(Outside Reading #6) Persepolis

I just finished the book Persepolis today and overall I thought it was an okay book. It sure was confusing at times and the conflict between the iraqis and the iranians. The little girl has to go through many troubles though in her world. She hears many stories of the past and the heros in her life. She is forced to wear a vail over her head or else she will be shot. Personally I am very glad that I am not in her position because I like being able to wear whatever I want. I think her life would be filled with terror at times and I love how America is so free. It's sad that some people still have to live that way today but hopefully soon those rules will not take place any longer.

(Outside Reading #5) In the Time of the Butterflies Ch. 12

In the last chapter of In the Time of the Butterflies, Minerva is the narrator. She and her sister Patria are released from prison to come home finally. She begins having a hard time at home though, she feels as though she is not the same as she was before she went to jail. She misses her old life. The men were still in prisons but Minerva never gave up on them. Dede always told the girls not to go and visit their husbands because the road to the prison was very dangerous. One da a storm was brewing and the girls were off, and that was the end. The girls ended up dying on their trip to the prison that day. I think it was a very good ending to the book because it kind of leaves you hanging but I still think there should have been a little more description about their deaths. I think the book was very pleasant over all made me see life in a whole new perspective.

(Outside Reading #4) In the TIme of the Butterflies Ch 5 and 6

I just read the 5th and 6th chapter in my book that I chose to read for our project, In the Time of the Butterflies. I learned that Dede had feelings for Minerva's husband, Lio, from the moment she saw him. She truly loved him more than her own husband, Jaimito. When Jaimito proposed to Dede in the car, they also found Lio hiding in the back seat. Lio asked Dede to give a letter to Minerva but instead she decided to read it before hand. The letter was asking Minerva to leave the country with him, so Dede burnt the letter in order to protect her sister. In some ways I would be happy if my sister did that, because it could potentially have saved my life. But then again, it would make me angry that she burnt it with out me even knowing about it or where Lio even went. 

In the 6th chapter Minerva meets her dad's other side of the family that he has been involved with. She also finds 4 letters from Lio in her dad's closet and gets very angry. She ran into her fathers ford while he was at his other family's house because of her anger. Their entire family went to a party that their dad was invited to and Trujillo was there, hitting on Minerva. When he wouldn't stop, she slapped him across the face and their family left immediately. I would do the exact same as Minerva because Trujillo had no right to treat her like that. It was very rude to treat her the way he did.

(Outside Reading #3) Book: Private

After Reed's encounter with the Billings girls, Thomas Pearson came up to her. He gave her an old bus token and told her it was his old luck charm but he not longer needed it so he thought to give it to her. At this point Reed has a major crush on Thomas. After school, Reed heads to the soccer fields with the team. When they go out to scrimmage, she steals the ball from Noel (main girl of the Billings girls) and Noel packed it on the ground. Reed expected her to be furious with her but instead she acted almost impressed. On her way home to her dorm, Ariana popped out from nowhere and began talking to Reed. The two started talking and it ended by Ariana asking Reed to sit with them at breakfast which made really excited. At breakfast the next morning, Reed realized that the Billings girls didn't want to become her friend so much as they wanted her to be their slave. They ordered her around and to get their food.

I would think if a boy gave me something after just meeting him, that there was something there. I think it was very cute of Thomas to give her that because that's not something many guys would be able to do. After school at soccer practice, I'm happy that Reed showed Noel a little of who's boss because someone has to take the queen down every once and a while. I'm glad Noel handled it well, I would have expected her to do just as Reed thought, get furious. Now during breakfast the next day I don't think it was right for the Billings girls to do that to Reed but I feel like there's something more that they want.

(Outside Reading #2) Book: Private

Reed actually begins school and meets her first teacher. Let's just say she doesn't get off on the best terms since she back talks when the teacher accuses her answer to be wrong. But in truth, he tricked her and tried to make her look bad on her first day in front of the entire class. After that, she was convinced he could do no better and she hated him. When he called her to his desk after class, he asked her to catch up with all the other students by reading 8 books that the other students had by the end of the week. At lunch, Reed had an encounter with the Billings girls. They came up to her and called her their "peeping tom" since Ariana had seen her staring at them in the window.

