Last Blog

      This year's class was definitely one of my favorite English classes ever. Although it was an AP class and slightly more difficult than usual it was still extremely fun and interesting. We got to do a bunch of new things like using the Smart Board and even these blogs. One of my favorite parts of this class was getting to use the Smart Board. It made understanding things a lot easier because it was so interactive and visual. I really enjoyed this class, so there is no specific thing that I did not like about it, or wanted to improve. 
      This year's literature was also one of my favorites compared to other English classes. Although it was more focused on the language of the piece of literature rather than the plot, I still enjoyed reading. I had a few favorite's this year. One of them was The Great Gatsby. I really enjoyed reading this novel, because I like stories that take place during the 1920s, since it is one of my favorite eras in American history. Another of my favorite's was Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven". This poem was one of my favorite's because I like Poe's work, and also because I liked how he wrote the poem. If I had to pick my least favorite piece of literature, it would have to be between Death of a Salesman, and some of the works we read from the Transcendentalist period. I did not like the play much, because I could not connect to it as which other pieces of literature. The pieces of literature from the Transcendentalist movement were interesting, but they were also a slightly harder read because of the language and vocabulary.
      Overall, I really enjoyed this class and I'm going to miss it very much. 

Fresh Fruits and Veggies

      An article titled "Healthy, Nutritious Food Would have Saved the Titanic" was written by Michelle Obama on theonion.com on April 13, 2012. The article discussed how if the passengers of the Titanic had just eaten some fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains as well as made healthier eating choices, they would have been saved from the tragedy. The article mentions how almost a century ago, the Titanic  went down, and took the lives of 1,500 passengers with it. Obama claims how the passengers died, since they did not make healthy eating choices, and therefore could not survive, since they had no strength or energy.
      This article is important, because it reminds us of the tragedy that claimed so many lives. However, it is also satirical because of its tone as well as its subject matter. The passengers could not have survived if only they had eaten healthier. There might have been cases were some passengers were healthier than others, and could therefore survive longer, but on a larger scale, eating healthy could not have saved everyone. This article also parodies Michelle Obama, because she constantly advocates healthy eating and exercise, although in this context it would not have made much of a difference.  

"Red, White, and Beer"

      This week, one of the essays that we read was titled "Red, White, and Beer". This essay was written by Dave Barry. It was a satirical essay, commenting on patriotism and how it is used in commercials. Barry gives examples such as car, beer, and other types of commercials which supposedly evoke a sense of patriotism. He mentions how even the Statue of Liberty, who is used in commercials since it is a patriotic symbol gets its value lessened because of it.
      This essay was a reflective, satirical essay. It is reflective, since Barry brings in some of his experiences, and whatever he has seen relating to patriotism in commercials. It is a satirical essay,  because Barry wants us o laugh along with him at how patriotism is used inaccurately in commercials. The purpose of this essay is to tell a story, and also to inform. His intended audience was the people of America, who are always exposed to these types of commercials. The tone of the essay was humorous, sarcastic, and light. These three characteristics fit in with what the content of reflective and satirical essays are like.

Shooting at a Jewish School Leaves Four Dead

      On Monday morning, a shooter opened fire on a Jewish school in Toulouse, France just after students arrived. The shooting took place at the Ozar Hatorah school, killing four people, and severely injuring three others. The shooter killed a thirty year old rabbi named Jonathan Sandler, as well as his three year old and six year old sons. The school headmaster's eight year old daughter was also shot and killed. The suspect had arrived with two guns on a motorcycle, and opened fire just as the students were gathering for morning prayer. Police quickly arrived trying to calm the students and parents who had heard what happened.
      Police are trying to find who the shooter was. They have sixty policemen looking for the shooter. The French police department is also trying to determine if there was a connection between the shooting at the school and a shooting that had occurred in the same area the previous week. Both shootings occurred in the same area, using the same weapon, and the suspect drove off on a motorcycle. It is important for police to find who the shooter was quickly, before he decides to attack again.

