Future applicant interviews.

On Friday, Mr. Myles and I had the opportunity of interviewing two potential applicants for next years Senior Seminar program. The two students were Larry and  Essence whom just so happen to be lovely representatives of the school. While there the interviewers ( Mr. Myles and I) asked questions like, "What is your general information on Senior Project?" and "Have you ever participated in a long term project?". Personally, I felt somewhat nervous for the two students myself because I can remember quite clearly how it felt to be in their shoes. Overall, the interview went well and I feel confidant on the score that both Mr. Myles and I graded.

Houston We have lift off!!!!

 Recently in school our class participated in a new game introduced to us by Mr. Abrams called, The Dictionary Game. It's played to improve upon stage presence including vocal pronunciation and endurance in front of an audience.First, the participate must choose a word ( randomly) out of the dictionary; whatever word is chosen must be cited by the other participant willing to talk about the word. A time limit must be set and completed in the amount of time given.  Knowing what type of person I am: inverted towards most and soft-spoken, the thought of public speaking would have given me a coronary. Although now I've acquired enough confidence and the poise to speak

IT'S UP TO YOU... ITS YOUR CHOICE...

A picture perfect connection! What you witness above is a camera featuring Hello Kitty; a logo known for its popularity in couture, fashion and pop culture; Hello Kitty was first publicized in 1974 Tokoyo, Japan by a infant company, Sanrio who began mass production on the mouth less, mundane looking feline. It wasn't until Hello Kitty mania swelled in the mid-eighties that this pretty kitty received her iconic household name. My free choice blogs usually consist of random facts and miscellaneous informatives. Today on the other hand, my blog will speak of the relationship between the project chosen on my part, journalism( media) with Cierra's topic of fashion. Now I know you may be thinking," How in the world could she possibly make a connection with boring ole' bland journalism with the flashy, unique thrills of fashion." Without the propaganda and publicity of news & media there would be no such thing as the beloved Hello Kitty, such is true with the New York Times and USA Today whom both mentioned the many accounts of this logo magnates propsperity. 

Its in the proof...

During the week I have found myself preoccupied with multiple tasks pertaining to my final product for senior project. Like the past two days at Ms. Ringwald's class where I concentrated on my brochure and it turns out I'm not too bad out it. I feel rather accomplished of the fact that I finally got in touch with Planned Parenthood last Tuesday, but for the week ahead I need to continue to stay on top of things especially due to the fact that I have a bad case of procrastination and senioritis that is only curable by the wonderful antidote of tenacious discipline and a positive mind frame which I strongly believe will lead me to success in my project and life in general terms.

Today, I will visit with Mr. Myles briefly to discuss the appropriate times to schedule our weekly visitations, so it appears likely that ill meet him tomorrow since Fridays’ are relatively impossible to schedule. Not to mention some Q & A related to the actually presentation of my project (video clips, sound, editing, etc.) just to mention a few. Last Friday I finally received the opportunity to interview the lovely, Ms. Ana Ramos courtesy of Antoine Mcgee best known as, ATM! The session was a success; hopefully, I look forward to progressing towards even more fruitful interviews very soon. I’d like to take the time out to give special shout out and gratification to Mr. Mcgee and Ms. Ramos and all of the future interviewees.

Choices, decisiones, et plus de choix...

When I grow up (laugh out loud) I want to be a journalist. The expression of writing captures the most intimate detail whether of an event or feeling having to do with either the author in charge or someone else's situation. Since I was in seventh grade I written poetry. Generally speaking,  I guess I've  always had a divine love for the art of writing. Of course dreams can only be set forth by reality if one progresses which at times can be frustrating, yet I shall prosper and continue throughout the hard journey ahead. In order to do so, I will excel in my writing, learn to be proficient against grammatical errors and keep a passion for the writing that I'll do, knowing that each and everything that I write will resonate for the good of our country maybe even the world. Hopefully, one day I'd do so well that my articles on the latest riveting topic would be publish in the pages of the New York Times or CNN!