First of all, if I were in Reed's place during class, I would be furious with my teacher. I think that is really wrong of teachers to make fun of students on purpose. I believe all of it is cruel and unnecessary. Reed knows she doesn't need to read those 8 books to catch up so I wouldn't if I were her. On the subject of the Billings girls, I guess I would be a little weirded out if I saw some random girl looking at me through a window but I don't think they should have been that rude about it. They seem like they always are like that, and very stuck-up. But Reed really wants to fit in, and be a Billings girl.

(Outside Reading #1) Book: Private

I just started reading a book called Private by Kate Brian. The book so far is about a girl named Reed Brennan that is a sophmore at a new school called Easton Academy. Easton Academy is a very expensive school but the truth is, Reed Brennan is searching for a new life, new friends, a new start. She was a tomboy in her old town and had to deal with her pill-popping mother. She moves in and meets her roommate Constance Talbot. She is a real talker, blabs all the time, all about herself. She also meets a boy named Thomas Pearson who ran into her in the hallway. They made small talk and he complimented her on many things. On her first day at lunch, Reed meets the Billings girls-the girls that live in the Billings dorm. The Billings dorm is where all the top-class students stay. The captains and only upperclassman that are "special" get to live there. Right away Reed has a dream that she wants to be a Billing's girl. She believes that will solve all her problems. 

If I was in Reed's situation, first of all i'd be very intimidated by all the people there and I doubt right away I would want to be a Billings girl. The Billings girls seem stuck up and mean but thats just the vibe I get after reading information about them in the book. It's weird because she always used to be a tomboy at her old school so it's interesting that she wants to change and become a Billings girl right away. I'm very excited to read this book though and I've heard from many people that it's one of their favorites. I guess we'll have to see if Reed actually becomes a Billings girl and what she does to try to get in their group.

(Outside Reading #13) War

For the topic "war" I found an article about an iranian group that claims that Iraqi forces have been beaten an abused them as Iraqis try to keep the Iranians from a camp on their land. People's Mujahedin Organization of Iran has lived at the camp for 24 years and now all of a sudden are trying to be kicked off. The Iranians have turned to the U.S. in need for support but the U.S. considers the People's Mujahedin Organization a terrorist group. The Iraqi government has made a decision to finally close the camp. The group also sided with Saddam Heussaine in the 1980s and fought beside the Iraqis against Iran in the Iran-Iraq war. I almost feel bad for the group. They aren't receiving any help from outside sources and have just been kicked off their land. I support the U.S.'s decision on not helping them if they may be a threat to our country. I'm surprised they have turned to us to help them out, I think they should have gone elsewhere. 

"Iranians at Iraq camp allege abuse." Cable News Network. 15 March 2009. CNN.com. 15 March 2009. <http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/03/16/iran.iraq.us/index.html?iref=newssearch>.

(Outside Reading #12) Imperialism

I didn't know what imperialism was or was involved with so I found an text written about the subject. Imperialism was very powerful, and has been over the last 4 or 5 centuries. Imperialism is the cause of oppressing indigenous peoples and even entire civilizations! One doesn't really hear about it often and attracts seldom attention from the media, academics, and political leaders. Michael Parenti quotes imperialism as, "The process whereby the dominant politico-economic interests of one nation expropriate for their own enrichment the land, labor, raw materials, and markets of another people." Europeans were among the first to experience imperialism in the 19th century. Today, imperialism is not a big issue in regards to the United States. But many people around the world in fact charge the United States with being an imperialist power. I am very glad and I feel lucky that our country does not have to deal with much imperialism. I like our system of government and how our country is ruled. If our country were under imperialism I think life would be much more structured and not as free. 

Parenti, Michael. "Imperialism 101." Michael Parenti political archive. 11 March 2009. <http://www.michaelparenti.org/imperialism101.html>.

(Outside Reading #11) Global Issue

I found an article about how Japan and South Korea are trying to lead the world into an economic recovery. They are working together to rid North Korea of nuclear weapons. Also the South Korean President praised Japan for agreeing to a currency swap up to $30 billion. This would help reduce the fears that South Korea could face a foreign exchange crisis. The president agreed that Asia should be the growth center of the world and plays a huge role in the global economic recovery. Japan and South Korea agreed to the fact that they need to work closely with President-elect Barack Obama on the North Korean nuclear issue. The South Korean president is working really hard to improve ties with Japan since it is geographically close but emotionally distant from the neighboring nation. Trade between the countries reached $82.6 billion in 2007. They are looking to the future and the thought of restarting free trade walks. I think it is great that the two are coming together. It's a good idea because obviously two countries are more powerful than just one on a certain issue. I think they could help our economic situation a bit because of the mass full of trade coming from those areas of the world. I really haven't realized the epidemic that we're in. I just hope we're on the road to recovery soon.

