WE'LL BE BACK!

Even though I consider this year to be the worst, many people would agree, your class was not as bad. We did do work, but the thing is it was not too much to make us hate the class. I like how you did not constantly pressure us and gave many opportunities to make up our grade. Blogs were a really good idea even though it was horrible in the beginning, because of blogs we got many points that boosted our grades. I like how you would most of the time laugh with us because it made the class a little bit more interesting. In general the class went by smoothly, I liked how you gave us time to study(complain) about bio if we had time. I did not like the quarterly exams but, they were not your choice. There really was not much that bothered me during the class(looking what other people wrote now... Wow some people are suck ups!). I would agree with some of the stories being a bit boring. Easy A was a good movie ;). No but in all seriousness we've been lucky enough to have normal english teachers in high school. Sometimes we did get lazy but eh. Oh I forgot about the Facebook group, who every thought of that was clearly a genius, that is going to be a big boss when they grow older. That was pure genius make sure to do that next year.
     I hate reading. It puts me to sleep. The only book I legitimately read was The Kite Runner and I actually liked. I can guarantee I absolutely (I spelled absolute correct from the first try...no not because it is also a vodka! ok maybe..) that I hated the transcendentalism section that was horrible. The Scarlet Letter  was one of my favorites and the satirical stories we read towards the end of the year.
   

Coyote V. ACME

     This week we read a funny satirical essay that got its point across through the use of satire and sarcasm. Coyote V. ACME was written to show its audience the corrupt and dysfunctional court system we have in America. He showed this through a cartoon character who happened to be a coyote that knows how to get himself into trouble. Coyote is the plaintiff who is suing ACME, a company that supplied coyote with the devices to catch his food. The lawsuit is over the damage caused to coyote because of his failure to read the instructions.

     The speaker of the easy is coyote's lawyer. The essay is entirely the opening argument of the case. The audience of the essay can be considered to be the judge, jury and the readers. The purpose of this essay is to convince the jury that coyote is innocent and that he should receive $38,750,000 for all the injuries that was caused by ACME's products. The occasion is the courtroom. The tone is very sarcastic and funny, because of the exaggerations that are clearly not true. The subject is the court case. The author did a great job and passing the message that our justice system is corrupt and many silly cases are wasting time and money.

"Man Finally Put In Charge Of Struggling Feminist Movement"

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     The article "Man Finally Put In Charge Of Struggling Feminist Movement" published in The Onion discusses the success of a feminist movement only after a man named Peter "Buck" McGowan took over as new chief of the worldwide initiative for women's rights. He now manages the groups daily operations and is happy to take role as the nation's top feminist. He had made eliminating sexual harassment his first priority. McGowan has also closed the 23.5 percent gender wage gap by making a few calls."The whole movement just seems more legitimate with Buck in charge. His drive, focus and determination are truly remarkable. Mr. McGowan is a man with a plan" said lead feminist.
     This article is humorous because it emphasizes that the feminist group needed a man to take charge. Women are always talking about gender equality and that they should have the same rights, and can do things equally or even better when compared to men. This article clearly states that they were struggling until the intervention of a male figure. Now they are successful and heading the right direction with the help of Peter McGowan

"U.S. man convicted in 'enormous' tax scam that involved hundreds of Canadians"

The article "U.S. man convicted in 'enormous' tax scam that involved hundreds of Canadians" published in Yahoo News by The Canadian Press | Associated press tells a story of Ronald L. Brekke, who was found guilty of conspiracy and wire fraud. He had helped close to 1,000 people falsely claim millions of dollars in tax refunds. Brekke had told his victims that the U.S Treasury would pay tax refunds equivalent to their personal debts.”He prepared fraudulent claims worth more than $763 million, though only $14 million or so worth of the claims were paid out by the U.S. government, the IRS said.” The fraudulent plans began to go downhill once promotional material was found in a hotel room of Donald Mason which led authorities to Brekke. Another lead for authorities was when two of Brekke’s co-conspirators tried to cash checks worth around $350,000 dollars each. Brekke could face up to 20 years in prison.

SOAPST- "The Great Gatsby"

     The Great Gatsby is a very fun and interesting book to read. The speaker of the book is Nick Carraway, he is the narrator. He had graduated from New Haven and joined the army after. The novel takes place in the Summer of 1922 in New York. Nicked had decided to move to there to learn the bond business. The audience of this book are the readers. The tone of the novel can be considered to be mysterious and relaxed. So far the book is very appealing, I look forward to finishing the book and seeing what happens in the ending.

