Semester Reflection Part 2

What is the greatest challenge facing your generation? What will be necessary to address it?

My generation has seen some of the worst environmental disasters, and above all the current recession. Many have few knowledge of its direct affect towards us and that is the greatest challenge, lack of knowledge. For some reason, my generation is more interested in playing video games rather than following issues that will affect their future. They also rely on broadcast media to learn about situations and they have no control over what they want to learn.

I’m glad that many of my teammates are not like that. The main reason is the type of school they are in and their teachers. In our class we are expected to learn about issues in our community and use media to solve the issue, like Media Save the Beach project. We also had Ampersand, where we can represent our potential as students especially when older generations doubt our skills.

What needs to happen to solve the issue is if more students become aware of their environment. They need to be more involved in their community to know the dangers facing us and have more control over their future. I have been involved in my community for about 4 years and I have seen that student’s succeed more in life when they take control of their education at a young age. Government authorities need to prioritize education, students after all, are the future and if our generation lacks knowledge. What will happen to humanity? 

Describe your vision for yourself in pursuing higher education.

I’ve been ambitious most of my life, the good type of ambition anyway. I had my mind set on Harvard or Brown because I wanted to be on top. But with time, I wasn’t interested in them anymore because my perspective of power changed. I thought I would become an Architectural engineer and build schools or bridges in developing countries. Almost everyone once in there lifetime says this, “I want to make the world a better place.” It is a cliché, but I actually commit to it. Now I want to teach students in developing countries because many of them don’t ever finish elementary.

I see myself studying in UNAM, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, one of the top universities in Mexico, where the greatest activist and revolutionaries teach. When I say revolutionaries, I include anyone that has changed Mexico’s culture and beliefs. My parents are from Oaxaca, a cultural state in Mexico, I’ve visited many villages that in the 21^st. century have schools. My parents sacrificed almost everything to give me an education. I want to repay their sacrifice by helping students achieve higher education in many states that offer no opportunities for low income families. Frankly, I made this decision after being influenced by Randy. Randy has been the greatest teacher I’ve had, he gives so much knowledge to his students in hopes that they will succeed and create a world of possibilities. In his class, I realized, I had more potential than I though and I can do greater things with my life. I have set high standards for myself but I am confident that I will guide myself in the right direction. 

Semester Reflection Part 1

What have you learned about the way you learn, work, and/or collaborate?

When you are young, you think the whole world revolves around you and that you can accomplish anything and everything by yourself. I always thought I was better of as an independent worker because I had full control of my projects. This year however that changed. When a project approached and we weren’t assigned partners, I would still seek help or feedback from my teammates. This is a clear sign of maturity. I was responsible.

When working with partners I would make an early connection with them because I was going to work with them for the next couple of days. The trust between us was a strong bond that allowed me to advice the person on his work. Not dictate him or her, but share my thoughts on the project. He or she would also do the same and our relation seemed more as a two colleagues rather than high school students trying to get along. 

What project was most valuable to you, and what have you gained from it?

The project I was waiting for since the beginning of the year was Ampersand. I had heard about the many multiple times and I hoped that I could be a part of it one day. When our class finally started working on it, I was confused because I hadn’t nailed my idea. It was unfortunate that during the writing segment of Ampersand, teachers around the county began to loose their jobs and colleges raised tuition. I have many friends that were affected by it and I thought it would be a great story to tell. In 5 years from now, someone will look at the article and understand how life was back then. I thought I was fortunate to have an interesting story to tell, something I could share with the world.

Once it was published, I was set. There is an article out there with my name on it, misspelled but it’s under my name. Just as my teammates articles are published waiting for someone to learn from them. After this project I became more aware of how powerful media is. We base our opinions on the facts and opinions of others. We have broadcasting companies that are own by people who decide the things we view. If there is enough information about issues from varying sources, then Americans will start creating their opinions using common sense. I need to be one of those sources, someone that can share ideas that may never be view.   

Describe one valuable mistake you made this year.

The biggest mistake I made this year was not trying hard enough. The first semester of math I worked to earn good grades, beside the fact that our teachers had advice us to enjoy the work and great grades would follow. I found Math challenging and confusing, I would ask help from tutors rather than my own teacher and I would stress when my grades wouldn’t go up. The problem was, I wasn’t trying hard enough. First semester not once did I stay afterschool to seek for help; instead I thought I would catch up in class. When Finals came around, I studied with my teammates, I passed the first final, but the second one, in which I got a C, dropped my down three points. I finished the semester with a C. When I looked at my grade I regretted everything that led to that point. Every single moment wasted.

