Breaking Dawn

Since I finished my book last week, I was able to resume Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer, which I had put on hold for the last couple of weeks. This week I was able to read again about the fantasy land of vampires and werewolves. In my most recent reading, I read about Bella's pregnancy and all of it's complications. Bella seemed to be pregnant with a vampire which was basically killing her because it is so much stronger than she is. Several of her ribs were broken and she experience extreme fatigue. A major question that was being asked by those around her was "is it right to kill the baby, which seems to be killing Bella?" I personally am not really for taking the life of the unborn but since it seemed to be killing Bella and since no one was sure it would even be safe to have a baby vampire living, I think that they should kill it. I realize that sounds really horrible but from what it sounds like, it doesn't sound like Bella would be able to live if they didn't. 

Breaking Her Fall-5

This week I finished my book. In the end, Jed's family dropped the lawsuit against Tucker because they were unable to move forward without Jed's testimony. Although Tucker was never sent to jail, his life was basically ruined. His business was just a disaster since no one wanted to work for him and no one wanted to hire him to do their landscaping. He did get his daughter back from his wife in New York but their life was never the same. The kids switched schools and it seemed like no one would ever forget the accident. I think its really sad that Tucker's whole life was ruined because of one time when he lost his temper. I do think this could happen really anywhere and it seem the reaction of the town would resemble that of Edina's if something like that were to happen here. Its a small town and it seems like everyone is always talking, making it difficult to keep an incident like this quiet. 

Breaking Her Fall-4

So this week I read quiet a lot of my book. This second half of the book is becoming very interesting in the sense that I'm really coming to understand every one's personality. Tucker has basically just become a very angry man with an out of control temper. He is arguing with every one in left in his life and his landscaping business is not doing well at all due to his temper and all the drama surrounding his situation. Jed's father is pretty much on a mission to have Tucker locked up to pay for what he did to his son. It almost seems as though his whole plan is driven by his ego. Also, I must say that I need to give more credit to Jed for his integrity because he is coming to realize that putting Tucker in jail won't fix his eye and that Tucker has already almost lost everything. Without the support of Jed, the charges his father are bringing against Tucker will go nowhere in court and so its really up to him. As the reader, I hope that he will not try to put Tucker in jail because at this point, everyone has suffered because of this whole ordeal. The question really is whether or not Jed wants to see him pay legally for what he did.

Breaking Her Fall-3

The reading I did this past week in Breaking Her Fall was kind of hard. It was difficult to hear about the horrible situation Tucker had gotten himself into and what his consequences could be. The doctors were unable to save Jed's eye which poses Tucker with a bigger problem legally. Since Jed is from a very well-to-do family, his parents are very set on pressing charges against Tucker. This part of the book really made me sympathize with Tucker and it made me question whether or not he really deserves to go to jail and lose his children. I realize the pain Jed is in and that his life is forever changed because of this event but Tucker is also suffering. Also, it was really interesting to see the affects the family feels socially from their community. I thought about the reaction his town had and how people in Edina might react. This story feels extremely real to me because I think that this could easily happen at any party and I think the reactions all across the board would be quite accurate.  

Breaking Her Fall-2

This week I found myself really enjoying reading my book. I last week I read about the difficult situation Tucker had gotten himself into after losing his temper while at Jed's house. Jed was rushed to the hospital. All of this week I've been reading about the aftermath of Tucker's situation. I began to feel really bad for Tucker because he was just scared that his daughter was in a bad situation and he believed it was all the boy's fault. It was hard for me to read about his ex-wife coming into town and basically blaming him for the whole situation. Her intentions were to take her daughter back with her to live in New York. I thought that Tucker was just trying to be protective of his daughter and the last thing he would want to deal with is losing her. I don't think he really realizes that he is in serious trouble that could lead to him spending time in jail. Jed is from a very wealthy family and it seems like his father will not rest until he pays for what he did to his son, even though it honestly was an accident. I think Lily, mother of one of his daughter's friends, has stepped into the role of being the mother figure to Tucker's daughter because her own mother is gone. The day after Jed was brought to the hospital, Tucker learns he lost his eye. As the reader, I think this is the worst news after basically losing his daughter to New York I could not imagine feeling like my whole life was falling apart before my eyes. 

