Granobles, Johanna
17 September 2008
Media Journal One
Earn an A? Here’s $50. (Eke out a c? That’s still good for $20.)
By Carlos Sadovi
Tribune Reporter
11 September 2008
Summary:
Harvard designed a test program called Green for Grade$, that will pay up to 5,000 students in 20 Chicago public high schools for their good to average grades. The program is being experimented in New York and in Washington. Every five weeks the program will measure the students in English, math, social sciences, science and physical education. The qualifying grades are A=$50, B=$35, and C=$20. CPS Chief Executive, Arne Duncan, feels that the program will benefit low income families. However, Swarthmore College psychology professor, Barry Schwartz, disagrees with the program. He feels that paying students for their grades causes loss of interest for learning and curiosity. Some students feel that the money will be a motivation to dedicate more time studying and paying attention. Some parents support the program fully because they feel it will help commit students to school. Similarly, in New York some agree, others resort to believing the program is a “bribe.”
Paid To Make the Grade
By Rosalind Rossi and Lisa Donovan
Sun-Times Staff Reporters
11 September 2008
Summary:
Of the 20 Chicago public high schools participating in a Harvard designed program, freshmen can get paid up to $4,000 at the end of their sophomore year for their grades. Every five week progress report the students will receive half their money and in order to receive the remainder they must graduate. If a student earns a failing grade the consequence will be loss of cash rewards for that marking period. Arne Duncan, Chicago Public Schools CEO, feels that students are most likely to drop out in their freshmen or sophomore year; therefore, the program may reduce that risk. Julie Woestehoff of Parents United for Responsible Educations disagrees with the program and thinks it is a bad idea. Some upperclassmen like, Sharron Mirco, think the program will benefit students for college.
Response
For this story I felt that the Chicago Tribune delivered a very informative article on the subject. Considering that both publications had this story as their front cover, I feel that the Sun-Times did not fulfill the expectations I had. If I had only read the Sun-Times article I would have missed a lot of important information including the name of the program. The Tribune included various perspectives; however, both newspapers did have interesting sources. The Tribune had good flow since it started with an explanation of what the program is and closing the article with the impact on the parent and child. The Tribune’s article was more interesting because of the appeal from color pictures and made the story more news worthy.
Chicago aldermen may outlaw drivers who text
By Dan Mihalopoulos
Tribune Reporter
11 September 2008
Summary:
Two proposals—banning the action of text messages while a vehicle is in motion and banning metal baseball bats where made at the Chicago Council meeting. Mayor Richard Daley feels that it is “dangerous to drive with one hand.” Freshman Ald. Robert Fioretti, proposed the banning of metal baseball bats. He defended his views with statistics of the speed of a ball being hit by a wood and metal bat. Chicago may be following the steps of New York, which banned metal base ball bats. Vice President, Jim Darby, of Easton Sports, one of the nation’s largest metal bat producers feels Fioretti’s research is insufficient.
Ald. Burke calls for ban on texting and driving
By Fran Spielman
City Hall Reporter [Chicago Tribune publication]
11 September 2008
Summary:
Alderman Burke has tried to ban the use of hand devices before and feels now is the time to do away with them for good. He feels that text messaging is creating a hazard. Among surfing the internet other distracted driving is eating, reading and applying makeup. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration claims those actions to cause 80% of car accidents. About 40% of drivers between the ages of 18-27 are texting while driving. The penalty for text messaging while the vehicle is in motion is a $75 fine or if it results in a crash $200. Burke wants to go as far as fining pedestrians who are not paying attention when crossing the street due to text and causing a car crash.
Response
I am disappointed with the deliverance of this article from the Chicago Tribune. I felt that this article had no guidance for the reader and was not relevant to the topics that were discussed. I understand how Mihalopoulos wanted to combine two proposals in one article, but I felt it was confusing because the proposals did not transition. The title of the article did not describe the subject because it should have incorporated baseball bats in it too. Not the best work I seen from the Tribune. On the hand, the Chicago Sun-Times made a good combat because Spielman’s article was direct and clear—texting and driving is dangerous. Spielman used quotes and statistics, but more importantly the article explained the consequence of proposal for drivers and pedestrians; therefore, addressing the whole audience.
