Thursday, September 30, 2010

Bruh, Bruh.





I cannot believe the amount of test's we had today; it was insane!

Anyways...
Here I go. I am sitting down with the brother on the right side and my sister on the other. Furthermore, my dad is in the living room watching a soccer tournament in Dubai, they are screaming so loud I cannot concentrate on my post. So if my bog sound's weird it is not my fault. 

Anyhow...
I cannot believe my brother is in the sixth grade. I feel like he school is in elementary school forever. Even-though that would be weird, do not want my brother to grow up (woe, I feel like a parent). He used to go to Shelton's Primary Educational Center (S.P.E.C), but then the school closed down. My sister, brother, and I went to that school for nine year. I was private. We were rich then... Now, he goes to Academy of Alameda, I could not he is in middle school.  He was so excited on the first day of school; He wanted to be there an hour earlier. I had the same feelings as him, but I wanted to go to school early so I can have a tour of the school and understand my campus so I would not get lost. He just wanted to open his locker and make new friends. We are such opposites. Friends were the last priority I wanted to exhibit or maybe the last thing I wanted to think about. 

Today, I went to my brother’s school for the first time. He gave me explicit instructions on how to open a longer because I have not opened one since eighth grade... so sad. His instructions were clear that I finally opened the lock; I was proud of myself. Then, I tried it once more and it did not work- stupid lock.

In the end, I have concluded my brother is growing up. He will never stay young, not even if you try to trick him about his age (which I have tried before... did not go well). It is time to let go.

Ps. did you notice I did not tell you my brother's name? Well, here it goes, *drum rolls*... Ahmed Ahmed. Pretty neat, huh? Or not?


Tuesday, September 28, 2010

In-Class Essay- Q's Characterization

Thesis: Q's most defining characterization is that he constantly misunderstands (and misunderstood) by other characters.

Q jumps over the obvious. He wrongfully mistakes what people say to him. A girl, Fern- Flower and Q-the dinosaur, were with each other near a tree. They were talking and Fern - Flower tells Q a dream she recently had. The dream was about a dinosaur attacking her. She was not scared, and actually liked him, (101). Q's interpretation of her dream is very abstract, he says: 
" Fern- Flower desired nothing more than to be assaulted. This was a moment for me to embrace her. But the dinosaur they image was too different from the dinosaur I was, and this made me more different and timid," (101).
This demonstrates, Q's assumptions towards Fern- Flower's dream. He believes that she willingly wants to get assaulted. He knows that he is not that type of person, so he feels more awkward and submissive. Even though Fern- Flower's intentions was not to create insecureness to him. He supposedly thinks she is. Q's wrong reactions repetitively make him self misunderstand others. His wrong thoughts create more clutter and weakness. As a result, this type of misconception sets out continuous confusion. 

Q is in an everlasting mind-set of interpreting wrong ideas. In the middle of the novel, Fern- Flower tells Q another dream she had. It was in the same subject as the previous dream: The Dinosaur. Her dream was about a dinosaur that passed her house. She made her self look nice, looked outside the window to attract the dinosaur, but he did not look back- not even a glance, (104). In the dream, she felt sad and invisible. Q's thoughts about her dream is:
" This dream furnished me with a new key to the understanding of Fern- Flower's attitude towards me: the young creature had mistaken my shyness for disdainful pride. Now, when I recall it, I realize that all I had to do was maintain that attitude a little longer, make a show of haughty detachment, and I would have won her completely," (104).
This signifies that Q's belief upon her dream was that, he put forth everything he had. He felt that want she was saying is: he has done wrong. He was so forceful; he should have been invisible and assumes he has not been looking. Later, he should of came and they would have been together. When he says this, he is down shifting. He is decreasing he chance. Q feels that he has lost her. He messed up.  This emphasis that because the first dream was about him, he immediately thinks the dream is too. He does not think he dreams are not random dreams that she randomly wanted to tell him. She knew that she wanted to tell him because wrongful actions his done- obviously not. This delusion develops an emotional break down even-though the anxiety my not be real. He concludes they are. As a result, Q’s lost anticipations establish regretful feelings and turns into anger and direct outcomes.

Q's acrimony becomes out of control. His misunderstandings create a division between respect and rudeness. He starts to become blunt and tell Fern- Flower tells one more dream that creates extreme anger towards Q, and he does not hold it in. Fern- Flower's dream was about a dinosaur who funny and had all green. The dinosaur was getting teased then, she stepped fore ward and protected him. She took him away a fixed him up. She noticed he was ridiculous and was the saddest of all creatures, (107). This shows that because he thought the other two-dream s was about him, the last one must be too. After all the words she used to describe the scene, he states: 
"Why do you bore me with these dreams of yours? They get more childish every time! You can't dream anything but sentimental nonsense!"(107).
This exposes that he saw how negative each dream was and made a conclusion that they were all about him. When he says " Why do you bore me with these dreams of yours?” I do not believe he literally meant they were boring, but say this would make her feel bad. Q's anger made him turn blunt because of all the errors and wrong reactions he had towards Fern- Flower's dream. He did not feel any regret after his done so, because she did not have that feeling, so he did not either. As a result, misconception performs confusion towards the other characters, in this case, Fern- Flower.


