1. Analyze specific qualities that make a person fit to successfully pursue extreme adventures in the natural world, but also could potentially lead to disaster.
The main character of the story, Chris McCandless had many personal qualities. He was courageous and extremely confident in his risky adventures. He found himself fighting for his life in life threatening situations. He was almost capable of achieve his expectations of reaching Alaska. A hitchhiker that transcended beyond extreme limits. Doing things that no man would ever do.
2. Describe specific connections between both Into Thin Air and Into the Wild and your experiences in the many aspects of MSB.
Both stories have die hard and risky characters wrestling many challenges. Despite their unpreparedness, they always seem to successful. One might say that they're doing what they love the most. What they the love the most is experiencing extremely difficult obstacles in their travels.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Blog 29: Nature writing
There is nothing admirable about Chris’ solitary wild life. Chris Candless’ died of starvation, due to the lack of equipment needed to survive the harsh and rugged conditions of Alaska. He refused help from friendly characters he encountered in the story. Chris Candless, a recent graduate of Emory University decided to embark on a journey to experience total freedom. He decides to leave behind his family, friends and the security of a home, everyday conveniences and a successful career. He decides go on a cross country backpacking trip through the Alaskan wilderness alone. He hopes to get by on his wits and the kindness of strangers. Although he meets some people along the way who care about him and decide to help him out, he leaves them to continue his quest for self fulfillment.
Chris, the main character, goes beyond limits, and finds himself hitchhiking up to Alaska. Catching a free ride up to Denali National park, he meets up with a confused and friendly electrician, Jim Gillian. He first encounters him four miles outside of Fairbanks. He cannot help but wonder why this young man is traveling to Alaska. Jim Gillian out of the kindness of his heart tells Chris that he can drive him up further and purchase the proper equipment for hunting. He feels that Chris will not survive with his .22 caliber rifle. In this story, he says that if they boy attempts to kill a large animal like a bear, for instance, he will only evoke anger from the bear and is likely to get severely injured. Chris idiotically, refuses what Jim Gillian has to offer to him. Chris is naive and an amateur at hunting; doesn’t know how to be an experienced hunter.
In the beginning of the story, it mentions that Chris died in a sleeping bag inside an old 1930’s rusty bus. He tore a page off this book he was reading and wrote an S.O.S note. Chris died before anyone found him. Chris not knowing what the wildness has in store for him dies. This means that Chris was not prepared. He brought endless amounts of pain to his family and friends. In the story they say that the most plausible case of his death was starvation. They’re correct. Also the extremely cold temperatures could have killed him too.
He throws himself into danger. Some might say that he is impulsive and others might say he is a brave man. Chris McCandless didn’t realize that he was leading himself towards his death. The question still remains, why would he want to live a lonely life in the wild? He has a successful life and a caring family. He isolates himself from his life achievements to go live in the Alaskan wilderness hunting down game and reading books. What is so special about what he is doing? There’s nothing positive about what he intended to do in the outskirts of the cold Alaskan terrain.
Chris, the main character, goes beyond limits, and finds himself hitchhiking up to Alaska. Catching a free ride up to Denali National park, he meets up with a confused and friendly electrician, Jim Gillian. He first encounters him four miles outside of Fairbanks. He cannot help but wonder why this young man is traveling to Alaska. Jim Gillian out of the kindness of his heart tells Chris that he can drive him up further and purchase the proper equipment for hunting. He feels that Chris will not survive with his .22 caliber rifle. In this story, he says that if they boy attempts to kill a large animal like a bear, for instance, he will only evoke anger from the bear and is likely to get severely injured. Chris idiotically, refuses what Jim Gillian has to offer to him. Chris is naive and an amateur at hunting; doesn’t know how to be an experienced hunter.
In the beginning of the story, it mentions that Chris died in a sleeping bag inside an old 1930’s rusty bus. He tore a page off this book he was reading and wrote an S.O.S note. Chris died before anyone found him. Chris not knowing what the wildness has in store for him dies. This means that Chris was not prepared. He brought endless amounts of pain to his family and friends. In the story they say that the most plausible case of his death was starvation. They’re correct. Also the extremely cold temperatures could have killed him too.
He throws himself into danger. Some might say that he is impulsive and others might say he is a brave man. Chris McCandless didn’t realize that he was leading himself towards his death. The question still remains, why would he want to live a lonely life in the wild? He has a successful life and a caring family. He isolates himself from his life achievements to go live in the Alaskan wilderness hunting down game and reading books. What is so special about what he is doing? There’s nothing positive about what he intended to do in the outskirts of the cold Alaskan terrain.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Harbor Seals in La Jolla
The fecal matter from the harbor seals in La Jolla does affect human activity. In 1931; the La Jolla Cove was dedicated to the children of San Diego by Ellen B. Scripps. A colony of Pacific harbor seals began to colonize the cove in the mid 1990’s. Seals inhabiting the cove used it to rest, socialize, give birth and nurture their young. The sea wall provided protection from strong ocean currents and provided a peaceful location for them to breed. Travel to La Jolla and rest your arms on the corroded railing at the top of the sea wall jutting out into the open sea. Don’t be frightened, the harbor seals below will not bite you. The wall is approximately 10 feet high above them. Unfortunately, harbor seals release fecal matter into the water which can adversely affect any human who comes in contact with it. The harbor seals can excrete bacteria in their urine. The water has a heavy concentration of bacteria in it so people are more likely to develop infections if they swim in it. If the water is swallowed, there is a potential risk of Colitis. There are signs warning people not to swim in the cove with the seals. The seals presence has stirred up controversy with the locals. What used to be called the “La Jolla Children’s Pool” is now referred to as the “La Jolla Seal Cove”.
Not only can a person come down with an inner ear infection from swimming in contaminated water, one can contract Colitis. This illness can be caused by a parasite present in contaminated water. It is an inflammatory disease that can affect the large intestine. It can infect the inside lining of the intestinal walls. General symptoms include intense abdominal pain, fatigue, fever and diarrhea. Infected persons can be bothered by cramps, gas, bloating, indigestion and heartburn. Since Colitis can cause a serious infection, antibiotics can be administered to help get rid of the disease. Engaging in water sports or activities which exposes a person to fecal matter left in sea water by seals can result in getting this disease. In severe cases, a person can be hospitalized. Swimmers are often not aware of the contamination in sea water which is the result of sea lions and harbor seals contaminating beaches all along the coast. In severe cases, it can cause loss of appetite and weight loss. Symptoms can usually appear a few days after a person has been exposed to contaminated water. Children can be particularly susceptible to becoming ill with this disease as their immune systems are not fully developed.
After the arrival of the seals, marine biologists studying the harbor seals conducted important tests concerning the concentration of bacterial levels in the water. Bacterial contamination of sea water by the marine life can cause serious diseases for humans and other mammals. One such serious disease is Leptospirosis. It was first described by a German doctor, Adolf Weil, in 1886. In the beginning, it can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, vomiting and diarrhea. Seals can be carriers of these bacteria without showing symptoms. Swimmers and surfers are at high risk of getting this disease if they swallow contaminated water or splash infected water into their eyes or nose. The bacteria can pass through a person’s mucus membranes or cuts in the skin. This disease is not only present in infected marine animals but it can also be spread by infected rodents, cats, dogs or other mammals. The main reason children should not swim in the contaminated water of the cove is because of the potential illnesses children can get from exposure to contaminated water.
In 1998, there was a triathlon and 834 people swam in contaminated water, 98 people (12%) developed Leptospirosis infections. This illness is also known as Weil’s disease. Leptospirosis can cause mild to severe illness. Symptoms can appear a few weeks after swimming in contaminated water. Leptospirosis is caused by a microorganism, the spirochete bacterium. Symptoms can affect almost every major organ and can cause kidney failure, hemorrhage, acute respiratory distress and even an inflammation of the heart muscle called myocarditis. There is an article from the Monterey Herald about Leptospirosis in seals and below that is an article from a website called Up to Date. This is a website that educates doctors about this disease. It’s a known fact that Weil’s disease can spread at an alarming rate and can severely affect large swarms of marine life every year. There was an outbreak in 2004 in which 45 % of all seals tested were diagnosed with Leptospirosis – compared to 4.5 % of seals tested in 2003. Therefore, it’s best to stay away from the water that could be contaminated by seals.
This colony of Pacific harbor seals has been laying around on the shores of the Children’s Pool for a quite a number of years. I am eager to learn more about the consequences of their presence at the La Jolla Cove. This has become a big issue among some members of the public. Their presence has stirred up some trouble. La Jolla councilman, Scott Peters, would like for the Cove to be used by both people and Harbor Seals. That may not be possible because seals are shy by nature and do like to be approached by humans. They are primarily protected from harassment by the Marine Mammal Act. Some people have been debating whether or not the seals should remain in the children’s pool or leave. No one wants to swim in the water when you can have a potential risk of fatal diseases like Colitis and Leptospirosis. Some people are trying to reclaim the Children’s pool for use by humans who want to go there to sunbathe, swim and snorkel. Some have even suggested using the recording of barking dogs so that the noise can drive the seals away. A superior court judge, Timothy Taylor, recently ruled that the seals can remain. Some animal rights activists who support marine life were very happy that the seals were allowed to stay. This area should be turned into a wildlife sanctuary for people from all over the world to visit. Up to 100,000 people per month flock to the Children’s Pool Beach to see the seals up close.
Citations:
1. Elhams, Osamah K. Media Saves the testing Data. Raw data. La Jolla, San Diego. 26 Nov. 2009.
2. Lipin, Howard, ed. "Seals have their day at court: a 'great victory'" Letters to the editor [San Diego] 18 Nov. 2009, Morning ed., B7 sec.: 1-1.
3. Stock, D., ed. "Children's Pool, La Jolla, California." Children's Pool, La Jolla, California [La Jolla] 8 Nov. 2009: 1-2. Print.
Not only can a person come down with an inner ear infection from swimming in contaminated water, one can contract Colitis. This illness can be caused by a parasite present in contaminated water. It is an inflammatory disease that can affect the large intestine. It can infect the inside lining of the intestinal walls. General symptoms include intense abdominal pain, fatigue, fever and diarrhea. Infected persons can be bothered by cramps, gas, bloating, indigestion and heartburn. Since Colitis can cause a serious infection, antibiotics can be administered to help get rid of the disease. Engaging in water sports or activities which exposes a person to fecal matter left in sea water by seals can result in getting this disease. In severe cases, a person can be hospitalized. Swimmers are often not aware of the contamination in sea water which is the result of sea lions and harbor seals contaminating beaches all along the coast. In severe cases, it can cause loss of appetite and weight loss. Symptoms can usually appear a few days after a person has been exposed to contaminated water. Children can be particularly susceptible to becoming ill with this disease as their immune systems are not fully developed.
