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2011-04-14T13:47:00.001-07:00

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How to help teens with alcohol and drugs?: FINAL REFLECTION

2008-05-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

After weeks of researching about teens that do drugs and drink alcohol I still never found the complete answer to my question. If you forgot what my essential question was its "What can we do to help teenagers who do drugs and drink alcohol?".

Even though I never answered my question completely I still found a lot of good information on the topic. I never answered my question because there is no way that we can do to stop teens from doing drugs and drink alcohol. But I did find some programs that try to help. One of the programs that are out there to help is called "Teens Using Drugs: What To Know and What To Do". The program is free it is for parents, family members, teens, and people who work with teens and families. It is designed to provide education on how to understand, identify and address adolescent alcohol/drug problems, create a positive attitude towards obtaining help for adolescents with alcohol/drug problems, and increase participants' readiness and ability to address adolescent alcohol/drug problems. I think that this program is a very good program because it is run by Ronald E. Harrison, SW. Ron is a social worker with over 35 years of experience working in diverse settings with substance-involved teens and their families. I think the program is successful because it is run by someone who has experience with teens and alcohol and drugs.

I learned some stuff by doing this research, but I all ready knew a lot of the things I found in my research because I am a teen and I know and understand what teens go threw. But I was surprised by some of the stats I found out during this project. I never knew so many teens started as young as 12 years old. I expected that most started around the age of 14 or 15 because thats when they enter high school. I did learn some ways that I could use to help people I know that have trouble with alcohol and drugs. But I think there is NO! way at all we can prevent people from doing it. The only way I think we could do that is if you are around the person 24/7. But everyone knows that would be impossible. So we have to find more ways on doing so.

Yahoo and Google helped me a lot in my research. It was very helpful because all I had to do was type in what I was looking for and a whole bunch of links would come up about it. I think I could have done this project with just my knowledge but then again I wouldn't have found out all the stats I did discover. And this was a research project so I guess I couldn't have done it on my own.

I think a good way I could pass the information on that I found would to make a short video explaining all the risks that comes with drugs and alcohol. I also thought of finding out a real life situation about a teen that had trouble with drugs or alcohol so people can see that alcohol and drugs are a real problem and not just something they talk about.

What keeps people from traveling?: FINAL REFLECTION

2008-05-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

In this project I have learned a lot about peoples fears of airplanes after the tragedy of September 11,2001. Their concerns on travel safety are very strong. Even if most people are afraid of flying alot still travel as much as they use to travel before September 11,2001. But in other points of views people don't really care about what happens, they say "if it happens, it happens".

This research has been a very successful project. I have found many articles on Google and on Infotrac. It was a little tough to find articles at Google.com, but when I started using Infotrac it gave me even more choices and it was easier to find what I wanted. With all the information that I found I may use it for future reference, to stay alert.

I think this was an okay project. It gave me a chance in finding out alot of information on what keeps people from traveling nowadays. Many people not only fear the fact that another 9/11 may happen but they also have phobias. Phobias such as acrophobia which is the fear of heights and claustrophobia the fear of enclosed spaces. I find it that this project shows us how to search for information that you are interested or concerned on.

I believe all this information can be useful for people that want to know about others feelings about flying or traveling. And not only about flying, many people fear for traveling on the road. They have safety concerns about it, they even had a conference called the safety conference discussing how to stay safe at the thruway while traveling on the road.

I believe this project relates just a little to me for the fact that I can be acrophobic most of the time. This may happen while on the plane, roof , roller coaster. So here I end my search for What keeps people from traveling?.

My Final Reflection on "The best method of Discipline for children."

2008-05-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

DISCIPLINE:
Comes from the Latin word disciplina or "instruction"the root discere or "to learn",converts into "disciple" or "pupil."So it means to instruct,be it a person or animal in this case a child.In this field it refers to methods of modeling your child's character.Teaching them what is acceptable behavior in our society and what method of discipline you use be it "spanking's or timeouts"and figuring out which is best for a child's healthy development.

I have researched this topic and found out some very interesting facts.I found out that this is a very hot topic in our global society it is a global controversy.I started my research not knowing a clue none of this,or the fact that so many countries and states have either started or completely abolished CP.Also how many people are fighting to ban it or keep it.The fight also has the U.N. in it they are trying very hard and persistent to abolish CP by2009 trying to pass "The Child Discipline Bill"to end all "spankings" even within the child's household.(end corporal punishment.org)So far Romania,Germany,Israel,Sweden,Spain,and the first Latin American state to achieve full prohibition of CP then followed Venezuela.Since the 1970's global acceleration progress towards prohibition on CP has sharply increased 250%.

The "spanking"of children is as old as the "bible days."Most religions agree with it in the bible it says"If the child is not given the rod it will spoil"and many agree and disagree.(CP_prosecutions)believe that reasonable CP is a fundamental right of parents and that like-minded citizens should contact public officials to condemn any direct or indirect attempt to outlaw spanking.(Piaget Theory of cognitive development)Piaget was a French speaking Swiss theorist.He said that"children learn through hands-on experience and that the parents role is in helping them to interact and construct."I personally completely agree with Mr.Piaget as a kid I learned the best way I learned something was by hands-on experience.When just told how to do things not showed hands-on I tend to struggle but when taught hands-on I excelled and learnt whatever I was learning very quickly.(wikipedia.org)Family specialists have found and agreed that using physical force,threats,and put-downs can effect a child in a negative way causing many mental and emotional problems for the child.Twenty studies have found that CP is associated with the probability of mental health problems.Which means that if you "Whoop"your kids they are saying that they will have more mental problems.12 out of 13 studies found that CP is associated with higher delinquent and anti-social behavior,also that kids tend to approve more of peer violence.(Good,1999)study showed CP was also associated with suicidal thoughts,alcohol abuse,spousal abuse,and feelings of depression,(Mahoney,Donnelly 2000)also causes ADHD/disruptive behavior disorder,mood swings/anxiety disorder.Research says that "spanking"teaches the child that violence is appropriate and an"ok"way to settle a dispute thus comes the approval of peer violence.An interview of an unknown man gave his thoughts on CP(CP_prosecutions)"I believe that reasonable CP is a fundamental right of parents,and that like-minded citizens should contact public officials to condemn any direct or indirect attempt to outlaw spanking.You should know your child and your own limits and what works best with their personality.If you cant control your anger don't because you will leave marks.It should be done out of love not to release your anger never yell at the child or show anger,tell them you love them right after so they don't get the wrong impression,let them know you're teaching them to be a better person."

But many still agree with CP because it is believed to "humble"the child if you agree with this or not it this is the belief of many.Specialists say that you must be firm with your punishment because if you are to "soft"with the child he/she will take advantage knowing you will never really do anything drastic just send them to there room for an hour or so.You must establish at a very young age to the child that you are the "boss"what you say goes and they must obey your command.Specialists say not to be to strict because then they will do many things behind your back because they "want to taste the forbidden fruit"or so to say,because you allow them to do nothing.This I find very truthful because how many people you know have done things because there parent/s do not allow them to do not a thing in the world,so they do it when there is no authority to control them.The parent must remember that they are the "teacher"and probably the single most important figure in the child's life.Through them they will learn what's right and wrong,morals,and values of life"You raise an animal you'll get an animal for a child"is my belief.

