• Log In
  • Log In
Science Leadership Academy @ Center City
Science Leadership Academy @ Center City Learn · Create · Lead
  • Students
    • Mission and Vision
  • Parents
  • Community
    • Faculty and Staff
    • Lit Talk: Ep1
    • Mission and Vision
  • Calendar

Brian Birkmire Public Feed

Brian Birkmire Captsone

Posted by Brian Birkmire in Capstone - Thompson - Wed on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 1:31 pm

​My Capstone project was to host an Ultimate Frisbee tournament with my peer Julian Makarechi called “Hip-Hop” for other high school teams all around Philadelphia. The purpose of the project was to not only give back to the teams that consistently host tournaments but to also build networks with PADA, PHUEL, and  the other teams attending. We worked with many people to get supplies like snacks, cones, porter potties, and merchandise. It was a difficult process but the outcome was magnificent and everything went smooth. We were able to have a two day tournament (Saturday & Sunday) at the field in Oaks, PA, for all of the boys teams while the girls played Saturday only. In total, we had about 16 teams that came out to support us. I learned from this experience how to put myself out there and step outside my comfort zone. I also learned what it takes to create an event and how much time and effort is put into it.

​​

Sources:


#1 Chris Lehmann (Coach of SLA Boys Varsity Ultimate/Principle of Science Leadership Academy) "Chris Lehmann." Interview by Brian J. Birkmire. Chris Lehmann. SLA Varsity Ultimate. Philadelphia, PENNSYLVANIA, n.d. Television.”


This is a reliable source because Mr. Lehmann has been playing for 23 years and is well known throughout the entire Ultimate world. He has been a huge asset and a wonderful mentor, giving us the right knowledge to complete tasks and contact the right associates. Also, he has been to and played at hundreds of tournaments throughout his Frisbee career, so he knows exactly what to have at the events. There were no limitations to this source because we can ask Lehmann anything at any given moment.



#2 "Home." Philadelphia Area Disc Alliance. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <pada.org>”


This is a reliable source because it has contacts of everyone we’ve already and will be in communication with. We used the website to find the Program Director of PADA, Rick Atkins. Also, this website gives information on how long the people have been in charge and have worked for PADA. This website is useful because it gives a schedule for any upcoming events that I can attend, also allowing us to promote our tournament. This source’s only limitation is what it can offer, but it gave us plenty of information to work with and especially who to keep in touch with to have everything we need for the tournament.



#3 Rick Atkins (PADA Program Director) "Rick Atkins." Interview by Brian J. Birkmire. Rick Atkins. PADA. Philadelphia, PENNSYLVANIA, n.d. Television.”


Rick has been a huge asset to the entire capstone project. I can’t tell you how many emails we’ve exchanged getting us much detailed information as possible. Rick has helped us immensely with what to have, what to bring, who to contact, when to contact them and much more. We are continuously in communication with Rick, even if it means we must send emails consistently, but it is imperative that we get any and all information necessary. We will continue to keep in touch with him about the finalization of our tournament. There are no limitations to this source because we can ask Rick for help at any time about anything.




#4 "Philadelphia Spinners - Major League Ultimate." Philadelphia Spinners. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015 <http://philadelphia.spinners.mlultimate.com/>”


This source has been very reliable because it allows Julian and I to contact the professional Ultimate representatives. The Philadelphia Spinners are the professional team for this wonderful city, and play in the MLU (Major League Ultimate). The Spinners are popular, not only in the Ultimate world, but luckily this will gives us ideas on what to add to what we already have. The Spinners hold events all the time, so we can gain some inspiration from their past events. Also, if possible, we can get some Spinners players to attend our tournament and give autographs and lessons. This source has no limitations besides what is on the website, but we can always contact people in the Spinners management.



#5 "The 10 Steps to a Successful Fundraising Event." The Fundraising Authority RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www.thefundraisingauthority.com/fundraising-basics/fundraising-event/>”


This was one of the first websites we visited to get a good idea of what it takes to have a fundraising event. Most of the information was straight forward and very detailed in what a fundraiser really means and how to get it to work. The step by step process gave us a good idea on what to do next. Currently, we use the steps as a checklist to ask ourselves did we do everything they are saying works. Although it’s the basics, they are essential to creating a successful fundraising event. There are only some limitations to the source like the fact there’s only 10 steps given.



#6 "Rob Jenkins." Interview by Brian J. Birkmire. Rob Jenkins - Former SLA Ultimate Player. SLA Varsity Ultimate. Philadelphia, PENNSYLVANIA, n.d. Television.”


This source would have to be the best. Rob has previously played with Julian and I for about three years at SLA. He also was captain before Julian and I, so not only has he been a teammate but a former friend. Rob’s capstone was the creation of a frisbee tournament he called it Huck to the Moon. We wanted to continue his ideas and this is how we decided on our capstone. Rob has been very helpful in letting us know who we should contact and has also given us tips to improve from his tournament. We chose this source because we felt who would be better than someone that has done this exact event before on his own. Rob has given us lots of support and we know we can ask him anything and he will lend us a hand. This source has no limitations because we can ask Rob for any favor and he will help Julian and I.






#7 "Breakmark | Breakmark Apparel." Breakmark. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www.breakmark.com/>“


This source has been very reliable because they are a business that creates Ultimate Frisbee apparel. We have been in constant contact with one of their representatives about the jerseys and other clothes we will be selling at the tournament. He also has helped us with logo ideas and finalizations on the jersey color schemes with the clothing and the logo together. He also has ensured us that when we give him the exact dates for the tournament he will have all the products ready and prepared to selling on time throughout the entire event. This source has no limitations because we can consistently ask for any new products and clothing.



#8 "Projects - Skyd Magazine." Skyd Magazine. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://skydmagazine.com/projects/>”


This source is full of Ultimate News all around the world. Skyd is a website we use to check out current Ultimate news and information. They always have great writers putting out interesting articles. They also describe major events all around the country and update the news about it. This notifies us of any upcoming events that would be inspirational to know about. This source’s only limitations is that we can’t watch the events live or know how they set everything up.



#9 "Ultimate Frisbee Field Dimensions and Layout Tool | Tru Mark Athletic Field Marker." Ultimate Frisbee Field Dimensions and Layout Tool | Tru Mark Athletic Field Marker. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015.<http://www.athleticfieldmarker.com/ultimatefrisbeefield/>”


This source is reliable because it gives us the proper dimensions for an Ultimate Frisbee field. Being host of the entire tournament, it will be our responsibility to prepare everything and set everything up, including the fields. We are only given a specific square foot area of space and must make the right amount of fields to withhold the brackets of teams. This means Julian and I must know how many fields we can fit given the limited space we have. I chose this website because it’s a perfect example for what we will need. This source has no limitations because it’s specifically on one topic that I needed to find so it is a great source.