After the arrival of the seals, marine biologists studying the harbor seals conducted important tests concerning the concentration of bacterial levels in the water. Bacterial contamination of sea water by the marine life can cause serious diseases for humans and other mammals. One such serious disease is Leptospirosis. It was first described by a German doctor, Adolf Weil, in 1886. In the beginning, it can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, vomiting and diarrhea. Seals can be carriers of these bacteria without showing symptoms. Swimmers and surfers are at high risk of getting this disease if they swallow contaminated water or splash infected water into their eyes or nose. The bacteria can pass through a person’s mucus membranes or cuts in the skin. This disease is not only present in infected marine animals but it can also be spread by infected rodents, cats, dogs or other mammals. The main reason children should not swim in the contaminated water of the cove is because of the potential illnesses children can get from exposure to contaminated water.
In 1998, there was a triathlon and 834 people swam in contaminated water, 98 people (12%) developed Leptospirosis infections. This illness is also known as Weil’s disease. Leptospirosis can cause mild to severe illness. Symptoms can appear a few weeks after swimming in contaminated water. Leptospirosis is caused by a microorganism, the spirochete bacterium. Symptoms can affect almost every major organ and can cause kidney failure, hemorrhage, acute respiratory distress and even an inflammation of the heart muscle called myocarditis. There is an article from the Monterey Herald about Leptospirosis in seals and below that is an article from a website called Up to Date. This is a website that educates doctors about this disease. It’s a known fact that Weil’s disease can spread at an alarming rate and can severely affect large swarms of marine life every year. There was an outbreak in 2004 in which 45 % of all seals tested were diagnosed with Leptospirosis – compared to 4.5 % of seals tested in 2003. Therefore, it’s best to stay away from the water that could be contaminated by seals.
This colony of Pacific harbor seals has been laying around on the shores of the Children’s Pool for a quite a number of years. I am eager to learn more about the consequences of their presence at the La Jolla Cove. This has become a big issue among some members of the public. Their presence has stirred up some trouble. La Jolla councilman, Scott Peters, would like for the Cove to be used by both people and Harbor Seals. That may not be possible because seals are shy by nature and do like to be approached by humans. They are primarily protected from harassment by the Marine Mammal Act. Some people have been debating whether or not the seals should remain in the children’s pool or leave. No one wants to swim in the water when you can have a potential risk of fatal diseases like Colitis and Leptospirosis. Some people are trying to reclaim the Children’s pool for use by humans who want to go there to sunbathe, swim and snorkel. Some have even suggested using the recording of barking dogs so that the noise can drive the seals away. A superior court judge, Timothy Taylor, recently ruled that the seals can remain. Some animal rights activists who support marine life were very happy that the seals were allowed to stay. This area should be turned into a wildlife sanctuary for people from all over the world to visit. Up to 100,000 people per month flock to the Children’s Pool Beach to see the seals up close.
Citations:
1. Elhams, Osamah K. Media Saves the testing Data. Raw data. La Jolla, San Diego. 26 Nov. 2009.
2. Lipin, Howard, ed. "Seals have their day at court: a 'great victory'" Letters to the editor [San Diego] 18 Nov. 2009, Morning ed., B7 sec.: 1-1.
3. Stock, D., ed. "Children's Pool, La Jolla, California." Children's Pool, La Jolla, California [La Jolla] 8 Nov. 2009: 1-2. Print.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Blog #27
Krakauer observes that it is not “unusual for a young man to be drawn to a pursuit considered reckless by his elders.” Explain whether McCandless would agree with Krakauer.
Despite how insane McCandess is, it sounds like an idiotic idea, abandoning your own life. Leaving your parents even though your not on good terms with them. What he did sounds a little immature for his age. If I was placed in his shoes and I had to think to myself whether or not I wanted to leave my family forever or just stay. I would definitely stay and try and resolve my own life conflicts. McClandess is drawn to his pursuit of traveling along a highway or ending up in someones house. Its obvious that McClandess strongly believes in what he is doing. His elders must think he is a lunatic running around acting like a hobo. I know that McClandess must think that he is extremely happy.
Despite how insane McCandess is, it sounds like an idiotic idea, abandoning your own life. Leaving your parents even though your not on good terms with them. What he did sounds a little immature for his age. If I was placed in his shoes and I had to think to myself whether or not I wanted to leave my family forever or just stay. I would definitely stay and try and resolve my own life conflicts. McClandess is drawn to his pursuit of traveling along a highway or ending up in someones house. Its obvious that McClandess strongly believes in what he is doing. His elders must think he is a lunatic running around acting like a hobo. I know that McClandess must think that he is extremely happy.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Photo contest
Nature Conservancy website
http://support.nature.org/site/PageServer?pagename=contest_ph6
The nature photo contest is where you can submit photos and win prizes. Most of the photos you find on the website have to do with nature. There are no restrictions to what you can put on to the website. If you want to submit a photo you have to type a description of what the photo is and where you took the photo. There is no fee on this website. On this website you will find different photos of the wild. I decided to submit my seal pictures on to the website so that other people can look at them. I submitted 4 photos. You can also send in votes on what pictures you like. If you want to submit a photo you have to meet the requirements on the website. Your picture must meet at least five requirements before submitting.
http://support.nature.org/site/PageServer?pagename=contest_ph6
The nature photo contest is where you can submit photos and win prizes. Most of the photos you find on the website have to do with nature. There are no restrictions to what you can put on to the website. If you want to submit a photo you have to type a description of what the photo is and where you took the photo. There is no fee on this website. On this website you will find different photos of the wild. I decided to submit my seal pictures on to the website so that other people can look at them. I submitted 4 photos. You can also send in votes on what pictures you like. If you want to submit a photo you have to meet the requirements on the website. Your picture must meet at least five requirements before submitting.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Seals in La jolla
How does fecal matter from the seals on Seal Cove adversely affect the human activity, specifically children, in La Jolla?
Rest your arms onto the corroded railing on top of the wall jutting out into the open sea. Don’t be frightened, the sea lions below will not bite your limbs off. The old decomposed brick wall is roughly 10 feet high. What concerns most of us is why can’t any human being swim freely in the shallow end of the water alongside the seals? Because the seals have bacteria and it can spread in the water. The sea lions excrete the bacteria in their urine. The water has a heavy concentration of bacteria in it so people are more likely to develop infections such as ear and outer infections. If the water is swallowed there is a potential risk of colitis. There are public signs pinned to the rail on top of the wall as an indication not to swim in the cove with the seals. This issue has stirred up attention with the locals. What use to be called the “Children’s pool” is now referred to as “seal cove”.
After the arrival of the seals, biologist have conducted important test concerning the bacteria concentration inside the water. It’s a known fact that the sea lions frequently carry bacteria they excrete from their urine. The urination process either takes place on the shore or in the open water. This is called leptospirosis and sometimes causes disease in sea lions and other times they are carriers of this bacteria without it causing disease. If large numbers of sea lions urinate in the same water, the water can be contaminated and pass through a person’s mucus membranes (mouth, nose), eyes, or cuts in his or her skin. This infection is not only seen from sea lions, but many rodents, cats, dogs and other animals can spread it. The main reason why the children’s pool cannot be accessed is because of the potential diseases that the children can get from swimming into the water. The seals are not an issue, they she’ll live on the seal cover for as long as they want.
In 1998 there was a triathlon and 834 people swam in contaminated water, 98 (12%) developed leptospirosis infection. Leptospirosis can cause mild to severe illness. The symptoms can affect almost every organ and can cause kidney failure, hemorrhage, acute respiratory distress and even an infection of the heart muscle called myocarditis. There is an article from the Monterey Herald about leptospirosis in sea lions and below that an article from a website called UptoDate which is a website for doctors and talks about leptospirosis.
Its quite comforting standing on the ledge and absorbing the cool breeze, but do you ever think about what your learn in bio class. Harmful microscopic organisms in the water originating from seal poop. The question is should we not interfere with the seals and there daily activities. Locals believe that the water is a bad clarity to it because of the seal poop and bacteria swarming around.
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Great Gatsby essay
Describe and analyze the significance of the last line of The Great Gatsby.
“Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther. . . . And then one fine morning— So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” Money can’t buy you everything. Gatsby sort of comes to the realization that the only cure to his emptiness was to merely impress the likes of Daisy. One see’s that this passage is quite explanatory to the reader. Despite Gatsby’s hardships, Nick guides us through the story with Gatsby’s main priority of winning Daisy back and his motivation behind his acquisition of his enormous wealth from criminal activity. Gatsby’s dream shatters at the hands of Wilson as he shoots Gatsby, instantly killing him in the pool and then shoots himself. His dream fails to become a reality judging from past events with Tom Buchanan. Nick, the narrator of the story feels so disgusted with the people associated in the Great Gatsby, except for Gatsby, he realizes that the dream that Gatsby wants was corrupted by dishonesty. Gatsby’s death begins to festers Nick to point where he moves back to the Midwest to get away from it all. With the metaphorical words used in the passage, we come to the realization that people find it difficult to achieve their dream of success. The green light in the beginning of the passage is a light of guidance for Gatsby who is one of those people.
This very last line of the passage states,” Gatsby believed in the green light”, the “green light” is the light that is describe as barely visible from Gatsby’s west egg gothic mansion. The “green light” to Gatsby is sort of like his guidance; luring him to his goal. The phrase the “green light” has a significant connotation in the story; it provides Gatsby with hope and dreams of the future. He sees a relationship with Daisy that is destine to be. The green light is almost like a symbol for him. The green light has been mentioned quite a few times through the novel, in chapter 1 and chapter 9. In chapter one when the story commences, Gatsby isolated by the inevitable darkness, finds himself reaching out towards the light. Daisy’s mansion is situated on the East Egg where the green light is radiant. The green light sort of powers his motivation. He pushes the limit with spending a ridiculous amount of money on his elaborate parties that he celebrates every weekend. It’s quite obvious to the reader that he is trying to be the mysterious host of the parties, trying so diligently to win Daisy’s heart back.
“tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms father…” In the pursuit of accomplishing his goal, we will never give up the goal that stretches forever forward. This specific sentence connects with Gatsby’s struggle of obtaining the American dream. Nick respects the melancholy in Gatsby that he learns from his study of Gatsby’s life. It means that there is always time to try harder. Gatsby’s reveals to Nick that he and Daisy actually were in love. He wants to fulfill his dream of obtaining Daisy’s love. Gatsby’s is empty inside. His wealth cannot refurbish his happiness. Nick is Gatsby’s confidant, a good friend of his. Through nick narration of the story he sees Daisy married to Tom Buchanan. The last part of this quotation from the last page of the book, let us know that in hard times, like Gatsby, we can run faster and stretch out our arms father.
