Current Connection 3:2

In a society with a traditional roles in male and women, we come to expect a regular household to be male-dominant. But for some families, they have broken those traditions with a stay-at-home dad instead of a mother. Many of us can agree that that is not a regular situation. About 3.5 percent of males are stay-at-home parents in the U.S.

According to researchers, men today are actually becoming more work-family conflict than women. In an article written by Jennifer Ludden entitled Stay-At-Home Dads, Breadwinner Moms And Making It All Work, Ludden asserts, "Coontz points out that 28 percent of women now outearn their husbands, a trend driven by the fact that more women than men now earn college degrees." Now that women are becoming more independent, the chances of men taking over the household are increasing. They have a much greater sense of being involved in the family and have the desire to perform like any other care giver.

In the article it also states, "Coontz says for generations, children have been conditioned early for their respective gender roles — boys, for example, have been discouraged when they express interest in cooking or dolls." We have come to learn early at our age what gender means and the roles that we play in this society. We tend to act in a certain way that we feel is accepted into the world because we are afraid of what others would think about the way we live.

Ludden also implies, "for 150 years both men and women have been trained to fulfill certain, distinct roles and to explicitly not be responsible for others." Men and women are not any different from each other which would allow them to perform the same things. We tend to think that women are more qualified to take care of the children and the homes, but what makes a man unable to? 

This article reminds me of my former boss. He was a stay-at-home parent while his wife took the role as the money maker in the family. Although was took care of the kids and the house, he had his own job at his very home. I can understand why he would be the care-giver of the family because he is always at the house doing his job without stepping out of his house. 

Though men are thought to be the more powerful and dominant of the family, it does not mean he is not able to care for his family. Some males are not able to work outside of the house. To some fathers who are the primary care givers, they feel that it is an experience and responsibility that they would not have had the opportunity to assume had they continued in a traditional role as "bread winner".

CC3:1 "Judgements on Traditional Gender Roles"

In a recent article by Gabrielle Reece in New York Times news entitled "Defining ‘Submissive’ in the Vocabulary of Women’s Choices" Reece explains how society has unporportionally described the meaning behind gender roles and the decisions that women make in society.



The article claims, "When I used the s-word, I was talking about the way many couples divide labors and roles irrespective of gender, and I was talking about what’s been true for me in my own relationship." America today has improved on the rights of women, but this country has put their mind into focusing on women having independent jobs that are equal to their significant other, that they have forgotten the fact that being a house mom is also a choice of women. Not all women want to be powerful than men.



Reece quotes, "The reality is that I do most of the things that are traditionally female. Why? It’s my choice. It’s what works for us in our partnership." Many women have been raised to be the carer in the family and feels that it is their responsibility to take care of the kids and their partner. People are looking down on those who still value the traditional husband and wife roles when it is their desicion.



The article also asserts, "One of the cornerstones of feminism is that women should have the freedom to make choices. We should be able to define for ourselves what makes us happy. Single. Married. Kids. No kids. Whatever." Society has an effect on people and the ones close to them, which in turn effects views. Identity isn't something which is necessarily forced down on people by "society" or by the ruling powers, it is something which people choose to adopt and "play" with.




In my country, women are traditionally the ones who take care of the household, to handle the needs of the family and the responsibilities that are to be performed. By the environment of living, I value the gender roles that I was exposed of and that is the way I want to handle roles of gender just like my mother.



Clearly women now have the rights to step out of the stereotypical role of a woman and be anything they want as long as that is what they want to be as powerful as a man. But if someone wants to become, say, a scientist or politician or business person and can't (or is said that they shouldn't) merely because they *happen* to be a woman; that's NOT fine. There is nothing wrong with a woman wanting to be a stay-at-home parent.

CC 2.1: Irrelevant Decision Making

In an article entitled "The Impact of the Irrelevant on Decision-Making'" posted on The New York Times, Robert H. Frank, an economics professor at the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University, states that most economists are well aware of the options that they are considering during a day to day basis.


According to Frank, he believes that "most economists are content with a slightly weaker assumption: that people respond in approximately rational ways to the information available to them... [and] even patently false or irrelevant information often affects [their] choices in significant ways." When people choose to set their alarms five minutes early for the morning, the images in their brains trigger information that allow them to effortlessly perform their actions, showing one's sense that does not fool them at all. At the same time, the anxiety in our minds warns us to keep going, making the process to work, keeping us from thinking other wise.


