Current Event #9

Nigerian girl who escaped Boko Haram says she still feels afraid

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21560098@N06/13949706770

On April 15th, up to 300 Nigerian teenage girls were kidnapped from their school by the belligerent terrorist organization, Boko Haram. Attacks on the Nigerian schools have taken place before by the Boko Haram gang. Boko Haram's leader, Abubakar Shekau, scheme is to sell the young women into marriage and as sex slaves. The girls that have been abducted say that they have been transported to Chad or Cameroon, but some have succeeded in escape. These girls that were able to evade the enslavement are now left with the haunting remembrance of foul actions and the loss of their precious innocence. CNN reporters were actually able to travel to the location of where the hostages were abducted, Chibok, Nigeria. There they discovered frightening extremist group did to the girls, and one young women in particular. The girl describes the whole traumatic incident and how she managed to steer clear of the danger. She states that she "...feels afraid" to even return to school grounds (CNN). Many precautions are being made in Nigeria, as well as internationally. Nigeria's military has created a perimeter around the boarders of Abuja and Chibok. The soldiers will usually ask for a passport, or search the vehicle to make sure that everything is safe. Internationally the United States is giving full support to the Nigerian natives in order to recover the location of the missing girls. Additionally, rescue missions are in effect through both the United States and British officials. Boko Haram has brought a tremendous amount of violence in turmoil upon the citizens of Nigeria, and nearly 2,000 of them have died because of it. Attacks are beginning to rise, as well as heated disputes on the genuine location of the girls. Bringing hope and spreading the prayers across the world, the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls shares the immense condolences people have for this devastating event. Michelle Obama has also joined the number of people following the trend. She expressed that Boko Haram is "determined to keep [the] girls from getting an education".

This topic honesty doesn't connect with anything that is going on in school, or with anything that I am learning at the time. This event does, however, relate to me being a young women in school and being aware that in some parts of the world, seeking and obtaining and education can be quite the struggle. I am luck enough to be able to live in a place with an exceptional and safe environment to absorb the foundations of a good education. Unfortunately, some girls don't have that some privilege. It makes me heartbroken to think of all the potential being lost because of the ignorant denying them of the opportunity to have an educational background.

This event is the utmost sickening and a horrific aspect of what all women can fall victim to. It has become common in some countries where women are only looked upon as items, or as a belonging. I feel as though sometimes women and men will never be treated equally unless critical measures are executed. Boko Haram's actions stands as a reminder that women are only property in their eyes, and oppose the distribution of education for women. This is the reason why they targeted mostly schools to prey on the casualties. Women of Nigeria make up almost "85 million" of the whole population; "170 million" (CNN). Without the proper education that these women need, almost half of the population won't be as successful and the country will most likely fail in thriving for the future generations. Giving the voice to men won't be as loud as when you put both women and men together. The version of the future Boko Haram that is trying to be enforced should not influence women and girls around the world to succumb to. An immense amount of support for the return of the girls has sparked an inspiring sign for a brighter future for all girls and women. This is not only in Nigeria, but around the world, giving hope and empowering women to purse what they desire in life. This incident affects me in a way where it motivates me in constructing a better life for myself, and show that I can be the best at what I want to achieve.

Shot Answer Response
What is the central idea of the passage and how is it developed and refined throughout the selection?

The central idea of the passage was to stress the happenings in Chibok, Nigeria. It gives updates such the experience the girl had when escaping from Boko Haram and also from villagers from the town and what they experienced. This is shown when the girls states that she "...ran into the bush. [She] ran and [she] ran" (CNN). The article also talks about the attempts in finding the girls through multiple actions such as through the military and International help. The United States stated that they would do "everything [they] can to determine the girls location" (CNN). The article also covers the violence and panic Nigeria is experiencing at the moment. It states that over "2,000 people have died in violence in northern Nigeria..." (CNN). In the end the passage discusses the #BringBackOurGirls trend that is spreading through social media in hopes of recovering the abducted. Even Pope Francis tweeted saying "Let us all join in prayer for the immediate release of the schoolgirls kidnapped in Nigeria" with the hashtag (CNN). 

Citations

Matthews , Nina. "#BRING BACK OUR GIRLS ~ Michelle OBAMA." Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo!, 8 May 2014. Web. 11 May 2014. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/21560098@N>.