In conclusion, we understand that the significant of the last line because it leaves the read with some optimism. Gatsby, despite his hardships with Tom Buchanan, never got a chance to share his life with her. Daisy, in my opinion, I feel that he is a self-absorb person. It was confusing for us to understand if she really had love for Gatsby or not. Was she with Tom Buchanan just for the finance backup and the enormous house on long Island? Competition sparked up, when Tom and Gatsby began to fight over Daisy. Nick must feel awkward in these situations with the love triangle in the story. I can understand why the last line is so significant because Nick is trying to convey a message to the reader; that it might be impossible to make your goal a reality, but restore that energy within and don’t.
“Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther. . . . And then one fine morning— So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” Money can’t buy you everything. Gatsby sort of comes to the realization that the only cure to his emptiness was to merely impress the likes of Daisy. One see’s that this passage is quite explanatory to the reader. Despite Gatsby’s hardships, Nick guides us through the story with Gatsby’s main priority of winning Daisy back and his motivation behind his acquisition of his enormous wealth from criminal activity. Gatsby’s dream shatters at the hands of Wilson as he shoots Gatsby, instantly killing him in the pool and then shoots himself. His dream fails to become a reality judging from past events with Tom Buchanan. Nick, the narrator of the story feels so disgusted with the people associated in the Great Gatsby, except for Gatsby, he realizes that the dream that Gatsby wants was corrupted by dishonesty. Gatsby’s death begins to festers Nick to point where he moves back to the Midwest to get away from it all. With the metaphorical words used in the passage, we come to the realization that people find it difficult to achieve their dream of success. The green light in the beginning of the passage is a light of guidance for Gatsby who is one of those people.
This very last line of the passage states,” Gatsby believed in the green light”, the “green light” is the light that is describe as barely visible from Gatsby’s west egg gothic mansion. The “green light” to Gatsby is sort of like his guidance; luring him to his goal. The phrase the “green light” has a significant connotation in the story; it provides Gatsby with hope and dreams of the future. He sees a relationship with Daisy that is destine to be. The green light is almost like a symbol for him. The green light has been mentioned quite a few times through the novel, in chapter 1 and chapter 9. In chapter one when the story commences, Gatsby isolated by the inevitable darkness, finds himself reaching out towards the light. Daisy’s mansion is situated on the East Egg where the green light is radiant. The green light sort of powers his motivation. He pushes the limit with spending a ridiculous amount of money on his elaborate parties that he celebrates every weekend. It’s quite obvious to the reader that he is trying to be the mysterious host of the parties, trying so diligently to win Daisy’s heart back.
“tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms father…” In the pursuit of accomplishing his goal, we will never give up the goal that stretches forever forward. This specific sentence connects with Gatsby’s struggle of obtaining the American dream. Nick respects the melancholy in Gatsby that he learns from his study of Gatsby’s life. It means that there is always time to try harder. Gatsby’s reveals to Nick that he and Daisy actually were in love. He wants to fulfill his dream of obtaining Daisy’s love. Gatsby’s is empty inside. His wealth cannot refurbish his happiness. Nick is Gatsby’s confidant, a good friend of his. Through nick narration of the story he sees Daisy married to Tom Buchanan. The last part of this quotation from the last page of the book, let us know that in hard times, like Gatsby, we can run faster and stretch out our arms father.
In conclusion, we understand that the significant of the last line because it leaves the read with some optimism. Gatsby, despite his hardships with Tom Buchanan, never got a chance to share his life with her. Daisy, in my opinion, I feel that he is a self-absorb person. It was confusing for us to understand if she really had love for Gatsby or not. Was she with Tom Buchanan just for the finance backup and the enormous house on long Island? Competition sparked up, when Tom and Gatsby began to fight over Daisy. Nick must feel awkward in these situations with the love triangle in the story. I can understand why the last line is so significant because Nick is trying to convey a message to the reader; that it might be impossible to make your goal a reality, but restore that energy within and don’t.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Optional assignment
I looked through my blogs and one honors essay, in particular, really caught my attention. The Huckleberry Finn essay by Mark Twain, this essay is an excellent example of writing in my opinion because it has a clear thesis statement along with the three clear and direct supporting paragraph's arguing to help support the thesis statement. I just thought it would be an excellent piece of reference for my writing skills. Every sentence properly transitions to the next sentence in every paragraph. I thought of using the same style of writing for my MSB picture captions. In addition, for my 250 word picture captions, I'm thinking I should elaborate on what the meaning of this picture or that picture so that people have a full understanding of the picture's meaning.
The following link will take you to my essay: Huck Finn Essay
The following link will take you to my essay: Huck Finn Essay
Friday, November 13, 2009
Honors History Writing #3
The Roaring Twenties (1920s)
The early 20’s introduced an array of new ground-breaking inventions and brought about many changes to the American society. The Roaring 20’s was referred to as the Jazz age, hence the word; “Roaring”. American industries introduced the flow of innovative technologies that altered the American society such as the invention of automobile. Many of these inventions like the Ford Model T car and convenient kitchen appliances proved useful to American families living in both rural and urban areas. The migration of Mexican and Puerto Ricans and immigrants from counties oversees began to settle into the major urban cities such as Los Angeles, San Antonio and Denver, seeking employment.
The Automobile, surprisingly, was the principal driving force of the American economy during the 1920s. More than eight million motor vehicles were registered in the United States and twenty-six million in 1929. The purchase output of these automobiles sky rocketed to three million dollars in 1923. Henry Ford, a famous American producer, distributed automobiles for driving to certain places at a reasonable price for the public during the 1920s. However, in 1925, the price of a Ford T model reduced to $290, less than three months’ pay for an average worker. The Fort T model had an engine capable of running on gasoline. The manufacturing of the automobiles helped simulate the productivity of the industries producing steel, rubber, and glass as well as gasoline and that led to highway construction. The United States became a nation of paved roads for the gasoline powered automobiles.
Mexican and Puerto Ricans originated from South America, were Agricultural laborers that migrated to the southwestern states of America. They scattered into places like San Antonio, Los Angeles, and Denver, Colorado, looking for employment to feed their families. Like other immigrants, they obtained low-paying jobs and lived with their families in poor neighborhoods, which they called barrios. A huge wave of Puerto Rican immigrants arrived onto the mainland and some went to New York City. In New York they worked in restaurants and in domestic work.
Roaring 20s was one of the most unforgettable eras because of the jazz music and culture. Most of the black people originated from the county side, about 1.5 million journeyed into the cities during the early 20s. The black community had a lot of musicians, writers and intellectuals. These famous black musicians developed a music genre called Jazz and blues music. People in the 20s enjoyed the widespread popularity of Jazz music which led to the opening of clubs and bars. Unfortunately, the Ku Klux Klan held a lot of anti-black activities in places like the south. These activities had to do with lynching and torturing innocent black people out of hatred. Despite these hardships with the hardships with Ku Klux Klan, a lot of people were listening to the jazz music by black musicians.
One sees that the Roaring 20s contributed some many useful inventions that still exist today. The idea of the Ford model T branched off into newer sources of transportation, like subway trains, motorcycles, and maybe even planes. American industries still produce steel, rubber and other materials for new inventions like the cell phone and hp laptops. The culture and the jazz are still incorporated into many of the modern music that we hear and see on the radio and television, today.
The early 20’s introduced an array of new ground-breaking inventions and brought about many changes to the American society. The Roaring 20’s was referred to as the Jazz age, hence the word; “Roaring”. American industries introduced the flow of innovative technologies that altered the American society such as the invention of automobile. Many of these inventions like the Ford Model T car and convenient kitchen appliances proved useful to American families living in both rural and urban areas. The migration of Mexican and Puerto Ricans and immigrants from counties oversees began to settle into the major urban cities such as Los Angeles, San Antonio and Denver, seeking employment.
The Automobile, surprisingly, was the principal driving force of the American economy during the 1920s. More than eight million motor vehicles were registered in the United States and twenty-six million in 1929. The purchase output of these automobiles sky rocketed to three million dollars in 1923. Henry Ford, a famous American producer, distributed automobiles for driving to certain places at a reasonable price for the public during the 1920s. However, in 1925, the price of a Ford T model reduced to $290, less than three months’ pay for an average worker. The Fort T model had an engine capable of running on gasoline. The manufacturing of the automobiles helped simulate the productivity of the industries producing steel, rubber, and glass as well as gasoline and that led to highway construction. The United States became a nation of paved roads for the gasoline powered automobiles.
Mexican and Puerto Ricans originated from South America, were Agricultural laborers that migrated to the southwestern states of America. They scattered into places like San Antonio, Los Angeles, and Denver, Colorado, looking for employment to feed their families. Like other immigrants, they obtained low-paying jobs and lived with their families in poor neighborhoods, which they called barrios. A huge wave of Puerto Rican immigrants arrived onto the mainland and some went to New York City. In New York they worked in restaurants and in domestic work.
Roaring 20s was one of the most unforgettable eras because of the jazz music and culture. Most of the black people originated from the county side, about 1.5 million journeyed into the cities during the early 20s. The black community had a lot of musicians, writers and intellectuals. These famous black musicians developed a music genre called Jazz and blues music. People in the 20s enjoyed the widespread popularity of Jazz music which led to the opening of clubs and bars. Unfortunately, the Ku Klux Klan held a lot of anti-black activities in places like the south. These activities had to do with lynching and torturing innocent black people out of hatred. Despite these hardships with the hardships with Ku Klux Klan, a lot of people were listening to the jazz music by black musicians.
One sees that the Roaring 20s contributed some many useful inventions that still exist today. The idea of the Ford model T branched off into newer sources of transportation, like subway trains, motorcycles, and maybe even planes. American industries still produce steel, rubber and other materials for new inventions like the cell phone and hp laptops. The culture and the jazz are still incorporated into many of the modern music that we hear and see on the radio and television, today.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Blog #23: Environment Current Events
I can't post the link to the article. Its a newspaper that I have at home.
Newspaper, Our Region: Nov 9, 09 "Scientists take aim at cigarettes" by Mike Lee
Cigarettes can not only kill people, they can also kill the marine life. This particular article is about the people who carelessly litter dozens of cigarette buts everyday on our beautiful beaches. People need to be conscious of what happens when a fish is exposed to a cigarette. We need to make the public aware of this issue by telling them to reduce the amount of cigarettes being littered on our beaches everyday. They should immediately dispose of any trash into the nearest trash can.
