Last Blog

I am so excited to say this is my last blog! I have been so busy this semester and these blogs always seemed to be such a hassle. I have realized they are not so bad though. We are really lucky to have just had to write a paragraph or so about anything we want. I am sure my classes in the future will not be as easy. I really thought I would never be done with this semester. It is weird to think I will be a sophomore in college. I have a lot of work ahead of me and I really need to buckle down. This past semester I found myself waiting until the end for everything. It would not be so bad if all my stuff in every class was not due at the same time. I am just going to have to get my priorities straight and remember what I am working for. College is going to fly by if it goes as fast as my past two semesters. It is kind of scary to think I will be on my own and in the real world so soon. It is exciting though but right now I just cannot wait until summer. Hopefully this summer will be as good as my last, if not better.

Summer

So this school year is coming to an end and I am so excited. I do not have big plans for this summer but I know it will be great. My boyfriend works all week but we will have nights and weekends to hang out. I plan to get a job as well because I will need something to help pass the time and I definitely can use the money. Other than work we plan to take weekend trips occasionally, the first being a trip to Six Flags. We went last summer and it was lots of fun. I love roller coasters and it is a great way to get away and have some fun. July 4th is my grandparent’s anniversary and this year they are celebrating their 50th. My mom and her siblings have planned a big party for them so my boyfriend and I will fly up for that. My whole family will be there so it should be a lot of fun. My boyfriend has never been to Maryland with me so I will have a lot to show him. My grandparents live in Annapolis so the party is at the Naval Academy which is extremely nice I cannot wait for him to see it and we also plan to visit Baltimore so he can see the boardwalk and all. It is so hard to keep focused on my school work when I know summer is so close!

Last Class

I did not know what to expect going into class yesterday. I was actually kind of worried because I felt I had no clue for my final paper. Wendy really helped break everything down and now I think I have some idea to how I will approach my paper. It is going to take some time though because it will be hard to figure out the right way to put it all together. I have never written a 10 page paper but I know the four parts will make it a little easier. I am going to have to add a lot of extra stuff because I have realized I am missing a lot of statistics that are needed. I need to get started soon so I am not stressed out and left with everything at the end. It was really good to find out that was my last class. Having Tuesday off will give me extra needed time to work on all my final assignments. I really cannot believe this semester is almost over; it went by so fast! This class was really helpful and hopefully I will remember all the skills and techniques Wendy taught for future classes.

My Dad

My dad is the best. Not only has he brought my family up in church, he has also given us a good environment to live. Our house has been very structured my whole life. My dad is very strict but I know now he was doing it for the best. He did not want his kids to get hurt. I think most of his strictness and structure come from his life in the military. He has really good manners and is very orderly. My dad has taught me to have good morals and respect others. I am also able to enjoy life to the fullest because he introduces me to new things and makes me think so much. My dad takes my family on trips often, mostly to the Smoky Mountains. I have had the privilege to stay in the outdoors and have a good time without life’s accessories, such as television. My dad has always been involved with me and my siblings, from playing with us when we were kids to talking to us about our struggles as teenagers. I feel like I can talk to my dad about many things and he always has different point of view for me to reexamine the issue from.

No Child Left Behind

Education is very important and affects many aspects of a child’s life. The United States does care about education as seen through the attempt of No Child Left Behind. President George Bush and Congress put the No Child Left Behind Act into place in 2002. It requires every state and school district to come up with assessments and standards for Mathematics, Reading, and Science. These standards are used to see how well schools are doing. The law does try and pull everyone to equal educational levels, but does it in the wrong ways. We need to have national guidelines that make sure all schools are providing the same opportunities to learn for all students. Some students are going to be at lower level because of their economic background and other various reason and these all need to be taken into account when evaluating progress. These students are going to need more help due to their disadvantages. Although the underprivileged will need a lot of attention, the students working at a higher level need to continue getting the work and drives to stay and exceed the levels they are at. Altogether each child needs to be examined differently according to their needs and learning styles and be assessed accordingly.

My Weekend

It is finally Friday and I am so excited! I think this has been one of the longest weeks ever! So today is my boyfriend’s sister’s birthday and her boyfriend is throwing a party for her. My boyfriend and I are going to go to the party and I can’t wait because my boyfriend and I do not go out much since we have gotten our puppy. My sister is going to watch him tonight so we have no worries. It should be a lot of fun because people have come in from out of town and her boyfriend’s house is always a good time. Tomorrow my boyfriend and I are planning to go fishing with his little brother. We thought of going fishing last weekend when there was such great weather so I hope tomorrow is nice. I have not gone fishing in forever. I used to go fishing all the time when I was little with my grandpa. I was even in a fishing rodeo a couple of times. It is so exciting when you get that tug on your rod and you know you have caught a fish. I know it sounds lame but it is really relaxing to fish. You really forget all your worries and just enjoy the outside with friends and family!

Homelessness Again

It also upsets me that he would put a picture of Bellevue Baptist Church up beside the Fed Ex Forum and compare them by saying look at these buildings that had so much money put into but can’t give to the homeless. I do not know much about the Fed Ex Forum and Memphis’ spending but to back up Bellevue I do know that there are thousands of members so we need to be big to have enough seats and rooms to have worship and Sunday school class. Bellevue has been very blessed in the donations and money coming in and I think it is great that it was able to be built so nicely because it is a place to worship God. Bellevue also does a lot in the community. Right now Bellevue is reaching out to Memphis through “Bellevue Loves Memphis” which is a bunch of different opportunities for the members and others to help out in many different areas. People help tutor, work at soup kitchens, or do other things to help those less fortunate. It was wrong of Gathje to talk so negative about others. He should be happy that anything is being done to help. It is the small stuff that adds up in the end.

Homelessness Continued

So today I went and listened to Dr. Pete Gathje talk about homelessness in Memphis. He did have a lot of good stuff to say but I feel he was wrong in bashing others. I did not think so much about it while I was in there, maybe because I was still half asleep, but later when I was on my way home I realized how much this man offended me. For one he continued to talk bad about every other organization or people trying to help the homeless, almost like he was a politicitian trying to get everyone to go for him and his organization. I was really caught off guard I guess because I thought he was just talking more on statistics and how his organization was trying to help but he would slip in every once in a while how another group is either not doing anything or so little that it really doesn’t matter. I do not understand why he thinks these groups are so bad. There are groups downtown giving out food and other supplies, maybe not every day, but he said himself that his organization is not open every day either.

Homelessness in Memphis

Dr. Pete Gathje is the director of MANNA House. This is an organization put together to give homeless people a place to hang out, have coffee and some get free clothes and showers. Gathje talked about his organization, some statistics on homelessness, and how no one else cares. I was not aware of how many homeless people there are in Memphis. I see a few on streets every once in a while but really had no clue it was such a problem. He explained that many people that are homeless are working but do not make enough to have a house and support their needs. I always think of homeless people to be bums that just are lazy and do not want to try. I know there are some out there but I do believe he was right that there are others that are trying hard but just can’t make the kind of money needed. I do feel he was right in saying it all depends on where you are from and if your family has money. It would be hard for someone to start from nothing and become successful in this world. Some have done it but it really is hard.

Go Tigers!

So we made it to the championship! How awesome is that!! Monday my boyfriend and I had plans to go to his sister’s boyfriend’s house to watch the game. A bunch of their neighborhood friends were invited and it seemed like it would be a really good time! At the last minute a bunch of the guys decided to go to a party instead so our plans were ruined. We could have gone but decide not to since my boyfriend’s sister and I had school the next day. I was dressed up and actually had makeup on so I was pretty bummed that we had no where to go. In the end we stayed at my boyfriend’s house and watched the game with his brother. We had a really good time and the game was so exciting. I really thought we were going to win. It was a great disappointment to see our Tigers lose. It was so great to see our city come together and show so much support for our Memphis basketball team. I only wish we could have won to gain the recongnition we deserve. I am really proud to be part of a school that went to the National Championship; not many can say that. Our Memphis Tigers had an awesome season and this was a great ending to the year!

