November 30, Tuesday
Censorship should be allowed against homosexuality because it can influence the minds of growing children. For example, when children watch movies or read books regarding homosexuality, they may assume that can do the same. A small friendship love for a classmate can seem different for children who are influences by such ideas.
Don Quixote (Mr. ) by Miguel de Cervantes
Assistant: Sancho Panza
Early 17th Century
satirical novel
-Don Quixote represents the impoverished country.
-Literature making fun of something
CENSORSHIP
Vatican- country inside Italy where pope is (1559-1964)
Catholic religion forbids a lot of books
Martin Luther
Jesus-----Christians-------popes, bishops, (Catholics)
Luther makes Protestants (Christians)
Catholics ban Christian stuff
"Gulliver's Travels" wicked and obscene and banned in England
(makes fun of king 20th century)
fundamentalist- too strict abiding by bible (negative)
November 23, Tuesday
Maya Angelou "Why the Caged Bird Sings"
Current Events
1. North Korean Attack
Yeonpyeong Island
North Korea put canons all along their coast and fired towards South Korean military.
Korean War 1950
How did they attack?
With tanks and dug a lot of tunnels.
Even after the war, many tunnels were dug.
1968-1969, North Korean forces landed in South Korea and headed towards the Blue House (to kill President)
As retaliation, South Korea took prisoners and pretended to execute them and trained them to become soldiers to kill Kim Il Sung
(MOVIE: 실미도)
They kept sending ships trying to land in the South.
-Back 1989, Korean Airline was shotdown on the way to Korea.
North Korea claimed that they had crossed over their territory.
-Terrorist activities, submarines coming to South Korea
-Sinking of the ship
-Skirmish= fight between two or three ships and airplanes; small fight
This time it is a major issue because they attacked civilians and military.
Lack of accuracy?
Aggression shows us of the war itself in 1950s,
Shooting indiscriminantly.
South Korea must be aggressive in retaliating.
Concern: South Korea retaliates. BOMB? ATTACK? MILITARY?
Almost all males in NORTH KOREA are part of the army.
Certain, they will attack Seoul.
They strongly condemn the actions = United States.
US and SK have a defense pact.
One will join the other if war.
China is not going to support North Korea.
In Korean War, CHina supported NK.
November 16, Tuesday
End justifies the means
(means=method) If you have positive results, it doesn't matter how you get there.
1. ABORTION
Pro Choice- for
Pro Life- against
**** Roe V. Wade (Supreme Court Case from 1970s where judges decided to legalize abortion)
(9 justices in Supreme Court 5 Pro Choice:4 Pro Life)
Reasons for abortions
Concern for responsibility
Cannot afford a baby now
A baby would interfere with school
Employment/ability to care for dependents
Would be a single parent
Has completed childbearing
Is the fetus a person? What stage?
Abortion is legal only in the 1st trimester. (other trimesters allowed if danger)
Conservative- The fetus is a person right at the beginning of the 1st trimester.
Liberal- As long as it is in the mother's womb, it is not a separate individual.
The rights of the pregnant woman
Does the pregnant woman have the right to decided if she is going to carry the baby to term or not?
morally right VS. legally right
Pragmatist= one who thinks about realistic consequences
pragmatic point of view
Right to privacy (Roe v. Wade)
Right to ownership of one's own body
Right to equal treatment
Right to self-determination (self decison making)
Prohibition (generally 1920s, alcohol was prohibited)
bootlegging- smuggling alcohol from Mexico, Canada
John F. Kennedy
-he dreamed of humans going to the moon
-first irish president
-good looking, in his 40s young
-His grandparents made lots of money through bootlegging.
-That is how he was able to afford to run for politics.
Liberal (Democrat)
Conservative (Republican)
(2006) 49% of pregnancies were unintended
-Social problem, if the lower class were force to have children.
-more Hispanic and Black women<prostitution, uneducated, social issue, welfare issue=teenage girl who think if they have children, they can get out of their houses and get their own houses with child support>
Hispanics
They are Catholic= no contraception.
They do not believe in abortion.
They almost make up more than 50% of the US.
They can change the language to spanish.
