Think About It! Where is Your Trash Going?

I know, I know. Sometimes it gets a bit annoying when you hear "RECYCLE, RECYCLE, RECYCLE!" from eco-supporters, but here's the thing; there are so many other topics we should be pushing as well. In addition to pushing the average citizen to do more recycling, we can also encourage big companies to do their part. This article opened my eyes to the many other efforts we should be concerned about for our future.

Starbucks, for example, serves some of their beverages in a non-recyclable container. Yes, a few cities may have fancy recycling centers that can actually process these cups; but where does that leave the rest of us? Putting our cups in the trash. So basically, there are two solutions to this problem. One would be building more fancy new recycling centers all around the country. But the second more realistic option would be for Starbucks to develop a recyclable cup! They could advertise and let their customers know to toss their used cup in a recycling bin, even provide them at the store! The coffee company could also allow you to bring in your own cup or mug. These could be filled then taken home with the consumer, washed, and reused.

Simple acts like these could make such a difference. When a problem is as big as the environmental crisis we are dealing with right now, any effort made is greatly helpful. If only the issue were as important to major companies as their profit for the year.

12 Sentence Story

When I was little I loved jumping around on the furniture, jumping around at gymnastics, and jumping around while playing outside on the trampoline. I loved being active; sitting down to watch TV wasn't an option. One day I was in the living room and I started a game, much to my mother's dismay, of jumping to and from furniture around the room. I hopped onto the table, over the couch, near the TV, and on the arm chair. I loved this game until things took a turn for the worse. Of course. My mother always had to be right when she told me not to jump on the couch, not to cut my own hair, not to let go of her hand in the mall. It seemed like she was always right and I was always wrong. Crashing head first into the coffee table after finishing a front flip, completely shocked I was when my head hit the glass. How bad was the damage? I was bawling, and bleeding, and embarrassed, and had a big gash in my head. My mother always had to be right, her advice never failing, the comfort she provided, the lesson taught-what a great mom to have.

Living Life Too Large?

Reading this article I found on the LA Times website really opened my eyes to what a major problem our country has with childhood obesity. The habits we develop as children stick with us and shape the rest of our lives. Obese people between the ages of 12 and 21 are "seven times more likely than normal-weight or overweight peers to develop severe obesity by the time they reach their late 20s to early 30s." What does such a startling study prove? It proves we need to make a plan, make a change, and make it a priority to help these kids.

Obesity leads to "cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and musculoskeletal pain." Early obesity may also lead to changes in your metabolism and hormones in your brain that oppose weight loss. Being healthy and fit should be a goal promoted by teachers, by parents, by role models, by everyone and everywhere young people eat, learn, or spend time. While some efforts have been made, there is so much more that can be done. Communities need to let students know how important their health is and offer facilities that offer fun and exercise. Schools always need to offer and promote healthier alternatives to a hamburger and french fries. This is such a huge problem that needs to be tackled head-on because the facts are there; we just need to make a bigger effort.

2nd Quarter Reading Plans

Over the second nine weeks I plan to read Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. I have already read the first two in the Hunger Games trilogy and I am anxious to see how the story ends. I already know and love the characters so this book will be easy for me to understand. I got this book out of our classroom library.

I also plan to read The Book Thief. Several of my friends have read this book and strongly recommended it to me. We mostly have the same taste in books so I should enjoy it. I can also find this book in our classroom library.

I may also read Lord of the Flies. This book was also recommended to me and is available in our classroom library. I have talked with friends about this book and I think i would enjoy the story.

2nd Quarter Reading List

Collins, Suzanne. Mockingjay. New York: Scholastic, 2010. Print.

After being rescued from her second time in the arena, Katniss Everdeen faces the biggest challenge of her life: being the face of a rebellion against the capitol. She feels so many pressures from Coin, the leader of District 13, and Heavensbee. She tries to be a good leader, but can't seem to get the acting right. So she is forced to get her propaganda footage in actual fight scenes. Peeta, her beloved friend, is still captured, and being tortured she is sure, by the capitol. Trying to do her best to be a leader, Katniss finds herself missing Peeta. She must do this for him. President Snow is Katniss's number one enemy. He is the one who put her through the pain of the hunger games and is now threatening and actually hurting the ones she loves. Katniss is determined to kill the evil Snow but can the rebellion be that successful? Katniss's character is one of immense bravery and strength. While on the outside she appears to be a little seventeen year old girl, she possesses the power to lead a country to fight it's leader. Loving and passionate towards her family, this is where she finds weakness; when those she loves are in harm.
(390 pages)

Griffin, Kathy. Official Book Club Selection: a Memoir According to Kathy Griffin. New York: Ballantine, 2009. Print.

