Thursday, March 31, 2011
Music&Books of my life
Year 1&2- The Winnie the Pooh theme song deffinetly goes along with my first years because The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh was my absolute favorite movie when I was younger. I watched it over and over and somehow, I never got bored. I would sing along to the theme song. My favorite part was when he blew the butterfly off his nose. It made me laugh every time. Year 3&4- “Dancing Queen” by ABBA. Describes this part of my life perfectly. I was always a quiet kid, but I loved to sing and dance. At this time in your life, you have no worries, and life’s great. I had a new baby brother at this age and I was always happy and excited about everything. I think ABBA’s song captures this idea of a carefree life perfectly. Year 5- I started preschool when I was five. I didn’t really have too much trouble without my parents around. However, I would want my mom when I got in trouble, or something. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn helped me through those moments. The story was about a little raccoon preparing for his first day of school. He didn’t want to leave his mom but she gave him a special kiss on his hand. If he held it to his cheek he would feel better. Whenever I was feeling lonely that little trick always helped. Year 6&7- My kindergarten and first grade year were really fun for me. I made a lot of new friends, which is why “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” by Randy Newman fit into my life. Two of my best friends were in my kindergarten class. We were best friends and then slowly drifted apart over the years. In fifth grade, we were in the same class, and it was as if no time had past. We were instantly friends again. Friends are important to me and it’s good to know that someone can have your back for all that time. Year 8- The Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene and the Judy Moody series by Megan MacDonald were some of my favorites. I’ve always liked reading but it was second grade when I was really able to start reading chapter booking on my own. I loved mysteries and always thought that I would be an author when I got older. Year 9- “This One’s For the Girls” by Martina McBride represents a funny memory from my third grade year. I sang this song in the talent show with Darby and Mackenzie, and we had made up a dance to go along with it. Mackenzie messed up halfway through and I meant to give her just a little reminder by give her a shove but she stopped and stared at me when I knocked her off balance. Everyone laughed, but it’s a good memory to have. Year 10&11- “We’re All in this Together” by the High School Musical cast brings up another talent show memory. It was our last year at WSL and we wanted to do something really cool. Holly, Jess, Mackenzie, I, and a few other friends attempted to do the dance to this song. It went well…for the most part. Year 12&13-”When I Grow Up” by the Pussycat Dolls was not only one of my favortires at the time but it kind of describes what you think about as a 6th/7th grader. Your not too worried yet about college and grades and stuff, so anything is possible to you. You have lots of dreams at this time, and this is when I set goals for myself. Year 14&15- “Changes” by Butterfly Boucher goes with the current this of my life somewhat. We’ve moved on from middle school and all of a sudden grades really matter, there’s more pressure to do well, and we have to be more aware of what’s going on around us.
Soundtrack 2 My Life (KiD CuDi)
Instead of the normal assignment, I put my iPod on shuffle and for each song put why it applied to that year of my life. 1996- "Monster" by Kanye West featuring Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, and Bon Iver- I was a baby at this time so it could apply to the fact that all babies are horrible. When I was little I also liked to pretend I was a monster. 1997- "Whatever You Like" by "Weird Al" Yankovic- I was still a baby technically, and babies get whatever they want or else they'll cry or throw a tantrum. 1998- "Basketball" by Fabolous featuring Lil Bow Wow- I started to get interested in sports around this time. I would watch them on TV and played some of them. I remember this little purple and orange basketball that I had. I also played wiffleball and soccer. 1999- "Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem featuring Rihanna- I was starting preschool around this time and I had discovered lying. I lied whenever I could. Lying became an important part of my life and it still is. 2000- "Heart of a Lion (KiD CuDi Theme Music)" by KiD CuDi- Little kids have so much energy and so do lions. Kids can play for hours on end and lions can hunt for a long time. 2001- " 'C' is for Cookie" by Cookie Monster- Sesame Street was the best. I loved to watch it. I also loved cookies. Two main components of childhood. Cookies and Sesame Street. Those were the days. 2002- "Teach Me How to Dougie" by Cali Swag District- I was just starting elementary school, and we were starting to "learn" stuff. I say "learn" because it wasn't really anything important. School was so simple back then. 2003- "The Tip of the Iceberg" by Owl City- I was still just begginning school and it was starting to get a tiny bit tougher. It wasn't hard, it just wasn't as easy. That was just the tip of the iceberg though. It was going to get a lot tougher. 2004- "Over" by Drake- I began to hate school. It was so boring. I just couldn't wait until it was over and I went home. I would literally count how long it was until school was done. 2005- "Big Picture" by T.I.- I was starting to understand life. I was seeing and noticing more things. My horizons were expanding and my gaze was getting wider. 2006- "All I Do is Win" by DJ Khaled featuring T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, and Rick Ross- School was becoming a competition. Middle school was coming up and I was scared to no longer be on top of the school. 2007- "I Love College" by Asher Roth- I wasn't in college, but I did kind of like middle school. I wouldn't say love, but it was better than elementary school. 2008- "Move Along" by The All-American Rejects- The years were piling on, and things were starting to move quicker. Childhood was fading away faster than ever. 2009- "Everything On Me" by T.I.- I was under a lot of pressure and had a lot of stuff going on. The homework was starting to be to much, especially in Earth Science. 2010- "Day 'n' Nite" by KiD CuDi- There were a lot of good times, but there were a lot of bad ones as well. The whole year was up and down. It was like a (very crappy) rollercoaster. 2011- "Fame" by B.o.B- The year isn't over, so maybe I'll become famous this year I guess that that would make it a pretty good year.
Soundtrack of my life.
year 1) Goodnight Moon by Margaret Brown. Although i can't remember this book my mother has painted vivid images in my head of me curled up in her lap and every night begging her to read to me, Goodnight Moon.
year 2) The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. This book was my very first ever pop up book, and fascinated me in so many ways. I would spend hours playing with the pop out pictures and was almost inseparable from the book.
year 3-4) Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett. The young child version of me loved this book. By the time i was four i could finally understand the book and was intrigued by the fact that the book said u=it could rain spaghetti. For years to come i would pray for meatballs to fall from the sky.
5-6) No David! By David Shannon. Although the book was originally gifted to my mischievous older brother, i claimed the book as my own. I wanted to be like the trouble making and rebellious David in every way. The book, though not a hard read, peeked my interest in various was.
At six years old i was already beginning to get involved in the world of pop culture and loved the hit song, Baby one more time by Brittney Spears.
7-8) Where the sidewalk ends By Shel Silverstein. This was my first and one of my only endeavors into the world of poetry. Shel Silverstain made reading fun for me as young kid with his brilliant but simple and funny poems.
I was obsessed with Lets Get it Started by the Black Eyed Peas in 2004 and demanded that my parents by the CD. i would get home from school and relish the moments of dancing around with out any one watching.
9-10)The serious of unfortunate events by Lemony Snicket. Snicket, whose name was probably more interesting than the books, hooked me into this tale about two orphaned children. I was suddenly wishing i could be an orphan too because of how outrageous and exciting they made it seem.
when i was 10 years old i was getting into music that maybe was a little inappropriate for my age with songs like Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake.
11-12) Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. Yes, every girl on the face of this earth had a brief of obsession with this literary phenomena, and i was no acception. It was the first time i ever had a crush on any fictional character and also launched me into my love for books and especially sci-fi.
I kissed a Girl by Katy Perry quickly became one of my all time favorite songs, even to date, when i was twelve. It was edgy, different, and breathed new life into boring radio stations.
13-14) The hunger games By Suzanne Collins. This book had it all, action packed scenes, blossoming relationships, dense characters, and many inspiring moments. I immediately fell in love with Katniss and made many connections between the characters and myself.
The song, The crow and the Butterfly by shine down was by far the most played song on my ipod. The crow and the Butterfly showed me a different side of music and opened me up to all genres of music.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Current Event- Update
Three Weeks after the crippling disaster in Japan, high radiation readings have caused officials to warm people within a 12 mile distance of the Fukushima nuclear plant to evacuate as of Wednesday March 30. Citizens have been told to stay at least 50 miles from the plant to be cautious. Officials argue that there is no need for people to panic since the warnings are just cautionary but radiation is nothing to take lightly. They say that the high readings of radioactive iodine are just from one town and they are not much of a threat but emergency crews are working in this small town, Iitate, to keep the radiation from spreading. Radiation has also been contaminating the soil and water supplies in Japan as far as 140 miles from the Fukushima plant. Workers are continuously working on the nuclear plant but they have decided that it probably can not be saved after pouring seawater on the reactors and taking other measures in order to try and repair them. Japan is working hard to rebuild after a tragic disaster and it will take a while to resolve their issues but slowly they are figuring out how they will create stability again in their country. Sources: http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/UN-High-radiation-outside-Japan-s-exclusion-zone-1314421.php http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/03/30/setbacks-crippled-japanese-nuclear-plant/ http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/world/asia/31japan.html?_r=1&ref=asia
Soundtrack to My Life
1-2 years: “Winnie the Pooh (theme song)” My favorite movies and books when I was little were Winnie the Pooh and my nursery theme was Winnie the Pooh. My favorite character was Tigger and I had a stuffed animal of him that I carried around everywhere. 3-4 years: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendek This was my favorite book when I was around the age of 3 or 4. My parents would read it to me a lot and I loved all of the pictures of the animals that were in the story. 5-6 years: “Bye Bye Bye” by *NSYNC *NSYNC was really popular in the early 2000s and “No Strings Attached” was one of the first CD’s that I ever had. I listened to it constantly with my neighbors who were teenagers at the time. 7-8 years: Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Parks I loved to read when I was younger and my favorite book series was Junie B. Jones. My second grade teacher would read them to us and I remember that my favorite was Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus. 9-10 years: “So Yesterday” by Hilary Duff Hilary Duff was my favorite singer and actress at the time and I had every one of her CD’s. Most people our age watched Lizzie McGuire and listened to her music, including myself. My friends and I went to her concert, which was my first concert ever. 11-12 years: “We’re All in This Together” by The High School Musical Cast When I was in fourth and fifth grade, High School Musical was immensely popular and everyone seemed to watch the movie and listen to the music from it. I probably watched the movie at least five times and went to the concert with my best friend. 13-14 years: The Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer The Twilight Saga is a huge phenomenon of our generation and like just about every other teenage girl, I read the series and it was my favorite series for a while. Even though I really liked it I was never obsessed with it like some people were and still are.
japan one week later
one week later in japan they have decided to scrap 4 reactors in the fucashima power plant( www.japan today.com/catigory/executive-impact/view). they have found high levels of readiation in safe areas( www.japannews.co.jp).