#10 "USA Ultimate." USA Ultimate. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www.usaultimate.org/index.html>”


This is a reliable source because it is the heart and soul of Ultimate Frisbee. The USA Ultimate is the main life source of any and all Ultimate in the entire country. Their website is filled with information on important Frisbee representatives and the “top dogs.” The website also has the Official US Ultimate Rulebook, which is something important to the entire tournament. The rulebook states any and all rules that teams must obey when playing. This is important to the tournament because it will be used throughout the day. This websites is a good source because we can have access to the rules at anytime during the day if needed. There is no limitations to this source because we can use the Contact Us section if we need any questions answered.



Tags: Capstone 2015, 2015, Thompson
Be the first to comment.

Food Project: Brian

Posted by Brian Birkmire in Science and Society - Best - E on Friday, January 23, 2015 at 12:59 pm
Dish: Pesto Chicken Florentine

Ingredients:

- Olive Oil (2 Tbsp)

- Garlic (2 cloves)

- Chicken breast (boneless/skinless/4 count)

- Fresh Spinach Leaves (2 cups)

- 1/2 White/Yellow onion (chopped)

- 1/2 cup of white wine

- Pepper/Sprinkle of Salt

- 1/4 cup cream

- Basil

- Parmesan cheese

How to cook:

1. Boil pot of water, preferably large pot. Boil pasta.

2. While preparing the pasta, cook the chicken. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on the raw chicken. Heat some olive oil in pan and brown both sides of the chicken breast. Remove chicken when browned.

3. Add chopped onions and sauté for about 2-3 minutes. While the onions are cooking, slice the chicken in strips. Put aside any pieces already cooked by the browning and the others that aren't cooked to be finished.

4. When the onions begin to brown, add the garlic and sauté for another minute, roughly. Add white wine and and boil until it is half reduced.

5. Add the spinach and undercooked chicken to the pan. Using tongs, turn them over to coat them with the juices in the pan. Continue to cook, turning and stirring often, until the spinach is wilted and the chicken cooked through, about 2 minutes.

 6. Turn off the heat and add some black pepper, the pile of cooked chicken pieces and the pesto (basil, olive oil, parmesan cheese sauce). Stir to combine. Drain the pasta put it in a large bowl. Add the cream to the sauté pan and stir well to combine. Add the contents of the pan to the bowl with the pasta and mix well.


In our recipe, we have integrated multiple nutritional necessities. We have a healthy balance of protein, vitamins, sugars, carbs, fiber, sodium, etc. With the chicken, this can come from “organically” grown chickens that have the ability to free roam and are fed and raised properly. Depending on where you buy the chicken and which brand you choose. Perdue wouldn’t be the best choice if you want chickens that were raised how nature intended. That’s the main source of protein in the meal.

 Basil, a delicious herb that is more than meets the eye. Researchers say that basil, not only good for pesto, but is also good at fighting bacteria, viruses, and chronic diseases. As well as the healthy benefits of basil, olive oil, another key ingredient in pesto is known to help reduce the chances of heart disease. Lastly, in the delicious pesto sauce is everyone’s favorite; garlic. Garlic has been around for centuries and has been used from food to theories of keeping you safe from vampires. Not a bad health benefit, if it were real, but garlic does however reduce blood pressure, fight bacteria, improve cholesterol levels, lots of antioxidants, and detoxifies metals in the body.

 Although pasta is known for it’s starches and carbohydrates, it actually has beneficial nutrients. Pasta does have a low GI (Glycemic Index) meaning it doesn’t raise glucose levels quickly. It also has folic acid, a key factor for pregnant women. Last, the carbohydrates that pasta withholds is helpful for athletic people. Most athletes will go on a massive carb intake before a game because the glucose from the carbs is a fuel for the body. The pasta releases the glucose energy slowly allowing the body to maintain energy much longer than something with artificial sugar.

 In all, the benefits of eating our meal would be a collected portion of every important dietary intake. Our meal is guaranteed to help you gain and maintain energy while cleansing your body and making you feel healthy.



​Personal Reflection:


I learned a lot this unit and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. One of my favorite topics to learn about is nutrition and how it affects the body, mainly because it’s something that is relevant to me everyday. I’ve recently been in the mood to watch “Food Inc.” all over again. Looks like I’ll be watching it later on Netflix.

 

I think, in relevance to Food Inc, the biggest problem about food in America is that we will do anything we can to produce cheap and unnatural foods to not fill our stomachs but fill our pockets. This goes for just about everything we consume in today’s society. I know that for companies like Perdue, they produce chickens that are genetically modified to grow bigger than the average chicken in nearly half the amount of days. If I remember, it takes about 72 days for a chicken to grow to about it’s fullest potential. The GMO (chickens in this sense) are modified to grow in about 42 days, thus producing more which makes the companies more money. This goes for many other foods as well. Some tomatoes are modified with fish DNA so they will stay fresh longer when refrigerated, that’s disgusting and unnatural. Other crops are modified to grow faster, be immune from pesticides, etc. Another problem with our government is that they make the foods that are nearly 100% natural to be much more expensive then the stuff that harms your body. When you can go through a McDonald’s “drive thru” and get a burger, fries, and a drink for about three bucks, compared to two apples at the same price, most people will pick the “drive thru” meal. Unfortunately, this results in health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, etc. 

 

In all, I’ve enjoyed learning about diabetes, obesity, and everything else involved with food and the human body. It’s important to know these things because we will carry them the rest of our lives while we teach the next generation the importance.



corn
corn
Be the first to comment.

Q1 BM - Brian Birkmire

Posted by Brian Birkmire in English 3 - Rami - E on Friday, October 25, 2013 at 12:54 pm
​

The Mark of Athena is an outstanding book in the successful continuation of the Heros of Olympus Series by Rick Riordan. It is number three in the series that has grasped the attention of young readers for years now. The series is attached to Riordan’s first five part series he created, Percy Jackson And The Olympians, which flourishingly won multiple book awards. Riordan began writing as a young adult, writing short stories as well as writing for his high school newspaper. He made the attempt to publish some of his short stories but came out unsuccessful. His daughter, Haley, who was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia always showed fascination in Greek Mythology, it was a topic she could pay attention to. Haley asked of her father to create bedtime stories to tell her each night that included Greek Mythology within them. Riordan said, “I had taught Greek myths for many years at the middle school level, so I was glad to comply.” When Riordan created a new story, using the attributes of his oldest son Patrick, he was able to create the character Percy Jackson, the demigod with ADHD and dyslexia.

The story he told his daughter, about a boy named Percy who was falsely accused of stealing the almighty Zeus’s thunderbolt and required to redeem himself, took three days to tell her. Afterwards, Haley told Riordan that he should create a book from the story, and so he did. Today that book is well known as Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Lightning Thief. "Making Percy ADHD and dyslexic was my way of honoring the potential of all the kids I've known who have those conditions...it's not a bad thing to be different. Sometimes, it's the mark of being very, very talented. That's what Percy discovers about himself in The Lightning Thief."  

