AMITY- A third victim was attacked by a shark during this past Fourth of July holiday. The victim is James Parks, 30, of Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts.
Parks was on his boat in a pond connected to the main beach when the shark attacked. Another sailboat full of three young boys, including Chief of Police Martin P. Brody’s son, were also knocked off into the water. The three boys got out safely, but Michael Brody was in shock and taken to the hospital.
The police department has ordered that all beaches remain closed until further notice. Residents are urged to take extreme caution and report any incidents to the police or Coast Guard.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
July 4 Celebrations Come to an End
AMITY- The beaches re-opened for the holiday after local fishermen caught a 16-foot shark believed to be responsible for two previous deaths.
With the tragic deaths of 16-year-old Wendy Watson and 10-year-old Alex Ferguson this past week, the town has been on edge about a vicious predator in the waters.
The fishermen responsible for the capture of the shark wish to remain unnamed, but they will be receiving the $3,000 reward. Matt Hooper a marine biologist from the Woods Hold Oceanographic Institute was brought in to accurately identify the predator as a nurse shark.
"I am pleased to say we have caught a large predator,” said Mayor Bob Farley at an interview at the beach.
Amity was once again brought alive by tourists and locals flooding to the famed beaches. The atmosphere was peaceful as boat loads of families filed on to the island.
The beach was covered with families, yet there was no one swimming in the water. With encouragement from Mayor Farley a family of four ventured into the waters. Following shortly after everyone from kids to adults piled in.
While the turnout pleased Mayor Farley, Chief of Police Martin P. Brody was still cautious about the waters.
Chief Brody announced in a press release that armed shark spotters will continue to patrol the waters off the beach. Hooper will be out on one of the boats along with coast guard and policemen. If there are any shark sightings the necessary precautions will be taken.
The boats and a circling helicopter kept a close watch on the waters as people swam around.
Everything seemed to be under control until a “fin” was spotted in the water. Panic ensued the lifeguards blew their whistles, and people were racing to get out of the water.
Young children and the elderly were trampled over as panicked vacationers piled back on to the safe beaches.
The gunmen in the boats quickly drove to the sighting, while Chief Brody tried to calm the panic.
It was discovered that the “fin” was a prank pulled off by two young boys swimming deep out in the waters.
The two young boys are Timmy Twamble and Johnny Faker of Worcester, Massachusetts. Police also reported that their parents made the fins and videotaped the prank. No charges have been filed yet.
Even with this discovery the damage was done. The July 4 celebrations quickly came to an end at Amity.
With the tragic deaths of 16-year-old Wendy Watson and 10-year-old Alex Ferguson this past week, the town has been on edge about a vicious predator in the waters.
The fishermen responsible for the capture of the shark wish to remain unnamed, but they will be receiving the $3,000 reward. Matt Hooper a marine biologist from the Woods Hold Oceanographic Institute was brought in to accurately identify the predator as a nurse shark.
"I am pleased to say we have caught a large predator,” said Mayor Bob Farley at an interview at the beach.
Amity was once again brought alive by tourists and locals flooding to the famed beaches. The atmosphere was peaceful as boat loads of families filed on to the island.
The beach was covered with families, yet there was no one swimming in the water. With encouragement from Mayor Farley a family of four ventured into the waters. Following shortly after everyone from kids to adults piled in.
While the turnout pleased Mayor Farley, Chief of Police Martin P. Brody was still cautious about the waters.
Chief Brody announced in a press release that armed shark spotters will continue to patrol the waters off the beach. Hooper will be out on one of the boats along with coast guard and policemen. If there are any shark sightings the necessary precautions will be taken.
The boats and a circling helicopter kept a close watch on the waters as people swam around.
Everything seemed to be under control until a “fin” was spotted in the water. Panic ensued the lifeguards blew their whistles, and people were racing to get out of the water.
Young children and the elderly were trampled over as panicked vacationers piled back on to the safe beaches.
The gunmen in the boats quickly drove to the sighting, while Chief Brody tried to calm the panic.
It was discovered that the “fin” was a prank pulled off by two young boys swimming deep out in the waters.
The two young boys are Timmy Twamble and Johnny Faker of Worcester, Massachusetts. Police also reported that their parents made the fins and videotaped the prank. No charges have been filed yet.
