1. What do the fact checkers at the New Republic do when they cannot find the information to verify? They get in contact with Glass and try to get information from him to see if his story was true.
2. How does Charles Lane feel about Glass once he discovers he is lying? He is not trusting of him and makes him try redeem himself by proving his facts.
3. How does Glass gain the sympathy of his fellow journalists at the New Republic? He says that he knows that he messed up and he feels terrible about it.
4. How does Glass dodge the truth again once he realizes he has been caught by Forbes? He lies again and tries to cover it up with more made up evidence that he tries to prove as true. He gets his information from other sources and tries to use it as his own info.
5. What excuse does Glass give Lane for lying? He says that there was a lot of pressure and he felt like he had to keep covering up for his mistakes.
6. What is the argument for not firing Glass from the New Republic? He knows that he was wrong and he is sorry for lying. They don't know what he will do if he is fired.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Final Editorial
As many high school seniors prepare to go off to college in the fall, many factors come into view as they make the decision of which college to attend. Some of these factors may include proximity to home, what the college has to offer, available majors, the campus, and many others. One factor that has become an issue among that final decision, however, is the cost. Jumps in college tuition prices have set a hurdle in the way of many hopeful students and means that for many, they may have to alternate their plans.
College tuition has increased significantly over the past years and continues to do so each year. Between 2000 and 2005, the average cost of tuition for students attending four-year public universities jumped 40 percent, according to the Board, a New York City-based nonprofit made up of 4,300 colleges and universities. This is a substantial amount and many people cannot pay it. In comparison, according to the report, Trends in College Pricing 2005, college tuition for two-year community colleges and four-year private colleges has increased less than 19 percent in the past five years and less than 6 percent between 2004 and 2005. It linked the largest average increases to reductions in state funding for higher education. Student aid has also been on the rise, but not by enough to keep students from relying more heavily on borrowing, according to a companion report, Trends in Student Aid 2005. This knowledge is coupled with the reality that grant aid from the government, colleges and private sources isn’t covering the price hikes. Although there is a lot of aid out there that is helping many students, there is also real caution about the failure of grant aid to keep up with the rising prices in college tuition.
One of the many downfalls in this increase in tuition is that in many cases it is taking students longer to earn their degrees, as they must make time to make money while still attending school. There is also concern in continuing inflation and the danger that low-income students will be priced out of education. There is good news in that however, as students do have the option to live at home and attend a community college where they will still be able to get an education at a reasonable cost. There are always going to be students paying more as thousands are not receiving any financial aid to attend school at all. So, as each academic year comes around, parents and students wait for the shock of what the new tuition price will be for the next year. However, that is not the only part of the shock that is awaiting parents. The College Board also warns that it now takes the average public university student six years to complete a degree. Private school students are generally taking an average of five years. This means that parents should budget at least $79,000 to get today's freshmen attending in-state public universities through graduation. Now that is something to be shocked about.
College tuition has increased significantly over the past years and continues to do so each year. Between 2000 and 2005, the average cost of tuition for students attending four-year public universities jumped 40 percent, according to the Board, a New York City-based nonprofit made up of 4,300 colleges and universities. This is a substantial amount and many people cannot pay it. In comparison, according to the report, Trends in College Pricing 2005, college tuition for two-year community colleges and four-year private colleges has increased less than 19 percent in the past five years and less than 6 percent between 2004 and 2005. It linked the largest average increases to reductions in state funding for higher education. Student aid has also been on the rise, but not by enough to keep students from relying more heavily on borrowing, according to a companion report, Trends in Student Aid 2005. This knowledge is coupled with the reality that grant aid from the government, colleges and private sources isn’t covering the price hikes. Although there is a lot of aid out there that is helping many students, there is also real caution about the failure of grant aid to keep up with the rising prices in college tuition.