In retrospect I believe there is no number 1 method or better way to discipline your child.(Missouri University)Has conducted research that contradicts that of others,about the mental health problems it causes.They say that if "spankings"is part of the child's culture then it negates these mental health issues such as anxiety disorder,substance abuse,and depression,etc.At the end of the day it is your child and everyone is unique/different.Whatever method you want to use for your child be it "spankings"or "timeouts"or maybe a mix of both remember you are the "teacher"of the child and you know what's best for your child.Just remember to show your child love and the right thing to do to be a good member of society.One thing I can tell you for a fact is that all this research I have done will most likely stay with me for the rest of my life.I started this research on a topic I taught I knew very well but trust me I was wrong this is a global controversy.I had no idea about it,it has opened my eyes to things I never knew.Hopefully those who read all this have learned something new and also opens your/there eyes like it did mine and helps brings you to conscience on this global controversy.

Final Reflection

2008-05-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

After weeks of researching and having to switch my orriginal question I stil have not found one deffinte answer for my question. I concluded that many things cause the economy to flex and there is not too much people can do about it

During my reaserch i learned many things that i didnt know befor. I learned that not one thing effects the economy more then the next. Everything effects it in its own way and the outcome is equaly devestating to the economny. When i first started the project my question was "how does lack of education effect the economy" and I learned that it dosn't realy effect the economy at all. And I was surprised with that dicovery because I thought that it would have a large effect on the economy if education was going down the drain.

Another way this project was susccessful was it helped me learn about the american economy and how it works. I learned how people rate the economy and how the economy can make or break our entire nation. I also learned how to use online search engines and data bases to help me answer a question. Mr malley also showed us differnt ways to search that will give us the best results for our topic.

Now that I have all my information I would like to put together some kind of presentation or podcast to share what i have learned with my classmates. I was also thinking of making a short one maybe two minute film.

A.O. 5th post

2008-05-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

As i become closer to my quest of discovering the true identity and authenticity of Malcolm X's reasoning, I've came to a point were it is time to ask the people how they view my topic. While in class recently i was thinking to my self,the many ideas and outlooks of Malcolm's existence began to plague me. This man single handily embodied the voice of a whole race to ultimately insure the just treatment of his people.An on this I interviewed two of my peers,Mr. Jamal Campbell 17 of Buffalo NY,and Mr.Patrick Taylor also of buffalo,NY. Now these young men are of different races,Mr.Taylor of Irish decent and Mr.Campbell of African American decent.Both of these two young men are friends of mine,I asked Mr.Taylor how he felt on Mr.X view's on the "White man".He told me,that due to the time and certain issues taken place at the time his perception seemed fair.I also asked if alive today how would he perceive the status of race relation Mr.Taylor connived if alive to he might approach his outlook on more of a subtle term.Now i asked Mr.Campbell the same question,he indulged,that Mr.X was an icon,he was a pioneer in the Field civil rights.He also told me that Mr.X's view were a bit solid,they were in the best interest for change.If alive today he would be still fighting for the black people,and there just place in the world.

Global view on CP

2008-05-16T07:58:00.000-07:00

In my research I have found new and very interesting views on CP, did you know Martin Luther King J.R. never spanked any of his kids,this was found out in a recent interview with his oldest child.Globally.I have recently found out(endcorporalpunishment.org)that 23 states have full prohibition on CP of children.Also New Zealand has passed the Child Discipline Bill(2007)which completely outlaws all forms of CP.After wards many countries including Romania,Greece,Sweden,Spain(most recent),Germany,Israel,and many others followed.The fight to end the "spanking" of children has become a very big issue and I was not aware of how seriously the world is trying to end it.The UN is trying to pass a universal prohibition on CP by 2009 and it is really "gunning"for it so far it looks like there gonna get it.A big reason they want to end it is because they want to end violence ,they believe that spanking teaches kids that violence is an appropriate way to treat one who offends(U.N.).
Most Christian's believe in CP ,"If child is not given the rod it will spoil".They believe you should inflict just enough pain to let the child no it is not acceptable.An interview of an unknown man gave his thoughts on CP(CP_prosecutions)"I believe that reasonable CP is a fundamental right of parents,and that like-minded citizens should contact public officials to condemn any direct or indirect attempt to outlaw spanking.You should know your child and your own limits and what works best with their personality.If you cant control your anger don't because you will leave marks.It should be done out of love not to release your anger never yell at the child or show anger,tell them you love them right after so they don't get the wrong impression,let them know you're teaching them to be a better person."
I agree completely with his opinion you should always show you're kids love never anger.So that they never get the wrong impression of there spankings let them know it is for the better to teach them to be a better.To make them a better member of society"not a Charles Manson of society."
cp_prosecutions-owner@yahoogroups.com. "parenting." CP_prosecutions. 2007. cp_prosecutions-owner@yahoogroups.com. 19 May 2008 .endallcorporal.orgporalpunishment.. "end all corporal punishment of all children." end all corporal punishment of all children. 2007-8. endcororgporalpunishment.. 19 May 2008 .

"People still travel alot after 9/11"

2008-05-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

According to this article (Business and Company ASAP) people still travel as much as they use to and airlines are full after the attack of 9/11. They are finding out if its business people that travel more than others. They said hat people feel that if something happens it happens, its like they don't care anymore about what could happen in a plane.

People actually discuss safety issues about traveling in cars. People worry about car crashes while traveling in the thruway. Breakout sessions identified the need for education of all people traveling on roadways and suggested public service announcements and other media messages on safety.( Safety conference). So people keep on traveling but with even more safety measures to feel safe enough to go on a trip!

"Safety conference." Construction Bulletin 293.17 (April 28, 2008): 3. Business and Company ASAP. Gale. McKinley High School. 19 May 2008
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A.O:4th Post

2008-05-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

Mr.X,was a man of many extremities.Coming from a poor up bringing and the becoming something that no one that was possible.Early life was no joke for Mr.X with seven siblings,he was almost on his own in a sense.I believe that if your up bringing is harder,your outcome in life will be much more sweet.Coming from nothing to becoming one of the most sought out speakers in the world is a vast change.Mr.X was for the black people,for just treatment of his people by any means necessary.

"CONNECTION BETWWEN 9/11 AND THE TRAVEL BUSINESS"

2008-05-13T08:12:00.001-07:00

I searched for "about travel" at infotrac. I found an article called "Seeing the light " by Alan Fredericks. He talks about the impact that resulted in traveling businesses after the tragedy that happened at 9/11. "It seems trivial to be concerned about the economic impact of the attacks when so many people lost their lives on that day" (Seeing the light). Travel businesses were supposed to return to it previous state in 2004. According to this article, Americans are less interested in flying since September 11,2001. Because of this tragedy Americans will not travel far away and they will stay at their comfortable homes where they feel safe from another 9/11 from happening. Travel Weekly issued an article about airline seat portions being increased because of potential long-haul traffic."But barring another awful event, we are moving out of the cloud of 9/11 and beginning to see the light" (seeing the light).

Fredericks, Alan. "Seeing the light." Travel Weekly 63.45 (Nov 8, 2004): 76(1). Business and Company ASAP. Gale. McKinley High School. 13 May 2008
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A.O.3rd Post

2008-05-13T08:12:00.000-07:00

Here we go again,now unlike other bloggers i would like to put a little bit of my self into this post.This project to me is awesome.i would like to comend Mr.Malley an his wonderful patience towards me in his class.The real reason i picked this topic on Mr.X because i know nothing of his true actions.This project enturn will also teach me.It will teach me who he was and how he became to beloved by many,and hated by many. The nation of Islam Embraced Mr.X, regardless of his past endeavors. Some believe that Mr.X him self was born again,he became a new man.he rid him self of all things worldly.