I re-read one of my favorite books ever! Official Book Club Selection by Kathy Griffin. She has been one of my favorite comedians for a long time and i really appreciate her humor. In the book, she tells it like it is and doesn't spare any of the details. Even the rougher parts of her life like her plastic surgery battle and family issues are brought into daylight. While reading the book I just felt like Griffin was telling me a story herself. She used the same language I've become used to from watching her comedy performances and hit show My Life on the D-List. Kathy loves talking about her family. She is from Chicago and makes fun of her mom's accent throughout the whole book, quoting things like, "CHR-EYE-SSAKE!” Her struggle to fame is a great story and major part of the book. With her start at The Groundlings, an improve club, she worked long and HARD to be where she is today. She is talented to tell her story in a fun and humorous way. I love this book but would only suggest it to a more mature audience.
(331 pages)

Kinsella, Sophie. Shopaholic Ties the Knot. New York, NY: Dell Book, 2004. Print.

What girl doesn't dream of her wedding day? This is exactly what Becky Bloomwood has done for her entire life. She enjoys all girlie things like SHOPPING, being pampered, and having a wonderful handsome boyfriend, Luke. While living in New York and working as a fashion consultant at Barneys (the perfect job!!) Becky can't help but to be jealous of her best friend Suze who is getting married at home in Britain. Becky and Luke travel home for the fabulous event. Even though Becky is thrilled for her friend's lavish wedding, she can't help but to feel a pang of jealousy. These girls have gone through everything together, and Becky can't help but feel that she is being left behind. Romantically, Luke ends up proposing to Becky at Suze's wedding while all her family and friends are there. OMG! Becky can't believe this actually happened! She gets started right away looking at dresses, trying cake, every little detail that brides love to ponder over. Becky's mom immediately says she will throw Becky and Luke a wedding in their quaint little country home in Britain. Even though this is always what Becky had realistically imagined for herself on her wedding day, she can't help but to dream for a little more. After all, her fiance IS a millionaire! But she could never hurt her mother's feelings and reject the wedding she has waited her whole life to plan! Back in New York, Becky gets constant updates from her mother on the wedding plans. Just as she begins to become sure she made the right decision, Luke's mother steps into the picture. Luke's mother was mostly absent from Luke's childhood but Luke still seems to adore her just the same. Becky can clearly see, however, that he just desperately needs to have her approval. Not liking the woman too much herself, Becky is blown away by her offer; a fabulous wedding at the Plaza hotel!!!! It is just what Becky has always dreamed of! So glamorous and classy! Designers to transform the already beautiful ballroom into a magical ceremony site! Without hesitation, Becky accepts the offer for the wedding. After coming down from cloud nine, Becky soon realizes there is a major problem; she now has TWO weddings planned, for the same day! Realizing she really wants the New York wedding she calls her mother to deliver the news. So anxiously she listens to her mother go over every special little detail and hard work that she has already put in and Becky decides there is no way she could crush her mother's feelings like that! Ready to call off the Plaza wedding, Becky is swept off her feet by the designers willing to jump at her every wish to give her exactly what she wants. She simply cannot decide! So in typical shopaholic fashion she does the unthinkable: doesn't decide. She simply lets both wedding plans continue on for months without one set of planners knowing about the others. As the days tick down, Becky has no idea what she is going to do. How will she manage to get out of this one?
(407 pages)

Independent Reading Reflection

During the first nine weeks of this school year I have developed a habit of regular reading to get my required 150 minutes per week. I usually read one or two nights on school days before bed. The rest I usually did over the weekend. I took a book to work and read when we weren't busy. The first nine weeks I became obsessed with The Hunger Games books so my reading diet probably wasn't as balanced as it should have been. I did, however, read Brave New World by Huxley. I did a pretty good job inking my thinking. That helped me realize the deeper meanings of the books I read and analyze the text. Next kate is stupid and she has a red dog, that is really mean and sometimes bites black people. conclusion? she's racist. Next nine weeks I plan to vary my choice of books a little bit more and choose some more challenging texts. I want the read the third book in The Hunger Games trilogy, Mockingjay. I also might read The Book Thief because it has been recommended to me by several people.

Socratic Seminar Reflection

The Socratic seminar over Brave New World was an enhancing experience that helped me develop my understanding and opinion of the book. I encountered new ideas about Helmholtz. I realized I didn't fully understand his character before the discussion. Because he was an artist in a society that didn't allow full creativity, he was confined and he was one of the few who realized he was so controlled. Through his art, he was able to break the boundaries that society had placed on him. My thought on Huxley's main idea about societies was wrong. I thought he was trying to say society had to be either completely free like the Savage Reserve or strict like the society in Brave New World. When I discussed this concept with my group, I realized that an in between society could exist; our own! I now think Huxley's idea was to show the two different extremes in society as a way to compare the two and show what you must give up in order to obtain one or the other. Preparing for the discussion was the most educational part. Further thinking about the ideas and concepts really helped me go deeper in my understanding.