Saturday, September 25, 2010

What Has Gotten Into Me?

Since the start of last week, I have been reading a tone of freshman's, sophomore's, and Mr. Sutherland's post. Why? I do not know. I usually hated reading other people's work. I, undoubtedly, need an explanation why I like it all of a sudden. Its it because...ummm...still do not know.

Even though I have a lot of homework, after I publish this post will be clicking the mouse to my second tab; Google Reader!

Have I turned into a Weirdo?
What Has Gotten Into Me?

I Heart Google; You Are Entertaining Me!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Yo' Regina Mo'

I have decided to create an haiku for Gina. She's so cool:

I love Regina.
Her haiku's make me giggle.
Refrigerator.

Writer's Block

While scouting through many students blogs, I looked through Mr.Sutherland's blog's, and found an idea that was similar to my boredom:
Actually I'm not sure the blockmonster is the only or even the main reason I've not been writing recently. Maybe it's because I've been reading extra books (including a meditation manual so useful I read it twice in as many weeks) and focusing my writing into feedback on student blog posts...But deeper down, the problem these days is that I bore myself. Beating dead horses gets old. 
Yes, beating dead horses really does get old; Its a tiring experience.

While reading Mr. Sutherland's blog, I feel like he has not only slowly stopped writing blogs because of reading or comments on students post, but it is only because he is in a new school atmosphere. Mr. Sutherland told us that he use to teach at Alameda High, they have about 2,000 students there. Realizing that he came from a large school to a school that has at least 160 students can be a little challenging to adapt too. So iI assume he is not only doing thing he said above, but also noticing and learning how to teach and get use to his new school.

Knowing he is a teacher, I have not adequately envisioned how challenging it is for a teacher to accustom to their teaching and learning environment. Even though they are teachers, and as students we assume they are capable to accommodate easily, i believe it is the other way around. This is because, as a new teacher, you need welcome yourself to the students, learn rule of school, welcome yourself  to the other teachers, and to establish your own rules, assignments, and grading structure. Laying out a teachers expectations seems ambitious and outstanding. Students do not realize how much work it takes to begin classes and developing new lessons everyday. Seems overwhelming.

In conclusion, I see Mr. Sutherland has a determined teacher. He is deriving new knowledge from a school that is much smaller than he's used to. Again, He came from a school that has 2,000 students to a school that is almost 200. I believe he will make it and become an excellent teacher, (even though he already is)!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Change For Yourself or Others? hmmm...

While reading Rudy Rew's post, I have noticed an idea that was inspirational and glad:



I love how I look; hair, smile, body, all of it. I love it even when I complain about it. I was really self conscious about how I looked in the past, and today I still am. But what I am grateful for is that I gained the ability to not give a damn what people say or think. Everyone says I am really short. Do I care? No, because why would I want to be really tall? Men don't like really tall women. I have small feet, but my shoes are cheaper. I have the most difficult hair on earth, but I deal with it.
While reading her blog, this first paragraph was a really good hook following the rest of her post. I have noticed that I sometimes make fun of myself, like say i am ugly, fat, lay, etc. But, Iknow i am just playing with my self and do not take it to an high extent. I know I am just talking about myself, but I realized their are more than just me in this world. And i feel really bad for the people who take their flaws to an high extent and try to change themselves for the so called "better", eventhough the people who are changing them selves may seem that they look different, they do not understand that if they want to change themselves the internal or there personality is beneficial.

Your fundamental values should be focused  effectively than depending on what other people assume about yourself. Meaning, you should be proud of what you have similarly to Ruby statement : "I love how I look; hair, smile, body, all of it,". When saying this to yourself, you are boosting your self esteem and telling others that you do not care about their thoughts about yourself. Be Happy.

If you know someone that bring negative energy or says negative/ rude things about you or others, you should consult them about you thoughts. By doing this, you are beings incredibly thoughtful and helpful towards the others who were being talked about and improving on your ability to not care about what others say.

In the end, change towards a better you!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Vocabulary Words!

These are the words I will be focusing on:

1. Derive
2. Justification
3. Adequate
4. Implement
5. Consultation
6. Fundamental
7. Medial
8. Allocation
9. Explicit
10. Ministry

...Work Hard, Play Harder :)

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Graffiti

I found an interesting post on Luis Alba's blog about graffiti that really struck me:
[ Because] some people might say that urban art or “graffiti” is bad for the community and for people. I do not think that urban art is bad for any reason. Urban art is not necessarily destruction of property, I think of it as more of coloring or decorating the city.
While reading his blog, I had a mixed filling about graffiti and what it does to our community. I understand in the beginning of Luis blog that its urban art, but i believe graffiti is illegally marked on destructive properly even f the properly is not in use. This is because many people do vandalism just because or maybe they do not have or know any other way to express their emotions. So they just mark on property because they do not know any other way. Maybe people do it because it is a trend in their community.

