Blog #2

I am a Junior and I'm starting to look at colleges, and to be frank, the process is starting to become overwhelming. All these contemporary colleges require not only the "common app" which is extremely long and excruciating, but now are starting to require a supplement form. Sometimes I wish I grew up in the 80's, because my mom tells me these stories of how most people only applied to one college, two if they were undecided. Do you realize how much less work that it is?!?! In that time instead of writing essays, getting letters of recommendation, and filling out these TWO different forms, I could instead be studying for any tests or quizzes I have in classes that are still important. Actually, to be honest I'd probably be going out with my friends because I'll have my license. In our society, college is what matters, and the acceptance rate is so low, people have begun to go insane. For instance, people now take the SAT's or ACT's 5 or 6 times! Not only do they try to score a 2400 every time but they have become sycophants by more or less stalking the admission officer of their dream school. Nonetheless the pain that I'm going through now is only ephemeral because I know I'll have such a good time at college. I also feel that no matter what degree I get from whatever school I go to, the achievements you make outside of the classroom is a lot more important the diploma you receive. So the moral of this story is that the cachet of graduating from Harvard Law School is trivial unless you do something significant with that knowledge.

Blog #1 Marking period 2

Yesterday was in interesting day. I had heard rumors all day that a freshman bought a gun to school. Living in Hillsdale where most people complain about not getting a car for their birthday (meaning that your life isn't bad), I wondered why someone would even make up such a thing. Little did I know, the rumors were true and a student did bring a gun to school. As hours passed I learned more and more about the situation. I had found out from an anonymous source that people had derided him constantly, but I haven't seem him hector anyone before, I thought he was a rather nice kid. A bunch of other rumors had surfaced but I paid no attention to them because they were simply absurd. Today the student is going to court for bringing a weapon to school. The most recent news that I has come to my attention is that one student in particular is being charged for harassment. A lot of students in the school hope that he will be exonerated when he goes to court as well because it was not solely his fault for the other student bringing a gun to school. A lot of students have been fighting over this issue as to who was to blame. I empathize with students defending both sides of the situation. I believe that for a person to bring a gun to school and try to take his own life, there must of been something seriously wrong with him. I also believe that this person who bullied the student is also to blame because he made the student so depressed and angry that he wanted to result to that severe amount of violence. All in all, the crux of this matter is not whether or not who should be blamed for bringing a gun to school, but to ensure that the safety of students is secured.

Vocab #4

As you all can imagine, when leaves start to fall, Hillsdale's Demarest Farms is packed with customers who are ready to go apple and pumpkin picking. If you drive by the farm, you have to be chary of people who just picked pumpkins and/or apples and are crossing the street to get back to their cars. In addition to the busy hay rides and pumpkin picking, Demarest Farms also has a corn maze. This labyrinth isn't very big, but it sure is confusing. I once went through it when I was very young and I got lost! I started crying and screamed for my mom to save me, which eventually she did (Thank God!). They also have a fun house which, is mainly for younger children, but I think that no matter what age you are you can still have fun. The fun house is capacious and can hold approximately 20 children at once! Lastly, as if I can't tell you more about Demarest Farms, if you haven't tried their hot apple cider you shouldn't call yourself human. Their hot apple cider is delicious and is unlike anything around. They are constantly making more because it is such a big hit. Unlike Dunkin' Donuts whose coffee sits out all day and night, and might not be considered potable for people who order it in the late afternoon or night, Demarest's hot apple cider is always fresh. You might be asking yourself why I know all these facts about Demarest Farms. The answer to this question is that I live about a block away from Demarest and I go there all the time.

Vocab #3

Yesterday I was wrestling with my friends for fun. We all wrestled when we were younger so we thought it would be exciting to see who was the best. We cleared an area in my friends basement and began to wrestle. We set up this complicated "bracket" in which we all wrestled each other at least once. In my first match, I won (how would it be possible for me not to?); however, in the second match my friend Mike wrestled my other friend Bryan, which was where things got ugly. Bryan committed a flagrant flag by throwing Mike into the door. Mike's head started to bleed, and as a result my friends and I exhorted, "Call his mom! Quick! He's bleeding!" After Mike's mom stopped the bleeding, Mike came over to my house where his behavior was very eccentric; he rarely talked and was simply not acting like himself. From then on we had an implicit agreement that if we were to ever wrestle again we would be extra careful and not emulate Bryan by pushing anyone into walls and/or furniture.

