Last Day

     Well it all comes to an end today is officially the last day of classes. I am excited that it is and can't wait to enjoy summer days and warm weather. Even though it's the last day it is still so stressful having exams and projects, especially when  professors assign two exams the same day, gosh it sucks. But I'm managing and handling it and things are going pretty smooth but it is a lot to deal with. This week been review sessions and taking test. In English class it was short we had to peer review our essays then we could go. I was glad because I had to study for my other classes so I had the time to do so. The rest of the week is all exams for me and getting everything together. This semester has been a good year and stressful but I have enjoyed it and I can't wait till what next year has for me.

Se7en

       

   Friday we finished the movie, Se7en,1995 detective thriller film starring Morgan Freeman & Brad Pitt as detectives trying to solve multiple murders having each victims missing their fingerprints. Each murder is followed by the seven deadly sins: Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Lust, Pride, Envy, and Wrath committed by serial killer. For Gluttony, he killed a man who's overweight, which he forced to make him eat until he dies. Greed, a rich man is killed. Sloth, a man is strapped in his bed and has been laying there for a year. Lust, a man was forced to wear a blade penis to rape a prostitute killing her. Pride, a women, a model who relies on her looks, her face is dis form and she chose to die rather then living because of her face.  Envy, the serial killer himself is envied of one of the detectives life, killing Mills wife. Wrath, once the detective finds out that his wife head has been decapitated he get's enraged an anger like the killer wants, Mills shoots him completing his killing spree. 

      At first, I didn't think it was going to be a good movie, but it really was, I enjoyed the suspense and the story line. Every actor and actress did a good job playing their role. I came to realize every movie Morgan Freeman is in, it's always going to be a good movie. It started as a thriller their wasn't once of an over exaggerating time everything connected to the the killer reasons and work. It was cruel, thrilling, and suspenseful. 

     In the play by Andrew Kevin Walker has a slightly different ending then the movie. In the play, towards the end Somerset the one who finds Mills wife head in the box knows Mill is going to kill the killer. Somerset pulls out his blade telling Mills not to kill him and this is what he wants, be he doesn't listen, so he throws the blade at Mills, but misses. Mills reacted shooting Somerset, a few days passed and he wakes up in the hospital. He receives a letter from Mills saying he was right all along.  In the envelope there was a wallpaper with blood so I'm thinking Mills sent him where his wife got killed or where he kilt the killer or himself. That was the end of the play it was confusing. But like the movie good story line and I prefer the movie ending than the play.  

The Glass Menagerie- Escaping

     In class we have to read and saw the play, The Glass Menagerie. For our next essay we have to write an paper and I chose to write about  desertion (escape) and how each character in the story tries to escape from their reality. 

      Amanda, the overbearing nagging mother seeks interaction with people. She lives in the past not focusing on the future which prevents her to move forward. She doesn't face the fact that her life isn't perfect or has a pitch perfect family. Her husband abandoned her and his family, her daughter is cripple, and her son doesn't want to be around her and he's a drunk. 

       Tom careless son drinks his problems away or either smokes. He can't stand his overbearing mother always on his back. He really hates his life he feels trapped, he's miserable with his job, home, etc... So he drinks and smokes himself away from life. He's the only one who goes out into the world but he seeks happiness elsewhere.

          Laura, the daughter is cripple, she's afraid to go out into the world an focus on what people may think of her thinking she's different. She is extremely shy , fragile women who's broken like a glass figure. 

           Each family member is incapable of living in reality, every chance they get they revert back to their fantasy world.  

     

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

     Another museum we arrived at is the National Air and Space Museum. This museum exhibits aircraft, spacecrafts, and technology from centuries to present day.  It exhibits its architecture and history of each collections presented. It was really cool it felt like you were going time from past to present. Seeing how technology improved and how it change the world. My boyfriend loves this museum , he didn't want to leave D.C. without seeing it, because he's so into technology, design, and creating items. It was a good time we saw the Apollo, machines, planes, clock, navigation, etc... We didn't get a chance to watch a movie there because we would have to wait so long and we had other places to go, but their is always next time. But for the most part even though we didn't get to see everything in D.C. due to time, we had a amazing time there. 

