mandatory extra credit :)

Have you ever noticed how biased history class is? You sit there for an hour and are taught from a book. Which isnt even a reliable source, its known as a "secondary source." Your only shown one side of the story, you can either view the person as a hero or a villan. The United States isnt always honest about their history.

Back in elementary school we were taught to view Christopher Colombus as a hero, when we never really knew about what he really did. We were taught that Colombus "discovered" America, but how could he have done that if people were only living here? Colombus killed many by clearing out the people living here and bringing diseases, such as smallpox. More recently the U.S. can be blamed for things such as the abuse at Guantanomo Bay detention camp.

Guantanamo Bay is a prison run by the United Sates located in Cuba. One of the larger allegations of abuse at Guantanamo Bay has to do with the religion of the detainees. Of course the United States claims that they respect all religious and cultural ethnicities, but prisoners that have been released can say otherwise. One stated that the soldiers in charge had taken the "Quar'an"or Islams holiest book and have been found to flush it down the toilet, rip papers out, or write rude comments on it.

Some would argue that the United States dpesnt hide or cover up their history and that they are honest about what has happened in the past, but if that was the case more people would be educated on what really happened in the history of the U.S. as opposed too what you would find in one of your history books.



"Odysseus a hero?" hah nice joke. I chuckled to myself as the teacher rambled on and on about the Odyssey; Oh yeah, a man who cheats on his wife with almost every woman he comes in contact with. He kills almost all of his crew members, just to save his own life. Oh yeah.. What a hero.. For every good deed of feat or strength that Odysseus has accomplished there are several acts of selfishness to follow up with it. Odysseus is not a hero.

Odysseus was unfaithful to his wife by cheating on her with Calypso and Circe when arriving to Calypso's Isle. In Homers, The Odyssey "though I have been detained long by Calypso, lovliest among goddesses, who held me in her smooth caves, to be her hearts delight, as Circe if Aeaea, the enchantress, desired me, and detained me in her hall. But in my heart I never gave consent." A good leader is always known to put others first, but not Odysseus.

Odysseus risked the lives ofhis crewmen several times, which most of the time resulted in death. When spotting the Cyclops's land, Odysseus had the idea to stop and check it out. After Odysseus disrespected the Cyclops, he responded by killing two of his crewmen. Stated in he Odyssey "in one stride he clutched at my companions and caught two in his hands like squirming puppies to beat their brains out, spattering the floor."

Recent Malawi Court Case Contreversy

I disagree with the recent charges against the two Malawian men because of their sexuality.

In Malawi two men were given a 14 year prison sentence for trying to marry each other. The Judge that had charged them claimed that he wished to protect the public from “people like you,” Newser.com states that “The judge gave the maximum sentence possible for unnatural acts and gross indecency.” The two were arrested after holding an engagement ceremony in December. After being charged a crowd awaited them outside of the courtroom where people were shouting, “You got what you deserve!” and “Fourteen years is not enough, they should get 50!” I believe that everyone should be treated fairly and have equal rights no matter what their race, religion or their sexual status is.

Myrtle Beach! :)

In 20 days, my friend Katelyn and I will be landing in Myrtle Beach! Every year my family and I and usually one of my friends go on vacation to summer warm before the school year ends. We usually go to Florida but this year my mom wanted to do something different, my family has never been to Myrtle Beach so we’re really excited!

We are leaving on Thursday May 27th and staying until Monday May 31st. We are flying on Spirit airlines and leaving very early in the morning. Our plane leaves around 7:00am which means we will probably be getting to the airport around 5am, but I know it will all be worth it! We are staying in a condo on the beach, I’m excited because I’m obsessed with sunsets especially on the beach and we will have a perfect view of them!

I haven’t flown anywhere since the recent “bomb threat” on Christmas Day and as a result security is even tighter... In my opinion I hate security, taking off your jackets and shoes and walking through a metal detector very early in the morning is not what I have in mind of fun. I realize that it’s for the safety of everyone in the airport, but I’ve been wondering how it’s changed since the last time I’ve flown back in March. I think once you get through security you can always rest easier, and I personally grow more excited for the trip I am about to take!

I love airports, not only because you’re flying somewhere out of the state! Also because of the people watching, you get all kinds of people, with all different kinds of styles of clothing, hairstyles, etc. And another one of the best parts is that they have a store for everything you could ever ask for! Clothing, candy, souvenirs, and of course food courts – taco bell, Mc Donald’s, even sometimes restaurants like TGI Fridays, Big Boys, etc.

We are flying back late at night on Memorial Day, around 8 or 9. We won’t land until a little after 10 and of course we have school the next day… Although we will be gone 5 days, I am only missing 2 days of school, Thursday and Friday! I am hoping that I won’t have too much homework and hopefully we will have good weather down there.

SIMUN

I thought SIMUN was a great experience. I thought I did okay; I honestly could’ve done better. The first day I thought it was a good idea to just watch and have an overview of what it was all about. My country was only directly involved in one scenario through a newsflash. The scenario was about the Mexican drug wars, and the killings of Americans and innocent Mexican citizens and police officers committed by the drug cartels. The newsflash said something along the lines of 50 people were killed on a spring break trip, those spring breakers were from the European countries of Italy, Germany and France.

When it came time for a caucus I would talk with Germany, France, and Denmark. We would all share opinions and once we returned back to our seats we would raise our placards and would asked to be put on the speakers list so we could share our opinions with everyone else.

