SP0ilEd SWEET 16-ER!

The Last Festival [Rucksack Wanderer]

2008-05-18T16:44:00.002-05:00

From reading this story, I got out some Japanese language and customs. I read about some of the moments Tim remembered from living in this small Japan city. I also read that women in Japan take their husbands' checks because the men would spend all the money one night at the bars. There were no true lessons in this story, but I did get a clear picture of some Japanese activities.

Some events that Tim has described in the story is how he and Mr. Tanaka were talking about a picture they found from World War II. Tim was asking Mr. Tanaka questions but he really didn't have the answer. Tim used some imagery in the story when he says "vaguely robotic looking owl". During that moment, I could really see that owl flying in the sky. In addition, the point of view in the full story was calm and informative.

Pangea Day!!

2008-05-12T14:01:00.002-05:00

Pangea Day is a global event bringing the world together through film. I think Pangea Day is a great idea. I believe that through film, the eyes of our sorrowful world can see what is going on and come together. Even though I didn't really celebrate Pangea Day, I regret I didn't join in because it seemed a lot of fun and very interesting. I think Pangea Day does brings back the idea that all the people in the world have something in common.

I feel Pangea Day represents togetherness. In reference I believe it represents Independence for each different country in this world. Pangea Day helps to exemplify the different cultures of the world; all people dance, maybe in a different style, but we dance. This day demonstrates that just because you are of a different race, have different beliefs and opinions, there is someone who is just like you. We may all be different but yet we are all the same.

I do believe Pangea Day is not necessary but it's great that someone thought of it. I think that we shouldn't just have one day where we as a people come together. This way, we would never seem ourselves through others. Without Pangea Day, we would always put others in boxes and classify them with our common stereotypes. Pangea Day is what's really up.

Being in "the box"...

2008-05-09T11:58:00.002-05:00

Being in the box applies to racism in my life in very few ways. One way being in the box applies to racism in my life is because sometimes I feel segregated from others or people I just met. In reference, racism was displayed throughout all the movie scenes n "Crash". It was a huge issue in the city of Los Angeles and is still being exemplified throughout the world.

The boxes that people often carry around them are great in number. A few that I commonly hear for myself are "spoiled", "brat", "stuck up", and"preppy". I am only worried about myself and how I perform to do my best at being an individual. People are constantly putting themselves and others in the box. To do so, they make stereotypes, labels, and names. They put people in these categories and there you have it. People inside the box.

There are all different types of mistreatment that can result from being in the box. Violence, abuse, and threatening measures are examples of various types of mistreatment. Mistreatment of being in the box can be verbal and or physical. These forms of mistreatment can be discussed throughout communities and become a wider form of violence. Mistreatment of being in the box can lead to bigger problems and more issues.

TED...

2008-03-28T12:00:00.003-05:00

TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design. TED was started in 1984 by Richard Saul Wurman. TED is regurlaly held in Monterey, California and it is growing bigger every year. TED is basically a conference where many different people come to spread their ideas. Content that expands from science, business, arts, or global issues have been spoken about at the TED events. TED changes lives, attitudes, and in my opinion, the world.

The speaker in the video I watched was Majora Carter. She views urban renewal through an environmental lens. Currently, Majora Carter is fighting "environmental racism" in her hometown, the South Bronx. She was awarded a 2005 MacArthur "genius" grant and she is an executive director of Sustainable South Bronx. In my opinion, Majora Carter has a voice that makes you want to listen and do something about the environmental problems in our own hometowns. Majora Carter is one influencing person.

Throughout the video, Majora Carter talked about the different envrionmental problems the South Bronx was being exposed to. In addition, she explains her fight for environmental justice and how she tried to better her community. She explained what happened to the South Bronx and how a big construction boom added to the problems the people had. Majora Carter also explains how many people were displaced because of this and nothing was then being done about it. I think her speech tells a life story and I'm glad I found it on TED.

I Would Like To Talk To...