I did very well in the Socratic seminar. I voiced all my opinions while listening to and considering others ideas. I found it difficult to jump into the conversation because I was worried I would interrupt someone. Everyone was talking so fast, it was hard to get a word in. I enjoyed the natural flow of the conversation. It felt like I just sat down with some of my friends to have a conversation. If i had a do-over I would try to speak up a little bit more. Even though this would still be hard to do without talking over other people. As a communicator, I learned that I am sometimes shy, but never afraid to voice my ideas, even when they are different. I think the Socratic seminar went very smoothly and was helpful to everyone. I would, however, change the rubric the observing students used. Things need to be more specific so people can't let others off easy or be unfairly critical.

Annotated Reading List

Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. 1st ed. Vol. 1. Scholastic, 2008. Print. The Hunger Games.

Collin's The Hunger Games takes place in a nation called Panem. The rich capitol controls all of the 12 districts. Each one specializes in producing a certain good to provide for the country. The districts are all poor mostly containing families with very little money and even starving children.
Katniss Everdeen and her family lost their father in a mining accident. Now, with her mother always feeling depressed, Katniss has to provide for the family, which includes her little sister, Prim. When the annual Hunger Games come around, Prim's name gets called to be the female competitor for District 12 in the games. These games are horrible! Children fight to the death while the whole event is broad casted all across the nation for the people to watch. Loving her sister too much, Katniss volunteers to take Prim's place. Her male counterpart is a boy named Peeta. Katniss promises Prim that she will do everything possible to come home alive. Katniss won't let herself get too attached to Peeta, knowing that even if they were lucky, only one of them could come home alive. This changes dramatically when Peeta publicly announces his love for Katniss. Is this part of the strategy or does he really feel this way? Katniss can't decide. The two head into the arena and Katniss doesn't know what to think. All she knows is that she will do everything in her power to come home to Prim. I really enjoyed this book because it was unlike anything I have ever read before. The interesting setting and details of the book really kept me focused and addicted. (384 pages)



Huxley, Aldous. Brave New World. New York: Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2006. Print.

Huxley's Brave New World focuses on a society very different from our own. People are genetically engineered and then taught from birth to be exactly what society wants them to be. There are different class levels with different jobs and levels of intelligence. Bernard and his friend Helmholtz are different from everyone else. Instead of flying through life without meaning or deep thought, they question things and realize the restraints society has placed on them. When Bernard takes a visit to the Savage Reservation, he truly begins to understand his own society and the freedoms it lacks. John the Savage goes back to the Brave New World society with Bernard expecting it to be beyond wonderful and happy. Realizing the nonexistence of individuality there, John would love nothing more than to go back to his old life. Being friends with the savage, Bernard becomes very popular and slips into the way of life that he longed to be a part of in the past. Was Bernard truly different then if he merged into the way of life he had looked in upon for so long as soon as it became possible? Helmholtz was, however, truly different. Through his inability to fully express himself, he realized that society had these restraints over him. He was able to break these restraints even though they had been forced on him since before he was born. The author's writing style was very unique. Telling multiple stories all at the same time. It got a little confusing sometimes and I found myself wanting to just focus on one plot at a time! This book really opened my eyes to the intricate effects society can have on people. Society can't be completely stable and safe without giving up certain luxuries. Is it worth it? (268 pages)


Collins, Suzanne. Catching Fire. Vol. 2. Scholastic, 2009. Print. The Hunger Games.

Tossed back into the arena for another round of Hunger Games, Peeta and Katniss are in big trouble. In their first games, they defied the capitol by threatening to both kill themselves when they were the only two competitors remaining. This act didn't sit well with President Snow at all. He threatened to kill Katniss, her family, and her friends unless she could convince the citizens that she did it as an act of love for Peeta, not to defy the capitol. In the arena Katniss and Peeta team up with Finnick and Mags from District 4. Little do they know there is a huge plan in the works to destroy the arena and begin a huge rebellion against the capitol. This book makes me thankful for the great country I live in and all the freedoms I have. There is no evil capitol or President to control things. This was a fun read and great sequel to The Hunger Games. (391 pages)

Analysis- A Whole New Mind

Dan Pink's vivid examples prove Americans are headed towards more right-directed thinking and away from left-dominant thinking as in the past. First Pink says, "on average, everybody who can drive has a car of his own." This detail explains that while automobiles were a luxury in the past, today, they are very common. His overall point, that abundance has made us more right-brain dominant, is justified by this statement because now we expect more out of our cars. Today, we not only want our cars to function properly, but also look nice and have custom accessories. The wide variety now available in stores also makes us look for more in our products. Pink illustrates this vast variety by listing the televisions available Best Buy, "plasma, high-definition, flat panel-that began with a 42-inch screen and escalated to 47-inch, 50-inch, 54-inch, and 65-inch versions." There are so many choices for common items such as TVs. Americans have such a large selection of goods to choose from so why not search for the best? The one that is the most fashion-forward or sleek. The one that inspires "beauty, spirituality, and emotion."

