My Self Assessment

"um.. such as Africa.. um" Ms. USA Beauty Pageant contestant
Ms. South Carolina blunders with her words

Skills that journalists possess:

• Communication Skills -- communicating clearly so others understand you
• Listening Skills -- clearly hear what others are saying to you
• Writing Skills -- writing clearly, concisely, proper grammar, structure and punctuation
• Speaking Skills -- communicating orally
• Interpersonal Skills -- work as a team, interviewing others politely, going in-depth
• Curiosity and awareness -- eager to know what's going on around you, able to see patterns in life and when those patterns are altered
• Self-direction -- takes direction from editors, can write a story without being told
• Self-confidence -- believe in their abilities to their readers and listeners

     Above is a list of the common skills that excellent journalists possess.  I feel that I am stronger in some of these than others.  I would have to say that my interpersonal and writing skills combined with my work ethic of self-direction helps me as a journalist write a story that readers find interesting.  However, sometimes I feel that my speaking skills are not up to par with the others.  When speaking, sometimes I have trouble in saying what I mean or I make it too confusing for others to follow.  I'd love to be able to improve on this weak area, so I thought of a three step plan t achieve this.  

     Step 1:  Read more.  Not only will this help my writing, but also by reading more I can familiarize myself with coherent, concise way of communicating myself.

     Step 2:  Write everything down.  When preparing for a speaking event, write down an exact script of what I will say, that way there will be no impromptu that I would stumble upon.  I already write questions down for interviews, too, so continuing that will also help.

     Step 3:  Listen to speeches to get ideas on how to convey my points in a more concise way.

     Hopefully, by working on this skill that I lack the most, I will not only improve as a journalist, but in communication as a whole

The Ten Businesses that the Smartphone has Destroyed

By: Douglas A. McIntyre and Charles Stockdale

Global smartphone sales rose by nearly 100% in the third quarter of 2010 compared with the same period last year. That allowed Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Research In Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM) to pick up market share while large handset companies like Nokia, Samsung and LG, which do not have strong smartphone products, lost ground. The success of the iPhone and smartphones powered by Google’s Android operating systems have allowed these 3G and WiFi powered devices to leapfrog over products like the netbook as “PC replacements.” iPhone has a huge advantage over netbooks because of the App Store, which has more than 250,000 software applications that enables users to customize their devices to their individual needs.

The first major smartphone was the BlackBerry. It was introduced in 2002, but was built for business use. The iPhone, which was first available in 2007, created a huge consumer demand for smartphones.
The smartphone has begun to replace a number of other consumer electronics devices. As AT&T (NYSE: T) and Verizon Wireless build their cellular business, landline customers cancel traditional phone lines. They don’t need them anymore in a world with 3G wireless devices.

The power of the smartphone as the primary device used for news, entertainment, and communication will only increase. New 4G networks will allow subscribers to connect to the internet with handsets which will download data at speeds similar to those supplied by a home cable modem. Smartphone processors become more powerful each year and the devices get more storage capacity.
This is 24/7 Wall St.’s list of the devices that the smartphone has begun to replace, and in some cases, that process is so far along that the older products have almost disappeared.
The following are the ten products which smartphones are killing.

1. PDAs Personal digital assistants, the device that transformed personal organization in the 1990’s, are almost obsolete. The product was a stepping stone towards the superior smartphone. The Palm Pilot, which was the leading PDA, was successful because it possessed a number of features that are now included in most smartphones. Creator Palm’s performance in the face of the expanding smartphone market helps further illustrate the decline of the PDA. The company lost about half of its North American market share between 2008 and 2009, while smartphone sales increased 13.9% from the year before. As a result, Palm launched its latest smartphone in June 2009, the Pre.

2. Flip Video Cameras Cisco Systems’s line of Flip video cameras has been modestly popular over the past few years, bringing in about $75 million between February and May 2010, according to Cisco. However, the multifunctional smartphone may soon push Flip out of the picture. Both the iPhone 4 and the Droid X feature 720p video capabilities, the same as Flip cameras. Flip cameras do, however, have a small advantage over smartphones because of their higher video frame capture rate. This slight edge in technological ability isolates Flip cameras as products which only appeal to a small percentage of consumers whose video recording needs cannot be met by a smartphone; a niche market that may not be able to sustain the business.

3. MP3 Players Companies that make MP3 players have sold fewer and fewer units ever since smartphones began to provide the service. This marks the first time since the inception of the Walkman that portable music players will exist with more than a singular function. According to Deloitte, 42% of smartphone users have reduced or stopped using their portable digital music players because of their phones’ music-playing capabilities. Even the iPod, the biggest selling MP3 player of all time, had its lowest since 2006 in the most recent quarter.