Carter, Chelsea. "CNN exclusive: Nigerian girl who escaped Boko Haram says she still feels afraid." CNN. Cable News Network, 11 May 2014. Web. 11 May 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/11/world/africa/nigeria-escaped-schoolgirl-speaks/index.html>.

Current Event #8

The History Of Holocaust Remembrance day 

The 27th of Nissan is the chosen day which marks not only the middle of Passover, but the remembrance of past horrors during the time of the Holocaust. Since this heavy-duty 

genocide never embarked on any specific day, it was questionable at first on which day should the memorialized incident be held. It was then that the day was finally decided it would take place on the 27th of Nissan by Israel's Parliament on April 12, 1951. It was declared Yom Hashoah U'Mered HaGetao, or Holocaust and Ghetto Revolt Remembrance day.  Since this decision has been made, Yom Hashoah fluctuates with different dates every so year. This year of 2014, the date falls under April 27. This significant day promises the Jewish community and current survivors of the Holocaust, that their long and filled history and stories that are contained within the sorrowful tragedy, would be spread across the world in honor and commemoration of the mass homicide. With the Holocausts devastating events, Jewish victim's tales of their great sufferings of slavery, victimization, and much desolation have been able to mold not only the Jewish relationships and faith itself, but human-kind as a whole. In Warsaw Ghetto Square, in the Yad Vashem Holocuast Museum, the opening ceremony of the Holocaust Remembrance Day took place. Both President of Jerusalem, Shimon Peres, and Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu attending, giving speeches expressing the country of Israel and Jews have come along way, but still in 2014 face possible danger. Additionally, the ceremony was also continued at the location of the Massuah Institute for Holocaust Studies. A multitude od dignitaries took part, which included, Justice Minister Tzippi Livni and IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz. 

This event does have some relevance to something I have learned during our time in English. We read a book called Night, written by Elie Wiesel. This novel provided readers with first-hand accounts, experienced by Wiesel himself, of the inhuman actions that was being executed, as well as his struggle during the atrocious times of the Holocaust. The book Night pertains to this event because with its chilling stories, it furthers the example in recollections of the numerous unspeakable works taking place during the Holocaust. Furthermore, in English class, we learned there is a fair amount of controversy concerning the occurrence of the Holocaust and whether it actually took place. Also. we also did stations that furthered our knowledge of this particular point in history. 

Having a Holocaust memorial day is essential and important in not only remembering the millions of lives that were lost to this catastrophic incident, but to set a reminder to people world wide to not let such a horrific disaster ever occur again. It is similar to memorial circumstances such as 911 and 1776 slavery, where an event happens in history where the peace is eradicated, and all that is left is the vile stench of death, immortally, and corruption. This leaves people with only the memory of the past, and attempts in avoiding similar happenings from going down. I believe as though traumatic occurrences tend to have an immense impact on our memory, like a stamp that cannot be erased. Not only this, but having a day set specifically for the remembrance of the Holocaust, aids in administering me, as well as, today's youth with moral teachings and a better understanding of  the Holocaust. With this infusion of information about this period in time, future generations will learn how to put an end to hatred, prejudice, and racism in the world. Holocaust Remembrance day in the long run assists in promoting tolerance and actions against the discrimination against minorities. 

Short Answer Response

• What is the central idea of the passage and how is it developed and refined throughout the selection? Use evidence from the selection to support your answer.
• The central idea of the passage is expressing the history in which how the  Holocaust Remembrance day came to be and "how [they marked] the Holocaust on the chosen day" in which is still relevant today (Gilad). It is developed and refined by the author going further into the history such as how the Holocaust Remembrance day came to be in particular nations such as "United States, France and Germany"(Gilad). This article gives an in depth explanation in history of the Holocaust Memorial day.  

MLA Citations:

Sherrington, Milivoj . "Campo de Concentracion de Dachau."Photograph.  Flickr. Yahoo!, 8 Aug. 2007. Web. 29 Apr. 2014. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/34248112@N0>.

Gilad , Elon . "The history of Holocaust Remembrance Day - National."Haaretz.com. Haaretz Daily Newspaper, 27 Apr. 2014. Web. 29 Apr. 2014. <http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/.premium-1.587517#>.

