Tomorrow (Tuesday), we'll go over the Observation/Description Assignment and do a writing exercise to prepare. Those essays are due Thursday.
Thursday, we'll go over your lists (check the syllabus for homework) and prepare for 1) your Final AND 2) your Portfolio.
Our Final is next Tuesday in CLS-2054 at 8 a.m. The guidelines for the Final will be passed out in class on Thursday.
You MUST make TWO copies of your Final Portfolio. These are the guidelines/steps:
1) The Portfolio is a collection of revised essays and a Statement of Belief.
2) It must be 10 pages long (minimum). It MUST include revisions of 2-3 essays and MUST include a 2-3 page Statement. It MUST be in 12-point font.
3) First, choose 2-3 essays that you'd like to revise.
4) For each essay, make a list of the corrections you have to make. (Use my notes, peer notes, old drafts, things you notice.)
5) Go into your files, and open up the documents so that you can start to change small things.
6) After you've made MINOR corrections, read the whole essay and decide on what MAJOR changes you will make (add ideas? expand ideas? include another comparison?). Work on those. Be creative and thoughtful.
7) Read the essays aloud--with corrections and changes made. What else needs to be done? Do the essays make sense?
8) Read the descriptions of each component of the Rubric. Are you doing work that strives for the "Excellent" description?
9) Make more corrections and changes.
10) Print up final copies of the essays. Read them all at once. What do they have in common? Think about your writing style and your ideas.
11) Write your Statement of Belief. This statement will explain what's in your portfolio and how you feel about your writing and ideas. (You should have started to think this over in class.)
12) In 2-3 double-spaced pages, answer these questions:
What is something in which you strongly believe?
How does that belief make you unique?
What have you learned/do you know about the struggles of individuals within systems?
When do systems work? When do they fail? Who gets hurt? Who benefits?
How do your ideas about individuals/systems connect to your belief?
How do those two things connect to the writing in your portfolio?
TWO COPIES of your Final Portfolio PLUS your notebook are due to me by 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 5 in my office.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Nick's Satire Paper
CNN- Today's bloody pirate attack offers a welcome moment of relief from news of economic woes. A poll suggests that Americans are tired of hearing about the practical and realistic details of the recession and are relieved to have new enemies.
U.S Citizens are tired of the agonizing pain they feel in their joints, all because of the extensive unemployment lines. Seeing as how our nation has hit an all time low economic status, people have forgotten how to enjoy their lives. Gambling used to be the number one solution to a boring Sunday evening, but not anymore. People don’t have any money to gamble with whatsoever.
The recent string of Somalia pirate attacks has sparked the idea of looting cruise ships in our country. Our nation has been divided into two major political parties: Pirates and the Pirate Hunters.
The president of the pirate’s society is the most famous pirate of the seven seas, Captain Jack Sparrow. His territory spans from the peninsula of Florida and all the way northwest until the Mississippi River.
The opposing groups, or the good guys, are known as X-Force. This team was brought together by one of the most powerful people in the superhero world, Wolverine. Wolverine, at age 24, created X-Force to combat the many pirates that have been currently trying to hi-jack the ships that enter the U.S water territory. So far, the X-Force has been forming quite rapidly, especially due to all the unemployed citizens that have been running out of the employment lines in search of a new method of paying their ridiculously high credit card bills.
April 22, 2009 marks a milestone in the fight against piracy. The pirates overseas have actually gone high-tech. They have recruited many international geniuses to hack into our military bases and steal confidential fire codes, along with Apple’s top 10 iTunes list of music. Now the nation is forced to fight two types of piracy. Jack Sparrow continues to fight without showing any chance of giving up. His arsenal of minions continues to grow.
The division of the nation into Pirates and X-Force has been great in helping people in much financial debt see life from a lighter perspective. Loyal citizens are more interested in joining the fight against piracy, therefore joining X-Force. Other citizens that have given up on the financial system and are in so much debt that they blame our nations banks have decided to “take back what’s rightfully ours,” as stated by Captain Ahab, who is currently Sparrow’s right hand man.
X-Force and its massive number of unemployed citizens continue to increase in the masses. Even though our countries safety specialists, such as police, have been divided as well, X-Force has declared its official fight to the finish with Piracy.
U.S Citizens are tired of the agonizing pain they feel in their joints, all because of the extensive unemployment lines. Seeing as how our nation has hit an all time low economic status, people have forgotten how to enjoy their lives. Gambling used to be the number one solution to a boring Sunday evening, but not anymore. People don’t have any money to gamble with whatsoever.
The recent string of Somalia pirate attacks has sparked the idea of looting cruise ships in our country. Our nation has been divided into two major political parties: Pirates and the Pirate Hunters.
The president of the pirate’s society is the most famous pirate of the seven seas, Captain Jack Sparrow. His territory spans from the peninsula of Florida and all the way northwest until the Mississippi River.
The opposing groups, or the good guys, are known as X-Force. This team was brought together by one of the most powerful people in the superhero world, Wolverine. Wolverine, at age 24, created X-Force to combat the many pirates that have been currently trying to hi-jack the ships that enter the U.S water territory. So far, the X-Force has been forming quite rapidly, especially due to all the unemployed citizens that have been running out of the employment lines in search of a new method of paying their ridiculously high credit card bills.
April 22, 2009 marks a milestone in the fight against piracy. The pirates overseas have actually gone high-tech. They have recruited many international geniuses to hack into our military bases and steal confidential fire codes, along with Apple’s top 10 iTunes list of music. Now the nation is forced to fight two types of piracy. Jack Sparrow continues to fight without showing any chance of giving up. His arsenal of minions continues to grow.
The division of the nation into Pirates and X-Force has been great in helping people in much financial debt see life from a lighter perspective. Loyal citizens are more interested in joining the fight against piracy, therefore joining X-Force. Other citizens that have given up on the financial system and are in so much debt that they blame our nations banks have decided to “take back what’s rightfully ours,” as stated by Captain Ahab, who is currently Sparrow’s right hand man.
X-Force and its massive number of unemployed citizens continue to increase in the masses. Even though our countries safety specialists, such as police, have been divided as well, X-Force has declared its official fight to the finish with Piracy.
Sale Today On Used Items, No Price Lower, Guaranteed!!!
Don’t be late! Every Thrift Store in America is having a huge sale today! Everything is 50%-70% off! It’s great; maybe everyone could finally afford some clothes. Maybe even some designer brands that the “others” are done with. Not everyone can afford high priced clothing or appliances these days. What are they supposed to do? Many are forced to go to second hand stores and purchase used clothing and other items for their homes. In an economy that is suffering so greatly people can’t keep going to stores that would charge around $50 for a pair of jeans when they can go to a thrift store, or second hand store, and get similar or even the same pair of pants for $5-$20.
Thrift stores are usually for the people who are on a fixed income, who are cheap, or just like wearing ‘unique’ clothes. Many people choose to go to thrift stores or re-sale shops because they think of it as a way of recycling. Not only is it cheaper, it’s environmentally friendly. In a way it also takes the idea of sweat shops out of the air in order to make the clothes that are in the store.