Chicago seeks aid after worst rain in at least 137 years
CNN
14 September 2008
Summary
Upgrading history, Chicago authorities ask Illinois Governor Blagojevich to “issue a disaster declaration” because of the rainfall on Saturday. The rain cause major flooding and leaving people stranded in their households. Since 1987, O’Hare International Airport withstood the record of 6.49 inches of rainfall, and on stand the new record was set to 6.64 in. Northern Illinois and Northwest were most affected, they record 4 to 7 inches of rain. Albany Park was the worst affected area and 40 people were evacuated even by boat. However, the rainfall was cause due to a Tropical Storm Lowell, not Hurricane Ike.
Deluge not quite done
By Tara Malone and Gerry Smith
Tribune Reporters
14 September 2008
Summary
Remnants were expected to arrive on Sunday from Hurricane Ike. The rainfall claimed one life, but it for sure blocked the roads to Evanston, Schaumburg and Naperville. Prospect Heights declared “state of emergency” and other suburbs like Riverside were on the verge of evacuation due to rising river elevations. For the first time in 6 years untreated water enter Lake Michigan from the Chicago River. Alan Byrd, 28, died trying to swim across a pond that increased to 20ft during the rain. There were at least 50 cancelled flights in O’Hare and Midway.
Response
With all the effects of Hurricane Ike, CNN reported evidently about the conditions Chicago and other counties were in. I feel that both these articles reflected the people’s struggles in different ways, for instance the Tribune used pictures and quotes and CNN used facts. I found it interesting that CNN incorporated historical facts about Chicago’s weather because it increased the shock of was happening. I’m guessing most people do not recall the last time it rained so heavy that Chicago had to declare emergency state, so that information definitely made the article have a stronger impact. The Tribune, of course, gave a very elaborate article formed by different perspectives. I would say that my favorite method of writing from the Tribune is that the reporters incorporate everyone’s perspective of the situation.
My Overall Review:
The Chicago Tribune has great techniques to grasp the attention of a reader like using colored photos, incorporating different perspectives through quotes, and elaborating in detail about the topic. However, I feel that the Chicago Tribune delivers a stronger article when it is about a single subject. I used two front page stories from the Tribune and they were excellent; in essence of information and sources. I feel that by adding sections like tips lets the reader be engaged. Rarely did I find “fluff” in the stories; therefore, as a reader I feel reliance on this publication.
The Chicago Sun-Times has good articles for people to be familiarized with a subject rather than fully knowing the subject. Nonetheless, when the subject is local I feel that the Times will put more detailed information for the reader. The Times also uses the techniques of using pictures to draw attention. If I need to know quick facts about a story I feel that the Sun-Times is a good source. Yet, I feel that if a story is so important to be front page, the article should meet the standard.
For CNN being such a paced news source I feel that they capture the story well because it was clear and to the point. I liked how they used historical and meteorological facts about Chicago and the suburbs. This publication is also useful for fast facts about a story. A benefit I saw about this online publication is that there were font options to see more clearly. Similarly to the other two publications was the use of a picture to set the setting.
Richard Nana Nketsiah
15th September 2008
Professor Ben Ortiz
Media Journal Part One
1. Topic of Article: Zimbabwe rivals in historic pact.
From the BBC News
Date: 09-15-2008
1.1. Summary
1.1.1. A new power-sharing deal has been signed in Harare, Zimbabwe. Mr. Robert Mugabe becomes the executive President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Mr. Morgan Tvsangirai is the new Prime Minister of Zimbabwe whilst Mr. Arthur Mutambara becomes the Vice-Prime Minister of Zimbabwe. It was witnessed by many African diplomats and chaired by Mr. Thabo Mbeki, the sitting president of the republic of South Africa. Mr. Mugabe took a swipe at the British government for the woes of Zimbabweans. Mr. Tsvangirai, however said that “the agreement provided the best hope for Zimbabwe and called on President Mugabe to work together to implement the deal.”