The Mark of Athena, although somewhat written for the young adult group, is another perfect example of a book I just can’t stop reading. The feeling the author gives through the whole book is incredible. It’s that “on the edge of your seat” feeling, the one that makes your adrenaline pump through every vein in your body, excreting excitement with every turn of the page. When opened to the first page, you find yourself aboard the Argo II, a hand built ship from a demigod named Leo, where Annabeth, who is Percy’s girlfriend and bestfriend, are on route to the Roman Camp to be reunited with Percy. Long story short, Greeks and Romans don’t get along well. Greek Gods at times, change into their Roman form, and during each form they had children. These children were called demigods, each possessing a certain power from their God parent.

Annabeth, who is accompanied by Leo Valdez and Jason Grace, finally arrive in the Roman camp. Military personnel at the camp of course do their duty and take no risk at what or who is aboard that ship. Percy, who was head praetor at the camp although he is Greek, came outside to the ship along with the head of camp, Reyna. The Argo II landed and off stepped Annabeth. When the Romans realized Percy knew Annabeth everyone stepped away while she ran and tackled her loving boyfriend. Later, after much talk between both camps, there was a compromise that although the camps don’t get along, they must fight together to stop the Earth goddess Gaea who was planning to destroy Olympus. Although there was friendship and trust being created, something goes terribly wrong at the camp, that destroys that trust in an instant. Now, escaping from the camp were seven demigods, both of Greek and Roman, destined to fulfill the prophecy they were told at camp. They don’t know what lies in store for them, they must make their way to Ancient Rome to stop Gaea and her children of Giants by following “The Mark of Athena.”

If you are into Greek mythology, this book as well as the entire series Rick Riordan has created, would be a thrilling read for yourself. Although, it can be said the books are an easier read for someone not of a young age, the book creates a massive amount of imagery for the reader. When I read the Heros of Olympus series, there is something about the way Riordan writes that helps me, and I’m positive other readers as well, create the world in our heads as we would see what’s happening. Riordan doesn’t describe the setting of each scene with much detail, just enough for the reader to create an imagination to turn into a reality of what they’d think was there. I enjoy his style of writing as well. With each new book to the series it only continues to amplify the outstanding work he has already created, giving him more kudos per page.

This book is a wonderful read for the young age and a perfect pick for anyone interested in Adventure. Riordan’s most famous character, the audacious Percy Jackson, is the ideal idol for most kids. When you think about him in depth, you see a trustworthy, protective, and insightful hero, who overcomes any obstacle thrown at him. In conclusion, the book The Mark of Athena can be placed in the same loved category all of Riordan’s book have been placed, creating a wonderful world full of imagination and learning for young readers everywhere.

The Mark of Athena by: Rick Riordan. Published: October 2nd 2012. 574 pages. (Fantasy/Young adult literature/Greek mythology/Romance novel)



Be the first to comment.

Humanities Final Portfolio 2013

Posted by Brian Birkmire in English 2 - Block on Monday, June 10, 2013 at 9:56 am

“Everything you can imagine is real.” ― Pablo Picasso. This sophomore year English and History has been a total rush. Like something out of a scene of Fast and Furious, it was a constant motion forward of learning and growth in myself. English was my chance to break my shyness and really give me the opportunity to express myself. History was my chance to learn more about current events in the world, along with old events that I could connect one to the other.


In English class, we did many things that gave me the opportunity to express myself. The best example for this would have to be when the class did the Iron Stream Poetry Wikis. It was exciting because I love music, and music is a form of poetry. Being able to express my feelings without being judged was such an amazing feeling. A great opportunity that rose from this was being able to hear other people’s poems and having other’s hear my own and criticize and help me make them better. That was a good way for me to enhance my poetry.


I’ve always been interested in the Army. I’m not sure why, but I find it as a touching subject, and somehow the stories always find their way to my heart. When I hear about troops dying in combat or being seriously injured, I always put forth my respect to them, because they are the truth behind my safety. When we had the opportunity in English to do a podcast about “Crossing Boundaries” I figured I should do mine on the U.S. The U.S. always finds itself in the middle of a conflict simply because we are nosey and try to hard to fix things. This is how our wars outbreak, by not minding to ourselves. I interviewed my brother on this subject in my podcast. It was intriguing what he had to say, and very interesting as well.


My favorite unit in History, which was a pretty recent one, was where we learned about Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi is more than just a man of peace to me. He was an inspiration to me, an idle. He is the reason I began to see the world in a different perspective. I use to be agressive and I constantly had a temper. My temper is caused by my anger issue that unfortunately is passed to me from my father. What this means for me, is little things will enhance my frustration and temper that usually don’t bother someone else. I began to learn and read about Gandhi and how his methods of nonviolence worked. This was where I began to change and take control of my anger and suppress it when I have too. Our History Journal, #39, asked “Which is a better method? Non Violence or violence?” My response was aimed towards the method of Nonviolence because I strongly agree with it, depending on the situation. “I personally push nonviolence to be more powerful, because no matter how provoked you get, the ability to control your anger and the physical want to hurt someone is strongest.”


Another unit in History when we learned about the Arab Springs and made videos about them. We got into a group and picked a country and did research on it. My group was given the country Bahrain. In the video we discussed the violence in Bahrain and how the people are trying to protest against the President of Bahrain for change.


One of my favorite English Journals was #41 when we were asked “When was the last time someone forgave you or you forgave someone? Is it possible to always forgive someone?” This was during the unit about the Holocaust. My response was personal and had meaning to myself. A part I said for the second question, if it’s possible to always forgive someone, I wrote: “Yes, it is always possible to forgive others...Just like those people who had a choice, you as well have a choice. It’s your own personal decision on if you should or shouldn’t forgive that person. Forgiveness is the step in moving forward, it helps put conflicts in the past to stay.” I believe forgiving someone is the step to peace.


Lastly, relating to my world peace can be made through us topic, I would like to discuss about the beginning of the year in English class when we read Lord of the Flies. The book was based on a group of british schoolboys who get trapped on an island after a plane crash. There is tension in the group, while they begin to create a colony. Even at one point, there is judgement, violence, and war for leadership. The boys learned to coop with one another, and peace was created at the end. Although there was peace, the path to peace was rocky and rough. I wrote my paper on this, the concept of leadership, for English.


In Mr.Block’s English and History class, I grew mentally in many ways. I learned a lot about the world and how there are lies thrown at the people of countries in the greed for power, or how sweatshops in China have nets at the top of the factories to reduce suicide, or even how poems can be as simple as 2 lines. I was able to expand my mind in these two classes. The expansion of my mind enhanced my sight and vision on the world. Personally I am more disappointed in the U.S. government even more now. I hope I can use what I learned in Mr. Block’s History and English class even further in my high school experience. It was an honor being able to learn all of the things I did.


Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 6.57.31 PM
Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 6.57.31 PM
Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 6.57.08 PM
Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 6.57.08 PM
Be the first to comment.

La Aventura - Catalina y Lupe

Posted by Brian Birkmire in Spanish 2 - Bey on Friday, April 5, 2013 at 6:57 am
​Aquí es un link a audio libro. 
Be the first to comment.

