Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Third Shark Atttack Victim Prompts Indefinite Beach Closings

AMITY, MASS. - A third victim was killed by a shark at Village Beach today. Everyone was breathing easy after reports that the shark was caught, but James Parks, 30, was not spared from the shark's wrath.

"His small rowboat was attacked and he was knocked into the water," said Chief of Police Martin P. Brody. Most of his remains have not been found.

Beaches will be closed indefinitely. "By order of the police department, beaches will remain closed until further notice," Brody said. "Residents are urged to use extreme caution and report any incidents to the police or Coast Guard," he added.

Shark Sighting Found to be Hoax

AMITY, MASS. – Countless tourists and beachgoers filed into South Beach expecting a sunny and enjoyable Fourth of July were terrified by two young boys imitating a shark in the water. Spirits had lifted after reports that the shark had been caught and killed, and as Mayor Bob Farley promised, the beach re-opened after 24 hours.

Beachgoers were hesitant to enter the water at first, but an elderly man along with his wife and grandchildren made the first move to be the first ones in. They were followed by the rest of the beach crowd.

Shark spotters were out in force along with lifeguards and oceanographers. Upon the sighting of a fin, everyone rushed out of the water. After the beachfront was emptied, the “fin” was discovered to be two young boys playing a prank with a fake shark silhouette.

The hoax comes just days after two local youngsters were killed in the water at Village Beach by a vicious shark. 16-year-old Wendy Watson and 10-year-old Alex Ferguson were both victims of fatal shark attacks.

It has been claimed that the malicious shark was captured by anonymous fishermen. “I am delighted to report that the giant killer shark that has been blamed for two deaths this week was caught and killed in waters one mile south-southwest of Amity,” said Amity Chief of Police Martin P. Brody.

The fishermen then proceeded to kill the 16-foot long Nurse Shark and will receive the $3,000 reward from Marin Ferguson, the mother of one of the victims.

The shark has been identified by Mark Hooper, a marine biologist from the Woods Hold Oceanographic Institute.

Quick action was taken by all involved to ensure that everyone would be safe. No one was harmed during the elaborate shark hoax.

Precautions will continue to be taken by all. “Any shark sightings should be reported immediately to the police or Coast Guard,” said Brody. “While police urge vigilance, we believe that the danger of future shark attacks has passed,” he added.

Monday, December 8, 2008

No Need to Fear Shark Attacks Despite Amity Madness

Recent shark attacks in the Martha's Vineyard area have been gruesome and unprovoked. Two deaths have been reported; a local young boy and a teenage girl were mauled by what is believed to be a shark with a mean streak. This may have you wondering: "Could a shark attack like that happen on the New Hampshire seacoast?"

Experts feel that there is no need for beach lovers to fear. J. Dennis Robinson, the editor of SeacoastNH.com said that he hadn't even heard of one. "I assume that if there had been one, it would be part of local lore and history," Robinson said. "After 20 years of studying local history, I have not heard of one," he added.

This is surely a relief for those who crowd the area beaches over the summer. There are scientific reasons that make it very unlikely that a similar shark attack will occur in the New Hampshire seacoast area.

"The water is simply too cold," said Stacia A. Sower, who is a professor at the UNH Center for Marine Biology. She added that sharks do not usually attack humans.

Combined with the cold water factor, it is clear that there is no need for anyone to fear a shark attack. With less people in the water anyway because of the cold temperatures, it is even less likely that a shark would be in the area; much less that it would be provoked.

While the movie "Jaws" could strike fear into the heart of moviegoers, such attacks would simply not happen here. Keep swimming!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Another Tragedy Rallies Officials and Citizens to Act

July 3
AMITY, MA – In light of the recent incidents at South Beach, a press conference was held today at Town Hall with Mayor Bob Farley, Chief of Police Martin P. Brody, and the Amity Board of Selectmen to discuss a course of action.
When asked if the beaches would be closed, Brody responded with a reluctant “yes,” but was immediately rebuffed by Farley, who said the closing would be for a brief 24 hour period.
The latest tragedy was the death of 10-year-old Alex Ferguson, who had been floating on a raft in the water. His body has not been discovered, but a gruesome scene ended with a bloody, bitten raft washing ashore.
It is believed that the Watson and Ferguson deaths are linked, according to Brody. Shark activity is at the forefront of possible causes.
“Now we know that these random acts of senseless violence, victimizing innocent, helpless citizens, do not just happen in the city,” said Brody. Brody also said that oceanographers and other specialists will be brought in to help with the situation on the beaches.
Some citizens called for the beaches to be closed, while others were outraged at such action. “Twenty-four-hours is like three weeks!” bellowed an angry citizen.
Local fisherman Ben Quint offered his services. “I’ll catch the shark. The head, the tail, the whole thing,” Quint said. He rebuffed the $3,000 offer by Marian Ferguson, claiming that $10,000 was a more appropriate figure for such a capture and kill.
Quint went on to strike fear into everyone’s hearts, saying that they “would be on welfare” if the shark isn’t caught and the beaches remain a place of fear.
The investigation is ongoing.

