Blog Assigment #11 Santa Letter

Evyn Haberstock
Sports Lane Road
232 Volleyball Street
V2A 4B6

December 18th, 2011
Santa Claus, North Pole
H0H0H0

Dear Santa;
I have been very good this year.  I have also been doing well in all my classes and playing lots of sports, which means my locker is always full of sweaty gym clothes. I think my locker partner would appreciate a air freshener or some laundry detergent, perhaps an unlimited supply of disposable gym clothes. I would also love some Old Spice deodorant, Rebecca's old men deodorant and sweaters have inspired me. I would also like some driving lessons because well Santa, you probably wouldn't believe it but a cop pulled me over a few weeks ago on Main Street.Except I was parked. I thought he had stopped because I had too many people in the car, you can imagine my surprise when he told me I was pulled over for my parking job. The rear end of my car was sticking out so bad that it blocked the lane next to it. I wasn't given a ticket, but a face full of red embarrassment was punishment enough.
I would also like some pen-ink remover. You see quite a few years ago, I was at a sleepover with some friends at J******'s house and I was the first one to fall asleep and they drew all over me. It took weeks to scrub the permanent marker off.
I don't need to ask you for smarts and intelligence because you already know I'm a straight A student and all, (kind of), maybe it's because my dad is the Biology teacher, he just passed along the wisdom and my amazing athletic ability.

Thanks Santa!

Blogg Assignment #10

“Plugged In”

“Cell-fishness” as it has been satirically dubbed, or cell phone addiction has intoxicated our society, and not necessarily just the youth. Kevin Newman, fifty two, was awarded with an honorable document at a ceremony and after he “took his seat on the dais, [he] began typing on his iPhone.” Pamela Eyring, director of the Protocol School of Washington, that teaches social manners viewed this as “rude, period.” The article “Public Displays of Disaffection” excerpted from MacLean’s Magazine debates that controversial subject of cell phone usage, or “cell-fishness” in daily life. The article’s most perplexing information said that “10% of people under age 25 didn’t see anything wrong with texting during sex.” This fact was also supported by the predictable statistic that reveals “the younger you are, the more tolerant you’ll be to electronic distraction.” There is even a “National Cellphone Courtesy month” in the United States, “requiring awareness- as if it [were] a disease.”

The information from this article is shocking and appalling. Not too many years ago, it would been highly frowned upon to text or use a electronic device while at a noble ceremony accepting a honorable award, however today it is widely accepted by many groups. Where do we draw the line? From here, it is a slippery slope. When does the line get blurred between doctors or physicians using cell phones while operating? It is an addiction, and an unhealthy one at that. Also the “National Cellphone Courtesy Month” may promote proper etiquette on texting, it is borderline pathetic the problem has escalated to that. The first step to recovering from "cell-fishness" is to "turn it off, - it's a start."

Blog Assignment #9 Original Poem

I am the stop sign

I ‘m vibrant, chromatic, and showy

and I can’t be missed.

I am the wall between there

and here.

I am more than vexatious obstruction.

Law abiding citizens,

obey me.

I cause mayhem,

Yet provide protection from collision.

I am the stop sign

I am the Berlin Wall

I divide insanity and mayhem.

I am the unforeseen obstacle,

blocking ambitions and aspirations.

Undealt with,

and I flourish cancerously.

I am the mental impasse

during an SAT exam.

Optimists fear me,

pessimists expect me.

I don’t negotiate

nor compromise.

You overrule and overcome me,

are defeated

or withdrawal prematurely.

I am the stop sign

Blog Assignment #8

"Ideal Relationship"

     "I don't believe for a moment that a perfect mate exists-"
This line is an excerpt from the story "Forget Prince Charming" written by June Callwood. The author describes how there is no such thing as a perfect relationship because there is always conflicting personality characteristics and insolence. The poet Alice Major from the poem "puce fairy book" promotes the idea that fairy tales and the clichés involved is ludicrous and ridiculous. Alice Major focus's more on the fact that women cannot live up to these "ideal looks" of beauty. June Callwood focuses on the idea that couples need certain qualities to have a successful relationship.

Major is brilliant when she compares real life women to the old, traditional values of fairy tales that "[are] pretty, but slightly passé." Finding true love is supposed to be one of life's greatest gifts. One is expected to look past the other's flaws and "the parts of [them] that [are] no fairy tale." Major indefinitely states in her poem that she "[may] have [found her] one true prince but on mature consideration [she] declined, with thanks, the honor of cutting off [her] toe." The underlying meaning(s) of the last stanza is that although she may have found her soul mate, she was mature by knowing that no one is fairy tale perfect. She also recognizes she is not the perfect fairy tale princess, and that her foot is much too large to fit in the dainty glass slipper.

June Callwood stresses to her readers and grandchildren that "they cannot expect perfection". If you do, you will only be disappointed by a "narcissistic dope." Callwood, who was been "married almost fifty-seven years and so far it is working out", forms the idea that "Prince Charming" mates and the "temporary insanity that accompanies courtship" are not the ingredients for a successful relationship. Callwood states that many young lovers in "the first fiery intensity of romantic attachment" are given a brutal wake up call once the "sweetness they [bring out] in one another" fades. She also criticizes lovers who believe that "the partnership will be effortless" because "two adults from different backgrounds will not agree on everything" and there will have to be huge efforts, compromises, and sacrifices to make the relationship work.