I had some nice vacations to regret my poor decisions and to reflect upon them. I was motivated to start fresh with a new perspective. My teacher came in with a new start as well, and there was a new atmosphere in the classroom. I joined Math help for X-block besides having three other favorites, but I knew it had to be done. I understood Math better than last semester and my grades were impressive. Ending Math with a B+ or A- never seems so sweet.   

Writing Reflection

Please answer both of the following with substantial, thorough, thoughtful, well-revised, multi-paragraph pieces of writing that feature direct evidence, specific examples, and a high degree of honest self-reflection.

* Explain one or more specific aspects of your writing that have improved this year. In this explanation, you must directly refer to at least two specific pieces of writing that you produced for this class. You may use any assignment, project, writing sample, draft, blog entry, etc. You should discuss the writing tips & strategies we studied, the processes & methods we used, the critiques & drafts we employed and the products we created (feel free to use these specific key terms to keep your reflection focused).

In my final reflection last year I wrote to Lori Fisher, my former Humanities teacher, that my main goal for junior year was to improve my writing in Randy’s class. Every Friday, in advisory I would see the type of work Randy’s students were doing. I knew that if I had Randy as my Humanities teacher, I would improve as a learner. My writing isn't perfect; I know that for a fact. It has improved through my years at HTHMA. The drastic improvement has happened this year. I compare my writing and I realize that I have accomplished that goal.

In the beginning of the year, Media Saves the Beach was the first main project centered on writing. I thought my writing piece was going to be a decent one because it was much like a research paper and that is my forte. It turned it be a disappointing article. I didn’t direct my point to the audience, it didn’t convey the feeling I was hoping for, awareness. Then I came around, focusing on writing tips, the podcast we would listen to during class. In any new assignment, blog or essay I would incorporate new writing tips. This was a small progress that happened almost every week. Finally the biggest project arrived, Ampersand. I was unprepared, I had been focus on my teammate’s writings and I hadn’t worked on mine. Randy came with a clear goal and I was confused as to why my writing was not turning out the way I planned.

In the beginning of the year, Randy told us that in the real writing world, “professional writers write for an audience, amateur writers write for themselves.” I couldn’t believe how important this line was, it engraved in my mind. So when I picked up my notebook to brainstorm on topics for the Ampersand article, I made sure all my ideas had a specific audience.

They Say Cut Back. We Say Fight Back!, a phrase chanted by students on the March 4^th rally, became the title because it concluded the article’s point. I tied the rally with military recruitment in public schools because it was highly important for my audience to have the complete picture of U.S education system. I couldn’t deliver my point without including struggles between students and school officials, it’s impossible to acknowledge a problem without evidence, especially when the issue of this importance is occurring in your town. It is not the brightest article, I worked only three drafts, but I am satisfied. I was able to convey the importance and an upright.

 
* Describe one specific goal for your future writing. Your explanation of your goal(s) must include some or all of the following: writing samples from this year, writing strategies you have used in the past, writing strategies or techniques you would like to develop, examples from authors you respect, etc.

Historical Reflections

There is only one person I would like to see in my college campus. That is Kurt Vonnegut. If he isn't a genius, I don't know what is. He knows a lot about life, he has lived a plentiful life with experiences such as the Firebombing of Dresden.I would be a far better person if Kurt Vonnegut would be my mentor, a guardian in my life. 

Kurt Vonnegut is very ironic, especially in his writing. In Slaughterhouse Five he presents the reader with many perspectives of life. You don't know what he is trying to tell you exactly. He does his best to get the reader to acknowledge the moments that make life wonderful by ending the book in an abrupt overturn. His input in the last chapter, "If what Billy Pilgrim learned from the Tralfamadorians is true, that we will all live forever, no matter how dead we may sometimes seem to be, I am not overjoyed. Still--if I am going to spend eternity visiting this moment and that, I'm grateful that so many of those moments are nice.” This line stayed with me throughout the book and even now, it is the quote I most remember. I evidently had an epiphany afterwards; I became more interested in living the moment rather than structuring time. Because it is with the memories that we preserve ourselves and if by the end of your life, you have nothing good to remember. That is a life wasted.

Literary Reflections...

If you could bring one character from any one book that we have read this year with you when you go to college, who would bring? Why?

If I were to take a character from the books we have read, I would take Jay Gatsby. It would look somewhat like this.

Gatsby has been lonely all his life. After Daisy left him for Tom, Gatsby became even more confused. Taking into consideration that the day George came to look for Myrtle's murderer, I would have taken Gatsby out for lunch and then I would have convinced him to go to college with me. I would use his contacts like Mr. Wolfshiem to get myself into a great college. I would perhaps attend Brown, Tufts or Yale. I would convince him that college would get his mind of Daisy and he would met new girls. Then every weekend he would throw parties in our dorm, I of course would be just as popular as him because I would be his best friend.