                             

National Museum of Natural History & the National Zoo

     Next stop is the National Museum of Natural History. This museum is well natural history of this world. It has artifacts and specimen of plants, animals, fossils, etc... We saw fossils of dinosaurs, animals and creatures of the ocean, and mammals evolution. It was pretty cool to see all the artifacts there. We also went to the zoo, it was nice outside so it was perfect, but not a lot of animals were out or either sleeping since we arrived at a later time. The animals were so cute like most animals are. It was nice we didn't see all the animals by the time we walked to some of the exhibits it was too late. We were excited to see the gorillas but it closed, we were a little disappointed, but at least we had the chance to see some the animals. 

 

           

                            

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

        Today we are going to the city Washington, D.C. to go see the museums, monuments and explore.  Like Alexandria, its fast pace, metros, and shops everywhere. It's like New York down south, it's so fast pace and busy. One museums we're at is the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. The modern museum has nice amazing modern contemporary sculptures, every floor had different pieces that occur on different eras and modern contemporary artist. These are some of the pictures we took and a few of my favorite pieces, it has amazing sculptures and I enjoy it. 

Trip to Washington, D.C....Old Town Alexandria

    This break a friend and I are taking a trip to Washington, D.C. Currently we are staying in Alexandria, Va. It's so many things to do, see, and explore here. We'll be here for two days or so to go to see museums, restaurants, and other places. So far we're having a nice time, we're staying at Old Town Alexandria not too far from D.C. so it's not  a far drive. It's a cute town it has some great restaurants nearby and local stores.It's diverse with a lot of history and culture.  It not so warm when we arrived here, it was pretty cold, but I'm glad we had time to go and relax just to get away. Since it wasn't so warm we didn't go walking as much as we wanted to. We went to the movies, went to stores, and went to Ted's Montana Grill located in Alexandria, it was really good. We had a choice from a regular burger or a bison burger, we decided to try something new so it was a bison burger which is a buffalo, it was really good and fulling. The city was nice, hotel was great, and food was amazing. I can't wait till we go out to the city tomorrow. 

Writing

For our first essay we were assign to write a character analysis that relates to us. So I chose to write about How to Become a Writer  from Self help written by Lorrie Moore.

       I, sometimes like reading but writing can be difficult. So I can relate to the advice that was given in the 

story, like trying to be something and exercising imagination. It's not really a character in the story but it teaches you how to build character in the process of writing a story with yourself and in the actual book. 

      The author starts the story with some tips that I use, like being patient and not quitting. What's hard for me is writing from personal experience. I think people usually hate this task because it's probably a task that someone made them do, I certainly do. Usually people don't write about themselves unless it's in a journal and diary or even a blog. So when someone makes you write about yourself  it can feel like they're forcing you. My new challenge is to not think of writing as giving away my own information, but making a character that gives information to the reader and putting a piece of my own information in that. 

       So I definitely my character that I can relate most to was talked about in how to be a writer. So, if you change the way you think of writing when you are writing something, it it possible that may actually enjoy the experience of writing as a whole, a whole lot better. I think it's possible if you try. 

Character Analysis

These past couple of weeks in class we've been focusing on character analysis with characters in the stories we've been reading. As a class we brainstormed on issues/topics we could relate to from the stories. We had a board full of topics, so we had plenty of topics to choose from to write about. Last class we wrote our rough drafts and peer reviewed each others papers and made corrections. We discussed what each of us were writing about and how the topic we chose relates to our personal lives.  Discussing our papers may help some people or may not improve their writing, and others may catch an error that we don't see ourselves so it benefits having another eye looking through it. We were suppose to have another day of peer review, but due to the snow we couldn't. So, I guess we'll continue on Monday.

class

           
             Well, I really don't know what to say on my blog, so I'll talk about classes. A couple weeks has past since classes has started and it's been pretty good so far and hoping it stays like this. I enjoy my classes and professors, but just hate waking up so early. But it's nice not having any classes on Tuesdays or Thursdays so I can have a break throughout the week. Last semester went by really quick and I know this spring semester will do as well.

                                   Senate fails the people

                           Yesterday the Senate didn't pass the common-sense gun reform, which would require people would purchase guns undergo a background check. Twelve people went to the Senate who lost their love ones at the mass shooting Sandy Hook. They were hoping they would pass the law, as so was I, but that didn't happen. Which is so disappointing and unfair to America and the victims and their families. How can someone not pass the bill, especially to those young children, who lost their lives.  Those who voted against the gun reform didn't even had one reason for why they shouldn't pass it, but it was all about politics, the second amendment. I know it's our right as a people to bear arms, but it isn't a right for innocent people to die due to someone else stupidity or mental problems that bear arms. Enough is Enough! America as a nation needs to take a stand to make a gun reform. The reform would have better background checks, and background checks for those purchasing guns, ban assault weapons, and limit high capacity ammunition magazines. It would prevent a gun being in the wrong hands. 