Brief History of America by Michael Moore ( Connection)

A brief history of America is my Vlog which I've decided to post, although this video is a parody in some forms to the history of American life. It holds many truths. Like the contribution of the KKK and the beginnings of the pilgrims. Choosing this particular vlog was important to me because it revealed certain situations that America isn't proud of and made it amusing. In my opinion it takes a lot of talent to get a point across in the mist of making it humorous. So Kudos to Mr. Moore, even if he's considered an unpatriotic, perfidious film maker who alienates the very values that this countries' magnates seem to eradicate as "non-exsistant. More over I understand that seeing more documentaries or shorts such as this will make good practice for my final presentation. http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Micheal+Moore&aq=f

A Planned Visit to Planned Parenthood Pt. 2

You may remember my blog from last week speaking of my attempt to visit Planned Parenthood. It turns out that yesterday (5/11/2010) I went to Camden on Broadway where their facility was located. The trip in itself took about twenty-five minutes with a train. When I arrived I spoke through an intercom, which just goes to show that the organization is very discreet and confidential when it comes to their patients. Almost every door there is locked and is only entered by being unlocked from the inside. I met with a young women by the name of Alda, who represents the education and training portion of Planned Parenthood. While meeting with her I told her about the program and the intentions of my project and final presentation. I also gave her the consent form for a interview and the questions that would be asked. Alda talked me about some of the questions, which seem to be aimed towards people who've had an abortion and how I could change some of them to format it to a general audience. She recommended me to go to the South Jersey Women's Center in Cherry Hill  because the procedures were performed there. Furthermore, I was asked to return on Thursday, but all and all the visit was very informative and cleared me of some questions I once had concerning the interviews that I will be conducting. Oh! I almost forgot as I was leaving the clinic, I spotted the head of the education unit, and told her about my purpose, so I'm just waiting for a phone call.. to conform.....Tink, Tink Time is of the essence!

A Planned visit to PlannedParenthood.(Proof of product)

 During the week I set out to go Downtown Camden by Cooper Hospital in order to get permission and set up a journalistic-type interview with a few representatives at the organization, Planned Parenthood. Regretfully I've been slightly behind due to my attempts to achieve hours of Community service and other reliabilities. During this upcoming week I expect to be waist deep  in all senior project related activities including working on my brochure,  meeting with the mentor, and interviews. So look out, I'm on my way to the finale of my presentation with a "WOW" factor Mr. Abrams is looking for.

Another creative thought suggested by yours truly: Abrams brought up the thought of an investigative approach to visiting Planned Parenthood by experiencing a first hand account of what it means to be a teen expecting. The choices and options I'd need to make to ensure to safety of myself, perhaps the future of my fetus, and so on. On a further note, I've completed the consent form for the interviews i'll be conducting next week.  It just so happens that my first interviewee ( if that's a word) sign up to be interviewed.

The Life and Times of Emmit Till.

The Media plays a imperative role in the perceptions of people. Controversial themes, weather they actually resonate with citizens or not always appear to entice some form of opinion or criticism. Nothing is more true to the statement above like the disturbing case of Emit Till. Being Afro-American in the 50's was a hard task in itself, but being a northerner living in the south can literally become a demise.  Brazen and young, the  14 year old Till, lived in Chicago and visited his Grandparents in the South during the summer of 1955, never to return. On August 28, around 2:30 am the innocent Emmit was removed from his living quarters in the middle of the night, brutally beaten and shot point blank in the head. Later being ruthlessly thrown in a nearby river. The reason behind such devastation; Saying, "Bye Baby." to the wife of Roy Bryant and brother-in-law, J. W Millian. Word of the news hit close to home for many negroes causing mass hysteria and a highly publicized court hearing, which lasted five days in Mississippi. In the end no one was edited nor blame for the wrongful death of such innocence. Although Bryant and Millian later confessed to a journalist by the name of William Bradford Huie,  in an issue of Look Magazine since they could no longer be convicted of a case they were acquitted for.Various people response to the crime were borderline, some believed that the trial was byist while others thought it was a fair trial. So you see, the point that I'm trying to make is the media can make or break a story, the use of media can articulate an occurrence, what can possibly bring about justice or injustice. Even though the trial and murder of Emmit Till ended without victory, it uncovered a true profile to the ignorance and intolerance for diversity that America still had yet overcome.

Here is the link to the article: http://cms.westport.k12.ct.us/cmslmc/grade7/emmittillcase.htm

ART is a IMITATION of LIFE....

