The end.
I'm tired. Good thing it's over.
Taylor Valentine Public Feed
Tonight's Entertainment
In the words of my brother, "You know there's nothing on TV, when you choose to watch Wheel of Fortune!".
Globalization in Philadelphia
Click here to view my benchmark.
Reflection
The most challenging part of this project, by far, was finding a connection between the themes of this class and places in Philadelphia. Although we live in a very diverse city, examples of globalization are not as evident as one might imagine. It took a lot of creative thinking to complete this benchmark.
Most of my pictures required a special trip, whether it was to the Philadelphia Zoo or to Chinatown. However, I was able to take two of them while I was in the city for other reasons. GlaxoSmithKline and the flags that line the Parkway are on an average day's route, so those picture were easily to take. My favorite picture is the one taken in Malawi, in front of a school constructed by buildOn and the local village. It perfectly connects to the globalization of education and brings back wonderful memories of my trip last year.
While some examples of globalization are evident in Philadelphia, certain topics, such as international politics and security, are much more difficult. In cities with higher immigrant populations, like New York, or cities with an international focus (i.e. Washington, DC) globalization would be easier to evidence.
Reflection
The most challenging part of this project, by far, was finding a connection between the themes of this class and places in Philadelphia. Although we live in a very diverse city, examples of globalization are not as evident as one might imagine. It took a lot of creative thinking to complete this benchmark.
Most of my pictures required a special trip, whether it was to the Philadelphia Zoo or to Chinatown. However, I was able to take two of them while I was in the city for other reasons. GlaxoSmithKline and the flags that line the Parkway are on an average day's route, so those picture were easily to take. My favorite picture is the one taken in Malawi, in front of a school constructed by buildOn and the local village. It perfectly connects to the globalization of education and brings back wonderful memories of my trip last year.
While some examples of globalization are evident in Philadelphia, certain topics, such as international politics and security, are much more difficult. In cities with higher immigrant populations, like New York, or cities with an international focus (i.e. Washington, DC) globalization would be easier to evidence.
Slacker
In all of my time at SLA, I've never (purposely) turned in an incomplete project. Tomorrow marks a milestone for me.
It's hot.
I think we might have an indoor picnic, instead.
She said it was an emergency
And it was. She needed surgery. However, I still wasn't prepared for the squealings of her two children in the early morning after they'd spent the night with us. I just want to go back to sleep.
Ooppss......
I had a long shift at work today: 9:30-5. It must have been near the end; I was getting tired. I had taken the customer's change, $2:75, from the register. I guess my coworker was in front of the register, so I had to hand the change over the bar. Being the clumsy, short person I am, I was unable to reach her hand and had to get on my tiptoes. In the midst of all this confusion, I dropped two quarters. In the strawberry sauce. I'm just glad my boss wasn't there to see it.
Prohibited
I didn't tell a story today for our last story slam because, in all honesty, I didn't have one. I was always the ideal child, never getting into trouble or doing things that I knew I shouldn't. In fact, my parents never prohibited me from things because I didn't do them in the first place! I'm slowly getting over this goody-two-shoes attitude, just in time to go to college, where my parents have no real say anyway.
Capstone: Done!
Today after school, I spent almost 2 hours in Vk's room finishing my capstone. I have never hated steel-belted tires more in my life. At least, I'll never have to mess with them again (unless of course, I choose to)!
Stranded
In Wildwood.
No car.
Windy.
No jacket.
Late afternoon.
No way to get home.
Did you know the boardwalk closes at 4?
No place to go, except an empty bench on a vacant beach.
No car.
Windy.
No jacket.
Late afternoon.
No way to get home.
Did you know the boardwalk closes at 4?
No place to go, except an empty bench on a vacant beach.
Prom
Nothing could have made it better!
I HATE MOSQUITOS (part 2)
with a passion.
Food Fight
My mom and I have very different definitions of the word "enough". I tend to fall on the lighter end, while with her, a party for 8 becomes a gathering for 20. I like to think that I am usually right, that we have too much food. However, there are times when I wish we had a little more. Today we went food shopping together and, despite my protests. came home with 5 bags of chips, 4 trays of sushi, 3 packages of cookies, 2 pounds each of nuts and carrots and 2 tubs of hummus. Did I mention the drinks?
The End
As I move towards the next chapter in my life, I can't help but sing these lyrics in my head:
"And these children that you spit on
As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to your consultations
They're quite aware of what they're going through
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes!"
-David Bowie
I HATE MOSQUITOS!
Today is prom. I've spent the entire week meticulously inspecting my face for any blemishes. This morning I awoke to a clear face and thanked the acne gods for their help. My prom pictures would be perfect!
While driving home from the supermarket this afternoon (we needed snacks for pre-prom), my mom looked at my profile.
"What's on the side of your face, honey?"
"Seriously, Mom, it's not funny. Stop."
I pulled down the sun visor and looked in horror at my reflection. Just above my eyebrow was a mosquito bite, red and swollen. I guess I didn't do enough praying the the bug gods...
While driving home from the supermarket this afternoon (we needed snacks for pre-prom), my mom looked at my profile.
"What's on the side of your face, honey?"
"Seriously, Mom, it's not funny. Stop."
I pulled down the sun visor and looked in horror at my reflection. Just above my eyebrow was a mosquito bite, red and swollen. I guess I didn't do enough praying the the bug gods...
Moving on
There comes a time when you realize that pettiness doesn't matter, that sometimes your pride can be sacrificed, even if others may judge you for it and that although anger and rage feel good for an instant, they aren't productive in the long-run.
This moment is called maturity; unfortunately, it hasn't hit you yet.
This moment is called maturity; unfortunately, it hasn't hit you yet.
9A Hickman
One hostile landlord
Sandy floors, noisy neighbors
Everything we need
Sandy floors, noisy neighbors
Everything we need
Silencio, por favor!
Last night, I tiny-chatted ten of my future classmates. It was after 11, but I was purposely in the kitchen so I wouldn't wake the entire house. A few minutes in, I got a phone call. From my mom. Who was upstairs.
"Hi honey. I know you're enjoying your conversation, but I can hear all of it!"
Just trying to make some friends before the fall, goshh..
"Hi honey. I know you're enjoying your conversation, but I can hear all of it!"
Just trying to make some friends before the fall, goshh..
Movie Night
No popcorn.
No big screen tv.
No comfy chairs or surround sound.
Just you, me and Love and Basketball.
No big screen tv.
No comfy chairs or surround sound.
Just you, me and Love and Basketball.
Separation
Last night, my dad and I were supposed to watch a movie together. However, as we sat down and purchased it, we realized that the movie had to download before we could watch it. I told my dad that we would do it another time; I had a project I needed to work on and had to be at work in the morning. He was visible upset, but I couldn't figure out why. Couldn't it wait?
He came up to my room about an hour later and explained it to me.
"Taylor, the last few months, I've felt like I haven't seen you at all. You're leaving for real in a few months and I don't want that last bit of time I have with you to fly by."
He left, not giving me a chance to respond. Last night, I cried as I fell asleep.
He came up to my room about an hour later and explained it to me.
"Taylor, the last few months, I've felt like I haven't seen you at all. You're leaving for real in a few months and I don't want that last bit of time I have with you to fly by."
He left, not giving me a chance to respond. Last night, I cried as I fell asleep.
Story of my senior year, compliments of Bruno Mars
"Today I don't feel like doing anything. I just want to lay in my bed..."
At least we're in the home stretch.
Trust
Let's be honest. I don't really trust him. I'm only giving him this responsibility because my "babying" makes him angry. I'm not fully confident that he has any expertise whatsoever in flower picking, or matching, or the organizational skills to even remember everything he needs to. The worst part is, I feel guilty that I'm not. So here's to trust by means of guilt and to the hope that this trust will manifest into a white corsage next week.
Tarea 12/5/11
1) No, no sabe que hay 30 derechos humanos universales porque países pobres no informan su población y muchos son analfabetos.
2) Sí, es muy importante porque ayuda prevenir la discriminación.
3) Sí sería muy diferente. Ahora, hay mucho opresión porque la mayoría no saben sus derechos. Sí supieran, no compramos nuestra ropa por un precio bajo.
Ahorita 12/5/11
1) Tenía 23 anos.
2) Ella era analfabeta.
3) Usó sus palabras y el español para luchar.
4) Los opresores hablaban español, pero los indígenas no lo hablaron. Podrían controlar el país sin los opiniones de los indígenas.
5) Sí porque hay muchos latinos en este país que no hablan inglés, solo español. Es discriminación no usar los dos idiomas.
Practice makes perfect
Today, I woke up and put on my heels. No, I did not wear them to school, but spent the morning practicing my walk. Prom is in a week; hopefully, I won't fall.
A Day in the Life
Diario #16 Rigoberta Mench
Rigoberta Menchú es una activista de Guatemala. Ella luchaba por la igualdad de las mayas en Guatemala y ganó el Premio Nobel de la paz. Martin Luther King era un pacifista también, quien luchaba por derechas civiles. Los dos hablaban mucho sobre las problemas en sus países y eran víctimas de mucho violencia. Luchaba con sus palabras.
Son diferentes porque Menchú está viviendo, pero MLK estuvo asesinado. Además, King era de la menoría en los E.E.U.U., pero las mayas son la mayoría en Guatemala.
Menchú no se incluye en los textos de historia porque ella es una mujer y no es de Europea. Nuestra historia estuve escrito por los hombres de Europea.
Spring in Rittenhouse (a haiku)
Yellow beach blanket
Never appreciated
Not until today
Never appreciated
Not until today
Is this your first time?
"It's a plain European-style yogurt. It comes in four sizes and it's all about the toppings."
Let me tell you, it's so delicious, you don't even need any toppings!
Let me tell you, it's so delicious, you don't even need any toppings!
9/5/11 Tarea
1) La topografía de Guatemala es muy variada. Hay montañas, volcanes, costas y playas. La mayoría de la población es maya. La guerra civil de Guatemala fue 36 años y terminó en 1992.
2) Aprendí que Rigoberta Menchú ganó el Premio Nobel de la paz para su lucha para derechos humanos en Guatemala. Ella es maya y habla quiché, pero aprendió español y escribió un libro. Estuvo perseguido por sus raíces.
Ahorita 9/5/11
1) Se tomaron en Venezuela.
2) Se tomaron en los 1980s.
3) Un pueblo ha sido desertado.
4) Había una guerra y muchos hombres murieron. Ellos son soltados y esposas de los muertos.
5) Están allí para ver la devastación en el pueblo. Son turistas.
6) Hay montañas, playas y bosques en este país.
Upstanding citizen? Sort of..
As I walked down the street today, a man stopped me.
"Excuse me, could you call an ambulance for me? I feel like I'm going to pass out."
"You feel like you're going to pass out? Um, sure.."
I must have sounded ridiculous repeating his words in question form, but it took me by surprise and I didn't know what else to say.
After I placed the 911 call, I asked him if he was ok and if I could leave.
"Yes, you can go. Thank you."
"No problem."
About twenty minutes later, the dispatcher called me back.
"Did you call about the man at 20th and Locust?"
"Yes, but I left."
"Oh, I'll let them know."
The more I thought about it, the more I wondered if I should have stayed.
"Excuse me, could you call an ambulance for me? I feel like I'm going to pass out."
"You feel like you're going to pass out? Um, sure.."
I must have sounded ridiculous repeating his words in question form, but it took me by surprise and I didn't know what else to say.
After I placed the 911 call, I asked him if he was ok and if I could leave.
"Yes, you can go. Thank you."
"No problem."
About twenty minutes later, the dispatcher called me back.
"Did you call about the man at 20th and Locust?"
"Yes, but I left."
"Oh, I'll let them know."
The more I thought about it, the more I wondered if I should have stayed.
First day
Today was my first day of work. I walked in at 10:26, not entirely sure of what to expect. I immediately began chopping fruits and didn't stop for over an hour. In total, I cut 10 pints of strawberries and 10 kiwis. Then the manager showed me how to use the cash register-very simple, until someone handed me a credit card. I figured it out eventually. The hardest part is definitely going to be learning all of these Italian words. I can't wait for Monday (hopefully by then I'll be able to distinguish between dolce mandorla and niccociola)!
Delish!
Crispy calamari salad + spinach ravioli + thai chicken lettuce wraps + avocado gelato = perfect dinner out with mom!
I've shed a few tears in my life.
Dear Alinafe and Sunganani,
I would like to thank you for the letter you sent to me and I am very proud because it shows that you still remembering me.
I hope everything is alright and according to myself am okay. My friends are greeting you and these are William, Mavuto and Kondwani and also don't forget your friend who entertainment you such as Alda White, Magret Nkoma and those you know you.
