AMITY - Tourists can rest easy as a large shark is brought ashore as beaches reopen just before the kickoff of the 4th of July festivities.
Police Chief Martin Brody held a press conference this morning to announce that the shark responsible for two deaths in the area had been killed one mile off the coast of Amity. It was over 16 ft. long.
Matt Hooper, a marine biologist claims that the shark was a Nurse shark, once of the most deadly and dangerous of all the sharks.
"I'm not worried about more sharks in the area." Brody said during the conference. "Out concern is about people feeling safe enough to go back into the water." Brody also noted that the ferries leading to the island have been full, and the hotels are still booked for the holiday.
The fishermen responsible for catching the shark has asked to remain anonymous but will receive the $3,000 reward.
On the beaches, cautious tourists stepped back into the water, and before long all had been forgotten. The sound of the beach was alive with the happy cries of children while sunbathers lazed in the sun. However, an emergency was called when a shark fin was spotted weaving between swimmers. The scene turned to one of panic as everyone rushed to the safety of land. Eventually, the fin was discovered to be a prank by two young boys, promoting the emergency to be nothing more than a false alarm.
To ensure safety over the holiday weekend, Brody has announced that tourists and islanders should not be worried by the continued presence of shark spotters. He claims they are simply there to put visitors at ease.
While there may be more false alarms, safety takes precedence over leisure.
An emergency hotline has been setup to monitor any suspicious activity in the waters, if any sharks are spotted, please dial 1-800-sharksee to report to the authorities.
Related stories:
Amity Beaches will be closed during 4th
Second fatality in two days shocks Amity
Body found on South Beach
Monday, May 4, 2009
Beaches closed for the 4th of July
AMITY - The beaches will be closed during the 4th of July festivities as police investigate the recent shark activity that has led to the deaths of two children in the past two days.
Concerned citizens and business owners flocked to an emergency town meeting last night held by the Mayor in order to address the confirmation of closing the beaches due to the recent shark activity that has been plaguing Amity's coast.
Wendy W. Watson, 16 and Alex Kintner, 10. Mrs. Kintner has now offered a $3,000 reward to any fishermen who can kill the shark.
Amidst the outcry of concerned business owners, Police Chief Martin Brody stood to announce that the beaches would be closed during the ongoing investigation. However, Mayor Bob Farley assured the crowd that the beaches would only remain closed for 24 hours. This came as a surprise to Brody.
"I didn't agree to that." said Brody upon hearing the news of the Mayor's decision.
Order was lost as the crowd voiced their displeasure with the decision.
"24 hours is like 3 weeks!" one concerned business owner claimed. Many others agreed.
However, the crowd was silenced as Ben Quint, a local fishermen, gathered their attention.
Quint offered to take care of the shark problem for the town in a quick and efficient manor, much to the relief of the crowd.
"I value my neck a lot more than $3,000 bucks" Quint said, commenting on the ferocity of the shark. Quint then claimed he would be willing to kill the shark for an additional $10,000.
Farley thanked Quint for his offer and assured his audience that he would take it into consideration.
Related stories:
Second fatality in two days shocks Amity
Body found on South Beach
Concerned citizens and business owners flocked to an emergency town meeting last night held by the Mayor in order to address the confirmation of closing the beaches due to the recent shark activity that has been plaguing Amity's coast.
Wendy W. Watson, 16 and Alex Kintner, 10. Mrs. Kintner has now offered a $3,000 reward to any fishermen who can kill the shark.
Amidst the outcry of concerned business owners, Police Chief Martin Brody stood to announce that the beaches would be closed during the ongoing investigation. However, Mayor Bob Farley assured the crowd that the beaches would only remain closed for 24 hours. This came as a surprise to Brody.
"I didn't agree to that." said Brody upon hearing the news of the Mayor's decision.
Order was lost as the crowd voiced their displeasure with the decision.
"24 hours is like 3 weeks!" one concerned business owner claimed. Many others agreed.
However, the crowd was silenced as Ben Quint, a local fishermen, gathered their attention.
Quint offered to take care of the shark problem for the town in a quick and efficient manor, much to the relief of the crowd.
"I value my neck a lot more than $3,000 bucks" Quint said, commenting on the ferocity of the shark. Quint then claimed he would be willing to kill the shark for an additional $10,000.
Farley thanked Quint for his offer and assured his audience that he would take it into consideration.
Related stories:
Second fatality in two days shocks Amity
Body found on South Beach
Sunday, May 3, 2009
New York Times Reading Log
Monday: I mentioned it in class but the story of Monday was the lack of doctors shaping up to be a large problem. What worried me was if the outbreak of Swine Flu gets worse, what will happen to all the patients who are infected and in need of medical care? Will there be enough doctors to get to everyone in a timely manor? Or is this lack of doctors really going to become an issue if more and more people get sick.
Tuesday: To followup on Monday's story, today there was a story in the paper about how Obama claims that the United States is ready for a large outbreak and will be able to handle it efficiently. I've never lived through something like this and I wonder if that is Obama's way of trying to calm the panic that many people are now facing, or if he actually believes that the United States won't be hit as badly as Mexico has.