SOAPST

      These last couple of weeks we began reading The Great Gatsby in class. This novel was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The purpose of this book is to entertain and to explain. The novel tells about Nick, who is the speaker, and his interactions with the other characters such as, Daisy, Gatsby, and Jordan. The events in the book take place during the summer of 1922 in various parts of New York. Nick had moved there in order to make money of his own, even though he came from a well-off family. He did not want to live on his parents money, but instead see what he can do on his own, so he began working in stocks. During his time in New York, he met with his cousin Daisy, her husband Tom, and Daisy's friend Jordan. Nick learned that Tom was cheating on Daisy, and was amazed at how they pretended everything was all right. Nick also heard about the famous Gatsby, who also happened to be his neighbor, and finally got to meet him at one of his parties.
      Nick soon realizes that Gatsby is a very complicated person. There are constantly rumors circulating about him, and he hardly ever denies or accepts them, but simply allows people to believe whatever they want. Gatsby is a very convincing and charming person, although every word he says to Nick is always carefully thought out and measured. Nick soon finds out the reason for this from Jordan. Jordan explains to Nick that Gatsby and Daisy were in love, and because of certain circumstances could not be together. That was why Gatsby bought a house across the bay from Daisy's house in the hopes of one day meeting him. Jordan tells Nick that Gatsby requested to set up a surprise meeting with Daisy at Nick's house, so now Nick has to decide whether or not he wants to get involved in the situation.

Language

      Language is one of the key aspects to someone's identity. It is the main way that they express their thoughts and feelings, and communicate with the rest of the world. People from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds speak different languages. Many people do not even just speak the language of their ethnicity, but also another language. Not only do people speak different languages, but when they speak the same language, each person brings their own twist to it depending on where they came from, their level of education, and their culture. These little details may also affect how people perceive them.
      Language can tell a lot about a person. If someone is speaking using slightly higher vocabulary than usual, then it usually means that they have had some sort of higher education. The slang people use can help determine what type of environment they came from. Even accent is a strong indicator if they are native to country whose language they are speaking. I think accents are one of the most interesting aspects of language, because they can sometimes automatically tell you exactly where someone is from or at least some part of their ethnic background. I believe language is one of the most important characteristics of a person.

Party from the Twenties

      In the novel The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby throws an extravagant party every weekend. He has the city's best orchestra and caterers, and the wealthiest, most popular people attending. Gatsby spends so much money for his guests, yet so many people arrive who barely even know anything about Gatsby himself. However, everyone who goes to the party enjoys themselves. If I had $100,000 to spend on a party, I would make it as amazing a party as I could.
      The party would be in the summer, in a huge house on the beach shore.The theme of the party would be the "Roaring Twenties".  The entire house would be decorated with colorful, twinkling lights. The walls would be covered in newspaper articles reproduced from that era. All the food being served would be items that could be found in the United States during the twenties. Even the music would be a jazz band, and singers performing songs from the nineteen-twenties. I would do this, because I have always loved the Jazz Age in the United States, since it was a time where many people were happy and carefree. It was known as a time where people would enjoy themselves, and that is how I would want people to feel at my party.

Journalist Dies Trying to Get Shoes

      In a recent article reported by CNN, it was stated that a famous journalist named Marie Colvin died in Syria in bomb and rocket firings. Colvin was a New York native but worked for London's Sunday Times. She had been stationed in  Syria for the past year and had been reporting on the horrors there because of attacks claiming to be to find terrorists hidden in the country. Colvin had reported on the death of a young boy just the day before being killed. The boy had been hit by a piece of flying shrapnel from a bomb in his chest.
      Marie's mother, along with others, believes that she was targeted because of her last story, as well as for being known to report stories that were against the Syrian government. She had walked into a makeshift press center, taking off her shoes as was the custom. When she heard the bombings, she quickly tried to retrieve her shoes and leave the building, but a rocket landed a few yards away from her. Many brave reporters like Colvin have suffered similar fates. We must acknowledge their courage and relentlessness, because they risk their lives for something they believe in. Marie's family has created a fund in her name that will aid charities that she would have supported.