Regional director of the smoker's rights group Citizens Freedom Alliance in Ventura Country, Robert Best," This is just another attack on smokers and an attack on the entire tobacco industry, including farmers and distributors, in the midst of an economic crisis.". I thought that this specific information from the article is important to me and everyone who is trying to convince people to eliminate cigarettes from our beaches, that we should try and explain why cigarettes are bad for the marine life and why people don't want to be swimming in polluted water.
The information missing from the article is; how can we either stand up and convince people to litter on the beaches or try and clean up the beaches and help protect the marine life. Reduce the amount of like plastic bags and other trash. Should we raise the cost of certain things like plastic bags so that we can reduce the amount of people buying them everyday.
The subject is kind of similar to my topic for media saves the beach because I'm focusing my eyes on the fecal matter from seal's and how it can effect surfers or children who like to play in the water. I'm also researching the controversy in Seal Cove; should the seals live on the cove or should we kick 'em out?
Newspaper, Our Region: Nov 9, 09 "Scientists take aim at cigarettes" by Mike Lee
Cigarettes can not only kill people, they can also kill the marine life. This particular article is about the people who carelessly litter dozens of cigarette buts everyday on our beautiful beaches. People need to be conscious of what happens when a fish is exposed to a cigarette. We need to make the public aware of this issue by telling them to reduce the amount of cigarettes being littered on our beaches everyday. They should immediately dispose of any trash into the nearest trash can.
Regional director of the smoker's rights group Citizens Freedom Alliance in Ventura Country, Robert Best," This is just another attack on smokers and an attack on the entire tobacco industry, including farmers and distributors, in the midst of an economic crisis.". I thought that this specific information from the article is important to me and everyone who is trying to convince people to eliminate cigarettes from our beaches, that we should try and explain why cigarettes are bad for the marine life and why people don't want to be swimming in polluted water.
The information missing from the article is; how can we either stand up and convince people to litter on the beaches or try and clean up the beaches and help protect the marine life. Reduce the amount of like plastic bags and other trash. Should we raise the cost of certain things like plastic bags so that we can reduce the amount of people buying them everyday.
The subject is kind of similar to my topic for media saves the beach because I'm focusing my eyes on the fecal matter from seal's and how it can effect surfers or children who like to play in the water. I'm also researching the controversy in Seal Cove; should the seals live on the cove or should we kick 'em out?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Blog# 22: MSB organization
Name of organization: Surfrider
Mission statement: "The BWTF has demonstrated success by raising public awareness of coastal water pollution levels. The joint efforts have precipitated the establishment of a very successful local government water quality monitoring system, which issues timely advisories to surfers and beach goers alerting them to unsafe conditions at specific surf breaks."
Surf-rider foundation alongside the San Diego coast-keeper sued the City of San Diego for violating the federal clean water act. The City Council took the issue into consideration; and they supported Surfrider and Coastkeeper. The lawsuit mainly focused on the on this history of the cities sewage spills.
The City Council finally took action in helped get to the bottom of this issue, after the production of a Water Reuse Study having to do with numerous meetings, technical advisory committee, and community leaders.
Mission statement: "The BWTF has demonstrated success by raising public awareness of coastal water pollution levels. The joint efforts have precipitated the establishment of a very successful local government water quality monitoring system, which issues timely advisories to surfers and beach goers alerting them to unsafe conditions at specific surf breaks."
Surf-rider foundation alongside the San Diego coast-keeper sued the City of San Diego for violating the federal clean water act. The City Council took the issue into consideration; and they supported Surfrider and Coastkeeper. The lawsuit mainly focused on the on this history of the cities sewage spills.
The City Council finally took action in helped get to the bottom of this issue, after the production of a Water Reuse Study having to do with numerous meetings, technical advisory committee, and community leaders.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Blog #21: The great Gatsby 1-4ch
Jay Gatsby is a wealthy person. He is described as a vulgar and dishonest rich man. His dreams become a reality. Its obvious that Jay Gatsby likes to show off his wealth; he tends to throw elaborate parties every weekend at his Gothic mansion in West Egg. At one of the Gatsby parties, Jordan Baker reveals to Nick that Gatsby was a German spy in the world war 1. I'm assuming he is considered what they call in the fictional story, "New money". Gatsby's parties incorporates 1920 wealth and glamour in to focus.
Nick Carraway, graduated from Yale located in New Haven, Connecticut and , like Gatsby, served as a soldier in world war 1 (1914-1918). He moves to New York city to learn about Bond business in the 1920s. Nick moves to long Island and lives in a fictional town called West egg. Nick is old money and wants to be new money.
Nick Carraway, graduated from Yale located in New Haven, Connecticut and , like Gatsby, served as a soldier in world war 1 (1914-1918). He moves to New York city to learn about Bond business in the 1920s. Nick moves to long Island and lives in a fictional town called West egg. Nick is old money and wants to be new money.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Blog #20: Great Gatsby
The guy who is doing the narration for the story is Nick. Nick seems be an average guy, if he wasn't narrating the story then he wouldn't qualify to be one of the main characters in the Great Gatsby. However, Nick is kind of the main character but he doesn't explain enough about himself or Gatsby.
The author feels that Nick should narrate the entire story because Nick is sort of the observer. Nick describes the scenery, appearances of the characters and the emotions that are going on in a positive or negative tone. Its almost like he is gossiping with the reader, y'know having a one on one conversation about these peoples livelihood.
The author feels that Nick should narrate the entire story because Nick is sort of the observer. Nick describes the scenery, appearances of the characters and the emotions that are going on in a positive or negative tone. Its almost like he is gossiping with the reader, y'know having a one on one conversation about these peoples livelihood.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Blog #19: video
The idea of having all of the left over garbage emerging from the sea and the guy running away.
The message of this video is that people should stop throwing useless junk into the ocean. They should realize that their endangering the sea life.
The general audience is the people who spend their time at the beach or any local residence.
I think the creativity, narration, sound effects and acting overall make this video come together in a professional manner.
He delivers the message in a funny way, having the guy throw a dirty wet shoe into the ocean and then the shoe hitting him in the face. Also having the leftover trash emerge from the water and fall on to the shore.
Friday, October 30, 2009
In the heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick
In the Heart of the Sea
by Osamah Elham
The rollercoaster of human experiences are described in the book In the Heart of the Sea by Author Nathaniel Philbrick. Mr. Philbrick did a lot of research on a fateful event of the whaling ship the Essex that left Nantucket harbor to go on a whaling expedition in 1819. The book keeps the readers interest with detailed accounts of a horrific encounter with a huge sperm whale. It leaves the reader to wonder whether the whale sunk the ship in revenge for the brutal killing of its kind by the crew. It depicts how the unimaginable can happen when nature turns against man and leaves him fighting for his life. Survivors are left to try to find land in three small harpoon boats after the sea swallows their boat. It is a story about survival against the worst odds. Men are forced to do things that they would never dream of doing.
At first, the reader begins to think that the book is merely describing a typical day in the life of a crew that is going out to hunt whales as they have done for ages. The boat follows pods of whales deep into the South Pacific. The book uses a lot of nautical terms and describes what it is like to be out at sea for long periods of time on a crowded boat. When the crew hauls in the whales they have captured, they have to open them up and take out the blubber. A fire on deck to burn the oil from the blubber creates black, disgusting smell. The constant rocking of the boat makes it hard to work cutting up the blubber. Whaling seems like a dirty, smelly difficult job.
The crew captain is a young man, George Pollard. He has a young cousin, Owen Coffin, who is joining him on the trip. He feels tremendously guilty when he is unable to protect him as they struggle to survive. It comes down to every man for himself. At first the men are glad to find land on a small island, Henderson’s Island. Eventually though, they eat all they can eat on the island and some of the crew decide to go back out into the sea to find someone to rescue them. Only three remain on the island to an uncertain fate. The worst is yet to come as the men leave the island and decide to head to South America. Many died and desperation overtook the ones that were left.
Great book by the way...
by Osamah Elham
The rollercoaster of human experiences are described in the book In the Heart of the Sea by Author Nathaniel Philbrick. Mr. Philbrick did a lot of research on a fateful event of the whaling ship the Essex that left Nantucket harbor to go on a whaling expedition in 1819. The book keeps the readers interest with detailed accounts of a horrific encounter with a huge sperm whale. It leaves the reader to wonder whether the whale sunk the ship in revenge for the brutal killing of its kind by the crew. It depicts how the unimaginable can happen when nature turns against man and leaves him fighting for his life. Survivors are left to try to find land in three small harpoon boats after the sea swallows their boat. It is a story about survival against the worst odds. Men are forced to do things that they would never dream of doing.
At first, the reader begins to think that the book is merely describing a typical day in the life of a crew that is going out to hunt whales as they have done for ages. The boat follows pods of whales deep into the South Pacific. The book uses a lot of nautical terms and describes what it is like to be out at sea for long periods of time on a crowded boat. When the crew hauls in the whales they have captured, they have to open them up and take out the blubber. A fire on deck to burn the oil from the blubber creates black, disgusting smell. The constant rocking of the boat makes it hard to work cutting up the blubber. Whaling seems like a dirty, smelly difficult job.
The crew captain is a young man, George Pollard. He has a young cousin, Owen Coffin, who is joining him on the trip. He feels tremendously guilty when he is unable to protect him as they struggle to survive. It comes down to every man for himself. At first the men are glad to find land on a small island, Henderson’s Island. Eventually though, they eat all they can eat on the island and some of the crew decide to go back out into the sea to find someone to rescue them. Only three remain on the island to an uncertain fate. The worst is yet to come as the men leave the island and decide to head to South America. Many died and desperation overtook the ones that were left.
Great book by the way...
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Blog #18
I would like to incorporate my writing skills into my photo essay. I am very familiar with the program, InDesign; using the program I could produce a high quality final product for the MSB project. From my newspaper, I know that the sub title contains all of the information about the time the newspaper was published.
I am a detail oriented person, I tend to prefect my work. Its a good and bad habit of mine. I am tech savvy, I know how to use a wide range of progams, from Indesign to photoshop.
I am a detail oriented person, I tend to prefect my work. Its a good and bad habit of mine. I am tech savvy, I know how to use a wide range of progams, from Indesign to photoshop.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Blog #17:
https://www.surfrider.org/surfrider_membership/join/membership3.cfm
Surf rider organizes beach clean ups for local beaches in San Diego. They make sure every little piece of trash, whether its plastic or not, it goes into the trash can.
http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=index
Keep America Clean also organizes beach clean ups for all local beaches making beaches more clean.
http://www.wiserearth.org/organization/view/55d03a6ef20059ade3baebeb53147abb
Beach clean ups are organized on this website
http://www.coastkeeper.org/coastkeeper/work/projects/water-monitoring.asp?gclid=CKTcgKu94J0CFSWlagodV32mMQ#beachdebris
This website observes how dirty the river runoff is and they help prevent it from getting into the oceans.
http://www.sdck.ambsolutions.com/content/programs/beachClean/overview.htm
People who care about our beaches get together and clean up all of the left over trash.