Wednesday: Today I decided to write about Arlene Specter joining the Democratic party. With his political hop this gives the Democrats the ability to break filibusters with 60 required votes. I feel like this is big news because it proves that just because you're a republican, doesn't mean you have to remain one forever if your views change and the same goes for a democrat.
Thursday: Finishing out the week is more on Swine flu. The World Health Organization raised it's alert to the second from highest, warning that a pandemic was imminent. It's scary to think of what may happen and what changes we may have to make if it becomes a pandemic, I have not resorted to panic, but I am very worried of what may happen if it gets worse.
Tuesday: To followup on Monday's story, today there was a story in the paper about how Obama claims that the United States is ready for a large outbreak and will be able to handle it efficiently. I've never lived through something like this and I wonder if that is Obama's way of trying to calm the panic that many people are now facing, or if he actually believes that the United States won't be hit as badly as Mexico has.
Wednesday: Today I decided to write about Arlene Specter joining the Democratic party. With his political hop this gives the Democrats the ability to break filibusters with 60 required votes. I feel like this is big news because it proves that just because you're a republican, doesn't mean you have to remain one forever if your views change and the same goes for a democrat.
Thursday: Finishing out the week is more on Swine flu. The World Health Organization raised it's alert to the second from highest, warning that a pandemic was imminent. It's scary to think of what may happen and what changes we may have to make if it becomes a pandemic, I have not resorted to panic, but I am very worried of what may happen if it gets worse.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Second Fatality in Amity in Two Days
Days after the mysterious death of Wendy W. Watson, 16 at South Beach, Alex Ferguson, 10 of Mayfair Court in Amity was killed in what appears to be a shark attack at Village Beach.
Eyewitness reports claim Ferguson was floating on a raft when he was pulled under and viciously attacked by his assailant. While the body of Ferguson has not yet been recovered, his raft was found washed up on shore with a large bite taken out of it.
Police Chief Martin P. Brody had this to say: “We now believe that it may be possible that the Watson death could also maybe have been linked to possible shark activates, though that investigation is ongoing at this time.”
Tonight at 5 p.m. the Mayor will hold a press conference regarding Police Chief Brody’s request to close the beaches until the completion of the investigation.
If you have any information or want to know more, contact Martin P. Brody at Brodyman@beachcop.com
Eyewitness reports claim Ferguson was floating on a raft when he was pulled under and viciously attacked by his assailant. While the body of Ferguson has not yet been recovered, his raft was found washed up on shore with a large bite taken out of it.
Police Chief Martin P. Brody had this to say: “We now believe that it may be possible that the Watson death could also maybe have been linked to possible shark activates, though that investigation is ongoing at this time.”
Tonight at 5 p.m. the Mayor will hold a press conference regarding Police Chief Brody’s request to close the beaches until the completion of the investigation.
If you have any information or want to know more, contact Martin P. Brody at Brodyman@beachcop.com
Body Found on South Beach
This morning the body of Wendy W. Watson, 16 was found on South Beach. Police are investigating this tragic death, and while shark attacks are unlikely, police say they have not ruled it out as a possible cause of death. Watson’s body has been transported to the coroner’s office to determine her cause of death.
Watson went missing after leaving a beach party with an unidentified male. When she disappeared her companion immediately contacted the Amity Police Department.
“We want to assure all residents and visitors on our fine island that they are in no danger.” said police Chief Martin P. Brody. “Our lovely beaches will remain open for swimming pending the outcome of the investigation.”
If you have any information or want to know more, contact Martin P. Brody at Brodyman@beachcop.com
And check back for updates throughout the day…
Watson went missing after leaving a beach party with an unidentified male. When she disappeared her companion immediately contacted the Amity Police Department.
“We want to assure all residents and visitors on our fine island that they are in no danger.” said police Chief Martin P. Brody. “Our lovely beaches will remain open for swimming pending the outcome of the investigation.”
If you have any information or want to know more, contact Martin P. Brody at Brodyman@beachcop.com
And check back for updates throughout the day…
Sunday, April 26, 2009
New York Times Reading Log
Monday: On Monday there was a story about the number of people from Minnesota being contaminated with all the bad food that has been sent our way in the past year. Peanuts and peppers come to mind instantly, and I wondered how many people (if any) suffered from the contamination in New Hampshire or New England. I hadn't heard any specific numbers besides the "x people have been contaminated in the United States" numbers.
Tuesday: The story about Philip Markoff got me today. It just goes to show how dangerous the internet can be. My parents now avidly use craigslist to sell unwanted possessions and farm animals, but it's still scary to think there are predators out there on the internet, and Markoff was closer than anyone could have expected.
Wednesday: I decided to write about the Somali man being brought to the United States to face piracy charges. In a time in which no one thinks of pirates, this is quite interesting to me. This comes after the attack on the American ship and the increased activity of the Somali pirates.