One would imagine that although the two stories have different meanings, Major would applaud the grandmother's advice in the story "Forget Prince Charming" because she shares a similar idea with Callwood that fairy tale relationships and characteristics are highly unrealistic and impossible to live up to. They also share the idea that just because one meet someone who may seem like a ‘Prince Charming’, doesn’t necessarily mean that one necessarily would be happy spending their live with such a ‘perfect’ individual.

Blog Assignment #6 Effective Imagery

"SMASH!" I heard the sound of a glass bottle make contact with the floor. Shards of glass sprayed the ground like a light snowfall. Everyone turned to look except one individual. He looked up, and caught my gaze. Here, I looked into the eyes of a man who looked as old as the Egyptian Pyramids. The light blue of his eyes was startling, almost as white as ice. His old, beaten, weathered hands that sooner resembled leather than human skin held a cigarette in his arthritis curled fingers. The wrinkles stretching across his forehead and between his eyes were like deep crevasses, showing weathering and age. The cigarette glowed like a burning candle. He clearly battled insomnia; below his eyes were dark shadows that resembled bruises. He stared at me intently, as though trying to figure me out. Bulging tendons ran up his arm like snakes when he brought the cigarette to his lips. When he exhaled, the smoke was a white halo encircling his head. His icy eyes looked toward the bartender, breaking his hypnotic gaze.

Blog Assigment #5 College Admission; Why am I the Greatest?

Even Muhammad Ali knows I'm the greatest. I'm so eco friendly that I drive my car without gasoline. I have counted to infinity and back in twenty four hours. I taught my English teacher how to speak English. The small village of Narnia believes I am their Queen. The Great Wall of China was designed by me. When Humpty Dumpty fell, I was there to put him back together again. Then pushed him off the wall. Again. I'm so great, M.C Hammer lets me touch him. I am not for war, but for peace.

I don't plan my day around time. Time plans it's way around me. I opened 22 orphanages in Africa, accompanied by 12 schools and 17 hospitals. I donate blood to the Red Cross every 12 hours. I own a diamond mine in Australia in which all proceeds go to under privileged children. In my science laboratory, I have brought 357 extinct species back into the world. I have coffee with Tupac Shakur every Saturday morning. Biggie Smalls is our barista. I traveled to the Middle East, met many orphaned children, and adopted all of them.

The President asks my advice frequently, because he knows Canadians are smarter. I have trouble leaving my home because so many people are waiting for my autograph. Everyone asks me where I get my hair done, but it's just naturally awesome. I'm a writer, dancer, and lawyer. Building time machines is a favorite past time of mine. I have caught all the Pokémon.

I am a power ruler, brilliant scientist and dedicated humanitarian. I created Microsoft word making computers safer, faster, and more secure. I then lost the software in a poker game against Bill Gates. I can speak French, Finnish, Spanish, English and Mandarin. I once found a $100.00 American bill in Mexico and gave it to impoverished girl. I design the most elegant fanny packs, shoulder pads, and leather pants. I have never used the "backspace" key on my keyboard. I don't make mistakes.

I frequently see my face in newspapers, magazines, and T.V. I can drink 4L of milk and not throw up. I have been in marathons, triathlons, and races. I was given permission to drive before I even got my driver's license. In less than two minutes, I can cure any computer of a virus. I danced on Broadway, sang on American Idol, and played the Amazing Race. I have played soccer without a soccer ball. Yet I have not gone to college.

Blog Assigment #4

     Carly sighed, "Daryl, why can't you ever come home in time for dinner?" Her husband's absence at the dinner table was a growing occurrence.
     "Dammit Carly, I don't need you harassing me when I'm trying to relax!" exclaimed Daryl. 'Man, I'd wish she'd get off my case sometimes.' he thought.
     "It's not my fault," whispered Carly, "that your job is more important than your family."
     "You know I need this job to support our family!"
     "I know," Carly hissed, then her tone got lighter, "I just don't want you to neglect Betty and Bobby."
      Daryl spoke softly, "Don't be silly, it'd never come to that." Suddenly a heave of guilt ran through him. He hated to look into the accusing eyes of his children whenever he missed a soccer game, or a school play.
     "If you say so," muttered Carly, unconvinced.
     "Tell you what," Daryl announced, "Why don't I take you and the children to the city this weekend?
     "Really!? You mean it?"
     "Sure! We can go shopping, have dinner and go see a movie?" suggested Daryl.
     Carly smiled, "That'd be wonderful Daryl! I'll tell the children at breakfast tomorrow."
     "I'll try to finish work early too," Daryl continued, "so I can be home for dinner with my family." Carly smiled, silently appreciating her husband's efforts to spend more time with his family.
   

The Best Story Ever..