Call your Senator to make a difference!!!

These are the Senators who voted against the common-sense reform.

1.            Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN)

2.            Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH)

3.            Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY)

4.            Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT)

5.            Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK)

6.            Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO)

7.            Sen. John Boozman (R-AR)

8.            Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC)

9.            Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA)

10.          Sen. Dan Coats (R-IN)

11.          Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK)

12.          Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS)

13.          Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN)

14.          Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX)

15.          Sen. Michael Crapo (R-ID)

16.          Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)

17.          Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY)

18.          Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE)

19.          Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ)

20.          Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC)

21.          Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA)

22.          Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT)

23.          Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND)

24.          Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV)

25.          Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND)

26.          Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK)

27.          Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA)

28.          Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE)

29.          Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI)

30.          Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT)

31.          Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

32.          Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS)

33.          Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)

34.          Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)

35.          Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH)

36.          Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR)

37.          Sen. James Risch (R-ID)

38.          Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS)

39.          Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)

40.          Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC)

41.          Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL)

42.          Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL)

43.          Sen. John Thune (R-SD)

44.          Sen. David Vitter (R-LA)

45.          Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS)

                                                     

                                                       Education

             Today in class we had another group discuss their topic. It was about a 8 or 9 year old boy Tanishq Abraham, who is a genius. He and his sister both had a high IQ at the age four.  He actually takes college classes and wish he could take more. He doesn't feel challenged in his regular grade, so there no point in having him be in class we're he's going to get bored. I can say he values his education and loves learning.  In the school system they won't let him go any further, because he is so young. Having him further his education, he may be exposed to things he doesn't know. He's a genius he probably already knows about this. I think he should be allowed to go further, he will have a parental  guidance with him, because he's so young. I do believe they should have programs for children like him, because he is truly gifted to be so smart. It's not fair to have programs for children who have difficult learning and comprehending, because they are gifted as well. It also, makes me think how much we need to value or education. We also discussed if we didn't receive grades or any degree would we go to college? or If we would go to school for the knowledge or money?  For the first question I wouldn't because it wouldn't be a point for me to go if I'm not receiving anything in return. I would say I go to college to have a better job and will be able to be stable but in the path I will be receiving knowledge along the way. I have to know what I'm doing and information in what I want to become, so I can say I want the money and knowledge.      

           

                 
           

                                        BULLYING

                   In class we discussed bullying in society. Their was an article about a young boy committed suicide, because he was being teased about his farther. It lead to him taken his own life, which is sad, he was so young.  Also, a smaller boy punching a bigger boy, the bigger guy had enough and reacted and picked the little kid up and slammed him. It was crazy, it may seem that the big guy was wrong, but I feel one someone puts their hands on you, you have the right to defend yourself. No one has the right to put their hands on you that crosses the line. Yes, you may feel that the boy was much smaller, but he knew the gut was much bigger then him and he shouldn't been picking on someone at all.  Bullying gone to the extreme, children are killing themselves due to it and people you are bullying them. While in class we had a few people opened up about their bullying experience and how they had enough or couldn't take it. I'm glad they overcame their situation.  Everybody is going to talk about you or even laugh at you, but that shouldn't bring you down, it takes confidence and strength so they won't get to you. If that doesn't work, go tell someone about it. When are we as a society going to take action, especially school systems. Teachers, parents, or guardians need to step up and take to their children and teach them, everything a child learns is from home.  I hate bullying, their is no need for someone else to put someone down and keep doing it over and over again. To me the bully has something going on with themselves and at home. They aren't happy with themselves.  It's really sad, on how our generation is turning out to be, but we can't blame no one but ourselves. If you see someone getting bullied speak out and take action, don't just watch, because you're just as bad as the bully if you're watching.  

                           Something New

                    In class today we did something different. Sweeney decided instead of reading and discussing, he'll let the students take control over the discussions we usually have. We would be put into our grammar schrammer groups and receive topics each group would talk about . I think this is a good idea he came up with, so the students can be more hands on in class. It gives us more interaction with one another. To me it makes class more interesting, it gives us students to discuss and take the lead instead of a teacher. I think we will learn some useful information, opinions on how people feel, and great stories on each topic. I would say this should keep going on in English. 