Finally I would also thank you once again for the love you showed to me. Please you have to still me message and I will also feed back to you. I wish I want to see you again but I can not manage to see you again but my dreams are always there. I have more words to say but I will you when I meet you and I am requesting you if it can be possible to come again.
I wish you all the best and may god bless you. I say good bye but not forever. I know that one day we shall meet again. Thank you very much.
Yours Abel
I would like to thank you for the letter you sent to me and I am very proud because it shows that you still remembering me.
I hope everything is alright and according to myself am okay. My friends are greeting you and these are William, Mavuto and Kondwani and also don't forget your friend who entertainment you such as Alda White, Magret Nkoma and those you know you.
Finally I would also thank you once again for the love you showed to me. Please you have to still me message and I will also feed back to you. I wish I want to see you again but I can not manage to see you again but my dreams are always there. I have more words to say but I will you when I meet you and I am requesting you if it can be possible to come again.
I wish you all the best and may god bless you. I say good bye but not forever. I know that one day we shall meet again. Thank you very much.
Yours Abel
Today was the day
Today, after months (OK, more like a few weeks) of hardcore studying, frequent late night sessions, which were more like parties because of the food and music, and stacks of flashcards, the day, full of nerves and emotion, had finally arrive, though the test was much easier than I'd expected (practice tests are always impossible) and the worst part was sitting in the same room for five hours.
Not the worst way to spend a Wednesday..
Not the worst way to spend a Wednesday..
Potpourri
I was once a child laborer.
Every year, Friends Select hosts the lower school bake sale and bazaar. It happens, without fail, the Wednesday before winter break. For months before, every student must help create crafts to sell for a few cents to their peers. In 2nd grade, Tr. Rita informed us that we would be making scented pillows. We spent a few hours everyday sewing rectangular pieces of fabric 3/4 of the way closed, turning them inside out and then stuffing them with cotton a potpourri. We were given no compensation for all of our blood, sweat and tears. In fact, I had to buy my own pillow a few weeks later.
I recently found the pillow, after 10 years of sitting in my drawer. It didn't smell like potpourri anymore.
Friend Request
Yesterday, I discovered that my thirteen year old brother had a Facebook. However, he was not the one to inform me. In fact, no one did. I had to learn about this momentous occasion by creeping on my childhood friend's page. Clearly, I am an unloved sister; my brother requested Bryce, but not me.
ACCIDENT!
We were in New Jersey traffic and had been for the last hour and a half. Despite the frustration of a five-hour drive (which should have been three), we were in good spirits, singing along to the 60's station. My hands were in the air and my eyes were closed as Aretha Franklin belted "R-E-S-P-E-C-T!" I opened my eyes to see my dad pick up his phone. His foot was off of the brake, so the car inched forward. Suddenly the brakes lights of the car in front of us caught my attention. I didn't know how long they had been on, but I screamed. My dad looked up and immediately hit the breaks. It was too late. We had hit the car in front of us and now had to stop in the middle lane of I-95.
The man in the other car got out, a bulky Italian guy, clearly very angry.
"What the (explicit) are you (explicit) doing?"
"I was talking to my daughter."
"What the (explicit), man?"
"Sorry."
I had never seen my dad so passive, but that was his way of diffusing the man's anger. Luckily both cars pulled away with barely a scratch, but my dad has now learned to never text while driving.
The man in the other car got out, a bulky Italian guy, clearly very angry.
"What the (explicit) are you (explicit) doing?"
"I was talking to my daughter."
"What the (explicit), man?"
"Sorry."
I had never seen my dad so passive, but that was his way of diffusing the man's anger. Luckily both cars pulled away with barely a scratch, but my dad has now learned to never text while driving.
Finally.
Last week, I drove to King of Prussia to shop for my prom dress. I had gone a few months ago with my boyfriend, and after 4 1/2 hours of walking, we had found nothing. However, the moment my mom and I walked into Lord and Taylor, I found the perfect dress. We browsed the rest of the store, picking up seven other dresses in the process, but in no way did they compare. At the register, my mom put an imaginary microphone to my mouth and said, "Tell me I'm the best shopping companion ever!". She is.
Why me?
As I sat on the AC boardwalk talking to a friend and holding the leash of a dog I'd just met, an object fell through my peripheral vision. I looked down and saw a small white rod resting on my grey leggings. I flicked it. It stuck to my finger. I looked above me, past the wooden canopy, to see a small bird on the electrical wire. Great.
It's NBD.. really
He spent the whole night insisting that we had dented his car. Rest assured, we didn't.
Tarea 27/4/11
Si tuviera la oportunidad viajar a Venezuela, viajaría a Caracas, la capital. Es una ciudad grande y hay muchas cosas para hacer. Compraría y comería en los restaurantes tradicionales. Visitaría unos museos de arte y cultura, también. Finalmente, relajaría en los parques nacional.
Cabin fever
"Taylor, I don't think I could handle a maximum security prison."
"Well, I don't think you're supposed to like it."
"But you don't understand. Right now, I couldn't even handle a timeout!"
"Well, I don't think you're supposed to like it."
"But you don't understand. Right now, I couldn't even handle a timeout!"
Chocoholic
On Easter, as I walked downstairs in my pajamas, my mom informed me that I was too old to hunt for Easter eggs. I snorted. "Obviously."
"But, I figured we needed chocolate anyway."
She reached into the cabinet behind her and pulled out two bags of Dove eggs. Although she tried to hide it, I noticed that she didn't need to open the bag before she poured it out. She had been sneaking them in since yesterday!
"But, I figured we needed chocolate anyway."
She reached into the cabinet behind her and pulled out two bags of Dove eggs. Although she tried to hide it, I noticed that she didn't need to open the bag before she poured it out. She had been sneaking them in since yesterday!
Alterations
I love my tailer. Today, as she stuck pins into the bottom of my dress to mark where she would cut, she told me how ugly and slutty the other girls' prom dresses were. There's nothing like a stranger's opinion to make you feel completely confident!
Sick...
The worst way to spend break.
First day of spring break...
Spent in school studying AP Calc.
A Day in the Life: Tanzania
Day in the life timeline
In Tanzania and all of sub-Saharan Africa, a child's life is much harder than it is in the U.S. While public education exists, it lacks a decent student to teacher ratio and basic supplies. Schools are often long distances from children's homes, and traveling can be dangerous. Finally, malnutrition makes learning very difficult. Children are also at risk for other deadly diseases and infections including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
Life is just as difficult for adults in Tanzania. In fact, many are less educated than their children, since primary school has only recently become required. Most work long hours in the fields and receive little to support their families. It is very difficult to break this poverty cycle in Tanzania.
Because I visited Malawi last year, most of the information was expected. One fact that was surprising was the high enrollment rates that the country boasted. I hadn't expected that 97% of children would be enrolled in primary school. However, it is important to keep in mind that enrollment is not attendance.
Sources:
Cameron, Lizzie. "Tanzanian Family Life." CNN. CNN, 14 Nov 2007. Web. 18 Apr 2011.
Hagen, Nadia. "Photo exhibition: Rural life in Tanzania." Crossroads Magazine. Crossroads, 24 Dec 2010. Web. 18 Apr 2011.
"Tanzania." The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency, Apr 2011. Web. 18 Apr 2011.
"School Kids and Street Food." Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. UN, Feb 2007. Web. 18 Apr 2011.
Shepard, Jessica. "Don't Look Back." Guardian.co.uk. The Guardian, 10 Mar 2009. Web. 18 Apr 2011.
Photos:
In Tanzania and all of sub-Saharan Africa, a child's life is much harder than it is in the U.S. While public education exists, it lacks a decent student to teacher ratio and basic supplies. Schools are often long distances from children's homes, and traveling can be dangerous. Finally, malnutrition makes learning very difficult. Children are also at risk for other deadly diseases and infections including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
Life is just as difficult for adults in Tanzania. In fact, many are less educated than their children, since primary school has only recently become required. Most work long hours in the fields and receive little to support their families. It is very difficult to break this poverty cycle in Tanzania.
Because I visited Malawi last year, most of the information was expected. One fact that was surprising was the high enrollment rates that the country boasted. I hadn't expected that 97% of children would be enrolled in primary school. However, it is important to keep in mind that enrollment is not attendance.
Sources:
Cameron, Lizzie. "Tanzanian Family Life." CNN. CNN, 14 Nov 2007. Web. 18 Apr 2011.
Hagen, Nadia. "Photo exhibition: Rural life in Tanzania." Crossroads Magazine. Crossroads, 24 Dec 2010. Web. 18 Apr 2011.
"Tanzania." The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency, Apr 2011. Web. 18 Apr 2011.
"School Kids and Street Food." Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. UN, Feb 2007. Web. 18 Apr 2011.
Shepard, Jessica. "Don't Look Back." Guardian.co.uk. The Guardian, 10 Mar 2009. Web. 18 Apr 2011.
Photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/millenniumpromise/4838096549/
http://www.travelpod.com/photos/2/Tanzania/All%20over.htmlMemory Lane
Yesterday, on our way home from New Haven, my dad and I stopped in his old neighborhood. Growing up, he lived in a project in the Bronx, but hadn't returned 20 years. As he gazed around, I could see it all coming back to him, the now small slope that terrified him when he learned to ride a bike, the community center where he played knock hockey after school and the grouchy old lady who would cut his baseballs in half wherever they were hit into her yard. I saw the tears pool in his eyes when we met a man who had grown up with him and had stayed in the neighborhood. As they reminisced, a smile crept onto my face.
Occasionally, we all must return to our roots.
3 1/2 hours
Music + laughs + conversation + sing-alongs = road trip!
Flavah
Today, my dad informed me that he had considered naming me Taylah. I couldn't help but wonder how my life would be different, if I had to live up to such a name.
Emotionally scarred
She had left us with very simple instructions: complete the class work in relative silence while she talked to the teacher next door. I had no problem with this; I had always been the good child, the one who follows all directions and never got in trouble. Until this day, when I saw the cockroach.
It was in the corner of the carpet and caught my eye as I let my eyes wonder from my book. I screamed. Loudly. Tr. Dianna came running in, expecting to see a student dead or dying. When she realized that I had made such a commotion over a bug, a dead one at that, she decided to teach me a lesson. Instead of simply giving me a detention, she crafted a more creative punishment.
The next day, I came to her room with a pencil and sheet of paper as she had instructed. She then placed the dead cockroach on the table in front of me and told me to draw it in detail. I spent 15 minutes dissecting the bug with my eyes. I have never been so disgusted in my life.
It was in the corner of the carpet and caught my eye as I let my eyes wonder from my book. I screamed. Loudly. Tr. Dianna came running in, expecting to see a student dead or dying. When she realized that I had made such a commotion over a bug, a dead one at that, she decided to teach me a lesson. Instead of simply giving me a detention, she crafted a more creative punishment.
The next day, I came to her room with a pencil and sheet of paper as she had instructed. She then placed the dead cockroach on the table in front of me and told me to draw it in detail. I spent 15 minutes dissecting the bug with my eyes. I have never been so disgusted in my life.
Physical pain
It was recess and I was standing at the top of the jungle gym, next to the fireman's pole. I should mention that this piece of the set has now been replace, possibly due to my experience with it. My back was turned towards the 6 foot drop as I talked to my friend, Yvonne. Today, I don't even remember what were talking about, though I remember the exact moment that she took a step closer to me. I tend to be a person who likes her personal space. At that moment, this space had been invaded. I took a step back to correct it, never realizing that the floor of the jungle gym ended right behind me, until it was too late.
I fell backwards and landed on my wrist. I couldn't even feel the pain at first; I was more concentrated on the fact that I couldn't seem to get any air in my lungs. It was the scariest feeling I've ever experienced. However, once I regained by breath, I realized that my wrist no longer wanted to move. At the hospital, I found out that I had buckled, not broken, it. Honestly, the distinction made little difference to me. I still had to wear a cast for most of the summer and take a shower with a trash bag on my arm.
I'm still friends with Yvonne, but have never let her forget that she was primarily responsible for my buckled wrist.
I fell backwards and landed on my wrist. I couldn't even feel the pain at first; I was more concentrated on the fact that I couldn't seem to get any air in my lungs. It was the scariest feeling I've ever experienced. However, once I regained by breath, I realized that my wrist no longer wanted to move. At the hospital, I found out that I had buckled, not broken, it. Honestly, the distinction made little difference to me. I still had to wear a cast for most of the summer and take a shower with a trash bag on my arm.
I'm still friends with Yvonne, but have never let her forget that she was primarily responsible for my buckled wrist.
Job?
The manager at Yogurino remembered me when I came in to check on my application today. I think I'm getting that job!
It happened
I left the bathroom stall and waited for my friend, Heather, to come out. I stood in front of the mirror like any teenage girl, messing with my hair and lip gloss. After 5 minutes, I realized she wasn't in a stall, so I walked outside to look for her. I soon realized that she wasn't in the amusement park at all! In fact, none of the group was. I quickly called Vernon to find out what had happened. After missing my call, he called me back.
