Sunday, November 24, 2013

Quote from The Scarlet Letter

"Could it be true? She clutched the child so fiercely to her breast, that it sent forth a cry; she turned her eyes downward at the scarlet letter, and even touched it with her finger, to assure herself that the infant and the shame were real. Yes!- these were her realities,- all else had vanished!" (Hawthorne 41)

At this point in the story of The Scarlet Letter Hester Prynne is on the scaffold in the marketplace where she is given public humiliation and embarrassment for her crime of adultery. She is still in shock about her sin and the punishment she is given as a cause. Her life is changing incredibly fast and it is quite hard for her to grasp the reality of it all. She looks down to her chest to assure herself with physical proof that the scarlet letter and the child, as a product of her crime, were real, although she does not want to accept the truth. She realizes how nothing will ever be the same. However, as a women with pride she keeps her head up high and holds her baby close to her heart. This quote is important because these two factors are the reason her life changes forever and constantly remind her of the past. The baby and scarlet letter are what define her life in this story and the struggles she has to face as she becomes isolated from the community, is looked down upon by everyone, and begins raising her child as a single mother. She has to live with the guilt of her sin everyday, but her actions, whether good or bad, are what make her become the person she is throughout the story.

"United Way walk draws thousands to aid LA County's homeless"

Source: Los Angleles Times
By: Alicia Banks
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-united-way-homewalk-homelessness-20131123,0,3844806.story#axzz2ldZxyCb3

Los Angeles County has one of the largest number of homeless people accounting to 60,000 people, according to the United Way. However, on Sunday morning more than 13,000 people came together to complete the annual five-kilometer walk to raise money and awareness for the cause. They joined Los Angeles Lakers all-star guard, Kobe Bryant, during the 7th annual United Way HomeWalk in Exposition Park. Bryant assured everybody that the walk was mainly for the purpose of helping others and inspiring one another to do good. Christine Marge, the director of housing & financial stability at United Way of Greater Los Angeles, said that organizers hoped to raise 1 million dollars from the day’s event. “All those funds will go right back out into the community to house over 1,000 people who are sleeping on our streets who will soon be moved into permanent housing,” she said.

Helping one another in this world is one of the greatest things people can do. To bring joy upon somebody else through one's simple actions for their common good is an unexplainable feeling. Every participant during the walk changed somebody's life that day and gave them an opportunity to a better living. To this cause and people they would be forever thankful for.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Clothing of the 1600's in Boston Massachusetts

http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/articles/17th-century-articles/common-womens-clothing-in-the-early-to-mid-17th-century.html
http://www.ehow.com/list_7171901_type-did-colonial-people-wear_.html

In the 1600's there were many factors that set men apart from the women, such as different occupations or form of entertainment. One significant part was the clothing which defined the women and men of society at the time. Typically the women's clothing were very plain and conservative due to the strong belief of religion. The women would usually wear shifts or jackets as everyday clothing. At the time of work they would wear aprons around their waist. It was also very common among the lower class women to wear caps as an everyday accessory. They would be placed on the head and wrapped around the chin. Clothing worn by upper class women would tend to be bodices, also know as corsets, with wide skirts that were supported by hip bolsters. The under-bodice was a laced band around the ribs, reaching to just under the bust, and supported by shoulder straps. A tightly tucked shirt kept the breasts secure in this outfit, otherwise exposed. As for footwear the women wore stockings and mules. Mules are backless shoes with leather vamp set into a wooden sole. With the mules they would wear colored stockings which actually happened to be a trend at the time.

The men wore padded doublets and short padded breeches. They also wore jackets made of linen fastened with ribbons with lace and linen collars which were considered fashionable. For footwear they wore latchet shoes with long stockings.


