1. In this Chicago Tribune article, the argument is whether or whether not there should be a seperate schools for gays. I am on the side of the poeple that don't support this, because quite frankly, I don't believe it to be neccessary.
2. The celebrity example I'm going to use is very appropriate for this issue. In the Advocate magazine, Adrian Brody is repeatedely asked very inappropriate and personal questions about some apparent on-screen sex scene. The reporter asks Brody who he would be having a gay on-screen romance with, over and over again. This is exremely invasive and I definetely do not think this is fair treatment, and a celebrity, let alone, anyone, shouldn't have to endure that kind of scrutiny.
3. Privacy is very important in my life. Some situations in which I feel I need more privacy is
in my religion and schoolwork. My parents are always getting into my business about both of these issue, asking me if I remembered to pray, or if I did my homework. It ticks me off. Why does it tick me off? Because I'm turning 18 in a month and I'm not a little kid anymore. Therefore, I should alone for my prayers and homework.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
The Sports Taboo
1. According to the author, sportswriters feed into the stereotypes of racism in athletics by saying whites actually have to work harder than blacks athletically because the natural physical ability of african americans exceeds that of white people. I agree with this opinion to a certain extent because I believe that each race has their certain strenghts and abilities. Gladwell uses the NFL example to back this theory up. In the NFL, most of the quarterbacks are white, and most of the running backs are black, proving that blacks are faster and better runners, while whites are better throwers. In my opinoion, this is fact, NOT opinion. Gladwell dispels the notion that black athletes are better than whites, by using Michael Jordan and Cal Ripken as an example of two different athletes of two different races, who the best in their sport. So, it's not about race, rather, it's about eliteness.
2. According to Gladwell, the most important thing to be successful in sports is your drive and how much you work for it. Gladwell came to this conclusion from his experiences when he ran miles with his friends. They proved to be more successful than him because of the fact that they were more motivated. Instead of him joining them while they would run backwards up a cliff, he ended his workout and ran home. Yes, I obviously agree with this one of his theories. The harder your drive, and your work-ethic, the farther you'll get in your sport, and the better you'll be. You get what you put into.
3. Two areas of life I think racism is greatly defined in is, love, and movies. Whenever a black guy goes out with a white girl, there's always gossip and much dissaproval surrounding the relationship. The same thing also happens when a black girl goes out with a white guy. I think this PROVES that racism is evidently still present in today's society. Why can't people date/marry whoever it is that they want?? Also, in the movie business it seems like at times, they force black people into the scripts, so the movie won't be viewed as racist. But it takes out of the movie, when one of the caharacters with a different ethnic background doesn't fit. Example: The movie Wild Wild West. Whoever heard of a black cowboy?? Come on people.
4. What can be possible solutions for racism? One, living in a foreign country. In doing this, people will have an oppertunity to explore different cultures, which will lead to understanding and tolerance. Another way to eliminate racism is by being less concieted and pridefull about yourself. This will lead to recognition of other people's strengths and positives, no matter what the race.
2. According to Gladwell, the most important thing to be successful in sports is your drive and how much you work for it. Gladwell came to this conclusion from his experiences when he ran miles with his friends. They proved to be more successful than him because of the fact that they were more motivated. Instead of him joining them while they would run backwards up a cliff, he ended his workout and ran home. Yes, I obviously agree with this one of his theories. The harder your drive, and your work-ethic, the farther you'll get in your sport, and the better you'll be. You get what you put into.
3. Two areas of life I think racism is greatly defined in is, love, and movies. Whenever a black guy goes out with a white girl, there's always gossip and much dissaproval surrounding the relationship. The same thing also happens when a black girl goes out with a white guy. I think this PROVES that racism is evidently still present in today's society. Why can't people date/marry whoever it is that they want?? Also, in the movie business it seems like at times, they force black people into the scripts, so the movie won't be viewed as racist. But it takes out of the movie, when one of the caharacters with a different ethnic background doesn't fit. Example: The movie Wild Wild West. Whoever heard of a black cowboy?? Come on people.