Alcohol and Teen Drinking

2008-05-13T05:51:00.000-07:00

Even though drinking under the age of 21 is illegal alcohol affects a lot of young adults between the ages of 12 and 20. During my research I found this site that gives fact information about under age drinking and the risks and stats of alcohol. This site is called Foucusas.com. I found that a child who never smoked, drank alcohol or even used drugs by the age of 21 is most likely never to do so("Alcohol and Teen Drinking"). I think that this is true because if someone hasn't drank or did any thing like that by the age of 21 they probably never will.

The average age when youth first try alcohol is 11 years for boys and 13 years for girls("Alcohol and Teen Drinking"). I had the feeling boys started drinking at a younger age than girls did and my thoughts were correct. By age 14, 41 percent of children have had least one drink. I think most people have their first drink at family even such as x-mas or new years("Alcohol and Teen Drinking").

Teens who begin drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21("Alcohol and Teen Drinking"). I agree that people who start drinking young will more likely to be dependence on alcohol because if you start drinking while you are young then the more your body will be tolerant to alcohol and the more you will want to drink it. It has been estimated that over three million teenagers are out-and-out alcoholics("Alcohol and Teen Drinking"). I think so many teens turn out to be alcoholics before they even reach the age of 21 because of all the stress they have in school and in social groups. and peer pressure

Several million more have a serious drinking problem that they cannot manage on their own("Alcohol and Teen Drinking"). Annually, more than 5,000 deaths of people under age 21 are linked to underage drinking("Alcohol and Teen Drinking"). Alcohol plays a big impact in deaths of underage drinking I think because they are to young to know how to drink safe and responsibly they think its cool to drink and drive till some one they know gets killed by it.

The three leading causes of death for 15 to 24 year-olds are automobile crashes, homicides and suicides("Alcohol and Teen Drinking"). Alcohol is a leading factor in all three. People are more likely to get in a car crash if they are under the influence of alcohol because they are incapable to drive. When people drink some might get violent or depressed so they commit crimes such as homicides and suicides.

Alcohol is a depressant. So it affects the body by slowing the function of the central nervous system. Alcohol actually blocks some of the messages trying to get to the brain. This alters a person's perceptions, emotions, movement, vision, and hearing("Alcohol"). Maybe if more people know the dangers of alcohol they might only drink at special events and not drink every weekend.

Califano, Jr., Joseph. "Alcohol and Teen Drinking." Focus Adolescent Services. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. 13 May 2008 .

"Alcohol." KidsHealth. TeensHealth. 13 May 2008 .

When Do They Start?

2008-05-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

I always woundered what age do most teenagers start doing drugs. So I researched it on the Glae data base. I found out that last year, 13 percent of 8th-graders, 28 percent of 10th-graders, and 36 percent of 12th-graders admitted to using an illicit drug.(DOWN ON DRUGS) In 2006, 15 percent of 8th-graders, 29 percent of 10th-graders, and 37 percent of 12th-graders said they had tried an illicit drug.(DOWN ON DRUGS)

But I found out that the use of drugs in teens are decreasing. The decrease in drug use has been going on for years. Ten years ago, 21 percent of 8th-graders, 35 percent of 10th-graders, and 41 percent of 12th-graders admitted abusing drugs.(DOWN ON DRUGS)

Roberts, Alan. "Down on drugs.(Substance Abuse)(Brief article)." Scholastic Choices 23.6 (April-May 2008): 4(1). Health Reference Center Academic. Gale. McKinley High School. 8 May 2008
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War in Iraq

2008-05-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a big shocker i was doing some more research for my project and i found a passage that said that the war in iraq is effecting the American economy. I know what your thinking that we spend all our money on weapons and bombs but according to this article its different they say that we better be careful on what we do to Iraq because they can jack up oil prices even more then they are now. If we plan a huge attack on Iraq they are just going to turn around and raise the price of oil. When this happened during the Persian gulf war the economy went into one of the biggest recessions ever.[Newsweek] That war also cost US and it allies 60 billion which our allies picked up 80% of that bill and it still had a huge effect.[Newsweek]

Now I researched the second part of my question which is how to improve the economy. I went to Google and the first link was titled congress is trying to find a plan to stimulate the economy. I clicked on it and it wasn't an article it was more like a report that someone wrote and posted online. It said that congress was sending out the economic stimulus checks and that the IRS is trying to get them out by June. The plan will give 4300 to people working but paying no taxes and up to $1,400 to those working families that pay tax and more to those with children. Congress is also discussing lowering taxes for business through incentives for purchasing equipment and other items. The next link i clicked on was a yahoo blog one person asked how to save the US economy and almost every response he got back was related to the decrease of the American dollar one man even said to buy American products, stack up on can goods, and start a garden just in case. Another response said that we need a sound money policy and that the government has done a good job in the past because we were dominating the technology and industrial market but that is changing now so the economy is falling apart

continuing my search on the method of discipline

2008-05-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

I have found more info on the effects of "whooping"children or how researchers call it capital punishment or CP.I have learned that research has increased dramatically on this subject the last decade or so.I have gone to Google and Wikipedia and found interesting web site ("Discipline by parents and Child Psychopathology")for more info on my question.Twenty studies have found that CP is associated with the probability of mental health problems.Which means that if you "Whoop"your kids they are saying that they will have more mental problems.12 out of 13 studies found that CP is associated with higher delinquent and anti-social behavior,also that kids tend to approve more of peer violence.(Good,1999)study showed CP was also associated with suicidal thoughts,alcohol abuse,spousal abuse,and feelings of depression,(Mahoney,Donnelly 2000)also causes ADHD/disruptive behavior disorder,mood swings/anxiety disorder.But I have found something that contradicts these facts (University of Missouri 2001)found that if CP is associated with the child's culture mainly Hispanics,and African Americans then it reduces these effects greatly.They say because the child is surrounded by that type of environment so they accept it.There research says that if its in the child culture the effects are only higher rate of violence and delinquent behavior but does not lead to all the mental problems that other researches have found.I don't know now which one to believe because they are both very believable.I definitely still have much to find out. I am learning about a lot of things I did not know about I will be looking into the positives of CP.

_____

Douglas, Emily. "Discipline By Parents and Child Psychopathology." International Handbook of Psychopatholgoy and the Law 2007 14 05 2008 .

A.O:2nd Post

2008-05-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

Mr. Little, also known as Mr. X was a man of many Characterisics.From his humble benngings in Omaha, Nebraska. An early encounter with Segration,with his dad being and out spoken baptist preacher had to deal with racism first class.The home of the Littles was even burnt to the ground. Later malcoms father was found dead,and soon after that his mother was committed to psych ward.Mr.Littles childhood was not one from the story books.Large obstacles and dier circumstances made him the strong man,that he had to be.Mr.X was much more than a leader, he was a visionary that stood for his people.

How housing and other downfalls today effect the economy

2008-05-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

According to a article I found on yahoo called "Consumer Spending up but Much of Gain Reflects Higher Prices" housing construction has fallen for 23 straight months before a small 0.2 % increase in February.[ MARTIN CRUTSINGER]. This hurt the economy and it doesn't seem to be getting better.

Another issue I found was layoff rates have jumped 68% in April opposed to March. According to the article planned job cut in the us are 90,015 opposed to 54,579 in in March.I aso readthat most of the announced job cut came from the finical sector due to the slump with the housing market. It said there was 300 billion in write downs on bad mortages.

Where Do They Get It From?

2008-05-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

For teenagers to do drugs and alcohol they need to get it from some where. You can't just go to a store to get certain drugs that teenagers are taking. Teens also can't just go to a store to buy alcohol because they are all underaged. So where are teens getting drugs and alcohol from?

