http://www.guilderlandspotlight.com/news/2012/may/15/perfect-game-all/#h100549-p8
A couple from Rotterdam, Donna and Ed Shappy, decided to host six baseball players of the Albany Dutchmen Baseball League during the summer. The couple is older and they thought it would be interesting and fun to host college baseball players. Donna Shappy said "“I thought, our son’s grown and out of this house and … I love to have people in. I thought it would make the summer interesting and it certainly did.” The boys come to play baseball from all different states. Two boys were from Florida and one was from Louisiana, one from Kansas, one from Arizona and one from Connecticut. For the Shappy's to allow six college boys to stay in their house is such a nice gesture and really shows that they enjoy helping others. “My husband and I are in our mid-50s, so bringing six college guys into our home definitely made life different, but it was a good different.” Denise Polsinelli explains what the host family's responibilities are "“The commitment is just to provide a home atmosphere for the boys and some meals. The team does feed them after each game but they’re going to need breakfast and lunch material.” So not only did the Shappy have to house six boys they had to feed them too! It couldn't have been easy and it must've took much effort. Polsinelli also explains that the Shappy's took an extra step "Most families take one player, some take two or three, but few take on six like the Shappys." In reward for their services the Shappy's were allowed to attend all games for free and were invited to any bonding event like a pinic or family fun day.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
6.Should Memorial Day be a time to remember only veterans or all those who have died?
I think Memorial Day is a time to remember all those who have fought for our country whether they are still alive or have passed away. Just because there are soldiers who aren't alive anymore doesn't mean there is any less reason to honor what they did for us. They have done just as much as the veterans still alive today. The soldiers who died during the war aren't as fortunate as the soldiers who were able to survive through the war. All the soliders are the reason why we live in such an amazing country and why we all have freedoms. It's important to honor and remember every single man and woman who have risked their own life for every person in the United States. In times of war these men and women have stepped up to serve our country even if it meant that they might not survive. It is an honor to be a soldier and each one should be recognized and remembered for what they have done. Memorial Day should be a time to realize how fortunate we are to live in America and be able to have freedom. We wouldn't be living the way we are today if it weren't for the soldiers who have fought for our freedom and our rights. I consider myself and every other person living in this country exremely fortunate and I thank the people who have made this possible for us today.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
What is Crippling Us?
John Taylor Gatto presents his opinion on how public education cripples children by telling his experiences with education. He is a retired school teacher, and was once a student in school himself, so he has had much experience with children in the classroom, both his peers and students of his. Gatto explains how children have become so uninterested in school and how they don't seem to care about it. In his article Against School he says "They said the work was stupid, that it made no sense, that they already knew it. They said they wanted to be doing something real, not just sitting around." School has become so boring for kids and even for their teachers. Gatto shares his experience of being a teacher "Boredom is the common condition of schoolteachers, and anyone who has spent time in a teachers' lounge can vouch for the low energy, the whining, the dispirited attitudes, to be found there. When asked why they feel bored, the teachers tend to blame the kids, as you might expect." He also thinks that the way children are taught in school isn't as effective and there are other ways to learn. "...six classes a day, five days a week, nine months a year, for twelve years. Is this deadly routine really necessary?" This is how children get bored because they spend so much time sitting in a desk. Gatto doesn't think it's necessary to be in school for so long and kids can get an education in better ways.
In Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury expresses a similar opinion that people have become bored with learning and learning is being replaced by more interesting things and by fun. Ray Bradbury presents his thoughts in this science-fiction novel and creates a story of what he believes might become of the future. He predicts that no one will want to take the time to sit and read books anymore or try to learn new things because it takes too long an is too boring. On page 54 he says "Classics cut to fit fifteen-minute radio shows, then cut again to fill a two-mintue book column, winding up at last as a ten- or twelve-line dictionary resume." Bradbury seems to believe that in the future no one will want to relax and take their time. Everything will be rushed and fast-paced. No time to slow down or sit and talk or think and have time to yourself. "Speed up the film, Montag, quick. Click, Pic, Look, Eye, Now, Flick, Here, There, Swift, Pace, Up, Down, In, Out, Why, How, Who, What, Where, Eh? Uh! Bang! Smack! Wallop, Bing, Bong, Boom!... Whirl man's mind around about so fast under the pumping hands of publishers, exploiters, broadcasters that centrifuge flings off all unnecessary time-wasting thought!" (Page 55). Bradbury even goes to extremes and describes bilboards that have to be stretched out so people can read them because they're driving so fast to get somewhere.