Thursday: To finish the week I decided to include the story about the Taliban moving closer to the capital. With all that's going on in the world, it's easy to forget that innocent people are being killed while dangerous villains still walk the earth. This story is a big reminder of the threat the Taliban still pose to the troops overseas and the power that they still have.
Tuesday: The story about Philip Markoff got me today. It just goes to show how dangerous the internet can be. My parents now avidly use craigslist to sell unwanted possessions and farm animals, but it's still scary to think there are predators out there on the internet, and Markoff was closer than anyone could have expected.
Wednesday: I decided to write about the Somali man being brought to the United States to face piracy charges. In a time in which no one thinks of pirates, this is quite interesting to me. This comes after the attack on the American ship and the increased activity of the Somali pirates.
Thursday: To finish the week I decided to include the story about the Taliban moving closer to the capital. With all that's going on in the world, it's easy to forget that innocent people are being killed while dangerous villains still walk the earth. This story is a big reminder of the threat the Taliban still pose to the troops overseas and the power that they still have.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
New York Times Reading Log
Monday: The idea of editing memory caught my eye. The fact that scientists may be able to temper with your memory and cause you to forget specific events or plant new memories sort of scared me. Memories are something that we hold very personally and to have scientists that can control every aspect of your life through your memories made me a little worried about the future. I can't help but wondering what they would use such a power for.
Tuesday: The story about the optimism in the United States over the economy was the story I picked for Tuesday. After what seems like forever since the economy has been on the steady decline, it is nice to see that since the inauguration people are more and more optimistic that the future seems bright. I find this is a story of great importance for after Obama was sworn in, it felt as if the entire country had been divided into democratic and republican party. It's nice to see there is actually a unified feeling of hope that the economy will right itself.
Wednesday: The story about the internet detective story was what I picked for today. I feel like the "finders keepers" mentality is strong in many Americans, but to hear a story about a camera returned to its rightful owner after being lost is heartwarming. During a time when the internet is being associated more and more with pornographic material, I think it's important to create stories like this. They may not be life changing, but they impact some, and that is important.
Thursday: Finishing out the week I decided to pick the story about the United States man that was taken hostage by the Somali pirates. It's not often you hear tales of modern day pirates, and the fact that the man held hostage is not only from the U.S., but also from Vermont.
Tuesday: The story about the optimism in the United States over the economy was the story I picked for Tuesday. After what seems like forever since the economy has been on the steady decline, it is nice to see that since the inauguration people are more and more optimistic that the future seems bright. I find this is a story of great importance for after Obama was sworn in, it felt as if the entire country had been divided into democratic and republican party. It's nice to see there is actually a unified feeling of hope that the economy will right itself.
Wednesday: The story about the internet detective story was what I picked for today. I feel like the "finders keepers" mentality is strong in many Americans, but to hear a story about a camera returned to its rightful owner after being lost is heartwarming. During a time when the internet is being associated more and more with pornographic material, I think it's important to create stories like this. They may not be life changing, but they impact some, and that is important.
Thursday: Finishing out the week I decided to pick the story about the United States man that was taken hostage by the Somali pirates. It's not often you hear tales of modern day pirates, and the fact that the man held hostage is not only from the U.S., but also from Vermont.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
New York Times Reading Log
Monday: The story that got to me Monday was the story about having guns on campus. While I feel there are a few pros to having weapons on hand at all times, it really requires the person who is carrying that weapon to be a 100% stable individual who will in no way present a danger to the students he or she is around. I feel that it in this situation, the cons outweigh the pros. Allowing all students to have weaponry on campus would add an invisible fear on campus, never knowing if someone will pull out a gun that they can legally carry and start shooting.
Tuesday: Tuesday had a story about trying in inefficient gas guzzling cars for more fuel efficient cars as part of a way to start energizing the auto market in the United States in a chance to save companies like GM and Cryster. I thought that this story was important due to the ongoing economic crisis we are in and the state of the automotive industry.
Wednesday: There was a story in the paper Wednesday about boat owners who are leaving their boats due to an inability to afford them and they are not littering the coast and slowly decaying due to a lack of upkeep. This is a serious problem not only because of the danger it causes to other boaters that have to navigate around the abandoned boats, but also without upkeep, the boats could potentially begin to poison the waters around it, which would cause a strain on the environment as well.
Thursday: Ending the week is the story about Obama at the summit in Europe. He acknowledged that the United States had a role to play in the decline of it's own economy, but he urged the world to not place blame, and begin working towards a solution. I always find it interesting reading about international news, especially during these hard times. With the president advocating for a change, we can only hope that other leaders agree, or sway our president with new and insightful ideas. I firmly believe that something needs to be done sooner than later, so the less disagreement over the actions are key. However, that may not be possible with so many leaders gathered.
Tuesday: Tuesday had a story about trying in inefficient gas guzzling cars for more fuel efficient cars as part of a way to start energizing the auto market in the United States in a chance to save companies like GM and Cryster. I thought that this story was important due to the ongoing economic crisis we are in and the state of the automotive industry.