In the novel The Great Gatsby, almost everyone takes advantage or uses another person for their own benefit. Myrtle and Tom used each other, Daisy used Gatsby and Gatsby used his money. To continue with F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, I would use Gatsby to have my way around college. I would be the nerdy girl in class, but I would also be the life of the party.

Jay Gatsby is very shy and he is socially inadequate. He is never enjoying his party, therefor I would be the host of his amazing party. I know that this sounds very selfish, but it's college, also known as hell, and i have to find a way to survive for four years.

Thinking about this, it doesn't sound so bad. He can pay my four years of college, we can have so much fun on the weekends. If it is necessary he can pay a professor to help me pass my classes or finals. Gatsby life might not improve because he would still be in love with Daisy but he will make me happy, he is a crowd pleaser and he will always try to make me happy.

Post Trial Reflection

1. Summarize the facts of the case, as presented by the prosecution. Include relevant witnesses and testimony.

The Prosecuters presented three witnesses. John Adams, James Madison and Raul Grijalva. Two of the founding fathers explained the Constitution and the terms within it. Raul Grijalva gave evidence of the effect the law has created in recent events. James Madison quoted the amendments and spoke of justice and equal protection under the law. John Adams explained the Alien and Sedition Acts, stating that the act had been a regretful and shameful act because it didn't allow fair treatment. He also referred to the Boston Massacre, remembering that he represented the British soldiers because everyone should have a fair trial. Raul Grijalva gave an explanation of California's proposition 187, a law that passed in 1994 and prohibited illegal immigrants from obtaining healthcare, education and any public services. This law was removed after the Supreme Court found it unconstitutional. Raul compared proposition 187 to Senate Bill 1070.

2. Summarize the facts of the case, as presented by the defense. Include relevant witnesses and testimony.

The Defendants presented three witnesses. Jan Brewer, Arizona's governor who signed the bill into law, Russell Pearce, Arizona's senator and author of the bill. They also presented Officer Kenneth Collins who was killed by an illegal immigrant. Jan Brewers evidence was the violin increase around the border of Arizona and Mexico. Pearce arguments were the same as Brewer's but he also included his right to help his state because as a senator he has noticed that the congress and the senate have not pushed for a strong, firm immigration law. Kenneth Collins presented his experience, his argument wasn't as effective as Brewer's or Pearce's but he gave a citizen perspective.

3. What was the most significant piece of evidence, in your personal opinion?

I believe the strongest piece of evidence was the percentage of crimes committed by illegal immigrants. I know, it might be biased, but I know that those "illegal immigrants" are highly affiliated with gangs and mobs. I don't think it's fair to say that every illegal immigrant is a criminal. Yes. They do break a law, but sometimes it's the only way to survive. Most immigrants cross the desert or border because they want to survive. Almost everyone has heard the phrase "they want to give their children a better life," even though it is a cliché, its true. No one in his or her right mind would cross a desert for fun. They cross the desert to provide opportunities for their families.

4. What was the most significant argument made, in your opinion?

About 70% of the citizens in Arizona approve the law. Nationwide almost a 60% support it. It is extremely hard to fight the law when there are many supporters. Statements that say the law doesn't allow for racial profiling to occur and statements from supporters that say the law is completely harmless are great arguments. Yet this is because many don't realize that is it very harmless. There is a lot of racism in the country today. Joe Arpaio has so much hatred against anyone that doesn't look like him, he is known as "little Hitler" for true reasons. Russell Pearce is affiliated with Neo-Nazi groups that have risen even more with SB1070. They have more reason now to unleash their hatred. Laws like SB1070, proposition 187 and such make me fear this country even more.

5. What do you personally believe the correct verdict should be? Do you agree with the jury? Why or why not?

Personally, being an immigrant myself, I find the law to be incredibly pointless and ineffective. The law clearly is violating human right and the constitution. Some sections have been re-written to lead otherwise, but it is still wrong. I agree with Raul Grijalva, the United States need an immigration reform because many students like myself, have been law bidden residents that deserve the right to receive an education. Many students, like myself, are seeing their future disappear due to their legal status in this country. I might not be able to finish high school due to the situation occurring in this country and due to laws like Senate Bill 1070 that carry prejudice and a misguided reasons. I disagree with my lawyers, the prosecutors because they believe that the bill is wrong and they need to form a new immigration law that is less harsh. We don't need more laws that create barriers for immigrants to become citizens. Instead of increasing the amount of ICE agents and Border Patrol agents, we should have federal agents securing the borders from gang members and narcs. This country is powerful for many reasons, and it can be better, but racism, stereotypes and misleading arguments must stop. I fear this country and the people running it. "It is a shame that the people who know how to run this country are too busy teaching."