"Importance of language as a key to identity and to social acceptance."

     Language is key to being successful in this world. By hearing a person speak, one can gather much information about a person. For example, one may be able to determine the origin of the speaker by paying attention to their accent. Accents can not be completely fixed, however they can be reduced. It is not anyones fault that they were born outside the United States where english is not the native language and for this reason society should think twice before criticizing someone. The speakers level of education may certainly show upon their diction and syntax. Speaking in proper English may have been a sign of wealth during the old times. However with education being so openly available to many people one can learn to speak properly very easily. Language is the window to a persons individuality. Another example, if one uses profanity in their language this shows others that he or she is not well educated and is not under the influence of proper parental guidance.

Death of F. Scott Fitzgerald

     Fitzgerald had been an alcoholic since he was very young. He had became notorious during the 1920s for his heavy drinking which caused him to have bad health by the late 1930s. He claimed to have contracted tuberculosis but his biographer says it was just to cover his drinking problem. However he indeed did have tuberculosis and suffered a mild attack of tuberculosis in 1919 and in 1929 it was clear that he had a tubercular hemorrhage. Fitzgerald suffered two heart attacks in the 1940s. His doctor ordered him to avoid strenuous exertion. He moved in with Sheilah Graham who lived in Hollywood. One day while he was eating, Ms. Graham saw him jump from his chair, grab the mantelpiece, and fall to the floor. Fitzgerald had been the victim of a big heart attack.

                                                         

Gatsby Party

     If I was as rich as Jay Gatsby and had the ability to throw parties that lasted the entire weekend, we would all have much fun. On Friday after all my friends, relatives, celebrities, and random hot girls have finished work or school. We would all go to my 100 million dollar yacht and head out. We would start by eating because everybody knows you can't drink on an empty stomach. After we have all finished with our dinner, everyone would go and get dressed and go to the ballroom for the big dance. We would start drinking until every last drop is done. Everybody would dance and be friendly with one another. Following my 100 million dollar yacht, would be the 3 million dollar yacht filled with my teachers. The reason they are not allowed on my boat is because they are not the most exciting people to party with(with some exceptions). The day after, when everybody is hung over and is unable to move we would have reached my private islands where there are no rules and I am king. This is where people would be separated into three groups. First, the ones who are going to have a great time on the island and be treated like queens and kings. Second, the second group is not appropriate for school. Third, the ones who's voyage of life has come to an end. Everybody would part their different ways and relax on the island with their on personal servants, free food, and lots of alcohol....well almost everybody.

"Drinking test: Bill would require drinkers on Utah alcohol panel"

     It is unfair to pass laws on certain products when the people passing the law are not users of that product. The article "Drinking test: Bill would require drinkers on Utah alcohol panel"
 written in the Los Angeles Times by Ricardo Lopez discusses how a Utah lawmaker wants to make the voice of alcohol users heard. He came up with the idea that at least two fifths of the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission must be made up of people who drink at least once a month. "Utah’s restrictive liquor laws have long been in place. About 70% of state residents are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which teaches its members to abstain from drinking alcohol."  These laws have been criticized by the Utah tourism industry claiming that Utah is missing out because the laws drive away tourist to the neighboring state of Colorado.
      This is a great idea because lawmakers are suppose to represent everyone. By requiring at least two of the lawmakers to be drinkers, they get a better more representative result.

"Unsafe levels of lead still found in California youths"

      Lead is around everyone. It can easily be found in toys, jewelry, old paint, dirt, and home remedies. Lead poisoning can have everlasting and irreversible effects on children damaging their IQ's and causing brain damage. In the recent article "Unsafe levels of lead still found in California youths" published in the Los Angeles Times by Anna Gorman, one can read about an apparent lead poisoning occurence. Nelly Gomez refused to eat, her parents believed she had indigestion. Whatever she at she threw up. However a blood test revealed that she did in fact have lead poisoning. Lead poisoning is more common in low income neighborhoods where families like Nelly's are living. Health agencies such as the CDC are considering lowering the lead level considered safe for children. "Currently, the agency says 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood is considered elevated. But in light of research showing damage to children with lower levels, an expert advisory panel wants the cutoff dropped to 5 micrograms." Children under 6 are more likely to be exposed to lead poisoning because they put more things in their mouth. 
       Issues like these are very important and must be taken care of 

immediately. With this bad econommy one can only imagine how hard it must be to pay for proper diagnostics and tests by professional doctors. Everybody must work as a one to find a answer to this problem. There are many cases that are going undetected and untreated which are causing children to suffer.

