Monday, April 30, 2012

Architecture Blog




1. Who is the architect (the person who built it)?
Frank Gehry
2. When was it built?
1997
3. Where is it located?
Bilbao, Spain
4. Is it a private building or can you visit it?
This was actually turned into a museum, so you can visit!
5. Is there information on how much it cost to build?
I searched on Google and I could not find any information that mentioned how much it cost. 
6. Is there a reason the building was created or the history of the building itself?
They had an idea to open a museum but they also wanted the building to be daring and innovative. 
7. Why did you pick this building? (write at least a paragraph on this question)
I picked this building because I really liked how many different shapes were in the building. This isn't just your conventional building instead it takes risk with the architecture. I think that it makes an even bigger impact because it is located in an isolated spot on a river. 

File:Casa Milà - Barcelona, Spain - Jan 2007.jpg

1. Who is the architect (the person who built it)?
Antonio Gaudi
2. When was it built?
1905-1910
3. Where is it located?
Barcelona, Spain
4. Is it a private building or can you visit it?
It is a public building and they offer tours and visits. 
5. Is there information on how much it cost to build?
No
6. Is there a reason the building was created or the history of the building itself?
It was actually built for the married couple that lived in Spain named, Roser Segimon and Pere Milà. The building was known for its innovative work and steel structure. 
7. Why did you pick this building? (write at least a paragraph on this question)
I chose this building because I really liked the way it looked. It almost looked like the front of the building was melting, yet it was still able to support the roof. Overall the building looks really innovative and it would be a great place to visit someday. 

File:Beijing NCPA.JPG

1. Who is the architect (the person who built it)?
Paul Andreu
2. When was it built?
Started in December 2001, and opened on December 2007
3. Where is it located?
Beijing, China
4. Is it a private building or can you visit it?
It is a public building and is a performing arts center. 
5. Is there information on how much it cost to build?
It cost around 3.2 billion CNY. 
6. Is there a reason the building was created or the history of the building itself?
It was built to be an opera house and is now a performing arts center. The building has an opera hall, music hall, and theater hall. 
7. Why did you pick this building? (write at least a paragraph on this question)
I chose this building because it really shocked me when i first saw it. I thought this was some sort of high-tech ship/boat when  I first saw the picture. I really like that it seems like the building goes underwater and makes it seem like you are in the water. I think the building looks really pretty at night when the lights are shining and the reflection hits the water .


File:Atomium 20-08-07.jpg

1. Who is the architect (the person who built it)?
Andre Waterkeyn
2. When was it built?
Completed in 1958
3. Where is it located?
Brussels, Belgium
4. Is it a private building or can you visit it?
This is a public building and it hosts exhibitions. 
5. Is there information on how much it cost to build?
No, there is no information mentioning the exact cost to build this, however it does mention that they often have to renovate the building which adds to the original cost to build. 
6. Is there a reason the building was created or the history of the building itself?
It was originally built for Expo '58 in the 1958 Brussels World Fair. 
7. Why did you pick this building? (write at least a paragraph on this question)
I chose this building because at first sight it does not look like a building and it does not look like there is an inside. It also looks like a ferris wheel. I really like that the entire building is stainless steel. I would love to be able to reach the top of the building and look out. 



1. Who is the architect (the person who built it)?
Tom Wright 
2. When was it built?
1999
3. Where is it located?
DubaiUnited Arab Emirates
4. Is it a private building or can you visit it?
It is public, it is a luxury hotel
5. Is there information on how much it cost to build?
It cost around $650 million to build. 
6. Is there a reason the building was created or the history of the building itself?
The building was created into a hotel and it is one of the tallest hotels in the world. It has become an iconic symbol similar to buildings like the Eifffel tower.
7. Why did you pick this building? (write at least a paragraph on this question)
I chose this building because i was immediately drawn to it's beautiful structure and height. I also really like that the building resembles a ship. When i saw pictures of the inside, it looked extremely luxurious and like a great hotel to stay at. The building is really pretty and also located on an artificial lake. 

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Inverted Pyramid

News Elements

Proximity: 
http://www.statesman.com/news/local/police-woman-set-husband-on-fire-locked-him-2315443.html

Prominence:
http://www.statesman.com/news/nation/zimmerman-apologizes-for-shooting-gets-150k-bail-2316666.html

Timeliness
http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2012/04/20/man_killed_by_capital_metro_bu.html

Oddity:
http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2012/04/20/police_man_tried_to_steal_truc.html

Consequence: 
http://www.statesman.com/news/local/new-trial-rejected-in-2003-north-austin-child-2325459.html
 
Conflict:
http://www.statesman.com/news/texas-politics/lawmakers-say-reforms-may-not-be-working-at-2325571.html
 
Human interest:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/26/us/spotlight-eludes-black-youths-killing-in-georgia.html?_r=1&hpw

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

5 W's and H's

Story 1:

Who?
 Passengers aboard a flight from Canada and the pilot.

What?
A pilot fell asleep while flying a plane and mistook another oncoming airplane for the planet Venus. It caused the plane to change altitude rapidly and lose control.

When?
January 14, 2011


Where?
Air Canada flight 878 from Toronto to Zurich, Switzerland

Why?
This happened because the pilot fell asleep and felt ill while flying the plane.

How?
After taking a 72 minute nap, the pilot woke up feeling uneasy and ill. He mistook the planet Venus for another plane and caused the plane to drop altitude. This caused passengers to hit the roof and fall out their seats.

Story 2:


Who?
A six year old, Salecia Johnson and police officer

What?
Police handcuffed and arrested a 6 year old boy at his elementary.

