Thursday, December 16, 2010

hold yor Hand Song

Bonus -Random Post

I think that this song is really speaking out to supporting others,"The nights are getting darker (hold my hand)
And there's no peace inside (hold my hand)" says that together we can stand together and unite on one front. U know the saying " united we fall divide we fall" Lets all follow that and unite. Become friends or even BFF's.

RIP Micheal Jackson . LUv yah.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Extra Credit

I will be participating in the December's challenge. Extra credit. Bye Peace

Monday, November 22, 2010

Research #2

  When I researched the trafficking of Haitian children. I dug deeper and looked up the article on http://www.sirs.com/ . I realized that many of the smugglers were able to get past border patrol because they pay off the guards. Many people in Dominican Republic are saying that they have doubled there efforts but actually I think that they have not done anything.

 The reason why I say this is because I think the government is in a tough time and without this industry they cannot make any money.  They know their government will dry up without it. Statistics show that there has only been two convictions since 2006. In the last 4 years there should of been more.

 As a young child in the US, I realize that could be any one of us and if we don't stand up for those who can't then we may as well be part of the trafficking. It is like watching someone get beat up and you don't help the police find the criminals.

 In this video I chose to show some images of the Haitian children. At the end there are two websites that you can go to and donate to help them.




Here are some of the images if the video doesn't play.

Go to fullsize image                          , and many more that show this message.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Research Topic #1

When I started to really dig deeper into looking up all the real problems that many gays had with acknowledging themselves and were afraid to tell anyone bout what they were.
Being that scared to have to try and pretend to be something you are not. I think that it causes personal problems. Then mostly you start to wonder what did I do wrong, am I really that bad. Self-hate starts to erupt inside you and you just want to stop it forever.

 You are torn between committing suicide and knowing the huge grief and pain you would cause your parents plus yourself.
In an article on (http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=S44-4241-0-323&artno=0000297482&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=bullied%20gays&title=Coming%20Out%20in%20Middle%20School&res=Y&ren=N&gov=N&lnk=N&ic=N)

The reason why this article is included because it really shows that once you except yourself you should be free to be you, and no one controls who you are. Just because your sexual orientation doesn't make you the butt of all jokes and the school punching bag.

I the article the boy says" I definitely lost some friends,” he said, “but no one really made fun of me or called me names, probably because I was one of the most popular kids when I came out. I don’t think I would have come out if I wasn’t popular.”  

See that states that if this boy didn't have this "popular" status he would of hid who he really was/is and then it would only come back to haunt you. He is somewhat scared to admit that without a status above popular, you shouldn't admit to being GAY.


This video shows some of the things that happen to kids when they are being tormented. I support the message at the end.


Monday, November 8, 2010

songs for Justice

" Bloody sunday"
By: U2

I can't believe the news today
Oh, I can't close my eyes
And make it go away
How long?
How long must we sing this song?
How long? How long?
'Cause tonight, we can be as one
Tonight

Broken bottles under children's feet
Bodies strewn across the dead end street
But I won't heed the battle call
It puts my back up
Puts my back up against the wall

Sunday, Bloody Sunday
Sunday, Bloody Sunday
Sunday, Bloody Sunday

And the battle's just begun
There's many lost, but tell me who has won
The trench is dug within our hearts
And mothers, children, brothers, sisters
Torn apart

Sunday, Bloody Sunday
Sunday, Bloody Sunday

How long?
How long must we sing this song?
How long? How long?
'Cause tonight, we can be as one
Tonight, tonight

Sunday, Bloody Sunday
Sunday, Bloody Sunday

Wipe the tears from your eyes
Wipe your tears away
Oh, wipe your tears away
Oh, wipe your tears away
...Sunday, Bloody Sunday...
Oh, wipe your blood shot eyes
...Sunday, Bloody Sunday...
Sunday, Bloody Sunday...Sunday, Bloody Sunday...
Sunday, Bloody Sunday...Sunday, Bloody Sunday...

And it's true we are immune
When fact is fiction and TV reality
And today the millions cry
We eat and drink while tomorrow they die

...Sunday, Bloody Sunday...

The real battle just begun
To claim the victory Jesus won
On...

Sunday, Bloody Sunday
Sunday, Bloody Sunday...

I think that U2, is correct about speaking out about the massacre that occurred in Ireland, I think that it is wrong that innocent people were killed because they were standing up for whats right. The military were wrong for killing  people who did not threaten them in any way, shape, or form.

