FNN reporters comment on the candidates in the 2008 election.
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In two days we’ve experienced two different landscapes. Yesterday, we visited a Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon. To get to the garden we had to take this excessively long trail, even traveling in a circle, deviating from the correct path. UGH! It was incredibly frustrating. However, when we got to the garden, it was definitely worth it. The beauty, the smells, lack of industrial support; the place was perfect. There were plenty of aesthetic plants, even animals. I got some great pics and even better laughs. The next day, we took a bus to head, basically, you could call it a nobody town, called Cannon Beach, Oregon. We walked on the beach taking pictures and just enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of Cannon Beach. That is, until we got rained on after about 30 minutes of walking on the beach. This place is wow!
-- Maurice Williams
Day Three in paradise. What is better than getting in touch with nature and feeling the vibe of happy energy in a Japanese garden? After going off track for about 2.5 miles we made our way back to the trail and to the scenic Japanese Garden where we had the loveliest view of Mt. Hood. It’s sad that we can’t stay here for the rest of the trip but this place has left us with some good and happy memories. I <3 Portland!!!!
From the lovely city life in Portland, we travel through the mountains of Oregon and finally arrive at the beautiful Cannon Beach on the west coast after the best bus ride ever, with power outlets and a wifi connection. After multiple visits to Flickr to see pictures of Canon Beach’s haystack rock, I had a chance to take pictures of the historic landmark. Sadly, it started to rain so we were forced to retreat from the beach back to the hotel rooms, but I was chilling in the lobby and making new friends with two local girls that are from this area. Sadly, I couldn’t get a shot of it during sunset but I still got some beautiful shots of the rock and its lovely coast line. Now that I’ve made new friends here I don’t want to leave but who knows what’s next in Astoria.
-- Darin Davis
On April 18, we went to a Japanese Garden to get a better view of Mt. Hood. And we did! It was beautiful. The snow at the top of the mountain was so white and the bottom of it was so like a bluish, purplish color.
At the end of the day, we went to a street market that was like our Eastern Market in Washington, D.C. They were selling all sorts of clothes, jewelry and weird things. At the market, I got a henna tattoo that was a peace sign and Nirvana smiley face. The next day, we left Portland and went to Cannon Beach and walked along the ocean. Ms. Kaufman told us the water was cold and not to put our feet in it. But Shaquanda and I wanted to be hardheaded and did it anyway. We found out we should have listened to her. After that, we went to get some food, got into the hot tub, and chilled.
-- Courtney Shackleford
April 18 was an amazing day. We woke up a little later than usual, which was great. After breakfast we headed to Washington Park, where we hiked through the arboretum and to the Japanese Garden. The views were beautiful. Everything was so peaceful and tranquil. Afterwards we headed over to the Portland Street Fair where Courtney and I got henna tattoos and did a little shopping. Then we went to back to the hotel to have a little free time.
The next day, we rose at the crack of dawn to take a bus to Cannon Beach. I must say Cannon beach is awesome. Courtney and I went down to the water where we wrote in the sand and got our feet wet. Afterward, we went to the pool and I almost drowned. Then we went to Doogers and had a wonderful dinner. Once dinner was over we retreated to the hotel for some downtime.
-- Shaquanda Noble
April 18, 2010
*cough* *cough*
Baah! After a nice weekend of awesomeness, knowledge, people and partying, I finally get seriously hit with the same thing that I’ve been trying to avoid since the Monday before the trip…
“WAAAAHH!!! I’M SIIIIIUUUUUUUCK!!!” (I’m sick.)
So instead of seeing an awesome Japanese Garden, I’m forced to eat a Korean bowl of noodles until I feel better. Thank goodness I have friends (I’m talking to you Ms. Kaufman) who actually would pay out of pocket to make sure I’m okay. Enjoy the fun without me!
April 19, 2010
I’m back baby!! And just in time for our move from Portland to Cannon Beach!
The bus ride here was awesome, because I was able to listen to my music on the way. By the way, dreams are awesome when music is playing! I was tired when I got there, but once I settled in my room and made my way to the beach, I was wide awake. The sand was fun to play in and the photos we took were cool too.
After an awesome little photo shoot, Darin, Maurice and I retreated to our rooms to enjoy some quiet time. Time to SLEEEEEEEP!
-- Karlton Chapman
by Karlton Chapman, Darin Davis, Shaquanda Noble, Courtney Shackleford and Maurice Williams
Second full day in Portland and still loving it. Long morning in all these different seminars, but yet they were very helpful for when we get back home. The weather was playing games on us today with some heavy showers and then complete sunshine but either way we still had a good time with our new friends from Washington. Tonight I might get a chance to mix with the DJ at tonight’s party so wish me luck that I keep the crowd live.