2008-03-19T13:20:00.002-05:00

There are many people I wouldn't mind holding a conversation with. One in particular would Barack Obama. I would like to talk to Barack Obama to ask him some questions about his goals for America and his opinions on America's current condition. I would also like to get to know him personality wise. I think Obama is a strong, open-minded man and I would enjoy talking to him.

The first reason I would like to talk to Obama is to ask him some questions about his goals for America. I would like to hold a conversation about this because I would personally like to know what he has planned for the country I will be living in the rest of my life. Furthermore, I would want to talk to him about what I would like to see done for America. For example, gas prices decreased and easier access for healthcare. My questions for Obama about his future goals for this country will answer alot.

The second reason why I would like to talk to the presidential candidate Barack Obama to understand some of his opinions and America's current condition. I want to know how he feels about the laws and the war. I would like to talk to him about the entire Iraq situation in general. In addition, I want to talk about why he thinks we're at war anyway. Talking to Obama about the war will truly be worthwhile in my opinion.

Finally, the last reason why I would like to Obama is to get to know him personality wise. I see him in the news, Internet, and television, but I really don't know him as a person. I want to talk more about his beliefs and his views. I want to talk about what he likes and what he dislikes. Getting to know him, might or might not change my opinion about him during and after this election; however, the experience will be fulfilling.

Barack Obama is an inspirational man who I truly believe wants to help our country stay on top. Being able to talk to him and actually hold a conversation with him would be absolutely appreciated. In conclusion, Barack Obama is someone I would like to talk to.

People That I Consider Interesting...

2008-03-18T14:11:00.002-05:00

There are only three people that I consider interesting. I consider Martin Luther King Jr. and Gabrielle Union interesting. In addition, I consider Ray Charles very interesting. In this essay, I will explain why I think these people are interesting.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of the greatest Civil Rights leaders in the world. I consider him very interesting because his life was full of racism and hate. In my opinion, Dr. King is interesting because his speeches are so moving and powerful. His life has dedicated to change in America that we witness today. Martin Luther King, Jr. is interesting since I want to know what provoked him to want to be a Civil Rights Leader and care about the people of America so much. This is why Dr. King is interesting to me.

Gabrielle Union is a famous actor who I admire greatly. The things that make her an interesting person is her personality. Throughout her different roles in movies, you would want to know what she is really like. In addition, I think Gabrielle Union's life exemplifies strength and determination. This furthermore makes her interesting because she has been raped in her past and judged because she chose to befriend white children during her college years. Gabrielle acts with different actresses and actors. Because of this, she has a very interesting life.

The final person I think is interesting is Ray Charles. I think he is the most interesting person I have named in this essay. Ray Charles is interesting because he can play the piano blind. I think this is very interesting because not many blind people know how to do much for themselves. I find Ray Charles' ability shocking. He is an interesting person because his personality is fun and like chocolate, you never know what you're going to get out of him! :-)

In conclusion, these are the three people I find interesting. All of them are famous but have something about their lives I truly admire. Ray Charles, Gabrielle Union, and Martin Luther King have or had fulfilling lives that make me interested in them.

My Message for the Future!

2008-03-17T14:49:00.002-05:00

There are many messages I would have for the future. For example, I would tell kids to get a good education and warn people of the Global Warming epidemic. However, the most important message I would give would be to always follow your dreams. In this essay, I will explain why I would give these messages and why they are important.

A good education means a lot to large companies and businesses of today. I would give the message of getting a good education because without it, you can't go too far in life. A good education equals good paying jobs and knowledge. This is very important because in my opinion, an education shapes your character and determines your future. I would explain the consequences and results of those who have dropped out of school or haven't decided to further their education at a college. Giving the message of getting a good education will not only benefit the children for the future, but persuade them to stay in school.

Another message I would give for the future is to warn the people of the Global Warming epidemic. I would give this message so that people of not only America, but of the world can be informed of how tragic Global Warming can be. Global Warming is happening in this world today and many people have no clue of what to do or how we as human beings can be affected. This message is important so that we can find solutions. In my message, I would give proven examples of how Global Warming is affecting our environment.

