Does life always turn out the way you expect it to be? "Copper Sun" by Sharon M. Draper is about a girl named Amari and her peaceful tribe in which she lives in. Amari couldn't dream of a better life than what she was living. Everything was perfect until slave traders came and interrupted their peace. The traders killed everyone except the young females and males. Amari even experienced the death of her family right in front of her eyes. There were many things in the story that got me thinking on how cruel the world was back in the days.
One thing that caught my attention was how roughly the traders treated the slaves on the boat. They should try and give them at least a bit of respect. "The sailors were now even angrier than before. The whips slashed across the backs of the remaining slaves once more, as if those still alive had to pay for the loss of the two who had died. No one else tried to jump." A mother and daughter jumped off the ship and tried to escape but were caught by the slave traders and were thrown into the sea, then they were eaten by sharks. As if it weren't already bad enough for the slaves held captive, they were beaten again for others mistakes. These slaves already had to face harshness by the traders, could anything else get worse?
Yes, things did get worse. The slaves barely got any food or medication. The only time they did was the day before people came to see and buy them. Everyone on the boat that were females were abused sexually as well. How can someone do this? Do they not feel ashamed they they are trading people as a job? They have to feed their families with the dirty money that they earn.... disgusting.
In the book when Amari was on the ship, she had one hope to this guy who taught her English words. He didn't abuse her and he always gave her water. I honestly respect this guy because he is a gentlemen. Despite the fact knowing that the man might get into trouble for teaching words to Amari, he still did it for her benefit. Another man also helped the slaves. It might not have been the greatest help but he was generous enough to actually think about them."Listen, my brothers, I know not all of you can understand me, but I can see that some of you are Ashanti and Ewe. I will be whipped if they catch me 'talking African,' as they call it, but I must tell you some things. You must learn their language quickly-it is called English- but try not to forget your own. Submit and obey if you want to live." The guy kept going on about details on where the slaves were and what was gonna happen to them. This information was a bit helpful to the slaves because at least they knew someone looked after them. Not all of the traders were terrible, they were just forced to work like that.
I can't even imagine how my life would have been if I were Amari. Would I be able to control my self and handle it as well as she did? Without my family I'm nothing... but she kept going. Survival was the only thing Amari hoped for, she wanted to live and escape to a better area. It doesn't always work out for slaves when they escape but for Amari it did. Though I can't relate to this book, it was one of the most interesting books I have read so far.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Stand By Me
The movie "Stand By Me" is a movie about "Coming of Age." Coming of age is when someone realizes that they aren't a child anymore, and they are countable for their own responsibilities and actions. They realize that they need to act maturely. This movie is about how four kids, Gordie LaChance, Chris Chambers, Teddy DuChamp and Vern Tessio overcome challenges that come their way, and how these obstacles help them to behave and act more mature.But Gordie's father doesn't care how mature Gordie is, he wants his son to hang out with decent, non-smoking children who aren't hooligans, and to act more like his dead brother once used to. No matter how Gordie is, his father doesn't accept him for the way he is. But don't most parent child relationships have problems like these?
Gordie is the type of person who doesn't cause a ruckus like his friends. Hes a writer type of a guy. Gordie's dead brother was a popular baseball player whom his father loved so much. Now Gordie's father doesn't accept him being a writer because he wants his son to take on his brothers footsteps. Ignorance was being occurred throughout the relationship with Gordie and his father. But don't all parent child relationships have problems like this? Don't they all have reasons behind it? Sometimes when a child doesn't meet a guardians expectations many harsh things might occur. For example in the play "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Capulet and his daughter Juliet had to face a few difficulties that came their way about marriage, but in the end the problem caused death.
Though the father wasn't quite shown a lot throughout the movie, I was able to notice a few things about his relationship with NOW his only son. One thing I noticed was how Denny (older brother of Gordie) payed more attention to Gordie more than the father. I mean come on you are a dad of two children, don't make one feel like a king and the other like debris. As mentioned previously Gordie was ignored by both his mother and father, but mostly his mother. I also noticed that in Gordie's dream the father said "It should've been you Gordie," at Denny's funeral. Now that's just crazy and no one should be treated that way. Gordie is your own blood man.
I can personally relate to this because my father and I have had a few minor problems. "Minor problems" for example are like me not listening to what he is saying, or him not listening to what I'm trying to say. But that doesn't mean he doesn't love me. He loves me more than his life, but sometimes what he calls "the best thing for me to do" isn't really the best. In the end we always solve our problems! I still think that Gordie's father loves him but doesn't know how to express or show himself to his son like he was able to with Denny. After Denny died, things around the house became worse. The father really does care about Gordie but doesn't show it as often as he needs to. All parents love their children no matter what they do. ♥
Gordie is the type of person who doesn't cause a ruckus like his friends. Hes a writer type of a guy. Gordie's dead brother was a popular baseball player whom his father loved so much. Now Gordie's father doesn't accept him being a writer because he wants his son to take on his brothers footsteps. Ignorance was being occurred throughout the relationship with Gordie and his father. But don't all parent child relationships have problems like this? Don't they all have reasons behind it? Sometimes when a child doesn't meet a guardians expectations many harsh things might occur. For example in the play "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Capulet and his daughter Juliet had to face a few difficulties that came their way about marriage, but in the end the problem caused death.
Though the father wasn't quite shown a lot throughout the movie, I was able to notice a few things about his relationship with NOW his only son. One thing I noticed was how Denny (older brother of Gordie) payed more attention to Gordie more than the father. I mean come on you are a dad of two children, don't make one feel like a king and the other like debris. As mentioned previously Gordie was ignored by both his mother and father, but mostly his mother. I also noticed that in Gordie's dream the father said "It should've been you Gordie," at Denny's funeral. Now that's just crazy and no one should be treated that way. Gordie is your own blood man.
I can personally relate to this because my father and I have had a few minor problems. "Minor problems" for example are like me not listening to what he is saying, or him not listening to what I'm trying to say. But that doesn't mean he doesn't love me. He loves me more than his life, but sometimes what he calls "the best thing for me to do" isn't really the best. In the end we always solve our problems! I still think that Gordie's father loves him but doesn't know how to express or show himself to his son like he was able to with Denny. After Denny died, things around the house became worse. The father really does care about Gordie but doesn't show it as often as he needs to. All parents love their children no matter what they do. ♥
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Brave Mercutio
"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare is quite an unusual play with interesting characters. Romeo, the dashing young boy with the love for Juliet whom he just married, had killed Tybalt, Juliet's beloved cousin. Romeo originally killed Tybalt with the anger of his good friend Mercutio dying. Tybalt and Mercutio had gotten into a fight when Mercutio was stabbed under the arm and died. Though Tybalt is quite a violent yet interesting person, Mercutio seems like a completely different character to me and is my favorite person in the whole play.
Mercutio isn't the type of person to cry over a person who he loves, or to obsess over someone who he just met 3 hours ago like Romeo. He is different... he isn't a soft person, he is brave, daring and an outrageous person with his thoughts. For example, he danced at the Capulets mask party which to me was hilarious. Although it was funny Mercutio could have gotten killed. Now the Capulets and the Montagues dislike each other and can't stand peace within themselves... at least Tybalt can't. In act 1 scene 4, Mercutio tries calming Romeo down and tells him to loosen up and enjoy himself when he goes to the party. This is one of the reasons why Mercutio is one of my favorite character in the play, he cares about Romeo a lot.
Another reason why Mercutio seems the most interesting to me is because he really doesn't care about love. All he wants to do is have fun with his life. This to me is totally fine. Romeo should understand that at this age love shouldn't be taken seriously because of the rashness that might occur. Mercutio understands this idea but tells Romeo to do the opposite... which is to have sex. "If rough is love with you, be rough with love." Mercutio says to Romeo <- I dont consider that right or a possible answer. But aside that, Mercutio is a nurturing person even if you can't catch it right away. In this scene Mercutio gives MANY advices to Romeo to overcome his "love" for Rosaline. I really did wish Mercutio kept on till the end of the play!
In act 3 scene 1 Mercutio bravely says "Ay, ay, a scratch, a scratch," when he gets stabbed by Tybalt. I know that if that were me getting hurt I wouldn't have been as brave as Mercutio who handled it pretty well. His bravery makes him even more interesting. He is a very courageous person with no fears. Everyone in the book has fears but Mercutio seems different. He doesn't seem like the person to have such terror inside them. As for him dying, I would've started crying and rushing to a doctor but he just said it was a scratch and didn't even show a bit of exaggeration to his language.
Mercutio is an amazing character and Romeo and Juliet wouldn't have been the same without him.