Even with this discovery the damage was done. The July 4 celebrations quickly came to an end at Amity.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Amity Beaches Closed
AMITY, MA- A press conference was held today at Town Hall with Amity Mayor Bob Farley, Chief of Police Martin P. Brody, and the Amity Board of Selectmen to discuss the future of Amity’s beaches on July 3.
“We are going to put on extra summer deputies and shark spotters,” said Brody. “Yes we are going to close the beaches.”
This decision came after a possible shark attack that killed 10-year-old Alex Ferguson of Amity at Village Beach earlier in the day.
Ferguson’s body has not been recovered, but his damaged raft floated on shore. This attack follows the possible shark attack of a young teenage girl the previous day.
Citizens of the town piled into the room to hear what Brody and Mayor Farley had to say about the incidences.
Brody announced that they plan on closing the beaches and bringing in a specialist to determine what is really happening with the attacks. Mayor Farley quickly told the unsettled crowd that they will only close the beaches for 24 hours.
“Twenty-four hours is like three weeks,” said an angry citizen.
While the investigation into the exact cause of death has not been verified as a shark, Brody wants to take every precaution to keep the town safe.
“Now we know that these random acts of senseless violence, victimizing innocent, helpless citizens, do not just happen in the city,” said Brody.
As the meeting was coming to a close fishermen and citizen of Amity Ben Quint offered to catch the shark.
Marian Ferguson, mother of Alex Ferguson, had offered up a bounty of $3,000 to whoever catches the shark. Quint offered to do it but for $10,000.
Quint reiterated the fear of loss of money by closing down the beaches when he warned everyone that they would be on welfare all winter if they do not catch the
shark.
Brody told the town that the investigation is still ongoing at this time.
“We are going to put on extra summer deputies and shark spotters,” said Brody. “Yes we are going to close the beaches.”
This decision came after a possible shark attack that killed 10-year-old Alex Ferguson of Amity at Village Beach earlier in the day.
Ferguson’s body has not been recovered, but his damaged raft floated on shore. This attack follows the possible shark attack of a young teenage girl the previous day.
Citizens of the town piled into the room to hear what Brody and Mayor Farley had to say about the incidences.
Brody announced that they plan on closing the beaches and bringing in a specialist to determine what is really happening with the attacks. Mayor Farley quickly told the unsettled crowd that they will only close the beaches for 24 hours.
“Twenty-four hours is like three weeks,” said an angry citizen.
While the investigation into the exact cause of death has not been verified as a shark, Brody wants to take every precaution to keep the town safe.
“Now we know that these random acts of senseless violence, victimizing innocent, helpless citizens, do not just happen in the city,” said Brody.
As the meeting was coming to a close fishermen and citizen of Amity Ben Quint offered to catch the shark.
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Marian Ferguson, mother of Alex Ferguson, had offered up a bounty of $3,000 to whoever catches the shark. Quint offered to do it but for $10,000.
Quint reiterated the fear of loss of money by closing down the beaches when he warned everyone that they would be on welfare all winter if they do not catch the
shark.
Brody told the town that the investigation is still ongoing at this time.
Missing Girl's Body Discovered on Beach
AMITY, MA- The Amity Police Department discovered the body of a missing teenage girl on South Beach on July 1.
The girl is 16-year-old Wendy W. Watson of Amity. She was last seen alive leaving a beach party with an unidentified male at 11 p.m.
Witnesses at the party say that the two had been drinking. Her male companion told police that Watson decided to go skinny-dipping in the water. When she did not come out he phoned the police at 3 a.m.
A brief search took place early this morning, when a deputy found Watson’s mangled body on the beach.
The cause of death is still unknown, and Watson’s body has been sent to the coroner’s office for an autopsy. No charges have been filed in the case at this point.
“Though a shark attack has not been completely ruled out,” said Chief of Police Martin P. Brody. “We want to assure all residents and visitors on our fine island that they are in no danger.”
Brody has confirmed that beaches in the area will stay open until further notice.
The girl is 16-year-old Wendy W. Watson of Amity. She was last seen alive leaving a beach party with an unidentified male at 11 p.m.