Breaking Her Fall-1

So, for the past week, I've been reading my book, Breaking Her Fall, and I've really been enjoying it. The main character, Tucker Jones is a single father of two children. After receiving an alarming phone call about his fourteen year old daughter, he finds himself in a terrible situation. He becomes extremely worried about his daughter and jumps to conclusions. As I read further into the novel, I felt a strange because these events seem entirely possible. Its scary to see some one's life unravel within just minutes after making one mistake. Tucker talks about how when his wife left him it took him a long time to find happiness again and that he has worked very hard to provide a good life for his kids. As the reader, I was like, "NOOOO!" when I read about him hurting the young boy because I knew that his decision would really cost him. Tucker seems like he very much acts upon his reactions without really thinking them through... and this really bothers me. Also, his fourteen year old daughter bugs me because she has a really big attitude towards her father and it makes me not like her... at all. 

Breaking Her Fall

For this reading assignment, I chose to start reading the novel called Breaking Her Fall, written by Stephen Goodwin. I chose to read this because both my mom and my dad read it and loved it. They both said that I would really enjoy it. My mom told me about the story line and I thought it sounded interesting. She said that I would really be able to relate to the characters, who are in high school, and to the events. In the past, books I have enjoyed the most are the ones with dramatic stories and a sense of reality. Hopefully, Breaking Her Fall will become one of my favorite books. 

Overcoming the Odds

For this final blog post, I decided to use an article I found on Opra's website. The article I read was called Overcoming the Odds and it was about Kanye West's near death experience. In 2002, Kanye was driving home and fell asleep after being up late at his recording studio when he hit a SUV head-on. He smashed is face and broke his jaw in 3 different places. He said when he was in the hospital he was able to step back and look at his life. He felt grateful to be so lucky to come out of the accident alive and it gave him a chance to write several songs that he was inspired to write. I think that after one experiences such a life changing event and they are able to overcome it, one gains perspective on their life. Kanye had said that his music is enabled him to get though his long recovery and to really appreciate everything in his life. Whenever I hear of a person overcoming the odds, it seems like they really come to enjoy everything in their life more. Its almost like not appreciating something until you feel like its gone or you might lose it. These types of experiences also can teach a person to live in the moment or live each day like it was your last.

"Overcoming the Odds." Opra Winfrey 2009. 22 March 2009 <http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/oprahshow1_ss_20050909/1>.

The Love of the Irish

For today's blog post, I decided to look for an article about the Irish or the St. Patrick's Day holiday. I found an article called Obama, U.S. Tout Irish Tradition and it was written in the USA Today newspaper (although I found the article online). The article summarized the Obama's celebrations of the day and their enthusiasm for the Irish. President Obama personally addressed Ireland and thanked them for their influence on America. The article also talked about some of the festivities going on around the country to celebrate. I think it is great that the Irish heritage is so beloved by not only the Irish but also those who are not. I am Irish and I think its really amazing that we have a day dedicated to celebrating and embracing the Irish heritage and their heavy influence on America.  

The Associated Press. "Obama, U.S. Tout Irish Tradition." USA Today. 17 March 2009. .

Notes on Darfur:2

The Genocide in Darfur

• The genocide in Darfur is entering into its sixth year of devastation.
• The Sudanese government's continuous harassment of Humanitarian assistance organizations are putting them at risk of collapsing.
• The collapse of these organizations would cause the deaths of 100,000 people per month
• 2.5 million have fled their homes to live in refugee camps in Chad and in the Central African Republic.
• The violence has erupted,  "chaos by design" is what it looks like as the rebel groups keep up their violence and conflict.

"The Genocide in Darfur." Save Darfur. January 2008. 16 March 2009.

War

For this blog post on war, I thought it would be fitting to use an article that related to the war in the Middle East. I read quite a sad article on the New York Times website about four American Soldiers that were just killed in Afghanistan. The article was written by Sangar Rahimi and Carlotta Gall and it was titled "4 US Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan." The article explains that the soldiers were killed in a roadside bombing that the Taliban took credit for. Not only did this article cover the deaths of the Americans but it also talked about two separate attacks that killed innocent bystanders. The first was a suicide bombing outside of a local high school that killed 3 and another was caused by a bomb planted in a wheelbarrow which killed only one. I think it is horrible to hear of this violence. The problem with the wars going on throughout our world is that they are taking place in the middle of towns, killing just innocent people. It is always hard to hear about American soldiers wounded or killed because they are the courageous men and women who fight for our country's freedom. 

