How does Outliers connect to MY life?

We all like reading fiction books and fantasy with exotic characters and extreme plots, but reading a non-fiction book like Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell really enables you to be able to make connections. It’s interesting to read his arguments and the points he makes and apply them to the world around me. I can also relate Malcolm Gladwell’s topics to my own life and experiences and it makes reading the book that much more enjoyable.

 I can agree with Malcolm Gladwell's concept of 10,000 hours. I think that people, who find something that they love doing, and are willing to do for 10,000 hours, are lucky. Having a passion like that is exactly what can lead to success. I have a passion for soccer but I know that I probably won’t be able to reach 10,000 hours by the time my career is over. I have been playing soccer since I was 5 and each year becomes a little more intense. More practices, more games, more tournaments, all increasing the amount of time I am playing soccer. Let’s say as an estimate that I play an average of 5 hours of soccer a week for 10 months out of the year. That’s 200 hours a year. If I started at age 5 and end at age 22 then I will have played about 3,400 hours of soccer. Not even close to 10,000.  To become a professional soccer player is extremely hard work and dedication. I know how hard it is to get there and 10,000 hours of soccer is a lot of soccer. Professionals have those hours. They are the people who sleep with a soccer ball under their pillow, who play day and night, always outside practicing when they aren't with their team and are playing soccer 7 days a week. These are the players that succeed, the players that make it to the professionals. Malcolm is exactly right when he says that the people who work hard to get to 10,000 hours are the people that become exceptional. “And what’s more, the people at the very top don’t work just harder or even much harder than everyone else. They work much, much harder.” (39) They become the outliers. Not simply by ability. If soccer players could make it to the professionals just by pure talent then a lot of people could get there easily. But no, they make it by hard work for 10,000 hours. “Practice isn’t the thing you do once you’re good. It’s the thing you do that makes you good.” (42)

Another good point Malcolm Gladwell makes is how during the summer kids who come from poorer families are at a disadvantage. During summer their parents don’t have the money to send them off to summer camps or buy them books to read or keep them engaged in some sort of educational work. I come from a family where I have access to these types of activities during summer. I stay active by going to soccer camps, my parents make sure I read plenty of books throughout the entire vacation, my grandmother takes me to museums and plays, and if we go on vacations we visit historical sites. So during summer I’m still very well engaged in reading and learning. Kids who aren’t as lucky don’t go to summer camps and don’t have parents who can buy them new books to read. “The poorest kids come back from the holidays and their reading scores have dropped almost 4 points.  Poor kids may out-learn rich kids but during the school year. But during the summer, they fall far behind.” (258) They are at a huge disadvantage by the time September rolls around and we’re all back at school. When I come back I have read at least 10 books and someone else who isn’t very wealthy might’ve not even touched a book since June! “When it comes to reading skills, poor kids learn nothing when school is not in session.” (258)  I can clearly agree with Gladwell’s argument because I can tell how I would have an advantage over other students.

The last point he makes, that I can really apply my life to, is the Power Distance Index. Everyday I can see how this affects people because it occurs in my school. I can tell there is a huge difference between the people who are considered “popular” and people who aren’t considered popular. I’m in the class advisory and I know that someone who didn’t consider them self to be popular wouldn’t run for class president. Kids who know they are liked by much of the student body will run for president because they know that other people will vote for them. Students who know they aren’t as popular won’t try to fit in with popular people. They will do things like sit in the front of the bus and let the “cool kids” sit in the back. A lot of popular people tend to sit in the new cafeteria. The “un-cool kids” know this so most of them tend to sit in the large cafeteria. (This isn’t exactly true but for the most part this is how it goes.) The less popular kids wouldn’t dare try and take a table from the popular kids; it just doesn’t work like that. It isn’t that popular kids are mean or make fun of the less popular kids. Everyone goes about minding their own business and hangs out in their own groups but it is apparent that, for the most part, the kids considered unpopular or un-cool respect the popular people. This is very similar to how Malcolm Gladwell explains Power Distance Index. “Power distance is concerned with attitudes toward hierarchy, specifically with how much a particular culture values and respects authority.” (204-205) The reason the less popular kids respect the popular people is because they want to be like them or at least be as liked by their peers as the popular people are.

It is clear that there are many concepts in Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers that can be applied to my life. He creates a story that is engaging because there are many points he makes that I would’ve never even considered. After reading the book I realize how accurate his arguments are and how closely they relate to my everyday life. The book goes much deeper than just a simple answer but he found facts and evidence to support his conclusions which he researched thoroughly. Malcolm Gladwell’s story of Outliers is an exceptional piece on non-fiction that, not just me, but anyone can connect to.

