An open-ended question.
"What's up with you?"
A closed-ended question.
"You didn't know how to tell her?"
A follow-up question.
"You have this relationship. Nine months later she had a baby, you didn't say 'Oh my god!'?"
What question got the best answer from Arnold Schwarzenegger?
Questions about his time in office and his life before his affair.
What's a question you have for Arnold Schwarzenegger that was not asked?
Why did you have this affair? What was tough about your marriage?
What can you observe about Arnold Schwarzenegger's behavior as he answers the questions?
He starts to become more defensive and trying to make what he did right even though it wasn't. At first he laughs and smiles but then he starts trying to defend himself.
Does he appear comfortable or uncomfortable? How can you tell?
He seems to start getting more angry, not smiling as much. He swallows more and rubs his face. He also says "Um" a lot more as if he doesn't even believe what he's saying. He also starts to side with the reporter towards the end so that she will stop asking questions and prodding. He doesn't answer the questions as quickly either.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Student of the Month:
1. How are you feeling about becoming student of the month?
2. Did you think it was possible for you to get this award?
3. What made you want to become student of the month?
4. Did teachers recommend you? Which teachers?
5. Are you in any extra curricular activities or clubs?
6. What do you want to achieve next?
7. What is the best part of being the student of the month?
8. What do you have to say to other students who achieve to be the student of the month?
Principal Kane:
1. What do you know about the student of the month?
2. What made them deserve it the most?
3. Do you know what made them accomplish this goal?
4. Do the teachers recommend the student of the month?
5. Do the students play in voting in the student of the month?
6. Is it a popularity thing? Why or why not?
7. Who is do you think deserves this award after this student?
8. Can you tie to be student of the month? Why or why not?
Audrey Verrett:
1. Do you know the student of the month?
2. Do you think this person deserved the award? Why do you think that?
3. What do you think this person did to receive this award?
4. What is this person like?
5. What is the award for winning the student of the month?
6. Would you like to be the student of the month? Why or why not?
7. Is the reward worth all the hard work?
8. What do you think someone could do to become the student of the month.
SCHOOL UNIFORMS
Principal Kane:
1. How do you feel about the new uniforms?
2. What do you like about uniforms
3. What would you like to change about the uniforms? Why?
4. Do you get to choose anything for the students to wear?
5. Will students have occasions where they don't have to wear uniforms?
6. How many years do you think Bowie will have uniforms?
7. What do you think the students' reactions will be?
8. How do the other teachers think about the new uniforms?
Lizbeth Lynch (Mom):
1. Do you like the idea of uniforms? Why or why not?
2. You grew up with uniforms, what did you like about them?
3. What did you hate about wearing uniforms?
4. How did other classmates react to the wear of uniforms?
5. Did the teachers like uniforms?
6. Did students ever try to get out of wearing uniforms?
7. How long did the skirts and shirts have to be?
8. If you had the choice to pick between uniforms or regular clothes, what would you pick? Why?
Audrey Verrett:
1. Do you like uniforms?
2. What kind of uniform would you like to have?
3. How do you think other students will react to uniforms?
4. How did you feel when you learned about wearing uniforms?
5. What don't you like about uniforms?
6. What advantages do you think uniforms could have?
7. Do you think it would stop bullying at school? Why or why not?
8. Do you think there would still be cliques at school even with uniforms? Why or why not?
Principal Kane:
1. How do you feel about the new uniforms?
2. What do you like about uniforms
3. What would you like to change about the uniforms? Why?
4. Do you get to choose anything for the students to wear?
5. Will students have occasions where they don't have to wear uniforms?
6. How many years do you think Bowie will have uniforms?
7. What do you think the students' reactions will be?
8. How do the other teachers think about the new uniforms?
Lizbeth Lynch (Mom):
1. Do you like the idea of uniforms? Why or why not?
2. You grew up with uniforms, what did you like about them?
3. What did you hate about wearing uniforms?
4. How did other classmates react to the wear of uniforms?
5. Did the teachers like uniforms?
6. Did students ever try to get out of wearing uniforms?
7. How long did the skirts and shirts have to be?
8. If you had the choice to pick between uniforms or regular clothes, what would you pick? Why?
Audrey Verrett:
1. Do you like uniforms?
2. What kind of uniform would you like to have?
3. How do you think other students will react to uniforms?
4. How did you feel when you learned about wearing uniforms?
5. What don't you like about uniforms?
6. What advantages do you think uniforms could have?
7. Do you think it would stop bullying at school? Why or why not?
8. Do you think there would still be cliques at school even with uniforms? Why or why not?
1. What Texas state senator is currently battling the White House over the topic of "Obamacare"? (hint he is from San Antonio and he is a Republican)
2. What area high school is under fire from the public over hiring an administrator who was investigated for sending inappropriate text messages to a student?