At About 8th period on a Friday, I decided to not go to Abrams class. At first my intention was to visit my sponsor, but since there was an interruption ( fire drill) I planned instead to kick with the home girl, Webbie  http://nikki-webster.blogspot.com/  in DeGiovanni's Art room for the rest of the period, while there I enquired about her work with the dental molding that she was partaking in. I offered to place my teeth up for display so she would have various models of teeth to chose from for her final product and presentation. Anyway, as I first intended to speak of I visited my sponsor around 3 to 3:30. I was particularly anxious to get to meet because I have many ideas in my head pertaining to my presentation. Although I may be over analyzing details, I want to make sure that I put in tons of effort and information.

 Together we went over the sequences of the presentation and brochure, so I feel as though I clarified and cleared up some of the concerns I once had. In order to become more forward in what I want for my brochure perhaps I will get  a newspaper styled format pattern for my brochure. I'm not really techncal, but I been shown a few ways by my sponsor that even the unsavory can be wise in technology. So I definitely want to incorporate a thing or two into my presentation and brochure of course with the help of my mentor, Mr. Myles and Ms. Ringanwald.

iFACEBOOK..My choice...

You know you never really realize what you do until you look at a facebook fan page. Everytime I go onto the infamous website of Facebook, I always find myself finding a new "Become a Fan" page that tends to resonate with a trifle or habit of mine. Facebook is an addiction in itself not to mention the many Fan pages they've joined. From the wacky " join if you are under 5'9 to more meaningful " You messed up. I mad a mistake." My fellow classmate, Ashley Webster may have a better ideal of what I'm speaking of!

Running And Winning!

 Today I had the privilege of meeting with some magnate figures in a workshop held by the school known as  "Running and Winning" which consisted of another school, Winslow. The activities consist of interviewing consuel women, fire commissioners, and other important figures of the South jersey area. A common aspect of each of these people is that they were all females. It was really empowering to be able to speak to various hardworking women considered to be in a man's occupation. The event chronically involved icebreakers, great food, conversation, and a mock trial which was really fascinating, each person in the group in our group held the following positions; Campaign Manager, Publicist, Speech writer, and the candidate. Each of us had two hours to complete an campaign poster and a 1-2 min. speech on the signifigance of Efficient energy. The results ended in entertaining readings from participates like Ishanna Rodriguez, Amberlee Garrison, and more. In the end, the experience was a terrific event that exhibited the importance of volunterism and independence. By the way Joyce Walker, is brillant, I want to be just like her when I grow up!!

ITS CRUCH TIME>>>>>>>>GRRRR!!!

When I visited my sponsor on Friday I actually had his FULL ATTENTION! No papers, pens, or annoying secretaries. So, as I elaborated on potential plans and ideas for my presentation. I got feedback for my thoughts on the final product. I made it clear that I was a little anxious on the fact that I wasn’t certain on exactly what my project would actually consist of. His advice to me was to sell my product in other words know what I’m talking about. So, I’m really, really, really NERVOUS… Anyway I’m coping with the idea of presenting in front of certain people like the administration and a few of my teachers since I have somewhat of a phobia for speaking in front of large or prevalent involved crowds of people. Regretfully, I did mention the date of June 11th to my sponsor and he spoke of a possibility of him making an appearance to my presentation, but only time will reveal the outcome.

From April 11th to the 13th all of the senior class and I went on a journey to Disney World in Florida. While there we were asked to make connections that accede with senior project. Well it just so happens that Disney and journalism go hand and hand. As I was in the park I made various connects that resonate with the study of journalism: the occupation of reporting, editing, photography, or broadcasting news. Like the picture I took of the giant golf ball at Epcot or the brochure I read at The Disney Animal Kingdom. Even back at the Hotel all I had to do was turn on the television and a Hostess was talking about the multiple attractions in the five Disney World parks. Basically, everything can resonate with the art of writing that reflects superficial thought.

__________ Is Food For Thought.

     A Time of  Grace, is the title of the autobiography  I've rented from the Camden County Library, which seems to be my new home nowadays, it's the first hand account in the life of the gifted Arthur Ashe. In his prime, Ashe could easily be rendered one of the greatest tennis players of his time, whom helped perfect and advertise the sport. He broke barriers for countless Afro-American altheletes in all genres of sport and became an advocate for heart disease and aids, two fatal ailments that took his life in 1993.
     Being a fanatic of tennis myself, I'm able to relate with such a phonemonal player, but another portion that made it so easy to connect to the auto-biography is the determination and faith exhibited throughout Ashe's life and prefessional career. Generally, I reccomend this wonderful account of admiration and self-awareness. 