Mercutio isn't the type of person to cry over a person who he loves, or to obsess over someone who he just met 3 hours ago like Romeo. He is different... he isn't a soft person, he is brave, daring and an outrageous person with his thoughts. For example, he danced at the Capulets mask party which to me was hilarious. Although it was funny Mercutio could have gotten killed. Now the Capulets and the Montagues dislike each other and can't stand peace within themselves... at least Tybalt can't. In act 1 scene 4, Mercutio tries calming Romeo down and tells him to loosen up and enjoy himself when he goes to the party. This is one of the reasons why Mercutio is one of my favorite character in the play, he cares about Romeo a lot.
Another reason why Mercutio seems the most interesting to me is because he really doesn't care about love. All he wants to do is have fun with his life. This to me is totally fine. Romeo should understand that at this age love shouldn't be taken seriously because of the rashness that might occur. Mercutio understands this idea but tells Romeo to do the opposite... which is to have sex. "If rough is love with you, be rough with love." Mercutio says to Romeo <- I dont consider that right or a possible answer. But aside that, Mercutio is a nurturing person even if you can't catch it right away. In this scene Mercutio gives MANY advices to Romeo to overcome his "love" for Rosaline. I really did wish Mercutio kept on till the end of the play!
In act 3 scene 1 Mercutio bravely says "Ay, ay, a scratch, a scratch," when he gets stabbed by Tybalt. I know that if that were me getting hurt I wouldn't have been as brave as Mercutio who handled it pretty well. His bravery makes him even more interesting. He is a very courageous person with no fears. Everyone in the book has fears but Mercutio seems different. He doesn't seem like the person to have such terror inside them. As for him dying, I would've started crying and rushing to a doctor but he just said it was a scratch and didn't even show a bit of exaggeration to his language.
Mercutio is an amazing character and Romeo and Juliet wouldn't have been the same without him.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Tender, But Rough Love
Has anyone every experienced love at a young age? Sure, Romeo and Juliet have. "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare is a play with a theme of Love, young love. Young love can be fierce, it can be soothing, it can be romantic and it can be cruel according to the main male role, Romeo. Romeo experienced it all. He was in love with Rosaline, a girl that didn't love him back. He was a young boy with a broken heart and heavy shoulders weighing him down to his sadness. On the other hand, 13 year old Juliet is asked to marry Paris by her mother. Juliet contemplates the idea but isn't sure if she is ready.
In act 1 scene 4, Romeo says "I am too sore enpiercèd with his shaft," meaning "His arrow has pierced me too deeply, so I can’t fly." Melancholy Romeo has been hurt with cupids arrow. (Not literally.) With love being cruel in the state Romeo is in now, he isn't enjoying anything. He can't blossom anymore to love, as so he thinks. To me Romeo is trying to ignore the fact that he can move on to find another love but denies it everytime. He wont dance nor will he even try to be happy. He just wants to be left alone in the way he is now. After finding out that his beloved Rosaline is invited to the Capulets party, Romeo finds himself there with Benvolio, his cousin and Mercutio. The Capulets and the Montagues hate each other greatly. They can't stand peace within each others families, so it's very dangerous for Romeo to be in such place.
Also in act 1 scene 4 Romeo says..."Is love a tender thing? It is too rough, Too rude, too boisterous, and it pricks like thorn." This means "Is love really tender? I think it’s too rough, too rude, too rowdy, and it pricks like a thorn." With this line, Romeo seems more than just heart Broken... he seems as if he can't love again which for a fact isn't true. He thinks love isn't soft, it's rough and unjust and stings like a rose thorn. With the suggestion of Benvolio for Romeo to dance, Romeo doesn't feel comfortable to do anything. I personally think that Romeo is over reacting on such a person who doesn't love him back. OK, so she doesn't love you back? Move on, it may take time but at least try to get your mind off of that idea. This may be harsh but the only way to recover might be to move on and use cupids wings to find someone new.
Shakespeare has included many oxymoron's such as 'Brawling Love,' and 'Loving Hate.' By using oxymorons I am able to understand Romeos point of view of love, since he himself has said these words. Brawling love in my opinion means that love can be harsh at times when you are fighting for the one you care the most about, the one whom you love so much. For Loving Hate, my inference is that love can be triggered towards hating a person because of the actions that happen between the two people. For example in my opinion, Romeo hates Rosaline for not loving him back, but he still loves her and can't focus on anything else. These mixed feelings happen all the time. Love can't always be controlled you know...
In act 1 scene 4, Romeo says "I am too sore enpiercèd with his shaft," meaning "His arrow has pierced me too deeply, so I can’t fly." Melancholy Romeo has been hurt with cupids arrow. (Not literally.) With love being cruel in the state Romeo is in now, he isn't enjoying anything. He can't blossom anymore to love, as so he thinks. To me Romeo is trying to ignore the fact that he can move on to find another love but denies it everytime. He wont dance nor will he even try to be happy. He just wants to be left alone in the way he is now. After finding out that his beloved Rosaline is invited to the Capulets party, Romeo finds himself there with Benvolio, his cousin and Mercutio. The Capulets and the Montagues hate each other greatly. They can't stand peace within each others families, so it's very dangerous for Romeo to be in such place.
Also in act 1 scene 4 Romeo says..."Is love a tender thing? It is too rough, Too rude, too boisterous, and it pricks like thorn." This means "Is love really tender? I think it’s too rough, too rude, too rowdy, and it pricks like a thorn." With this line, Romeo seems more than just heart Broken... he seems as if he can't love again which for a fact isn't true. He thinks love isn't soft, it's rough and unjust and stings like a rose thorn. With the suggestion of Benvolio for Romeo to dance, Romeo doesn't feel comfortable to do anything. I personally think that Romeo is over reacting on such a person who doesn't love him back. OK, so she doesn't love you back? Move on, it may take time but at least try to get your mind off of that idea. This may be harsh but the only way to recover might be to move on and use cupids wings to find someone new.
Shakespeare has included many oxymoron's such as 'Brawling Love,' and 'Loving Hate.' By using oxymorons I am able to understand Romeos point of view of love, since he himself has said these words. Brawling love in my opinion means that love can be harsh at times when you are fighting for the one you care the most about, the one whom you love so much. For Loving Hate, my inference is that love can be triggered towards hating a person because of the actions that happen between the two people. For example in my opinion, Romeo hates Rosaline for not loving him back, but he still loves her and can't focus on anything else. These mixed feelings happen all the time. Love can't always be controlled you know...
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Teen Drivers
According to the article "Teens Behind The Wheel" by Chris Wagner, teenagers are mostly about driving. They drive as soon as they get their license. Parents can't even get their teens out of the couch, but as soon as they get a license they are out and ready on their own. That's what the kids think.. that they are old enough and are responsible for driving. The author wants us to know that their are many teenagers out their that are driving on their own and that they might not be ready for the responsibility about driving a car. The author also wants us to know that when the teenagers get their license and start to drive, they are more likely to start new actions such as drinking or smoking. "In a 2004 study in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol,
researchers McCarthy and Brown report that in the period immediately
after obtaining their license, teens are more likely to engage in
high-risk behaviors such as drinking and smoking marijuana," Wagner mentions.
Chris Wagner uses many craft moves throughout his article. One craft move he used was including a fact about the Journal Of Studies On Alcohol. This helps the reader understand better on what teenagers can do when they start driving. Another craft move Wagner uses is that he gives us topics on how teenagers aren't responsible to drive. Some topics are: Inexperience, Speeding, Street Racing, Drunk Driving, Drugged driving, Cellphone use etc. By giving these topics Wagner has shown me several risks and problems that happen while teenagers drive.Each topic has a paragraph explaining what happens when teen drivers do those actions. He mentions that "Teen drivers are far less experienced behind the wheels." Wagner wants us to feel disappointed and angry toward the teenager because these problems are what causes danger to their lives. By driving they can seriously hurt themselves and others as well.
I wasn't aware of many of the topics as mentioned above before I read the article. But as I read through the entire thing I am now more wise about the fact of teen drivers. Now I know that "teens feel the need for speed" meaning they want to go faster then their limit. I myself want to drive, but I wont drive till I know I am ready. I know some of the reasons why the teens are very excited to drive, they want to be independent and become an adult. They want to be treated like an adult so they think that driving might be a contributing factor to being considered one. I personally think that it isn't true. You need to have full responsibility in order to drive and take care of yourself along with the passengers in your car.
I also wasn't aware of the fact that “16 year-old drivers have a higher rate of crashes in which excessive speed is a factor.” Among fatal crashes from 1983-2002, the proportion of drivers who were speeding was highest among 15- to 20-year-olds (nearly 40 percent), and higher than any other age group (NCSA)." This matter is serious. 15 year olds aren't even supposed to drive. You are supposed to drive when you are 18 years old and have a license. This is why teenagers get into car crashes. They aren't experienced well enough to handle being behind the wheels. Though teens want to drive to have a thrill, they shouldn't drive if they are underage and unexperienced.
Citations:Wagner, Chris. "Teens behind the wheel." CPYU. Not Given. Not Given. 26 Feb. 2013 <http://www.cpyu.org/page.aspx?id=163421>.