Wednesday: There was a story in the paper Wednesday about boat owners who are leaving their boats due to an inability to afford them and they are not littering the coast and slowly decaying due to a lack of upkeep. This is a serious problem not only because of the danger it causes to other boaters that have to navigate around the abandoned boats, but also without upkeep, the boats could potentially begin to poison the waters around it, which would cause a strain on the environment as well.
Thursday: Ending the week is the story about Obama at the summit in Europe. He acknowledged that the United States had a role to play in the decline of it's own economy, but he urged the world to not place blame, and begin working towards a solution. I always find it interesting reading about international news, especially during these hard times. With the president advocating for a change, we can only hope that other leaders agree, or sway our president with new and insightful ideas. I firmly believe that something needs to be done sooner than later, so the less disagreement over the actions are key. However, that may not be possible with so many leaders gathered.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Police Chief Anthony Colarusso Jr. Draft 1
In a quickly growing and aspiring community such as Dover, N.H., a lot can go wrong. Known for its mounted police and inviting atmosphere, in this quiet and peaceful town, it is up to the police force to maintain a continuous level of security to the society. On any given day disaster may strike, and it’s up to the brave men and women of the Dover Police Department to respond and bring swift justice to those who would threaten this child-friendly society. The police force is led by Chief Anthony Colarusso, Jr., who has been in charge of the force since being promoted in 2007. It's up to Colarusso Jr. and his elite group of officers to keep criminals off the streets and sustain balance all in the name of upholding the law. Since his promotion Colarusso Jr. has had busy days and slow days, but that’s all a part of being an officer of the law.
Colarusso Jr. started on the force in 1985 as a regular patrol officer under Police Chief ____. Since then he has worked his way up the ranks, being promoted from not only the chief himself but also the committee of special investigations. He has been involved in nearly every aspect of the police force during his time at the Dover Police station and before becoming the official Police Chief, spent time as the interim Police Chief at the station. While climbing the ladder of ranks, he has also taken time to give back to the community, volunteering in numerous different public organizations such as a school related programs. Since the time he started, Colarusso Jr. has been a model citizen and proved to be worthy of the title he has received.
After graduating from the University of Massachusetts in Lowell under the criminal justice department, Colarusso Jr. continued his education as a police officer until he was given the job with the Dover police squad.
Colarusso Jr. is married with children and now lives in Dover.
Colarusso Jr. started on the force in 1985 as a regular patrol officer under Police Chief ____. Since then he has worked his way up the ranks, being promoted from not only the chief himself but also the committee of special investigations. He has been involved in nearly every aspect of the police force during his time at the Dover Police station and before becoming the official Police Chief, spent time as the interim Police Chief at the station. While climbing the ladder of ranks, he has also taken time to give back to the community, volunteering in numerous different public organizations such as a school related programs. Since the time he started, Colarusso Jr. has been a model citizen and proved to be worthy of the title he has received.
After graduating from the University of Massachusetts in Lowell under the criminal justice department, Colarusso Jr. continued his education as a police officer until he was given the job with the Dover police squad.
Colarusso Jr. is married with children and now lives in Dover.
My future in journalism
After being in the Newswriting class I don't feel as if I will be following the career path the class has set. I am toying with the idea of being a video game journalist and up until recently had my own blog in which I had roughly 100 followers.
In terms of this class, I don't think it has helped persuade me to deviate from my initial goal of becoming a gaming journalist. If I continue in the journalism field, that is where I want to end up.
This course is interesting, but I often have a tremendously hard time finding things to write about. Finding “newsworthy” stories for the class is still a chore while I often find myself with a plethora of stories that would greatly impact the video gaming community.
In terms of this class, I don't think it has helped persuade me to deviate from my initial goal of becoming a gaming journalist. If I continue in the journalism field, that is where I want to end up.
This course is interesting, but I often have a tremendously hard time finding things to write about. Finding “newsworthy” stories for the class is still a chore while I often find myself with a plethora of stories that would greatly impact the video gaming community.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
New York Times Reading Log
Monday: Today I found interest in the story about the violence in Tucson regarding the Mexican drug cartels and the violence that is springing up in that area. I was amazed at the statistics that were given regarding the amount of home invasions the area had suffered and was more amazed that most of them were related to the drug cartels.
Tuesday: The story about the girl forced strip at her school when she was 13 caught my eye today. I was appalled at the things she was forced to do all because they thought she had prescription pills on her. I am a fan of the zero-tolerance policy but I firmly believe that this oversteps the boundaries set by those rules. It's one thing for a police officer to strip search someone who may have drugs on them, but a 13 year old girl in her own school is crossing the line.
Wednesday: The story about the possibility of a foreign crisis coming out of Mexico was the story I picked for today. The war on terrorism is hard enough to deal with, and it scares me to think what it would be like if it was from a country right next to us. I am saddened by the state Mexico is currently in, dealing with drug trafficking and such. I found this an interesting followup the story from Monday. I hope things can be smoothed over before the crisis becomes out of hand.
