Fahrenheit 451 Analysis.

8. Compare and contrast Mildred and Clarisse. How did each woman come to exist? What roles do they play in society? Can either truly survive? Use specific examples from the text in your argument.

Mildred and Clarisse are two people that are complete opposites. Mildred is this couch potato that sits down surrounded by her enormous flat screen TV's. Clarisse is this girl that wants to learn about the world and wants to have her own experiances by doing her own things.

Clarisse catches Montag's eye very quickly. No one ever walks around at night so when he sees the 17 year old girl he is very surprised. "The girl stopped and looked as if she might pull back in surpirse, but instead stood regarding Montag with eyes so dark and shining and alive that he felt he had said something quite wonderful." (6) Never had Montag felt the way he did we he saw Clarisse. Clarisse plays a unusual character in their society. "Have you ever smelled the leaves? Don't they smell like cinnamon? Here. Smell."(29) I don't truly believe that Clarisse could survive in the type of society they have because everything is so black and white, that is not Clarisse's personality at all. "Five, six, seven days. And then, Clarisse was gone."(32) Clarisse and Mildred share the characteristic of being very unique but when it comes to contrasting them, they're so different.

Mildred is Montag's wife. Montag doesn't realize he isn't really in love with her until Clarisse comes along. Mildred is so against reading like the rest of the community, that its hard to get along with her. "You took all the pills in your bottle last night." "Oh, I wouldn't do that," she said surprised."(19) Mildred came to exist by being the typical book-hater that the community wants everyone to be like. Mildred is in love with her TV and having all her friends over to watch their favorite shows. Mildred only proves to be a product of her enviornment. "Isn't this show wonderful?" cried Mildred" "Wonderful!"(93) I would image after awhile is would be extremely hard to function in the type of society that is happening. After Montag comes home with the book with her friends there she is in panic mode and can't help it. "Mildred had already anticipated this in a quavery voice." "Ladies, once a year, every fireman's allowed to bring one book home, fromt he old days, to show his family how silly it was, how nervous that sort of thing can make you, how crazy" (99)  Overall neither Mildred or Clarisse would ever be able to survive because the society is just to harsh and if you make one mistake, there goes your house and everything you dreamed of having.

TU Tuesday-Local

timesunion.com/default/article/A-soldiers-personal-mission-accomplished-5591110.php

I read the article about the man who had a watch a solider had gave him. The man was determined to give back the watch. "When the man didn't return from the mission, Schweikert assumed he had died." The watch belongs to Frank Cook who is actually living and well today. "When Schweickert got home from Vietnam, he suffered from nightmare and stuggled to adjust to life in the states." He didn't look at the watch for a long time. "The watch has aged over the years" meaning is wasn't as good as it used to be. "Cook says he's going to put the watch in a glass case." Through this article there has been many life lessons learned. The theme in this text is to search for something that you want to find and never give up because in the end if its going to make you feel better then why not!? Also I have learned that people will be very appreciative of you if you make them feel better. What this guy did not only make the other veteran very happy but he put closer on the part of the others soldiers life.

20) What does our memorial day mean to you?

Our Memorial day means never forgetting about those who fought for us in war and those who haven't deserved to die. No one knows when or how they are going to die, it's all a mystery that God gives us.I don't think memorial day should be just about people who have died in war but also for people who have mean't the most to us but have gone away too soon. Military men and women have protected our country for many years and without them who knows where this country would be. Many soldiers faught in war trying to protect their homeland. They tried but lost their lives to soon and this day is for us to remember all the brave souls we have lost but celebrate how much they achieved in their life.
When I was in third grade I lost my grandfather. We weren't really close to him but we stilled loved him because he was our grandfather. I feel bad that I didn't get to know him better, I feel bad saying I wasn't close to my dad's dad. On memorial day I try and ask my dad what he was like so I can have a better image of him and I try to remember all of the good times I did get to share with my grandpa. Other families have lost loved ones also whether it was because of war or because of sickness/old age. Not a day goes by that we don't rememeber them and this day is given up to their lives lost and to celebrate their greatest accomplishments.

What is Crippling Us?