Westlake High School
4. What Texas Major League baseball team is trying to make the play-offs and is just one game out of the last wild card spot?
They have a player named Yu.
5. Name one of the two new grocery stores that opened in the area recently? (hint one is a transplant company from California, the other already has one store in Austin, but just opened its second in South Austin)
Trader Joe's
1. Do you think individuals should be responsible for acquiring their own health insurance either through their employer or with their own money? Why?
I think that individuals should be responsible for acquiring their own health insurance with their own money. I think this because people should not rely on their employer to get healthcare. Healthcare affects a person more than their employer, therefore, they should pay with their money.
2. Do you think the government should fund and support individuals who either cannot afford their own insurance or whose employers do not pay for health care? Why?
Yes, I think so because people deserve to stay healthy ad get their heath care. People shouldn't be punished for not being able to have a job or can't afford healthcare. Unless, the person is just taking advantage of this, then the government should provide.
Cruz
2. What area high school is under fire from the public over hiring an administrator who was investigated for sending inappropriate text messages to a student?
Westlake High School
3. What fast food restaurant announced yesterday that they would be offering low fat french fries?
4. What Texas Major League baseball team is trying to make the play-offs and is just one game out of the last wild card spot?
They have a player named Yu.
5. Name one of the two new grocery stores that opened in the area recently? (hint one is a transplant company from California, the other already has one store in Austin, but just opened its second in South Austin)
Trader Joe's
Answer the two questions below, please write at least a paragraph (3-5 sentences):
I think that individuals should be responsible for acquiring their own health insurance with their own money. I think this because people should not rely on their employer to get healthcare. Healthcare affects a person more than their employer, therefore, they should pay with their money.
2. Do you think the government should fund and support individuals who either cannot afford their own insurance or whose employers do not pay for health care? Why?
Yes, I think so because people deserve to stay healthy ad get their heath care. People shouldn't be punished for not being able to have a job or can't afford healthcare. Unless, the person is just taking advantage of this, then the government should provide.
Monday, September 23, 2013
BARACK OBAMA
1. When Syria wanted to take action on the U.S. what did you think you needed to do immediately?
2. Do you think that fire arms should be illegal? Why is that?
3. What do you think could be improved about healthcare?
STEPHEN KANE
1. What do you think of the dress code? Why do you think that?
2. What is your favorite part of being a principal?
3. Why did you decide to become a principal?
ADOLF HITLER
1. Your hatred for jews, where did that come from?
2. What is the big reason why you wanted to become chancellor?
3. Do you think that anything about your plan, got out of hand?
HILLARY CLINTON
1. What were your feelings towards President Clinton's love affair?
2. What drove you to try to become president?
3. Will you ever run for president again?
LANCE ARMSTRONG
1. What was your routine before you went to a race?
2. How do you feel about the medias reaction to you today?
3. While in chemotherapy, what made you want to keep on riding your bicycle?
1. When Syria wanted to take action on the U.S. what did you think you needed to do immediately?
2. Do you think that fire arms should be illegal? Why is that?
3. What do you think could be improved about healthcare?
STEPHEN KANE
1. What do you think of the dress code? Why do you think that?
2. What is your favorite part of being a principal?
3. Why did you decide to become a principal?
ADOLF HITLER
1. Your hatred for jews, where did that come from?
2. What is the big reason why you wanted to become chancellor?
3. Do you think that anything about your plan, got out of hand?
HILLARY CLINTON
1. What were your feelings towards President Clinton's love affair?
2. What drove you to try to become president?
3. Will you ever run for president again?
LANCE ARMSTRONG
1. What was your routine before you went to a race?
2. How do you feel about the medias reaction to you today?
3. While in chemotherapy, what made you want to keep on riding your bicycle?
MY TOP STORY OF THE CENTURY
In the early 1900s, there was a wonderful ship built called the Titanic. Many people went on it and were enjoying the wonderful and fancy ride, when it hit an ice burg, and slowly sank to it's death, killing over 1,500 people.
I think this is one of the most interesting events in the 1900s because many people were affected and still are affected today. It was a surprising event that shocked everyone that the "unsinkable"ship sank. Even today, while we think of making another replica of the Titanic, people are still hesitant even so many years later.
In the early 1900s, there was a wonderful ship built called the Titanic. Many people went on it and were enjoying the wonderful and fancy ride, when it hit an ice burg, and slowly sank to it's death, killing over 1,500 people.