Current Event #7

Poisoning linked to e-cigarettes 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/87735223@N02/11359046364/

When a person wants to quite their habits of smoking, one has the option to resort to an e-cigarette. E-cigarettes resembles moderately to that of a traditional cigarette, which is pleasing to those who have a consistence-stricken habit. Instead of using actual tobacco smoke, this device uses a type of gas vapor. With these e-cigarette products being available since 2007,  people are starting to abuse them just as a regular cigarette. This problem is most occurring with teenagers. This is prominent amount most high school and middle school students. In the view of this fact, obtaining these e-cigs are quite easy, and since there are no restrictions on the device,  most anyone can purchase them. Although this device gives off an impression that no harm would come to the user, but in resent studies, this is not the case. Centers of for Disease Control and Prevention specialist, Kevin Chatham-Stephens did a study with some of his co-workers to record the amount of over-exposure to e-cigs come through to the phone calls the the US poison control center. Throughout the four years of this study, there were " 2,405 calls" (Raloff). Over 60 percent of users have reported have harm after using the instrument, and revealed the effects that they were experiencing. This would be symptoms such as, "Vomiting, nausea and eye irritation" (Raloff). CDC recently have been themselves being faced with more incoming calls for this e-cigarette problem rapidly, and with half of the users being young teenagers and children, difficult situation has surfaced in the public health concern.  

This topic doesn't truly pertain to anything that I am reading or doing in my classes. Although, I can connect this event to something that I learned last semester in Mr. Pauls class. We discussed the use of e-cigarettes in a previous blog post and it is interesting that this mishap is actually getting more and more noticed in our society. Teenagers do have a habit of finding other ways to break the rules, and since this device is suppose to be an alternative for those who want to quite smoking and there no limitations in obtaining them, it a sort of a loop hole for them. Not only this, we examined the advertisements for these products, and how their endorsements make it more appealing to teenagers, such as the different flavors. Also, we discussed how this issue could be resolved and most of the class agreed that it would be accurate to put more restrictions on the e-cigarettes then make it easily available. 

In my opinion, this issue has gotten increasingly serious, and is at the point where it is not only effecting the smokers, but also the younger generation. With the discovery of the ongoing increase in number of complaints of  harmful effects, much controversy has been developed with this situation. For one, I believe in order for this health concern to be solved, companies of these e-cigs should go back to the drawing books and make sure that no harm has been inflicted onto the user. If this occurs, then there will be less buyers for the products because of the unfavorable results. The adolescents even have a greater impact on how people perceive these products. With the toxic fumes making people sick, people will surely have to be additional attention in smoking substitute. I personally would never think about using this contraption. Smoking all together is out of the question for me, but for others not so much. Some of the friends I know do use these e-cigs, and with this on going fad, more teenagers will want to get their hands on them. This is why I conclude to the fact of putting control on them so that it won't be as easy to acquire one, lessening the chance of the unhealthy danger signs.  Any of the brands that do sell e-cigs, most likely aren't going to agree if they are given limitations, because with the teenagers making a considerable size of the buyers, it will decrease in income.

Short Answer Response 

• What is the central idea of the passage and how is it developed and refined throughout the selection? Use evidence from the selection to support your answer.

The central idea of this passage is the urgency of the ongoing epidemic with the e-cigarettes. To further refine this throughout the selection, the author gives vital information proving that this problem is quite significant. This is shown when the author gives a statement said by CDC that in order for this issue to be resolved people should  "monitor and prevent future poisonings is critical.” (CDC). Also, the author uses powers words that gives the viewers an additional understanding, such as toxic, vapors, tobacco, etc.  

Citations
Fox, Lindsay. Disposable E-Cigarette. Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 11 Dec. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2014. <https://www.flickr.com/photos/87735223@N02/11359046364/>.

Raloff, Janet. "Poisonings Linked to E-cigarettes." Student Science. Society for Science & the Public, 8 Apr. 2104. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. <https://student.societyforscience.org/article/poisonings-linked-e-cigarettes>.