  
1658-60                                 1658-60           
             

"Tornadoes tear across Midwest, killing at least 5 in Illinois"

Source: Los Angeles Times
By: Matt Pearce
http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-illinois-tornado-victims-20131117,0,6329450.story#axzz2kydWbHYB

This Sunday a fatal tornado broke out and affected many residents lives across the Midwest. Five people died and many more were severely injured from the incident. From smashing homes to tossing cars this terrible disaster wiped out many of the towns in Missouri, Indiana and Kentucky. A preliminary report from the National Weather Service said at least 50 mobile homes in two trailer parks could have taken a "direct hit." Homes became flattened from the storm and trapped people inside. Some conditions became even worse when injured victims could not have been found. Due to the severe damage of the crumbled towns addresses nor streets were able to be determined to save these people. Most of them accepted their inevitable fate as the storm approached. They were aware of the fact that their lives would no longer be the same; if they were lucky enough to be alive, that is. Many people shared intimate stories of their experience with the storm and how they truly believed their life would be over in a few short seconds. After surviving the tragic incident they realized how truly blessed and lucky they were to be alive.

These type of stories really open people's eyes to the dangers out there that are in nobodies control. Nobody can prevent a natural disaster, such as this one, from occurring, but they can always be thankful for the life they are given and appreciate the circumstances they live in.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

"Education" by Ralph Waldo Emerson SOAPST

The speaker of Education, Ralph Waldo Emerson, was one of America's most influential thinkers and writers. He graduated from Harvard Divinity School and formed the Transcendental Club with many other intellectuals similar to himself. The audience of the essay is everyone, specifically for whom the educational system may concern. The occasion of this essay is in the 1820's to 1830's, where learners had to undergo harsh conditions to receive an education. At the time 100 people or so would be cramped in a small single classroom taught by martinets who did not allow any creativity or self expression. The subject of this essay is to reform the educational system and how it works. He mentioned how learning through experience and allowing and guiding children to find themselves in this world was essential in the process of improving the education system. The purpose of this speech is to teach and inform people about effective ways of teaching education to students so they would enjoy learning. Incorporating real world matters into class discussions and letting students be imaginative and spontaneous with their minds was one way of achieving this. Emerson's tone throughout the essay is confident, friendly, informative, and educated. As an influential thinker his words had great meaning and impact on the people reading his works. Through his use of simple diction  he accomplished an easy read and interesting perspective which soaked into the readers' minds.

LAX Shooting

"LAX shooting: Dramatic details emerge of rampage targeting TSA agents"
Source: Los Angeles Times
By:
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-lax-shooting-dramatic-details-of-rampage-targeting-tsa-emerge-20131102,0,1554220.story#axzz2jdi3VSPH

On Friday, November 1 a horrific and deadly shooting occurred at Los Angeles International Airport. A man by the name of Paul Anthony Ciancia opened fire in Terminal three, killing Transportation Security Administration agent, Gerardo Hernandez, and injuring several others. David Bowdich, special agent in charge of the Counter terrorism Division at the FBI's Los Angeles office, actually revealed the murderer's true intentions in the scheme. With the proof of a handwritten note that said that he did not want to hurt anybody that was "innocent" - only TSA agents, showed his aim to specifically wipe out all TSA agents. Ciancia wanted to “instill fear into their traitorous minds.” The murderer's strange desire to be rid of all TSA agents is not yet discovered, however it is confirmed that Ciancia is charged with murder by federal prosecutors. He is currently in the hospital due to critical conditions resulting from a shot in the leg and head by LAX police. This incident caused chaos throughout the airport and affected more than 1,500 flights and 167,000 passengers. Many flights were delayed or cancelled on Friday, but all is "back to normal" now. It was made clear by the LAX spokesman, Marshall Lowe that all regular operations had resumed Sunday morning.

These type of stories are important to hear about because they open people's eyes into the world of danger that surrounds one's daily life and is likely to bring potential harm upon them. Not only did this incident hurt numerous people, but it also caused all the different schedules of different flights to be disorganized and completely out of order.

"To what extent do our schools serve the goals of a true education?"