No teenager can just go into a store and buy alcohol because mostly all stores ID for alcohol. So where do teens get their alcohol from? Most teens get alcohol from friends or their parents.(about.com) 65% of teens get alcohol from family and friends.(centurycouncil) I know from first hand where most teens get their alcohol from. Most of the teens I know have a older brother/sister or cousin buy it for them. Alcohol is not hard to get or find at all. Mostly every house you go to has alcohol in it. I think that parents worry to much about their kids getting in to drugs, so they realy don't talk to them about alcohol.

Drug use among teenagers is expanding every year. Most teens are taking drugs such as marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, LSD, crystal meth and heroin.(kidshealth.) The most common drug teens are using is marijuana. It is also the easiest drug to find. Teens are also taking percription pills too. They are stealing them from their parents or another family member. Most teens start taking drugs because they are in a group where other people are doing them. Teens also start taking drugs just because they are bored. Teens can find drugs any where they can just go to the corner store and ask around and they are most likly going to be able to find drugs.

Gans MD, Steven. "Alcoholism." About. 08 10 2005. 1 May 2008 .

"What You Need to Know About Drugs." Kidshealth. May 01 2008. 1 May 2008 .

"FEAR OF FLYING"

2008-04-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

I began my search at Google.com and typed down "about traveling" in the search engine. I kept scrolling down until I came across with a Wikipedia link about "Fear Of Flying". There I found that people may be scared of flying because of phobias. Phobias such as acrophobia and claustrophobia. Acrophobia is the fear of heights and claustrophobia is the fear of enclosed spaces,more like a small room. These types of fears can prevent people from visiting their friends and family. I looked at the causes of these problems and one of them was the fear of hijacking or terrorism. This is one of the things that I was looking for my question. What keeps people from traveling?. Fear, phobias, and fear of terrorism. There can be some symptoms to these phobias. Symptoms such as distress to a person when he or she is compelled to travel by air.(Fear Of Flying). It can include symptoms such as panic attacks or vomiting.

unknown, unknown. "Fear Of Flying." This page was last modified on 11 April 2008, at 21:24.. Wikipedia. 30 Apr 2008 .

research part 2

2008-04-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

For the second part of my research i went to Mr. Malleys page and clicked on the Tompson Gale data base link. From there I typed economic codotions and very few positive articles came up. The one artical I did click on was called "How it Went Wrong and How to Make it Right". This article was about how the economy went down and why. The author talks nothing about lack of education having anything to do with the economy being in a slum. Im starting to think that lack of education is not as big of an impact as I thought. So now that my whole reseaech project is shot I went back to the Gale database and typed in economy and read through some of the articles and found that not one thing influences the economy more so then the next.

So I was thinking that I would switch my question to what causes the economy to flex and what can be done to improve it. So one of the articles i stumbled on at the Gale databasewas name "You Have Seven Years to Learn Mandrin" and it was basically stating that one thing that hurt the economy is international buisness. This article was manly about China and how they are growin fast. It said orginally that experts though that China would be one of the strongest economies by 2050 Now they say that i could happen as soon as 2015.[Geoff Colvin Fortune]

Source Citation:Forbes, Steve. "How It Went Wrong--And How to Make It Right." Forbes 181.9 (May 5, 2008): 19. Business and Company ASAP. Gale. McKinley High School. 28 Apr. 2008

Source Citation:Colvin, Geoff. "You Have Seven Years to Learn Mandarin.(FIRST: NEWS, ANALYSIS & INFORMED OPINION; VALUE DRIVEN)(Column)." Fortune 157.10 (May 12, 2008): 26. Business and Company ASAP. Gale. McKinley High School. 30 Apr. 2008
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research

2008-04-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

So far in my search for the best method of discipline for children I have gone to Google and typed in discipline and found two websites,
www.allaboutparenting.org/child-discipline,alsokidshealth.org.
The website all about parenting takes more of a religious point of view saying that in the bible it says discipline your kids your own way.That because they are your kids they are your responsibility,and so only you can discipline them your way.They other website kids health.org takes a view leaning on timeouts saying how you have give and take,when they are behaving give them rewards instead of punishing them and always taking from them.They do not agree with "whoppings"saying it gives the child trauma and also does not develop a bond with the child.Also stating that it does not help the child they only become more stealthy and end up doing things behind the parents back.I personally disagree because I have friends that do things behind there parents back that where not "whooped".Also they said that it makes the child much more aggressive and more likely to fight when in an argument instead of "talking it out".
So far this how far I have gotten on my research still looking for different points of views and also alternative discipline methods.I still personally agree with "whoppings" even though certain researchers disagree with it.

What Parents Know: What Their Teens Are Doing

2008-04-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

I started my research my finding out the risks of alcohol and drugs. Most teens know the risks because they learned about them in school or from their parents. So now I want to find out what parents know about what their teens are doing. 23% of teens amitted that they drank alcohol in the past 30days and only 1.6% of parents knew that they did.(healthfoundation)
I think that most teens hide that they do drugs or drink because they are afarid of being punished by their parents. I would consider taking drugs or drinking breaking the rules because I doubt any parents incurage their kids to do that stuff. A survey was took in 2005 by Child Policy Research Center of punishment when rules are broken. It was about even 29.6% of parents say they punish their children when rules are broken and 29.0% of teens say that their parents punish them when they break rules.(healthfoundation) But for the teens to break the rules they need to know the rules. 66.2% of parents say they set clear rules and 41.0% of teens say that their parents set clear rules.(healthfoundation) 82.5% of parents said that they talked to their teen about alcohol and other drug use in the past month but only 31.8% of teens said their parents talked to them in the past month about alcohol and other drugs.(healthfoundation)
A new research shows that parents influence their child’s likelihood of involvement with drugs, alcohol and risky sexual activity even after their child leaves for college.(Science News) I don't think parens influence their kids when they move away for college. But I do think that they influence their teens with drugs alcohol and sexual activity when they still live at home.

"Alcohol and Tobacco use: What teens are doing and what parents know." HealthFoundation. 04 25 2008. 25 Apr 2008 .

"Sex, Drugs And Alcohol: Parents Still Influence College Kids' Risky Behavior, Study Shows." Science News 02 11 2008 04 25 2008 .

A.O.: 1st blog post

2008-04-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

My question is "Who is malcom X and how has the outlooks on his views changed from the civial rights era to present day?". Yes this is a long winded question,but it aslo is an intriguing question aswell. I believe this is an attracting topic to write about because we can receive insight from our past, to further evaluate the distance we come in the present. The man "Malcolm Little" also known as Malcolm X was more than a motivational speaker. Mr. X was simply a martyr,a person who stood for justice ,and demanded true equality,By any means."It is a time for martyrs now, and if I am to be one, it will be for the cause of brotherhood. That's the only thing that can save this country."
-- February 19, 1965 (2 days before he was murdered by Nation of Islam followers)
Taking this quote in context, Mr.X is trying to convey that it is fundamental for our communites to band together and stand for all. For the black people of America to be heard and represented as they should was a astounding task, Mr.X was willing to take. This is why I want this question as my own. -A.Osborne

My 1st research post ! ! ! !

2008-04-21T09:24:00.000-07:00

First I went to www.wikipedia.org and typed in "travel" in the search engine. When the other page loaded the title was Travel, and it explained what people liked about traveling. It says that people travel for recreation, fun, trip, or journey. People may travel to a desired location. Lets say you are going on a vacation and you desire to travel to another country or state. Many may travel for trade, commuting, meetings, migration, religious reasons, and to research for information. Traveling seemed so important that Spain created a statue dedicated to "The Traveler"!.

unknown, unknown. "Travel." This page was last modified on 22 April 2008, at 21:55.. Wikipedia. 25 Apr 2008 .

1st research

2008-04-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

I wanted to learn about the effects of the lack of education on the economy so i went to google and typed in "lack of education". I clicked on the first link and it brought something to my attention that i didnt even think of. Lack of education does not just effect the economy but the crime rate also which in turn effects the economy. I also visited a websit called zoomjobs.com which had an article on how if you dont have proper education then you will simply not be hired.

What can be done about lack of education and its effects on the economy????

2008-04-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

I first heard about the lack of education and its effects on the economy one day on the news.They were stressing that are economy is weak due to a growing number of people on public assistance. They werent talking about single mothers with jobs who get foodstamps as extra help they were talking about the people who dont work because they dont want to or didnt finish high school.

This subject caught my attention because in two months when i graduate and enter the working world the economy will be worse. This situation appears to be getting worse not better. When i get in there i dont want the government to take money out of my check every week to give to some person who didnt earn it. Beside the point there gonna give away my money they will up taxes and mortage rates because the government needs the money that there giving away back.

Some things i wanted to find out about this topic is what percentage on americans graduate from high school each year? And what can we do to motivate kids to stay in school and better there education?Why does the lack of education effect the economy? those are some of the questions i will be researching on my road to answering my big question.

Alcohol/Drugs: Risks

2008-04-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

I started my researh by finding out the risks of alcohol and drugs. By finding out the risks of alcohol and drugs it would allow me to answer the big question alot easier. I started searching for the risks for going to yahoo and I searched the risks of alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and drugs haves risks to everyone not just teenagers. Most of the alcohol problems for teenagers occur due to intoxication. Some of the risks teens face when they drink are binge drinking, unsafe sex and drunk driving. When people drink there is also a risk of violence because when people get intoxicated they may get violent. I also found that teenagers who drink and do drugs has a higher risk of involvement in crime, high-risk sexual behavior, accidents, and injuries. Also teens that use alcohol and drugs are more likely to have poor school performance and have higher dropout rates. There are so many risks to taking drugs and drinking alcohol. Theres no way we can prevent them from happening. But there are ways that we can help prevent them from happening. So I still have a lot of research to do to answer the big question.

"Risks and Realities." Health Education. Brown University. 21 Apr 2008 .'

Blot, William. "Alcohol." Risk Factors. 21 Apr 2008 .

Intro What is the best method of disciplining children

2008-04-17T08:17:00.002-07:00

"Woopings ,timeouts,or talks" I wonder what style of discipline is better.This idea came to me out of curiosity because I have friends that are soon to be parents.Always we end up talking about how are they going to discipline there children/s.I personally agree with "woopings" I believe they work and are very affective.Some of them don't want to instead rather give them "timeouts".I then tell them that timeouts are like putting a hockey player in the penalty box its not going to stop them from doing it again.Yet one of my friends(Rafael) told me how his mom use to put him in solitary confinement in his room no t.v.,games,or toys just four walls and a bed,like the" hole".He told me he use to cry cause he had nothing to do but stare out of his window wishing he was out there.Then when his mom released him he didnt do it again.The answer I want to find out is out of curiosity and so later on in life when I have children know how I am going to discipline them or help my friends decide how to discipline their children.Which is the best method of disciplining children.

2008-04-17T08:17:00.001-07:00

Shmueli, Sandra. "Flash mob' craze spreads." CNN 08 08 2003 04 15

Rob-Frank

2008-04-15T08:30:00.001-07:00

Shmueli, Sandra. "CNN.com/Technology." [Weblog 'Flash mob' craze spreads] Friday, August 8, 2003 Posted: 8:45 PM EDT (0045 GMT). Cnn. 18 Apr 2008 .

Unknown, Unknown. "Global Warming." This page was last modified on 17 April 2008, at 12:32.. Wikipedia. 18 Apr 2008 .

2008-04-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

Billy/Pat

Shmueli, Sandra. "Flash mob' craze spreads." CNN 08 08 2003 04 15 2008 .

"Global Warming." wikipedia 04 15 2008 .

What keeps people from traveling?-Intro

2008-04-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

I've become interested in this topic because I like to travel myself. And I am just wondering if most people interested in traveling. I also would like to know what keeps some people from traveling?, what concerns them?. I know that most people are concerned
of flying on a plane since September 11,2001. Do most people care?, Are they terrified?. Do they like to visit other places?. If they have families out of town, do they visit them?. Do they feel as if their problems fade away as they leave town?. Do anyone think about plane malfunction or high jacking while flying?. What keeps people from flying to other countries? Is there anything we can do to end this terror and make traveling as easy as it use to be?????????

The affects of drugs/alcohol: on teenagers

2008-04-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

Drugs and alcohol has a big impact and affect on many peoples lives. It affects everyone from parents to kids. I think drugs and alcohol has the biggest impacts on teenagers, so we should find ways to help teenagers so the problem stops while their young and not wait till later in life to try and help them because later it may be to late. I am interested in this topic because I been around a lot of drugs and alcohol and I see first hand how it affects people who are on the drugs and drink alcohol. It even affects the people around even though they don't take any drugs or drink at all. My essential question is What can we do to help teenagers who do drugs and drink alcohol? My foundation questions that will help me answer my question are: What % of parents know their teenager(s) do drugs and drink alcohol? What drugs are teenagers taking? Where do teenagers get the alcohol from? What programs are already out there to help teenagers? What % of teenagers drink alcohol and do drugs? What age do most teenagers start drinking and doing drugs? What has more of an affect on teenagers drugs or alcohol? I think if I can answer all of these questions it will help me a lot to answer the big question. How can we help?

Character Growth

2008-02-26T08:15:00.000-08:00

In the story haunted theres not much character growth its more of the characters showing there true colors.The characters are now showing who they really are the liars,decievers,and psychos.The characters are getting very desperate to get out of the "writters hideout",they are killing off there own food supply,heat supply and even plotting to kill one another.A lot of these people have a lot of dirty secrets that should incarcerate majority of them.How long can these people live together especially under these circumstances like having no contact with the outside world.How long can they maintain there sanity long enough to survive there own boredom.

Rage,Stepen King, BY AARON OSBORNE

2008-02-26T08:05:00.001-08:00

BachMen Book,By Stephen King

As I began,reading this book I thought it was going to another corny horror tale.But as I continue to read Realized that it was not true.The story tells of a disturbed highschool student whos early childhood treatment has had him bitter towards others later in his life.He was gone outside of the box and has stop thinking rationaly. The main Character Charles Decker is an interesting kid. His life has took twists and turns that have made him very unhappy,his sitituation is similar to many kids I know today. He simply stop caring,and when he stoped caring he became mentaly unstable. When kids stop caring,bad things can occur. I understand where he comes from to a certain point. He is fed up with life and the unimportant role he plays in it. I feel sad for Mr. Decker because he had know one to turn to,to help him when he needed someone the most. In my understanding this is what triggered Mr.Decker to snap and to become unstable.

"Mr.Whitteir"

2008-02-26T07:59:00.000-08:00

Mr.Whittier although he looks 126 years old he is only 13 years of age.Brandon(Whittier)was born with a rare disease that only affects 1 out of 8 million people.It causes his cells to age much faster than regular causing them to deteriorrate at a faster pace.He is in a wheelchair and is not a pretty site for most people.He is a deciever tricks people into doing things for him using either his disease or looks to get what he wants.Its either they feel sorry for him cause his disease or they just cant say no to an old man on the verge of death.He has decieved everybody to stay in the "writters hideout".But theres a problem the guest are getting desperate to get out of building one of them has already committed suicide.So the question now is how long can he keep them in the building before they all start going Phychotic.

"Earl of Slander"

2008-02-20T08:21:00.000-08:00

Haunted By Chuck.P pg 90-98

Earl of Slander is an ex journalist who will do anything for the big story.His dog had gotten sick and he had to take it to the vet.He noticed that the vet looked familiar he asked him his name then it hit him that he was a former child star so he asked him for an interview.He planned on ruining his image to get a great story and kill him and make it look like he commits suicide,because his life has become pathetic,and a waste.So during the interview he drugs the former childstar and plants a crap load of kiddie porn and some other degrading things in his home he then wrote a fake interview on how pathetic his has gotten and degrading things he did.Then he finally killed him and got famous for being the last guy to interview him hour before he died.What will he do if he cant think of a story in this house will he become desperate enough to kill his roommates for a juicy story.

Do the charcters grow Throught the story. If so how?

2008-02-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

No I dont think the charcters grow that much. The reason i say this is because the main charcter is a federal agent and he is basically just doing his job which is to protect the country. So I dont think he experienced anything that he hasn't before. Through out the story wen something would happen he stayed calm and collective he never was jumbled orthrown off his game.

Was there an experience in your life that caused you to grow?

pat taylor

Mans Best Friend

2008-02-14T08:15:00.000-08:00

Watchers By Dean Koontz PG50-89

As the main character goes into the woods to commit suicide, he finds a mysterious and extremely intelligent dog who it seems he has an almost telepathic connection with, as there is something in each of them the other needs and this dog seems to talk him out of his previous plans. One part in the book when Travis went into the kitchen and the dog followed him. He pointed at the fridge and told the dog to show him how he got him a beer. Then after Travis yelled at the dog telling him how he owes him for saving his life in the woods the dog goes to the fridge and opens it and got another Coors out. If this dog can do stuff like that I wonder what else it can do. What would you do if you had a dog like this?

do the charcters seem real and beliviable?can you relate to there predicaments?

2008-02-14T08:05:00.000-08:00

Yes the charcters in the book Black Friday by James Patterson seem very realistic and belivable. They go through normal life like situations and handel them like any responsible adult. The main charcter a courageous federal agent has to try and stop a secret malita group from taking over New York city. No I can not relate to the predicament because it is Not even remotely close to any experience that i have endured in my life. But the way James Patterson has composed the main charcters makes it very believable, Like they are normal everday people. Can you relate to a similar event in your lifetime?

Pat Taylor

Post #3 From The Corner Of His Eye--- By Dean Koontz Pgs 20-40

2008-02-08T16:38:00.000-08:00

Many things are happening in this story from this point. Junior's wife Naomi has died a terrible death. He was playing around with her in a tower and I believe that the flight of stairs they where on was weak enough to fall down. So Naomi fell a long way down. When Junior looked down to see how she ended up, it was hard for him as his wife's leg was bent backwards to an impossible angle and her hand next to her if she was waving. Stuff is starting to get little violent and creepy. He went to check on her but didn't dare to because he was a little squimish. As he walked away he looked back and saw crows at the area where she was at. What do you think the crows wanted to do?

Post#2 From The Corner Of His Eye-Dean Koontz Pgs 1-20

2008-02-08T08:06:00.002-08:00

This book is pretty interesting, many weird things happen. For example, sometimes the author writes about a characters' normal life and then out of nowhere writes about creatures that spawn in the dark and things like that.For example the creature looked like some kind of giant black bird that covered most of the sky. But I like it so far, it has everything I expect from a Horror novel. Some violence, sudden accidents, a lot of mysteries that are interesting to read more in order to find out. It does have a little romance too. For example Junior is married to Naomi and the author talks about there relationship and how much they love each other. I believe the author is trying to relieve the readers mind from the scary and violent happenings. Does this say anything about what horror movies or stories are about?

Something Like Someone

2008-02-08T08:06:00.000-08:00

Watchers, By Dean Koontz Pages:25-50

After getting a little father in the book I am still realy interested in the book and looking forward to read the rest of it. From reading more of the book I got to know the charaters a little bit more. The one charater in the book can relate to someone I know. The charater who can relate to the person I know is Nora Devon. This girl is scared of everyone even before she gets to know them. One part in the book Nora was instantly afraid of the television repairman even thoiught he didn't look mean at all and was a nice guy. Nora is nervous around new people but realy not that shy, she is one of them people that wants to put their two cents in on everything even if it has nothing to do with or about her. Nora always tries to find something wrong with everyone. I think she tries to idenifty people to much and she should just get to know them first before she starts to judge them. Nora reminds me about this girl I know alot because they both are nervous to met new people and they both always has something to say about everything. Wonder how much more they are alike as I read more?

Billy.M

HAUNTED by Chuck.P pg1-45

2008-02-05T08:15:00.000-08:00

The story haunted so far I am only still in the intro were they are are giving characters backgrounds.They all have one thing in common there mentor an old man that has called them to a secluded area to write something that will change there life forever.They have several months to do this but im still on the bus ride over there. by:Roberto.G

James Patterson's Black Friday

2008-02-05T08:10:00.001-08:00

So far i really enjoy my book. It is exciting and catches the readers attention and never lets go. The two main charcters are a federal agent and a women lawer. In this book New York city was taken over by a militia group and only the federa; agent and lawer can stop this amazing tradgey from happening

Pat Taylor

The Begining

2008-02-05T08:10:00.000-08:00

Watchers By Dean Koontz pages 1-16

The book I picked to read is Watchers by Dean Koontz. I only read the 1st chapter so far but it seems like a good book. I always heard that Dean Koontz was a good horror author but never read any of his book so this is the 1st book I am reading that he wrote. Just by reading the 1st chapter it shows that the book is going to be a suspenseful page turner. The book seems like its going to be entertaining, scary, and even a little funny. I hope that the book has a lot of twist in it because I like when horror movies have them. By having a lot of twist to a horror book or movie it makes the reader or watcher think and then they get more into the movie or book and it becomes more interesting. I look forward to reading more of this book. I hope the rest of the book is as good as chapter 1.

*Billy M*

From The Corner Of His Eye-- By: Dean Koontz

2008-01-28T13:55:00.000-08:00

INTRO:

So far so good, this book has a nice start. This book is about a kid named Bartholomew Lampion that was blinded at three. Surgeons removed his eyes in order to save him from a fast spreading cancer. But even though he had no eyes he regained his eye sight when he was thirteen. Barty wanted to make his mother proud before her second death. This is kind of weird, if she died once how did she die again?, but i guess i didn't read that far yet.......

"Horror"

2008-01-14T18:33:00.000-08:00

As members of BARP we have chosen horror as our genre.We crave the feeling of suspense ,and the distain sense of danger that a horror novel has.!!!!!!!!!!

Assessment - Indy Reading Project - December

2008-01-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

Frank - 4/5 Responses

Frank, I really like response #3. It is well supported with examples. The 4th response is a bit too plotty. Hope you liked (and finished) the book.

Roberto - 3/5 Responses

Roberto, your 2nd response is plot summary, and your third starts off that way even though it veers into character traits. If you're having a hard time coming up with a topic, go to the list of questions I provided.

Aaron - 2/5 Responses

You posted the same response twice. Aaron, I need you to get on the ball. The one real response you wrote was a simple plot summary. I need you to go deeper.

Billy - 5/5 Responses

Nice responses. You say that you wish there were more action. What more are you looking for?

Pat - 2/5 Responses

Pat...I need you to do better. You only finished 40% of the required work. I need better. What happened to The Things They Carried?

A long way gone (4): Conflict

2007-12-21T08:01:00.000-08:00

The conflict in this story is that rebels are attacking their villages in order to take over. But the villagers are not giving up, they are fighting back. Even though the rebels are turning a few villagers into their own or at least they think they are. The villagers are basically faking that they are in their side in order to trick the rebels . Things are so confusing that villagers are turning against anyone thay see aproaching their village. Even if the people were from their vilage they would not be trusted. So Sierra Leone is trying to end this war, but it seems very difficult since some villagers dont have the use of weapons or are so scared they raher run and hide.

A long way gone (3)

2007-12-20T17:34:00.000-08:00

Today I will post about the theme. I believe that the author Ishmael Beah is trying to show how this kid has suffered through this terrible war. To show how he felt, how he did what he did, even what was going on in his mind. The author explains how the characters tremble when they are scared or terrified. For example, one of the rebels tried to scare an old man by pointing a gun at his head, his legs were TREMBLING of fear until he shoots but barely misses. The old man was screaming "oh my brains my brains". As you can see the author tries to show very dramatic details of what is going on. I believe this makes the story more interesting and enjoyable. This is what I have for now, until next time....

Desperation author Stephen King(character evoltion)

2007-12-20T08:03:00.000-08:00

John Marrinville a well known writter in the story is a vietnam veteran after the war he pursued his writting interest writting at first the horrors he seen in "Nam".Afterawrds he started writting horrow and drama novels became well known winning many awards for his novels. He also became well known for his party habits and rash attitude.Another thing he became wellknown for having a sexual relationship with at the time americas sweetheart.He is a stubborn guy who wants it his way at all times no matter what.But during all this he is now becoming humble noticing nowinhis late fifties he just might die regreting alot of things he has done or hasnt.Through all this you can see him becoming more humble through this terrible experience actually maturing realizing his time on this earth just might reaching its end.So you can say that reality is giving him a cold SLAP on the face to finally wake up and realize whats happening around him.

GAme Over,By:Azie FAsion ch.1 ch.2 ch.3

2007-12-19T15:32:00.000-08:00

Greetings Everyone A.O. here again.This Book "Game Over' is unlike anything I've ever read before.The fact that these events actually took place is what astounds me.The main character"the author"is a young black man from a place called Sugar hill,this is one of Harlem's most notorious neighborhood's.Azie is young, smart, and wants a better life than what exists for him now.With his large family struggling with financial endeavors,Azie seeks a way to become financially sound,by selling cocaine in his new york neighborhood.Azie experienced an active childhood but by watching neighborhood hustlers,he decided that he to needed to have a better life.Azie,is a real person,everything he was evolved in was reality.His life back in the 1980's was full of ups and downs.The life he choose lead him to many sitituations that could have been avoided. In further entries i will describe to the sititaions that made this man a street legend.

The Game Is ON!!

2007-12-19T15:29:00.001-08:00

Ay,kids its A.O. n im officaial here doing my BArp thing now ,,Now lets get those 25 Point$!!! holla MalLey!

Stuck In Neutral (5) Ending

2007-12-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

I am now finished with the book Stuck In Neutral by Terry Tureman. I enjoyed reading this book but one thing that would of made it better if there was a little more action in the book. I thought the book was very interesting , you never knew what was going to happen next through out the whole book you never knew if his dad was going to really kill him or not. By reading this book it affected in me a positive way now I understand what some kids have to go threwand that every one should be treated the same even if they are different. My reactions to the ending of this book is that I thought it was interesting and kind of nerve racking . I think there will also be a sequel to this book based on how the ending was.

---Billy.M---

Stuck In Neutral (4) Theme/Character

2007-12-18T08:13:00.000-08:00

The theme that Terry Trueman emphasizes in Stuck In Neutral is on mental retarded people. I think that Terry Trueman is trying to get across that retarded people are people too and they shouldn't be treated much different. Of course they have a little more attention than others but that don't mean we should be mean and leave them out. So what I am basically saying is that I think Terry Trueman is trying to get the point across that you should treat retarded people the same as you would others like they are normal. Only 1 character tells the story and that character is Shawn. He is the only narrator in this novel so far. I feel that Shawn is a strong human because even though of his situation he is still fighting and trying to live on. I also feel that Shawn is in the story to not just narrating it and I can picture the story like its in real life.

---Billy.M---

Stuck In Neutral (3) Setting/Style

2007-12-18T08:01:00.000-08:00

The setting in Stuck In Neutral by Terry Trueman is in the city. It takes place in the rainy city of Seattle. Shawn McDaniel is the main character in the book. He lives near almost everything he is only about a mile away from the Seattle Center, home of the Space Needle, Key Arena where the Sonics play, and the Pacific Science Center. He also only lives about a mile and a half from Bell Town, the unofficial former Grung Capital of the universe. The genre that Terry Trueman tries to write about is kind of in the middle of suspense and drama. It is kind of suspence because I still don't know if Shawns dad is really trying to kill him or if Shawn is just being crazy. I also think its drama beacause of Shawns horrible situation.

---Billy.M---

Desperation author Stephen King

2007-12-14T08:11:00.000-08:00

Into 2/3 of the story it is getting interessting the characters have escaped the cells they were in he cop left with Davids(the 11 year old kid) mother and is driving her in the back of the cruiser to an unknown location.They managed to escape because David talked to God and God told him to use the soap.So he lathered himself with soap and managed to squeeze himself through the prison bars but he suffered a minor rip on his ear.He then goes down the stairs and finds a .45 revolver and cell keys from a dead cops body.He frees everyone and they they grab some guns they found in the station and a couple of flashlights.They now are worrying about some coyotes that the cop seems to know to control.The coyotes havent done anything to them yet they just stare.Meanwhile Johns assistant Steve is trying to find him John managed to call him for a moment through his cell phone and told him clues where he might be.Steve has picked up a hitch hiker by the name of Cynthia and are now trying to find the town of Desperation fearing the worst not knowing what to expect.The old man Billingsey is a native of the town and tells them of this one location inside of an abandoned movie theater where he and his pals hang out in.as they leave the police station they see a van speeding away John recognizes the vans as steves and attempts to make a call nothing but little Davey grabs the phone and it works he manages to call Steve and tell him to turnaround.They all meet up but theres a problem the towns only exit is blocked by thrown over trailers.To make matters worse a real bad sand storm is brewing up They need to find a place to hideout.

The Allure of the West

2007-12-13T16:56:00.001-08:00

Into the Wild, Jon Krakauer, pgs 144-207 (end)

Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller, pgs 1-97

So, I finished Into the Wild and started rereading a book that I'm studying with my AP Literature class. As I read the first act of the play I was struck by the similarity between Chris McCandless and many of the characters from Death of a Salesman. The main character of this story, Willy Loman frets over a missed opportunity to accompany his older brother to Alaska to make money. Instead he is 60 and stuck in a dead end sales job. Interestingly enough, Willy's father abandoned him as a child to also seek fortune in Alaska. In a weird twist, Willy is disappointed in his son Biff because he is constantly seeking work outside of the norm of the day. He's worked on cattle farms and other jobs that Willy does not respect. Biff explains that he likes these jobs because he's not stuck inside at a desk and can be out in the open air.

In American culture the west has always been symbolic of the open frontier, a vast unexplored wilderness where a man could make his living outside of the realm of laws and societal constraints. It's interesting that these two books, written 50 years apart, have such similar themes.

Does anyone else know of any characters who seek a life outside of society? Anyone have a friend or family member who constantly wants to go out on the open road? What do you think drives a person to feel like this?

__________________________________________________

Dear Blogger: This is not a spam post. I am mailing to publish this on all of my student's blogs in order to provide a sample and to engage in discussions. Please call off the spambots.

Warning: All Members Not Joined

2007-12-13T08:01:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, Aaron needs to join before I can give you the 25 points for having all your blogmates on board. Get on that dude.

A Long Way Gone (2)

2007-12-09T17:40:00.000-08:00

The kid had returned to Sierra Leone and ended up experiencing more of the war that was happening. People's houses where being burned down, villages destroyed, and many people killed. Not only adults but the whole family. As in babies, kids, some where used as shields. How terrible is this I was actually picturing this as if they were movie scenes. And if they were to be movie scenes they would have been really graphic. He had to protect himself so he had to carry rifles and aka 47's to shoot the rebels. His friends and himself sang victory ans sat on their enemies bodies and gave each other hi fives for their accomplishment against the rebels.

--Frank S.

After The War

2007-12-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

so far the main charcter is some one i could relate to except the fact that she is a girl. she is scared because she has no one left her whole family was killed in the concentration camp. she returns to her uncle's house in poland where they were living before the war only to find that everybodys gone except for her uncles maid who now lives in the house. if i was in that postion i would have also been scared i would of probaly asked for help before i went all th way back to poland. she seems to be pretty strong willed although she is scared she still stays in her right mind and tries to find her family.

Stuck In Neutral (2)

2007-12-07T08:06:00.000-08:00

So far of what I know about the main characte Shawn McDaniel is that he is 14years old and he lives in Seattle. Shawn has a special condition called C.P. cerebral palsy. This is caused from when he was born he got brain damaged, a tiny blood vessel burst and that wiped out his muscle control. He cant control nothing at all to his eyes, mouth and down to his feet. Shawn always got seizures too any were from a half dozen to a dozen a day, they were painfull also when his dad was around him he use to hold him while he spazzed out. One day when Shawn' dad stopped over and he was out on the deck with his mom and his mom went inside to answer a phone call. Shawn heard his dad say to him maybe your better off dead to take your pain away. So now Shawn thinks his dad is going to kill him. Shawn doesnt know if it because his dad loves him so much he cant see him in pain or what but now he thinks his dad will kill him. If I was Shawn's dad I dont think I could just kill my son the only way I can see is if my son was living off of a machine or something.---Billy.M

Game Over, Azie Fasion,Ch.1.Ch.2,Ch.3

2007-12-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

Greetings Everyone A.O. here again.This Book "Game Over' is unlike anything I've ever read before.The fact that these events actually took place is what astounds me.The main character"the author"is a young black man from a place called Sugar hill,this is one of Harlem's most notorious neighborhood's.

Azie is young, smart, and wants a better life than what exists for him now.With his large family struggling with financial endeavors,Azie seeks a way to become financially sound,by selling cocaine in his new york neighborhood.Azie experienced an active childhood but by watching neighborhood hustlers,he decided that he to needed to have a better life.

Azie,is a real person,everything he was evolved in was reality.His life back in the 1980's was full of ups and downs.The life he choose lead him to many sitituations that could have been avoided. In further entries i will describe to the sititaions that made this man a street legend.

Desperation author Stephen King

2007-12-06T08:11:00.000-08:00

This story so far is about different people who all have the same problem,they all have been put in jail by a phychotic/behemoth of a cop who seems completly out of his mind.This story is taking place in highway 50 described as the lonliest place on earth/a small town named desperation.This story so far has a good amount of characters but non have stuck out as the protagonist of the story yet.there is john marrinville an aged bigtime writter looking for his next big hit,afamily of four cant seem to recall all of there names except for david the 11 year old son and his younger sister who he calls pie and of course his parents,also thre is a married couple cant recall there names at this point.The phycho cop so far has wrongfully jailed these people also has killed pie by throwing her down a flight of steps breaking her neck ending her life that barely even began,also the cop which his name has yet to be said has killed the husband of the married couple.But yet there it feels like there is reason behind this lunatics actions he cant be killing and torturing these people for no reason.

-Roberto G.

Into the Wild, Jon Krakauer Pages: 1-144

2007-12-05T20:53:00.000-08:00

So, the book I'm reading is about this early twenty something kid who
is pretty alienated. It's a nonfiction book, and since I haven't
summed it up yet in a previous response, it's about a kid who is
searching for meaning in life and seeks this meaning by exploring.
At the beginning of the book we find out that he ends up dying in the
middle of Alaska to exposure.

Even though I think I'm supposed to, I'm having a really hard time
identifying with the main character, Chris McCandless. I look at
the cover and there's this picture of Emile Hirsch portraying
McCandless. He's a good looking kid, and he's kind of sitting in this
"top of the world" type dominant pose. The author seems to really
identify with the character, and spends a couple of chapters relating
his own similar experiences. And McCandless is seemingly the rugged,
individualistic antihero that Americans celebrate.

But, I can't get into him, and I think it's because I'm a parent
now. I see the way this kid abandoned his parents, went off into the
middle of nowhere, took chances, didn't write home, and espoused his
theories on the way life works to whomever would listen, and I'm
like, "dude...call your mom, dad and sister. They're worried sick."
The kid is kind of portrayed as this spiritual, deep Thoreau quoting
prophetic figure, but he just strikes me as naive and self centered.
I don't know what I'd do if I was his parent. I would be devastated
if my son took off after graduating college and just disappeared.
It's really rather sad.

(By the way, if you're wondering, this response is to the 7th bullet
under character. The total length of this response is 279 words. I
summed up the book to start because I figured you'd need that
information, but then I really tried to stick to talking about
whether or not I identified with the main character and why.)

Stuck In Neutral

2007-12-04T08:22:00.000-08:00

Stuck in Neutral is by Terry Trueman. It is about a boy Shawn Mcdaniel who is retarded and has no control over his body at all not even his eyes.----Billy.M

After The War

2007-12-04T08:14:00.000-08:00

orale`, my book is about a jewish kid who after the war is the only one in her family that survived. with nowhere else to go she joins an underground organization aiding its members in there dangerous quest to smuggle immigrants to palestine.

pat taylor

"Game Over"

2007-12-04T08:07:00.000-08:00

Greetings,My friends its A.O. here and i would like to tell you about my book "Game Over",by Azie Faison.This book tells of Major drug activity that took place in Harlem,New York in the 1980's.Three parnters become big time trafficers of cocaine and made millions. -Aaron A.O. Osborne

A Long Way Gone By Ishmael Beah

2007-12-03T08:21:00.000-08:00

This book is about a kid that left Sierra Leone because there is a war there. He use to see people running around and shooting each other all the time.

One thing I like about this book is that it has some adventure and drama in it. This kid likes to run around and use sling shots I think that's some kind of adventure for him.
BY Frank S.

Your 1st Post!

2007-12-03T05:17:00.001-08:00

Today in class we will be posting to our blogs. To keep things simple, this
first post will be a kind of introductory thing. Here's what I'd like each
of you to write (make sure it is under your own display name):

1. In 2-3 sentences, give us a taste of the book. What is the title? Who
is the author? What is the "gist"? (It's about a girl who...)
2. In a separate paragraph of 2-3 sentences, finish this sentence: One
thing I like (or don't like) about the book so far is...

Welcome

2007-11-29T19:47:00.000-08:00

Hello folks. I just wanted to give you a hearty welcome to the
blogosphere (the world of weblogs, according to my widget dictionary).

I'm going to send you more meaty information in the next few days
(right now I'm testing out the "mail to blogger" option I told some
of you about today).

But for now, I want to talk to you about grammar and conventions.
These are blogs for my English class, and I expect you to follow the
rules of standard English as best as you can. Some of our previous
rm305 blog discussions were replete with mistake after mistake. You
may IM your friends and write on Myspace one way, but on these blogs
we are going to assume a more academic diction.

Thanks for the help. If you have any questions, let me know.