1.2. Response
1.2.1. Mugabe is a power-drunk guy and the violence that led to his rigged-victory is a clear testimony to it. To salvage the Zimbabweans from further hardships and intimidations, I strongly endorse the agreement. No wonder Mr. Morgan Tsvangirai commented that the deal’s implementation would largely depend on President Mugabe’s cooperation – paraphrased. The attached video clip was a masterpiece and portrays how healthy the meeting was.
2. Topic of Article: Zimbabwe Rivals in Historic Pact.
From the Tehran Times (Iran’s International Daily)
Date: 09-15-2008
2.1. Summary
2.1.1. For Mr. Robert Mugabe to agree to a signed-pact to sharing power with his bitterest rival Morgan Tsvangirai is indeed historic! Mr. Mugabe was quoted to have said that he was committed to national unity and thus would do “his utmost best” – paraphrased.
2.2. Response
2.2.1. The full details of the pact are what the entire world is eager to see and how it would be implemented. With Mugabe the President having less Ministers in the cabinet as opposed to Morgan Tsvangirai’s majority would require some comprom-ises on or some concessions being made on the part of the MDC (Movement for Democratic Change) party during this power-sharing era on some sensitive issues if peace is to be given a chance.
3. Topic of Article: Zimbabwe Rivals in Historic Pact.
From The National (of the United Arab Emirates printed in Abu Dhabi)
Date: 09-15-2008
3.1 Summary
3.1.1 “The Zimbabwean president, Robert Mugabe, signed a power-sharing agreement with opposition rival Morgan Tsvangirai on Monday, relinquishing some of his powers for the first time in nearly three decades of iron rule”, quoted the above paper. As the economy of the once powerful economic force in Africa had soured above 11 million percent and myriads of its citizens have also fled due to the political turmoil, the people of Zimbabwe in particular and the world as a whole see this as a step in the right direction.
3.2 Response
3.2.1 The mere fact that Mr. Robert Mugabe is recognized as the president of Zimbabwe by the opposing factions, peace could be assured no matter how bitter his opponents would feel. Against this background, Mr. Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC party must be recognized by the entire world for the maturity they have exhibited here to regaining peace to the Zimbabwean citizens.
4.
a. Overall Summary
Getting the iron-hearted and warlord incumbent Robert Mugabe to agree in signing such a power-sharing pact was something many including myself thought were never going to materialize. History has shown us that the very people who advocate for democratic rule and thus respect the ballot box themselves rig results. These legacies make it hard to condemn others governments when they also rig results.
b. Overall Response
On one hand, even though Thabo Mbeki, the sitting president of South Africa was not mentioned in this deal, he could be seen in the video as a major player. I think the media had not lived up to its expectation by not according credit to President Thabo Mbeki for the role he had played ever since this rift began. I am also surprised that all the three sources I used did not recognize him. They rather recognized the EU, made mention of the West and left the true sons of Africa who toiled day in and out to let this become a reality out of the picture. I need the journalistic world to explain as this beats my imagination.
On the other hand, I think the ultimate – PEACE - has been achieved and the entire world must be happy. Also, sanctions placed on Zimbabwe by the West and its allies must be removed unconditionally to afford the innocent Zimbabweans a better livelihood.
Generally, there seem to me that these reporters reported all the three sources reported
On Sunday September 7th 2008 in Kansas City, Missouri the starting quarterback of the New England Patriots, Tom Brady, was hurt when he was caught off guard by the Kansas City Chiefs Bernard Pollard. It was later found that Brady injured his knee, specifically his MCL, which is the medial collateral ligament crucial for the stability of the knee joint. The story was covered by many different media outlets I would like to share three outlets that I observed first hand.
The first outlet that I examined was ESPN, which is a cable station dedicated to broadcasting sports and sport related programming 24 hours a day. When ESPN broadcasted its first report on Brady’s injury they described Brady as being “probable”, as they usually do when they are finding out about an injury for the first time. ESPN finally came up with the specifics of Brady’s injury the next day when they broadcasted Mike and Mike at 6 A.M. eastern time, the stations earliest show. After this, rumors of the injury being purposefully inflicted on Brady began to surface.