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in Advertising

The "Scotch" Tape advertisement my group chose is from the 1940s. Culturally, many things today are very different than they were back then. One thing that remains the same is the three different types of persuasion, ethos, pathos, and logos. These three techniques are still used in the same way today. This ad shows a woman dropping her lunch while on a bus because she didn't seal her package with tape. Overall, it can be considered an apology because it explains to customers why "Scotch" brand tape hasn't been widely available during the war.

In the ad, "Scotch" appears credible because they associate themselves with the military. This approach is called ethos, boosting credibility by associating brands with celebrities or trusted experts. "Emergency food rations are packed in cartons sealed with "Scotch" Acetate Fibre Tape." Soldiers are looked up to and admired for their bravery, hard work, and patriotism. If soldiers use "Scotch," why couldn't you trust it for your everyday needs? The ad also contains a statement encouraging citizens to buy war bonds,"INVEST IN VICTORY-BUY WAR BONDS." Consumers might think more of a company who encourages this because instead of advertising for their own brand, they are advertising the selling of war bonds to help support the war effort.

Logos is the logical way to get an idea across. Facts and logic build a solid base that consumers feel they can trust and rely on. In the "Scotch" ad, consumers are told about all the different varieties of tape. "One of the more than 100 varieties of adhesive tapes made in the U.S.A. under the trademark "SCOTCH," by Minnesota Mining & MFG. Co. Saint Paul, Minn." This fact makes people realize the many different kinds of "Scotch" tape available. Having so much variety enforces the idea that this is a big company that is trusted by many. Listing the different ways this tape is used reminds people of how essential the product is in their daily lives. Sometimes we forget how often we use it for "mending torn book pages, sealing packages, and a hundred and one other jobs quickly, easily."

Pathos is used in this advertisement by getting you emotionally involved. Advertising war bonds to ensure victory reminds people of friends and family who are fighting in the war. Emotionally, this will remind them of the sadness they feel but also inspire them to do what they can to bring soldiers home safe. This builds the trust of the company even more. "If they have the same values I do, "Scotch" must be a good company." The smiling people in the ad show feelings of joy and the continuation of normal life even though the war is going on. The smiles say, "We're happy to do our part here at home while continuing with our normal everyday lives."

This advertisement combines ethos, pathos, and logos to really get the attention of the consumer. By appearing patriotic and trustworthy, "Scotch" did a wonderful job creating this ad to appeal to the everyday citizen.

Is Cheerleading a Sport?

The article Connecticut Judge Hands Down Verdict - Cheerleading's Not A Sport really captured my attention. As a cheerleader, I know how much time, effort, and physical work goes into a good squad. The article states that in order to be considered a sport, "an activity must have coaches, practices, competitions and a governing organization."

Every squad has a coach or at least someone in a leadership position. Practices are mandatory in order to learn all the cheers and chants for games. Building also takes lots of practice and strength. Cheer competitions are just like any other sporting event. There is fierce rivalry between teams and everyone sets specific goals they would like to accomplish. As a high school cheerleader, there are many rules we have to follow. Safety rules, dress codes, and behavioral rules help keep everyone safe and uniform.

Something that so many people work hard for and dedicate themselves to really deserves to be recognized as an official sport. Almost all people involved with cheerleading would agree that it meets the requirements set forth to be called an official sport.

When is Free Speech Okay?

The article Victory for Peace Activist in T-Shirt Case discusses the journey Dan Frazier went on when he created a T-shirt that contained the slogan "Bush Lied...They Died." It also listed the names of all the fallen soldiers at the time, 1,600 names. The shirt was immediately a controversial issue and Dan was sued by the state of Arizona. They did not want to allow the sale of this shirt in the state. When this happened, Dan got help from ACLU and "prevailed in court against the state." One victory was established, but the shirt would continue to make people angry and even cause more law suits.

The family of one of the fallen soldiers sued Frazier for $40 billion and demanded he take the soldiers' names off the shirt. A federal judge tossed the case out claiming, "Exercising free speech in criticizing the government is not outrageous."

When is free speech not okay? When do people not have the right to say what they feel? Tricia Herzfeld, a staff attorney with the ACLU-Tennessee, said, "This case goes beyond this particular shirt to the larger issue of chilling protected political speech. We cannot let our emotions jeopardize the free speech rights of Mr. Frazier or others who want to speak out against the war.” Mr. Frazier speaking out against the war is just another example of how wonderful our rights are as Americans. We ARE allowed to criticize the government's actions and disagree publicly with events that are taking place. This is shown clearly in the example of Dan Frazier and his T-shirt.