Chris Wagner uses many craft moves throughout his article. One craft move he used was including a fact about the Journal Of Studies On Alcohol. This helps the reader understand better on what teenagers can do when they start driving. Another craft move Wagner uses is that he gives us topics on how teenagers aren't responsible to drive. Some topics are: Inexperience, Speeding, Street Racing, Drunk Driving, Drugged driving, Cellphone use etc. By giving these topics Wagner has shown me several risks and problems that happen while teenagers drive.Each topic has a paragraph explaining what happens when teen drivers do those actions. He mentions that "Teen drivers are far less experienced behind the wheels." Wagner wants us to feel disappointed and angry toward the teenager because these problems are what causes danger to their lives. By driving they can seriously hurt themselves and others as well.
I wasn't aware of many of the topics as mentioned above before I read the article. But as I read through the entire thing I am now more wise about the fact of teen drivers. Now I know that "teens feel the need for speed" meaning they want to go faster then their limit. I myself want to drive, but I wont drive till I know I am ready. I know some of the reasons why the teens are very excited to drive, they want to be independent and become an adult. They want to be treated like an adult so they think that driving might be a contributing factor to being considered one. I personally think that it isn't true. You need to have full responsibility in order to drive and take care of yourself along with the passengers in your car.
I also wasn't aware of the fact that “16 year-old drivers have a higher rate of crashes in which excessive speed is a factor.” Among fatal crashes from 1983-2002, the proportion of drivers who were speeding was highest among 15- to 20-year-olds (nearly 40 percent), and higher than any other age group (NCSA)." This matter is serious. 15 year olds aren't even supposed to drive. You are supposed to drive when you are 18 years old and have a license. This is why teenagers get into car crashes. They aren't experienced well enough to handle being behind the wheels. Though teens want to drive to have a thrill, they shouldn't drive if they are underage and unexperienced.
Citations:Wagner, Chris. "Teens behind the wheel." CPYU. Not Given. Not Given. 26 Feb. 2013 <http://www.cpyu.org/page.aspx?id=163421>.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Appreciation is the Key to a Happy Life
Has there ever been a time where a family kept changing homes and never stabilized themselves? The Walls' family in the book "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls had constantly moved from place to place. They were basically like pioneers. The Walls' kids, Jeannette, Lori, Brian and Maureen explored every area they had lived at. The family faced many obstacles throughout their lives such as having a alcoholic father, an artistic yet indolent mother and times where they didn't have enough money or food. The kids don't complain about the problems as often as I thought they would. They seem to handle the fact of not taking baths, eating foods from the trash can, and wearing the same clothes everyday pretty well. There are a number of quotes/lines from the story that got me thinking to myself on how hard the family has it, but how well they take care of it.
One example on how the Walls' kids take care of themselves is by having to take care of their mother first. If the mother lacks the ability of continuing her school job as a teacher, the kids would grade her students test and homework as well as cleaning up the house when all the mom does is laying down in bed crying. -_- I have never experienced this problem, nor do I look forward to this because it's very depressing knowing the mother is all broken down. For myself, I can't stand when my mother cries, but the kids handle it pretty well. They just leave her alone because it happens so often. No one in this world would enjoy having to grade a slacking mother's students' test/homework. These children are so understanding, they don't even have a problem doing it.
Another example is how Jeannette said "I hate the winter." But right away the mother said,
"All seasons have something to offer. Cold weather is good for you, it kills germs." Despite the fact that they have to look at icicles hanging down from the kitchen ceiling from the winter they don't complain move out/getting the problems fixed. If that were me, I would have gone crazy. WHO WANTS ICICLES HANGING FROM THE KITCHEN CEILING? Another thing Jeannette Walls mentioned in the book was that winter minimized the amount of time they washed their clothes. Normally my mother washes my family's clothing every week with our washing machine, but the Walls family doesn't. They can stand living in their filthy clothes when my family can't.
Throughout the book, the family faced many challenges but got through them all. When the whole family slowly ended up in New York, they became successful. At least Lori, Brian and Jeannette did. The mother and father just wanted to live out on the streets. They didn't have money to keep up with their house rent so they usually stayed outside sleeping on park benches. I really don't understand why the Dad can't keep a hold of his job. Why does he get so aggressive? They should know that living inside a house is safer than the outside world. But then again I realize they were meant to be adventurers. They had many pleasant times living out in the wild rather than living in a home. They appreciate all the little things nature brings to them. The hot, cold, anything. On the other hand my family prefers to be living indoors than outdoors. We aren't like the Walls AT ALL. But the one thing we have in common is that...we are a loving family ♥♥
Though I have finished this book a while ago, I have been waiting to write a response on it. This book was absolutely beautiful. I wanted to write so many things on this book but couldn't decide on which to choose. I have never enjoyed a book as much as I enjoyed "The Glass Castle." This book has taught me to be thankful for what I have. Many families out there have so little to themselves when over here I whine for more. :( I always had thought to myself as I was reading the book... "Would I have handled the problems as well as the Walls' kids do it?" Then right away an answer comes to my mind. "No." This book should be read by all students in middle school because they will truly learn from this and appreciate the things that they have already.
One example on how the Walls' kids take care of themselves is by having to take care of their mother first. If the mother lacks the ability of continuing her school job as a teacher, the kids would grade her students test and homework as well as cleaning up the house when all the mom does is laying down in bed crying. -_- I have never experienced this problem, nor do I look forward to this because it's very depressing knowing the mother is all broken down. For myself, I can't stand when my mother cries, but the kids handle it pretty well. They just leave her alone because it happens so often. No one in this world would enjoy having to grade a slacking mother's students' test/homework. These children are so understanding, they don't even have a problem doing it.
Another example is how Jeannette said "I hate the winter." But right away the mother said,
"All seasons have something to offer. Cold weather is good for you, it kills germs." Despite the fact that they have to look at icicles hanging down from the kitchen ceiling from the winter they don't complain move out/getting the problems fixed. If that were me, I would have gone crazy. WHO WANTS ICICLES HANGING FROM THE KITCHEN CEILING? Another thing Jeannette Walls mentioned in the book was that winter minimized the amount of time they washed their clothes. Normally my mother washes my family's clothing every week with our washing machine, but the Walls family doesn't. They can stand living in their filthy clothes when my family can't.
Throughout the book, the family faced many challenges but got through them all. When the whole family slowly ended up in New York, they became successful. At least Lori, Brian and Jeannette did. The mother and father just wanted to live out on the streets. They didn't have money to keep up with their house rent so they usually stayed outside sleeping on park benches. I really don't understand why the Dad can't keep a hold of his job. Why does he get so aggressive? They should know that living inside a house is safer than the outside world. But then again I realize they were meant to be adventurers. They had many pleasant times living out in the wild rather than living in a home. They appreciate all the little things nature brings to them. The hot, cold, anything. On the other hand my family prefers to be living indoors than outdoors. We aren't like the Walls AT ALL. But the one thing we have in common is that...we are a loving family ♥♥
Though I have finished this book a while ago, I have been waiting to write a response on it. This book was absolutely beautiful. I wanted to write so many things on this book but couldn't decide on which to choose. I have never enjoyed a book as much as I enjoyed "The Glass Castle." This book has taught me to be thankful for what I have. Many families out there have so little to themselves when over here I whine for more. :( I always had thought to myself as I was reading the book... "Would I have handled the problems as well as the Walls' kids do it?" Then right away an answer comes to my mind. "No." This book should be read by all students in middle school because they will truly learn from this and appreciate the things that they have already.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Why You Gotta Be So Mean?
The song "Mean" by Taylor Swift opened up my eyes to see the real world. I have heard this song the first time in a car when it came out in March the year of 2011. This song has words to it that inspire kids to never break down and is one of the reasons why I like it. Taylor swift is one of my favorite artists, and the lyrics she has to each song, specially this one can connect to most people out there which to me is great! Swift wrote this song because there was this guy who always criticized her work and thought that she could never make it into the music world. But guess what? She eventually did. Songs that connect to someones personal life can soothe them and make them comfortable which is another reason why I like it. "Mean" relates to me because I have been verbally bullied before in elementary school. One theme that stood out to me was that "Never be broken down because of someone because one day you are going to be successful and all they are going to be is a hater." And the theme has related to me, the bully is just a hater to everything you do and that's it.
"You, with your words like knives
You, with your words like knives and swords and weapons that you use against me
You have knocked me off my feet again got me feeling like I'm nothing
You, with your voice like nails on a chalkboard
Calling me out when I'm wounded
You picking on the weaker man" to me means that words can act as weapons. It can hurt and bring you down in several different ways. Words are like a stab in the heart when it is TRYING to bring someone down. It can make you feel like debris, scattered there on the floor feeling like your useless. Someone who is using words to torment another person can be as if your knocked down to the floor and can't rise back up. Bullies tend to pick on someone who is weaker than them, smaller, and more timid so they can feel better about themselves.