<polygamy- Many marriages. >
Caveat emptor (buyer beware)
(ex,when you buy something, make sure not to get cheated)
November 11, Thursday
PEPPERO DAY
pseudo-holiday (FALSE HOLIDAY)
pseudonym- false name
G20 Summit
From 2008, it became G20. It was the beginning of a financial crisis that affected countriees globally.
1. Washington 2008
2. London 2008
3. Pittsburg 2009
4. Toronto 2010
5. Seoul 2010
6. France 2011
7. Mexco 2012
Who?
Great 20 nations.
85% of world GDP=Gross Domestic Product
-how much is produced by one country
-we can compare the wealth of the countries
2/3 of world population
TOP 2 population countries( China, India)
Economic Issues
Korea and US (meat exports)
Koreans don't like American beef because of the mad cow disease. That is keeping this trade from happening.
American auto companies.
Currency Issue=
Dollar exchange rates change.
Business changes according to the exchange rate.
Highest person in UN is Gi Hoon
UN- organization of all the major countries 192 independent countries.
-they try to resolve things together
When- Nov 11-12
Where- Coex
What- Economic discussion
Why- Global cooperation
Write summary of G20
November 9, Tuesday
1. Utilitarianism-
"most good for the most people"
adjective=utilitarian decision
November 4, Thursday
NOTES
www.newsy.comWrite about one new item per calendar day- 3 parts
1. Summary paragraph
2. Commentary
3. Questions
ONE PER DAY 30 entries
(NOV 4)
San Francisco passed the Happy Meal Toy Ban, making the happy meal less happy. San Francisco is the first city to pass the toy banning law. The supporters say that this will promote healthy eating habits and reduce obesity. Parents are complaining because they feel they they government should not control the aspects of people's lives.
This ban does not seem like a very good idea. Just because they get rid of the toy, it does not mean children will not be coming back for hamburger. Also, feeding children should be the concerns and decisions of the parents, not the government.
How many calories are in a Happy Meal? Does the government have the power to ban toys?
[If they do have that power, should they be allowed to have such power?]
(NOV 5)
The China supercomputer is one of the world's fastest computers. The
US dominance over computer technology is being taken over by the Chinese. Some people feel that the United States is losing advantage. supercomputer. The new supercomputer beat the previous record holder by forty percent. However, the US is building a supercomputer that may be four times better than China's More supercomputers are being built all over the World.
I think that the United States will be able to reclaim the world's top spot from China. Since China also used the strategies of the US supercomputers in making their own, they can probably beat China. With so much competition for the number one spot, many countries are working hard to develop a faster and better supercomputer.
How fast is the supercomputer that was built in China? Will the speed of supercomputers continue to increase? What exactly is a supercomputer?
(NOV 6)
Recently, Costco offered raw milk Gouda cheese for sale and in store tasting. However, twenty five people in five states were reported ill with E. Coli. Executives think that the E. Coli is tied to a cheese company in California. This infection can be healed in about a week, but if it gets serious, it can lead to kidney failure. Costco is accepting returns for anyone who wants to return the cheese.
I think this cheese company should hold responsibility [bear responsibility] for all the sick people. They were unwise passing out cheese that was not even checked for problems. I think this event will ruin that cheese company's reputation. No one will be able to trust their products.
Why didn't the company test the cheese before sending it off? What is Costco going to do about this problem?
[How much damage do you think this will cause for Costco? The loss of public’s faith can have a tremendous impact on future sales.]
(NOV 7)
A woman named Vanna solved he Wheel of Fortune puzzle with only one letter touched. May believe the reason she was able to do so is because she has been practicing to be on the show for a long time. Vanna's goal in high school was to be on the Wheel of Fortune Show. Some people feel it is suspicious and others think it was just luck.
It is hard to believe how this lucky woman solved that puzzle so quickly. Although she had practiced for it all her life, it is amazing how she could have solved the puzzle that had just one revealed letter. Well, I think she is one lucky winner. Her talent in guessing is very impressive.
Is it possible for someone to guess the puzzle without having any letters? Was the show maybe planned out beforehand? Do they really give you all that money if you solve the puzzles? Where do the show people get the money from?
[Vanna is actually the woman who turns the letters on the show. The name of the contestant is something else. But do you see how the lack of that knowledge made you understand the story differently from how I understood it? It’s the same with reading. Your background knowledge determines how you interpret the information.]