One of the many downfalls in this increase in tuition is that in many cases it is taking students longer to earn their degrees, as they must make time to make money while still attending school. There is also concern in continuing inflation and the danger that low-income students will be priced out of education. There is good news in that however, as students do have the option to live at home and attend a community college where they will still be able to get an education at a reasonable cost. There are always going to be students paying more as thousands are not receiving any financial aid to attend school at all. So, as each academic year comes around, parents and students wait for the shock of what the new tuition price will be for the next year. However, that is not the only part of the shock that is awaiting parents. The College Board also warns that it now takes the average public university student six years to complete a degree. Private school students are generally taking an average of five years. This means that parents should budget at least $79,000 to get today's freshmen attending in-state public universities through graduation. Now that is something to be shocked about.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Editorial Peer Edits
Katie Baldwin
1. Is there a clear point of view? (position)
Yes, her position is for using alternative energy and resources.
2. Does the Op-Ed state the problem and solution simply?
Yes, the problem and solution are both stated very clearly and are backed up by good arguments.
3. Does the piece address the counter arguments?
Yes, it addresses the issue from both sides but still provides a clear position on the issue.
4. Is the Op-Ed interesting?
Yes, it is very interesting as it is a prominent issue in the U.S. today.
5. Are the paragraphs organized logically?
Yes, the whole editorial is organized very well.
6. Does each paragraph develop an idea to support the thesis?
Yes, each paragraph provides another point to back up the thesis.
7. Is the writing clear?
Yes, it is very clear. Very well written.
Kelly Brown
1. Is there a clear point of view? (position)
Yes, the author is against the genocide taking place due to oil issues in other countries.
2. Does the Op-Ed state the problem and solution simply?
Yes, the author presented the issue and a possible solution to the issue.
3. Does the piece address the counter arguments?
No.
4. Is the Op-Ed interesting?
Yes, it is very interesting. It is a topic that many people are interested in today.
5. Are the paragraphs organized logically?
Yes.
6. Does each paragraph develop an idea to support the thesis?
Yes.
7. Is the writing clear?
Yes, the writing is very well done and easy to understand.
1. Is there a clear point of view? (position)
Yes, her position is for using alternative energy and resources.
2. Does the Op-Ed state the problem and solution simply?
Yes, the problem and solution are both stated very clearly and are backed up by good arguments.
3. Does the piece address the counter arguments?
Yes, it addresses the issue from both sides but still provides a clear position on the issue.
4. Is the Op-Ed interesting?
Yes, it is very interesting as it is a prominent issue in the U.S. today.
5. Are the paragraphs organized logically?
Yes, the whole editorial is organized very well.
6. Does each paragraph develop an idea to support the thesis?
Yes, each paragraph provides another point to back up the thesis.
7. Is the writing clear?
Yes, it is very clear. Very well written.
Kelly Brown
1. Is there a clear point of view? (position)
Yes, the author is against the genocide taking place due to oil issues in other countries.
2. Does the Op-Ed state the problem and solution simply?
Yes, the author presented the issue and a possible solution to the issue.
3. Does the piece address the counter arguments?
No.
4. Is the Op-Ed interesting?
Yes, it is very interesting. It is a topic that many people are interested in today.
5. Are the paragraphs organized logically?
Yes.
6. Does each paragraph develop an idea to support the thesis?
Yes.
7. Is the writing clear?
Yes, the writing is very well done and easy to understand.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Editorial
As many high school seniors prepare to go off to college in the fall, many factors come into view as they make the decision of which college to attend. Some of these factors may include proximity to home, what the college has to offer, available majors, the campus, and many others. One factor that has become an issue among that final decision, however, is the cost. College tuition has increased significantly over the past years and continues to do so each year. Between 2000 and 2005, the average cost of tuition for students attending four-year public universities jumped 40 percent, according to the Board, a New York City-based nonprofit made up of 4,300 colleges and universities. This is a substantial amount and many people cannot pay it. In comparison, according to the report, Trends in College Pricing 2005, college tuition for two-year community colleges and four-year private colleges has increased less than 19 percent in the past five years and less than 6 percent between 2004 and 2005. It linked the largest average increases to reductions in state funding for higher education. Student aid has also been on the rise, but not by enough to keep students from relying more heavily on borrowing, according to a companion report, Trends in Student Aid 2005. This knowledge is coupled with the reality that grant aid from the government, colleges and private sources isn’t covering the price hikes. Although there is a lot of aid out there that is helping many students, there is also real caution about the failure of grant aid to keep up with the rising prices in college tuition.