I agree with both Gatto and Bradbury. Our lives and our daily routines are becoming so fast-paced and especially with new technology no one wants to wait for anything. No one even has to the patience to wait. Everyone wants something at the press of a button. I can relate to this because I never feel like I have any free time. I'm always going to school or rushing to finish homework before or after practice or going from one practice to the next or to a party or an event. Adults are even more of a rush getting to work, leaving work to pick up kids it never ends! Gatto is right that kids have trouble sitting in school for six hours a day without getting bored. When you're sitting in a class taking notes for an hour and twenty minutes it's hard not to get distracted. I think both of their opinions are accurate predictions of the future. There won't be much time to slow down and relax and certain things will probably change because of this like public education.
In Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury expresses a similar opinion that people have become bored with learning and learning is being replaced by more interesting things and by fun. Ray Bradbury presents his thoughts in this science-fiction novel and creates a story of what he believes might become of the future. He predicts that no one will want to take the time to sit and read books anymore or try to learn new things because it takes too long an is too boring. On page 54 he says "Classics cut to fit fifteen-minute radio shows, then cut again to fill a two-mintue book column, winding up at last as a ten- or twelve-line dictionary resume." Bradbury seems to believe that in the future no one will want to relax and take their time. Everything will be rushed and fast-paced. No time to slow down or sit and talk or think and have time to yourself. "Speed up the film, Montag, quick. Click, Pic, Look, Eye, Now, Flick, Here, There, Swift, Pace, Up, Down, In, Out, Why, How, Who, What, Where, Eh? Uh! Bang! Smack! Wallop, Bing, Bong, Boom!... Whirl man's mind around about so fast under the pumping hands of publishers, exploiters, broadcasters that centrifuge flings off all unnecessary time-wasting thought!" (Page 55). Bradbury even goes to extremes and describes bilboards that have to be stretched out so people can read them because they're driving so fast to get somewhere.
I agree with both Gatto and Bradbury. Our lives and our daily routines are becoming so fast-paced and especially with new technology no one wants to wait for anything. No one even has to the patience to wait. Everyone wants something at the press of a button. I can relate to this because I never feel like I have any free time. I'm always going to school or rushing to finish homework before or after practice or going from one practice to the next or to a party or an event. Adults are even more of a rush getting to work, leaving work to pick up kids it never ends! Gatto is right that kids have trouble sitting in school for six hours a day without getting bored. When you're sitting in a class taking notes for an hour and twenty minutes it's hard not to get distracted. I think both of their opinions are accurate predictions of the future. There won't be much time to slow down and relax and certain things will probably change because of this like public education.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Tried and True
http://writingprompts.tumblr.com/post/17477297690/my-28-most-tried-and-true-writing-prompts
tumblr_lz9qr0ttTk1qz4e4a
Always be kind.
Be happy.
Consider all the possibilites.
Don't let one thing ruin your whole day.
Enjoy some time to yourself every once in a while.
Find something you love to do.
Give more than you get.
Help people who are less fortunate than you.
It's okay to ask for help when you need it.
Just be yourself, in the end you'll know who likes you, for you.
Keep your best memories with you forever.
Laugh as much as possible.
Make new friendships.
Never underestimate anyone.
Open your mind to change.
Positivity is key.
Question the unknown.
Remember your past mistakes so you don't make them again.
Surround yourself with people you love.
The little things shouldn't stress you out.
Understand your mistakes.
Venture to new experiences.
Work for your goals.
Xanadu's should be visited often.
You can always improve.
Zealous people are fun to be around.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
TU Tuesday- Commencement Speech
http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2008/06/text-of-j-k-rowling-speech/ http://teamcoco.com/content/watch-conan-give-dartmouth-college-commencement-address
In order to succeed in life you have to fail at some point. J.K. Rowling knows that failure is an important part of success. "On this wonderful day when we are gathered together to celebrate your academic success, I have decided to talk to you about the benefits of failure." Some people might question this and wonder how in the world failure can help you succeed. Failure can push you to succeed, to be better and to over come your mistakes and misfortunes. "You might be driven by a fear of failure quite as much as a desire for success." Many people are afriad of failure and so was J.K. Rowling "What I feared most for myself at your age was not poverty, but failure." I believe that you can't fear failure because then you will never be able to achieve your goals because you're too scared of dissapointment. Instead of fearing failure you should accept it. Accept that it is a part of life and let it be the force propelling you to be successful.