Vocab #2

Today I had a history test on the legendary Teddy Roosevelt and progressivism, and it was nothing as I expected it to be. Prior to the test we were assigned to read and take notes on the entire chapter. After doing so and studying all of last night I felt pretty confident about the test. As soon as Mr. Convoy handed me the test and I read the first question I knew it was going to be a rough day. There were probably only four questions that I discussed in my notes. After I finished the test I wondered if I was the only one who had difficulty with it. EVERYONE in the class had trouble with it, which is why it was so enigmatic. Everyone also agreed that their notes were more or less no help to them on the test. The casual and relaxed appearance precluded the students from knowing how difficult this test was. The test was probably good for us because it demonstrates what the AP test is going to be like. One the test today, one topic was how the United States commandeered the Panama Canal. Even though the test today was very difficult Mr. Convoy is a great teacher. He knows an imaginable amount of history that I cannot even compare to. He tells stories of WWI with so much brio that it gives me the chills.

Vocab

I spent time with my best friend, Rachel, this weekend. She is from Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, and goes to Pascack Hills High School. She invited her camp friends over for the weekend, who live in New York. My friends and I hung out with Rachel and her camp friends, which angered these other girls my friends and I are friendly with. Rachel is also friends with these other girls, which made the situation more complicated. The drama was exacerbated by deciding to just hang out with "the boys" Friday night, and not the the "normal girls" we hang out with. Rachel's camp-friends, Elena and Allison, are gregarious and fun to be around. The other girls we normally hang out with felt that Elena and Allison are culpable for my group of friends not wanting to see them. This is totally false we like to spend time with them; however, it is nice to see Allison and Elena also. One of the "normal girls" my friends and I friendly with have importuned me to spend time with her and her friends this upcoming weekend. I am not one to cause drama or anything of that sort, so I have assimilated the events that occurred this weekend have decided that it is important to hang out with all my friends, and you can be sure not to see me spend an inordinate amount of time with any one person.

A classic

What makes a novel "a classic"? Discuss

What makes a novel a classic is when it is studied throughout the world.  This would be because it shows a significant importance to a time period, theme etc.  It can also be considered a classic for its usage of detailed vocabulary.  For instance, Romeo and Juliet is considered a classic because of its plot along with Shakespeare's unique writing style.  Another thing that makes a novel a classic is that it must be universal.  When I say universal I mean that it must interest people all over the world.  For instance, a novel about some sport only played in China would not be considered a classic because most people wouldn't find it interesting.  Also, the novel for it to be considered "a classic" must have an influence on people because without an influence no one will be inspired to read it.

Comments to others on Wuthering Heights anticipation guide

Alexa's blog on adopted children: I totally agree with you on this issue, as you can see from what I wrote on my blog we have the same feelings. I like the connection you made with your friend, although I feel it is a little different than someone who is actually adopted, but the message is the same.  I also agree with you on the fact that being in a family has nothing to do with being related or not.  A family should love you unconditionally. 

Samir's blog on anticipation: I totally of your statement that children aren't responsible for their parents mistakes.  Just as you said as a young child you don't know what to do and your parent can't teach you everything, therefore you parents didn't make a mistake.  I also agree when you said the statement should read "parents are responsible for their child's mistakes."  This is so true because if parents don't teach a child not to steal, that child will steal and will get in trouble for it.

Yuma's blog on rich men: I think you are partially right on women choosing a man that is rich.  I feel that if two men had the same characteristics except one was poor and one was rich, they would obviously choose the rich one.  But if they had to choose between a poor man who was very nice or a rich man who was a jerk like you said that would be different.  I think in the back of their minds they always wonder if the man has money, but I don't think its that important.  I think women should rely on the man's other characteristics instead.

An adopted or foster child will never be accepted as a "real" member of a family?