(NOV 8)
A new film "127 Hours", directed by Danny Boyle, is making the audience feel queasy. Reports stated that viewers were vomiting and fainting during the movie. The scene that caused disgust in the viewers was a part where the character had to cut off his arms in order to save his life. The fact that the movie was based on a true story created more disgust. However, a reporter states that many people still enjoyed the movie even through all the gross scenes.
It is amazing to find out that people fainted and barfed while watching this movie. I don't think it is a very good movie to watch, but there is no problem with it being out in theaters. I think it is the person's choice whether they choose to see it or not. Also, the viewers had the choice of covering their eyes in disgusting parts.
Why did the people continue to watch the movie if they felt like throwing up? Why did they wait until they threw up or fainted? Why didn't the viewers just walk out of the movie if they did not feel too well?
[And more people will go to see it just for the gross parts....]
(NOV 9)
A man disguise himself as an old man and boarded a plane in Hong Kong. He used a silicon mask to cover his face, neck and a part of his chest. Many people wonder how the man could have been able to get through security so effectively. People are blaming the people of Hong Kong for letting the mysterious man pass through. Officials are still trying to figure out why the man did such a deed.
I cannot believe the security did not realize that the man was in disguise. The Hong Kong airport says that they check people multiple times, but they did not do so well this time. I think people will have a hard time trusting the Hong Kong airport because of this event.
How did the man make the mask so realistic? Don't they check the person's body with some kind of machine?
[Wouldn’t airport security become more intrusive now? How does this event affect the rest of us? In your commentary section, try to think beyond your first instict or emotion. Try to make a discussion about how it relates to the society as a whole.]
(NOV 10)
A professor in a Kansas State University ate junk food every three hours for ten weeks. Amazingly, he lost 27 pounds during those two months. The diet would effect [use “affect” as a verb and “effect” as a noun] each person differently. The professor talks about how it is not important what we eat, but how we eat it. The results of this diet will vary depending on the person.
I think this the man is correct. I agree with how it does not matter what we eat, but how we eat it. This article makes me want to try his method of dieting. Also, I do not think it is realistic people in out society today to live without eating yummy junk food.
Did the man actually count the calories that he consumed in order to figure this out? Is this the best way to lose weight?
(NOV 11)
Leaders gathered for the G20 Summit. Their hope for working together to find a solution has faded. A writer for TIME says that leaders got up and started to point their finger at the United States. The Federal Reserve had decided to lower the currency of the US dollar. The US officials were angry at China because their yuan is regarded as undervalued.
I think that the countries should not point fingers at one country but instead work together to solve the economic problem. All countries should contribute in finding global recovery. [While this is an acceptable response, it really doesn’t say anything, does it? Sure, we should all work together and make a perfect world. You should practice taking a side on any issue. Try to make an argument. Say something critical or challenging. ]
How can they fix the global problem? What has cause this economic problem?
(NOV 12)
Giving children antibiotics for ear infections is not much help. Actually, it can raise the risk getting side effects such as rash or diarrhea. A researcher says that she understands parents' wanting for their children to heal faster, however, they should try looking for alternatives other than antibiotics.
I think it is best to know which medication to use for which sickness. Although it may be useful in many cases, antibiotics may cause other effects in children.
What other medications can treat ear infections?
[This sounds like important medical knowledge. Usually any “infection” means that you need antibiotics to kill the germs that cause the infection. Antibiotics for ear infection is a very common treatment. I wonder whether the doctors will heed this warning.]
(NOV 13)
An endangered Siberian tiger was killed by poachers near Russia. There are only about forty of these tigers left in the World due to the extinction in the 1940s. The Hunters have been arrested charged with penalty in prison. The species is constantly being threatened.
I think the hunters should be punished. They had no right to kill the endangered tiger. They should not have approached the tiger if they knew there would be problems. They deserve to be punished.
Where are these endangered tigers located? Are they raised in the wild or taken in for breeding?
[Do you think people give equal attention to all endangered species, or just the cute ones?]
(NOV 14)
A woman named Wu Youjian told her son that is being gay was no big deal. She went on television in order to support her gay child. The woman continues to devote her time talking about gay acceptance in society. She continues to spread the message of acceptance, giving lectures and hosting seminars across the nation.
