Resources for Journalism Classes at HC
Sched/Hmwk
Portfolio Eval: Mon
Final: Tues/Wed
Story Ideas
Info
Football Relief
Readings
Football Relief
College and Safety
Cheering Rescuers
Kindergarten Principal
Strange 911 Calls
Patriotic Teens
Student Newspapers 9/11
Custom News Online
HS Athletes
Student Weblogs
E-mail Mr. R.
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The Final Blog So, here we are. That was a fast, action packed nine weeks, wasn't it? Let me just say at the top that I really appreciate all of your efforts. Many of you worked really hard this quarter, and whether you realize it or not, I think most of you made great strides in your writing and reporting. I know that some of you rested on your laurels a bit, and some of you faked your way through a bit, (I'm not stupid, despite what you may think) but in general, I've been impressed. Thanks.
It's doubtful that those of you in my second block class will forget where you were that morning of 9/11, in 614, watching the tv in disbelief. Regardless of which class you were in, we all shared something that day that will live for a long time in your brains. I'll take this last opportunity to remind you that like it or not, our lives have all changed, and we all have new responsibilities to ourselves, to the people we love, and most importantly, to the world. It's up to each of us to take the disaster of that day and turn it into something good, because I really believe that it's in the bleakest of moments when the greatest change for good can come. Do something to make this a better place. Drive smaller, more fuel efficient cars. Turn down the heat. Volunteer. Read, write, think about your place and yor responsibility in the world. Act.
I'll leave you with two thoughts...John Mellencamp said something to the effect of if this doesn't make us sit up and take notice of the trivialization of our society, nothing will. He's right. I want you to really look at what this society and this culture sells. How, after 9/11, can anyone buy a ticket to see Britney Spears? Or watch some special effects movie filled with violence and killing? Or even think about airing "Temptation Island"? We, myself included, are so bombarded with trivia that the really meaningful things in life are just overwhelmed by junk. I would urge you to fight it. One way is to participate in this.
Finally, a quote. It's from that Bill Moyers article I linked you to a couple of days ago:
"The question is what to do with the very fact of survival. Over time survivors will be able to answer that question not by a statement about the past but by what they do with the future. Because they have faced death, many will have learned what is more important: Life itself, love, family, community. The simple things we have all taken for granted will bear witness to that reality. The survivors will not be defined by the lives they have led until now but by the lives that they will lead from now on. For the experience of near death to have ultimate meaning, it must take shape in how one rebuilds from the ashes. Such for the individual; so, too, for the nation." --Michael Berenbaum
I wish you nothing but success in your lives and in your efforts to reach a higher, better place. Let me know if I can help you in any way.
Reminder: EVERYTHING should be in your folders at the end of today. Please make sure you have clearly identified what story you want me to grade, given yourselves a number grade for your efforts, and included your self-evaluation.
posted by Will Richardson @
3:52 AM
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11/05/2001 |
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Some reminders...Please write your evaluation in a narrative form. Don't just answer the questions one by one. Books are due on Monday. All stuff should be in your folders on Monday. If for some reason we should miss a day next week, exam days will be pushed back.
posted by Will Richardson @
6:55 AM
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11/02/2001 |
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Go Yankees! Sorry, but last night's game, which I slept through, sounded like a truly memorable sporting event. Destiny?
Ok, so here we go, the last couple of days. Today we'll talk about the final, and make a little web page that we'll stick up on the server so you can tell your firends and relatives to visit. I'll also show you how to steal some pictures and stuff. Not going to spend a lot of time on it, just want you to publish something.
Tomorrow we're going to finalize your weblogs and then you have some time to work on the evaluation and rewrites. All that work should be in your folders at the end of class on Monday.
Brain work, if you want it: Bill Moyers is one of the most respected journalists I know, having served for many years as a PBS commentator and reporter. I found a speech that he gave a couple of weeks ago that, in my personal opinion, and you are free to disagree, sums up the state of the world pretty succinctly. It's a long and fairly complex read, but you can all get to it (brainwise) if you try. And if you are at all interested in becoming a better more involved citizen in this society, I urge you to read it and let it become a part of your thinking. Like I said, you don't have to agree with what he says, you may not even believe it. But it is crucial that you think about what you want to happen in these next few years, and what you can do to make it happen. As I think we all agree, after 9/11, this is a different world, like it or not. To pretend otherwise, or to not deal head on with what this new world presents is to waste a critical opportunity for change. I hope you get something out of it, and please weblog it if you do.
If you need anything from me in these last couple of days, please don't hestitate to ask.
posted by Will Richardson @
5:47 AM
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11/01/2001 |
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