MLK and Racism Continued

After everyone gave their presentations one of our teachers got up and asked what they thought of the presentations. Right away one girl made a comment about my friend’s presentation and how she was mad that my friend would say “nigger”. Our teacher joined in right with the girl and was like oh yeah I heard it too and by this time a few others chimed in with their thoughts about it. All this time my friend was sitting in her seat bawling. My friend told the class that she was saying the word “negro” and not “nigger” and even contemplated on if she should say the word “negro” in the first place. Many others backed my friend up and assured her that we knew she was telling the truth. I will say that the only people who said my friend said the word were black, but there were other black girls who knew my friend and knew she didn’t say it and also knew that my friend would never say it in the first place. We had to leave for our next class so nothing was really done then. My friend did have a meeting with our two teachers but our class never was really able to talk about it. We did discuss the issue in our English class though and it went along the same lines as our English discussions this semester. I found it really ironic that we would be studying MLK’s speeches and saying how far we have come and how everyone is equal but yet we had some people speak out and say this word, “nigger” was found offensive. First off I would not say the word because I do know some people find it offensive but why these girls made such a big deal especially when anyone could tell that my friend did not say it or even if she did that it was not meant in an offensive way astounds me. Would these girls have gotten offended if my friend was black? Black people call one another “nigger” all the time. I do not understand why black people can say it but if a white person says it then it is found offensive? I would never say “nigger” but I personally do not know what to say. It offends some people to say black or some to say African American and many others. Why should I have to question what I say if all feel the same about one another? It goes both ways, I know, with whites and blacks and even other races, but why is that tension still there? I know we have come a long way and this is not as big of a problem in my generation but there still is racism and it is clearly seen from my ACAD experience.

40th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Junior’s Death and the Remaining issues with Racism

Forty years ago today Martin Luther King Junior was shot and killed while speaking to a crowd from his hotel balcony here in Memphis. King was a great leader in the Civil Rights movement and from his work he has left a great impact on America. I really cannot say if Mr. King would be happy or disappointed in how America is now. I mean sure we are all equal and have the same rights but there is still turmoil and differences among races. I usually do not think about me being different from someone else, may they be black, Hispanic, or any other race but occasionally I am confronted with others who obviously feel all are not equal. One example that I feel fits in perfectly with the topic of Martin Luther King happened in my ACAD class last semester. In ACAD we had a group project that we were supposed to read a chapter from a book of MLK’s speeches and give a presentation on what it was about and how it pertained to us, who all were planning to be teachers. While giving her presentation a friend of mine used the word “negro” multiple times because that is what was used in our book. While my friend was giving her presentation a lot of people in the class started laughing. At first I had no clue what was going on, but then I heard someone whisper, “did she say nigger?” My friend started to notice the whispers and laughing and wondered what was going on. She finished her presentation, sat back in her seat and asked what everyone was making such a commotion about. She felt bad once she heard what people thought she was saying but figured everyone understood that she didn’t and it just sounded like it.

CLEP Tests

I have heard of CLEP test in the past but just never really looked into them or thought of them as an option. I have just switched majors and am really focusing on my future now. I know I would like to get out of school as soon as possible so that is why I have now decided to try and CLEP out of as many classes as I can. The tests are mostly for the basic classes so if I pass them I can get started on the classes for my major. I have no clue on how easy they are but I plan to study and prepare as much as I can. Unless they are extremely hard, I do not understand why more people don’t do it. A CLEP test is a test you take for a certain class that if you pass will take the place of you having to actually take the class. If I pass all the CLEP tests I plan on taking, I will have a whole semester out of the way. This will really help me out a lot. I can already graduate a semester early but with these CLEP tests I can possibly graduate a whole year early. I know I have a lot of work ahead of me but I know if I really buckle down and concentrate on my future I can get through it.

Rain, Rain Go Away!

The weather this whole week has been crazy. It has been raining almost every day and it seems like it will never stop! I thought the rain was over yesterday because the skies were so clear and it felt so great out but I was wrong. Today the rain has been just as bad as every other one this week. Rain always puts me in a weird mood making me so sluggish and lazy. Whenever it rains I just feel like curling up inside in my pajamas and watching a movie. I cannot do that though because I have class every day. Going to school in the rain really frustrates me too. Drivers in Memphis seem to freak out every time there is any kind of precipitation. This week I have seen so many accidents and have now been late to one class and missed another one all together. Once I finally get to school every day I have to walk in the rain, which totally sucks! It makes it so cold and dreary out and my feet and pants get soaked. When my feet are soaking wet I cannot concentrate. My feet remain cold keeping me from ever warming up and I seem to never stop thinking about the discomfort I am in. I am so ready for this rain to stop. When is summer going to get here?!

Autism

I went to CNN.com and a picture of three of the cutest baby boys caught my attention. I started to read the article that went along with the picture and soon found out these three gorgeous babies have autism. Autism is a neurological disorder that affects children’s social abilities. They often disengage themselves with others and almost act as though they live in another world. There are other milder cases, some that just cause the kids to have trouble making eye contacting and talking to others. It is so hard to believe that such normal looking babies could have such an extreme disorder. In the article over in over you read that doctors know very little about autism. No one has been able to find what causes autism or what can be done to cure it. There are some therapies that can help but it is best to start them when the child is young. Most times doctors do not diagnose children with autism until they are older because the disorder is not well known and this means the child does not start getting help until they are older. The triplets in the CNN article started showing signs at 18 months but were not diagnosed until they were 4. My cousin was diagnosed with a mild form of autism just a few years ago. We knew he was different growing up but never thought he had some kind of disorder. Now looking back we can see how a lot of what we thought was weird was just his autism. I hope doctors can find out more on autism because I know it is very hard on the families and it affects these children’s lives tremendously.

"Cherry Picking"

Cherry picking refers to choosing certain information to use for or against one side of a position. The data collected either is all showing facts for a side or against a side. When using cherry picking an actual situation is not fully presented. Often time people will only tell what they want people to hear in order to persuade the listener to believe their side. This can be a good tactic for writing if you do not care if what you are preaching is right but only want people to be on your side of an issue. It does get your point straight across but it can also leave the writer wondering why you are only giving one side of the story. If you are trying to win an argument this is a good way of going about it but if you are writing to inform people about an issue it is best to let them know both sides and figure out for themselves what they side with. I think most times in my own writing I use cherry picking unconsciously. I know what I think about an issue usually straight from the get go and I am sure I use facts that appeal to my own beliefs. This can be good if I am trying to make a point on an issue but I know a lot of times cherry picking causes me to leave some of the most important facts out of my papers.

Christine Kenneally, Josh Prager, and Stacy Sullivan

Last night I went to hear Christine Kenneally, Josh Prager, and Stacy Sullivan read some of their pieces of work. They all are in journalism but write about completely different topics. Kenneally’s piece was about the evolution of language and how animals are very similar to people when it comes to communication. It was really neat to hear about how animals have different calls for different predators but I was confused about what she was getting at on the evolution of language. I am guessing she was talking about the many languages spoken throughout the world and how they came into existence and how it was spread. Next Josh Prager spook about and read excerpts from his book about the Giants winning the National League pennant in 1951. I found him to be the most interesting because he took something that sparked an interest to him and went so deep into find out more. He had heard that there was a rumor going around that the Giants cheated causing them to win the pennant. No one would come out and say it at first but Prager was persistent and finally was able to interview many of the Giant players. The interviews from the baseball players directly involved gave great credibility and more personal effect to his book. I cannot believe the Giants actually stole the Dodgers’ signs and watched their practices. It really makes you question a lot of things that go on in the world. Stacy Sullivan spoke last and she read from her book on the war in Kosovo. I liked hearing about all the involvement people here in the US had in helping the guerillas in Kosovo. I had no idea all of this was going on. It was really neat hearing Sullivan talk about being right in the action. She really experienced everything she reported on and it gave her book great credibility. Overall the whole night was good. It is good to experience other peoples’ worlds and here people speak on how they interpret the things they experience through words.