4. What can be possible solutions for racism? One, living in a foreign country. In doing this, people will have an oppertunity to explore different cultures, which will lead to understanding and tolerance. Another way to eliminate racism is by being less concieted and pridefull about yourself. This will lead to recognition of other people's strengths and positives, no matter what the race.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Juiced
1. In Canseco's introduction to juiced, he takes his stand regarding steroids and it is clear that he is 100 percent FOR the drug. "Steroids are the future" he says. Positives of what him writing this is the fact that the general public finally gets to see the side of the story regarding illegal use of steroids in the MLB. The negative effects of him writing this is the fact that he points other major league players out, telling about their usage of the drug. Obviously these players were trying to keep this a secret. Another negatives of his exposure, is the fact that him and the other players mentioned might now be faced with legal consequences for their actions, now that it is out in public. For the most part, I disagree with his statements, because he is most of the time, stating the obvious. We already know that steroids make you better. THAT'S WHY IT"S CHEATING. ?
2. Yes, I agree with the large focus on this issue, because the abusers/cheaters of Major League Baseball must be punished and accounted for what they did/are still doing. I would solve this issue, by either legalizing steroids and meke EVERY SINGLE baseball player take it. Or do the opposite, which is making sure no player takes it, because that way everyone's equal, and nobody's cheating, or at an unnatural advantage. And I strongly disagree with Barry Bonds. This is no doubt an important issue, therefore; a large amount of media coverage is neccessary.
3. No, I don't think the government should produce physicaly enhancement drugs simply because that's eliminating the all-natural solutions, and replacing them with artificial ones, which is unhealthy. Especially unhealthy in the long run. That is the obvious negatives.
2. Yes, I agree with the large focus on this issue, because the abusers/cheaters of Major League Baseball must be punished and accounted for what they did/are still doing. I would solve this issue, by either legalizing steroids and meke EVERY SINGLE baseball player take it. Or do the opposite, which is making sure no player takes it, because that way everyone's equal, and nobody's cheating, or at an unnatural advantage. And I strongly disagree with Barry Bonds. This is no doubt an important issue, therefore; a large amount of media coverage is neccessary.
3. No, I don't think the government should produce physicaly enhancement drugs simply because that's eliminating the all-natural solutions, and replacing them with artificial ones, which is unhealthy. Especially unhealthy in the long run. That is the obvious negatives.
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Journal of a Wife Beater
1. Slowly, but surely, Vasili's situation changes throughout the different entries of the journal. As proof of this, here is three specific examples from the text. 1) "I gave her several clouts across her head with my open palm, enough to make her stagger and daze her a little." 2) "...Nina bent over me, calmly preparing to strike again!" 3) "Plague and damnation! Blood and unspeakable horror! She has done it again!" These quotes show the changes that increasingly occur throughout the entries and the "shift in power" if you will.
2. The two most important things a relationship needs is trust and attraction, because without trust, you can't be intimate and intimacy is one another one of my five things a relationship needs. And without attraction, being faithful would possibly be hard, and that affects trust, which is also a thing a relationship needs. Two things a relationship doesn't need is cheating and lies, because of the reasons I just mentioned (if you lie, there's no trust, and I already mentioned being faithful).
3. Two common misconceptions males have about relationships are 1) girls DO want to have sex, and guys often think they don't, and 2) Girls don't care if you don't buy them gifts, because in actuality, they do. Now females' misconceptions: 1) girls think that guys aren' t emotional about a relationship because they don't care, this is false because whether they care or not, it isn't in their nature to assume emotion about things. 2) Also, girls are too over dramatic in situations to hold on to their bf, (in alleged cheating situations) which proves to be counter-productive.