Robert H. Frank also claims in his article that "Although cigarette advertisements, for example, typically portray smokers as young, healthy and attractive, smoking can make people look older and less healthy. Such ads make no explicitly false claims, but that doesn’t make them less misleading, even for informed consumers." Its a distinction without a difference; when those who are addicted to a certain product, the minds of the victims are already set to that specific idea of " I am addicted and I cannot stop". 

The mind works in many various ways. In Franks words, "moral sentiments are extremely powerful drivers of human behavior. People who know they’ll be ridiculed for telling untruths are more likely to show restraint." Knowing that a statement is false, a person does not change it's mind set, making no difference to their opinion. They must be discouraged that the knowledge is, in fact, the truth to make it effective. False or irrelevant information can impact an irrelevant decision. We must encourage ourselves that what we hear or see is factual or else our brains would not trigger at all.  

I think back to the times that I have attempted to trick my mind when it came to getting things done. Such as getting up on time for school. I would routinely set my alarm clock thirty minutes earlier than what I had planned to wake up at, but my body and mind would know that I had thirty more minutes to kill some sleeping time, making it even harder for me to wake up when I had to. My body, laying tirelessly on my bed, would crave for those extra minutes that it can.

Our brains are a lot smarter than we think it is, no matter how hard we try to trick our minds. What we know is settled and that is that. We cannot lie to ourselves when we know the truth!

Frank, Robert H. "The Impact of the Irrelevant on Decision-Making." Nytimes.com.
        New York Times, 29 May 2010. Web. 8 Nov. 2013.                                                                 <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/30/business/30view.html?_r=1&>.

CC 1:2 Earthquake Safety in California

In a recent article by Ari Bloomekatz in Los Angeles Times news entitled "Millions of Californians to take part in 'ShakeOut' earthquake drills," millions of California residents and students are practicing a "drop, cover, and hold on" drill for future earthquakes in emergency situations.

The article claims, "In Los Angeles, the drill will take place at 10:17 a.m. at Rosemont Elementary School, where students will act as if they've been injured in a quake and emergency crews respond to the scene. " During the drill, firefighters, the volunteers who will help out for the kids, will take part in the act. According to the moving plates on the California lands, there are high risks for major earthquakes to take place anywhere in the mountains, the places where most students and citizens would take place.

Bloomekatz quotes, "Responding to a Los Angeles Times report of structurally vulnerable buildings that could expose thousands to injury or death, Garcetti said he was 'interested in creative ways of making buildings safer.'" Creating buildings that could hold an earthquake could potentially improve the death rates of earthquake victims. Safer buildings will keep the students from getting tumbled on by roofs and other various materials in the schools.

The article also asserts, "Garcetti is facing a tangle of unforeseen political and legal challenges as he grapples with what action the city should take to identify and reinforce hundreds of old concrete buildings that may be at risk of collapse in a major earthquake." The buildings of California, including the schools, are not safe for people to be in when an earthquake takes place. The government in California are taking action by planning on removing the risky buildings and creating better, and more stable architectures.

When I was a little kid in the Philippines, the country that I was born in, I remember experiencing a tiny earthquake. Although it was not very effective, it could have still managed to do some damages. The houses, shacks that were made out of cheap materials, and buildings there were not very stable and could easily fall down since the material that the homes were made of was very loose.

Earthquake safety should be enforced through out the whole world, no matter where the plates are located. It is better to be safe than sorry. Schools all around should practice learning what to do when it occurs. Intellectual education is not the only education that people should study for. Students must also learn how to defend themselves when a predicaments come their way.

CC 1:1 Ole Miss Football Players Yell Gay Slurs

In a recent article by Kim Severson and Alan Blinder in New York Times news entitled "University of Mississippi Investigating Anti-Gay Heckling at Theater Performance," a group of Ole Miss football players were screaming hateful gay slurs during an anti-gay theater play in Oxford, Missouri.

"The two groups of students, about as far apart as any cultural groups on a college campus could be, became linked this week after football players and other freshmen disrupted the play with homophobic heckling." In 1962, the university is still struggling with the horrible integration that resulted in two deaths and dozens of injuries. The play, an act about a bullied homosexual, was a racial healing theme to unify the college together. The actions of the men was immature and unnecessary, although some students disagree.