Thursday: Finishing out the week I picked the story on the postal service possibly going broke without help. I discussed this in my conference and the idea of the postal service having to cut back on when they operate is frightening to me. However, I understand how that's possible because the act of sending a letter is outdated compared to sending an email. But for those who need to send packages, this is an alarming bit of information.
Tuesday: The story about the girl forced strip at her school when she was 13 caught my eye today. I was appalled at the things she was forced to do all because they thought she had prescription pills on her. I am a fan of the zero-tolerance policy but I firmly believe that this oversteps the boundaries set by those rules. It's one thing for a police officer to strip search someone who may have drugs on them, but a 13 year old girl in her own school is crossing the line.
Wednesday: The story about the possibility of a foreign crisis coming out of Mexico was the story I picked for today. The war on terrorism is hard enough to deal with, and it scares me to think what it would be like if it was from a country right next to us. I am saddened by the state Mexico is currently in, dealing with drug trafficking and such. I found this an interesting followup the story from Monday. I hope things can be smoothed over before the crisis becomes out of hand.
Thursday: Finishing out the week I picked the story on the postal service possibly going broke without help. I discussed this in my conference and the idea of the postal service having to cut back on when they operate is frightening to me. However, I understand how that's possible because the act of sending a letter is outdated compared to sending an email. But for those who need to send packages, this is an alarming bit of information.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
New York Times Reading Log
Monday: The story I found most interested on Monday was the story regarding the secret jails that are in China. It's always creepy to hear about jails or prisons in which no one sees, but these "black houses" sound exceptionally ominous and are closer to the everyday lives of the Chinese than they think. It's haunting to think that people land in these secret prisons for seeking justice.
Tuesday: Tuesday's story was the Shakespeare story. I am a big fan of Shakespeare and the finding of a new portrait of him shocked the world as possibly the only portrait of him recovered. I found this neat that this was discovered nearly 400 years after Shakespeare had died.
Wednesday: The big story for me was the story of Madoff planning to plead guilty to the crimes he had committed. After scamming people out of their money and essentially stealing for all of them, he is finally going to a place fit for him.
Thursday: Finishing out the week was the stories on the shootings. It seemed that the cover page was smothered in bad news as shootings in the U.S. and Germany showed up. I had never seen a split story like that on the cover page either (where it said for one shooting go to page x and for the other, go to page y) so that sparked an interest in reading both to see how they were similar and different.
Tuesday: Tuesday's story was the Shakespeare story. I am a big fan of Shakespeare and the finding of a new portrait of him shocked the world as possibly the only portrait of him recovered. I found this neat that this was discovered nearly 400 years after Shakespeare had died.
Wednesday: The big story for me was the story of Madoff planning to plead guilty to the crimes he had committed. After scamming people out of their money and essentially stealing for all of them, he is finally going to a place fit for him.
Thursday: Finishing out the week was the stories on the shootings. It seemed that the cover page was smothered in bad news as shootings in the U.S. and Germany showed up. I had never seen a split story like that on the cover page either (where it said for one shooting go to page x and for the other, go to page y) so that sparked an interest in reading both to see how they were similar and different.
Monday, March 9, 2009
School on Saturday Sparks Debate
Portsmouth School Board debated the inclusion of a Saturday school day for students who have disciplinary problems during the regular school week. However this was met with mixed reactions from the public.
Tim Steele presented the new idea which would cost the school roughly $3,000 a year to reduce the number of in-house suspensions students are receiving due to poor behavior. During this time students would not be allowed to make up missed work, and would miss no weekly class time as they would if they were suspended. “I know this isn’t good news for parents,” Steele claims, “but I hope the threat of Saturday classes will make the students think twice before breaking the school rules.”
The need for a more strict detention came from students being caught smoking on the grounds of Portsmouth High School. This was not the only problem, but was one of the worst claims Steele.
Peggy Bacon, a parent who works 6 days a week disagreed with the proposal. “Why do we need a change? I know my son isn’t perfect, and I know he’ll probably wind up on the Saturday list at some point, but I’m not going to force him to go.” She said. “I just don’t think it’s going to make a any difference, and the parents are going to pay for it -- in higher taxes as well as in ruined Saturdays.”
Bob Farley, a town resident responded. “Parents can whine all they want about this, byt maybe it’s time parents in America were made to take a little responsibility for their kids.” He said. “Parents aren’t teaching their kids any discipline, so the kids have no respect for rules. Maybe if they have to miss a few Saturday morning cartoons they’ll start wising up.”
Lisa Gallagher, a senior at Portsmouth High School spoke last. “I don’t like this idea. I think it’s just being done to make like easier for the faculty, so they don’t have to deal with detentions during the week. Anyway, what if someone skips the session?”
Steele responded that the student would not be allowed to return to their regular classes until the Saturday detention was served.