Current Event #6

    Magical Prototype Lets You Play PS4 With Your Eyeballs

Envision never having to use a game controller while playing a video game. No, I'm not talking about the the newest gaming method of the virtually reality headset. The new and upcoming gaming procedure is used with the help of a persons eyes!  Sony developers have introduced an impressive, and recently emerged eye tracking instrument that uses gaze established communication. This machine can be used with the new "Infamous: Second Son" PS4 game demo. This advanced technology allows the user's eyes to be scanned in order for them to load the settings of the game. Moving ones eyeball in numerous directions, the user is able to manage the camera angles in the game. This allows the person to be able to view the third-person world within the game design, as if they were using analog stick. Also, if your gaze focuses on one specific target in this digital realm, a person has the option of attacking with the characters electrical powers. The devices physical appearance (as seen in the picture above) is similar to that of the Xbox Kinect, but is a much thinner and yellow gadget that is perched in front of a monitor. The hardware of this device wasn't even created by Sony developers. The product itself was constructed by the Germany company SensoMotoric Instruments. Both contributors have worked together in perfecting this electronic component for a better gaming experience. Chris Kohler had a firsthand demonstration to how this contraption actually works. He states that he "eventually...forgot that [he] was using eye tracking at all...Focusing on things... [seemed] so immediate that it was as if [his] brain was controlling the camera." 

This event, honestly, doesn't really relate to anything that I am learning in any of my classes. This topic truthfully pertains to activities outside of class. I, for one, enjoy playing video games outside of school associated activities. This leads this topic to be genuinely hard for me to link it to my anything I have learned in class. 

This advancement in gaming technology is extraordinarily outstanding, and I am quite looking forward for this eye tracking machine to hit stores. Then again, I would have to obtain a PS4 if I wished to take a spin with the contraption. Even though the machine is not ready to be up for grabs, it would be marvelous if they actually did put in the console gaming world. It does seem that this apparatus will be quite pricey, since it is a new and upcoming innovation in the gaming community. However, if this were the case, I would most definitely save up just to try it out.

 This development is a step further into the breakthrough of revolutionary ideas for multiple amounts of techniques in game play. Although on the other hand, this invention kind of takes away from the normal analog controller that I am use to. I am not quite sure if I would use it almost every time I play, maybe once or twice if possible, but then go straight back to the controller that I am use to. This technology is, in fact, sort of making it easier for the player in terms of involvement skills in a game. It would be effortless to just look at a target and fire, then using the basic console controller. Another downside is that It can only be used with monitors that are 28 inches in six. This, unfortunately, means it can't be used with a television. I own a Kinect, and I don't use it as often as I would like. This is why I envision myself using the eye tracking instrument once and be done with it, just like my Kinect.  

I feel like this product will be introduced in the future, and will start to become a digital trend. With this effect, controllers will be a thing of the past. It is exciting to hear modernization happening with Sony, and any other electronic, game, and entertainment franchises. I don't think the making of this machine necessarily effects me, but it does fascinate me. Products such as these makes me look forward to using, or purchasing (if I had the money) cutting-edge technology. Yet again, as I have already mentioned, I think if a bought the eye tracking for PS4 I would still go back to my game controller. This is because I am most comfortable using one while when playing a video game. 

Short Answer Response:

• What is the author’s point of view, and how does it impact the overall effect of the text? Use evidence from the selection to support your answer.

The author uses a first person point of view in the article. This has a 

significant effect on the overall text because it gives readers a firsthand account on the stability of the machine and what it is capable of. This can be shown in the passage when the authors claims that when using the eye tracking system it was "a little weird, but only for a few seconds. [He] soon realized that if [he] wanted to center something in the camera, all [he] had to do was keep my focus on it" (Kohler). 

Citations-

Kholer , Chris . "Magical Prototype Lets You Play PS4 With Your Eyeballs." Wired.com. Conde Nast Digital, 25 Mar. 2014. Web. 30 Mar. 2014. <http://www.wired.com/2014/03/ps4-gaze-eyeball-tracking/>.

Hollister, Sean. "Eye Tracking Protocol." Photograph. TheVerge. Np, 25 Mar. 2014. Web. 30 Mar. 2014. <http://goo.gl/2WuGwZ>.  

Current Event #5

Women’s History Month: 