"Once an investigation of the heckling on Tuesday is concluded, the school will consider disciplinary action, which could range from a public apology to expulsion, Dr. Jones said." With the football players irresponsible action, they are to take a theater appreciation class for the unrespectable gay comments that they interrupted with during the play. Some has even apologized for the slurs to an actor, the main character of the act.

"For the cast members, who gathered in the theater at noon Friday to discuss the episode and listen to encouraging words from administrators and theater faculty, the fact that the play provoked such strong reaction was, in a way, exactly what theater is supposed to do." The play made such an impact on those that watched it. Just as it was supposed to. It sampled how people were judgemental towards the gay community.

There was no need in such hurtful words towards the gay actors while performing such a symbolic play. I personally have homosexual friends who I dearly care about, and although it was a play about a tragic story of a gay man who was brutally judged, beaten, and eventually killed, there should be some respect from the audience. Everyone should be treated equally, no matter what the sexual orientation. Everyday, there is always someone who is bullied for their views on life, and cannot stand for it.

Why judge a person for loving another person of the same sexuality? It is a personal decision, and no one has to deal with it but the person involved. This world is full of hateful and judgmental human beings, and we should have the freedom to love, care, and marry the partner that we desire.

Reflction Time

In our Junior year of English, our teacher, Mrs. Gillmore, has assigned us to use our imaginative mind and create a short story. We are to write about a fictional character using a rising action, conflict, and resolution. With this, we are also to create a scene and plot of what the story is about, leaving a theme for us to learn.

Using techniques that I have recently learned over the years, I was able to quickly think of a character of what I envisioned my story to be. It was a hard process of figuring out what it will be about. Although, the story might not be clear in my mind, it should get easier as I continue on with typing the story and discovering new approaches.

Finding the plot of the story was most difficult, to be honest. I do not have a wondering mind with imaginative stories that could quickly appear in my head, although with the experiences that I've had in my life, I used those memories to create a story line. Before I could write the plot, I had to find a character. A character with a name and meaning. It became frustrating as I sat and sat until I finally found my character.

Let me introduce you to Aphrodite, a girl who was antisocial. During her high school years, all she had was a book in her hands and an a Kindle tucked nicely inside her monochromatic one strapped backpack, which was there just incase she needed it. Although she might seem as if she had no one there to accompany her, there was Jenna, a girl who became friends wih Aphrodite the minute they sat at the very same table in Mrs. Gillmore's first grade class.

The overall story should turn out pretty well. By trying my hardest with strong motivations to finish with an amazing ending line, I should get a decent grade for this story. Writing a story is not always easy. Wish me luck.

CC#4: Braces For Fashion?

In a recent magazine by New York Times, called Upfront, an article entitled "Jonesing for Braces," describes the high demands of teen braces in the Southeast Asian countries.

The article explains, "..braces have become such a fashion and status symbol in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia that some teens are actually sporting fake braces." Unlike teenagers here in America, asian teens actually want to wear braces; not only for the fun of it, but because it has become a fashion item in their country. American kids dread wearing braces for so many months and years at a time, but not like Asia. It is a blessing and an envy to wear them.

Braces are not cheap. According to the article, it states, "Beauty salons sell them for about $100. Real braces, by contrast, cost about $1,200 in Asia, making them a luxury item for only the rich." The demand to look good is not only high, but expensive too. Here in America, it cost thousands to fix and straighten teeth. Braces in Asia are a form of luxury and it is an item that only the well off can afford.

Fake braces also come with dangers. In the text it says, "Health officials however, are warning teens to stay away from fake braces, since they may contain lead and can be swallowed accidentally." Looking fashionable comes with disadvantages. Like many things, they have warnings and dangerous outcomes. Because some braces are fake, they are not well made. They could loosen and may put you at risks.

Here in America, braces are a teens worse nightmare. As for me, I am deathly afriad of having to wear them. Sadly, I have to very soon. I have no idea why Asians have come to favor such things, but as an Asian myself, I can not stand to wear them, due to the fact that it does not make me look any better, nor do they feel good.

Braces has come to be a trend in the Asian countries around the world. They are not just to fix teeth or improve your smile, they are also a form of accessory that people, in some parts of earth, enjoy wearing. Although, the thought of wanting to wear braces is obsurd, Asians love to look of them. Which is why braces are a high demand in the Southeast Asian countries.