A Breath of Fresh Air for China?

How can we help future generations? Improving our environment and taking all possible steps to reduce pollution and prevent further contamination. A clean and breathable future is the one we should keep in mind for our children and grandchildren. One of the simplest and most effective ways to accomplish this is by driving hybrid or electric cars instead of the many gas powered cars available today. The article China's Push for Hybrid and Electric Cars, But Will Anyone Buy? explains how the Chinese government is pushing for their population of over 1.3 billion to become more active in the hybrid and electric car market. I found this very interesting because it describes why electric or partially electric cars are less realistic and unaffordable for the Chinese people.

China has taken many steps to promote electric cars and make them more practical for everyday consumers. The article claimed the Chinese government had offered "discounts of $8,800 for electric vehicles, $7,350 for PHEVs, and up to $36,750 for fuel cell vehicles." This is definitely a step in the right direction but the cost of the fuel efficient vehicles is still much higher in China. Even with the appealing incentive, the price of the F3DM, a popular electric car in China, is about six thousand dollars more expensive than its competitor, the F3 which is completely gas powered.

Looking to become a bigger competitor in the electric car market, China hopes to "quickly improve quality via collaboration with foreign car makers that have spent decades competing in Western markets." It will take time for this to catch on though. Americans want to make sure these cars are not only green, but safe and reliable. China must start selling these cars widely in their own country before expanding to sell these cars in the U.S.

My Photo Story

This is me! Click here to learn more.

Of Mice and Men

John Steinbeck uses the first paragraph in his book, Of Mice and Men to set up the whole story. He uses parallels in his first few sentences that gives clues of characters and events that are going to happen. Almost the whole paragraph can be used as parallels to later happenings in the novel.

"the Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and runs deep and green." This quote can be taken in many ways. The word green means alive, fresh, natural, and new. Green parallels to Lenny who is more naive. Deep means strong and solid like George.

Another great parallel comes from the quote "slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan mountains." Rocky is Lenny's equivalent because he is unable to think for himself. Without George helping him, Lenny is rocky when it comes to decisions. Strong describes George's personality. He knows what is best and helps Lenny try to live a normal life.

The quote "the limb is worn smooth by men who have sat on it" describes George taking care of Lenny. The word worn means tired or broken in. George is so used to taking care of Lenny it is natural to care for and protect him.

The tone in Of Mice and Men is of sadness and despair. Lennie and George are constantly reminded of their hard life and problems. Throughout the book, Steinbeck uses tone to help add detail to the story.

Quotes in the book often reinforce both George and Lennie's lack of education or knowledge. "An' I ain't so bright neither, or I wouldn't be buckin' barley for my fifty and found" describes the poor life style of George. He can't get a better job, so he has to settle for bucking barley earning little pay. This quote has a depressed tone because it shows George's lack of a better life.

George tells Slim about Lennie's tendency to get in trouble by saying, "But he gets in trouble alla time because he's so dumb." This quote shows that Lennie doesn't understand many things and is continuously getting into trouble because of his lack of knowledge. This trouble causes many hardships on George. They have to move from place to place to avoid people who are after Lennie for what he has done.

The theme for Of Mice and Men is to care for one another. It is so important to look out for those who are around you. Family is the number one thing you should care about. It is also crucial to do the same for friends and even mere acquaintances.

With everyone taking on the same attitude George had towards Lennie, the world could be a much better place. People would be more willing to help and more understanding to those in need.

George gave up so much to take care of Lennie. He had to move around the country, not have a wife, and keep a low paying, unsatisfying job. George really cared about Lennie and that is why he was willing to give up these things for the well being and happiness of another person. It is a very admirable thing to do and others should take note of his courage.

Migrant Mother Photos

Dorothea Lange's Migrant Mother photos express a lot of emotion. They portrait the mother's feelings of sadness and defeat. The children are all huddled around her and it is obvious she has extreme love for them. Their shelter consists of a sheet with half of it left completely open. The mother looks worn out and ready to give up. She probably has no money and no where to turn for help.

Looking at these pictures makes me think about what a great life I have. I have a nice home, plenty of food, and a wonderful family. The family in these pictures has a lot of problems and things to worry about. When I'm worrying about school or homework, this family is worried about food and safety. It makes me realize what a blessed life I have to be fortunate enough to have the essentials in life.

The Giver Book Review

What would your community be like if everyone was completely equal? Who would be in charge? What information would be withheld from citizens? Lois Lowry's book The Giver is a great story that tells about the struggles of a young boy in this type of community.