I think that it is great that the woman is advocating gay acceptance of people like her son. However, as a Christian, I do not agree with her. Instead of encouraging her son, she should try to persuade him to think a different way.
Are there a lot of gay people in China? Do people in China support gay acceptance?
[In your summary, try to include all relevant information, and omit the inconsequential information. The name of the woman, for example, is not important. But the age of the child in question would make a big difference in this story.]
(NOV 15)
High lead levels in reusable grocery bags shocks many shoppers. Researchers said bags were made in China and that we should not be surprised given where the bags are made. The lead is not going infect a fruit because it is in the bag, but it can cause problems later on. The led can cause learning disabilities in children.
This discourages people to use reusable garbage bags as well as many others products. It is true that almost everything is from China and may contain led. It is terrible that it can be a problem for growing children.
How did they figure out led was in these bags? How can we trust the products that we use?
[Why would this be not surprising because the origin is China? What does that say about our perception of the Chinese people or their business practices? ]
(NOV 16)
Study shows that tetris can help reduce the number of traumatic flashbacks and prevent stress disorders. It affects a person's reaction to an event which is why people had fewer memories of other things.
I think this is a great way to help people who are suffering from horrible memories. This game will help many patients regain their strength and overcome past memories.
Can other games have the same effect? Is it just tetris?
[Your commentary is weak because all you say is that it’s great. Try to talk about some important social relevance. If that’s difficult, try to criticize the story. ]
(NOV 17)
In Haiti, UN troops were attacked by Haiti rioters. Two people died and many were wounded. The UN assumes that this was due to political instability. The protesters threw rocks and tried to burn down their building. Cholera may have been a reason why the Haiti rioters attacked the UN forces.
I think this is disastrous. Although the UN troops could have brought Cholera to their country, they should not act in such violent ways. The troops should have been more careful with that. However, the rioters actions cannot be justified.
Why didn't the troops check to see if they had any diseases before coming?
(NOV 18)
A war hero dog that had saved US troops from a suicide bomber was euthanized by mistake. The dog wandered off and was taken to animal control.
It is very heartbreaking to hear that this dog was put to sleep by accident. The animal control should have been more careful before making such decisions. It is not right that these employees euthanize dogs without waiting for the owner to show up. Although it is necessary to put stray dogs to sleep after a period of time, many people have a difficult time finding their dog before that period is over. I think the period of time before euthanizing dogs should be longer.
How long do dogs have until the animal control euthanizes them?
[Good. It seems like you’re putting more focus on the commentary as I suggested. You have good opinions. To improve on that, try to explain “why” you feel the way you do.]
(NOV 19)
Research shows that babies who were born from smoking mothers are more likely to become criminals when they grow up.
Woman should be careful of what they choose to do when they are pregnant. If a pregnant mother smokes, they may raise the number of criminals in our world. Sometimes people are so selfish in what they want to have, they do not realize what dangers they are causing in our society.
Why do people smoke even when they have children?
[Does the study sound like it reached a logical conclusion? Could there be some ways to criticize the study itself?]
(NOV 20)
Abortion is illegal in Thailand, except if the life of the mother is in danger or if the person was raped. Two individuals have been charged after more than 2,000 fetus remains have been found in a Thai Buddhist Temple.
The people who dumped those fetuses in the temple should definitely be punished for their actions. It was such a gruesome find and a disgusting way to fight back for outlawing abortion.
Why did the people dump the fetuses in the temple?
(NOV 21)
North Korea bombarded the island of Yeonpyeong in South Korea. This action caused the death of two South Korean Marines and several civilians. This attack is said to be one of the worst attacks since the Korean War. There is a huge debate on retaliation in the country.
I think the North Koreans are asking for war. I have no idea why they would disturb a peaceful community just in order to show off their power. There was no reason for them to cause the live fire exchange in the first place.
Why is the White house condemning North Korea's attack on the South while China is asling for peace and stability? Why would they want to cause a war?
(NOV 22)
Almost 20 people were wounded and six others died because of a suicide bomber in Pakistan.
It can never be understood what is in the minds of these suicide bombers. It is so unfair for those people who die because of another person's selfish desires.