Scared to Death

Everyone looks at me like I'm ugly
I may be different and I know
But I'm not afraid to show it
Not afraid to stand out

Everyday people talk about me
I feel like I have done something wrong
I am tortured at school
And I hate the fact that I'm gay

People say to me
Appreciate your life
I feel like I could die
I want to run away

My emotional change hurts
My head is confused, and I can't see
People corner me and beat me
I'm afraid for my life

Help! Help! as I cry out
No one helps me
I run and run
But I can't hide
The torment is around me wherever I go

EXCEPT ME PEOPLE, I'M A HUMAN JUST LIKE YOU !!!!!
SO DON'T BULLY US, JUST SUPPORT US.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Media Immersion

In the world today there are many issues, but the main issue in Africa and Asia are poverty. Many people live in slums littered with trash, bugs flying around everywhere. The people that live in it though may be infected.  This is how the poor people's lives are. Many women and children are destitute and have no place to eat, sleep, and do other things that they used to do.
 

 The poverty in East Africa is outrageous because it is covered in filth also many bugs that could carry diseases or worse . When i see these pictures it makes me hurt inside and that to makes me want to advocate for food. The UN has been trying to send food, hold large charity events and more. Many organizations such as Amnesty International sings about children being dropped off, having to fend for themselves.

While many people spend billions on unnecessary objects or things why can't they donate to make other countries much better because the other countries need it more. Lots of people are sitting in rubble, or going through mile high garbage bags, being Eco-friendly might help them out.

On http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNvz7TSRUyQ there is a video of what certain governments do to their people. They have their had destroyed.

 In conclusion poverty is no joke and people must stand together to fight it.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Mother to Son

 This poem is very easy to relate to for many people I think because everyone makes mistakes and life is not as easy as it seems. Problems come up, deaths, sickness, and more.  This poem i think shows the stages of life from someone who has experience with these problems.

 The translation below is what I think of what the poem means in modern English.

The mom is getting ready to tell the son how to deal with life when she is not around and he has to deal by himself.

Mother to Son (Translation)

 Well I will tell you son
 Life has not been a perfect climb
It had points
And splinters ( hardships)
Boards torn up
 Bare all alone to deal on my own

I have been climbing
And reaching stopping points
Reaching a standstill point
Going in the dark (blindly)
There has not been any light (help)
So son don't turn back( never give up)
Don't give up or quit
Keep going, carry on with vigor
Because you will find that it is hard
Don't fall down because of tiredness
But look honey, even I am still climbing
I am still going and I have not given up
And life for me has been hard and not perfect.

 The crystal stair means that climbing up was not perfect for her. The crystal is a smooth thong so when Langston Hughes said that it means that life was not perfect, and the mother has climbed and not given up even though her life has been a really hard thing to carry on.

Monday, October 25, 2010

The Un-Recpricated Truth #2

   " The truth hurts, but lies cripple strong relationship." - Courtney Bunn

  The Giver has a message of truth hidden behind the walls of lies. Jonas and the Giver represent the truth while the dad, mom, and the community represent a lie.

   In beginning of the book, I start to see a pattern of simple issues that very severe repercussions. Then Jonas is presented and the story begins with his regular life, but as the book progresses you see that Jonas' life is everything but regular. So in the book there are four archetypes: hero, mentor, shadow, and shape shifter.
  

  Message behind the book

 In the Giver there are many facets to look through to get a grasp of each theme that may appear to you.
The main message that I really gathered was an aspect of freedom. It mostly is talking of freedom. The author was probably trying to depict the balanced yet unbalanced world that Jonas lived in. She wanted to show people that freedom is a gift to be treasured, because enslavement right now is a very strong concern.

 Also being blind to lies. In the giver people follow rules that they know but don't fully comprehend. These leaders are kind of like tyrants because the control everybody like robots, and they make everyone listen to them. They manipulated the atmosphere so they could have everything just the same everyday.

 There is a question that I would like you to think about: Can the actual perfect world exist or is it truly and irrevicably impossible?

 Being an individual. It really shows how to appreciate your individuality because in this book when you are a young one your age is just there, but when you become a twelve you actually get some individual freedom but it is instantly snatched away from you because then your career is chosen for you and then you begin to walk along a straight line that never curves, gets kinks, but always stays straight.