I also disagree when he says it brings more color or decoration to the city. Even though some graffiti is attractive he does not give out a good status for the community. I consider graffiti on property vandalism and illegal. Just because the art is attracting does not mean it give away positive affect to the community. When i drive through Martin Luther King Jr. Way, i notice a lot of graffiti and it makes me feel disgusted and also scared. It makes me feel disgusted because the community was built to attract people to the area: move in, shop, sell, etc. But when looking at the the vandalism on the: walls, glass, school, and sometimes cars, it does not let people want to live in that type of area. They feel like if they move in their stores, houses, or cars will be vandalize as well. I also said scared because people sometimes fear area where there are gang signs posted everywhere because he shows those type of people may life around that neighborhood. They feel like they are not in a clean and safe community. Again, maybe people who vandalize do not know any other way to express their feelings.

Showing people different ways to express their feelings or art can improve on their health and the community. For example, in certain cities where they have the most vandalism can create meetings and also centers that only pertain to graffiti and how they can find different ways to expose there inner feelings, they can: check with a phyciatrist, friends, family, etc. Finding ways to help people can improve their life and the future for the city.

Monday, September 13, 2010

School :0



When I think about school, I imagine homework, quizzes, breaks, gossip, etc. When I came to Alameda Science and Technology Institute, I learned that I was in a smaller environment and in an area that is full time work, work, work. When it was my first day of school, all I was thinking about was college. I felt like I was not in a high school where they have rallies, dances, and football games. I was in a community where we succeed in higher educational standards. As a freshman, I was scared. I felt like I was not going to succeed even though I was accepted, I did not feel like I was ready. While the year went on, I became to fully understand the requirements and expectations to succeed as an ASTI student. I felt more relaxed. As a result, teachers should console the students about future classes so they can arrange themselves to be successful.

Today, I am a sophomore at ASTI and I understand what I have to do, but also have fears towards my classes and the classes I will be taking as a junior. Knowing that I will be a college student as well as an ASTI student, tells me that I have less free time and more study time. I have to teach my self-new information and depend less on the teachers. I also have to start the PSAT's and SAT's to apply for universities and state universities. Understanding that I have to start this journey frightens me and also shows that I am growing up. I fear that I will make big mistakes and will not be able to change from them. I fear I will not have as much dedication to my education and just slack off. And I fear that I will hurt people just to make myself satisfied. All these fears are always in my head and just waiting for me fail. Way that I try to eliminate these fears is by telling my self that I will succeed and pass all my classes. In the end, removing bad thoughts will provide more space for greater success.

In conclusion, as an ASTI student, I feel proud of who I become to be. I feel like if I did not attend this school, I will not be who I am today. I imagine if I did not go to ASTI, I would not understand the different types of college requirements and just think about the excitement of high school. I am really glad I picked this school and I hope to the freshman’s who are reading my blog, to realize how lucky they are and also consider their future as an successful learner.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Opening Statement: Obesity


Obesity has known to be a big problem in our society. Many people assume that obesity is a genetic or a common disease towards their health. In other words, in the dictionary, disease means, a disorder or incorrectly functioning organ, part, structure, or system of the body resulting the effect of genetic of developmental errors. Obesity is not a function that normal or abnormally grows or develops in your body, it is something from the outside world that is digested or injected in to a person that can make a person over weight. For example, a women on The Biggest Loser, started at a weight of: 234 pounds and loss almost: 122 pounds- that is forty- eight percent of her weight.This signifies, obesity can be be curable without additional injected enzymes, but to cure a disease you need the specific injections or medicine; without medicine most people might die or have to frequently check with the doctor. Have people ever thought about that some people might be bigger boned which take up most of their weight that makes them look fat but really are not?. Well this does not mean that they are not healthy, it is just a trait that they have that make their body look more “fatter”, but maybe healthier than a skinnier person.
Additionally, “studies have shown that the heritability of obesity is about the same as the height. Therefore; obesity is not the result of people lacking willpower to exercise or eat less, but genetically predetermined.” This is not true. “Obesity is a matter of a personal responsibility. People become obese because they make bad dietary decisions and do not exercise.” Thinking that obesity is a disease make the people believe it is not their fault that they gained a certain amount of weight- they assume it is a disease, so they will not try to  help or attempt to control themselves. It gives people an excuse to eat  as much as they want.
In the health care bill H.R. 3962, approved by the House of Representatives on Oct. 29, 2009, "being overweight or obese" is not classified as a disease but as a "behavioral risk factor" along with alcohol and drug use, tobacco, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and risky sex.  This shows as more and more people understand the concept between a disease and a behavioral control, it makes people notice that it is their fault for what they have done to themselves and have to take control and improve on their dietary decisions.
As a result, from the evidence we have gathered, people maybe agree that obesity is a disease because it leads to other risk factors such as diabetes, heart disease, and other diseases. On the contrary, it is exactly called a disease because not everyone that is obese has medical problems. People that are obese or fat can also be very healthy. Does this also mean that obesity is a disease  if when we are eating, we get all the nutrients that we need to improve our health? is that bad? . Being obese is a matter of life decisions that we make. We can control if we choose to be obese or not, but a disease happens unexpectedly without knowing that we cannot take control of, therefore we have proposed that obesity is not a disease.