Surf rider organizes beach clean ups for local beaches in San Diego. They make sure every little piece of trash, whether its plastic or not, it goes into the trash can.
http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=index
Keep America Clean also organizes beach clean ups for all local beaches making beaches more clean.
http://www.wiserearth.org/organization/view/55d03a6ef20059ade3baebeb53147abb
Beach clean ups are organized on this website
http://www.coastkeeper.org/coastkeeper/work/projects/water-monitoring.asp?gclid=CKTcgKu94J0CFSWlagodV32mMQ#beachdebris
This website observes how dirty the river runoff is and they help prevent it from getting into the oceans.
http://www.sdck.ambsolutions.com/content/programs/beachClean/overview.htm
People who care about our beaches get together and clean up all of the left over trash.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Honors History Writing #2
Honors History writing 2#
America is currently experiencing another terrible recession. Unemployment has soared. The economy is causing instability and blame is being placed on our president, Grover Cleveland. Economists are referring to it as the Panic of 1893. The most essential question that we must ask ourselves is, whether the answer to this economic downfall will be added to each of the two candidate’s plates? Will it affect the day-to-day well-being of the livelihood of American citizens? What will our upcoming 25th president do to solve these issues? Where is our man of great ideologies who is able to come to rapid conclusions on ending the insanity of our economic downfall? People are leaning towards William McKinley for these answers. William McKinley looks like the perfect choice.
A former governor of Ohio, William McKinley who is currently running for the position of President of the United States in a highly anticipated election orginated the McKinley Tariff of 1890. William McKinley has pledged an oath to help end the recession by imposing this tariff. McKinley advocates a heavy tariff on goods and commodities being imported into the United States. The tariff has helped American businesses sell their goods to American consumers at a fair price. McKinley states that he wants to eliminate the thought of purchasing certain materials for less overseas as this will only hurt the American economy. His initial goal is extending his hand of friendship to the president of Carnegie Steel Mill and other companies to achieve this goal. “We need to increase business in our companies… buying for cheap prices overseas has come to a halt and does not help the American economy”, says McKinley, being questioned by reporters, yesterday morning. Foreign producers operating factories overseas are required to pay a 48.4% tariff to ship their products into the country for sale. Cheap material will no longer be appealing to American consumers. U.S businesses are now able to compete aggressively with foreign made goods. As a result of the Tariff, American companies have been doing well so far and have gained prosperity. This prosperity has translated into more workers being hired by U.S companies. However, the tariff has brought new troubles for farmers in rural areas. McKinley is also backing the idea of maintaining the gold standard because he feels if we resort to silver, inflation will have a negative effect on the economy.
McKinley is a proponent of a strong American military. To that end, he wishes to annex the two independent kingdoms of Hawaii and the Philippines. Mr. McKinley also desires to expand American military might into Guam, Puerto Rica and Cuba. “I advocate this more than anything else… that the key ingredient to strengthening our naval forces is to establish a secure military base on Hawaii” declared, William McKinley, at a press conference in the urban area of Ohio. President Cleveland frowned upon McKinley’s policies. McKinley thought that it was in the best interest of the country. Cleveland did not realize that European nations like Britain would gladly annex small primitive places like Hawaii for their own benefit. McKinley strongly believes that American superiority in the Pacific is greatly dependent on a naval base located in Hawaii.
Laborers see McKinley as a supporter who respectfully promotes cultural diversity. In the eyes of McKinley, company workers are free to preserve their ethnic identities in America. “Before I thought I was going to be ostracized from conversations regarding my religion and ethnic values… I feel more comfortable to work alongside my American friends” said an immigrant laborer. “Immigrants don’t have to be secretive about their immigrant heritage” said one of the workers, operating an industrialized machine for producing steel for the company. Andrew Carnegie of American steel, John D. Rockefeller, and J.P. Morgan have contributed heavily to McKinley’s campaign to support American businesses. Campaign manager, Mark Hanna, has journeyed across the states of America, recruiting voters and sending out invitations to accompany him back to Canton, Ohio, where William McKinley gives his speeches from his front porch. In the meantime, his opponent, William Jennings Bryan, has been traveling by train across America campaigning in the rural areas in the mid west, west and the south. A large German American voting block supports McKinley. Several skilled factory workers, middle class, railroad workers and large scale farmers are behind him.
American prosperity and future well-being depend on a charismatic candidate like William McKinley. His vast experience as a governor of Ohio and a United States senator gives him the unique ability to fulfill the demands of the Presidency. A distinguished veteran of the Civil War, McKinley has firsthand knowledge of the perils of conflict. His hope is that through a strong economy, America can become the great nation it was meant to be.
America is currently experiencing another terrible recession. Unemployment has soared. The economy is causing instability and blame is being placed on our president, Grover Cleveland. Economists are referring to it as the Panic of 1893. The most essential question that we must ask ourselves is, whether the answer to this economic downfall will be added to each of the two candidate’s plates? Will it affect the day-to-day well-being of the livelihood of American citizens? What will our upcoming 25th president do to solve these issues? Where is our man of great ideologies who is able to come to rapid conclusions on ending the insanity of our economic downfall? People are leaning towards William McKinley for these answers. William McKinley looks like the perfect choice.
A former governor of Ohio, William McKinley who is currently running for the position of President of the United States in a highly anticipated election orginated the McKinley Tariff of 1890. William McKinley has pledged an oath to help end the recession by imposing this tariff. McKinley advocates a heavy tariff on goods and commodities being imported into the United States. The tariff has helped American businesses sell their goods to American consumers at a fair price. McKinley states that he wants to eliminate the thought of purchasing certain materials for less overseas as this will only hurt the American economy. His initial goal is extending his hand of friendship to the president of Carnegie Steel Mill and other companies to achieve this goal. “We need to increase business in our companies… buying for cheap prices overseas has come to a halt and does not help the American economy”, says McKinley, being questioned by reporters, yesterday morning. Foreign producers operating factories overseas are required to pay a 48.4% tariff to ship their products into the country for sale. Cheap material will no longer be appealing to American consumers. U.S businesses are now able to compete aggressively with foreign made goods. As a result of the Tariff, American companies have been doing well so far and have gained prosperity. This prosperity has translated into more workers being hired by U.S companies. However, the tariff has brought new troubles for farmers in rural areas. McKinley is also backing the idea of maintaining the gold standard because he feels if we resort to silver, inflation will have a negative effect on the economy.
McKinley is a proponent of a strong American military. To that end, he wishes to annex the two independent kingdoms of Hawaii and the Philippines. Mr. McKinley also desires to expand American military might into Guam, Puerto Rica and Cuba. “I advocate this more than anything else… that the key ingredient to strengthening our naval forces is to establish a secure military base on Hawaii” declared, William McKinley, at a press conference in the urban area of Ohio. President Cleveland frowned upon McKinley’s policies. McKinley thought that it was in the best interest of the country. Cleveland did not realize that European nations like Britain would gladly annex small primitive places like Hawaii for their own benefit. McKinley strongly believes that American superiority in the Pacific is greatly dependent on a naval base located in Hawaii.
Laborers see McKinley as a supporter who respectfully promotes cultural diversity. In the eyes of McKinley, company workers are free to preserve their ethnic identities in America. “Before I thought I was going to be ostracized from conversations regarding my religion and ethnic values… I feel more comfortable to work alongside my American friends” said an immigrant laborer. “Immigrants don’t have to be secretive about their immigrant heritage” said one of the workers, operating an industrialized machine for producing steel for the company. Andrew Carnegie of American steel, John D. Rockefeller, and J.P. Morgan have contributed heavily to McKinley’s campaign to support American businesses. Campaign manager, Mark Hanna, has journeyed across the states of America, recruiting voters and sending out invitations to accompany him back to Canton, Ohio, where William McKinley gives his speeches from his front porch. In the meantime, his opponent, William Jennings Bryan, has been traveling by train across America campaigning in the rural areas in the mid west, west and the south. A large German American voting block supports McKinley. Several skilled factory workers, middle class, railroad workers and large scale farmers are behind him.
American prosperity and future well-being depend on a charismatic candidate like William McKinley. His vast experience as a governor of Ohio and a United States senator gives him the unique ability to fulfill the demands of the Presidency. A distinguished veteran of the Civil War, McKinley has firsthand knowledge of the perils of conflict. His hope is that through a strong economy, America can become the great nation it was meant to be.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
blog # 16: MSB ideas
From Lupe's blog post, I saw that she has some unique ideas. Her idea of creating a recycled bottle cap sculpture of a fish is kind of interesting. I never thought of something like that. I can think of something similar to that and post it as an image for my website. Lupe's idea is very artistic.
www.lupesandoval.blogspot.com/
From Magda's blog post, I realized that she has some great ideas for the project. Her idea of taking pictures of the beach using fish eye lenses is actually a good idea. I can take a lot of photos of the scenery; having to do with toxic chemicals and pollution in the beach. Maybe I should think of creative ways to make my pictures stand out. I want to bring something unique to the table.
www.magdaaguirre.blogspot.com/
From Krause's blog post, I checked it out and he had some cool ideas for the project. His idea was simply a photo/Essay that has at least 6 pictures and for every high quality photo there would a short explanation. I'm thinking of making a picture book on my website.
www.davidkrausehublog.blogspot.com/
www.lupesandoval.blogspot.com/
From Magda's blog post, I realized that she has some great ideas for the project. Her idea of taking pictures of the beach using fish eye lenses is actually a good idea. I can take a lot of photos of the scenery; having to do with toxic chemicals and pollution in the beach. Maybe I should think of creative ways to make my pictures stand out. I want to bring something unique to the table.
www.magdaaguirre.blogspot.com/
From Krause's blog post, I checked it out and he had some cool ideas for the project. His idea was simply a photo/Essay that has at least 6 pictures and for every high quality photo there would a short explanation. I'm thinking of making a picture book on my website.
www.davidkrausehublog.blogspot.com/
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Blog # 15: Media Saves the Beach
Whats the deal with our beaches?!
My brother's special camera can come in handy for this particular project. I can capture wide and high definition pictures of the ocean scenery. A creative and highly professional website containing important information on the governments approach on this issue with our beaches. Specifically, the website can provide information about what happens when sea life comes in contact with toxic waste chemicals. How we can save sea life from extinction.