-Darin Davis
Oh, what a day! During breakfast I had a chance to talk to a lady (Carol Knopes from the Radio Television Digital News Foundation) who not only worked with USA Today in the days of old but also was the very person who kept FNN’s broadcasts alive with grants from the foundation. The talk with her was very interesting, and I got a chance to hear her point of view on education which, to her, is a two-way street in which a teacher actually teaches and engages with students, with students actually taking the initiative to dive deeper.
After breakfast, the boys and I (my student roommates) made our way back to the convention to get some knowledge on. After we got there and talked to a few other students about their time here in the convention, we made our way to our first session, which talked about writing about entertainment in a newspaper. But even if it was for newspapers, it was more about writing about interesting things to get people to want to read your student material on every release.
After that session, the boys and me went to the second session with an interesting title, “Design so good it will make your eyes bleed!” Those designs were good—let me tell you. The interesting way that those kids designed newspaper layouts was way cool. But at the end of it all, the boys and I went back to the hotel to wait for the awards ceremony then the party. The party was AWESOME!!!! So much dancing, so little time…
-Karlton Chapman
Waiting, Waiting, Waiting…
Rated-T is waiting to hear the results from the awards ceremony for magazines, yearbook and newspapers (all student-made). We are nervous… unsure if the magazine was good enough. Words left unspoken as anticipation filled the air. It seemed as though the waiting itself would last a lifetime.
-Maurice Williams
Today was an interesting day. We attended the convention and went to three sessions. One session talked about transforming your publication to something completely new and cool. The other session we attended was about how to sell your publication through advertising. After the convention we all went back to the hotel to chill. However we got yelled at because Ms. K assumed we didn’t attend the convention. After sorting out our differences we went to the awards ceremony where we didn’t place at all. Disappointed we went back to the hotel to hang out and get ready for the conference party. At the party we had a blast. Afterward, we all went to Denny’s for dinner and then retreated to the hotel for some much needed sleep.
-Shaquanda Noble
Disappointing, depressed, so un-cool. See, today, me and the Rated-T crew went to the Journalism Education Association conference to have our magazine ranked among many other aesthetic magazines. However, we didn’t even place. I was disappointed in myself and very unhappy about the results, though I did feel proud about this magazine compared to the rest because it was just better. Although, the magazine didn’t place, at all, it warmed my heart (not really) to know that when we got there so many kids took our magazines and that none of them were left. Man, I love Oregon...
-Maurice Williams
Today we went to the JEA conference again and attended three sessions, “The Redesign Retreat,” “How to Keep the Chicken Laughing,” and “How to Make the Big Bucks.” After we were done, we were supposed to do whatever we wanted, but it didn’t work out like that. And we kind of got into some disagreements. It was either a misunderstanding or somebody forgot what they told us. (No names.) At 3:30, we attended the NSPA Awards Ceremony. Although we entered our magazine and website in the contest, we didn’t win at all. It was sad but I didn’t care because I know we did a very good job on the magazine and the website. After that we went back to the hotel and got in another disagreement, I think everyone was overwhelmed that we didn’t win. When the disagreement was over, everyone got dressed to go to another party and to listen to Darin DJ for the party. But once again it happened, and we ended up going to the party an hour late. After the party we went to Denny’s and I got some hot wings. Yum!
-Courtney Shackleford
Students “enjoying” the hike to the tram that travels to the top of the mountain to the Oregon Health Sciences University to witness the beautiful view of the city, Mt. Hood, and Mount St. Helens. Our travelers (with revealing comments) from front to back: Darin: (photographer not pictured): This shot is gonna be famous! Karlton: Ugh, I’m soooooo bored… At least my hair is awesome. Shaquanda: Where’s that cab? Courtney: OMG! Look at those puppies! Ms. Kaufman: Oh! I hope don’t look fat. Maurice: Hold up, is that the new DS in that car?
Day 2: Friday, April 16, 2010Read more entries from the Pacific Northwest Blog!
First day, actually getting a chance to get out and explore this wonderful city they call Portland. After our first sessions at the convention center we made our way to the MAX train system and took it from our side of Portland to the tram and up to a hospital where they have a scenic view of the Oregon horizon. From there we saw Mt. Hood, which is the highest mountain in the state, with a snow-capped mountaintop. After leaving the lovely vista we made our way back to our hotel and went shopping at the mall across the street from the hotel, where I blew about $80 from shopping at Hot Topic. Topping off the night at the student dance, I was the hype man for the DJ and helped get the party jumping and pumping! I met some new people and exchanged Facebooks and numbers. I love Portland (so far)!