One of the many downfalls in this increase in tuition is that in many cases it is taking students longer to earn their degrees, as they must make time to make money while still attending school. There is also concern in continuing inflation and the danger that low-income students will be priced out of education. There is good news in that however, as students do have the option to live at home and attend a community college where they will still be able to get an education at a reasonable cost. There are always going to be students paying more as thousands are not receiving any financial aid to attend school at all. So, as each academic year comes around, parents and students wait for the shock of what the new tuition price will be for the next year. However, that is not the only part of the shock that is awaiting parents. The College Board also warns that it now takes the average public university student six years to complete a degree. Private school students are generally taking an average of five years. This means that parents should budget at least $79,000 to get today's freshmen attending in-state public universities through graduation. Now that is something to be shocked about.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Editorial Pre-Writing
1. What is a problem/issue that our entire student body (our school, community, country, etc.) faces today? Increase in college tuition
2. What is your view/position on the problem or situation? It has increased a lot over the past years and has become difficult for many to pay tuition.
3. What would you like to achieve with your editorial? (What is the desired result?)
I would like to be able to get a good point across to readers on the topic and reveal useful information on the subject.
4. How will you persuade your audience to adopt your viewpoint as theirs? List at least 4 persuasive points.
- I will discuss the relevance of financial situations among different people
- Discuss financial packages given by colleges
- How the increase in college tuition has gone up too much
- Why college tuition has gone up so much
5. How will you motivate your readership to action in your conclusion?
By informing the readers with sufficient information about the whole issue and relating it to others.
6. How will your editorial serve a public purpose?
Many people are able to relate to this topic and find themselves in many similar financial situations when it comes to college tuition.
2. What is your view/position on the problem or situation? It has increased a lot over the past years and has become difficult for many to pay tuition.
3. What would you like to achieve with your editorial? (What is the desired result?)
I would like to be able to get a good point across to readers on the topic and reveal useful information on the subject.
4. How will you persuade your audience to adopt your viewpoint as theirs? List at least 4 persuasive points.
- I will discuss the relevance of financial situations among different people
- Discuss financial packages given by colleges
- How the increase in college tuition has gone up too much
- Why college tuition has gone up so much
5. How will you motivate your readership to action in your conclusion?
By informing the readers with sufficient information about the whole issue and relating it to others.
6. How will your editorial serve a public purpose?
Many people are able to relate to this topic and find themselves in many similar financial situations when it comes to college tuition.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Feature Story Final Draft
High school is a memorable time in our lives as we advance academically and participate in our various activities. It is frequently remembered as a very busy and often hectic period in our lives, but coming to a close in my high school career, I look back at it and see that those past four years were years of growth and learning both of educational value and personal development. There are many ups and downs as we each learn from our experiences, including our mistakes and achievements. So, as high school comes to a close and I look ahead to what is next, I reflect on the many moments that have shaped me to be who I am today and who has helped me to get here.
I have a large family. Each holiday we all gather together and fill my grandparents’ house. It gets quite crowded but we have never really known anything else. All the adults sit around and talk, catching up with one another and telling stories. The cousins play games and catch up on our lives as well. When we were younger, we would all play together and make up fun games. Today, we are all so similar yet so different than we were then. Most of “the cousins” are now in college, or beyond, with the remaining few of us still in high school following close behind. As I approach the end of my senior year in high school I feel as if I can relate more and more to my cousins that have already experienced what I am just starting to encounter now. They are able to give me advice and tell me of their experiences in college and the process it took for them to get to where they are now as well.
As I think about all of this and push through the stresses that are often present in making college decisions, I often stop and reflect on the relationships I have with my cousins and how no matter how far apart we are and how little we see each other sometimes, each time we come together again it is like we see each other everyday. The connections that we have are strong. This is true for all of “the cousins”; however, among us all, four of us have sort of formed our own sisterhood that has helped to keep us close and together throughout our high school and college years. The four of us girls are close in age, a span of 5 years. We were all raised like sisters as we did basically everything together from the time we were born. It began with Alyssa and Lydia. Alyssa is my older sister; she came first followed by my cousin Lydia. They were inseparable. A year after Lydia, I came along followed five months later by my cousin Becky. We were also inseparable, often called “the babies”. We were troublemakers, always getting into things and leaving a new mess almost everywhere we went for our moms to clean up. Now, both at the age of seventeen, we can look back at those times laughing and joking about them, with our moms laughing too.