The setting of this book is sometime in the future. The weather is always the same with no rain or snow. There are no hills and the temperature is always mild. Jonas lives in this community with his family. Here, students go to school until they are twelve then they are assigned their occupation. From then on, they spend their time working at this specific job.

When Jonas turns twelve, he goes to his assignment ceremony and is told he will be the next "Giver." Unsure of what this job actually is, Jonas is nervous to start. On his first day, Jonas goes to see a man who is the current giver. He tells him that the giver is the one chosen to hold all the memories of the past. They keep these memories from the public because some are much too painful for the average person to deal with. The giver then begins to transfer all his memories to Jonas. Some are happy and loving but others are harsh and show scenes of war, hate, and other negative things that don't exist in Jonas's time.

Will Jonas be able to handle all of these truths? How will he react to some of the harsh realities that he has been sheltered from his entire life? I would highly recommend this book to anyone. It was a great story and really inspired me to think outside the box.

Animals Portray Utopias

George Orwell uses animals in his book Animal Farm to portray his message about utopias. Pigs, dogs, horses, chickens, and many other barnyard animals are characters in this book. All the animals take on human qualities like the ability to speak, but they remain in their animal form.

In the book, the animals are inspired to have a rebellion against their master, Mr. Jones. When the rebellion happens, everyone is ecstatic about the future. They make plans together and are sure they will have a wonderful life. The pigs take the leadership of the farm. Napoleon and Snowball, two of the pigs, assume joint leadership of the farm. When the two leaders begin to disagree, Napoleon trains young dogs and runs Snowball off the farm.

At first, all the animals are happy and content. Things are running smoothly on the farm and work is shared evenly among all the animals. Then, things start to turn for the worse. Napoleon begins to abuse his power and makes the animals work like slaves. He takes advantage of their lack of intelligence and changes the rules. With eloquent speeches or claiming the animals remembered incorrectly, Napoleon was wonderful at making the animals believe his every word.

The message in this book is that what you might think is or will be a utopia can quickly turn into a distopia. The animals were all sure the new farm without Mr. Jones would be their version of a utopia. In the beginning, it probably was or was very close to that. But slowly, as Napoleon began to abuse his power, the animal's conditions got worse and worse. This book proves that a utopia is impossible to obtain.

Cross-Examination

One thing I do that is a little out of the ordinary is keep all my school binders after the school year is over. I have a coat closet with shelves lined with binders, folders, and random school papers.

A lot of people might think this is weird, but what if i need them?! I could be doing a project and realize a whole unit we did on the subject in the past. All I would have to do is go to the closet, find the right binder from the correct year, and then flip through to the information I might need.

Some might argue that there are so many other resources, like the Internet, that I could use to find this vital information. What I have found is that most of the time you can find these topics but they are usually not in as much detail or as explanatory as your fourth grade teacher might have taught it.

Maybe this is weird, or maybe it will pay off. Who knows? Having these binders gives me a secure feeling that I have what I need. They are real pieces of paper in a time of almost completely paperless education.

My Red Wheelbarrow Poem

Spring is wonderful
and great.

Plants come back to life
and bloom.

Spring is a time for hope
and peace.

The sun shines bright on Earth
with light.

Rejoice for Spring and its
wonders.

Celebrate!

One thing I can celebrate everyday are my WONDERFUL friends. They have so much influence and impact on my life. Everyday I can rely on them to support, care, and love me without question. Through rough times they always have my back and stay with me when I need them most. True friends are hard to find, but once you find them, you know exactly who they are.

My friends are there to celebrate with me. April is a month full of birthdays! We have so many parties and fun activities to do. Buying each other special presents, birthdays are always time for celebration.

My best friends know who they are and I really hope they know how much they mean to me. Friends are such an important aspect of my life, I don't know what I would do without them. They are like a second family to me.

The Removable Mask

An invisible mask is worn to hide your feelings.
It can always be present,
Or just at certain times.
It is a barrier from the real world,
Protecting yourself
From what might happen if you were to express your true thoughts.

I have a removable mask.
Sometimes I put it on to hide my thoughts.
But other times I have no mask
And let my true feelings shine through.

The mask can be a security blanket
Used when you are afraid your ideas may be rejected or ridiculed.
It can also be a barrier
To keep your feelings silent when they differ from others.

When the mask is gone, ideas and expressions flow freely.
I have no worries about my ideas being judged
And even feel my ideas might be approbated.
To remove the mask, I have to feel safe.
I must be comfortable with those around me,
or sometimes, completely alone.

The mask is a good thing,
Protecting me from saying something I might regret.
I think before I remove the mask,
Making sure my feelings are appropriate to express.