Ugly Poetry Prompt

Hatred

One of the most ugly things a person can hold.
A grudge,
unforgiveness.
Not letting go of the past
will get you no where in the future.
Hatred, such an ugly word.
Disgust,
envy,
loathe,
anger,
violence all just as ugly.
There is no beauty found in hatred,
not hiding behind the shadows
or lurking in any corners.
It is simply lost.
Lost behind the walls built up
of hatred.
For beauty to poke its way through
we need to tear down these giant walls
of ugly hatred.

Microfiction: The sound of breaking glass stopped her.

          The sound of breaking glass stopped her. Brooke dropped the tv remote and froze. What was that? she thought frightened. Her parents weren't suppose to be home when she got back from practice. She was about to call them when she realized both of their cars were gone so they couldn't be home. Immediately she realized someone was in her house. Her heart beat sped up and she started shaking not knowing what to do but then decided to call 911 right away. She turned and quickly tiptoed to the kitchen. She turned the corner and screamed.
         "Don't move" said the man dressed in all black. He had a face mask on so she couldn't see what he looked like. his voice was deep and he had a thick accent she couldn't recognize. When he pulled out a gun her heart dropped. He pointed it at her and she thought her life was going to be over. She stood there trembling with fear. For some reason he decided against shooting her and began to keep looking for anything that was valuable. Brooke remained where she was, glued to the floor. She only slightly twitched when his phone rang. He answered and began fighting with the person in a different language. When he was distracted Brooke saw it as her only opportunity. She grabbed her father's butcher knife that was sitting on the counter and threw it as hard as she possibly could. She didn't even look to see where it had hit him because she was already sprinting out of the house when she heard him scream.
          She was barging through her neighbors door less then 20 seconds later. Mrs.Sage was extremely worried when she saw the look on Brooke's pale, firghtened face. Brooke explained what had happened between sobs and Mrs.Sage called the police. The rest of the night was a blur. Brooke felt better when her parents came home but wasn't completely relieved until she overheard the police man say
"You don't have to worry, he's dead."

TU Tuesday - Editorial

http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/Editorial-A-smarter-way-on-contraception-2398578.php

       The speaker gives facts while also still including their opinion into the writing smoothly. "The Obama administration faced an admittedly difficult decision when it refused to allow the so-called morning-after pill to be sold to girls 16 and under without a prescription. It's not too late, though, to revisit this issue and do it right." The author stated the facts and said that they didn't think this was the right way to handle it. The author includes and clearly states both sides of the story but leans toward the side of allowing teenage girls to have access to this drug... "Surely there are ways to make obtaining this drug — which must be taken within three days after intercourse to have a reasonable chance of being effective — less onerous for adolescents, without taking adults, including parents, out of the picture."
        The author reasons why a girl would need to take a morning-after pill and it is clear that she thinks it should be allowed when she says "it's not unreasonable to wonder whether a child wants to buy this drug after a rape that she is too afraid to report, or does not feel she can talk to her parents." The author is siding with young girls and thinking of possibilites other than just having sex at a young age. She backs up her opinion by saying "The FDA had concluded that the drug is safe, that girls under 17 can understand the product is not for routine use and that they could use it properly without the involvement of a health care provider."
        The author states that she thinks the parents are responsible for whether their kids know about having safe sex. "Where is the counseling on responsible sex? Where is the parent? Where is there at least another adult, if only to ask a few simple questions: Do you know about safe sex? Do you know that there are various options for birth control? Is everything else OK?" She isn't worried about offending anyone. It's easy to tell that she thinks girls should have access to this drug because their reasons for taking it could be that their parents aren't teaching them safe sex or the possibility they were raped.
         Throughout the editorial we know what the author believes, but in the end she doesn't state what she thinks the Obama administration should do in the situation, just that there is a better decision. "Somewhere in those two goals is an intelligent, compassionate solution. The Obama administration would do justice to all sides by finding it." I think the author backed up her opinion well.

My T-Shirt Vote

  chocolate-chip cookies

Creative Contest I Blog

H=Husky

http://www.pluspets.com/dogs/dog-breeds/husky.aspx
Breed Description - "Alaskan and Siberian husky puppies maintain many characteristics of their wolf ancestry, though they fortunately lack the wild and unpredictable disposition of wolf crossbreeds. Both puppies and adult dogs tend to wail and howl rather than bark and will usually protest with caterwauling cries if forced to do something against their will. However, they're excellent companions, they're good with children and make suitable family pets."
Appearance/Size - "Both the Siberian husky and the Alaskan husky are about the same size as a Labrador retriever, reaching a height of 21 to 24 inches in adulthood. Full-grown, healthy male husky dogs weigh 45 to 60 pounds. The fur of a husky is double-layered. Its undercoat is thick, while its topcoat is straight and fine. Their eyes can range in color from light (blue) to dark (brown), and it's not unusual for a husky to have two different-colored eyes or single eyes of mixed color. Their ears are small and triangular in shape. Husky dogs have bushy, sickle-shaped tails."
 Diet - "Considering their energetic nature, these dogs need a high-protein, high-calorie diet. Don't leave husky dogs unsupervised in the kitchen or anywhere else food is kept because they'll often steal it."