A few years back, the four of us officially began our own sisterhood. Even being far apart at times, with Alyssa and Lydia away at college and Becky and me still being in high school, it has kept us so close and brings us back together when the time allows. As Becky said, “even though we don’t see each other as much as we used to, the bond we have is still so strong.” Each year we have our annual Cousins Christmas Party. Alyssa and Lydia come home from school and the four of us spend the evening together playing our own exclusive games, eating good food, and watching movies. We laugh and share stories, catching up with one another.
We have all been through so much together and have found that we can really hold each other up in times of distress and times of happiness. With the death of our grandfather, Bumpa, back in 2006 to the very recent death of Lydia’s father, and our uncle, just this past week, we have learned how important it is to stick together, caring for each other and being there for each other every step of the way. This semester, Alyssa is studying abroad in Ireland. It is such an exciting and happy time for her, as well as for the rest of us as we read her stories that she posts on her blog and as we hear of her thrilling encounters. However, it is also a tough time for us as we do not have the communication means to talk to her everyday. In one letter from Alyssa, she said, “Ireland has been so much fun with the different culture and style, I love it here but I miss you all a lot.” We will also prepare for the Easter holiday without her this year. However, when she returns, we will no doubt have an immediate reunion between the four of us and we can look forward now to all of the incredible stories we will have to tell one another.
Overall, the bond we have is something really exceptional and I know that none of us would trade it for anything. We are family, and family will always be there from beginning to end. As we have all said, “no matter what we go through, we will always be each others’ best friends and will stick together through both thick and thin,” and we know that this is a strong truth among us all.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Peer Edits
Peer Editing Feedback: Alaina M.
1. What are some areas that could use more detail? Why?
There is a lot of really good detail in this story. It is a very personal and intriguing story that pulls the reader in. Not a lot more detail is needed.
2. What additional sources might the author use? Does the lead involve you in the story?
The author could use other sources like information from friends on the topic or from other family members. Yes, the lead does involve the reader in the story. As I mentioned before, it pulls you in right away, especially for our age group, and keeps you reading.
3. Do the first 450 words contain a well defined scene (a detailed description of someone doing something or something happening)? What is it? If not, make a suggestion for a scene that might work.
Yes, there is definitely a well defined scene. It begins with outlining the author's childhood and family gatherings and continues on with painting a pictutre in the reader's mind of the author's experiences.
4. What questions would you like answered in the next 300 words? What would you like to see or hear more of? Less of? Include, any other suggestions you have for improvement.
I would like to hear more about what the author plans to do before going off to college and what they are feeling as they continue to get closer to that day.
Peer Editing Feedback: Julia P.
1. What are some areas that could use more detail? Why?
There is a lot of detail in this story, not a lot more is needed.
2. What additional sources might the author use? Does the lead involve you in the story?
The author has great sources so I'm not sure what other sources they could add. The lead does involve the reader as it pulls you in right away as this is a common topic for people our age.
3. Do the first 450 words contain a well defined scene (a detailed description of someone doing something or something happening)? What is it? If not, make a suggestion for a scene that might work.
The first 450 words do pose a common theme and a well defined scene of the beginning of college life.
4. What questions would you like answered in the next 300 words? What would you like to see or hear more of? Less of? Include, any other suggestions you have for improvement.
1. What are some areas that could use more detail? Why?
There is a lot of really good detail in this story. It is a very personal and intriguing story that pulls the reader in. Not a lot more detail is needed.
2. What additional sources might the author use? Does the lead involve you in the story?
The author could use other sources like information from friends on the topic or from other family members. Yes, the lead does involve the reader in the story. As I mentioned before, it pulls you in right away, especially for our age group, and keeps you reading.
3. Do the first 450 words contain a well defined scene (a detailed description of someone doing something or something happening)? What is it? If not, make a suggestion for a scene that might work.
Yes, there is definitely a well defined scene. It begins with outlining the author's childhood and family gatherings and continues on with painting a pictutre in the reader's mind of the author's experiences.
4. What questions would you like answered in the next 300 words? What would you like to see or hear more of? Less of? Include, any other suggestions you have for improvement.
I would like to hear more about what the author plans to do before going off to college and what they are feeling as they continue to get closer to that day.