Honoring women for their courage, character and commitment

This month of March, is a time to reflect on how women have made an impact on our history. We get to take a break from the half of the population that is men, and concentrate on the achievements that women have brought to the table.  It is Women's History Month and, as President Obama has stated,  is a significant occasion during the year to "recognize the victories, struggles, and stories of the women who have made our country what it is.” In Washington DC this week, twelve women will be recognized for their contributions on America's timeline, culture, and the overall nation. The 2014 theme that was presented by the National Women's History Project and focuses on "Celebrating Women of Character, Courage and Commitment." This will examine the changing cultural perceptions of women in society and honor their contributions to all aspects of life. These twelve extraordinary women who are acknowledged are: Chipeta, an Indian rights advocate and diplomat, Anna Julia Cooper, an African American educator and author, Agatha Tiegel Hanson, an educator, author, and advocate for the deaf community, Katharine Ryan Gibbs, a women’s employment pioneer, Frances Oldham Kelsey, a pharmacologist and public health activist, Roxcy O’Neal Bolton, a 20th century women’s rights pioneer, Arden Eversmeyer, the founder of the old lesbian oral history, Carmen Delgado Votaw, an international women’s rights activist, Ann Lewis, a women’s rights organizer and women’s history advocate, Jaida Im, an advocate for survivors of human trafficking, Tammy Duckworth, a member of congress and Iraq war veteran, and Lisa Taylor, a civil rights attorney. 

With this topic, I can connect with what we are learning in civics class at school. In this class, we discussed all the trials and tribulations it took to attain women's right to vote. We also learned that in 1920, Women's suffrage, the 19th Amendment, came into the picture when women started to campaign for their right to vote. The 50 years that was endorsed to make this all happen, did not discourage or incapacitate the leaders of the movement. They continued to fight for the right to vote, and eventually their efforts influenced the behavior of how women were looked upon, as well as, their role in society. Women were no longer limited in their professional choices, their choice to vote, and the college they wanted to attend. This event in history paves a way for women to not only have the right to vote, but also be seen as an equal in America. This depicts how women, when put to the test, have a gargantuan amount of industrial brawn in their backbones. The 19th Amendment sets as a reminder of the determination, perseverance,  and strength of character women possess. 

Dedicating a month exclusively for women, I think, is essential in order to inform the people of America on how women play a role in society. Without the assistance of women, men would not have the immense prosperity they need to succeed. This is mostly because women are contributory, in the matter of, providing for our families, communities, and, altogether, the triumph of our country. Having this month, stand as a reminder of all the sensational work that was done by powerful women, and can set as an example for women of this generation. For one, I look up to Tammy Duckworth. While on duty in Iraq, her helicopter met head-on in the line of fire. She received a tremendous injury, that cost both of her legs to become dismembered, additionally, her right arm being of no use. Having been close to death as she was at the time, she realized that she "just had to do more with my life." She ran for congress in 2012, and became the first disabled women elected in the U.S. House of Representatives. Not only that, she surfs, sky dives, and finishes multiple marathons with only her artificial legs. Nothing can hinder Duckworth from doing what she wants in life, and that is why I admire her.  Her quote exceedingly moved me; she stated that, "Young girls need to know that they can be successful and that when things get tough, [they] should not give up. By working hard and always being determined, [they] can make real and long-lasting change in the world." This statement, in fact, is quite accurate in my opinion. Having the rights and determination as a woman in American is important to persue what we want to do in the future and the changes we want to make in the world. Women in history have made it possible, with their tenacity they aided in delegating one another and, moreover, helped one another to uphold any such position they wish to undertake.

Short Answer Response: 
What is the purpose for using [statistics/quotations/headings/bullets/personal experience] (choose one of the options and write only on it.) If you have another element that you would like to discuss on this question, get the okay from me before proceeding. Use evidence from the selection to support your answer.

In the passage, the use of statistics such as information that there are “161 million women and girls in the country (51 percent of the population)” (Tousignant) and percentile of women who make up in an American society. These include, doctors, teachers, college students, members of congress, and women who are associated with the military. This is to show how women are much as involved in providing for America as any man is. It even states that women who work full time make “77 cents for every dollar that men earn.” (Tousignant). Not having an equal payment, proves that even today women are still not getting the credit they deserve. 

Citations

Tousignant, Marylou. "Women’s History Month: Honoring Women for Their Courage, Character and Commitment." Washington Post. The Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2014. Web. 16 Mar. 2014. <http://goo.gl/sl90Yt>.

Miller, Howard J. "We can do it." Photograph. Wikimedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2014. <http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:We_Can_Do_It!.jpg>.