Body of Teenage Girl Recovered on South Beach

AMITY, MA – The body of 16-year-old Wendy W. Watson, who had gone missing, was discovered on South Beach on July 1.

Watson was last seen alive leaving a beach party around 11 p.m. with an unidentified male. Sources indicate that both Watson and her male companion had been drinking that evening.

The police were notified by the male when Watson, who had gone skinny-dipping in a remote part of the beach, did not return from the water.

After a brief search, a deputy discovered her body this morning, and there were signs of some sort of brutal attack.

Chief of Police Martin P. Brody has not ruled out a shark attack. “Though a shark attack has not been completely ruled out, we want to assure all residents and visitors on our fine island that they are in no danger,” Brody said.

Her body has been transported to the coroner’s office for an autopsy. No charges have been field in the case, and the investigation is ongoing. Beaches will remain open.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Separation of Church and...Sex?

The story caught my attention because of its headline. It is rare to see anything to do with sex and church in the same sentence, and this headline had that.

Also, the fact that it comes from the pastor makes it even more interesting, especially in light of everything else that is going on in the world.

The story lived up to its promise by explaining the headline, and it gave a solid explanation. The pastor has written books about the subject, and he talks about keeping intimacy alive in marriages.

The main point of the story is the pastor's message urging married couples to keep sex and intimacy alive in marriages. He says that it keeps marriages healthy and makes every other aspect of life easier, including work and dealing with the kids.

The story started off with an explanation of the headline, and it continued on like a narrative. It was organized in an A-Z fashion, as it explained Mr. Young and his history, and continued on to the future.

It did link a few main points to make the story work. It linked Mr. Young's belief that sex is important im marriage, some examples of that, how couples and other parishioners feel about it, and how people will continue to practice his philosophy.

I did not know that there were pastors that spread this kind of message, and it was very interesting to me, and it made a lot of sense. The only unanswered question I had was "what are some real life reactions to the practice?" and "has it improved any marriages?"

It has a normal summary lede, and it covers the basics of the headline.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Detective Doyle Saves the Day

NEW YORK CITY – A suspected French drug dealer was shot and killed Sunday while being pursued by NYPD Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle. After a long and costly chase, Pierre Jeantot was subdued with deadly force.
Doyle was alerted to Jeantot’s presence after shots were fired at him from a nearby rooftop on 35th St. One of Jeantot’s shots missed Doyle and killed Betty B. Badluck, 63, of the Bronx.
Detective Doyle attempted to catch Jeantot as the Frenchman sniped from the top of the building, but only found the rifle and shell casings on the roof. After spotting Jeantot fleeing on foot on the ground below, Doyle followed him.
Jeantot boarded the 35th St. train before Doyle could get to him. The detective then proceeded to commandeer a car and catch the train at its next scheduled stop on 15th St.
After Horatio C. Hornblower, the conductor, was alerted by Doyle that Jeantot was wanted by the police, he attempted to subdue him (Jeantot), and was shot and killed. The other shooting casualty on the train was Roland Evans, 34, of the NYPD. The trainman, Peter Howe, 27, died of a heart attack at the controls.
The train then crashed into a stationary train, flinging the passengers inside. Doyle maintained his chase and arrived at 15th St. in time to see Jeantot flee the train. Jeantot apparently suffered minor injuries during the train crash.
The detective shot Jeantot once in the back, effectively subduing him in his efforts to escape once again.
A heroin operation that allegedly involved Jeantot had been under watch by Doyle and his partner Buddy “Cloudy” Russo. Police believe that Jeantot had been sent to assassinate Doyle.
According to Homeland Security records, the Frenchman had entered the United States on a flight from Paris twelve days earlier.
Doyle has since been commended by the NYPD commissioner for his bravery and quick thinking. “Doyle’s use of deadly force was justified under the circumstances. We will continue a vigorous and thorough investigation into what appears to be a major smuggling operation,” said Ruth L. Ess, commissioner of the NYPD.
Jeantot had fired at Doyle several times throughout the chase, therefore endangering his life.
The NYPD will continue to be vigilant in its investigation. “We will not sit still while drug dealers walk our streets,” said Ess.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Saying Goodbye to Tuba Man

This was a very interesting, sad, and compelling story. It caught my eye because I had previous knowledge of the "tuba man," and his overwhelming importance to the city of Seattle.