"Japan, SKorea vow to lead world economic recovery." Multimedia Holdings Corporation. 7 January 2009. kare 11 news. 8 March 2009. <http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=535425>.

(Outside Reading #10) Holidays

I have always been interested in the Jewish religion so I found a text about the Chanukah. Chanukah's origin is not in the bible but rather the events that happened later. Chanukah lasts 8 days. The holiday's first day is on December 25 and continues until around January 1. Chanukah marks a historical even that happened in the Seleucid period. A few of the Seleucid kings tried to force the jews in the land of Israel to adopt certain customs that were against he laws of judaism. The jews revolted against the greek  Seleucid regime. The holiday lasts 8 days representing the celebrations marking the purification and rededication of the holy temple. Today, Chanukah has been adopted as a symbol of the Jew's struggle through their earlier times. A holiday custom of Chanukah is candle lighting. Each family will light 8 candles representing the 8 days of the holiday. Another custom is the spinning tops which are mainly popular among the children. I think Chanukah is very different from other religions. I am glad I wrote about Chanukah because I never knew the background of it and now I understand it a lot more. It sounds great, I mean it's like an 8 day christmas!

"Jewish Holidays, Chanukah." Israel, Ministry of Tourism. 4 March 2009. <http://www.tourism.gov.il/Tourism_Eng/Tourist+Information/Discover+Israel/Holidays/Chanukah.htm>.

(Outside Reading #9) Bollywood

Bollywood is the informal term used to describe the Mumbai-based Hindi language film industry in India. Bollywood is only a part of the Indian film industry but is usually referred to the whole indian cinema. The name comes from a mix between Bombay (the former name of Mumbai) and Hollywood. Unlike Hollywood in the United States, Bollywood is not a real place. In Bollywood films, there has been frequent use of Indian English dialogue and songs as well. A lot of times there will be full English words and phrases and many that are made entirely in English.  I actually enjoyed the Bollywood films that we watched in class. At first I thought they would be very different films because they were produced in India but I was completely wrong. I definitely would want to see more Bollywood films now that I have seen a couple in class.

"Bollywood." Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. 27 February 2009. 1 March 2009. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bollywood>.

(Outside Reading #8) Australian Culture

I thought it would be interesting to learn about Australia and some of it's culture. Australia culture is a blend between many different cultures with a broadminded liberal and comprehensive society. Most people in Australia are in fact Europeans which I thought was really interesting. Australian culture has become one of the most diverse cultures in the world. Australia came to be inhabited by the English people soon after England claimed it their land. After, the country's culture became "anglo Celtic". With each passing year the country grew more americanized and still does today. I was very surprised when I read this article because I never knew that Australia was a country filled with people from over 200 different cultures. That's amazing! I think Australia seems very interesting and always has for me. I think I would really enjoy visiting Australia one day and seeing all of the different cultures that make it what it is. 

"Australia Culture." Mapsoftheworld.com. 25 February 2009. <http://www.mapsofworld.com/australia/australia-culture/>.

(Outside Reading #7) Change

For the topic change, I read an article on people's opinions about the food supply in the U.S. Due to the deadly salmonella outbreak tied to peanut butter, just one in five Americans now believe the food supply is safer than it was a year ago. Consumer confidence also dipped last year when there was a salmonella outbreak linked to tomatoes and peppers. The salmonella linked to the peanut butter outbreak hit americans hard. It sickened at least 500 and killed 8 people, three of whom were from Minnesota. I believe this is a huge change because there has never been much concern on food in the United States. Many American's minds have changed about trusting the food industry and now are way more cautious. 

"Editorial: Confidence erodes in U.S. food supply." Star Tribune. 22 February 2008. 22 February 2008. <http://www.startribune.com/opinion/editorials/40003407.html?page=1&c=y>.

(Outside Reading #6) hope

The article I read with the though of hope in mind is about "green" jobs. The task force wants to renovate public buildings to make them more energy efficient, establish loan programs for renewable energy projects, and create incentives for water recycling by the industrial sector. If everything is passed there may be up to 20,000 new jobs created over the next 9 years. I think people don't need to worry so much about not finding a job in the future because there are many more to be invented. i believe there is hope for the younger generation and even people in the work force right now. An example for a job going green is Pepsi. They have began making bottles that have 40% more efficient products and they transport their product in trucks that use bio-fuels. Both of those ideas are helping the environment. I think this is a great idea, the whole "going green"  idea. There is hope for the future and our planet becoming a better place for everyone.