Everyone experiences failure at some point in their lives, famous people, professional athletes, even people who have graduated from Yale or Harvard. Conan O'brien said in his commencement speech at Dartmouth University " But today I tell you that whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality." J.K. Rowling shared her experience with failure in her speech "Now, I am not going to stand here and tell you that failure is fun. That period of my life was a dark one, and I had no idea that there was going to be what the press has since represented as a kind of fairy tale resolution. I had no idea then how far the tunnel extended, and for a long time, any light at the end of it was a hope rather than a reality."
You may experience failure early in life, J.K. Rowling said "I am not dull enough to suppose that because you are young, gifted and well-educated, you have never known hardship or heartbreak." That failure that you experience can be life changing. It can make you see the world in a new way. For J.K. Rowling failure meant courage. " I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was, and began to direct all my energy into finishing the only work that mattered to me. Had I really succeeded at anything else, I might never have found the determination to succeed in the one arena I believed I truly belonged. I was set free, because my greatest fear had been realised, and I was still alive." No one is perfect. Perfect is boring. If we were all perfect what would we have to live for? Our failures are what make us who we are. The type of person you are is how you respond to failure, whether you let it tear you down or make you a new person. In Conan O'Brien's commencement speech at Dartmouth University he said "It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique. It’s not easy, but if you accept your misfortune and handle it right, your perceived failure can be a catalyst for profound re-invention." You may become the most successful and accomplished person in the world, but you will never get there without failing first.
In order to succeed in life you have to fail at some point. J.K. Rowling knows that failure is an important part of success. "On this wonderful day when we are gathered together to celebrate your academic success, I have decided to talk to you about the benefits of failure." Some people might question this and wonder how in the world failure can help you succeed. Failure can push you to succeed, to be better and to over come your mistakes and misfortunes. "You might be driven by a fear of failure quite as much as a desire for success." Many people are afriad of failure and so was J.K. Rowling "What I feared most for myself at your age was not poverty, but failure." I believe that you can't fear failure because then you will never be able to achieve your goals because you're too scared of dissapointment. Instead of fearing failure you should accept it. Accept that it is a part of life and let it be the force propelling you to be successful.
Everyone experiences failure at some point in their lives, famous people, professional athletes, even people who have graduated from Yale or Harvard. Conan O'brien said in his commencement speech at Dartmouth University " But today I tell you that whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality." J.K. Rowling shared her experience with failure in her speech "Now, I am not going to stand here and tell you that failure is fun. That period of my life was a dark one, and I had no idea that there was going to be what the press has since represented as a kind of fairy tale resolution. I had no idea then how far the tunnel extended, and for a long time, any light at the end of it was a hope rather than a reality."
You may experience failure early in life, J.K. Rowling said "I am not dull enough to suppose that because you are young, gifted and well-educated, you have never known hardship or heartbreak." That failure that you experience can be life changing. It can make you see the world in a new way. For J.K. Rowling failure meant courage. " I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was, and began to direct all my energy into finishing the only work that mattered to me. Had I really succeeded at anything else, I might never have found the determination to succeed in the one arena I believed I truly belonged. I was set free, because my greatest fear had been realised, and I was still alive." No one is perfect. Perfect is boring. If we were all perfect what would we have to live for? Our failures are what make us who we are. The type of person you are is how you respond to failure, whether you let it tear you down or make you a new person. In Conan O'Brien's commencement speech at Dartmouth University he said "It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique. It’s not easy, but if you accept your misfortune and handle it right, your perceived failure can be a catalyst for profound re-invention." You may become the most successful and accomplished person in the world, but you will never get there without failing first.