Peer Editing Feedback: Julia P.
1. What are some areas that could use more detail? Why?
There is a lot of detail in this story, not a lot more is needed.
2. What additional sources might the author use? Does the lead involve you in the story?
The author has great sources so I'm not sure what other sources they could add. The lead does involve the reader as it pulls you in right away as this is a common topic for people our age.
3. Do the first 450 words contain a well defined scene (a detailed description of someone doing something or something happening)? What is it? If not, make a suggestion for a scene that might work.
The first 450 words do pose a common theme and a well defined scene of the beginning of college life.
4. What questions would you like answered in the next 300 words? What would you like to see or hear more of? Less of? Include, any other suggestions you have for improvement.
I would like to hear more about what the author plans to do before going off to college and what they are feeling as they continue to get closer to that day. A very well-done feature story so far.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Feature Story First Draft
High school is a memorable time in our lives as we advance academically and participate in our various activities. It is often remembered as a very busy and often hectic period in our lives, but coming to a close in my high school career, I look back at it and see that those past four years were years of growth and learning both of educational value and personal development. There are many ups and downs as we each learn from our experiences, including our mistakes and achievements. So, as high school comes to a close and I look ahead to what is next, I reflect on the many moments that have shaped me to be who I am today and who has helped me to get here.
I have a large family. Each holiday we all gather together and fill my grandparents’ house. It gets quite crowded but we have never really known anything else. All the adults sit around and talk, catching up with one another and telling stories. The cousins play games and catch up on our lives as well. When we were younger, we would all play together and make up fun games. Today, we are all so similar yet so different than we were then. Most of “the cousins” are now in college, or beyond, with the remaining few of us still in high school following close behind. As I approach the end of my senior year in high school I feel as if I can relate more and more to my cousins that have already experienced what I am just starting to encounter now. They are able to give me advice and tell me of their experiences in college and the process it took for them to get to where they are now as well.
As I think about all of this and push through the stresses that are often present in making college decisions, I often stop and reflect on the relationships I have with my cousins and how no matter how far apart we are and how little we see each other sometimes, each time we come together it is like we see each other everyday. The connections that we have are strong. This is true for all of “the cousins”; however, among us all four of us have sort of formed our own sisterhood that has helped to keep us close and together throughout our high school and college years. The four of us girls are close in age, a span of 5 years. We were all raised like sisters as we did basically everything together from the time we were little. It began with Alyssa and Lydia. Alyssa is my older sister; she came first followed by my cousin Lydia. They were inseparable. A year after Lydia, I came along followed five months later by my cousin Becky. We were also inseparable, often called “the babies”. We were troublemakers, always getting into things and leaving a new mess almost everywhere we went for our moms to clean up.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Feature Story Idea
1. Theme Statement: Eastview High School's annual production of Bravo brings crowds to the Eastview theater each year as it entertains and excites both its audiences as well as its cast. The cast, onstage and offstage, rehearses for hours upon hours to prepare this crowd-pleasing show.
Sources:
1. Judy Sagen, director
2. Taylor Misiak, student director/chorus
3. Kelsey Reger, dancer/chorus
4. Joel Leeman, jazz band
5. Alaina Martin, chorus
Questions:
1. When did you begin planning for this year's production of Bravo?
2. What do you think is the most exciting and challnging part of Bravo this year?
3. What kinds of numbers are in the show this year and how are the rehearsals going?
4. How do you think the jazz band is doing in preparations for the show this year? What special talents does it have to offer?
5. What makes Bravo such a fun and exciting show for the audience and for you as a chorus member?
Sources:
1. Judy Sagen, director
2. Taylor Misiak, student director/chorus
3. Kelsey Reger, dancer/chorus
4. Joel Leeman, jazz band
5. Alaina Martin, chorus
Questions:
1. When did you begin planning for this year's production of Bravo?
2. What do you think is the most exciting and challnging part of Bravo this year?
3. What kinds of numbers are in the show this year and how are the rehearsals going?
4. How do you think the jazz band is doing in preparations for the show this year? What special talents does it have to offer?