WW2 letters

A woman at work in America.

Write a letter to a friend or family member. Think of what might be in a letter like this: it would be on a specific date & from a specific city. this letter might describe your hopes, feelings, expectations, fears, etc. It might reference current events (or, then-current events), technology, or politicians. It might describe people, places, settings, technology and more. It might include the other person's life, perspective or questions. In fact, the person the letter is written to might be one of the people on that list!

Helpful links:
http://www.teacheroz.com/WWII_Oral_History.htm
http://www.war-letters.com/


1. Who you are & how you decided:

A young 19 year old American girl. I got married a few months ago because my lover was going to war.

I was planning on joining the WACS but I was too young. They had changed the date to 21 years old. So, instead I joined the Civilian Defense.

I learned to identify airplanes and learn the plan of attacks in case another attack similar to Pearl Harbor were to happen.

Semester DOS, Blog #15

* Modern ideas of war & war crimes

My humanities teacher posed a great question. What do you do after a war?

After World War Two, the Allied Forces held tribunals in Nuremberg, Germany.
In this trial there were 22 most powerful captured Nazi leaders. Among them were, Karl Doenitz, Frank Hans, Frick Wilhelm.
During the trials they were asked about their actions with the Nazi Party. For example, Hermann Goering, a political, military and Nazi Party leader, perhaps the only one that could give a clear understanding of the ideas of the Nazi Party, MR. JUSTICE JACKSON: And upon coming to power you also considered it immediately necessary to establish concentration camps to take care of your incorrigible opponents?

GOERING: I have already stated that the reason for the concentration camps was not because it could be said, "Here are a number of people who are opposed to us and they must be taken into protective custody." Rather they were set up as a lightning measure against the functionaries of the Communist Party who were attacking us in the thousands, and who, since they were taken into protective custody, were not put in prison. But it was necessary, as I said, to erect a camp for themone, two, or three camps. (Cross Examination of Hermann Goering (1))

This was a question asked to Hermann Goering. what i found interesting is that in a 4 day tribunal there were only a few questions asked concerning the deaths of millions of Jews.

He, along with ten other Nazi leaders were condemned, yet Goering committed suicide two hours before his execution. 

   

Semester DOS, Honors History #2

The Great War was incredibly significant in terms of men and materials lost, in the downfall of empires, and most importantly in the setting up of World War II. With over 10 million dead after the war, England and France, in particular, lost an entire generation of men who would fill leadership positions. If it weren't for their mistakes we would have never progressed. It’s all about being the cruelest in the battlefield. That is why WWI is important in the terms of the Art of War.

We all they know that the most powerful countries will define the new policies or the new guidelines for a World Order. United States has a way of controlling people as does North Korea. It’s a very powerful weapon called fear. During the recession between WWI and WWII, the United States imposed a Dollar Diplomacy, which basically threatens other to make business. It is not that United States needs much of this power. It just wants a clear and strong control on other countries, to prevent them from gaining interest in power and a leading position of nations.

The Iraq war, which also includes the Afghanistan war, is an example of a two faced war. On one side, America is fighting for their safety, to prevent further attacks to their homeland. The other side, they also want to take some of their oil, while no one is watching it. I know there is an argument on this issue yet we can never deny that we are taking advantage of our overstayed welcome. Have we always taken advantage of other countries? Or, is it a product of war?
Alliances are the most important thing to have in war. This is not an opinion, it is a fact. Armory is vital yet if you don’t have compatible weapons but your best friend does, then you are set. You will perhaps start a remake of World War One. Having the right allies will eventually bring you a lot of help because other counties will not dare attack you. But your great ally will also take your resources or exploit you to receive a fair pay for protecting you.
What is technology? It helps you create new ideas, products and weapons for newer generations. Technology is the main component of progression, or progression brings technology. Nothing will exist if it weren’t for technology, but things can’t exist if we have it. Technology has a great role when it comes to disappearing things, places or people. The firebombing of Dresden is considered as an event for weapon testing. Firebombs had never been used before and this was a test to see how effective the weapon was. The firebombs were very efficient. Events like these will help further generations or levels of war.

Semester DOS, Blog #14

Welcome back from One World Week, Spring Break, and Ampersand craziness. Now it's time for some good old history.

Answer each of the following, and cite statistics or sources wherever appropriate:

1. What are the most interesting aspects of World Wars 1 and 2?

World War One

World War One is one of the deadliest war in history, yet it only lasted four years.

This war included many new war techniques such as the tanks, but they were mainly useless.

The tanks were not well maneuvered in the battlefield. 