From the beginning of time school has been a place to learn. The primary goal of any school is to instill a sense of knowledge, wisdom, or skills by the time one's years at grade school are done. Most schools make this possible for their students by providing them with certain studies, teachers to teach them those subjects, and classrooms to hold the discussions. The primary courses schools provide for their students are the basic studies of math, English, science, and history. These four subjects have always been the main studies of all students from Kindergarten to twelfth grade along with the secondary studies such as the elective classes. The elective classes consist of a variety of subjects such as cooking, woodshop, photography, business, and so on. Then when it comes time to prove the students' knowledge on the certain study they have been learning about they get tested with exams and are judged based on those tests how intelligent they are in that subject. If they score high then they are brilliant and if they do not then they are failures. The real problem in school education is exactly this. Tests are not an accurate way of proving somebody's real knowledge, although they may be the most convenient. They are only beneficial to people who are skillful in some of the different sections of test taking such as multiple choice, fill in the blank, and true or false. Some people's brains do not process the information of multiple choices or sticky fill in the blank situations as others do. However, when one is given the option to freely express all they know of a subject such as one is able to do in the essay portion they can give more sufficient evidence of their true knowledge. Other than the testing portion of school, I believe schools do a great job at sharing all the important information of the vast topics we will need to know about when we become adults.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

"Man found walking down street covered in blood charged with murder"

Source: Los Angeles Times
By: Adolfo Flores
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-man--covered-in-blood-charged-with-murder-20131025,0,7182186.story#axzz2izX4K1Gr

On October 23, a man covered with blood walking down the streets of Huntington Beach was charged with fatally stabbing a 51 year old man by the name of Fredrick Sledge. An off duty officer had spotted Rito Samuel Tejeda, 22, in bloody clothing near Knoxville Avenue and Delaware Street suspecting he had committed some sort of crime related to murder. After he reported the suspicion to the Huntington Police Department, detectives later discovered Sledge's dead body in his apartment and accused Tejeda of the murder. He was accused of repeatedly stabbing the man and then casually leaving after the incident as he was found by the police later on. He was charged with one felony count of murder with a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a deadly weapon. Tejeda faces a maximum 26 years to life in state prison and is being held on $1 million bail. The hearing is scheduled to be on Nov. 22 in Westminster’s West Justice Center.

These type of news are important to know about because we must be aware of the potential danger that can be around us at all times. For the police to perform their job correctly and imprison convicts such as Tejeda prevents fewer criminals to walk the streets among others and cause harm to any being.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

"BART workers gather for vigil for those killed in train accident"

Source: Los Angeles Times
By: Maura Dolan
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-bart-workers-gather-for-vigil-for-those-killed-in-train-accident-20131020,0,3945507.story

On Sunday evening numerous Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) employees gathered for a candlelight vigil in commemoration of the two workers who died during their track inspection when struck and killed by a commuter train. The BART employee and construction worker were studying and working on a dip in the track when they fatally crashed into the moving train between the Walnut Creek and Peasant Hill stations. One was acting as a lookout, while the other inspected the track. During the Candlelight vigil many of the workers expressed their true care and respect for the tragic occurrence by wearing their work uniforms, holding candles, and hugging and speaking quietly amongst each other. Holding a candle with tears running down his face, Nucion Avent, a BART worker and union member, said he knew both men who were killed. “All over the system we are hurting because we are family here,” he said. He then asked for a moment of silence for the two workers who were killed, Christopher Sheppard of Hayward and Larry Daniels of Oakland. The most devastating part about the accident was that it could have been prevented, as said by Richard Stingily, a former train operator and foreman who has worked for BART for 27 years. Regardless, the warmest love, prayers, and condolences were sent out to the families' of the deceased tonight.

It is very important to always keep a look out for one's self and beware of one's surroundings because especially in that type of situation great danger can be around at any given moment. If the train operator could have stopped the train at the right time it would save the two precious lives that were lost that day. These kinds of problems are the ones that we must focus on and solve in order to prevent any other crucially harmful events.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Long Beach Teacher Fatally Stabbed in Front of Her Students

"Death of teacher killed before students a 'nightmare,' sister says"
By: A Times Staff Writer
Source: Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-teacher-killed-in-front-of-students-a-nightmare-sister-says-20131013,0,6573131.story