Witnesses at the party say that the two had been drinking. Her male companion told police that Watson decided to go skinny-dipping in the water. When she did not come out he phoned the police at 3 a.m.
A brief search took place early this morning, when a deputy found Watson’s mangled body on the beach.
The cause of death is still unknown, and Watson’s body has been sent to the coroner’s office for an autopsy. No charges have been filed in the case at this point.
“Though a shark attack has not been completely ruled out,” said Chief of Police Martin P. Brody. “We want to assure all residents and visitors on our fine island that they are in no danger.”
Brody has confirmed that beaches in the area will stay open until further notice.
Monday, November 24, 2008
11/24 Blog
The Story Behind the Cover Story: Angelina Jolie and Her Image, was one of the cover stories on Friday’s issue of the New York Times. I found it to be interesting that a story about how the actress Angelina Jolie maneuvers her publicity would garner a spot on the front page of a leading newspaper. It goes to show that the public is very interested in the lives of celebrities in today’s time.
The lead to this story got right to the point. It told the reader exactly why Jolie deserved this much attention. I felt thought that the lead could have gone more into exactly what the story is about. It just gives a little background information about how much money they received from cover pictures of their newborn twins. The main issue of the story is how Jolie manipulates articles and cover stories about herself and her family in the positive light. I feel that the lead should have focused more on this part, and that they could have given exact facts in the following one or two paragraphs.
The beginning of this article discusses how People magazine was the fist magazine to show pictures of Jolie and Brad Pitt’s baby twins. It spent quite some time on this, and does not really delve into Jolie’s style of publicity until farther into the article. I feel that the story should have started off more towards the beginning with how Jolie works with different publication outlets when they do a cove story on her.
The end of the article goes more in depth about Jolie’s charity work. This has become a very important aspect of her life, and the public associates her with her charity work now. The article explains how the money that Pitt and Jolie received from baby pictures with some of their children goes directly to their charity foundations. The article also paints a picture of a younger Jolie, and how that image contrasts with the one she has created for herself now.
The article does exactly what the subject matter is discussing. The story explains how Jolie manipulates her image in magazines in a positive light, and this article does shine a positive light on Jolie. Even without her input (Jolie refused to comment) she is shown as a smart woman who is very generous with her charity work.
The lead to this story got right to the point. It told the reader exactly why Jolie deserved this much attention. I felt thought that the lead could have gone more into exactly what the story is about. It just gives a little background information about how much money they received from cover pictures of their newborn twins. The main issue of the story is how Jolie manipulates articles and cover stories about herself and her family in the positive light. I feel that the lead should have focused more on this part, and that they could have given exact facts in the following one or two paragraphs.
The beginning of this article discusses how People magazine was the fist magazine to show pictures of Jolie and Brad Pitt’s baby twins. It spent quite some time on this, and does not really delve into Jolie’s style of publicity until farther into the article. I feel that the story should have started off more towards the beginning with how Jolie works with different publication outlets when they do a cove story on her.
The end of the article goes more in depth about Jolie’s charity work. This has become a very important aspect of her life, and the public associates her with her charity work now. The article explains how the money that Pitt and Jolie received from baby pictures with some of their children goes directly to their charity foundations. The article also paints a picture of a younger Jolie, and how that image contrasts with the one she has created for herself now.
The article does exactly what the subject matter is discussing. The story explains how Jolie manipulates her image in magazines in a positive light, and this article does shine a positive light on Jolie. Even without her input (Jolie refused to comment) she is shown as a smart woman who is very generous with her charity work.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Killings May be Clue to Heroin Operation
NEW YORK CITY- A shooting broke out on Sunday afternoon between a suspected assassin, Pierre Jeantot and New York City Police Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle. Doyle shot and killed Jeantot after a chase through the city.
Doyle was walking through the park when Jeantot, on top of a nearby roof, shot several shots. In Jeantot’s attempt to assassinate Doyle he shot Betty B. Badluck, 63, of the Bronx as she was walking her granddaughter.
Doyle ran into the building where the Jeantot was, but found only his gun and empty shell casings on the rooftop. As Doyle looked over the side of the building he saw the assassin running away.