Current Event #4

How Scientist Plan to Farm on Mars

What if there was a way for the human race to start life outside of planet Earth? Well according to NASA scientists, there is a possibility that farming on Mars is, in fact, probable. This, however, has many missions ahead of itself on future calendars in order to  further prove this inquiry. Actually, they have been planning it for years. In addition to this proposal, they have already set a date in 2020 to launch a fifth rover, as well as a crew of trained astronauts to land on Mar's soil in 2030.  Although, before NASA's can be sending humans out in the unknown, researchers are going to need loads of enhanced data to whether Mars can support human life. The topic that intrigues scientist the most is, in any case, the presence of growing greenery. If this turns out to be authentic, there won't be a need for us to bring our own plants. Thriving vegetation would lead to the planet's environment, obtaining the oxygen we need to survive. Angelo Vermeulen, who was commander on of the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation Site, stated that growing crops on Mars and then consuming them "[Is the only way] for a long-term settlement." 


I haven't had any connections that truly reflect this topic in any of my classes. Even though this is apparent, I  still can connect this event to a book I remember reading way make in eighth grade. I forgot the title of it, but it was all about these kids that lived on mars, and had these different type of experiences, such as acid rain occurring. To think that one day that perhaps we might set foot on Mars,  I would have never of  thought to be imaginable. I honesty didn't think that the whole concept of them being Mars in the book, were soon to become a reality right off the pages. This shows how technologically advanced we are, even though not quite to our goal, but close enough to wear we can put it to our benefit. 


Genuinely, this event is an outrageously big step for us in order to explore more of Mars. The creating of the two events to go explore more of Mars, shows that maybe in the year future, people might start living there. The the classic "martian" will become, ironically, us. I don't know if I like the thought of me living on Mars because,  taking the risk to live on a planet that has been uninhabited for so quite some time, brings doubt that it is livable. What undoubtedly gives evidence that there is a way to plant greenery on Martian soil, is when there was a study done by Dr. Wieger Wamelink of the Alterra Institute in the Netherlands. This research helped to confirm that plants are able to grow in these samples of Martian land, and even outgrew the pot it was contained in. I do like the thought that growing farms on Mars is one step closer in organizing any civilization. With astronauts growing the food on Mars, it serves as a reproduction for the growing and sharing of food sources and emotional well being on their lengthy journey ahead. 

Short Answer:
What is the author’s point of view, and how does it impact the overall effect of the text? Use evidence from the selection to support your answer.

In the passage, the authors point of view is third person. This is because the author give detailed facts that is involved with the development and studies that are undergone. The way it effects the overall text is that it isn't talking about the authors experiences, but information her has received. He also uses direct quotes that give first hand explanation to what they are researching, such as in the study where the, "The goal [was] to develop a system where robotics [could] take over part of the maintenance and food growing tasks, and, as such, free up time for the astronauts"(Vermeulen). 

Citations

Epstein , Eli. "How Scientists Plan to Farm on Mars." Mashable. Mashable , 27 Feb. 2014. Web. 2 Mar. 2014. <http://mashable.com/2014/02/28/farm-on-mars/?utm_cid=mash-com-Tw-main-link>.


Rana, Cyril. "Mars- We are coming!!!!!. Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 6 Feb. 2012. Web. 2 Mar. 2014. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/58076840@N08/6830698011>.

USHM Article Blog

Children's Diaries during the Holocaust 

During the time of the Holocaust, there where over 1.1 million children that fell victim to this murderous tragedy. These actions committed by the actions of the  Nazi soldiers, under the Axis power. 

The sufferings of there children, caused by this ignorance, can only be imagined. Although, there have been direct evidence into the tribulations they had to endure. 

A small amount of hand written diaries have been found throughout this time, and some of the ones retrieved have been owned by kids themselves. They have documented the heinous acts, and their overwhelming emotions they encountered.     

One of the first diaries obtained from this time period, was from a girl names Miriam Watternberg. This helped a wide range of people to examine, in depth, the horrific acts that happened during the Holocaust. She was born on October 10, 1924. She began writing in her diary around the wartime, where Poland surrendered to the power of German's army. Miriam's diary was one of the few that actually was written in English, and contained reports from the Warsaw ghetto. 

Another child diary owner, that is more well known, was Anne Frank. Anne wrote in her diary about her time spent in the attic of a warehouse of Amsterdam. Born Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany, on June 12, 1929, Anne Frank acquired this diary during on her twelfth birthday.  She began to write in detail of all the things that went on enclosed in the "secret annex". Sadly on August 4, 1944, German Police discovered them and sent them to Auschwitz. 