"Uh, who's this?
"Vernon, it's Taylor."
"Taylor who? Oh right. Why are you calling me from-" I heard a muffled sound as he turned around in the car to look for me. "Oh." "OOHHH!"
They were pulling out of the parking lot, never noticing that I wasn't there. I was almost left in an amusement park and that's how it happened.
"Uh, who's this?
"Vernon, it's Taylor."
"Taylor who? Oh right. Why are you calling me from-" I heard a muffled sound as he turned around in the car to look for me. "Oh." "OOHHH!"
They were pulling out of the parking lot, never noticing that I wasn't there. I was almost left in an amusement park and that's how it happened.
Reflective Post #3
I have officially completed my story! This morning, my character experienced a complete transformation on the steps of a Bronx apartment building. She projected her thoughts via successive tweets (all within the course of 3 hours) as the pressure of her new life began to sink in.
Overall, I am very happy with the way my project turned out. I loved using the descriptive aspect of the Facebook profile in conjunction with the short and sweet tweets. Patricia Lebow came to life within the last few weeks, so much so that a few people asked me if I knew her in real life! By using a real Flickr account (courtesy of Lauren Piper), I was able to create a believable visual component to my character as well. She had a face and a life that could have existed outside of fiction.
Overall, I am very happy with the way my project turned out. I loved using the descriptive aspect of the Facebook profile in conjunction with the short and sweet tweets. Patricia Lebow came to life within the last few weeks, so much so that a few people asked me if I knew her in real life! By using a real Flickr account (courtesy of Lauren Piper), I was able to create a believable visual component to my character as well. She had a face and a life that could have existed outside of fiction.
My 18th Birt Day!
Caring friends, but lost in translation.
Fan Brawl (kind of)
Tonight, I went to a Sixers' game, wearing a New York Knicks jersey. I didn't get as many mean faces as one cold usually expect when rooting for the visiting team. Half of the stadium was in blue and orange. In fact, there were sections with signs declaring, "MSG. We in here!"
The Knicks were winning the entire game, until their defense let up in the last 10 mins of the 4th. Sixers fans began to lose their minds as the team climbed back from a 18-point deficit. After Iguadala hit a three, the man beside me proceeded to high-five the man behind me. He almost slapped me in the face. Secretly, I think he was mad that my team won.
The Knicks were winning the entire game, until their defense let up in the last 10 mins of the 4th. Sixers fans began to lose their minds as the team climbed back from a 18-point deficit. After Iguadala hit a three, the man beside me proceeded to high-five the man behind me. He almost slapped me in the face. Secretly, I think he was mad that my team won.
Reflective Post #2
My benchmark is going quite well. I've laid the setting and characters in my story and have begun to build up to the climax. I recently opened a Twitter account for my character and connected it to her Facebook, so I am able to only post to Twitter, but both are updated. I believe this makes Lebow a much more believable character (it is unlikely that someone would post the same thing to two different sites).
I've also just discovered a tool called Twuffer which allows me to schedule my tweets. This is perfect for me because my story takes place during a weekday, which makes it difficult to constantly update Twitter, this way I can do it all the night before.
During this project, I've realized that timing is very important when delivering a story, especially when you are attempting to show, not tell. For example, "This is not going to work out," is much more effective when followed by "I knew it" 12 minutes later than 5 1/2 hours later. Twuffer will allow me to control this very well.
I've also just discovered a tool called Twuffer which allows me to schedule my tweets. This is perfect for me because my story takes place during a weekday, which makes it difficult to constantly update Twitter, this way I can do it all the night before.
During this project, I've realized that timing is very important when delivering a story, especially when you are attempting to show, not tell. For example, "This is not going to work out," is much more effective when followed by "I knew it" 12 minutes later than 5 1/2 hours later. Twuffer will allow me to control this very well.
The Wait
It had been 14 mins and she was still in line. Actually, a line isn't the best way to describe what she was in. She stood in a crowd of people, silently waiting as the numbers slowly increased. Her feet hurt and after a long day at work, the brightly lit building was the last place she wanted to be. Her briefcase dug into her shoulder, but she was too nervous about the bacteria on the floor to put it down. She continued to wait as slices were cut, weighed and bagged with the precision of an artist. The problem was, only one artist seemed to exist at that moment. Where are the rest of the employees?, she asked, careful to not appear insane as she talked to herself. As 30 flashed on the screen, she stepped up to the counter.
"A quarter pound of oven roasted turkey, please."
"Sure," the clearly exhausted deli manager replied.
"A quarter pound of oven roasted turkey, please."
"Sure," the clearly exhausted deli manager replied.
A city squirrel
Today I was sitting at my dining room table and looked in my backyard through the window on the far side of my kitchen. I saw a squirrel on the fence. Starring at me. With a piece of pizza in its mouth, the piece I hadn't finished the night before. It turns out it wasn't a raccoon tearing our trash apart.
Rain boots!!!
They were supposed to be a Christmas present, but I never got around to picking a style. Today, I finally found a pair!
Real life Pacman!
I was sitting in the library, trying to decide on a topic for today's story. Suddenly, in ran two juniors, covered in paper. I was confused at first, and slightly annoyed that they had interrupted my work-space. However, as they turned to run past me, I noticed that one was dressed in yellow paper, cut to that tell-tale sliced pie shape. The girl behind was a red ghost. I burst out in laughter, realizing that I had found my story topic!
My pre-school love
His name was Bryce and I was head over heels the first day I met him. We were three, at the Caring Center and loving every moment of our friendship. At least I was. I had my first kiss with him, in fact. It was the end of our play date (the phrase seems so fitting now), but I couldn't just leave, so I kissed him. Nothing too risque, just on the cheek. I was a toddler at the time, but it felt amazing. I rode home with "Won't you marry me, Bryce?" playing in my head.
Job Search
Shouldn't be harder than college acceptances...
Benchmark Reflection #1
Over the last week, I have created a Facebook account for my character. I have uploaded pictures that detail her life, added interests and personality information and created an academic profile. Currently, she has 13 friends, but I hope to increase that number by publicizing through my own Facebook. There is ongoing conversations on her page, and she is becoming a living, breathing entity.
My next step is to create a Twitter account for her, which will allow me to schedule my tweets for the actual action of the story. Since it happens within the course of a few hours, this all needs to be set ahead of time, using socialoomph.com (hopefully). I originally planned for the climax to occur on April 11th, but may choose to move that up, so it fits into the third quarter.
My next step is to create a Twitter account for her, which will allow me to schedule my tweets for the actual action of the story. Since it happens within the course of a few hours, this all needs to be set ahead of time, using socialoomph.com (hopefully). I originally planned for the climax to occur on April 11th, but may choose to move that up, so it fits into the third quarter.
Collapsibility Benchmark
Mongolia vs. Israel website
Mongolia is a fairly undeveloped country, where 25% of the population live as nomadic herders. It suffers from a variety of environmental problems, given their desert climate, such as drought, desertification, soil erosion and forest fires. The country also has very low clean water resources. Israel is also a desert climate that suffers from water scarcity and pollution, although both issues are being thoroughly addressed with desalinization plants and environmental policy.
Mongolia is a fairly neutral country that attempts to maintain friendly ties with most developed countries in Asia, Europe as well as the United States. The only hostility is within the country between Mongolians and Chinese workers. Israel, on the other hand, has hostilities surrounding it. It has no trade partners in the Middle East, but compensates for this by trading with the U.S. and EU. It's strongest enemies are Palestine, Iran and Syria.
This five-point framework was very straight forward. The topics were clear and easy to research and provided a thorough overview of each country. I began this project with reading each country's profile on the CIA Factbook. This provided a general understanding of the issues that plague each country. I then searched for news articles and scholarly publications about specific topics. I chose to present my information in the form of a website. I figured this would allow me to include visual components as well as create lengthy pieces of writing, which I am most comfortable doing. I am very pleased with the final product.
If I could change one thing about my website, I would include a more visual representation of the 5-point framework. I used colors, but it would have been great to include a sliding scale image.
As I researched the issues that my countries faced, I realized how closely related my countries were. Although they are located in completely different parts of the world, they both face a water crisis and desertification. The world is truly one society that faces many common problems. It is our responsibility to work together through globalization to protect it.
Mongolia is a fairly undeveloped country, where 25% of the population live as nomadic herders. It suffers from a variety of environmental problems, given their desert climate, such as drought, desertification, soil erosion and forest fires. The country also has very low clean water resources. Israel is also a desert climate that suffers from water scarcity and pollution, although both issues are being thoroughly addressed with desalinization plants and environmental policy.
Mongolia is a fairly neutral country that attempts to maintain friendly ties with most developed countries in Asia, Europe as well as the United States. The only hostility is within the country between Mongolians and Chinese workers. Israel, on the other hand, has hostilities surrounding it. It has no trade partners in the Middle East, but compensates for this by trading with the U.S. and EU. It's strongest enemies are Palestine, Iran and Syria.
This five-point framework was very straight forward. The topics were clear and easy to research and provided a thorough overview of each country. I began this project with reading each country's profile on the CIA Factbook. This provided a general understanding of the issues that plague each country. I then searched for news articles and scholarly publications about specific topics. I chose to present my information in the form of a website. I figured this would allow me to include visual components as well as create lengthy pieces of writing, which I am most comfortable doing. I am very pleased with the final product.
If I could change one thing about my website, I would include a more visual representation of the 5-point framework. I used colors, but it would have been great to include a sliding scale image.
As I researched the issues that my countries faced, I realized how closely related my countries were. Although they are located in completely different parts of the world, they both face a water crisis and desertification. The world is truly one society that faces many common problems. It is our responsibility to work together through globalization to protect it.
True Story
Your mother is admitted into the hospital and after various tests, a clot if found in her heart. She immediately goes into surgery.
The next day, your wife is having double vision and her left side seems to be moving slower than her right. You tell a friend and he tells you to rush her to the hospital. The episode is categorized as a mini-stroke.
It was the worst week of your life.
The next day, your wife is having double vision and her left side seems to be moving slower than her right. You tell a friend and he tells you to rush her to the hospital. The episode is categorized as a mini-stroke.
It was the worst week of your life.
Advice
"You see, Taylor, Yale and Harvard are like Harley Davidsons. They are the treasure of Americanism and everyone is taught to aspire to them. The problem is that Suzuki and Yamaha have created better engines and higher performance bikes. I would take a Jesuit institution over an Ivy League any day. But that's just me.. "
"Ok.. I'm not sure I understand motorcycles that well, though."
"Ok.. I'm not sure I understand motorcycles that well, though."
Yum!
Yum!
Good day
Yesterday, I ate a salad on the bus that I bought at Traders Joe's while I was still in Philly. It was delicious, except for the pistachios. They were soggy, so I picked them out.
That was the worst part of my day.
That was the worst part of my day.
Time for a new computer
This morning, as I lazily ate my breakfast, my dad asked me what time I needed to leave in order to catch my bus.
"15 minuets before 9:50," I said. "So 9:35."
"15 minuets before 9:50," I said. "So 9:35."
"9:50? I thought you said 9:15. I have a meeting at 10:00. We're going to have to leave a lot sooner."
I headed upstairs, with a little more pep than I had before. While I was brushing my teeth, I realized I hadn't printed out my ticket conformation. With my toothbrush still in my mouth, I rushed downstairs and began loading Gmail on my dad's decade-old computer. Once I pulled up the email, I asked my dad to print it; I haven't used Windows in four years. He said he would, and I ran back up the stairs, doing my best to not make him late to his meeting.
At 8:55, I returned, ready to get in the car. There was only one problem: the computer had frozen and had to be restarted. When it finally powered back up and printed the document at 9:10, I realized we were out of ink.
"Let's just go, Dad. It's fine. I don't really have anymore time to spend. "
He didn't reply and I sat in silence for another five minutes. When we pulled up to 30th St. Station, without a printed confirmation, I was able to show the attendant my handwritten number.
Long story short: don't waste time fussing with an old computer; Megabus doesn't need printed confirmations anyway.
Georgetown
Tomorrow, I leave for my three day Georgetown visit. One thing makes this an even bigger occasion. I will be traveling on a Megabus alone and will take the Metro and Rossyln shuttle to campus without the aid of my parents. Yes, I've traveled around the world, but my parents have never let me take a trip filled with unfamiliar routes, numbers and names without some form of supervision. I'm both nervous and excited; it's time for me to get a taste of college life. If I'm not in school on Monday, I guess you'll know why..
Family Ties
My brother and I have a tumultuous relationship with my brother. We're five years apart. When he was younger, I remember pulling him around in a toy wagon. He would laugh and tell me to run faster. However, as we've gotten older, it has become harder to see eye to eye. As the older sibling, I like to be in charge (in fact, I like to be in charge in almost any relationship), but he now refuses to recognize my authority.