The Symbols of the Book

  The baby Gabriel was a sign or starting over. Babies usually mean a new life, starting over in a new body or helping someone start over. when Jonas takes Gabriel away from the community it shows Jonas caring and that he doesn't want Gabriel to grow up in a corrupt government.
 
  Another symbol is the river. I know everyone usually thinks that rivers mean a flow of life, well the river in the book represents escaping captivity to a lying community. The river is also unpredictable with the current or high snd low tides which is why Jonas and the Giver want to change the community because they think it should be based on truthfulness.
 
  The last symbol is th sley. I think it is important because it is a way to travel and when thr Giver gave Jonas that memory it meant that the ride down the hill is a way to get way but also an awakening for Jonas because he has never experanced thrill, snow,or ever heard of a sled. This memory represents the journey that Jonas goes through with Gabriel and the Giver.


  Conclusion

Writing this appreciation lets me express my feelings about this book also I was allowed to present my poinion of what the message of the book. Labeling the characters in this book helps me to appreciate things everyone in the world might have or not have.

Monday, October 18, 2010

The Un-Recipricated Truth

   " The truth hurts, but lies cripple." - Courtney Bunn

  The Giver has a message of truth hidden behind the walls of lies. Jonas and the Giver represent the truth while the dad, mom, and the community represent a lie.

   In beginning of the book, I start to see a pattern of simple issues that very severe repercussions. Then Jonas is presented and the story begins with his regular life, but as the book progresses you see that Jonas' life is everything but regular. So in the book there are four archetypes: hero, mentor, shadow, and shape shifter.
  
   The Archetypes: Classified

So Jonas of course is the hero because he goes on a quest physically and mentally. While on this quest he discovers more about himself as he matures. Jonas shows courage in the end when he risks his life and runs away from " the community". He also experiences fear because of the searching planes flying overhead, but also he and Gabriel face many challenges along the way. But they both change by the end and well maybe eventually "the community" changes also.
 
  The Giver is the mentor because he helps Jonas mature, but also assists him with seeing everything, the Giver does portray wisdom but he also experiences pain because of the previous memories that play back in his head. The giver also helps Jonas realize how corrupt the community actually is.

 The Shadow is the community. The reason is because the community has a set of rules and in those rules there are others that violate the original rules. They also let the " parents" lie to their " kids" about everything even if they ask only a small question about what they do they twist the truth around and deny any other accusation.

 And last the "dad" is the shapeshiter, because his dad changes his sides also he lies to his " children" about it. Jonas' dad also misleads him to believe he can trust his family but it turns out there are only a few people you can actually believe. this is proved when Jonas sees his dad kill a baby just because it weighs less than its twin.

  Message behind the book

 In the Giver there are many facets to look through to get a grasp of each theme that may appear to you.
The main message that I really gathered was an aspect of freedom. It mostly is talking of freedom. The author was probably trying to depict the balanced yet unbalanced world that Jonas lived in. She wanted to show people that freedom is a gift to be treasured, because enslavement right now is a very strong concern.

 Also being blind to lies. In the giver people follow rules that they know but don't fully comprehend. These leaders are kind of like tyrants because the control everybody like robots, and they make everyone listen to them. They manipulated the atmosphere so they could have everything just the same everyday.

 There is a question that I would like you to think about: Can the actual perfect world exist or is it truly and irrevicably impossible?

 Being an individual. It really shows how to appreciate your individuality because in this book when you are a young one your age is just there, but when you become a twelve you actually get some individual freedom but it is instantly snatched away from you because then your career is chosen for you and then you begin to walk along a straight line that never curves, gets kinks, but always stays straight.




  Conclusion

Writing this appreciation lets me express my feelings about this book also I was allowed to present my poinion of what the message of the book. Labeling the characters in this book helps me to appreciate things everyone in the world might have or not have.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Lois Lowry and The Giver Influence (entry 7)

 In doing more reasearch and getting indept with looking into the backround information. For me I was really curious about the author's purpose for writing The Giver . It made me want to know more about the author. Maybe how her life reflects her writing style also how/ or who inspired them to take up/ become a writer.
  
  Also reading apperciation texts really shows that the author can improve in the writing that they do, also that getting constructive criticsm really does help you understand the views of others. Helping each other to improve.