In both the article and the book they make some strong points. In Ray Bradbury's book Fahrenhiet 451 and John Taylor Gatto's article on educaton they share some common points. They both know how boring their own society is.
An example from Bradbury's book is "people don't talk about anything"(31) which is mainly true. In the society in the book, no one reads and everyone just watches tv. No one really knows their own neighbors and you can get arrested for walking around. Drawn from this conclusion would be that in the society in the book everyone is affraid, affraid of being normal. Everyone is the same and that gets super boring after a while. "The lawn empty, the trees empty, the street empty"(32) In the society in the book once something interesting goes on and then goes away they feel sadness. Life shouldn't be about one thing making you happy but how you live life should.
Another example would be from Gatto's article when he said "Boredom is the common condition of schoolteachers, and anyone who has spent time in a teachers' lounge can vouch for the low energy, the whining, the dispirited attitudes, to be found there." This relates to almost everyone's life. I know that not every single teacher in Guilderland is always hyped up. Whether it'd be biology notes dragging on for and hour and global lecture for the whole 80 minutes no teenager is going to think thats "fun." Teachers should be held responsible for the class being boring, they wanted to teach, their the ones wanting to be around kids at 7:30 in the morning. "I've concluded that genius is as common as dirt" so with that being said, everyone in there own way is a genius of something whether its basketball, writing or cutting wood were all good at something. I think overall this article its just saying as a community we've let ourselves go and we need to get back on the right path.
These two pieces of writing relate to eachother because in the book the author is perdicting was the future holds and in the article the author is telling us how were living in the present.

Tried and True

I would spend the rest of my life in a zoo for sure. I think that librarys and museums are boring. Librarys are filled with endless amounts of books and quietness. It's a very sophisticated place to be and thats just not the type of person I am. I like to read if the book interests me...but unfortunately none in my life have, so that's probably the biggest thing I struggle with. Librarys are for someone that wants to learn everything in life and be the smartest person. I would rather take chances and experience things from the outside world. Museums are filled with fragile bones and too many facts. I would feel like I would have to tip-toe around the place just so I wouldn't know over the remains of the dinosaur. Museums are just too factual for me. A zoo. I would pick a zoo because there is so many different animals and creatures. I also love the fact of being outside. These types of things interest me because, there is never a dull day in a zoo. If you're a person that has been to the zoo you know that there is so many memories. For example I went to the Bronx zoo with my family. It started down pouring and I'll never forget my dad putting a garbage bag on his hair to keep him dry. Overall I would pick a zoo because I know how much fun they can be.

TU Tuesday Commencement Speech

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qbel5MhtDq4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bpd3raj8xww

There are many powerful people in the world and many people who you should look up to. President Obama is one of the people many people strive to be like. Mr. Obama has a way of articulating himself to make people believe in him. President Obama has the perservirance to strive to make America a better place. "No matter how much you've done, how successful you've been, there is always more to do." Everyone was put on the earth to do something, help someone or be a role model for someone. We all can help eachother and there is "always more to learn" about the world we live in today. Today most of the people try to strive to become the best possible person. We learn that "you can't rest, your own body of work is to come" and if you keep going and working realy hard you'll reach your potential. Some kids in high school don't face reality, like myself. We all don't want to think about leaving high school having to get a job and actually have to live on our own. Our parents nurture us until they think we can fly on our own. We all must sometime wake up from our dream and realize "a new generation is called apon to make a new world." President Obama has a very clear way of saying this in his commencement speech.

Not all of us are blessed with wealthiness, happiness and healthiness. We all has human's struggle, but without struggle there is no progress. We need to learn as a generation that the world doesn't revolve around one particular person. We all have agendas and goals to fulfill. Listening to Oprah Winfrey's commencement speech made me realize that just because your not making something out of yourself when your young doesn't mean you can't create the person you want to become. "Helping others is a way to help our selves" and when we start to think we're failing you have a lot of reasons why you should be smiling.