I think this is one of the most interesting events in the 1900s because many people were affected and still are affected today. It was a surprising event that shocked everyone that the "unsinkable"ship sank. Even today, while we think of making another replica of the Titanic, people are still hesitant even so many years later.
MY TOP STORY OF THE CENTURY
In this event, Hitler became chancellor of Germany. This was a disgrace to America and many others who did not agree with him. He was a power hungry man and wouldn't let anyone get in his way, and even kill them if he had to.
I think that this event was one of the most interesting and the most important in the 1900s because it was the bad beginning of a horrible time. As soon as Hitler was appointed chancellor, things changed. Many people died because of him, or suffered deeply. But, we would never have the wonderful victory story to tell without WWII.
MY TOP STORY OF THE CENTURY
In this event, activist Martin Luther King, was shot on the balcony of a hotel. Many other men and women who were against racial discrimination and with MLK were furious, causing riots everywhere. It had been five years since MLK's "I have a Dream" speech.
I think this is one of the most interesting events in the 1900s because there were huge arguments over it. Someone had finally taken a stand to stop discrimination, someone who was actually part of the persecuted race. Others followed, thousands of people. But others also got cold. That's why this happened. It's almost ironic, someone died because of their race, on their way to fight for equality.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
The Three Little Pigs (original was messed up)
This is the ghastly tale of three innocent pigs being troubled by a wolf, who blows two of their houses down, and threatens the last one, but is soon surprised.
The three pigs moved out of their houses and decided to build their own. The first pig went to and bought straw to build his house.
The second pig bought sticks to build is house. The third pig, decided to buy bricks and build his house.
The wolf came around and threatened the first pig with the house of straw to let him in, the little pig said no. So the wolf became angry and blew his house down. Then gobbled him up.
The wolf came to the second house made of sticks and came to the door, he told the little pig to let him in or he'd blow his house down. The little pig refused to open the door, so the wolf blew his house down and gobbled him up too.
The wolf then came to the last house made of brick and demanded for the last little pig to come out. The smart little pig said no. The wolf tried to blow his house down, but since it was made of brick, he couldn't.
The wolf thought of many ideas to trick the pig, but the pig always outsmarted him in the end. Eventually the wolf became frustrated and told the pig that he was going to come down the chimmeny.
The pig prepared a pot of boiling water and when the wolf came down, he was scalded and boiled alive. The smart pig then ate him for supper.
This is the ghastly tale of three innocent pigs being troubled by a wolf, who blows two of their houses down, and threatens the last one, but is soon surprised.
The three pigs moved out of their houses and decided to build their own. The first pig went to and bought straw to build his house.
The second pig bought sticks to build is house. The third pig, decided to buy bricks and build his house.
The wolf came around and threatened the first pig with the house of straw to let him in, the little pig said no. So the wolf became angry and blew his house down. Then gobbled him up.
The wolf came to the second house made of sticks and came to the door, he told the little pig to let him in or he'd blow his house down. The little pig refused to open the door, so the wolf blew his house down and gobbled him up too.
The wolf then came to the last house made of brick and demanded for the last little pig to come out. The smart little pig said no. The wolf tried to blow his house down, but since it was made of brick, he couldn't.
The wolf thought of many ideas to trick the pig, but the pig always outsmarted him in the end. Eventually the wolf became frustrated and told the pig that he was going to come down the chimmeny.
The pig prepared a pot of boiling water and when the wolf came down, he was scalded and boiled alive. The smart pig then ate him for supper.
http://breannsjournalism.blogspot.com/
A. Did they answer the following questions in their lead? Who, What, Where, and When? If they did, list them. If not, which one(s) did they miss?
They didn't answer where, or when
B. What is the main verb they used in the lead?
viciously
C. Is that verb a strong or weak verb? Why do you think this?
I think it's a strong verb, because it makes you imagine more of what's happening
D. What is the next most important thing they covered? (This should be paragraph 2 and maybe 3)
The pigs houses being blown down and them being eaten
E. Do you agree that that is truly the next most important thing they should have covered? Why?
Yes, because it shows the events in order.
F. Did they finish the entire story of the 3 Little Pigs?
Yes, they did
1. What hotel developer is suing the City of Austin for lost incentives?
Marriott
2. Which country had a major train versus bus accident yesterday morning?
India or America...
India or America...
3. What is the name of the woman who will announce on Oct. 3 if she is running for Governor of Texas (Spelling does NOT count)?
a lady with blonde hair...
a lady with blonde hair...
4. What school district wants to create a road through a nature preserve to expedite getting kids to school faster and easier?
Leander
5. Who does the University of Texas play this weekend in football?
Oklahoma or a red colored team...