Jazz Music in the 1920s

      Throughout the  history of the United States, various trends have consumed the people for a decade or two. One of the most beloved, and well-known eras was the Jazz Age. This took place during the "Roaring Twenties" from approximately 1920 until 1930. A major aspect of the Jazz Age was Jazz Music. This was a revolutionary time for musicians experimenting with new styles of music. At first, Jazz Music was critized by the older generations who prefered more traditional styles of music, and were afraid it was tainting their culture. However, Jazz Music quickly took hold of the younger generations. It especially took off so quickly, as a form of response to alcohol prohibition which was also going on at about the same time.
      Some of the well-known musicians and bands of the Jazz Era were Louis Armstrong, Fletcher Henderson, and other orchestras in Chicago and later on New Orleans. Most orchestras had approximately seven to twelve musicians in their group. Many of them could not pick their own material to perform, since their recording companies would do so for them. However, the music still flourished and quickly caught on. Its influence has become so strong, that many artists are still inspired by the music from that era. It has come to be known as one of the most joyous and reckless times in United States history.

Prison Sentence for Bullies

      The issues concerning bullying have been growing constantly, becoming more and more severe. In a recent article written by Paula Hancocks titled " Two Teens Sent to Prison for South Korean Bullying Suicide" it is clear that these issues have reached a fatal stage. Just last week a teen was said to have committed suicide by jumping off a building, stating in his suicide note the names of his bullies and the reasons for his actions. The bullies later confessed and face over three years in prison. The fifteen-year olds confessed to forcing the victim to play in online games, later on taking all his winnings, as well as stealing food from his home, beating him, and forcing him to eat food off the floor. The parents of the bullied student have filed a lawsuit against the school of their child, as well as the parents of the two bullies.
      This article shows how bullying is not only a major problem here in the United States, but also all over the world in places such as South Korea. It has become almost uncontrollable. This must be stopped in order to prevent young children and teens from feeling helpless and victimized by the torment caused from being bullied. For many teens, it seems as though they believe suicide is their only outlet. Therefore, measures must be taken to prevent any more teens from causing harm to themselves which can ultimately become fatal.

"Indian baby's case opens doors into a dark world"

            In a news article written by Moni Basu on Saturday, the story of a two-year old Indian girl's struggle for survival comes to light. Three weeks ago, a fourteen year old girl brought baby Falak to a New Delhi hospital claiming that she was her mother. The girl said that the baby was crying all night, and losing her temper, the girl began hitting her and biting her. She claimed that later on, the baby slipped and fell on the bathroom floor, and as her head began to swell the girl bandaged it. When Falak did not wake up the next morning, the teenager took her to the hospital. Doctors conducted surgeries in order to open up her airways, however they are still not certain if Falak will survive, or have permanent brain damage.
      The story of baby Falak, is similar to the stories of many other baby girls and women living in places such as India, Congo, and Pakistan. The problems with human trafficking, prostitution, and selling women into marriage constantly grow and remain unregulated. In a recent study, over forty-five percent of young women in India are sold into marriage before adulthood. This devastating story must be taken seriously by the Indian government in order to control and prevent cases like this from happening. Investigators have been looking into Falak's case, and have found her biological mother as well as older sister. Her biological brother is still missing. Police have also arrested ten men who are thought to be part of a human trafficking group.