40) Ten Guilty Pleasures

My Top Ten Guilty Pleasures:

1) Any movie that involves Zach Efron or Channing Tatum
Everytime a movie comes on with one of these two I cant help but watch, It's distracting!
2)Drinking a Vanilla Steamer and Starbucks
Whenever I go to the mall with any of my friends I always ask if we can stop in Starbucks because I'm craving my steamer.
3)Reading all of the gossip magazines when I'm in line at the store
I always get so bored so whenever I'm standing in line I'm always the obnoxious girl that hold up the whole line while reading about the Kardashians!
4) Watching the Real Houswives of New Jersey
Every Sunday night at 10pm I sit in my bed a zone to all of the housewives. Their drama just entertains me too much.
5) My iphone
So bad, I'm always either checking twitter or Instagram..I just always have to be playing with some app.
6) Taking obnoxious pictures of me and all my friends
I'm probably the goofiest one of all my friends and I'm sure they getting annoyed but I can't help but to laugh at funny pictures.
7)  Picking flowers off of there stems whenever I walk by some
I'm always using my hands whether it's when I talk or even if I'm just walking.
8) Eating Goldfish while drinking Cranberry Juice
This is very bad for my health and I understand that, but there is just something about this combo!
9) Drowning out to music whenever I have a bad day
I lay on my bed whenever I have a bad day and just turn on my music, I waste probably around an hour just on music when I'm suppose to be doing homework
10) Sitting on my couch on a Saturday afternoon watching re-runs of Law & Order SVU.
I'm super lazy on Saturday's and I just can't get up so I turn on station 28 and veg out.

Love to Know Slideshow.

 http://freelance-writing.lovetoknow.com/Slideshow:Free_Writing_Prompts~7

Happy Together

What are these people celebrating?

23 more days left, three big regents, one crazy final. Each day you wish it was summer more and more. The weather starts getting nice and the last thing you want to do is a blog for English, a proof for math, study for a biology test and read about global studies. From September through June will be 10 months of stress, anxiety, laughter and memories. September, you see your friends you get excited. October, you can't  wait to actually do good and school and put in an effort. November, you need a break from your friends and need to spend some family time. December, you know all the Holidays are coming up and you can't wait for new year. January, a time to make a new beginning and really push yourself for 6 more months. February you want to go on vacation. March, your so done with school. April, the new weather is on its way. May your hanging in there. June, you better pass your regents. Crazy but true. So here's to celebrating only 2 more months of school with your best friends, just go with the flow and it will be over before you know it.

Creative Contest III.

Blessed with family, filled with happiness

Communism

Communism is a theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership beingascribed to the community as a whole or to the state. 
Communism is designed to allow the poor to rise up and attain financial and social status equal to that of the middle-class landowners. There is no such thing as a perfect society but Communism has the idea of society being equal. Many of the beliefs of Communism is that they are equal shares of labor benefits and the means of production are controlled by state. I don't really believe in communism because I don't like how the government owns everything. People need to own things to feel like they belong or to take a sense of pride with it. When the government takes away all that you have, what else do you have? Democracy is a much better way to control a government basis instead of having the government own everything.




http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/communism
http://history.howstuffworks.com/cold-war/communism.htm

TU Tuesday - Classified

http://homes.timesunion.com/realestate/detail/timesunion_gallery_6992/10-cinnamon-lane-clifton-park-ny-12065


Buying is rough. We haven't seen anything we liked, everything is too small. Hi my name is John Smith and coming with a family of 6 people we really need some more space. We used to live in Guilderland. It was a pretty place with a lot to do but seeing the same old people everyday was boring and the social status was way to hard to deal with. In Guilderland everyone is always trying to one up each other, after a while it gets old. We have this beautiful life and we have the money to spend on a house so I thought my family needed a change. I have 3 sons and 1 daughter. They were super excited about the move, knowing they'd meet to friends and people was a cool idea.

I talked about buying this amazing house but my wife said she wasn't sure she liked the interior. This house contained "5 Beds, 3/1 Baths" which was a big bonus for my wife when I told her. My wife also always wanted a spotless inside so when I told her about the "hardwood floors and winding staircase" she was immediately sold on the house.

"SURPRISE. Kids were moving" was probably the best news my kids heard that day. They were super excited because most of their friends go to the Shenendehowa highschool. This Ad was really a blessing in disguise, my family is probably the happiest it has been in a long time.