"Someday I'll be living in a big ol' city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?" This Stanza means that when the person gets older they will be living in a big city having a nice job, being well known when the person who hurt them with words is just going to stay mean.The words won't have an affect towards the person anymore because they have outgrown the problem. One day the person will have gotten so big as in occupation wise that the bully won't be able to reach them and put them down again. People who bully, are mean and always will be mean when the person who they hurt has moved on to a better life than them.
"You, with your switching sides
And your wildfire lies and your humiliation
You have pointed out my flaws again
As if I don't already see them
I walk with my head down
Trying to block you out 'cause I'll never impress you
I just wanna feel okay again I bet you got pushed around
Somebody made you cold
But the cycle ends right now
'Cause you can't lead me down that road." I think this part means that bullies always point out flaws and that's all they care about. Whenever you make a flaw that's their chance to bring you down and humiliate you. "I walk with my head down" is when someone is embarrassed because they have just been degraded. I think "Trying to block you out 'cause I'll never impress you " means that a bully will never be astonished of what you do, even if it's a good thing, so its better to just ignore them. The person just wants to get away from the bully and not feel as if someone is hovering over them. There is always a reason on why someone is mean and why someone is acting the way they are. Someone must have hurt them as well. But now the bully can't hurt them because the tormenting is over and they won't be able to lead you down the wrong way.
This song is very meaningful to children all over the world because somehow, someway they can relate. "Mean" shows a way to recovery to someone who has been bullied. This song is not a depressing song but is child friendly which makes it better to hear and makes the listener cheerful. Taylor Swift has written this song because she wants to show everyone that things get better in life, it doesn't stay the same. She wants everyone to know that they WILL be successful in life if they try harder to get away from their problem. :)
"Mean"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYa1eI1hpDE
"You, with your words like knives
You, with your words like knives and swords and weapons that you use against me
You have knocked me off my feet again got me feeling like I'm nothing
You, with your voice like nails on a chalkboard
Calling me out when I'm wounded
You picking on the weaker man" to me means that words can act as weapons. It can hurt and bring you down in several different ways. Words are like a stab in the heart when it is TRYING to bring someone down. It can make you feel like debris, scattered there on the floor feeling like your useless. Someone who is using words to torment another person can be as if your knocked down to the floor and can't rise back up. Bullies tend to pick on someone who is weaker than them, smaller, and more timid so they can feel better about themselves.
"Someday I'll be living in a big ol' city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?" This Stanza means that when the person gets older they will be living in a big city having a nice job, being well known when the person who hurt them with words is just going to stay mean.The words won't have an affect towards the person anymore because they have outgrown the problem. One day the person will have gotten so big as in occupation wise that the bully won't be able to reach them and put them down again. People who bully, are mean and always will be mean when the person who they hurt has moved on to a better life than them.
"You, with your switching sides
And your wildfire lies and your humiliation
You have pointed out my flaws again
As if I don't already see them
I walk with my head down
Trying to block you out 'cause I'll never impress you
I just wanna feel okay again I bet you got pushed around
Somebody made you cold
But the cycle ends right now
'Cause you can't lead me down that road." I think this part means that bullies always point out flaws and that's all they care about. Whenever you make a flaw that's their chance to bring you down and humiliate you. "I walk with my head down" is when someone is embarrassed because they have just been degraded. I think "Trying to block you out 'cause I'll never impress you " means that a bully will never be astonished of what you do, even if it's a good thing, so its better to just ignore them. The person just wants to get away from the bully and not feel as if someone is hovering over them. There is always a reason on why someone is mean and why someone is acting the way they are. Someone must have hurt them as well. But now the bully can't hurt them because the tormenting is over and they won't be able to lead you down the wrong way.
This song is very meaningful to children all over the world because somehow, someway they can relate. "Mean" shows a way to recovery to someone who has been bullied. This song is not a depressing song but is child friendly which makes it better to hear and makes the listener cheerful. Taylor Swift has written this song because she wants to show everyone that things get better in life, it doesn't stay the same. She wants everyone to know that they WILL be successful in life if they try harder to get away from their problem. :)
"Mean"
You, with your words like knives
And swords and weapons that you use against me
You have knocked me off my feet again
Got me feeling like I'm nothing
You, with your voice like nails on a chalkboard
Calling me out when I'm wounded
You picking on the weaker man
You can take me down with just one single blow
But you don't know, what you don't know...
Someday I'll be living in a big ol' city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?
You, with your switching sides
And your wildfire lies and your humiliation
You have pointed out my flaws again
As if I don't already see them
I walk with my head down
Trying to block you out 'cause I'll never impress you
I just wanna feel okay again
I bet you got pushed around
Somebody made you cold
But the cycle ends right now
'Cause you can't lead me down that road
And you don't know, what you don't know...
Someday I'll be living in a big ol' city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?
And I can see you years from now in a bar
Talking over a football game
With that same big loud opinion
But nobody's listening
Washed up and ranting about the same old bitter things
Drunk and grumbling on about how I can't sing
But all you are is mean
All you are is mean
And a liar, and pathetic, and alone in life
And mean, and mean, and mean, and mean
But someday I'll be living in a big ol' city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean, yeah
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so?..
Someday I'll be living in a big ol' city (Why you gotta be so?..)
And all you're ever gonna be is mean (Why you gotta be so?..)
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me (Why you gotta be so?..)
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?
And swords and weapons that you use against me
You have knocked me off my feet again
Got me feeling like I'm nothing
You, with your voice like nails on a chalkboard
Calling me out when I'm wounded
You picking on the weaker man
You can take me down with just one single blow
But you don't know, what you don't know...
Someday I'll be living in a big ol' city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?
You, with your switching sides
And your wildfire lies and your humiliation
You have pointed out my flaws again
As if I don't already see them
I walk with my head down
Trying to block you out 'cause I'll never impress you
I just wanna feel okay again
I bet you got pushed around
Somebody made you cold
But the cycle ends right now
'Cause you can't lead me down that road
And you don't know, what you don't know...
Someday I'll be living in a big ol' city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?
And I can see you years from now in a bar
Talking over a football game
With that same big loud opinion
But nobody's listening
Washed up and ranting about the same old bitter things
Drunk and grumbling on about how I can't sing
But all you are is mean
All you are is mean
And a liar, and pathetic, and alone in life
And mean, and mean, and mean, and mean
But someday I'll be living in a big ol' city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean, yeah
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so?..
Someday I'll be living in a big ol' city (Why you gotta be so?..)
And all you're ever gonna be is mean (Why you gotta be so?..)
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me (Why you gotta be so?..)
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Teen Murderer? (Revised)
According to the article "Locked Away Forever" by Adam Liptalk in
Upfront Magazine, about ten-thousand Americans are serving time in jail
because of the crimes they committed before they were 18 years old. The
author wants us to know that these teenagers are serving life sentences
for crimes that they have committed before the age of 18. More than 350
teens have done a crime such as murder at age 15 and are behind bars. "I
was like a magnet for the wrong crowd," says Rebecca Falcon a 15 year
old girl that got drunk and was accused of shooting a cab driver with an
18 year old boy she hailed a cab with. She did this just because she
was upset with her boyfriend....
Adam Liptalk has used many craft moves throughout his article such as using statistics. He has clearly shown me about how many teens have committed crimes before the age of 18 in different parts of the world. In the article "Locked Away Forever" Liptalk mentions "In the U.S. more than 2,200 are serving life without parole." Giving statistics helps readers to understand and visualize clearly what is going on. Another craft move the author has used is including quotes that other people have said. By including others quotes, I am able to understand their opinions and what they feel. Liptalk wants us to feel pity yet disappointment towards the teens underage who have committed a crime because it is not expected from them, and they clearly don't understand the difference between right and wrong.
Before reading the article I thought the teens were definitely guilty for what they have done. But as I kept reading my mind was changing about the issue. They are no longer completely guilty for what they have done. They must have a reason that has been upsetting them, so they took action in a way that affected them. I personally agree with the Supreme Court about the fact that youths under the age of 18 are less mature.They don't have the full knowledge on the harsh conditions when they commit a crime. I feel as if adults have a better knowledge and know what they are doing when the teens don't. They are young, wild and crazy. These kids are underage and shouldn't be put behind bars for a life time. "Ninety percent of teen offenders do not become adult criminals" says Laurence Steinberg a psychology professor of temple university in Philadelphia. Youths under the age of 18 shouldn't be punished for longer than five years in my opinion (depending on which type of crime they have committed.)
"To ensure that kids are protected we have to recognize that they are actually different from adults." Marsha Levick says. Yes! I completely agree with her!!! Kids are way different from adults depending on their maturity. They are naive, sensible and young and think whatever they are trying to accomplish is right. I have seen many students under the age of 18 go by the term "YOLO" which means you only live once, so they are convinced that you should do whatever you want since you only have one life to live.