When?
 Tuesday April 17th, 2012


Where?
 In Georgia, at Creekside Elementary.

Why
 Police say Salecia was throwing a tantrum and damaging school property.

How?
She was screaming and crying in the principals office and creating a disturbance to the school. Police took action and arrested her.

Story 3:

Who?
 Austin Fisher


What?
Fisher will end up graduating high school after a much long debate.

When?
 Monday afternoon, April 16th


Where?
Carrollton (Ohio) School District
How?

Administration originally banned fisher from walking at his graduation with his classmates because he had two too many school absences. However, the superintendent reversed the decision in a rapid vote.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Student of the Month Interview

 What is your name and grade? 

Nick O'Donald, 11th Grade

What did you do to become Student of the Month?
I completed all of my work and did good in all my classes and paid attention.

How do you feel about being an example for other students in your school?
It feels pretty good!

Would you recommend other students to be student of the month? Why or why not?
No, because it's not much fun, you don't get much privileges
.
What advice would you give to those who want to become student of the month?
You should work hard, help out others, and do good in classes.

Did a teacher or parent recommend you apply for student of the month?
No, I did this on my own.

Based on your experience, would you want to be student of the month again?
Probably not, because it's a lot of responsibility

Are there any requirements to become student of the month? Grades, extracurricular activities, etc,
Yes, you have to get A's and B's.

Has being student of the month increased the amount of stress in your life? 
No, not really it is still the same.

Do you have more responsibilities being "student of the month"?
Yes, I have to set a good example for others at my school.

Has this position changed your view on the school and life in general?
Nope, I still think of everything as the same.

How did your friends, family, and teachers react when they found out you were chosen?
They were really happy and wanted to celebrate

What is one benefit of being student of the month?
You get to be popular and people notice you

What do you think is one negative of being "student of the month"?
You can't really enjoy yourself as much.

Since receiving this reward, have you changed your attitude around your peers. Have you become more positive or negative?
No not at all, I still act the same.

What are some of your goals before finishing off your position as student of the month?
Make the school a better place to attend.

Do you have plans after high school? If so, what do you plant to do?
Yes, I want to go to college and move out.

Have your grades improved since getting this position?
Yes, I now have straight A's in all my classes.

Have you become closer to the administration, faculty, and your teachers since becoming student of the month?  What has changed.
Yes, my teachers know me now and they love me.

Finally, what piece of advice would you give to anyone new to this school? 
Do your best and keep working hard to succeed. 

    Assignment #1: School Uniforms Questions

    1. List three different sources you could interview for this topic.
    • Superintendent of AISD
    • Principle of school- Mr. Gerard
    • Student at Akins High School

    2. Create 20 questions you could ask each source and post them on your blog. It will be the same 20 questions for each, so you only have to think of 20 total questions.

    1. Why do you think the district has enforced students to wear uniforms?
    2. Do you support or oppose this change in dress code?
    3. What does your ideal 'dress code' consist of?
    4. Do you think uniforms will improve student's performance at school?
    5. How do you think students and parents will react when they hear about the change?
    6. Do you think this will cause student's to rebel and perform poorly in their school work?
    7. What are the benefits of having a dress code?
    8. What will be the negative effects of having an enforced dress code across the district?
    9. Do you believe that enforcing students to wear uniforms is too strict?
    10. What are your thoughts on the effects of having uniforms, and it's effect on student's individuality?
    11. Would you want your future children to have school uniforms?
    12. Whose idea do you think it was to have school uniforms? Students, parents, faculty?
    13. Are school uniforms fair? Think about the students that always follow dress code and those that don't.
    14. Will having school uniforms decrease the amount of school fights?
    15. Will school uniforms create less bullying because everyone is now dressed the same?
    16. How would you react if you were the parent of these students? Would you approve or disapprove?
    17. Will uniforms be beneficial to those who can't afford new clothing every year?
    18. Will having uniforms cause less distractions in school and class?
    19. Do you think school uniforms will unite and bring the school together?
    20. What do you think should be the punishments if a student comes to school without the uniform?

    Tuesday, April 10, 2012

    Caption and Evaluation Practice

    Caption: On the morning of September 11, 2012 Tyson Taylor ignites a molotov cocktail during mid-day. Taylor set the bomb off because he was upset at the newly appointed president in his country.

    This photo follows the symmetry and patterns rule. This photo meets this rule because there is a repetition of floating candles in the ceiling and there is a clear pattern being shown.









    This photo follows the rule of thirds and balancing elements rules. This photo meets the rule of thirds because the subject is not directly in the middle of the picture instead they are positioned towards the right side of the photo. By positioning the subject to the right this balances the photo, which meets the balancing elements rule. Also it follows the rule of background. There is a simple background that does not distract away from the subject.





    This photo follows the rule: leading lines. The lines in the photo lead the viewer's eye towards the subject, which in this case can be either the horses or they can lead the viewer's eyes towards the mountains in the background.

    Sports/Action Shoot Finale



    Photo 1: Nick frantically runs across the courtyard to catch the bouncing ball. Nick was playing a game of two square and he lost control of the ball.
















    Photo 2: Marina rushes across the field to keep the ball. Nick was behind her trying to steal the ball away from her.
















    Photo 3:Nick jumps to catch the flying frisbee. Nick enjoyed a game of catch the frisbee with fellow classmates during a nice sunny day outside.
















    Photo 4: Nick hops across the field to avoid getting hit by the tennis ball. He was previously hit in the head twice and was determined to stay away from the ball.