O'Donnell, Christine. "Task force announces plan to create 'Green Jobs.' " KARE 11 NEWS. 17 February 2009. Kare 11 multimedia Holdings Corporation. 18 February 2009. <http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=539736>.

(Outside Reading #5) Religion: Taoism

For our outside reading we were supposed to find an article about a religion/spirituality and I chose to research Taoism. Taoism refers to a power which envelops, surrounds, and flows through all things in life, living and non-living. The tao also is known to balance the universe. The founder of Taoism is believed to be a contemporary of Confucius named Lao-Tse. The way Taoism started is his want to avoid the constant feudal warfare and other conflicts that disrupted society during his lifetime. Before it was a religion, Taoism was a combination of psychology and philosophy. After time, Taoism became one of the three main religions in china. Taoism was destroyed after the end of the Ch'ing dynasty in 1911. Today 20 million followers still believe in Taoism and follow it's cultural beliefs. I think this was an interesting religion because I've never actually heard of it. I think it would have been fun to learn more about this religion in history class along with the unit of confucianism and see the difference between the two. The article also said that about 30,000 taoists live in North America so hopefully one day I will be able to meet one!

Robinson, B.A. "Taoism." Religious Tolerance Inc. 29 February 2008 <http://www.religioustolerance.org/taoism.htm>. 15 February 2009.

(Outside Reading #4) Gender Roles

I read an article about women gender roles and learned that they have changed a lot in the last couple years. Women can no longer be discriminated against in a workplace, women are by law are able to obtain any job. Even though that is true, many women do not hold high paying job positions which is called "glass-ceiling". Women seem to only rise so far in management positions and no further. Even though the workplace jobs for women has changed a lot, the jobs of women at home are relatively the same. Women still cook, clean, do the laundry, and take care of the children like it has always been since a generation ago. Pretty much said, Women do most of the work, and the husbands earn most of the money. I like the way things are now a days. I feel if I lived a generation ago life would be a lot harder. I would basically only work at home and not be able to hold any management or ownership positions. Today, women can hold any position in the workplace as they desire, they just have to compete with the men.

"Gender Roles." Netindustries, LLC. February 10,2009. <http://www.faqs.org/health/topics/8/Gender-roles.html>.

(Outside Reading #3) culture

I read an article about african culture. I learned that much of Africa's culture activity centers on family and the ethnic group. 3 main aspects of their culture have to do with art, music, and oral literature. African governments foster national dance and music groups, museums, artists, and writers. The people that populate africa speak many different languages, practice hundreds of distinct religions, live in different types of houses/ shelters, and have many different economic activities. I think I would enjoy traveling to Africa one day to learn more about their culture. I feel like africans really focus on dance and art which would be cool to learn about. I know also that life is harder for them there and that there is much more poverty which also would also be interesting to learn about and experience if I traveled there. 

"African People & Culture" Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia 2003. February 3, 2009. http://www.africaguide.com/culture/index.htm 

(Outside Reading #2) Suffering

Since this post had to be about suffering, I found an article about passengers on a cruise ship that are suffering from vomiting and diarrhea. At least 340 people have been sickened on the Swiss-owned ship, now docked in Salvador, Bahia. Most passengers have been doing okay but people still don't know where this illness came from or what it even is. The agency said later that it could have been because the drinking water had problems with the amount of chlorine in it. If I was one of the sick passengers I probably wouldn't trust that cruise company again so this could potentially hurt the company. That would also suck for the passengers because one usually goes on a cruise ship to have a great time but obviously that wouldn't be the case if you were sick. And if the illness hadn't spread to you yet, you wouldn't want to go out in case of catching it. That's a bummer. It wouldn't be my favorite vacation.

Brooks, Bradley. "Brazil:340 People on Cruise Ship Suffer Vomiting, Diarrhea; Cause Unknown." January 8, 2009. startribune.com. February 3, 2009. http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/travel/37276304.html

(Ouside Reading #1) Natural Disasters

The article that I read is about a horrible winter storm that took place in Murray, Kentucky. Many people had to move to shelters because of the risk of their houses collapsing or being torn apart. Many people still in their homes ran out of food and water in their powerless homes. At least 1.3 million homes and businesses were out of power. Utility companies were trying to make their way around to restore power, but it would take a while. People said they weren't worried about food, but keeping warm. Roads were filled with debri such as power lines, and trees. If I were in this situatuion I wouldn't exactly know what to do, I would just want my family and friends to be safe. I think the most important thing in a situation like that, is to get to a safe place whether it be your own home or a shelter.