"8 minutes pass before cops got sent to Powell home"

      This article was written by Gene Johnson and Mike Baker, describing a recent release of the 911 phone call regarding the Powell home's fire. On Sunday, Josh Powell locked himself and his two young boys in his home, and burned the house down, killing himself and both his sons. a social worker had dropped his sons' off for a supervised visit, but as soon as they ran through the door, Powell locked the social worker outside. As she smelled gas, and  heard crying from one of the boys, the social worker quickly dialed 911 to report what was happening. By the time the operator understood what the worker was trying to say, it was already too late. The officers were not dispatched in time, because the operator did not view the situation as a serious emergency. When the first dispatched officer arrived at the scene, the house had erupted in flames already.
      Five minutes after the original emergency call, Powell's sister called 911 as well, because she had just received emails from her brother stating that he could not live without his sons and instructing her what to do with his possessions. Powell had recently lost custody of both his sons. This article shows what could happen if people are not ready to interpret situations currently when they are faced with life or death situations. The operator should have been able to realize what was going on, and quickly sent help when the social worker asked for it. Situations like this can be prevented, with correct training and experience.

Nature Observations

      Today, in the late afternoon, I went outside and just looked at my surroundings. There was a sort of calm stillness in the air. It was slightly cool outside, but the sun still provided some warmth. I sat on one of the benches near our fire pit in the backyard and looked at the view. As I was looking, I realized that I do not spend much time outside in my backyard, just looking at the view. I could see all the tall buildings and sparkly lights flashing and reflecting off their windows. I realized that I could even see some of the backyards of a few of my neighbors. As I was looking, a little boy opened his patio door, and a dog ran out with him. They disappeared behind some bushes when the boy found a ball and threw it too far.
      As I was looking at the view, I heard a rustling sound behind me. When I turned to look, a couple of rabbits were scampering around in our yard. Whenever I am outside, I always see rabbits quietly munching on grass. When it realized I was looking at it, it stiffened to see if I was going to hurt it. When I did not get up to move towards it, it continued eating something in the grass. A slight breeze blew by, and it carried the scent of one of the rose bushes near where I was sitting. I remembered when we were younger,  my sister fell in the bush where the sweet smell was coming from, and scratched her arm. When it started getting darker and colder outside, I decided to go back inside.

Character I Most Relate To

      In the play Death of a Salesman written by Arthur Miller, there are  wide variety of traits presented through the characters. There is the main character Willy, who is living in a fantasy world, too hung up on his failures and disappointments in life to think about the joys in life. Happy is the son who is always willing to please others, and not wanting to stay under his brother's shadow. Willy's wife, Linda, is living in a state of denial and pretending that everything is all right, when in actuality she is probably the most realistic of all the characters, and just does not want to admit to herself what is going on. Finally, there is Biff, who does not quite yet know what he wants to do with his life, but is afraid of wasting it away.
      If I had to pick one character that I relate the most to, I would pick Biff. Biff has reached an age in his life when people generally know what they want to do with the rest of their lives. However, he still has no idea what he wants in life, and what he is going to do about it. Although, I am not at a stage in my life where I am supposed to or have to know what I want to become, or what I want to do with the rest of my life life, I am similar to Biff in that I'm still uncertain of the future. Many people my age have some sort of idea of what they want to become, and although I do not know at all what I want to be, I believe that I will know what to do when I have to. Just how Biff realizes in the end that what he had been trying to get out of life was not the right thing for him, I think soon I will know what I want to do with my life as well.

SOAPST

      Death of  a Salesman is a play written by Arthur Miller. The setting is in New York during the early 1940s. Miller's audience was the people watching the play, as well as people reading the play in present day. Miller's purpose for writing was to entertain. He wanted to give the audience a glimpse of what life was like for a man who was in a desperate search of the American Dream. This play shows how the desperate wanting of something can destroy a family, and ultimately a person's life.
      Death of a Salesman is about a salesman named Willy Loman who has been trying to achieve the American Dream practically his whole life. He has made it his life's work to become successful at his job, and has tried to instill his same beliefs in his sons Biff and Happy. However, along the way, he has lost sight of the realistic aspects of his goals, and become deluded and depressed because of his failures. Willy isolated both his sons, as well as his wife, Linda, keeping them in the dark both directly and indirectly. In the end, Willy's failures and disappointments in life became too much for him to cope with, so he turned to suicide as his only way out.