On October 11 one of Huntington Academy's very own teachers was lost due to a tragic murder. Everything was running smoothly for Kellye Taylor's elementary class as she and another teacher supervised the "Fun Friday" activities at Orizaba Park across the street from the school. Sitting on a folding chair, Taylor watched the children play on the jungle gym and other play sets, until a man by the name of Steven Brown approached her from behind and stabbed her. The connection between Brown and Taylor is significant since she is the grandmother of Brown's four children and has custody of them. However, the reason of the attack is still under wraps for more investigation. Whenever the children witnessed the attack, they ran back to school to tell Taylor's sister, Pamela Huffman what happened. As soon as she heard about the event she ran to the scene as fast as she could to help her sister.  She stated, "All I could do was run to her. I saw her slip away. I knew she wasn't going to make it." People expressed their true sorrow for the death of Taylor at the candlelight vigil on Saturday in commemoration for her. "It's like a nightmare. It's like I want to wake up from a bad dream," said another one of taylor's sisters, Mary Bryant.

These type of stories are important to hear about because it shows us how even family can go against one another in certain circumstances. It shows us how far a father will go for the custody of his children even if it means hurting or even killing another family member in the process.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

"William Haulkner's Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech"

Speech Analysis By: Jacqueline Matian

William Faulkner's Peace Prize Acceptance Speech was one that encouraged all writers to write about subjects that were passionate and uplifting. He urged all writers to connect to their readers' souls by pure and genuine words. The different conflicts in one's heart concerning love, courage, compassion, honesty, and sacrifice were what Faulkner believed to be the most important components of life and worth writing about. To be successful in this work he believed that writers must be original, honest, and have a strong voice. He ultimately valued the soul of mankind and that being the key to one's true identity.

Jacqueline's analysis on this essay particularly drew my attention not only because of the fascinating subject of one's outlook on life, but her fantastic way of explaining the idea in a short and interesting way. She really expressed all the important parts of the speech in detail without boring the crowd. She included some of the major methods of argument such as Claim of Value and Claim of Policy. The three methods of persuasion known as Ethos, Logos, and Pathos were used as well.  Her enthusiasm about the topic also uplifted my spirit and made me want to know more information on the subject. If Jacqueline slowed down her pace while presenting the project that would help the listeners form their thoughts more carefully. However, her overall presentation was outstanding and joyfully listened too. Splendid work Jacqueline!

"Orange County blaze chars 30 acres; 1 firefighter injured"

By: Jack Leonard
Source: Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-baker-fire-orange-county-20131006,0,5420025.story

On Sunday, October 7, an outrageous blaze that expanded 30 acres into Silverado, Orange County occurred. The fire started at about 10:10 a.m. in a large mulch pile at a nursery in the 27900 block of Baker Canyon Road. The area is near the edge of the Cleveland National Forest. 125 firefighters from departments across Orange County and beyond were battling the fire on Sunday afternoon. The ongoing fight to bring down this fire is being achieved by the helicopters full of tremendous amounts of water to throw down on the designated area of flames. The strong efforts put in by the firefighters is also what is getting the job done, however the mission is not yet completed. Orange County Fire Authority Captain, Steve Concialdi said the fire spread despite efforts to keep the flames in check. He said the blaze was driven by steady Santa Ana winds of about 10 mph and that conditions were dry, with relative humidity at a low 7%. All was successful at this point in preventing any major injuries/deaths upon the people or important buildings. However, one firefighter was slightly injured and one building was damaged. The injured firefighter was taken to a hospital for ankle treatment and assured it was a minor injury to recover from. As for the damaged structure, it was said to be an outbuilding which held little significance as opposed to homes or any other major structures.

These kinds of breaking news are important to hear about because they present us an idea of how quick it is to bring down something to flames and destroy. The real difficulty and hard work is found in the ones who try to fix the problem and are highly respected for it. These stories show us how far brave and courageous people such as firefighters will go to keep a safe and nonhazardous area for the public. These kinds of people inspire us to be just as heroic and passionate in what we do in life.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence was a document written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776 listing 18 complaints towards King George III. It was what earned our country's freedom and potentially formed a united nation. Of those 18 grievances the 1st one stated "He has refused his assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good." This statement refers to King George's disregard towards the colonies' basic necessities that must be put and enforced into law. As their leader King George never really put in any consideration into the people's well being, thus failing to play his role as king. However, today in the United States of America our leader is the President and as President, Barrack Obama's duty is to ensure his people's well being. He certainly completes that part when signing to the agreement of new laws that are beneficial to our people today.

