Editorial

        Many argue that the United States is no longer number one, but I beg to differ. We lead the world in the most reported rapes, murders, national debt, divorce rates, and most hours of television watched per person each week. More importantly, however, is the fact that we lead the world in the highest percentage of obese people. 

When it comes to food and the health of our country, America is failing. 

Our priorities have gradually become unrecognizable and unhealthy. While other countries produce, consume, and ban products for the health of their populations, the United States does not prioritize nutrition. America needs to look to other countries for guidance in lowering the obesity rates and producing healthier food. 

        There are countless chemicals the U.S. includes in its food production, and many of them have been banned in other nations because of potential health risks. America uses growth hormones in its meat production to make cattle larger and more profitable, but we cannot trade with Europe because of its growth hormone ban. While there is no concrete evidence of its dangers, taking the precautionary principle approach of keeping the product off the market until proven it is not dangerous is best. Other countries care about what goes into their citizens' bodies, and the United States needs to adopt this practice. The New York Times wrote an article on how chickens were being fed arsenic to appear pinker and fresher. This practice is also banned in Europe. The U.S. should be taking these unknown and untested chemicals more seriously and consider the potential consequences of using them in everyday production. Some states such as California and New York have already taken the initiative of making trans fats illegal. While these are great strides in the right direction, more effort is necessary to aid this country in its recovery to a healthier, trimmer nation. If we compare America to other countries, it is obvious that we are not eating to live, but living for flavor. 

        The United States is known for their unhealthy diet, lacking in nutrients and vegetables. American citizens do not consume many plants to sustain themselves, resulting in disease. However, countries like Thailand and Laos have over 70% of their calories coming from unrefined plant foods, resulting in far less deaths from heart disease or cancer. Other countries like Japan never even have to worry about obesity with a rate of only 1.5% while the United States’ is 36.5%. It would make sense for America to look into how the Japanese diet works, and how to apply this knowledge to our own, but these measures are not being taken. What we are doing is not working, and the evidence is in the increase of obesity, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and decrease in life expectancy. Maybe we could incorporate better eating habits into our schools, like many Italian schools that serve lunches with local organic ingredients. There are so many healthy food practices occurring around the world, and America is straying away from this trend. While we should be striving to be more like other countries when it comes to food, developing countries are, unfortunately, striving to adopt our eating habits. 

        Ignorant third world countries are beginning to incorporate more meat and dairy products into their diets because of American diet and lifestyle influences. Because of U.S. cars, businesses, and surplus amounts of food, less privileged countries are envious of these luxuries. However, these third world countries are likely unaware that our "obesity rates have tripled over the past three decades." They likely also do not know that the United States has the largest sugar supply per person, per day. Several Americans are probably unaware of these facts as well, and it is this lack of knowledge that hinders us from making a change in the American diet. If the world was to consume the same levels as Americans, then  3 - 5 more planet Earths would be needed. The average American body is consuming low-nutrient, high-calorie products that are causing weight gain and a hunger in which our bodies starve for nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. With this new type of “malnutrition,” some could say these third world countries are better off than us in what they put in their mouths. Not only are we eating high-calorie products, but the actual size and portions in this country are ridiculous when compared to others.

 The people of America are big, and our food portions tend to match. You can make anything king size nowadays, and this may be best exemplified in the fast food industries. Researchers in 2003 compared food consumption, culturally, between the city of Philadelphia and Paris. They found that an American soft drink was 52% larger, a carton of yogurt 82%, and a candy bar 41%. These oversized portions are feeding the rise in obesity, and most of the American population is not taking the necessary action to lower it. At one point, New York made a strong effort to change the size of their soft drinks. While there had been controversy, it was a small step towards a better lifestyle, but this needs to carry on throughout all of America, and fast. 