Monday, May 14, 2012
98. Just When I Think I Am Done
Lately it seems as if every time I finally accomplish something, I realize I have another thing to do. I've been so stressed out from soccer, lacrosse, school and homework it feels like that's all I'm ever doing and I never get time to relax anymore! I also don't much sleep. It's a rare occasion when I get to bed before 11 p.m. on school nights. The only days I don't have soccer, lacrosse or school are Sundays which I spend doing homework and trying ot catch up on sleep. This sounds like a lot of complaining but I really just need a break from it all! When I'm done with school, I have a lacrosse game and when I think I finally get to go home I realize I have soccer practice after that. Just when I think I'm done with tests for the week another teacher schedules one or assigns an essay or a project. Just when I think I can finally sleep in on the weekend I find out I have a soccer game on Saturday in Long Island, four hours away. Just when I think I can finally go to bed I have to stay up to write letters to college coaches for my soccer tournament the next weekend. It never ends. The only break I get is when regents week is over in June, and just when I think I am done, my break ends and school soccer starts in August.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Love to Know Slideshow
http://freelance-writing.lovetoknow.com/Slideshow:Free_Writing_Prompts~8
These people are celebrating because they just got to their hotel in the Bahamas! They won a paid vacation to an island of their choice and they couldn't be more exicited because none of them have been on a vacation in the past five years! One of the men heard that the game show, Jeopardy, was offering a prize pf a free vacation to any island you wanted! The man sent in a registration form to get on the show and he had to give a reason for why him, his wife, his brother and her wife all deserved a relaxing two week vacation. He explained how his wife lost her job a few years ago and how it has been hard on them. She has a new job at a local clothing store but it doesn't pay much. Last year they had to give away their dog because they couldn't afford it. His brother's wife was dealing with the loss of her father and it has been a tough year for all of them. A vacation would mean the world to them. His application was a good enough reason to get them on the show. They ended up winning the game and the vacation they had always dreamed of!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Philosophy
Naturalism: Naturalism is the belief that nothing exists beyond the laws of nature and the natural universe. It also states that, if anything does exsist beyond nature, it does not have any affect on the natural world. Followers also don't believe in ghosts or spirits. Paul Kurtz argues that nature can be understood by the main materials of mass, energy and physical and chemical properties. The first ideas of naturalism appeared in the works of pre-Socratic philosophers. The principles and investigations of these philosophers is very similar to naturalism. Thales, who was one of these early philosophers, was considered to be the father of science. I don't agree with the main ideas of this philosophy because we have no proof that there is nothing beyond nature. I believe that God created nature and that there is more to life than the basic elements of nature even if it is beyond what we can see. I don't necessarily believe in ghosts but I believe that when a loved one dies, in a way they are watching over us. If someone survives a car crash when it seemed to be close to impossible, maybe there was someone, somewhere watching over them and protecting them. I think that maybe there is more than just "getting lucky" and that there is a reason for things happening the way they do. Maybe the things that exist beyond nature do affect us and we just don't realize it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophical_naturalism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophical_naturalism
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
TU Tuesday- Classified
These beautiful 14 week old puppies, born on January 13, 2012, are ready for your home. They are playful, love the outdoors, paper trained and have healthy diets. The Bordeaux is a wonderful family pet; great company for children and loyal to their owners.
Inquire at (518)635-4353
60 Day Payment plans can be arranged! We love to hear from you.
http://timesunion.kaango.com/ad-akc-champion-blood-dogue-de-bordeaux-puppies-m-f/20548029
A Surprise for Mom
Dad and I love to walk down into the village together during the summer. On a boiling hot day we love to stop at the local ice cream shop and get home made vanilla ice cream from our good friend Jerry. We always sit outside at the front tables and watch the cars drive through the village. We play a game to see who can spot the most yellow cars. I'm usually the winner of that game since dad's eyesight isn't very keen.
A couple of weeks ago dad and I headed doen to the village to buy mom a birthday gift. We went to the pottery store and got her a few nice mugs and cups because she loves to drink her tea. It was such a nice day out so we decided to take the long way home. While on our walk we saw a man from far away with a big brown box next to him on the street. People were huddled around him to get a good look at what was inside. I ran ahead of dad so I could find out for myself. I ran up to the group of people and looked inside at adorable little brown puppies!
The look on my face must've gave away how excited I was because the man started laughing. He told me they were "beautiful 14 week old puppies, born on January 13, 2012." He also told me they were ready to take home for anyone who wanted to purchase one! When my dad saw the puppies a huge smile crossed his face. He grew up on a farm and had many dogs so he loves them. I've always wanted one but mom was never very interested in getting one. I looked at my dad with the best puppy dog eyes I had and begged him to let us get one. They were so cute and the man told us "They are playful, love the outdoors, paper trained and have healthy diets." It took a little convincing but after about ten minutes and when I was close to tears my dad finally gave in.
I was so excited that I finally had my own puppy! I couldn't wait to get home to show mom! When we got home she was outside gardening. She greeted us with a big wave then stopped when she saw the puppy in dad's hands. She looked confused and surprised as I sprinted up to her. I told her we bought a puppy! Her face went pale. I calmed her down though, I told her the man had said that "The Bordeaux is a wonderful family pet; great company for children and loyal to their owners." Mom tried to act calm but I could tell she was a little shaken up. Dad asked if she wanted to hold her but mom said she would later.