On New Year's Eve, I had a party and invited my friends. Trevor decided to raid it with his Nerf guns, shooting everyone in sight. When we finally broke into teams (I somehow ended up on his team), I was taken hostage and he shot me anyway!
Regardless to say, I was surprised when I heard that we was really going to miss me when I went away to college. My parents separated a few years ago and it has been really hard on both of us. He's in therapy right now, trying to smooth out those issues. My mom told me that part of the problem was that I was leaving him too.
A week ago, I was in my room, facebooking and listening to music. My brother knocked on my door and asked me to come out. I said, "Sure, just a minute" but then got right back to my computer. I completely forgot about him, and five minutes later came rushing out.
"What's up, Trev?"
"I just wanted to tell you that I love you and I'm really going to miss you when you go to college."
He has never brought me so close to tears.
On New Year's Eve, I had a party and invited my friends. Trevor decided to raid it with his Nerf guns, shooting everyone in sight. When we finally broke into teams (I somehow ended up on his team), I was taken hostage and he shot me anyway!
Regardless to say, I was surprised when I heard that we was really going to miss me when I went away to college. My parents separated a few years ago and it has been really hard on both of us. He's in therapy right now, trying to smooth out those issues. My mom told me that part of the problem was that I was leaving him too.
A week ago, I was in my room, facebooking and listening to music. My brother knocked on my door and asked me to come out. I said, "Sure, just a minute" but then got right back to my computer. I completely forgot about him, and five minutes later came rushing out.
"What's up, Trev?"
"I just wanted to tell you that I love you and I'm really going to miss you when you go to college."
He has never brought me so close to tears.
Inspired by a true story
He woke up and made himself toast with jelly. He took a shower, the sound of the water echoing through the empty house. He took the bus to work and sat in his office until lunchtime. He ate a wrap from the food court below him. He returned to his desk to read the proposals that had just been submitted. At 5:30, he walked back down to the food court. He bought chicken fingers and fries and ate them alone, just like every other night.
Uncommon Romance Part 4
She finally told her parents the news. As she saw their expressions change from excitement to doubt, her carefully built confidence faded.
"Oy vey! Honestly, honey? We understand that you're in the city now and want to experience all that it has to offer, but neither of us are too comfortable with this idea. I'm sure you're not either.
"You need to give him a chance. Please. I don't want to live our life together without him ever meeting you. This is not some passing fling. It's real; realer than anything has ever been. It's already more serious than it ever was with David."
She closed her eyes, as that year came back to her in a wave of regret. She had married him, naively believing that love was about sacrificing ever last drop of yourself for someone else. Their marriage had lasted eight months, but hadn't been a happy one since the "I do's." She knew this one would be different, if only she could get her family's approval.
"Oy vey! Honestly, honey? We understand that you're in the city now and want to experience all that it has to offer, but neither of us are too comfortable with this idea. I'm sure you're not either.
"You need to give him a chance. Please. I don't want to live our life together without him ever meeting you. This is not some passing fling. It's real; realer than anything has ever been. It's already more serious than it ever was with David."
She closed her eyes, as that year came back to her in a wave of regret. She had married him, naively believing that love was about sacrificing ever last drop of yourself for someone else. Their marriage had lasted eight months, but hadn't been a happy one since the "I do's." She knew this one would be different, if only she could get her family's approval.
Uncommon Romance Part 3
Two days later, he buzzed her over the intercom. They took the subway to a restaurant that he had been visiting since his childhood. La Caridad means charity in Spanish, but the food was delicious. The small dining room was filled with families and college students, all laughing and enjoying their Cuban-Chinese meals. She decided he would have to take Batia there for next week's girl's night.
As the conversation deepened, she realized how different they were.
"So what about your family. They must be liberal enough, if you're on a date with a black guy."
"Actually, I grew up in the suburbs, in Jersey. And I'm not planning on telling them quite yet.
"Oh. Well, if anything, I'm pretty good with secrets. My parents never knew that I dropped out of the Seventh Day Adventist HBCU that they sent me to." He laughed. "Any rebellious nature in there?" He nodded at her.
"No, not really. I mean, there was a time when I didn't want to go back to college-I didn't have any friends; it was horrible. I took the bus all the way home (it was a 6 hour bus ride, which I had never taken before) alone, without even telling them I was coming. I even crossed the 6 lane highway to get to my street- but they convinced me that it would work out and eventually I met some great people."
"Wow, so a Jewish girl, who likes adventure," he said. "This could work."
I hope you're right, she thought, as she took a sip of her Diet Coke.
As the conversation deepened, she realized how different they were.
"So what about your family. They must be liberal enough, if you're on a date with a black guy."
"Actually, I grew up in the suburbs, in Jersey. And I'm not planning on telling them quite yet.
"Oh. Well, if anything, I'm pretty good with secrets. My parents never knew that I dropped out of the Seventh Day Adventist HBCU that they sent me to." He laughed. "Any rebellious nature in there?" He nodded at her.
"No, not really. I mean, there was a time when I didn't want to go back to college-I didn't have any friends; it was horrible. I took the bus all the way home (it was a 6 hour bus ride, which I had never taken before) alone, without even telling them I was coming. I even crossed the 6 lane highway to get to my street- but they convinced me that it would work out and eventually I met some great people."
"Wow, so a Jewish girl, who likes adventure," he said. "This could work."
I hope you're right, she thought, as she took a sip of her Diet Coke.
Uncommon Romance Part 2
She was one the phone when he knocked on her wall a few weeks later. She looked up, surprised to see him standing in the doorway of her cubicle.
"Oh, um, can I call you back, Pierre? Someone just walked in. Ok, I will. Right. Thanks. Bye." Her eyes narrowed. "How did you-"
"I just asked. There aren't too many women working in this department."
"Of course." She felt the blooding flooding her cheeks. She was attracted to him and he was well aware.
"I would love to take you to dinner, when you have some free time. I know a great place that's right around here." He waited for her response.
"Sure. I mean, yes. That would be great." She made a mental note to work on her nervousness in the meantime.
"Oh, um, can I call you back, Pierre? Someone just walked in. Ok, I will. Right. Thanks. Bye." Her eyes narrowed. "How did you-"
"I just asked. There aren't too many women working in this department."
"Of course." She felt the blooding flooding her cheeks. She was attracted to him and he was well aware.
"I would love to take you to dinner, when you have some free time. I know a great place that's right around here." He waited for her response.
"Sure. I mean, yes. That would be great." She made a mental note to work on her nervousness in the meantime.
Uncommon Romance Part 1
She had spent the last four hours in front of her desk, in her cubicle, working on her dissertation. As she walked to the copier, she realized how numb her legs had become. His back was facing her, but she recognized his hair; high top fades weren't too common in this part of the city. He sat reading the manual, through the hum of the Xerox machine should have silenced even the simplest thoughts.
She watched in awe as he carefully tightened one screw and loosened another. He stood up, seemingly satisfied with his work.
"Excuse me," she said trying to contain a smile, "did you fix it?"
"Oh, hi. I didn't see you there. But, uh, yeah. It is."
He stepped aside, awkwardly gesturing towards the machine with his free hand.
"Thanks," she said, opening the lid. "I'll see you around."
"You will," he replied as he walked towards the door.
She watched in awe as he carefully tightened one screw and loosened another. He stood up, seemingly satisfied with his work.
"Excuse me," she said trying to contain a smile, "did you fix it?"
"Oh, hi. I didn't see you there. But, uh, yeah. It is."
He stepped aside, awkwardly gesturing towards the machine with his free hand.
"Thanks," she said, opening the lid. "I'll see you around."
"You will," he replied as he walked towards the door.
"La vendedor de Alcatraces" por el punto de visto de Machuca
Soy Machuca. Tengo
doce años y vivo con mi mamá, papá, y mi prima, Silvana. Soy en la clase
obrera y tengo pocos recursos. Vivo en un barrio de chabolas que está
separado de la clase alta y el resto de la ciudad. No me gusta ser pobre,
pero no tengo otras opciones.
Asisto una escuela privada.
Cuesta mucho dinero, pero mi familia no paga nada porque las familias de
los otros estudiantes contribuyen a una colección para mí y mis amigos.
El cura es simpático y un izquierdista, pero estoy un poco
avergonzado porque me siento como no me integro bien. Los otros chicos tienen
mucho más.
La familia es muy importante
para mi. Valgo de trabajar duro, la educación, y la humildad. Por eso, estoy
aliado con Presidente Allende y su visión del socialismo. Es bueno que los
ricos ayudarían a los pobres. Es justo.
Hay mucha tensión en Chile
entre la clase alta y la clase obrera. Los ricos están aliados con el General
Pinochet y por eso hay mucha violencia.
En la obra, hay una mujer
arrodillada con una canasta grande en su espalda. Dentro de la canasta, hay
flores blancas y amarillas. Son bellas, pero pesada para la mujer. Ella está
luchando. Una cinta azul se envuelve. Su ropa es básica. No tiene ninguna
decoración. Detrás de la mujer y su carga, hay un hombre. Él está ayudando la
mujer y soportando la canasta. Se ve sólo los pies, las manos y la coronilla.
Los colores son apagados;
las flores son la única parte vibrante. El tono es sombrío. La mujer ha tenido
una vida dura. Ha luchado para sobrevivir. Ella es de la clase obrera y vende flores
para cuidar a su familia.
Diego Rivera era mexicano, y
nació en 1887. Vivió durante una época de tensión entre las clases. La clase
obrera no estuvo representada en el país y las latifundistas discriminaron a
los pobres.
Los objetos en la obra
representan muchas cosas. La canasta representa todas de las dificultades
que esta mujer ha sufrido. Representa todas de las personas que necesita apoyar,
también, como sus niños y familia. La obra es triste, pero las flores son
bonitas y simbolizan la belleza de sus relaciones con estas personas. Es la
mejor parte de su vida.
El hombre en el fondo
representa las personas cariñosas en su vida, quienes le han ayudada. No
son visibles, pero existen. La cinta azul está prevenido que su
vida derrumbe. La cabeza está bajada porque ella ha aceptada su destino.
Mi vida es similar a la vida
de esta mujer. Nunca tengo todo lo que necesito y tengo que depender de
la clase alta. Como el hombre en la obra, la clase alta me ayuda por que
pagan para mi educación. En la clase obrera, tiene ser fuerte para
sobrevivir. A veces, las flores son la única esperanza que hay.
Esta pintura me hace sentir
triste y orgulloso. Estoy triste porque es la realidad para mi. Soy pobre
y necesito un gobierno socialista. No soy comunista. No me gusta depender
de otros, pero es necesario. Estoy orgulloso porque la gente de mi patria
es fuerte y pueden sobrevivir todo.
Diego Rivera pintó esta
pintura porque querría decir el mundo que la clase obrera esta sufriendo y la
guerra no puede continuar para siempre. Hay mucho desafío en su mensaje.
Me encanta la obra.
Tiene significado más profundo que una vendedora de flores blancas.
Estoy de acuerdo con el mensaje de Rivera porque estoy listo para mejorar
mi posición en la vida.
It's all fun and games until...
Near death experience? Taken too far.
An hour lost means an elliptical gained
I have a favorite elliptical at the gym. It's the oldest model, but has the perfect amount of resistance. I burn a lot of calories, but am still able to walk the next day. Unfortunately, a few months ago, the gym bought a new machine and replaced one of my favorites with it. Now, there is only one.
A man at my gym also loves this elliptical. He usually goes around the same time I do. He's a maniac, who uses pedals from an hour straight! When he gets there first (which happens more often than not), I'm forced to use a newer, more painful machine.
This weekend, we were graced with Daylight Savings (there's nothing like losing an hour of precious sleep). However, there was a silver lining. My mom woke me up at 8. Well, my clock said 8, but it was actually 9:07. When I arrived at the gym, it was almost empty. Best of all, it seemed that the manic man had slept in.
A man at my gym also loves this elliptical. He usually goes around the same time I do. He's a maniac, who uses pedals from an hour straight! When he gets there first (which happens more often than not), I'm forced to use a newer, more painful machine.
This weekend, we were graced with Daylight Savings (there's nothing like losing an hour of precious sleep). However, there was a silver lining. My mom woke me up at 8. Well, my clock said 8, but it was actually 9:07. When I arrived at the gym, it was almost empty. Best of all, it seemed that the manic man had slept in.
Photo Story
Fire?
My dad and I roasted a chicken on Sunday night. The skin was crisp enough to evoke a fried chicken reaction. The golden brown color perfectly complimented the glistening meat. There were only two other ingredients, salt and thyme, but they added more flavor than any marinade could. The meat was tender and juicy; I've never been fond of dry birds. The aroma filled the entire house and I can still smell it.