The board then voted, and with a 5 -3 outcome with one member abstaining from the vote, Steele was asked to return to the next meeting with statistics regarding the number of in-school detentions given out this year.
Portsmouth High School
Portsmouth School Department
Portsmouth School Board Meeting Dates
Tim Steele presented the new idea which would cost the school roughly $3,000 a year to reduce the number of in-house suspensions students are receiving due to poor behavior. During this time students would not be allowed to make up missed work, and would miss no weekly class time as they would if they were suspended. “I know this isn’t good news for parents,” Steele claims, “but I hope the threat of Saturday classes will make the students think twice before breaking the school rules.”
The need for a more strict detention came from students being caught smoking on the grounds of Portsmouth High School. This was not the only problem, but was one of the worst claims Steele.
Peggy Bacon, a parent who works 6 days a week disagreed with the proposal. “Why do we need a change? I know my son isn’t perfect, and I know he’ll probably wind up on the Saturday list at some point, but I’m not going to force him to go.” She said. “I just don’t think it’s going to make a any difference, and the parents are going to pay for it -- in higher taxes as well as in ruined Saturdays.”
Bob Farley, a town resident responded. “Parents can whine all they want about this, byt maybe it’s time parents in America were made to take a little responsibility for their kids.” He said. “Parents aren’t teaching their kids any discipline, so the kids have no respect for rules. Maybe if they have to miss a few Saturday morning cartoons they’ll start wising up.”
Lisa Gallagher, a senior at Portsmouth High School spoke last. “I don’t like this idea. I think it’s just being done to make like easier for the faculty, so they don’t have to deal with detentions during the week. Anyway, what if someone skips the session?”
Steele responded that the student would not be allowed to return to their regular classes until the Saturday detention was served.
The board then voted, and with a 5 -3 outcome with one member abstaining from the vote, Steele was asked to return to the next meeting with statistics regarding the number of in-school detentions given out this year.
Portsmouth High School
Portsmouth School Department
Portsmouth School Board Meeting Dates
Sunday, March 8, 2009
New York Times Reading Log
Monday: I found an interesting story on the number of public colleges getting a "surge of bargain-hunters". I found it interesting that while the economy is in a complete crisis, students wishing to further their education are still doing so, but it's as if they are almost better "shoppers" when searching for the college that is right for them. In other words, many are asking themselves: "What college will give me the most for the money I have?" and public colleges seem to be the answer with a broad array of career paths.
Tuesday: The story I found interesting today was the story of the two Chinese artifacts that were up for auction in Paris that of course the Chinese claim are theirs. The interesting twist that I discovered while reading the article was that the man who bid the winning $18 million had no intention of paying, but was doing so simply as an act of patriotism.
Wednesday: Today I found the story of the debt collectors calling for the deceased intriguing. I never knew that debt collectors would even try a stunt like that, and I also learned that while the spouse or children of the deceased have no legal obligation to pay the debt off, many of them decide they will. Some of them pay because they feel that should because it's the right thing to do, while others are not informed of the fact that they have no legal obligation. I found this creepy how we as the payers could possibly not get all the education we need to make a choice about whether or not to pay off a deceased loved one's debt. And apparently this type of debt collection is increasing.
Thursday: Rounding out the week was the story about the "cricket attack" that happened in Pakistan. The Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked due to a lapse in security which left them completely vulnerable to a "commando-style attack". This attack was eventually responsible in the death of six police officers and two bystanders. I found this article to be terrifying. Any international sports teams should be able to trust that they will be taken care of in the name of good sportsmanship. They are there to play, not to get caught up in some violent outbreak.
Tuesday: The story I found interesting today was the story of the two Chinese artifacts that were up for auction in Paris that of course the Chinese claim are theirs. The interesting twist that I discovered while reading the article was that the man who bid the winning $18 million had no intention of paying, but was doing so simply as an act of patriotism.
Wednesday: Today I found the story of the debt collectors calling for the deceased intriguing. I never knew that debt collectors would even try a stunt like that, and I also learned that while the spouse or children of the deceased have no legal obligation to pay the debt off, many of them decide they will. Some of them pay because they feel that should because it's the right thing to do, while others are not informed of the fact that they have no legal obligation. I found this creepy how we as the payers could possibly not get all the education we need to make a choice about whether or not to pay off a deceased loved one's debt. And apparently this type of debt collection is increasing.
Thursday: Rounding out the week was the story about the "cricket attack" that happened in Pakistan. The Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked due to a lapse in security which left them completely vulnerable to a "commando-style attack". This attack was eventually responsible in the death of six police officers and two bystanders. I found this article to be terrifying. Any international sports teams should be able to trust that they will be taken care of in the name of good sportsmanship. They are there to play, not to get caught up in some violent outbreak.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
New York Times Reading Log
Monday: The story that interested me on Monday was the one about states and cities fighting for the stimulus cash. I thought it was interesting how badly people and communities need the money. It really shows how poor the economy is. I also wondered what Durham is doing to acquire stimulus cash, and if UNH is involved in any way.