(N) = (New York Strip steak )

                           http://www.jepthalakegolf.com/graphics/Miscgraphics/New-York-strip.gif


Through generations and generations of my family, there hasn't been one person that doesn't like a nice grilled steak. I will always remember the famous Sunday night dinners that my mom made. It consisted of the New York Strip Steak along with sides of mushrooms, potatoes and green beans. I will always remember my mom telling me how to have the perfect dinner. Start out with the best cut of meat-one you can afford. Prepare the Steak with a marinade and let it sit before grilling.Grill your steak until the inside is only a little pink because of the juice. I never realized how a food recipe could relate to my life but it is true, one small simple thing you do with someone can make your relationship grow stronger. I always look forward to Sunday nights because I know it's a time I can bond with my family and also have my favorite dinner.

Famous Poem Starters:

But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep 
I have had so much stress lately, not know what to do or say.
I've been thinking a lot, when I wake up, in school and at home 
I'm confused by the situation but I thought we made a promise to eachother
I thought you weren't the type to be mean but you proved me wrong
Maybe you're the one hurting
Your words hurt but you don't know that
Your actions have an affect but you don't see that
But I have promises to keep
I'll never sink to your level, I believe if I just ignore you I will remain happy
So far change has done me good
I will never be mean to you, I just won't speak to you
I have miles to go before I sleep 
I'm done being in your shadow and you saying things you never mean't.
I'm sick of always putting the effort in when you could care less
I'm tired, tired of dealing with you
They say to remove the mean out of your life, 
at the end of the day, life is too short to be anything but happy.
So here's to moving on and loving change,
But I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.
 

Nursery Rhymes ARE Relevant to Life

It's raining, it's pouring

It's raining, it's pouring;
The old man is snoring.
Bumped his head
And he went to bed
And he couldn't get up in the morning.
Rain, rain, go away;
Come again another day;
Little Johnny wants to play.

This is relevant to my life because whenever it rains I always think of this nursery rhyme. I think of this because when ever I was little my parents and I would always sing it. It was one of those songs were I could sing it forever and it would always be stuck in my head. This is relevant to my life because today when it was pouring rain I thought of this rhyme and it was funny when I saw it this morning in my English class. This is also relevant to my life because I was just trying to teach my little cousin this song the other day. This nursery rhyme is important to my life because its something that each generation of my family know, which is very special to me.

Turn your Inkblot into a Butterfly

Some people don't really know me

They don't understand the trouble I got myself into

They judge too quickly and never gave me a chance

Will I ever be able to redeem myself?

Days go by and I start to learn more and more about the person I've become

I have failed to never make a mistake

I can not promise anyone I'm perfect

All I can do is be myself and hope that is good enough for someone

I have grown, I have seen, I have heard

I float around everyone while they just stare at me

I'm can't be caught, no one really understand me, but I do

I've turned from a blob of life into a beautiful butterfly

Jennifer Gish

http://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/Hoping-to-be-a-fan-again-3475997.php
http://www.bookbrowse.com/biographies/index.cfm/author_number/1052/gish-jen

I read the article "Hoping to be a fan again" by Jennifer Gish who "was born in Long Island, New York in 1955." Ms. Gish is a very good writer in the way she was able to describe things her her article, maybe this is because "she graduated from Harvard with a degree in English "

Ms. Gish also has awards such as "the Lannan Award for Fiction and the Strauss Living Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters." I have learned a lot from Ms. Gish, such as the whole Penn State controversy about Coach Paterno. Gish wrote in her article how the whole situation affected her whole family and the community she lives in. "Even my 

father, a die-hard Penn State fan who encouraged my love of the game and the school, had 

packed away all his Penn State hats, shirts and sweatshirts" proves that Ms. Gish had to deal with the pain that her father felt. I also learned throughout the article how Penn State is still recovering from the pain and humility they ecountered when the found out about Sandusky's alleged sex crimes against children. "Penn State tradition is important, but it's a new day." Which comes acrossed as how Penn State needs to start a clean slate and how no one can go back and changed what happened but everyone can start a new day and go forward in a positive way.

NYT Tuesday

Why Can't I just forget


It seems like just yesterday


Few details can be confirmed


saying it all depends


quickly recognized


Literally. That actually just happened


in real life


flames could be seen


Firefighters are on the scene


wasn’t nearly enough


I don't see either


 right or wrong?


 it's unclear


shown flashes


I refuse to use that word.



http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Large-fire-in-Rensselaer-3459942.php
http://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/Troy-s-Canzeri-could-miss-season-at-Iowa-3459642.php
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Cops-nab-suspect-in-City-Hall-break-in-3459160.php
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Twitter-claim-Ryan-Gosling-saved-me-3458832.php
http://blog.timesunion.com/collegesports/sienas-anosike-is-the-division-i-rebounding-champion/13692/
http://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/College-basketball-3368890.php

When I'm Happy...

