Author's Note: I am assigned a new goal of posting a non-fiction response every three days. I decided to do mine on the Japan earthquake, not the tsunami, since it was something that I can relate to. In this response, I am working on reducing my be-verbs: is, am, are, was, were, be, been, being, by 30%. In order to do that, I replace be-verbs with active verbs. I also am trying to include some syntactic devices. Please give me comments and feedback on this response.
March 11, 2011 a devastating 8.9 earthquake shook Japan triggering a tsunami. Buildings rocked and crumbled, furniture toppled down, and people ran of fright. Japan remains as a disaster zone with thousands of lives lost. The earthquake became the largest recorded earthquake in Japan's history. The earthquake left horrible result with ruined shelters, ruined belongings, and ruined lives.
I felt earthquakes various times in Riverside, California, but I was fortunate that nothing as severe as Japan's happened. Some books, papers, and little things fell, but luckily nothing was destroyed. At times, we slept through some quakes or didn't panic at all. Some places near Riverside had experienced worse where buildings and roads shook until they turned to debris.
Earthquakes are frightening even if it is not an 8.9 magnitude earthquake. People living in earthquake zones obtain a risk of losing homes, losing precious items, and losing loved ones. Though it may be interesting to watch from here, just think about what was left and what was lost.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Is the Golden Touch really a gift?
Author's Note: I am assigned a book response every third day. Currently I am reading The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan. The response is on the theme of taking advantage. I am trying to reduce my be-verbs: is, am, are, was, were, be, been, being, by 30%. I will achieve that goals by replacing them with active verbs. I try to include syntactic devices throughout my response. Please leave me comments and feedback on this response.
After crash landing in Omaha, Jason, Piper, and Leo came across King Midas' mansion. Inside the three of them met King Midas who has power to turn anything to pure gold. His house shined of golden furniture and his wall lined with golden statues. Everything King Midas owned was gold and could only be reversed by running water. He easily took advantage of his golden touch by turning his house, workers, and daughter to gold. With surplus of gold, he sold it for millions of dollars, and he never reversed golden statues of people. Having the greater benefit isn't right especially when using it in a sinful way.
Though he can have all of the riches in the world, is it truly a gift to turn everything he touches to solid gold? Does he take advantage of his power and people? Do you take advantage of what you have?
Inspirational quote
"No mother would ever willingly sacrifice her sons for territorial gain, for economic advantage, for ideology." ~ Ronald Reagan
After crash landing in Omaha, Jason, Piper, and Leo came across King Midas' mansion. Inside the three of them met King Midas who has power to turn anything to pure gold. His house shined of golden furniture and his wall lined with golden statues. Everything King Midas owned was gold and could only be reversed by running water. He easily took advantage of his golden touch by turning his house, workers, and daughter to gold. With surplus of gold, he sold it for millions of dollars, and he never reversed golden statues of people. Having the greater benefit isn't right especially when using it in a sinful way.
Though he can have all of the riches in the world, is it truly a gift to turn everything he touches to solid gold? Does he take advantage of his power and people? Do you take advantage of what you have?
Inspirational quote
"No mother would ever willingly sacrifice her sons for territorial gain, for economic advantage, for ideology." ~ Ronald Reagan
Monday, March 28, 2011
Would I like to go to Rome?
Author's Note: I was assigned to do a response to my project on the five themes of geography in Rome. My prompt was: Why would you like or not like to go to Rome? I would have to incorporate the information that I learned from the project to answer the question. I tried using the repetitive syntactic device. I wanted this to show my voice and opinion also with a description of each topic. Please leave me any comments on this piece.
Going to Rome would be a dream. I'd love to go there, but it probably won't be anytime soon. Rome is a magnificent city full of much to see and do. A place of great architecture, great gifts, and great stories.
All of the historical sites to see such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain lure me in most. Imagine going to a building where people once were in ancient times or tossing coins in for a wish at a historic fountain. It's a miracle to have buildings that are thousands of years old and still standing while being open for visitors. With many precise and unique works of architecture there would be an educational experience of buildings from medieval to fascist time periods.
Wisconsin's weather and climate can sometimes be agitating when I have to shovel, bundle up, or stay indoors. On the other hand, mild temperatures are in Rome year round due to the nice Mediterranean climate. They have 2,473 hours of warm sunshine and only 34 inches of precipitation on a yearly average! I would enjoy being able to walk outside and not freeze in the winter.