The Soundtrack of a ginger's life
Age 2 "In color" by Jamey Johnson when your that young, you cant remember anything or anyone but then when your older you want to know what it was and if you could remember it it could have been a moment of laghter and color in your life Age 4 "How you remind me" by nickelback the time to have fun and play with many friends and enjoy cookies lots of them age6 " The dollar" by jamey johnson. When you want to play with your parents because there to busy but keep buggin them to play with you with a ball or a board game or somthin to keep you busy and you do anything to get it age8 "time of Dying " by three days grace The age where you could obbatain more imagintion and you think of your favorite super hero like super man or even your parents and how you want time be like them. age 10"let me be myself" by 3 doors down when you start to not want to bearound your parents in front of your friends because you think they would embaress you or somthing and just want to be yourself age12 "unwell" by matchbox twenty reminds me of being free and wanting to do nothing but chill age14 " the animal i have become" by three days grace to show what i have become over the years and why i have become it
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Soundtrack of My Life
1996- The Winnie the Pooh Theme Song: "Winnie the Pooh, Winnie the Pooh. Tubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff. He's Winnie the Pooh, Winnie the Pooh. Willy nilly silly ole bear." This song is the story of my life... 1998- "American Pie" by Don Mclean: When I was two and my parents couldn't stand my crying, I was put in the car and went for a cruise listening to this song. Everytime they played it, I would stop crying and fall right to sleep. The music never died... 2000- "Who Let the Dogs Out" by Baha Men: I don't there was a time that year that this song wasn't being sung by me or anyone I knew. I remember dancing to this song with some of my cousins and eating ice cream. 2002- "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by Green Day: This song was shown to me by my older cousin and would be played in the basement. We would just mess around like little kids would and have good times. 2004- "Yeah!" by Usher ft. Lil' Jon and Ludacris: I started summer camp this year at the YMCA and when this song came out, it was the coolest thing ever. It was the first "cool" song I ever learned the words to. I was pretty siked that summer. 2006- "Snap Yo Fingers" by Lil Jon ft. E-40 and Sean Paul: Well I learned how to snap my fingers after the discovery of this song at a birthday party. It was a good pool song... And if it came on the radio, I felt obligated to turn it up (mom shot it right back down though). 2008- "Welcome to the Black Parade" by My Chemical Romance: I learned how to play this song on the piano as soon I heard it. I really liked the tune and couldn't get it out of my head. It it one of the very few songs I am sort of able to play on the piano (just the tune). It was my favorite song for awhile. 2010- "Second and Sebring" by Of Mice and Men: I have learned to appreciate that my parents recognize the hard work that I do in school and life and that I am lucky to be where I am today. This song has shown me that not everyone is as lucky as others.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Soundtrack To My Life
1996
Just A Girl- No Doubt
Well, I was born on May 12, 1996. I was my parents’ child and I was a girl. So I think that this song just sums up the fact that I am and continue to be a girl. I can’t remember much from my first year, but this song introduces my birth.
1997
All For You- Sister Hazel
This is one of my favorite songs up to this day. At this time, it was just my mom, my dad, and I, living together. I don’t remember much of this time, but I believe that it was a time of us doing things to help each other and make each other happy.
1998
I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing – Aerosmith
When I was two years old, my parents divorced. I can remember living by in Albany, just my mom and I. This is about the earliest that I can recall memories of my life. I remember that I missed my dad a lot, and I know he felt the same. It was hard not seeing each other all the time, and it still is today. I didn’t want to miss out on having him around all the time, and I’m sure he didn’t want to miss out on seeing me grow every day.
1999
Back At One- Brian McKnight
This song relates the fact that my mom and I were starting all over again, without having a man in the house. That is, until my stepdad entered the picture. My mom began dating again, and they are still together today. Also, I really like this song.
2000
Oops! I Did It Again- Britney Spears
When I was four, I loved Britney Spears. I remember dancing around my room to her music, and I had all of her Barbie dolls. So, as silly as it sounds, Britney was a big part of my life at this time.
2001
The Space Between- Dave Matthews Band
In 2001, my dad moved to Maryland, therefore increasing the space between where I lived with my mom and where he lived. It also decreased the amount of time I was able to see him, as opposed to when he lived in western New York. This was a major turning point in my life, and my life has been very different since then.
2002
The Middle- Jimmy Eat World
When I was six, my little sister was born. This now made me the middle child, between my older brother and now my younger sister. This was a big change for me, especially about having a baby around the house. It was here when I sometimes got that middle child envy.
2003
Big Yellow Taxi- The Counting Crows
In second grade, my family made the big move from Albany to Averill Park. This meant me leaving my friends at my old school and making all new ones in an area that I had never even heard of. This was a big thing for me, as it would be for any kid.
2004
1985- Bowling For Soup
I used to sing this song all the time in third grade. Of course, it was the clean version that I had listened to on Radio Disney, but this was about the time when I started listening to more mainstream music. This is big because I am a big music fan to this day, and I think this song helped jumpstart that.
2005
Hollaback Girl- Gwen Stefani
Ahh, the B-A-N-A-N-A-S song. This was always a hit among me and my friends. I listened to Kidz Bop in third grade and this was one of the songs that I remember making up little dances too. I always made up little dances to songs and this was when is started remembering lyrics as well.
2006
Move Along- The All-American Rejects
The beginning of 2006 was a rough start for my family. Some things happened that were tough, but we worked to get through them. I think I began to mature a little at this age. I know that I was only in fourth grade, but it was then when I became a little more aware of my surroundings and the world.
2007
The Sweet Escape-Gwen Stefani ft. Akon
My friends and I wrote a parody of this song that we performed on our last day of fifth grade. This was a big year for me. I was graduating elementary school and moving on to Algonquin. This was a big turning point for me because it made me feel older and much more mature.
2008
Our Song- Taylor Swift
I was first introduced to this song in sixth grade by one of my friends who I met that year. Sixth grade allowed me to make a lot of new friends, some of which I am still friends with today. That was a major part of my middle school experience, being able to make friend with new people.
2009
The Climb- Miley Cyrus
As much as I strongly dislike Miley Cyrus, I feel like this song is perfect. In the summer of 2009, my family and I were hit by a drunk driver and we got into a bad car accident. It was a major setback for us, mostly emotionally. It took us a while to recover from that. But I learned that some things in life happen and you just have to work your way through them.
2010
Smile- Uncle Kracker
2010 was a very good year for me. I did my best in school, enjoyed middle school the most, and I was just having a pretty good year. It was a fun year for me, and although maybe there were some downsides, I tend to think about memories from then and I smile about them.
2011…???
2011 hasn’t been completed yet, but hopefully it will follow a trend and be significant to me like all other years of my life!
Just A Girl- No Doubt
Well, I was born on May 12, 1996. I was my parents’ child and I was a girl. So I think that this song just sums up the fact that I am and continue to be a girl. I can’t remember much from my first year, but this song introduces my birth.
1997
All For You- Sister Hazel
This is one of my favorite songs up to this day. At this time, it was just my mom, my dad, and I, living together. I don’t remember much of this time, but I believe that it was a time of us doing things to help each other and make each other happy.
1998
I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing – Aerosmith
When I was two years old, my parents divorced. I can remember living by in Albany, just my mom and I. This is about the earliest that I can recall memories of my life. I remember that I missed my dad a lot, and I know he felt the same. It was hard not seeing each other all the time, and it still is today. I didn’t want to miss out on having him around all the time, and I’m sure he didn’t want to miss out on seeing me grow every day.
1999
Back At One- Brian McKnight
This song relates the fact that my mom and I were starting all over again, without having a man in the house. That is, until my stepdad entered the picture. My mom began dating again, and they are still together today. Also, I really like this song.
2000
Oops! I Did It Again- Britney Spears
When I was four, I loved Britney Spears. I remember dancing around my room to her music, and I had all of her Barbie dolls. So, as silly as it sounds, Britney was a big part of my life at this time.
2001
The Space Between- Dave Matthews Band
In 2001, my dad moved to Maryland, therefore increasing the space between where I lived with my mom and where he lived. It also decreased the amount of time I was able to see him, as opposed to when he lived in western New York. This was a major turning point in my life, and my life has been very different since then.
