Opinion Paper

Being able to marry that special someone you want to spend the rest of your life with should be a happy time, one you look forward to since you were a kid, but for those who have a same sex orientation that’s not the case. Since November, 2008 California was for those of that orientation to get married, within that time there was over 18,000 couples that got married before the ban was upheld. Reasons for upholding the ban are very unclear. As soon as the decision was made, protesters were out on the streets quick. They didn’t just use any cops, they purposely used ones that were bisexual, transgender, gay, and lesbian. Being religious is one thing, but once you get into marriage and saying people of the same sex aren’t allowed to get married then that is taking it beyond the bible and religion. If people of the opposite sex can get married and be happy, then why can’t those of same sex have that same thing? Divorce rate for same sex couples is very high, but in same sex marriage it is fairly low, considering they are only allowed marriage in certain states. Some of the people that were protesting, 159 of them were arrested for jaywalking. There were many people that said they were not satisfied with just their marriage being allowed; even though they could marry their spouse they wanted others to be able to marry too. There is understanding that people just don’t approve same sex marriage all together maybe because they just don’t like the idea or they find it weird, but if it doesn’t hurt you in any way shape or form, then why should you not approve. Once you agree to something and document it, you shouldn’t be able to go back and change it just because some people can’t handle the fact that there state allows same sex marriage. Once you’ve made that decision there is no turning back.

Pre Writig Activity

1. Cali and upholding gay right marriages.
2. I think that it shouldnt have happened, they ruled it once an it was all votes for gay marriage
3. Make people more aware of what is going on and how much it really does affect people, and there will still be gays out there that wont stop acting the way they do just because some people said that they couldnt get married, they will just move somewhere else.
4. Pursasive Points:
1.It doest affect them so why should they care what gays do?
2. Straight couples are happy with their spouse and got to marry them with no controversy why should gay couples have to go through that?
3. look at it from their point of view, have they ever done anything to hurt you, so why are you doing things to hurt/hinder them from getting married.
4. The fairness rights of actually being married, such as tax breaks and being able to visit your spouse in the hosptial if they get hurt or sick because your are a family memeber/spouse.
5. Speak out about things you feel srtongly about, your vote needs to be heard and if its not it may make or break a very huge decision.
6. Stand up for what you think is right and dont think that just becaue you believe in gay marriage automatically makes you of that sexual orrientation.

Teen obesity

When I was a kid, it was fun! Always playing around and being active with not a care in the world, other then what I was going to play next and what was for dinner. As I grew older I became less active, I still ran around I was still playful but not like I was when I was 5 or 6. This is not just what happens to me, it’s something that happens all around the world, but no one seems to take the time to notice what is really going on behind the scenes. During an interview with one of the gym teachers, they told me
“its way to high, physical education would be better, but there needs to be more to it than that, technology is a big part of it all.” An answer that almost everyone would give, technology is becoming the best of us. To add to that, she said “fast food is convenient, but too convenient. Americans are taking too much advantage of what the new world is bringing. Their busy lifestyle is the best thing for convenient food.”
Statistics show that this generation is the most obese and overweight ever. In two decades the amount of teens that obese has almost tripled, and overweight adolescence has almost tripled in the past three decades.
After interviewing a family friend she gave me her point of view on the teen obesity situation. “A big reason as to why teens are becoming overweight are, inactivity, and watching too much TV instead of going outside and being active. “ As the interview went on, I asked her what she would do if her kid were to become obese, how she would treat them. And she answered with, “encourage them to get out and play, along with monitor what they eat and don’t let them get what they want.”
As the interview went on there was much more said about the newly arising problem that needs to be accurately dealt with now, rather than waiting for it to become a full blown epidemic. There was a lot more that was said, such as “I feel bad for those who let themselves become that big, no one deserves to be like that it’s a bad thing and no one should have to go through with it.”.
After getting the opinion of those who are middle aged, I thought that I would ask someone who is a teen now of average weight and skinny. They were interviewed together, I started off asking what they thought about teen obesity, they replied with “I believe that it is a problem that seems to keep getting bigger and should be dealt with fairly quickly and in a proper way without hurting anyone.” They were very serious about the topic and could tell that it was something that they both felt strongly about. Personally growing up thinking that eating is going to help you get over any pain that you have that is one thing that I have learned. And I believe that if you do grow up with a family like that then the chance of becoming overweight are very high. Teen obesity is not just a problem of eating, it’s from lack of working out and getting out and being active, along with the type of family that you grow up with. Genetics is a big part of this long drawn out problem. Besides obesity being a big problem in itself, it can lead to other more drastic problems, such as suicide, eating disorders and many more psychological problems. I asked those who are teens what they do/say when they see someone who is overweight walk buy and I got a big variety of things. Things were said like, “I point and laugh, I look at them and think wow… how they could let themselves get that big? I just stare; I can’t say anything because I am just in awe.” These things may seem harsh but everyone does it. Whether they did when they were little, now or they thought that, it’s something that you just can’t help but just look and be like wow. America has one of the highest obesity rates in the entire world. Stats have doubled even tripled in the past few decades, so if it keeps getting worse and always being talking about, why haven’t we done anything to help out those who suffer from this worldwide problem? It’s because most of those who are overweight don’t/can’t get themselves to do things to improve their health.