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's is a fun holiday when people can dress up. Most people wear green to symbolize their love for Ireland. If you don't wear green you might get a pinch from a friend! There are many parades and the Chicago River is even dyed green to celebrate this holiday. On this day, people remember Irish ancestors. It is also just a fun holiday to celebrate with people at school, work, and in the community.

To me, St. Patrick's Day is a day to wear green to school. It is fun to see everyone's ideas and some people even wear fun hats or bring candy. I love hearing about how people all around the world celebrate in different ways.

Call of The Wild

Have you ever gone thousands of miles in the freezing Alaskan winter? Buck and his friends did. Buck is a big dog who was sold because gold was found in Alaska. Many people were rushing there to collect their fortune and were getting there with a dog team and sled. Jack London's Call of the Wild told a great story about standing up for what you believe in.

Spitz was an older dog on Buck's first team. Although he was old and wise he was incredibly strong and cunning therefore, he was the leader of the team. This bothered Buck because he knew he should be the leader. This caused lots of tension and Buck and Spitz always seemed to be quarreling. Finally, one day it came to a head. Buck and Spitz knew it was a fight to the death and the remaining dog would rightfully be the leader. They began to fight with all the other dogs around watching. Spitz came off strong, but in the end, Buck used his intelligence to win the fight. Buck took a stand for himself because he knew he was the rightful leader even when others doubted him.

The setting of this book was in Alaska. Most of the book took place during the bitter winter. Everything was frozen including all the rivers. Snow covered the ground and the dogs buried themselves under it to keep warm at night. Towards the end of the book, spring began to emerge. All the ice slowly started melting and life was once again moving around.

Buck is sold many times throughout the book. He once finds himself owned by men named Hal and Charles. They also are accompanied by Charles's wife, Mercedes. These people are not prepared at all for the harsh Alaskan environment. They don't realize all the work and preparation that must be done before heading out to find precious gold.

At first on the trip, the dogs were fed well, too well. The food supply ends up running out before the trip is anywhere near over. This caused the dogs to start losing lots of weight and become really weak. On top of that, Charles, Hal, and Mercedes made the dogs travel extreme distances with little or no rest. The dogs were in horrible shape and a few even died. One stop they made was at the camp of John Thornton. When it was time to leave, Buck was called to get back in his harness at the front of the sled. Buck was so weak he could barely move so he decided it was time he took a stand against Hal and Charles. When he refused to get up, Hal started beating Buck severely. Buck was already in so much pain that the blows from the club barely bothered him. He just stayed on the ground and took the punishment. Then, it was John Thornton that took a stand. He told Hal that he needed to stop beating Buck. He stood up for Buck and as a result, Buck got to stay at John Thornton's camp.

Call of the Wild was an interesting book. I learned information about dog sleds, Alaska, and dog behavior. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories about dogs or overcoming obstacles. This book was an easy read and fairly short. It would be great for either boys or girls.

Persuasion

I use persuasion all the time. I persuade my parents, friends, and teachers. First off, I state the facts. By doing this, I make myself seem more believable and knowledgeable. People try to convince others into almost anything, like less homework, going out somewhere, or to borrow money. Persuasion is always a very helpful technique when you want to get your way.

Persuasion is used extensively on television. The Home Shopping Network is the worst! They tell you their product is amazing and know exactly how to make you feel like you need it. They also use a sense of urgency with their "limited time offers" that make customers think it is a once in a lifetime chance.

Persuasion can also be harmful. If a great persuader has a wrong idea, that person may be able to convince others they are right when in fact, they are wrong. Everyone should be careful when letting someone persuade them. Make sure the facts are right before you let someone change your mind.

Commitment

Training and attending the Olympics is one huge commitment. These athletes have dedicated their lives to one particular sport. It is an honorable thing to do because these people give up so much to go and represent their country.

One thing I have committed to is trying my best to be a good person. This might not seem like much but it affects almost everything I do. Every important decision I make I take time to think about what is right and wrong and the consequences I might face. Commitment is something many people have trouble with. It takes a very mentally strong person to fulfill a difficult commitment.

Winning

Being a winner can mean so many things. A winner can be someone who gets first place at a sporting event, science fair, or any other type of competition. A winner is also someone who tries their hardest. Winning isn't always about BEING the best, but KNOWING that you did YOUR best.

Sometimes winning can have draw backs. The winner might have to deal with jealousy problems. Also, to achieve their win, some competitors might have had to make harsh personal sacrifices in order to complete or prepare for their event. The thing that I am most proud of winning myself is first place at a gymnastics meet when I was ten.

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

There are so many things in life that make me happy. Everyone has specific things they enjoy or call "their favorites." These can include: favorite songs, bands, food, colors, activities, friends, celebrities, teachers, movies, and so much more! Your favorite things make you feel happy or cheerful. They can help lighten your spirit and sharing them with others helps you express who you are.