Topics from Josh Prager and Christine Kenneally's writings

Things to help you understand Josh Prager’s work:

“The Giants win the pennant”: This is what the announcer yelled after Bobby Thompson hit the winning homerun in the National League pennant in 1951; urban legend says that Lawrence Goldberg was a Dodger fan who sought to torture a friend who was a Giants fan by capturing and replaying Russ Hodges' heartbreak from a Giants' loss. But according to Joshua Harris Prager's 2006 book The Echoing Green about the 1951 playoff, Goldberg was actually a Giant fan.
“The shot heard around the world”: from a classic poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson, originally used to refer to the first clash of the American Revolutionary War, now used toward a dramatic moment, in 1951 Giants’ baseball player Bobby Thompson hit a homerun in the National League pennant, as a result of the "shot" (baseball slang for "home run" or any hard-hit ball), the Giants won the game 5-4, defeating the Dodgers in their pennant playoff series, two games to one; underdogs rise to the top
Bobby Thompson (baseball): Giant baseball player who hit the winning homerun for the National League pennant in 1951
Ralph Branca: Dodger pitcher who entered a game in the National League pennant in the ninth inning and threw a homerun hit to Bobby Thompson that caused the Giants to win the game

Things to help you understand Christine Kenneally’s work:

“I” first person in nonfiction: taught to not use “I” in nonfiction
Creative writing vs. journalism: creative writing, analyzing others work to see how they write, helps one gain the skills needed to work in journalism

Topics within Stacy Sullivan's writing

Here are some things to know that will help you understand Stacy Sullivan’s journalism:

Milosevic: the President of Serbia from 1989 until 1997, President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from 1997 until 2000, led Serbia’s Socialist Party, was arrested in 2001 by Serbian authorities for suspicion of corruption, abuse of power, and embezzlement
Yugoslavia: existed most of the 20th century on the Balkan Peninsula in Europe, now the area is separated into Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia,the Balkans
Bosnia Herzegovina: a country on the Balkan Peninsula, gained independence from Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia during the Yugoslav war in the 1990s, made up of three ethnics: Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats, decentralized with two governing parties: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska
Albania: member of the United Nations, parliamentary democracy
Kosovo: under UN control, has received partial recognition of being independent from Serbia, mostly ethnic Albanians,
Serbia: in 2006 became an independent state after Montenegro left the union, Kosovo is under them but think it is independent
Ethnic Cleansing: displacing ethnic groups from a certain area to make a ethnically “pure” society
The Hague: a city in the Netherlands where all the governmental bodies are located
George Soros: Hungarian-born American financial speculator, stock investor, philanthropist, and political activist, is very rich and fund different organizations
Detente: her eyewitness account
Abu Ghraib: in Iraq, used by United States military where many Iraqi prisoners were tortured and pictures of it were revealed through the media, Saddam Hussein also used it for a place of torture

My Thought on NCLB

Teachers are only focused on teaching to test, not to help students learn information that will be useful. Schools know their students must do well on assessment test in order for them to get funding from the government. Since schools do not want to lose their money all the focus is on how well students do on the tests. Students are being taught only the information on the tests and how to take these tests. They are not adequately taught reasoning skills but only to spit back information. Teachers are not as creative in their lesson plans because they are more worried about students being ready to take assessment tests rather than using creative and more helpful ways for students to learn. This new curriculum is only damaging to students. It is taking the focus off the students’ individual needs and placing all the emphasis on the schools performance as a whole.

No Child Left Behind overall appears to be working but has many hidden glitches. We must evaluate every aspect and the real affects it has on education. Schools seem to be making better test scores, but the standards being used are not properly chosen in regards for every student. These are the leaders of tomorrow and we must make sure they are gaining the proper knowledge. Schools need to have the magnifying glass taken off the overall school and look closer at the students individually. These tests take away from the students’ importance and the real reason students are in school, to learn. The intentions of No Child Left Behind are good but I feel it is not be the best way to achieve its goals.

Tennessee Lottery

Recently Tennessee has changed the way the winning numbers are chosen for the lottery. It used to be that balls with numbers were spun around and then dropped. Whichever balls came out were the winning numbers. Now there is a computer system that chooses the numbers at random. Right when I heard about it I did not understand how that could be equally fair. I was actually proven to be right that this electric drawing was too good to be true. They have found that there was an error in it and duplicate numbers could not be chosen. People are allowed to choose reoccurring numbers so this caused a huge problem. Those who choose reoccurring numbers had no chance of winning and therefore had to be refunded the money they spent on their tickets. The lottery is also suing the computer company that made the system. They have now done more tests and are hoping all will be fixed. Really I think this is too much trouble for something that really takes more money from people than giving. I still would not trust it because computers can get viruses and such anytime. People already have a small chance at winning the lottery and this only makes it even more unreliable.

Herenton Resigns

I was very surprised to find out Mayor Willie Herenton resigned yesterday. I do not know much about him, but from what I have seen living in the city, he has not made any obvious positive change. I think this will be good to have someone new as Mayor. It will let someone with a new point of view come in and help where things seem to be stuck in a rut. I only hope the person who takes over will be better than Herenton. I have also heard that there is talk about Herenton taking over as head of the school board. I do not know if this is a much better place for him than mayor. In either position I think he is given too much power. Our school boards need someone to come in and care about the students and not be there just for their own glory. I feel if he did take the position that he would only be doing it to help him get into a higher office. This is just what I think. I do not know exactly how things have gone while he has been in office but I do know that I am not the only one who is against Herenton.

Brooxie and My Adventure

To add a personal twist to the night of Floyd Skloot’s reading, I will tell you about Brooxie and my adventure. So like a wrote in my earlier blog, Monday night Brooxie and I went to hear Floyd Skloot speak, but there is a lot more to that night that I left out. To begin I was late getting to Brooxie’s house. That is not very hard to believe if you know me; I am always late to everything. Since I got to her house late we rushed to get downtown and parked in the first parking garage we saw. The garage was close to the corner of Union and Main. Now we knew the gallery was on south Main but we were not aware quite how far down that was until we began walking. As we walked we discussed the meaning of blocks, as in the distance. Neither of us knew exactly, but we always took it as one block being from one street to the next. Using this definition I would say we walked a good five blocks or so. We finally got to the art gallery and went to the reading. We got out of the reading about a half hour early and both were excited because we wanted to see our boyfriends that night. We were thinking about taking the trolley, but got too inpatient and decided to walk. This probably was not our best decision considering we are dumb and got lost, but it was fun none the less. I think since we were having such a good time that is why we got lost. We pasted the street our parking garage was on and did not realize we had passed it until a block down. It was pretty sad because both of us had seen two obvious landmarks by our parking garage and still did not realize that is where her car was. In the end we made it to her car around 9, at least thirty minutes after we got out of the reading. I am not sure downtown Memphis is the best place to get lost, but just because it was the two of us we had fun.

Floyd Skloot's Interview

Tuesday in class we went to see Floyd Skloot get interviewed by two English majors from the University of Memphis. I was excited to see this interview since I had heard Skloot read and speak the night before. The whole interview was really interesting. One guy interviewing Skloot asked most questions pertaining to Skloot’s mix of writing. Skloot writes in many different genres including poems, memoirs, and essays. The guy asked Skloot if he wrote each of the different genres differently since he had the brain damage. Skloot explained that he had to do everything the same. He has to take bits and pieces as they come to him and then put them together later on. The only difference was that due to the length of novels and essays they did take longer than poems. He said before he caught the virus that he was very structured in his writing and would know exactly where he was going before he began. Skloot said he thinks he has grown in his writing because he now has to take time to write his work when before he was mostly about getting his work published. It was really neat to hear how he worked through his illness and gained his art back. He defiantly has a strong will and it showed through his interview.

Floyd Skloot

Monday night I went downtown to Jay Etkin Gallery for the reading of Floyd Skloot. This was part of the River City Writers Series. To tell you the truth I was not looking forward to sitting and listening to a guy that I had no clue was read his work. I got to the place a little late and was worried I would be interrupting since it would only be an hour long, or so I thought. To my surprise everyone was standing around eating and people were still coming in. I soon found out that I was wrong and the reading would be three hours long. So I was not too happy after this and was really dreading the reading. I sat down with a few other people who were there from the class and waited for it to begin. It began with Rebekah Skloot introducing the speaker. Right away I began to become interested because she introduced the speaker as her father. I thought that was really cool and made the man more interesting. Skloot finally came up and began by reading some of his poems. He also read a memoir and an essay. All were really captivating. I liked how he wrote about every day things. He could take any event and elaborate on it so much. During his presentation, Skloot explained how he had caught a virus that took over his brain and caused great brain damage. I would have never guessed that he had anything wrong with his brain. He seemed to have no difficultly talking to us. This detail only made Skloot even more intriguing. I really enjoyed hearing how he lived with his disability and worked through it. It was a great experience to hear Skloot speak and I only hope I can read more of his work.

Time to Relax

This past week has been pretty hectic for me. I had my paper to do in English, which of course I procrastinated on yet again, I had to decide if I wanted to stay in one of my classes, and I helped my boyfriend move out. Of course I constantly wanted to help my boyfriend but I knew I had school work to do. I finally made myself get to my paper and just do it with the incentive of getting to see my boyfriend once I was done. That actually got me through the stress of my paper but only to find out we could turn the paper in on Thursday. The good thing though, that I got my paper out of the way. Now this class that I mentioned is my honors class and I have been debating for the past week or so if I should stay in it. It really was frustrating me because we had a lot of readings and my teacher graded hard. I do not need this class and I did not want it to hurt me if I ended up getting a bad grade. I decided to drop it. I think it was one of my best decisions ever. I feel so much less stressed and can give more attention to my other classes. Since I had these two big things taken off of my shoulders I was able to help my boyfriend move out the rest of the week. It has been a lot of fun but now I am ready to relax and enjoy having all these things checked off my list of things to do.