Doyle quickly followed Jeantot to the 35th St. Station. As he climbed on to the platform the shooter was nowhere to be seen. Jeantot had managed to get to the opposite platform and boarded the passing train.
The following sequence of events was a high speed and dangerous chase between Doyle and the train. Doyle sped through the streets of New York City in a commandeered car, hitting two cars in the process, while in hot pursuit of the train with Jeantot on it.
While on the train Jeantot shot Roland Evans, 34, a cop from Brooklyn and the conductor Horatio C. Hornblower, 30, of White Plains for trying to stop him. Jeantot also held the trainman Peter Howe, 27, of Queens at gun pint, ordering him to not stop the train. Howe had a heart attack at the controls.
The train stopped suddenly causing Jeantot to lose his gun. He then climbed out of the train on to the tracks.
Doyle met Jeantot at the stairs leading to the platform when he shot Jeantot for trying to escape. Jeantot was shot once in the back.
The scene stems from a heroin investigation that Doyle and his partner Buddy “Cloudy” Russo have been investigating.
According to Homeland Security records, Jeantot entered the country on November 4 from Paris, France. The police suspect that he was associated with a local crime syndicate that is laying down plans for a major heroin shipment from France to New York City. The other men involved in the plan are being sought out.
Police believe that Jeantot was sent to assassinate Doyle for leading the investigation.
Doyle’s use of deadly force was justified under the circumstances. Jeantot had tried to kill Doyle multiple times while on the rooftop.
“We would have preferred to see Jeantot prosecuted in the courts,” said Ruth L. Ess, the New York City Police commissioner. “we believe Doyle was close to a breakthrough in the case.”
It is unfortunate that so many innocent bystanders were harmed in the process of the chase said Ess. Detectives Doyle and Russo are in pursuit for fellow conspirators regarding the heroin shipment.
“We commend Detective Doyle for his bravery and quick thinking. We will continue a vigorous and thorough investigation into what appears to be a major smuggling operation,” said Ess.
Doyle was walking through the park when Jeantot, on top of a nearby roof, shot several shots. In Jeantot’s attempt to assassinate Doyle he shot Betty B. Badluck, 63, of the Bronx as she was walking her granddaughter.
Doyle ran into the building where the Jeantot was, but found only his gun and empty shell casings on the rooftop. As Doyle looked over the side of the building he saw the assassin running away.
Doyle quickly followed Jeantot to the 35th St. Station. As he climbed on to the platform the shooter was nowhere to be seen. Jeantot had managed to get to the opposite platform and boarded the passing train.
The following sequence of events was a high speed and dangerous chase between Doyle and the train. Doyle sped through the streets of New York City in a commandeered car, hitting two cars in the process, while in hot pursuit of the train with Jeantot on it.
While on the train Jeantot shot Roland Evans, 34, a cop from Brooklyn and the conductor Horatio C. Hornblower, 30, of White Plains for trying to stop him. Jeantot also held the trainman Peter Howe, 27, of Queens at gun pint, ordering him to not stop the train. Howe had a heart attack at the controls.
The train stopped suddenly causing Jeantot to lose his gun. He then climbed out of the train on to the tracks.
Doyle met Jeantot at the stairs leading to the platform when he shot Jeantot for trying to escape. Jeantot was shot once in the back.
The scene stems from a heroin investigation that Doyle and his partner Buddy “Cloudy” Russo have been investigating.
According to Homeland Security records, Jeantot entered the country on November 4 from Paris, France. The police suspect that he was associated with a local crime syndicate that is laying down plans for a major heroin shipment from France to New York City. The other men involved in the plan are being sought out.
Police believe that Jeantot was sent to assassinate Doyle for leading the investigation.
Doyle’s use of deadly force was justified under the circumstances. Jeantot had tried to kill Doyle multiple times while on the rooftop.
“We would have preferred to see Jeantot prosecuted in the courts,” said Ruth L. Ess, the New York City Police commissioner. “we believe Doyle was close to a breakthrough in the case.”
It is unfortunate that so many innocent bystanders were harmed in the process of the chase said Ess. Detectives Doyle and Russo are in pursuit for fellow conspirators regarding the heroin shipment.
“We commend Detective Doyle for his bravery and quick thinking. We will continue a vigorous and thorough investigation into what appears to be a major smuggling operation,” said Ess.