The eleventh grievance states "He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the consent of our legislatures." This statement refers to the Quartering Act of 1744 which forced the Americans to provide housing for the British troops while abiding for the next war to begin. During this time the soldiers were to have a whole floor to themselves with food, water, and shelter. They lived off of the hard working money earned by these homeowners with nothing in return for their generous sacrifice. This event broke the somewhat peace and stress free conditions of the colonists. Today, the colonies do not exist and our nation is no longer under the rule of England for this problem to occur. However, if this type of event were to happen again, it would be going against our basic rights as American citizens, therefore enabling us to rebel and seek the same freedom earned 237 years ago, the time the Declaration of Independence was written.

"Laguna Beach Police Officer Dies After Collision With Pickup Truck"

By: Angel Jennings
Source: Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-laguna-officer-20130923,0,4851837.story

On September 21 Laguna Beach Police Department lost one of its very own police men in a tragic death caused by a motorcycle and truck collision. Jon Coutchie was in the middle of his regular search for a speeding car when he got into an accident that costed his life. As Coutchie was headed north on Coast highway at about 11:30 pm his Honda ST1300 collided with a GMC pickup truck making a left turn on Cleo Street. He automatically flew off his motor cycle with severe injuries to endure before help came around. Unfortunately, Coutchie died on the spot before his two colleagues arrived at the scene in aid for the officer. However, the two men wrapped Coutchie's body in an American flag in honor of all of the hard work and dedication he put into his jobs. One of them was for his country as an Army Ranger, and the second was for the well being of his city as a local police officer of Laguna beach. He was the department's first officer to die in the line of duty since 1953. His death left many in tears and heartbreak.

These type of tragic events are very important to hear about because it gives us an insight of what a true hero's life is like. Jon Coutchie bravely lived his life protecting his country and people. For a man to die of any cause having completed those missions is one's memory to keep with us at all times. May Jon Coutchie rest in peace and stay in our hearts forever.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

12 Year Old Girl Commits Suicide After Being Cyber Bullied

"Florida girl, 12, found dead after bullies said 'kill yourself'"
By: Matt Pearce
Source: Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-florida-cyberbullying-20130912,0,1429218.story

Twelve year old Rebecca Ann Sedwick, of Lakeland, Florida was found dead at a cement plant this Tuesday morning. The police found her body at 2:30 am, but were too late to save her. She was driven to her death by the multiple messages sent through social networking sites telling her to kill herself. The whole feud began in 2012 over a boy between the friends she once knew. Instead of the girls who were supposed to uplift her spirit they were the ones that led her to her down fall. After a fight amongst the girls Rebecca got suspended and her mother decided to place her into a different school. She disconnected her daughter from Facebook, but found "hate" from various social networking sites. Many interventions were attempted to be held to help Rebecca's situation and well being as well. However, the harassment would not stop. Eventually, Monday morning it all came to an end for Rebecca and her problems as she disappeared on her way to school and was found dead later that night.

These kinds of stories are important to hear about and be aware of because it really shows us how big of an impact the simplest of words can have on somebody. Especially, since the internet has become a common place to communicate with people many have been using it as a tool to bring down others with rude comments. What they do not realize is how much pain and worthlessness they inflict upon these people. Not only do they degrade somebody's worth and self esteem, but they drive them to self harm or even suicide.  Society must learn that bullying is not acceptable by any means because nobody deserves to feel any less of the person they are.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Lorde - "Royals" Review