The Arts

I cannot say I am one who is much into art but it is sad to think it is going to waste. I do not have any kind of hobby or talent such as singing or painting but either would be amazing. It is so cool how people can put their feelings into such creative pieces of work. I really wish it was appreciated more. It sucks that now a day people cannot create and do the things they love as a career. People are so talented and technology is really taking it away from them. I think it is probably because kids are brought up watching TV and playing video games. People are too lazy to go and enjoy true art. Technology takes away experiences. There really is not much a painter can do with technology except put a picture or video up of their work and that is not the same as seeing and experiencing the piece in real life. I hate that America has become the way it is. It might be easier using technology but I don’t know if it is bettering society. It defiantly is taking away something as we are shown from this video. The arts do need to be saved. I would hate for future society to not be able to enjoy past arts as we have been able to do.

Propaganda Analysis

David Horsey drew a cartoon of President Bush dressed as a young child holding a report card with Ds and an F. Horsey is trying to make a point that he thinks “No Child Left Behind” is not working. He was very creative to show it through depicting President Bush as a Kid and him getting upset to see his report card since NCLB is all about schools’ report cards and how well each school is doing. Horsey makes it obvious that the cartoon is of President Bush. He exaggerates on all of President Bush’s most known features, like his ears, nose and squinty eyes. One can also tell that President Bush is supposed to be seen as a kid because of the hat and stripped shirt. He is obviously holding a report card since it says “report card” on top and it is showing how “No Child Left Behind” is doing. Horsey even went as far as to put the categories he feels NCLB should be graded on and how each scored. Federal intrusion is given a D showing that federal government is having too much power over the state education programs. Constitutionality is given an F showing that the law is unconstitutional by giving the federal government more power when it says in the Constitution that it is the states right. Education for disabled is given a D because those with disabilities are measured as equal with everyone else and lowers standards. Flexibility is given a D to show that each program cannot fit the specific population but have to follow guidelines set for the whole. I think he did not do it in color because the picture makes enough of a statement. Horsey is most likely against the law from what is seen from his cartoon. He gives it a D- which is only points away from failing. Horsey is giving President Bush some of his own medicine by drawing this cartoon. He is showing Bush that his plan is not working. The statement coming from Bush’s mouth is “They say I shoulda done my homework”. It is showing that Bush should have looked at unwanted consequences before signing No Child Left Behind into law. Him looking into it would be like doing homework.

Education in America

The Federal Government has been involved in education for years and is obviously going to remain to have a leading role in Tennessee and other states. There have been many laws over the past 40 years trying to better education. America has been operating under No Child Left Behind the past five years and is now up for reauthorization. Memphis City Schools are directly impacted and are seeing the affects from the recent law. People have seen some negative effects of this law and are trying to figure out changes that would make the law more beneficial. Throughout recent history Federal Government has seen a need to become involved in education in order to ensure that all students receive an adequate education. Since No Child Left Behind has been enacted, Tennessee has been discovering exactly how the law affects the quality of education for their students. Tennessee now has found the negative aspects and is now able to make constructive suggestions on changes. Now states need to give their input to Congress on ways to better the law so that it can truly help students and provide the resources needed. Education is an important issue and effects many areas of life. It is important to look at the youth who will be making up our society in the future. Education prepares these young people for their future and gives them a sense of hope.

Spring Break

Spring Break is often times associated with Florida and partying. Neither of these was involved in my break. I stayed home and most days stayed in my pajamas until noon. Although my break may appear as though it would be awful, I actually really enjoyed it. It was great to be away from all the stress of school. I planned on getting some work done that I knew would soon be due when I return back to school but I just couldn’t push myself to do it. Most my time was spent with my family and boyfriend. During my break an interpreter from a past mission trip came to visit and stay with my family. We had dinner one night with our neighbors who also went on the mission trip so they could visit with him as well. After dinner that night we went to see The Passion Play at Bellevue Baptist Church. It was awesome. I am constantly forgetting what Jesus really went through for me on the cross. The presentation made the stories I have read and heard for years come to life. You realize just how much Jesus went through and how bad it really was. Going to The Passion Play was probably the highlight of my week. The rest of the week was pretty much the same every day. I am really glad to have had this break. It gave me time to catch up on sleep and remember the important things in life.

Worn Out!

I hate being late on writing my blogs. I thought I was on top of things but I guess not. I have been thinking about what I would write all week but have not sat down and written them out. I know it is no excuse but my new puppy is wearing me out. He wakes me up every couple of hours all through out the night so I never get a full sleep and then all day I have to play with him. During the day I try to sneak in a nap when he is asleep but I know I have work to do as well. It is hard to juggle all these things. I knew a puppy was work but I guess I just was not aware of everything that went into it. I am still glad we go him though. He is so cute and a lot of fun and he also brings me and my boyfriend even closer. It is great owning him together. My boyfriend does get out of the sleepless nights but he works all day so I can’t complain. My mom has been making fun of me and saying how much I seem like a new mom. She keeps telling me how having a baby will be just like having a puppy except I won’t be able to put him or her in a kennel and leave to go do stuff. I really look forward to having kids and our puppy is helping prepare. I guess by the time I am married and start having kids it will be a lot easier. Ha well, probably not quite but I will know to expect very little sleep!

Research Paper

So I am writing my research paper on school assessments. I am focusing on No Child Left Behind. I know I have not done as much research as I should but I still am not sure exactly how to come at my paper. I know I need to write on how it affects Memphis but all the information I have now is national. I am sure I can find information showing how Memphis schools have been doing before and after the act was put in place but I just need to go looking. I guess seeing the stats and reading what teachers, students, and parents have to say about the differences will be good to talk about but I am not sure if I need more. I guess my overall problem or question I am trying to solve in my paper is if No Child Left Behind is really working and if it needs to continue or be changed. Education is important and we need to make sure that the student’s of the United States are getting a good education. We need to make sure that whatever is in place for how schools work does work. I am happy that the country is trying to find what works and with No Child Left Behind still being so young, this is the time to make changes if needed.

Spring Break

It is finally Spring Break!! I have been looking forward to this break for so long. This semester has been so much harder than my last. My boyfriend has work all next week so we weren’t able to go on vacation but we will have fun anyways. I don’t really care to go anywhere. I am just happy I will be able to sleep in and have some extra time to relax. I do have three papers I have to write during my break so it will not be all relaxation and fun. I am really bummed that I will have work over the break but it should not be too bad if I just go ahead and get them done and over with. I also hoped to get some other stuff done that I never have time to do with school. I still have not fully moved back in my room since I moved back home from the dorms and I would like to paint my room as well. We are about to get new carpets so this is the perfect time to do it. My new puppy, Kelso, will enjoy me being home too. He always has to be left in his kennel while I am at school so he will like the company. I know my break doesn’t sound very exciting but I am just so excited to have a week off from school!

The New Addition to Our Family

My boyfriend and I have been wanting a puppy for a while but did not know if it was the right time. This past Friday we decided to just look around to see if anything caught our eye. We knew we want a bigger dog but still had not narrowed it down by this time. We found a website online for a place that sold puppies but it closed in 2 hours so we decided to go. We rushed over and had time to see all the puppies and play with them. There was one puppy there that stood out. He was a boxer, but was very expensive so we choose to wait and see if we found any for cheaper. Since we saw and fell in love with the boxer we started trying to find just boxers. We called a few people Saturday after we got back from Game Day but all the people we called only had girls and we were looking for a boy. We now at this point were really getting into it and couldn’t wait any longer. Saturday night when we were watching the Memphis game we told my boyfriend’s sister that we were looking at dogs. It ended up that her in-laws’ neighbor was selling boxer pups. Sunday morning she got us the number for the person selling the puppies and we called and made an appointment. The guy had two boys and a girl left. They were all really cute but one seemed just right for us. We ended up getting him and named him Kelso. We are now one happy family! Kelso is a great puppy. He is a little difficult to take care of just because he will wake up in the middle of the night and cry but other than that he has been awesome. He is really playful and loves people. I had him the first night and last night Kelso stayed with his daddy. Right now we are learning a lot. It is defiantly preparing us for the future. I really recommend getting a dog but make sure you have lots of time and attention to give. They are a handful but ultimately they are a joy to have.