        One of the first things that needs to happen in the United States to help us eat like other countries is to ban dangerous items in our food production. Our legislation should make trans fats, MSG, GMO, arsenic, growth hormones, and countless other harmful chemicals and food additives illegal. Americans are not fully educated on what they are putting into their body, and regulations need to be made in order for citizens to lead healthier lifestyles. Along with this, is a need for awareness. The educational system should evolve to better fit the world we live in and teach students about nutrition and what they should do to be healthy. More radical changes have been made in countries like Denmark that have put taxes on foods high in saturated fats. They also are considering putting a tax on sugar as well, and using that money towards their national public health system. This encouragement of healthy eating is exactly what the United States needs if we want to fix the epidemic at hand. While it is controversial and extreme, sugar damages our bodies just as alcohol and cigarettes do. New York, California, and a few other states have taken the brave first steps towards a healthier nation, and all states should follow their example. A lot of change is required for America, for we are behind other countries when it comes to nutrition. However, if we take these measures, America could be on the path to a thinner, healthier, and happier country. 

        The solutions are apparent. America needs to start taking note of everyone else's eating habits. While it's unfortunate the U.S. let it get this bad, using other countries as models can lead us to success. To turn our culture around for the better, the government needs to step in, and the education system needs to implement programs to teach the public how to eat properly. Being a country that developing countries admire, we need to adopt a healthier system that we can take pride in, knowing we are all on our way to a better life. A life without harmful chemicals, king size drinks, and ignorant overweight people roaming the streets.

Podcast on Happiness

Newscast - The Readery

TV Evaluation

Broadcasting is a media platform that continues to grow. Because its visual, we naturally have a stronger attention from the viewer when compared to a newspaper; however, keeping that attention can be difficult. There are several strategies in making a broadcast news story successful. 

The content and kind of news being delivered is vital to having an interesting broadcast. Keiko Johnson from Tonight at Six is a behind the scenes journalist that puts together the set of stories that are to be aired. She has to gather the news and then decide which ones the audience will be most interested or involved in. Along with this vital content, the presentation of it matters just as much. 

Every good broadcast has a professional quality. The language is present, active, and polished. The b-roll is generally well done, too. Effective broadcasting requires quality work that is kept formal. However, there can be exceptions to this standard to keep the news lighter. 

The news can contain a lot of devastation and sad events. Many, at the end of their broadcasts, add what is called a “kicker,” which acts as a short, light story. Because news can be heavy and possibly dark, the ones that utilized this technique seemed more pleasant and balanced. 

There are a variety of factors that go into an effective, interesting broadcast news story. Critical news that appeals to a large audience is just as essential as quality, professional writing and video work. Balance is key, and kickers offer that, sometimes, comic relief that viewers value. 

Editorial Cartoon

Sports Story

Sandpoint volleyball girls are now preparing for state after their victory at districts last Saturday. Taking place in Sandpoint High School’s gym, Sandpoint dominated their two games against Moscow at the tri-match along with Lakeland. 

Coach Alsager shared that “the girls were excited to ‘cinch’ the play into state.” The team is continuing to practice and prepare for the state competition coming this Friday. Alsager has been challenging her team through advancing the plays, and extending the hours of practice in order to full prepare her players for a victory. 

“The teams at state are completely way better than Moscow, so we will have to play our very best and play as a team to place,” Coach Alsager said. 

Some of the scores at the matches for districts, 25-12, make Sandpoint out to be a large competitor for State. However, the team continues with their practices in order to meet the challenge of state. Just last year, Sandpoint was presented with the opportunity to compete at state after winning districts, and is now hoping to bring back the banner this time round.

“I am super excited for another shot at state this year, I think this would be the year to take home the state title and send our seniors with that legacy,” Taylor Martin, a junior player, said. 

The season is ending with four seniors, each desiring success. They also, recently, had their senior night where many spoke of their love for the game, as well as, regardless of the year’s outcome, they were happy to be have been part of such an amazing team. 

Come support the Bulldogs as they fight for the state title this Friday in Lake City. Sandpoint girls will be having their first game begins at 8. So, please come support those Bulldogs!

