Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Five Phila Officers fired, three over slurs
Fri. April 24, 2009
www.philly.com
On April 23, five police officers were fired for misconduct and accused of saying racial slurs. William Thrasher 24, called African Americans in his 22nd district animals. Thrasher has been working on the force for two years. A Temple student who was riding in Thrasher’s car for a school project heard and recorded Thrasher saying racial slurs. Officers Donald Swan and Anthony Ferriola were also dismissed on allegations that they used racial epithets on the job. The remarks that were made were toward students while they were responding to a fight at Audenried High School in South Philadelphia. The other two officers John Safarowicz and Sgt. Paul Seeger were terminated for alleged conduct in separate off-duty incidents. The union will it would file grievances on behalf of the officers and then review the internal investigations that were conducted for each of them, said John McNesby, president of Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5. McNesby also said that the police union did not condone the behavior but questioned whether discipline short of firing was more appropriate.
I think that the officers got what they deserved because they are suppose to set a certain standard for the area. They not only embarrassed themselves and their families, but the police district. The reporters writing was very clear. She talked about what happened to all five of the officers and what they did. The key information that was left out was a statement from the victims. The reporter's opinions were not included; she didn’t talk about what her feelings were toward the five policemen. It could have been improved by getting a statement from the five officers.
By Ariel S.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Boom! Madden suddenly retires from broadcasting; Collinsworth takes over
AP
After decades of NFL broadcasting, 73 year old commentator, John Madden suddenly retired April 16. To most fans and fellow commentators, he is called “the absolute best sports broadcaster who ever lived." Madden remarked that his health was not a factor for retiring, but that it was his five grandchildren now realizing that he is gone that made him want to. Former NFL player Cris Collinsworth will now replace Madden on NBC’s Sunday Night Football and ABC’s Monday Night Football.
This article is important because John Madden is a national football icon and he will be greatly missed by fans and fellow broadcasters for his energetic voice during football games. A follow up of this article could be Collinsworth not being able to fill in Madden’s spot.
By Shahid B.
Plan for extra school day cramps phila.
Posted Fri. 17, 2009
www.philly.com
Arlene Ackerman, superintendent of Philadelphia schools, is keeping kids in school two days longer due to bad weather conditions this past winter. One of her make up days is May 19, primary election day. More than 200 schools are polling places and voters would be walking through school doors during classes. City officials say that their main concern is the safety of the students. Bob Lee, an election administrator at the Philadelphia Board of Elections says, “It could have a substantial impact on us, especially at this late date.” Nearly a third of the city’s 1,678 voting divisions cast their ballots in a city school. Ackerman said that she and the staff have been fighting with the decision of closing the schools. By law, Pennsylvania students must attend school 180 days; with the two added days, Philadelphia students will attend school for 181. District spokesman Fernando Gallard said the extra day was necessary for "academic reasons." In a letter Wednesday to Ackerman, Zack Stalberg, president of the Committee of Seventy, an election-watchdog group, also expressed concern stating that from the public standpoint, schools tend to be good places for voting machines to be located and it’s certainly somewhat easier if school isn't in session that day."
I think schools should be closed because come May 19 when people have to vote there will be no places available for voters to cast their votes. I don’t think Arlene Ackerman really thought about her plans before she stated them. The article was very insightful and it had comments from both sides of the story, and you didn’t hear the author’s voice in the article. The authors’ writing was clearly written. The key information that was left out was she didn’t get a comment from any student on how they felt about two more days of school. Overall it was a great story.
By Ariel S.
Woman dies in Upper Darby Fire
Inquirer Staff
Fri, Apr. 17, 2009
The morning of Apr.17 around 1:45 a.m. a 26 year old woman died in a house fire. She was said to have been trapped in the basement of her Upper Darby row house. Authorities say that two firefighters almost lost their lives due to an explosion with the possibility of an even greater tragedy. Authorities also say that there were two alarms alerting, and it took the fire fighters about one hour and 30 minutes to calm the fire down.