The final, most important message I would have for the future is to always follow your goals and dreams. As a person, there will be people who will constantly try to bring you down or take something away from you. My message will persuade kids to keep their heads held high and never give up. This message to me will bring confidence and set very high goals and standards for those teenagers, kids, or young adults who have been told they can't do something. This particular message for the future will give people that push they need to achieve excellence.

In conclusion, my messages for the future will be both fulfilling, appropriate, and influencing to all people. Achieving knowledge, educating Global Warming, and giving that confidence, will better the world for the future. Children, teens, and young adults will be more open-minded and maybe, just maybe, the world will become a better place!

Pages 1-47 of The Alchemist

2008-03-05T11:28:00.000-06:00

I believe that the gypsy payment represents false hope. I think the gypsy just wants a piece of the treasure because she's broke. Her payment represents false hope because she doesn't know for sure where Santiago will find the treasure. She knows bits and pieces but not EXACTLY where. Gypsies can't tell the future through my eyes. In my opinion, Santiago should follow his heart to where the treasure is.

Once I had a goal of trying out to be a PHS cheerleader. Because of this, I had to give up my love of eating unhealthy foods like big macs, sugars, and pizza. I found this price to be too high because big macs are my favorite food. But because I love cheering more than I love big macs, I had to start eating healthy and getting back in shape. In the end, my goal was accomplished and I made the varsity football squad.

Starving Themselves, Cocktail in Hand [article]

2008-03-04T12:29:00.000-06:00

This article was about people with eating disorders. Some known as bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating. Drunkorexia (not a medical term) is now a troubling phenomenon. It's a disorder where women, usually college binge drinkers, starve all day to prevent the alcohol calories. The article stated that some anorexics drink to ease the anxiety of eating a meal. This was very scary to me because if these type of people don't each, they can pass out at any moment.

Douglas Bunnell, president of the Natural Eating Disorders Assosciation, says that he knows these disorders are being reinforced. He says that binge drinking is hip and cool as well as losing weight. Therefore, mixing both is not suprising. In addition to reading the article, I learned that there is a man version of anorexia called manorexia. Despite the name, purging is still involved.

---New York Times

Teaching Boys and Girls Separately [article]

2008-03-04T12:15:00.000-06:00

The article Teaching Boys and Girls Separately was about how Foley Intermediate School is now teaching its fourth and fifth grade students in single-sex classrooms. This article was very interesting to me because I thought single-sex classes were only for private schools. However, it is being used throughout public schools as well. After reading a book by Michael Gurian, Foley's principal, Lee Mansell agrees that girls and boys learn differently. After that she read an article by Leonard Sax. Sax's insights were that single-sex classes will improve test scores of the male students. With that said, Mansell has improved her school and now single-sex classes are being taught.

I personally believe that children learn differently. As I read in the article, it stated that children respond to different types of light. That, I kind of sort of disagree with. I do agree with, however, that the single-sex public education is a good way to teach. Boys learn better around their boys surroundings and that is the same for girls. I agree that with this method, boys' test scores will increase.

---New York Times

Global Warming...

2008-03-03T12:29:00.000-06:00

After reading the different articles on global warming, I believe that it is really happening. I believe that it is a problem because the temperatures are constantly rising and sea levels are getting higher. The Global Warming Education Network (also known as GWEN) says that climate change is a reality and there's a 90% certainty that the humans are to blame. This persuades me to not want to harm my environment in anyway. When I get older, I don't want to be breathing in harmful air.

Global Warming is a threat. As people, this issue can be very harmful to our future. However, it is not our fault that there are so many greenhouse gases in the world. Do we have to stop having children? Or kill because the world is overpopulated? Some people are overreacting about this whole issue. Little do they know that overreacting and complaining about it, is not helping the situation in any way. If global warming happens, farming will be limited. The plants would burn up. I got this information from one of the articles as well. Global warming is a serious issue and we, as people need to do something about it NOW!

My Opinion of the Harlem Renaissance!