My favorite color is most definitely pink! Pink is such a happy color and gives a positive vibe. It reminds me of spring when pink flowers bloom everywhere. It is also an Easter color and makes me think of Easter eggs and little baskets to hunt them with. My room is covered with pink and when given a choice in clothing, I almost always tend to gravitate towards the fun color.

My favorite band is Muse. Muse has a great sound! They are a pop/rock band from England that has really awesome style. Their music puts me in a great mood and I listen to it all them time! The lyrics of their songs are inspiring and true.

My favorite actor is Will Ferrell. He is always hilarious! No matter what part he is playing he always seems to steal the show. When he was on Saturday Night Live his skits were the best! His movies are mostly comedy related and he is so great at making audiences laugh. He stars in some of my favorite movies: Anchorman, Taladaga Nights, and Step Brothers. Watching any of his movies always puts me in a better mind set because they can always make me laugh.

Book Review- Remember Me?

"Look, it can't be 2007. It's 2004. I'm not stupid!" This is what Lexi says after waking up from her horrible car accident. It turns out she had lost some of her memory! It's odd, she didn't lose it all. She remembers everything in her life up to a previous head injury in 2004. It's now May 6, 2007 and Lexi has a lot of learning to do. Sophie Kinsella's Remember Me? entertained me with the fun and witty story of a girl lost in her own life.

Lexi is a normal girl. She has a regular office job, a great group of friends, and is in search of the right guy. After waking up from her car crash, Lexi learns things are a little different in her life now. She is the director of the floor at her previous job. This means she is now the boss of her friends which has apparently caused some tense relations. Also, the job came with a pay raise. A PAY RAISE. Not to mention, she is now married! Not only is her husband Eric sweet and gorgeous, but he is also filthy rich! On the surface, Lexi's life seems amazing and she can't wait to go out and live it.

One theme in this book is taking a stand. One of Eric's work friends, Jon, tells Lexi that they were having an affair and she was about to leave Eric for him before her accident. Lexi is appalled and refuses to believe she would ever have done such an awful thing! Her marriage is perfect! As time goes on however, Lexi begins to understand. As she gets to know Jon through Eric's work related outings, she begins to like him more and more. Also, things with Eric seem to be getting worse as she actually gets to know him. He seems fake and artificial, unable to express real emotions. He just smiles and pretends to listen when in actuality he couldn't care less. Jon seems heartbroken that Lexi can't remember their love. He shows her pictures and tells her stories of the things they did together. Lexi starts to realize why she had made the choice she did before the accident. Lexi has to take a stand for herself in order for her to be happy. She decides to file for divorce from Eric and do what truly makes her happy, be with Jon. This was a very hard decision because her life with Eric was "perfect," at least on the outside.

Sophie Kinsella lives in England and uses that vernacular in her writing. Her writing is easy to follow and her descriptions are very detailed. This story was really clever and I couldn't put it down. I would recommend this book to any mature girl. It has a great love story and really teaches the lesson that things aren't always as they appear.

An Admirable Stand

I greatly admire the volunteers and community leaders that operate Batesville's Help and Hope Organization. They took a great stand against hunger in Independence County. This is a strictly volunteer based organization that runs purely on donations and contributions by caring individuals. In today's economy, more and more people are using the services Help and Hope provides by giving food and clothing to those in need.

Volunteers take their own time to sort, package, and distribute theses goods to those that need them. They take time away from their families, jobs, and other activities to provide for those that are less fortunate. Churches and members of the community donate money to help purchase food. Many youth groups go and help package food in bags for people to come pick up.

Everyone that contributes to this organization is really doing something great for our community. It is a great idea to help others when you have an opportunity. If you and your family needed help, an organization like Help and Hope could provide it for you. This proves that you always need to help others because you never know when you will need the help yourself.

Standing For What I Believe In

I took a stand when I chose to purchase a hybrid car. Other car models might have been cheaper but even though this car was slightly more expensive, I feel it was the right choice. This choice was positive for many reasons.

I greatly reduce my carbon footprint by having a hybrid car. Hybrids use much less gas and reduce pollutants released into the atmosphere. Hybrids reduce gas consumption by turning the gas powered engine off while the vehicle is idle or requiring low output.

Having a hybrid car helps to reduce our reliance on foreign oil. Since hybrid cars are part electric, they require a smaller amount of gasoline. The more people that have hybrids, the less oil the United States will need to supply our vast need for it. Oil is a major political issue and has caused many tense relations between countries.

I set an example to others by purchasing a hybrid car. When other people see my car, I hope it inspires them to take a stand of their own. Having a hybrid car can sometimes be more difficult, but it is really worth it. By showing others that having a hybrid car is an easy and simple way to reduce your impact on the earth, I hope to make this great invention more popular and wide spread.