Current Connection: 2.1

In a recent article by Ben Brumfield and Dana Ford, news reporters for CNN, the worldwide leader in news, entitled "Lost in the Wilderness: 72-Year-Old Man Survives 19 Days, Eating Lizards, Squirrel," Ben Brumfield and Dana Ford interprets Gene Penaflor's decision when he was lost, in the accident, and rescued.

As stated in the article, Brumfield and Ford notes, "They had split up at their base camp, walking over separate ridges, and were going to meet up down the path a few hours later for lunch. Penaflor never showed."  Concluding from his decision, Penaflor, the 72-year-old man, was not aware of the "consequences" the future bestowed upon him.  He definitely did not desire this predicament to happen, but he sure paid the price for being alone at an anonymous residence.

Evidently, the text quotes, "Instead, Penaflor focused on small game, foraged for algae in a stream and drank water from a creek. To stay dry, he crouched under a fallen tree, and to keep warm, he made a fire and packed dry leaves and grass around his body."  Penaflor, struggling for survival, understood that he was troubled from the situation because after his accident, he was at a disadvantage; he was predictably concussed.  Even though he did not seek luxury in his appetite, his decision to digest the disgusting food aided to his will for survival in the wretched Mendocino National Forest, located in northern California.

In the passage, the article indicates, "A hunter called the sheriff's office in the morning, saying he and his large group of friends could hear a man crying for help from down in a valley."  Penaflor constructed this decision in order to be saved from the wilderness, signalling a siren of help.  In support of his decision-making process, he also chose to do what he could to eat, drink, and most importantly, live!

In my perspective, I perceive my relationship within the article because when I was ten years old,  I was lost during a hiking trip in Boy Scouts.  As related to the text, this passage affiliates to the novel The Swiss Family Robinson because of the will to survive treacherous conditions, depicting the conflict man vs. nature.  In displaying a worldwide view, one must take great knowledge and decision-making to not only survive nature, but to survive humanity.  Uniquely humanity is a link of chains; all of the chains linked together are different by length, size, weight, or color whereas the chains accommodate similarities because all of the chains are chains.

In the final analysis, our decision-making process affects our culture, emotions, and reasoning by the different circumstances life positions us, people, in because Ralph Waldo Emerson conveys, "once [we] make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen."

• Appositives
• Participles
• Compound Sentence
• Metaphor

Work Cited

Brumfield, Ben, and Dana Ford. "Lost in the Wilderness: 72-Year-Old Man Survives 19 Days,                     Eating Lizards, Squirrel." CNN. 14 Oct. 2013. Web. 17 Oct. 2013.

Current Connection: 1.2

In a recent article by Stephen Ceasar, a writer for The Los Angeles Times, entitled "Glendale District Says Social Media Monitoring is for Student Safety," Ceasar confirms 1) why students are being monitored 2) how this circumstance will aid the facility and 3) the restraints and cautions of the program.

In the article, Ceasar states, "the district last year hired Hermosa Beach-based Geo Listening to piece together the cyber tidbits of its 14,000 or so middle and high school students. The effort, for which the district is paying $40,500, is aimed at unearthing the earliest signs of bullying and self-harm."  In relation to every other school facility, these institutions stress about safety and security towards the children.  Logically, education would eventually perish in this situation because the students’ state of mind will portray apprehension about being mistreated rather than progress and prosperity in education to accumulate success.

Young Cho, left, here with Hoover High classmate Christopher Chung.

For example, Ceasar also claims, “when [the analysts finds] posts they think should spur an intervention or anything that violates schools' student codes of conduct, the company alerts the campus.”  With this awareness displayed, the analysts and school faculty members also accentuate on the fact that students, the heart of the school, could potentially hurt themselves physically and mentally by the harsh, irrelevant comments exhibited in social networking.  As stated before, the environment of schools factor off of social networking now at days; the abhorrent remarks resonate through the pupil, affecting their performance in academics, depicting how education can become secondary in their priorities because all the pupil will worry about is being victimized in bullying.

In addition, Ceasar says, “students say the policing of their posts has stirred debate on campuses. Some are angry about what they see as an intrusion.”  To support my claim on the restraints and cautions of the program, as children, they will obviously disagree with the occurrence because of the invasion of privacy outside of school.  Ethologically, I must convey that the officials are enforcing this program because of educational purposes in an obvious perspective; they realize that this overwhelming social networking world is affecting the education of our generation of students.

Individually, this article reminds me of my Oral Communications Speech on Cyber Bullying because my speech emphasized on how cyber bullying affected people, education, and life generally.  In a textual view, this article consolidates with television documentaries I used to watch due to the fact that those shows would always mention bullying and education; most of the time, when I hear about bullying, nine times out of ten, I will hear about education as a followup after the discussion of bullying.  Globally, social networking, the satanic world of the Internet, is basically bullying because now at days, people do not ever have positive statements to quote on the Internet, so the predicaments downgrade peoples’ self-esteem.  In conclusion, as long as these victims are in school, education will be the last aspect they ponder on.

