This year, Mrs. Kirkman's AP English Language class was fun overall. Personally, my favorite part of the classes was being able to use the smart board. It is a fun way to actually interact not only with the material you are learning, but also the students in the class. Our class was privledged by having the smart board installed at the beginning of the year. One of the least favorite things we did this year in class was reading passages and answering questions on them. Although it is important to be able to read and understand and given piece of literature, I personally find it very boring doing so. Aside from this, I found the class very fun and entertaining.
My favorite piece of literature we read this year was The Great Gatsby. It was a very interesting, and suspenseful book. We are already in the twenty-first century, and it was fun reading a book that was based on the early twentieth century. The time periods, a key factor in the novel, helped me set out the differences between then and now. My lease favorite piece of literature was Death of a Salesman. This novel was very short, not very suspenseful, and did not keep me entertained as a reader. While I was reading this play, I felt like I wanted to put the book down because of its lack of action.
Beside my least favorite activity, and my least favorite piece of literature, Mrs. Kirkman's AP English Language class is very fun and entertaining. I would not want to switch it with any other class!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Unpopular Student Ridiculed Mercilessly In Teacher's Lounge
In The Onion reporter, there is an article about teachers mocking an overweight seventh grader in school titled, "Unpopular Student Ridiculed Mercilessly In Teacher's Lounge". It is unclear who the author is, but the reader may assume it is someone working for theonion.com. Doug Durbin,not the most popular kid in middle school, is teased and made fun of be teachers in the teachers' lounge. The irony and humor here is that teachers (especially middle school teachers, teachers of those who are entering early adulthood) tease their students. Teachers are there for support, help and aid. These teachers are doing the exact opposite.
These teachers who tease Doug Durbin by saying "he sweats so bad", "I feel bad for [his teacher]" and "What a loser" obviously only judge their students by "their cover". These teachers seem like they do not give the kid a chance. Also, the humor here is that the United States judges by what they see way too much. Before even thinking about calling names and teasing the boy, these teachers should think twice about what they say, especially since everyone has a couple flaws in them.
These teachers who tease Doug Durbin by saying "he sweats so bad", "I feel bad for [his teacher]" and "What a loser" obviously only judge their students by "their cover". These teachers seem like they do not give the kid a chance. Also, the humor here is that the United States judges by what they see way too much. Before even thinking about calling names and teasing the boy, these teachers should think twice about what they say, especially since everyone has a couple flaws in them.
Coyote v. Acme
"Coyote v. Acme", written by Ian Fraizer, is a court case between a cartoon Coyote, and the company which supplies him with the merchandise (Acme) he uses for his work. The speaker here is Mr. Coyote's attorney, also known as the plaintiff. He speaks on behalf of Mr. Coyotes complaints and wants. The purpose of the essay is to show people the corrupt court system of the United States today, with a twist of humor in it. The subject of this essay is the court case. The whole essay is the plaintiff's argument for the judge.
The humor (suing for the stupidest of reasons) criticizes the United States court system today. In the essay, the attorney claims Mr. Coyote seeks nearly forty million dollars in damage and other losses. He is suing for Acme's lack of precaution while making the products, when it is actually Mr. Coyote's fault for not reading the directions and learning how to properly use the machinery. This example can closely relate to the United States dysfunctional court system. Although the reason of suing may not be legitimate, people may still sue others in the United States.
The humor (suing for the stupidest of reasons) criticizes the United States court system today. In the essay, the attorney claims Mr. Coyote seeks nearly forty million dollars in damage and other losses. He is suing for Acme's lack of precaution while making the products, when it is actually Mr. Coyote's fault for not reading the directions and learning how to properly use the machinery. This example can closely relate to the United States dysfunctional court system. Although the reason of suing may not be legitimate, people may still sue others in the United States.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
St. Patrick's Day in the United States
In the Los Angeles Times newspaper, there is an article about United States obsession over St. Patrick's Day titled, "St. Patrick's Day: Green rivers, green fountains, green beer" written by Dalina Castellanos. The Irish population and other St. Patrick's Day lovers of Chicago, Illinois gathered the Chicago River to turn it lime green. Along with changing the color of the river, thousands of people masked the city with green decorations, as well as painting their skin green. St. Patrick's Day, 2012, was the warmest St. Patrick's Day Chicago has received in 141 years. This was one major reason of celebration on Saturday, March 17.
