What is the greatest challenge facing your generation? What will be necessary to address it?
The greatest challenge facing my generation would be the amount of pollution due to oil spills, litter, plastics, and toxins we're releasing into the environment. I think that we have taken advantage of the world and it's natural resources. Overfishing, storing oil in the wrong environments, and other factors are hurting other living creatures. We, as humans and as a fast developing generation, have taken way too much of the earth's natural resources, and I am sad to say that it will not be completely fixed in my lifetime.
For example, the Exxon oil spill was the largest oil spill in US history in 1989. It still has not been fixed today, and it's been 21 years since. Now, the Gulf of Mexico oil spill is far larger than the Exxon oil spill, which means that the effect will last several more years, maybe even twice or triple the time. If my upcoming generation does not help the environment, then the environment will not coexist with us. More natural disasters will be frequent due to Global Warming.
If we ever can fix it, we need to take large and definite steps to heal the world. We need to have a law where everyone recycles and cleans after themselves, and uses less water, gas, and electricity. We need to have a law that protects more animals and their environments. Just recently, I watched a documentary called The Cove. The Cove explained the amount of overfishing Japan is doing and how many dolphins they are killing. They also explained how much mercury levels are in the dolphins, and how the Japanese are exposed to it because they eat it. First off, high mercury should not be in dolphins. But because of the toxins that poison the ocean, the mercury travels up the food chain, which in turn, gets to us. Mercury is dangerous to animals, and will soon cause a major disruption in the food chain. Also, if people, if human beings, are eating fish containing Mercury, then it will affect and disrupt their immunity systems and whatnot. We need to take steps to stop this by stopping overfishing altogether. Scientists have predicted that if people keep fishing at the rate they are going right now, then the fishing industry will be gone in 40 years. We have to stop overfishing and harming the sea life.
What is the greatest contribution you/your generation are in the process of making to America and American culture?
The greatest contribution my generation is influencing is the rate of technology that is produced. When I was first born, CD's were barely used. But CD's and DVD's soon replaced Cassette Tapes and VCR's, and laptops soon replaced large desktop computers. I think that we as a generation have influenced marketing companies to create higher quality products, like sleeker phones, with more attributes. Even today, we can see a huge transition from the iPhone to the iPhone 4G. The iPhone 4G now has the ability to video chat, on a phone. No one 10 years ago could imagine something like that.
What in the world do you care about and what are you doing about it?
As I've previously implied, I'm very passionate about marine life. Recently, I've thought a lot about Japan's overfishing, due to the recent documentary I saw (The Cove). I think that there's way too much sea life being abused. This can be seen not only in The Cove, but in the Gulf of Mexico's oil spill crisis. As thousands of barrels leak into the ocean, many animals are dying from the thick oil that covers their skin and poisons them. It's so heartbreaking. And after completing my Media Saves the Beach project, I've been more aware of the cleanliness that the ocean needs to have, and what we need to do to protect it. Instead of washing my car at home, I wash it at the actual car wash, so that my water and dirt does not flow into the storm drains. Instead of using plastic bags, I take reusable ones. I recycle now too. I also am planning a trip to Florida to volunteer to clean up the coast.
What four year colleges are you interested in and why?
I am very interested in UCSD, UCSB, UCSC, and UHM. I think all of these schools specialize well in what I want to do with my life: Marine Biology. I have scuba dove for two years already, and I hope to use this when I study Marine Biology. I specifically want to help in tropical places, with coral reefs and all species!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Semester Reflection Part 1
What have you learned about the way you learn, work, and/or collaborate?
Over the course of this year, I learned a lot about the way I collaborate with others, specifically through Ampersand. During the Ampersand project, I was elected to be one of the project managers, which required much time, effort, creativity, and patience. Before I volunteered for the position, I understood what it was like to be a project manager (stressful, time consuming, creative, fun,etc.) because I was a project manager for Media Saves the Beach (MSB).
However, I was surprised by how different an Ampersand project manager was from a MSB project manager; I had to collaborate with many more people, including CEO's, teachers, writers, and my fellow co-managing editors. I noticed that at times, there was frustration and stressful incidents, and through these critical moments, I learned that it is best to be patient and thoughtful of others. As a leader, it is critical that you are aware of other people's advice and thoughts, not just your own. You have to listen, be patient, and be aware that your ideas may not always be best.