In a way they are so much better for you.
But when desperate times call for desperate measures, how desperate is too desperate? Before times were bad, really bad actually, About 80%-95% of the elite were shopping at stores such as A.E.O., Abercrombie, Nordstroms, Gucci, etc… Now, of those people in that percent range, 50% of those people now shop at Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and even Thrift Stores and Resale Shops! Is that desperate, or is that just life?
Most would argue that they are doing it to “stimulate” the “small business” economy. All they are worried about is their reputations.
It’s a vicious cycle of life that nobody can escape. You have to spend money to make money. But a lot of people don’t realize it and the wealthy take advantage of their wealth.
In a way thrift stores aren’t as good as they may seem. For example: Certain stores could carry certain styles, depending on the area that the store is in. It usually caters to the society type. Also, what are the chances that you could get the size you want, and in the color you want? All while paying a price that you feel is reasonable and acceptable.
Lots of people feel they should get more than what their money is actually worth. NEWS FLASH… IT DOESN’T WORK LIKE THAT PEOPLE!
Thrift stores are usually for the people who are on a fixed income, who are cheap, or just like wearing ‘unique’ clothes. Many people choose to go to thrift stores or re-sale shops because they think of it as a way of recycling. Not only is it cheaper, it’s environmentally friendly. In a way it also takes the idea of sweat shops out of the air in order to make the clothes that are in the store.
In a way they are so much better for you.
But when desperate times call for desperate measures, how desperate is too desperate? Before times were bad, really bad actually, About 80%-95% of the elite were shopping at stores such as A.E.O., Abercrombie, Nordstroms, Gucci, etc… Now, of those people in that percent range, 50% of those people now shop at Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and even Thrift Stores and Resale Shops! Is that desperate, or is that just life?
Most would argue that they are doing it to “stimulate” the “small business” economy. All they are worried about is their reputations.
It’s a vicious cycle of life that nobody can escape. You have to spend money to make money. But a lot of people don’t realize it and the wealthy take advantage of their wealth.
In a way thrift stores aren’t as good as they may seem. For example: Certain stores could carry certain styles, depending on the area that the store is in. It usually caters to the society type. Also, what are the chances that you could get the size you want, and in the color you want? All while paying a price that you feel is reasonable and acceptable.
Lots of people feel they should get more than what their money is actually worth. NEWS FLASH… IT DOESN’T WORK LIKE THAT PEOPLE!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Marcos: Satire Paper
Cops Receive Get Out Of Jail Free Cards
Chicago , Il— Mayor Daley announced today at a press conference that all police officers were to receive get out of jail free cards. These cards were to be used in case any Chicago Police Officers were to get in trouble. The cards don’t expire and they can be used on multiple occasions. Police officers were ecstatic about the news and eager to put their cards into use.
Mayor Daley explained that Chicago Police Officers were free to serve and protect the people without fear of breaking the law themselves. “There were many complaints about Chicago Police Officers violating rights and laws. Now that Chicago’s Finest have these cards, I’m sure it will boost moral for the officers and stop the complaints about police violations,” the Mayor announced. Mayor Daley sent his regards to the legislation for voting for this fantastic bill.
The Chicago Police Superintendent, Jody Weis, was joyful to hear the news. “The Get Out Of Jail Free Card program is going to be a strong asset to the force. We have always worked hard to make our police officers law abiding citizens but now with this program, we have one less thing to worry about,” Weis announced, onto gratified reporters. The Superintendent proclaimed that police moral would certainly surge and would help the police fight crime. Superintendent Weis also sent his salutations to the legislation.
Officer Jack Daniel, who has served as a Chicago Police Officer for the past 10 years said that “I am very grateful for these Get Out Of Jail Free Cards. It gives us more freedom.” Officer Daniel confessed that he in the past had problems with DUIs. “Now that I have my card I’m free to drink and drive when I feel like and I don’t have to worry about any DUI!” proclaimed the officer.
Officer Chris Brown, who is now on this 5th year with the force said “ These Get Out Of Jail Free Card are great! I’m very appreciative to the Mayor and Superintendent for giving us these cards.”Officer Brown has many past violations against him for domestic violence. “I am glad I don’t have to hassle with laws anymore. They are total headaches” he said. Officer Brown was anxious to put the card in use. He also reassured us that other officers wouldn’t let these cards go to waste.
The people of Chicago were confident and cheerful about the new Get Out Of Jail Free Cards program. “The legislation to the police officers agree this is a good idea so why shouldn’t the people?” shouted Karl Dense. Mr. Dense is a long time resident of the Chicago area and he agrees with the new privileges to the officers. The majority of Chicagoans agree with this new program. They believe that the cards would drop crime rates and allow officers to pursue the real criminals of the city.
This program would take effect next Tuesday. The Chicago Police Department has already issued the cards to their officers. Cities like Los Angeles and New York are also passing programs like these in their cities. New York City is said to issue their cards to the NYPD this month. Los Angeles is said to issue their cards to the LAPD this upcoming June due to technical difficulties.
Chicago , Il— Mayor Daley announced today at a press conference that all police officers were to receive get out of jail free cards. These cards were to be used in case any Chicago Police Officers were to get in trouble. The cards don’t expire and they can be used on multiple occasions. Police officers were ecstatic about the news and eager to put their cards into use.
Mayor Daley explained that Chicago Police Officers were free to serve and protect the people without fear of breaking the law themselves. “There were many complaints about Chicago Police Officers violating rights and laws. Now that Chicago’s Finest have these cards, I’m sure it will boost moral for the officers and stop the complaints about police violations,” the Mayor announced. Mayor Daley sent his regards to the legislation for voting for this fantastic bill.
The Chicago Police Superintendent, Jody Weis, was joyful to hear the news. “The Get Out Of Jail Free Card program is going to be a strong asset to the force. We have always worked hard to make our police officers law abiding citizens but now with this program, we have one less thing to worry about,” Weis announced, onto gratified reporters. The Superintendent proclaimed that police moral would certainly surge and would help the police fight crime. Superintendent Weis also sent his salutations to the legislation.
Officer Jack Daniel, who has served as a Chicago Police Officer for the past 10 years said that “I am very grateful for these Get Out Of Jail Free Cards. It gives us more freedom.” Officer Daniel confessed that he in the past had problems with DUIs. “Now that I have my card I’m free to drink and drive when I feel like and I don’t have to worry about any DUI!” proclaimed the officer.
Officer Chris Brown, who is now on this 5th year with the force said “ These Get Out Of Jail Free Card are great! I’m very appreciative to the Mayor and Superintendent for giving us these cards.”Officer Brown has many past violations against him for domestic violence. “I am glad I don’t have to hassle with laws anymore. They are total headaches” he said. Officer Brown was anxious to put the card in use. He also reassured us that other officers wouldn’t let these cards go to waste.
The people of Chicago were confident and cheerful about the new Get Out Of Jail Free Cards program. “The legislation to the police officers agree this is a good idea so why shouldn’t the people?” shouted Karl Dense. Mr. Dense is a long time resident of the Chicago area and he agrees with the new privileges to the officers. The majority of Chicagoans agree with this new program. They believe that the cards would drop crime rates and allow officers to pursue the real criminals of the city.
This program would take effect next Tuesday. The Chicago Police Department has already issued the cards to their officers. Cities like Los Angeles and New York are also passing programs like these in their cities. New York City is said to issue their cards to the NYPD this month. Los Angeles is said to issue their cards to the LAPD this upcoming June due to technical difficulties.
From Olivia: Two things
1. I am glad to see that you're posting satires and commenting, BUT I do not want to see generic, meaningless comments. Your comments should respond to ideas, to writing techniques, to the social problem being addressed. "Fluff" comments do not earn you any credit.
2. We'll be looking at and practicing this concept tomorrow in class.
2. We'll be looking at and practicing this concept tomorrow in class.
Moe's Satire Essay
Mohamed Hafezi
It was an extraordinary day outside the sun was out, there was no cloud in the sky, People were roaming the streets and kids playing in the park. April 15th was a gorgeous day outside Tim Millin’s put his computer desktop outside to take a breather from being inside the house for over a year. That day Tim went outside to shop with his wife and while shopping he did not know it was raining outside, so the computer was left in the rain and all wet. The minute Tim came out he told his wife “ Oh boy its raining this morning was fabulous”, his wife replied by saying “Yes, Babe it was gorgeous but its still spring the rainy season”.
Tim did not realize he left his desktop outside to take a breath and when he got home took a look at his backyard he saw his computer sitting on the floor all wet and crying, he then ran to the computer and started screaming “ OH MY GOD WHAT DID YOU DO YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO RUN IN THE HOUSE WHEN IT STARTED RAINING” Tim’s wife said. As Tim bought the desktop in he kept screaming and yelling till his wife called the police, when the police arrived they told him he had two choices, either sue the desktop, or kick it on the curb, Tim responded “ I am going to sue this Desktop to every gigabyte and megabyte it has”.
The day of court a huge crowd of people showed up angry at the desktop and were throwing eggs, mouse’s, keyboards, and memory sticks at the computer. During the court when the desktop was called up to talk it said “ I did not have a chance to run there was lightning and thunder shaking the ground it was to hard and wet” . Tim immediately stood up denying any lightning and thunder, the judge had given him a warning for speaking when it is not his turn. The judge asked the Desktop why It was there in the first place and it replied saying “ Tim had put me out there to take a breather from his dusty room full of boxers, and overused (products)”. Tim was now called onto the stand and to testify on why he is sue’ing the desktop his reply was “This desktop had all my personal, and work stuff on there now with it being like this I cannot even get it to start up because it did not want to go inside when it started raining.”
During while the jury was deliberating inside some people just threw up their mouse and went with the desktop said Hewlett Packard and Dell. Some of the juror’s decided to go with Tim we do not know why, all they said was “We all make mistakes and some mistakes cannot be just let go in an instance like this when it had the chance to run it should have done so there is no excuse for it”.
The Juror’s came out and a few seconds later the judge came out, called upon both Tim and the Desktop to stand up of course the desktop was already standing up. The judge asked the if the jury can read the verdict as Dell got up the desktop got very anxious you could see the fan circling around real fast to show its nervousness, the jury read “We find the Desktop not guilty and should not owe Mr. Tim Millin’s any some of money, megabyte, gigabyte, or memory as it is Mr. Tim Millin’s fault for putting the computer outside we have found him responsible for this atrocious act. The Judge next says “Desktop you are here by free to go” and the fan slowly emerged down and slowly stopped turning and the lawyer of the Desktop was happy until he saw that the Desktop completely stopped operating and the hard drive was totally dead. It was a hard day for everyone to learn the Desktop’s hard drive crashed right after a great Victory.
It was an extraordinary day outside the sun was out, there was no cloud in the sky, People were roaming the streets and kids playing in the park. April 15th was a gorgeous day outside Tim Millin’s put his computer desktop outside to take a breather from being inside the house for over a year. That day Tim went outside to shop with his wife and while shopping he did not know it was raining outside, so the computer was left in the rain and all wet. The minute Tim came out he told his wife “ Oh boy its raining this morning was fabulous”, his wife replied by saying “Yes, Babe it was gorgeous but its still spring the rainy season”.
Tim did not realize he left his desktop outside to take a breath and when he got home took a look at his backyard he saw his computer sitting on the floor all wet and crying, he then ran to the computer and started screaming “ OH MY GOD WHAT DID YOU DO YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO RUN IN THE HOUSE WHEN IT STARTED RAINING” Tim’s wife said. As Tim bought the desktop in he kept screaming and yelling till his wife called the police, when the police arrived they told him he had two choices, either sue the desktop, or kick it on the curb, Tim responded “ I am going to sue this Desktop to every gigabyte and megabyte it has”.
The day of court a huge crowd of people showed up angry at the desktop and were throwing eggs, mouse’s, keyboards, and memory sticks at the computer. During the court when the desktop was called up to talk it said “ I did not have a chance to run there was lightning and thunder shaking the ground it was to hard and wet” . Tim immediately stood up denying any lightning and thunder, the judge had given him a warning for speaking when it is not his turn. The judge asked the Desktop why It was there in the first place and it replied saying “ Tim had put me out there to take a breather from his dusty room full of boxers, and overused (products)”. Tim was now called onto the stand and to testify on why he is sue’ing the desktop his reply was “This desktop had all my personal, and work stuff on there now with it being like this I cannot even get it to start up because it did not want to go inside when it started raining.”
During while the jury was deliberating inside some people just threw up their mouse and went with the desktop said Hewlett Packard and Dell. Some of the juror’s decided to go with Tim we do not know why, all they said was “We all make mistakes and some mistakes cannot be just let go in an instance like this when it had the chance to run it should have done so there is no excuse for it”.
The Juror’s came out and a few seconds later the judge came out, called upon both Tim and the Desktop to stand up of course the desktop was already standing up. The judge asked the if the jury can read the verdict as Dell got up the desktop got very anxious you could see the fan circling around real fast to show its nervousness, the jury read “We find the Desktop not guilty and should not owe Mr. Tim Millin’s any some of money, megabyte, gigabyte, or memory as it is Mr. Tim Millin’s fault for putting the computer outside we have found him responsible for this atrocious act. The Judge next says “Desktop you are here by free to go” and the fan slowly emerged down and slowly stopped turning and the lawyer of the Desktop was happy until he saw that the Desktop completely stopped operating and the hard drive was totally dead. It was a hard day for everyone to learn the Desktop’s hard drive crashed right after a great Victory.
alexander's
In ailing economy, CEOs take the hardest hit.