Temperament -  "Husky dogs tend to fare poorly in obedience competitions because they grow bored of repetitive tasks fairly easily. They're strong-willed and intelligent, and it takes patience and commitment to train a husky puppy properly. Professional guidance is recommended."

Shedding -"Brush or comb the hair of a husky dog once or twice daily to remove dead strands. This breed is hairy and sheds profusely in spring. It helps to bathe the dog during shedding season to expedite removal of hair tufts."

Health/Allergies/Vaccines-"Cornea problems, ulcers and thyroid deficiencies rank among the most common problems husky dogs face. They also wander by nature, which makes them prone to accidents. Needs canine vaccinations. "

Creativity Breeds Creativity

building05.jpg

 

Spiral Poetry Prompt

Spiral Staircase

Never ending rows of steps
I can barely see the top.
One circle after another
It looks like a twisted ladder
that never ends.
I start to climb,
round and round I go
everything around me spinning
twirling
swirling
Feels like I'm running in circles
and going nowhere.
But I keep climbing,
Not thinking about anything
except one step after another
turning and turning
again and again
until finally
I reach the top
of the never ending staircase.

TU Tuesday Guest Speaker

        Today when Paul Grondahl came to class I thought he was a very good public speaker. Right away he looked very poised and comfortable talking in front of our class. He didn't seem nervous at all or intimidated by us and he was very calm and controlled. I could tell because he greeted us with a warm smile and asked how everyone was doing. Throughout his presentation he was comfortble talking, but also wanted to get our opinions and questions as well and wasn't afraid to disagree with anyone's comment. He connected with the audience by making direct eye contact with the person who had asked him a question or made a comment so it was more sincere.
       I thought Paul was very clear with what he was trying to say. He didn't beat around the bush he stated his opinions clearly, not trying to make us think one way or another, but just what he thought. He made his opinon even more clear when he repeated things, like when he said to be a great writer you have to read great writing. He didn't say things like "um" or hesitate a lot and spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. No one asked him to speak up and people from the back of the room were participating too so everyone was able to hear him. I was never confused and his presentation was easy to follow along with.
       Paul talked about important topics and they were also topics I could relate to. He really caught my attention when he said that being different is important and that as you get older you don't want to be just like everyone else you want to be your own person. I thought that was inspiring because I realize how alike so many people in our school are, including my friends and I, and that it's okay to stand out and be different. He related the topics he was talking about to things in his life to provide details. He gave good advice, like when he said if you want to write a book you have to start with something small first. You have to be able to write an article or a short story before you can write a whole book.
        Throughout the speech he was well organized. He didn't jump around a lot, he would answer a question without getting off topic. He started off by introducing what he does and what he has accomplished and ended by telling us what insipres him and leaving us with good advice about what he thinks you should do to be a writer. He talked about many different things like what it's like to be a journalist, places he has gone and things he has seen, books, other writings and much more but he never talked about it all at once.
        I think the class interacted well with him as a whole. I asked him what was the most interesting thing he has written about because after reading his articles I was interested in the topics he was writing. Everyone seemed interested in what he was saying and I didn't think anyone was tuning him out. There was never a time where there was a long silence because people kept asking questions and making comments to what he was saying and we kept the conversation with Paul going throughout the whole class. Some people asked him a question and wanted to keep talking with him after he answered because they were engaged in what he was saying. I think next year students would enjoy talking with Paul because he is a good public speaker and he made the presentation interesting. I also think students might enjoy an author to come in and talk about books they have written and how they wrote it and why. This might get them interested in the book hearing from the author.

TU Tuesday

“Poppy’s Story” (http://web.timesunion.com/specialreports/poppy/) 

What is going to happen to Poppy and will he be able to get his life back on track?

How does he manage to survive like he does with almost nothing for clothes, money and food?

I think this article really made me appreciate what I have. I never take the time to think about how lucky I am to have a home, a family who loves me, food and clothes. There are people out there just like Poppy who have nothing at all except for their will and maybe a friend.