Chris Wright, Response

Things were very well layed out and all seemed to flow well. The begining does acknowledge all of the question that will be talked more about later in the story. Its something that a lot of people can relate to wether it has happened to them before and ppl that they may know its something that is a big deal in the EV community. Nothing much should be changed excpet maybe some more names and stuff.

News Story

Eastview varisity softball, 9 girls have been playing 8 games straight, new coaching staff and a change of attitude has been a big issues this year, and not for the better. As of recent the coaching staff of Eastview softball was changed. The old assistant varisity coach moved to the 9th grade team and a new co-head coach for varisity was hired. 12 girls all good enough to play on varisity, only the same 9 played. 4 girls in particular sat almost every game for the first half of the season.
Is it all about winning now or for fun? Most would say that it is about both, winning while having fun. But this year that isn't quite the ideal case. Since coaching has changed its all winning and no fun. Those who are not the best are not being allowed to play, and only the best girls are. 4 girls, that all put their time, money, and sweat into everything they still haven't gotten the chance to prove themselves out on the field. In high school it should be competitive but never to the point where the same girls always play bit they all do the same amount of work.

As the season started they had 3 seniors on the roster, now as the season is begining to wind down they are left with only 1. In a recent interview with one of those that quit since the season started, I was told this... "I quit because its just not fun anymore. After not being allowed to play in the first 2 games, and not being able to catch because of a broken thumb i just though, hey its not worth my time i have better things to do other then watch people play and get yelled at for things my team did.". As we were talking you could see the frustration begining to arise in her face as we talked about the situation. One good thing that she can take from this short season is that she put a couple homeruns under her belt given that the only playing time that she ever had was hitting for our pitcher. She was one of the top hitters on the varisity team going into the second half of the season. Thats one positive thing that she will be able to take away from this not very ideal season as a senior.
While talking with others on the team, still not wanting to be mentioned. In a group conversastion, things like "I wish that we had the old coach back, I would rather cry then be stressing out all of the time. Getting yelled at after a game just isnt the way to treat people after a tough loss." Theses were all said by both players and parents alike. They hear, they see and they notice that things are not as good as they should be and were last year.
A change in coaching staff would be the best option. Coach Rose does not know how to coach a team, the intentions are right but the way of showing it is not ok.

Interviewing Notes 1

where to begin?
-choose 3 interviewees
-schedule interviews (24+ hours in advance)
-give a "heads up" to interviewees
-conduct background research
-write interview questions (10-15)why prepare questions?
-it's your job!
-1st impressions-nervous, unexpected circumstances
-higher quality questions
-preparation is a guide, not a limitationHoly Trinity of interviewing
-anecdote
-revealing quote
-portraitureanecdote
-a breif story told by interviewee
-usually paraphrased by writer
-entertaining
-paints a picture for readerrevealing quote
-said by interviewee-gives reader insight to personality
-unique to the intervieweeportraiture
-description created by writer
-based on observations of interviewee
-relevant to the topic
-ex. what they're doing, wearing, how they're feeling, etc.preparation payoff
-varying types for various purposes
-to relax, gain trust, show genuine interest
-interviewees who trust you will talk and talk and talktypes of questions

1. opener: beginning question/remark; establish a rapport.ex. "oh, cute pictures. are those your children?" - gets them relaxed and talking.
2. first step: asks about the topic.ex. "i wanted to talk to you about the upcoming fundraiser. would you tell me exactly what you're doing?"
3. qualifier: find out if source if qualified.ex. "what is your role in the fundraising efforts?"
4. routine factual:5 W's & H.ex. "who is on the committee? when will the fundraiser be?"
5. numerical: statistical information.ex. "how many years have you had this fundraiser? how much money do you hope to raise?"
6. G-O-S-S-E-Y: a way to ask deeper questions; goals, obstacles, solutions, start, evaluation, why.

Interviewing Notes

#7 Responder: Clarification " Would you explain what you mean? Im not sure I understood."
#8 Soliciting a Quote: A specific question, "Tell me exctally what your hope is for this fundraiser."
then... "Do I have this down right?"
#9 Anecdote: Prompts a short story, "What has been the most memorable of this season?"
#10 Imaginative: Strays from the routine, "Does your team have any superstistions?"
#11 The Gernade: A neutral Question, "Any last minute strategies to work on before the game?"
Concluding the interview:
"Thank you..."
Sign Documentation sheet
Further Questions
Not everyone is a great interviewee
Plan ahead.... unforseen circumstances