By: Bill Lamb
http://top40.about.com/od/singles/gr/Lorde-royals.htm

Bill Lamb reviewed the new hit, Royals by 16 year old female singer, Lorde. He mainly uses claim of fact for this song, but also incorporates some claim of value as well. He begins describing the song as an outlook of apathy towards "wealth, living in the right neighborhood, and conspicuous consumption to champion young people who, 'Crave a different kind of buzz.'" Lamb talks about how the song is mainly revolved around the life of teenagers who do not care for the luxury lifestyle unlike all the other mainstream pop songs that focus on those superficial things. Lorde expresses this idea as she states, "We don't care. We aren't caught up in your love affair" He views the female artist as a "voice for teens who do not value a current image of pop glamour."  Lamb speaks about the singer's tremendous success with the song as he states, "She is the first solo female to top the US alternative songs chart in 17 years." Lastly, Lamb leaves us with his thoughts on the song and what kind of message it sends when he says, "As simple as this song may seem on the surface, it is in actuality one of the most powerfully subversive pop hits in recent memory...and that sounds very, very good."

Carnival Ride Injures 13 Children

"Swing Ride Accident: Oyster Festival Attraction Loses Power, Injuring Several Children"
Source: Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/08/swing-ride-accident-oyster-festival_n_3890841.html

This Sunday afternoon, a shocking incident occurred that put some people's lives at risk. At Norwalk, Connecticut a community festival by the name of Oyster Festival was being held. Everything was going swell until suddenly a swing ride lost power and injured 13 children. A few fell from 10-15 feet off the ground, some hit other riders, and others hit the ride its self. While some kids were being treated at the festival due to the slight damage they faced, others were sent to the local hospital to be taken care of. However, from recent reports most children only suffered minor injuries and were on their way to a fast recovery.

Although none of these children faced any great physical damage upon themselves, many may have dealt with the emotional trauma that came along with it. The manufacturers, engineers, and inspectors of this ride were held responsible for the safety of those riders and that is where they failed. This story shows how anything that may seem stable or secure can be possible of breaking down so we must always keep our eyes open. Also in any situation that concerns the reliability of someone's well being must be taken strictly at all costs.



Monday, September 2, 2013

Diana Nyad Completes 110-Mile Cuba-to-Florida Swim

"Diana Nyad, after swim: 'You're never too old to chase your dreams'"
By: Matt Pearce
Source: Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-diana-nyad-cuba-florida-remarks-20130902,0,1729111.story

On Saturday, August 31, 64 year old Diana Nyad took her 5th and final attempt at swimming long distance from Cuba to Florida and became successful in completing the mission. Monday morning it was official that she was the first swimmer to reach the distance without using a shark cage. During her travels she had a great support staff who protected her from any disturbances in the ocean that would disable her from swimming. Of course this goal was a great struggle for her to complete, but with her loved ones by her side who rooted for her each step of the way there was nothing that could stop her from reaching her dream.

These kinds of stories are the kinds that inspire us to achieve the unimaginable because everything is possible. When hearing about something like this it leaves most of us in awe and shock, but most importantly it instills faith in ourselves to do anything we aspire. It motivates us to never give up and to dream big like Diana. She is just a mere example of what we are capable of doing regardless of what age we are or any circumstances we are in. If she can do it so can we.

My Favorite Ice Cream

Nutella has to be one of the best creations on this planet for its amazing hazelnut chocolatey taste that can be spread on anything and happily consumed. I mean who doesn't like chocolate (rhetorical statement)? But it gets even better... There is a Nutella ice cream flavor! Yes, the creator and mastermind behind this idea is a genius! Nutella ice cream is a divine, mouthwatering, delightful, savory ice cream that will leave you breathless (asyndeton). Just as the ice cream melts in your mouth it will feel like you as well are melting into a sea of goodness. It will leave you wanting more every time. The rich flavor and quality is like no other so you will never turn back to the basic flavors out there.

I believe Nutella flavor is the best around since it is the perfect amount of chocolate to leave your taste buds satisfied. No one ever wants too much chocolate because it can be overwhelming or unpleasant to eat. However, when eating Nutella you will never regret it. It is just that good. You can find Nutella ice cream at the Manhattan Beach Creamery, where I tried it for the first time and fell in love. Just go for it. What do you have to lose?