I thought it was a good story by the author because he wrote about someone who you wouldn't look twice at passing the street. Someone who people are probably afraid of. The author showed that Poppy is no different except that he struggles from addiction. He has a heart just like anyone else and all he really wants is to get his life back on track but it is just too hard for him.

His profile of Andy Rooney from 2001 (http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/The-consummate-curmudgeon-at-his-summer-house-2237375.php)

What made Rooney firststart writing?

What are his favorite topics to write about and why?

After reading Poppy's story I didn't think Rooney's story was as heart-warming. Readong Poppy's story really touched me and I didn't get that sense as much reading Rooney's story. I did think it was a good story I just wish there was more depth to it.

I wish the author had given more backround information about Rooney and his childhood and family. I would've liked to get a better sense of who he is and why he  likes to write and make things with wood.

The feature story on the woman cut in half, hemicorporectomy patient Tammy “Angel” Reed (http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Despite-operation-to-cut-her-in-half-Angel-2227298.php)

Will Angel eventually be able to leave the house and do a lot of things people do everyday?

Can the doctors build on this surgery and be able to increase the chance of survival for future halfectomy's?

I couldn't imagine being in Angel's position and finding out I only had 18 months to live or to have surgery with a 1 in 4 chance of surviving. It would be so scary and I think she has a great attitude towards all of this. She doesn't pout because her life is hard, she makes jokes and tries to laugh about it as much as she can.

I think it shows a lot about Angel's personality that her kids help her with so much and her husband will stay with her no matter what. It means that they care about who is she and not what she looks like. They want to be there for her and help her because she is sturggling with so much.

Thankful Four

 

Opinion Prompt #1

Only a select few are born to be a cheerleader.

I don't think anyone is born to be a cheeleader. I think cheerleading is the same as any other sport, it's up to you if you want to do it or not. It's not up for anyone else to decide whether you should be a cheerleader or whether you shouldn't be a cheerleader. You don't have to be super skinny or extremely pretty and popular to be a cheerleader. I don't understand why people think being a cheerleader is so special or "cool". It's not any different from any other sport people do and I think it's very steryotypical that all cheerleaders are the most popular girls in school. Also that every girl wants to be a cheerleader. Some of my friends are cheerleaders and I support them for doing it, but I would never even consider being a cheerleader myself. Everyone likes to do different things and different sports. We're all different, even cheerleaders are different from eachother. They aren't all one big clique who runs the school like in the movies. They are each just girls doing a sport they like. Anyone can be a cheerleader if they really want to.

I Want to Write About #87

87. Write about when you broke a bone.

When I was younger I used to play softball. I was on the rec team during the spring and the travel team during the summer. I liked hanging out with my friends and I enjoyed playing softball but it was never really my favorite sport. I also had a lot of bad luck with softball becuase I always managed to get hurt somehow. Usually it was just a bruise or a burn from sliding, until one practice when I broke a bone for my first time in my life, and the only time in my life.

I had just gotten to practice and my friend Amanda and I were just warming up, throwing the ball to each other to loosen up. It was the first practice of the spring rec season in 4th grade. The sun was getting lower in the sky and I was looking right into it. When Amanda threw the ball to me I saw it but as I lost sight of it in the sun for just a split second, BAM! I felt a shooting pain right between my eyes as if I just got hit by a brick. I look down and there was blood all over my glove. The coaches and my dad rush over with tissues and I barely know what is happening. They bring me to the dugout as my nose just keeps gushing blood. Everyone is thrusting tissues at me. I can hear Amanda apologizing and my dad trying to make sure I'm okay.

He takes me home and my nose eventually stops bleeding. I go to the doctors that night and get x-rays to find out my nose is broken. I had no clue how they could fix a broken nose, I had never even broken or fractured a bone before. They said I'd be okay I would just have to get the bone fixed through a short procedure and wear a strap over my nose for a week or so. I was very nervous getting the operation because I had never been in a situation like this before. After they gave me the IV all I remember was the doctor telling me to count down from 10 but I think I only made it to 7 before I passed out.

When I woke up I felt dazed and confused and my nose was really sore. It wasn't as bad as I expected though and I was able to go home shortly after. I rested for a day or so and I wasn't happy about wearing a bandage on my face but I only had to for a week. When I look back on it, the whole thing wasn't that scary and I never even cried. It was the first (and hopefully last) time I broke a bone.