2. The two most important things a relationship needs is trust and attraction, because without trust, you can't be intimate and intimacy is one another one of my five things a relationship needs. And without attraction, being faithful would possibly be hard, and that affects trust, which is also a thing a relationship needs. Two things a relationship doesn't need is cheating and lies, because of the reasons I just mentioned (if you lie, there's no trust, and I already mentioned being faithful).
3. Two common misconceptions males have about relationships are 1) girls DO want to have sex, and guys often think they don't, and 2) Girls don't care if you don't buy them gifts, because in actuality, they do. Now females' misconceptions: 1) girls think that guys aren' t emotional about a relationship because they don't care, this is false because whether they care or not, it isn't in their nature to assume emotion about things. 2) Also, girls are too over dramatic in situations to hold on to their bf, (in alleged cheating situations) which proves to be counter-productive.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Homecoming Week
1. My personal opinion of the homecoming week festivities is indifferent. I am much looking forward to the actual dance because unlike last year, I actually have a date. (although I did dance with the same girl most of las year's dance). The thing I enjoyed about this so far was when my date Katie said Yeah when I asked her to the dance. I was really happy because that means I didn't have to go with my ex-girlfriend anymore that I loathed. So in that case Katie made this homecoming week most memorable to me for reasons I already mentioned.
2. From my experienece, students in Oak Lawn have a lot of school spirit with the acception of not caring about the football team because "they suck." My freshmen year however, the varsity football team was actually good and they were supported and a lot more people went to their games. So in a way, most of oak lawn students aren't true fans, they only root for a sports team if they're good. So yeah, it obviously has changed from my freshmen year. Three things to change this would be getting a better football team, basketball team, and baseball. And I don't know how to answer the last question because I'm part of the "apathetic" type.
3. Well the only time I went to homecoming was last year, so I'll talk about that. First I went to my friend Leart's house, we went in his car to pick up Joe dwayer, then Leart dropped me off at Jill Verris's house. From there we went to one of her friend's houses to take pictures. Then we finally arrived at homecoming, 30 minutes late. I met up with Meagen and we danced all night. Although I did dance with other girls. Afterwards, Leart dropped me off at home. I ate and snuckout shortly after. Meagen and her friends picked me up. We went to Portillos and met up with her sister and her sister's friends (a bunch of sophomores at the time) they ate, yet I just got done eating so I just chilled. After that, we went to Brian Coughlin's party for like two hours and after that we went to this Richard's party. I got home at 4:30 in the morning.
2. From my experienece, students in Oak Lawn have a lot of school spirit with the acception of not caring about the football team because "they suck." My freshmen year however, the varsity football team was actually good and they were supported and a lot more people went to their games. So in a way, most of oak lawn students aren't true fans, they only root for a sports team if they're good. So yeah, it obviously has changed from my freshmen year. Three things to change this would be getting a better football team, basketball team, and baseball. And I don't know how to answer the last question because I'm part of the "apathetic" type.
3. Well the only time I went to homecoming was last year, so I'll talk about that. First I went to my friend Leart's house, we went in his car to pick up Joe dwayer, then Leart dropped me off at Jill Verris's house. From there we went to one of her friend's houses to take pictures. Then we finally arrived at homecoming, 30 minutes late. I met up with Meagen and we danced all night. Although I did dance with other girls. Afterwards, Leart dropped me off at home. I ate and snuckout shortly after. Meagen and her friends picked me up. We went to Portillos and met up with her sister and her sister's friends (a bunch of sophomores at the time) they ate, yet I just got done eating so I just chilled. After that, we went to Brian Coughlin's party for like two hours and after that we went to this Richard's party. I got home at 4:30 in the morning.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
The Skyscraper and the Airplane
1. The connection between the initial quote describing the Titanic, and the essay on 9/11 is that they're both a great tragedy that had a huge imprint on American life. So they are comparing these two great tragedies because they both resulted in the death of many americans.