Memphis vs. Tennessee

So the BIG game, Memphis vs. Tennessee, is already over. There was such anticipation for this game. All my friends were making plans weeks before, but I was never really sure if I was going or not. I thought it would be fun to go and experience such an important game but I was not sure if I wanted to wake up early. I decided I would leave it up to my boyfriend and in the end we choose to go. Friday night we made plans to get up and leave with his friends around five for the game. I at this time was starting to regret saying I would go. I knew it would be cold and I would not want to get up. I did not want to be a bummer on my boyfriend so I decided just to suck it up. Saturday morning the boys came and started waking us up around 4:30. Both my boyfriend and I were a little relentless to get up but we did it anyways and got ready to go. We all packed up and left and went to McDonalds then headed to the Fed Ex Forum. There was already a line when we got there so we just took our place and began to wait. We had to stand in line for over two and a half hours before getting into Game Day. It was so nice to get inside and thaw out. I was dumb and only wore one pair of socks so my toes were freezing. It was hard to walk down the stairs my body was so cold. So I made it to Game Day, which was pretty much ESPN doing their show with us in the background. The first 30 minutes were fun but then it got kind of old standing up and cheering then sitting down over and over again. My lack of sleep also started to hit me. We went through Game Day then went back outside to wait again for the game. We got our wristband so we were guaranteed a seat at the game but we were almost last in line. We decided to leave since it would be another 4 hours or so and we would not even have good seats. Everyone we went with ended up getting separated from us and got way up ahead in the line. They were all disappointed we didn’t stay but we did not want to skip and be with them or sit in nose bleed. In the end we went home took a nap while everyone else stood in line and then watched the game on TV. I am now glad that we didn’t stay since they lost. I wish they would have won, but I know I would have wished to stay if it was a good game.

Boxing

I recently have been getting into watching boxing. I never before cared much to see two guys fight in a ring, but my boyfriend is really into it so I have been watching matches with him. We usually go to Gills to watch the matches. They have a bunch of big screen TVs up all around the restaurant, so it is going on everywhere around you. Everyone there is rooting for their person so it is really easy to get into it. I have found that boxing is a lot more than just throwing some punches. The boxers must learn a lot of technique. They must defend themselves and at the same time find just the right time to swing that left hook. It is crazy to see the hits in slow motion. When you are watching them fight some of the blows do not seem that bad, but when they slow it down you can see how harsh it really is. Everything on the guys’ faces will look as though they are dislocated. These guys have to be in awesome shape as well. I could never run around a ring taking punch after punch for as long as they do. They really are a site to see. Although it is fun to watch, just the environment makes it an awesome time. We are going to watch a match this Saturday after the Memphis vs. Tennessee game. Hopefully Memphis and my guy will win! It will be a very long day but I am sure it will be a day I will never forget.

A Problem with No Child Left Behind

I am researching on No Child Left Behind for my research paper. This week’s readings from The Atlantic helped me see a good point about how No Child Left Behind might have a few glitches. In the subtitle, No problem left behind, in the article, First, Kill All the School Boards, the writer, Matt Miller, discussed how usually issues are worked out within the states and it works out well, but when it comes to our schools systems things do not run as smoothly. He pointed out that each state determines the standards and therefore no one can determine how well the students in the United States are doing. There is no comparison because every state is different. One state might consider a certain gain of knowledge as standard while another sees that gain as too high for their students. The country must come together and have one set of standards so everyone will be on the same page. With everyone having the same standards they can see what schools are doing better and which need more help. Although the article I read discussed more of the issues coming forth from No Child Left Behind, I found this information most interesting. Our country is trying to help all the students succeed and be up to standard, but how can they do that if they do not even have a standard. It is not the students’ fault that they are not doing as well or gaining the knowledge they should by a certain age. It is our country’s fault because no one is trying to come together and really figure out a solution. I do think No Child Left Behind is a good start because it is looking at the country to come together on the situation of education but it still needs some help. Hopefully those in charge are aware of the problems and will start now to create a new blueprint for the future of education.

Who is to blame?...Public Schools or Society

“The failure of public schools is not ruining society. The failure of society has ruined the public schools.”

I find this quote to be true to some extent. Society could do so much more to help influence and encourage students. Society is only complaining about the results seen from the students, but are not doing anything to make a change. Society needs to start supporting public schools with more funding and getting involved. The students need to see that someone cares and believes in them.

The public schools are also at fault because they are giving up on students. No matter what, the teachers should try to help every student to succeed. Students need encouragement from the school as well because no one knows what their home life is like. School is a place where children learn and sometimes it is the only place. Sure society might seem so be going downhill, but kids are at school such a high percentage of their time that they need to learn the basics, such as manners, respect, and discipline at school as well. If they learn to show good characteristics at school they are more likely to exemplify them elsewhere as well. These characteristics can help the students become more involved in school and work harder which will help society.

I think both society and the public schools are affecting one another. They both need to care more about the other because public schools help create those in society and those in society are getting the help to succeed from schools. They both need each other to accomplish anything.
Really no matter who ruined who, all can help to make a change.

Continuation of “Constructed Identities”

As I talked about earlier, Americans usually think that nothing could ever happen to us. I used the example of 9/11 which we discussed in my class along with Katrina. Although these things are bad, they help us realize what other countries are going through. I know I am usually thinking about myself and not worried about those in other countries, but when things like 9/11 and Katrina happen it is good to know you have someone there to help you. That is the way Americans should think. Now that we know how it feels to be down and need help we can give that to others.

We also talked about why the terrorist would want to knock down the World Trade Center. The U.S. is known for world trade and its power in trade, so therefore the terrorist wanted to hit us where it hurt. They felt this would show the U.S. that it is not as awesome as it thinks. No one wants to be objectified. Everyone wants to be the one in charge and doing the action. This is one way we explained why the U.S. went to war. The United States caught the hit so now they wanted to be the one doing.

Constructed Identities

In one of my lectures, my professor taught on constructed identities. A constructed identity is created through what people are taught by society and their family. These identities made by people create stereotypes. People turn others into strange people or just different from them. People do this because they do not try to find out what others are really like. We also tend to identify ourselves with what we are not. You will hear people say, “I won’t let ____ happen here”, or “we won’t let ____happen here”. One example of that is how people felt about terrorism. No one in the U.S. thought something like September 11th would happen here. Americans identify themselves as a country where the people don’t have to live in fear because of its power and strength. This is also making an identity for the countries that do have bombing and terrorism constantly going on there. American exceptionalism is the notion that the U.S. is blessed, unique, and has a never-ending wealth. I know I have this mind-set. I do not live in fear of my life, I do not wonder if I will have enough food for tomorrow, and I do not worry about having a job and being able to afford a living. I take all these things for granted, as I am sure most others in America do, and this is what other countries use to create their identity of the U.S. From this lecture, I became more aware of stereotypes and how I can try not to stereotype. I must also take the time to learn about others and research on other countries before I say anything about them.

"Freedom Writers" Review

The movie “Freedom Writers” was directed by Richard Lagravenese and came from the book, “The Freedom Writers Diaries” written by the Freedom Writers with Erin Gruwell. This movie is considered drama in genre. It is about integration in schools. Freedom Writers is based on a true story which comes from student’s diaries. A new enthusiastic teacher is introduced to a school where most the kids do not want to be there and segregation is obvious.

The movie is about how that teacher made a difference in her students’ lives and the way they viewed and treated one another. Although it seemed hopeless for most the teachers at Woodrow Wilson High School to even try to teach their students, Mrs. Gruwell kept a positive attitude and took matters into her own hands. She was told endless amounts of times that it was pointless for her to put so much into her students because the students did not care. In the end Mrs. Gruwell proved everyone wrong and made a big change in what seemed like a war that would never end.

From the beginning gang violence is an obvious problem in the area and at the school. All the students talk about being in a war, which is between every race. They also talk about their problems at home. Mrs. Gruwell is very excited about teaching her new students but quickly becomes upset from the struggles. She has to get the students to work, respect her, and respect each other’s classmates. These struggles only push her harder and make her want to do more for her students. Overtime it is clear that Mrs. Gruwell is getting through to her students. You can see the students begin to get along with one another and make changes in their lives. Most of the changes started when the students were taught about the holocaust. The students could relate to how the Jews were mistreated because of their race. Overtime the kids began opening up in class and becoming one. They felt like their English class was the only place they could feel safe. It was obvious that the author wanted to show that people’s differences can bring them together. All the students were fighting in the “war” for the same reason, to get respect for their race. But none of the gangs wanted to show others respect, so it just went around in circles with no one getting anywhere. These students showed that it is possible to work together and find a purpose in life other than being in a gang. Even though times seemed hopeless for these kids they found comfort in one another because they could relate to one another, but it took them time to realize they had things in common and Mrs. Gruwell helped them realize it.