I also learned that to collaborate well, I need to be less critical. And to this day, I have taken in other's ideas without defense. When I critique other people's projects, I also give them specific and kind feedback which not only helps them, but their project as well.
What project was most valuable to you, and what have you gained from it?
To me, the most valuable project was Media Saves the Beach. It combined Biology and Humanities into one project, and made it fun, creative, and interesting. I personally enjoyed learning about how clean our water is, and how to determine that using the A-F grading system. The Biology also made me aware of how sensitive our world really is, especially because of the toxins and chemicals we use selfishly. It gave me an idea of how my generation will soon care for our planet, and that ignorance among us is not acceptable. As of now, I take reusable bags to stores, and I am more aware of recycling. Before, I am sad to say I did not know what exactly went into a recycling bin but now I have a clear understanding of what I need to do.
I also learned much writing information. I was unsure of how to write a photo essay, especially since the portions were divided up into five photos. But as I took photos of sea life animals based on my essential question: "How is San Diego affecting its animals in its coastal ecosystem?" I understood that creative writing was necessary for a beginning anecdote, and I really showed it through my introduction:
Wildlife thrives in the coastal ecosystem of San Diego. Above sea level, cars race through the bustling city whereas below sea level, the calm current sways, carrying a couple of seahorses to another plant. These small and graceful animals use their dorsal fins to flutter around the bottom of the ocean and eat small fish, plankton, and brine shrimp. However, an alarming amount of seahorses are often harmed by poachers and by an even larger issue: industrial pollution. Industrial pollution affects the food chain because toxins disrupt life from small as algae to as large as whales. In March 2009, a large grey whale was stuck in the San Diego Bay because it lost track of its herd migration. In turn, many speculated what the whale’s source of food would be. Luckily, the young grey whale found its way out of the bay but issues like this spark some San Diegans to question how we affect our coastal animals, especially in their damaged habitats.
My photo essay for MSB also was a catalyst for my later photo essay for Internship, which sparked even more creative writing.
Describe in detail one significant academic challenge you faced this year. Why was it a challenge for you? Go in depth, use specific experiences, and explain.
One significant challenge I faced this year that affected my academics was the amount of stress I put on myself. This can be seen through several projects, maybe all, but especially my Engineering toy project. During this project, my first partner was out for days due to a cold. When he returned, he had to make up tests and quizzes that he missed before, so he missed out on helping build our toy. When he finally came to help, he did not have a full grasp on what the toy would look like, what dimensions it would have, etc. So, in turn, I had a lot of stress put on me which was, in fact, very unnecessary. My teacher switched another partner into my group, who learned quickly what we had to accomplish. In the end, our toy was fabulous. But, I wish I could have been calmer at the time.
This has also been seen in my Math Projectile Motion project. When the project first began, I was out for the first week due to surgery and a cold so I missed a lot of information. When I finally came back, I was completely out of line because I had no idea what projectile motion was and how I could catch up. Since my partner knew most of the Math, we decided he would do the Math, and I would write up the outline and final paper. This turned out perfect, because through my writing, I was able to decipher what projectile motion was and how I could solve it! However, the amount of stress I put on myself that week was insane, and I drove myself crazy, so next year, I definitely need to not worry as much.
Over the course of this year, I learned a lot about the way I collaborate with others, specifically through Ampersand. During the Ampersand project, I was elected to be one of the project managers, which required much time, effort, creativity, and patience. Before I volunteered for the position, I understood what it was like to be a project manager (stressful, time consuming, creative, fun,etc.) because I was a project manager for Media Saves the Beach (MSB).
However, I was surprised by how different an Ampersand project manager was from a MSB project manager; I had to collaborate with many more people, including CEO's, teachers, writers, and my fellow co-managing editors. I noticed that at times, there was frustration and stressful incidents, and through these critical moments, I learned that it is best to be patient and thoughtful of others. As a leader, it is critical that you are aware of other people's advice and thoughts, not just your own. You have to listen, be patient, and be aware that your ideas may not always be best.
I also learned that to collaborate well, I need to be less critical. And to this day, I have taken in other's ideas without defense. When I critique other people's projects, I also give them specific and kind feedback which not only helps them, but their project as well.
What project was most valuable to you, and what have you gained from it?