2008-02-12T13:22:00.000-06:00

In my opinion, those individuals who changed the face of our country, changed it greatly. They took a chance to express themselves through music, literature, art, and novels. These people helped America see the African-American culture. They also created new forms and styles for the different type of arts. The Renaissance drastically changed the African-American cultural life.

Some leaders during the Harlem Renaissance at this time were Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen. These men helped America to experience the black community during the Harlem Renaissance. They accomplished new types of poems and novels. The mood and tone of some of their poems were often dramatic, emotional, and unique.

Based on t.v. and the news today, Harlem still has a huge black community. In addition, it is still considered as "The Ghetto." Harlem has changed though. Crime rates have increased great in number since the Harlem Renaissance. In resent, Harlem is still a religious city.

fRiENdShiP..

2008-01-25T12:10:00.000-06:00

I believe in angels

The kind that heaven sends

I am surrounded by angels

But I call them friends.

-Aizabel Parinas-

I ♥ this poem!!

It is dedicated to all my friends who have made a huge impact on me.

I think all my friends are angels whom God has sent to my life to keep me going in life.

This poem is the BOMB DIGGITY!

I thought I was "CoNsErVaTiVe" but I'm more "LiBeRaL"

2008-01-22T12:33:00.000-06:00

As I read the blog information, I believe that I am both liberal and conservative. I think I am a mixture of both because I see different viewpoints for each side. I think the government should be the problem solver to all of Americans' problems, concerns, and issues; however, I think individuals, themselves, can solve their problems also. When I read the conservative vs. liberal beliefs, some of my personal beliefs were conservative and some were liberal. For example, abortion. Human life does begin at conception but a fetus is not yet human. My views on abortion were a mixture of both political beliefs because I feel like you shouldn't commit murder no matter what, but if it isn't exactly a human just yet, it could not be fully described as murder.

In some cases, I am conservative because I don't like change and in the blog it stated that conservative people are resistant to change. In addition, I favor conservatism because people should be hired on jobs based on their work abilities. Companies and manufacturers shouldn't hire people who have no idea what they're doing. I agree that parents who pay taxes that fund schools should be able to decide what school they want their children to attend. I agree 100% with people being accountable for their own personal abilities.

In addition to being conservative, the quiz I took proved me to be more liberal. This was hard to believe because I stand strong in avoiding major changes. I was liberal because I think Christianity and influencing God throughout schools should not be banned. I believe religious beliefs have no place in government. I think it should be okay for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals to get marry if that's what they choose to do. All people should be able to marry.

Apartheid in South Africa

2008-01-15T12:30:00.000-06:00

There are many ways that the South African Apartheid compares to America's history of racial inequality. Basically, all the laws, segregation policies, and actions taken are similar. African children couldn't go to school same as African-Americans couldn't in the past. In addition, Africans worked for whites just as African-Americans did. Because of this, the Apartheid in South Africa is a replay of everything before the Civil Rights Movement that took place in America.

The South African Aparthied shows us that after ten years, Africans can assess their state of nation. This compares to America's racial inequality because, after so long, blacks could feel proud about their country and feel equal to whites and other people of America. People can finally vote and express their minds freely.
So many things were repeated during this apartheid, from America's racial inequality, but in the end, freedom was gained.

[2008] Time for an Upgrade!

2008-01-07T12:10:00.000-06:00

In 2007, I made mistakes and had regrets. I gained enemies and lost friends. I learned things about myself that I never thought would characterize me. So this year {2008}, it's time for an upgrade emotionally, physically, and mentally.

This year I want to change alot of things about myself. I want to change my eating habits, attitude towards adults, how I treat people, and my personal appearance. I wouldn't say it's a New Year's Resolution but if thats what you want to call it, FINE! No, I'm not fat or unhealthy, I just like to eat. No, I'm not disrespectful, but I will speak my mind. I'm not mean but I will tell you how I feel about any situation. And no, I don't have low self-esteem, I just want to loose 5 pounds because the outfits are cuter for smaller size people. [lol!]

I have many goals this year. I want to pass all my classes with straight A's, have the best "Sweet Sixteen" ever, and look forward to the good and bad of my senior year in high school. I guess life will be great in 2008!