I prepared myself for SIMUN by researching my allies, and background information on my country. We also were assigned topic papers in Mrs. Bergeski’s class, giving us scenarios on certain issues going on throughout the world today. We had to research different sources and write a response answering the questions that were given to us. These papers helped a lot with the SIMUN scenarios because they related to the issues we had to solve during SIMUN. The research we did gave us background information on these issues.

I thought it was a good experience because it was brand new to me and probably most of the freshmen in Global Ed now. I think it helped us not only make friends with the other delegates in our groups but grow as speakers and help with our problem solving skills, instead of taking the easy way out and resulting in violence, I learned there are many different tasks that can lead to a more peaceful outcome.

Next year for SIMUN I will better prepare myself by, knowing a little more background information on my allies and my country as well. I think next year it’ll be much easier to get more involved because you have a better idea on what to speak about, and what to ask questions on. I will also try to get as involved as possible, like get on the speakers list more, and ask questions more, write recommendations, and even give my opinion to my allies.

SIMUN blog

Responding as a delegate from Italy:

I agree that the United States should take control of the situation in Pakistan. If nuclear weapons get into the wrong hands, like the Taliban or Al Qaida it would result in un-necessary violence. Italy believes that it is necessary for someone to step in and help Pakistan gain the control of their government back, with the extra support it would decrease the chances of the terrorist groups taking over.

According to www.npr.org's article “Unsecured Nuclear Material Poses Risks” One of the United States biggest problem is Pakistan “ An unstable government, enough material for 60 to 100 weapons, strong Islamic influences in the military and intelligence.” Al Qaida is not located too far from a nuclear base in Pakistan, the nuclear base is secure, but their government is not, making it much easier for them too have access.

This isnt only a problem for Pakistan but other countries all over the world as well. Other terrorist groups may get ideas and try to do the same to their countries. Also if these nuclear weapons get into the hands of Al Qaida or the Taliban we could be looking at one of the worst wars possible. Pakistan would obviously fire nukes at their enemies, as well as getting the idea that if they can take over Pakistan, they can take over any country.

If Pakistans nuclear weapons get into the hands of the Taliban or Al Qaida, countries all around the world will have to come together and try and fight back. Yes, it may not be the best solution to the problem, but if we dont apply force they wont take us seriously. If something breaks out suddenly I will have an army prepared and ready to go.

Free Write: Memoirs of a Geisha

The women’s role in Memoirs of a Geisha differs very much from women’s roles here in America because, a Geisha is known as very successful in Japan and young girls look up to them. Geishas visit from teahouse to teahouse where there are a couple of men in attendance along with the director. When the Geishas arrive they tell stories, perform dances, and pour tea and sake for the men. Geishas are known as beautiful, wearing long kimonos, and their makeup starts with a lead based white pant covering their face and neck, so that the main things that stand out to men are their bright red lips and in Chiyo’s case her unusual pale blue-gray eyes.

Geishas training are known to be cruel and very long, they attend a school at their young ages which teach them how to pour tea or sake correctly, they learn how to play the shamsien, learn the beats to music so that they can dance along and follow the pattern of rhythm. After completing their schooling Geishas usually look to find a “big sister” or a successful geisha who has a lot of experience. That will take them in and teach them all the basics, like how to put on their makeup, how to correctly wear their kimonos, how to flaunt themselves and show themselves off towards men. When the big sister decides that the time is right, and her little sister is ready, she will take her along to teahouses and while be named an “apprentice geisha” or known as a “novice geisha”.

If we had this in America, citizens would frown upon it. We value children much higher than other countries do; Parents wouldn’t put their children through grueling school hours to teach them how to dance and pour tea when they are higher paying and more respectable jobs in America.

3.27.10 :)

The lights had finally dimmed. The adrenaline rush of the audience had risen to an all time high. Talking grew into screams. The moment I had been waiting for was finally here. The curtain rose, and there she was Taylor Swift! I could not believe I was at her concert. A smile had grown on my face; while the rush of excitement had finally come over me. I grabbed my purse while my fingers were trembling, scraping the bottom, trying to grab my camera quick! I couldn't let myself miss a second.

The opening song to kick off the fearless tour was her hit song You Belong With Me, I managed to sing along and take lots of pictures all throughout the concert, capturing her many costume changes, backup dancers, and lots of hair whipping!

The concert had also included one of countries newest band Gloriana along with Kellie Pickler, a good friend of Taylor's. Each song that was performed was almost setup like a mini movie, or a music video. When it was time for a quick change, videos would be playing on the giant screens hung from the ceiling, mostly showing Taylor's interviews, or what inspires her too write her music.

The stage and setup of the concert was amazing, I can only imagine how long it must have taken them to put up everything and take it all down.

Taylor's song Hey Stephen had begun playing and I looked on stage and there was no sign of her, until I heard loud shrieks and saw the spotlight make a drastic turn, she had shown up in the middle of the audience to perform, after getting about midway through the song, Taylor took time out of her concert to hug everyone in that section and make her way down to another small stage to play a couple of songs, and after that was over, she made her way through the main floor hugging and shaking hands with more fans.

I thought it showed a lot of generosity that she would take the time out of her concert and show her fans how much it meant to her that we were there singing along to all of her songs and cheering her on. Overall it was definitely the best concert I have attended, I'm so glad I went and cant wait to go back again! :)