To me, the most valuable project was Media Saves the Beach. It combined Biology and Humanities into one project, and made it fun, creative, and interesting. I personally enjoyed learning about how clean our water is, and how to determine that using the A-F grading system. The Biology also made me aware of how sensitive our world really is, especially because of the toxins and chemicals we use selfishly. It gave me an idea of how my generation will soon care for our planet, and that ignorance among us is not acceptable. As of now, I take reusable bags to stores, and I am more aware of recycling. Before, I am sad to say I did not know what exactly went into a recycling bin but now I have a clear understanding of what I need to do.
I also learned much writing information. I was unsure of how to write a photo essay, especially since the portions were divided up into five photos. But as I took photos of sea life animals based on my essential question: "How is San Diego affecting its animals in its coastal ecosystem?" I understood that creative writing was necessary for a beginning anecdote, and I really showed it through my introduction:
Wildlife thrives in the coastal ecosystem of San Diego. Above sea level, cars race through the bustling city whereas below sea level, the calm current sways, carrying a couple of seahorses to another plant. These small and graceful animals use their dorsal fins to flutter around the bottom of the ocean and eat small fish, plankton, and brine shrimp. However, an alarming amount of seahorses are often harmed by poachers and by an even larger issue: industrial pollution. Industrial pollution affects the food chain because toxins disrupt life from small as algae to as large as whales. In March 2009, a large grey whale was stuck in the San Diego Bay because it lost track of its herd migration. In turn, many speculated what the whale’s source of food would be. Luckily, the young grey whale found its way out of the bay but issues like this spark some San Diegans to question how we affect our coastal animals, especially in their damaged habitats.
My photo essay for MSB also was a catalyst for my later photo essay for Internship, which sparked even more creative writing.
Describe in detail one significant academic challenge you faced this year. Why was it a challenge for you? Go in depth, use specific experiences, and explain.
One significant challenge I faced this year that affected my academics was the amount of stress I put on myself. This can be seen through several projects, maybe all, but especially my Engineering toy project. During this project, my first partner was out for days due to a cold. When he returned, he had to make up tests and quizzes that he missed before, so he missed out on helping build our toy. When he finally came to help, he did not have a full grasp on what the toy would look like, what dimensions it would have, etc. So, in turn, I had a lot of stress put on me which was, in fact, very unnecessary. My teacher switched another partner into my group, who learned quickly what we had to accomplish. In the end, our toy was fabulous. But, I wish I could have been calmer at the time.
This has also been seen in my Math Projectile Motion project. When the project first began, I was out for the first week due to surgery and a cold so I missed a lot of information. When I finally came back, I was completely out of line because I had no idea what projectile motion was and how I could catch up. Since my partner knew most of the Math, we decided he would do the Math, and I would write up the outline and final paper. This turned out perfect, because through my writing, I was able to decipher what projectile motion was and how I could solve it! However, the amount of stress I put on myself that week was insane, and I drove myself crazy, so next year, I definitely need to not worry as much.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Writing Reflection
Explain one or more specific aspects of your writing that have improved this year. In this explanation, you must directly refer to at least two specific pieces of writing that you produced for this class. You may use any assignment, project, writing sample, draft, blog entry, etc. You should discuss the writing tips & strategies we studied, the processes & methods we used, the critiques & drafts we employed and the products we created (feel free to use these specific key terms to keep your reflection focused).
Over the course of this year, my writing has improved tremendously. Before 11th grade, it was choppy and had no sense of creative writing. But as I was challenged to develop highly articulate thoughts (such as creative anecdotes in the beginning of my essays), I learned that I have to think through each sentence slowly, and perfect each one.
I have also learned from writing tips! I look at my first 11th grade blog and notice that it contains numerous verbs ending in -ing. However, as I look a larger and more recent writing piece, I can see that I rarely use -ing; in fact, I only use it twice. Other grammar tips I have applied through my writing is:
- Concerts, not pancakes. I have used this writing tip to transform the way I write. In tenth grade, I wrote an essay on Mary Wollstonecraft. In this essay, I began it with a general example and scenario for the reader. I never went completely in depth, though. But if you look at an essay from this year (like my photo essay), you can see that I began with a highly descriptive scenario. I also use this writing tip to end my essays well. To end well, I state my specific thoughts and opinions.
- NoOoOoO. I think this has helped with my vocabulary because I used to italicize and bold many adjectives and points I wanted to get to the reader. But as I used this writing tip, I learned that it's better to use stronger words that articulate your point.