Oklahoma or a red colored team...
Answer the questions below, please write at least a paragraph (3-5 sentences):
1. Do you think the general public should be allow to carry handguns on public property either with a concealed handgun license or visibly on their person (again with a license)? Make sure you tell me WHY, yes and no answers are NOT acceptable!!
I think its fine for people to carry hand guns around as long as they have a license. I also think that you need to make sure that the people aren't crazy or have a ad history with guns. People need to be able to protect themselves in important times, but people also need to be controlled with what guns they have.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
WHO IS THE REAL VICTIM?
The drama of the three little pigs thickens,they are well known for having their houses destroyed by the Big Bad Wolf,and later killing him, but it seems that that might not be the entire story.
Today has been one of the saddest and most disappointing days in all of history. Police enforcement burst into the house of the third pig, finding him preparing dinner, and looking into the pot, found the boiled carcass of the Big Bad Wolf this morning.
All around the world, many are surprised and angry to learn that the pig has been convicted of murder.
Many are saying that the wolf was an intruder in the house, therefore, it was all right for the third pig to act out. Doctors have been saying that there was no way that the wolf could have blown those houses, research shows that no wolf could have done that, let alone one with asthmatic problems. Therefore, the pigs were spreading lies.
Later today, videos have shown, that the pigs admitted to what they had done, which was framing the wolf and killing him because they were having money problems and problems keeping their home.
Shocking the world even more,our society has been split down the middle, some say that the pigs were acting in self defense, while others say that the acts that the pigs made were too extreme. Some have changed hearts on the pigs after their confession.
The drama of the three little pigs thickens,they are well known for having their houses destroyed by the Big Bad Wolf,and later killing him, but it seems that that might not be the entire story.
Today has been one of the saddest and most disappointing days in all of history. Police enforcement burst into the house of the third pig, finding him preparing dinner, and looking into the pot, found the boiled carcass of the Big Bad Wolf this morning.
All around the world, many are surprised and angry to learn that the pig has been convicted of murder.
Many are saying that the wolf was an intruder in the house, therefore, it was all right for the third pig to act out. Doctors have been saying that there was no way that the wolf could have blown those houses, research shows that no wolf could have done that, let alone one with asthmatic problems. Therefore, the pigs were spreading lies.
Later today, videos have shown, that the pigs admitted to what they had done, which was framing the wolf and killing him because they were having money problems and problems keeping their home.
Shocking the world even more,our society has been split down the middle, some say that the pigs were acting in self defense, while others say that the acts that the pigs made were too extreme. Some have changed hearts on the pigs after their confession.
NEWS NOTES
Inverted pyramid- style of the news that it is written in
First part: LEAD- 5 W's one H (who, what, where, when, how why.)
Second part: HELPFUL FACTUAL INFORMATION- not critical
Third Part: DANGER ZONE- nice information but may not be printed
At 4:45, on First Street and Slaughter Lane, Roger Clementine, John Jacob Jingleheimer-Smith and Melba (wife) were in a accident when both cars collided, Clementine driving west, on an eastbound lane, and Jingleheimer-Smith driving east.
FACTS
Roger was 13
Was driving without a license
UMCB
John was 91
Melba was 67
John had serious injuries
Roger- 60mph
John- 10 mph
head on collision
sunny weather
1989 Yugo Firebelcher
1948 Studebaker
all from Austin
Inverted pyramid- style of the news that it is written in
First part: LEAD- 5 W's one H (who, what, where, when, how why.)
Second part: HELPFUL FACTUAL INFORMATION- not critical
Third Part: DANGER ZONE- nice information but may not be printed
At 4:45, on First Street and Slaughter Lane, Roger Clementine, John Jacob Jingleheimer-Smith and Melba (wife) were in a accident when both cars collided, Clementine driving west, on an eastbound lane, and Jingleheimer-Smith driving east.
FACTS
Roger was 13
Was driving without a license
UMCB
John was 91
Melba was 67
John had serious injuries
Roger- 60mph
John- 10 mph
head on collision
sunny weather
1989 Yugo Firebelcher
1948 Studebaker
all from Austin
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
QUIZ #3
1. What lake (or lakes) is the LCRA and the City of Austin currently in discussions about because there is a proposal to lower the lake level by nearly three feet?
Lake Austin
2. What event will feature more than 250 authors in mid-October?
Teen Book Festival
3. What company held its annual "tech conference" yesterday and announced a pair of new cell phones?
Apple
4. The main story on the Life and Arts section focused on weekly ritual that some UT football fans complete each weekend. What do we call their social gatherings before football games?
I don't know...