Rahimi, Sangar and Gall, Carlotta. "4 U.S. Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan." World 15 March 2009 . 

Notes on Darfur:1

Genocide in Darfur, Sudan

• 400,000 people have already died because of starvation, disease and violence
• 2,500,000 people have been displaced from their homes

A main cause of the warring in Sudan is the government's neglect of its people. As a result of their neglect, Sudan has become a place of conflict and poverty. Currently, the Janjaweed is a group of Arabs who have formed a government-supported militia to fight back against the rebel tribes who have challenged the government. The United States is working with other international peace organizations to help this conflict. The most important focus is how to help those innocent people living in refugee camps as well as those affected by the conflict. In order to bring peace, an agreement must be made between the warring groups and their needs to be a stable government put into place in Sudan. 

"Genocide in Darfur, Sudan." The Genocide Intervention Network. 2005. Darfur Scores. 15 March 2009 .

Is China being Imperialistic?

For this blog post, I decided to read about one of the most colonized continents in the world, Africa. I found an article on the British Broadcasting Corporation entitled Should Africa Embrace China? which was written and formed from a collaboration of readers who voice their opinions about the topic. This article focused on the new presence China has in Africa. China is now moving their goods through Africa as well as building them stadiums and railroads. Also, Chinese soldiers are credited with helping to keep the peace in Liberia. Europeans and Americans have begun to question the honesty of China's purposes and whether or not they can help Africa grow economically. Personally, I think that if the countries of Africa want China to help them then they should. If they have decided that they want to embrace the East, they should but also they should be aware of the possible dangers. I'm not personally convinced China has good intentions. I really don't have any facts to back this up but I think they could simply be after the natural resources Africa possesses. 

"Should Africa Embrace China?" British Broadcasting Corporation. 4 March 2005 .

Global Issue: Global Warming

When I was trying to think of what topic I could focus on for the global issue blog, I immediately thought of global warming. I found an article on the New York Times website entitled, Warming Isn't a Big Worry at Skeptics' Meeting. This article was written by Andrew C. Revkin and he gives the reader insight into what was going on at the International Conference on Climate Change. Upon reading this article, I obtained a better understanding on our problems with addressing global warming. The main issue is that it seems that everyone has a different idea of how it is being caused and whether it is a current danger to us. Although, whether or not we all agree on what it is exactly, it is at some point going to affect all of us living on earth. I think it is important that we as people do our best to take care of our earth because we only get one chance with it. For major corporations, I think it should be important to them to do all that they can to have a positive impact on our planet.  

Revkin, Andrew. "Warming Isn't a Big Worry at Skeptics' Meeting." New York Times Online. 8 March 2009. .

Global Issue: Global

Halloween

For this holiday blog post, I decided to look for an article about Halloween because it is my favorite holiday. I found an article on the New York Times website titled In True Halloween Spirit, Nighttime Festivities Returns and it was written by the associated press. This article talks about the banning of trick-or-treating after dark in Oil City, PA. This fun activity was banned because in 1992, a young girl was abducted and murdered just days before Halloween. In this last year, an elementary school student helped bring it back after gathering signatures on her petition and admitting an argument to the city council. I think that Halloween is a really fun time to go around your neighborhood after dark all dressed up although I agree it could be dangerous. It makes me sad to hear about the story of the young girl who was killed right around the holiday but I think it is very important for young kids to be with an adult at night. Trick or treating is a great tradition and I personally think all schools should have November 1 off. 

"In True Halloween Spirit, Nighttime Festivites Returned." The New York Times. 29 Oct. 2008. .

