Sorry I am out today. I had several medical appointments scheduled for about a month. So . . . let's get busy.
First up, I want you to see my teacher at Columbia University's class video from the Foothills Dragon Press. It suggests the mission of online journalism. We get an analytics page from schoolnewspapersonline every week. They will tell us how many people have looked at the web site. Our goal is to increase all page views and unique visitors (those are people who aren't repeat customers). We will keep a running list on the board.
Second, I want you to answer these current affairs questions and hand them in to the sub. (Worth 16 points)
Journalism students all over the country take these tests weekly. Yes, this very test. At the very least, a journalist has to have knowledge of everything going on around them so that they can make connections to other stories in their community. My expectation is that you will look up these answers you don't know today, but you will start a chronic habit of paying attention DAILY to news sources like the Washington Post and the New York Times. You will also note that there is always some kind of pop news included, too. Look at #5, for instance. Get an honest assessment of your knowledge before you talk to your other classmates. You will see what you need to do.
Next Friday, Sept. 30, we will start our weekly current affairs quiz. I want you to be on par with other journalism students in this country.
Current Events Quiz
Week of Sept. 19 – 23, 2011Questions:
1. What controversial U.S. military policy officially ended this week?
2. As part of his effort to reduce the federal deficit, President Obama this week said he will suggest increasing taxes for whom? (HINT: He is quoted as saying, “This is not class warfare. It’s math.”)
3. What kind of accident claimed 11 lives in Reno last Friday? 4. What group is asking the United Nations Security Council for recognition as that organization’s 194th member? Extra Credit: How does the U.S. say it will vote if this happens? 5. Name either the best comedy series or best drama series according to last weekend’s Emmys.
6. Authorities in what country told more than 1 million people to evacuate because of a typhoon forecast for this week? Extra credit: What is the name of the typhoon?
7. What country lost its High Peace Council leader when he was attacked and killed in his home this week? (HINT: He has been trying to negotiate peace with the Taliban.) 8. What did the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles decided Monday about the controversial Troy Anthony Davis death penalty sentence? ******************************************************* Click on this link for quality photo requirements. We are going to get really, really good at our photography. Next week you will all be doing a soundslide production. It is truly fun and will be done on the Macs. I will supply the cameras.
Don't forget to do the observation exercise and upload it to Turnitin.com on Friday. If you forgot the code and password, get it from a classmate or from me. The system will accept through Saturday night at midnight, but there will be a markdown of your grade. I think you will find this exercise more interesting than you know.
Please remember our conversation from yesterday. Everyone needs to be a self-starter, be grown-up and a contributor. We have a serious product for the public good. You have a great opportunity to learn so much here. Please examine your idea of the mission and we will talk on Friday.
Ms. Greer Silver Spring, Md