"In teenagers, scientists have found that part of the brain that guides impulse control and weighs risks versus rewards is not fully mature. Research has also shown that a persons actions at age 13-14 are poor indications of the kind of adult he or she will become." The article includes. Committing a crime at the age of 15 may also be a poor indication of the kind of adult the kid might become. I would like to know why kids commit these crimes in the first place, like what is there reason on doing this besides being upset with their boyfriend? Though teens committing crimes are horrifying, they shouldn't be punished forever.
Citation: Liptalk, Adam. "Locked Awat Forever." Upfront Magazine Not given. 15 Jan. 2013 <http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/upfront/features/index.asp?article=f0130a>.
Adam Liptalk has used many craft moves throughout his article such as using statistics. He has clearly shown me about how many teens have committed crimes before the age of 18 in different parts of the world. In the article "Locked Away Forever" Liptalk mentions "In the U.S. more than 2,200 are serving life without parole." Giving statistics helps readers to understand and visualize clearly what is going on. Another craft move the author has used is including quotes that other people have said. By including others quotes, I am able to understand their opinions and what they feel. Liptalk wants us to feel pity yet disappointment towards the teens underage who have committed a crime because it is not expected from them, and they clearly don't understand the difference between right and wrong.
Before reading the article I thought the teens were definitely guilty for what they have done. But as I kept reading my mind was changing about the issue. They are no longer completely guilty for what they have done. They must have a reason that has been upsetting them, so they took action in a way that affected them. I personally agree with the Supreme Court about the fact that youths under the age of 18 are less mature.They don't have the full knowledge on the harsh conditions when they commit a crime. I feel as if adults have a better knowledge and know what they are doing when the teens don't. They are young, wild and crazy. These kids are underage and shouldn't be put behind bars for a life time. "Ninety percent of teen offenders do not become adult criminals" says Laurence Steinberg a psychology professor of temple university in Philadelphia. Youths under the age of 18 shouldn't be punished for longer than five years in my opinion (depending on which type of crime they have committed.)
"To ensure that kids are protected we have to recognize that they are actually different from adults." Marsha Levick says. Yes! I completely agree with her!!! Kids are way different from adults depending on their maturity. They are naive, sensible and young and think whatever they are trying to accomplish is right. I have seen many students under the age of 18 go by the term "YOLO" which means you only live once, so they are convinced that you should do whatever you want since you only have one life to live.
"In teenagers, scientists have found that part of the brain that guides impulse control and weighs risks versus rewards is not fully mature. Research has also shown that a persons actions at age 13-14 are poor indications of the kind of adult he or she will become." The article includes. Committing a crime at the age of 15 may also be a poor indication of the kind of adult the kid might become. I would like to know why kids commit these crimes in the first place, like what is there reason on doing this besides being upset with their boyfriend? Though teens committing crimes are horrifying, they shouldn't be punished forever.
Citation: Liptalk, Adam. "Locked Awat Forever." Upfront Magazine Not given. 15 Jan. 2013 <http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/upfront/features/index.asp?article=f0130a>.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Teen Murderer?
According to the article "Locked Away Forever" by Adam Liptalk in Upfront Magazine, about ten-thousand Americans are serving time in jail because of the crimes they committed before they were 18 years old. The author wants us to know that these teenagers are serving life sentences for crimes that they have committed before the age of 18. More than 350 teens have done a crime such as murder at age 15 and are behind bars. "I was like a magnet for the wrong crowd," says Rebecca Falcon a 15 year old girl that got drunk and was accused of shooting a cab driver with an 18 year old boy she hailed a cab with. She did this just because she was upset with her boyfriend....
Adam Liptalk has used many craft moves throughout his article such as using statistics. He has clearly shown me about how many teens have committed crimes before the age of 18 in different parts of the world. "In the the U.S. more than 2,200 are serving life without parole." Liptalk mentions. Giving statistics helps readers to understand and visualize clearly what is going on. Another craft move the author has used is including quotes that other people have said. By including others quotes, I am able to understand their opinions and what they feel. Liptalk wants us to feel pity yet disappointment towards the teens below the age of 18 who have committed a crime because it is not expected from them.
Before reading the article I thought the teens were definitely guilty for what they have done. But as I kept reading my mind was changing about the issue. They are no longer completely guilty for the crimes. They must have a reason that has been upsetting them, so they took action in a way that affected them. I personally agree with the Supreme Court about the fact that youths under the age of 18 are less mature.They don't have the full knowledge on the harsh conditions when they commit a crime. I feel as if adults have a better knowledge and know what they are doing when the teens don't. They are young, wild and crazy. These kids are underage and shouldn't be put behind bars for a life time. "Ninety percent of teen offenders do not become adult criminals" says Laurence Steinberg a psychology professor of temple university in Philadelphia. Youths under the age of 18 shouldn't be punished for longer than five years in my opinion (depending on which type of crime they have committed.)
"To ensure that kids are protected we have to recognize that they are actually different from adults." Marsha Levick says. Yes! I completely agree with this!!! Kids are way different from adults depending on their maturity. They are naive, young and don't fully understand the difference between right and wrong. "In teenagers, scientists have found that part of the brain that guides impulse control and weighs risks versus rewards is not fully mature. Research has also shown that a persons actions at age 13-14 are poor indications of the kind of adult he or she will become." Committing a crime at the age of 15 may also be a poor indication of the kind of adult the kid might become. I would like to know why kids commit these crimes in the first place, like what is there reason on doing this besides being upset with their boyfriend? Though teens committing crimes are horrifying, they shouldn't be punished forever.
Citation: Liptalk, Adam. "Locked Awat Forever." Upfront Magazine Not given. 15 Jan. 2013 <http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/upfront/features/index.asp?article=f0130a>.
Adam Liptalk has used many craft moves throughout his article such as using statistics. He has clearly shown me about how many teens have committed crimes before the age of 18 in different parts of the world. "In the the U.S. more than 2,200 are serving life without parole." Liptalk mentions. Giving statistics helps readers to understand and visualize clearly what is going on. Another craft move the author has used is including quotes that other people have said. By including others quotes, I am able to understand their opinions and what they feel. Liptalk wants us to feel pity yet disappointment towards the teens below the age of 18 who have committed a crime because it is not expected from them.
Before reading the article I thought the teens were definitely guilty for what they have done. But as I kept reading my mind was changing about the issue. They are no longer completely guilty for the crimes. They must have a reason that has been upsetting them, so they took action in a way that affected them. I personally agree with the Supreme Court about the fact that youths under the age of 18 are less mature.They don't have the full knowledge on the harsh conditions when they commit a crime. I feel as if adults have a better knowledge and know what they are doing when the teens don't. They are young, wild and crazy. These kids are underage and shouldn't be put behind bars for a life time. "Ninety percent of teen offenders do not become adult criminals" says Laurence Steinberg a psychology professor of temple university in Philadelphia. Youths under the age of 18 shouldn't be punished for longer than five years in my opinion (depending on which type of crime they have committed.)
"To ensure that kids are protected we have to recognize that they are actually different from adults." Marsha Levick says. Yes! I completely agree with this!!! Kids are way different from adults depending on their maturity. They are naive, young and don't fully understand the difference between right and wrong. "In teenagers, scientists have found that part of the brain that guides impulse control and weighs risks versus rewards is not fully mature. Research has also shown that a persons actions at age 13-14 are poor indications of the kind of adult he or she will become." Committing a crime at the age of 15 may also be a poor indication of the kind of adult the kid might become. I would like to know why kids commit these crimes in the first place, like what is there reason on doing this besides being upset with their boyfriend? Though teens committing crimes are horrifying, they shouldn't be punished forever.
Citation: Liptalk, Adam. "Locked Awat Forever." Upfront Magazine Not given. 15 Jan. 2013 <http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/upfront/features/index.asp?article=f0130a>.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
A Day Where Everything Changes
Have you ever been judged? Maybe because of something small or stupid that you have done? Have you ever been judged just because of some other person's mistake?
I am currently reading "The 9/11 Report" by Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colon and it is based on the Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. The book has many pictures along with the words that are very intense and get readers to think. This book is basically like a comic book with words and pictures at every corner.
It truly breaks my heart pondering these actions on what terrorists did. It actually sickens me that we have a society like this.
I am really upset of what happened in 9/11. There are no words to describe how hard it was for me to take in the fact that thousands of people were killed. That morning mothers and fathers aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers expected to return home safely just like any other day, but it hurts knowing that they all lost their lives. Honestly my heart goes out to all the families who lost their dear loved ones. I can't imagine how hard it must've been for them. The terrorists not only killed people in the buildings but people in the hijacked planes as well. They killed people who were supposed to land safely. They killed people who had families waiting at home. I don't understand what the terrorists got out of this. How does killing people help make this world a better place? You just killed thousands of generations. You killed parents whose kids were waiting for them at home. You brought the end to people who were so young. Everyone deserved to continue their life. I don't believe anyone's life should end so tragically. It's such a disappointment knowing that people exist in this world would kill for the pleasure. But what pleasure?!?!
