Coming of Age - Interview and Transcription

John Morrissey (Step Father) - Early 40s. Irish. Retired Sargent. Father of 4 children. Married to a substitute teacher/baker, Taihiti Vazquez-Morrissey (my mother). His interview contains of questions about his childhood and his life as a Police Officer.

What are some things that you regret in your life/childhood?

Not getting promoted sooner.

I shoulda studied and gotten promoted,

In the police department after five years instead of ten.

Cause, uh, maybe I could have went further in the department,

To have taken and passed the lieutenants test.

Uh, when I first started, I thought I was gonna go all the way

Through captain or whatever.

No, I wasn't depressed at all.

Cause you realize why that job stinks,

And why what you have is... pretty good.

What would I take back?

Studying um, to have studied sooner.

To have taken it more serious and made a better effort to uh...

To do it.

Did you always want to be a Police Officer when you grew up?

Yeah I think so.

I, wanted to be a Police man...

From the early 80's.

Was your dad a Police Officer? Did you want to be like him?

Nope.

Watchin shows like Miami Vice, 

I thought it would be cool to be a Police man.

*sniffle*

Nobody in the family was a cop before,

I was the first and only one.

So that had nothing to do with it.

You wanted to do something different?

Nah.

I thought it was a good job.

I could take it while I was young,

And I'd be retired when I was young.

I took the job at 20 and I'd be out the door at 40.

With the pension and health benefits...

Until Obama care messes that up anyway.

If you weren't a Police Officer, what do you think you would be?

What would I have done?

*clears throat* Uh...

Maybe something... uh...

Scientifical or medical cause I was always good with science and stuff like that.

Maybe a tech guy in a lab or something.

Like you thought that that was like an interesting thing to do?

Yep,

Well I was good at science,

In school.

Did you ever want to like follow your parents, in their jobs?

Nope.

I didn't wanna be a taxi cab driver.

I wanted to have more,

And to have done more then what my parents done.

They left kinda... boring lives.

They didn't really travel.

No house.

Not that that necessarily makes you happy.

But whatever.

*to himself* ah this game is ridiculous.

Romeo and Juliet - Final Draft (REVISED)

In the book 'Romeo and Juliet' by William Shakespeare, a street fight occurs between the Montague's and Capulet’s Prince Escalus comes in and breaks up the fight. But threatens them if they fight again. Romeo enters, very sad. Romeo is in love, with Rosaline, but is afraid that the woman he loves doesn't love him back. Later in the book, Mercutio, Romeo's friend and Prince Escalus's cousin, invites Romeo to accompany him to the Capulet's party, to try to get Romeo to forget about Rosaline. At the party, Romeo meets Juliet and they fall in love. Romeo changes in the story because at first, all he cared about Rosaline. But after he met Juliet, all of his thoughts about Rosaline vanished.

"Out of her favor, where I am in love." (1.1.173)

This quote shows that Romeo is truly, madly, deeply in love with Rosaline, even though he knows that she doesn't love him back. Because of this, Romeo is very depressed. And all Romeo talks about is Rosaline, and how she doesn't love him. But Romeo doesn't want to give up on her yet. In Act 1 Scene 1, Romeo is complaining about how Rosaline doesn't love him the way he loves her. But this is before Romeo knows anything about Juliet. This quote also shows how committed Romeo is to Rosaline. Romeo doesn't care about how Rosaline feels about him. All he cares about is her. He wants to please her and do something to get her notice him, but she doesn't give Romeo any respect. That is why Romeo gives up on trying to please Rosaline. That is also why he agrees to go to the Capulet's party, in order to help him forget about Rosaline breaking his heart.

"What lady is that which doth enrich the hand. Of yonder knight?" (1.5. 41-42)

This quote shows that Romeo has forgotten about Rosaline and has finally noticed someone else. And Romeo has now fallen in love with Juliet and out of love with Rosaline. In Act 1 Scene 5, Romeo first spots Juliet during a dance and instantaneously falls in love with her. When Juliet first spots Romeo, she falls in love with him as well. After the dance is over, Romeo goes in search of Juliet. When he finds her, he startles her and greets her with a kiss on her hand. This is where Juliet begins to fall in love with Romeo. This is also where Romeo completely forgets about Rosaline. The two sneak off and get away from the crowd of people and share a kiss or two. But soon after, the two are separated and soon find out that they are sworn enemies. Even though they aren't supposed to be together, the two realize that they can't stand to be without one another.