4. Digital Cameras As handset phone cameras improve in quality, the demand for separate, low-end digital cameras may begin to decrease. Many phones already have 5-megapixel camera capabilities. Market intelligence company iSuppli predicts that the average for phones will rise to 5.7 megapixels by 2013. Digital still cameras, however, averaged 7.6 megapixels in 2008 and may reach 13.9 in 2013. According to Pam Tufegdzic, consumer electronics analyst at iSuppli, “handsets soon may begin to cannibalize the low-end of the DSC (digital still camera) market as they incorporate higher megapixels and flash capabilities.” This scenario does not seem too far off, as the recently released Nokia N8 smartphone features a 12-megapixel camera.

5. Handheld Video Games For 2010, factory unit shipments of game-capable mobile phones are expected to reach 1.27 billion, according to iSuppli. This will be an increase of 11.4% from the year before. Handheld video game devices, however, are expected to decline 2.5% over the same period, shipping just 38.9 million factory units. The reason is more consumers are using their phones for portable gaming. In 2009, the percentage of portable gaming revenue generated by the iPhone grew from 5% to 19%, according to Flurry Analytics. Apple CEO Steve Jobs has said the company has sold more than 1.5 billion iPhone/iPod Touch OS games. Currently, six of the top ten highest-grossing apps are games, such as “Angry Birds” and “Tap Zoo.” There are now reports that a Sony PlayStation smartphone is in the works.

6. GPS The increase in smartphones with GPS capabilities poses a huge threat to standalone GPS devices. According to iSuppli, by the end of 2011 about 80% of phones will include GPS technology. According to the company, the number of navigation-capable smartphones being used by 2014 will be greater than the number of standalone devices. As a result, very few people will seek out GPS-specific devices such as those made by TomTom and Garmin.

7. PCs There are plenty of studies which insist that smartphones will begin to replace the PC as the common vehicle for accessing the Internet. Analyst firm Informa Telecoms & Media projects that smartphone traffic will increase 700% over the next five years. IT research firm Gartner predicts that smartphone sales will outpace PC sales by 2012, if not earlier. Google CEO Eric Schmidt, whose company’s mobile business has doubled over the last year, has expressed this sentiment as well. As smartphones continue to feature more memory, storage capability, and stronger processing power, consumers will increasingly rely on them for Internet use instead of their clunky PCs.

8. Regular Cell Phones Just as smartphones are making other single-function devices more and more obsolete, they are pushing regular, “featureless” cell phones out of the competitive marketplace. According to iSuppli, smartphone manufacturers Research in Motion and Apple claimed the fifth and sixth spots for top phone brands in the first quarter of 2010. Both companies exclusively produce smartphones. Nokia, however, saw its cell phone market share drop to 28.2% from 36.7%, underscoring its focus on non-smart phones. According to Gartner, third quarter sales of smartphones nearly doubled.

9. Watches As more people have become equipped with mobile phones, fewer people have found a need to wear wrist watches. From 2001 to 2006, the amount that Americans spent on watches dropped 17%, according to Experian Simmons Research. This trend will most likely increase, as Tamara Sender of research group Mintel notes, “Many consumers have grown up with technology and are just as likely to associate the notion of checking the time with a mobile handset as with a watch and as they grow older this mindset will accompany them.” It should be noted that many luxury watch brands, such Rolex, have remained popular. This, however, is due to the fact that these watches are worn for fashion, not function.

10. Remote Controls Although it is hard to imagine there being a successful replacement for the television remote, smartphones are beginning to do just that. Smartphones now offer apps that act as remote controls for television models made by Mitsubishi, Samsung, and Sonos. Additionally, as Internet and television content become more and more intertwined, smartphone remotes seem an increasingly appropriate instrument of control. The iPhone can currently be used for Apple TV boxes, and Google offers its own controls for its television services. According to technology research firm Forrester Research, the number of homes with televisions that are connected to the Internet is expected to reach 43 million by 2015.

Questions:
1. Are you or people you know less likely to buy any of the products listed as a result of the development of smart phones?
Yes; I personally am because the smartphone has everything you could possibly need in one device.  It is unnecessary to purchase many items when it can all be in one tiny device

2. In general, do you think it is an advantage or a disadvantage to have so many of your technological functions in a single device?
It is both depending on the situation.  Of course it is much more convenient to have everything in one device, but that also means you would loose everything in that one device.

3. How have smart phones improved our lives?
They improve organization and keeping contacts be it for business or social means.