Women of Afghanistan

Since the ruling of Taliban in 1996, women in Afghanistan have struggled to survive and keep the rights that they longed deserved. Afghanistan became male-dominant country, controlling the women of their every move. Their rights were taken from them, and the life that they had before 1996, suddenly was removed and was forced to abide by the laws.

Women were kept from going to school, having an education, leaving the house without a male escort, getting a career, and even having the right to vote. They were forced to wear clothing that covered them from head to toe. If they were spotted from wearing the wrong clothing or seeing an inch of their socks, they were to be beaten and humiliated in public. Women who were once teachers and doctors, had to force themself into prostitution, just to keep food on the table and money in their pockets. The life of an Afghan woman, became hell when practically all their rights were stolen from them.

In many common stories, women were beaten to death and abused by their fathers, husbands, or brothers. Although it was illegal for men to do so, they did nothing to the men that nearly killed their wives. In one story, a women was stabbed multiple times with a knife, was thrown boiling water at her, and was even transmitted a sexual disease. All done by her abusive and heartless husband when she attempted to leave him.

In Afghanistan, women and little girls are treated with no respect; treating them like dogs and controlling their every move. They were born with little to no rights and raised by the power of men. Women were imprisoned, beaten, or killed for their moral crimes, causing them to run away. They are forced to marry men that their father had arranged for them, they fear for their lives, and the violence that they experience had caused their insecurities and scarred them for life. Women have no voice, no opinion on anything they have to say. They are being forced to act in certain ways or horrible things will sure to come. It is either life or death in Afghanistan for women.

Taliban ruled Afghanistan until 2001, but the struggle to get their rights back, is still a slow and frustrating process. The country may not be as horrible as it was back then, but the experiences and abuses, still haunts them every day. The country of American do not know how lucky they are to have such freedom and liberty. While some are complainging about the life of Ameria, there is a child or woman in Afghanistan is struggling to survive.

CC#3: Guns Result in Suicides.

In a recent article by Sabrina Tavernise in New york Times news entitled "To Reduce Suicide Rates, New Focus Turns to Guns," Gun control have been a hot topic for the citizens of America, who is not sure whether or not it is good to have gun rights.

"Nearly 20,000 of the 30,000 deaths from guns in the United States in 2010 were suicides, according to the most recent figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention." According to this, the percentage rate of teenagers across the country have increased, due to the fact that it was easy for them to access guns and weapons. Suicide is the third most common leading death to teenagers.

" The state-level data are too broad to tell whether the deaths were in homes with guns, but a series of individual-level studies since the early 1990s found a direct link. " Researchers believe that keeping guns in the homes of others, have caused the shootings in schools and suicides on teens. Also they believe that keeping guns in your homes is like having a ticking time bomb. Some officials are actually trying to prevent familes from owning their own guns, and keeping them locked up so that children and teenagers cannot have access to it at all.

"Seeking to lower death rates, health departments in Missouri, Wyoming and North Carolina are giving out gunlocks." To lower the risk of another death of a child, state prevention teams in Wyoming have put up signs and warnings to people who own guns, explaining the dangers that it might lead. Wyoming has one of the highest suicide rates in America.

This reminds me of the many teenagers that had died last year in Cave City, Arkansas. There were about 5 students that had died, and some causes of it, were guns. Suicide here in the Batesville are have been high in the last year and a half.

The issue for gun control is still a debate in America. Some say that we should not have guns in our homes to prevent those around us from hurting themselves. We should still have the right to bear arms. It makes us safe and protected. We never know when we need it some day.

BR#1: Before I fall.

Lauren Oliver's Before I fall is a page turning, interesting, entertaining book that will keep you reading for more.

One of the themes in the book is that you are left with many choices in life, but you just have to make the right one. Samantha relives Friday, February 12th seven times. Each day, she makes different choices to try and change the outcome of the day. The third time Sam wakes up on the same day, she chooses to completely rebel. She gets to school late, skips most of her classes, seduces her teacher, and smokes marijuana. The days following, Sam tries to be a better person.