This movie is based on a true story and comes from a book the real students put together. The book was called “The Freedom Writers’ Diaries” and was made up of the students’ journals. In the end the students sought out to make a change by creating this book and creating an organization. The producers of this movie were also trying to spread these kids’ message by making their book into a movie. The movie helps it all come to life for the viewer which can touch a person more than words sometimes. The movie is also seen all over the country, making the book more known and possibly helping to make change in integration programs.

"Coach Carter" Review

Coach Carter was directed by Thomas Carter and based on the life of Ken Carter. It is considered a drama. The movie, Coach Carter, is about the concept of student athletes and what it means. It is about a basketball team that was not doing well on the court as well as in school. A new coach is hired to help the team start winning, but he has a little more in store for them.

The author’s purpose of the movie is to show that there is more to school sports than just winning and having fun. The movie teaches that one must have the grades and get into college in order to even continue playing basketball, let alone succeed in life. It shows that anyone can get somewhere in life as long as they have discipline and put forth hard work. The school in the movie has low scores and do not have much hope for the students. There is a high dropout rate, meaning not many students make it to college. African Americans, who make up most of the team, statistically are more likely going to jail than to college. In this movie the coach teaches the boys what it means to be a team. In the end they all come together to help one another. This movie is based on a true story and most the boys made it to college, many with scholarships. That shows the world that as long as you push yourself anything is possible.

The writer displays the development of the team clearly. The players are first shown losing a game and arguing with one another on whose fault it was. Then the new coach and his ways are put in place. The guys are shown as very disrespectful to one another and the coach at the first practice. The coach gives each player a contract and very strict rules along with their consequences. The students are shown over time giving more respect to the coach and learning how to use the discipline learned to help them. The team is undefeated throughout the movie, but you can see it getting to their heads. The coach as well notices the kids’ big heads. He finds out the boys are not doing well in school, which was part of their contract, and he teaches them a lesson by canceling practice and games until the boys bring up their grades. He wants the boys to know it is not just about basketball and winning, but also school. He makes it clear that he is coaching student athletes and that student comes first. Many people are opposed but the coach stands firm on his beliefs and word. In the end the basketball players stand by their coach and bring their grades up before they start playing again. The team loses the last championship game, but show they are still proud of their accomplishments.

Get Out the Vote Essay

First off I thought about how I do not know much about politics or the issues dealt with. I wanted to vote last week at the primaries, but did not end up going because of the storm. Now that I think about it me not going was probably best. If I had gone I would have been researching the candidates the day of the vote and therefore not well prepared. Although I feel it is good to vote, since the person in office makes many decisions that affect me, I do not think you should vote if you have no idea who to vote for. My thoughts on the speaker were that it is someone who is in charge of something to do with politics and all they care about is getting more votes. People want more people to vote because they think it will help their candidate. I think more people voting, those who usually do not know anything about the elections, would just mess it all up. You would have those people who are fully for one person or another voting for their candidates then everyone else who was made to vote voting for just anyone. The audience for this phrase is everyone. The speaker does not care who they are talking to, they just want people to go vote. I guess they think it will give their party a better chance of winning. I am not aware of any other phrases that have to do with this, but I am sure there are. People are set on getting people to vote so I am sure they say many things just to appeal to everyone.

In the end this source is arguing for those who choose not to vote. He is also showing a good point that America is a land of the free. If you say everyone has to vote then that is taking away our freedom. I believe everyone has the right to choose if they will vote or not and either decision does not make one less or more an American. Again, I do think it is good to vote so people who will defend your beliefs are in office, but if you do not know anything about the candidates or the issues at hand then your vote will not be much good anyways. I know for me I am just not real into politics and so then I do not try to find out anything. It just bores me because most what they talk about I do not understand. I do not want to vote for someone just because someone else said I should or because their name is most familiar to me. When I vote I want to know the facts on the candidates and the issues they are discussing so I vote for someone that will make a change for the better, at least from my point of view.

I also never would have thought this article was written in 1955. I only think about the recent elections being times when people are pushing the election down your throat. I guess it is just because you see everyone on every street corner and every television station telling you to vote, even celebrities. When I think of past times, I think of people wanting to vote because the right was not always there for them. I am not sure the exact date, I know it is sad, but women, African Americans, and illiterate people were not able to vote for the longest time in America. I really do see the people fifty years ago being happy and proud to vote. I guess they had the same troubles though. Really people do not change that much and many will be too lazy to go out and vote or stay informed on the elections. I think now a day people take voting for granted as well and do not really think much of who is in office because things in America will continue to run smoothly. I think since most of America live pretty nice lifestyles they figure everything else is okay too. People must think of the other people in America that are suffering and need help. We might not feel we need the government’s help but there are people that do. The government also is in charge of military and other things that keep our whole country safe and secure. Those in office also help make sure things are run the way the people feel it needs to be run. They oversee many aspects of people’s lives that we would never imagine. Even though they do help Americans, our government also deals with other countries and without someone in charge to take care of these things America would be nothing.

I am defiantly on the side of the writer. He helped make the situation on voting very clear. I knew what he was talking about when he used the different people for different examples and I think it would be clear to anyone else. He hit every point on how voting and not voting would affect the way elections are run. Really it might not hurt to have people voting that do not know anything about it, but like he said, not voting is just as much a right as voting.

A Whole New World

In one of my classes we watched a movie on brothers who went to Africa from Europe to look for gold. Once in Africa the brothers met many natives. They got a group of natives together at the beginning to help them navigate and learn the land. The natives did not know what to think of the brothers, for they were like nothing they had seen before. The brothers were seen as spirits of the dead relatives to most of the Africans. They did not understand why they were white or any of the advances they had. It was really neat to see how awestruck the people in Africa were. They really were amazed at the things the brothers brought with them. While there the brothers traded with the natives. They would trade guns and such for sugarcane and other crops from the area. Neither group knew each other’s language and therefore had to communicate through signs and motions. I really liked watching how the two groups interacted. Today most everyone on the world knows the others exist. It would have been like aliens coming to earth. I really liked hearing the Africans talk about what they were thinking at the time the brothers had come. Most of their theories were pretty crazy, but I guess I would probably think like them if another kind came to the earth and I thought we were the only living things. For the natives they thought there was nothing else but their land and what they knew. All in all I felt the brothers’ trip was a good experience for both the brothers and the native Africans. I went to Honduras and Nicaragua for mission trips in the past and although these trips were not close to the brothers’ trip, it still had a similar effect. The people there knew of America and other countries but when we came with our cameras and such everyone was very interested in them because many of them had never seen one before. I also learned a lot from their culture. For one thing their houses are a lot different and they do not have plumbing. Now this was in the poorer regions that I went to so I am not sure about other areas, but it was neat to see someone else’s way of living. I gained a lot from it, one thing being to not take things for granted. So my trips along with the movie have showed me how different people can be but also how neat it can be to share each others’ cultures with one another.

Internalization

Internalization is a process by which we take ideas in that seem to be fact. These ideas are formed unconsciously. I usually do not think about why I believe what I believe, but during my UNHP lecture I started to think about it. Most my beliefs come from the way I grew up. I grew up in a Christian family with three siblings and both of my parents. I try to live my life with good morals and standards. Those morals and standards go along with what I am taught in the Bible and have been taught from my parents. I have also learned through experience, where I came up with my own thoughts and beliefs.

My Professor also talked about what Benedict Anderson said on nations. He said nations are acts of the imagination. The boundaries are made up and it is thought of as comradeship. He as well said people are willing to die for an abstraction. I thought this was well put. I have never thought about nations from that perspective. How does anyone decide what land is whose and how the land becomes someone’s? Every nation’s people are different and part of that nation. How can people who live right next to one another consider themselves different? Who came up with the distinct boundaries that no one can physically see? People fight their neighbors just because they are on the other side of an imaginary line. Once one thinks about it, the concept seems crazy. It is sad that we all are continuously pulled into internalization. Just because we are from one place or another we have set ideas and stereotypes. I know this will not change but it is very interesting to think about.

NCLB Propaganda

Yesterday we were to bring in some propaganda on our research topics. I am researching “No Child Left Behind” and the issues that have come up since it has been put in place. I looked up “NCLB propaganda” on Google. There I found mostly propaganda against “No Child Left Behind”. Most of them were cartoons and you would have to see them to understand them, but for the most part they depicted students being stranded. Unless my perception is wrong, I understand the cartoons to mean that NCLB is not working. When I first began researching on my topic it seemed a lot easier to find people who were for “No Child Left Behind”, so I do not understand why there was more propaganda against it. I guess I am not looking hard enough. Every time I learn something new about the issue, it brings up something else I do not understand. This we also discussed in class and I have found it to be very true. I am used to just stating the facts that are seen on the surface but never really going into depth on issues that come up through my research. This will be a struggle for me and therefore I know I need to get started ahead of time.