Magnetic Poetry

      

G=Greece

I think it would be so amazing to experience Greece. We are learning about Greece in global right now and to go there and be able to see all the ancient Greek structures would be incrdible! These are some of the things I'd do if I went there...
http://www.visitgreece.gr/portal/site/eot/

1. Visit the suburbs of Athens Riviera. "Take the opportunity to swim, relax at a waterfront café, walk along the picture-perfect pedestrian streets and the marinas, exercise your favourite water sport, shop in one of the area’s modern shopping centres, dine by the sea or entertain yourself in one of the coastal avenue’s buzzing clubs –the young people’s favourite choice– that have actually brought a touch of Mykonos in town!"

2. Rock climbing on Kalymnos. "Kalymnos, a small island located in southeastern Dodecanese archipelago, offers rock climbing and bouldering during the whole year. Especially on September, you can enjoy pleasant climbing temperatures in combination with warm water for swimming."

3. Go to the Butterfly Valley in Rhodes. "Visitors can witness a spectacular phenomenon which occurs only rarely in nature. Huge numbers of butterflies congregate in this small valley during the final stage of their life cycle. Apart from its aesthetic value, it is also the site of the only natural forest of Liquidambar orientalis (Oriental Sweetgum trees) in Europe, and a resting point for the Jersey tiger (Panaxia Quadripunctaria), a nocturnal moth."

4. Go Shopping in Kolonaki. "Some of the most modern boutiques in town known for products such as haut couture clothes of Greek and foreign designers, shoes and leather apparels, accessories, toys, antique furniture, jewels, items for the house etc are situated here. In Voukourestiou Str. and other streets around Syntagma Square you will find Greek jewelers of worldwide reputation, book stores that expertise in foreign publication, as well as remarkable galleries which host art works of Greek painters and sculptures."

5. Spend a day at Kato Samiko Beach. "The best hidden gem of the western Peloponnese is just a car ride away-the tropical beach lying below the tiny village of Kato Samiko. The beach is vast, the sand is gorden and palm-frond wood umbrellas offer a welcoming respite from the sun. Unlike with many Greek beaches, no one comes to make you pay just for the privilege of lying beneath them. Apart from sunbathing, swimming, beach-volley, rackets, wind-surfing and other aquatic sports is a must for all visitors. During your bath you can also have a café on the sand, the frappe -the national drink, instant Nescafé whipped up with water and a sweet foamy head. After a day in the sea you can taste fresh fish (called psaria) with extra-virgin oil and vegetables, and enjoy your beers or ouzo!"

6. Scuba Diving in Syros. "On Syros there are several sites for scuba diving with scuba diving gear. There is a continual flow of tourists coming on two or three day diving escapades throughout the year. The island has plenty of sites and attractions to visit under the sea such as caves, shipwrecks, coral reefs and other. In this way many alternative choices for exploration are made possible."

7. Trekking in Valia Calda. "Valia Calda means "warm valley". Let's hike this trail, and explore it!

Set out on a fascinating journey to Valia Calda National Park, one of the most attractive trekking destinations in Europe! Admire the high, impressive mountain ranges, the forested slopes and the stunning natural landscape unfolding before your eyes. Meet the challenge to explore the mysteries of nature, and let your adrenaline rush. Hit amazing trails in a truly unspoiled paradise that will definitely heighten your senses."

Love is blind

        Love is blind.  To love someone doesn't mean to love what they look like.  If you really do love someone you shouldn't care how pretty they are.  I think some people care too much about what they look like and how they dress because they think thats all anyone else cares about.  But love shouldn't be about superficial things, you should love someone for the person that they are. 
        I don't think anyone could spend the rest of their life with someone who they are only attracted to because of looks.  I think there is such thing as "true love". Love is when you feel pure hapiness everytime you are with the person you love.  If you would do absolutely anything to be with that person, then I think that is true love.  Theres no certain sign or way to know that you're in love, you just know it in your heart.  Love is blind because you love someone for what they say and the things they do and how they make you laugh and smile and none of that has to do with looks. If you truly and honestly love someone for their personality, that love can last a lifetime.

Letter Poetry Prompt

A Letter You’ll Never See

A letter you’ll never See
Hidden behind the shadows
Not one glimpse
Not one peek
A letter you'll never see

A song you'll never hear
The rhythm and lyrics unknown
Not one beat
Not one tune
A song you'll never hear

An emotion you'll never feel
Only emptiness inside you
Not one tear
Not one smile
An emotion you'll never feel

If only you could see this letter,
and hear this song,
and feel this emotion,
We could understand each other.
If only I was brave enough,
To show you this letter
To sing you this song
To share this emotion
But no.
A letter you'll never see.