5. What major Big-12 university is currently under NCAA scrutiny for breaking rules regarding cash payments and other incentives for student-athletes?
Harvard
Answer BOTH of the questions below, please write at least a paragraph (3-5 sentences):
1. What effects are the current drought directly having on your life? Do you notice the effects and if so where and how do you see them?
The effects of living in a drought are pretty harsh. We definitely have to shut our spinklers off and can only use them once a week. And the heat is HORRIBLE, and we use AC much more often, which causes an extra expense.
AND
2. What do you think authorities should do to try and help this region of the country battle the worsening drought?
I think that they should send more water to the hotter states. And that they should allow us to water plants more often. I also think that we should be able to use AC without having to pay so much.
1. What lake (or lakes) is the LCRA and the City of Austin currently in discussions about because there is a proposal to lower the lake level by nearly three feet?
Lake Austin
2. What event will feature more than 250 authors in mid-October?
Teen Book Festival
3. What company held its annual "tech conference" yesterday and announced a pair of new cell phones?
Apple
4. The main story on the Life and Arts section focused on weekly ritual that some UT football fans complete each weekend. What do we call their social gatherings before football games?
I don't know...
5. What major Big-12 university is currently under NCAA scrutiny for breaking rules regarding cash payments and other incentives for student-athletes?
Harvard
Answer BOTH of the questions below, please write at least a paragraph (3-5 sentences):
1. What effects are the current drought directly having on your life? Do you notice the effects and if so where and how do you see them?
The effects of living in a drought are pretty harsh. We definitely have to shut our spinklers off and can only use them once a week. And the heat is HORRIBLE, and we use AC much more often, which causes an extra expense.
AND
2. What do you think authorities should do to try and help this region of the country battle the worsening drought?
I think that they should send more water to the hotter states. And that they should allow us to water plants more often. I also think that we should be able to use AC without having to pay so much.
Monday, September 9, 2013
HEALTH
Scary anti-smoking ads prompt 100,000-plus to kick habit
www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/09/cdc-anti-smoking-ads-prompt-100000-plus-to-kick-habit/2777357/
Scary anti-smoking ads prompt 100,000-plus to kick habit
www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/09/cdc-anti-smoking-ads-prompt-100000-plus-to-kick-habit/2777357/
SPORTS
Jim Harbaugh to Clay Matthews: Fight like a man
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/09/09/jim-harbaugh-clay-matthews-use-knuckles-not-a-slap/2789183/
Jim Harbaugh to Clay Matthews: Fight like a man
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/09/09/jim-harbaugh-clay-matthews-use-knuckles-not-a-slap/2789183/
Entertainment
Sandra Bullock: My Son Louis, 3, Has "Man Time" With George Clooney
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/sandra-bullock-my-son-louis-3-has-man-time-with-george-clooney-201399
Sandra Bullock: My Son Louis, 3, Has "Man Time" With George Clooney
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/sandra-bullock-my-son-louis-3-has-man-time-with-george-clooney-201399
TECHNOLOGY
On eve of iPhone event, Apple rumors reach fever pitch
http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/apples-new-iphones-what-we-think-we-know-8C11095778
http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/apples-new-iphones-what-we-think-we-know-8C11095778
U.S.
Ohio man to plead guilty after YouTube confession
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/09/matthew-cordle-youtube-confession/2785493/
Ohio man to plead guilty after YouTube confession
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/09/matthew-cordle-youtube-confession/2785493/
Ethics Case Studies
The Media’s Foul Ball
WHAT: The Chicago Cubs in 2003 were five outs from advancing to the World Series for the first time since 1945 when a 26-year-old fan tried to grab a foul ball, preventing outfielder Moises Alou from catching it. The Florida Marlins rallied for an 8-3 victory to tie the National League championship series in game 6, then went on to defeat the Cubs. The man in the left field seats who deflected the ball was escorted by security guards from Wrigley Field after he was threatened and cursed by angry fans and pelted with beer and debris.
The hapless fan's identity was unknown. But he became recognizable through televised replays as the young baby-faced man in glasses, a Cubs baseball cap and earphones who bobbled the ball and was blamed for costing the Cubs a trip to the World Series.
Question: Given the potential danger to the man, should he be identified by the media?