Japanese Imperialism

This week in my UNHP Humanities class we have been learning about Japanese imperialism. One definition of imperialism is “the policy, practice, or advocacy of extending the power and dominion of a nation especially by direct territorial acquisitions or by gaining indirect control over the political or economic life of other areas.” While trying to take over other Asian countries, the Japanese performed inhumane acts. Many of the things Japan did during the time are still unresolved today. A few of the issues we discussed were comfort women, Rape of Nanking, and textbook controversies.

During World War II Japanese soldiers would capture and rape many women. These women are referred to as “comfort women” or “sex slaves”. The women who survived these awful acts were often looked down upon. On top of the shame they feel from the label others have put on them, these women have been traumatized and have to live with the memories of what was done to them. The worse thing about all this is that the Japanese are denying that any of it happened. Other countries along with the abused women want Japan to take responsibility for their wrong doings and apologize.

The Rape of Nanking, also known as “Nanking Massacre”, occurred in 1937. Japan invaded China and killed 200,000 people. During the invasion 10s of thousands of women and children were also raped. Still today the Japanese are not admitting to this tremendous act of violence.

The Japanese are also teaching their students that these and the many other events that happened did not occur. Anything that is talked about in books is always downplayed to make the Japanese appear less bad to their people. This is causing great controversy because they are teaching false information in their schools.

Many countries try to expand an imperialize, but Japan misued their power. I think it is very sad that these events occurred in history. There was no reason for Japan to kill and mistreat these other countries' people. I do not understand why it continued to happen for so long, but it was good they were finally stopped before others were hurt as well.

Writing Prompt

“Before you contradict an old man, my fair friend, you should endeavor to understand him.”
~George Santayana

I have in the past struggled with being very hard headed when it comes to issues I oppose, but recently I have learned to think before I speak. My boyfriend is the one who helped me realize I was doing this. He is always thinking and looking at situations from different points of views. He has taught me that I need to know exactly how I feel on a situation or issue and have something to back those feelings up before I try to defend it. I have begun to realize that most the time I have an opinion on issues but do not really know why I feel the way I do. I now make sure I do not strike out in defense before I know my facts are right. I also try to see a situation from others point of views. I have to remember some people act and stand for things different from me because they have other circumstances in which create their views. When it comes to political views I am not real sure. I do not know the issues or their background so it is hard for me to say I have an opinion. I also feel I would need to do a lot of research to know exactly how a politician stands on the issues. I know they usually say things but I think most the time it is just what they think the people want to hear. I do not feel comfortable arguing politics. I know these things are important because the issues affect me in some way, but I will need to learn a lot more to really have a stance on things.

Crazy Weather

Yesterday I got a text from the University. It said that school would be closing at 2:30, too bad I was in my last class. I walked to my boyfriend’s house after class as usual. All day my head had been hurting but once I finally sat down I really felt it. I am pretty sure it had something to do with this crazy weather, cold one day and warm the next. Well I decided I would take a nap and see if it would help me feel any better. So I laid down and started to doze off, but right before I could fall asleep I heard some weird noise and a man’s voice over a loud speaker. At first I thought I might just be dreaming but I awoke and went into the living room. His roommates were in there and assured me it was only to say that school was closed. I really don’t understand why they use such an eerie sound. It makes the situation seem so much worse than it really is. Since it wasn’t a tornado warning I decided to go back to sleep. The boys said they would wake me up if the weather got bad. So I took my nap and it made me feel a lot better. I would have been able to enjoy that feeling of reenergizing if only the tornado sirens were not going off when I woke up. I wandered around the house only to find no one, so I called my mom. I could not believe the guys left me asleep during a tornado warning. As my mom was explaining the situation one of the roommates emerged from his room. I was glad to know I would have one person to ride the storm out with. We watched the news and discussed our plans for if a tornado really touched down until my boyfriend got home from work. My boyfriend was not scared at all and said a friend of theirs was on the front porch reading a book. We had no clue he was there and it was funny to know he was outside chillin while we were inside trying to figure out what to do next. We decided to go see what was up with their friend on the porch. We all ended up staying out there watching the storm. It was really cool actually. The blinding streaks of lightening were awesome to watch, only because they were in the distance. Usually I would be scared during a time like this, but I guess with the company of the guys I felt pretty safe. I do not recommend staying outside during a tornado warning, if a tornado had touched down we would have been gone, but it really was neat to watch all that happened.

Super Bowl

Although I am not real into watching sports on TV, it is a great excuse to get together with friends and family and eat great food. Last night I went to my boyfriend’s parent’s house to watch the Super Bowl. His whole family was there which meant it was pretty much a party, considering he has 8 brothers and sisters. Seven of them were there last night, the older ones with their boyfriends, wife, and husband. With so many people in the family, his mom is used to cooking for a lot of people. She is a great southern cook. There were chicken wings, chili, chips and all kinds of dips, carrot cake, and lots more. We all ate and talked all night while watching the game. I was never into the game until the end though. My boyfriend and I moved into the living room to watch how it would go down on the big screen. The Patriots were again ahead with only a few minutes left on the clock. Like I said I am not a die-hard sports fan, so I did not care exactly who won, but I decided to root for the Giants. All of a sudden Eli Manning made the craziest play, I’m sure you all remember it. Then he threw a touchdown pass. The Giants were now ahead. I actually got really excited at this time, as did the whole room. You could tell the Giants were pumped after this awesome play. They had great defense and fought hard until the end. As everyone I’m sure knows, the Giants won! Altogether the night was really good. The team I was rooting for won and I got to spend time with great people.

The Beauty of Memphis

In one of the Memphis blogs there was a link to a blog with pictures from around Memphis. After reading the blogger’s great reviews, I had to check them out. The pictures were awesome. I know Memphis has some neat attractions, but these pictures made everything seem breathe taking. The pictures consisted of the Hernando Desoto Bridge, Main Street trolley, the Civil Rights Museum, the St. Jude Children’s Hospital Dome, the “Summer” statue in front of the Brooks Museum of Art, Overton Park in morning mist, the Zoo, the arched walkway at Christian Brothers University, the Sear’s Building, Glenview park, the old Lamar Theatre, the First Baptist Church Chelsea, Tops Bar-B-Q, the Botanic Gardens, Stax Museum Marquee, and others. My favorite picture was of Overton Park. It was taken in black and white which gave the picture a great touch. The picture makes me want to visit the park because it appears so peaceful. I also liked the picture of the trolley. The picture was taken in black and white but the trolley was in color. The picture is very creative and neat to look at. Not only were the pictures wonderful, but also the photographer made a good point. I loved how the photographer made a comment about how Memphis seems to be a bad place with all the crime that is heard about but how a camera creates a totally different view. Memphis is an interesting and historical place. I would love to see more of the attractions.

What To Do With The Pyramid?

Memphis is still trying to decide what to do with the Pyramid downtown. One blogger said it looked like Bass Pro Shop will be moving in the Pyramid. If this is so I will not be too happy. I do not understand what Memphis will get out of having a huge Bass Pro Shop. It might attract some tourists but only those into hunting, fishing, or anything else to do with the outdoors. I think many people are like me in that we like the outdoors and might visit the shop once or twice if that, but really we would get no joy out of having one here. There is a Bass Pro shop in Memphis and I don’t understand why they would want another one, especially downtown. I see Bass Pro Shop as somewhere you go every once in a while to get supplies for an outdoor activity, not somewhere that people will want to go back multiple times.

Even though it might not be the best option, I still think having a theme park would be way better than a Bass Pro Shop. Many people would go to a theme park, even tourists. I feel Memphis would make a lot more money from a theme park and local Memphians will be able to have something different to enjoy.

University of Memphis' Renovations

I read a blog that was talking about the demolition on the Prescott Memorial Baptist Church. After returning from the winter break I noticed the church was torn down, but did not think much about it until now. I knew the University was expanding and renovating surrounding areas but only thought of it as a good thing. I feel the area could use some upgrades and thought this was just a start to a new and improved beginning that will come. After reading the blog I found out the church had been there for 75 years and meant a great deal to many Memphians. It is sad that something that has existed for so long has been destroyed but I feel it will be for the better. We have to get rid of old things sometimes to make room for the new. If the University sticks to their plans, I think that area will be very nice and more attractive. I was so excited to hear about the renovations Memphis plans to do in the near future and still cannot wait to see how it all turns out. I only wish all the buildings being torn down were rundown and meant nothing. It is hard to see something that has been a part of a place for so long become destroyed.