When I am happy I feel like I have power and that I can do anything! When I'm happy you'll know it because I have a huge smile and a unique laugh. Being happy isn't just something you should feel once and a while, it should be a way of life. "The purpose of our lives is to be happy"-Dalai Lama. I feel like this quote goes with this blog because at the end of the day no matter what happened if you put a smile on everything will turn out okay. When I am happy people notice it and people can relate to it. If you were to smile at everyone that walked the Guilderland hallways on a daily basis I highly believe not only you would feel 100X better about yourself but the person that you smiled at would find some happiness in that as well. I think the overall message in this blog about when I'm happy is to know the littlest things make me happy and that no matter what if I feel good about myself I'll be happy no matter what.

M for McDonalds

The Restaurant I choose was McDonald's which is located off of Western Ave. I have sat down and ate in there either with  friends getting a quick bite to eat or after a long day at a sport. I'm not really a fan of McDonald's because I think it's really bad for you but sometimes those salty french fries are irresistible. There is not service really, you just sit down after you ordered and pick up your food. They offer the Big Mac which is under $5.00. They also have many desserts and shakes like the kiddie cone which is less than $3.00.  The atmosphere is clean for the most part but sometimes it can get dirty because of not sweeping up or cleaning the trays. McDonald's is near Crossgates mall and Stuyvesant Plaza which has many attractions in both of them. McDonald's wouldn't be a place I would recommend to go because their food is filled with fats, grease and other things that aren't good for you. One of my best friends works there and she actually told me how they get and make their food and that makes me never want to go back.

The Book(s) that Changed My Life.

My favorite book that I have read is Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. I read Speak in ninth grade. I really liked the way this book was written and how it really described in detail the main characters feelings. There is no special meaning behind it although I did at one point feel alone in school in sixth grade but that was it. It doesn't relate to my life but I can put myself in the main characters shoes and see what she deals with on a daily basis. I think this book changed my life because the main character gets shunned and I know what that feels like. One of my best friends and I are not seeing eye to eye on somethings right now, I know I shun her and I don't mean to do it personally but sometimes I just don't know what to say anymore. Also she shuns me because she is mad at me for stating my opinion on something. The first time I read this book I couldn't put it down I had to keep reading! I think the reason I feel so strongly about this book, is because I feel so strongly about the main character. I really liked her and she seemed like a more independent character at the end. This book has taught me so believe in who you are and if somebody doesn't like you for being you then that's their loss not yours.

The Language of Song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nSAwgCoy2s
"J'envoie Valser " By Zazie 
http://lyricstranslate.com

"J'envoie valser" lyrics:

FRENCH:

J'en vois des qui s'donnent, donnent des bijoux
dans le cou
c'est beau mais quand meme
ce ne sont que des cailloux

des pierres qui vous roulent, roulent
et qui vous coulent
sur les joues
j'aime mieux que tu m'aimes
sans depenser des sous

moi je m'en moque
j'envoie valser
les truc en toc
les cages dorees
toi quand tu m'serres tres fort
c'est comme un tresor
et ca
et ca vaut de l'or

j'en vois des qui s'lancent des regards
et des fleurs
puis qui s'laissent quelque part
ou ailleurs
entre les roses et les choux
j'en connais des tas qui feraient mieux de s'aimer un peu
un peu comme nous
qui nous aimons beaucoup

et d'envoyer
ailleurs
valser
les bagues et les
c?urs
en collier
car quand on s'aime tres fort
c'est comme un tresor
et ca
et ca vaut de l'or

moi pour toujours
j'envoie valser
les preuves d'amour en or plaque
puisque tu m'serres tres fort
c'est la mon tresor
c'est toi
toi qui vaut de l'or

ENGLISH:

http://lyricstranslate.com

I see some people who give, give each other jewels
in the neck
it's beautiful but still
those are only little stones

stones that fool, fool you
and that leak
on the cheeks
I prefer that you love me
without spending money.