With the author using the main character as the first person, it gives me a real teenage view of how girls look at high school life in this generation. I liked the fact that the author gave real life actions and experiences that teenagers go through, and how the author used slang and updated words that readers can understand. The book was somewhat funny. Parts of it had some humor, but overall, it was a dramatic story. The narrator's voice is stuck up and kind of care free, but during the end of the book, she decides to be a good person and turns her actions around. During the whole book, she repeats the same day of the last day that she will ever live, but each day she makes a better decisions and tries to make things right.

The writer makes me believe that all the characters are real, because the people in the book are the people that I've known all my life. Some of the characters are very rebellious and it makes me wanna grab them by the neck and choke them because of how horrible they act around people. For example, Samantha tries to seduce her teacher by giving him a flirtatious and exposing conversation with him. Samantha was also said to be smoking weed with a girl in the bathroom while skipping class.

I recommend this book to anyone and everyone that loves a great story. I was recommended this by a good friend of mine and I would love everyone to read this because it is a great story!

CC#2: Cougars in Training.

In a recent article by Stephanie Goldberg in CNN news entitled "Cougars in training: Young women dating even younger men," Women, such as famous actresses, have taken more interest in younger men, other than men older, or even their age.

"As the public becomes accustomed to tales of 40- and 50-year-old women who date younger men, 20- and 30-something women who do the same are still regarded as a strange species." Men who date older women, cougars, are labeled to be "pumas." Many people might feel uncomfortable with the idea of dating a much younger man. Others might feel as if it was like dating their own mother, although some might think, dating a younger woman is just the same as dating a younger man.

"In October, London-based video blogger Emily Hartridge, 28, posted a video about the benefits of dating a younger man. The comedic vlog listed reasons such as 'younger guys try harder to please you" and "you get to feel more in charge' among the perks." Some men like women with power and independence. They might feel more taken care of when dating an older woman of their age. I guess some men like the fact of a women being more powerful than they are.

"As more Hollywood actresses and models, such as Eva Longoria, date younger men, the unwarranted stigma surrounding such relationships will fade, matchmaker Patti Stanger said." Many of the famous ladies in Hollywood are getting more into younger men these days. Such as actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who annouced her engagement to 23 year old baseball player, Cutter Dykstra; and even Demi Moore, who is currently married to Ashton Kutcher. They are 15 years apart, making Demi a much older woman.

Many of the women that I have known in Batesville are older than their husbands. My third and fifth grade teacher is 10 years older than her husband. This remind me of a show that I recently watched called True life: I'm dating someone older. A reality show of young men who are dating strong and powerful women, who they can not live without.

With more men wanting love and support, some might suggest on dating or marrying an older women due to the fact that they can take care of them instead of taking care of the woman. Dating younger men are becoming a more regular and normal thing.

CC#1: King discovered under parking lot in England.

In a recent article by Bryony Jones in CNN news entitled "Body found under parking lot is King Richard III, scientists prove," Studies show the body that they have discovered had belonged to King Richard III, who was killed during the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1845.

"Experts say other evidence -- including battle wounds and signs of scoliosis, or curvature of the spine -- found during the search and the more than four months of tests since strongly support the DNA findings," King Richard, a man who lived during the Elizabethan period, had a problem with scoliosis, giving him the character of a hunch back in Shakespears stories. The finding of the former king, had been a shock to scientists.

"Archaeologists say their examination of the skeleton shows Richard met a violent death." While searching for more evidence of how the body had been killed, they noticed 8 wounds to the head and 2 on the body. Researchers say that the fatal hear insures might be the cause for his death during his last battles. They also noticed that his hands were tied when he was burried to the ground.

"The initial discovery of the remains provoked much debate in Britain as to what would happen with the body, if it were proven to be that of Richard III, with many calling for a state funeral at Westminster Abbey, and others backing a burial in York Minster, in keeping with the king's heritage as a member of the House of York." King Richard was an annointed Christian King when was alive. They are planning to burry him next to Leicester Cathedral, and a memorial will be held early next year.

This reminds me of the many discoveries in unexpected areas of the world. In an article that I have read in the past year, a man was discovered in an ice block. Some say that it belonged to a mountain man that had drowned many years ago. Remains were still on his body. It was an amazing discovery for many scientists.

Wtth the founding of King Richard's body, it created more research into history that they have longed studied. It forced more research and examination, looking into history more deeply with the new discovery. The skeleton expanded history with better evidence, but more questions to answer.