Halloween

Write a Halloween acrostic POEM using one of these words: ghost, monster, mummy, skeleton, vampire, witch.
Spooky Screams
Killer costumes
Excitement in the air
Leaves cover the ground
Eerie sounds
"Trick-or-Treat!"
October 31st
Nightmare

TU Tuesday

http://www.timesunion.com/business/article/Legal-cleanup-in-online-aisle-2234594.php#ixzz1bpmsaAde

 

marketing effort infringed on copyrighted trademarks

 

infringed: violate

 

advertising is still wild and woolly

 

woolly: lacking clarity or substance

 

"We think it's highly deceptive"

 

deceptive: misleading

 

luring throngs of curious shoppers

 

luring: attracts or allures

throngs: crowd

 

level of service and merchandise that's unmatched in the region

merchandise: goods

This article tells how Price Chopper is suing ShopRite for "marketing effort infringed on copyrighted trademarks." The words used here and throughout the article are used to make a more dramatic effect on the issue. "Infringed on copyrighted trademarks" creates an issue that sounds significant. The author makes the conflict more severe by saying things like "offering a level of service and merchandise that's unmatched in the region" and "luring throngs of curious shoppers" when talking about the compitition between stores. Figurative language makes the article more interesting as well when the author says "advertising is still wild and woolly" and this also stirrs the conflict more. The author adds quotes from members of the companies to show what each store has to say about the lawsuit. "We think it's highly deceptive" says Price Chopper spokeswoman Mona Golub.

 

 

Green Eggs and Ham

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0394800168?ie=UTF8&tag=top.100-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0394800168#reader_0394800168

I used to love reading Dr.Suess's books. Green Eggs and Ham was one of my favorites. His books really introduced me to rhyming words. I loved the way they sounded together just like a song and I had no idea it was possible in writing too. The pictures were always so colorful and vibrant I couldn't take my eyes off the page. The silly characters made me laugh and the books were always more fun to read with my mom or my dad. Some books I was able to memorize almost the whole thing because we would read them so much. When I was first learning to read Dr.Suess books were very helpful. I remember these the most out of all the books I read as a kid. One particular line I'll never forget is "I do not like green eggs and ham, I do not like them Sam I Am." The books were always silly, for example there are no green eggs, but thats what I liked about them. I remember having a whole stack of Dr.Suess books that I'd pick from to read before bed. Reading his books was a very memorable part of my childhood.

F=Fairfield University

5 Reasons Why I Would like Fairfield

1. Has 38 majors to choose from including the one I would be most interested in which is communication.

2. They are Division 1 for girls soccer and I plan on playing soccer in college.

3. "Fairfield's location puts numerous internship opportunities at students' fingertips and most take advantage of this during their junior or senior year."

4. "You will live in residence with other students who are enrolled in the same core classes. This will help you to make friends who share your passions and interests - and prepare you for the next step." I think this would be very helpful

5. Very nice campus.

3 Reasons Why I Wouldn't like Fairfield

1. "2,600 full-time undergraduate students living on campus in residence halls, townhouses, and an apartment complex" and I wouldn't like going to a smaller college.

2. The total resident student budget is $55,590.

3. It's only 3 hours away but I want to go somewhere further from home.

Vintage Photo

Children's Hospital

This picture is worth words to me because when I look at this I feel a sense of hapiness and someone caring for others. I see a tenderness in the woman taking care of the children and a motherly quality about her. The two girls are both injured and it makes me wonder what happened to them. Could it have been from child labor working in the factories? Or was it just an accident? The girls seem to be happy at this hospital with toys and games to play like a doll. The nurse seems kind to the children. This picture also makes me think about how a lot has changed over time, even the smallest things like wheelchairs, clothing hairstly, toys, games, buildings etc. Almost everything in this picture doesn't still exist today. It amazes me how much can change over a short period of time almost as if creating a whole new world. I also think that since the picture isn't in color it automatically makes you think it was taken a very, very long time ago even if it wasn't that long ago. I think without color you can imagine what colors might go where and how bright or dark they would be, creating your own picture in your mind.

Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad

"He was an inch, perhaps two, under six feet, powerfully built, and he advanced straight at me with a slight stoop of the shoulders, head forward, and a fixed from-under stare which made me think of a charging bull."
I had to think fast or else I would've been crushed so I quickly leapt out of the way right as he dashed by me. He was going so fast it took him a couple seconds to slow down and turn back around. This time I was ready. I bent my legs and held up my fists as he started to charge at me again. Just then Jeremy sprinted out from behind the wall and shoved me out of the way and we both went tumbling onto the floor.
"What on earth are you thinking Ben! We have to get out of here!" yelled Jeremy.
"I didn't know where you were!" I said as we ran down the staircase. "Did you get the evidence for the police?"
"Yes I have it all right here" he replied showing me a small brief case.
"Okay but how are we going to get out of the building with the guards there?"
"We will have to create a diversion. Go this way" he pointed to the right.
We ran down a long hallway and when we got to the end we could see the front of the building being guarded by 3 large men with dark sunglasses.
"There is no way we're getting by them without getting attacked" I said.
"I know but I have an idea. You are going to take the brief case so they think you have the evidence and run as fast as you can towards the other side of the building. Once you get far enough just hide in one of the rooms and lock the door. They won't be able to catch you."
"And what are you going to do"
"I'll take the actual evidence and run across the street and use the phone to call the police right away. When they come I will tell them where to find you"
"Okay be careful Jeremy"
"You too. Now go!"
I sprinted as fast as I could past the guards. As soon as they saw me they came running for me. I didn't look back once but I knew they were right behind me. I did as Jeremy had said and ran down the hall until I found an open door and ran inside and locked it. My heart was beating so fast I thought it would burst out of my chest. The only thing I could do now was wait. About 10 minutes later I heard police sirens. Finally I heard Jeremy and two police officers so I opened the door.
"Ben are you okay?" he asked.
"I'm fine. Is everything taken care of?"
"Yes" the police man answered. "We have the evidence. These men will be going to jail for a long, long time. You two really helped us out today. Have either of you considered joining the squad?"

"And thats how Jeremy and I became police officers" I said after I finished the story.

TU Tuesday BLOG

http://blog.timesunion.com/libbypost/come-out-come-out/697/

I think this blog was very inspiring because it was about coming out and it is being written by people going through this. I agree that nothing is wrong with being homosexual and that no one in the government or churches should be against people being gay.  “Ex-Gay Is OK!” was written on buttons which I think people shouldn't be allowed to wear. If being gay is the way they are and what makes them happy then no one should be able to tell them they can't be gay. Homosexuality has become a major issue. "Unfortunately, there are still LGBT teens who are taking their lives because of bullying..." It is so depressing that teens are committing suicide because they are being made fun of for who they are. No one should have to go through that. Being gay is a way of life and a choice made by that person and not for anyone else to make for them. "Coming Out is the single most powerful thing any lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person can do. Letting loved ones, friends, family and co-workers know that you are a LGBT person is important." I agree completely with this because it can be hard to be who you are if you don't have family or friends to support you and help you through it.

Haiku

Possibilities.

No promise of what will come,

endless and unknown.

TU Tuesday

UAlbany students protest tuition increases, budget cuts

Today at the University of Albany many students left their classes to protest tuition increases and budget cuts.  The students were chanting and yelling because they want the building president, George Philip, to give back some of his salary to help decrease tuition prices.  They said "let us in, we paid for this building" to really show the school board that it was unfair to increase tuition and cut down the Tuition Assistance Program for the students who need the most help.  The total budget cuts were "$300 million in state budget cuts to the State University of New York, $300 annual tuition increase and $31 million trimming of the Tuition Assistance Program." 

The students at UAlbany were not the only ones participating in the protest.  They were part of a statewide protest which was organized by Save Our SUNY.  This group has opposed budget cuts and the raising of teacher and administrative salaries.  Last year the school announced that they were cutting majors to save money.  I think this is very unfair to the students because if their major was one of the ones that was cut what are they suppose to do?  Their choices will be limited and they could have to switch majors or even schools.  I know I would be upset if my highschool were to cut the club that I was in.  It isnt fair for students especially if the money is going to administators when it could be put to better use for the students and the school.  One of the students said "It means they won't listen to us, it means they won't listen to our demands," which really shows how upset these students are.  The president finally agreed to meet with them in private and had an hour-long discussion.

1. What did the president and the students agree on?
2. Would the school board consider cutting the administartive salaries to put back majors?
3. Will protests continue?
4. Will many people have to drop out of school because they cant pay tuition?
5. What will students do if their major is cut?

Opinion Prompt 8 - Skinny models are setting a bad example for teenagers.

Models are everywhere.  In magazines, newspapers, movies, on tv, poesters etc.  Teenage girls see these stunning, stick-thin, long-legged models everyday.  Looking at these "perfect" women makes teenagers think thats what you have to look like to be pretty.  Girls want to look just like the movie stars and actors they look up to but they don't realize being super skinny doesn't mean you're beautiful and to be beautiful you don't have to be that thin.  I think there should be more plus sized models because there are so many girls that look amazing even though they aren't a size 0.  Everyone has a different body shape and not everyone's body is super skinny but that doesn't make any of them any less gorgeous. 