Just few months ago, Eugine McOverpaid, a chairman of the second largest west- coast natural gas supplier, was eyeing a $13 million yacht. This morning, he drove himself to work. “First they took away my car and gave me a Taurus instead, Ford Taurus, for God’s sake. And to add insult to the injury, they reassigned my personal driver of 12 years to a service department. He drives a truck now. Now, 3 days out of week I, myself, must drive to work and back. This is outrageous.” McOverpaid is not alone in his frustration: with the economy spiraling downward, growing number of executives find it harder than ever to maintain the lifestyle they had in more affluent times. Earning by America’s 500 largest companies shrank by 84.7 percent, and last year’s profit of $98.9 billion was the worst in the Fortune 500’s history. Shrinking corporate profits and stockholders questioning themselves what should be considered a fair pay, CEO’s compensation has plummeted tremendously.
Palm Beach, FL. In this gated community, which is a home to more milliners than any other town in the nation, things might look as they always did, but this tranquility is deceiving.Behind closed doors, the spirits are low. “People are worried sick. They’ve seen their bonuses dropped to lousy six-figure numbers from what they used to get. Private planes they used for, like 50 or 60 miles trips are being taken away; last week, my next door neighbor had to fly commercial to Washington, D.C. for that bailout money of ours. Have you ever flown commercial, like some regular taxpayer? He did not tell anybody but story leaked to the press somehow and now the guy is too ashamed to show in public. And to top it off, spouses are not being very supportive too. My wife just served me with divorce papers last night and I know at least 6 guys who are in the same boat.” one resident, who wished to stay anonymous, told our reporter. Indeed, most experts agree that marital troubles and economy are closely connected and could serve as good indicator of financial markets.
Michelle Immoralez a divorce attorney who made her name on high-profile cases comments: “when it comes to all things financial, so called “trophy wives” are smarter than your average economics professor. With volatile stock market, they do know that now it might be the best time to get out of marriage and cash in on half of those stock options secured to them by prenuptials while they still can. So when I see a number of my clients climbing 40 percent in first quarter, I know that things are not going to get better anytime soon. Oh, did you hear that Mel Gibson’s wife is finally divorcing him after 28 years and 7 kids?”
William Richsky, co-founder of “Golden Parachute”, San Francisco based non-profit aimed to provide legal help and counseling to CEOs in this trying time, agrees with Michelle’s assessment. “Folks are really suffering out there.” In the last month alone number of people that reach us for help, has quadrupled and overall situation is very gloomy. Just yesterday, hedge-fund manager on the verge of suicide called our 24- hours hot line. Poor fella was forced to buy a year old Bentley for $250 000 instead of that $1 million Bugatti that was hand-made in Italy”. For cases like this Richsky has professional psychologists on staff, and this time they were able to prevent the tragedy. “You have to understand the impact this economy has on people who are used to spend Christmas in Swiss Alps, could take a weekend getaway to Paris or Rome every month, and now have to choose between a summer in The Hamptons and winter in Mexico. They are devastated, depressed.” Back on west-coast, Eugine McOverpaid cannot hide his anger. “Something needs to be done soon. Out of $700 billion in bailout money approved by Congress there is still around $135 billion left. And what does the President do? He tries to put $500.000 cap on our bonuses-that’s what. Only one in ten Americans today is on food stamps-- that’s just 32
million of people—and he just raised the monthly benefits by 13 percent? We need that money, not them. Mr. President, this is America after all, and it’s your job and responsibility to preserve our free and capitalist society”
Just few months ago, Eugine McOverpaid, a chairman of the second largest west- coast natural gas supplier, was eyeing a $13 million yacht. This morning, he drove himself to work. “First they took away my car and gave me a Taurus instead, Ford Taurus, for God’s sake. And to add insult to the injury, they reassigned my personal driver of 12 years to a service department. He drives a truck now. Now, 3 days out of week I, myself, must drive to work and back. This is outrageous.” McOverpaid is not alone in his frustration: with the economy spiraling downward, growing number of executives find it harder than ever to maintain the lifestyle they had in more affluent times. Earning by America’s 500 largest companies shrank by 84.7 percent, and last year’s profit of $98.9 billion was the worst in the Fortune 500’s history. Shrinking corporate profits and stockholders questioning themselves what should be considered a fair pay, CEO’s compensation has plummeted tremendously.
Palm Beach, FL. In this gated community, which is a home to more milliners than any other town in the nation, things might look as they always did, but this tranquility is deceiving.Behind closed doors, the spirits are low. “People are worried sick. They’ve seen their bonuses dropped to lousy six-figure numbers from what they used to get. Private planes they used for, like 50 or 60 miles trips are being taken away; last week, my next door neighbor had to fly commercial to Washington, D.C. for that bailout money of ours. Have you ever flown commercial, like some regular taxpayer? He did not tell anybody but story leaked to the press somehow and now the guy is too ashamed to show in public. And to top it off, spouses are not being very supportive too. My wife just served me with divorce papers last night and I know at least 6 guys who are in the same boat.” one resident, who wished to stay anonymous, told our reporter. Indeed, most experts agree that marital troubles and economy are closely connected and could serve as good indicator of financial markets.
Michelle Immoralez a divorce attorney who made her name on high-profile cases comments: “when it comes to all things financial, so called “trophy wives” are smarter than your average economics professor. With volatile stock market, they do know that now it might be the best time to get out of marriage and cash in on half of those stock options secured to them by prenuptials while they still can. So when I see a number of my clients climbing 40 percent in first quarter, I know that things are not going to get better anytime soon. Oh, did you hear that Mel Gibson’s wife is finally divorcing him after 28 years and 7 kids?”
William Richsky, co-founder of “Golden Parachute”, San Francisco based non-profit aimed to provide legal help and counseling to CEOs in this trying time, agrees with Michelle’s assessment. “Folks are really suffering out there.” In the last month alone number of people that reach us for help, has quadrupled and overall situation is very gloomy. Just yesterday, hedge-fund manager on the verge of suicide called our 24- hours hot line. Poor fella was forced to buy a year old Bentley for $250 000 instead of that $1 million Bugatti that was hand-made in Italy”. For cases like this Richsky has professional psychologists on staff, and this time they were able to prevent the tragedy. “You have to understand the impact this economy has on people who are used to spend Christmas in Swiss Alps, could take a weekend getaway to Paris or Rome every month, and now have to choose between a summer in The Hamptons and winter in Mexico. They are devastated, depressed.” Back on west-coast, Eugine McOverpaid cannot hide his anger. “Something needs to be done soon. Out of $700 billion in bailout money approved by Congress there is still around $135 billion left. And what does the President do? He tries to put $500.000 cap on our bonuses-that’s what. Only one in ten Americans today is on food stamps-- that’s just 32
million of people—and he just raised the monthly benefits by 13 percent? We need that money, not them. Mr. President, this is America after all, and it’s your job and responsibility to preserve our free and capitalist society”
15 Year Old Dies From Cigarette Intoxication
Cecilia Ramos was a fifteen years old girl full of life. On June 13, 1998 she graduate grammar school. She was so excited about starting high school, she had so many different thoughts about high school. Cecilia thoughts were how was high school was going to like for her, How are the teachers in high school? Are they really nice? or really mean? Will I make a lot of friends in high school? “I can’t wait to start high school” she said. Finally, the day has come for Cecilia. On Sept 2,1998 Cecilia became a freshmen at Richmond High School. She was a straight A’s student in grammar school, and she a very social girl everyday loved to hang around with her. Within matter of days she had a lot of friends, but when she entered high her personality changed totally. Cecilia met a girl her name was Jessica, Cecilia and Jessica started hanging out a lot together. They had a lot in common with each other, Jessica was the most popular girl in Richmond High School. Cecilia and Jessica became best friends, Jessica had her group of friends that she hangs around with everyday after school. On June 20, 1998 Jessica was organizing a party for the end of the school year, she invited all of her friends from school. Cecilia was introduced to Jessica’s friends at the party, and she saw them smoking cigarettes they offered her one and she said “no thank you’’ and they said come this will help you relax and it’s fun too. So, she said ok and they lit up the cigarette and handed it to her when she got it she put it up her nose and she started sniffing it. She burned her nose and everybody started laughing at her, but she didn’t care she continued to sniff it. Cecilia face started to get black as a chimney, and inside of her nose too.
After, she finished smoking the cigarette a few hours passed and she notices that her nose started to get smoke out. “What is this” she said I am not sniffing the cigarette anymore “What’s wrong with me” she started freaking even more. Cecilia went to the bathroom, and started putting water all over her face so the smoke would stop coming out but that didn’t work at all. So, she went to the toilet and put her head in there but that didn’t work either. As she thought of went to do to stop the smoke from coming out her nose, she starts to notice that her whole body was up in smoke. So, she starts yelling for help “ Help me Help me I am going to be on fire. Cecilia started to roll and roll all over the bathroom floor over and over again, but it didn’t work. Jessica asked her friends where was Cecilia and they said “She went to the bathroom and she has been in there for hours, and Jessica said why what happened Hmmmmmmmmmmmm because we gave a cigarette and her nose started to lit up. “OH NO” she rushes to the bathroom. Cecilia was pounding her whole body into the toilet, Jessica “help me” “help me” please I am going to be on fire in a few seconds. She started to put towels and everything she could find in bathroom, but it was too late Cecilia body was all on fire. On October 10, 1993 Cecilia dies from cigarette intoxication.
After, she finished smoking the cigarette a few hours passed and she notices that her nose started to get smoke out. “What is this” she said I am not sniffing the cigarette anymore “What’s wrong with me” she started freaking even more. Cecilia went to the bathroom, and started putting water all over her face so the smoke would stop coming out but that didn’t work at all. So, she went to the toilet and put her head in there but that didn’t work either. As she thought of went to do to stop the smoke from coming out her nose, she starts to notice that her whole body was up in smoke. So, she starts yelling for help “ Help me Help me I am going to be on fire. Cecilia started to roll and roll all over the bathroom floor over and over again, but it didn’t work. Jessica asked her friends where was Cecilia and they said “She went to the bathroom and she has been in there for hours, and Jessica said why what happened Hmmmmmmmmmmmm because we gave a cigarette and her nose started to lit up. “OH NO” she rushes to the bathroom. Cecilia was pounding her whole body into the toilet, Jessica “help me” “help me” please I am going to be on fire in a few seconds. She started to put towels and everything she could find in bathroom, but it was too late Cecilia body was all on fire. On October 10, 1993 Cecilia dies from cigarette intoxication.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Manish's Satire
Local homeless, starving people in and around the Chicago land area have recently found a new way to deal with their hunger issues. When asked about this new food source homeless man Alex Johnson was quoted saying “Its everywhere, it just makes our lives so much easier”. With the way the economy has been going and with how many people are losing their jobs; finding alternative ways to saving money on food is always a question. You may be asking yourself right now, what are these people eating? But we will get to that in a second. Because of this amazing new finding, city parks are more sanitary, sidewalks are whiter and shoes remain the color they are meant to be. Now back to the food. If it has not been self explanatory yet, the food source for millions of homeless people is none other than dog poop. This has made life a lot easier for not only the starving Americans but also for all citizens in general. Local dog owner Mary Smith says “I used to always have to carry around a plastic bag with me when I walked my baby, but now I just have a homeless man follow me around”. This has also made the job of government officials a lot less stressful. The government spent years and millions of dollars trying to figure out how to feed the starving population. Who would have thought that the solution to the problem was right at our feet? Literally! This wasn’t the first choice that starving people chose. They also worked through fingernails and arm hair, but they would soon run out after about one meal. Dog poop was the best solution for everything. When asked about how he feels about this situation Mary Smith’s dog, Tiger, responded “I was always so ashamed about pooping all over the ground, but now that it will be cleaned up right away it makes me feel a lot better about myself and my ways of living”. The only negative outcome of this has been the constant fighting between the humans and other animals trying to eat the poop. The humans obviously won the battle, so could we possibly have a animal hunger problem in the near future? Who knows.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Better
The second link (in the post below) is for Jonathan Swift's Modest Proposal. I think it might be easier to simply read this excerpt:
A MODEST PROPOSAL
For preventing the children of poor people in Ireland,
from being a burden on their parents or country,
and for making them beneficial to the publick.
by Dr. Jonathan Swift
1729
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is a melancholy object to those, who walk through this great town, or travel in the country, when they see the streets, the roads and cabbin-doors crowded with beggars of the female sex, followed by three, four, or six children, all in rags, and importuning every passenger for an alms. These mothers instead of being able to work for their honest livelihood, are forced to employ all their time in stroling to beg sustenance for their helpless infants who, as they grow up, either turn thieves for want of work, or leave their dear native country, to fight for the Pretender in Spain, or sell themselves to the Barbadoes.
I think it is agreed by all parties, that this prodigious number of children in the arms, or on the backs, or at the heels of their mothers, and frequently of their fathers, is in the present deplorable state of the kingdom, a very great additional grievance; and therefore whoever could find out a fair, cheap and easy method of making these children sound and useful members of the common-wealth, would deserve so well of the publick, as to have his statue set up for a preserver of the nation.
But my intention is very far from being confined to provide only for the children of professed beggars: it is of a much greater extent, and shall take in the whole number of infants at a certain age, who are born of parents in effect as little able to support them, as those who demand our charity in the streets.
As to my own part, having turned my thoughts for many years, upon this important subject, and maturely weighed the several schemes of our projectors, I have always found them grossly mistaken in their computation. It is true, a child just dropt from its dam, may be supported by her milk, for a solar year, with little other nourishment: at most not above the value of two shillings, which the mother may certainly get, or the value in scraps, by her lawful occupation of begging; and it is exactly at one year old that I propose to provide for them in such a manner, as, instead of being a charge upon their parents, or the parish, or wanting food and raiment for the rest of their lives, they shall, on the contrary, contribute to the feeding, and partly to the cloathing of many thousands.
There is likewise another great advantage in my scheme, that it will prevent those voluntary abortions, and that horrid practice of women murdering their bastard children, alas! too frequent among us, sacrificing the poor innocent babes, I doubt, more to avoid the expence than the shame, which would move tears and pity in the most savage and inhuman breast.
The number of souls in this kingdom being usually reckoned one million and a half, of these I calculate there may be about two hundred thousand couple whose wives are breeders; from which number I subtract thirty thousand couple, who are able to maintain their own children, (although I apprehend there cannot be so many, under the present distresses of the kingdom) but this being granted, there will remain an hundred and seventy thousand breeders. I again subtract fifty thousand, for those women who miscarry, or whose children die by accident or disease within the year. There only remain an hundred and twenty thousand children of poor parents annually born. The question therefore is, How this number shall be reared, and provided for? which, as I have already said, under the present situation of affairs, is utterly impossible by all the methods hitherto proposed. For we can neither employ them in handicraft or agriculture; we neither build houses, (I mean in the country) nor cultivate land: they can very seldom pick up a livelihood by stealing till they arrive at six years old; except where they are of towardly parts, although I confess they learn the rudiments much earlier; during which time they can however be properly looked upon only as probationers: As I have been informed by a principal gentleman in the county of Cavan, who protested to me, that he never knew above one or two instances under the age of six, even in a part of the kingdom so renowned for the quickest proficiency in that art.
I am assured by our merchants, that a boy or a girl before twelve years old, is no saleable commodity, and even when they come to this age, they will not yield above three pounds, or three pounds and half a crown at most, on the exchange; which cannot turn to account either to the parents or kingdom, the charge of nutriments and rags having been at least four times that value.
I shall now therefore humbly propose my own thoughts, which I hope will not be liable to the least objection.
I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricasie, or a ragoust.
I do therefore humbly offer it to publick consideration, that of the hundred and twenty thousand children, already computed, twenty thousand may be reserved for breed, whereof only one fourth part to be males; which is more than we allow to sheep, black cattle, or swine, and my reason is, that these children are seldom the fruits of marriage, a circumstance not much regarded by our savages, therefore, one male will be sufficient to serve four females. That the remaining hundred thousand may, at a year old, be offered in sale to the persons of quality and fortune, through the kingdom, always advising the mother to let them suck plentifully in the last month, so as to render them plump, and fat for a good table. A child will make two dishes at an entertainment for friends, and when the family dines alone, the fore or hind quarter will make a reasonable dish, and seasoned with a little pepper or salt, will be very good boiled on the fourth day, especially in winter.
I have reckoned upon a medium, that a child just born will weigh 12 pounds, and in a solar year, if tolerably nursed, encreaseth to 28 pounds.
I grant this food will be somewhat dear, and therefore very proper for landlords, who, as they have already devoured most of the parents, seem to have the best title to the children.
Infant's flesh will be in season throughout the year, but more plentiful in March, and a little before and after; for we are told by a grave author, an eminent French physician, that fish being a prolifick dyet, there are more children born in Roman Catholick countries about nine months after Lent, the markets will be more glutted than usual, because the number of Popish infants, is at least three to one in this kingdom, and therefore it will have one other collateral advantage, by lessening the number of Papists among us.
I have already computed the charge of nursing a beggar's child (in which list I reckon all cottagers, labourers, and four-fifths of the farmers) to be about two shillings per annum, rags included; and I believe no gentleman would repine to give ten shillings for the carcass of a good fat child, which, as I have said, will make four dishes of excellent nutritive meat, when he hath only some particular friend, or his own family to dine with him. Thus the squire will learn to be a good landlord, and grow popular among his tenants, the mother will have eight shillings neat profit, and be fit for work till she produces another child.
Those who are more thrifty (as I must confess the times require) may flea the carcass; the skin of which, artificially dressed, will make admirable gloves for ladies, and summer boots for fine gentlemen.
As to our City of Dublin, shambles may be appointed for this purpose, in the most convenient parts of it, and butchers we may be assured will not be wanting; although I rather recommend buying the children alive, and dressing them hot from the knife, as we do roasting pigs.
A very worthy person, a true lover of his country, and whose virtues I highly esteem, was lately pleased, in discoursing on this matter, to offer a refinement upon my scheme. He said, that many gentlemen of this kingdom, having of late destroyed their deer, he conceived that the want of venison might be well supply'd by the bodies of young lads and maidens, not exceeding fourteen years of age, nor under twelve; so great a number of both sexes in every country being now ready to starve for want of work and service: And these to be disposed of by their parents if alive, or otherwise by their nearest relations. But with due deference to so excellent a friend, and so deserving a patriot, I cannot be altogether in his sentiments; for as to the males, my American acquaintance assured me from frequent experience, that their flesh was generally tough and lean, like that of our school-boys, by continual exercise, and their taste disagreeable, and to fatten them would not answer the charge. Then as to the females, it would, I think, with humble submission, be a loss to the publick, because they soon would become breeders themselves: And besides, it is not improbable that some scrupulous people might be apt to censure such a practice, (although indeed very unjustly) as a little bordering upon cruelty, which, I confess, hath always been with me the strongest objection against any project, how well soever intended.
A MODEST PROPOSAL
For preventing the children of poor people in Ireland,
from being a burden on their parents or country,
and for making them beneficial to the publick.
by Dr. Jonathan Swift
1729
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is a melancholy object to those, who walk through this great town, or travel in the country, when they see the streets, the roads and cabbin-doors crowded with beggars of the female sex, followed by three, four, or six children, all in rags, and importuning every passenger for an alms. These mothers instead of being able to work for their honest livelihood, are forced to employ all their time in stroling to beg sustenance for their helpless infants who, as they grow up, either turn thieves for want of work, or leave their dear native country, to fight for the Pretender in Spain, or sell themselves to the Barbadoes.
I think it is agreed by all parties, that this prodigious number of children in the arms, or on the backs, or at the heels of their mothers, and frequently of their fathers, is in the present deplorable state of the kingdom, a very great additional grievance; and therefore whoever could find out a fair, cheap and easy method of making these children sound and useful members of the common-wealth, would deserve so well of the publick, as to have his statue set up for a preserver of the nation.
But my intention is very far from being confined to provide only for the children of professed beggars: it is of a much greater extent, and shall take in the whole number of infants at a certain age, who are born of parents in effect as little able to support them, as those who demand our charity in the streets.
As to my own part, having turned my thoughts for many years, upon this important subject, and maturely weighed the several schemes of our projectors, I have always found them grossly mistaken in their computation. It is true, a child just dropt from its dam, may be supported by her milk, for a solar year, with little other nourishment: at most not above the value of two shillings, which the mother may certainly get, or the value in scraps, by her lawful occupation of begging; and it is exactly at one year old that I propose to provide for them in such a manner, as, instead of being a charge upon their parents, or the parish, or wanting food and raiment for the rest of their lives, they shall, on the contrary, contribute to the feeding, and partly to the cloathing of many thousands.