There are many different categories of content that are within the pages of a child's diary. The main documented occurrences are: diaries that were written by children that had fled the control of German domains, diaries about children in hiding, diaries of children that existed in a run down environment, under the constraint of German rule, or scarcely, diaries of children within the gates of a concentration camp. All of these records, created by the children of the Holocaust era, demonstrates them individually within the confines of the wartime situations. 

Citations
"Children's Diaries during the Holocaust." United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. United States Holocaust Memorial Council, 10 June 2013. Web. 21 Feb. 2014. <http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10007952>. 

Current Event #3

Air pollution exposure may increase risk of autism, schizophrenia

Air pollution in the atmosphere is raising suspicion to whether it actually increases the chances of multiple diseases. These diseases may have an effect on the heart and lungs of the surrounding people. Not only diseases such as these, but also one of our most important organs, the brain, may be at risk of afflictions from the poisonous gases as well. With the rising development of pollution in the Chicago area, scientists of the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences came together to stress that the over exposure of these fumes, and the consistent intake, may induce an enlargement with the ventricles brain tissues. Toxins in the air holds boat-loads of metals and gases. These particles, that when small enough, can cause a person massive health complications. This is explained by an environmental professor of medicine at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, when stating that, "[They] go all the way down into the bottom of the lung. Once they get to the bottom of the lung, they can be absorbed into the blood stream" (Slechta). Researchers tested this out on the brains of mice. When they "took the brains, and it had been a couple months since exposure, [they] couldn't find a brain region that didn't have inflammation going on" (Slechta). 

With the constant outbreak of air pollution, not only unveils our health to the risks of diseases, but as well as our environment. I can connect this with the sudden abnormal weather we have been having for the past month. We have recently received a collection of snowfall in our location, but a controversial debate arouse about the snow not melting. When close to a flame, the snow would only turn into a blackish color and excrete a foul stench. This topic has been spread throughout social media. Many believe it is the doings of the government that manipulated the real snow with foreign chemicals. My belief is that it is the doings of the pollution in the air. Snow is actually able to pick up pollution when in the air quite well, and with the pollution chemicals inside the snow.

Personally I think this contaminated waste in our breathing environment is bound to have an affect on our health. All this absorption of junk within our lungs and other significant body parts are going to get filled with all the chemicals that will eventually cause blockage. I'm not sure if it really does causes autism as well as schizophrenia, but by the looks of this article it does seem probable. I feel that we need to not let these toxins get into our air. If we all took the time and lessen the outflow of pollution, then our air, environment, and health conditions will decrease. Without this effort, more people are in danger of lowering their life quality. 

Short Answer 

How does the structure of the text refine and support the author’s claim? Use evidence from the selection to support your answer.

The structure of the text is refined and supported by the author's claims by bringing up the subject of how pollution is causing many different diseases in the first half. Then she proceeds to talk about the scientific research that was done in order to prove this. She also included quotes from the actual researchers that say that the pollution "tracks of what’s called ‘white matter.’ And they cross over the brain; they connect the two hemispheres. And in [there] mice, those are either missing, or never developed, or died. We don’t know which, but a lot of that is missing, and that too is very characteristic of autism and schizophrenia" (Slechta). 

Cecílio, Guilherme. "Untitled." Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 19 July 2008. Web. 18 Feb. 2014. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/85408714@N00/2699325735>.

Grush, Loren. "Air pollution exposure may increase risk of autism, schizophrenia." Fox News. Fox News Network, 18 Feb. 2014. Web. 18 Feb. 2014. <http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/02/18/air-pollution-exposure-may-increase-risk-neurodevelopmental-disorders/>.

Current Event #2

Printed Candy You Can Eat? 

There have been many 3D printer creations, but no other printer has been able to create a sweet treat other than the new Chef Jet! It is said to be "the world's first on-demand 3D candy printer" (Dolasia)! First introduced in Las Vegas at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show. It is small enough to fit on a kitchen counter and is completely safe for anyone to eat. To make one of it's delicious creations, one must provide the printer with a sugary or chocolaty substance. It is then flatted downed by a rolling pin type contraption. The inkjet print head then spreads water over the surface for the candy to crystallize and solidify. This process can be repeatedly executed multiple times in order to create it's " beautiful intricately designed piece of candy" (Dolasia). 