Monday, November 17, 2008
11/17 Blog
Amid Brickbats From China’s Government, Tibetans Will Ponder a New Strategy deals with the issues between China and Tibet. The lead sets a powerful scene, “As the flames on anti-Chinese riots and protests engulfed many Tibetan areas of western China last spring, soldiers send to the towns and villages of the deep river valleys around here encountered nothing but silence.” This lead effectively sets the scene and the feel for the situation between Tibet and China.
The article deals with the Dalai Lama’s goal of Tibet’s autonomy from China in a peaceful manner. This has become difficult because China is refusing to cooperate. There are some groups forming in Tibet that want a more radical approach to the issue.
The article is good at giving background to the current issue, but at times I felt myself getting a little confused. I think it would have been clearer if the article organized its background information more clearly, and defined certain things better.
The article’s main focus is a meeting that the Dalai Lama will hold in India regarding the matter. I felt that the article also did a great job at painting the scene in Tibet. The article states the many restrictions the Chinese government is putting on Tibet. The reader gets the feel that the article is very pro-Tibet and anti-China.
Overall the information was presently clearly. The one aspect I would change was the information regarding the history of the two countries.
The article deals with the Dalai Lama’s goal of Tibet’s autonomy from China in a peaceful manner. This has become difficult because China is refusing to cooperate. There are some groups forming in Tibet that want a more radical approach to the issue.
The article is good at giving background to the current issue, but at times I felt myself getting a little confused. I think it would have been clearer if the article organized its background information more clearly, and defined certain things better.
The article’s main focus is a meeting that the Dalai Lama will hold in India regarding the matter. I felt that the article also did a great job at painting the scene in Tibet. The article states the many restrictions the Chinese government is putting on Tibet. The reader gets the feel that the article is very pro-Tibet and anti-China.
Overall the information was presently clearly. The one aspect I would change was the information regarding the history of the two countries.
Friday, November 14, 2008
11/15 Blog
The ongoing pollution problem around the world is most pronounced in Asia. This is what the article, U.N. Report Points to Peril From Noxious ‘Brown Clouds’ is concerned with. I thought that the lead is very effective in pulling in the reader. Everyone knows the problem with the over pollution in the world, and the wording of the lead makes it known right away that this article is going to cover pollution.
The article gives a brief overview of the factors that are causing over pollution in the world, but its main focus is the effects it is having in Asia. I knew that there is a pollution problem in Beijing, China from coverage during the Summer Olympics. I did not know though that the smog is visible from airplanes.
The facts that the article puts out are really astonishing. It really makes the reader think about the environment and what people are doing to create a more toxic living space. I think that the article is very effective in getting the reader to think differently about pollution and what it is doing to the environment.
The problems that cities such as Bangkok, Cairo, New Delhi, Tehran and Seoul, South Korea are facing could possible happen to major cities in the United States. I also liked how the writer ended the article. The ending paragraph focuses on the health problems that the pollution is causing. It is estimated that 340,000 people in China and India die each year due to health related issues caused by pollution. For the article to end on people dying from the pollution, the reader becomes a lot more concerned about the problem.
The article gives a brief overview of the factors that are causing over pollution in the world, but its main focus is the effects it is having in Asia. I knew that there is a pollution problem in Beijing, China from coverage during the Summer Olympics. I did not know though that the smog is visible from airplanes.
The facts that the article puts out are really astonishing. It really makes the reader think about the environment and what people are doing to create a more toxic living space. I think that the article is very effective in getting the reader to think differently about pollution and what it is doing to the environment.
The problems that cities such as Bangkok, Cairo, New Delhi, Tehran and Seoul, South Korea are facing could possible happen to major cities in the United States. I also liked how the writer ended the article. The ending paragraph focuses on the health problems that the pollution is causing. It is estimated that 340,000 people in China and India die each year due to health related issues caused by pollution. For the article to end on people dying from the pollution, the reader becomes a lot more concerned about the problem.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Blog for 11/13
Turkey’s Here, Behind the Bronze Veneer automatically grabbed my attention. I do not know a lot about Turkey and its history, and I found this article to be very interesting.