My American Dream

                We can all remember Martin Luther King, Junior, a man with high hopes and strong beliefs, who gave America one of the most memorable speeches that changed the country forever. He had a dream; a dream that soon came to a reality. This was what gave me the motivation to foresee my own American dream to live life with success and happiness, with the hopes of America improving in the near future.

With a good education and school, I can achieve my goal of graduating with flying colors. I dream of walking down to my teachers as they finally give me that diploma I have worked to receive. After succeeding with high school, I have a dream of getting accepted to Arkansas State University to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. With the knowledge of high demands for nurses in the next few years, I can be confident that it will not be hard for me to become what I want to be. Even though I think of myself as a very independent person, I hope to one day marry a man who can not only be a partner, but a best friend, who will stick by me till deaths do us apart and raise beautiful children until they are old enough to go off by themselves. This is my personal American dream. I dream of a happy and successful life, but we all know it does not come easy. With hard work, motivation, time, effort, and confidence, I can one day live my life that I have dreamed about since I have been an American.

                One day, this country will change, but for the better. Every day we witness several judgments and bullying, simply because of how we look, what we believe in, and the way we live our life. We all have the right to express ourselves. We have the right to be who we want to be and become what we want to become. Someday, I will walk down the streets of this city and pass by the citizens that we come across, and I will not be judged and looked at wrong, just because I am different. America is the land of the free and home of the brave. I dream of no more judging a book by its cover and peace with others around us.

                A dream is not always just an action. It can be turned into a reality if you strive to achieve  your goals. My American dream is not a fantasy, but a hope of a better future. Someday, I will not call it “my American dream”, but instead “my American life”.

Sandy Elementary School Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut

In a recent article by N.R. Kleinfield in Los Angeles Times news entitled "Security Increased at Connecticut Schools as Investigation Into Shooting Continues," The shooting spree on Monday in a small town of Connecticut caused many heart breaks of those who were the victims of the shooting.

"The town of Newtown started burying the first young victims of last week’s slaughter at an elementary school on Monday," One of the young victims that was shot in the shooting was Jack Pinto, who was only 6 at the time of his death, along with Noah Pozner who was also the same age. It became unbearable for families to watch their boys get buried underground at the Sandy Hook Elementary Funeral.

"Investigators said it could take months to recreate a full account of the events preceding and during the killing spree on Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary School, which has been sealed off as a crime scene." The state policemen had later identified the killer to be Adam Lanza, who them killed himself after the massacre in Sandy School. He was only 20 years old. He took 26 lives; 20 students and 6 adults. According to Law enforcement officials, Lanza had killed his mother at their home, not far from the elementary school.

"The guns were legally acquired and registered by Ms. Lanza, who had sometimes taken her son to shooting ranges, according to law enforcement officials and her friends." The gun that Lanza had used was legally bought by his own mother. The gun he used was a .223-caliber bullet which was a a small, high-velocity round that has been used by Western military forces for decades, in part because it inflicts devastating wounds. His friends later confirmed that his mother, Ms. Lanza had a developmental disorder.

I pray for those families that sadly lost their little ones with their short amount of time that they had in the world. This reminds me of many school shootings that had happened over the last few years. One specifically that had happened here in Arkansas in Jonesboro. I can only imagine the pain and suffering that they feel. All because of a heartless young man with an unknown reason to kill such young children.

The students of Sandy Elementary School.will now be attending a different building in a nearby community. On Monday of the shooting, the staff members had done all they could to protect the children in the building, but it broke all their hearts when they could not save anymore than they tried. The town of Newtown will forever remember the horrible tragedy of Sandy Elementary School.

Sandy Elementary School Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut

In a recent article by Wesley Lowery in Los Angeles Times news entitled "Family of man shot by sheriff's deputies calls for FBI probe," Lowery informs that an IngleWood man was shot down by a sheriff deputy this month, requesting an FBI probe of the shooting.

"Jose de la Trinidad, 36, was shot and killed by deputies Nov. 10, just minutes after leaving his niece's quinceanera with his older brother." According to the article, Trinidad had just left his nieces and was caught by police when he over speed after his brother had been pulled over by another cop. With the fear of getting in trouble with the sheriff, avoided any confrontations and fled as quickly as possible, but in the 1900 block of East 122nd Street in Willowbrook, he finally stopped.