The nature in Rome has so much to offer, from the Apennines to the Tiber River. Peaceful is the walk along the river bank. Relaxing is the view atop the mountains. Beauty is looking out at the Mediterranean coast. Farm land rolls on forever eventually giving fruit, vegetables, and grain to everyone. Some don't notice what nature has to give, but it's truly magnificent.
Over the past couple of years, I have found it quite interesting to learn about gods, goddesses, and mythology in ancient Rome. Ancient Romans worshiped and had strong beliefs for much of what we call today mythology. Statues, buildings, and stories were created honor of gods which would be amazing to see and study first hand.
A trip to Rome would be a lifetime experience. There would be a chance to learn by seeing the most splendid architecture, statues, arches, and monuments. I'd enjoy the pleasant weather when admiring the scenic view from natures blessing. Someday I hope to go to Rome and have the experience that I dream of now.
Going to Rome would be a dream. I'd love to go there, but it probably won't be anytime soon. Rome is a magnificent city full of much to see and do. A place of great architecture, great gifts, and great stories.
All of the historical sites to see such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain lure me in most. Imagine going to a building where people once were in ancient times or tossing coins in for a wish at a historic fountain. It's a miracle to have buildings that are thousands of years old and still standing while being open for visitors. With many precise and unique works of architecture there would be an educational experience of buildings from medieval to fascist time periods.
Wisconsin's weather and climate can sometimes be agitating when I have to shovel, bundle up, or stay indoors. On the other hand, mild temperatures are in Rome year round due to the nice Mediterranean climate. They have 2,473 hours of warm sunshine and only 34 inches of precipitation on a yearly average! I would enjoy being able to walk outside and not freeze in the winter.
The nature in Rome has so much to offer, from the Apennines to the Tiber River. Peaceful is the walk along the river bank. Relaxing is the view atop the mountains. Beauty is looking out at the Mediterranean coast. Farm land rolls on forever eventually giving fruit, vegetables, and grain to everyone. Some don't notice what nature has to give, but it's truly magnificent.
Over the past couple of years, I have found it quite interesting to learn about gods, goddesses, and mythology in ancient Rome. Ancient Romans worshiped and had strong beliefs for much of what we call today mythology. Statues, buildings, and stories were created honor of gods which would be amazing to see and study first hand.
A trip to Rome would be a lifetime experience. There would be a chance to learn by seeing the most splendid architecture, statues, arches, and monuments. I'd enjoy the pleasant weather when admiring the scenic view from natures blessing. Someday I hope to go to Rome and have the experience that I dream of now.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Japan's Disaster
Author's Note: For a seminar, we focused on current events. Not long ago there was a tsunami in Japan and that was the main focus of our seminar. We got a prompt to respond to which was: Do you think the U.S. should help Japan after the disaster? Why or why not?
In the morning of March 11, 2011, an 8.9 magnitude earthquake, followed by a tsunami shocked Japan. Everything shook and crumbled down, then washed away by waves about 30 feet high. Buildings ruined, things missing, and lives lost.
Do you think the U.S. should help Japan after the disaster? Yes, we should. The U.S. is the ninth richest place in the entire world so I think we can pitch in to help Japan. With a little help from other countries around the world there will be a great difference in Japan. Imagine this happening to the U.S. We would want others to support us if something happened so we should support them. There are so many people in need, so many people missing, and so many people who died. Japan needs all the help that they can get.
Over two weeks ago a life-impacting earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, and right now is when they need help most. The United States should help Japan since it is the right thing to do. Everyone and everything has been severely impacted and they need our support.
Check out the link below to see before and after pictures of Japan
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/03/13/world/asia/satellite-photos-japan-before-and-after-tsunami.html
In the morning of March 11, 2011, an 8.9 magnitude earthquake, followed by a tsunami shocked Japan. Everything shook and crumbled down, then washed away by waves about 30 feet high. Buildings ruined, things missing, and lives lost.
Do you think the U.S. should help Japan after the disaster? Yes, we should. The U.S. is the ninth richest place in the entire world so I think we can pitch in to help Japan. With a little help from other countries around the world there will be a great difference in Japan. Imagine this happening to the U.S. We would want others to support us if something happened so we should support them. There are so many people in need, so many people missing, and so many people who died. Japan needs all the help that they can get.
Over two weeks ago a life-impacting earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, and right now is when they need help most. The United States should help Japan since it is the right thing to do. Everyone and everything has been severely impacted and they need our support.