Crossing Boundaries Group Show

Posted by Brian Birkmire in English 2 - Block on Friday, March 1, 2013 at 7:45 am
Brian, Aaron, Ashley, Rabbi, and Emily (Emily's is not in it because it was already finalized and exported without her's , but to hear her's click this LINK )

Group Interview Show
Be the first to comment.

Crossing Boundaries Podcast

Posted by Brian Birkmire in English 2 - Block on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 4:34 pm
This was an interview with my brother Steven about America and how we get involved with other countries conflicts. This was what he had to say about it:

Interview REAL_---- USE!
Be the first to comment.

Bahrain (Arab Spring) - Brian, Sieanna, and Stephen

Posted by Brian Birkmire in World History - Block on Friday, February 8, 2013 at 6:53 pm

New Project 1 from Brian Birkmire on Vimeo.

Be the first to comment.

Language To Me - Brian Birkmire

Posted by Brian Birkmire in English 2 - Block on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 12:59 pm
For our Quarter 2 benchmark we had to write an autobiography about Language. We had to discuss points in ou life where language was a big deal in our life. In varied from incidents with friends, to simply realizing that language can come from multiple things. My language is in my music, this is my way of getting through to people and it's where MY VOICE is. 

Language to me, is not just a way of communication, but a way of interaction that can bring people together or even do the opposite. Over many years I have noticed differences between languages but also many similarities. Language is incredible, it is the connection creator, we as humans have when we first use it with another. I always think, how did languages come to be? What first language influenced those we have today as well as how did they evolve? Language can be changed infinitely. What’s the most interesting fact about all languages is that each branches off from another and in total all languages came from one used long ago.

You hear a lot about slang words in modern day English. Words such as “jawn” or “naw” , etc. These words are terms with meaning but that are not actually in the English Language. The slang term “jawn” has the same meaning as “thing.” It can be used to identify an object, person, and place. Now I personally have had incidents with slang words and how I have been judged and others I know have been also. My opinion on slang words is that using them can be good but also bad at the same time. When I’m around family and good friends, I usually speak “Proper English.” When I’m around friends that I’ve met in school or so I use slang terms then. Some words such as “naw”, “swerve” , “guap” , etc.


In middle school, I had multiple friends I spent many years with. My two friends, their names, were Rahsul, and the other Dan. Rahsul is African American while Dan is white, and he used to speak in only slang terms. No one ever thought anything about it, until Rahsul one day spoke up and said “You’re not black stop talking like that.” It never occurred to me until that day, but I wondered did you have to be a certain race to speak a certain way? I began thinking about that and asked myself why Rahsul was judging my friend Dan on how he spoke. Just because he is white doesn’t mean he can’t use slang terms.

Another incident, this time where it was me who used the slang term, was when I kept saying “Naw” to my parents questions. It was a Wednesday and I was doing my newspapers and my mom and I were in the car. She kept asking questions about my day at school and if I had any paperwork for her. Each yes or no question she asked I responded with “Naw.” Finally she told me to stop saying it because it isn’t “proper English”. I knew it isn’t proper English, but I’m so use to using slang terms that it has basically become a habit. The abbreviations and slang words I use in my text; Facebook posts, Tweets, and other social networking sites are used so frequently that they are simply just a habit. But if I know when to speak like that, and when not too, why should I be judged for using slang terms?  

Also, I believe language can evolve from the environment around you. If you live in a place where education was not common in family or friends, you may speak in properly, but you can’t help that. Comparing someones “Proper” way of speaking to “improper” ways of speaking is like comparing Salt to Pepper. You need both and you use both no matter who you are. It bothers me when I hear people judge another for how they speak but compare them to another race. “Why do you speak so properly? Like a white person.” Or even the opposite situation. What does it matter if they speak weird, how does that affect you and your speaking? It doesn’t.

No matter what you do, where you go, what you wear, what you like, people will always judge you. The fact that no one can ever do something where they aren’t judged is depressing. The other factor to this though is people claim it’s their own opinion which they clearly have the right to have. So through that factor this gives people the opportunity to judge one another. I personally don’t believe in judging of language. No matter what we all have a language unique to who we are. I don’t believe language should be separated by race either, what is “Black English” to “White English?” Look at the second word in both of those terms and you see; English. English is English, it’s a language, just like Spanish, Latin, Italian, Chinese and thousands of others from all around the world. My question will always be; “Why judge someone if you don’t know them?” What I mean by this is, someone could be going through the roughest times Life has to offer, and they could be one word away from snapping. If you don’t know them and don’t know their background or feelings, why judge them? Don’t judge someone from how they speak, and they won’t judge you.

Be the first to comment.

No Country For Old Men Film Review

Posted by Brian Birkmire in Digital Video - Herman on Friday, December 14, 2012 at 11:45 am
Click HERE for my review! 
Be the first to comment.

Entrivista Proyecto - Lupe Birkmire

Posted by Brian Birkmire in Spanish 2 - Bey on Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 5:37 am
https://vimeo.com/54988691 

1 Comment

Keystone Pipeline Monologue Project -- Raekwon Smith & Brian Birkmire

Posted by Brian Birkmire in World History - Block on Monday, October 15, 2012 at 9:11 pm
​Monologue #1:

Title: Cropped From the Picture

(John Lucas III Lives in texas and the pipeline is going to force him to leave and give up his his land for the pipeline to run through)

(Walking towards mailbox)Let’s go get the mail, hmmmm what’s this, from your friends TransCanada, (talking and walking towards table) let me sit down cause last time I checked they ain’t ma friends. ( mumbles reading letter) WOOOOOOOW aint that something. They tryna destroy our land and pay us for it. TransCanada that big company up north think they running stuff up in here. Those Canadian’s think they slick don’t they. Well I got something for em, A BIG FAT NO. I can’t believe this BS. Our family has lived on this farm for decades and a few thousand dollars isn’t going to change that. My great great great Grandfather brought this land years ago with my great great great grandmother. They built this farm from the ground up into what it is today. People think it’s all about the money and people will do anything for it, well newsflash, people also have morals! Myself and others care about family values and don’t let money change us. There is no chance in hell I’m letting someone take my land let alone a non American. I didn’t really care about this little project they had going on anyway but this did it and now, I’m ANGRY. I was going to stay out of way but, noooo those Idiots just had to run through our land. Why not the Taylor’s from across the way. I never liked them but I guess what goes around comes around. I’m just so mad that this is happening. If my grandfather was here today I believe he would feel the same way and be fighting for our farm to stay just like me. Back in the day, the Taylors who where big names in the town tried to kick us off my land, My grandpappy didn’t give up when they came a marching so I shouldn’t either. If I’m going to keep the family tradition going then I’m going to need to some help. Maybe if I call all my cousins and siblings maybe it we could do it but only if we put forth our best effort. I will put my life on the line if it means this farmland stays here. I want my grandchildren to be able to witness their ancestors work 1st hand.(Stands up and says it loud and proud) So when them rich Canadians come marching down here tryna act like they tough, I’m fittna put up the fight of my life. Although on the other hand that money could supply more than taking the cows and crops to the market every week. (Slaps self in face) Snap out of it man don’t think that way. Grandfather wouldn’t condone this type of thinking. He would march right on up here out of his grave and smack me around like a little kid. Then again, this money could change my life and I could actually leave this farm because the family tradition kinda sucks. I want a normal life where I don’t have to wake up every morning at 5am. I could get a normal sleep and I could work a normal job. I might even find true love and not some blind date my cousin joey set me up with. This girl Stacy I met on eHarmony wouldn’t want a farmer as a husband. No no no I can’t let greed and love consume me. I need to follow in my ancestors footsteps and maintain our land, it’s the only way. That’s final, I’m going to fight for our land. This Company wanted war, (Yells it) Well I’m going to give them war. May the best man win and may God have mercy on your soul. Time to get ready to enter battle because I will emerge victorious, I guaran-damn-tee it.