5. What makes Bravo such a fun and exciting show for the audience and for you as a chorus member?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Voices of Hope Story
On Friday, February 20th, Eastview High School hosted their very own sing-a-thon event entitled "Voices of Hope". This event was created and organized by the Women's Chorale of Eastview High School under the direction of Judy Sagen. They teamed up with the Angel Foundation, a Minnesota-based charitable organization working to fulfill unmet non-medical needs of adult cancer patients and their families, to make the event possible. The proceeds from the event were donated to the Angel Foundation to help these families struggling with cancer, including the families of a few of the Women's Chorale members themselves.
The performances throughout the day included solo acts, duets, trios, choral performances, bands, and many others. The day was filled with non-stop singing from 8 am to midnight. Classes from every hour throughout the school day attended the event and filled the performing arts center, and the crowd continued to attend into the evening. There was clearly a lot of hardwork that went in to planning the event, and the volunteers and coordinators showed a great deal of dedication to this excellent cause.
The event was well attended and a great number of students and faculty were involved. Many donated their money to claim a spot on the schedule to sing in front of the crowds in attendance. Many alumni returned as well to support the cause and share their talents. Eastview alumni Brooke Kilgariff, who was recently crowned Miss Twin Cities, attended to emcee the event. As a talented singer she also performed on the stage. To close the night Eastview alumni Ben Huhner, Jacob Romero, Dustin Hatzenbuhler, and Eastview senior Colin Burke of the band Ferris put on an excellent performance. After recently recording and releasing their first album, Dancing with Architects, the band had the album for sale at the event with all the proceeds going to the Angel Foundation.
Faculty members Greg Douma and Kelly Sundin from the choral department, and Mike Tomlinson from the mathematics department, as well as others including the office ladies from the attendance and guidance offices along with the principal, Dr. Randy Peterson himself, performed on the stage as well to contribute to the cause. Their performances were greatly enjoyed and appreciated by students and supporters alike.
Performers throughout the day were not only from Eastview High School but also from surrounding districts and areas. Seniors Mark Vandergon and Charlie Parrish-Siggelkow from Cannon Falls, MN heard about the event and made their way up to Apple Valley to peform. Affected by the hardship of cancer in his own family, Vandergon stated, "I was overjoyed to be able to play in support of cancer and know that we could help others affected by this terrible disease." With such great support and dedication to helping families in need during their time of struggle, Voices of Hope brought faith to many who were in need of it and helped them to know that so many people care and want to help fight for those who need it most.
The performances throughout the day included solo acts, duets, trios, choral performances, bands, and many others. The day was filled with non-stop singing from 8 am to midnight. Classes from every hour throughout the school day attended the event and filled the performing arts center, and the crowd continued to attend into the evening. There was clearly a lot of hardwork that went in to planning the event, and the volunteers and coordinators showed a great deal of dedication to this excellent cause.
The event was well attended and a great number of students and faculty were involved. Many donated their money to claim a spot on the schedule to sing in front of the crowds in attendance. Many alumni returned as well to support the cause and share their talents. Eastview alumni Brooke Kilgariff, who was recently crowned Miss Twin Cities, attended to emcee the event. As a talented singer she also performed on the stage. To close the night Eastview alumni Ben Huhner, Jacob Romero, Dustin Hatzenbuhler, and Eastview senior Colin Burke of the band Ferris put on an excellent performance. After recently recording and releasing their first album, Dancing with Architects, the band had the album for sale at the event with all the proceeds going to the Angel Foundation.
Faculty members Greg Douma and Kelly Sundin from the choral department, and Mike Tomlinson from the mathematics department, as well as others including the office ladies from the attendance and guidance offices along with the principal, Dr. Randy Peterson himself, performed on the stage as well to contribute to the cause. Their performances were greatly enjoyed and appreciated by students and supporters alike.
Performers throughout the day were not only from Eastview High School but also from surrounding districts and areas. Seniors Mark Vandergon and Charlie Parrish-Siggelkow from Cannon Falls, MN heard about the event and made their way up to Apple Valley to peform. Affected by the hardship of cancer in his own family, Vandergon stated, "I was overjoyed to be able to play in support of cancer and know that we could help others affected by this terrible disease." With such great support and dedication to helping families in need during their time of struggle, Voices of Hope brought faith to many who were in need of it and helped them to know that so many people care and want to help fight for those who need it most.
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