Thursday, February 22, 2007

Practice News Story - Speech

President moves nation with address

Posted: 6 p.m. ET, November 19, 1863

GETTYSBURG, Pennsylvania -- A great victory for the Union Army was achieved at Gettysburg, but perhaps the greatest event the fields at Gettysburg have witnessed was the address given by President Abraham Lincoln yesterday afternoon. In front of 15,000 people, President Lincoln dedicated the site at Gettysburg for a cemetary, then continued to pronounce the freedoms that all men, regardless of race, should enjoy in this land.

President Lincoln stated that those who remained after the battle at Gettysburg need "to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced". President Lincoln, following his speech, said numerous times that the nation needs to come together as a whole in order for the liberties and freedoms that everyone should enjoy can be extended to all. "All men have access to the same liberties and the same choices..." Lincoln said. "Many have fought for those liberties and many have died for those liberties...
It's our job as the living to continue this fight".

With the victory at Gettysburg, the Union Army gained a great advantage, and President Lincoln talked of continued efforts to end the war and bring unity back to the nation. "This is not something that's going to happen overnight" Lincoln said. He did, however, express hopes that the war would be over within the year. With the war ending, President Lincoln is planning on passing new laws to bring equality to all. He stated that he has hopes to abolish slavery, as well as extending voting privilges to more than just men who own a great deal of land. "The Senate supports me in all of these decisions," Lincoln added.

Following the speech, President Lincoln's final comments showed his feelings of remembrance and looking towards the future, "The prevailing feeling here is not just one of solemnity, but of hope, where we can succeed. We can draw strength from those who have paid the ultimate price".

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Practice News Story 5: Obituary

Carlos Ray "Chuck" Norris (1940 - 2007)

Carlos Ray Norris, known to most as "Chuck" Norris, passed away February 13, 2007, after a severe heart attack in Hollywood, California. He was 66 years old.

Norris, at the time of his death, was filming an infomercial for the Total Gym with Christie Brinkley when, after having been working out for 96 hours straight, he overworked himself and collapsed. Paramedics responded, but Norris was pronounced dead on sight.

Norris was born on March 10, 1940 to his parents Ray and Wilma Norris, both of which were half Irish and half Native American. Norris was very proud of his Native American heritage, even though in his earlier years he would receive a great deal of criticism from his classmates for being such.

Norris is survived by his five children; Mike, Dina, Eric, Dakota, and Danilee, as well as his second wife Gena O'Kelley. Norris also has one remaining brother, Aaron. His other brother, Wieland, was killed in action in Vietnam in 1970.

Norris was well known for his role in "Walker, Texas Ranger", but had many other accomplishments as well. Norris was an advocate of the Republican party and had a strong Christian background. He was also the first Westerner to earn the rank of 8th Degree Black Belt Grand Master. His other martial arts achievements include black belts in four separate martial art styles, as well as creating his own style known as Chun Kuk Do. He was also the receipient of the Golden Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Karate Union Hall of Fame.

Norris was not only gifted in martial arts, but he also served in the United States Air Force as an Air Policeman. He was stationed in South Korea. After his tour in South Korea, he was transfered to March Air Force Base in California, where he served until he was discharged in August 1962.

Norris leaves behind a legacy that will not soon be forgotten, and a name that will always be remembered.

Time and location for Norris' funeral services are unknown, but his family says that he will be buried at Roundhouse Cemetary in Dallas, Texas on Feb.27.

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Practice News Story 4: Court

Preliminary hearing for suspected burglar

Posted 10:20 a.m. MST, February 6, 2007

LOGAN, Utah -- One of two suspected burglars was taken before court today for his preliminary hearing. Jim Michaels, 35, is being accused of breaking into a church building and stealing two computer processing units. No information has been released yet on his accomplice, a minor, other than the fact that he is a resident of Logan.

District Attorney Noel Mayfield said the state is charging Michaels with felony burglary. More charges could be coming, however, if Michaels is connected to other similar burglaries in the area. For the time being, Michaels was able to post the bond of $5,000. The trial date has been set for February 21.

Defense Attorney Robbie Cochran, who was appointed by the court, feels that the charges against his client are "felacious". The defense team is prepared to enter a plea of not guilty. "My client will have his day in court, as anyone should, and we will present our side of the story," Cochran said.

Both of the suspects were taken into custody on February 3. Fingerprint evidence was used to find the juvenile involved in the crime. Sheriff Deputy Geoffrey Hasty said that once they talked with the juvenile, police were able to connect him to Michaels. Later interviews with Michaels are what led to the charges against him. Hasty said that both the juvenile and Michaels are close friends and consider themselves family. Hasty also stated that Michaels has a history of past burglary and entering into buildings that have unlocked windows. "We are continuing our investigation of other crimes," Hasty said. "It is likely that Mr. Michaels will be charged with more."