+Passion
+Don’t make it so obvious
+Dialouge
+Emotion
+Personality
+Had a life
+Second Thoughts
+Transition
+Stories to tell about grandparents















Monologue #2:
Title: Skating On Thin...Oil?

It’s been what, about two months since the Flyers traded me to the LA Kings? (Walking to the locker room) That’s all it took, two months for people to try and get me to do things I don’t want to do. It all started in my interview with ESPN (Hand on chin as if you’re thinking) when they began to ask my personal opinion on the Keystone Pipeline and whether it should be built or not. They asked because...well...the pipe was going to be built straight through my hometown. At first, it didn’t matter to me, but when I found out it was being built through MY hometown...my view on it changed.

After my interview with ESPN I was stopped by my manager, he stopped me with simply a hand up on my chest. He wasn’t finished on the phone.


Who was that? Tell me what?

He told me I had to promote the pipe, and I’d get money from the TransCanada company.

“First of all, won’t people think of me as a hypocrite? I just told people on national television that I don’t agree with the pipe now they’re going to see me on posters and billboards agreeing with it?! (slam fist on bench) Great, this is just great.”

Today was the live news broadcast, the day I would become a hypocrite.

“Hello everyone. As you know I am Simon Gagne of the Los Angeles Kings hockey team. I’m here today to discuss the Keystone Pipeline that TransCanada is going to built. Now I’m not that prepared to talk today, I didn’t have much time to think about things. But here it goes...” I started to pull out the paper (pull paper out of pocket) my manager handed me. As I pulled it out I looked over to my manager who was smiling and then at the CEO of TransCanada who nodded his head in a mafia, thug, kind of way.

“...So the pipeline. What it can do for us as Americans is provide about 4,000 jobs...and...and...” I was choking up. This all just didn’t feel right. The crowd was silent waiting for my words to pierce their ear drums.

“...Forget this. If I’m going to talk about this STUPID pipe I’m going to give MY opinion. This pipe has to be the worst idea ever created, big deal we’ll get more jobs, half of America is too lazy to even work anyway. You go to a restaurant or store where the lady or guy is rude or disrespectful and obviously they seem they don’t want to even be there working, then get rid of them and give that job to someone that is willing to work and NEEDS the money. These tar sands release 3 times as much CO2 as regular oil drillings, why is that a positive outcome? Oh my mistake it’s NOT! Do you not see the world’s climates changing as we speak? In the long run the world would be completely destroyed! Climate change will be the main problem in this world! Now if you’re with me, then be with me! Be against this pipe, against TransCanada, and join my side in stopping this pipe from being built!”

The crowd was silent...but...within seconds, there was a roaring thunder of clapping from everyone.



+ Message across
+ Emotion
+ Rebellion/personality
+
? Develop more on why Hockey player
?




Monologue #3
Title: The Opportunity

“Yes, I’m here to apply for a job.
...Okay...fill this part out? (reach for paper) Okay...bring it back when I’m done? Okay thank you.”

I sat there filling out the job application. Name: Cosmo. Height: 5’11. Eye Color: Brown. Birthday: June 22nd 1983. Address: 610 Walnut Street, Topeka Kansas. Health Problems: None. Allergies: None. Worked with welding before? No.

This form felt like it had a million questions on it, that, or I just haven’t filled out a job application in years.

“Here you go. (Hands paper to person.) Thank you. When will we hear from you if we got the job or not? About a week? Okay. Thank you. Oh Ma'am, will I need to go through training? For welding only? Okay. I’m sorry I’m asking so many questions, but will there be many jobs open? Over 4,000? Awesome. How long is the Pipe? Okay. Thanks again. Good bye now.”

Wow. 1700 miles long...that’s incredibly long. If I get this job, I wonder how much I’d be paid.

(Opens door)

“Hey hun. How was your day? Mine was good. I have good news. Care to hear? Alright so, I went down to the community center today and guess what I saw? That’s right! A poster for job applications! You ask what about? I will tell you baby! It’s an application for a welding job. There’s supposedly a pipeline being built from Canada to Texas, 1700 miles long offering 4,000 plus jobs! Babe! This can be our chance to get away from our finance troubles, this is our opportunity to get free from the constant letters coming in about us not paying our bills. The pipeline will carry oil from these things called tar sands in Canada. I know baby! I love you so much!”
I felt this was the chance god gave us. The feeling that he put us through the poverty to give us this opportunity.

About a week later I received a phone call.

“Hello. Yes I remember applying. Wait...I did? I got the job?! Thank you so much! When do I start!? OKAY! I will see you monday at 6! Thank you for this, my future will be brighter now, for my wife and I.”

“Babe! I got the job!...Yeah! They just called! I start on Monday, 6 AM.”



Monologue #4
Title: Oil Addiction...My Life From the Pipe.

Hi guys my name is Lakely and I’m an oil addict. Two years ago Oil was introduced to me by a pipeline by the name of Keystone who spilled hundreds of gallons of oil that I soaked up and became highly addicted to. For 2 years i was doing 10 gallons of oil a day. It really messed my life up, all the people I ever loved started to leave me because I was contaminated and they couldn’t live with me anymore.e  I promised myself that i wouldn’t get addicted to oil because many of my famous family members like my cousin red deer, and my other cousin Red butte became oil addicts. Yeah I know my family likes to name their children Red blank. Anyway, the oil just made me feel so warm and feel good. I didn’t care it was hurting me I just knew all my troubles were being washed away. My life was stressful up until I found oil, I was carrying different boats across me everyday and having fish and ducks and what not swim and you is no fun at all. The day the oil spilled in me I was having an argument with a Duck named Bill about how the chicken came before the egg. Keystone was flowing over me and then it just busted open and just spewed all of me. I was like “woah dude, what is this. And Bill was like “I don’t know but this is gnarly dude” I’m sorry about the sound affects but it makes it sound more interesting. So now I’m sitting with my friend Bill snorting oil and my friend Bill say’s to me “Hey, do you know what this stuff is” to my response “ I don’t know Gasoline” and Bill says “ this is the stuff they call oil.” That’s when it hit me like a ton of bricks that the high was setting in. I was now hallucinating because I was now seeing Dolphins and Sharks making babies. After that day I did anything I could to get my hands on oil whether it was stealing my friend Bill’s oil or sending other lakes to get my oil. So guys as you can see this experience is one you can learn from and Keystone oil really was a bad idea. Thank you for listening to my story.