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Harry Potter Obituary

Harry James Potter died at the age of 97 this last Thursday, December 12, 2077. Having lived with his family in London for all of his life, he died in the comfort of his own bed. Doctors speculate the cause of being old age, or a possible collapse of the lungs. 

Potter was born July 31, 1980 to Lily and James Potter just outside of Bothale, London. Having been an only child, his parents were both murdered when Potter was at the mere age of 1. Lord Voldemort had killed them, and his attempt to kill young Potter failed, and ended up almost ending Voldemort’s life, for love had protected Potter. Raised by his aunt and her family, Potter stayed a humble servant to the family until he was invited to Hogwarts to be a full-time student. Celebrated as the TriWizard Tournament Champion and excellent quittage seeker, Potter also gained fame when he defeated Lord Voldemort in his final years at Hogwarts. After school, Potter, along with his closest friend, Ron Weasley, revolutionized the Auror Department with their skills and innovative magic. Working in close headquarters to them both, was Potter’s other closest friend, Hermoine Granger (Weasley’s wife), in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. 

Married to Ginny Weasley, Potter lives on with his child, Albus Potter, born May 2, 2008 in London. Albus Potter, married to Melissa Lovegood, now live in Cauldron Valley with Potter’s 5 grandchildren. Having been worried about his son’s magical instabilities and impairments, Potter spent extensive time aiding him in developing his magical skills. This soon sparked Potter to create an organization, now headed by Albus Potter, to help the magically challenged. The organization remains non-profit, and lives on as one of Potter’s greater contributions to the wizarding world. 

This coming Tuesday, December 17, 2077 will be the memorial service for Harry Potter. It will take place in The Ministry of Magic’s presidential room of requirement. His ashes will be cast out into the sea under the service of the Magically Deceased Department. After the ceremony, there will be a gathering at Hogwarts for friends and family to share a feast and share their relationships and experiences with Potter.  

If interested, donations will be accepted by P.I.M.C. (Potter’s Institution of the Magically Challenged) at the service. Harry Potter brought joy to all, and his accomplishments have made the wizarding world what it is today. A few hours before his passing, Ginny Potter tells us that his last words were, “Tell Albus to put young Milly in the first quittage class. There is nothing much more breathtaking than the world of magic, and the initial moment your body leaves the ground.”   

Special Interest Story

Brenden McCoy

Taking Sandpoint High by storm, Brenden McCoy presents himself as a double threat with his passion for music and martial arts. McCoy, a sophomore, already has several local musical performances under his black belt. 

Having studied Tae Kwan Doe for over 8 years, McCoy also teaches at the school through his own practices. When asked what his purpose for studying the art was, he immediately responded with “personal growth” as the sole motive. 

Determined to take his passion further, McCoy has participated in several tournaments and competitions to test his skills. This last year, he was awarded the silver medal for Montana State, and the gold 2 years previous at the same tournament. He has also been a multiple time national qualifier.

“Anyone can break one board, but with the right mindset, you can break 3 or 4,” McCoy said. 

McCoy claims he can break bricks with his head, and stacked boards. He then continued to describe how one does not need strength to break a board, but more of a confident mindset. Analyzing human’s natural tendencies, McCoy explained how everyone is held back and doesn’t have an adequate belief in their abilities, which is what stops them from breaking it. 

“We make a good team,” Nate Owen said. 

McCoy’s partner in music, Nate Owen, tells us that him and McCoy work well together, and have already performed several shows around Sandpoint. Both boys meet before school, during lunch, and after school in order to practice. 

Being a fan of Jimmy Hendrix, McCoy tries to incorporate both his and similar artists repertoire into their own personal sets. Most of their performances are done acoustically, but are generally covers of edgy rock socks originally performed electrically, giving them their “unique sound,” McCoy said. 

“There is no formula to being a musician,” McCoy said. 