2002
The Middle- Jimmy Eat World
When I was six, my little sister was born. This now made me the middle child, between my older brother and now my younger sister. This was a big change for me, especially about having a baby around the house. It was here when I sometimes got that middle child envy.
2003
Big Yellow Taxi- The Counting Crows
In second grade, my family made the big move from Albany to Averill Park. This meant me leaving my friends at my old school and making all new ones in an area that I had never even heard of. This was a big thing for me, as it would be for any kid.
2004
1985- Bowling For Soup
I used to sing this song all the time in third grade. Of course, it was the clean version that I had listened to on Radio Disney, but this was about the time when I started listening to more mainstream music. This is big because I am a big music fan to this day, and I think this song helped jumpstart that.
2005
Hollaback Girl- Gwen Stefani
Ahh, the B-A-N-A-N-A-S song. This was always a hit among me and my friends. I listened to Kidz Bop in third grade and this was one of the songs that I remember making up little dances too. I always made up little dances to songs and this was when is started remembering lyrics as well.
2006
Move Along- The All-American Rejects
The beginning of 2006 was a rough start for my family. Some things happened that were tough, but we worked to get through them. I think I began to mature a little at this age. I know that I was only in fourth grade, but it was then when I became a little more aware of my surroundings and the world.
2007
The Sweet Escape-Gwen Stefani ft. Akon
My friends and I wrote a parody of this song that we performed on our last day of fifth grade. This was a big year for me. I was graduating elementary school and moving on to Algonquin. This was a big turning point for me because it made me feel older and much more mature.
2008
Our Song- Taylor Swift
I was first introduced to this song in sixth grade by one of my friends who I met that year. Sixth grade allowed me to make a lot of new friends, some of which I am still friends with today. That was a major part of my middle school experience, being able to make friend with new people.
2009
The Climb- Miley Cyrus
As much as I strongly dislike Miley Cyrus, I feel like this song is perfect. In the summer of 2009, my family and I were hit by a drunk driver and we got into a bad car accident. It was a major setback for us, mostly emotionally. It took us a while to recover from that. But I learned that some things in life happen and you just have to work your way through them.
2010
Smile- Uncle Kracker
2010 was a very good year for me. I did my best in school, enjoyed middle school the most, and I was just having a pretty good year. It was a fun year for me, and although maybe there were some downsides, I tend to think about memories from then and I smile about them.
2011…???
2011 hasn’t been completed yet, but hopefully it will follow a trend and be significant to me like all other years of my life!
Scrapbook of Sorts (The Musical Kind)
- “Bach’s Lullaby” by Johannes Sebastian Bach
I chose this song because I was just born and therefore did not think about a lot of things being an infant. So I chose an instrumental song to describe my wordless (and probably thoughtless) year.
2. “Urban Angel” by Natalie Walker
This song resembles a sense of security that I had when I was two. I can hardly remember anything about being a two-year-old, so it can’t be necessarily bad, right?
3. “Hey, Let’s Go” by Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli)
This song is adorable. That’s all. It’s perfect for a three-year-old, no matter how violent or enraged she was or could get at the time. She could also be cute and lovable like a kitten.
4. “Puff the Magic Dragon” by Peter, Paul, and Mary, “Piano Man” by Billy Joel, or “Anastasia Theme”
Each song has it’s own importance, mainly being the fact that they were songs that I could recognize at the time and I liked (maybe even now). And for the record, I don’t care if “Puff the Magic Dragon” has a secret meaning that relates to smoking, it’s also a children story made into a song.
5. Magic School Bus by Johanna Cole
When I was five (and up), these stories were my favorite stories in the entire world. They inspired my learning ability, my love of science, and my love of adventure (or fantasy books).
6. “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” by Five for Fighting and “Blue” by Eiffel 65
These two songs were to of my favorites at the time. Otherwise, they have no real significance, except that maybe “Blue” (and other Eiffel 65 songs) helped me to like techno.
7. “World” by Five for Fighting and The Secrets of Droon by Tony Abbott
The Secrets of Droon are another beloved book series that I read when I was a child. “World” is supposed to symbolize the fact that I wrote my first story when I was seven and it describes creating a world (I created a world out of words).
“I Will Follow You Into the Dark/Davy Jones”
8. “A Lack of Color” by Death Cab for Cutie
“A Lack of Color” is like “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” and “Blue” in that it only has to do with the fact that I liked it at the time (along with a lot of others).
9. “Tonari no Totoro (My Neighbor Totoro)” by Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli)
I picked this song because it’s care-free and lighthearted, like a child. The movie that I got it from is one of my favorite children’s movies.
**10. “Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C and “Ashokan Farewell” by Jay Ungar
This song represents my leaving GW and having to leave my temporary home (besides Elmira) for an unknown world beyond my comfort zone. I said goodbye to my friends and teachers who helped me through the years and went to the middle school.
It was probably the best year of my life.
“Ashokan Farewell” is there because it’s one of my favorite songs to play on the violin, and I learned how to play it when I was 10.
11. “Freedom Never Cries” by Five for Fighting, “Boston” by Augustana, and “Yesterday” by The Beatles
Ever since I had left George Washington, I felt like a piece of ice had lodged itself into my soul.
It’s still there.
The reason why this is the only year filled with depressing songs is that I’ve learned to live with the icicle, but this year was the hardest for me. (Long live GW!)
12. “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley, “Stir It Up” by Bob Marley, “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
I chose these songs because this is around the time that I turned into the awesome, chilled-out kind of person that I am today.
13. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
This song describes leaving the middle school and going into high school. I know, I’m very sentimental.
14. “Hey, Soul Sister” by Train, “A Beautiful Mess” by Jason Mraz, “Miserable At Best” by Mayday Parade “Pourquoi C’est Beau (Why Is It Beautiful)” by Christophe Mae, “The Game Has Changed” by Daft Punk, “City of the Damned” by Green Day, and “Famous Last Words” by My Chemical Romance
This whole plethora of songs describes the random stuff that I feel everyday. It really depends on my mood, but the fact that these songs are so very different just goes to show that everyday is different, everyday I have another song stuck in my head, and everyday it affects my mood, so that’s why they’re there.
Actually, that goes for every other day of my life (as long as I had the attention span to linger on them).
“100 Years” and “The Riddle” by Five for Fighting
These two songs would probably be with either 12 or 13, but it could also be with 14 and 11, just because of the significance of the two songs.
I have a specific age for “100 Years”: 15. Because that’s when I get into the song.
Soundtrack of My Life
“Place in This World” Michael W. Smith: Everybody in this world had probably wondered what their place in this world is at one point in time. I chose this song to represent my early years because it kind of says that we're all looking for a place to be. Especially for newborns, since they just came to this world. "Time of Your Life" Green Day: I like this song because life's unpredictable and it can be bad, but in the end you should be happy. I always try to be happy and smile. Someone asked me if I sleep with a smile on because I'm always cheerful. I've also been really naive and happy as a child. "I'll Be There For You" Remembrandts: This song reminds me of my family and friends and how they'll always be there for me. I know I can trust them to help me like I'll be there to help them. Ever since I was little, I've always hated being alone. I felt better when I had someone around. Now that I'm older I can stand being alone, but it's still comforting to know that there's always someone around that I can turn to. "Handprints on the Wall" Kenny Rogers: This song pops up in my head when my parents talk about how quickly my brother and I grew up. I obviously don't remember my days as a baby, but I can remember my childhood and it doesn't feel like any time went by at all. This song also makes me sad because I'm not a kid anymore, I'll always be my parents's baby. "Bad Day" Daniel Powter: Everybody has their bad days, but I always think that it will lead to a better day because you let all of you anger out for one day and you'll be better the next day. No one's perfect, but hopefully in all of our lives, the good days outnumbers the bad ones. I know mine do. I hardly ever get bad days, but when I do, my family and friends have always been able to cheer me up. "Never Grow Up" Taylor Swift: This song represents my life right now. I'm looking foward to my future as an adult, but at the same time, I don't want to grow up. I know that I'll be a child at heart, though. I won't forget my childhood, all the bad days and the good days.
songs
- years 1996-2000. my wish by daughtry. i picked this song because i was a big wish to my parents.
- years 2001-2005. hey sole sister by train. i picked this sond because i just started my life as a chiled and not as atodler.
- years 2006-2011. raise your glass by pink. i picked this song because i start geting more responsabilitys as a person, citizen or teen.
books
- years 1996-2000 cat in the hat by dr. suess. this was my favorite book serries
- years 2001-2005. the magic tree house storry. i learned to red my first chapter book on this serries.
- years 2006-20010. the curc du freak is the first reall grussum and long adult chapter book
The sound track of my life
The Beatles: Back in the U.S.S.R-I chose this song because it reminds me of all the times I've traveled and to where, what I did and although it's exciting to travel, it's also just as exciting to come home. I love to travel and I love the Beatles! Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody- This song in general is awesome and enjoyable. The reason why I feel it connects to me is it really sums up life; it's ups and downs(hence 'life's like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get'-Forest Gump). Which basically stands out to me since that's what we all are experiencing. Cosmic thing, B52's: Channel Z- This song is random, like me. I often find myself distracted about others things and move on from one topic to another once I've felt I completed the tasks of thinking about it and taking in new information. I like to think that my mind is like locus, it moves on from topic to topic quickly. Billy Idol(Vital Idol): Dancing with myself- This song describes how I often spend time and how I am handling life at the moment. By myself and enjoying it! Lynyrd Skynyrd:Free Bird- This song symbolizes me by telling how free you are(in this case me) and how it's no one else's liberty to take that away. This also tells how no one but me can change me(which probably won't happen). And also how I love to travel and what to get out and see the world and do as I please. U2: I still haven't found what I'm looking for- This applies to all of us greatly but when it comes to me, yeah, it pretty much does. Mostly because we sometimes never truly find what we are looking for let alone even know what it is we are searching for. Me, I'm searching for a decent life well spent and people who will remember me. And Like anyone else, I'm looking for my place that will determine the rest of my life. A-ha:Take on me- This song reminds me of how life is okay and how I am taking on the world. This also stats a point in how we are all taking on the world and how we can either stand up or step down. Personally, I will try and stand up.