The lead is very grabbing and makes you want to read further. The article is about Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who was the founder of modern day Turkey. The article starts off, “After nearly a century of looking serious, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, has started to smile.” This made me want to read on because I had no idea who Ataturk was, and I think the lead is very different and intriguing.
The article does a very good job giving the background of Ataturk but not letting it over power the article. The reader also gets a feel for how important Ataturk to Turkey and how his image is viewed by the public. To insult is memory is a crime under Turkish law.
The article is about how a new documentary is coming out that takes a different look at Ataturk’s life and character. I feel that the article really emphasis how this documentary is a very big deal for the people of Turkey. I would never have guessed that a documentary could have such an effect on a country. This documentary can be very upsetting to the people of Turkey, and the article does a very good job and explaining why.
I did find at times that the article could have been better organized. It kept on going back-an-forth from Ataturk’s history to how the film will affect present-day Turkey. I feel that the information on his past should have been grouped closer together, and not necessarily put throughout the article.
Overall I feel that this article was very engaging and interesting. It grabbed my attention and held it throughout the piece.
The lead is very grabbing and makes you want to read further. The article is about Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who was the founder of modern day Turkey. The article starts off, “After nearly a century of looking serious, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, has started to smile.” This made me want to read on because I had no idea who Ataturk was, and I think the lead is very different and intriguing.
The article does a very good job giving the background of Ataturk but not letting it over power the article. The reader also gets a feel for how important Ataturk to Turkey and how his image is viewed by the public. To insult is memory is a crime under Turkish law.
The article is about how a new documentary is coming out that takes a different look at Ataturk’s life and character. I feel that the article really emphasis how this documentary is a very big deal for the people of Turkey. I would never have guessed that a documentary could have such an effect on a country. This documentary can be very upsetting to the people of Turkey, and the article does a very good job and explaining why.
I did find at times that the article could have been better organized. It kept on going back-an-forth from Ataturk’s history to how the film will affect present-day Turkey. I feel that the information on his past should have been grouped closer together, and not necessarily put throughout the article.
Overall I feel that this article was very engaging and interesting. It grabbed my attention and held it throughout the piece.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Blog for 11/12
I have always been interested with the war in Iraq, and the issues and problems the people face over there. As I was reading through today’s paper one article caught my attention. Baghdad Bridge Reopens, Restitching a Divided Area, this article discusses the reopening of a bridge in Baghdad that connects a community of Shiites and of Sunnis.
I found the lead to be very effective. It really grabbed my attention, and it brings up what the article is about. The reporter painted the a picture of what was happening on this day as people from two opposing communities came together. It is very poignant and automatically grabs your attention.
The article then begins to discuss the history of the bridge and the two communities. The bridge was closed in 2005 after rumors of a suicide bomber provoked a stampede of people. There were almost 1,000 deaths due to being crushed or drowning in the Tigris River. The Shiites live in Kadhimiya and the Sunnis live in Adhamiya, both on opposite sides of the bridge.
After this brief historical background of the bridge, the article delves in to the actual process of reopening the bridge. This event could not be taken lightly and there were many Iraqi military commanders and American officers there to manage the crowds. This fact made me realize how there is still so much animosity within different groups in Iraq that they need to be heavily guarded or watched over.
The article does a good job at painting the picture of this landmark day. The bridge was covered in with a tarmac with the Iraqi flag painted on it. There was slaughtering of sheep in celebration of this crossing. The article really touches the reader with it recounts of the day.
Even though this is seen as a positive action, the article also brings about people’s concerns. The article briefly discusses how even though the bridge is reopening; there is still tension between the Shiites and the Sunnis.
The article started off on a positive note, and ends on a positive note. The article concludes with a military adviser commenting on how it was a good day, and that there is hope for some balance within the two communities.
I found the lead to be very effective. It really grabbed my attention, and it brings up what the article is about. The reporter painted the a picture of what was happening on this day as people from two opposing communities came together. It is very poignant and automatically grabs your attention.
The article then begins to discuss the history of the bridge and the two communities. The bridge was closed in 2005 after rumors of a suicide bomber provoked a stampede of people. There were almost 1,000 deaths due to being crushed or drowning in the Tigris River. The Shiites live in Kadhimiya and the Sunnis live in Adhamiya, both on opposite sides of the bridge.