It is sad for a tragedy to occur in anyone’s family; authorities said that the young lady’s family had recently moved in three weeks prior to the fire. The article doesn’t really tell how the fire occurred, it only explains that there was one. The article didn’t give too much info, as in the young lady’s name; perhaps the family wanted to keep the story on a more personal level. If the article would have explained how the fire occurred, people could be more aware of what can cause a fire.
By Bryant C.
Friday, April 17, 2009
2 million jobs lost so far in '09
CNNMoney.com senior writer
Last Updated: April 3, 2009
Summary
This article ("2 million jobs lost so far in ’09") is about the trials that the recession has put American companies through. Employers are trimming their payroll by $663,000 within the last month. Since the beginning of 2008 Americans have lost 5.1 million jobs since the recession. The percentage of lost jobs has skyrocketed since the start of the recession. This article is telling people that the number of layoffs may continue to rise throughout the year, although the highest number of layoffs was in January, at 741,000 jobs.
This article informs the public about how the layoff and unemployment rates contribute to the economy's downfall. With this article Americans can actually see how the economy affects other people and companies. More articles like this need to be put out more often to let Americans know what is happening, what is going to happen, and when to prepare for it to happen.
By Tyerra G.
Mom pleads guilty to running sex biz with daughter
Fri, Apr. 3, 2009
Traci Young, 39, made up a mother-daughter team offering erotic services in a Craigslist ad last year. Young pleaded guilty April 2 to charges of promoting prostitution and conspiracy. She is expected to be sentenced May 14 by Judge Michael Erdos to three to 23 months in county prison, followed by three years' probation. Young and her daughter, Tami Smith, 22, together put themselves on the Internet as a sexy mother- daughter team. Police Officer Donald Paxton, working undercover as a "john," made an appointment with Young for the afternoon of Oct. 2. Paxton was told he would get a half hour of "full service" sex with both the mom and daughter. Paxton testified at a preliminary hearing in December that Smith told him that he would “‘start with mom and finish with me [the daughter].” The officer then asked if Young had condoms, and since she didn't, Young and her boyfriend, Riley, went to a store to get some, said Assistant District Attorney Michael Bonner. After they returned, the mother and daughter began to undress, and then Paxton called backup officers into the house.
I think the mother and daughter should go to jail because they were selling their bodies for money. The writer did a great job on the story. She gave quotes and had sources from the scene. It would have been great to have a statement from the boyfriend and the mom and daughter on why they started the business they did. The reporter's opinion was not included; she didn’t indicate how she felt about the crime. It could have been improved by getting a better statement from Traci Young and her daughter Tami Smith.
By Ariel S.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Facebook, YouTube increase productivity
April 2, 2009
http://Philly.metro.us/
If you're caught browsing through Facebook at work, it will sure make you a better employee. An Australian study showed that surfing the internet for fun can make you a more productive worker. The University of Melbourne study says that if you surf the web for personal reasons you are 9% more productive than others who don’t. Researcher Brent Coker, says that “workplace Internet leisure browsing” or WILB, helps sharpen an employee's mind to concentrate. Taking a short break and using the web can help you concentrate more on your work because it will increase productivity. People normally spend millions of dollars blocking certain websites when it can actually help you throughout the day.
The article was clearly written. My opinion on this article was only written on a one sided point of view. It just states that twittering is a good thing etc. It doesn’t talk about any consequences that may happen when you browse the internet such as harassment. So the article should include some opinions to hear from both sides of the story.
By Jessica M.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Too Many Cars, and they’re not on the road
Friday 3, 2009
Imports of cars from foreign shores and exports continue to pile up in America. They consist of Mercedes, Kias, Fords, Chryslers, Subarus, and Hyundais. There are so many, that they are now stored at Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport. The key reason is that Americans were buying more than they could afford. Customers would feel good about their future and buy a car, and then aftera few years, the loan would be more than the car. So now, there are millions of unowned cars taking up space because people were making big purchases they couldn't afford.
This article can have an impact on those who are looking for a car, and maybe make them second guess their choice. Cars are a main source of transportation these days, and to have an abundant amount of cars in a place that they don’t need to belong is a big issue. I would like to read a follow-up story that would tell me what happens to all those cars at Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport.
By Omar L.