Tuesday: I was intrigued by the story about the man who returned home to Swat Valley to visit family only to be taken by the Taliban and interrogated as an American spy. It is eye opening to me to hear that someone who lived there before who was simply visiting was treated in such a way. It is a solemn reminder to the volatile state of that area.
Wednesday: The automaker story was the story I focused on for Wednesday. I have always viewed the C.E.Os of the auto making industry slimy, and asking for $14 billion more to bail them out just seems like an awful lot. I am no expert and in truth they may need all of that money, but I've been weary of their intentions ever since they showed up in their private jets to lobby for money.
Thursday: Ending out the week was the story on the bank that was willing to release names of Americans who are expected to be evading taxes. I had never thought of that idea before and it is a bit frightening to think of people doing that. It will be interesting to see how the names are released, and the punishment/fines those people will have to pay to compensate, especially if it has gone on for quite some time.
Tuesday: I was intrigued by the story about the man who returned home to Swat Valley to visit family only to be taken by the Taliban and interrogated as an American spy. It is eye opening to me to hear that someone who lived there before who was simply visiting was treated in such a way. It is a solemn reminder to the volatile state of that area.
Wednesday: The automaker story was the story I focused on for Wednesday. I have always viewed the C.E.Os of the auto making industry slimy, and asking for $14 billion more to bail them out just seems like an awful lot. I am no expert and in truth they may need all of that money, but I've been weary of their intentions ever since they showed up in their private jets to lobby for money.
Thursday: Ending out the week was the story on the bank that was willing to release names of Americans who are expected to be evading taxes. I had never thought of that idea before and it is a bit frightening to think of people doing that. It will be interesting to see how the names are released, and the punishment/fines those people will have to pay to compensate, especially if it has gone on for quite some time.
Friday, February 13, 2009
New York Times Reading Log
Monday: The story that first got my attention this week was the peanut story on the front page. I've been overlooking this issue for awhile now, but to hear of the unsanitary conditions plaguing the factory such as rodents, outside contaminants and a roaster that failed to kill specific types of germs not only brings immediate light to the subject, but makes me somewhat phobic the next time I reach for that jar of Peanut Butter.
Tuesday: Arguably the best baseball player around shocked the world when a information was leaked about his use of performance enhancing drugs. This story meant a lot to me because I follow baseball as closely as I can and Alex Rodriguez admitting to abusing these drugs is not only bad news for him, but bad news for the club he plays for and has played for.
Wednesday: Blow the fold there was a story of a woman who had a prosthetic arm that could listen to what her brain was telling it, and respond accordingly. This story is eye opening, especially when the Times cites what she is able to do: the ability to change diapers and give bear hugs. This health/tech story blew me away and is a look into the future.
Thursday: Ending on a sad note this week, the last story that spoke to me was the story of the Taliban storming Kabul. Any war story that speaks of death is exceptionally poignant, but thinking about how five men caused so much damage in only about an hours time is frightening. Certainly acts like this will not let us forget the atrocities that are happening overseas.
Tuesday: Arguably the best baseball player around shocked the world when a information was leaked about his use of performance enhancing drugs. This story meant a lot to me because I follow baseball as closely as I can and Alex Rodriguez admitting to abusing these drugs is not only bad news for him, but bad news for the club he plays for and has played for.
Wednesday: Blow the fold there was a story of a woman who had a prosthetic arm that could listen to what her brain was telling it, and respond accordingly. This story is eye opening, especially when the Times cites what she is able to do: the ability to change diapers and give bear hugs. This health/tech story blew me away and is a look into the future.
Thursday: Ending on a sad note this week, the last story that spoke to me was the story of the Taliban storming Kabul. Any war story that speaks of death is exceptionally poignant, but thinking about how five men caused so much damage in only about an hours time is frightening. Certainly acts like this will not let us forget the atrocities that are happening overseas.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Elderly Man Saved just in Time
A life has been saved thanks to a young man who acted heroically at 6 a.m. Monday morning by running to the police station and inform them that a car had stalled on the railroad tracks 100 yards away.
"I never thought about. I just knew I couldn't let that man get crushed by a train." said James Laboke, 17, who walks the same path every morning to work at the Eezy Breezy Restaurant.
Laboke found the car on the tracks with an unconscious man at the wheel. He tried pounding on the window by the man was unresponsive. Laboke then ran 100 yards to the Old Orchard Beach police station that sent out a call for help.
Janet Paradiso, the captain of the force was only a mile away when the call went out. Police say that as she arrived on the scene, she could hear a whistle in the distance. Acting on impulses she then rammed the vehicle with her cruiser, pushing it off the tracks. Thirty seconds later, the train rushed past.
“I knew there was no time. I had to do something.” Said Paradiso afterwards.
Brian Paul, chief of police announced these events in the police report.
“It was that close,” Paul said.
The man was later identified as 80-year-old Francois Truffaut from Quebec City, Canada. He was listed in stable condition, and also listed acknowledged he was a diabetic.