Interested in making music a potential career, McCoy finds the music industry to be a challenge, but also his calling. Him and Nate plan on following their dreams, and continue practicing daily with occasional shows, too. 

Eager to give advice to aspiring musicians or those interested in diving into karate, McCoy explained how rewarding both pursuits truly are. However, he left with a warning. 

“If you have to think what do other people think about it, then you’re doing it for the wrong reasons,” McCoy said, “at some level, you have to know that you like what you do and love how you do it.”  

Summer Camp Photo Story

Camp Mivoden commences early for the first day of camp.

Archery tournament resumes after lunch in the field.

Counselors wakeboard for some spontaneous fun on the lake.

Board Director jumps into safety demonstrations on the Blob.

Counselor Diaz smiles after meeting her new cabin of ladies.

Counselors combine for an after-dinner performance on the docks.

Camp Coordinator attempts to rally a game of volleyball for campers.

Camp counselors finish with a final move to end the day.  

Camp Director unfastens a cabin's clothing after a late-night prank. 

Camp Director stands in defeat after receiving the last pie-face of the week. 

Code of Ethics

• Journalists should never print false information, only the truth.
• Journalists are too provide accurate information that informs the public of what is happening in the world and their community. 
• No discrimination, all should be treated equally 
• The news should be given with a non-biased opinion. No influencing the readers.
• All sources should be properly credited.
• Take responsibility for your work.
• All of your work should be your own, not someone else’s. 
• Respect your work, yourself, those you interview, and those who are part of your story. 
• Journalists should be prepared to work hard to meet deadlines and write great articles. 
• Journalists will need to see the emotional and logical sides of situations when deciding what to publish, and what not to. 

Hard News Story

Dr. Michael Kai breeds larger pigs in Idaho.

At 750 pounds, Dr. Michael Kai's pig is the heaviest in all of Idaho as of last Tuesday. Being a scientist from the Idaho Department of Agriculture, Kai had made it a priority to breed larger pigs. His ten year project finally paid off when he was given the chance to showcase his grand pig at the Pigglets and Wigglets Expo. This science based animal fair granted Kai with more money to further his research and expand his lab. 

"I saw what I wanted, and I then spent all of my time making it happen. This kind of scientific breakthrough keeps me going," Dr. Mickael Kai said.

Kai's passion continues as he plans to use his male pig to breed more of such stature. His family supports his research, and his wife works within the same department. Both focus on agricultural science, but Kai says he wants his wife to transfer from insufficient cropping to his pig breeding. 

Judges at the Expo wrote of Kai's brilliant research and dedication after scoring him a near perfect 10 at the event. 

"I have never seen such passion in a man's eye for scientific discovery. His success is an inspiration to all," John Bronchi said, the head judge of the Pigglets and Wigglets Expo. 

Kai plans to make this discovery go national, and eventually global. He feels that some of the genetic research he has looked into could possibly be the answer to world hunger in making animal production more effective and productive. "My pigs are going to take this world by storm," Kai said.    

This is Me

Hi Everyone!

Jessica poses for an autumn portrait during her senior year. 

My name is Jessica, and I love to read and write. Maybe not always news stories, but more creatively. I enjoy writing short stories and poetry. However, I do still have an interest in journalistic writing, as well as current events. As for reading, I love fantasy, fiction, non-fiction, biographies, etc. If I find the book interesting, I will likely read it. Unless, I am assigned a boring book in English, in which case I will SparkNotes that. Just kidding.

I get a lot of my news from CNN, especially with Carl who does the video news updates. If you haven't already, definitely go check him out! I look at the Spokesman review from time to time, but generally search online for what I want to know and then look deeper into the issue I am interested in. As for my entertainment, I am a Pinterest and Instagram kind of gal! I love to pin!

Now, if someone were to make a video of me, I would likely be making the video, or shooting footage, editing, etc. I love video production, and have been making weekly videos for my school. I have recently started making video advertisements for an insurance company here in my town, which gives me experience, and above all, I enjoy doing it. I would likely be eating in the video as well.