I can add a documentary with a voice over for the website. In the documentary, their will be powerful images. These images can be very effective to the public. My documentary is going to be similar to a documentary like planet earth. The video will have someone explaining the issue with our beaches. The website would also contain essential updates. Hey, I might even throw in a forum so that people can share their thoughts and opinions on what we can do... if I can figure out how to make one...
Incorporated ideas for my website would be a documentary, media saves the beach forum, a link to my documentary and etc. I can get a solid high definition picture of sunset cliffs for my website background.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Biology blog
(Randy ignore the bio blogs plz)
1. What is the, controversy or event in the story? What are the basic facts?
The headline says, that every beach in the county of San Diego received their report cards recently. All 78 monitored beaches received a A or B out of 79 beaches. treatment plants always grade beaches depending on the water quality.
2. What information is missing from the story?
This News story contains a lot of solid information on what is currently going on with the San Diego water quality. All the information I need; after resulting in state budge cuts, most of the state beaches are being monitored.
3. What would be the next steps if you were creating a follow up to this story?
I would explain more depth in about all the state beaches and what they received based off the quality of their water. For example, the results for today included the beaches, OB and PT. They both received B or C grade.
1. What is the, controversy or event in the story? What are the basic facts?
The headline says, that every beach in the county of San Diego received their report cards recently. All 78 monitored beaches received a A or B out of 79 beaches. treatment plants always grade beaches depending on the water quality.
2. What information is missing from the story?
This News story contains a lot of solid information on what is currently going on with the San Diego water quality. All the information I need; after resulting in state budge cuts, most of the state beaches are being monitored.
3. What would be the next steps if you were creating a follow up to this story?
I would explain more depth in about all the state beaches and what they received based off the quality of their water. For example, the results for today included the beaches, OB and PT. They both received B or C grade.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Bio blog
Photosynthesis matters to me because its process is essential to life. What I am saying is that plants need photosynthesis to maintain their health. We need them to stay alive in exchange for oxygen, in return for carbon dixodie in which humans produce, daily. Plants and humans keep each other alive. If we destory all of the plants on earth then humanity would perish. Plants make the earth look healthly and bueatiful. Plants use the sunlight, which is passed down through the sky. Finally, the plants absorb the sunlight and go through the interesting process of photosynthesis. That is how chlorophyll is made and how plants get their pegment color.
Please click on the following link or copy it to the address box located at the top of the screen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHaw22XxM4s&feature=related
(blogger will not let me post videos!....)
Please click on the following link or copy it to the address box located at the top of the screen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHaw22XxM4s&feature=related
(blogger will not let me post videos!....)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Huck finn essay
A good friend
by: Osamah Elhams
Hidden in the fine ink of the pages, a cultural collision takes place. Such a collision can call a character’s sense of identity out to question. In this case, it would be the uniqueness of a young white adolescent born in the deep Confederate south. The name of this fictional character is Huckleberry Finn. In this particular novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, the main characters, Huckleberry and Jim are in a constant moral battle between right and wrong. Discreetly escaping the Confederate territory, Huckleberry Finn, referred to as “Huck” in the story, finds a wooden raft drifting along the Mississippi river; they commence on a long journey through the Deep South and encounter many dilemmas along the way.
Huckleberry is interpreted as a courageous, vigilant and a brilliant young character in the story. Huck always takes the initiative. He is very rebellious against the Confederacy and sees the idea of slavery in a different light. Jim is much older than Huck and is of African descent; a slave who is always anxious to leave the horrible South behind and wants to set forth to freedom. Huckleberry Finn want to help Jim seek freedom from the Southern Slave laws, despite the fact that he is violating the law. The entire story is evidence of this. When huck frightens way the pursuing slave hunters as Jim cowers in a small shack. Later on towards the end of the story, they encounter the two con artists, the Duke and the Dauphin. Hackberry justifies the behavior of the Duke and the Dauphin by stating that history has shown that nobles often lie, cheat and steal. Even so, Huck rescues the Wilks sisters from becoming victims of the Duke and the Dauphin. There are some situations when Huck is always rescuing Jim for whatever reason.
In the story, Huck resists being as he calls it, “sivilized”. Widow Douglas is kind of like Huck’s tutor. Despite her best efforts, Huck rejects her influence and teachings. He runs away from the Widow Douglas who tries to give him a Sunday school education. Huck and his extremely abusive and drunken father don’t have a normal father to son relationship. Feeling extreme hatred for his father, Huck runs away from his only family, Pap, his alcoholic father. He also lies to the Phelps family, in the novel, about being Tom Sawyer so that he can help help set his friend Jim free. Once Jim realizes he’s a free man, Huckleberry decides to head West instead of staying with Aunt Sally and rejoin the society.
Jim, the slave, violates the slave laws in the South by becoming “a runaway slave”. Jim hates living and working under horrible conditions in the South and is wants to begin a new peaceful life with his family. He does not want to be sold off and separated from his family so he befriends Huckleberry. He shelters Huck Finn in an attempt to help him hide from his loathsome father, Pap. He doesn’t reveal to Huckleberry the fact that that the dead body they found in the shack was really his dad’s corpse. When they encountered the two con artists, Jim goes along with the dishonest antics of the Duke and Dauphin because he is afraid that they might turn him over to the authorities as a “runaway slave”. Even thought he risked being captured, Jim returns to help Tom after he takes a bullet to the leg during the escape attempt.
In conclusion, this essay exemplifies the constant moral battle between right and wrong that these characters encounter throughout the novel. Every single walk of life is a constant battle of morality for Jim and Huck but goodness prevails.
by: Osamah Elhams
Hidden in the fine ink of the pages, a cultural collision takes place. Such a collision can call a character’s sense of identity out to question. In this case, it would be the uniqueness of a young white adolescent born in the deep Confederate south. The name of this fictional character is Huckleberry Finn. In this particular novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, the main characters, Huckleberry and Jim are in a constant moral battle between right and wrong. Discreetly escaping the Confederate territory, Huckleberry Finn, referred to as “Huck” in the story, finds a wooden raft drifting along the Mississippi river; they commence on a long journey through the Deep South and encounter many dilemmas along the way.
Huckleberry is interpreted as a courageous, vigilant and a brilliant young character in the story. Huck always takes the initiative. He is very rebellious against the Confederacy and sees the idea of slavery in a different light. Jim is much older than Huck and is of African descent; a slave who is always anxious to leave the horrible South behind and wants to set forth to freedom. Huckleberry Finn want to help Jim seek freedom from the Southern Slave laws, despite the fact that he is violating the law. The entire story is evidence of this. When huck frightens way the pursuing slave hunters as Jim cowers in a small shack. Later on towards the end of the story, they encounter the two con artists, the Duke and the Dauphin. Hackberry justifies the behavior of the Duke and the Dauphin by stating that history has shown that nobles often lie, cheat and steal. Even so, Huck rescues the Wilks sisters from becoming victims of the Duke and the Dauphin. There are some situations when Huck is always rescuing Jim for whatever reason.
In the story, Huck resists being as he calls it, “sivilized”. Widow Douglas is kind of like Huck’s tutor. Despite her best efforts, Huck rejects her influence and teachings. He runs away from the Widow Douglas who tries to give him a Sunday school education. Huck and his extremely abusive and drunken father don’t have a normal father to son relationship. Feeling extreme hatred for his father, Huck runs away from his only family, Pap, his alcoholic father. He also lies to the Phelps family, in the novel, about being Tom Sawyer so that he can help help set his friend Jim free. Once Jim realizes he’s a free man, Huckleberry decides to head West instead of staying with Aunt Sally and rejoin the society.
Jim, the slave, violates the slave laws in the South by becoming “a runaway slave”. Jim hates living and working under horrible conditions in the South and is wants to begin a new peaceful life with his family. He does not want to be sold off and separated from his family so he befriends Huckleberry. He shelters Huck Finn in an attempt to help him hide from his loathsome father, Pap. He doesn’t reveal to Huckleberry the fact that that the dead body they found in the shack was really his dad’s corpse. When they encountered the two con artists, Jim goes along with the dishonest antics of the Duke and Dauphin because he is afraid that they might turn him over to the authorities as a “runaway slave”. Even thought he risked being captured, Jim returns to help Tom after he takes a bullet to the leg during the escape attempt.
In conclusion, this essay exemplifies the constant moral battle between right and wrong that these characters encounter throughout the novel. Every single walk of life is a constant battle of morality for Jim and Huck but goodness prevails.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Blog #11: Questions for Media Saves the BEach
My three questions for media saves the beach are following...
1. How does polluted water effect sea animals?
I thought of this, because it is important that we have to keep or beaches clean.
2. What is being done by local authorities deter the water pollution?
We need to know what the local authorities are doing to help prevent water pollution. In what ways will they prevent water pollution.
3. What creative ways can the youth contribute?
I think it is important that the children should learn about what is currently going on in our society. Colleges like to see activities being done outside of school. They want to see that you have participated in important activities with the public.
1. How does polluted water effect sea animals?
I thought of this, because it is important that we have to keep or beaches clean.
2. What is being done by local authorities deter the water pollution?
We need to know what the local authorities are doing to help prevent water pollution. In what ways will they prevent water pollution.
3. What creative ways can the youth contribute?
I think it is important that the children should learn about what is currently going on in our society. Colleges like to see activities being done outside of school. They want to see that you have participated in important activities with the public.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Honors history writing (final draft)
A “Modern” America
By Osamah Elhams
“A house divided against itself cannot stand”, argued the 16th President of the United States of America, Abraham Lincoln, pointing out that when a state secedes from the Union then the Union cannot stand. I certainly must take a stand. If it hadn’t been for the Civil War; a reflection of past governmental conflicts, a new “modern” America would not exist. The United States was once torn asunder, like a cataclysmic event, by the Union and Confederacy in 1861 before the Civil War. Slavery in the South was vigorously supported because southern society was mainly agricultural. The north was fighting not to save the old Union but to create a new nation. As many as half a million slaves fled to the union side from the south. Equality was meaningless before “modern” America. Political leaders had to rise up and advocate the principles of equality for all.
Historical people like Civil Rights leader, Martin Luther King, and President Barrack Obama have enormously strengthened the African American society. Martin Luther King stressed the importance of equality and Americans had a new vision of America through his writings. Obama, half white and half black, was elected by America to become its first black President and that has brought down many racial barriers. His inauguration brightened the minds of many Americans by allowing a diverse President into office. If it hadn’t been for the Emancipation Proclamation, slaves wouldn’t be free men and women. If this proclamation had never been implemented, then someone like Barack Obama would never been elected. If the supporters of the Confederate states could have seen future events unfold as they have, they would have been angry. Obama’s inspirational story has made people believe in equality for all in America. This is proof that the Civil War created revolutionary changes for slaves in the South. Just as early American colonists were trying to overthrow British rule during the Revolutionary War, so too were Southern slaves trying to overthrow the tyranny of the white man.