Many Muslims in America these days are accused of being a part of the 9/11 bombing. People believe that every Muslim is accountable for the deaths that occurred. I find this very unacceptable and rude. But all those Muslims that were accountable for the deaths should be punished for their actions. My heart is broken because I know that all those innocent lives were taken for no reason.
I myself am a Muslim, and I AM PROUD to be one!! I don't care what anyone thinks of me because this is my life. There is no reason on why people should judge me based on my religion and where I am from. So what if I am Muslim? Shouldn't I be treated the same as everyone else? The bombing mistake was someone's who was careless and didn't think of others or their own nationality they were putting a scar on. The mistake was not mine....
I am tired of hearing stories of people being judged based on the fact that they are Muslim. Like are you seriously gonna do that??? What benefit are you getting from this? Not all Muslims are terrorists, and I just wanna get the fact out to everyone out there who thinks that we are accountable for these actions. :(
I know many people who get accused of being a part of the 9/11 just because they wear hijabs on their head. No one should go through the horrific event that occurred at 9/11.
This impact remains in our lives forever....
I am currently reading "The 9/11 Report" by Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colon and it is based on the Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. The book has many pictures along with the words that are very intense and get readers to think. This book is basically like a comic book with words and pictures at every corner.
It truly breaks my heart pondering these actions on what terrorists did. It actually sickens me that we have a society like this.
I am really upset of what happened in 9/11. There are no words to describe how hard it was for me to take in the fact that thousands of people were killed. That morning mothers and fathers aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers expected to return home safely just like any other day, but it hurts knowing that they all lost their lives. Honestly my heart goes out to all the families who lost their dear loved ones. I can't imagine how hard it must've been for them. The terrorists not only killed people in the buildings but people in the hijacked planes as well. They killed people who were supposed to land safely. They killed people who had families waiting at home. I don't understand what the terrorists got out of this. How does killing people help make this world a better place? You just killed thousands of generations. You killed parents whose kids were waiting for them at home. You brought the end to people who were so young. Everyone deserved to continue their life. I don't believe anyone's life should end so tragically. It's such a disappointment knowing that people exist in this world would kill for the pleasure. But what pleasure?!?!
Many Muslims in America these days are accused of being a part of the 9/11 bombing. People believe that every Muslim is accountable for the deaths that occurred. I find this very unacceptable and rude. But all those Muslims that were accountable for the deaths should be punished for their actions. My heart is broken because I know that all those innocent lives were taken for no reason.
I myself am a Muslim, and I AM PROUD to be one!! I don't care what anyone thinks of me because this is my life. There is no reason on why people should judge me based on my religion and where I am from. So what if I am Muslim? Shouldn't I be treated the same as everyone else? The bombing mistake was someone's who was careless and didn't think of others or their own nationality they were putting a scar on. The mistake was not mine....
I am tired of hearing stories of people being judged based on the fact that they are Muslim. Like are you seriously gonna do that??? What benefit are you getting from this? Not all Muslims are terrorists, and I just wanna get the fact out to everyone out there who thinks that we are accountable for these actions. :(
I know many people who get accused of being a part of the 9/11 just because they wear hijabs on their head. No one should go through the horrific event that occurred at 9/11.
This impact remains in our lives forever....
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
An Education Gone Wrong???
Have you ever wondered how other people live their lives? Without education? How they find happiness in little things such as lemon seeds? Well, I have. Its actually heart breaking once you find out how other people live. Filthy places, barely any food, no diapers and only one pair of shoes...all this, just because of no education. When kids think about it, education is just a bore. No use in their life when its time to have fun. But when adults think about it, it means everything. "AHH I HATE THIS STUFF, WHY DO I NEED TO LEARN IT?!?" as a kid can simply turn into "Man! I wish I learned that!" as an adult. A good education plays a very important role throughout the lives of students, it might not seem like it at first, but at the end it really pays off.
In the book "Make Lemonade" by Virginia Euwer Wolff an education is a very serious matter. An education provides a high school diploma. An eduction provides a meaningful job. An education provides a roof over your head, food on your plate, and warmth in your souls of what is complete in your life. Jolly a seventeen your old teenage mom doesn't have that warmth. She lacks having a good education and a high school diploma. Though she has food on her plate and a roof over her head she doesn't have what she actually needs to provide herself and her two kids with... a job.
A job to me is truly necessary if you have a kid, especially if you have two. You need to feed three mouths including your own, and that is not possible if you don't have enough money. Although I haven't experienced this myself paying rents and bills is a serious pain, but it needs to be done when you are living on your own with absent fathers of not one, but two kids. Jolly had asked LaVaughn to burrow money to pay the apartment rent, but LaVaughn isn't able to give Jolly it because she doesn't make money herself for baby sitting (since Jolly is fired) and her mother sure won't give her the cash.
I can't relate to this idea of being in Jolly's situation, or having a friend that was in Jolly's shoes, but I sure can feel sympathy for her. I honestly do feel really bad knowing that most of her time, Jolly searches for jobs, tries to gather up money and most of all she tries to take care of her beautiful kids.♥ If you have the opportunity to go to school under any circumstances, don't waste it. Take a moment to appreciate the amazing education you have because it will really pay off in the end :)
If school is a responsibility you can take, take it.
In the book "Make Lemonade" by Virginia Euwer Wolff an education is a very serious matter. An education provides a high school diploma. An eduction provides a meaningful job. An education provides a roof over your head, food on your plate, and warmth in your souls of what is complete in your life. Jolly a seventeen your old teenage mom doesn't have that warmth. She lacks having a good education and a high school diploma. Though she has food on her plate and a roof over her head she doesn't have what she actually needs to provide herself and her two kids with... a job.
A job to me is truly necessary if you have a kid, especially if you have two. You need to feed three mouths including your own, and that is not possible if you don't have enough money. Although I haven't experienced this myself paying rents and bills is a serious pain, but it needs to be done when you are living on your own with absent fathers of not one, but two kids. Jolly had asked LaVaughn to burrow money to pay the apartment rent, but LaVaughn isn't able to give Jolly it because she doesn't make money herself for baby sitting (since Jolly is fired) and her mother sure won't give her the cash.
I can't relate to this idea of being in Jolly's situation, or having a friend that was in Jolly's shoes, but I sure can feel sympathy for her. I honestly do feel really bad knowing that most of her time, Jolly searches for jobs, tries to gather up money and most of all she tries to take care of her beautiful kids.♥ If you have the opportunity to go to school under any circumstances, don't waste it. Take a moment to appreciate the amazing education you have because it will really pay off in the end :)
If school is a responsibility you can take, take it.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
The Wings of Flight
"Fox" by M. Wild and R. Brooks is a fantastic picture book. It is very detailed and written in a creative way! I think that Fox is a great children's book with important themes throughout the story that should be shared with children. I had many themes going on in my mind as I read the story and some of them are listed below. There is also one character in the story that relates to me that is also stated below.
One theme that occurred to me was that "Never judge a person based on their physical appearances." Dog had bad vision in one eye, and Magpie had a burnt wing, even though these are bad qualities that both of them have, they never judged each other, but cared what was within them. They were basically best friends and loved each other.
"I will be your missing eye, and you will be my wings." Magpie had said once to Dog. This quote to me actually has so much meaning, because this quote describes true friendship. "True friendship is always faithful" is another theme that has stood out to me.
Then comes along a fiery red fox who tries to ruin the relationship between dog and Magpie. I feel that fox did this in both triumph and despair. I can also relate to this because I have also have been through Fox's stage of friendship before. I was jealous that my two best friends were hanging out with each other and excluded me from many activities they did. I was a lonely child, so I decided to ruin the friendship of my two best friends'. I know, crazy right? Fox was also jealous and couldn't stand the relationship the two best friends had together so he manipulated Magpie in running away with him. This is triumph.
Fox also tried to ruin the relationship between dog and Magpie in despair because he was always sad and he didn't have anyone to be with his entire life, or to play around like dog did with Magpie...just like me. I didn't want my best friends to be together, and exclude me when I introduced them to each other. -_- It just didn't feel right to me.
These are some of the themes that stood out to me, and how Fox relates to my situations in the past.
One theme that occurred to me was that "Never judge a person based on their physical appearances." Dog had bad vision in one eye, and Magpie had a burnt wing, even though these are bad qualities that both of them have, they never judged each other, but cared what was within them. They were basically best friends and loved each other.
"I will be your missing eye, and you will be my wings." Magpie had said once to Dog. This quote to me actually has so much meaning, because this quote describes true friendship. "True friendship is always faithful" is another theme that has stood out to me.