"After police attempted to pull the older brother over for speeding, he sped off. After pleading with his brother to stop, Jose de la Trinidad was let out of the car in the 1900 block of East 122nd Street in Willowbrook, family members said." When he finally got out of the car, he was unarmed. Although he had no kind of weapon visible with him, he was shot to death by deputies. The police men thought that Trinidad had some kind of weapon with him when he aimed for his waistband and took a very risky action when they shot the man down.

"The slain man's family, however, said that a 19-year-old woman who witnessed the shooting from her bedroom window reported that she saw De la Trinidad with his hands behind his head before shots were fired." This was clearly sign of surrender, but instead they gunned him down. According to eye witness, Trinidad stopped at the scene, got out of the car, and moved his arms behind his head, not towards his waist. Deputies that were in the scene had forced many witnesses to change their stories.

It seems that there are many stories that I hear of like this when police men are not doing their job by following the rules that they are to abide to. I remember a story that I've heard of like this. A man was shot down just because they accused him of owning a weapon when he had no possesion of it.

Family and friends had set up a memorial for Jose de la Trinidad at Wells Fargo Bank. The father of two daughters will never have that father figure to help them grow up to young adults. The widow is very much upset and depressed that this had happened to her family but will continue to raise their children together.

Opener, Subject-verb Split, Closer.

When it comes to your own beliefs and others beliefs, there are limits to speak your mind and thoughts about certain views that concern you or someone else, but what is the limit? In my opinion when your views or beliefs become threatning or destructing, it becomes dangerous. In our world today, radical Muslims force thoughts and ideas into many people minds, shoving there views into others, making them believe that their ideas are right. When convencing others about your beliefs, you can not just shove your ideas into someone else's throats and force them to think the way you do. Radical Muslims, making them a threat to our country, caused our country to change forever. During their lifetime, they were forced to learn about their religious beliefs, exposing the thoughts of America becoming a dictator to the world. There are limits to defending your views, but when you believe that others are wrong and you're right, you believe that their ideas do not matter, making it harder to except what others are saying.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower satisfied me with its memorable and hilarious story. This is a story of a young 15 year old boy named Charlie, who struggles to grow up into the real world and discovering new ways to enjoy life.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower, ultimately draws you into loving the characters and their perky personality and wild adventures. With Charlie surviving his freshman year of high school, he meets his two amazing friends and begins to take on different experiences that will change his life forever. As the end of this story comes to a closure, you begin to learn life lessons: understand sexuality, finding love, horrible habits, and coping with death in the family. With Charlie's confusion about his friend's sexuality, he finds himself caught in the curiosity of his own self identity. He becomes instantly in love and experiences feelings about a young girl for the first time. Charlie goes beneath his influences and finds himself doing drugs while starting a habit of smoking.

Chbosky writes this story at a first person view. The style of it becomes very teen-like, as if a young 15 year old boy was writing it. This helps young teenage adults to understand clearly without the struggles of understand much more of the book. He writes this book in a letter form; giving a visual impact that this is just a book of letters from one particular young man.

The characters: Charlie, Sam, and Patrick come out as very believable characters. I could very much compare myself to them. These characters are reflections of teenagers in this century. Full of curiosity and self freedom. Charlie is a very curios, Sam is wild, and Patrick is open. All together, they become "infinite".

The setting of the story is very dark. It consists of high school, a party house, his own home, and everywhere else in a small town. The setting gives the characters freedom to do anything they want.

This book reminds me of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. A novel that I have read years back. It reminded me of their love of music and the setting of it was very much alike. With Charlie being sexually abused by her aunt, it creates many connections with children around the world who are currently being forced into things that they are not comfortable with.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone. It is an amazing book to read because of it's hilarious scenes, dramatic plot, and awful moments. With this book being a movie, you should definitely read it first before ever deciding to watch the movie.

Current Event 1: Panda dies.

Baby Panda Death

In a recent article by Michael Pearson in CNN news entitled "Cause of Panda Cub Death Still Unclear," Pearson informs that Washington's National Zoo had a very devastating death of a baby panda, six days after it's birth; not knowing the clear cause of death.

The cub was identified as a female and was not named yet. On Sunday, the panda was crushed by its mother, a big 14 year old panda named Mei Xiang. The necropsy showed that the animal had an unusual fluid in its body, and the investigators still don't know anything about the official findings. The initial exams still does not show a clear cause of the panda's death.