Works Cited
1918, and it lay in ruins. "First World War Casualties." History Learning Sitehttp://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/FWWcasualties.htm>

World War Two

The United States of America started the Manhattan Project. On October 11, 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt agreed to start a program that would develop an atomic bomb. This program became known as the Manhattan Project.

Works Cited

">"World War 2." ">World War 2">. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2010.

2. What do you hope to learn about these wars?

World War One

World War Two

I would like to learn about Kaiser Wilhelm II, and his contributions to the war. How did Hitler accomplish many of his goals? How did he win people over?

3. How/Why are these wars important today? How do they impact and/or inform our world today? hint: think about alliances, democracies around the world, cultures, international institutions, nuclear (and other) technologies, etc.

World War One started of by a simple reason, some may argue very immature and stupid event. The assassination of  Franz Ferdinand. Yet at that time people thought that was an important event, and indeed it is. Today we are fighting two wars. I believe it is useless and for reasons that are non important. many think it is important. 

Honors Novel Blog #2

1. How does Jim Casey's moral philosophy guide the novel as a whole?

In the novel the Grapes of Wrath, Jim Casy develops the novel with his philosophy of human unity and the human spirit. Casy was a preacher, who preached for the people. He never felt in touch with a god and never connected with the religion philosophy of the holy spirit. Yet he loved people, all he wanted was to make people happy. He found a way to make people happy by preaching about a God and a holy spirit. Then he realized that he couldn’t preach because he had nothing to preach for.

Casy’s philosophy on the human spirit is that humankind makes up a holy spirit. We are not born with it, and we do not go into the wilderness to find it. “I figgered about the Holy Sperit and the Jesus road. I figgered, ‘ Why do we got to hang it on God or Jesus? Maybe,’ I figgered, ‘ mayby it’s all men an’ all women we love; maybe that’s the Holy Sperit- the human sperit- the whole shebang. Maybe all men got one big soul ever’body’s a part of.” Casy believes everyone has a human spirit that grows and forms through our actions. Our experiences and love form the Holy Spirit in all human beings.

 

Steinbeck uses Jim Casy to express his beliefs. One of those beliefs is unity. Unity is the strongest message in the Grapes of Wrath because it develops throughout the book. At the beginning of the novel, Steinbeck starts with a description of the dust bowl. Then he moves towards the banks taking people of the land. Migrant farmers from all over the places of the country move west in hope of finding jobs, a place to live and something to eat. They all have similar stories and throughout the novel we see the unity of these farmers. They camp together, cook together past time by telling stories. All they have is one another. The Joads help the Wilsons, so hopefully together they make it to California.

Semester TWO, Blog #13 (GOW Final Essay)

1. How does Jim Casey's moral philosophy guide the novel as a whole?

In the novel the Grapes of Wrath, Jim Casy develops the novel with his philosophy of human unity and the human spirit. Casy was a preacher, who preached for the people. He never felt in touch with a god and never connected with the religion philosophy of the holy spirit. Yet he loved people, all he wanted was to make people happy. He found a way to make people happy by preaching about a God and a holy spirit. Then he realized that he couldn’t preach because he had nothing to preach for.

 

Casy’s philosophy on the human spirit is that humankind makes up a holy spirit. We are not born with it, and we do not go into the wilderness to find it. “I figgered about the Holy Sperit and the Jesus road. I figgered, ‘ Why do we got to hang it on God or Jesus? Maybe,’ I figgered, ‘ mayby it’s all men an’ all women we love; maybe that’s the Holy Sperit- the human sperit- the whole shebang. Maybe all men got one big soul ever’body’s a part of.” Casy believes everyone has a human spirit that grows and forms through our actions. Our experiences and love form the Holy Spirit in all human beings.

 

Steinbeck uses Jim Casy to express his beliefs. One of those beliefs is unity. Unity is the strongest message in the Grapes of Wrath because it develops throughout the book. At the beginning of the novel, Steinbeck starts with a description of the dust bowl. Then he moves towards the banks taking people of the land. Migrant farmers from all over the places of the country move west in hope of finding jobs, a place to live and something to eat. They all have similar stories and throughout the novel we see the unity of these farmers. They camp together, cook together past time by telling stories. All they have is one another. The Joads help the Wilsons, so hopefully together they make it to California.

Semester TWO, Blog #12

What were "public works projects"? What famous ones were part of the New Deal? What public works projects would you recommend for our society today?

Public Works Projects are government projects created to support families struggling with the Great Depression. These groups were part of FDR's New Deal. Between November 1933 and March 1933, the administration ran the Civil Works Administration, this put 4 million people to work. When it ended, many people were transferred back to the FERA work relief jobs. There were also Public Buildings Administration (PBA) and the Public Roads Administration (PRA) who gave money to states to build roads and federal buildings. It created more jobs for Americas with good wages until they shut down. I would recommend these groups to become active today. Many people might be able to find jobs by building a new system. 