Photo @ Kate Philbrick                 Lois Lowry 1937- (73)

 Lois Lowry was an American author of classic children's novels, she began her career as a photographer but as she grew older she became a freelance journalist and began to start her writing career. At the age of 40 was when she published her first book. She worked in journalism until the late 1970's and then began her journey through the writing world.

  Her first work was in 1977 which was mostly about family and loving each other without envy. As an author Lois chose to write about really hard topics, she explored controversial issues and wasn't sucked into conformity as some others chose to do. She used her common knowledge and furthered herself by doing research and looking deeper into things others were scared to look closely into.

 Her writing works have both been praised and deemed as a disgrace because of how she was truthful with the world about all the issues going around in the world. She was kind of an activist who used her books to portray a special message of truth and how everyone should know and be up to date with the current events.

  Many people have criticised Lois Lowry for being to truthful even though everyone has the right to know about events worldwide or globally. She wasn't afraid to stand out and be herself. Her writing was a reflection of that brazen courage.
 
 Lois Lowry is still alive today and is age 73.

The Giver:
For example the giver talks of a cult that is based in trust but really has alot of liars in it,  the book hints at political and sociable terms that have to deal with trust in another person hoping that the person will keep that secret safe. Like depending on a delayed train, it is uncertain on whether you know what to trust.

 In conclusion Lois Lowry has overcome the old criticisms and still today must be bol;d and courageous even though she may not still be writing.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Seasonal Changes

Dear all whom read this blog,

Every month there is a new color on the website so look forward to bright spontaneous yet beautiful colors.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

The Giver in Retrospect (entry 6)

  There was a very important note that I made in the book The Giver. The note was when Asher, Fiona, and some younger children were playing at the recreational center. They were playing a game of war, and while they played Jonas remembered the memory that the giver had given him. Jonas then realized how he couldn't show his friends the memory because it was forbidden.
 
  Jonas really felt lonely because he really couldn't share the pain he had felt when the Giver had showed him that memory. He realizes the real cost of why the Giver doesn't have alot of friends and he really keeps to himself mostly during the book until Jonas comes along. The theory on why the author makes the giver and Jonas feel isolated so they could really recognize that being selected was a gift but also a curse. Jonas can help the giver, he could develop wisdom, strength, and seeing beyond what everyone else already saw.

   In the Giver Jonas really reminds me of an orphan whose friends and family have deserted him and he is left for broke, they have to keep themselves alive and be able to survive with being parent less. but then someone who is also an orphan comes along and you two become friends.  It is just like in The Thief  Lord when Bo and Prosper are runaways and they left their aunt and uncle to got to Venice. There they meet Scipio, Hornet, Mosca, and Ricco.  And now they live together in a old movie theater.

This video has been inserted because this bear is having to fend for him/herself because they are all alonw ith no one to take care of them.


 In retrospect the Giver has relationships with many books that relate with poening up, going into the  world and really experiancing it firsthand. Also the Giver had a bigger symbolism to it. It represented going through your life and making changes as you go along.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

The Love of Animals and Friendship

 In Charlotte's Web all the animals really experience the complex relationship called friendship. This certain bond resonated throughout the whole book, and with the characters.

 Charlotte and Wilbur go through getting familiarized with each other. The relationship that they shared was at first a little strained (pg.   ), but as Wilbur grew spiritually for a pig, so did Charlotte. They soon developed a very strong, loyal, and trustworthy bond. Their relationship blossomed from the beginning when they first met to when all they could do was talk to each other.
  This relationship really reminded me of my best friend (S.L) , we are always talking to each other, we ate lunch together, and we always hung out after school. Still to this day do we text each other and occasionally get a bite to eat together. She is really caring,and the only person I can talk to that won't be skeptical. 

  There is also a relationship between Wilbur and Templeton. It is a win/win situation. Wilbur saves Templeton little scraps of food and Templeton goes to get the words for Charlotte's web.  Templeton is like that person you don't see to much, also he is like when you need him he isn't there but when you don't he is right there for you. Kind of a helper, and a pest. A perfect balance for a rat. ( LoL!!)

  The rest of the barn animals remind me of people in modern society they all know each other, this reminds me of the cliques that occur in high school. Wilbur is like the new child in a new town, and Charlotte is the old child that becomes Wilbur's friend./

   In conclusion I really understand why re-reading , understanding themes, writing responses, and sharing. The author really understands/ captured the essence of friendship, love.