Some other things that helped my writing were the numerous drafts and critiques we made, especially for Ampersand. As I began my piece on Ampersand, I first started with a piece on responsibility, and how teenagers transition from school to work. After two critiques on my paper, I realized it wasn't an article I was passionate about, so I switched my article to tips for meditating in your office. This related a little more to me, because I understood how stressful a situation can get, especially if you're pressed for time! The critiques on my new paper were easier to adjust, and not as harsh, because I related more to my writing. In the end, I came out with a final piece that I was comfortable with.
I feel that this is another thing I have learned about writing: be passionate about it. In order to write something that will speak to readers, you have to first speak to it. If you cannot sit down, type a flow of words out about a subject, then why are you even writing about the subject at all? I know that we had to write essays about novels and historical figures, but we were always given a choice on prompts.
Describe one specific goal for your future writing. Your explanation of your goal(s) must include some or all of the following: writing samples from this year, writing strategies you have used in the past, writing strategies or techniques you would like to develop, examples from authors you respect, etc.
One specific goal I have for my future writing is to expand my vocabulary. This was one of my primary goals for eleventh grade, and I feel like I started off strongly with it in my American Icons piece. I still want to continue to absorb new vocabulary, and use that in later writing pieces, especially in college letters.
As I learned this year, I need to express more diction, which is a better choice of words. For future writing, I want to be able to have a list of words in my head, with fabulous diction. One example I've seen with this type of writing is in Into the Wild, one of the books I read this year. The author wrote lovely, and described nature and scenery in perfect vocabulary. It truly made me picture the entire scene, and that's the effect I want to have on my readers as well.
I have also seen amazing diction in D'Vaughn McCrae's Ampersand piece. My favorite sentence that uses amazing diction is "His face looks tightened, with furrowed wooly eyebrows." I can picture this setting, and the diction she uses is perfect to create a picture.
One specific goal I have for my future writing is to expand my vocabulary. This was one of my primary goals for eleventh grade, and I feel like I started off strongly with it in my American Icons piece. I still want to continue to absorb new vocabulary, and use that in later writing pieces, especially in college letters.
As I learned this year, I need to express more diction, which is a better choice of words. For future writing, I want to be able to have a list of words in my head, with fabulous diction. One example I've seen with this type of writing is in Into the Wild, one of the books I read this year. The author wrote lovely, and described nature and scenery in perfect vocabulary. It truly made me picture the entire scene, and that's the effect I want to have on my readers as well.
I have also seen amazing diction in D'Vaughn McCrae's Ampersand piece. My favorite sentence that uses amazing diction is "His face looks tightened, with furrowed wooly eyebrows." I can picture this setting, and the diction she uses is perfect to create a picture.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Historical Reflection
Of all of the historical figures we have studied this year, including—but definitely not limited to—Presidents, philosophers, politicians, leaders, social movement-ers, and the many everyday people that have contributed to American history & culture, who would you most like to run into in college?
Out of all the historical figures I have studied this school year, I think the most interesting and most valuable character is John Adams. I think he would be a great leader in my college campus because he was a popular founding father and especially because he supported equal rights for all diversities, like he did for slaves.
He also defended the British during the Boston Massacre, which was huge because he supported that, "It is more important that innocence be protected than it is that guilt be punished, for guilt and crimes are so frequent in this world that they cannot all be punished. But if innocence itself is brought to the bar and condemned, perhaps to die, then the citizen will say, "whether I do good or whether I do evil is immaterial, for innocence itself is no protection," and if such an idea as that were to take hold in the mind of the citizen that would be the end of security whatsoever."This proved that his philosophy supported every person should have natural rights and a trial to defend themselves, if accused. This was later incorporated into the Constitution.
He also was a great intellect and once said, "Let us tenderly and kindly cherish, therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write." I think he would encourage my school to motivate ourselves. He also believed in different types of education, and once said, "There are two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live."
Describe specifically how you would interact with this person—is he/she a professor at your university? a fellow student? a leader? visiting campus? Cite at least three relevant primary sources for your quotes. If you are unsure what a primary source is, please check with me!
Out of all the historical figures I have studied this school year, I think the most interesting and most valuable character is John Adams. I think he would be a great leader in my college campus because he was a popular founding father and especially because he supported equal rights for all diversities, like he did for slaves.