Check out the link below to see before and after pictures of Japan
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/03/13/world/asia/satellite-photos-japan-before-and-after-tsunami.html
5 Themes of Geography: Rome
I recently finished my project on the five themes of geography in Rome. To present my work, I made a website. Please click on the link below to view my website. Afterward, you can leave comments and questions at the bottom of this post. Thank you.
http://5themesofgeographyrome.weebly.com/
" SOL Practice Test." Harrisonburg City Public Schools - Staff Web Pages. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Feb. 2011. <http://staff.harrisonburg.k12.va.us/~cwalton/walton/solpracticetest.htm>.
Category. "Geography and Map of Italy." Geography Home Page - Geography at About.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2011. <http://geography.about.com/library/cia/blcitaly.htm>.
"Climate In Rome Italy: Weather In Rome Italy Throughout The Year.." Rome Italy: Travel Guide to Rome & Italy.. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2011. <http://www.romanlife-romeitaly.com/climate-in-rome-italy.html>.
"Climate of Italy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_Italy>.
"Dictionary.com." Geography. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2011. <dictionary.reference.com/browse/geograpy >.
Dougall, Alastair. The Dorling Kindersley world reference atlas . 2nd ed. London: Dorling Kindersley, 1996. Print.
Empire, a wolf). As the centre of a massive Roman, and Rome was."City Profiles: Rome." Welcome to the United Nations: It's Your World. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2011. <http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/habitat/profiles/rome.asp>.
"Geography of Italy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Italy>.
"Italy - Italian Language, Culture, Customs and Business Etiquette." Professional Translation Services | Interpreters | Intercultural Communication & Training. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2011. <http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/italy-country-profile.html>.
Kottek, Markus. "World Maps of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification updated." World Maps of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification updated. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Mar. 2011. <http://koeppen-geiger.vu-wien.ac.at/>.
"Religion in Rome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Rome>.
"Roma." Architecture. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2011. <library.thinkquest.org/26907/archi.htm>.
"Roman Gods." The Roman Empire. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar. 2011. <http://www.roman-empire.net/children/gods.html>.
"Rome (Italy)." Rome, Italy. N.p., 1 Jan. 2011. Web. 20 Mar. 2011. <http://www.italysoft.com/curios/rome.htm>.
"Rome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ROME>.
"Servizo Meteorlogico." Ministero Della Difesa. N.p., 6 Sept. 2010. Web. 2 Mar. 2011. <http://www.meteoam.it/modules.php?name=viewClinoFile&station=239&name_station=Roma%20Ciam
"Simply Rome." Rome Architecture. N.p., 1 Jan. 2008. Web. 17 Feb. 2011. <www.simplyrome.org/ce/architecture >.
"Transport in Rome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_in_Rome>.
World Travel Atlas: the atlas for the travel industry.. 7th ed. London: Columbus Travel Guides, 2000. Print.
http://5themesofgeographyrome.weebly.com/
Bibliography
Category. "Geography and Map of Italy." Geography Home Page - Geography at About.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2011. <http://geography.about.com/library/cia/blcitaly.htm>.
"Climate In Rome Italy: Weather In Rome Italy Throughout The Year.." Rome Italy: Travel Guide to Rome & Italy.. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2011. <http://www.romanlife-romeitaly.com/climate-in-rome-italy.html>.
"Climate of Italy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_Italy>.
"Dictionary.com." Geography. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2011. <dictionary.reference.com/browse/geograpy >.
Dougall, Alastair. The Dorling Kindersley world reference atlas . 2nd ed. London: Dorling Kindersley, 1996. Print.
Empire, a wolf). As the centre of a massive Roman, and Rome was."City Profiles: Rome." Welcome to the United Nations: It's Your World. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2011. <http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/habitat/profiles/rome.asp>.
"Geography of Italy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Italy>.
"Italy - Italian Language, Culture, Customs and Business Etiquette." Professional Translation Services | Interpreters | Intercultural Communication & Training. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2011. <http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/italy-country-profile.html>.
Kottek, Markus. "World Maps of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification updated." World Maps of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification updated. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Mar. 2011. <http://koeppen-geiger.vu-wien.ac.at/>.
"Religion in Rome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Rome>.
"Roma." Architecture. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2011. <library.thinkquest.org/26907/archi.htm>.
"Roman Gods." The Roman Empire. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar. 2011. <http://www.roman-empire.net/children/gods.html>.
"Rome (Italy)." Rome, Italy. N.p., 1 Jan. 2011. Web. 20 Mar. 2011. <http://www.italysoft.com/curios/rome.htm>.
"Rome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ROME>.