2. Goodheart uses the informative method to describe 9-11. He gives the history about the buildings, explains how skyscrapers came to be, and how what people think about them. In this case, it is not an effective method, however. I say this because I don't think the confusing physics of how airplanes work has any bearing on what happened, and in my opinion, he unnecessarily confuses people with this analysis of the functions of airplanes. Like who cares? It doesn't change the fact or my reaction on what happened the morning of september the 11th. A specific quote that shows what I mean by how confusing it proves to the reader: "Perhaps one person in a thousand really knows, understanding coolly why it is that the contraptian doesn't plummet back to earth under our weight." (Goodheart is describing the people's "ignorance" on how airplanes function). Another quote that is also unnecessarily confusing: "first and foremost of course was the ability to produce cheap, high quality structural steel." Again who cares?
3. 9-11 did indeed negatively affect American life, and the affects are far from over, but it affected american muslims and arabs a LOT more than say white americans. These people had absolutely nothing to do with the attacks; some fundamentalists in their homecountry did, yet they were unrightfully racially hated and discriminated against because of this. Not unlike what happened in World War 2 with the Japanese. Also, another similar example would be the Jews in Poland and Germany and how they were racially hated (and prosecuted) although most of the victims had nothing to do with the "economic issues" in eastern Germany. So in that way, Bush is today's Hitler.
2. Goodheart uses the informative method to describe 9-11. He gives the history about the buildings, explains how skyscrapers came to be, and how what people think about them. In this case, it is not an effective method, however. I say this because I don't think the confusing physics of how airplanes work has any bearing on what happened, and in my opinion, he unnecessarily confuses people with this analysis of the functions of airplanes. Like who cares? It doesn't change the fact or my reaction on what happened the morning of september the 11th. A specific quote that shows what I mean by how confusing it proves to the reader: "Perhaps one person in a thousand really knows, understanding coolly why it is that the contraptian doesn't plummet back to earth under our weight." (Goodheart is describing the people's "ignorance" on how airplanes function). Another quote that is also unnecessarily confusing: "first and foremost of course was the ability to produce cheap, high quality structural steel." Again who cares?
3. 9-11 did indeed negatively affect American life, and the affects are far from over, but it affected american muslims and arabs a LOT more than say white americans. These people had absolutely nothing to do with the attacks; some fundamentalists in their homecountry did, yet they were unrightfully racially hated and discriminated against because of this. Not unlike what happened in World War 2 with the Japanese. Also, another similar example would be the Jews in Poland and Germany and how they were racially hated (and prosecuted) although most of the victims had nothing to do with the "economic issues" in eastern Germany. So in that way, Bush is today's Hitler.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Joan Didion-On going home
1. She feels that she can't give her baby daughter a home now because "they live differently now." She's filled with great dissapointment and sdness that she's not able to provide her daughter with these things, and that affects her logic significantly because now she thinks it's impossible to give her these things, which is not true. She pretends that she's somebody else to her great-aunts. This is the thing she does to gain a sense of home. The reason she chooses what she does is because that was the first and only thing to choose.
2. My defintion of family and home is a place and people that you belong to. A family is very important in American culture because having a caring successful family increases your chances of succeeding, and America is a very succeeding nation. Two negatives of my definition is the poeple who don't have a family, and the people whose family is bad. Two positives are a person with a famiily, and a person who's family is good.
3. Some things my mom does that would directly seem different to an outsider is yell constantly for very minute things. She honestly makes a big deal out of anything and everything. I obviously dislike this about my mom because it gets annoying aand frustrating driving in the car with her.
4. Family and home- a place where you belong, and people you belong to. To me, what it means to be a part of my family is strictly abiding by muslim rulles and values. If I could change one thing about my family it would be this because my parents are too strict and anti-liberal.
2. My defintion of family and home is a place and people that you belong to. A family is very important in American culture because having a caring successful family increases your chances of succeeding, and America is a very succeeding nation. Two negatives of my definition is the poeple who don't have a family, and the people whose family is bad. Two positives are a person with a famiily, and a person who's family is good.