He also defended the British during the Boston Massacre, which was huge because he supported that, "It is more important that innocence be protected than it is that guilt be punished, for guilt and crimes are so frequent in this world that they cannot all be punished. But if innocence itself is brought to the bar and condemned, perhaps to die, then the citizen will say, "whether I do good or whether I do evil is immaterial, for innocence itself is no protection," and if such an idea as that were to take hold in the mind of the citizen that would be the end of security whatsoever."This proved that his philosophy supported every person should have natural rights and a trial to defend themselves, if accused. This was later incorporated into the Constitution.
He also was a great intellect and once said, "Let us tenderly and kindly cherish, therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write." I think he would encourage my school to motivate ourselves. He also believed in different types of education, and once said, "There are two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live."
Because of this, I chose John Adams as a leader of my future college because he created the building blocks for America's Constitution and laws and because he believed in a strong education.
Literary Reflection
If you could bring one character from any one book that we have read this year with you when you go to college, who would bring? Why?
Over the course of this school year, I have read a total of seven books. Out of all these books, my favorite character has been Chris McCandless, from Into the Wild. I feel that he would be a wonderful friend to have on my college campus. He was interesting, innovative, spontaneous, and genuinely charismatic. From all people who met him throughout the final years of his life, they all agreed that he was a nice person who touched their lives with his unique philosophy on life and nature.
Free from society's pressure, Chris McCandless believed "how important it is in life not necessarily to be strong... but to feel strong." I think Chris McCandless was very independent, and I admire how he took no pity from anyone. He complained rarely, even under the darkest conditions possible- like when he became homeless for a portion of the time and when he even got sick occasionally. He would "wander the seedier quarters of Washington, chatting with prostitutes and homeless people, buying them meals, earnestly suggesting ways they might improve their lives." This was a completely selfless act, and instead of discouraging other homeless people, he tended to encourage them to be happy.
I think that Chris McCandless would be easy to get along with, and valuable to learn from. Also, if Chris McCandless was a future friend of mine, I would be interested in his spontaneous ideas- from his early road trip ideas to his travels all around the country.
Over the course of this school year, I have read a total of seven books. Out of all these books, my favorite character has been Chris McCandless, from Into the Wild. I feel that he would be a wonderful friend to have on my college campus. He was interesting, innovative, spontaneous, and genuinely charismatic. From all people who met him throughout the final years of his life, they all agreed that he was a nice person who touched their lives with his unique philosophy on life and nature.
Free from society's pressure, Chris McCandless believed "how important it is in life not necessarily to be strong... but to feel strong." I think Chris McCandless was very independent, and I admire how he took no pity from anyone. He complained rarely, even under the darkest conditions possible- like when he became homeless for a portion of the time and when he even got sick occasionally. He would "wander the seedier quarters of Washington, chatting with prostitutes and homeless people, buying them meals, earnestly suggesting ways they might improve their lives." This was a completely selfless act, and instead of discouraging other homeless people, he tended to encourage them to be happy.
I think that Chris McCandless would be easy to get along with, and valuable to learn from. Also, if Chris McCandless was a future friend of mine, I would be interested in his spontaneous ideas- from his early road trip ideas to his travels all around the country.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Post Trial Reflection
Summarize the facts of the case, as presented by the prosecution. Include relevant witnesses and testimony.
Our mock trial was based on the Arizona immigration law. The prosecution claimed that the state of Arizona violated the spirit of America due to racial profiling, harassment, and the violation of the 5th, 6th, and 14th amendments. Racial profiling and harassment was proved through evidence of a McDonalds incident in Arizona. It was also proved through the question, “If illegal immigrants are already committing a crime by being in this country, then how can you specifically point out them if they are just standing on the street?”
Another reason the prosecution claimed Arizona was violating the spirit of America was because of the 5th, 6th, and 14th amendments. The 5th amendment states that “No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” The 6th amendment states, “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial…” The 14th amendment states, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” This proved that the state of Arizona could not create any immigration laws; it was solely up to the Federal government.
Our mock trial was based on the Arizona immigration law. The prosecution claimed that the state of Arizona violated the spirit of America due to racial profiling, harassment, and the violation of the 5th, 6th, and 14th amendments. Racial profiling and harassment was proved through evidence of a McDonalds incident in Arizona. It was also proved through the question, “If illegal immigrants are already committing a crime by being in this country, then how can you specifically point out them if they are just standing on the street?”