“I don’t remember a thing.” Truffaut said while recovering at Southern Maine Medical Center. He may have gone into insulin shock while crossing the tracks.
After reporting the stalled car Laboke reported to work on time without reporting anything to his boss, Charles Champaigne.
“It doesn’t surprise me at all,” Champaigne said. “That young man is one of my most responsible employees. He’s just a great kid.”
"I never thought about. I just knew I couldn't let that man get crushed by a train." said James Laboke, 17, who walks the same path every morning to work at the Eezy Breezy Restaurant.
Laboke found the car on the tracks with an unconscious man at the wheel. He tried pounding on the window by the man was unresponsive. Laboke then ran 100 yards to the Old Orchard Beach police station that sent out a call for help.
Janet Paradiso, the captain of the force was only a mile away when the call went out. Police say that as she arrived on the scene, she could hear a whistle in the distance. Acting on impulses she then rammed the vehicle with her cruiser, pushing it off the tracks. Thirty seconds later, the train rushed past.
“I knew there was no time. I had to do something.” Said Paradiso afterwards.
Brian Paul, chief of police announced these events in the police report.
“It was that close,” Paul said.
The man was later identified as 80-year-old Francois Truffaut from Quebec City, Canada. He was listed in stable condition, and also listed acknowledged he was a diabetic.
“I don’t remember a thing.” Truffaut said while recovering at Southern Maine Medical Center. He may have gone into insulin shock while crossing the tracks.
After reporting the stalled car Laboke reported to work on time without reporting anything to his boss, Charles Champaigne.
“It doesn’t surprise me at all,” Champaigne said. “That young man is one of my most responsible employees. He’s just a great kid.”
Saturday, February 7, 2009
New York Times Reading Log
Monday: The story that really interested me in today's paper was the story regarding the tanker explosion in Kenya. The image of the children with such traumatic wounds were really moving and while it's not a story that will go down in the history books, it certainly has immediate relevance for the victims involved in the explosion.
Tuesday: Right on the front page was the story of President Obama and the democrats reaching an agreement with the republicans on the stimulus plan. Not only is this important to the United States to help recharge the economy, it also is important to me for I am soon to be going out into the field looking for work.
Wednesday: The big news today in my book was the withdraw of Daschle's bid from the cabinet. The even bigger news was that President Obama stepped out and said that he made a mistake or "screwed up" as he put it, but wanted to move on. I found it interesting that our President was taking the blame for something and openly admitting it was his fault. I think it was a mature step to take and a beneficial one in order for citizens to trust their government.
Thursday: Ending out the week was the story about the Digital Pirates winning against Hollywood by illegally putting movies up on the internet. This was really big back when I was in High School and it seems to still be going strong today. I personally feel that movies are heading in this direction anyway, but until it's made legal, it's a hot topic in the entertainment department.
Tuesday: Right on the front page was the story of President Obama and the democrats reaching an agreement with the republicans on the stimulus plan. Not only is this important to the United States to help recharge the economy, it also is important to me for I am soon to be going out into the field looking for work.
Wednesday: The big news today in my book was the withdraw of Daschle's bid from the cabinet. The even bigger news was that President Obama stepped out and said that he made a mistake or "screwed up" as he put it, but wanted to move on. I found it interesting that our President was taking the blame for something and openly admitting it was his fault. I think it was a mature step to take and a beneficial one in order for citizens to trust their government.
Thursday: Ending out the week was the story about the Digital Pirates winning against Hollywood by illegally putting movies up on the internet. This was really big back when I was in High School and it seems to still be going strong today. I personally feel that movies are heading in this direction anyway, but until it's made legal, it's a hot topic in the entertainment department.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Teens involved in car accident
Three teenagers speeding on Mile Hill Rd. in Belmont, Massachusetts lost control of their vehicle resulting in a violent accident in which the car flipped onto its roof Monday evening.
Jamie Peterson, 17, lost control of his vehicle around 9 o’clock and flipped. Two other unnamed females were also in the car at the time of the accident. Both female victims are young says Lieutenant Judith Barkus of the Belmont Police Dept.
Peterson escaped by crawling from the wreck while the other two victims were trapped inside. Police used the Jaws of Life and rescued them after 45 minutes. One is now in stable condition while the other was airlifted to Mass. General Hospital, her status is unknown.
Josie M. Crandall who lives on Mile Hill Road witnessed the accident and informed the police.
“I’ve never seen a car going so fast on this road. It’s a dirt road, and it’s really easy to lose control.” Said Crandall, who watched the white Mustang speed down to road before flipping onto its roof.
Tom Carroll, Jr., 17, a student driving down the same road was first on the scene.
“I thought the worst. They were flying. It’s hard to see kids your age in something like this. You realize when you see it what could happen, especially on this road.” Said Carroll who informed police he discovered beer cans beside the wreckage. It was also noted that Mile Hill Rd. has no streetlights, increasing the potential of an accident.
In fact, two were killed at the same spot on Christmas Eve in 1998.
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