Facebook, YouTube increase productivity
April 3, 2009
Metro
April 2 2009
Summary: According to an Australian study, browsing on Facebook or caught Twittering will make you a better employee. Author Brent Coker,a department of management and marketing executive, said “workplace internet leisure browsing helped to sharpened workers' concentration." Coker thinks if you have a short break, like having a quick surf on the internet, it will help the mind rest, and lead to a higher net concentration, and an increased productivity. The study only looked at people who browsed in moderation; however Coker said “those who behave with Internet addiction tendencies will have a lower productivity than those without.”
Analysis: I think the article is newsworthy because it informs people how others work who take breaks and surf the internet. I think the article was written from the view of the author. The article is just stating the positives on the story and it’s not reflecting nor did a study on the people who don’t surf the net while at work. The article doesn’t have any opinions or comments from people who actually surf the while at work and from those who don’t.
By Ashley P.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Man tosses gas bomb in fight, sets own cars ablaze
In Biltho, Florida, Authorities said a man threw a Molotov cocktail at his neighbor's trailer, but the wind shifted and set fire to two cars, a pickup and a travel trailer in the man's own yard. The Florida Highway Patrol reported that the 51-year-old man got into a fight with his neighbor on Tuesday night and threw the makeshift gasoline bomb. Authorities believe alcohol was involved. The man faces multiple charges, including arson. He was being held at the Orange County Jail.
The article was well written. There wasn’t much to say about the topic because there was little information provided by authorities. However, the author wrote a good article based on what he or she had. And usually when it’s Philly news, and the event takes place somewhere not within proximity, the author provides few details.
By Mandissa T.
SEPTA approves new all- day pass
Friday, 27th, 2009
http://Philly.metro.us/
It has been said that a new day pass will allow unlimited rides on the subway, bus, trolley and regional rail. On Thursday, the SEPTA board approved the day pass, which will allow riders to ride limitless all day long. The pass will cost $10 for individuals and $25 for families of up to five people. It is expected to start around May 1.
In addition, the board also approved a six- month partnership with the Center City District that will allow riders to use the day pass to take the Phlash Trolley to the Philadelphia Zoo and the Please Touch Museum.
My analysis is that this is newsworthy because people need to know this. Since millions of riders take the SEPTA transportation this will benefit them, so that they will know when the plan comes. It will also help riders save their money instead of wasting two dollars for every ride, especially if they take SEPTA on a normal occasion.
By Jessica M.
Costly cutting of school
Metro Newspaper
March 27, 2009
City Council passed a measure on Thursday that will fine parents for their child cutting or skipping school. The fine is $25, and any law enforcement officer will have the power to write citations. School is not optional, and the city wants the students and parents to know that they do care for them. According to the mayor’s chief education officer, Lori Schorr, there are about 7,500 kids who are absent every day. So as a solution, the City has planned to hit the parents of the students in their pockets. They hope that this way parents will urge and push their child to go to school.
I really liked this article because of the way that it relates to people around me, along with myself. I know that kids cut school for no reason, and sometimes I do the same. But I realize that school is very important to my life, but some kids don’t realize that. This article will really get the attention of the parents who know their kids kids cut school, and hopefully it will encourage them to go to school.
By Omar L.
Like mother, like daughter
Metro
Chris Jordan
http://Philly.metro.us
Summary: Simone Kelly is the daughter of the legendary jazz singer, civil rights activist, and one time Philadelphia resident Nina Simone. She does eight shows a week on Broadway, but her goal is to do eight a year. “I’m like my mother in a lot of ways” said Simone. She starred in “Rent” and “Aida” on Broadway. Simone said, "You have to get on stage every day. When my mother died [in 2003] I only took a week off.” She's now on a short tour that brings her to Philadelphia with a small group. She will perform some of her own work and her mom’s. “I hope everyone appreciate me as I come out with my own message and my own interpretations,” said Simone Kelly.
Analysis: This article is newsworthy to the readers who love music. It’s a good article because it shows how Simone is like or compares to her mother Nina Simone. It also informs readers who didn’t know about her at all. Questions that could rise from this story can be about where to find her performing or probably more of her back ground. As a result to this article people may look her up on the internet and might enjoy her music.
By Ashley P.