KRISTIN M. HALL. "Residents Left without Heat, Food, Water After Ice-Storm's Lashing Rush to Warmth of Shelters." January 30, 2009. Star Tribune Inc. January 30, 2009. http://www.startribune.com/nation/38645727.html?elr=KArksUUUU

(Outside Reading #27) Barack Obama

For my outside reading I wanted to comment on Barack Obama officially becoming our new president. I am so happy for him and his family and think they will do very well in the white house. When I watched the inauguration I knew that he was going to be a great president. I would be a little embarrassed if I were him considering he messed up on his oath, but I think everything else went very well. I hope he really enjoys being president and makes good decisions. I don't think I could ever be president because it would be too much pressure and if I make one mistake, it could affect millions of people's lives.

(Outside reading #26) Breast Cancer

I read an article called "Keeping Abreast: Ways to prevent breast cancer" on Kare11.com. Recent studies say that having a healthier diet can benefit breast cancer. Also women that are already diagnosed with breast cancer should stay away from refined foods and red meat. I think this is a good idea because not only could it help women benefit from breast cancer but it also would make women more healthy. I think it is very important that every person, man or woman, eat many fruits and veggies because it could prevent you from many other diseases, besides cancer.

(Outside Reading #25) Frostbite

I read an article called "Shoveling leads to frostbite for Minneapolis man" on kare11.com. The article was about a man named Tony that was shoveling tuesday morning with sub zero temperatures outside. Problem was, Tony wasn't wearing any gloves because he couldn't afford him for himself. He had to make sure his kids had gloves so he didn't buy himself any. The metro area emergency rooms have been busy with patients coming in about related injuries like frostbite and hypothermia. The winter is supposed to get even colder so doctors are recommending to bundle up good. I think Tony is a really good father and shows that he cares a lot about his children. Especially in these harsh weather conditions, caring for his children and making sure they have the proper clothing on shows that he is a great parent. I can relate because when I went outside this morning immediately my hands became cold and i realized how fast someone could get frostbite. In the end Tony said: "can't wait for summer!" what can i say? i totally agree.

(Outside Reading #24) Portable Fish House

I read an article on Kare11.com called "Foley man creates truly portable fish house". I don't know much about fishing and what you do but one man built a portable fish house that can move across the ice with the angler still inside. The portable house allows the user to move between several fishing holes without the trouble of tearing down and setting up a collapsible house. It has a small heater and two buckets to hold gear and fish inside. I think it is a pretty good invention but again i don't know much about fishing. For people that fish I think it is a smart idea. THen you don't have to keep re-setting up your fishing house on the ice. And the big thing for me is that I wouldn't have to go out into the cold. They said the only disadvantage is that the more fish you catch, the heavier the house is to carry. I wouldn't mind because I'm not a very good fisher so it would be better for people who weren't so great at fishing.

(Outside Reading #23) Edina Living

I read an article on Startribune.com called "Come home to Edina? Easier said than done". Kids that grow up Edina spread out to many colleges but when they get married and have kids they think of home and move back to Edina. The trouble now a days is that the median price of a single family home in Edina is around $450,000 and that is expensive to people, especially young families. Many families have to settle outside Edina into the Twin Cities or other surrounding cities because Edina is just out of their financial reach. When I grow up and start my family, I wouldn't mind staying back in Edina. The schools are of the top in the nation and they have many beautiful neighborhoods. The problem is it's very expensive, like other families, it might be hard to afford to come back here.

(Outside Reading #22) Red River Flooding

I read an article called "As snow falls, flood worries grow" on Startribune. They say that since we've gotten so much snow this year that it might be triggering and early warning for spring flooding in Red River Valley. In 1996-1997 the same thing happened since that was a year that we got a ton of snow. I would be scared if I lived in Red River Valley. I'm sure when they last had flooding a lot of damage was caused and people might have been forced to move out of their houses. To go through something tragic like that again, it would be sad. Scientists said that if there is a gradual warm up and minimal snow for the rest of the winter the chance of flooding would decrease. The leave off saying global warming is hitting us hard.