2010

Global News
Israelis Convicted for Using Boy as Shield During Gaza War
(The New York Times)


On sunday October 3, 2010 two Israeli soldiers were convicted of using a 9-year-old boy to check if there were explosives in bags during the Gaza war. THey had gathered a group of civilians and asked them to check the bags in a local bathroom. Once the boy had begun opening the second bag, a soldier shot at the bag. Although the boy was terrified, he thankfully did not get harmed and was later returned to his family. The men have been convicted and are now being questioned for further information.


(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/04/world/middleeast/04mideast.html?ref=world)


National News
When Home Has No Place to Park
(The New York Times)


With no place to live, many locals from Los Angeles, CA pack up and park their cars for a night sleep. Now that Venice Beach has enforced new regulation about the street parking, their nomadic life may be coming to an end. Not only Venice is pushing these homeless people out, but many other towns as well. Many people have lost their jobs, but that does not mean they are giving up without a fight. 'Vehicle-dwellers' are now realizing this will not be a sustainable life unless they consider their options.


(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/04/us/04rv.html?src=mv&ref=us)


Local News
Hundreds turn out at Rutgers candlelight vigil for Tyler Clementi
(The Bergen Record)


On Sunday October 3, 2010 hundreds of tears had fallen in New Brunswick, NJ. Just a few days ago, Tyler had been unknowingly video-taped in his dorm room by Dharun Ravi, 18 and a fellow student Molly Wei, 18 having a intimate encounter with another man. Minutes later, the video had been broadcasted online and millions of viewers including his family had watched the uncovering of his secret. Just days later, he had jumped off of the George Washington Bridge. The vigil had commemorated Tyler and brought to the attention of all how important it is to be accepting and open in order to make others feel comfortable. “We need, as a community, to show that we can change,” said Paul Zilber, an 18-year-old freshman from North Brunswick. “There’s so many other kids out there that are reaching out, trying to reach out for help.” 


(http://www.northjersey.com/multimedia/photogalleries/102455464.html)

September 27, 2010

Global News

Wage Laws Squeeze South Africa's Poor

( The New York Times )

In Newcastle, South Africa a sheriff arrived at a clothing manufacturing factory to shut it down for paying employees below minimum wage. What surprised this sheriff was the look on the women faces who were working there, they were distressed. With the little money they received, they sought it as an opportunity to raise their families. This was just one sign of the unemployment crisis in South Africa that has been going on for years on end. The president has been promising a raise in employment percentage, but no action has been seen yet. 

National News 

U.S Tries to Make it Easier to Wiretap the Internet

( The New York Times )

The Internet has become a cultural phenomena that it is consuming the Americans life. It has become such a big hole of communication that the government can no longer control and view everything that is done on the web. Therefore, President Obama has proposed a new law that permits the government to view everything that is going on and unscramble encrypted messages. However, others oppose this idea and say that it will just be taking the world back into the past of technology and dissembling the advancements. By 2011, there will be a decision if this law will even make it to the House of Representative.



Local News:
Fundraiser to Help Teen in Coma
( North Jersey News )


Over the past ten years Joey Pluchino from Cedar Grove has been in a coma due to a fatal car accident. His parents have not given up yet and are still working hard to raise enough money to keep him alive. With the support of locals, the Pluchino's may be able to afford a surgery that could awaken him from this coma. On Wednesday October 13th, there will be a fundraiser in order to raise enough money for this surgery. Donations can be sent to 195 Browertown Road, Woodland Park, 07424.

September 20, 2010

National News:

Fewer Deaths From Distracted Driving

( The New York Times)

Since 2009, the number of deaths attributed to distracted driving such as text- messaging had decreased by 6 percent across America. However, it is still more likely to find someone text- messaging while driving then not. In 2008, there were 5,838 deaths due to this fatal distraction. It is not necessarily the numbers that are the main concern, but the lives lost and hearts broken in cases that are completely avoidable. Society shouldn't need people consistently reminding them of number of lives lost and families distressed due to this. In fact, not all citizens’ text and drive as often as they brush their teeth, in some cases, more frequently.  Only thirty states have prohibited the use of phones behind the wheel, and hopefully twenty more will. Phones are like an addiction, people are hooked to these devices and it has come to a point where it jeopardizes their safety on the road.

 (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/technology/21distracted.html?ref=us)

Global News:

Haitians Cry in Letters For Help

(The New York Times)

When the deadly earthquake hit Haiti, thousands of lives were lost, hundreds of homes were demolished, and millions of hearts were broken. Sine then, letters from Haitians have been sent to non-government officials telling them their stories and how they are in dire need for help. This is the way of displaced Haitians venting, talking about their concerns, and finding hope. “I feel discouraged, I don’t sleep comfortably, I gave birth six months ago, the baby died, I have six other children, they don’t have a father, I don’t have work, my tarp is torn, the rain panics me, my house was crushed, I don’t have money to feed my family, I would really love it if you would help me,” wrote Marie Jean Jean. There are many camps that provide shelter and food, but they are all plague infested, flood prone, and feverish areas, which is not a healthy living environment. This was meant to give voice to the voiceless, not money to the poor and food to the hungry. As a misplaced citizen said, it is like they are all bobbing along on the waves of the ocean, waiting for someone to save them. But who will it be to throw the lifesaver?