Many parties and parades were hosted on Saturday in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Irish or not, the United States definitely was out partying all night. It is nice that the people of the United States have a day where they can just forget about all the work they have, to relax and enjoy this wonderful celebration. Along with the rest of the country, the famous White House water fountain found on the front lawn of the White House even sprayed green water. Maybe next year, more than one river will be a shade of green.
Many parties and parades were hosted on Saturday in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Irish or not, the United States definitely was out partying all night. It is nice that the people of the United States have a day where they can just forget about all the work they have, to relax and enjoy this wonderful celebration. Along with the rest of the country, the famous White House water fountain found on the front lawn of the White House even sprayed green water. Maybe next year, more than one river will be a shade of green.
Monday, March 5, 2012
SOAPST
The Great Gatsby takes place in New York City during the 1920s. During this time period, there was a great amount of illegal alcohol being sold and consumed, which is one factor the story lays on. The speaker of the novel is Nick. Nick tells the audience, the reader, about his life in New York City and how he wanted a fresh start on life. He explains extravagant parties and affairs between married couples. The Great Gatsby is a very interesting and mysterious novel. I cannot wait to finish the book and see what every detail symbolizes.
Because of the illegal alcohol consumption, and the large sum of money the speaker mentions, the reader can foreshadow a very mysterious and interesting story coming up. Not only does this book keep the suspense high, but it also keeps me reading to answer unknown questions. Who really is Gatsby and where did he get his money from. What is Nick going to do about his love life. All these questions can be answered by simply reading the book to understand all the unknown parts of the intense novel.
Because of the illegal alcohol consumption, and the large sum of money the speaker mentions, the reader can foreshadow a very mysterious and interesting story coming up. Not only does this book keep the suspense high, but it also keeps me reading to answer unknown questions. Who really is Gatsby and where did he get his money from. What is Nick going to do about his love life. All these questions can be answered by simply reading the book to understand all the unknown parts of the intense novel.
Importance of Language
Without language, the world today would be different. Language is an important factor not only in communication, but a key to social acceptance. When one communicates with different people, they use different words to describe something. This different choice of words is known as diction. Diction may contribute in helping to judge a person from a first impression, for example. Many people chose different words around different people, according to a level of respect, and closeness. This is totally fine and accepted across the world.
Along side diction, is dialect. Many different languages, such as Spanish or Armenian, have different dialects that people from different origins use to speak. A dialect may not seem very important, but it is. This can tell you what area a person is from. Different mentalities think differently. Many people do not accept others if they are not one of their own, meaning one who speaks the same dialect as them. On the other hand, there are those who are open to acceptance, no matter where they are from, or who they are. Language gives away ones true identity, which is very important, especially for a first impression.
Along side diction, is dialect. Many different languages, such as Spanish or Armenian, have different dialects that people from different origins use to speak. A dialect may not seem very important, but it is. This can tell you what area a person is from. Different mentalities think differently. Many people do not accept others if they are not one of their own, meaning one who speaks the same dialect as them. On the other hand, there are those who are open to acceptance, no matter where they are from, or who they are. Language gives away ones true identity, which is very important, especially for a first impression.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Party at My Place
If I was as rich as Jay Gatsby, my parties would be incredible. $100,000 is a lot of money. Spending that kind of money on only one party is just outright insane, but if someone is going to do it, they must do it right. My party will have such loud music that it is going to want to make my neighbors want to move away. A portion of the money will be spent on food and drinks. Alcohol will be served to the adults, and other sodas to the children. My party will not have pizza or hot dogs, but a full buffet for breakfast partying, a burrito stand for afternoon partying, and sushi chefs for late night partying.