Bollywood

In order to find an article about Bollywood, I visited the Bollywood news website. I found an article about one of the young actors from the movie Slumdog Millionaire and I gained insight about what the family dynamics are like in India. The article I read was called Father Slaps Slumdog Child Actor and the author wasn't cited. The article explains that the young actor Azharuddin was tired and did not want to give another interview with the journalists and his father slapped him across the face. His father said he was being rude although he had already given many interviews for his movie. I was extremely surprised when I read that he understood why his father had hit him and he didn't blame him. I think the actors who are working in Bollywood have a much different perspective and value for their families than actors do who work in Hollywood. The strong family values in India come through in all the productions and anything that relates to the Bollywood scene. 

Culture- Fashion

I thought it would be approiate to do this week's blog post on the Oscars. This huge awards ceremony has become a large part of our culture as Americans. I read a great article on the New York Times website called On the Red Carpet, a Spectical Begins and it was written by Kathy Horyn. This was a very intresting article because it basically summed up all the fashion from the show. I think that fashion and clothing is a big part of our culture today because it is a way of expressing yourself. In our culture it seems to also be important to dress well and for celebraties, criticsm is a big part of what they wear. On the red carpet, it was apparent that the women had spent hours getting ready, visiting their make up artists, hair stylists and getting thier one-of-a-kind gowns. Courture is what it is all about these days. I think it is really fun seeing all the beautiful dresses but sometimes I think our culture is a little too focused on what people are wearing or what they have. Today, we seem to get away from the inner beauty... especially in Hollywood.

A Change in Fighting Crime

For this week's post about change I found quite an interesting article about the new way the city of Chicago is responding to crime in their city. The article I read is called "Chicago Links Street Cameras in its 911 Network" and it was written by Karen Ann Cullotta. In hopes to lower crime rates and make correct arrests easier and faster Chicago has linked their street cameras to their 911 network. This means that when a person calls 911, a street camera finds them and the dispatcher is able to see them directly on a screen in hopes of easily spotting the criminal or simply just a car accident. The change in this process is hopefully going to be able to make it easier for officers to make arrests and also easier for them to locate car crashes and crime scenes. Although this change is seen as a positive move for the city, people are skeptical as to weather or not it violates our privacy as citizens and weather it will really be worth the 6 million dollars spent on it. I personally think this change will benefit the city and may become popular in other big cities as well. I think change is something we as humans aren't always willing to accept right away but in the long run, this change may be able to impact the crime rates in larger cities.

Hope

For this week's blog post I read a great article from the Oprah Magazine. The article I read about hope was called They Talked! They Won! and it was written by Carolina A. Miranda. This article talks about the movie The Great Debaters which is the story of three young African- American college debaters who challenge the odds of actually being great debaters. They lived in a time of social segregation before the civil rights movement and faced tremendous obstacles. These brilliant young people had the hope of one day being accepted as intelligent debaters and not judged upon their color. Their story ends with many triumphs including those pertaining to their debates as well as those pertaining to the way they paved as colored students. Their story of hope and hard work is one to be admired. I think hope is a very important part of overcoming obstacles in life. Without a positive outlook and attitude, it is difficult to accomplish one's goals. Hope is a key ingredient to being successful in life.

Miranida, Carolina. "They Talked! They Won!" The Oprah Magazine January 2008: 160

A Man's Belief in God

As I was thinking about where to find a good article on belief, I realized what better place to find one than in the Catholic Spirit newspaper. The article I read was called Faith Leads Stranded Hiker out of Ravine, written by Dave Hrbacek. This was a great article that illustrated the strength of one man's faith in God. Johh Nesheim was taking a regular afternoon walk when he was abruptly faced with death. He went off trail seeking more exercise when he fell into a ravine, spraining his ankle making it nearly impossible for him to escape. He was trapped in the ravine for two days suffering frostbite on both is hands and his feet. While trapped, he was convinced he was going to die and he focused on his faith and the meaning of his life. On the morning of the third day, he felt a special calling from God, giving him the strength to pull himself to safety. John was saved through his faith. I think faith is a very profound idea. It is amazing to me the strength people have when they believe in their God or have faith in someone. In John's case, his faith saved his life and he gives full credit for his lively hood today to God. I think faith means something a little different to everyone but it is very important for each person to have.
Hrbacek, Dave. "Faith leads stranded hiker out of ravine." The Catholic Spirit 12 Feb. 2009: A6