There is likewise another great advantage in my scheme, that it will prevent those voluntary abortions, and that horrid practice of women murdering their bastard children, alas! too frequent among us, sacrificing the poor innocent babes, I doubt, more to avoid the expence than the shame, which would move tears and pity in the most savage and inhuman breast.
The number of souls in this kingdom being usually reckoned one million and a half, of these I calculate there may be about two hundred thousand couple whose wives are breeders; from which number I subtract thirty thousand couple, who are able to maintain their own children, (although I apprehend there cannot be so many, under the present distresses of the kingdom) but this being granted, there will remain an hundred and seventy thousand breeders. I again subtract fifty thousand, for those women who miscarry, or whose children die by accident or disease within the year. There only remain an hundred and twenty thousand children of poor parents annually born. The question therefore is, How this number shall be reared, and provided for? which, as I have already said, under the present situation of affairs, is utterly impossible by all the methods hitherto proposed. For we can neither employ them in handicraft or agriculture; we neither build houses, (I mean in the country) nor cultivate land: they can very seldom pick up a livelihood by stealing till they arrive at six years old; except where they are of towardly parts, although I confess they learn the rudiments much earlier; during which time they can however be properly looked upon only as probationers: As I have been informed by a principal gentleman in the county of Cavan, who protested to me, that he never knew above one or two instances under the age of six, even in a part of the kingdom so renowned for the quickest proficiency in that art.
I am assured by our merchants, that a boy or a girl before twelve years old, is no saleable commodity, and even when they come to this age, they will not yield above three pounds, or three pounds and half a crown at most, on the exchange; which cannot turn to account either to the parents or kingdom, the charge of nutriments and rags having been at least four times that value.
I shall now therefore humbly propose my own thoughts, which I hope will not be liable to the least objection.
I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricasie, or a ragoust.
I do therefore humbly offer it to publick consideration, that of the hundred and twenty thousand children, already computed, twenty thousand may be reserved for breed, whereof only one fourth part to be males; which is more than we allow to sheep, black cattle, or swine, and my reason is, that these children are seldom the fruits of marriage, a circumstance not much regarded by our savages, therefore, one male will be sufficient to serve four females. That the remaining hundred thousand may, at a year old, be offered in sale to the persons of quality and fortune, through the kingdom, always advising the mother to let them suck plentifully in the last month, so as to render them plump, and fat for a good table. A child will make two dishes at an entertainment for friends, and when the family dines alone, the fore or hind quarter will make a reasonable dish, and seasoned with a little pepper or salt, will be very good boiled on the fourth day, especially in winter.
I have reckoned upon a medium, that a child just born will weigh 12 pounds, and in a solar year, if tolerably nursed, encreaseth to 28 pounds.
I grant this food will be somewhat dear, and therefore very proper for landlords, who, as they have already devoured most of the parents, seem to have the best title to the children.
Infant's flesh will be in season throughout the year, but more plentiful in March, and a little before and after; for we are told by a grave author, an eminent French physician, that fish being a prolifick dyet, there are more children born in Roman Catholick countries about nine months after Lent, the markets will be more glutted than usual, because the number of Popish infants, is at least three to one in this kingdom, and therefore it will have one other collateral advantage, by lessening the number of Papists among us.
I have already computed the charge of nursing a beggar's child (in which list I reckon all cottagers, labourers, and four-fifths of the farmers) to be about two shillings per annum, rags included; and I believe no gentleman would repine to give ten shillings for the carcass of a good fat child, which, as I have said, will make four dishes of excellent nutritive meat, when he hath only some particular friend, or his own family to dine with him. Thus the squire will learn to be a good landlord, and grow popular among his tenants, the mother will have eight shillings neat profit, and be fit for work till she produces another child.
Those who are more thrifty (as I must confess the times require) may flea the carcass; the skin of which, artificially dressed, will make admirable gloves for ladies, and summer boots for fine gentlemen.
As to our City of Dublin, shambles may be appointed for this purpose, in the most convenient parts of it, and butchers we may be assured will not be wanting; although I rather recommend buying the children alive, and dressing them hot from the knife, as we do roasting pigs.
A very worthy person, a true lover of his country, and whose virtues I highly esteem, was lately pleased, in discoursing on this matter, to offer a refinement upon my scheme. He said, that many gentlemen of this kingdom, having of late destroyed their deer, he conceived that the want of venison might be well supply'd by the bodies of young lads and maidens, not exceeding fourteen years of age, nor under twelve; so great a number of both sexes in every country being now ready to starve for want of work and service: And these to be disposed of by their parents if alive, or otherwise by their nearest relations. But with due deference to so excellent a friend, and so deserving a patriot, I cannot be altogether in his sentiments; for as to the males, my American acquaintance assured me from frequent experience, that their flesh was generally tough and lean, like that of our school-boys, by continual exercise, and their taste disagreeable, and to fatten them would not answer the charge. Then as to the females, it would, I think, with humble submission, be a loss to the publick, because they soon would become breeders themselves: And besides, it is not improbable that some scrupulous people might be apt to censure such a practice, (although indeed very unjustly) as a little bordering upon cruelty, which, I confess, hath always been with me the strongest objection against any project, how well soever intended.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Links you will need:
On Thursday, two RRs are due.
For one, you will need to select a news article that interests you from here.
For another, you'll need to read this.
Next Tuesday, another RR is due.
It's on this.
If you have finished RRs, you just have to do the reading.
You MUST do all the reading in order to prepare for class/the next assignment.
For one, you will need to select a news article that interests you from here.
For another, you'll need to read this.
Next Tuesday, another RR is due.
It's on this.
If you have finished RRs, you just have to do the reading.
You MUST do all the reading in order to prepare for class/the next assignment.
Homework for Tuesday morning:
RR 11 (if you need it) is on this essay, which is also listed in the syllabus.
If you are done with RRs, just read it.
Does anyone want to volunteer to lead our discussion? If so, e-mail me by 5 p.m. tonight.
Olivia
If you are done with RRs, just read it.
Does anyone want to volunteer to lead our discussion? If so, e-mail me by 5 p.m. tonight.
Olivia
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
brandi's pgrph...
I haven’t lived with my birthmother in years because of what she did. I’m not mad at her, just frustrated. Maybe that’s why I’m not as focused as I could be. Right now I live with friends of the family, Rob and Sue. They pretty much are my parents. No, I’m not adopted, and no, I’m not a foster child; my mom just signed the guardianship papers. She, my mother, could have stopped doing it, but I don’t believe that it was or is her fault; it was the people around her. Nobody told me what was going on, but I knew. Most kids, or even adults, take advantage of their parents. No matter what your mother does, or doesn’t do, you will always have a place in your heart reserved just for her. You can only go so far and do so much when you have more than your own mouth to feed.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Marcos's paper
UNHEALABLE WOUNDS
The prejudices and discriminations in society are the fundamental foundation of systems. The prejudice we hold may be made by one self, the single main cause of prejudice is ignorance. Whether it is racial or not we judge people by what they wear, drive, and who they associated themselves with. We form opinions, often from stereotypical remarks: “All Jewish people are wealth” or “All Muslims are terrorists”. We seem to have everyone figured out by a causal five second glance.
paper
Imagine being fourteen years old and getting slammed down to the floor to the ground by a cop like you’re a grown man. Also imagine riding in the back of the cops’ car and dropped off at home and given a ticket. Scary thought isn’t it? Well this happened to me because of a fight that occurred which I wasn’t part of. It was all so sudden and painful.