4. What do you think has been the most important invention of your lifetime? How do your answers compare with the most important inventions of your parents’, grandparents or great-grandparents’ lifetimes?
Perhaps the smartphone because it integrates many important inventions into one convenient device.  I'm sure they would believe else wise--My great-grandparents would probably say vaccines which was extremely important for their lifetimes and many more to come.

5. “There are plenty of studies which insist that smart phones will begin to replace the PC as the common vehicle for accessing the Internet.” Do you agree? If so, does this mean PCs are on their way out? Would you ever stop using them?
I agree that some people may start to switch; however, I still like laptops and will continue to use them.

6. Do you have any need for TVs, radios, and other devices, rather than just using your computer for everything? Would you ever want to use your phone as a TV or radio? What are the barriers to either of these things happening?
There isn't really a need as so much as a want since TV screens are larger to view and many more people can easily enjoy watching on them.  I probably wouldn't use my phone for a tv because first of all I hardly watch it to begin with and  second of all, I don't want to stare at a small screen.

Elections 2010

Last night, elections were held.  Finally, a chance for the people to take action!  Voting allows the people to decide what's best for them--even if that means voting for "the less of the two evils" if you do not like either canidates.  If you didn't go out last night to vote, then you do not have the right to complain.  That's basically what the above political cartoon is trying to illustrate.

Tips for Better Photos

The difference between regular photos and newspaper is that newspaper photos are generally not posed--we love action shots!

While there is this difference, all photos need to be clear and focused.  Also, it is important to make sure that the background isn't too busy.

A Modern Twist on Shakespeare

Shakespeare's romantic comedy Taming the Shrew comes alive in the modernized, teen-friendly version 10 Things I Hate About You.

A new student to Padua High School, Cameron sit in the office of the odd guidance councilor, Ms. Perky.  Another boy named Michael is assigned to show him around campus where we can see all the different clicks--cowboys, future BA's, the populars.  That's when he see's Bianca Stadford, a beautiful sophomore.  She only has one problem.  She's not allowed to date neither is her rampaging, moody sister Kat who has a cynical outlook on life and doesn't care what others think about her.

Chilean miners

This cartoon is referring to 30 of the trapped miners in Chili that were finally found yesterday.  They have survived living underground for nearly two months.  It has taken this much time because engineers had to ensure they wouldn't destroy the pocket where the miners were located.  They are working on drilling to their exact location today so that they can return home.

Do you feel safe in the RGV?

I can't imagine the terror that the couple shot at while spending a day at Falcon Lake felt.  It's scary to be so close to all this violence.  While I've heard of many people killed because of the drug wars from the news or friends of friends of friends, I haven't personally felt the impact of the war.  I feel like I'm in buble--terrible things are happening all around me but I'm not involved in it in anyway, thankfully.  I feel horrible that these tragedities are happening to other people, and there is nothing I can do to help.  I just wish the violence would end.

Senior Moments..

With the first 6 weeks behind us, it's hard to believe that we are nearly a quarter of our way through senior year. I'm still waiting for that moment for it to hit me that this is my last year here. I know that I will miss everyone terrible once we all go our separate paths after graduation, but we will always share memories that will bond us.

It's the small day to day memories I want to remember- sitting at lunch together, making jokes, acting silly, being kids for the last time. I'll never forget how much fun it was when Diana and I were playing a game of cat and mouse with Gamba when we took his wrapping paper. We ran through the councilor's center and down the halls, laughing the entire way. Or the pep rally when the seniors won the spirt stick and the entire class of 2011 stood up to cheer and yell in triumph. Or just all the inside jokes we've had over the years. All these moments add up to the highlights of senior year.

While I'm unsure of what the future holds for me, there's comfort in enjoying the now and making every moment count.

A Generation of Nincompoops?

http://www.bnd.com/2010/09/28/1416886/with-basic-skills-downgraded-are.html#ixzz10pOkcIX0

The author of this book claims that our generation is the dumbest because we have grown up dependent of technology.  Everything is available with the click of a button.

While what she claims is entirely true, you can't put the blame entirely on the children.  Is it our fault that we were raised in households where it is acceptable to never touch laundry detergent or pick up a mop?  And of course there are the exceptions within this generation.  Personally, I had and have chores to do around the house.  I love baking--from scratch, not a box.  I grew up without my parents hovering over me, as the article states, "helicopter parents."

It is the generations above us that created all these new inventions that hinder us from learning.  Yes, it makes our lives a whole lot more convenient, but parents should also have the responsibility to teach their children how to manage on their own.