When it comes to books, I feel that this topic is harder to grasp considering the fact that I find it very possible to connect with all the books I read. If I had to find one though, it would probably be the fallowing: Starting with The Big Little Dinosaur by Darlene Geis, Kipper by Mick Inkpen, Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson(all:)), The Wild Things by Mary Pols, The Warriors series by Erin Hunter, the Haddix series by Margret Peterson, the Hunger games series by Suzanne Collens, the Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, Eragon by Christopher Paolini, and many more. How do all these books relate to me? They all are fiction that try's to connect reality with the world of the book. This is apart of me because it shows how from the start things that were-like me- out of the ordinary and unique in their own outstanding ways.
Soundtrack
One Year Old- "Good Morning Sunshine" by Oliver I chose this song because my mom sang this to me every morning to wake me up when I was little. I remember her singing it to my sisters when they were little too. I'll always know the first few lines to it. Three Years Old- Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak I literally had this book memorized for years because I read it so many times with my dad. I was Max in his wolf suit for Halloween and my sister and I would have wild rumpuses in our bedrooms. Five Years Old- "Oops I Did It Again" by Brittany Spears I only knew the chorus to this song, and it was the only pop song I knew, so I was contantly humming it. I thought I was so cool, and I really wanted a HipClip so I could listen to it like all the other kids. Too bad my mom didn't approve of it so I would always try to secretly hum it. Seven Years Old- Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel My library teacher read this to my class all the time, and I would go home saying the main character's long, long name over and over until my mom probably went crazy. It was a really fun book and my little sister just read it in library too, so I guess it's a classic. Nine Years Old- Felicity Merriman American Girl Doll Books I really don't know why I was so obsessed with these books, but I loved them. I must have read them like five times each. I guess I really liked the horses in the book or something, but I even went to to place it was set because it was near my uncle's house. Eleven Years Old- Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton This is the book written by the girl who had her arm bitten off by a shark when she was surfing. I really liked it because I wanted to be a surfer and I thought it was amazing that she went through all that and then went out in the water and started surfing again. Thirteen Years Old- "Hey, Soul Sister" by Train I loved this song because it sounded island-y and it was just fun to belt out in the car. I must have played it on my iPod 200 times, because it's still at the top of my most played list. Fourteen Years Old- "Speak Now" by Taylor Swift It's kinda hard to choose just one, but I like this one because I like the idea that if you want to do something, you can't wait around till it's too late. It kind of fits into my life right now too.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Japan NOW!!!
What has happened so far in the Japan crisis is horrifying. The death tolls and radiation is increasing at a quick rate. A new test has found radiation levels 100,000 times above normal(resource 3)!!!! The deaths in Japan are more than 25,000(doc 2)!!! I feel we should help out more for those of whom are suffering in Japan at the moment. 6 reactors have been severely impacted from the 9.0 magnitude earthquake( resource 1). Everything has done nothing but get worst and worst. Hopefully, everything in Japan will turn out OK. Thinking about all of those people who have lost their family members and having no food or shelter is really bad. I am thinking of those and therefore am glad to be sending our children books to Japan. By Matt Regan
Protests in Libya
A revolution has begun in Libya, it hasn't been pretty so far. According to cnn.com, Libya rebels have continued there westward advance through Libya on Sunday, taking control of two key cities, Lanuf and Brega. Rebels forces are trying to wipe of pro-Moammar Gadhafi forces, pro forces keep on pushing back. A CNN crew witnessed damage on the outskirts of the city, but nothing too severe. Rebels are trying to take control of a key oil town in Brega, CNN observed. This means that the rebels have gained back the territory that they had lost at the beginning of this war. This could mean a comeback. In order for the rebels not to get out of control, according to The Telegraph.com, Gadhafi has sent in snipers to crush the rebel forces. This is not a good form of defense because many people are getting killed and hospitals are getting overwhelmed with people, Libya, plain and simple, is not safe at all right now. Protesters are filling up squares in Libya protesting against these actions chanting " down with Gadhafi" according to CBS.com. Gadhafi has supposedly vowed to defend his country to the death if he has to. Will this have to necessary? Will Libya change after this is all over? The only thing we can do now is wait.
Japan Update
It has been a while since the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan. Right now Japan’s National Police Agency officials say that as of Friday, 27,500 people remain unaccounted for or dead. Out of that number 10,006 people are dead and 17,452 people are missing. More than 240,000 people are in about 2,000 shelters throughout Japan. Officials say that they think more bodies are going to be found swept up on shore by the sea. The death toll is expected to rise. Meanwhile, there are many after shocks going on throughout Japan.
On top of all this devastation, Nuclear reactors have been unstable from the earthquake. White smoke is again seen over the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant Friday morning. The smoke has been seen rising from reactors 1,2, and 4. “Time is not on the side of our workers.” Experts are saying. Workers and experts are trying to use seawater to keep the temperature and pressure low. Now officials are saying that they are going to switch to fresh water to keep reactors 1 and 2 under control. They said reactor 3 has been delayed.
As for the workers, NISA have said that due to a puddle of water that pooled on the floor inside the reactor, three workers have been injured from it. Two of the three workers have been put in hospitals due to burns from the beta rays, which can cause major skin damage. The workers in the plant were not wearing boots so the beta rays probably soaked into their feet causing the damage.
I wish the people of Japan well and I think we can learn from the way the Japanese have come to work together. It’s sad what’s going on over there but it also shows how brave those people are. They all should be proud about how well they are working together. Lets hope that Japan recovers quickly from this disaster.
Sources:
Friday, March 25, 2011
Update
Re-Research the topic you researched (Japan, Middle East, education)and see how things are a week later. Cite three articles again. Be ready to share.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Update in Japan
The leakage of radiation in Japan has been dangerous to all inhabitants. Workers have been fighting hard to control the amount of radiation coming from these plants. At one plant, workers had to halt their work due to a black smoke emerging from the plant. But the workers have been able to return to their work (http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/24/japan.nuclear.reactors/index.html?hpt=C1)
Radiation has also contaminated drinking water. Japanese had been advised to not drink tap water due to the radiation. However, new tests have shown that the water is now safe for infantas 1 year old and younger to drink(http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/24/japan.nuclear.disaster/index.html?hpt=T1). This is deifinitely a step of progression toward fixation. The water is still not fully capable for all age groups to drink, but we are getting there.
Many different groups and organizations are providing relief efforts to help victims in Japan. There are many charities that you are able to donate to, such as the Red Cross. Google has set up a program that enables people to search for missing friends and family and it has actually worked (http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/14/iyw.howtohelp.japan/index.html). It works in five different languages. The amount of help pouring in for the victims is reassuring. I am hoping that the Japanese are holding on okay and that everything will calm down eventually.
Radiation has also contaminated drinking water. Japanese had been advised to not drink tap water due to the radiation. However, new tests have shown that the water is now safe for infantas 1 year old and younger to drink(http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/24/japan.nuclear.disaster/index.html?hpt=T1). This is deifinitely a step of progression toward fixation. The water is still not fully capable for all age groups to drink, but we are getting there.
Many different groups and organizations are providing relief efforts to help victims in Japan. There are many charities that you are able to donate to, such as the Red Cross. Google has set up a program that enables people to search for missing friends and family and it has actually worked (http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/14/iyw.howtohelp.japan/index.html). It works in five different languages. The amount of help pouring in for the victims is reassuring. I am hoping that the Japanese are holding on okay and that everything will calm down eventually.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Since the 8.9 magnitude earthquake which was followed by a tsunami the death toll has been rising, 9,452 people are dead and 14,671 are still missing. More and more problems continue to rise. At the Fukushima nuclear plant, they have been continuing to attempt to keep the reactors cooled and many other problems under control. They have been pumping seawater onto the reactor, as the water boils away the salt is left behind. This salt continues to build up around the fuel rods, which could stop the water from cooling the reactor at all, it would continue to to heat up and cause the uranium in the rods to melt and release radioactive material. At this plant there has been a history of errors and cover-ups. People have been told not to give infants tap water, radioactive iodine has been detected in the water supply. It is said to be because of the Fukushima plant located 150 miles away. People rushed out to buy as much bottled water as they can though they have been told to take only what they needed. All milk, milk products, meat, seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables from certain areas are not allowed to be sold due to contamination by radioactive material. From certain areas food isn't being allowed to enter the United States.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/world/asia/24nuclear.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/world/asia/24japan.html?_r=1
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/23/japan-quake-live-blog-tap-water-in-tokyo-unsafe-for-infants/?iref=allsearch
a week later
(Cnn.com)- last week i read on cnn that japan had evacuated a least fifteen kilometers from the nuclear power plant that is in a crisis after a tsunami and earthquake and that some radiation is getting out and people in japan have to take a pill to prevent the radiation from effecting their bodys this week i read that some of that radiation is crossing over to california (very little) so does that mean that those people have to ea the pill to. the
the pill leaves the lungs or throat swollen but prevents radio-active danger to the body.
the pill leaves the lungs or throat swollen but prevents radio-active danger to the body.