Dad and I took the puppy inside and let her walk around a little to become familiar with her new home. We were trying to decide on a nice name for her. We thought of a bunch, Rosie, Bailey, Bud, Lilly, but none of them sounded just right for her. Mom just watched the puppy from a distance but then suggested the name Hollie. Dad and I smiled. Hollie was the perfect name for our new puppy. At first mom wouldn't even touch Hollie. She stayed clear of her except for cleaning up Hollie's messes. I tried to get mom to come outside and play with us but she said she would rather just watch us and drink her tea.
Two weeks went by and mom still hadn't shown any interest in Hollie. Dad and I were walking into town but we left Hollie behind with mom. He told me if mom didn't want to keep Hollie we were going to have to bring her back. I was heartbroken. I couldn't believe this was really happening. Dad said we would give it another week or two but that's it. After that I prepared to say my goodbye's to Hollie because it didn't look like I was going to keep her.
The next morning I woke up early when I heard clapping and laughter from downstairs. I went down to see what was going on and I was in awe. Mom was laughing and smiling watching Hollie play with her toy.
"Look honey! She can roll over and she tries to chase her tail!" Dad came in from outside and asked what all the commotion was. I told him I guess we get to keep Hollie afterall.
Inquire at (518)635-4353
60 Day Payment plans can be arranged! We love to hear from you.
http://timesunion.kaango.com/ad-akc-champion-blood-dogue-de-bordeaux-puppies-m-f/20548029
A Surprise for Mom
Dad and I love to walk down into the village together during the summer. On a boiling hot day we love to stop at the local ice cream shop and get home made vanilla ice cream from our good friend Jerry. We always sit outside at the front tables and watch the cars drive through the village. We play a game to see who can spot the most yellow cars. I'm usually the winner of that game since dad's eyesight isn't very keen.
A couple of weeks ago dad and I headed doen to the village to buy mom a birthday gift. We went to the pottery store and got her a few nice mugs and cups because she loves to drink her tea. It was such a nice day out so we decided to take the long way home. While on our walk we saw a man from far away with a big brown box next to him on the street. People were huddled around him to get a good look at what was inside. I ran ahead of dad so I could find out for myself. I ran up to the group of people and looked inside at adorable little brown puppies!
The look on my face must've gave away how excited I was because the man started laughing. He told me they were "beautiful 14 week old puppies, born on January 13, 2012." He also told me they were ready to take home for anyone who wanted to purchase one! When my dad saw the puppies a huge smile crossed his face. He grew up on a farm and had many dogs so he loves them. I've always wanted one but mom was never very interested in getting one. I looked at my dad with the best puppy dog eyes I had and begged him to let us get one. They were so cute and the man told us "They are playful, love the outdoors, paper trained and have healthy diets." It took a little convincing but after about ten minutes and when I was close to tears my dad finally gave in.
I was so excited that I finally had my own puppy! I couldn't wait to get home to show mom! When we got home she was outside gardening. She greeted us with a big wave then stopped when she saw the puppy in dad's hands. She looked confused and surprised as I sprinted up to her. I told her we bought a puppy! Her face went pale. I calmed her down though, I told her the man had said that "The Bordeaux is a wonderful family pet; great company for children and loyal to their owners." Mom tried to act calm but I could tell she was a little shaken up. Dad asked if she wanted to hold her but mom said she would later.
Dad and I took the puppy inside and let her walk around a little to become familiar with her new home. We were trying to decide on a nice name for her. We thought of a bunch, Rosie, Bailey, Bud, Lilly, but none of them sounded just right for her. Mom just watched the puppy from a distance but then suggested the name Hollie. Dad and I smiled. Hollie was the perfect name for our new puppy. At first mom wouldn't even touch Hollie. She stayed clear of her except for cleaning up Hollie's messes. I tried to get mom to come outside and play with us but she said she would rather just watch us and drink her tea.
Two weeks went by and mom still hadn't shown any interest in Hollie. Dad and I were walking into town but we left Hollie behind with mom. He told me if mom didn't want to keep Hollie we were going to have to bring her back. I was heartbroken. I couldn't believe this was really happening. Dad said we would give it another week or two but that's it. After that I prepared to say my goodbye's to Hollie because it didn't look like I was going to keep her.
The next morning I woke up early when I heard clapping and laughter from downstairs. I went down to see what was going on and I was in awe. Mom was laughing and smiling watching Hollie play with her toy.
"Look honey! She can roll over and she tries to chase her tail!" Dad came in from outside and asked what all the commotion was. I told him I guess we get to keep Hollie afterall.
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