"Th' exchange of thy love’s faithful vow for mine." (2. 2. 127)

This quote shows that Romeo and Juliet have very strong feelings for each other. After the party, Romeo returns to Capulet's mansion in search for Juliet, because he cannot stop thinking about her. When he arrives at the Capulet's garden, he overhears Juliet confessing her love for him. She makes a long speech about how she wishes they can be together, but they can't because they're sworn enemies. Romeo then speaks and startles Juliet. The two both confess their love for each other. After confessing their strong feelings, they decide that they want to be married and be together forever. Even though it's forbidden. Many people in Verona find out about the wedding, including Juliet's cousin Tybalt. Tybalt then battles Romeo but is killed in the process. When Prince Escalus and the Capulet's find out about Tybalt's death, they banish Romeo from Verona. But after Romeo is banished, he doesn't know how to act or control himself because he is so far away and separated from his beloved wife, Juliet.

In Conclusion, Romeo changes in the story because in the beginning of the story, Romeo was truly, madly, deeply in love with Rosaline. But at Capulet's party, Romeo spotted Juliet and fell in love with her. He also completely forgot about Rosaline. Juliet also fell in love with Romeo at the party. Later that night, the two confessed their love for each other and decided to get married, that way they could be together forever. The text relates to then world because it shows how two people, who care very much about each other, can make decisions for themselves. The text also shows that young people can make their own decisions. I think that the reader should think about how Romeo was able to quickly forget about all his feelings about Rosaline after he met Juliet. It shows the reader how strongly in love Romeo is with Juliet and how he cannot let her go. For example, when Balthazar tells Romeo that Juliet is dead, the first thing that Romeo does is race back to Verona, as fast as he can. So that he can see Juliet one last time.

Romeo and Juliet - Final Draft

In the book 'Romeo and Juliet' by William Shakespeare, a street fight occurs between the Montague's and Capulet’s Prince Escalus comes in and breaks up the fight. But threatens them if they fight again. Romeo enters, very sad. Romeo is in love, with Rosaline, but is afraid that the woman he loves doesn't love him back. Later in the book, Mercutio, Romeo's friend and Prince Escalus's cousin, invites Romeo to accompany him to the Capulet's party, to try to get Romeo to forget about Rosaline. At the party, Romeo meets Juliet and they fall in love. Romeo changes in the story because at first, all he cared about Rosaline. But after he met Juliet, all of his thoughts about Rosaline vanished.

"Out of her favor, where I am in love." (1.1.173)

This quote shows that Romeo is truly, madly, deeply in love with Rosaline, even though he knows that she doesn't love him back. Because of this, Romeo is very depressed. And all Romeo talks about is Rosaline, and how she doesn't love him. But Romeo doesn't want to give up on her yet. In Act 1 Scene 1, Romeo is complaining about how Rosaline doesn't love him the way he loves her. But this is before Romeo knows anything about Juliet.

"What lady is that which doth enrich the hand. Of yonder knight?" (1.5. 41-42)

This quote shows that Romeo has forgotten about Rosaline and has finally noticed someone else. And Romeo has now fallen in love with Juliet and out of love with Rosaline. In Act 1 Scene 5, Romeo first spots Juliet during a dance and instantaneously falls in love with her. When Juliet first spots Romeo, she falls in love with him as well. After the dance is over, Romeo goes in search of Juliet. When he finds her, he startles her and greets her with a kiss on her hand. This is where Juliet begins to fall in love with Romeo. This is also where Romeo completely forgets about Rosaline. The two sneak off and get away from the crowd of people and share a kiss. But soon after, the two are separated and soon find out that they are sworn enemies.

"Th' exchange of thy love’s faithful vow for mine." (2. 2. 127)

This quote shows that Romeo and Juliet have very strong feelings for each other. After the party, Romeo returns to Capulet's mansion in search for Juliet, because he cannot stop thinking about her. When he arrives at the Capulet's garden, he overhears Juliet confessing her love for him. She makes a long speech about how she wishes they can be together, but they can't because they're sworn enemies. Romeo then speaks and startles Juliet. The two both confess their love for each other. After confessing their strong feelings, they decide that they want to be married and be together forever. Even though it's forbidden.

In Conclusion, Romeo changes in the story because at first, all he cared about Rosaline. But after he met Juliet, all of his thoughts about Rosaline vanished. In the beginning of the story, Romeo was truly, madly, deeply in love with Rosaline. But at Capulet's party, Romeo spotted Juliet and fell in love with her. He also completely forgot about Rosaline. Juliet also fell in love with Romeo at the party. Later that night, the two confessed their love for each other and decided to get married, that way they could be together forever. The text relates to then world because it shows how two people, who care very much about each other, can make decisions for themselves. Also it shows that young people can make their own decisions. I think that the reader should think about how Romeo was able to quickly forget about all his feelings about Rosaline after he met Juliet.

Romeo and Juliet - Thesis and Outline

I. Introduction:

a. Lead:

I think that Romeo changed a lot in the story because at first, all he cared about was Rosaline. But then when he met Juliet, all his thoughts about Rosaline vanished.

b. Title and author; brief context or background:

'Romeo and Juliet' by William Shakespeare; A street fight occurs between the Montagues and Capulets. Prince Escalus comes in and breaks up the fight. But threatens them if they do it again. Romeo enters, very sad. Romeo is in love but is afraid that the woman he loves doesn't love him back.

c. Thesis/Focus (overall interpretation):

Romeo changes in the story because at first, all he cared about was Rosaline. But then when he met Juliet, all his thoughts about Rosaline vanished.

II. Body:

a.. Paragraph 1 (observation/inference):

*One important observation or inference that supports my focus is:

 In Act 1 Scene 1, Romeo is complaining about how Rosaline doesn't love him the way that he loves her. But this is before Romoe knows anything about Juliet.

*This is shown in (relevant evidence/quotation from text):

"Out of her favor, where I am in love." - Romeo (Act 1 Scene 1)
 

*This quote shows that:

This quote shows that Romeo is truly, madly, deeply in love with Rosaline. But Romeo knows that she doesn't love him back. Because of this, Romeo is very depressed. And all Romeo talks about is Rosaline.

b. Paragraph 2 (observation/inference):

*One importantt observation or inference that supports my focus is:

In Act 1 Scene 5, Romeo first spots Juliet adn instantaniously falls in love with her. When Juliet first spots Romeo, she falls in love with him as well. But the two are seperated and soon find out that they are sworn enemies.

*This is shown in (relevant evidence/quotation from text):

"What lady is that which doth enrich the hand. Of yonder knight?" - Romeo (Act 1 Scene 5)
 

*This quote shows that:

This quote shows that Romeo has forgotten about Rosaline and has finally noticed someone else. And Romeo has now fallen in love with Juliet and out of love with Rosaline.

c. Paragraph 3 (observation/inference):

*One important observation or inference that supporta my focus is:

In Act 2 Scene 2, Romeo and Juliet confess their love for eachother. And the two decide to be married.

*This is shown in (relevant evidence/quotation from text):

"Th' exchange of thy love’s faithful vow for mine." - Romeo (Act 2 Scene 2)
 

*This quote shows that:

This quote shows that Romeo and Juliet have very strong feelings for eachother. So strong, that they want to be married and be together forever.

III. Conclusion:

i. How does the text relate to you, the reader, the world, and/or another text?

The text relates to then world because it shows how two people, who care very much about eachother, can make decisions for themselves. Also it shows that young people can make their own decisions.

ii. What do you think the reader should think, feel, or know about the topic?

I think that the reader should think about how Romeo was able to quickly forget about all his feelings about Rosaline after he met Juliet.

Monthly Nonfiction Reading Resposne - Bird, human tweets come from similar parts of the brain

Humans and songbirds share genetic changes affecting parts of the brain. That are related to singing and speaking. Neurologist Erich Jarvis discovered about 80 genes that turn on and off, similar to humans and songbirds. This gene occurs in brain regions that have the ability to imitate sounds. And to speak and sing. But it is not present in birds that can't mimic sounds. The ancestors of humans and songbirds split 300 years ago. Which suggests that the two acquired a similar capacity for song. I think that it is interesting that humans and birds have much in common. The two also have similar patterns in activity. I never would have thought that we would have so much in common.

Monthly Nonfiction Reading Response - Dissection Ban

"A staggering 19 million insects and animals belonging to a variety of species will be saved every academic year when the ban on dissection in laboratories for undergraduate and postgraduate is fully implemented."

This article taught me that many elementary, middle and high schools dissect animals in science class. They don't only dissect frogs. But also cats, mice, rats, worms, dogs, rabbits, fetal pigs and fish. More than 19 million animals wind up being dissected each year. Also with more branches of life sciences, that 19 million will quickly turn into a much higher number in the upcoming years.

"More than 2.5 million undergraduate and postgraduate students of Zoology and other branches of life science in the country end up dissecting approximately 19 million animals every academic year. And with emergence of newer branches of life sciences including biophysics, biochemistry and biodiversity, and an increase in the number of educational institutions, the number of animals dissected was also expected to grow substantially in the coming years."