We Have A Connection!

     To answer your question, Mr. Abrams, I can make a perfect connection with the new health care law, which just happens to resonate with my subject of journalism and its relevance to abortion. In fact, I can quite a few examples. Like the health reform issue, abortion has cause irascible effects in both  government and personal appeals. Its became so bad at times in fact many people have lost their lives to help make these new legisiatures possible. The issues involving health care reform and abortion have caused waves across country and throughout the world.
 Many articles such as the New York Times, The Boston Globe, and USA Today have discussed these topics within full depth. Columnist, News reports, and the average citizens critique the choices of laws concerning abortion and healthcare. As a matter of fact, the government has recently announced a potential addition to the new reform claiming that abortion will possibly be added to insurance based policies.

www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/11/19/taking_a_...

More hands on deck...&7#

As you may know, I visit my sponsor every Friday ,but this time I won't come empty handed. I proposed that I come up with a few paragraphs, about 100 words elaborating what has occured thus far. In order for my sponsor to grasp a better idea of what I want for my presentation. To begin, I'd like start with acknowledging what Senior Project is all about, express what has and will be accomplished, and perhaps give ideas for a more hands-on and enjoyable experience in the office with my sponsor. By the way I know that this week's visit blog has been shorten but not to worry next week will be filled with many exciting hopefully insightful information and facts. ( ;

" The American people have been waiting for this moment for over a century!"

Alas the bill of rights has approached us. Last Thursday the health care reform bill was legalized. What could this possibly mean to the American people? This bill is an historical piece of legistration which will enable low to moderate income families to recieve a choice of private insurance coverage, bridge the gap between expenses and prescription medication cost, and include full coverage of any child on their parents insurer until the age of 26. Not to mention reconstruction of the Federal student loan programs for future college students everywhere "The American people have been waiting for this moment for over a century."  a claim made by Nevada's own, Harry Reid ( senate majority leader).  The bill has delayed the new tax on expensive employee sponsor insurance policies by 2018, including the medicare payroll tax that is scheduled for 2013. The final House vote was 220 to 207 and the senate vote was 56 to 43.

Sponsor Visits....It's Either now or Later.

After my last visit with my sponsor prior to this blog I experience some frustration due to having a sense of a lack of a hands-on experience. Even though I realize that there isn't exactly much that you can do while having a editor as your sponsor except maybe edit a few papers, it still became kind of nerve-racking when things weren't going the way I'd planned them too. Thankfully, Coach Snyder gave me a few prudent ideas that may come in handy for my next visit for this Friday. When I was at the sponsor's office, I went over the almost finish product of my research paper with Mr. Barnum. There wasn't as much err as I thought there would have been, but he's the editor and I'm trusting his opinion.


 My sponsor was one step ahead of  you, Mr. Abrams by asking me what I wanted to do with the upcoming presentation and why, just like we had discussed during class. I tried to elaborate the opinionated column idea  and he seemed kinda iffy about it, but Mr. Barnum, promised that he'd let me know officially by what will hopefully be my next visit with him. Anyway, he gave me some input on things like video clips or old coverage of media files that might make my presention that much exciting, varying on my topic for my presentation. We'll see what happens.!

Connection #6 Media yesterday and tomorrow..

     While in History, a few special guest came and informed the class about their past experiences in the military forces. As I was listening of the astonishing accounts of their lives during 50's war-torn, barren Korean and Vietnam lands, it occured to me that media exposure in the news years ago in contrast with the present have differed drastically. Although the government and media during the 1950 and 60's presented the war as a crisis, most U.S. citizens of the era were enthusiatic to join their country in the fight for freedom; converting ordinary factories into war mechines, proganda, and patriotic encouragment.
 In the modern warfare era  broadcast and editorials have had negative illustration of war pertaining to suicide bombers, religious debate, sterotypical minoritie antics, and injudicious photos. Some might say it has a positive influence on citizens, making them aware of the current times, but anytime a meter needs to be aired on T.V. to measure the amount of " terrorisim" activity going on, than there is an issue. Media may get so outrageous that the actual portrayals and photos of war victims may be posted on the news.

  On a lighter note, the veteran visits was an insightful. The entire experience allowed me to apply these connections to my senior project. Who would have thought that the Korean and Vietnam War could be applied in so many different aspects not only media and editiorial articles. I even got a chance to try on the actual uniform and took a picture.