My ears haven't stopped ringing since. You see, we have a sensitive fire alarm. My dad and I spent the entire 2 hours fanning the doors, but the meal was worth it!
My ears haven't stopped ringing since. You see, we have a sensitive fire alarm. My dad and I spent the entire 2 hours fanning the doors, but the meal was worth it!
Decisions must be made..
or
El Vendedor de Alcatraces por Diego Rivera
Escogí esta obra porque es simplista, pero muy profunda. Hay mucha emoción y se trata de una lucha. Será Machuca para este proyecto porque él tenía dificultad en su vida.
Fridays
Amazing night! (Too busy to write.)
I survived!
A very scary incident happened on the bus this morning. I yanked the signal cord right as the we pulled up to 21st and Arch. As the back doors swung open, I noticed that the parked cars were within a foot of the bus and I wasn't going to be able to fit through with my backpack on. As I dropped my shoulder to slip off my bag, the doors suddenly shut, trapping me between them. The first "I'm stuck" was a quiet one, but they quickly grew louder as I realized how dangerous the situation was. The bus driver couldn't see me and if he accelerated, I would end up in the hospital. As my screams continued, other passengers joined as well. Finally, I was released, but still could not fit. The man across from me whispered, "Honey, I think you need to use the front."
"Yeah, I think so too."
I walked off completely mortified, but happy to be alive.
"Yeah, I think so too."
I walked off completely mortified, but happy to be alive.
Repite, por favor.
"So I've been thinking about this a lot recently. Sometimes when I get all, you know, and then I'm like that. It's really weird because then yeah. And you know how it is. It's kind of like that, but not quite and really more, yeah. I don't know what to do. What do you think?"
"I have no idea what you just said."
"Oh. I guess I should work on my articulation."
"I have no idea what you just said."
"Oh. I guess I should work on my articulation."
Stop!
I have an eating problem. No, I'm not anorexic or bulimic, but I really enjoy food. They say you're supposed to eat to live. Well, I live to eat.
Years ago, I spent my winter break in Florida with my mom's side of the family. They are Jewish, but it was Christmas, so we ate Christmas dinner. The roasted turkey breast, sweet potatoes, cabbage and baked ziti were delicious and I throughly indulged as is my forte. I had placed the comfortably full feeling plates ago. On a scale form 1-10, I was nearing a 9.5. I felt sick, but it was simply too good to stop. I remember reaching for another small slice of turkey, figuring it couldn't fill me up that much more (it was so small). From across the table, my nana yelled, "Step away from the food, Taylor." She was right, and I did.
I've now realized that the only way to decline another bite of anything note worthy is to verbally tell myself to stop. At the dinner table: "You're full; I promise". At the buffet, "Do you really need another biscuit?" In the kitchen, after everyone else has gone to sleep, "What the hell, Taylor? Stop!"
It's beginning to work.
Years ago, I spent my winter break in Florida with my mom's side of the family. They are Jewish, but it was Christmas, so we ate Christmas dinner. The roasted turkey breast, sweet potatoes, cabbage and baked ziti were delicious and I throughly indulged as is my forte. I had placed the comfortably full feeling plates ago. On a scale form 1-10, I was nearing a 9.5. I felt sick, but it was simply too good to stop. I remember reaching for another small slice of turkey, figuring it couldn't fill me up that much more (it was so small). From across the table, my nana yelled, "Step away from the food, Taylor." She was right, and I did.
I've now realized that the only way to decline another bite of anything note worthy is to verbally tell myself to stop. At the dinner table: "You're full; I promise". At the buffet, "Do you really need another biscuit?" In the kitchen, after everyone else has gone to sleep, "What the hell, Taylor? Stop!"
It's beginning to work.
Just a thought.
Today, I had an interesting conversation with my boyfriend. We spent the bus ride to my house discussing roles in a relationship.
"Taylor, women have it so easy. What do they even do?
"They have to be there emotionally for their man and take care of him. I don't know; they do a lot!"
"C'mon! Guys have to ask the girl out, pay for everything, protect her and tell her she's beautiful, even when she's not. You try it; it's not easy."
"Technically, they don't have to do it."
"But you know you would be mad if I didn't."
"That's true."
"Exactly."
It left me wondering if relationships were really equal, or if the lack of a woman's responsibility in a relationship was a single triumph in a world of male-favored inequality.
"Taylor, women have it so easy. What do they even do?
"They have to be there emotionally for their man and take care of him. I don't know; they do a lot!"
"C'mon! Guys have to ask the girl out, pay for everything, protect her and tell her she's beautiful, even when she's not. You try it; it's not easy."
"Technically, they don't have to do it."
"But you know you would be mad if I didn't."
"That's true."
"Exactly."
It left me wondering if relationships were really equal, or if the lack of a woman's responsibility in a relationship was a single triumph in a world of male-favored inequality.
The Process
Accepted, accepted, accepted. Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Center Stage
It was a humbling experience, to say the least.
Six words
Opening empty bag. Calling the exterminator.
Coincidence
I received an email today from Martin Weaver, a student at Yale, encouraging me to attend. It was quite a long email, but this paragraph jumped off the page:
"I should probably tell you a little bit about myself. When I was saw you in the list I got so excited, I'm also half African-American and half Eastern European, my father is Christian and my mother is Jewish! Needless to say, my childhood was filled with surprises. On top of that, I grew up in Philadelphia, PA too, and went to Quaker school for two years, but I moved to Sicklerville, NJ and attended a public school there."
His identity was so similar to mine that I actually asked my mom if I had an older brother that I didn't know about.
I don't, but nonetheless, it was surprising.
"I should probably tell you a little bit about myself. When I was saw you in the list I got so excited, I'm also half African-American and half Eastern European, my father is Christian and my mother is Jewish! Needless to say, my childhood was filled with surprises. On top of that, I grew up in Philadelphia, PA too, and went to Quaker school for two years, but I moved to Sicklerville, NJ and attended a public school there."
His identity was so similar to mine that I actually asked my mom if I had an older brother that I didn't know about.
I don't, but nonetheless, it was surprising.
Use your imagination
They stood looking up at the building in front of them, three bodybuilder types, all wearing skullies. She gazed at the three men wondering what could possible holding their attention for so long. No, the key to their salvation wasn't up there; she was sure of it. She felt like an outsider, wanting to be in on their plan. Then it came to her: they were going to rob the building. It was their possible escape route that transfixed them. They would go in the back gate, being sure to look as natural as possible for working class men in a mansion. They would start in the kitchen, emptying every bottle of balsamic and extra virgin. It was expensive stuff from what she had been told. They would then scurry into the living room, quickly disconnecting the flatscreen and rolling the Yamaha straight through the door. Of course, they wouldn't go near the bedroom, that would be too obvious. Instead, they would find the bathroom and fantasize about the money they would make from the fine silk robes and extra plush towels inside. Yes, it would be the perfect robbery, she thought. She let her mind return to the men standing in front of her. Now, with their backs turned, she could see the words on their matching hoodies: Mike's Roofing Specialists. Well, that makes more sense anyway, she thought, trying to console her now bruised ego
Trust Me
My dad and I have always been roller coaster junkies; every summer we would go to at least one amusement park and ride until our heads throbbed and stomachs were sick. It was a good pain though, a sign that yes, you had overcome the infamous Steel Force or Kingda Ka.
When I was about 10, my dad and I decided that this was the year to induct my younger brother, Trevor, into our cult. He was only 5 at the time, so I picked a kiddie roller coaster that I thought he could handle. There were some hills, but they were only a few feet high. Honestly, I was embarrassed to wait in line with him, but I swallowed my pride for future rides that awaited us.
He must have been chattering excitedly the entire time we were in the queue because he never actually saw the roller coaster until we'd hit the front of the line. He turned around, stunned. He then proceeded to run straight into the people now behind us, screaming, "That is NOT a kid's roller coaster!".
Needless to say, he didn't overcome his fear that day and hasn't trusted me with any rides since.
When I was about 10, my dad and I decided that this was the year to induct my younger brother, Trevor, into our cult. He was only 5 at the time, so I picked a kiddie roller coaster that I thought he could handle. There were some hills, but they were only a few feet high. Honestly, I was embarrassed to wait in line with him, but I swallowed my pride for future rides that awaited us.
He must have been chattering excitedly the entire time we were in the queue because he never actually saw the roller coaster until we'd hit the front of the line. He turned around, stunned. He then proceeded to run straight into the people now behind us, screaming, "That is NOT a kid's roller coaster!".
Needless to say, he didn't overcome his fear that day and hasn't trusted me with any rides since.
Inside his head
Every night during dinner, my brother tells us jokes that occurred to him at school. I swear he has a running narrative in that head of his, but that's a story for another night. My dad bought him a watch for his birthday last week and asked him if he was enjoying wearing it.
"Yea, it was great in class today!"
"What happened?"
"Well my teachers are always running into lunch, so today when my math teacher asked, 'What's 34 divided by 2', I looked at my wrist and thought, It's 5 past 12. Can we go now?
At least his jokes stay inside his head.
"Yea, it was great in class today!"
"What happened?"
"Well my teachers are always running into lunch, so today when my math teacher asked, 'What's 34 divided by 2', I looked at my wrist and thought, It's 5 past 12. Can we go now?
At least his jokes stay inside his head.
Reflection
I'd never realized how truly blessed I was until I lived their life.
With my Grandma
A simple conversation
though, with you it is so much more
drawing circles with our words
jumping through hoops just to understand their meaning
You've spent years watching me grow
yet my simplest accomplishments still astound you
An A? Yes!
Applied to college? Wonderful!
I remember when..., you tell me
and we laugh together
though I don't remember the events you recall
and know I never will
It's a funny thing talking to your grandma
the clash of different times and places
the internet user and one who's never read an email
our differences are immense, large and seemingly impassable
But we overcome them.
We always have.
Life Lesson
If there is one thing I learned during my time in Malawi, it is to take pleasure in even the smallest things.
Sunglasses
The memory of that day
Still rests in my head
That hot, sticky heat
The calm water below
I still see her standing there
With him in her arms
Eyes shaded from the sun
Like a man in black
I return to the pond
Perhaps looking for fish
A cry, a yelp
As her covers pierce the surface
The memory of that day
Still rests in my head
The way she laughed
To keep him from crying
Maybe his eyes hurt
The sun's grin just too strong
Or he wanted her all to himself
Maybe
Or maybe that’s one of those cute things
Those things that babies do
That lets you know they’re ready to be put down
Still rests in my head
That hot, sticky heat
The calm water below
I still see her standing there
With him in her arms
Eyes shaded from the sun
Like a man in black
I return to the pond
Perhaps looking for fish
A cry, a yelp
As her covers pierce the surface
The memory of that day
Still rests in my head
The way she laughed
To keep him from crying
Maybe his eyes hurt
The sun's grin just too strong
Or he wanted her all to himself
Maybe
Or maybe that’s one of those cute things
Those things that babies do
That lets you know they’re ready to be put down
6 word stories
Things fires destroy: forests, homes, you.
Knee and ring? Good, I'm pregnant.
Knee and ring? Good, I'm pregnant.
Snow day!
You open your eyes and curse your alarm clock. You wipe the crust from your eyes and the drool from your cheek. It's a Tuesday morning, but might as well be Monday. Your eyes sting as you turn towards the blinding white light streaming in from your window. You put your bare feet on the icy wood floor and grope your way, half-blind, to your computer. You type in the school district's website.
Hallelujah! Snow day!
You collapse back into bed.
Hallelujah! Snow day!
You collapse back into bed.
Overheard
I was in the restroom at Target today and overheard this conversation:
"She did what?"
"She lost her wallet, like she can't find it."
"Is it at the register?"
"No, they already checked."
"Oh, s#*&!"
"Oh, s#*&, is right! And we stopped at the farmer's market on the way here."
"All I know is someone better not have broken my window to get it."
"She did what?"
"She lost her wallet, like she can't find it."
"Is it at the register?"
"No, they already checked."
"Oh, s#*&!"
"Oh, s#*&, is right! And we stopped at the farmer's market on the way here."
"All I know is someone better not have broken my window to get it."
Sunday night dinner
Trevor's List of Embarrassment:
#451: Singing "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees, at the top of our lungs and with stomachs full of pasta and cheese, in the middle of Passyunk Ave. ("Well you can tell by the way I use my walk I'm a woman's man. No time to talk..")
#451: Singing "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees, at the top of our lungs and with stomachs full of pasta and cheese, in the middle of Passyunk Ave. ("Well you can tell by the way I use my walk I'm a woman's man. No time to talk..")
6 word stories
Fake ring? So was her love.
He claimed love; she claimed rape.
He claimed love; she claimed rape.
25 word love story #2
“Hello?”
“It’s great to hear your voice. I’ve missed you.”
“I haven’t seen you since that September.”
“I know, but I’ve never stopped loving you.”