-Darin Davis
This is where things got interesting. D.C. could learn from this state’s positivity. Portland, Oregon, is so green, quiet and positive. Everything D.C. is not! Just by walking outside, you can tell the air is much cleaner here! *Sniff* *sniff* “Just lovely! Right, Ms. Kaufman?” The people are just as positive, so it felt very good and welcoming in the actual convention, and the learning began…
With just a few hours there, I walk away with Oregonian knowledge, of their mountains and newspaper (which I didn’t get from school), such as some key knowledge about freedom of speech.
-Karlton Chapman
Man, talk about worth it. Portland, Oregon, is definitely different from D.C. The look, the feel, the smells and the people -- everything is simply different. I love that difference; it’s such a breath of fresh air I might want to stay here longer than a few days, lol. Anyways, our point of coming to Oregon is to partake in the Journalism Education Association conference. To simplify, we’ve come to gain knowledge on how to better our craft in such things as understanding our rights, photography, writing and designing pages. When we first got into the convention we were attracted by this eccentric game, called Whamboozal! The object of the game is to beat the opposing team in a team-versus-team match. To achieve this, you move your team’s respective light by answering a series of charade-like challenges where you have to draw or act a phrase or action. You answer knowledge or spelling-based questions. The Rated-T senior staff stepped up to the challenge. We answered questions correctly, moved on the board, then lost horribly even when given a second chance. However, we got a second chance to play again AND almost lost again. But we conquered and finally got our light-up sticks. YAY!!!! Though we lost, we had fun, laughed and retained some great memories. Just goes to show going somewhere else can be good for the soul.
-Maurice Williams
The first day in Portland was very interesting. The weather was hot but had no humidity so it was cool as well. When we arrived at the conference I saw a lot of students with their newspapers, magazines and yearbooks. After the conference we decided to go on the tram. I was scared to go on the tram because I have a fear of heights, but I faced my fears and went. And it was beautiful when we got to the top. We saw all of Portland and saw two of the mountains that are a part The Ring of Fire… Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens. After that long trip we came back to the hotel, went shopping and went to the dance.
-Courtney Shackleford
Today was our first day at the convention. We went to a very good session on student rights. I learned that I have more freedom of speech than I think I have. After that, we took a long, confusing trip to the tram off the bridge of Portland to travel the top of the hill to the hospital to see the famous view. From there we could see Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens as well as the beautiful city. Then we went back to the downtown area, did a little shopping for the dance… Only we didn’t go to the dance because Courtney didn’t feel like going…
-Shaquanda Noble
Rated-T or rather Rated-Tired. The group was at their wits end. About to keel over from being so tired putting together their best efforts of what may seem like a good picture but each was thinking only, “Are we there yet?” The team had to wait a few minutes (40 to be exact) until their next plane left. They each coped in different ways: some ate pizza, others cuddled with teddy bears and some were on the brink of passing out. Another long trip was awaiting Rated-T and, to be frank, I don’t think they’re going to make it out of this one.
-Maurice Williams
So here I am on another plane trip to a JEA convention, Karlton Chapman, making a name for himself again. Especially because I am really confident about this issue (Our sixth issue right?--right…), I am ready for the awards and critique. So after spending forever on the plane ride to Phoenix, Arizona, we hopped onto our transfer plane to Portland, Oregon -- our initial destination -- and I was more than ready to pass out on a bed. But after a few hours of sleep I am quickly reminded that this isn’t a vacation and after freshening up we make our way to the convention where the JEA is being held.
-Karlton Chapman
Today, I begin to embark on my journey to Portland, Oregon, with my classmates and my wonderful adviser. We met up at school and handled a few complications. Then we are off to the airport. After going through security at the airport, we ate and boarded the plane. The plane ride was amazingly comfortable, but long. Four hours to be exact. We landed in Phoenix, Arizona, and boarded our next flight to Portland. This plane ride was extremely uncomfortable -- yet short. Once we landed in Portland it was about 2:00 a.m. Eastern. We caught a cab to the hotel, did a little exploring and then went to bed.