If we are the dumbest generation, then the generation above us is the laziest.

What's on TV?

In the rare time I have to watch TV, my little brother usually monopolizes control of which channels we watch as a family.  Since we are limited between Disney, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network, if I like a show, I have to wait for the season to come out on DVD to purchase it.  In my small collection, I have the Office and Ugly Betty.

NBC's The Office

ABC's Ugly Betty

 As for new shows coming out, I had to resort to actually googling what's premiering, and I think that NBC's Outsourced will offer a similar humor as it follows a man who gets sent to India to work at a call center.  Hopefully, I'll be able to catch it to watch it sometime.

NBC's Outsourced

If I had the Power...

I've long been concerned about meeting the nutritional needs of all people--be it students or adults.  I believe that it is a fundamental right for students to have access to healthy meals.

I would love to see the district prepare fresh meals made from scratch--no pre-cooked foods high in preservatives.  Food truly makes a difference in the performance and overall health of a student.  By having healthy food available, at least students have access to two healthy meals a day.  I realize that government regulations limit what can be served and has certain guidelines, but some of them are absolutely ludicrous and must be changed.  Having fresh food available can only enhance student's bodies and minds.

Constitution Day

Political Cartoon

Background information: Originally, the 14th Amendment was added in 1868 (following the Civil War, 1861-1864) to the Constitution to ensure that the children of Africans forcibly brought to America could become citizens; thus, providing their children with all the benefits of citizenship.
(source: http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/14thamendment.html)

This particular cartoon shows how America can be two faced.  On one hand we're saying, "Don't touch our Constitution!" while on the other we're asking to reform immigration laws that contradicts the 14th Amendment.  It's a pretty ironic situation seeing as we are a country of immigrants.  While there is a problem with the control of immigration, we need to find a middle ground that will make both sides happy.

Advise for the Fish

I just would like to congratulate all of you who took the initiative to come here as it took much courage to leave your comfort zone and start somewhere new.  Personally, it was the hardest but best decision I've ever made.

Seeing as we're already 3 weeks into the school year, you've probably noticed that there is more expected of each student.  Maybe all the kids already know something that you never even heard of before.  Maybe at your old school you earned A's without doing really anything.  Don't feel bad if this is the case--it's not your fault.  Some school districts maybe didn't cover some of the material, but it is up to YOU to seek help so that you can catch up.  Stay for tutorials.  Late buses run Monday through Thursday.  Our district extends us this privilege, so use it!  We can't change what happened in the past, but you have the power to make the change now.

But you don't have to stay just for academics.

My fondest memories of school are rarely from inside the classroom where the teacher dominates the conversation towards the lecture, but from extra curricular activities.  You'll gain not only skills but make long lasting friendships.  Plus you'll need to join for your college resumes. (I know you're just staring high school, but college is just 4 years away!)  And don't be afraid to try new things.  Try out for the school play.  Go to an Art Club meeting.  Compete in UIL.  It will only expand your experiences.  Keep your mind open.

Freshman year is one of the easier years here at BETA--still challenging but not as intense.  It's important to keep your grades up because this is a competition for ranking.  You'll be thankful come junior year when you're taking pre calculous and physics Pre-AP that you put in the effort for those A's when you were younger.

Overall, Freshmen year is about exploring new possibilities and balancing all your responsibilities. Make new friends, share experiences, and work hard.  Make the most of this year and good luck class of 2014!

Senior Year, Baby!

I met a whirlwind of emotions on the first day of school this year.  Of course there were the usual feelings of excitement to see all my friends, especially since we finally earned the title of seniors, but also sadness to see another summer pass knowing that all my leisure time would quickly vanish in the chaos of balancing school, extracurricular activities, and friends.  But perhaps the most unexpected emotion was the sudden realization that it was my last first day of high school at BETA.

As I walked through the hallways waving at familiar faces and occasionally stopping for a quick chat, I realized how much BETA was like a family.  I've attended this school since 8th grade and appreciate how much it has prepared me for college and my future career.  Over the years, teachers have made bonds that make coming here truly special.  It's nice to have instructors that care for their students as much as ours do.  They're always available for tutoring and usually very understanding if something unexpected ever pops up.  As for my fellow peers, I feel incredibly lucky to get the chance to get to know each one--be it through trying to survive  hardcore courses like Pre-Calculus, having fun in clubs, or hanging out on the weekends.  I could've never made it these past years without Trina (especially last year in physics!) and Juliana being there for me at school.  I'm looking forward to making this the best year yet with all my friends. Let's hear it for the class of 2011!  Woot, woot!