Centers
Simon Wiesenthal:
This man disliked anyone being prejudice to other people just because they happened to be slightly different. He slightly reminds me of someone like Atticus only acts for his beliefs differently. Atticus would show what he stood for with words and maybe a court case of his. Wiesenthal though actually became a Nazi hunter. He actually searched and found many of the people who did wrong and brought them to justice.
Simon Wiesenthal:
This man disliked anyone being prejudice to other people just because they happened to be slightly different. He slightly reminds me of someone like Atticus only acts for his beliefs differently. Atticus would show what he stood for with words and maybe a court case of his. Wiesenthal though actually became a Nazi hunter. He actually searched and found many of the people who did wrong and brought them to justice.
Cultural Background of the Times:
The actors and actresses on this page were indeed very popular during this time period and very talented (I love Clark Gable). Although the time of the depression hit the country hard the movies was one way that people could leave their worries behind and go into a fantasy world with brilliant actors and their always memorable roles.
The actors and actresses on this page were indeed very popular during this time period and very talented (I love Clark Gable). Although the time of the depression hit the country hard the movies was one way that people could leave their worries behind and go into a fantasy world with brilliant actors and their always memorable roles.
Field Pic:
This connects to the time period of To Kill a Mockingbird because a lot of people had to farm to make money and food for their families. During the time a lot of the people who did the farming were the black people or very poor white people.
This connects to the time period of To Kill a Mockingbird because a lot of people had to farm to make money and food for their families. During the time a lot of the people who did the farming were the black people or very poor white people.
Dorothea Lange Tent Picture:
Dorothea photographs would often show the destitution that some people had to face during the depression. Families had their home’s foreclosed and would be forced to live on the streets in makeshift tents. Adults and children would have to be unbelievable living conditions because of the economic crisis that was occurring during their lives.
Dorothea photographs would often show the destitution that some people had to face during the depression. Families had their home’s foreclosed and would be forced to live on the streets in makeshift tents. Adults and children would have to be unbelievable living conditions because of the economic crisis that was occurring during their lives.
Dorothea Lange Picture:
I think is one of Dorothea’s most well known of her photographs’. This photograph I think shows how people may have really felt emotionally during the economic depression. A mother with her young child and baby in threadbare clothing, what looks like a large piece of fabric kept up by large sticks. This serves as their as home and shelter from the great outdoors.
I think is one of Dorothea’s most well known of her photographs’. This photograph I think shows how people may have really felt emotionally during the economic depression. A mother with her young child and baby in threadbare clothing, what looks like a large piece of fabric kept up by large sticks. This serves as their as home and shelter from the great outdoors.
We Cater to White Trade:
This just shows the prejudice that white people held against black people just for their skin color. All public gathering places, waiting rooms, water fountains and bathrooms all either didn’t allow black people to enter or they would have to go to a different separate place meant for black’s only.
This just shows the prejudice that white people held against black people just for their skin color. All public gathering places, waiting rooms, water fountains and bathrooms all either didn’t allow black people to enter or they would have to go to a different separate place meant for black’s only.
The recent tsunami in Japan has caused much destruction to the Japanese people. Shortly after an 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit so did a tsunami. There are several causes from these natural disasters. They are now also having problems with radiation. The nuclear reactors are going off and releasing radiation into the air. All nearby persons have been instructed to stay inside their homes in order to prevent the chances of radiation sickness. The reactors are being cooled down anything by anything that can be used to cool them down. Helicopters are flying over them and dumping seawater on them. We all hope that these reactors won’t release any more radiation and are thankful that it is only a minimal amount that is being given off.
My sources were located on the side of the blog.
Japan; Two Weeks Later
Sources:
http://money.cnn.com/2011/03/23/news/international/japan_earthquake_cost/index.htm?section=money_latest
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/world/asia/24burial.html?_r=1
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/171373.html
Almost two weeks have gone by since the 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck Japan. The death toll has now surpassed 25,000, and is still rising. Everyday more bodies are found in the rubble, and more are either missing or presumed dead. One of the biggest problems Japan is now facing is how to bury the dead. In Japan it is custom to cremate bodies instead of burying them, but a typical crematorium has only enough room and time for four people per day. Now, people are being buried all together in ditches, which is very dishonorable in Japanese culture. Besides the burial problem, the total cost for the damage done by the tsunami and earthquake has come to about 309 billion dollars. This is defiantly one of the most expensive costs to fix damages done by an earthquake ever.
http://money.cnn.com/2011/03/23/news/international/japan_earthquake_cost/index.htm?section=money_latest
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/world/asia/24burial.html?_r=1
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/171373.html
Almost two weeks have gone by since the 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck Japan. The death toll has now surpassed 25,000, and is still rising. Everyday more bodies are found in the rubble, and more are either missing or presumed dead. One of the biggest problems Japan is now facing is how to bury the dead. In Japan it is custom to cremate bodies instead of burying them, but a typical crematorium has only enough room and time for four people per day. Now, people are being buried all together in ditches, which is very dishonorable in Japanese culture. Besides the burial problem, the total cost for the damage done by the tsunami and earthquake has come to about 309 billion dollars. This is defiantly one of the most expensive costs to fix damages done by an earthquake ever.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Education Update
Education Update
There hasn't been much headway or significant difference in the area of the education system. But another thing that it being discussed is the arts in schools. As we all know the arts are one of the top things that are proposed to being cut. This includes music, theatre, and art classes, as well as after school activities regarding these interests. But there are a lot of ways that artistic pursuits benefit students just as much as. for instance: music and painting and sculpture have many mathematical aspects to them and students that play an instrument are more inclined to understand math better that students that don't play. Also having photography helps to teach chemistry, just like science and physics are incorporated into dance. Different artistic pursuits also help children to grow confidence in their selves in front of their peers and help them to be creative, set goals and to dream.
Another issue that is always showing itself is the No Child Left Behind. when this was first stared many people were fans of it but now many people are very skeptical as to whether or not it was worth it and if it is really helping the students of America or just pushing them farther back than they already are.
http://usinfo.org/enus/education/edu_overview.html
http://www.ed.gov/blog/2011/03/lets-fix-no-child-left-behind/
Japan Nuclear Reactors- Update
The nuclear plant in Japan is being taken care of. Engineers have connected a cable through which they will supply part of the Fukishima Nuclear Plant with power, enabling the cooling system to do what it should have weeks ago. Traces of the radioactive iodine were found in food products around the plant, and even small traces were found in the tap water in Tokyo. In my last post, I mentioned the two explosions that had happened prior to that post. Since then, theres been a third blast at Reactor #4. This explosion leaked radiation into the atmosphere. I hope that Japanese engineers can get the plant under control so no more people get hurt.
Sources:
Monday, March 21, 2011
Japan Update
Japan isn't only facing issues with the flooding, destruction, and lack of food. They are also fearing a nuclear catastrophe, radiation, and a higher death toll. Hidehiko Nishiyama, an official with Japan's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency, said smoke was rising from the plant's No. 2 and No. 3 reactors. The No. 3 reactor has been the top priority for officials to keep maintained. Buildings have exploded and there has been no electric power for the first part. The effects of radiation are also present. They have stopped selling raw milk products and spinach as they have been contaminated from as far as 62 miles away. This disaster has currently killed over 8,900 people and has left over 13,000 still missing. http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/21/japan.nuclear.reactors/index.htmlThe problems in Japan may quickly lead to problems all over the world as well including the United States. If Japan decides not to go back to nuclear power, and convert to oil for powering the country, the amount of oil being distributed elsewhere will certainly decrease. This means higher prices for just about everything. Since Japan has a connection with Saudi Arabia, they will be recording the greater amounts. Gas prices in the U.S. are predicted to reach at least $5.00 by the end of 2012. That is insane! http://ht.cdn.turner.com/cnn/big/bestoftv/2011/03/21/exp.arena.japan.quake.energy.cnn.ipad.qtref.movThis now 9.0-magnitude disaster, has caused so much horror in this country. There is a major lack of doctors and nurses at the moment leaving many untreated. Some 380,000 people are staying at 2,200 shelters for protection and basic needs. Most of who are elderly and frail. http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/21/japan.disaster/index.html
Education Ends World Hunger!
Oh, America, we're so proud of you. You finally got the nerve to bother to try to fix your broken education system for the first time in years. The best part is that this isn't some half hearted attempt at saving face like No Child Left Behind was. That's great.
Anyway, the point is that America is finally taking a chance with educational reform. Before we get into specifics on how crappy these new ideas are, the US deserves a round of applause; for good or bad, the fact that the we are taking chances is a good sign, and hopefully, this risk taking will pay off in the future.
The highlights of recent educational reform: L.A. loves Charter Schools, Baltimore just beat out Finland for being 'the shiz', and Online Universities are saving children in Africa. Yes, education and reasoning just found out a way to end world hunger. You're welcome.