Then comes along a fiery red fox who tries to ruin the relationship between dog and Magpie. I feel that fox did this in both triumph and despair. I can also relate to this because I have also have been through Fox's stage of friendship before. I was jealous that my two best friends were hanging out with each other and excluded me from many activities they did. I was a lonely child, so I decided to ruin the friendship of my two best friends'. I know, crazy right? Fox was also jealous and couldn't stand the relationship the two best friends had together so he manipulated Magpie in running away with him. This is triumph.
Fox also tried to ruin the relationship between dog and Magpie in despair because he was always sad and he didn't have anyone to be with his entire life, or to play around like dog did with Magpie...just like me. I didn't want my best friends to be together, and exclude me when I introduced them to each other. -_- It just didn't feel right to me.
These are some of the themes that stood out to me, and how Fox relates to my situations in the past.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
I'll Take Care of You :)
I have recently started reading the book "Make Lemonade" by Virginia Euwer Wolff. Although I haven't got far in the book, I am still able to visualize a few conflicts going on in the story. One problem I noticed was that LaVaughn the protagonist in the story comes from a single mother who can't afford for LaVaughn to go to college. Another thing I have noticed is that Jolly a seventeen year old single mother takes care of two kids when she can't handle her own self. The two kids are Jilly and Jeremy who come from two different absent fathers that Jolly has been with so that's another problem. The last conflict I have seen so far is that Jolly had almost been raped by her boss and she has recently lost her job for stabbing him with a pencil. I know, disgusting. There are also a few differences between LaVaughn and I that I seem to find a bit interesting.
LaVaughn portrays the picture of being a girl who has internal strength. She is a strong young girl who loves Jilly and Jeremy. She cleans up the repulsive mess around the house, even the filthy roaches. I honestly admire that about LaVaughn, she doesn't give up so easily even if the place looks like garbage, isn't in a good building and from a single mother who is only seventeen. She also tries to keep up with school and homework/projects.. The difference between me and LauVaughn is that I wouldn't have been able to do what she has done for Jilly and Jeremy. Though she has been doing her homework and projects she isn't maintaining a good status on tests. Her grades are slowly decreasing from the lack of studying, that is because she has been so busy on taking care of the kids. I know that with my school work and the future ahead of me that I plan of living doesn't involve babysitting any kids like LaVaughn.
I have a mother and father, along with an older brother when Lavaughn has only a mother. She has no one to argue with in the house for going on the computer or watching TV when I do. I know that if I were an only child I would have been pretty darn upset because I was all alone. Lavaughn has made it through and she doesn't give much thought on having a sibling. I keep pondering to myself that if I were in LaVaugns shoes, how would I have taken care of myself? How would I keep up my grades while taking care of two kids? My mind remains blank.
"Can I go to college when I am big?" Lavaughn asked her mother.
"Nobody in this building"-"ever went to college in my family." says the mother.
I can't really relate to this idea because my parents want me to go to college and they have been to college before, when Lavaughn's mother hasn't, so this is actually a major difference between me and Lavaughn.. The thing that really gets to me is that how shocked the mother was when LaVaughn had spoke of college. Just the word "college" probably frightens the mother because she doesn't have the money for her daughter to go to college. That is the only reason why LaVaughn took the babysitting job, to earn a little cash to save for college fees. I think that whatever she is doing to get her dream of going to college is a great idea. She is trying her absolute best and I just really admire that about her!
These are the conflicts I have noticed so far in the story along with a few differences between LaVaughn and I.
LaVaughn portrays the picture of being a girl who has internal strength. She is a strong young girl who loves Jilly and Jeremy. She cleans up the repulsive mess around the house, even the filthy roaches. I honestly admire that about LaVaughn, she doesn't give up so easily even if the place looks like garbage, isn't in a good building and from a single mother who is only seventeen. She also tries to keep up with school and homework/projects.. The difference between me and LauVaughn is that I wouldn't have been able to do what she has done for Jilly and Jeremy. Though she has been doing her homework and projects she isn't maintaining a good status on tests. Her grades are slowly decreasing from the lack of studying, that is because she has been so busy on taking care of the kids. I know that with my school work and the future ahead of me that I plan of living doesn't involve babysitting any kids like LaVaughn.
I have a mother and father, along with an older brother when Lavaughn has only a mother. She has no one to argue with in the house for going on the computer or watching TV when I do. I know that if I were an only child I would have been pretty darn upset because I was all alone. Lavaughn has made it through and she doesn't give much thought on having a sibling. I keep pondering to myself that if I were in LaVaugns shoes, how would I have taken care of myself? How would I keep up my grades while taking care of two kids? My mind remains blank.
"Can I go to college when I am big?" Lavaughn asked her mother.
"Nobody in this building"-"ever went to college in my family." says the mother.
I can't really relate to this idea because my parents want me to go to college and they have been to college before, when Lavaughn's mother hasn't, so this is actually a major difference between me and Lavaughn.. The thing that really gets to me is that how shocked the mother was when LaVaughn had spoke of college. Just the word "college" probably frightens the mother because she doesn't have the money for her daughter to go to college. That is the only reason why LaVaughn took the babysitting job, to earn a little cash to save for college fees. I think that whatever she is doing to get her dream of going to college is a great idea. She is trying her absolute best and I just really admire that about her!
These are the conflicts I have noticed so far in the story along with a few differences between LaVaughn and I.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
I Didn't Mean for Anyone to Die...
So far in the book "The Hate List" by Jennifer Brown, Valerie the main character has to overcome the conflict of guilt. She has such a hard time to get the idea of the hate list out of her mind. Nick Levil, Valerie's boyfriend has shot many people at Garvin High School's common area which is the cafeteria, and I think it is the wrong way to solve any problems you have with a person you dislike.
"For about the millionth time since the shooting, I felt an enormous pang of guilt." This quote basically describes how Valerie feels so far.
Nick Levil had problems with many people, so he created a list of people he hated. He called it the Hate List. Honestly, I think that Valerie was involved in it as much as Nick was because she also helped him create the book, and she wrote down the names of people that she hated. Usually the people in the hate list involved the people that bullied, or bothered them. But there is no reason to go around and shoot the people you don't like. That just makes matters worse and creates more drama. People are always staring at you in shame, they are trembling with fear whenever they are around you, because they think you will shoot them as well. That's exactly what happened to Valerie.
I think the right way that Nick should have solved the problem was by ignoring the people that bother him. Also, Jeremy one of Nick's friend isn't the greatest role model. Nick shouldn't have followed Jeremy around and he wouldn't have gone crazy and shot the students in his school. Jeremy was an older guy in the story who abused his girlfriend when he wasn't with Nick. I think Jeremy stuck the ideas of shooting the people in Nick's head, because Jeremy is obviously a bad influence... I mean he ABUSES his girlfriend.
I admit, throughout my life I have hated MANY people. But I didn't go and kill them like Nick did. I just ignored them and it helped. I especially did not create a list because if that page or book got lost, I would be in big trouble. I also don't really think I have any friends like Jeremy. I hope I don't.
Valerie thinks that she also killed the people in the list because she involved them in it. She literally hates herself for creating that list, because it killed some of her friends and put herself into depression. She doesn't want to go to school and face anyone, not even her own mother. If I were in Valerie's shoes I would of probably did the same thing. I would be to ashamed knowing I made a hate list, and my boyfriend killed most of the people on the list. It's just not right.
This is why I think Valerie and Nick did the wrong thing on making the list and shooting the people on them.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Prince Charming
In the story Am I Blue? by Bruce Coville, the protagonist Vincent has to go through a few challenges such as getting bullied by Butch Carrigan, meeting a fairy godfather, and most of all he has to go through confusion.
"And my third wish? I've decided to save it for when I really need it - maybe when I meet the girl of my dreams. Or prince charming. Whichever." This is one of my most favorite quotes in all of the books or stories I have read. This quote was a great way of ending the short story, because to me, I feel that it is a strong sentence.
Vincent was given the power to see people in blue if they were gay by his fairy god father. And turns out Butch Carrigan was one of them. I was pretty surprised to read that Butch Carrigan liked his own gender because he bullied Vincent for being gay, even though he wasn't sure.
Bullies tend to hurt others to cover up their emotions and their problems. And in this case, it perfectly suits Butch Carrigan. I think that Butch doesn't want other people to know that he is gay so he tries to act tough and beats up Vincent. Maybe Butch had a crush on Vincent, but didn't know how to express himself.
Vincent on the other hand is confused on which gender he likes. In the quote it said "The girl of my dreams" which means he could like a girl, but then it says "Or prince charming. Whichever" which means the opposite.
While Vincent was in the bathroom in his house, he still had his power to see blue. He saw a little blue on his face as well, which I guess scared him.