“It’s great to hear your voice. I’ve missed you.”
“I haven’t seen you since that September.”
“I know, but I’ve never stopped loving you.”
Through the Years: A story told in pictures
On the my way to Williamsburg
The terrors I endure for family...
If I had Known..
Studying for tests, completing projects
and finishing my homework each night seems to come easy to me. My 8th grade teacher called
in “playing school” and it’s a game I’ve always won. However the good grades
and friendly teachers come with a price.
Though I never understood it, there were always people who disliked me,
maybe even hated me because I always pushed myself. And while that sometimes bothered me, the worst part of
being so “perfect” in everyone’s eyes was the stress that I deemed necessary to
maintain that perfection.
I started my college process like every other student: with the SATs. However, unlike most students, I had spent the proceeding 4 months reviewing sentence structure, math concepts and reading techniques. I took practice sections almost every week; I would shut my door and inform the entire house that no one was to disturb me while I prepared for my future. Now, that seriousness makes me laugh, but between the regular SATs and then the subject test, it was my life for almost a year.
Now I’m sure most of you are thinking, “she’s crazy.” Go ahead, admit it. I feel the same way sometimes. I push myself way to hard and worry about things that while important, aren’t that important.
I remember working on my Georgetown application and staring at my computer for almost 5 minutes before actually submitting it. Again, I needed to recheck everything, ensuring that it was perfect. It was my first choice and I knew I’d be devastated if I wasn’t accepted. The month and a half wait to hear the committee’s decision almost killed me. You can ask my friends; I talked about it constantly. “You’ll get in, Taylor. Stop freaking out.” “But what if..” was the chorus on replay in my head.
On the Monday before I was supposed to find out, I was called to Ms. Hirshfield’s. I didn’t know what it was about, but I figured a college had sent me a package, which wasn’t uncommon. I walk in and she’s beaming. I give her the awkward, “I don’t know what’s going on, but it must be good” eyebrow raise.
“So… Georgetown,” she prompted.
“I don’t hear till Wednesday,” I answered.
She was still grinning and then it hit me.
“I got in! I got in!” All of a sudden I was jumping and clapping. No, it was not one of my most modest moments, but I didn’t care. I was too happy for words.
I called my mom, who shared my excitement. “I knew you would, honey.” My dad was even more blunt over the news. “Yeah.. and? It’s not like I didn’t expect it.” Each one of my friends echoed their sentiments. “Of course you did, congrats!” “We knew you would, Taylor.”
The more people I told, the more annoyed I got. Was the accomplishment less impressive because it was expected? Even worse, if everyone else had knew, why hadn’t I? I couldn’t help but wonder, If I had known that everything would work out in the end, would I have let stress dictate my entire high school career?
El Fantasma Secreto
25 word "love" story
The sandwich
lay on the table, half eaten. The
TV continued to entertain the empty couch. She’d left in a hurry; this time for good.
First Page of "A Walk in the Woods " Rewritten
I'd lived in New Hampshire only a few days before I discovered a hidden trail at the edge of my town.
I later learned that it wasn't just any trail. This was the Appalachian Trail, the prized 2,100 mile path that crossed 14 states on the east coast. It was surely a sight to see; as you walked its length, you were sure to discover rolling hills and lush forests. With names like the Catskills, White Mountain and Smokies, these mountains drew even the most unexperienced hiker to their summits.
As I read the plaque marking its beginning, I realized how lucky I was to have simply stumbled upon such a treasure in this quiet town.
Lactose Intolerance?
He sits at the table, celebrating his friend's birthday. They eat cookies and pile on the ice cream, syrup and whipped cream. Their laughter fills the room as they devour the sugar overload in front of them. She brings out the milk, offering each boy a glass. Each one gratefully accepts, inhaling a refreshing sip, until she reaches the last boy.
"I don't want any; milk doesn't agree with me."
"Then tonight's going to be a great night," she laughs to herself, as she returns the milk to the fridge.
"I don't want any; milk doesn't agree with me."
"Then tonight's going to be a great night," she laughs to herself, as she returns the milk to the fridge.
People These Days...
Today, I drove for the first time. By myself. With no one else in the car. I needed to run a few errands and between my brother's birthday party in front of the Wii and her fatigue from the gym, my mom was not willing to drive me. Of course, the thought of my driving across town terrified her, especially after watching a ten minute video on the dangers of texting while driving. She insisted that I call her at every stop, working out to five calls in one and a half hours.
The most urgent errand was a stop at Fedex Kinko's- now know as Fedex Office- to print a single 4x6 picture, that my printer had decided it simply didn't like. I parallel parked (again, for the first time by myself) and put a quarter in the meter, figuring it wouldn't take that long.
The moment I had passed the store's threshold, an employee came up to me. When I pointed towards the photo machine, he replied, "Another customer is using is right now; it will just be a minute or-"
"No, actually it's going to take a long time," an older woman with her daughter chimed in. "I still have 9 prints to make and this machine's really slow".
"OK, would I be able to just print one really quickly? My meter's running," I asked, figuring she couldn't say "no".
"You know," she said as she lifted her credit card out of her pocket. "I've been around for 53 years and I've just learned how to say 'no'. I used to always let someone cut in front of me because they had less. 'Sure, go ahead it's fine,' I would say. But it's not. I was here first."
I honestly don't remember how I responded, but after a moment of shock, I turned around and walked out of the store. It was a great way to start my first solo drive.
The most urgent errand was a stop at Fedex Kinko's- now know as Fedex Office- to print a single 4x6 picture, that my printer had decided it simply didn't like. I parallel parked (again, for the first time by myself) and put a quarter in the meter, figuring it wouldn't take that long.
The moment I had passed the store's threshold, an employee came up to me. When I pointed towards the photo machine, he replied, "Another customer is using is right now; it will just be a minute or-"
"No, actually it's going to take a long time," an older woman with her daughter chimed in. "I still have 9 prints to make and this machine's really slow".
"OK, would I be able to just print one really quickly? My meter's running," I asked, figuring she couldn't say "no".
"You know," she said as she lifted her credit card out of her pocket. "I've been around for 53 years and I've just learned how to say 'no'. I used to always let someone cut in front of me because they had less. 'Sure, go ahead it's fine,' I would say. But it's not. I was here first."
I honestly don't remember how I responded, but after a moment of shock, I turned around and walked out of the store. It was a great way to start my first solo drive.
How Rude!
My long strides matched the tempo of the music in my ears as I pushed myself even harder on the elliptical. The timer read 23:29; my 30 minutes of cardio were almost over. I turned my gaze back to the TV, showing Giada De Laurentiis frying chocolate ravioli for Valentines Day. As she pulled the first one out of the pan, I saw a man standing beside me, too close to my body to have simply paused to watch the program. I turned my head and smiled, realizing in the process that I recognized him.
"Oh, hi! How have you been?" I asked, removing my earbuds.
"Pretty good. How's Trevor?"
"Fine. You know, just chugging along through middle school. And Ethan?"
"He's doing great." An uncomfortable grin formed on his lips. "Are you almost done?"
"Yeah, I have about 5 more minutes." I said, deciding I could cut a few minutes out of my workout for his sake.
"Because I had signed up for that machine and-"
"Oh! I'm sorry. Here, you can go ahead. Sorry about that."
The hidden demand took me by surprise. I jumped off the machine and proceeded to wipe it down. I bit my lip; no point in getting angry. I maintained my fake smile throughout the rest of the conversation. Rarely was I kicked off a machine. It happened occasionally with strangers, but never did I expect an acquaintance to deny me of my final five minutes.
"Oh, hi! How have you been?" I asked, removing my earbuds.
"Pretty good. How's Trevor?"
"Fine. You know, just chugging along through middle school. And Ethan?"
"He's doing great." An uncomfortable grin formed on his lips. "Are you almost done?"
"Yeah, I have about 5 more minutes." I said, deciding I could cut a few minutes out of my workout for his sake.
"Because I had signed up for that machine and-"
"Oh! I'm sorry. Here, you can go ahead. Sorry about that."
The hidden demand took me by surprise. I jumped off the machine and proceeded to wipe it down. I bit my lip; no point in getting angry. I maintained my fake smile throughout the rest of the conversation. Rarely was I kicked off a machine. It happened occasionally with strangers, but never did I expect an acquaintance to deny me of my final five minutes.
Stephanie Marie: A One Sentence Story
Although Stephanie Marie was an
uncommon woman (she liked football, plopping down on her couch for hours every
Sunday and Monday night- NFL or college; it didn't matter- and charcoal-grilled
steak each night for herself on a well-rusted grill that had been given as a early
birthday present by her father two months before he died), the more he got to
know her, the more predictable she became in the way she lived her life, as if
it had not changed in almost five years to the day -the night she had gambled
with her life by stepping into the unmarked car of a stranger, not knowing
where he would take her or what he would do with her; she returned a changed
woman and when she woke up every morning at 7:13 (a time that was somehow
ingrained into her brain), needing 13 minutes to fully wake up from the moment
she opened her eyes to the time she stepped into the shower, which was always set
to the most blisteringly scalding temperature the rusty dial allowed and lasted
until every drop of warmth had washed down the drain, she would eventually find
herself standing in her underwear in front of her closet, picking the same
shirt she had worn the day before (she had bought her entire wardrobe at Macy’s
in a single trip, two days after that fateful night) in a different color, a
pair of grey or black slacks that would not draw attention to her uncomfortably
wide hips and heels that were “practical, yet sophisticated” as she liked to
say, she knew that she could never return to the fickle, carefree child she had
once been.
Heartbreak Warfare
"Heartbreak Warfare"
As I am so far away, it's over. For good. Where I'm from, I'm not that girl. What were we thinking? Get it together. Where do we go from here? Half of my heart used to love u. Try sleeping with a broken heart; I call it love. After the rain has fallen, without you, I can change. Tomorrow we'll see love is my disease.
As I am so far away, it's over. For good. Where I'm from, I'm not that girl. What were we thinking? Get it together. Where do we go from here? Half of my heart used to love u. Try sleeping with a broken heart; I call it love. After the rain has fallen, without you, I can change. Tomorrow we'll see love is my disease.
THAT date
I think we all remember THAT date, one awkward one that we wish we could forget, but doesn't seem to leave. This was one of those dates. In his defense, perhaps he saw it as a mere friendly outing, where chivalrous gestures are not expected. I guess I missed that memo.
He had invited me to the movies, nothing too special or significant. It was an action movie. Batman? Perhaps. As my dad drove me to the theater, I remember the butterflies that come at the beginning of any relationship. What can I say? I liked the guy. My dad passed me a 20 as I opened the door. Though I didn't expect to use it, I stuffed it in my pocket.
I met him in the lobby. We saw a few friends and waved. He let me order my ticket first.
"Regular admission for the 3:50 show, please."
I smiled. He was going to pay for me.
"You want to split it? 10,10?"
My face must've said it all. The ticket clerk interrupted my utter surprise.
I faked a smile and passed him my money. We weren't going on another date; that much was clear.
He had invited me to the movies, nothing too special or significant. It was an action movie. Batman? Perhaps. As my dad drove me to the theater, I remember the butterflies that come at the beginning of any relationship. What can I say? I liked the guy. My dad passed me a 20 as I opened the door. Though I didn't expect to use it, I stuffed it in my pocket.
I met him in the lobby. We saw a few friends and waved. He let me order my ticket first.
"Regular admission for the 3:50 show, please."
"Make that two," he said over my head.
I smiled. He was going to pay for me.
"You want to split it? 10,10?"
My face must've said it all. The ticket clerk interrupted my utter surprise.
"Next time, dude."
I faked a smile and passed him my money. We weren't going on another date; that much was clear.
2nd Quarter Benchmark: Government's Impact on my Life
Click here to view the project.
For this project, I tried to choose items that were most prevalent to my life, even if they were slightly obscure. For example, Loving v. Virginia abolished statutes that prevented interracial marriage. I had never heard of this ruling before, but as a biracial young woman, it directly applies to my life. I utilized a lot of web articles that outlined important decisions or offices. Overall, it was a more difficult process than I thought it would be. In general, I believe that my government has my best interests in mind and makes decisions, laws and processes that are beneficial to me. Finding examples that negatively impact my life required significantly more research and analysis.
As I get older, the government will impact my life more frequently and severely. Currently, I'm just beginning to interact with certain offices, like Federal Student Aid and to be affected by laws, such as the Federal Uniform Drinking Age Act. Soon, I will have to pay taxes, one of the biggest impacts that the government has on anyone's life. When I begin to vote, purchase a car, get married, have children, etc., I will only increase my interaction.
This was a great way to conclude the learning that I've done it this class. I was able to apply what I've learned during the last five months about American government and directly connect it to my life. The project required me to take a long, hard look at my life and see exactly how it is affected my an entity that I often take for granted.