WHO: After working through the night and the next morning, theChicago Sun-Times identified the infamous Cubs fan as Steve Bartman, the Lincolnshire, Ill., consulting firm where he worked and the suburb where he lived. Sun-Times reporter Frank Main, who covered the story, explained why the Sun-Times editor at the time decided to reveal Bartman's identity. “He was the center of a national news story and there was no legal or moral problem in naming him. We did not think there was a serious possibility of his being assassinated by fans. We decided to go with the story and tell readers what we knew.” Chicago Tribune editors said they printed Bartman's name after he released a statement saying, "I am truly sorry from the bottom of this Cubs fan's broken heart." James Burke, a member of the Ethics AdviceLine for Journalists team, said identifying Bartman was "an act of irresponsible journalism" and a violation of the SPJ ethics code which urges journalists to minimize harm. Chicago's Mayor Richard Daley chastised the media for identifying Bartman, and was quoted by the Sun-Times saying "do you put your CEO's name and address out?... You wouldn't do that. You'd be fired tomorrow...And that is not fair to that young man..."
WHY: One of the highest principles in the SPJ code of ethics is to seek truth and report it. But journalists also should balance that principle with others, such as whether revealing Bartman's identity could result in harm. Other than the statement expressing regret for deflecting the ball from Alou's glove, Bartman made no further comment or allowed interviews. He has remained a private figure who has insisted on his privacy and made every attempt to avoid the publicity he was getting. The Chicago Tribune justified identifying Bartman by saying other media were doing it.
HOW: Journalists have an obligation to consider the honorable course of action, such as whether Bartman should have been identified and whether his identity was something the public needed to know. This was, after all, a baseball game in which Bartman was a mere spectator. Bartman did not lose the game; the Chicago Cubs lost the game and the series. Each news organization should consider acting independently.
At least one journalist at the time thought the Chicago Tribune might have distinguished itself by continuing to refuse to identify Bartman even though he issued a statement and others were identifying him. The SPJ code of ethics urges journalists to show compassion and special sensitivity when dealing with inexperienced sources or subjects. That could have applied to Bartman. Journalists could have asked him if he wanted to be identified before doing so. This was not a case where the public needed to know his identity. And in retrospect, Bartman has never surfaced again from his momentary, unwanted celebrity. It was thrust upon him against his will. He was a victim of fate and happened to be where a foul ball fell from the sky.
In his statement, Bartman said in part: "I had my eyes glued on the approaching ball the entire time and was so caught up in the moment that I did not even see Moises Alou, much less that he may have had a play." The media could have taken pity on the guy.
SUMMARY:
This article was about how there was a fan of the Cub's who intercepted a ball that could have made the baseball team into the World Series. There was a debate whether or not to let the name of the man known. Eventually, the man's name was leaked out. It also sent out personal information about the man, like his job and who he worked for, which is a big part of the problem. Someone could easily get fired if the name of their CEO is leaked with a bad connotation. So the big question is: Was it okay to leak out this fan's information? After all, he did make a team lose a chance into the World Series.
OPINION:
My opinion is that I don't think it was right to give out all of the information of the fan. Yes, he did make a mistake, but we all do. Yes, his was extreme, but it is only a game. That is no reason to make the life of the fan miserable. I think it was fine to leak out the name, but there is no need to say where he worked. Someone could have killed him. This man is obviously sorry for what he did. Leave him alone.
The Media’s Foul Ball
WHAT: The Chicago Cubs in 2003 were five outs from advancing to the World Series for the first time since 1945 when a 26-year-old fan tried to grab a foul ball, preventing outfielder Moises Alou from catching it. The Florida Marlins rallied for an 8-3 victory to tie the National League championship series in game 6, then went on to defeat the Cubs. The man in the left field seats who deflected the ball was escorted by security guards from Wrigley Field after he was threatened and cursed by angry fans and pelted with beer and debris.
The hapless fan's identity was unknown. But he became recognizable through televised replays as the young baby-faced man in glasses, a Cubs baseball cap and earphones who bobbled the ball and was blamed for costing the Cubs a trip to the World Series.
Question: Given the potential danger to the man, should he be identified by the media?
WHO: After working through the night and the next morning, theChicago Sun-Times identified the infamous Cubs fan as Steve Bartman, the Lincolnshire, Ill., consulting firm where he worked and the suburb where he lived. Sun-Times reporter Frank Main, who covered the story, explained why the Sun-Times editor at the time decided to reveal Bartman's identity. “He was the center of a national news story and there was no legal or moral problem in naming him. We did not think there was a serious possibility of his being assassinated by fans. We decided to go with the story and tell readers what we knew.” Chicago Tribune editors said they printed Bartman's name after he released a statement saying, "I am truly sorry from the bottom of this Cubs fan's broken heart." James Burke, a member of the Ethics AdviceLine for Journalists team, said identifying Bartman was "an act of irresponsible journalism" and a violation of the SPJ ethics code which urges journalists to minimize harm. Chicago's Mayor Richard Daley chastised the media for identifying Bartman, and was quoted by the Sun-Times saying "do you put your CEO's name and address out?... You wouldn't do that. You'd be fired tomorrow...And that is not fair to that young man..."