I wanted to take this journalism class because I think it is important for me to learn how to express myself through effective news writing. I think creating documentaries would be a great career, but a lot of the research and conceptual aspects would involve a lot of journalistic skills that I need to develop. I have already found the class of interest, and learning about how news used to be has been really fascintating. I can't imagine breaking news taking months to travel, and how people had to, at one time, write out their news with ink.

Journalism Timeline

Journalism - A Sense of History 

1608

Summary: In the vast history of journalism, this year was when the colonies brought forth John Smith who put together a newsletter called the News from Virginia that informed the public. 

Significance: This event was the beginning of a new kind of journalism. It was an event that showed the initiative of one person to spread information to everyone else to keep all informed. This concept was fairly new at the time. 

1690

Summary: In 1690, America had its first ever newspaper. Published in Boston, it was known as the Publick Occurrences, both Foreign and Domestic.  

Significance: This publication was the start of newspapers. Not only 8was it spreading information, but it was giving valuable insight on what was happening near by, as well as across seas.

1729

Summary: Years later, Benjamin Franklin created a new newspaper that was soon seen as the best when compared to all the others. It was largely known considering its outstanding circulation, and also make the best money because of advertising. 

Significance: While newspaper had only been created at this time, Franklin’s stands out because of its quality and improvement. More people read it, there were more columns, and all in all, it was the best paper around. 

1769

Summary: Isaac Doolittle invents something revolutionary in 1769 known as the printing press. The American creation changes the face of journalism.

Significance: Before printing presses, journalists and writers had to use their hands to create the paper. The printing press allowed for faster and more efficient newspapers to be created. 

1776

Summary: This year was one of change and politics. Newspaper matched this mood, and Thomas Paine, a writer who had an interest in politics, created Common Sense. This pamphlet was a work that actually pushed readers to put their beliefs against Great Britain at the time. 

Significance: This was a pivotal pamphlet considering the writer’s aim and motive. It outlines the power newspaper could hold over the public, as well as how political they can be. 

1776

Summary: During this grand year of change for America, the Declaration of Independence was created and signed. This document represented America’s freedom, and 20 other newspapers published the document in its pages. 

Significance: America’s newfound freedom was important, but letting everyone know could have been a challenge had their not been a newspapers to effectively spread the word. This event showed how journalism could benefit society through sharing laws and important events like this one. 

1791

Summary: What later became the Bill of Rights, the Constitution’s first amendment gave many freedoms such as freedom of speech, freedom to assembly, etc. More importantly, they gave freedom of the press. 

Significance: When this was passed, it gave newspapers the freedom to write about whatever they wanted. This was necessary so the newspaper’s only concern was to inform the public, and now they didn’t need to worry about other parties asking or altering stories, etc. 

1795

Summary: In 1795, reporters gained even more freedom and importance. They were then allowed to go into Senate and House of Representatives to fuel their stories. 

Significance: This gave journalists the insight necessary to let the public know what was going on in the government, something left shut off from most. Such a trust was vital to the writings of journalist for years to come. 

1830s

Summary: This decade allowed for better transportation of the news. Animals such as pigeons and ponies hauled these papers to father locations for better circulation. 

Significance: At this time when there were no cars, transporting the news was difficult. However, animals were soon used to better share the information with the public. This concept soon grows as time and technology improve. 

1851

Summary: As more and more newspapers were being created, one in particular, looking bad, took significance. The New York Times was created, and this paper has led the way to the best coverage and sharing of news to today. 

Significance: It is these timeless newspapers that have paved the way for how news is shared in the world. The New York was credible, well written, and had a great readership at the time. It has only grow from 1851, and is one of the best of all time. 

1856

Summary: The 19th century population practiced racism naturally, and African-Americans were not granted the same rights. However, in 1856, African-Americans created the first daily newspaper known as the New Orleans Daily Creole.