The country remained whole in spite of the attempt by the Confederate states to tear the Union in half and secede from the United States of America. After the war, the states of the Confederacy were restored to the Union. A shattered country was rebuilt. Together, both black and white men remade America even better than before. President Lincoln pardoned many elite Confederate leaders in the hopes of unifying the nation. After Lincoln’s death, President Johnson demanded that the Confederate States ratify the proposed Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery. Black men who were once considered slaves were now able to own land and prosper. Eventually, these new freedoms lead the way for many to get an education and be given the right to vote. In the beginning some states imposed “Black Codes”. These “Black Codes” were meant to put a limit on the individual rights of black men. After the Civil War many black men who had been freed wanted legal names and their marriages to be legalized. Newly freed, some black families became sharecroppers and shared profits of their crops with white land owners.
“Modern America” is now a product of what happened as the result of the Civil War that brought about enormous changes for its citizens. The idea of slavery in “modern America” is not acceptable. America still has conflicts erupting. There are still some advocates of slavery living in the South, individuals who are proud to wave the Confederate flag and challenge the freedoms of African Americans. “Modern America” is completely diverse. African Americans are able to achieve more than ever before. Now, they are no limitations to what they can do. Achieving the pivotal role of the President of the United States just shows how far African Americans have come since the days of the Civil War. Now all United States citizens are able to enjoy the same inalienable rights that were not guaranteed to all before the Civil War. Rights like access to courts, education, the right to own land and the right to vote. Martin Luther king’s dreams of America with equal rights for all, has come one step closer to becoming a reality. Unfortunately, Martin Luther king did not live to see his dream come true.
Through his role as leader of the greatest nation on earth, Barack Obama, has made every attempt to appoint and recruit persons of all diverse backgrounds to serve in the Judiciary and other influential government positions. His recent appointment of Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor is evidence of this. He also appointed the first African American to the position of Attorney General. People of all nations have witnessed first- hand how the policies created to protect the rights of black men after the Civil War has become reality. (Epilogue)
By Osamah Elhams
“A house divided against itself cannot stand”, argued the 16th President of the United States of America, Abraham Lincoln, pointing out that when a state secedes from the Union then the Union cannot stand. I certainly must take a stand. If it hadn’t been for the Civil War; a reflection of past governmental conflicts, a new “modern” America would not exist. The United States was once torn asunder, like a cataclysmic event, by the Union and Confederacy in 1861 before the Civil War. Slavery in the South was vigorously supported because southern society was mainly agricultural. The north was fighting not to save the old Union but to create a new nation. As many as half a million slaves fled to the union side from the south. Equality was meaningless before “modern” America. Political leaders had to rise up and advocate the principles of equality for all.
Historical people like Civil Rights leader, Martin Luther King, and President Barrack Obama have enormously strengthened the African American society. Martin Luther King stressed the importance of equality and Americans had a new vision of America through his writings. Obama, half white and half black, was elected by America to become its first black President and that has brought down many racial barriers. His inauguration brightened the minds of many Americans by allowing a diverse President into office. If it hadn’t been for the Emancipation Proclamation, slaves wouldn’t be free men and women. If this proclamation had never been implemented, then someone like Barack Obama would never been elected. If the supporters of the Confederate states could have seen future events unfold as they have, they would have been angry. Obama’s inspirational story has made people believe in equality for all in America. This is proof that the Civil War created revolutionary changes for slaves in the South. Just as early American colonists were trying to overthrow British rule during the Revolutionary War, so too were Southern slaves trying to overthrow the tyranny of the white man.
The country remained whole in spite of the attempt by the Confederate states to tear the Union in half and secede from the United States of America. After the war, the states of the Confederacy were restored to the Union. A shattered country was rebuilt. Together, both black and white men remade America even better than before. President Lincoln pardoned many elite Confederate leaders in the hopes of unifying the nation. After Lincoln’s death, President Johnson demanded that the Confederate States ratify the proposed Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery. Black men who were once considered slaves were now able to own land and prosper. Eventually, these new freedoms lead the way for many to get an education and be given the right to vote. In the beginning some states imposed “Black Codes”. These “Black Codes” were meant to put a limit on the individual rights of black men. After the Civil War many black men who had been freed wanted legal names and their marriages to be legalized. Newly freed, some black families became sharecroppers and shared profits of their crops with white land owners.
“Modern America” is now a product of what happened as the result of the Civil War that brought about enormous changes for its citizens. The idea of slavery in “modern America” is not acceptable. America still has conflicts erupting. There are still some advocates of slavery living in the South, individuals who are proud to wave the Confederate flag and challenge the freedoms of African Americans. “Modern America” is completely diverse. African Americans are able to achieve more than ever before. Now, they are no limitations to what they can do. Achieving the pivotal role of the President of the United States just shows how far African Americans have come since the days of the Civil War. Now all United States citizens are able to enjoy the same inalienable rights that were not guaranteed to all before the Civil War. Rights like access to courts, education, the right to own land and the right to vote. Martin Luther king’s dreams of America with equal rights for all, has come one step closer to becoming a reality. Unfortunately, Martin Luther king did not live to see his dream come true.
Through his role as leader of the greatest nation on earth, Barack Obama, has made every attempt to appoint and recruit persons of all diverse backgrounds to serve in the Judiciary and other influential government positions. His recent appointment of Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor is evidence of this. He also appointed the first African American to the position of Attorney General. People of all nations have witnessed first- hand how the policies created to protect the rights of black men after the Civil War has become reality. (Epilogue)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Blog #10: Reconstruction
The reconstruction era post-Civil war began in 1865 and ended in 1877. Everything from policies being implemented to the abolishment of slavery. Essentially, creating a new America.
Technically, the Civil War ended in 1865. Factions like Red Shirts and other hate groups began to form. These types of people are anti-government and want to implement their own policies. The KKK are the remnants of the confederacy. These remaining members of the confederacy are split up into groups and are considered paramilitary groups.
Essentially, reconstructing America and amending the U.S constitution. The idea of slavery was abolished when the emancipation proclamation was in effect.
There is an organization known as the Southern poverty law center. They battle against paramilitary groups; that try to discriminate against black citizens that were freed after the civil war and were given full legal rights after the reconstruction era. Whenever their is a southern poverty law victory, they take away the funding of some of these hate groups so that they can no longer operate, recruit new members to support their cause and spew their hatred.
Reuters New Service, Feb-26, 2009. Southern Poverty Law Center; hate group numbers up by 54% since 2000.
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS222404+26-Feb-2009+PRN20090226
Technically, the Civil War ended in 1865. Factions like Red Shirts and other hate groups began to form. These types of people are anti-government and want to implement their own policies. The KKK are the remnants of the confederacy. These remaining members of the confederacy are split up into groups and are considered paramilitary groups.
Essentially, reconstructing America and amending the U.S constitution. The idea of slavery was abolished when the emancipation proclamation was in effect.
There is an organization known as the Southern poverty law center. They battle against paramilitary groups; that try to discriminate against black citizens that were freed after the civil war and were given full legal rights after the reconstruction era. Whenever their is a southern poverty law victory, they take away the funding of some of these hate groups so that they can no longer operate, recruit new members to support their cause and spew their hatred.
Reuters New Service, Feb-26, 2009. Southern Poverty Law Center; hate group numbers up by 54% since 2000.
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS222404+26-Feb-2009+PRN20090226
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Blog #9: Media saves the beach 2
Last year, for one world week, I was with a beach clean up crew with Chris Wakefield. We had to scan the beaches for litter. We found so many cigarette butts, bottle caps, bear bottles and etc. We picked up all the trash left on the beach and threw into these plastic bags. Its just terrible how we had to clean up someones else's mess. Think about the wildlife first before you make the wrong decision; littering our beautiful beaches. People should consider throwing away trash into the nearest recycling bins that they can find. One by one, we our saving our earth by keeping it clean.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Blog #8: Media Saves the Beach
For this project, I'm really interested in photography. In middle school, we had this thing called intersession. Mine was photography. I kind of like taking pictures using my creativity. I usually take pictures of random things and do some cool stuff in Photoshop. I don't know but I might just do a picture book or something for this project.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Blog #7: Final work
Heritage
Silence engulfed the dining room, my head resting on the palm of my hand as I aimlessly twisted the spaghetti around my fork. My dad began to speak as everyone quieted down to listen. I heard a noise like the sound of a motorcycle engine as he cleared his throat. My eyes were focused on him as he began to speak about his early days in Palestine, neighboring the Mediterranean Sea and Jordan. I interrupted my father and said, “Dad, why did you leave Palestine?” He left Palestine because of the Israeli occupation, he answered. He left his country with tears in his eyes and headed for Saudi Arabia to study and lived there for a couple of years.
Shortly thereafter, my father booked a plane ticket to study in America. “Several million Palestinian refugees live in Jordan and Lebanon”, (Miller, 400). Some immigrated to America. I imagined what it would have been like coming to this country for the first time. It was a misty, gray day when his plane landed on the runway at New York’s airport. I later discovered that at the base of the Statue of Liberty there is a plaque with the Elhams family name. My father had mailed a $100 donation to the Statue of Liberty Fund to have the plaque made years after his arrival (Maestro), (Daniels). My father had mailed off a college application to the University of Berkley and was accepted. Unfortunately without sufficient money, he couldn’t attend Berkley and instead attended San Diego State University. College consumed all of his time.
One of my father’s major influences was his own grandfather. His grandfather, the mayor of the town where they lived was the law of the land. People looked up to him and sought his advice. An adventurous horseman, he was a self-made man who actually built his own house out of stone. One of my father’s dreams would have been to build his own home for his family. This could perhaps explain why I have always been interested in architecture.
He is particularly inspired by President Obama’s desire to extend the hand of friendship to Muslim nations. When I was eight years old, I traveled to Washington, D.C with my father to see the nation’s capitol. We visited many monuments and government buildings. I learned a lot about my country’s great history. The original Declaration of Independence is at the National Archives in Washington D.C. (Cheney, p.24).
I will make sure that the next generation will learn the importance of my cultural heritages, both Arabic and Hispanic. It is my responsibility to make sure that the next generation understands their identity. My father has been an inspiration that has made me want to triumph over adversity. He symbolizes a man who can make the American Dream a reality.
Works Cited
Cheney, Lynne. America: A Patriotic Primer. New York: Simon Schuster, 2002. Print.
Daniels, Roger. Coming to America, The History of Immigration and ethnicity in American Life. Print.
Maestro, Betsy. Coming to America, The Story of Immigration. Online. Web. 13 Sept. 2009.