-Shaquanda Noble
The day we left D.C. I was very nervous about getting on the plane. Just knowing the plane ride lasted 7 hours had my nervous jumping. We had to take two planes—one to Phoenix, Arizona, for four hours and one to Portland, Oregon, for almost 3 hours. The first plane was uncomfortable because there wasn’t enough space between the passengers, and I couldn’t get any sleep. However, the second plane was very comfortable. I was able to get much needed sleep and there was plenty of room. When we arrived in Portland, on the first night I couldn’t get any sleep because I hadn’t adjusted to Pacific Time. I went to bed at 6 a.m. Eastern time (but it was really 3 a.m. Pacific).
-Courtney Shackleford
Forty years after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Friendship News Network reporters reflect on the reverend’s legacy and its impact on American politics as a presidential election nears.
"When King made his famous “I Have a Dream” speech no one would have ever thought that we would be this close to having a black president. But now in 2008 we are on the brink of seeing that vision become a reality."
"I believe Dr. King never put a color on anyone because we are all human beings. I believe his dream is still alive because today there is a black male candidate and a women running for president."
"Some people believe that the assassin, James Earl Ray killed the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King. I think that because of the assassination the dream was not only fulfilled, but made much stronger."
"James Ray tried to kill King’s Dream, but it didn’t work. Now, forty years later, one of the front-runners for president is Barack Obama, a black man."
"I believe that the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. made his dream stronger because today kids of different races can go to the same school. Also, the followers of Martin Luther King Jr. have made his dream stronger and tried to get rid of racism to bring people together."
"Once you kill a leader, it might bring down others and make them lose hope but when Dr. King was assassinated, everyone still stood with Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream."
"I believe that when James Earl Ray assassinated Dr. King, King’s Dream became stronger because it made blacks think that it was time to take a stand and fight for what they wanted… which was exactly what they did. I think that Dr. King’s dream lives on in Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama."
"These candidates have chosen to make history and show that not just any black person or woman can be a good president, but anyone may have a chance to change the situations that we face economically, politically and socially."
FNN Takes On the Republican Candidates at the Tavis Smiley All-American Presidential Forum
Friendship News Network reporters spoke with Republican presidential candidates Mike Huckabee and Duncan Hunter about the issues that mattered the them and analyzed the debate at the Tavis Smiley All-American Presidential Forum. Read more of FNN's Republican series here.
Take a look at the Friendship News Network crew's trip to the wonderful country of Fiji. FNN students traveled to Fiji this summer to participate in service projects for the Fijian people and just to have fun.
This summer FNN high school students spoke with presidential candidates at the Tavis Smiley All-American Democratic Presidential Forum about the issues that matter to them. If you plan on voting in 2008, you need info on all the candidates before you make your final decision, so it would be wise to hear Friendship News Network's perspective. Click here to read the series and to see who was on top and who dropped the ball.
From an online communication revolutionary to a media mogul to actors and singers, Friendship News Network students from Blow Pierce Junior Academy pick their most influential person of the year. Click here to read the series.
I believe the most influential person of 2007 is James Brown because he is the “Godfather of Soul’’ and is claimed to be one of the hardest working men in show business. Some believe that he is even better than “Mr.Dynamite” and “The Original Disco Man”.
Mr.Brown was not only a singer, but also a better-than-great entertainer. He was known for his amazingly great dance moves that keep people (especially crowds) coming to concerts screaming his name. During his life, crowds loved him and plenty of people attended his funeral. Many believed that even though he died, his accomplishments and love for music will always live on.
James was born on May 3,1933 in Barnwell, South Carolina during the Great Depression. He was raised in Augusta, Georgia, 40 miles away from the state he was born in. As a child he picked cotton, danced and shined shoes for spare change.
December 25, 2006 was a sad day for some because “the Godfather of Soul” died from a heart attack, but others were glad because they knew he was going to a much better place. I believe he made sure people remembered him, his name and great accomplishments. It will be passed from generations to generations. He wanted to be known all over the world and I believe his once-in-a-lifetime dream came true.
Oprah Winfrey is a successful black woman, one of the richest females in the world and also the host of The Oprah Winfrey Show. And she owns her own magazine. This is why I believe she is one of the most influential people of 2007.
About every little kid looks up to her because she is…
• Very wealthy
• Successful
• Nice
• Charitable
• African American
• Sets a great example
• Beautiful and strong.
Oprah began her television career at the age of 19. She has the top rated TV talk show. It is an award winning show and it has been the top show for 20 consecutive years.
She is very charitable. Not only has she built a school in Africa, but on every show she gives away gift bags. She also gives food, money and necessary things to needy people and the homeless.
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James Brown
Oprah Winfrey