George was alone in the stable when Curley's wife appeared in the doorway. Their eyes locked remembering the good old times. George knew that Curley’s wife was a wolf in sheep’s clothing.  He knew it was better to ignore her then open up a can of worms. Curley’s wife knew she was barking up the wrong tree but she decided he was still a dead ringer for her true love Brad Pitt. Like a deer in the headlights, George was running while standing still. Curley’s wife ran over towards him quicker than a New York minute. She said “To be honest with you, I want to turn over a new leaf and leave Curley, and I want you to come along for the ride.” “But why me?” asked George. “Because you’re the apple of my eye!” breathed Curley’s wife. George knew there was something fishy about this but he decided to go with the flow because all is fair in love and war and could not hold back his love any longer. He was also at his wit’s end working and taking care of Lennie. Before she could speak again, Lennie flew in like a bat out of hell. “George?” he said. “You should make a break for it!” Now usually Lennie’s elevator doesn’t reach the top floor because he is crazy like a fox but today he was smarter than the average bear. George knew it was time to make like a tree and leave. He and Curley’s ex wife ran like the wind down the road. Candy saw them on the run and softly muttered “Here today, gone tomorrow.”  George and Curley's ex wife knew they were a match in heaven. They fled to the ‘Big City’, and both made it big as movie stars, accomplishing Curley’s wife’s big dream. At the end of the day, they had more money than brains and got the last laugh when they got hitched and were happily ever after.

     

A Moral Dilemma

Andrea Livolsi
123 Green Ave
Penticton, B.C
V2A 3W1


September 22, 2011
John Smith, Mayor
Smalltown, B.C
Dear Sir;

I am writing a letter to you today to discuss my opinion on Mr. Grass's involvement in the World War II Holocaust and if there should be any justice. First, I would like to thank you for inquiring my opinon on this serious matter. Mr. Grass has undeniably committed awful crimes against humanity, over seeing the death of 15,000 people is very tragic and unforgettable. Mr. Grass can never "make up" for these actions per say, but he can strive to give back to his community in his remaining years of life.

Mr. Grass served as your community's mayor for 36 years. He was continually elected time and time again, because the citizens of your community adore him as a mayor. These were citizens of all religions, ethnicities, and backgrounds. I believe you should not ruin their precious, admirable perspective they have of Mr. Grass. If the citizens were informed of Mr. Grass's involvement in World War II, this would change their opinion on everything he has done for them. The workers in his factory would quit, perhaps putting people out of work. There is also the moral concept that the families who received donation from him would feel terrible accepting charity from a man they would now believe is a monster.
Mr. Grass also has a large family whom I believe he is very close with after his wife's death six years ago. John, having a family yourself you wouldn't want your spouse, children or grandchildren to be informed of something awful that would change their opinion forever about you. Mr. Grass has already lost his wife; I don't think he should have to lose the rest of his family as well.
Mr. Grass has also donated large sums to charities and to families who are unable to make ends meet. I understand that no sum of money can make up for a person's life; however Mr. Grass is showing that he is a compassionate man who cares about others. He is not a ruthless cold blooded killer. Mr. Grass clearly has a wide heart and reaches out to those in need.
John, I understand that helping a community of 1,000 people does not make up for having involvement in killing 15,000. However, Mr. Grass has had to live with this burden his whole life, his actions of reaching out and bettering other people's lives shows he has tried to spend the rest of his life to better people's lives, not take them away. I believe all evidence should be destroyed. I believe if you informed the community, you would damage not only their outlook on Mr. Grass and his positive actions, but you would destroy Mr. Grass's family in his last few years of live with them.
Please do the right thing and do not reveal Mr. Grass's secret nor try him for it.

Sincerely,
Andrea Livolsi

Not an Early Riser

"BEEP, BEEP, BEEP" is the irritating sound that I awaken to at 6:45a.m, reminding me that it is time to get ready mentally, emotionally and physically for every teenager's worst nightmare; school. Now don't get me wrong, the learning or teachers aren't really the problem. Well sometimes! But in this case, when you stay up until after midnight, the last thing you want to do is get up early and learn for six and a half hours. I believe that school should start at a reasonable hour of the day! I much rather start school at a time like 10:00a.m, and stay until 4:30p.m. I believe this would help both the students and faculty. The students are all young teenagers, and everyone knows that teenagers need their sleep! And getting to bed at a reasonable hour like 9p.m., is just not realistic! We are programmed to stay up late, and sleep in late. If the students got to sleep in more, there would be less lates, and perhaps an academic improvement! This would result because students could sleep in later, and everyone knows how important that is for your brain health, they could also have more time to remember all their homework, and have time to eat a nutritional breakfast which we all know has been proven to help
learning. When students have a long restful sleep, they would be much more motivated to get involved with more challenging classes, and be involved in extra-curricular activities such as Mr. Van Camp’s Jeopardy! This would also benefit the faculty because they
would be able to spend more time in the mornings with their family, but still be home early enough to spend time with them throughout the evening as well. I think that the extra hours of sleep would also benefit the teachers since they are so hard working and deserve a break!