The headline is what really caught my eye, because it involved the entire city of Seattle saying goodbye to someone, which meant that he was of great importance. The photograph also caught my eye because it had a picture of a lot of people in mourning.

The story lived up to the promise that it gave. There was a detailed background of his works and why everyone knew him, which explained his great importance to the city. It also detailed his death and the things that he did that made him so famous.

The main point of the story was his death and the enormous loss that it was to the city and all of its sports fans. He was known for keeping all sports fans upbeat and involved even in the toughest of times and longest of seasons.

The story was a narrative with many details about the situation. It was organized as most any story involving the death of an important figure would be; it started with his trademark doings and sayings, and ended with an impression that everyone will remember.

The story linked several important points. It linked his trademarks and why he was known, what he did for the citizens emotionally and mentally, his death, and the difference that has been made by his works. They followed a logical order.

I did not know that he had been involved in such a vicious attack, and that that was the reason for his death. I also did not know that he was very proficient with many other instruments. I was not left with any unanswered questions at the end of the story.

The story was sad as well as uplifting, as it showed that even the smallest of acts can be remembered and have a lasting impression.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Mitch Mitchell, Drummer for Jimi Hendrix, Dead at 62

This story caught my attention because I have been an avid fan of Jimi Hendrix's music for years, and he was the reason that I started playing guitar. The part of the headline that caught my attention was the name: Jimi Hendrix.

The story lived up to what I hoped it would be, as it gave a comprehensive background on Mitch Mitchell's life and explained how he got involved with the Jimi Hendrix Experience. The main point of the story was Mitch Mitchell's death, and his importance to the revolutionary band.

The story was a straightforward narrative about Mitchell's life and how he got involved in the band that changed rock and roll forever.

The story did have some main points that it stuck to. The most important point is the fact that Mitchell died Wednesday of unknown causes. He was one of two Englishmen in the band. He was quickly recruited by Hendrix after Hendrix saw him play in a New York Club. He is surived by his wife, mother, a daughter, and two grandchildren. He was part of a group that forever changed music.

The points followed a logical order, as it went from the main news (his death) to how he got involved in the band, their work, and left off with who he is survived by and what the legacy of their work is today. Mitchell is remembered for "playing a light, loose counterpoint to explosive guitar." (A27)

Though I have always been a big fan of Jimi Hendrix and his music, I never knew how the other members of the band got involved and it was interesting to see how young they were and how they didn't know where it was headed. I was not left with any unanswered questions.

The type of lede used in the story is a "who" lede, as it involved the death of a person and goes in depth with what happened.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

To the Polls!

DURHAM, N.H. – A steady flow of resident and student voters greeted voting officials and hit the polls at Oyster River High School on Election Day.

At 8:50 a.m., there were fairly long lines for both the voters already registered in Durham, and those who wanted to register on Election Day. Supporters with signs were calm but vigilant in trying to sway people’s votes.

A long line of supporters lined the sidewalk on the way to the polls, in hopes that they could get more votes for the candidates that they support. Everything appeared to be in order.

Voting official Tom Richardson helped funnel registered voters into the high school and maintained order outside. “There’s been a very steady flow of voters since the polls opened, and the day’s barely begun,” Richardson said. “Everything has gone smoothly so far,” he added.

Every voter seemed to have his or her own reasons for voting. “It might be bad to say, but I’m pretty indifferent,” said University of New Hampshire sophomore Sydney Karoline Fitzpatrick, 19, a native of Billerica, MA. Her stance was echoed by UNH junior Matthew John Powers, 21, a native of Harpswell, ME. “All my friends were on me about voting, so I felt like I should get out here and do it,” Powers said.

Other voters were more enthusiastic about going through the whole process. “It’s a historic election and I feel like I need to do my part, but it’s exciting at the same time” said UNH sophomore, 19, and native of Romania Oana Tutuianu.