If someone wants to take a break from all the long, hard partying, they can simply go to either the backyard where the pool is, or to the garage, which will be like a lounge for those who want to socialize. The backyard will have several slides, enclosed and open, all ending at the deep end of the enormous pool. The garage will not be your average garage where you keep cars or tools. My garage will consist of different rooms, like a game room, a bar, and even a theater! No matter where my guests are in the house, they will have an unforgettable time. This party will go down in history.
If someone wants to take a break from all the long, hard partying, they can simply go to either the backyard where the pool is, or to the garage, which will be like a lounge for those who want to socialize. The backyard will have several slides, enclosed and open, all ending at the deep end of the enormous pool. The garage will not be your average garage where you keep cars or tools. My garage will consist of different rooms, like a game room, a bar, and even a theater! No matter where my guests are in the house, they will have an unforgettable time. This party will go down in history.
Foot Locker Riot
In the Los Angeles Times newspaper, there is an article a riot that occurred over sneakers titled, "In Orlando, another crowd riots over ... a pair of sneakers" written by
Sunday, February 19, 2012
1920's Jazz Music
African Americans in the United States were barely getting used to social equality in the 1920's. Jazz music was a major social factor for African Americans in helping them get used to social equality. This was when African Americans were able to get music records, set a basis for upcoming music, and most importantly, gave African Americans a chance to intermix with Americans in the music world. This is what lead to the type of Jazz, and Jazz based music we have today. Many important musicians started their career in the early twentieth century.
This was also the time period where Jazz became of great importance in not only the media, but also many families. Jazz was mainly popular in New Orleans, Chicago, and San Fransisco. Throughout the years, the number of these cities increased, and so did its popularity. Although it was very popular amongst African Americans, there was no doubt that white Americans were interested in Jazz as well. America's sudden spark of interest in this new type of music, greatly affected what music was known as to people across the United States.
This was also the time period where Jazz became of great importance in not only the media, but also many families. Jazz was mainly popular in New Orleans, Chicago, and San Fransisco. Throughout the years, the number of these cities increased, and so did its popularity. Although it was very popular amongst African Americans, there was no doubt that white Americans were interested in Jazz as well. America's sudden spark of interest in this new type of music, greatly affected what music was known as to people across the United States.
Small Plane and Helicopter Collision
In the Los Angeles Times newspaper, there is an article about a helicopter and a small plane collision titled, "Helicopter, plane collide in Northern California" written by Jeff Gottlieb. The collision took place Sunday, just in midair. No one was seriously injured during the collision. One pilot declined medical treatment, but was still taken to the hospital. Only the pilots of each aircraft were hospitalized for minor injuries.
This collision took place near Rio Vista Municipal Airport, close to Sacramento, California. Because there are no major air craft laws (the way drivers have street lights) pilots must follow, the margin of error during a plane flight is much different than driving. Air craft pilots must be very per-cautious while flying. Luckily this accident was very small, and not fatal. Hopefully, small accidents like this can be avoided in the future.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Woman Kidnaps and Raises Baby as Her Own
In the Los Angeles Times newspaper, there is an article about a woman who kidnapped a baby and raised it as her own for twenty-four years titled, "Woman who stole baby 24 years ago (and raised it) pleads guilty" written by Michael Muskal. Carlina White, born in 1987, was kidnapped by Ann Pettway, a woman who pretended to be a nurse to kidnap the baby. Pettway was tempted to do so after many several miscarriages. “I took a child... It was wrong”, said Pettway at her latest hearing. Her sentence will be held in May. For now, it is sure that her sentence will be somewhere between ten to twelve and a half years. Ann Pettway is now fifty-one years old.
Ann Pettway did not have a birth certificate to give to Carlina White. This was the reason she turned to a website which specialized in missing children. She was able to make a relation between pictures from a result on the website, with her own baby pictures. She then found her biological mother, Joy White. Joy White went twenty-four years in wonder and without her missed child, and says that Ann Pettway should serve the same amount of time in prison.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Thirty Minutes in Nature
It is now twelve o'clock in the afternoon. I am sitting outside my house, isolated from technology. As the wind blows, tree branches swing from left to right. Beautiful birds are chirping, and my neighbors are out on walks. I never realized how calming nature can be. As I sit on my front porch, I see a line of ants marching. It is as if they are claiming their territory with an "army" of ants. I look up, and the trees catch my attention again. Many of them lost their leaves, as if they are naked.