I have thought of this statement before because two of my close friends are adopted.  Although have been born from a different mother than they have now, they are still accepted in their current family.  A family simply wouldn't adopt a child one of the most precious gifts in life, then not accept it.  For instance, my friend gets the same treatment as as I would.  This doesn't show a difference between us, even though I have my real mother and he has a foster parent. Also, another one of my friends tries to call his parents by their first names, because technically they aren't his parents, but as soon as they do he gets yelled at.  If he wasn't accepted by his family they wouldn't get mad of this.  Another thing is that both of my friends who are adopted treat their cousins and uncles as if they are.  For instance, a friend of mine is Asian and his parents are Caucasian, and even when he sees his relatives he treats himself as part of the family, obviously showing that he is accepted in his family.

My Comments to Others

John's Post 1: John I thought that political cartoon was very controversial.  At the time it was drawn I do not think that the monkey was supposed to representing Barack Obama.  Although this cartoon was accused of having a racial twist, what isn't today?  Most of the time you can't walk down the street without someone either making a racist comment either indirectly or directly, or someone accusing a sing/ad of being racist. I believe the author tried to combine the idea of the monkey hurting two police officers and the stimulus plan, but failed in doing so.  I don't think this needed all the attention, but at least it opened up the eyes of the nation to be more careful of its ads.

Yuma's Religion and Terror: I thought it was very funny how after reading chapter 17 you felt warm and funny inside.  I also agreed with you on your idea that Malcolm was able to accept Muslims with lighter skin than them.  I thought it was a great advancement for him.  I also think that I know that 9/11 was caused by radical Islamic extremists but we still shouldn't discriminate against them because most Muslims aren't like that.  I also am not a strong believer in religion, however my family is.  I don't understand the strong connection they have with it.

Josh's Malcolm X (4): While I was reading the book I thought it was strange that Muslims in the East prayed lower to the ground than Malcolm.  I thought maybe this had to do with traditions.  Because I am jewish also, I have noticed the difficulty of fasting for Yom Kippur, although I have not done it myself.  After Malcolm was in Mecca for a few days, however, he got used to bending down lower to pray, although I am sure it was not easy.  Overall I thought, the topic you picked was very interesting.

Samir's Malcolm X vs. Mahatma Ghandi: I thought it was interesting how you connected Ghandi to Malcolm  I believe they are similar in ways, but also very different.  I liked how you had a connection with him because you grew up where he did.  I thought it was interesting how both of them were imprisoned because they were sticking up against unfair treatment against them.  I think it is very cool how you are so influenced by Ghandi and his pacifism.  I also think it is awesome how you can trace Ghandi back through your family.

Crimes 5

Malcolm X was shocked and could not believe when Elijah Muhammad was accused of Adultery.  He was astonished he did not know what to do because he was mentored by Mr. Muhammad and for him to engage in an act of this magnitude.  Mr. Muhammad had always taught Malcolm what to do next in his life, and for him to be accused of this crime totally discredited him.  It was even worse because he was so important to the Nation of Islam.  He had the ability to gather crowds that were so big you would have thought a bomb had hit the city and everyone had to crowd together to stay alive.  He had the capacity to attract the attention of Muslims, Black Muslims, and Christians alike.  After Elijah Muhammad was convicted of this crime and was sentenced to 1-5 years in solitary confinement the whole religion of Islam was shocked.  He was one of the first promoters of Islam and for him to commit this sin was just ridiculous.  This personally reminds me of a few years ago when a scandal broke loose in the Catholic Church.  During this time, a large amount of Catholic Priests were accused of molesting little children in their church, mainly boys.  This was a shock to the whole Catholic religion.  People could not believe that the people in charge of their church served such a bad example to the community and their religion.  http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Catholic-priest-molested-children.4076385.jp is an example of one of the cases against a Priest.  It describes how from one accusation of abusing a child, came others.  It seems that both the cases of adultery against Elijah Muhammad and the Catholic Priests were both hidden for a while, without anyone finding out.  However, once the issues surfaced both of the religions declined.  Both of these incidents reminded me of one another because they both were to important people in the religions and caused the religions to suffer.