Another reason the prosecution claimed Arizona was violating the spirit of America was because of the 5th, 6th, and 14th amendments. The 5th amendment states that “No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” The 6th amendment states, “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial…” The 14th amendment states, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” This proved that the state of Arizona could not create any immigration laws; it was solely up to the Federal government.
The prosecution’s witnesses were: John Adams, James Madison, and Raul Grivalja.
Summarize the facts of the case, as presented by the defense. Include relevant witnesses and testimony.
The defense claimed that Arizona was not violating the spirit of America because no place in the bill said that they would use racial profiling and that death tolls would decrease because Latinos would be less likely to cross the desert in order to get to Arizona. Their witnesses were Jan Bruer, Russel Pearce, and Robert Watchhorn. All witnesses stated that no racial profiling was used in this bill. Their evidence was the Arizona bill, and they used many quotes from it.
What was the most significant piece of evidence, in your personal opinion?
Personally, I think the most significant piece of evidence was the 5th, 6th, and 14th amendments. I think that the 14th amendment really fit well with the prosecution’s argument against the defense: how states cannot make immigration laws.
What was the most significant argument made, in your opinion?
I think the most significant argument was the racial profiling argument. I think that was the most discussed topic of the trial, and it could relate to everyone in a sense since most of our class is made up of different cultures. I think the prosecution had a great argument because it asked questions like, “If illegal immigrants are already committing a crime by being in this country, then how can you specifically point out them if they are just standing on the street?” The defense’s argument was not so strong, especially when the prosecution cross-examined Russel Pearce. They asked how a policeman could tell if someone’s illegal, and he said “if they are committing a crime, if they are thinking about committing a crime…” Well, thinking? How can you know someone’s thinking about a crime? I think this really proved that the defense did not pull their evidence or arguments together.
What do you personally believe the correct verdict should be? Do you agree with the jury? Why or why not?
I think the verdict given by our class was correct because the prosecution had great evidence and a great argument. I think the prosecution’s closing argument could have been stronger, but overall the prosecution asked great cross-examining questions, and used a really good interrogating strategy. The defense did well too, but they could've had stronger arguments and stronger cross examination questions. Their points seemed irrelevant especially with their witness who worked at Ellis Island. Overall, everyone did terrific.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Optional Assignment
Why is Kurt Vonnegut compared to Mark Twain?
According to Dinita Smith, a New York Times reporter, Vonnegut exhibited Twain's humor representing questions he had of human existence like: Why are we in this world? Is there a presiding figure to make sense of all this, a god who in the end, despite making people suffer, wishes them well?
Another source, known as Entertainment Weekly, stated that Vonnegut was "American literature’s finest satirist since Mark Twain." They also reported that as Vonnegut aged, he became bitter in his writings like Twain.
My final source is from Vonnegut's lecture at the Mark Twain House in Hartford, Conneticut. He mentions a few quotes from Twain, giving off the impression that he looks up to him in a way.
Things that interest you about Kurt Vonnegut
I have always been interested in Vonnegut's stories since he is such a popular writer. I am interested in what satire he brings to his writing, since I am not to familiar with it. Another thing I feel enthusiastic about is reading Slaughterhouse 5 because I started it and already liked how he wrote it in first person-using experiences that seem very personal.
According to Dinita Smith, a New York Times reporter, Vonnegut exhibited Twain's humor representing questions he had of human existence like: Why are we in this world? Is there a presiding figure to make sense of all this, a god who in the end, despite making people suffer, wishes them well?
Another source, known as Entertainment Weekly, stated that Vonnegut was "American literature’s finest satirist since Mark Twain." They also reported that as Vonnegut aged, he became bitter in his writings like Twain.
My final source is from Vonnegut's lecture at the Mark Twain House in Hartford, Conneticut. He mentions a few quotes from Twain, giving off the impression that he looks up to him in a way.
Things that interest you about Kurt Vonnegut
I have always been interested in Vonnegut's stories since he is such a popular writer. I am interested in what satire he brings to his writing, since I am not to familiar with it. Another thing I feel enthusiastic about is reading Slaughterhouse 5 because I started it and already liked how he wrote it in first person-using experiences that seem very personal.
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