What a horrible death of a baby panda! Perhaps it's kind is one of the most loved, but I could be biased.

Pandas are one of the most endangered animal in the world. There is only a population of 1,900 of these animals left. Female pandas ovulate only once a year, which happens during the spring for a short period of two or three days. One in four males and one in four female pandas die in the year following their birth.

Reading this article reminds me of other animals that are endangered because of either their environment or  their natural habitat. Every year, animals are becoming extinct, and some are so rare, that almost no body even knows about that certain animal. I remember an article that I had read a few years about an endangered bird. It had such a low number of these animals, that it was almost impossible to spot one of them.

With the experts carefully investigating the sad and tragic death of a baby panda, a rare animal, they hope to learn from the death and help effort to preserve the species.

Rebuilding of the World Trade Center Inference

Inference: When building the new World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, they thought of the structure and protection of the building. This building was built to not only symbolize our country in some way, but to make it much stronger than the twin tower that was attacked by the Radical Muslims and to prevent the building from ever collapsing again.

Evidence: Although the building is higher than the previous World Trade Center, it is much stronger. It contains more than 45,000 structural steel, which is as much steel used to build the Eiffel Tower. With it's 71 elevators, 5 of them are high-speed; taking only 45 seconds to get all the way to the top of the building. This makes escaping easier when an act of terrorism ever occurs again.

Explanation: The World Trade Center was built with the strongest steel to keep the building from ever falling from to ground. It is to keep the tower and the people inside of it, safe. The high-speed elevators are to get anyone in the building out, as soon as possible in case an emergency happens.

Mary's Reading Bucket List

1. Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles: This has been one of my "have-to-read" books. Rules of Attraction is the second book of the Perfect Chemistry novel. This was recommended to me by Felisa Ruiz, the person that has begged for me to read this book. I have read many positive reviews on it, and I am very interested in reading this romantic comedy.
2. Room by Emma Donoghue: When I was first informed about this book, I became instantly in love with the plot and story. I discovered the book when I was surfing through the recommended books on the Internet. It is a very dramatic book, and I feel as if I could really get into reading it.
3. 50 Shades of Gray by E.L. James: Although this book is a very explicit. I am looking forward to reading the material. I have heard that many women from across the country has came to love it. Even my fellow co-workers were obviously obsess with this book; constantly discussing about it. I may not know what the book is all about, but I cannot wait to start reading 50 Shades of Gray.
4. Catching Fire by Suzzane Collins: This book is the second book to the Hunger Games collection. I have read the first book and I loved it. Since I have started the first book, I figured I should continue on with the trilogy and finish the whole series. I have started a few pages of it, but I never had the time to finish. I am hoping that this year, I will be able to finish this book.
5. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling: I have heard many amazing reviews about this series. I was constantly recommended by all of my close friends, but I was never really interested into reading the books, since I have already seen the movies. Although every single one of the books are very thick, I had a change of heart and decided to start reading the books. I already know that the books itself are going to be better than the movie, therefore I am very excited.
6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky: After seeing the movie trailer for this book, I was absolutely certain that I was going to read this book before ever seeing the movie. I have never heard of this book before until a group of my friends started reading it. This was also on the "top 100 books to read" list that I came upon when searching through the Internet. It looked like a very interesting story to read, and I already have myself set to reading this book.
7. I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lorien: When I had already seen the movie, I had found out that this was also a book. My English teachers has always told me that the book was better than the movie, so I am planning to read the book as well. I loved the movie when it came out and I can't wait to read it through a book.
8. Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs: After seeing the book trailer of this story, I was instantly drawn to how mysterious this story was. I loved what the story was going to be about and I absolutely have to read this book before I die. Mysteries and horror stories are my absolute favorite and this book just stuck out to me.
9. Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles: This is the third book to the Perfect Chemistry series. I want to continue reading the books by Elkeles. The plots of her stories are very interesting. This book is all about romance and I'm crazy about these books. It just doesn't make sense to start a series and not finish.
10. Dreamland by Sarah Dessen: Sarah Dessen has been one of my most favorited author. I once read one of her books and I instantly fell in love. I was recommended by a friend to read this book, and when I discovered that it was written by Dessen, I just had to read this book.