Monologue #5

Title: Work Hard, Bulldoze Hard


It’s another day at work on this pipe. There is 1500 more miles to lay down. I’m stationed here in Texas. I’ve been operating bulldozers since I can remember. My dad was a construction worker and he would sneak me to work and let me play with the equipment trying to hide me from his boss. “Hey boss (turns off bulldozer) this is a lot of work. I’m not making enough to support my family and I may need to work overtime. Why not, what you mean it’s not enough hours to go around. (pause for 5 seconds) Thanks you’re really nice. (turns machine back on) Well thanks, I think I should get back to what you’re paying me for.


I went back to work for the rest of the night. I finally got done at midnight. I was starving. A few of my coworkers and I went out to the diner about 10 minutes away.


“Today was hardcore. I know... I asked the boss for some overtime. Yeah he gave me some, me and Amanda are having troubles with money...she said...she’d leave me...if I couldn’t support us. I know, she’s... I don’t even know.” I’m glad I got this overtime though because without it I would be doomed. Well dinner was great man, Imma bounce and let y’all handle the check. I’m out.


When I got home I talked to my wife about my overtime. Hey babe guess what, no babe don’t be silly. I got overtime so I can make more money for us. Yeah I won’t be home as much now but it will only be for a few days. I love you to.




The project was about the Keystone Pipeline and how it was going to carry oil from Canada to the Southern parts of the U.S.A. Some people were for it getting built and some were against it. In Class we brainstormed about monologue ideas and the people or objects we would portray. My partner and I chose between the ones we brainstormed our 5 best combined. We chose the following 5; A canadian hockey player, a bulldozer operator, a jobless man living near the construction site, a farmer whose land will be plowed through, and the a water droplet infected by the oils from the tar sands.


My partner and I learned a lot from this project. We learned all about the negative outcomes and positive outcomes of building this pipe. The negative outcomes we learned were tar sands release three times the amount of CO2 as regular oil drillings causing more global climate change. The positive outcome(s) we learned were, safe oil transferring within America, and also this can help America’s debt with third world countries.

Background -
- 1700 miles long
- The United States spends 475 billion on oil a year
- It will Cost $7 billion and carry an estimated 800,000 barrels of oil a day.
____________________________________________
- construction will begin in the “first quarter” of 2013
-

Argument for:
- 1300 Construction Jobs
- cheap, reliable energy
_____________________
- TransCanada has received lots of support behind the project especially from those who are American and Canadians that work at oil refineries who signed 17 to 18 year contracts to ship over hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil per day.
- the Gulf Coast portion could cost $2.3 billion and create about 4,000 construction & support jobs
- provide energy security within the U.S.


Argument against:
- Tar Sand Oil not clean
- Climate change throughout years
- Have to destroy the planet just to get tar sand
- Brazil mines have 2.3 million barrels a day
_________________________________
- Tar sands are a high-carbon fuel mined from beneath Canada’s Boreal forest.
- in order to collect oil from the tar sands companies must destroy forest systems
- Tar sands mining effects: Canada’s forest systems, huge clean water systems, and disrupt people’s lives that live in the area.
- tar sand extraction emits 3 times more than the average oil extraction in America
- Extracting the fossil fuels from the tar sands from the sand, silt, and clay requires massive amounts of water, 3 barrels of water make one barrel of oil collected.
- pipe goes right across water supplies (pipe could leak)
-

Good monologue:
- natural way of speaking
- emotion ---> want/need
- one speaker
- unfolds ---> beginning, middle, end
- setting
- tension
- CONFLICT

12 ideas:
- be a bulldozer
- grain of tar sand
- canadian hockey player
- someone living near the construction zone
- somebody in Oklahoma waiting for the pipeline to help work on it (jobless)

RESOURCES:
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/k/keystone_pipeline/index.html?8qa

Be the first to comment.

Quien Eres T?

Posted by Brian Birkmire in Spanish 2 - Bey on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 9:14 pm
​To watch my video click the link below:

https://vimeo.com/50497235
Be the first to comment.

Training Day Film Review

Posted by Brian Birkmire in Digital Video - Herman on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 12:42 pm
I hope you guys enjoy my first movie review! CLICK HERE FOR MY REVIEW.
Be the first to comment.

Descriptive Essay Brian Birkmire (My Summer Vacation)

Posted by Brian Birkmire in English 2 - Block on Friday, September 28, 2012 at 9:05 am

It was a weekend in 2010 around the middle of June. Just a few days left of school and it would be summer vacation. I was excited and ready to get out of school. Middle School made me feel like a peasant trapped in a dungeon. Nine months is a long time to be sitting in classrooms learning. We can all agree our brains need a break once in awhile; but this wasn’t just a break, like a weekend or a few days off, this was three months of Summer vacation! That meant going to the beach, hanging out with friends, and no stress!

I awoke from my deep slumber Saturday morning. I had no homework over the weekend which was great, because now I could just eat some breakfast, get a shower, throw some clothes on, then hangout with my friend Nick who lived right across the street.

I pulled my cell phone out from my pocket and scrolled through my contacts until I got to my friend’s name. I hit the call button, it rang twice and he finally picked up.

“Yo what’s up bro?” I asked.

“Nothing, I’m bored. Wanna hangout?” Nick said.

“Yeah let me just shower and stuff.”

“Alright man, text me when you’re done.”


I hung up the phone and went upstairs to shower. After I showered and got my clothes on I came downstairs and turned the TV on while I waited for my friend. The best thing I could find was Spongebob, which is okay because who doesn’t love this show? About 10 minutes later he texted me he was done showering. We both decided on playing some basketball for a little while. He met me out behind my house, in front of my net. First we played Horse, then a game of Around the World, then a one on one game, first person to 15 points wins. I beat him in Horse and the one on one game, but he beat me in Around the World. After the game, we cooled off and relaxed for a little, we were both hungry and thirsty so we walked to a Rite Aid; literally right around the corner from my house. When we got in there it was like heaven, there was so much food and drinks. I bought sour patch kids, iced tea, and my favorite snack, Doritos. As a nice friend, and just to feel good, I payed for the snacks because I knew in the future he’d do the same for me.

When we walked home from Rite Aid we were talking about what we’re going to do this summer. I told him about how I am going down the shore, and he told me about how he was going down the shore also. But when we got back home and my friend asked my mom about my family’s vacation, her response was quite surprising.

“Oh Nick, we aren’t this year,” My mom replied.

“What do you mean Mom?!” I asked her sadly.
“We’re doing something else instead.” She announced

“What are you guys doing then?” Nick asked curiously.