Every year, millions of undergraduate students dissect animals. Totals up to 19 million each year. And if we continue to dissect the harmless animals, those numbers will become sky high. They might even reach up to the billions if we don't stop soon. Also, after the students dissect the animal, they just throw them out. That is just a complete waste of a life. How would you feel if you were taken away from your home to be killed and thrown away?

"Dissection is not just cruel, it is also antiquated. Studies have shown that non-animal methods teach anatomy and complex biological processes as well as or better than do animal laboratories, and they have proved much more effective and humane."

Some dissection classes in schools don't even teach the correct way of dissecting the animals. Also, most students don't pay any attention to the teacher when he/she is demonstrating the dissection. So the students are just playing with the animal. Which is another reason why dissection should be banned. And if you make a mistake when dissecting the animal, you can't start over.

"At the same time, their use will save universities an enormous amount of money compared to the expense of purchasing animals year after year, explains B.K. Sharma, Associate Professor and head of Zoology Department at R.L Saharia Government PG College, Kaladera (Jaipur), Rajasthan. He was a member of the UGC Core Expert Committee that was set up to consider ‘Discontinuation of Dissection of Animals in Zoology/Life Science Education in Indian Universities and Colleges.'"

After reading this article, I have come to the understanding that the world is in the middle of animal abuse. But other people think that is for a good cause - education. When really, student who have no choice but to take this class have a different opinion about the dissection. I would consider dissection abuse. Because the people who obtain those animals are taking them from shelters, just to kill them. Which is extremely cruel. Also many children don't enjoy dissecting these animals. But if we stop animal dissection, then more than 19 million animals and insects will be saved each year.

Works Cited

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/dissection-ban-will-save-19-million-animals-every-year/article2704638.ece

Blog Post Number Five - 'Tilt' by Ellen Hopkins

In the book 'Tilt' by Ellen Hopkins,

There are three different characters. But they are al connected in different ways. They also have different issues. All different from one another.

One of the characters, Mikayla, is a high school senior with good grades, great looks and a perfect boyfriend. But one day, when Mikayla and Dylan (her boyfriend) start fooling around without protection, Dylan thinks that they'll be fine. But he was completely wrong! He got Mikayla knocked up. And he wants her to get an abortion. But she wants to keep the baby. So now, she has to make a decision: get an abortion, or keep the baby and lose Dylan forever.

Another character in the book is Shane. Shane is a homosexual and his father hates him for it. His mom is dealing with more important things to worry about. Because Shane's sister Shelby is only four years old and has Type 1 SMA (spinal muscular atrophy). His family is extremely lucky that she's still alive. But because Shelby has that terrible illness, Shane's father doesn't want to deal with all of the family's issues. So he is almost never home. And his mother is always tending to Shelby and that leaves Shane all alone. Until he meets Alex. But Alex has HIV. But that doesn't stop him and Shane's relationship. When Shane is with Alex, he is happier and feels less alone. But when Shelby dies, all hell breaks loose. Not only with Shane's mother, but Shane as well. Because after the funeral, he realized that he didn't get a chance to say goodbye. 

The final character in this book is Harley. She is Shane's cousin and Mikayla's sisters best friend. Harley has a hard time being noticed. For one thing, her best friend Bri gets all of the attention and Harley is also a bit overweight. It's now summer and she wants to change her appearance. So she goes on a diet. But she also has other problems. Her parents are divorced and her father is dating someone else already. And her fathers girlfriend's (Cassie) son is extremely attractive (according to Harley). And now that she has lost a lot of weight. She thinks that she might be able to get his attention. One day Harley asks Chad (Cassie's son) why he isn't interested in her. And he tells her because he thinks of her as his sister. So Harley goes to find someone else to catch her attention. And Chad's friend Lucas is very interested in Harley. But when Harley starts going out with Lucas, he makes her do things that are inappropriate and disturbing to her. And one day, he gets her so drunk and high that she is unconscious and then he takes advantage of her. But does Lucas care? Of course not! And the day after, he breaks up with her - over text. 

Monthly Nonfiction Reading Response - Hitler Youth; Growing Up In Hitler's Shadow by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

The Nonfiction book that I read was about Hitler and the Nazis. But it was also about the child soldiers who had to fight in the war. And their stories.

One of my favorite stories in this book was about a child soldier named Herbert Norkus. I enjoyed his story the most because it was told in great detail. And at the end, after he died, it talked about his military funeral. I thought that was interesting because it also showed a picture of his grave with the guards around it. Besides that, the chapter talked about his wonderful services as one of Hitler's child soldiers. I also thought it was interesting how the chapter talked about his parents. And how they didn't want their son to join Hitler Youth. But Herbert joined it anyways because even though his mother didn't want him to, his father gave him permission. And in the end, he was shot, doing his job.

The other stories in this book were just about the same. They all talked about the children in Hitler Youth. And how their parents didn't want them to join it. But they disobeyed their parents and joined anyways. And they also all passed away and were killed.

Monthly Nonfiction Reading Response - Arctic Meltdown by Justin Gillis

"Every summer, the sea ice in the Arctic Ocean melts as the region heats up. And every year, as fall arrives and temperatures drop, the ice begins to build up again."

This article taught me that every season the temperature changes. In the summer it gets hot and in the winter it gets cold. But in the Arctic, during the summer the ice melts and in the winter the water turns back into ice. But lately, not all of the water has frozen back. And the animals there are in danger.

"Most scientists have long believed that the climate's warming--roughly 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit over land in the past century, with most of that occurring since 1980--is caused largely by the human release of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels."

Over the past century, temperatures have risen about 2.5°F. It might not seem like a lot, but it makes a huge difference to our climate and our planet. The Arctic isn't the only place in the world that is in trouble. But it is also one of the worst defenders. In the United States, there have been hurricanes, droughts and other violent and extreme storms and weather patterns. The warmer the planet gets, the more we have to suffer.

"Some of them (scientists) think the shrinking Arctic sea ice has already started to alter atmospheric patterns in the Northern Hemisphere, contributing more extreme weather in the United States and other countries, buy that link is not considered proved."

In addition to the temperatures rising, scientists also think that the global warming is altering atmospheric patterns in the Northern Hemisphere. Scientists also think that extreme weather will become more common as the planet warms. But there might be other changes in other parts of the world. Such as extreme weather and natural disasters. But the weather problems will become more and more frequent in the future if we don't try to make a change.

"A vast majority of scientists, however, agree that extreme weather events--everything from heat waves to blizzards--will become more common as the planet warms."

After reading this article, I have come to understand that the world is in the middle of severe global warming. It is not only harming the Arctic, but it is also hurting other parts of the world. Not just places in the cold, but also the United States and the United Kingdom. More and more violent storms and crazy weather are going to be coming our way. And if we don't try to stop it, we will be in serious trouble in the future. Every year, the average global temperature has gone up a lot. And eventually it will be too high and the whole world will be underwater. Hopefully before then, we can try to help the environment.

Works Cited:

Gillis, Justin. "Arctic Meltdown." The New York Times Upfront 19 Nov. 2012: 8-11. Web.

Blog Commenting

This week, I commented on two student's blogs.

I commented on Amelia's blog:

http://ameliabedelia13.blogspot.com/2013/01/twilight.html?showComment=1358381039487#c1834638362314111460

I also commented on Helen R.'s  blog:

http://rodriguez80.blogspot.com/

Blog Post Number Four - Respond to one of the Critical Thinking Questions for Social Action - Choice 6; How does money figure in this text?

In the book 'Catching Fire' by Suzanne Collins,

Katniss and Peeta have come back from the Hunger Games. And now they have to go on Victory Tours. But President Snow knows that Katniss and Peeta's love game was just an act. But he can't let other people know that. Or else they'll blame him and President Snow will get in a lot of trouble. So because of that, President Snow and Katniss had a "little chat" and he told her that she has to "convince" him.

When Peeta and Katniss come back from the Victory Tours, they come back to their homes in District 12. Which is THE poorest district in Panem. Many people in District 12 can't even afford to buy dinner for their families. Which is very bad for the children because they get sick easily. And that usually happens often.

Most of the Districts in Panem are poor. Only District's 1 and 2 are rich or middle-class. Because they are closer and more important to the Capitol. But the other District's have to suffer. But of course, the Capitol doesn't care about them. Only the Hunger Games.

I think that the Capitol should care more for the poor and less important Districts. Because it is much easier for District's 1 and 2 to get resources. I also think that the Capitol should give the other districts money. And help them out once in a while.

Blog Post Number Three - Respond to one of the Critical Thinking Reading Questions for Social Action - Choice 1; Is this story fair? Why or why not?

In the book 'Fallout' by Ellen Hopkins,

Kristina's kids are still living their lives without her. But when Christmas comes, she'll come back as a surprise for the kids. Hunter already knows that she's coming over. And so does Summer because, she keeps in contact with her. But of course, Autumn still doesn't know anything about Kristina.

I don't think that her kids will be excited when she comes over because thay never really met her. And she hasn't been there for them for almost all of their lives.

I think that this story can be both fair and unfair because Kristina left all three of her children but she's coming back for Christmas. But her coming back still doesn't make up for the other times she was gone and she could have came back to visit her children. I think that if she were to come back earlier and take care of her children herself, they would have a better relationship with each other. And also, each child would have a better life. And they would get to know Kristina better and find out why she did what she did.