I think that ESPN is fairly reliable on their information and I think they thrive on how reliable they have been known to be that is probably why they waited until the next day to report on the status of Brady’s injury. I also feel that ESPN probably waited until the next day to report on the specifics of the injury because they wanted to wait until there was another story coupled with the information of Brady’s injury, I am referring to the question on whether or not the injury was inflicted purposefully.
The second outlet that I observed was the Boston Globe, which is the largest newspaper publication in Boston and has been in existence since 1872. When the globe first heard and reported on the incident they mentioned other publications as their source of information as far as the specifics of the injury, they specifically mentioned Yahoo! sports as their source. The Globe was extremely careful to state that the information that they obtained from the other source could not be verified.
The Boston Globe is an extremely credible source in fact it is the longest lasting publication that I observed by far therefore making it possibly the most reliable. The Globe also exercised good tactics by making sure that they described how the Yahoo! sports source that they had noted was possibly tainted.
The last publication that I observed was Yahoo! sports, which is an offshoot of the internet site Yahoo! that it is fed its information from STATS, Inc.. Although Yahoo! sports had information on the injury the fastest they reported that Brady had injured his ACL which was later proved to be false because it was the MCL that he injured. The report from Yahoo! also had dialogue from an interview of the New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick as well as NFL spokesperson Greg Aiello on Brady’s injury.
Yahoo sports probably not the best way to get information because they decided to report on the story before they had the correct information in place. I feel that Yahoo! does have a purpose because if it were not for its report then other news sources would have nothing that they could report on the issue.
From the information that I gathered from this journal I can conclude that while all news sources may not be true they do fit into a bigger idea of trying to show the news to everyone. I also learned, without having previously noticed, that these news outlets all rely on each other and that they balance each other out.
Aundrea Holland
Article topics: Drawn to Chicago
Picture Ferris Wheel, Except Twice as Tall
By Cathy Bergen, Chicago Tribune
9-13-2008
Summary:
Chicago's Navy Pier is looking to build a new ferris wheel that will hopefully generate more revenue for them without having to spend tax payers dollars. In trying to keep in competition, Navy Pier is looking to local designers to build this new ferris wheel that will stand at least 300 ft tall. Even though they plan on building this new wheel, officials say they have no plans on tearing down the existing one. They plan on this new wheel bringing in a different type of revenue, where people could rent out the capsules for parties or business functions, having full food and beverage services.
Response:
This sounds like a good idea, but the location of the new ferris wheel is what interests me. In the article, they never stated where exactly they would put this wheel. I like the idea of being able to have private functions on the new wheel, especially with the thought of having a wedding at night on the lake with all of the lights from the chicago back drop behind you. I think that this would also be a very profitable venture for navy pier because of the appeal of the wheel offerings.
CTA Cars with fewer seats begin trial run
By Jon Hilkevitch and Deanese Williams-Harris, CHicago Tribune
9-13-2008
Summary:
CTA has started testing new cars that feature more standing room than the current rail cars. The testing is being done on the brown line during rush hours, and if proving to be useful, they will see about using them on the other lines as well. The new proposed cars have fewer seats now have standing areas with wrist straps and bars to hold on to. With an increase in ridership, CTA has been trying to figure out how to accommodate the surge. Many people have had to remain on the platforms after the train has pulled off because there was no more room for them to get on. CTA has been met with mixed reviews from riders.
Response:
In a way this can be considered a good idea, but as one person said, for people who have to stand at work all day, then have to stand on the train all the way home, this idea isn't the greatest idea. While the fewer seated cars may be good for certain. I still have mixed feeling on this development.
Freshman Flock to Roosevelt U.
By Dave Newbart, Chicago Sun-Tmes
9-14-1008
Summary:
Roosevelt University has seen a growth in its freshman class, and with attendance in general. A school that once considered themselves a commuter school, is now looking to attract a more traditional student to the campus. They have made many improvements to the campus, including increasing student housing. Many students are now choosing the university's theater program over schools in New York.
Response:
I think this is a very good thing for Chicago school in general. People are starting to see that you can get just as good any other school. This will also bring in more revenue to the state, because basically, people spend money. More people equals more money.