Significance: This new publication allowed the African-American society to spread information amongst each other as well as properly educate everyone about things that mattered to their specific audience. It was a minor step in that race’s progress and overall growth and a race in America. 

1861-1865

Summary: During this time, the Civil War was taking place in American. One action that set this war a part was how much coverage news-wise was done. Hundreds of photographers were permitted to report, as well as Mathew Brady, famous for his photographs (his to left). 

Significance: Earlier we see coverage of laws, then government, and now actual wars being documented visually. Actual reporters were going in and delivering accurate information to the public to allow the public knowledge of the Civil War and what is going on.

 

1870-1900

Summary: These years brought growth for a gender often left prejudiced against in the workforce in the past: women. Women were now starting to write and edit for newspapers. 

Significance: This, just as it was for African-Americans, was a large leap for the growth of women as whole, especially in the workforce. They proved capable of putting out quality work and holding their own weight.  

1880-1900

Summary: This may be one the most important changes for newspaper. The entire experience and style of the newspaper is altered when photographs are soon added with the writing.

Significance: Having photos in the paper allowed for readers to experience the news visually for once. Everyone knows a picture is worth a thousand words, and pictures enhanced the stories greatly both then and now.  

1890s

Summary: Yellow journalism became populars in the 1890s as different newspaper competed for more readers and profit. This type of journalism sensationalized and gave false news to readers just to gain more readership. In some cases, these lies started actual wars. 

Significance: This was a dangerous idea they grew to be popular. While altering and embellishing the truth, the public was given inaccurate information.In the case of the Spanish-American War, many believed it to be fueled purely by newspaper headlines. This also outlines the power behind the paper and how crucial it is in society.

1930s

Summary: This era was significant in how it popularized gossip on the newspaper. This is when we get the first feel of a “tabloid” and see “rumors” published in papers. These types of columns need not be accurate, but more for entertainment purposes. 

Significance: This is important to note because is shoes how newspapers are gradually morphing and possibly becoming more relaxed in the writing. Allowing gossip, sometimes not accurate, went along with the previous era of yellow journalism in how the truth didn't take priority, unfortunately. 

1950s

Summary: This may be one of the most revolutionary inventions of all time: television. It changed the way people lived their lives, and it changed the way the public saw news. Some, instead of reading the paper, turned on the television to get their news.  

Significance: This was a new media unlike the paper, photos, or radio. It was visual, audio, and had movement. It gave a different kind of light to news that allowed the public to view the news as it was happening. This gave news a more real feeling and allowed to come to life. 

1960-1990

Summary: Earlier in the journalistic history of the U.S. we saw reporters being permitted into the Senate and such, but at this time we see negative content about the government coming out in the papers. Examples likes the Pentagon Papers, Watergate, Scandal. and more, outline what is wrong with the american government. 

Significance: Though bad that the government has things to hide, it is good to know that the newspaper’s first concern is to properly inform the public about what is going on behind the government doors. It exercises out first amendment to the freedom of press, which while the government discourages it, is essential and appreciated in the public.

1970s-1980s

Summary: Possibly more life-altering than the television, was the invention of the computer. Not only was information of news more readily available online, but the actual creation of the papers were more efficient and easier to create considering they were done digitally.  

Significance: Programs allowing digital typing, transferring of files, printing soon, and more information available, this invention changed journalism forever. More people were able to view it as well. The step into technology improved the lives of readers and journalists across the U.S.  

1990s

Summary: This, branching off from changes in the 70s and 80s, allowed information to be stored and shared globally. Computers, becoming more popular, allowed for stories to be saved online, and others from all around the world could read and learn as they do now. 

Significance: In the beginning, readership was hard to both gain and judge, but now, we see the entire world able to read and be informed about what is happening around the world. This revolutionary concept improves the circulation of the news better than any other, and has only continued to grow.

Works Cited 

"Tracing the Story of Journalism." Tracing the Story of Journalism in the United States. The Write Site, n.d. Web. 09 Sept. 2013.