Blog Post Number Three - Respond to one of the Critical Thinking Reading Questions for Social Action - Choice 8; What really hard things are happening in this text? Are these things happening in the world now? Where?

In the book 'Fallout' by Ellen Hopkins,

The story is told by the perspectives of Kristina's (main character from 'Crank') three children. The children Hunter, Autumn and Summer are all split up. They have no idea who each other are. But Hunter and Summer know that there are three of them in total. Autumn has no idea that she has any siblings at all.

Hunter is the oldest of the three. He also has the best life of the siblings. He has followed in his moths footsteps by taking drugs. But he refuses to take meth (monster) that way, he doesn't end up like his mother - an addict.

Autumn is the middle child. She also has OCD and panic attacks. She is the only child that doesn't know about Kristina. But she does know who her father is - Trey.

Summer is the youngest of the three. She is the only one who knows the truth about both of her parents.

I think that difficult things that are happening in this book are disowning because after Kristina had her children, she left them. And separated then from each other. I don't think that was the right choice because why wouldn't she want to see her kids ever again?

I also think that things like this happen to children everyday because Kristina had these children when she was young and she didn't know what to do after she had them. So usually people who also have these issues give their child up for adoption. But she gave one to adoption, one to her mom and the other to the child's grandfather.

Social Awareness Writing Project - Choice 4; Write a reading response on a social issue in a literary work (on independent reading book)

'Burned' by Ellen Hopkins

 

In the book 'Burned' by Ellen Hopkins, the main character Pattyn is a part of a Mormon family. But Pattyn doesn't believe in the Mormon religion anymore. She doesn't want to be forced to have numerous babies and not have any say or control in her own house when she becomes married. In other words, she doesn't want to end up like her mother. Who is always being beat by her husband (Pattyn's father) because every baby she has is a girl. Pattyn's father is so upset at her decision to not want to be Mormon anymore that he beats her just like he does to her mother. He then disowns her and sends her to live with her Aunt J. When Pattyn's there, Aunt J teaches Pattyn about the true meaning of love.

 

I think that the issue in this book is child abuse and disowning. Because during the whole time Pattyn was living with her father, he would always beat both her and her mother. Even if they didn't do anything wrong.

 

The message in this book is to find the true meaning about yourself. Because her family is Mormon and pushing Pattyn to marry a "good Mormon boy" and follow the Mormon religion, etc. But she doesn't want that for her future. But when she moves in with her Aunt J, she learns about the true meaning of love and that God won't hate her if she doesn't choose to follow the Mormon religion.

 

This book makes me think a lot about child abuse because that seems to be what Pattyn's father does a lot. I also came to the conclusion that the father believes that men control women and also that women must completely obeh\y their husbands. I think that is sexist.

Social Awareness Writing Project - Choice 3; Find a true story about someone who changes the world every day (even in a small way). Interview and write about the person.

Person who changes the world everyday: My stepfather John Morrissey; Police Officer - Sargent

Interview:

 

ME: Hello John.

 

JOHN: Hello Tatianna.

 

ME: I hear you are a police officer.

 

JOHN: Yes. I am a Sargent.

ME: Would you say that you change the world everyday?

JOHN: I guess I would.

ME: How do you change the world everyday?

JOHN: I protect people and try to make the city safer by arresting murderers and rapists, etc.

ME: I see... And how long have you been a cop for?

JOHN: 16 years.

ME: What's your favorite part of the job?

JOHN: It's something different everyday. You're not stuck in an office.

ME: Why did you want to become a cop?

JOHN: So that I could help people. And try to make a difference. Also, the pension and benefits are good.

ME: Interesting...

JOHN: Do you have any other questions?

ME: No. And thank-you for your time.

JOHN: Your welcome.

Social Awareness Writing Project - Choice 2; Observe your surroundings (school, home, neighborhood, media).

On a daily basis, I see/witness:

• People rummaging through garbage
• People (both adults and teens) smoking
• People (both adults and teens) drinking
• Car accidents
• Hurricane Sandy victims; families are living without heat, food, light, etc.

I think that the Hurricane Sandy victims are the people who need the most help because some people are still living without heat, light and some are even living in shelters because their homes were completely destroyed. I also think that the shelters are helping some families, but that isn't enough for everyone who has highly affected by the storm.

During the storm, 253 people died. Even though the storm was a Category 2, it caused a lot of damage. Hurricane Sandy caused havoc in 24 states in the United States. The most affected states were New York and New Jersey. Hurricane Sandy flooded streets, subways and tunnels. The storm also caused cell phone lines to shut down for a few days.