“Can’t tell you that. It’s a secret for now.” She replied with a grin on her face.

“Well that’s not cool Mom!”

I was really angry we weren’t going to the beach for two weeks like we always do. It was basically a tradition! How could she break a tradition? She knew my favorite vacation spot was the beach. I was really curious as to where we were going this year, so I kind of wanted to ask my Mom tons of questions until she either finally gave in, or gave me clues to figure it out myself.


“So Mom, instead of the beach where are we going? The secrets basically out, might as well tell us.”
“Nice try buddy, but you’ll have to wait to find out,” She replied with that same grin on her face.
“I’ll find out, don’t worry.”

I was determined to find out where our vacation was going to be. There was no limit for me, the sky was the limit. I wasn’t going to give up, so I decided to go with the idea of questioning my Mom to find clues.

“So when are we going Mom?”
“About the first week of July.”
“For how many days will we be gone?”
“About 5.”

So that gave me some clues as to what we’re doing. There was NO way we were going to our friends house in the Poconos because my brother and I can’t survive 5 days up there, we can’t survive even one sometimes. That ruled out the mountains, but what else could it be?

“Are we going out of state Mom?”
“Yes. Actually we’re going out of the country.”

Woah. Out of the country? That got me really excited! I’ve never been to any place outside of the US. I’ve always wanted too, my whole life. My dad and I have wanted to go to Italy together for so long, and it’s still a dream I have now.

“Are we flying to this place Mom?”
“We are flying, but not out of the country. We are flying to a specific place.”

So we aren’t flying out of the country? I thought about it. So that eliminates flying, we definitely aren’t driving, that would be too long. So, in that case how would we get to where we are going?! I kept thinking about it, for hours and hours. I felt like, if I didn’t figure it out before the trip, I’d go insane.

My friend and I decided we asked enough questions. It was time to put everything together and figure it out. I felt like Sherlock Holmes and his partner. We went downstairs and played some PS3. We started up NHL and played as the Flyers. By the way, we destroyed the Penguins when the game was over. During the game my friend stopped playing and looked at me. My first instinct was something was wrong with him.

“Dude why the hell did you stop?! Pass the puck!” , I screamed while laughing.
“WHO CARES ABOUT THE PUCK! I FIGURED OUT WHERE YOU'RE GOING THIS SUMMER!” , he screamed back smiling.
“WHAT!? WHERE?!”
“You’re going on a CRUISE! It makes sense! No driving, no beach, and you’re NOT flying out of the country. You’re probably flying somewhere to get on the ship!”
“Dude!!! You’re probably right! I’m so pumped now!”

Finally, we figured it out! More or less, he did, but I didn’t really mind! Nick and I hung out the rest of the night, and when it was time for him to leave, before he walked out the door he stopped and looked at my mom and said,

“Kim, you guys are going on a cruise.”

I was shocked he said it.  He gave away the secret, but I was glad he did because I would’ve never found out. My mom didn’t respond, all she did was looked back at him, and smiled.
Be the first to comment.

Change for the Troops

Posted by Brian Birkmire in English 1 - Dunn on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 12:35 pm
Well, President Obama has been giving speeches about the transition supposed to happen. Since, this is such a hot topic, it has already been out to the public for many years now. Since the new treaty has been signed, there has been more buzz about this topic then there already was.

I personally believe that because of the death of Osama Bin Laden, this leaves me to the idea that if the Al Queda has no leader, can’t the Afghan soldiers fight the remaining Al Queda and Taliban on their own? I feel we should bring the troops home before 2014, not after.

To bring awareness to my topic I have emailed and posted on Facebook about a petition that they can sign and it will be sent to Congress.

I propose to search and search for organizations farther dedicated to bringing the troops home as soon as possible. Maybe there is even organizations that allow donations of money to specifically be sent to men and women over seas to provide better Medicare, food, and other important supplies.

I have made a video and a survey asking about people opinions, as well as to talk about the war's outcomes other related topics and the change starting to occur. People's responses to my survey were all similar, most people said the war was pointless and we need to stop killing and bring the troops home before 2014. 

 In conclusion, my change is to try and bring the troops in Afghanistan home before 2014. In my blog 1 I talked about the war and gave some facts about it. In my blog 2, i discussed some new events that occurred since my first blog. Through the 11 years we have been in Afghanistan we have lost many men and women, but gained many achievements. A year ago, the leader of the Al Qaeda was finally killed under the command of President Barack Obama. Obama has promised to bring the troops home, this was one of his biggest promises in his run for office in 2008. It’s 2012 now and finally he is keeping his promise. He has signed a security plan with the president of Afghanistan to transition our troops to a support team so we can begin to bring them back to America. Through these many years we’ve seen great achievements thanks to President Obama. So far, for my change, I’ve posted petitions on social networks so people can help me make the change, especially because this change is something bigger then one person could do. I also made a video about the war to raise awareness about it. All that’s left is to finish the video and release it. 

My bibliography
istockphoto-1437482-bring-our-troops-home-now
istockphoto-1437482-bring-our-troops-home-now
Please watch the video below. Thank you.
English BLOG video
Be the first to comment.

Troops In Afghanistan Blog#2

Posted by Brian Birkmire in English 1 - Dunn on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 3:02 pm
Lots of new stories have just come up in the news about the troops in Afghanistan. The most recent one is about Marine Corps Gen. John Allen, the top commander in Afghanistan has just been expected to leave his command at the end of this year to go to the US European Command to take over. General John Allen is a very important man, spending most of his life dedicated to finally signing a long-term security agreement with Afghanistan and also to see a drawback in troops in Afghanistan. He has shifted American Troops from a counterinsurgency (military or political action taken against the activities of revolutionaries) strategy to a simpler mission strategy by having troops train Afghan militia. There is no final decision on who will replace Gen. Allen in Afghanistan. One possibility is Army Gen. David Rodriguez, who as the Number 2 commander in Afghanistan. More information that has been released is that two British soldiers shot in southern Afghanistan on Saturday. The ministry said, “…shot and killed by Afghan police force…” but NATO’s force in Afghanistan on that Saturday, indicated they were insurgents (or rebel) dressed as police. News reports have stated one of the rebels was killed but the other is still being searched for.

​

120320_john_allen_afghanistan_ap_605
120320_john_allen_afghanistan_ap_605
​Basically, to add to my research I focused on the news. The other night I was watching the news with my family when the story about the soldiers being killed came on, I remembered about it and wanted to include it in the new information. I also visited AOL and CNN every night to check for new stories and new events happening in Afghanistan. 

So far I’ve sent out a survey asking people certain questions about the War. In the end I ask them to give me a response on their opinion and when they believe we should bring the troops home.