For this project, I tried to choose items that were most prevalent to my life, even if they were slightly obscure. For example, Loving v. Virginia abolished statutes that prevented interracial marriage. I had never heard of this ruling before, but as a biracial young woman, it directly applies to my life. I utilized a lot of web articles that outlined important decisions or offices. Overall, it was a more difficult process than I thought it would be. In general, I believe that my government has my best interests in mind and makes decisions, laws and processes that are beneficial to me. Finding examples that negatively impact my life required significantly more research and analysis.
As I get older, the government will impact my life more frequently and severely. Currently, I'm just beginning to interact with certain offices, like Federal Student Aid and to be affected by laws, such as the Federal Uniform Drinking Age Act. Soon, I will have to pay taxes, one of the biggest impacts that the government has on anyone's life. When I begin to vote, purchase a car, get married, have children, etc., I will only increase my interaction.
This was a great way to conclude the learning that I've done it this class. I was able to apply what I've learned during the last five months about American government and directly connect it to my life. The project required me to take a long, hard look at my life and see exactly how it is affected my an entity that I often take for granted.
Lobbying Against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
For Blog #1, click hereFor Blog #3, click here
Blog Post #5
For Blog #1, click here
For Blog #2, click here
For Blog #3, click here
For Blog #4, click here
On December 18th, Congress finally passed the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal, a process that has taken many months to complete. Democrats overcame the omnipresent threat of Republican filibuster and passed the bill by a vote of 65-31. Eight Republicans voted “Aye,” including Richard Burr (NC), who although not in favor of the timing, believed that “this policy is outdated and repeal is inevitable.” The repeal also marked an historic day for President Obama, who ran under the promise of repeal.
In the press conference before signing the bill into law, he stated, “With any change there is some apprehension. That’s natural. But as Commander-in-Chief, I am certain that we can affect this transition in a way that only strengthens our military readiness.“ Now that Congress has fulfilled its duty, it is time to initiate the next steps. However, the attitude among many is “Now what? We’ve repeal the discriminatory policy, but how can we even begin to change it?”
The answer seems to still be unclear even for the Department of Defense, who claim to be working as diligently, yet as quickly as possible. Sec. Robert M. Gates explained the process that the military plans to follow. “I see this as a three-step process. The first is to finalize changes in regulations [and] policies [and] get clearer definition on benefits. The second phase is to prepare training materials for use by personnel specialists, chaplains, commanders and other leaders, and those who are in daily contact with service members. My hope is that [this] can be done within a matter of a very few weeks, so that we can then move on to what is the real challenge, which is providing training to 2.2 million people.”
Regardless of how long this process takes, there are still provisions in the legislation that requires a 60-day waiting period, even after the plan is approved by Gates, Obama and Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mike Mullen, before the law is no longer in effect. Contrary to popular belief, “now is not the time to ‘come out,’” Mullen recently stated.
The main issue is actually acceptance. If every soldier was content with serving alongside a homosexual, there would be no need to retrain our military. What the Department of Defense needs to focus on is adopting a more accepting nature within the military and surrounding it. Since the birth of this country, military service was allotted to the “strong, masculine, courageous” patriot. However, this has slowly changed with the inclusion of women and soon, of homosexuals. We are no longer in colonial times, and as a country we need to realize this. Our military is only as strong as the average Americans’ support behind it. More than those actually fighting, it is the citizens at home who need to be trained.
On January 8th, I tuned into iPower 92.1, a radio station in Richmond, VA, as the host discussed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the public’s response to it. I listened as people ranted about Christianity’s intolerance of homosexuals and condemned our country for allowing them to serve. One caller claimed that forcing heterosexuals to serve alongside homosexuals denied them of their own rights. “What if they are uncomfortable with it?” he asked.
I later called in with one answer. “As members of the military, it is their job to protect this country, regardless about how they feel about those serving alongside them. There are simply more important issues. I know that I am not brave or patriotic enough to risk my life , and I will always be indebted to anyone who is. Gay or straight, male or female.” To the religious callers, I referenced the Constitution, which established the separation of church and state. “Quite simply, religion can not and should not impede our safety.”
As I wrap up my blogging, I want to end by quoting President Obama at the signing. “We are not a nation that says, ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell.’ We are a nation that says, ‘Out of many, one.’” The repeal has been passed and it is only a matter of time before homosexuals are legally permitted in the military. My only hope is that soon, they will be accepted into it as well.
The answer seems to still be unclear even for the Department of Defense, who claim to be working as diligently, yet as quickly as possible. Sec. Robert M. Gates explained the process that the military plans to follow. “I see this as a three-step process. The first is to finalize changes in regulations [and] policies [and] get clearer definition on benefits. The second phase is to prepare training materials for use by personnel specialists, chaplains, commanders and other leaders, and those who are in daily contact with service members. My hope is that [this] can be done within a matter of a very few weeks, so that we can then move on to what is the real challenge, which is providing training to 2.2 million people.”
Regardless of how long this process takes, there are still provisions in the legislation that requires a 60-day waiting period, even after the plan is approved by Gates, Obama and Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mike Mullen, before the law is no longer in effect. Contrary to popular belief, “now is not the time to ‘come out,’” Mullen recently stated.
The main issue is actually acceptance. If every soldier was content with serving alongside a homosexual, there would be no need to retrain our military. What the Department of Defense needs to focus on is adopting a more accepting nature within the military and surrounding it. Since the birth of this country, military service was allotted to the “strong, masculine, courageous” patriot. However, this has slowly changed with the inclusion of women and soon, of homosexuals. We are no longer in colonial times, and as a country we need to realize this. Our military is only as strong as the average Americans’ support behind it. More than those actually fighting, it is the citizens at home who need to be trained.
On January 8th, I tuned into iPower 92.1, a radio station in Richmond, VA, as the host discussed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the public’s response to it. I listened as people ranted about Christianity’s intolerance of homosexuals and condemned our country for allowing them to serve. One caller claimed that forcing heterosexuals to serve alongside homosexuals denied them of their own rights. “What if they are uncomfortable with it?” he asked.
I later called in with one answer. “As members of the military, it is their job to protect this country, regardless about how they feel about those serving alongside them. There are simply more important issues. I know that I am not brave or patriotic enough to risk my life , and I will always be indebted to anyone who is. Gay or straight, male or female.” To the religious callers, I referenced the Constitution, which established the separation of church and state. “Quite simply, religion can not and should not impede our safety.”
As I wrap up my blogging, I want to end by quoting President Obama at the signing. “We are not a nation that says, ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell.’ We are a nation that says, ‘Out of many, one.’” The repeal has been passed and it is only a matter of time before homosexuals are legally permitted in the military. My only hope is that soon, they will be accepted into it as well.
Green Card Application Process Flow Chart
For this project, my partner and I researched the process required to obtain a U.S. green card, which allows an immigrant to permanently live in the country. The actual steps and forms that are needed depend on a person's reason for coming. We decided to apply as a family member of a U.S. citizen and filled out three forms: I-130, Petition for Alien Relative; DS-230, Application for Alien Registration; and I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Regardless of a person's reason, numerous questions must be answered about the immigrant's history and future plans to ensure he or she is admissible.
The forms were a nightmare to complete. The same questions were repeated multiple times and clear instructions were never given on how to proceed after a form was filed. The most upsetting realization I had was that immigrants were required to go through this same process. If my partner and I, both English-speaking seniors, had this much confusion during the process, it must be nearly impossible for a person just learning English to do.
This bureaucratic function has become so complicated because over the years, the United States' immigration standards have become more exacting. Many believe that if a person cannot complete the process, they do not deserve to be in the U.S. While unfair, this country is very elitist and that is shown in the processes of our bureaucracy.
Throughout the process, I couldn't help but notice how expensive it was. To obtain a green card through family, it cost $1,845 in filing fees. This is a ridiculous amount, especially for an immigrant who is probably looking for a better life in the U.S. On top of this large sum, lawyers are almost always needed, given the complicated language in the paperwork. If I could change one part of this process, I would change this price. Unfortunately, obtaining a green card has a prohibitive price tag for many immigrants.
Link to flow chart: https://www.lucidchart.com/documents/view/4d08f603-13f8-4783-afaf-310b0af90ae1
Lobbying Against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
Blog Post #4
For Blog #1, click here
For Blog #2, click here
For Blog #3, click here
A lobbyist can spend months researching the issues they feel strongly about, and weeks researching the representatives that can make a difference, but until he or she gets involved, their actions are useless.
During the last week, I’ve attempted to make my own voice heard in the mess that is the current “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal attempt. As I have made calls and written emails, I have realized that gaining recognition from large organizations and politicians is much more difficult than the democratic ideal would have you believe.
I began the process by contacting Equality Forum, which, according to my research, had yet to take a strong stance and make its voice heard on DADT. I sent the following email to Chip Alfred, Equality Forum's Communication Director:
Dear Mr. Alfred,
My name is Taylor Valentine and I am a senior at Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia. I am currently working on an American Government lobbying project focused on repealing the Pentagon’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. I’ve spent months following the news, researching the issues and learning about my representatives. I am now tasked with actively getting involved.
I recently discovered Equality Forum and realized it has yet to make its voice heard on DADT. With the number and willpower of your members, a rally, petition or joint-letter could foster public awareness and garner massive media attention on the issue. The American public is not against repeal, they are simply unconscious of the current effort to allow it. Any action involving Equality Forum would have a critical impact on Senators Bob Casey and Arlen Specter, encouraging them to proactively seek repeal.
As you may know, time is of the essence. The end of Congress’ lame-duck session will mark the end of the possibility for repealing this blatantly discriminatory law. I hope to hear from you soon and look forward to any future collaborative effort on this issue.
Sincerely,
Taylor Valentine
While I hoped to receive information detailing ways the organization planned to get involved and ways I could help, instead I received a rather brusque response. Mr. Alfred informed me that they had, in fact, taken a stand and discussed it at their annual Equality Forum, which took place in May. After digging through the website, I finally found a reference to the panel he mentioned. Honestly, I was disappointed in the lack of recent action. As the largest LGBT issue debated in recent years on the federal level, it should warrant a more public response. I then replied, asking how I could get involved. I’m still waiting on a response.
Next, I focused my attention to those with the most direct influence on the success of the repeal: my senators. I drafted a very pointed email for Senator Specter, only to find that his contact page had been shut down since he will relinquish his post in January. When I called his Philadelphia office, I left a message with a secretary, who thanked me for my comment. Although it was satisfying to voice my concern to an actual human being instead of a computer, I doubt my comments will go much further than the notepad they were recorded on.
I then directed my email to Senator Casey, who will continue after the lame-duck session ends:
Dear Senator Casey,
I am writing in regards to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the current attempt being made to repeal it. It appalls me that such a blatantly discriminatory piece of legislation has withstood 17 years of criticism and remains in place today. This is not the example that should be set in a country of such high moral character.
Furthermore, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has impeded our military process. In a time when our troops are deployed around the world in attempts to protect our own freedoms and those of others, what benefit can be found in discharging able and willing troops? Will it improve military readiness and cohesion, a claim that so many senators have made? The Pentagon’s study found that it would not. Will it improve the public opinion of America’s military? Absolutely not. In fact, polls have shown the opposite. So I ask you Senator, why have you allowed this policy to continue?
I ask not only for your vote, which I know you’ve already pledged, but your voice as well. In order to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Republicans must be convinced that it is the morally appropriate and necessary decision to make. I do not need to remind you that time is of the essence. If next year’s Defense Appropriation bill does not pass with language allowing repeal, you will have failed your fellow Americans, who only wish to serve with the same dignity and respect that all other troops are granted. This is not too much to ask.
Sincerely,
Taylor Valentine
I am waiting for a response from his office, hoping that it will be more than a generic “Thank you”. I’ve realized that it is almost impossible for one citizens to make an impact without the help of others. In the coming weeks, I plan to gather support and send more emails and phones calls to my senators. I also hope to start a Facebook page about DADT, encouraging others to get involved as well.
Resea de "Mar Adentro"
La película "Mar Adentro" se trata de la vida de Ramón Sampedro, un tetrapléjico quien quiere quitarse la vida. Sin embargo, eutanasia no es legal en España. Durante la película, él lucha cambiar la ley y morir una muerte digna. Hace las preguntas, ¿Es la vida y la muerte unas obligaciones o unos derechos?, ¿Es eutanasia de unos seres queridos asesinato y un crimen? y ¿Qué es amor de verdad? Sampedro cree que la vida y la muerte son derechos y eutanasia no es un crimen. Estoy de acuerdo. Debemos poder escoger si queremos vivir o morir. No debemos forzar a vivir si nuestra vida no es digna ni agradable. Me encanta la película conmovedora. Es muy interesante porque se trata de un tema controversial. La parálisis y el deseo a quitarse es una condición y una situación que muchas personas nunca encuentran.