Let's start out with L.A. Charter schools, shall we? Basically, Los Angeles is changing many of it's schools into charter schools(Education Week). Charter schools in other areas are getting a bad rap in other areas however. This is mainly because while they use a larger amount of money than a normal public school, students are not getting a higher quality education, based upon a University study in Michigan. Then again, this study was baed in Detroit, so violence and corruption could have skewed the results. Just kidding. In any case, the fact that charter schools have been getting substatially larger amount of money than public schools and yet only 1 in 9 have shown to be more effective than average is not a promising statistic. But, they are trying something new, so I support it anyway.
Baltimore is amazing(Huffington Post). Apparently, Baltimore schools have increased enrollment, decreased the number of dropouts, and increased student achievment. This also came from a school district which was struggling not long ago. One notable thing that they do is get parents and the surrounding community involved in the schools. Wow. That's surprising. Who would have thought that when parents care about their child's education, things can change. Astounding. We should do that for Averill Park- OHWAITWEDID. Yeah, after the superintendent decided that the best way to close a budget gap is to terminate the arts. Way to go genius.
And now we get to the highlight of this post, solving world hunger! Cheese for everyone! Not really (BBC). Actually, what so amazing is that online education is becoming increasingly popular and accessible. So yes, some African farmers are, and have been, getting the most recent irrigation techniques, allowing for more food production, (sort of) solving world hunger. Open University, based in the UK, has allowed over 2.5 hundred thousand students with education. On their own time. Lectures and other bits of teaching nonsense are available for free via the iTunes U service. This system is being compared to the American community college system, which is designed to give more people with the option of being able to get a degree. Some are even proposing that this could be used in a similar way, with student getting their first two college years online, then persuing an advanced degree elsewhere. Honestly, this sounds like an awesome idea. This could certainly decrease college debts, seeing as many courses are available for free. I also think that this could be used for students who travel very far, allowing them to take couses on longer vacations while being able to stay at home. While I don't think that this will ever replace any college, online education has the potential to be a very useful tool.
Sources:
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2011/03/21/26detroit.h30.html?tkn=SLTF%2FHT8Vwv3CzSl7c4UWVoW18tAcWo%2Bl%2Bbh&cmp=clp-edweek
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-donaldson/baltimore-leading-educati_b_838187.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12766562
Anyway, the point is that America is finally taking a chance with educational reform. Before we get into specifics on how crappy these new ideas are, the US deserves a round of applause; for good or bad, the fact that the we are taking chances is a good sign, and hopefully, this risk taking will pay off in the future.
The highlights of recent educational reform: L.A. loves Charter Schools, Baltimore just beat out Finland for being 'the shiz', and Online Universities are saving children in Africa. Yes, education and reasoning just found out a way to end world hunger. You're welcome.
Let's start out with L.A. Charter schools, shall we? Basically, Los Angeles is changing many of it's schools into charter schools(Education Week). Charter schools in other areas are getting a bad rap in other areas however. This is mainly because while they use a larger amount of money than a normal public school, students are not getting a higher quality education, based upon a University study in Michigan. Then again, this study was baed in Detroit, so violence and corruption could have skewed the results. Just kidding. In any case, the fact that charter schools have been getting substatially larger amount of money than public schools and yet only 1 in 9 have shown to be more effective than average is not a promising statistic. But, they are trying something new, so I support it anyway.
Baltimore is amazing(Huffington Post). Apparently, Baltimore schools have increased enrollment, decreased the number of dropouts, and increased student achievment. This also came from a school district which was struggling not long ago. One notable thing that they do is get parents and the surrounding community involved in the schools. Wow. That's surprising. Who would have thought that when parents care about their child's education, things can change. Astounding. We should do that for Averill Park- OHWAITWEDID. Yeah, after the superintendent decided that the best way to close a budget gap is to terminate the arts. Way to go genius.
And now we get to the highlight of this post, solving world hunger! Cheese for everyone! Not really (BBC). Actually, what so amazing is that online education is becoming increasingly popular and accessible. So yes, some African farmers are, and have been, getting the most recent irrigation techniques, allowing for more food production, (sort of) solving world hunger. Open University, based in the UK, has allowed over 2.5 hundred thousand students with education. On their own time. Lectures and other bits of teaching nonsense are available for free via the iTunes U service. This system is being compared to the American community college system, which is designed to give more people with the option of being able to get a degree. Some are even proposing that this could be used in a similar way, with student getting their first two college years online, then persuing an advanced degree elsewhere. Honestly, this sounds like an awesome idea. This could certainly decrease college debts, seeing as many courses are available for free. I also think that this could be used for students who travel very far, allowing them to take couses on longer vacations while being able to stay at home. While I don't think that this will ever replace any college, online education has the potential to be a very useful tool.
Sources:
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2011/03/21/26detroit.h30.html?tkn=SLTF%2FHT8Vwv3CzSl7c4UWVoW18tAcWo%2Bl%2Bbh&cmp=clp-edweek
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-donaldson/baltimore-leading-educati_b_838187.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12766562
Update on Japan
By now we have all heard information about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, but it is still a huge issue. As of today, 12,877 people are missing and 8,649 have died, but local police say that number will probably rise to around 15,000. This weekend two people were found alive, but it is unlikely that a lot more will be found. Even though their houses may not have been destroyed, 360,000 have been evacuated. Most are living in shelters, but a lot of these are temporary and some don’t even have electricity or enough food. Even though it was a tragic event, some people think Japan will be able to recover from it in less than five years. It is a wealthier country, has a stable government, and participates in trade with other areas. People are trying to rebuild Japan, and things such as roads, buildings, ports and equipment are being built so that they are more efficient than before, which will help the economy. Also, because of the nuclear power plants, research is being done to find more was of alternative energy. A big reason that Japan is recovering is from the donations made by many people. Google has updated its website so that along with the Japanese Red Cross, you can also donate to the American Red Cross, International Medical Corps, Unicef, Feed the Children and Mercy Corps. If people keep helping, hopefully Japan will be able to get back to where it was before this disaster.
http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2011/03/21/japan-quake-leaves-22000-dead-missing/
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/03/21/japan-expected-5-years-rebuild-history-favor/
http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html
http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2011/03/21/japan-quake-leaves-22000-dead-missing/
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/03/21/japan-expected-5-years-rebuild-history-favor/
http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html
update on Japan nuclear crisis
The nuclear problems seen over in Japan have slowly began to improve in minor ways but unfortunately the rest of the country is slowly starting to experience the side effects of the contamination.
Recently the nuclear radiation has forced civilians living near the Fukushima Daiichi plant to evacuate the area. Worse than that, the Japanese have recently found small amounts of nuclear radiation in local foods and farms. although the traces of food found are generally small any amount of this type of poisoning should be taken seriously. Miles away vegetables and water supplies have been alarming people with their contamination levels. Food is being tested at all local areas and places that sell food to ensure the safety of everyone. Devices called Radiation detectors or Geiger's have become one of the best selling items in Japan. this is because these devices detect the amount of contamination in the air and also have a built in GPS to show where the contamination is.
Workers at Fukushima Daiichi plant have been forced to evacuate the area after gray smoke wafted from to nuclear reactors in that appeared to be melting. But despite this workers have returned and made amazing progress on their efforts to stop the contamination. they did this by connecting damaged reactor cooling systems to power lines. This will hopefully restore power to the water pumps which will prevent any nuclear reactor from melting down. There is also controversy over how serious the nuclear reactors have been damaged. U.S. officials believe that some irreparable core damage has already been done while the Japanese claim that there has been no problems experienced in the core of the nuclear reactors. U.S. officials still warn the Japanese to proceed with caution and have been pushing iodine tablets to the people.
cites:
-http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/japan-nuclear-crisis-close-stabilizing-us-official/story?id=13184684
Japan
Unfortunatley, the problems in Japan are still growing, as is the death toll. At Rikuzentakata No. 1 Junior High School, 3 students have been confirmed dead so far. oNe of these students was 16 year old, Hiroki Sugawara. His friends and family stood by to mourn his death, but sadly, there isn't enough time for proper funerals(http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/21/japan.quake.tsunami.funeral/index.html?hpt=C1). We need to remember each victim. They all lived important lives and should not be forgotten.
1 week and 3 days after the disaster, a nuclear scientist said smoke has been spewing from two reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. One of these reactors was Number 3; the reactor that nuclear experts had been watching closely. They feared that a melt down would occur if something were to happen to the third reactor. Unfortunatley, something has. The nuclear experts are saying that there was no spike in radiation which is good(http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/21/japan.nuclear.reactors/index.html?hpt=T2) Hopefully, this will be taken care of soon. It is our job to stay informed and do what we can to help the Japenese in danger.
8,649 people have been confirmed dead, and still, this number is on the rise. People are slowly losing hope, but continue to search for their missing loved ones. A woman walks the remaining streets with a photo of her husband, constantly asking people in passing if they have seen her husband(http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/21/japan.disaster/index.html?hpt=T2) This is awful, no one should have to suffer through this. We need to continue helping those in Japan, and understanding that they need time to mourn. They have lost so much, and I don't know how they are managing to be so strong each day.
1 week and 3 days after the disaster, a nuclear scientist said smoke has been spewing from two reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. One of these reactors was Number 3; the reactor that nuclear experts had been watching closely. They feared that a melt down would occur if something were to happen to the third reactor. Unfortunatley, something has. The nuclear experts are saying that there was no spike in radiation which is good(http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/21/japan.nuclear.reactors/index.html?hpt=T2) Hopefully, this will be taken care of soon. It is our job to stay informed and do what we can to help the Japenese in danger.