I care nothing for it
I send waltzing
this fake stuff
the golden cages
you when you hug me tight
it's like a treasure
and that
that is worth gold

I see some people who throw glances at each other
and flowers
and then leave each other somewhere
or elsewhere
between the roses and the cabbage
I know a lot who'd be better off loving each other a little
a little like us
who do love each other a lot

and sending
elsewhere
waltzing
the rings and the
hearts
for the necklace
because when you love each other strongly
it's like a treasure
and that
and that is worth gold

me, forever
I send waltzing
the gold-plated proofs of love
since you hold me tight
my treasure is there
it's you
you who are worth gold

SHORT STORY:

Dear John,

I walked by your house the other day and it reminded me of the memories we had. I want to still be with you but I feel like you were trying to buy my love. You know that I loved you 100% without your riches and gifts. I couldn't deal with you thinking the only reason I wanted to marry you was because you could buy me the world. I loved you for who you were and I just want you, not your money. You tried showing your love through money and that made me nervous. I'm not a typical girl that loves the materialistic things, I like the attention, the affection and the relationship. I wish we could go back when we were in elementary school when the hardest decision was picking out a crayon, I miss the old you, not the wealthy you. Go back to yourself.

One Love.

Irish Blog.

TU Tuesday - CRIME

Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/Man-gets-15-years-for-shooting-robbery-3405399.php

http://www.aware.org/arttruelaw/whenshootpart1.shtml

http://sentencing.typepad.com/
 
How long of a sentence do you get it you shoot or kill someone?
I read the article about a shooting that left people harmed and wounded. Also two other suspects are being investigated. "Unavoidable danger. This one is tricky." This means that the incident could have been avoided and could have possibly never happened. "A state judge has sentenced a Sulphur man to 15 years in prison for his participation in a 2009 shooting that left two people wounded, including a pregnant woman." The answer to my question is 15 yeas as said above. "Criminal Division’s primary mission is to investigate and prosecute crime." This is when someone commits a crime the criminal division which includes judges, lawyers and detectives to find out how long that person should be punished for based on the crime they did commit.

Creative Contest II Blog

"Can we at least try to find a soccer ball?"

Scruples

3. A neighbor’s six year old child finds $30 on your driveway and gives it to you. No one claims it. Do you give the money to the child?

If my neighbor's child found $30 on my driveway I wouldn't keep it. I know its not mine and I would never want to feel bad if I took someones money that really needed it. I would probably ask my parents or my brothers if they lost it first and if all of them said no then I would absolutely give it back to my neighbor's child. I answer the question that way because taking something that isn't yours in stealing and if you want to risk being caught and getting in trouble then go ahead but my parents raised me better than that.

Design Your Own!

Create a bucket list of 10 things you want to do before you die and explain why you would want to do each of them.

1) Make an impact on a stranger's life - This would make me feel better has an all around person knowing I helped someone in a positive way so they can be happy.

2) Go to Bora Bora- Bora Bora is some where I have always wanted to go because its so pretty and beautiful. I want to go there because I feel like it would be a great place just to clear my head and think about life

3) Go swimming with Dolphins- I would like to swim with dolphins because they're probably one of most favorite animals and I think swimming with them would be a dream come true

4) Go to Springfield College in Mass and study Athletic Training- I would like to go to this school because one of its majors is athletic training which I really want to do when I get older. I like athletic training so much because I'm such an athlete that if I could help another student athlete out it would be awesome.

5) Meet someone and fall in love with them- I don't want to use up all my youth in being a relationship because I hate the fact of being attached to someone but I think when I get older or as I progress in high school I will want someone to be with. I love the fact of being in love and I want that more than anything in life; to grow old with someone

6) Go to Africa or an poverty stricken country and help out for a week- I have been so blessed with everything I have that if I could go to Africa and help pay back what life has given me, it would be the greatest thing in the world

7) Create something like a quote or line that will live in the generations of my family to come- I always here the expressions by grandparents use to say that I want my grand kids to always remember some way or remember something I would always say.