Lobbying Against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
DADT Blog Post #3
For Blog #1, click here
For Blog #2, click here
For Blog #4, click here
To say that the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is a hot topic in today’s politics would be an understatement. It seems that every time you log onto the New York Times, or CNN an article related to the policy is front page news. Whether it’s the recent filibuster, the current injunction, or the lame-duck session push, DADT is on everyone’s mind. According to a recent Washington Post survey, the American public’s disagreement with the policy has drastically increased over the last 17 years. When the policy was first enacted, 44% of Americans were against it. Now, that number has risen to 75%. Politicians are taking notice. In fact, earlier this year, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act of 2011 with an amendment allowing for the repeal of DADT, but in the Senate, Democrats have failed in the face of Republican opposition.
Public opinion on DADT repeal (Religioustolerance.org)
While most Republicans are not necessarily against the repeal, all are waiting for the Pentagon’s release of its report on the effects that a repeal would have on the military. The report is scheduled to come out December 1st, but parts have already been leaked. The survey of hundreds of thousands of military personnel and families concluded that allowing homosexuals to serve openly would not hurt military readiness, a fear that many hold. These findings have the potential to sway at least 10 senators, including moderate Maine Republicans Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe. Both hope for a more open debate after the report is released.
The biggest hurtle, by far, is Senator John McCain, the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee. He insisted that a study was needed before he could approve of the bill. Now that the study has been completed, he is still stalling, stating "Once we get this study, we need to have hearings. And we need to examine it. And we need to look at whether it's the kind of study that we wanted.” It appears that McCain will do everything in his power to hold off the vote until after the lame-duck session ends. With his position in the committee, this is not an impossible feat.
However, despite his opposition, there are major allies. Secretary of Defense Gates recently expressed that he would like to see DADT repealed by the end of the year, which was a very bold statement, as it went against the views of many senior commanders. Despite recent inconsistencies, President Obama still supports repeal, even calling Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) last Wednesday to reinforce his stance and demand a vote in the coming weeks.The urgency is felt by all parties involved. Currently Democrats hold 57 seats, which will fall to 53 in January. Since cloture has already failed once with the larger majority (the September 21st vote was 56-43), it will be near impossible to convince at least 7 Republicans to change their vote after the lame-duck session. For this reason, Sen. Carl Levin plans to hold a hearing in the Armed Services Committee in early December. Though the date is not yet set, a rapid hearing is imperative to the success of a DADT repeal.
Two national lobbyist groups are heavily involved in this process. The Human Rights Campaign, which works to eliminate discrimination against the LGBT community, and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, an organization focused solely on DADT, are constantly pressuring the Senate. They encourage citizens to call, write and visit their senators to demand repeal.
Advertisement on HRC.org
Locally, Equality Forum, based in Philadelphia, “undertakes high-impact initiatives and presents the largest annual national and international GLBT civil rights forum,” among other goals. They host events throughout the area and while not currently involved with DADT, they would not be opposed to it. Given their local and national presence, they would be a great ally in increasing public outcry for repeal. This demand is needed to encourage Pennsylvania’s senators Specter and Casey to not only vote “aye,” but to proactively push for a vote.
Lobbying Against "Don't Ask Don't Tell"
As a Pennsylvanian residing in the 2nd district, I am represented by three democratic congressmen: Rep. Chaka Fattah, Sen. Arlen Spector and Sen. Robert P. Casey. Although each often votes with the party, some are more liberal than others. In lobbying against such a debatable issue, one must look past the facade often created by politicians and find the real person underneath.
Rep. Chaka Fattah has served in various parts of the government for 28 years. After attending both the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University’s Kenneday School of Government, Fattah was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and then to the State Senate. He has spent the last 16 years serving Pennsylvania’s 2nd district in the House of Representatives.
He is in full support of repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” stating last year that “Our nation’s core principles, as well as an overwhelming majority of the American people, support full and equal rights for all our citizens...For far too long the law, and administrative practice, have discriminated against LGBT Americans, and it is way past the time to end this discrimination.” He helped pass the House bill that would’ve allowed DADT to be repealed, had it not been filibustered in the Senate.
Last week, Judge Virginia Phillips of the District Court of California, after ruling that DADT was unconstitutional, ordered an injunction against the military’s policy. Although the Obama administration is seeking a repeal, Rep. Fattah strongly supports it: “The ruling stands on sound Constitutional grounds, citing free speech and due process violations by the government in barring openly gay and lesbian members from the armed services. She also cites the need to end ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ as a critical step toward improving military morale, readiness and recruiting at a time when our men and women in uniform are fighting distant battles.” Rep. Chaka Fattah, while up for reelection next month, will most certainly continue to be an ally in the fight against DADT.
Sen. Arlen Spector is less reliable as a liberal voter. A Republican for the vast majority of his political career, Sen. Spector changed parties last year in hopes of reelection. However, his voting record does not suggest a Democratic ideology. In 1996, he voted to prohibit same-sex marriage and in 2002 to exclude sexual orientation in the definition of a hate crime. Despite renouncing his previous position on many civil rights issues, Pennsylvanians did not buy his claim and he lost the primary to Joe Sestak, a legislator strongly in favor of gay rights.
It seems that the truth behind Sen. Spector’s political beliefs will be revealed during the Senate’s lame duck session, when ousted congressmen are no longer accountable to their constituents. He currently serves on the Committees of Appropriations and of the Judiciary, focusing on civil rights. He has voted for some gay rights in the past, but for the former Air Force officer and Warren Commission member, a repeal of DADT is not a sure deal.
Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr. has served in the Senate since 2007. His primary goal is the welfare of the American people, focusing on issues such as the economy, the environment and healthcare. He is in strong support of a repeal, stating "As we continue to fight two wars, our national security depends on a strong and talented military. And ending this discriminatory practice is the right thing to do for our military and for those who want to openly serve their country.” Although he does differ in his opinions on same-sex marriage, he is steadfast in his belief on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” After the November elections, Sen. Casey will become Pennsylvania’s senior senator.
There are currently are multitude of organizations supporting gay rights in this country. However, one of particular interest is the Log Cabin Republicans, which initiated the current injunction against DADT by filing a lawsuit against the U.S. military. The organization fights to ensure that the voice of the gay and lesbian community is heard in a party where is it typically ignored and that equality drives its action. LCR has worked from the inside to prevent the passage of the Federal Marriage Amendment and other anti-gay legislation. Despite the conservatism of their party, this group is fighting for the equality that all people deserve.
Lobbying Against "Don't Ask Don't Tell"
The current opinion on homosexuality in the military is very clear: it is unwelcome. This law, commonly referred to as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) was enacted in 1993 by President Bill Clinton in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 (P.L. 130-160 H.R. 2401). It stated that if a service member is found to be homosexual, he or she will be immediately discharged. The service member can be probed about his or her sexual orientation if an officer has a reason to question his or her heterosexuality. However, as long as it is kept hidden, homosexuals can remain in the military.
During this project, my partner and I will be lobbying to have this policy repealed. It is blatant discrimination and homophobia, which should not be tolerated by the U.S. government. The men and women who serve this country should not be forced to hid pieces of their identities for fear of being discharged. President Obama’s promise to repeal this policy has further sparked my interest in it and increased my hope of success.
Earlier this year, Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) proposed legislation that would repeal DADT, stating on his website “To exclude one group of Americans from serving in the armed forces is contrary to our fundamental principles as outlined in the Declaration of Independence and weakens our defenses by denying our military the service of a large group of Americans who can help our cause.” Unfortunately, the Defence Authorization Bill for 2011, which included this repeal, was filibustered by Republicans on September 21st. Sen. Lieberman has made it clear that he will revisit the legislation after this year’s elections.
Many Democrats support the repeal, including Ms. Ellen Tauscher, who previously served as a House representative from California and was recently appointed to Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. She proposed similar legislation last year, but failed to make gains on the issue.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz) is leading the opposition. Currently, McCain only opposes the bill so long as the Pentagon does. “It is a blatant message of disrespect to our men and women in uniform that Congress is unwilling to even wait to hear what the force has to say on this important matter before pushing ahead with a controversial, political vote two months before an election.” The Pentagon has launched a study on whether the repeal would have a negative effect on military readiness. An affirmative result would be a victory for Republicans who argue that repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” would diminish military cohesiveness and discipline.
However, the future does hold promise. The younger generation is more heavily in support of repealing the 17 year old policy. According to a poll conducted by Angus Reid Public Opinion, almost 60% of Americans would like to see DADT overturned. Even more influential, the Federal District Court of California ruled that DADT violates 1st and 5th Amendment rights. This ruling is seen by many proponents as a catalyst for change. Hopefully, they are right.
How has the shape of the human shoulder propelled us to the top of the animal kingdom?
Throughout
history, human ancestors did not always possess the ability to throw, a skill
that propelled them to the top of the animal kingdom. This skill is based in
the shape of the shoulder joint. In apes, this joint opens
upwards, making it ideal for hanging on trees, but incapable of accurate
projection. As humanoids turned to walking as their primary means of
transportation, the joints and shoulder blades slowly fell. Approximately
500,000 years ago, they arrived in their present horizontal, coat-hanger-like
position.
Ape shoulder (top) and human shoulder (bottom)
With a joint that opened horizontally, instead of vertically, early humans were able to rotate their arms in an almost any direction. This semi-boundless motion allowed them to throw with an accuracy much greater than that of their ancestors. Apes are known to throw rocks, but soon humanoids began to hunt with wooden spears, placing them at a great advantage over any other animal.
The use of projectile weapons was one major difference between Neanderthals and modern humans. In the midst of their relatively rapid evolution, it is possible that Neanderthals' bodies never evolved to allow accurate throwing. It is hypothesized that their shoulders were much more ape-like in shape and position. According to Steven Churchill, an anthropology professor at Duke University, "Perhaps their...short, squat body build with short and massive limbs was not conducive to using throwing-based hunting technology." The ability to hunt from a distance gave humans a distinct advantage over Neanderthals. We could hunt safely, giving us a higher chance of returning home to reproduce. This is a possible reason for the extinction of Neanderthals, modern humans most formidable rivals; we simply outhunted them.
The one question that seems to be unanswered is a question of "What if?". What if our shoulders had never fallen to their present position? What if we were unable to throw a weapon from a distance and injure or kill our target? Would we be the most dominant species on the planet? Would we still be living alongside Neanderthals? Most importantly, would we still exist at all or would we have been replaced by another species better suited for life on Earth?
With a joint that opened horizontally, instead of vertically, early humans were able to rotate their arms in an almost any direction. This semi-boundless motion allowed them to throw with an accuracy much greater than that of their ancestors. Apes are known to throw rocks, but soon humanoids began to hunt with wooden spears, placing them at a great advantage over any other animal.
The use of projectile weapons was one major difference between Neanderthals and modern humans. In the midst of their relatively rapid evolution, it is possible that Neanderthals' bodies never evolved to allow accurate throwing. It is hypothesized that their shoulders were much more ape-like in shape and position. According to Steven Churchill, an anthropology professor at Duke University, "Perhaps their...short, squat body build with short and massive limbs was not conducive to using throwing-based hunting technology." The ability to hunt from a distance gave humans a distinct advantage over Neanderthals. We could hunt safely, giving us a higher chance of returning home to reproduce. This is a possible reason for the extinction of Neanderthals, modern humans most formidable rivals; we simply outhunted them.
The one question that seems to be unanswered is a question of "What if?". What if our shoulders had never fallen to their present position? What if we were unable to throw a weapon from a distance and injure or kill our target? Would we be the most dominant species on the planet? Would we still be living alongside Neanderthals? Most importantly, would we still exist at all or would we have been replaced by another species better suited for life on Earth?
Benchmark #1: The Story of H.R. 810 (The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005)
For our first quarter benchmark in American Government, we were tasked with telling the story of one bill's journey to becoming a law. I chose to research the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, which sought to overturn President Bush's 2001 policy, which halted federal funding for stem cell research on new embryos. The story contained a few twists and the journey was influenced by many outside parties.
Below is the link to my comic book. Once it opens, simply click the thumbnail to view the entire book.
H.R. 810: The Story of a Controversial Bill's Fall from Grace:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1954347/H.R.%20810%20Comic_Valentine/Launcher.html
Below is the link to my comic book. Once it opens, simply click the thumbnail to view the entire book.
H.R. 810: The Story of a Controversial Bill's Fall from Grace:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1954347/H.R.%20810%20Comic_Valentine/Launcher.html
Election Day Interview
Polling Place: Trinity Baptist Church, 2720 Poplar St. 19130
I interviewed a woman in her mid-twenties about her thoughts on U.S. politics and the changes that should be made. She was very passionate about her views as a Democrat and disgusted by some of the antics taken by the Republican party. She hopes to see the government become less partisan and more for the people.