8,649 people have been confirmed dead, and still, this number is on the rise. People are slowly losing hope, but continue to search for their missing loved ones. A woman walks the remaining streets with a photo of her husband, constantly asking people in passing if they have seen her husband(http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/21/japan.disaster/index.html?hpt=T2) This is awful, no one should have to suffer through this. We need to continue helping those in Japan, and understanding that they need time to mourn. They have lost so much, and I don't know how they are managing to be so strong each day.
Education
The United States Education System
The education system of the United States is under a lot of stress and criticism now. There are many aspects to our educational system that are going to change and that are being fought over. This issue is fought about on a large scale and on a small scale. The U.S. government is involved in a lot of this and we are feeling what is happening in our own school. There are many things that are being disputed by many different people for a variety of reasons. The No Child Left Behind program is a big thing that is being argued over. Some people think that it is a fantastic program that gives all children an equal chance in their academic pursuits. But others believe that it is harming, rather than helping. These people believe that it keeps students that excel and are successful in school held back and prevents them from bettering themselves. They also argue that it keeps those who aren't as strong in school from learning because they won't learn at the same pace as others and will fall behind or hold up the rest of the class.
Other issues include the content of our education. Many people are of the opinion that we aren't receiving the best we can. People believe that we are getting a dulled version of history because of the arguments regarding religion in school. Teachers are scared to put the religious parts of history into their lessons. Religion played a huge part into the outcome of countless events and the way that events occurred. Grades and homework are also argued over. Various people disagree with the grading system and the attendance policy. This is disputed because some people have reasons why they have to miss school and these absences affect their grades in a negative way because of the amount of class and work they have miss and the short amount of time they have to make it all up.
Our educational successes have declined compared to early in America’s life. In the early 19th century the United States was once on top in literacy and other subjects. Now we are ranked 26th in literacy in the world. I do believe that elder people have a responsibility to teach the younger generations especially if we keep spiraling down the way we are. All that will be left from a better time in the area of schooling will be the older generation. Education is very important to everyone. It will help people succeed in the world and give them a chance to compete in the world and make a place for themselves. There are so many opportunities that are given in schools now and I hope that they can stay after all that goes on is resolved and I hope that I have taken the advantage of all of them to the best of my ability. There shouldn't be one focus in someone’s education. You should do a little bit of everything. Don’t stay mainly on the academic part of it but find something that you really enjoy like art, music, theatre or a sport.
Other issues include the content of our education. Many people are of the opinion that we aren't receiving the best we can. People believe that we are getting a dulled version of history because of the arguments regarding religion in school. Teachers are scared to put the religious parts of history into their lessons. Religion played a huge part into the outcome of countless events and the way that events occurred. Grades and homework are also argued over. Various people disagree with the grading system and the attendance policy. This is disputed because some people have reasons why they have to miss school and these absences affect their grades in a negative way because of the amount of class and work they have miss and the short amount of time they have to make it all up.
Our educational successes have declined compared to early in America’s life. In the early 19th century the United States was once on top in literacy and other subjects. Now we are ranked 26th in literacy in the world. I do believe that elder people have a responsibility to teach the younger generations especially if we keep spiraling down the way we are. All that will be left from a better time in the area of schooling will be the older generation. Education is very important to everyone. It will help people succeed in the world and give them a chance to compete in the world and make a place for themselves. There are so many opportunities that are given in schools now and I hope that they can stay after all that goes on is resolved and I hope that I have taken the advantage of all of them to the best of my ability. There shouldn't be one focus in someone’s education. You should do a little bit of everything. Don’t stay mainly on the academic part of it but find something that you really enjoy like art, music, theatre or a sport.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/179750/three_serious_problems_with_the_current.html?cat=4
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/179750/three_serious_problems_with_the_current.html?cat=4
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/addiction-in-society/200902/problem-america-wont-solve-in-our-lifetime-education
Japan
Japans earthquake affected so much and so many people. The death toll is inscreasing as is the number of missing people. Japan has three large Nuclear pwoer facilities that were greatly affected by the earthquake/tsunaatmi that hit Japan. The biggest one at risk is The Fukushima power plant. There could be a meltdown because of the coolants from the nuclear power. Because of the damage done to Japan, the nuclear plants are at risk to cause even more damage. The plants are like a tiger in a cage with the door open. The tiger could come out at any second that it chooses. That's the same with the nuclear power. It's sitting there, but at any moment, it could all come crashing down. This also affects the United States. The US has placed nuclear power plants mainly along oceans and near hurricane-prone places. If something similair happens to the US that happened to Japan, the US could also be in danger because of the nuclear power. The people that were close to the plants when the earthquake hit were given iodine tablets to prevent what the nuclear power could do to them. I think we should all try to help Japan out in some way, because we're all apart of this world and we need to help each other in times of need like Japan is going through.
Current Event
On March 21 nuclear reactors in Fukushima were evacuated after smoke was seen billowing out of them, and it was later determined to be steam. The people who were evacuated were working on repairing the reactors and were allowed back in several hours later (NY Times). It was feared that the levels of radiation would rise due to the smoke but fortunately the levels have not risen. Radiation is a huge concern for Japan right now and potassium iodine tablets are being made available for anyone located near the sight of the disaster as a precautionary measure (New York Post). Ibaraki, a town 30 miles from Fukushima has been instructed not to drink their tap water because of unsafe levels of contamination (Fox News). There have been problems with surrounding food producers finding levels of radiation in their products and nations are beginning to test any food products coming to them from Japan for contamination. Abnormal levels have already been found in spinach and dairy products in Tokyo, Japan and all of these products coming from Fukushima have been barred (New York Post). Fortunately, none of the contaminated products were able to reach the export market, containing the spread to local surroundings. Officials say that the contamination is a lot worse than they expected but efforts and precautions are being made in order to find a solution (New York Times). The nuclear crisis in Japan has caused a great deal of trouble but the country, along with help from other nations, is slowly solving their issues and trying to rebuild after the crippling tsunami they suffered from. Sources: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/world/asia/22japan.html?ref=asia http://www.nypost.com/p/news/international/workers_evacuated_reactor_fukushima_Mo25Rk3CrDyucc8uZOLFtJ http://video.foxnews.com/v/4598537/smoke-at-nuke-plant-raises-fears-in-japan/?playlist_id=86857
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Increasing Radioactivity
The government in Japan confirmed that there is radioactivity in the nation's food supply. Luckily it's only been found in milk and spinach. Although it's been found on farms that are 90 miles away from the nuclear plants. About 500 workers tried to connect and restore the power lines to help cool off the reactors. So far they've only succeeded in restoring power to one of the reactors, but they're hoping to restore power the others. Rescue workers tried to douse reactor no.3, after spraying more than 2400 tons of water for 14 hours. Radiation levels are dropping in that area. Then, on Sunday, 11 firetrucks began spraying water at reactor no.4.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/20/world/asia/20japan.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=radioactivity%20in%20japan&st=cse
So far, the radiation outside of the plants are not high enough to actually cause any harm. Officials in Germany are ordering to shut down 7 of the oldest reactors just to be safe. People in Switzerland are ordering to stop the development of new nuclear power plants. Before the disaster, Japan had 54 operational nuclear plants. 27% of the country's power is provided by the reactors. The low cost and reduced greenhouse gas emission from the nuclear fuel is popular in Japan. 20% of U.S. electricity also comes from nuclear power.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/20/nuclear.risks/index.html?iref=allsearch
Reactor no.5 and 6 are declared safe and are the least problematic out of the six. Officials have began distributing potassium iodide pills. The pills will protect people from getting thyroid cancer, which is one of the diseases that you can get from radiation. They've also admitted that they should have distributed the pills earlier, but they said nobody ever expect this sort of disaster to happen so they weren't prepared.
http://www.npr.org/2011/03/20/134705754/japans-efforts-to-ease-nuke-crisis-hit-setback
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/20/world/asia/20japan.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=radioactivity%20in%20japan&st=cse
So far, the radiation outside of the plants are not high enough to actually cause any harm. Officials in Germany are ordering to shut down 7 of the oldest reactors just to be safe. People in Switzerland are ordering to stop the development of new nuclear power plants. Before the disaster, Japan had 54 operational nuclear plants. 27% of the country's power is provided by the reactors. The low cost and reduced greenhouse gas emission from the nuclear fuel is popular in Japan. 20% of U.S. electricity also comes from nuclear power.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/20/nuclear.risks/index.html?iref=allsearch
Reactor no.5 and 6 are declared safe and are the least problematic out of the six. Officials have began distributing potassium iodide pills. The pills will protect people from getting thyroid cancer, which is one of the diseases that you can get from radiation. They've also admitted that they should have distributed the pills earlier, but they said nobody ever expect this sort of disaster to happen so they weren't prepared.