Drugs 4

Early in life, Malcolm started experimenting with drugs such as as marijuana, cocaine, and pills.  All of these, had a significant impact on his life.  As a result, he started to live his life high because if he was sober, he would have been afraid of his life.  I feel as though Malcolm was simply using drugs to escape the horrible world around him.  Because of the people in his environment, Malcolm became a hustler and started selling drugs. This connects to my everyday life because high school is laced with all kinds of hustling and drug usage.  As I have continued to mature and grow older, negative peer pressure has been introduced.  People have asked me if I want to do drugs, drink, etc.  I have denied all of these because I simply do not want to end up relying on them to complete my daily activities.  However, I know that doing these things just once won't necessarily ruin my academic, and social career but I have seen it ruin people's lives that I am close with.  http://www.teendrugabuse.us/drugsnschool.html is an excellent example of how drugs can ruin your life.  This article relates to Malcolm because just because just before he went to jail, Malcolm started to get in trouble.  For instance, he was almost killed by West Indian Archie who came after him with a gun for not paying him back.  This all started with Malcolm selling drugs which led into gambling.  The article above, describes the effects of drug use on teens, which ends up ruining their lives.  A few people I know have experimented with drugs, and I have seen first hand the negative affects of it.  Instead of socializing they would rather sit home on a Friday night and smoke.  They often use all the money they get to buy more drugs which only aids in ruining their lives.  They would rather go to school high, then study for an important test.  They would rather risk sneaking out at night to go smoke, than to watch a movie with their friends.  They would rather buy alcohol/drugs in school right in front of teachers than play a sport or participate in a club.  They would rather drink and show their stupidity to their friends, than excell in a particular interest of their choice.  They often get mad at you for planning your day around them because you do not want to get caught along with them or have them hurt themselves with simple tasks that you are able to do with ease.  This creates arguments and the break up of a good group of friends or just anyone you have a connection with.  Some of these people have not "found the light" and stopped using these illegal substances, but just as Malcolm did, they will eventually mature enough to stop using these horrible substances and have a brighter future.

Lending Money 3

In order for Malcolm to pay the expenses for his Hajj to Mecca he had to borrow the money from his sister Ella.  Ella was saving this money up for years to pay for her own Hajj to Mecca.  This was an extreme act of generosity.  Personally I was surprised when she did this because she spent so much time saving up money for this.  This reminded me when my friends mom, who has cancer, was very sick, and my mother made dinner for my family, but after hearing my friend complain about how he hasn't had a home cooked meal in a while, she gave him our dinner.  I distinctly remember that after slaving in the kitchen all day making her "world famous" sweet and sour meatballs with her unique organic rice, she easily gave it up to my friend and his family.  Although this act of kindness that my mother preformed wasn't nearly as dramatic as Ella's it was still important.  I can recall the thought racing through my mind when my mom drove to my friends house with the warm dinner wrapped in tin foil.  I simply did not understand why she would give away her hard work with that much ease.  A little, while after it occurred to me that by giving my friends family the dinner, she was making them much happier than it would have made my family.  She also felt that it was much more important for them to have it because my friends mom has suffered so much pain recently and this act of kindness would reflect my mom's generosity.  These same thought passed through my mind when Ella simply gave up her savings and gave it to Malcolm, her step-brother, so that he could complete the Hajj to Mecca instead of her.  Just as my mom felt, Ella thought that Malcolm would get much more out of the Hajj and that he could do more with the experience because he was already a prominent black Speaker and a Minister.  From these examples I have wanted to do something with things I have done.  I have not been given the opportunity to do anything like my mom or Malcolm but I know the experience will eventually occur and when it does I will empathize with those who have given up their hard work and labor in exchange for others happiness.

Hajj 2

In the Autibiography Malcolm describes his Hajj to Mecca, the holy city for Islam.  It is the Muslim obligation to make the Hajj to Mecca at least once in his life if he is capable of it.  Malcolm, is suffering economically, yet borrows money from his sister Ella to preform the religious action.  This is similar to my obligation in the Jewish religion.  At least once during my life I am required, just as in Islam, if I am healthy to make a trip to Israel.  The Jewish religion gives me a very special opportunity because it offers birthright.  http://www.birthrightisrael.com/site/PageServer?pagename=about_main is an article describing the birthright to Israel.   Birthright is used to connect Jews to their religion more than they would in their hometown.  For instance, there is nothing like learning the history of your religion first hand.  I feel that just as it was Malcolm's obligation to go to Mecca, I feel that Birthright, is providing me the same opportunity to go to the Holy cities of Israel.  My cousin has recently gone on birthright to Israel, and has said it was the best trip he has ever been on.  This reminds me of Malcolm's response to making the Hajj.  It has opened up both  my cousin and Malcolm's mind to other peoples culture and appearance within the same religion.  By going to Israel, my cousin was able to learn about how Israelis pray, just as Malcolm learned about the extreme posture Muslims in Mecca prayed in. 