After this brief historical background of the bridge, the article delves in to the actual process of reopening the bridge. This event could not be taken lightly and there were many Iraqi military commanders and American officers there to manage the crowds. This fact made me realize how there is still so much animosity within different groups in Iraq that they need to be heavily guarded or watched over.
The article does a good job at painting the picture of this landmark day. The bridge was covered in with a tarmac with the Iraqi flag painted on it. There was slaughtering of sheep in celebration of this crossing. The article really touches the reader with it recounts of the day.
Even though this is seen as a positive action, the article also brings about people’s concerns. The article briefly discusses how even though the bridge is reopening; there is still tension between the Shiites and the Sunnis.
The article started off on a positive note, and ends on a positive note. The article concludes with a military adviser commenting on how it was a good day, and that there is hope for some balance within the two communities.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
DURHAM, NH- The Oyster River High School’s auditorium was packed today with resident and students casting their votes for this year’s election.
The doors opened at 7 a.m., but the line of people was already around the corner. The first people in line got there at 4:30 in the morning.
“We wanted bragging rights,” said 20-year-old Kevin Froleiks and 20-year-old John Flynn, students at the University of New Hampshire.
This is Froleiks and Flynn’s first time voting in an election, and they wanted to be the first ones to cast their votes.
Many other residents and students got up bright an early and stood in the freezing cold to be some of the first to put in their vote.
Peter Smith, 70 of Durham, NH was picketing outside the school by 6 a.m. Smith stood outside of the school with his sign for Majorie Smith, his wife, and plans on staying at the school until polls close.
“I’m here to support my wife,” said Smith as he shouts at people who pass him by to “Vote for Majorie Smith.”
Other campaigners lined the sidewalk as more and more people filed into line. This year’s election, some say, will be one of the most significant races in history.
“Fifty years from now people will talk about progress this country’s has made,” said Smith. “Today will be one of the land mark days.”
Finally at 7 a.m. the doors to the auditorium were opened, and people quickly filed in.
People were divided by their last names, and then sent to a private booth to cast their vote. With only a minor glitch in the ballot machine the process was going smoothly.
Town Administrator Todd Selig is at the polls to make sure everything is run as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Selig also predicted a very huge turnout, especially since the crowd in the morning hours was already so large.
“I think we’ve seen more people vote this year,” said Selig.
Town Clerk Lorrie Pitt said that 8,442 people were already registered, and that they expect more to register throughout the day.
“It is a very, very large turnout,” said Pitt. “Four years ago we had 1,684 people.”
Pitt also noted that the majority of voters were Democratic. This could be due to the fact that the University of New Hampshire resides in Durham. There were many students who registered Durham as their domicile, which will greatly change the outcome of votes for the town.
“UNH is a very liberal place,” said Hall Director Aaron Keopeke, 29. Keopeke is the Hall Director for the dorm Serc A, and he believes that there has been more campaigning for Senator Barak Obama around campus then for Senator John McCain.
Keopeke believes that if the university was not in Durham, the outcome would be different.
Diana Carrol, 60, has been a resident of Durham since the early 1970s. Carrol agreed with Keopeke that the students of UNH have a huge impact on the outcome of the election.
Carrol and Pitt both noted that this was the biggest turnout of voters that they have seen in years. Carrol also said that compared to other years she has seen more young people come out to vote this year.
Students were not only voting but campaigning outside of the high school. A group of students were setting up a power vote table outside of the doors at 7 a.m.
Carolyn Johnson, 19 of Medway, MA was one of the volunteers.
“I think it’s important,” said Johnson. “It is election day so it’s the last chance to put in your opinion.”
There were not just students who were at the polls but residents of the town. Many people even came with their young children to cast in their votes early. Dan Beller, 49 was on his daily jog and made a quick pit stop at the school to vote.
Lisa Merrill, 41 came to the polls with her young daughter.
Merrill was slightly nervous about today’s outcome, and is unsure of the voting process and its validity. Either way, Merrill believes it is your civic duty to go out and vote.
“I have to do it. You can’t complain if you don’t vote, so you might as well get your opinion heard,” said Merrill.