Blog Post Number Two - 'Burned' by Ellen Hopkins

In the book 'Burned' by Ellen Hopkins,

The main character Pattyn is a Mormon, she is one of seven children - she is also the oldest. All of which are girls. And her dad is a alcoholic who abuses her mother because out of all of the kids that she has, they continue to become girls. Her mother believes that her job is to have as many children as possible, especially a boy to carry on the family name. Because that is what her husband wants. But Pattyn disarees with the Mormon lifestyle she has been living by her whole seventeen years of life. I think that it is a good thing that Pattyn has a different opinion about her religion. Because it seems to me that she is being forced to live in a way that she is uncomfortable with.

Since Pattyn now doesn't believe in the Mormon religion, she wants to experience things that "normal" teens experience. So she starts dating Derek - a non Mormon. Which is against the Mormon religion. But Pattyn doesn't care anymore. She and Derek start to hang out and go to parties. But then they start drinking and also start to get stupid. But eventually, Pattyn's dad finds out and forbids her to see Derek again. He also threatens Derek to not see Pattyn either. Derek then starts dating another girl, who Pattyn later on punches in the face. Pattyn also does even more reckless things such as breaking a window in school, which her dad then has to pay for. As well as the girl Pattyn punched in the face because Pattyn broke her nose. I think that both Pattyn and her dad went a little to far with their actions. Because Pattyn didn't have to punch the girl in the face or break the window. And her father didn't have to threaten Derek to not see Pattyn again.

Pattyn then gets sent to her Aunt J's house in the country side, because of Pattyn's previous actions. While she's staying there, she meets a so-called "beautiful" boy named Ethan. Eventually Pattyn and Ethan start going out. They also fall in love with eachother. The two plan to move away together when Pattyn turns eighteen. Pattyn also winds up becoming pregnant with Ethan's child. But he doesn't leave her. When the two decide to leave with the still unborn baby, Pattyn's father finds out about everything. He then chases them in his car. Resultin in Ethan and Pattyn getting into a car crash. Both Ethan and the baby don't make it. And Pattyn cannot forgive her father for what he has done. I think that it was sweet that Ethan didn't leave Pattyn after she told him she was pregnant because most boys do that after they find out. But I also think that it was awful that Pattyn's father chased them around in his car. I thought that it was heartbreaking to find out that Ethan and the baby didn't survive because I wanted to know what would happen in Ethan and Pattyn's lives together.

Blog Post Number One - Hurricane Sandy Essay

"Hurricane Sandy, one of the largest and fiercest storms to menace the East Coast in years, lost some power but still packed a devastating wallop that slammed into New Jersey on Monday evening with torrential rains, howling winds and widespread  flooding. " 

-Fredrick Knuckle, Laura Vozzella and Jeremy Borden (Washington Post)

 For the past week, families have been trying to recover from the brutal Hurricne Sandy. Some families have lost their homes. A few have also last their lives during the storm. Even though the storm was a Category 1, it was a very wide and powerful storm.

"Part of Manhattan's storied skyline went dark as power failed for more than 250,000 customers south of Midtown, some of an estimated 7.5 million people on the eastern seaboard who lost power"

-Fredrick Knuckle, Laura Vozzella and  Jeremy Borden (Washington Post)

Many families in New York and New Jersey have lost power. But not just light, they have also lost water which is very devastating. My own aunt has also lost power in her home. Some cell phone companies have failed us. So we couldn't get in touch with our loved ones to see if they were okay during the storm.

" The storm also had an impact on politics, as candidates called off campaign events and election officials shut down early voting in some areas."

- Fredrick Knuckle, Laura Vozzella and  Jeremy Borden (Washington Post)

As started, Hurricane Sandy interfered with the 2012 Presidential Election. Some areas weren't able to hear the debate because they were in highly effected areas of the storm. Also, in some areas people couldn't vote because of the damage that Hurricane Sandy caused.

In Conclusion, Hurricane Sandy has severely effected many families. Some have even lost their homes and are now staying in shelters all over the city. Those who have lost power and water are also staying with loved ones that haven't been effected by the storm. I think that Hurricane Sandy has done much damage to many states and communities.

 

 

Second Quarter Blog Posts

The upcoming blog posts will be for the second quarter.

Blog Post Number Six - 'Tricks' by Ellen Hopkins - Eden's Story (Blog Post Number Five) REVISED

"When I am, God forgive me, I want to know what it means to give myself to him so completely. Want to know what it's like when it's absolutely right."