Poetry Prompt - Write about a color without mentioning the actual color (only shades of it) in the body of the poem, Title: Blue

Blue

I watch the aqua waves of the ocean
as they hit the sand over and over.
I look far out to the horizon
where the deep water and clear sky meet,
and are blended together with sapphire.
The endless periwinkle sky is all around me.
I feel calm as i lay down and look
at this indigo picture painted so smoothly.
A cool breeze brushes over me.
I'm so relaxed I could fall alseep
to the sound of the waves
as they hit the sand over and over.

# 108 List 10 Things You Do Whenever You Procrastinate

1. Play doodle jump on my phone
2. Text people
3. Check Twitter/Facebook
4. Go look in the kitchen for food
5. Listen to music and sing along
6. Have pointless conversations with my family
7. Braid my hair or my sisters hair
8. Get something to drink
9. Sharpen all my pencils
10. Watch T.V.

Web Gallery of Art

ARCIMBOLDO, GiuseppeScenes from the Life of St Catherine of Alexandria
1549
Stained glass window
Cathedral, Milan

I find stained glass windows to be such wonderful works of art. They are always so beautiful on the churches. Europe has many famous churches with these windows. Going to Europe to see all the magnificent churches and monuments is a dream of mine. I've always wanted to visit all the wonderful sites like the Sacre Coeur and Eiffel Tower in France, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Roman Colosseum in Italy, all the ancient buildings in Greece and so much more. One day, maybe when I'm retired, I would love to travel to all these countries in Europe including Germany, Austria, Spain and England. Studying abroad would be an incredible experience too. It's so interesting to see how people just like us live so different from us like day to day activites, school, work, eating etc. Every culture is so different from the next it seems impossible to move from one country to another one and be able to change your life completely.

Through greater effort and hard work a precious dream comes true (154 Words)

When we're kids we always have a dream of what we want to be when we grow up. A doctor, dentist, firefighter, designer, theres so many jobs to choose from. We just pick what we want to be and think it will happen. As we get older we realize life doesn't always work like that.  You can't always get what you want. But that shouldn't stop anyone from persuing their dreams. Just because someone tells you "You'll never make it to the NBA" or "You're not smart enough to be a lawyer" doesn't mean you should give up.  You also can't expect to get what you want if you don't work for it. The greatest professional athletes wouldn't be where they are now without complete dedication. If you're persuing something you love that shouldn't be difficult. I once heard "If you love your job you never have to work a day in your life."

E, E What begins with E

Extravagant weddings are so much fun.  Everything looks beautiful and elegant.  Everybody gets all dressed up with their suits and gorgeous dresses and high heels that they end up taking off anyway.  Excitement fills the air as the bride slowly walks down the aisle.  Everyone gets a feeling of hapiness and joy as the bride and groom say their vows and finally proclaim "I do".  Everyday for the rest of their lives they know they have each other and that's a wonderful feeling to have.  Every single person at the wedding can feel the love the bride and groom have for each other. 

One Day

One day we'll stop waiting for change
with our hands in our pockets
and our thoughts bottled up.
One day we'll shatter that bottle
and let our thoughts travel around the world,
Enlighting every person they touch.

One day we'll stop waiting for change
with our hands in our pockets
and our ideas trapped in our minds.
One day we'll let them escape
and make magic in every place they go,
Creating something new.

One day we'll stop waiting for change
with our hands in our pockets
and our voices caught in our throats.
One day we'll set those voices free
to speak our minds and our hearts,
Sparking a vision of transformation.

One day we'll stop waiting for change
with our hands in our pockets
and our hearts hidden inside.
One day we'll expose our hearts and souls
and work as one to build a whole new world.
One day, one day.

10 Things You Didn't Know About Lauren

1.  I love to play soccer. I play on the Guilderland Varsity school team and the Alleycat Lynx club team.

2.  I have twin sisters in 8th grade (Sara and Alyssa). We get along for the most part but not all of the time.

3.  I love going to the beach for vacation.  Myrtle Beach is my favorite.

4.  Shopping is one of my favorite things to do.  I could spend all day in the mall.

5.  My biggest fears are spiders and throwing up.

6.  I have no clue what I want to do for a living.

7.  I hate winter and cold weather so I plan on moving south when I'm older.

8.  I always cry during sad movies/books.

9.  I'll eat anything except mushrooms and eggplant.

10.  I love going to weddings.  I've been to 4 so far.

Books I Read in the Summer of 2011

1. Look Again by lisa scottoline
2. The Lucky One by Nickolas Sparks
3. Wicked by Sarah Shepard
4. Killer by Sarah Shepard
5. The Summer of Skinnydipping by amanda howells
6. Wanted by Sarah Shepard
7. Unbelieveable by Sarah Shepard
8. Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen