1.) On the astrological scale my associated animal for my birthday is a rooster. My associated element is Yin Water. The rooster animal represents a person who possesses the characteristics of being opinionated, abrasive, decisive, critical, a perfectionist, and organized. The element is Yin water, because Yin water is for teh years that end in a 3. These two are Yin and Yang. These two alternate for the 12 animal cycle. Yin and Yang are opposites that come together and create a balance. A water rooster has the traits of being moody and outspoken at times. Also water roosters are reserved and enjoy the quiet. People of the sign water rooster are energetic and also make sure to make their relationships meaningful and last. I think that some of my personality traits are supported by the traits of water rooster. Although, I do not think that I am critical or decisive. Quite oppositly, I think I have trouble making decisions. I do agree with the traits of moody and enjoying the quiet, because I do enjoy the relaxation of silence. I also am energetic.
2.) This year, the Chinese new year will occur on February 14. The new year is related to the winter solstice. The winter solstice falls aroud November, the eleventh month of the year. Two full moons after the winter solstice marks the Chinese New Year. The mythology behind the Chinese New Year is about a beast, Xin Nian. This beast would eat crops, destroy villages and attack people on the first day of each year. The people decided to put food outside their doors, which teh beast would eat instead of the people. Then they realized the beast was scared ofthe color red. After ths realization, red lanterns and scrolls were put on the outside of houses to keep the beast away. I like this holiday. I think it is cool that it falls on a differentday each year. I also thik the festival, decorations, and lights are pretty.
3.) In ancient times there was only two surnames that existed. These two were Xing and Shi. Surnames were held by royalty and the elite in the fifth century BC. Xing was a surname of the nuclear royal family. Shi was added as a surname to differntiate nobles. In 221 BC, when the states were unified, surnames became more common to the lower classes. Surnames are important, and there are rules for families about marriage, to keep the name alive. I think in "The Bonesetter's Daughter" surnames are important to the characters. For Luling it was a matter of knwing youre identity. Luling's mother had told her never to forget, but she did. With losing the famil name she later forgot herself, and stated to lose her identity.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
MP2 Post #1
Meg swiftly walked on the pool deck rushing to avoid contact with John. As she turned the corner she heard his voice boom, “Hmm, it seems to me that someone is a little late to practice.”
“Coach, I had to stay after school. This week is so busy and I have so much to do,” Meg protested.
“Look at my face!” John exclaimed. “Does it look like I care about everything you have to do?”
Before Meg could answer, her partners in crime, Lauren and Katie walked through the doors. As her best friends they ‘had her back’ and stood up for Meg. Together they defended, “Coach, Meg is the president of junior class committee. There was a meeting today and there is so much we still need to do.”
“I need a note. How do I know you guys aren’t lying?” John asked with suspicion.
Meg groaned, “Well, the thing is…”
Lauren continued, “Coach, we dropped the note in mud and the rain ruined the ink.”
“Well, how convenient,” John sarcastically replied.
“You can e-mail him! We really were there. We’re not lying!” Katie promised.
John locked at his watch, and seeing that the girls had wasted even more time by defending themselves for their tardiness, he snickered, “Gotchya! Your teacher sent me an e-mail when you guys left his room, saying you would be late. Now get dressed and get ready for a 5 mile run!”
The girls sarcastically responded to John’s prank, “Ha-ha, very funny coach.” They shuffled into the locker room, all the way hearing their coach’s evil laughter.
“Coach, I had to stay after school. This week is so busy and I have so much to do,” Meg protested.
“Look at my face!” John exclaimed. “Does it look like I care about everything you have to do?”
Before Meg could answer, her partners in crime, Lauren and Katie walked through the doors. As her best friends they ‘had her back’ and stood up for Meg. Together they defended, “Coach, Meg is the president of junior class committee. There was a meeting today and there is so much we still need to do.”
“I need a note. How do I know you guys aren’t lying?” John asked with suspicion.
Meg groaned, “Well, the thing is…”
Lauren continued, “Coach, we dropped the note in mud and the rain ruined the ink.”
“Well, how convenient,” John sarcastically replied.
“You can e-mail him! We really were there. We’re not lying!” Katie promised.
John locked at his watch, and seeing that the girls had wasted even more time by defending themselves for their tardiness, he snickered, “Gotchya! Your teacher sent me an e-mail when you guys left his room, saying you would be late. Now get dressed and get ready for a 5 mile run!”
The girls sarcastically responded to John’s prank, “Ha-ha, very funny coach.” They shuffled into the locker room, all the way hearing their coach’s evil laughter.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Independent Reading Project Post
Invisible Man/Ralph Ellison/African American literature
The novel Invisible Man, tells the story of a black man trying to find himself. The story is set in the 1930's in the South and Harlem in New York. In the beginning, the narrator (also known as Invisible Man), struggles to find who he truly is. He attends college, but after an incident with a prestigious white man he is forced to move to New York. He is expected to find work and hopefully return back to school the next fall. The story describes his new life and the obstacles that occur as the invisible man is on his path to discovering who he is and what he stands for. After a life of feeling invisible and inferior to whites, Invisible Man's journey helps him find himself.
In the beginning, the book was slow moving. It seemed as though it would take forever to read. After concentrating hard and focusing on reading, it became easier to read. Although the plot development was slow, towards the middle of the book I really started getting into it and enjoying it. It was confusing at first, but by focusing on what I was reading things became more clear and entertaining. Although I found it enjoyable, I would not recommend this book to people who do not enjoy reading. The book is lengthy and it takes a while to get interested in it. I recommend this book to people who are patient and have time to give the book a chance. I also recommend this book for people who like figuring out the symbolism in books. This book is very symbolic and there are many metaphors to the narrator's life. If you do not like making inferences about books and reading deeper into the text to find the meaning, then I do not recommend Invisible Man for you.
glogster page: http://khigh8.gglogster.com/khigh8/
The novel Invisible Man, tells the story of a black man trying to find himself. The story is set in the 1930's in the South and Harlem in New York. In the beginning, the narrator (also known as Invisible Man), struggles to find who he truly is. He attends college, but after an incident with a prestigious white man he is forced to move to New York. He is expected to find work and hopefully return back to school the next fall. The story describes his new life and the obstacles that occur as the invisible man is on his path to discovering who he is and what he stands for. After a life of feeling invisible and inferior to whites, Invisible Man's journey helps him find himself.
In the beginning, the book was slow moving. It seemed as though it would take forever to read. After concentrating hard and focusing on reading, it became easier to read. Although the plot development was slow, towards the middle of the book I really started getting into it and enjoying it. It was confusing at first, but by focusing on what I was reading things became more clear and entertaining. Although I found it enjoyable, I would not recommend this book to people who do not enjoy reading. The book is lengthy and it takes a while to get interested in it. I recommend this book to people who are patient and have time to give the book a chance. I also recommend this book for people who like figuring out the symbolism in books. This book is very symbolic and there are many metaphors to the narrator's life. If you do not like making inferences about books and reading deeper into the text to find the meaning, then I do not recommend Invisible Man for you.
glogster page: http://khigh8.gglogster.com/khigh8/
Monday, October 12, 2009
Blog Post #3
3.) After reading and hearing the interview and article I was shocked at this extreme display of racism. Although racism still exists, I did not think that it would escalate to that level in this time period. It made me sick to hear that these six boys were punished and convicted for murder becasue of a stupid fight. I was shocked to find out that the school did not expel the white kids for hanging nooses from the tree. I also could not believe that the DA ignored the extreme racism behind the "innocent prank" the white kids pulled. It was sick that he told the black kids to stop making a big deal about it, when it clearly is an issue. I think that this level of racism is isolated to the South more because of the rural south and Jim Crow laws that were set up to segregate the whites and the blacks. I believe that mentality is still there in the South, and this incident happened in Louisiana. Also, the one woman on the interview explained how her neighborhood is only blacks. Where we live, it is not common to find only black neighborhoods and teh whties be separate from the blacks. Although racism still occurs today, I do believe that in specific areas it is more extreme.
4.) After the six kids from Jena were arrested for assault, the trials for each kid were held. All of the boys besides one, were minors. The total amount for all siz of the bails was over 500,000 dollars. Not too long after the kids were arrested, the DA announced that teh charges were raised to attempted second degree murder and conspiracy to second degree murder. Three of the kids made bail, and were released from jail in May 2007. Then, it was determined, that one kid who was 16, would be tried as an adult. As of September of 2007, there is only one kid left in jail, and will stay there until his next hearing. The jury for the trials was an all white jury. It seems that this case has put a spotlight on Jena and is nationally recognized for the Jena 6. I think that today, racism is still an issue, and probably more severe than in other places. I also think that less black people are allowing it, and are standing up for their rights and protesting.
4.) After the six kids from Jena were arrested for assault, the trials for each kid were held. All of the boys besides one, were minors. The total amount for all siz of the bails was over 500,000 dollars. Not too long after the kids were arrested, the DA announced that teh charges were raised to attempted second degree murder and conspiracy to second degree murder. Three of the kids made bail, and were released from jail in May 2007. Then, it was determined, that one kid who was 16, would be tried as an adult. As of September of 2007, there is only one kid left in jail, and will stay there until his next hearing. The jury for the trials was an all white jury. It seems that this case has put a spotlight on Jena and is nationally recognized for the Jena 6. I think that today, racism is still an issue, and probably more severe than in other places. I also think that less black people are allowing it, and are standing up for their rights and protesting.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Blog Post #2
"The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience." (pg.105)
In the story, Atticus says this quote, talking about Jem. Although he is with Scout, I think that he is saying this as a general lesson for his kids, but more specifically towards Jem. I think he is saying this to Jem because of what Jem did to Mrs. Dubose's yard. I also think the main reason he is saying this is because of what him and Scout were discussing. They were talking about Atticus and how most people think he is wrong for helping Tom Robinson. Atticus is directing this quote towards his own personal situation. I think that in the context of this story, the quote means that just because everyone else thinks that Atticus should not defend Tom Robinson, doesn't mean that he should listen to them and not do it. His conscience overrides what eveyone else is saying and is more important to listen to.