I look down and see the uncut grass, and its uneven blades hang in different directions. I wonder how it looks to smaller animals, as if the grass is an infinite jungle of over sized blades of grass. I now see why many people spend their time far away from technology, and as closely tied to nature as possible. Thirty minutes is not enough time for one to enjoy time in nature. People should spend at least thirty minutes in nature a day, to actually appreciate this beautiful world.
I look down and see the uncut grass, and its uneven blades hang in different directions. I wonder how it looks to smaller animals, as if the grass is an infinite jungle of over sized blades of grass. I now see why many people spend their time far away from technology, and as closely tied to nature as possible. Thirty minutes is not enough time for one to enjoy time in nature. People should spend at least thirty minutes in nature a day, to actually appreciate this beautiful world.
Major Storm Means Delay for Denver Residents
In the Los Angeles Times newspaper, there is an article about a large blizzard in the Denver area titled, "Blizzard moves east across Denver, dumps 2 inches of snow an hour" written by Ricardo Lopez. While California is experiencing dramatic climate changes, the Midwest is experiencing a rather large blizzard, with the cancellation of over 600 flights to Denver International Airport, and many roads closed throughout Colorado. This fierce storm is a very slow moving storm, meaning Colorado residents have a few more days to deal with the blizzard. The storm is expected to last steadily for about thirty-six hours, and cool off by the time the weekend comes along. Until then, Denver residents have to deal with the blizzard, until roads reopen, and flights are back on track.
A blizzard is never a good sign for the people who experience it. The storm has already claimed its first victim, sending one person to the hospital. Hopefully, that will be the only person with injuries due to the storm. From minor accidents to the closing of schools, government offices, and businesses, the storm brings a cold, dangerous winter, to those who live in the Denver area. The only thing people have to look forward to, is a full mountain of snow, for winter sport lovers.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Happy Loman
From all the characters in the book, The Death of a Salesman, I can identify myself the most with Happy Loman. Happy Loman is the optimistic face of the Loman family. No matter what happens, he can always relate something good to it. For example, when his father was depressed, and the whole family was mad at each other, Happy was there to help and try to make things better. That sounds like something I would do.
I see the confidence that Happy has, and relate it to my own. No matter what we do, we try to succeed. I can also relate how Happy has an older sibling to live up to, the way I do. We are both the younger sibling in the family, but that does not stop us from trying our best to get far in life. Lastly, we both try to satisfy everyone around us, but get so lost doing so, we forget about ourselves. I think Happy and I share that same characteristic. There are many characteristics that relate Happy Loman to myself.
I see the confidence that Happy has, and relate it to my own. No matter what we do, we try to succeed. I can also relate how Happy has an older sibling to live up to, the way I do. We are both the younger sibling in the family, but that does not stop us from trying our best to get far in life. Lastly, we both try to satisfy everyone around us, but get so lost doing so, we forget about ourselves. I think Happy and I share that same characteristic. There are many characteristics that relate Happy Loman to myself.
Death of a Salesman SOAPST
The Death of a Salesman is a play written by Arthur Miller. The speaker of the book, or play, is Arthur Miller. The occasion is in the Loman house, in Brooklyn, New York, in the 1940s. This was around seventy years ago, and so much has changed between then and now. The audience is anyone who reads the book. Because the book is actually a play, and has also been turned into a movie, the audience can also be anyone who watches the play, or the movie.
The book was a very interesting book to read. It also had a lot of suspenseful parts. Although it was very short, it was still able to pack so much information into the story line. I would love to see the play, if I ever get the chance. I really enjoyed reading the book.
The book was a very interesting book to read. It also had a lot of suspenseful parts. Although it was very short, it was still able to pack so much information into the story line. I would love to see the play, if I ever get the chance. I really enjoyed reading the book.
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