8) Bungy Jump- I know its extreme but the rush of adrenaline by bungy jumping would be incredible. I would die to do this because no one really experiences something like this

9) Be apart of a flash mob- In the middle of NYC would be my dream flash mob location. I feel like it would be so much fun and just an overall good time

10) Ride a camel/elephant- So random, I know. Camels and Elephants have always been something I was interested in, but riding one would be so cool. Just to sit on top of an enormous animal would be a great feeling.

Revisions

Happiness is...

A point guard scoring her 1000th point
A football player scoring a touchdown
A baseball player hitting a home run

A mother seeing her child grow
A father seeing his little girl smile
A brother helping out a sister

A cancer patient getting cured
A person donating money
A doctor treating a vitcim

An individual doing a good deed
A teenager giving back to their community
A boy trying to save the world

The dreams that live forever
The love that never dies
The gift that keeps giving




Megan - I suggest you take one of the metaphors in Happiness Is, and expand it using your imagination, strong imagery and sensory language.  I think you'll be surprised what happens when you stay with one metaphor instead of using several.

Mimi Moriarty




REVISION:
Happiness Is...


A teenager helping out another student
A teenager being there for someone in need 
A teenager improving the life of someone else


A teenager loved by her family
A teenager hanging out with her boyfriend
A teenager goofing around with her friends


A teenager growing into a better person
A teenager wanting to go far in life
A teenager with the biggest personality


A teenager acting funny like their father
A teenager showing kindness like their mother
A teenager facing problems and acting strong like their brothers




I thought my first poem was really good because it didn't just focus on one point but it focused on a lot of little things. After reading Mimi Moriarty's suggestion on my poem and after I wrote the revised poem I think that my opinion has changed. I like my second poem better because it give more detail about a particular idea. I really like how it came out and I'm thankful for Ms.Moriarty correcting my work.

"(L) = Eight People to Emulate".

1)Lady Gaga- Even though I may not be the biggest fan of Lady Gaga, I think the way she is different is really good for our society because it shows that someone is their own person and doesn't care what anybody thinks of them.


2) Brittany Lauren- Brittany was my first babysitter and my first Swim Coach, Brittany has taught me life lessons that no one can ever take away from me. I look to Brittany has a sister to me because I don't have one. I hope Brittany will always be in my life to help me and remain my friend forever. 


3) Lamar Odom- I am a huge fan of Lamar Odom because not only did he get traded from the Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks but he shows great strength in being able to do that. I think the way he dealt with it was some what painful but at the end of the day he needed to do what was best for him and his family.


4) Mr. Lampman- Mr. Lampman has been the best math teacher I've come across. He inspires me to do well in school and to give it my all. Mr. Lampman taught me to be kind and generous with everyone and never judge. Mr. Lampman has made a huge impact in my life because he is just the nicest person and I know Guilderland will miss him a lot next year.


5) Lauren Conrad- Lauren Conrad starred in the hit series called The Hills which premiered on MTV. Lauren Conrad is one of the people I look up to in life because she really cares about her reputation and how she acts in public and it really inspires me to be a better person. Lauren Conrad does things that make her happy which in life is all that matters.


6) Jennifer Lopez- I think Jennifer Lopez is a really special person because she has so many talents and that really shows through.


7) Jerry Lewis- Hosted the Muscular Dystrophy telethon and has raised a great amount of money for kids and adults suffering with MD.


8) Abraham Lincoln- Abraham Lincoln was able to acknowledge errors, learn from them, and then move on from them which makes him an excellent leader and someone to look up to.

TU Tuesday - Culture

http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/Teen-ends-globe-circling-voyage-in-St-Maarten-2669226.php

Interpret, analyze, and evaluate culturally diverse narratives, poetry and drama, aesthetically and ethically, by making connections to other texts, ideas, cultural perspectives, eras, personal events and situations.  Self-select text to respond and develop innovative perspectives.

I think this article about the girl sailing around the world does involve culturally diverse narratives because she said "she was born to parents living on a boat near the coast of New Zealand" which is very different than what we in America think of as being normal. This girl was used to different things and different ways of life while she was sailing around the world. "She celebrated her 16th birthday during the trip, eating doughnuts for breakfast after spending time at port with her father and friends the night before in Darwin, Australia" that is not something a normal teenager does on their 16th birthday. I think people's perspectives can change based on what ethic background they have or even just the way they were raised.