Sunday, August 25, 2013

"Speech to the Troops at Tilbury"

In this piece of literature Queen Elizabeth delivers a speech to the military troops who are about to fight against the Spanish Armada in 1588. She presents herself in armor to assure them that she is one of them and that they are not alone in the fight. By her positive words she encourages and inspires her people to move forward and fight bravely. "...Therefore I am come against you, as you see, at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live and die amongst you all..." However, she also implies superiority as she states "... To lay down for my god, and for my kingdom, and my people, my honour, and my blood even in the dust." as she includes the word 'my' multiple times in the sentence.

For the queen, who was of higher rank, to deliver this message meant a lot to the people. This automatically gave the speech higher and more valuable meaning. As she delivered the speech her tone was hopeful, assuring, confident, and authoritative which were the four main factors to most definitely win her audience over and motivate them to go to battle bravely and courageously. Finally, as their queen, who was with them every step of the way and able to provide them the best, she assured them that they would be rewarded for their "virtues in the field."

Attacks Across Iraq

"Attacks across Iraq kill at least 46 people"
Associated Press, Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-attacks-iraq-20130825,0,3573476.story

Sunday, August 25, 2013, marked the day of many injuries, and deaths, across the country of Iraq. At least 46 people were killed through multiple bomb attacks and shootings. The attack was a part of the numerous attacks that have been occurring for the last month and seem to be "the country's worst bloodshed since 2008." Most people that were killed were normal people going about their day avoiding the risks of becoming potentially hurt or killed. The events of some of the attacks were taken place at no other than the local coffee shop in town, soccer field, market, wedding reception, and neighborhoods. The people of Iraq are questioning the safety and protection their country is able to provide and fear a civil war in the works of possibly occurring.

These kind of issues are important for us to be aware of because it informs us about the kind of conflicts that come about around the world and can happen and affect us anywhere. It demonstrates the real problems some people have to face concerning their own lives, while some of us worry about small problems such as our technology devices not operating correctly. These type of news open our eyes to the world outside of our own world.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Animal Cruelty Commercial

Animal Cruelty Commercial here


This animal cruelty commercial presents the graphic images and clips of animals that have been abused and neglected. Well known singer, Sarah Mclachlan speaks out to everyone around the world about the different animals suffering and how they need caring owners and shelters to live in. Her thoughtful and persuasive tone is put into effect as she speaks about the animals. In the background plays her own song called "Angel" which sets a very sad and melancholy mood to the commercial from the beginning. The purpose of it is to persuade the viewers to support the organization, BC SPCA and adopt in animal in need.

There is automatic ethos for Sarah Mclachlan since she is a famous celebrity and what she has to say may be important to some people. The commercial's logos includes the statistics of 3000 animals that were rescued one year and photos of the neglected pets. The commercial mainly appeals to the emotions of the viewers, the pathos, by using the heartbreaking images of the animals and depressing music in the background. The advertisement is effective because it reaches out to people's hearts and really makes them sympathize for these poor creatures. The commercial is manipulative because it control's the people's feeling and instills  regret or shame upon them if they choose not to doing anything after watching the commercial, thus compelling them to take action.

The Kite Runner



One of my favorite books is The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. The Kite Runner revolves around the life of a young boy named Amir. It describes the different relationships between Amir and the people in his life, such as his father, Baba and his childhood friend, Hassan. It shows the struggle of different ethnicity and cultural differences. This is my favorite book for several reasons. To begin with, it shows how religion and ethnicity should not matter when two people are forming a friendship. Amir is a Pashtun Muslim and comes from a wealthy family, while Hassan is a Hazara Muslim and financially struggles. Hassan's father is their servant, which makes it even harder for the two to maintain a normal friendship. However, their relationship takes a turn of many unfortunate events, such as jealousy, lies, and death. I feel that their friendship shows the conflict of how superficial things such as money, class, and certain beliefs determine if two human beings could be friends or not. Second, the diction and sentence structure used by the author made it simple to read. I understood it easily, and it kept me interested. I always wanted to continue reading.

I would recommend this book to anybody who is interested in an emotion filled novel that will really captivate the reader and make them feel sympathy towards the character's struggles that they have to face everyday. It will create an opportunity for the reader to get in touch with their feelings and appreciate what they have in their life as opposed to what they do not.