Semester TWO, HONORS Novel Blog #1

John Steinbeck has a great, long background of liberalism. Most, if not all of his novels carry messages of political and social issues. In Cannery Row, a novel based on people living in a small neighborhood during the Great Depression, Steinbeck includes perhaps one of the most important social issues, generosity.

The characters in Cannery Row bring their own perspective; some characters are based on people Steinbeck knew. Doc, the main character, is a passionate marine biologist, based on Steinbeck’s friend, Ed Ricketts, a well recognized marine biologist.

Doc always seems lonely, yet he is loved by everyone. He owns the Western Biological Laboratory which allows him to isolate from people. Doc shows generosity by being like a second father to Dora’s girls. He also takes in Frankie, a mentally handicapped boy, even though Frankie has trouble doing almost any work, Doc takes care of him without wanting anything back in exchange.

Throughout the book, Doc realizes that he is a huge part of Cannery Row, and he has to serve for others. Yet he never fully opens up to other characters. Here, Steinbeck brings the idea that we all have a reason for being. A society is made by people who are willing to give, without expecting something back.

Lee Chong is a store owner, he allows his clients to have debts and he believes in a free market, he is a capitalist. Yet Chong knows that he needs to build a loyal relation with his customers to prevent them from going to out to Monterey to buy supplies. Times were hard, for workers and merchants, which meant a man had to do, anything to survive. Although that meant frauds could happen easily, the people in Cannery Row were still people and united. Lee Chong shows generosity when accepting almost any transaction with his costumers in exchange for supplies. He lends Mac and the boys a fish-meal shack to live in, knowing that inevitably they will never pay for the service. 

The characters in Cannery Row have an awakening moment at some point in the book. Dora Flood is a business woman with a great spirit, operates a whorehouse, but she has morals. She doesn’t allow hard liquor or vulgar words in her property and has a fair price for services. During the great Depression, she paid bills for many families. She also helped during the influenza outbreak. Despite the fact that she is very successful, she becomes a philanthropist. Her business is in danger of being shut down, so she makes more of an effort to help out in Cannery Row.

History does repeat it self, and issues haven’t been changed. They have been tailored to fit in today’s society. Characters from Cannery Row can be compared to people today; they will have most of the same dilemmas and different plans of action. Steinbeck tries to settle his ideas by using America’s toughest times and explaining through novels his ideas on issues. In Cannery Row, generosity was always among the actions many of these characters made. Just like the characters in Cannery Row, we have to find our strength in rough times, and change our superficial views to better our community.

Semester TWO, Blog #11

Dear Mr. Obama,

It is due to unfortunate events that I write to you with an urgent matter. I need you to address many points which have been forgotten.

Our youth has lost faith in your words. They no longer believe education is one of your priorities. Our great former President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, made drastic changes to our system, he took action within few months after taking office. Mainly because he threaten Congress. Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “I cannot go any faster than the people will let me,” I advice you to do the same. Our People are becoming outrage at the long process the Medicare Bill is taking to pass Congress, yet they don't get the blame, you do. So threaten Congress, set a conference were you demand them to pass your laws and bills. Set your standards because the people have set their own.

You have betrayed your word by sending more troops to Iraq, instead of bringing them home. The war is pointless. Waste no more money on War but on education. On March 4th, thousands of students walked-out of class in a nationwide rally protesting against budget cuts in the education system. Students protested against tuition increase in many state Universities. They want to be able to continue their education without having to make huge sacrifices. Many young students voted for you because you promised them better education and a wiser system, but you have betrayed them. Make time to save money and fund our education system. Books not Bombs.

America was founded by immigrants. We've heard this many times. It is never to be forgotten that everyone, except for Native Americans have immigrated from other countries. We have built a great nation that is worth every drop of sweat. We cannot fall after many years of greatness, not when we have made history. It is time to win our people back, to show them that you havent forgotten your roots, that you havent forgotten the struggle. Workers are a great part of this Nation, they want their voice to count. President Roosevelt created many worker organizations, I advice you to show support to these organizations, do not allow your governors to cut bugets from schools or government agencies.

Stay strong, you will win back your followers. Keep your promise, do not be afraid of Wall Street, do not be afraid of change. Mr. President, please consider this humble advice. I know you will make a change.

Semester TWO, Blog #10

Do you believe that the Grapes of Wrath successfully establishes sympathy for the plight of Dust Bowl farmers? Why or why not?