"Servizo Meteorlogico." Ministero Della Difesa. N.p., 6 Sept. 2010. Web. 2 Mar. 2011. <http://www.meteoam.it/modules.php?name=viewClinoFile&station=239&name_station=Roma%20Ciam
"Simply Rome." Rome Architecture. N.p., 1 Jan. 2008. Web. 17 Feb. 2011. <www.simplyrome.org/ce/architecture >.
"Transport in Rome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_in_Rome>.
World Travel Atlas: the atlas for the travel industry.. 7th ed. London: Columbus Travel Guides, 2000. Print.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
Author's Note: I wrote a stream of consciousness and then turned it into a poem. This was a memory that I had from school on St. Patrick's Day when I was little.
Back to the time in kindergarten
It was Saint Patrick's Day
You wore green shirts and socks
As you arrived to school
Saw a large green mob
Day started normal
Walked into class
Shaving cream pictures on mirrors
Notes left around
Toilet paper thrown everywhere
Desks, books, chairs flipped over
"Who did this?"
Leprechaun
Recess, we scavenge to find
Little clues here, there
"I saw something move!"
Found hats, found shoes, found signs
But no real leprechauns
Going home
Tomorrow will be another day
Go green today
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
Back to the time in kindergarten
It was Saint Patrick's Day
You wore green shirts and socks
As you arrived to schoolSaw a large green mob
Day started normal
Walked into class
Shaving cream pictures on mirrors
Notes left around
Toilet paper thrown everywhere
Desks, books, chairs flipped over
"Who did this?"
Leprechaun
Recess, we scavenge to find
Little clues here, there
"I saw something move!"
Found hats, found shoes, found signs
But no real leprechauns
Going home
Tomorrow will be another day
Go green today
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Wisconsin Budget Repair Bill
Author's Note: After our seminar on the Wisconsin Budget Repair Bill we were supposed to write a response that includes our thoughts on the bill.
The bill that was just passed has a lot of impact everywhere in Wisconsin. It has caught much international attention since its a very enormous and life-changing bill. The reason behind this bill is to cut down on the overall debt of Wisconsin.
The idea of passing the bill wasn't a good choice though for some people it was completely fine. Since this bill was passed we will have to cut many public workers' jobs such as teachers and firefighters. It gets rid of many union rights for the public workers too. Also health coverage for low-income families will be changed. It's not fair how the bill will only affect public workers that aren't in Milwaukee.
On the other hand, I agree that Wisconsin has to reduce their debts, but it shouldn't have to be this way. We could get rid of unnecessary things that could be causing debt in Wisconsin. Or reduce spending rates. Cutting jobs, union rights, health coverage to people out of Milwaukee is unfair. If we had to, we could cut some, but not so many jobs in Wisconsin.
Right now this bill isn't equal to public workers. It will put a lot of impact on everybody even students because if teachers get cut then we might have to get rid of activities or combine classes. Overall, I don't think this bill was the best choice for everybody. I wonder what will happen.
The bill that was just passed has a lot of impact everywhere in Wisconsin. It has caught much international attention since its a very enormous and life-changing bill. The reason behind this bill is to cut down on the overall debt of Wisconsin.
The idea of passing the bill wasn't a good choice though for some people it was completely fine. Since this bill was passed we will have to cut many public workers' jobs such as teachers and firefighters. It gets rid of many union rights for the public workers too. Also health coverage for low-income families will be changed. It's not fair how the bill will only affect public workers that aren't in Milwaukee.
On the other hand, I agree that Wisconsin has to reduce their debts, but it shouldn't have to be this way. We could get rid of unnecessary things that could be causing debt in Wisconsin. Or reduce spending rates. Cutting jobs, union rights, health coverage to people out of Milwaukee is unfair. If we had to, we could cut some, but not so many jobs in Wisconsin.
Right now this bill isn't equal to public workers. It will put a lot of impact on everybody even students because if teachers get cut then we might have to get rid of activities or combine classes. Overall, I don't think this bill was the best choice for everybody. I wonder what will happen.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Sunrise
Author's Note: This is an open poem on the sunrise. I am working on not adding in be-verbs. This is just a fun poem and I'm trying to be descriptive as usual.
The glowing stars and moon fades away
Dark blue and clouds swirl overhead
Six in the morning
Sun rises above the horizon
Wispy clouds fill the sky
Above the clouds a colorful scene
Birds chirp peacefully
The sun getting higher
Light blue skies coming over
The warm sun shining down from above
The glowing stars and moon fades awayDark blue and clouds swirl overhead
Six in the morning
Sun rises above the horizon
Wispy clouds fill the sky
Above the clouds a colorful scene
Birds chirp peacefully
The sun getting higher
Light blue skies coming over
The warm sun shining down from above
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