The Presidential Elections

I have read several blogs talking about the upcoming presidential elections. Everyone seems to have very strong opinions about those running and the issues at hand. After reading these blogs, I have realized I need to get started on deciding who I want to vote for. Last night my dad asked if I had participated in early voting. I had no clue it was even going on. This is a big election with many important issues. I want to know the issues and how each candidate feels about those issues so I can make the right vote. I want to make sure my vote stands for who I am and what I believe in. I want someone to be in office that will make a difference and be a voice for my opinions. I am not exactly sure what I think about the war. I do not like that we have many Americans dying, but I feel we cannot leave now. We must finish what we started. I know President Bush has been fighting to make sure abortion is not legalized. I want to make sure the next president also is against abortion. That is one topic I am very passionate about. It makes me sick to think people are okay with killing little innocent babies. Why are so many people upset and fighting for the innocent lives being taken in the war but could care less about those millions of innocent babies being killed here in the United States. I know I am still behind on most the hot topics for the presidential election, but I plan to start looking more into them soon and hopefully I will make the right decision at the polls.

Early Morning Wake Up Call

This morning I could not sleep. At about 5:30 some dog started barking. It was not like the dog barked at one thing and then stopped either. It continued to bark the whole morning. Every once in a while it would stop and I would think, “Yes, finally that stupid dog will shut up!” But it never was the end. First I tried to ignore the dog, but I couldn’t. If anything, trying to ignore it made me think about it even more. I kept wondering what the owners were doing or if the dog was bothering anyone else. I did not know what I could do to stop it either. Do I go up to the house and tell the owners? First I would have to figure out who the owners were, plus it would cause me to get out of my warm bed. Then I will have to admit, I did think about killing the dog. Don’t freak out though, I would never kill a dog. But the thought did run through my mind after listening to the irritating yelps for half an hour. Since neither of these sounded so great, I decided to live with the noise and try to get some sleep in between each outbreak. I did finally fall asleep around 7 and get about another hour of sleep before getting up for class. I am now hoping it does not happen again because I will have to act if it does.

Why Did I Wait so Long?

I registered for my science class late and did not get my book last week so I went to the Tiger Bookstore today. As you can probably guess, I am such a procrastinator and while sometime I feel I do my best work at the last moment, in this situation my procrastination bit me in the butt. I ordered my lab manual online earlier this week so all I needed was the textbook. The Tiger Bookstore was out, which was a total bummer because I knew they had better prices than the one on campus. Since I knew I had to have the book I went to check the bookstore on campus. I was so excited when I saw they had the book, but that excitement was struck down as fast as I got it when I saw the book was in a package with the lab manual. Not only did it make me mad that they were sold together but also that it was extremely expensive. I decided to wait since I already ordered the lab manual and it was on its way. Hopefully I will be able to find the book soon though. I am hoping I can find a cheap one online.

Maybe These Things are Important...

I have never been into watching the news or reading the newspaper and really did not think I was missing out on anything. My thoughts were, “what does something that is happening across the world have anything to do with me?” You might understand why I would feel that way, but what is really sad is that not only is it world issues that I do not know, but local issues as well. In the past couple of years, I have slowly begun to realize these things might be useful to know. One disadvantage of not knowing what is going on in the world is being out of the loop in conversations. I hate just sitting there while people discuss issues and I have no idea what they are talking about. Even if they talk about something that I am against, I do not feel I can say anything because I really do not know the circumstances. These awkward situations first sparked my interest in learning more than what so and so did the past weekend, but not until recently have I had the urge to really go searching. My humanities/global challenge and English 1020 classes have been making me see the importance of local and global issues. There is a lot going on in the world and most of it does affect me and if not, at least something I believe in or someone I know. I want to understand things for myself so I can form my own opinions and get involved. Also, this knowledge helps me find who I am and what I stand for.

School Assessments

I chose the topic of school assessments for my research paper. President Bush has passed an act called “No Child Left Behind”. This act is supposed to help the students of America have a better education. Test scores for assessment tests are down across the country and “No Child Left Behind” is supposed to help bring those scores up. I feel the act does not work. Schools are only focusing on test scores instead of their students. I am not positive, but I am pretty sure schools are given a certain amount of money due to how well their school overall does on the assessment test. This incentive only draws the teachers away from their students’ needs and to making sure they have their students get a high enough score. This is happens because teachers are then looking at their benefit and what they will lose if their students do not do well enough. Although test scores might be rising due to “No Child Left Behind”, are the students really gaining the knowledge they need?

When I was in elementary and middle school I took the TCAP every year. My teachers would take a week or two before the test to teach only the information on the tests. I would learn the information, take the test, and then forget it all. Not only do I feel the information taught for assessment tests is pointless, I also feel the test is not always a good judgment on a student’s knowledge. I never did well on the TCAP and therefore looked as if I was not a good student. This perception of me would totally change if my report cards were viewed. I was a straight A student for most of my elementary and middle school life, with occasional Bs. Obviously the two did not match up. I do not feel these tests are a good way of assessing today’s students. The government should reexamine the “No Child Left Behind” act and figure out what will really benefit the students.

I plan to be a teacher in the near future and want to start learning now what “No Child Left Behind” is really about so I will know what is expected of me, as a teacher. I want my students to learn things that will actually be useful to them. Students taught only the material on assessment tests are missing out on information that will help them in life. I really hope to understand issues on school assessments in our country and more specifically how it affects schools in Memphis. I have heard they are trying to find a different way on coming about the issue of low test scores and how to help the students of America receive a better education. I want to learn more about the issue now so I can have my own opinion and fight for what I think will be best.

Sarah Foster's Manifesto

I was never introduced to the word “manifesto” until now and quite frankly feel this introduction could not have come at a better time. When I was given the assignment, to write a personal manifesto, I began to panic. I had no clue what a manifesto was, but as soon as I found out, I realized writing a manifesto might be kind of fun. This assignment would help me reexamine myself and understand what I stand for. A manifesto, by definition, is “a public declaration of intentions, opinions, objectives, or motives, as one issued by a government, sovereign, or organization”. Every person holds the parts of a manifesto, intentions, opinions, objectives, and motives, very close to their heart. These things are what make up each person and make them the unique individual they are. Lately, I have been thinking in depth about my life and who I am. I feel that in the past couple of years I have been venturing to find the real me and not until recently did I realize exactly how to do that and what I was doing wrong in my quest. I had been trying to do things on my own. I was now old enough, legally, to make my own decisions, apart from mommy and daddy. So, why would I not start experiencing things for myself? Experience I believe to be okay, but thinking I am smarter and do not need help in life is where I went wrong. Everyone needs guidance. My strength and foundation for all I do is found in God. I would not be where I am today or anywhere close to where I want to be in life if it was not for Him. My motive in life is to bring God glory. I know that I am not a perfect person but I also know God is forgiving. He knows sin is inescapable for man alone and therefore has taken the debt of our sins upon His son, Jesus Christ, to save us and give us freedom. Since I know my sin cannot hold me back or give me any excuses, I intend to exceed to my greatest potential in life. I know my happiness is what brings God glory, along with His identity being revealed through me. My ultimate dream in life, which striving for brings me happiness, is to be married and be a stay at home mom. Now I know it would not be right and do not want to achieve my dream without hard work. I am now working toward a smaller dream I have had for my life, to be a teacher, because of the “what you put in is what you receive” kind of attitude I just cannot seem to shake off. I am not throwing my ultimate dream out the window, but yet working hard to assure it will come true, through becoming a teacher. I plan to continue through college and graduate. Then I will begin teaching and saving money for my future. Hopefully, I will be married by this time and both my husband and I will be working to support and begin a family of our own. I already know I will be marrying the man I am now going out with and that he has a secure career that over time will be able to support a family, if our plan is God’s plan. We do not know the set time that everything will take place, but if all goes as planned, my dream of being a stay at home mom will come true. I strongly believe people should work for where they get in life and even though I know I can achieve my ultimate dream, I also do not have total control in the unpredictable. I must therefore work and pray that God will help me to succeed and gain joy in this world. As one can see, I am at the present working towards making my dreams come true. I am also trying to become the woman I know I need to be. I must learn and study the Bible, God’s word, to continue to grow and know what God sees best for my life. I want to be His to use now and forever more. I hope one day through all my hard work and commitment that I will become the godly wife and mother I know God wants me to be.

I know my life is still a work in progress but hopefully I will succeed by having great determination and faith. Hopefully, not only have you learned a little more about me, but also learned a little more about yourself. I challenge you to also look at your own life and find what is most important to you. I believe with all my heart that you as well will be able to learn something about yourself by doing it and if you put forth an effort, you will succeed.