Sympathy is such a weak word. It simply means that it demonstrate a feeling that never carries actions. The Grapes of Wrath describes a feeling of sorrow and inspiration. Chapter 14 captured my attention, it was the only chapter were I completely fell in love with John Steinbeck. The Dust Bowl is a mere attempt to provoke sorrow for readers. All my teammates hate the book, because it never completely carries it's message right trough. So does Grapes of Wrath successfully establishes sympathy for the plight of Dust Bowl? NO! It never even gets close. The only feeling it has provoke, or trigger is frustration. The book is full of ideas that need to be understood. It is an American Literature because it carries history and peoples story, but he needs to make it simple and easy to get the point across. I love the book, it is very interesting, but it will never be attracted to students because it never successfully establishes a relation with the reader.

Semester TWO, Blog #9

Reflection on Freedom and Structure

My first idea for ampersand was to write about twitter and online social life. During my internship I neglected my online social life, specially Twitter. I missed many important tweets, John Mayer had a traumatizing story during a show. Craig Owens spent his afternoon playing basketball in UCSD. All these things and more i missed because i was too busy tutoring kids. So my initial idea was to write about how much i missed twitter. I was also tempted many times when i saw a teachers laptop open to a twitter account. I wanted to take the computer and sign in.

The structures for Ampersand are basically writing rules. it is a bit difficult because we are supposed to write about school, work and life. Yet we can write fully about internship, and we have to make a connection to it. It is a bit confusing, but i have followed some techniques and structures. I have set up seed ideas with big ideas, school ideas and questions i will answer in my writing.

Semester TWO, HONORS History Blog #1

Dear Mr. Obama,

It is due to unfortunate events that I write to you with an urgent matter. I need you to address many points which have seem forgotten.

Our youth has lost faith in your words. They no longer believe education is one of your priorities. Our great former President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, made drastic changes to our system, he took action within the few months after taking office. Mainly because he threaten Congress. Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “I cannot go any faster than the people will let me,” I advice you to do the same. Our People are becoming outrage at the long process the Medicare Bill is taking to pass Congress, yet they don't get the blame, you do. So threaten Congress, set a conference were you demand them to pass your laws and bills. Set your standards because the people have set their own.

You have betrayed your word by sending more troops to Iraq, instead of bringing them home. The war is pointless. Waste no more money on War but on education. Rallies have been set up for March 4th, a nationwide rally protesting against budget cuts in our system. Students protesting against tuition increase in many state Universities. They want to be able to continue their education without having to make huge sacrifices. Many young students voted for you because you promised them better education and a wiser system, but you have done them wrong. Make time, save money to fund our education system. Books not Bombs.

America was founded by immigrants. We've heard this many times. It is never to be forgotten that everyone, except for Native Americans have immigrated from other countries. We have built a great nation that is worth every drop of sweat. We cannot fall after many years of greatness, not when we have made history. It is time to win our people back, to show them that you havent forgotten your roots, that you havent forgotten the struggle. Workers are a great part of this Nation, they want their voice to count. President Roosevelt created many worker organizations, I advice you to show support to these organizations, do not allow your governors to cut bugets fro schools or government agencies.

Stay strong, you will recover you followers. Keep your promise, do not be afraid of Wall Street, do not be afraid of change. Mr. President consider this humble advice, I know you will make a change.



Citations:

"The Political Scene: The New Liberalism : The New Yorker." The New Yorker. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Mar. 2010. .

"The Test : The New Yorker." The New Yorker. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Mar. 2010.

GREENBERG, DAVID. "Book Review - Books About F.D.R. - Review - NYTimes.com." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Mar. 2010. .

Semester TWO, Blog #8

Compare and contrast Barack Obama and Franklin Delano Roosevelt as presidents. Be sure to cover topics such as their responses to the economy, their interactions with the American public and their relationships with other elements of the US government (feel free to write about more, too!).
Your writing should come in the form of an editorial in which you take a side—you cannot write "as you can see they are similar and different!"
Your writing should also feature direct primary-source evidence from speeches and/or writings by both BHO & FDR.

NOTE: This blog is important...if you choose not to do it, you might find yourself less prepared for the quiz on Friday.

Semester TWO, Blog #7

Predict how companies or industries similar to the one that you worked at during internship would have fared during the Great Depression. Would your company have thrived or sunk? Why?

KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy is a charter middle school. The demographics are Hispanic, Latino, African-American a minority of Asian. If the school existed through the Great Depression, it might have sunk. The students' parents would have lost their jobs

Semester TWO, Blog #6

Choose one character from The Grapes of Wrath and list four important quotes said by or written by this character. Explain what you believe these quotes reveal about the character.

Jim Casy

"There's me with all them people's ever' time, I lay with one of them girls."