Do the police know why committed such an act?
(NOV 23)
There was a huge protest in London and Bristol, due to the government's raise in education plans. Thousands of student gathered to argue.
The government should not raise the education plans if they really think about their citizens. There are so many students who struggle to attend school because of finance problems. If the government needs money, they should look for a different way to get it.
How much did the plans increase by?
(NOV 24)
Study shows that dogs are smarter than cats. Researchers have discovered that a cat's brain is smaller because they are not very social.
It is strange to hear this because I always thought cats were smarter. I assumed this because cats are usually naturally potty trained and easily find their way back home.
Does that mean social humans have bigger brains than asocial humans?
(NOV 25)
There has been rumors about China is ready to abandon North Korea. Although it is just a leak and is not certain, some people believe that China can show a shift in attitude. China is North Korea's strongest ally but this may change.
I think North Korea should stop being so spoiled and see what is really going on. They do not realize that their selfish motives could lead to much more disasters.
Why does China support North Korea?
(NOV 26)
The New York town made changes in their plans after there was an ambulance error. A man died after the late arrival of a 911 ambulance.
If the only reason the man died was because the ambulance was late, there is a huge problem. It is wise that the town is making changes to their 911 system.
How late was the ambulance?
(NOV 27)
Students in Italy are protesting against budget cuts, blocking the roads and railways.
The government should decide to change their reforms after seeing their people revolt. They should act for the people.
Why can't the Italian government raise the prices on other things?
(NOV 28)
Flooding and landslides in Venezuela have killed twenty one people. It forced many people to leave their homes in order to escape danger.
It is very unfortunate that such natural disasters can damage people's lives.
Is flooding rare or common in this area?
(NOV 29)
South Korean middle school kids are learning how to use gas masks because of the tension between the North and South.
I think it is a good idea to prepare for disasters although it is not certain. It is a bit sad to think that people I know can be in danger at any moment.
Is there a big chance that North Korea will strike again?
(NOV 30)
Two million people have lost their holiday season because of the extended weeks at work.
Many people are struggling to pay bills and raise a family. It is terrible for us to see so many people losing their holidays in order to save their family from starving and becoming homeless.
What can people do to help their economic depression?
November 2, Tuesday
Richard Cory
by Edward Arlington
Tone- what the author is conveying (is he happy, regretful.. his attitude?)
Mood- how we are supposed to feel
Literal Meaning- what does it mean exactly?
1. Zero in on unfamiliar words
2. Examine punctuation
3. Check syntax
4. Paraphrase the poem
5. Identify the characters
6. Identify the setting and situtation
He loves me not. SYNTAX [sounds more elegated and formal]
chaste- pure
modify=describe
PRONOUNS
1. Three Cases
nominative: we, he , I
objective: it, whom, me, them
possesive: their, its, whose
2. Types
personal: us, my , his, him, she, they
indefinite: everybody, somebody, anybody
relative: that, who, whom, whose (The man, who came here, is my father)
3. Demonstrative Pronouns: this, that, these, those (they point to something)
4. Number
always singular: somebody, anybody, someone, one
always plural: both
either:
Adjective
1. Answers the questions of.. which, what kind how many?? MEMORIZE
2. Degrees
1. positive-big, well, bad
2. Comparative-bigger. better, worse
3. Superlative-biggest, best, worst
3. Articles
Definite: the
Indefinite: a, an
4. Demonstrative Adjectives: this, that, these, those
5. Participles: verb used as adjective
ex) used car, cleaned car, ruined carpet, bitten cookie
connotations- feelings associated with words
contex=setting
Verb
1. Action
TRANSITIVE <Vi>
I walked far.
A. Active voice- subject is doing the action *PREFERRED*
B. Passive voice- subject is receiving the action
LINKING
A. "To be" am is are
B. Sensory verbs: seems, is
P.N. predicate nominitive (He is a teacher.)
P.A. predicate adjective (He is funny.)
3 cases of pronouns
nominitive- sub
objective-obj
possesive
INTRANSITIVE <Vt>
I walked the dog.
Infinite- to swim (n, adj, adv)
Gerund- swimming (noun)
Participle- swimming pool (adj)