There have been many incedencies in my life that this quote could apply to. I think that as a part of growing up, everyone will experience a situation where they will need to decide between doing something they believe in and know is right, and doing what everyone around them is doing. In elementary school, I remember everyone in my class would carve in the desks. Everyone at my table of four was using scissors to dig little holes in the desks. Although everyone was doing it, in the pit of my stomach I knew that it was wrong. I didn't see the point in carving holes, and I knew we could get in trouble for destroying school property. It was very tempting to go along with the crowd and follow what everyone else was doing. Being young and naive I did it, simply because everyone else was doing it. Looking back on this situation, from a more mature view, I realize that I should not have gone along with it. I knew that it was wrong, adn my conscience told me not to go along with it, yet I still did. Instead of listening to my conscience, I listened to what the other kids were doing. Conscience does not abide by majority rule, and if your conscience is speaking to you, then that is enough to listen to it.
In the story, Atticus says this quote, talking about Jem. Although he is with Scout, I think that he is saying this as a general lesson for his kids, but more specifically towards Jem. I think he is saying this to Jem because of what Jem did to Mrs. Dubose's yard. I also think the main reason he is saying this is because of what him and Scout were discussing. They were talking about Atticus and how most people think he is wrong for helping Tom Robinson. Atticus is directing this quote towards his own personal situation. I think that in the context of this story, the quote means that just because everyone else thinks that Atticus should not defend Tom Robinson, doesn't mean that he should listen to them and not do it. His conscience overrides what eveyone else is saying and is more important to listen to.
There have been many incedencies in my life that this quote could apply to. I think that as a part of growing up, everyone will experience a situation where they will need to decide between doing something they believe in and know is right, and doing what everyone around them is doing. In elementary school, I remember everyone in my class would carve in the desks. Everyone at my table of four was using scissors to dig little holes in the desks. Although everyone was doing it, in the pit of my stomach I knew that it was wrong. I didn't see the point in carving holes, and I knew we could get in trouble for destroying school property. It was very tempting to go along with the crowd and follow what everyone else was doing. Being young and naive I did it, simply because everyone else was doing it. Looking back on this situation, from a more mature view, I realize that I should not have gone along with it. I knew that it was wrong, adn my conscience told me not to go along with it, yet I still did. Instead of listening to my conscience, I listened to what the other kids were doing. Conscience does not abide by majority rule, and if your conscience is speaking to you, then that is enough to listen to it.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Blog Spot #1
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32977870/ns/us_news-race_and_ethnicity/
Discrimination Found at Philly Swim Club- Summary
This article is about a Philly swim club in Huntingdon Valley, Pa. that asked a day camp consisting of mostly black and Hispanic children, not to return. Although the club denies the motive behind their decision is related to their race, a black girl who is a part of the camp claims she heard racial comments from members of the club. The representatives of the club have stated that the reason for not allowing the camp to come back is due to the number or kids in the camp, even though a party of over 100 was allowed and no comments were made about them. This incidence arose much attention.
Racism at Philly Pool- Reflection
After reading this article, it seemed unrealistic that the pool rejected the day camp from returning to their facility. It is possible that the reason they did this is in fact because of reasons other than their race. I want to believe that the club had another reason for turning down the day camp from their pool. This is hard to believe, considering the facts seem to back up the theory that their motive for their decision is related to race. After turning down teh camp for the reason that there were too many people, it seems hypocritical that they would allow over 100 people to swim at a party hosted by a plumbing company. This supports the idea that race was a driving factor for why the kids were not allowed in the pool. This article presents the idea that racism is still existant today and although may not seem like a huge problem, it is. I agree that racism is still existant in our society and there will always be people who are racist and discriminate against others. I think that becasue everyone is different, its inevitable for there to be discrimination, but I think that it is still a major part of our society today.
Discrimination Found at Philly Swim Club- Summary
This article is about a Philly swim club in Huntingdon Valley, Pa. that asked a day camp consisting of mostly black and Hispanic children, not to return. Although the club denies the motive behind their decision is related to their race, a black girl who is a part of the camp claims she heard racial comments from members of the club. The representatives of the club have stated that the reason for not allowing the camp to come back is due to the number or kids in the camp, even though a party of over 100 was allowed and no comments were made about them. This incidence arose much attention.
Racism at Philly Pool- Reflection
After reading this article, it seemed unrealistic that the pool rejected the day camp from returning to their facility. It is possible that the reason they did this is in fact because of reasons other than their race. I want to believe that the club had another reason for turning down the day camp from their pool. This is hard to believe, considering the facts seem to back up the theory that their motive for their decision is related to race. After turning down teh camp for the reason that there were too many people, it seems hypocritical that they would allow over 100 people to swim at a party hosted by a plumbing company. This supports the idea that race was a driving factor for why the kids were not allowed in the pool. This article presents the idea that racism is still existant today and although may not seem like a huge problem, it is. I agree that racism is still existant in our society and there will always be people who are racist and discriminate against others. I think that becasue everyone is different, its inevitable for there to be discrimination, but I think that it is still a major part of our society today.
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