Monday, October 12, 2009

Gay Rights Advocates March For Change

                           

Thousands of gay and lesbian activists marched Sunday from the White House to the Capitol, demanding that President Obama keep his promises to allow gays to serve openly in the military and work to end discrimination against gays.  The crowd was filled with rainbow flags and homemade signs.  The crowd filled Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House as the crowd chanted "hey Obama, let mama, marry mama" and also "we're out, we're proud, we won't back down!"  Many children were also among the protesters, which stretched several blocks down by the afternoon.



At the annual Human Rights Campaign, Obama promised to end the "don't ask, don't tell policy." Last year, more than 600 people were forced out of the armed forces under this policy.
This policy means that if you are gay you can't talk about it or tell anyone.

In his Saturday night speech, Obama also called on Congress to repeal the Defense Of Marriage Act, which limits how state, local and federal bodies can recognize partnerships and determine benefits. He also called for a law to extend benefits to domestic partners.  He expressed strong support for the Human Resource Campaign agenda of ending discrimination against gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people but did not explain a detailed plan for how to get there.

These people are determined to end discrimination against gays.   They want equal rights for themselves and others.  "If somebody doesn't have equal rights, then none of us are free," said Jason Yanowitz, a 37 year old computer programmer from Chicago.

To me, it is embarrassing to see how the country I live in, the land of the free, does not treat these people equally.  They are humans, are they not?  No one should be telling others they can't marry the person they love or serve in the military based on their sexual preferences. Furthermore, they shouldn't have to keep their sexual  identity a secret.  If Obama wants to lead a country and help his people, then he should keep his promise to end this discrimination.


Here is a clip of the march:

Saturday, October 10, 2009

New School Snacks


I found an article in the New York Times about how the Education Department is trying to work on a new contract for schools which would mean less junk food. The contract for the drinks would give exclusive drink machine rights to CC vending which is in the Bronx and they would be selling Pepsi products to the schools. The elementary schools and middle schools would be required to sell drinks that have less than 10 calories per 8 ounces and for the high schools 25 calories per 8 ounces. The drinks would not be allowed to be artificially sweetened which means no sodas are allowed. They would have to be caffeine free or non carbonated.

The snack machines would be run and operated by Answer Vending which is in Queens and it would put limits on calories, fat and sugar content. They are trying to get rid of all unhealthy foods from schools and replace them with healthier foods. The new rules would also ban bake sales except for once a month bake sales for parent groups to raise money for the school. These new contracts with both CC Vending and Answer Vending will be replacing the other unhealthier vending machine companies.

I think that its a very smart idea for the schools to be making healthier choices because childhood obesity is a very serious issue. I know from experience that kids at schools eat a lot of calorie, fat, and sugar filled snacks and drinks. Having healthy snacks will not just help with obesity but overall health.

-Ben Sampson

Thursday, October 8, 2009

MID TERM BLOG ASSIGNMENT_due OCT 13

 The Mid-term Assignment is to create an original BLOG where you are the journalist “covering a story.”
You are free to choose the story, but make sure that you can provide resources to support your discussion and information—otherwise it is plagiarism. You can also blog about a local event or news worthy item. Blogs must be at least 3 paragraphs.
Due, Tues Oct 13

EXAMPLES:
TIMES BEST 25 BLOGS 2009

Monday, October 5, 2009

Invisible Children: How It Ends

See Video Here

This video is about the "How It Ends" movement where many people showed up in DC help pass a bill to take Joseph out of power. The reason they needed so many people was so that the bill doesn't get "lost in the political process."

The Guilt-Trip Casserole: The Family Dinner



Read this article and react! What is your opinion regarding family dinners?
The Guilt-Trip Casserole: The Family Dinner

Friday, October 2, 2009

NY Times Video Blogging & Presenting

As we begin making videos in this class, it is helpful to look at other videos made by journalist. NY Times has a wonderful array of subjects and topics in a short video format.

Today start to check out what this site has to offer. Be prepared next week to share one specific video with the class. Also, make sure to blog about the video before the presentation.

Answer these questions:
What is the video about?
Why did you choose this video?
What are some of the filmmaking techniques the journalist employed when making this video? What would have you done differently.
Please make sure to attach a link to the video as well.
http://video.on.nytimes.com/

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Did You Know?



What is your reaction to this video? What is the purpose?
Write a THOUGHTFUL reaction to this video and be prepared to talk about your opinions.