There appeared to be lots of groups of friends coming together to vote. Powers stood in line with his friend Paul Deturk. “It’s a little chilly out here, so it’s a lot more tolerable to wait in all these stupid lines if you have a buddy with you,” Powers joked.

While everyone has their own reasons for voting, it cannot be denied that this election is important, and it has historical significance. “We’re either going to have our first black president, or our first female Vice President,” said Caribou, ME native Cale Dubay, who is 21. “That’s a pretty big deal, and I just want what’s going to be best for our country not only now, but into the future,” Dubay added.

Vans provided by Barack Obama and the Democratic Party carried UNH students from seven different locations on campus to different voting places. Obama has focused much of his campaign on the young voters.

“That’s what swayed me,” said Londonderry, NH native Michael Francis Peabody. “He (Obama) appeals to younger voters, and he’s going to make big changes if he is elected, which is why I’m voting for him” Peabody added.

Dubay echoed his support for Obama. “Changes need to be made, and he’s got all the tools to do it,” said Dubay. Tutuianu agreed. “I’m a Democrat, so I guess I’d vote for whoever was running, but I support Obama,” she said.

While it is not every voter’s first time being eligible to vote, many are voting for the first time. “I’ve been eligible to vote before, but this is my first time. I guess it’s the perfect time to start,” said Powers. “This is my first time being eligible to vote, so I feel like it’s my duty to do it,” said Fitzpatrick.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Saturday School Symposium

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. – At last night’s School Board meeting, board member Tim Steele proposed a policy that would require students with disciplinary problems to attend Saturday morning sessions at school.

The proposal was met with both approval and disgust. “I just don’t think it’s going to make any difference, and the parents are going to pay for it – in higher taxes as well as in ruined Saturdays,” Peggy Bacon, a parent, said.

Steele defended the proposal by claiming that it would reduce the number of in house suspensions. “I know this isn’t good news for parents, but I hope the threat of Saturday classes will make the students think twice before breaking school rules,” he said.

The students had their voice heard as well. “…I don’t like this idea. I think it’s just being done to make life easier for the faculty, so they don’t have to deal with detentions during the week,” said Lisa Gallagher, a senior.

Steele also said that it would help combat smoking, which he believes to be the main problem at the school. “There are other problems, but smoking is by far the biggest one,” he said.

When asked what the consequences would be if a student skipped the session, Steele responded that “If a student skips Saturday School, he or she would not be allowed to return to school until the detention has been served.”

After the discussion, the board voted 5-3, with one member abstaining, to table the issue until its next meeting, on March 7th. Steele was told to return at that time with figures covering the number of in school detentions to date.

Superintendent of Schools Nathan Greenberg gave a report detailing efforts to push forward with a $21 million dollar budget for next tear, which represents a 5.5% increase. A special citizens committee has been formed to review how other communities fund education using tax dollars.

An approval of food service and school department bills were approved, amounting to $13,568. Another item of new business discussed involved a retreat for administrators in June, as well as four requests for leaves of absence by teachers in the coming year.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Is The New York Times Playing Fair?

A recent complaint that the New York Times favors the Republican party in its coverage of the presidential race is not warranted.

In the article "How McCain Hopes to Defy the Polls and Win," one would assume that the article would be biased in favor of the Republican party. This, however was not the case.

There is an obvious balance in the article. The line "As Mr. McCain enters this closing stretch, his aides - as well as some outside Republicans and even a few democrats - argue that he still has a viable path to victory," shows a comprehensive and unbiased side of the campaign.

The articles goes on to detail the fact that the campaigns are not over, and that election day has not arrived just yet.

In the article "$150,000 Wardrobe for Palin May Alter Tailor-Made Image," the authors detail the Republican National Committee's spending of approximately 150,000 dollars on clothes for her and her family for the campaign trail.

While this article may come off as biased in favor of the Democratic party, further reading suggests otherwise. The authors bring up the point that the Palin family must travel all over the country, where there are obvious discrepancies in weather and temperature.

While one would also wonder if she was allowed a "shopping spree," the line "They emphasized, too, that Ms. Palin did not spend time on the shopping, and that other people made the decision to buy such an array of clothes," speaks volumes about the subject.

Both articles appear to be unbiased, and it is unfair to assume that the New York Times has been involved in articles that favor the Republican party.