     

"More human remains found at Calif. ranch"

     The article "More human remains found at Calif. ranch" was written by the Associated Press and was published on "Yahoo News". Skull fragments, bones, clothing, a purse, and jewelry were found in a Northern California rural area. The killer, currently on death row, told authorites there may be ten or more victims. The remains and items were found in a 45 feet deep hole, in an abandoned cattle ranch. Sunday, February 13 marks the fourth straight day that remains have been found with the help of a map from the death row inmate Wesley Shermantine. Shermantine was convicted of four murders and sentenced to death. He and a friend were known as the "Speed Freak Killers" and are said to have had more than 15 victims.

Half Hour away from the world

     As I sitting on my roof, with the hot sun shining on my skin I realized how beautiful the world really is. The sky is clear, only one or two clouds moving slowly and quietly. The clouds appear to be in the shape of two dogs. The smell of fresh air surrounds the space around me. The trees, as green as they can be, are moving to the sound of the wind as if they were dancing to it. The sound of Armenian music and 16 year olds driving their father Mercedes suddenly filled my ears. Buildings were everywhere and I felt as if I was on top of it all. Mothers walking with their daughters, old grandmas carrying grocery bags, people laughing and joking, children playing were all sights visible from my rooftop. A flock of birds just passed by, chirping as if it was their last day on earth.

     Isolating myself from technology and people for half an hour helped me realize the connection between God, people and nature. In order for one to become successful they must find a perfect balance between these three thats unique for themselves. Once one successfully determines their perfect mixture of God, humans and nature in their lives they will be at peace with themselves and in harmony with the world.

"One child may be the victim of two Miramonte teachers"

      In a recent article published in the Los Angeles Times by Sam Allen, Richard Winton and Howard Blume two teachers are accused of performing disturbing acts on their students. Mark Berndt and Martin Bernard Springer allegedly took pictures of their second-graders, spoon fed them semen, and touched them inappropriately. The confusion of one parent began when one second-grader went home and showed her parents two photos taken by the teacher. One depicted her, along with other girls standing against a wall. The other is a picture of her biting down on a cookie, which appeared to have a white substance on top of it. The parents made an effort to voice their concern to the principal, however he quickly dismissed their worries and suggested it was part of a class project. "Springer was arrested after two students said he touched them improperly within the last three years. The father, disatissfied did not send his child to school for a week. "The father said that after his daughter told him that the teacher touched her, he made a complaint with local police but never heard back from authorities.Law enforcement sources said they are also looking for evidence that a report was taken."

     It is cases like these that makes one wonder what kind of disturbed and mentally sick person would do such things. Many people claim the United States to be the "best" or "Number 1" country on earth, but it is difficult to believe that is possible because it is home to the worlds most psychotic people. 

Charley

     In the play The Death of a Salesman, the audience is introduced to a wide and diverse verity of characters. If I were to chose the one that resembles me the most I would have to pick Charley. Charley owns a successful business alongside a helping personality. Charley offers money to Willy to pay his bills. In one section Willy even mentions that Charley is his only friend. I feel that Charley resembles me the most for a few reasons. First off, Charley seems to have ambition, which led to him being successful. One day I will be successful much like Charley. Second, Charley has reached success and has not forgotten about his friends. Similarly, when I reach a goal wether that be in school, work, or in the future, I will make sure to take care of the people around me in some way or another.

Death of a Salesman SOAPST

     Death of a Salesman is a play that was written by Arthur Miller. Miller focuses on the American dream that many wish to reach during their lifetime. Arthur Miller is also the speaker of the play. The play takes place in New York around the 1940's. During this time many immigrants came to America in search of a new begining. The Loman's were no different, they were in search of the dream, the American dream. They lived in a house that was mainly surrounded by apartment buildings. The play can be considered to have two audiences. First, the people who actually went to view the play being performed and second, the ones who read the book. This play has multiple purposes, which are to inform and entertain. The book is a great way to learn about the hardships many families had to overcome during those times. Although my peers and I do not like reading plays, or any books for that matter, this one was very enjoyable.