Senior Michael Heath, 20 of Concord, NH also believes it is his civic duty to vote. Heath felt relieved once he was finally done with the process, and his excited to see the outcome.
“It felt good to vote today,” said Heath.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
School Board Debate on New Saturday Detentions
PORTSMOUTH, NH- The School Board could not reach a decision on a new Saturday detention system this past Monday.
The proposal was brought to the council by School Board member Tim Steele. Steele proposed a new rule requiring students to serve detentions on Saturday instead of during the week.
The Saturday detentions would run from 8 a.m. until noon several weekends throughout the year. The new system would require about $3,000 per year for staffing.
Steele proposed the motion to help reduce the number of in-house suspensions. The new Saturday detentions would also mean that students would not miss any class time.
“I know this isn’t good news for parents,” said Steele. “I hope the threat of Saturday classes will make the students think twice before breaking the school rules.”
Peggy Bacon, a parent, did not like the new proposal. Bacon opposed the increase in finances and the fact that she would have to worry about her son getting to school an extra day of the week.
“I just don’t think it’s going to make any difference, and the parents are going to pay for it—in higher taxes as well as in ruined Saturdays,” said Bacon.
Five high school students attended the meeting. Senior Lisa Gallagher is against the new Saturday sessions.
“I don’t like this idea I think it’s just being done to make life easier for faculty,” said Gallagher.
Gallagher raised an important question on what the punishment would be for students who skipped the session.
Steele responded that students who do not go to their Saturday detention that they would not be allowed to return to school until it is served.
After 30 minutes of discussion, the board voted 5-3, with one member abstaining, to discuss the issue again on the following meeting on March 7.
In other business the School Board discussed a retreat for administrators in June and requests from teachers for leaves of absence.
A financial report was given detailing the impact of federal budget cuts on the school lunch program. There was also an approval of several school department and food service bills amounting to $13,568.
The proposal was brought to the council by School Board member Tim Steele. Steele proposed a new rule requiring students to serve detentions on Saturday instead of during the week.
The Saturday detentions would run from 8 a.m. until noon several weekends throughout the year. The new system would require about $3,000 per year for staffing.
Steele proposed the motion to help reduce the number of in-house suspensions. The new Saturday detentions would also mean that students would not miss any class time.
“I know this isn’t good news for parents,” said Steele. “I hope the threat of Saturday classes will make the students think twice before breaking the school rules.”
Peggy Bacon, a parent, did not like the new proposal. Bacon opposed the increase in finances and the fact that she would have to worry about her son getting to school an extra day of the week.
“I just don’t think it’s going to make any difference, and the parents are going to pay for it—in higher taxes as well as in ruined Saturdays,” said Bacon.
Five high school students attended the meeting. Senior Lisa Gallagher is against the new Saturday sessions.
“I don’t like this idea I think it’s just being done to make life easier for faculty,” said Gallagher.
Gallagher raised an important question on what the punishment would be for students who skipped the session.
Steele responded that students who do not go to their Saturday detention that they would not be allowed to return to school until it is served.
After 30 minutes of discussion, the board voted 5-3, with one member abstaining, to discuss the issue again on the following meeting on March 7.
In other business the School Board discussed a retreat for administrators in June and requests from teachers for leaves of absence.
A financial report was given detailing the impact of federal budget cuts on the school lunch program. There was also an approval of several school department and food service bills amounting to $13,568.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Is the New York Times Biased?
Is the New York Times too conservative or too liberal? In reading over the newspaper I have discovered that there are both articles that are right-winged, left-winged, and neutral.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Story Topic for Week 10/21
My story for this week is about a new food challenge that the University of New Hampshire is participating in. The challenge is the $3.13 a Day Food Challenge. This challenge is about the cost of food stamps, and it is asking students to see if they could survive on only $3.13 amount of food a day. This challenge will take place between November 15- 21 of this year. I learned about this challenge from going to a program that the school put on, The Real Food Forum. I have yet to talk to any of the people running this program yet. My main problem was getting people to respond to me in a timely fashion. A lot of the people running this program did not get back to me until the last minute, and are unable to talk in person due to their busy schedules. I also plan on talking to welfare programs to get more background information about food stamps, and also the university's dining department.
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