3. Some things my mom does that would directly seem different to an outsider is yell constantly for very minute things. She honestly makes a big deal out of anything and everything. I obviously dislike this about my mom because it gets annoying aand frustrating driving in the car with her.
4. Family and home- a place where you belong, and people you belong to. To me, what it means to be a part of my family is strictly abiding by muslim rulles and values. If I could change one thing about my family it would be this because my parents are too strict and anti-liberal.
Friday, September 19, 2008
1. Agree- like when my parents set a curfew or develop a strong hold on me, it may not seem like it, but it IS for my own good.
2. Agree- Because like with me, my goal is to be a great swimmer. In order to do that, I have to stay physically fit, and keep away from narcotics and allcohol, which is all good things.
3. Agree- Examples of this would be Saddam Hussein. How he started dramatically abusing his authority and power.
4. Aree- I agree with this because I also agree with the death penalty. If a convict does fifteen for killing a loved one thats not enough for the loved one's friends and family. The death Penalty would help.
5. Agree- I'll use Saddam Hussein as an example again. He didn't get away with the evil acts in which he committed.
6. Agree- You have to stand up to what you believe in or you're a person with no values.
7. Agree- Because some people arrogantly feel immortal but when they narrowly escape death, they value life a lot more.
8. Agree- This is true because it's harder to build up courage and confront someone that you really don't want to, but have to, than say like play a football game. I've done both so i'm eligible to agree or disagree.
9. Agree- Saddam Hussein again. In the beginning, he was still a dictator but not as severe. Then at the end of his term, he did stuff like acidly burn off the Iraqi soccer team's legs and feet for losing a game.
2. Agree- Because like with me, my goal is to be a great swimmer. In order to do that, I have to stay physically fit, and keep away from narcotics and allcohol, which is all good things.
3. Agree- Examples of this would be Saddam Hussein. How he started dramatically abusing his authority and power.
4. Aree- I agree with this because I also agree with the death penalty. If a convict does fifteen for killing a loved one thats not enough for the loved one's friends and family. The death Penalty would help.
5. Agree- I'll use Saddam Hussein as an example again. He didn't get away with the evil acts in which he committed.
6. Agree- You have to stand up to what you believe in or you're a person with no values.
7. Agree- Because some people arrogantly feel immortal but when they narrowly escape death, they value life a lot more.
8. Agree- This is true because it's harder to build up courage and confront someone that you really don't want to, but have to, than say like play a football game. I've done both so i'm eligible to agree or disagree.
9. Agree- Saddam Hussein again. In the beginning, he was still a dictator but not as severe. Then at the end of his term, he did stuff like acidly burn off the Iraqi soccer team's legs and feet for losing a game.
Part 1:
The first situation I choose is situation number 1
-I would quite simple contact the police and inform them of the guy's horrible intentions. It's totally unnecesary to do anything else, such as poisening him with poppy seeds. However if the police don't do anything about it, I'de probably resort to poisening him. I would do this because there's no reason to hurt anybody unless you absolutely have to, to save the potentially affected. I'm obligated to protect his potential victims as a citezen. So the consequenses of my actions would be saving those people from harm. It can potentially be wrong because like I said, the police might not take my word for it and fail to act.
The second situation I choose is situation number 4
-I would without hesitation remove one of the man's kidneys. The reason is obviously so I can save the SIX people, whose interest I'm obligated to protect. This was a very easy decision for me. Possible consequenses of my actions would be the man with the vitamin-filled kidney. But if he wants to fight it would be one vs. seven. It might be morally wrong because it was their responsibility to bring their kidney vitamins, and other people shouldn't suffer for their irresponsibility.