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-sailing-ship/

I think this poem relates to culture because it does sound like the girl that was in the timesunion article is writing this poem minus the fact shes alone. "I am very young captain. Had not seen such journey. A journey through rough tides. And my ship is not too strong." Overall I think both the poem and article develop innovative prospectives because the way you interpret what culture actually means, there can be 2 sides to the way you see things. I looked at culture as what you like to do as a person and how you feel, not necessarily where you come from. 

Valentine's Day

Write a letter to your Mom or Dad telling them why you love them.
Dear Mom & Dad,

Thank you for all you've done for me over the past 15 years. Thank you for always cheering me on in everything I do and most importantly thank you for always being there for me. I hope I have grown into the beautiful daughter you've always dreamed of and I hope your very proud of me. You hear kids getting into trouble and I hope that you know you can always trust me because I respect you so much and I would never want to disappoint you. I love you both so much everyday in every way. I know I'm not always the easiest going person and I have bad days but I hope the good days over shine the bad. I can't thank you enough for all of your love and support you have given me and if it wasn't for you I wouldn't know where I would be. I love you both because your always willing to listen to me and everything you do is for me and my brothers. I just want you both to know how much I love you and care for you, I can't thank you for being the best parents EVER!

love you:),

Megan

Time passes as night blooms

Time passes as night blooms
In a city where dreams come true
In a place where a wish is never denied

Time passes as night blooms
Into the dusk of the next day
Where you wake up to birds singing from their hearts

Time passes as night blooms
Where dreams are awakened
And the yawns are endless

Time passes as night blooms
Into the future of the rest of your life
Time passes as night blooms

Comic Connection.

I picked this comic because I feel like this comic is saying no matter how hard to try to do something what ever it is, it won't be for the reason you expect. Also I think this comic is trying to say that good things come to those who wait. I picked this comic because it relates to my life because I know if I actually wanted to something to happen at a specific time it wouldn't ever go my way, it would happen when I least expected it. When I first saw this comic strip I didn't think it would really relate to my life but then after thinking about it for a while I realized this comic strip can relate to anyone's life once you think about it for a long enough time.

Pep Talk

"Put your game face on"

I choose "put your game face on" because it relates to my life a lot. Not only in basketball but on a daily bases. I try everyday to put a smile on everyday because I have positive mind set. I tell myself to put my game face on and push through the day. I know when I'm having a bad day, if I can clear my mind for about 5 minutes and put my game face on I will get through anything. I use "put your game face on" in basketball everyday. The things my coach might say to me can be so annoying or frustrating I just have to put a face on and get through the practice. I also use a game face during my game. If a girl on another team makes me mad, you put your emotions aside and put your face on. I have many "game" faces. Examples would be if someone makes you mad, get mad back and if someone does something really nice you smile. I tell my little brother and older brother in whatever sport they're playing to put there game face on, all that really means is get serious, get back and go attack the other team. You might not even know it but even YOU put a game face on, its just our way of dealing with emotions and getting in the moment. I listen to "put your game face on" every single day of my life, I think is a great way to start and pep talk because it gets you going.

TU Tuesday 2/1

http://www.timesunion.com/living/article/Who-s-getting-schooled-2187797.php


plenty of suburban and rural communities have their buses stopping almost as often as the mail truck."
simile: a comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as".


"While the presence of sidewalks, and the safety of area roads, play a role in who gets house-to-house"
 imagery: painting an image in the mind of a reader 

"Parents didn't make a fuss"
hyperbole: exaggeration or overstatement

"Who's getting schooled?" By writer Kristi Gustafson Barlette is about how "If you drive around the Capital Region during the week, lately you've inevitably been trapped behind a school bus making its daily run." Mrs. Barlette talk about her opinion of school buses stopping on kids corners and also the stopping and going traffic in the morning. This article uses figurative language is there to show what something is like. Also like she compares the bus to the mail truck. The figurative language gives the reader and picture in their mind on what the author is talking about. Mrs. Barlette talks about her opinion on children walking to school also stating "I can't agree with the complaints of having kids walk to a community neighborhood stop, though. If you worry they're going to be cold, get them a hat. If you fear they may miss the bus, send them out the door five minutes earlier." which takes the reader through a ride about their personal opinion on this topic with the figurative language.