Racial Profiling 1

When Malcolm makes the Hajj to Mecca he is held outside the city because he is an "American" Muslim.  In Mecca, the holy city for Muslims, you must be an original Muslim from somewhere in the Middle East I presume because of this description.  American Muslims are those who have converted to Islam in America.  Moreover, I personally felt that it was unfair for Malcolm to have to wait in an airport.  When I thought of this kind of treatment, it reminded me of frequent times on the news where airport security has stereotyped Arabs.  I just cannot understand this treatment.  Although a person may look like a certain radical group, they may not be a radicalist. For instance, http://www.slate.com/?id=116347 describes racial profiling in airports in America. After reading this article I totally agreed with the author.  In my mind I cannot comprehend how an airport security agent can simply perform an extra search of an Arab just because of his appearance.  I have no right to call people out because I am not trained for the job, but just as the article said, barely any of the Arabs that are strip-searched, etc. are terrorists.  After 9/11 I believe that America has gone over board.  Airport security has gotten so strict that I need to leave my house almost three hours before I am supposed to board my flight simply because it takes so long for you to go through security.  Nonetheless, I would rather be safe than sorry, but I simply believe that exculpating Arab-looking people to be terrorists is simply atrocious. 

Malcolm X # 3

As I have continued to read I have become increasingly aware of the life of Malcolm. I realized that he has had a very tough life. I feel as though every person that he comes in contact with and forms a relationship with, they abandon him. I have a feeling that this will soon cause him to be the cause of the destruction of his life. In addition, for such a prominent figure for African Americans he had a major involvement with the police and illegal doings such as selling drugs and stealing. Moreover, I find it strange that Malcolm's relatives and family members have still contacted him and don't talk about his condition (at least in the autobiography). In the book so far I have enjoyed the nice description of the places he has lived and the places he has traveled too. I have been to some of the areas he has described and I feel my recollection of it matches his description.

Malcolm X Number 2

As I have continuously read this book, I am wondering why the author, Alex Haley, goes on tangents constantly and drifts away from the story he is in the middle of describing.  This tends to be some what confusing, but I am still able to understand it.  Another thing I noticed was that Malcolm seems to be more comfortable with his step-sister, Ella.  I found it very interesting that After visiting Ella for a short while, his whole opinion about racism changed.  Although I can understand he felt with the enormous amount of African Americans in Boston I wonder how his opinion changed so quickly. A strong quote that stood out to me was when Malcolm says, "It was then that I began to change--inside.  I drew away from white people.  I came to class, and I answered when called upon.  IT became a physical strain simply to sit in Mr. Ostrowski's class.  Where "nigger" had slipped off my back before, wherever I heard it now, I stopped and looked at whoever said it.  And they looked surprised that I did" (Haley 38).  This quote truly showed how so few people noticed that they were using racial slurs in everyday life.  Another issue I found interesting was when Malcolm stated that when he visited his mother in the mental institute that she didn't even recognize him.  I had no idea that a mental issue was able to take over your memory.

Malcolm X

After reading two chapters of The Autobiography of Malcolm X, I have realized that growing up in the south during the 1930's was very rough for an African American such as Malcolm.  As I have continued to read I have learned of the tremendous amounts of tragedy Malcolm has to face while growing up.  As his father was killed, and his family is on welfare, Malcolm never seems to say that he wish this wasn't happening to him.  I feel this shows a lot about his character.  Malcolm seems relentless and to be an optimist.  In addition, because of the lack of money his family has, Malcolm relies on stealing and begging for food.  This truly describes the racism of the time period.  One event in the book that I was confused about was that I believed that one of his siblings was over the age of 18, so why wouldn't he/she be able to be the guardian for him and his family.  Another question I had was why they had to split his family up after his mother went to the mental institution?