                               Spring Begins

            Springs officially begins we'll on the 22nd,  flowers bloom, the warm weather, and light weight attire. That isn't the case in Virginia, it's SNOWING!!! Yes I said it's snowing during the spring. It's crazy and the snow is actually sticking. The weather down here is  being bipolar , one day it's cold the next day it gets warmer, then the next its snowing and its freezing cold.  It's not suppose to be this cold in March, well not snowing. Society has to look at making our environment better, because this is Global Warning, no doubts about it. We have too take better care in the world we live in.  I'm just ready for the warmth and tired of the cold. I want to wear my sandals and trousers, some type of spring clothing. But hey we never know what a couple weeks is going to bring us. *crosses finger* warm weather! 

                              Spring Break

              It's Spring Break!!! I hope everyone is going to have fun on their break. I know I need a break from all these classes and I'm finally getting it. But, I do wish we had our break the same time other colleges do, I don't know why we don't, but hey I'm not trying to complain. Hopefully my plans don't mess up, road trip and beach. Also, I have to make time for my classes, i have a big paper due in history and stuff. Other then that I'm going to enjoy it, make the best out of it. Enjoy your break and just take time to take a break. :) 

                             Guest Speaker

           In English we had a guess speaker Mark Harris from Australia. He's works with the Global Education Skills Alliance. He was informing us about the internship his company provides in New Zealand and Australia. It good information and a lot of things I didn't know. We as students can benefit from it. The laws over there are much different from over here, in the States the drinking age is twenty one and over there the age is eighteen.  The weather doesn't get that cold and if does get that cold, all he needs is a light jacket but it's really hot. We can stay up to six weeks the longest I think and receive up to $18 or so, that's the minimum wage. He also stated that it's very expensive there, like cars a Subaru can cost as much as an BMW in Australia, but him living here in the U.S  he can afford it. If you're in the middle class, you get those taxes back , but when you're in the upper class, you pay more. Thinking about their economic, I feel america should be like that, even though i'm off topic. Any way I think it's a good opportunity for students to broaden their horizon and travel  and learn about another country. 

                                                   
                                                            Torture

         Is punishing someone or something that causes pain. It's inflicting  pain and agony to get unaddressesed questions, it's mostly used on terrorist. Being crushed, burned, water boarding, sleep deprivation, breaking finger or certain body parts, etc... Torture always been part of the federal, state, local, or any government branch policy. It's necessary, it can help get useful information to save lives before a tragedy occurs, but also we can torture someone, who doesn't know anything and it ,may result in death and their bloods would be on our hands.  Is it justified?   Who gives us the right to inflict pain on someone?

                              Shootings

        In class we discussed the mass shootings that's been occurring throughout the years. A recent tragedy in Newton, Ct, 26 people, mostly 20 students between six and seven years old were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary .  During the summer , the Aurora shooting took place in a movie theater at the premiere of the Dark Knight Rises in  Aurora, Colorado, 12 people and 58 were injured. The shooting at Virginia Tech losing 32 students.  Also, the Tucson, Arizona shooting, the gunman slaughtered  six others and shot Gabby Gifford in the head, but she survived. This wasn't a mass shooting, but the Trayvon Martin killing. These tragedy opened our eyes as a society and impacted the victims families and America. Everybody doesn't need to have access to  guns, it puts society at risk. We don't know who's crazy or have any problems. You can go buy a gun at Walmart if you're 18 and older.  Gun's shouldn't be that easy to get, we need to take control. America needs stricter gun laws, so these tragedies won't occur or just get rid of them. Why does America need weapons? so, they an fire them at innocent people? Their is no good reason why? Gun's is an act of violence, and we don't need to be losing our youth who hasn't even lived their lives through the dangers of people having handguns.  How many times do we need to lose lives over gun violence. When the elderly dies we lose our past, but when children die we lose our future. 

                                                      Love is in the Air 

                 Happy Valentine's Day Everyone. Hope everyone's enjoying  there day with their significant other and love ones. I do love holidays, but I I feel that Valentine's Day is a made up holiday. You shouldn't show the one you love for this only day how much you love them, it should be everyday. You can give them a gift whenever and show love and affection throughout however long you been with each other. So, just don't show your lover you love them and appreciate them on this day, but acknowledge them everyday  especially you men.  :) Have a good Valentine's Day. 

-XOXO