WHY: One of the highest principles in the SPJ code of ethics is to seek truth and report it. But journalists also should balance that principle with others, such as whether revealing Bartman's identity could result in harm. Other than the statement expressing regret for deflecting the ball from Alou's glove, Bartman made no further comment or allowed interviews. He has remained a private figure who has insisted on his privacy and made every attempt to avoid the publicity he was getting. The Chicago Tribune justified identifying Bartman by saying other media were doing it.
HOW: Journalists have an obligation to consider the honorable course of action, such as whether Bartman should have been identified and whether his identity was something the public needed to know. This was, after all, a baseball game in which Bartman was a mere spectator. Bartman did not lose the game; the Chicago Cubs lost the game and the series. Each news organization should consider acting independently.
At least one journalist at the time thought the Chicago Tribune might have distinguished itself by continuing to refuse to identify Bartman even though he issued a statement and others were identifying him. The SPJ code of ethics urges journalists to show compassion and special sensitivity when dealing with inexperienced sources or subjects. That could have applied to Bartman. Journalists could have asked him if he wanted to be identified before doing so. This was not a case where the public needed to know his identity. And in retrospect, Bartman has never surfaced again from his momentary, unwanted celebrity. It was thrust upon him against his will. He was a victim of fate and happened to be where a foul ball fell from the sky.
In his statement, Bartman said in part: "I had my eyes glued on the approaching ball the entire time and was so caught up in the moment that I did not even see Moises Alou, much less that he may have had a play." The media could have taken pity on the guy.
SUMMARY:
This article was about how there was a fan of the Cub's who intercepted a ball that could have made the baseball team into the World Series. There was a debate whether or not to let the name of the man known. Eventually, the man's name was leaked out. It also sent out personal information about the man, like his job and who he worked for, which is a big part of the problem. Someone could easily get fired if the name of their CEO is leaked with a bad connotation. So the big question is: Was it okay to leak out this fan's information? After all, he did make a team lose a chance into the World Series.
OPINION:
My opinion is that I don't think it was right to give out all of the information of the fan. Yes, he did make a mistake, but we all do. Yes, his was extreme, but it is only a game. That is no reason to make the life of the fan miserable. I think it was fine to leak out the name, but there is no need to say where he worked. Someone could have killed him. This man is obviously sorry for what he did. Leave him alone.
Ethics Case Studies
A Suspect “Confession”
A Suspect “Confession”
WHAT: John Mark Karr, 41, was arrested in mid-August in Bangkok, Thailand, at the request of Colorado and U.S. officials. During questioning, he confessed to the murder of JonBenet Ramsey, who had been beaten and strangled to death in the basement of her Boulder, Colorado, home sometime during Christmas night 1996. (The murder was a media obsession for much of 1997, and video clips of the young beauty contestant competing in various costumes ran, it seems, every few hours.)
Karr was arrested after Michael Tracey, a journalism professor at the University of Colorado, alerted authorities to information he had drawn from e-mails Karr had sent him over the past four years. Karr had initiated the correspondence, apparently intrigued by Tracey’s argument, in documentaries and elsewhere, that John and Patsy Ramsey had been unfairly implicated in their daughter’s death. Karr was returned to Boulder for DNA testing and ultimately cleared. But he wasn’t freed; he also faced misdemeanor child pornography charges in California.
WHO: Put yourself in the shoes of a news director or managing editor. Could you resist this story, especially if you were in Colorado? In the first three weeks after Karr’s “confession,” theRocky Mountain News ran 150 stories about him, including this first-day lead: “The decade-long search for JonBenet Ramsey’s killer came to a startling end in Thailand on Wednesday.” The Denver Post probably ran a similar number, but its web site list cuts off after 10 hits. In JonBenet’s home town of Boulder, the Daily Camera ran 120 stories during the same period.
Or imagine you’re Professor Tracey.
The Question: Do you break a confidence with your source if you think it can solve a murder — or protect children half a world away?
There are many stakeholders in this case, including the media, Tracey and, of course, Karr himself. Add Boulder law enforcement authorities, who had been criticized for bungling the original case 10 years previously, and now for spending $23,656, including two business-class airfares, to bring a delusional man back to face dubious charges. Ramsey family members are major stakeholders. Even the University of Colorado j-school is among many parties with a peripheral interest.
WHY: The principles involved in deciding what to do include the media’s obligations to their readers and viewers to present the news in full while maintaining a sense of responsibility and balance. For Professor Tracey, there’s a struggle between confidentiality and collaboration. And should the media be critical of authorities who, after all, pulled Karr away from the temptation of children in Thailand, where he was about to begin a teaching job?