Miller, Barbara. Book: Cultural Anthropology, George Washington University. Print.
"Museum & Attractions." Washington.org - Official Tourism Site of Washington, DC. Web. 13 Sept. 2009. .
blog #6: Unknown title
Whenever, I begin writing, I tend to spill my ideas onto a blank sheet of paper. Once I have those ideas on paper I organize them. I always like to hook the reader in with my first sentence. Basically, my rough draft was vague. I also discovered that I forget to support my statements with solid evidence. After I completed draft one of the artist statement, I learned that I like to get in depth and find a hand full of evidence. I really think one of my strong points is using descriptive words so that the reader can paint a picture in their mind.
I did some minor changes to my artistic statement by changing the words that had -ing endings. From doing that I really enhanced my writing. Randy said in class that he hates words that have -ing endings. Now my artistic statement is clear and easy to understand. I learned that when you use -ing endings can making your writing choppy.
I would probably continue writing about what do to inspire the next generation. I would also try and use my useful techniques to enhance the paragraph.
The sentence uses descriptive words to get my point across. It really explains and paints a picture of what is happening at the time. This sentence grabs the attention of the reader because I think the reader like sentence that are very descriptive. When the reader can better understand what is currently going on. Its an excellent sentence to start off a story because of the way it is written. It also tells the reader that the author had a great choice of words.
I did some minor changes to my artistic statement by changing the words that had -ing endings. From doing that I really enhanced my writing. Randy said in class that he hates words that have -ing endings. Now my artistic statement is clear and easy to understand. I learned that when you use -ing endings can making your writing choppy.
I would probably continue writing about what do to inspire the next generation. I would also try and use my useful techniques to enhance the paragraph.
The sentence uses descriptive words to get my point across. It really explains and paints a picture of what is happening at the time. This sentence grabs the attention of the reader because I think the reader like sentence that are very descriptive. When the reader can better understand what is currently going on. Its an excellent sentence to start off a story because of the way it is written. It also tells the reader that the author had a great choice of words.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Blog #4: Photo Techniques
Posed portraits:
Initially, I'm going to capture a photograph of myself and put something in the background of my picture. Or I might hold this rug in my hands for the picture so.
Side-lighting:
definitely, my picture could use some side-lighting. I want to make it more detailed and not blurry or anything. I need people to see my facial expression in that photograph and what I am holding in my hands.
Rule of Thirds:
I could use the rule of thirds because I am taking a picture of myself.
Blog #3: In-class critiques
For my rough draft of the artist statement, I spilled my thoughts on paper. I organized those thoughts into four paragraphs. The student who critiqued my artist statement told me to revise my conclusion paragraph because it was a little choppy. I also need to spell the word, Mediterranean, correctly.
Most importantly, I definitely need to revise my conclusion paragraph. I should add some important quotes and tie them into my artist statement.
Draft 2
Silence engulfed the dining room, my head resting on the palm of my hand as I twisted the spaghetti with my fork. Clearly, I was bored. My older brother, Omar, was sitting between my dad and myself. My dad was seated on the far edge of the dinner table. The spaghetti and meat balls on my father’s plate instantly disappeared. My dad began to speak like the beginning of a presidential speech as everyone quiets down to listen. Before he begins to talk, I heard noise coming from his throat like the sound of a motorcycle engine. My eyes were focused on him and he began to speak about his early days in the land of Palestine, neighboring the Mediterranean Sea and Jordan. I cleared my thoughts, he continued talking.
Politely, I interrupted my father and said, “Dad, why did you leave Palestine?” He told me he left Palestine because of the Israeli occupation. He left his county with tears in his eyes and headed for Saudi Arabia and lived there for a couple of years. Shortly thereafter, my father booked a plane ticket from Saudi Arabia to America. I visualized his arrival in America. It was like I was invisible and following my father. It was a misty, grey day when his plane gradually landed on the airport runway. Later on that dark night, my father was sitting inside his apartment building finishing up a college application. He mailed it off to the University of Berkley and was accepted. Unfortunately without sufficient money, he couldn't’t attend Berkley and switched to SDSU. He wanted to have a great house, a nice car and essentially a successful life. He had trouble trying to keep up with his culture and religion. College consumed all his time. He was clearly trying to fit into the American lifestyle. It was like he left his original ways and pushed them aside. He struggled with his identity as much as I did until he realized that he is an American Palestinian.
My father’s major influence was his own grandfather. My grandfather, the mayor of the town where they lived was the law of the land. He was a strong advocate for peace. People looked up to him and sought his advice. An adventurous horse man , he was a self-made man who actually built his own home. One of my father’s dreams would have been to build his own home for his family. This could perhaps explain why I have always been interested in architecture.
My father has been quite an inspiration that has made me want to triumph over adversity. I know that evidently, he symbolizes a man who is exceptionally hard working. He has told me that I should teach the next generation the importance of my cultural heritages, both Arabic and Hispanic. I must take the responsibility to ensure that the next generation understands their identity.
Most importantly, I definitely need to revise my conclusion paragraph. I should add some important quotes and tie them into my artist statement.
Draft 2
Silence engulfed the dining room, my head resting on the palm of my hand as I twisted the spaghetti with my fork. Clearly, I was bored. My older brother, Omar, was sitting between my dad and myself. My dad was seated on the far edge of the dinner table. The spaghetti and meat balls on my father’s plate instantly disappeared. My dad began to speak like the beginning of a presidential speech as everyone quiets down to listen. Before he begins to talk, I heard noise coming from his throat like the sound of a motorcycle engine. My eyes were focused on him and he began to speak about his early days in the land of Palestine, neighboring the Mediterranean Sea and Jordan. I cleared my thoughts, he continued talking.
Politely, I interrupted my father and said, “Dad, why did you leave Palestine?” He told me he left Palestine because of the Israeli occupation. He left his county with tears in his eyes and headed for Saudi Arabia and lived there for a couple of years. Shortly thereafter, my father booked a plane ticket from Saudi Arabia to America. I visualized his arrival in America. It was like I was invisible and following my father. It was a misty, grey day when his plane gradually landed on the airport runway. Later on that dark night, my father was sitting inside his apartment building finishing up a college application. He mailed it off to the University of Berkley and was accepted. Unfortunately without sufficient money, he couldn't’t attend Berkley and switched to SDSU. He wanted to have a great house, a nice car and essentially a successful life. He had trouble trying to keep up with his culture and religion. College consumed all his time. He was clearly trying to fit into the American lifestyle. It was like he left his original ways and pushed them aside. He struggled with his identity as much as I did until he realized that he is an American Palestinian.
My father’s major influence was his own grandfather. My grandfather, the mayor of the town where they lived was the law of the land. He was a strong advocate for peace. People looked up to him and sought his advice. An adventurous horse man , he was a self-made man who actually built his own home. One of my father’s dreams would have been to build his own home for his family. This could perhaps explain why I have always been interested in architecture.
My father has been quite an inspiration that has made me want to triumph over adversity. I know that evidently, he symbolizes a man who is exceptionally hard working. He has told me that I should teach the next generation the importance of my cultural heritages, both Arabic and Hispanic. I must take the responsibility to ensure that the next generation understands their identity.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Blog #2: Osamah's resoures
Native American resources...
Geographic website contains information about the early days of the native Americans. It explains the arrival of the American Indians in America. The following link, http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/kids/history-kids/native-americans-kids.html, will take you there.
There is a book called, The MAKING of the WEST: peoples and cultures a concise history, that has information regarding American Indian history.
John Stewart resources...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5pK7sK0i4A&feature=related this video is an interview about John Stewart's popularity in America.
The website is the number one source to find daily show episodes and news about the show. This is where you can find lots of information
The Book, America by John Stewart, contains information regarding American politics and presidencies. Its a great resource for an American icon like John Stewart.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Blog #1: American Icons
John Stewart
He represents the face of comedy. Each episode keeps me interested and makes me laugh hysterically.
I'm sure you all have seen, The Daily Show with John Stewart. His show airs on comedy central every night at 9:00 o'clock. This American politic satirist/writer/television host/actor/media critic and standup comedian to the left side of your computer screen, clutching the microphone in his hand, is John Stewart. He currently resides in the United States of America. Stewart began his work on the daily show in the early 1999s. Every episode, John likes to criticize all the news coverage from the news networks like NBC, CNN and Fox News channel from his “fake news” desk. When he’s on air, you hear John discuss politics the entire episode and, obviously, he is wearing the same exact clothing an ordinary anchorman would wear, a suit with a tie. Anyway, John would always ridicule George W. Bush’s presidency when Bush made mistakes like the Iraq war during his presidency.
The main reason why I chose him is because he is passionate about his career and he loves being on Entertainment Television. John definitely inspires me and his wide range of viewers not to be afraid to stand your ground when politicians make mistakes. We both are very critical observers of events such as the Fox media reporting that doesn't explain the entire story sometimes.
Karem Elhams
My dad, Karem Elhams, was an immigrant originally from Palestine. Palestine is located in the Middle East, neighboring Jordan and the Mediteranean Sea. My dad's name is not spelled Karem, it is actually, Kareem. Kareem is correctly prounced, Kah-REEM, meaning "generous and giving". Before his arrival into the states, he spent most of his childhood in Rafa, Palestine. In 1941, the Israeli occupation of Palestine occurred and my father journeyed to Saudi Arabia and lived there for a couple of years. He then left Saudi Arabia and traveled to the United States seeking education and a new life. I find it funny that people in America struggle to pronounce my dad’s name. Surprisingly, my dad, a mathematical genius, sent in his college application to Berkley University and was accepted. Unfortunately, he could not afford to go there.
Dad, who I have always had a strong and unbreakable bond with, truthfully inspires me to be more productive and reach for high expectations. I would like to quote what he said to me three years ago, “The only person who I want to be more successful than me is my own son”. This quote simply means that he only wants me to successfully surpass him in life.
American Indian
The American Indian symbolizes courage against adversity. They only took what they needed from the land and they lived in harmony with nature. They are the original survivalists and they make do with what they have. The American Indian are the indigenous people of early America. They fought for control over their lands with weapons against harsh enemies. They fought bravely against their adversaries. American Indians tried to avenge the death of familyand friends. The American Indian used the tip of a spear to pierce the flesh of a buffalo for clothing and food. They would hunt to feed their families. Some grew crops. American Indians used their many skills to skin animals. They pray to the animals for forgiveness. They built dwellings to shelter themselves from the cold harsh winters. They were akways optimistic, always trying to survive.
I can honestly say that these American Indians inspire me greatly. They are some of the most successful survivors who struggled against some of nature's harshest elements and learned to be very resourceful. They have proven to be very brave and intelligent survivors.
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