Gender Roles

Since currently I'm reading the story Breaking Dawn, written by Stephenie Meyer, I thought it would be relevant to blog about gender roles. Throughout the book, the roles each character plays is directly related to their gender. Bella, one of the main characters, is portrayed as the damsel in distress that needs to be saved constantly by her boyfriend, Edward. She often gets herself into risky situations and is eventually saved by a male character. Edward is a vampire with unbelievable strength and he is the one Bella turns to when she is in trouble. Another prominent male character is Jacob, who is fittingly a werewolf. He also has unbeatable speed and strength. Particularly in this book, the male characters are stressed to be much stronger than the women and resemble super heroes. I think this stereotype is very prominent in our world today and despite all the advances women have made, I think a male is still viewed as more valuable. Generally, a male is expected to play the role of head of the household and to be the main breadwinner for a family. 

Meyer, Stephenie. Breaking Dawn. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2008. 

Different Cultures... Vampires vs. Werewolves

For this culture blog post I decided to write about the different cultures I read about in one of my favorite books, Eclipse, written by Stephanie Meyer. Throughout the novel, there are two separate cultures that clash not only with each other but also a culture that resembles our own. One of the cultures is that of the vampires. As vampires, there is a large range as to how one chooses to live given their circumstances. Since they live forever, some choose to blend into society and try to live a life as normal as possible or some choose to live through their desires and become killers. The family in the spotlight in Eclipse chose to live like humans. In this way, they not only deal with our struggles but also those of their desires to kill and that they don't age. As part of being a vampire, they naturally don't like werewolves. These two groups are enemies but are civil and only fight when it is necessary. By nature, werewolves are called to protect humans from the threat of vampires all the while humans not knowing either exist. In the culture of the werewolves, they live in a pack. They are all connected through their instincts and also their ability to hear one another's thoughts. Eclipse gave me a unique perspective on different cultures... whether or not they actually exist. I saw as the reader the purpose or goal of each group of people and how they live each day to fulfill it. Also, since our culture was apart of the story, I was able to see the contrasts between each different culture.   

Meyer, Stephenie. Eclipse. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2007.

Overcoming Obstacles- Forgiveness

When on the search for an article about someone overcoming an obstacle I found one that I just couldn't pass by. I found my article in the Catholic Spirit newspaper, it is titled Mother of Murdered son Journeys from Hate to Healing and it was written by Julie Pfitzinger. This article was about a woman who's son was murdered and her journey to forgive him. Upon reading this article, I was both completely stunned and impressed. This woman's story of her struggle to overcome her hate for the young man that killed her son gave me a unique view on what forgiveness truly means. She was able to go from complete hatred to honest forgiveness. I believe that forgiveness is a very powerful feeling although it is something one must work at. I think forgiveness is a very important part of a person's happiness because hatred puts negative energy into the universe and forgiveness is letting go of the negativity which allows one to move on with their life. I was impressed that this woman was able to overcome such a difficult obstacle and that now she is trying to teach others of forgiveness and passing on her story. 

Towalski, Joe. "Mother of Murdered Son Journeys from Hate to Healing". Catholic Spirit. 18 Dec. 2008: B7 

Natural Disaters- Tornadoes

For this weeks blog assignment, I choose to look for an article about tornadoes since to me, they are the most interesting type of storm or natural disaster. I read an article I found on the National Geographic's website called Chasing Tornadoes, written by Priit J. Vesilind. After reading this article, I gained new insight as to what kind of destruction a tornado was truly capable of. Having never actually experienced the aftermath of a nasty tornado, I am very fascinated with them. What separates tornadoes from other natural disasters is that they come in a package with several other elements that are destructive separately, and when they combine, they can be deadly. Typically they are formed when warm and cold air meet with the addition of moving winds from a thunderstorm. Not only are the winds moving fast enough to rip pavement from the road but there is also hail and lightning. Tornadoes are among the earth's most violent acts capable of destroying towns and people's lives. Entire communities have been destroyed, making the aftermath both a devastating and difficult process. Over 1,000 tornadoes touch down each year in the United States and around 150 people die each year. Tornadoes are a deadly yet awe-inspiring sight.

Vesilind, Pritt. "Chasing Tornadoes." National Geographic. 1996. April 2004.