HOW: We’ve seen how the media reacted to this story — at full throttle. Was it overkill? A bit more skepticism and proportionality would have been more professional. Was Professor Tracey’s role appropriate? He considers himself an academic, not a journalist. But even if he were a journalist, wrote Rocky Mountain Newsmedia columnist David Kopel, he should act like an ethical human being. Kopel’s argument is worth repeating.
“Some critics claim that if journalists cooperate with the police, they will lose the trust of their audience. But just imagine how much less most readers would trust the newspapers if readers learned that a reporter refused to reveal non-confidential information which could have led to the capture of a notorious murderer.”
ANALYSIS: Some principles (from the SPJ Code of Ethics), and comment:
— Journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information. (Quantity, more than quality, is the question.)
— Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error. (In a highly competitive rush, it’s difficult — but still necessary.)
— Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity. (Lurid curiosity is sometimes unavoidable.)
— Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.
— Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable.
— Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct. (There was plenty of explaining where the information came from, and a flood of letters to the editor.)
Karr was arrested after Michael Tracey, a journalism professor at the University of Colorado, alerted authorities to information he had drawn from e-mails Karr had sent him over the past four years. Karr had initiated the correspondence, apparently intrigued by Tracey’s argument, in documentaries and elsewhere, that John and Patsy Ramsey had been unfairly implicated in their daughter’s death. Karr was returned to Boulder for DNA testing and ultimately cleared. But he wasn’t freed; he also faced misdemeanor child pornography charges in California.
WHO: Put yourself in the shoes of a news director or managing editor. Could you resist this story, especially if you were in Colorado? In the first three weeks after Karr’s “confession,” theRocky Mountain News ran 150 stories about him, including this first-day lead: “The decade-long search for JonBenet Ramsey’s killer came to a startling end in Thailand on Wednesday.” The Denver Post probably ran a similar number, but its web site list cuts off after 10 hits. In JonBenet’s home town of Boulder, the Daily Camera ran 120 stories during the same period.
Or imagine you’re Professor Tracey.
The Question: Do you break a confidence with your source if you think it can solve a murder — or protect children half a world away?
There are many stakeholders in this case, including the media, Tracey and, of course, Karr himself. Add Boulder law enforcement authorities, who had been criticized for bungling the original case 10 years previously, and now for spending $23,656, including two business-class airfares, to bring a delusional man back to face dubious charges. Ramsey family members are major stakeholders. Even the University of Colorado j-school is among many parties with a peripheral interest.
WHY: The principles involved in deciding what to do include the media’s obligations to their readers and viewers to present the news in full while maintaining a sense of responsibility and balance. For Professor Tracey, there’s a struggle between confidentiality and collaboration. And should the media be critical of authorities who, after all, pulled Karr away from the temptation of children in Thailand, where he was about to begin a teaching job?
HOW: We’ve seen how the media reacted to this story — at full throttle. Was it overkill? A bit more skepticism and proportionality would have been more professional. Was Professor Tracey’s role appropriate? He considers himself an academic, not a journalist. But even if he were a journalist, wrote Rocky Mountain Newsmedia columnist David Kopel, he should act like an ethical human being. Kopel’s argument is worth repeating.
“Some critics claim that if journalists cooperate with the police, they will lose the trust of their audience. But just imagine how much less most readers would trust the newspapers if readers learned that a reporter refused to reveal non-confidential information which could have led to the capture of a notorious murderer.”
ANALYSIS: Some principles (from the SPJ Code of Ethics), and comment:
— Journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information. (Quantity, more than quality, is the question.)
— Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error. (In a highly competitive rush, it’s difficult — but still necessary.)
— Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity. (Lurid curiosity is sometimes unavoidable.)
— Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.
— Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable.
— Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct. (There was plenty of explaining where the information came from, and a flood of letters to the editor.)
SUMMARY:
This article was about solving a murder mystery. A man had strangled a young girl to death, but no on knew who. A teacher who had been a co-worker of the other man, a journalism teacher in fact, figured out it was him, because of e-mail messages that the murderer had sent to him. The teacher quickly sent the information to the authorities. The problem with this is that Tracey might lose reader's because he betrayed the trust of a interviewer. But then again, he saved many children from a murderer.
OPINION:
I think that it was a good idea for Tracey to tell authorities about Karr. Even though he might have lost a big chunk of his audience, it was a courageous act to make. Karr was going to become a teacher in Thailand soon after the leak had been made. If Karr had gotten to become a teacher, many young children's lives would have been at stake. That is definitely worth losing something for.
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