The story about the two “police” officers who shot and killed troops helped to prove the point about how when we killed Osama Bin Laden, it may have upped this countries risk on more terrorism. The point of killing Osama was to reduce the Al Queda was to reduce it until it was nothing, but if the terrorist group is still around, this can change the outcome of our future. First, we could be at higher risk of another terrorist attack like 9/11. Second, this could influence President Obama to have our troops remain in Afghanistan to fully eliminate the Al Queda threat, which can take even longer. We just don’t know the outcome yet, we will have to wait and see. But this helps my thoughts about whether or not we should start to bring home our troops just yet, because if the Taliban and Al Queda forces don’t begin to decrease, we could see an increase in our troops.


Personally, I feel as though we should begin to bring home our troops but not an overwhelming amount. There is still a high threat against America so I believe we should stop that threat first, then come home.

 I still wonder about, whether or not it’s worth losing our own to help another country that with the right training can fix their own problems. But if we do well for others we have them as friends, right? I guess that’s just what America is trying to do.


Tags: 9th Grade
Be the first to comment.

Troops in Afghanistan

Posted by Brian Birkmire in English 1 - Dunn on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 2:46 pm

Less than 2,000 have died for us, and we still haven’t done much to repay them and show our appreciation. More will continue to die unless we do something. I’m talking about our U.S. Troops in Afghanistan. In spring of 2010, about 46% of people in a poll supported the war, while 8% strongly supported it. Now after so many deaths of our Troops 60% of people oppose the war, while 40% strongly opposed the war. After our Troops killed the Al Queda leader Osama Bin Laden, many Americans feel this will bring more chance of a terrorist attack against America. Many people have spoken that our Troops being in Afghanistan is harming the countries democracy more than it is helping.




1000x1000-1
1000x1000-1
President Obama recently visited Afghanistan, were in a live speech he told Americans watching the reason he went there. He signed a 10 year security pact with the President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai, he promised the troops he is ending the war but more of their friends will die until it happens. Obama has promised to return the troops at the end of 2014 – beginning of 2015. By signing the security pact, American troops will begin to become a support group when needed. They will train the Afghans and in time transition to support. During the transition, more and more troops will begin to return home. There will be no more permanent bases in Afghan, and there will not be troops walking streets and mountains any longer, that is now the Afghans jobs'. 
The act is to also coordinate peace with Afghanistan. 



1000x1000-2
1000x1000-2
This topic interests me because I've always appreciated those who fight for me to be free every day. If you sit and think about it, what would it be like if those who sacrifice their own lives for us weren't there. How many more Americans would die? Simple answer...many. We can even go back to WWII and the men who fought for America in that time. What would America be like if we didn't stop the Cuban Missile Crisis?! You do only get one life, people go out and live and make thousands and have important jobs but no one really takes the time out to thank the troops who give them that opportunity by keeping them safe. My friend Alex, his real dad was sent back to Iraq before the war ended, and he was heart broken. I couldn't imagine that happening to me, kids that grow up with no father or mother, it needs to come to an end. So my main question is to my readers, should be bring our troops home by 2014 and give Al Queda a chance to re-establish, or keep them there in Afghanistan so that the threat of the Al Queda will never exist again? You choose.
1000x1000
1000x1000
Tags: A: English 9
2 Comments

Negative Space Reflection

Posted by Brian Birkmire in Art - 9 - Hull on Monday, April 30, 2012 at 10:08 am
A: Negative space is the area around shapes that is not being used

B: i knew the negative space in the cut out was the background shapes that were darker color. I knew the negative parts in the stool drawling were the parts inside each shape and angle. 

C: It helps an artist by giving them a better way to shape their image so someones eyes can adjust to it and see the image more clearly.

D: Yes, it does help, it enhances the image so the naked eye can focus on the actual part being looked at better.
Photo0008
Photo0008
Photo0009
Photo0009
Be the first to comment.

Brian Birkmire Macbeth BM

Posted by Brian Birkmire in English 1 - Dunn on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 11:07 am
I got the idea from watching peoples examples. Basically, I took my quotes from my written part of the benchmark, and acted those scenes out with help from friends. We used some props to make the scene seem more realistic. I'm happy with my outcome, it only took about two periods to record everything, I'm very proud of myself and thankful for my friends helping and getting it done.
English BM
Be the first to comment.

Mi Clase - Lupe Birkmire

Posted by Brian Birkmire in Spanish 1 - Bey on Monday, January 30, 2012 at 9:47 am
Mi clase's
Be the first to comment.

Mis Seres Queridos - Brian Birkmire

Posted by Brian Birkmire in Spanish 1 - Bey on Monday, January 9, 2012 at 11:01 am
Spanish Project
Be the first to comment.

Brian Birkmire

Posted by Brian Birkmire in Technology - Hull on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 12:58 pm
In this slide I demonstrate color contrast. I wanted to keep the slide simple, so I color coordinated the quote with colors that would go right with the picture. Since the quote had the same word I colored that word because it's so important to the quote and it makes the quote pop.
SLIDE#2PDF
Be the first to comment.

Pen Pal

Posted by Brian Birkmire in Spanish 1 - Bey on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 10:53 am

Querido Yanelith Perez,

 

            ¡Hola! Me llamo Brian Birkmire. ¿Como estas? Yo soy feliz! ¿Cuantos años tienes? Yo tengo catorce años. ¿Cuando es tú cumpleaños? Mi cumpleaños es trece de junio! ¿De donde eres? Soy de filadelfia. ¿Que tiempo hace hoy? Hoy es hace sol!

 

            Me gusta música pop. Me gusta comida italiana. Me gusta fútbol Americano. No me  gusta ni música classica ni el tenis. No me gusta comida India.

 

¿Que música te gusta? ¿Que comida te gusta? ¿Que deporte te gusta? ¿Que te interesa?

 

¿Cómo eres tu? Yo soy inteligente, moreno, y cómico. Yo soy guapo y divertido. Yo tengo tiene el pelo café y rizado. Yo tengo tiene el ojos azules y verdes. ¿Y tu?

 

Bueno, me voy porque tengo que estudiar y leer. Adios! Chao!

Responde cuando puedas!

 

                        Con cariõ,

                        Brian

Photo on 12-5-11 at 1.48 PM
Photo on 12-5-11 at 1.48 PM
Tags: YanelithPerez
Be the first to comment.

Brian's ABOUT ME Slide Post

Posted by Brian Birkmire in Technology - Hull on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 7:16 am
Hello, my name is Brian. I have many hobbies. I love to hangout with friends, listen to music, play sports, and mostly dance.

When I was little I use to sit outside and listen to Michael Jackson on my CD Player, yes CD Player that’s how long ago it was. Even as a kid i use to dance, at my Aunts party I did the moon walk with my cousins uncle. We had everyone laughing and clapping and singing along.


I love to shop for hats and shoes. Nike is the best! 


My favorite music artist would definitly have to be Drake.



My favortie movies are all the Transformers and all 3 Step Up movies.


My favorite sports are football and basketball.



Personal slidepdf
Be the first to comment.
RSS
Science Leadership Academy @ Center City · Location: 1482 Green St · Shipping: 550 N. Broad St Suite 202 · Philadelphia, PA 19130 · (215) 400-7830 (phone)
×

Log In