This is an invention you would think would have been invented in the future if you asked me. No more having to go to your local candy store in order to create your favorite goodies. Now with this new Chef Jet, you have the power right at your finger tips. This makes things more convenient for people. Not only does the Chef Jet provide its owner with a bunch of creation templates, but also lets the owner add their own creative mix as well. This article makes me think of how much technology has advanced. We use a ton of technology at our school, so maybe by a year or two we might even get one of these 3D printers.

I absolutely love sweets, and this is just a cool innovative way of how our candy is being formed!  I think the only draw back from this invention is that it can take up to an hour to make, and can leave impatience people to starve.  Another unfavorable aspect would be the price of the invention. It starts at a price of $5,000, and for the more advanced models it would cost someone up to $10,000! You would have to be a truly devoted candy lover if you would wanted to purchase the Chef Jet, because some people (like me) are just plain broke. If this invention would lower its price, I would totally jump at the chance to have one, because frankly this thing is just plain incredible.  

Short Answer Response 

How does the author use language to advance her point of view? Use evidence from the selection to support your answer.

The author advances her point of view by using language, such as, when she states that the "Chef Jet ... can print colored confectionery, [and] is expected to come to market by the second half of the year" (Dolasia). By the use of the word confectionery, it proves to me that she thinks that this invention is quite fancy. The word confectionery is basically the word candy, but in a much more sophisticated way.


Work cited
Eric. "Candyland." Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 2 Dec. 2007. Web. 1 Feb. 2014. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/29498428@N00/2081440397>.
Dolasia, Meera. "Print Your Candy And Eat It Too!" DOGOnews. DOGOmedia, 26 Jan. 2014. Web. 1 Feb. 2014. <http://www.dogonews.com/2014/1/26/print-your-candy-and-eat-it-too>.

Current Event #1

Happier People Keep Healthier as They Age

                                        Old Couple

In this article, it talks about how being happy can grant a person a healthier lifestyle. Specialists have discovered that people who are happy, tend to have a better physical structure. Happiness is important to me, and while reading this article I can understand how people who are unhappy don't quite have the physical stamina as a happy person. Who would want to live their lives being miserable all the time any ways? Around the age of 60 is the time to start maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In the article they took "3,000 people age 60 and older...for eight years" ("Happier People Keep Healthier"). Within those eight years the researchers examined reported statements about their day to day lives. In a study by the Canadian Medical Association Journal, it was found that 80% of unhappy people are more likely to have deterioration in everyday functions.   

This article for me, depicts how stressful school work can be and how this emotional toll does have an effect on my body. Even though I'm no where near the age of 60, I believe that having the absence of happiness make me feel weak and more vulnerable. When I am so into my school work, it feels like I don't really have an outside life, as well as staying up late to make sure I finish all of my work. This unforgettably depresses me, as well as making me more tired than normal, strains my eyes and also my muscles.  Hopefully I can manage my time more, so that in the future I will be able to enjoy things that I miss out on, as well as getting my work done.   

I feel this article is absolutely on point with the notion that happiness is essential, also that in order for an older person to live a long life would be to live it pleasantly. Even though there are many things that hold people back from gaining this happiness, I believe that  it can be achieved by taking the time to enjoy the good things in life (and to be honest these older people don't have much time left). Without it, as said in the article, people are more likely to suffer with "chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, stroke and depression [also] reported lower levels of enjoyment of life" ("Happier People Keep Healthier"). This makes me realize, when I get older, I need to get happy or my chances of living a few more years are going down the drain. I see my grandmother ever summer, and she is the most jolliest and healthiest person I know! Knowing now that exercise and a good meal plan is not the only things that can keep the old bones strong, has definitely changed my whole perspective of living a healthy lifestyle. 

How does the author support his claim? Use evidence from the selection to support your answer?

The author supports his claims by quoting professional researchers. He quotes a director of Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care at University College London, with him stating that they "found that happier people's walking speed declines at a slower rate than those who enjoy life less" (Steptoe). He also supports his claims by supplying the reader with links to other relyable reasourses that are also on the same topic.



SalFalko. "A happy couple surfing on a laptop." Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 6 Feb. 2009. Web. 20 Jan. 2014. 
<http://www.flickr.com/photos/57567419@N00/6765938509>. 

Gholipour, Bahar. "Happier People Keep Healthier as They Age." livescience. TechMedia Network, 20 Jan. 2014. Web. 20 Jan. 2014. <http://www.livescience.com/42712-happier-people-healthier-aging.html>.