It was a nice summer day. My friend, Danny, and I decided to go work out at Sports. It was so nice outside the sun was out and it wasn’t wind, the perfect weather. So we decided to ride his bike there. I didn’t have a bike so he pegged me there. After a long hour and a half work out we left. On the way back we decided to ride through the park that was by the Xsports. We were surprised to see all of our friends there. So we were all having conversations, making jokes, playing basketball; basically having a good time.
It was a nice summer day. My friend, Danny, and I decided to go work out at Sports. It was so nice outside the sun was out and it wasn’t wind, the perfect weather. So we decided to ride his bike there. I didn’t have a bike so he pegged me there. After a long hour and a half work out we left. On the way back we decided to ride through the park that was by the Xsports. We were surprised to see all of our friends there. So we were all having conversations, making jokes, playing basketball; basically having a good time.
Shawn's
At exactly five o’ clock in the morning, there is the loud sound of the alarm clock. Tired as she can be, Auntie wakes up and realizes it’s just another ordinary, hardworking day. It is her regular routine on the weekdays, once she gets herself ready, to make sure her kids are up and ready also. She has a sense of urgency. It would take her approximately two minutes to dress up and get ready to catch the bus. That is because she has prepared everything to wear the night before. As for breakfast, she has no other choice but to skip it. Her job has become so serious for her because she is practically financially responsible for her children: two sons and two daughters. Auntie doesn’t mind working for a job that pays minimum wage; however, it kills her inside how she struggles physically and mentally to survive. She can only depend on herself, for she is a single mother. She has had that responsibility for two years, and, as a result, she is numb to it. The life of a dedicated mother dwells under more ambition than the world can expect.
Farah's Essay
ONE DECISION HAS CHANGED EVERYTHING
My family is not like most families; the average family has a mom, a dad, maybe a brother or sister. I have all that, but when I was about 15 years old my parents told me something that changed my life forever. I found out that the woman who I call “mom” was not my biological mother. When I was a child my biological mother was not well, and my parents had to be separated. Because my parents came from a very traditional family my grandparents wanted my father to remarry, because being a single father of two little girls was not considered very respectable in our culture nor was it an easy task.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
alexander's essay
The year is 1991.There are thousands of people on the streets of Moscow; and so are the tanks. The parliament building just gone up in flames; I try to switch the channels on tv set, but for the next 24 hours all stations would broadcast the same thing-“Swan Lake” ballet by Tchaikovsky. I was too young at that time to comprehend what exactly has happened. Overnight, the world has changed-The Union of Soviet Socialistic Republics has kicked the bucket. And just like that everything i have been taught since kindergarten turned out be a lie in a matter of hours. But this story is not about that, this story is about...
...Decisions. Throughout our lives each one of us has to make them on a daily basis. Some decisions can be as simple as what dress should one wear today, or what route to work should one take. But at a certain point in life he or she is faced with that one decision that can make or break you, or at least alter your life forever. And more often than not, such important, life shaping decisions are not so easy to make, leaving some people questioning themselves for the rest of their lives if they made the right choice.
...Decisions. Throughout our lives each one of us has to make them on a daily basis. Some decisions can be as simple as what dress should one wear today, or what route to work should one take. But at a certain point in life he or she is faced with that one decision that can make or break you, or at least alter your life forever. And more often than not, such important, life shaping decisions are not so easy to make, leaving some people questioning themselves for the rest of their lives if they made the right choice.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
My Life In Chicago
I am going to tell you a story about my mother, Iris Maldonado. The story involves me. I am going to put myself in my mother’s shoes, speaking in her voice.
I was a young 22-year-old woman, with a 2-year-old daughter, Cristina. Cristina was born with cerebral palsy. I couldn’t speak any English at all. I also didn’t have any money to pay for her health insurance. One day, my aunt called me from Chicago and told me about the hospitals that are in Chicago that could treat my daughter’s disability. She told me that one of the best hospitals for children with cerebral palsy was Children‘s Memorial Hospital. So, there was no doubt in my mind that I needed move to Chicago to get the best medical attention for my daughter. How was I going to make a life style for me and my daughter if I could not speak English at all? How was I supposed to communicate with people. Those were the questions that were going through my mind as I thought about it over and over again. As I thought about it, I finally made my decision.
I was a young 22-year-old woman, with a 2-year-old daughter, Cristina. Cristina was born with cerebral palsy. I couldn’t speak any English at all. I also didn’t have any money to pay for her health insurance. One day, my aunt called me from Chicago and told me about the hospitals that are in Chicago that could treat my daughter’s disability. She told me that one of the best hospitals for children with cerebral palsy was Children‘s Memorial Hospital. So, there was no doubt in my mind that I needed move to Chicago to get the best medical attention for my daughter. How was I going to make a life style for me and my daughter if I could not speak English at all? How was I supposed to communicate with people. Those were the questions that were going through my mind as I thought about it over and over again. As I thought about it, I finally made my decision.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Nick's Paper
“Ugh! I know I can do it!” I screamed at the attempt to push a rusty metal pole up in the air. This pole had two massive discs attached to it with the numbers forty-five and twenty-five written in raised letters. Once I finally put up the bar in the resting position, I stood up with a big sigh of relief and stared at the bench press I had just defeated. I stared at myself in the gym mirror, looking at all I had achieved, from the muscular body, to the ripped cuts around my arms. It felt good knowing that all the hard-work I had put in working out helped me get to what I had always wanted to be. When I finished another set of lifting, I rested and stared in the mirror and saw a drop of my sweat running down my forehead to the end of my chin with the speed of a race horse. Seeing this sign of exhaustion only reminded me of what I was before and how I got to where I am now.
Moe's Essay
A volunteer is someone who performs or offers to perform a service. Being a volunteer can teach you about friendship, learning, and how good it feels to help out others. There are many kinds of things you can do in order to help out your community. You could go to your community homeless shelter; you can also participate in your local parks, church, and marathons or walk-a-thons. All these events teach you to be proactive and make great use of your time and health. Teachers always help students when they need help, even though they are getting paid, they still care for the students specific needs and want them to succeed later on in life. Helping someone gives you a sense of accomplishment and reminds you that the person you’ve helped is successful because you were a part of their life.
Manish's Essay
Growing up I would hear and see many stories on the news about how poor people get by in America. The poor people in America can range from maybe making less than $30,000 a year to living on the street; there were a lot of different classifications for how someone could be poor. My family has always been well off because both of my parents were educated as children and have received college degrees. I personally never had to experience or even begin to imagine what life in poverty is like.
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