Casy was a preacher, that has since retired. He never believed he was destined to be a preacher, even though

Semester TWO, Blog #5

Media Saves the Beach

This is Dani Toscano's photo essay for Media Saves the Beach. I like this project a lot because she captures interesting objects in her images. All five pictures are well done and her writing carries a true significance of what the project was all about.

Inspiration At It’s Best

Thomas' American Icon's photo was one of my favorites. I love the angle and the perspective point in which he takes it. The sun is gleaming from under a house and the black and white effect makes it seem a burst of sun.

Media Saves the Beach

Shanna's Media Save the Beach drawing was incredible. Her point was clear and the humor was well put. She represented her ideas and the drawing captured your attention.

Photo Essay

 “All you have to do is make sure they practice, the eight graders will help them.” Ms. Luna. “They are having some trouble learning their concert songs and this will hopefully help. There is one cello, two violas and three violins. It won’t be too hard.” Mr. Duncan explained when he saw my worried expression. I am stuck with twelve students and they expect me not to worry.

They ran inside the room, threw their violins in the corner and sat down in the couches. The eight graders were right behind them, “They are going to be tough,” I said trying to stay calm. “Pick up your instruments and sit up straight,” I said with a strong voice, but the seventh graders looked at me with a puzzled face. One student in particular, his name was Alejandro; he looked at me with a daring look.

“Kimbuley, get out your viola,” Mayra said with a subtle voice. I stood behind them to make sure they are playing the correct notes. Kimbuley, another rebellious seventh grader, was a hassle; she will never obey instructions the first time. Yet it’s a matter of giving her some time to adjust to your company. “Why are you here, you don’t even play the viola,” Kim aggressively said when she saw me behind her. “It’s actually easy to play any instrument; you just need to read the music.” I told her coming around her. “Oh yeah, show me.” I didn’t react at first, then Mayra gave me her viola, I was confident because I had previously played the viola. After I demonstrated Kim my viola skills, she sat down next to me and we started playing together.

Iveth, an eight grader, knows how to handle difficult situations. Even though Alejandro was not cooperating, she never gave up on him. “Alejandro, come back and sit down!” she roared at him when he got up. He sat down, grabbed the violin and started playing. It was horrible; he played the wrong notes and bowed too hard on the strings. But slowly, Iveth helped him develop his skills. Within the first week he learned a two-minute s ong, but he had five more to go.

“There are only a few days left until they play at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, and these students are not ready.” Mr. Duncan said walking around the room. The students were working hard; I had never seen them so focused on their playing. They were finally in sync and their rhythm was flawless.

On the day of the concert they were calm. They followed directions and stayed quiet while Ms. Luna made her opening speech. You couldn’t tell they were nervous until they were called. Slowly the students got up and walked towards the stage, they walked with their heads down. They got their bows and waited for Mr. Duncan’s signal. When the first violin started bowing, the numbed sound echoed trough the Pavilion.  

Photo Essay

“All you have to do is make sure they practice, the eight graders will help them.” Ms. Luna. “They are having some trouble learning their concert songs and this will hopefully help. There is one cello, two violas and three violins. It won’t be too hard.” Mr. Duncan explained when he saw my worried expression. I am stuck with twelve students and thye expect me not to worry.

They ran inside the room, threw their violins in the corner and sat down in the couches. The eight graders were right behind them, “They are going to be tough,” I said trying to stay calm. “Pick up your instruments and sit up straight,” I said with a strong voice, but the seventh graders looked at me with a puzzled face. One student in particular, his name was Alejandro; he looked at me with a daring look.

“Kimbuley, get out your viola,” Mayra said with a subtle voice. I stood behind them to make sure they are playing the correct notes. Kimbuley, another rebellious seventh grader, was a hassle; she will never obey instructions the first time. Yet it’s a matter of giving her some time to adjust to your company. “Why are you here, you don’t even play the viola,” Kim aggressively said when she saw me behind her. “It’s actually easy to play any instrument; you just need to read the music.” I told her coming around her. “Oh yeah, show me.” I didn’t react at first, then Mayra gave me her viola, I was confident because I had previously played the viola. After I demonstrated Kim my viola skills, she sat down next to me and we started playing together.

Iveth, an eight grader, knows how to handle difficult situations. Even though Alejandro was not cooperating, she never gave up on him. “Alejandro, come back and sit down!” she roared at him when he got up. He sat down, grabbed the violin and started playing. It was horrible; he played the wrong notes and bowed too hard on the strings. But slowly, Iveth helped him develop his skills. Within the first week he learned a two-minute song, but he had five more to go.

“There are only a few days left until they play at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, and these students are not ready.” Mr. Duncan said walking around the room.