In the book 'Tricks' by Ellen Hopkins, I think that Eden wants to try certain things out and go to a different side of humanity, because her mother and father are over protective and very religious so they won't let her date anyone who isn't going to be her future husband or isn't Christian. I also think that Eden wants to try out the other side of humanity because she has no teen girl experiences. Such as her first kiss, or her first boyfriend. Before she met Andrew, she would just live her"normal" boring life that she is sick and tired of. When she met Andrew, she became as bright as the sun, and she was always happy when she was around him. But she had to keep him a secret, away from her parents. But when her parents found out, they thought that she was possessed by demons and sent her to The Tears of Zion, to think about what she has done and to try and get the demons out of her.

One conflict that Eden faces is that her parents are extremely religious and won't let her go out and see the world. In the beginning of the book, Eden wonders about what other teen girls her age do (sixteen year old girls). She would like to think the way that they think. And have normal, teen experiences. But she knows that she can’t because of her parents.

"No, not at all. Andrew is pretty much perfect. Not gorgeous in a male model kind of way, but he is really cute, with crazy hair that sometimes hides his eyes, dark chocolate eyes that hold laughter, even when he's deadly serious.

... 

No, he's not even a little wrong for me except maybe - maybe! - in the eyes of God. But much, much worse than that, he's completely wrong for my parents."

I thought that Eden was really into Andrew and even she knows that she can't be with him because of her over protective parents. I think that her parents should at least let loose, just the slightest bit. Because what girl like her, isn't going to go behind their backs and try and get the guy anyways?

Another conflict that Eden faces is that she has to have a secret relationship with the man of her dreams - Andrew. Eden and Andrew's relationship has gotten VERY serious. They actually care and love about each other. And they never want to be apart. Andrew knows that Eden can't tell her parents about them, but that doesn't stop Andrew from telling his family! Eden doesn't mind and neither does Andrew's mother. In fact, she's glad that they're together. Eden wishes that her parents could be as flexible as Andrew's mother. But Eden knows that, that could never happen. I think that Eden and Andrew are really meant to be because, he is very protective of her and cares about her so much. And she is the same exact way about him.

"... I tense waiting for his response. It's swift. Oh God, Eden, I love you too. How did I ever live without you? It's like I was missing a huge part of me. ..."

I think that Andrew really meant what he said because he says it a lot in the book, before she got taken away. I also think that Eden and Andrew are the perfect couple because they take perfect care of each other. For example, when Eden's mother got very mad at Eden, and she called Andrew straight after, he came right away and asked her what was wrong. He took care of her. And I thought that was really sweet.

Another conflict that Eden faces is that her parents find out about her and Andrew's secret relationship and splits them up and puts her into an isolation camp, Tears of Zion, in order to get the "demons" out of her. Since Eden's parents don't approve of her relationship with Andrew, they send her to The Tears of Zion, where they send girls who disobey God. Eden's parents don't believe that she should be dating someone if they aren't to wind up becoming her husband. Especially is the boy isn't Christian! At the Tears of Zion, she is trying to break out. But in order to do that, she must sleep with one of the workers there, Jerome. Everyday, when the two see each other, he gives her a small gift such as food or shampoo. And after they sleep together, Eden scrubs it all off, to try and make it go away. But of course, it never does.

"... The second time takes longer, but when he's finally done, he says, I'll think about it. After he leaves, I lie in an aura of hope. Say a little prayer to Mary Magdalene."

I thought that Eden was very smart to come up with a plan like this. But it all must come with a price. Eden still must sleep with Jerome whether she likes it or not. It takes a while, but eventually, Eden escapes but with Jerome. But she must escape again. And thankfully she does. She travels to Vegas, in hope of reuniting with Andrew. Eden winds up going to a Teen Prostitute Helping Center that deals with other teens that have similar problems that Eden has faced in the story.

In Conclusion, in the book 'Tricks' by Ellen Hopkins, I think that Eden wants to try certain things out and go to a different side of humanity, because her mother and father are over protective and very religious so they won't let her date anyone who isn't going to be her future husband or isn't Christian. In the beginning of the story, Eden is very curious and wants to have a boyfriend. And she eventually does. The two are madly in love. But when Eden's parents find out, the couple is separated and Eden is taken into a isolation camp in order to get rid of the "demons" inside of her. She eventually escapes the camp, in hope of reuniting with Andrew, but instead is taken into a Teen Prostitute Helping Center that deals with the different problems that she has faced in the story. I think that Eden has had her experiences, but with the wrong people - Jerome. I also think that if her parents hadn't found out about Andrew, Eden would have been much happier and the two would have lived happily ever after. But all good things must come to an end.