(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/20/world/americas/20haiti.html?_r=1&ref=world)

Local News:

Heroin Use a Growing Problem for Teens

(The Bergen Record)

A typical conversation in a suburban home goes like, “Hi honey, how was your day in school?”, “Fine,”, “Okay, I will make dinner.” However, more often then not parents have to confront their children about dangerous things like drinking, smoking weed, and even popping pills. In some cases, it is too late; the teens are already knee deep in addiction and have been avoiding detection for weeks, even months. The heroin use among teens have increased so drastically over the past years that if there is no stop to this, soon enough people will be selling them in school hallways. The consequences of being caught are severe for example jail or institution but the consequences of doing the drug can be fatal.

(http://www.northjersey.com/news/103226739_Heroin_use_is_growing_in_West_Milford.html?page=all)

Elizabeth Cochrane

Elizabeth Cochrane, also known as Nellie Bly had a poor academic record in her early ages of schooling. Although her grades did not reflect her aspirations, she had passion to be a writer. Being a part of a poor family, Elizabeth moved to Pittsburgh to find work at the age of 16.  Still on the hunt for a descent job, she was reading an article in the Pittsburgh Dispatch called What Girls Are Good For. She was very aggravated to find out that the author (a male) had mentioned that women receive less pay then men, and he had exposed his personal opinion in the ‘use’ of women. Cochrane was furious, and wrote a letter to the editor complaining about the piece. The editor had responded, “What would you write if you were a journalist?” At the age of 18, she wrote back explaining that she would write about ordinary people. Therefore, he had hired her as a journalist and was blown away by her work.

Under the secretive name of ‘Nellie Bly’ she wrote about political corruption and poverty in Mexico, but was later kicked out of Mexico for exposing the horrid truth. After Elizabeth’s next project, which was working in the insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island, she was now on a mission to circle the world in record time, a competition for her new newspaper The New York World. she returned in record time in 72 days, 6 hours, 11 minutes and 14 seconds, she was greeted by many fans. After her retirement, on a holiday break in Europe, World War 1 broke out. Bly still had a passion for journalism, so she flew to the Eastern Front where she had reported the war for the New York Evening Journal.

< http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAWbly.htm> 

September 13, 2010

National News: Gulf May Have Avoided Direst Predictions After Spill
(The New York Times) 
Early this year, the Gulf Of Mexico faced an enormous Deepwater Horizon spill It was predicted to be the largest and most damaging oil spill in United States history. Although bird carcasses are still being discovered, the numbers from this spill is much less then in other oil spills much like Exxon Valdex spill in Alaska in 1989. The effect on American citizens will not be as severe as many scientists thought, but there currently is a heated debate about the threat of sea life due to the disappearance of a large amount of oil breaking down deep below surface.  Scientists must keep a careful eye on this spill because as quickly as the currents shift, so can the effect on the oil spill. (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/science/earth/14spill.html?ref=us) 


Global News: Plane Crashes in Venezuela With 47 On Board
(The New York Times) 
At 2:06 am on September 13, 2010 a Conviasa flight flying domestically inbound to Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela crashed on the banks of the Orinoco River. Although they are uncertain of the cause, people are still searching for survivors. As of September 13, 2010, 13 people have been confirmed dead, 21 severely injured, and the number of survivors is at least 23. Unlike the last major crash inbound to Venezuela in 2008; there are numerous survivors and hopefully more to be discovered. (http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2010/09/13/world/international-us-venezuela-crash.html?ref=world) 


Local News: Teen Charges In Death Of Paterson Boy; Another Shooting, Stabbing Cap Weekend
(North Jersey)

Summary: ‘One, two three strikes your out!’ is frequently said at local baseball games in Patterson. But what about ‘One, two, three shots your out?’ Shootings in Patterson New Jersey are becoming a common occurrence just as much as a baseball game. Shot one, at 2: 03 pm on September 12, 2010 a local man and his girlfriend pulled up to the St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital with numerous gunshot wounds. Shot two, a 21 year old man along with two other unidentified men were involved in the plotting of a 14 year old Patterson boy’s death. Another person was shot and severely injured near Summer Street, Saturday. Shot three, your out! The police are now more aware of the severity of the situation and plan on establishing changes in the society.

(http://www.northjersey.com/news/091210_Teen_charged_in_death_of_Paterson_boy_another_shooting_stabbing_cap_weekend.html) 

EXTRA! EXTRA! The Death Of The Newspaper

On September 12, 2001 the New York Times printed an article titled 'Hijacked Jets Destroy Twin Towers and Hit Pentagon' written by  Serge Schmemann. Nine years later, in the basement of a local residents home, lies the New York Times story from that day. It is carefully placed in a box that is labeled 'Newspaper Articles for the grandchildren'. In that box is an assortment of morning coffee stained articles that will bring to life the vital historical events of the United States. But what if, in seven years another life-altering event is to take place? Will everyone- all ages, all socio-economic classes, all demographics- have access to breaking news? With the multiplying numbers of blogs, websites, and podcasts, we may be living in the extinction of print newspapers as we know it.