http://www.npr.org/2011/03/20/134705754/japans-efforts-to-ease-nuke-crisis-hit-setback
Friday, March 18, 2011
Japan: increasing crisis
We are all very much aware of the devastation in Japan. The shortages in everything from food to pure water to power to shelter and hope. The land mass once called Japan is now better referred to as a ground zero, a no mans land. The powerful earth quake--stronger than the Great Hanshin that took 6,434 lives in 1995--that shook Japan to it’s core and the mighty tsunami that engulfed the area destroying everything in it’s path and everyone. In it’s wake they left thousands dead, missing, or homeless. A total of 6,548 are to be dead and up to 10,354 still unfound with increasing worry if there are really more since entire families have been wiped out. Through all this death and destruction, the people of Japan still have more troubles to pile on: how they are going to survive and how they will pull themselves back together.(http://tripolipost.com/articledetail.asp?c=1&i=5630)
Although the soaring number of dead, missing, shortages and radiation are frightening, there is something else that catches the eye: the people who are suffering to survive. There is some 380,000 people homeless and trying to live in just 2,000 shelters. The theory of moving into other parts of Japan has been tossed around but is still under questioning, although they soon wish to provide safer and better living conditions to the people who survived. While they are arguing and solving and questioning, Japans people are struggling to pass by each day that went from normal and average to being a obstacle. People are trying to rebuilt their lives, uncover their lost belongings and escape the dangers they now face: radiations and the growing problems of the reactors. All we can do how is help as much as we can and have a moment of silence for those lost. (http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/east-pacific/Japan-One-Week-On-From-Earthquake-Tsunami-Disaster-118238774.html)
What more problems could they being facing? Radiation is a big one. People have been commanded to remain indoors if they are located 19 miles from the reactors, people within 12 miles were evacuated completely. Those who are able to go outside are scanned daily due to the dangerous health ricks that fallow radiation poisoning. The U.S., China and Russia are even preparing for the worst by stocking up on pills that will protect themselves form the radiation. The unfortunate part though is that children are the most vulnerable to the poison. In the year 1986 when a nuclear reactor exploded, people were exposed to unusually high amounts of radiation and caused up to 6,000 children to develop cancer. These tragic pasts are what concern scientist today as people try to remain radiation free.(http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Radiation-Levels-In-Japan-Causing-Concern-in-Other-Countries-118230524.html)
Social Issues:Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated...
There are quite a few events going on in the world that are very pressing and meaningful. Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami. Civil/Political unrest in Middle East/Africa. The US Education System.
Choose one topic and research it. Find three articles and try to really wrap your head around a component of the issue. Write your opinion piece (backed by your citations of the research you find). You may use the following questions but feel free to add a few of your own.
What is each country's responsibility to other countries? What are our personal obligations to others? What would you like to do? Look at the quote below, is it true? Why?
What obligation do older people have to educate the younger? Why is education important? Do you take advantage of all the opportunities you have available? What should be the focus of one's education be?
"Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it." The Talmud
V. Gaboury
Choose one topic and research it. Find three articles and try to really wrap your head around a component of the issue. Write your opinion piece (backed by your citations of the research you find). You may use the following questions but feel free to add a few of your own.
What is each country's responsibility to other countries? What are our personal obligations to others? What would you like to do? Look at the quote below, is it true? Why?
What obligation do older people have to educate the younger? Why is education important? Do you take advantage of all the opportunities you have available? What should be the focus of one's education be?
"Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it." The Talmud
V. Gaboury
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
On Friday March 11th, Japan was hit with an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.9 which then lead to a tsunami, the damage was huge. The number missing are 7,558, injured is 1,990, and the dead is 3,373. The death toll is expected to keep raising. Not only has it taken a huge toll physically on the people but it has weakened Japan's economy. Due to the tsunami there has been a few fires and explosions at nuclear plants, the radiation from these explosions is a lot. People have been given iodine tablets, which stops the body from absorbing some of the radiation. At one plant the radiation is 167 times the average annual dose of radiation. One explosion had damaged the core and a fire had sent pieces of radioactive material into the air. Luckily the winds had blown the plume of radioactivity towards the ocean, away from people. Many of the workers at the plant had fled but some had stayed to with want they could, keeping the cores cool and putting out the fire. These problems are expected to continue.
We need to help these people as much as we can. When people start thinking that they can leave it for someone else to do, nothings going to get done. We should raise money and supplies for the people who are suffering from this tragedy in Japan.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/15/world/asia/15nuclear.html?_r=2
Poor Japan
On March 11, 2011, a terrible 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit the country of Japan in the city of Natori. This devastating disaster triggered a tsunami thirty minuets after the earthquake struck. The tsunami washed away houses, many cars, buildings and many people. Watching the footage of this disaster made my stomach uneasy. What happened that Friday afternoon made me very sad. By Monday afternoon police teams reported that 1,800 people were confirmed dead and that 3,200 people were still missing. Police teams found 700 bodies washed up on the shores of a scenic peninsula in Miyagi Prefecture. "Worst crisis since World War II" were the words of Prime Minister Naoto Kan. Some 350,000 people are without homes and are staying in shelters with their families. On top of all the devastation that went on in Japan, the earthquake also caused a nuclear power plant to become unstable. They are saying that several nuclear plant workers have become ill from the radioactive exposer. Experts say that so far the radioactive exposer to the public is low. Lets hope that it stays low.
I hope that America continues to support Japan. Our natural instinct however, is to help and give aid to help those in need during times of tragedy. I absolutely think we should send troops over to Japan to help look for survivors and bodies and also to provide humanitarian relief.
Sources:
http://manga.about.com/b/2011/03/13/japan-earthquake-relief-manga-artists-share-hope-help.htm
Some people that want to spread a little cheer in Japan are the Manga Artists. They want a message of hope to come across in their drawings. Manga artist, Takehiko Inoue, has been posting Japanese people of all ages doing one thing...smiling...these drawings have been encouraging, heartwarming, and charming to look at. So far he has posted 38 drawings on Twitter and wants to continue them because they seem to be lighting up the mood in Japan. Another artist named Arina Tanemura, has also been drawing Manga characters. Not only are the people in her drawings smiling, they also have words of encouragement at the bottom of them. one example she wrote was, "hitori ja nai yo." which means "you are not alone." Below are some of the drawings that these people made.
I hope that America continues to support Japan. Our natural instinct however, is to help and give aid to help those in need during times of tragedy. I absolutely think we should send troops over to Japan to help look for survivors and bodies and also to provide humanitarian relief.
Sources:
http://manga.about.com/b/2011/03/13/japan-earthquake-relief-manga-artists-share-hope-help.htm
Helping Japan
On March 11, Japan was hit by an 8.9 magnitude earthquake that has been said to be Japan’s worst crisis since World War II. The earthquake and the tsunamis that followed it have caused tons of damage, and it is estimated that at least 10,000 people have died in Japan. Tons of people are missing, power plants have leaked, factories can’t run because of blackouts, and people are trying to find food and shelter. About 350,000 people have been reported to be homeless and staying in shelters(http://www.nytimes.com/201103/15/world/asia/15japan.html). Many people who aren’t in Japan are wondering how to help or contact people in Japan. Google has made a crisis response page about the earthquake and tsunami designed to help people find information about it. There are recent articles and twitter updates about it, maps and a live video stream. There is information about blackouts, transportation and alarms and warnings. To find information about people in Japan there is information about the United States Department and Embassy, shelter resident lists and information, message boards about the tsunami, emergency phone numbers, numbers to call about missing people and a tool to find people or share information about people. There is also a spot to donate to the Japanese Red Cross (http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html). You can also donate to the American Red Cross online or by texting. Other organizations such as International Medical Corps, Global Giving, World Vision, AmeriCare and Save the Children have set up was to donate to Japan. Salvation Army, Doctors Without Borders, Shelterbox and other organizations are sending representatives to Japan to help out. (http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2011/03/how-to-help-japan.html). Groups like these that you can donate to are great for people who want to help out in Japan but aren't sure how. The quote from the Talmud goes with this because it means even if you can't solve all of the problems, you should still help out and realize that when you are going through hard times in your life, some people may have it a lot worse.
I would like being able to do something in class to help Japan.
I would like being able to do something in class to help Japan.
Moammar Gadhafi Re-takes Towns From Rebels
Libyan Moammar Gadhafi ordered forces to march into multiple cities that were controlled by rebels and retake them over. One of the most important cities was al-Brega, a city that contained a big oil refinery and natural gas plant. If Gadhafi takes the town of Ajdabiya, it will allow access to roads that lead to the rebels’ base. Gadhafi is using ruthless, but successful means of taking these cities over from the rebels. Even though there were citizens living in the towns, Gadhafi used tanks, armored vehicles, and airstrikes to rid the towns of rebels. An eyewitness in Zuwara said that Gadhafi’s soldiers walked through the town and randomly fired into houses. Gadhafi has regained many towns and cities that were previously controlled by rebels. His military is considered to be one of the worst-trained and worst-maintained in North Africa. I think that these articles show how ruthless the leader in Libya is and how he doesn’t regard the safety of his citizens. I think that he could have used more peaceful ways of overtaking the towns instead of just walking in and shooting everything. People are worried that Gadhafi will become more ruthless and that he will use even more violent ways to get rid of the rebels. I hope that Gadhafi takes these cities back, but does not become greedy, so we can safely get oil from these regions. The Middle East is a big oil region, and if the rebels remain in control, then it will be harder to get oil for the world.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/15/libya.civil.war/index.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/gaddafis-forces-likely-to-push-rebels-back-to-benghazi-analysts-say/2011/03/14/ABPyQ5X_story.html
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/03/13/gadhafi-forces-drive-rebels-key-oil-town/
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/15/libya.civil.war/index.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/gaddafis-forces-likely-to-push-rebels-back-to-benghazi-analysts-say/2011/03/14/ABPyQ5X_story.html
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/03/13/gadhafi-forces-drive-rebels-key-oil-town/
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