The first situation I choose is situation number 1
-I would quite simple contact the police and inform them of the guy's horrible intentions. It's totally unnecesary to do anything else, such as poisening him with poppy seeds. However if the police don't do anything about it, I'de probably resort to poisening him. I would do this because there's no reason to hurt anybody unless you absolutely have to, to save the potentially affected. I'm obligated to protect his potential victims as a citezen. So the consequenses of my actions would be saving those people from harm. It can potentially be wrong because like I said, the police might not take my word for it and fail to act.
The second situation I choose is situation number 4
-I would without hesitation remove one of the man's kidneys. The reason is obviously so I can save the SIX people, whose interest I'm obligated to protect. This was a very easy decision for me. Possible consequenses of my actions would be the man with the vitamin-filled kidney. But if he wants to fight it would be one vs. seven. It might be morally wrong because it was their responsibility to bring their kidney vitamins, and other people shouldn't suffer for their irresponsibility.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Under the Influence
1. One example of Sander's exibition of other sources to better punctuate his memories of his father is the poem he uses by Theodore Roethke. It's titled "My Papa's Waltz" and goes thus: The whiskey on your breath
Could make a small boy dizzy;
But I hung on like death:
Such waltzing was not easy
Another source he uses is a bible story about the lunatic and the swine.
2. My father's father was a heavy drinker. This affected my father greatly. But mostly, it affected him in a positive way; it caused him to promise himself he'd never touch the stuff himself and that's waht happened. So although my grandfather caused my dad grief similarily like the grief Sander experienced, he also helped my dad to understand how negative and evil such things are, and to ultimately avoid them.
3. The behavior I'de like to cahnge about myself is eating too danm much. I stay in great shape everyday because I'm in sports all year round, but after school finishes, I might not have time to work out because of whatever job I might have, so eating too much might come back to haunt me, and god-forbid, I'll become overweight. So I want to change it from now.
1. One example of Sander's exibition of other sources to better punctuate his memories of his father is the poem he uses by Theodore Roethke. It's titled "My Papa's Waltz" and goes thus: The whiskey on your breath
Could make a small boy dizzy;
But I hung on like death:
Such waltzing was not easy
Another source he uses is a bible story about the lunatic and the swine.
2. My father's father was a heavy drinker. This affected my father greatly. But mostly, it affected him in a positive way; it caused him to promise himself he'd never touch the stuff himself and that's waht happened. So although my grandfather caused my dad grief similarily like the grief Sander experienced, he also helped my dad to understand how negative and evil such things are, and to ultimately avoid them.
3. The behavior I'de like to cahnge about myself is eating too danm much. I stay in great shape everyday because I'm in sports all year round, but after school finishes, I might not have time to work out because of whatever job I might have, so eating too much might come back to haunt me, and god-forbid, I'll become overweight. So I want to change it from now.
Friday, August 29, 2008
1. The distinctions between men and women according to Barry is that girls are more emmotional and sensitive with relationships, and guys are the total opposite, and often quite dumb with them. These differnces exist quite obviously because they are of the opposite sex and are naturally different. "Never assume that the guy understands that you and he have a relationship. The guy will not realize this on his own. You have to plant the idea in his brain by constantly making subtle references to it in your everyday conversation." This is how he generalizes man and women in this article.
2. No I dont. You can't generalize that broadly, it's ignorant. I, for one am a guy and I don't have an absense of feeling such as how is described. Men often want to get in bed with women, and that's not really ever the first thought on girl's minds.
3. They have to look good. Both the guy and women have to be physically attracted to each other, otherwise the relationship wouldn't last. Yes, women often seem more relationship-driven with men. Men just want to have a good time.
2. No I dont. You can't generalize that broadly, it's ignorant. I, for one am a guy and I don't have an absense of feeling such as how is described. Men often want to get in bed with women, and that's not really ever the first thought on girl's minds.
3. They have to look good. Both the guy and women have to be physically attracted to each other, otherwise the relationship wouldn't last. Yes, women often seem more relationship-driven with men. Men just want to have a good time.