My friend always gets made fun of by the way he acts, and speaks. He is also always hanging out with girls and never boys. Most boys make fun of him jokingly, but he takes it to heart. He often cries about it too. Sometimes it gets carried away but not to the point where he gets beat up like Vincent does. Many people tell him, including me, to be himself. Who cares what anyone thinks, right? Wrong, not him. He cares. He tries to fit in with everyone else but it doesn't work for him. He should really hang out with the boys more often, but he's scared he will get beat up.
At the end of the story Vincent doesn't give much thought if he likes the other gender. He is not as worried as he was before, which to me is a great thing. The quote also describes him changing as well throughout the story from being confused to being eased up about the whole idea. =D
"And my third wish? I've decided to save it for when I really need it - maybe when I meet the girl of my dreams. Or prince charming. Whichever." This is one of my most favorite quotes in all of the books or stories I have read. This quote was a great way of ending the short story, because to me, I feel that it is a strong sentence.
Vincent was given the power to see people in blue if they were gay by his fairy god father. And turns out Butch Carrigan was one of them. I was pretty surprised to read that Butch Carrigan liked his own gender because he bullied Vincent for being gay, even though he wasn't sure.
Bullies tend to hurt others to cover up their emotions and their problems. And in this case, it perfectly suits Butch Carrigan. I think that Butch doesn't want other people to know that he is gay so he tries to act tough and beats up Vincent. Maybe Butch had a crush on Vincent, but didn't know how to express himself.
Vincent on the other hand is confused on which gender he likes. In the quote it said "The girl of my dreams" which means he could like a girl, but then it says "Or prince charming. Whichever" which means the opposite.
While Vincent was in the bathroom in his house, he still had his power to see blue. He saw a little blue on his face as well, which I guess scared him.
My friend always gets made fun of by the way he acts, and speaks. He is also always hanging out with girls and never boys. Most boys make fun of him jokingly, but he takes it to heart. He often cries about it too. Sometimes it gets carried away but not to the point where he gets beat up like Vincent does. Many people tell him, including me, to be himself. Who cares what anyone thinks, right? Wrong, not him. He cares. He tries to fit in with everyone else but it doesn't work for him. He should really hang out with the boys more often, but he's scared he will get beat up.
At the end of the story Vincent doesn't give much thought if he likes the other gender. He is not as worried as he was before, which to me is a great thing. The quote also describes him changing as well throughout the story from being confused to being eased up about the whole idea. =D
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Drummer Boy of Shiloh
In the Drummer Boy of Shiloh by Ray Bradbury, the protagonist Joby faces many challenges in the story. I myself have been through what he has been through. These challenges that Joby faces changes him throughout the story like I did in my life.
At the beginning of the story, Joby was terrified of entering a battle he wasn't ready for. He was nervous and worried and thought he couldn't do it. He was the youngest soldier there who wasn't ready to fight. He even started to cry because he didn't feel like part of the war. Joby didn't even want to be involved. I personally wouldn't want to be involved in a battle if I was as young as Joby.
In my life I have changed a lot as well. I would never have thought my life would be as the way it is right now. I was an outgoing girl when I was younger. Now I am not as outgoing as I was before. I didn't care if I was loud, or what people thought of me, but now I do. I get nervous, scared, and worried. And just like Joby, I cry.
This is how Joby changed throughout the story, and how I changed as well.
At the beginning of the story, Joby was terrified of entering a battle he wasn't ready for. He was nervous and worried and thought he couldn't do it. He was the youngest soldier there who wasn't ready to fight. He even started to cry because he didn't feel like part of the war. Joby didn't even want to be involved. I personally wouldn't want to be involved in a battle if I was as young as Joby.
"If he stayed very still, when the dawn came up and the soldiers put on their bravery with their caps, perhaps they might go away, the war with them, and not notice him living small here, no more than a toy himself." This is a quote from the story, which makes me think that Joby feels as if he is just a toy and not human. No life, and no action, just useless.
In my life I have changed a lot as well. I would never have thought my life would be as the way it is right now. I was an outgoing girl when I was younger. Now I am not as outgoing as I was before. I didn't care if I was loud, or what people thought of me, but now I do. I get nervous, scared, and worried. And just like Joby, I cry.
As the story went on and the general came along, he motivated Joby to be a part of the battle and be involved. As for me, I feel confident when someone motivates me as well, I feel stronger. The general helped Joby out of his fears, and Joby was now confident as ever, and was determined to lead the other soldiers into the battle and be the Drummer Boy of Shiloh.
This is how Joby changed throughout the story, and how I changed as well.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
It's Kind of a Funny Story
The book It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini is about a boy named Craig Gilner, who is depressed. The idea of the story to me is very interesting because Craig isn't the happy boy he was before. There are many differences between me and my protagonist Craig. Some of the differences are stated below.
One way Craig and I are different, is that he doesn't enjoy life when I do. Craig just hides himself in the bathroom when it's dark, and the lights are turned off. That's his way of peace. being alone and trapped in the bathroom.He also thinks peeing is great, and that it's something his body has to do. I don't think being in the bathroom is peaceful. Nor the dark. And both of them combined, no way.
The second way Craig and I are different is that Craig thinks life is a nightmare. His dreams are where he wants to stay most of the time. He doesn't think life is amazing, or fun. Even if his dreams were a nightmare, he would consider it better than life. I think that's pretty crazy. I am glad to wake up every morning to start a new day, when he isn't.
The third way Craig and I are different is that he is always depressed and never has a smile on his face. He has to go to shrinks which are kind of like guidance counselors, to express his feelings. And it is pretty much all the same things like not enjoying life, or life being a nightmare. But towards the end of the book, he tried to enjoy life more, and it worked. He kept a hold of a job, he drew, he ran, he went home and enjoyed himself being alive once again like his childhood. But I have never been depressed for a long period of time, and then started to enjoy life again, when Craig has.
I don't really understand why Craig has to be so depressed, he has friends who like him and want to spend time with him. Also a loving Mother who takes care of him. These are the reasons on why Craig and I are different stated above.
One way Craig and I are different, is that he doesn't enjoy life when I do. Craig just hides himself in the bathroom when it's dark, and the lights are turned off. That's his way of peace. being alone and trapped in the bathroom.He also thinks peeing is great, and that it's something his body has to do. I don't think being in the bathroom is peaceful. Nor the dark. And both of them combined, no way.
The second way Craig and I are different is that Craig thinks life is a nightmare. His dreams are where he wants to stay most of the time. He doesn't think life is amazing, or fun. Even if his dreams were a nightmare, he would consider it better than life. I think that's pretty crazy. I am glad to wake up every morning to start a new day, when he isn't.
The third way Craig and I are different is that he is always depressed and never has a smile on his face. He has to go to shrinks which are kind of like guidance counselors, to express his feelings. And it is pretty much all the same things like not enjoying life, or life being a nightmare. But towards the end of the book, he tried to enjoy life more, and it worked. He kept a hold of a job, he drew, he ran, he went home and enjoyed himself being alive once again like his childhood. But I have never been depressed for a long period of time, and then started to enjoy life again, when Craig has.
I don't really understand why Craig has to be so depressed, he has friends who like him and want to spend time with him. Also a loving Mother who takes care of him. These are the reasons on why Craig and I are different stated above.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Are You Replaced?
The book The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff, was a very interesting book. I have never read anything like it before. The book is unusual, and has a mystery to it. Mackie Doyle the main character in the book isn't a normal teenage boy hanging out with his friends or going to parties, in fact he has to be forced to be out by his friends. To me Mackie is very strange, he doesn't act like a normal boy, but he tries too, which makes it worse because people always asks him why is he acting so weird and if everything is okay.
Mackie was a replacement of a real boy about 16 years ago, coming from a world of puddles and dark tunnels, which is called the Underground world of Gentry. As I read the book, I had many questions like "Why do the parents of Mackie still accept the fact that he is not a full human, but a half human and half demon?" Mackie is allergic to many things that are important in the human world such as iron and blood, so its really hard for him to cooperate with it. As the book went on, Mackie started feeling uncomfortable and tired everyday, and the reason he was feeling that way was because he was dying. Yes... dying. This replacement of a baby 16 years ago, was dying. His skin was turning pale and he felt dizzy and just couldn't work with anything.
As for Emma, Mackie's younger sister is a happy person who is just like a normal girl, until... she finds out that Mackie is dying. She does whatever she could to make him all better again and make him live. She finds out about it by her friend that usually comes over to her house. She knows that he is a replacement, and exactly where he comes from which is the underground world of Gentry. Emma is courageous because it takes a lot of courage to go to a world where your not from, especially if its full of demons and dead people walking around. Emma gets this little drink for Mackie in order for him to stay alive. But, Mackie has to do many things to keep Emma away from danger from the demons. I think of Emma as a sweet girl because she accepts Mackie knowing he is a replacement of her real baby brother 16 years ago.
The Replacement is a very good book, and I think many people would enjoy the book as much as I did. It is filled with many details that make me want to read the book even more. Everyone should read how "Mackie is an outsider, even in his own home."
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