All in all, according to Caroline Kennedy, “the extent that we are all educated and informed, we will be more equipped to deal with issues that tend to divide us.”

Current Connection: 1.1

In a recent article by Ethan Hauser, a writer for The New York Times, entitled "Milestones In Science Education," Ethan Hauser outlines the advancements and revisions of how we, humans of the world, learn science, deriving from 1) the 1860s-1870s 2) 1893 and 3) the 1940s.

Froebel Blocks

From the perspective of the "1860s-1870s -- Teaching With Toys" section of the article by Ethan Hauser, the excerpt quotes, "early American education takes many cues from older systems in Europe, particularly their emphasis on so-called project-based learning."  In support of my claim on the advancements of science, the paragraph further recalls how when we were infants. We used building blocks in reference towards modern architectural and scientific computational practices. To express revision, up to this day, as a senior in high school, I just simply complete worksheets and read books in order to gain knowledge about science rather than emancipate my adolescent side, which is inevitably "funner."

Charles William Eliot

As can be seen from the "1893 -- Classes for Changing Times," Mr. Hauser reports how "the National Education Association, through its Committee of Ten, issues a report that, in part, recommends the expansion of science education in elementary and secondary schools."  While exemplifying scientific advancements, the proposition of the laboratory in Harvard by Charles Eliot would not make Harvard, the top-ranked school in America, be where the facility resides without a laboratory. In significance of my revision remark, the fact that expansion is being portrayed in the midst of elementary and secondary schools prognosticates that the change will become profitable for scientific awareness.

The "Spitfire"

Truly being imitated from the "1940s -- Science On The Home Front" piece of the text, Hauser indicates how, "...in 1942 the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company [sponsored] its first Science Talent Search, a national fair now known as the Intel Science Talent Search that awards scholarship money for independent science projects by high school students." Citing my declaration on scientific advancements, practicing science more than the average classroom assignments exhibits the interest level in the students when they comprehend science, demonstrating how science advances.  In relation to the revision, everybody nationwide conducts science fairs annually, which positively stimulates the mind to becoming a better interpreter in not only the science world alone, but also in reality.

Personally, this article reminds me of my father honestly. With his twenty-five of experiencing how substantial science is in one's life, he constantly preaches about science and how amazing and important the topic is just like this article does! In a text perspective, this article connects to those dull science videos I had to watch in Junior High avidly; the videos always stressed on how science is vital and constructive in the world.  In a worldwide standard, science is organized knowledge because as long as people can acquire the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject, than everybody in the world can certainly speak the same language: Science!

In the final analysis, science is symbolic towards success, the key to a wonderful life, because the subject alone answers to what extent do schools fulfill the goals of an education.

Narrative Techniques: Nehemiah Bruiz

I require people to perceive the true side of me, Peter Okolo: the abstract, illustrious side.  With my visual sketches applicable to one's inner animate being, the morals I paint express my idea like a child sobbing because her mommy did not buy her that dollar candy bar at the checkout area in the convenient store.  Typically, some humans will notice the vivid images coming from my heart while I draw out my literature as if I were the legendary M.C. Escher, sculpting the future and revolutionizing advanced writing.  As stated, writing is beyond cliché, so I decided to artistically compose my scripts with trademark metal forceps, making my heart and soul bleed through my writings like I portrayed the prodigious Pablo Picasso, engaged to the beautiful Mona Lisa.  While my plausibility styles effect upon my scriptures, one will be guaranteed to distinguish my writings compared to old-fashioned texts.  In conclusion, these factors will most definitely be presented as I sculpt my short story.

In a basic manner, honestly, I can affirm that creating my “short story character” may have been the most stress-free part so far.  The procedure was quite amusing like relaxing on a Wednesday night, watching Kevin Hart commit comical crimes because of all the laughter, killing his audience mercilessly. Listing characteristics can also be included in the simplicity of the project too!  Although the assignment was not entertaining like developing Nehemiah Bruiz, my “short story character,” I found the assignment acceptable to perform as if the assignment was a calm, protective family, blessing a criminal, deceiving family because the woman and man from the families love each other.  On the point of a reward, the evaluation within myself has impacted me because knowing that my grade reflects my work, contributing with my “art,” I push myself to strive for excellence like a true Pioneer would do.

As challenge drew his sword to battle me, I noticed that the fight was going to be difficult.  Proportionally, the ratio of effortful to elementary happens to be vastly broad; I comprehend how much EVERY other assignment besides the creation of Nehemiah and the character listing is strictly problematic.  Truthfully, I declare this for that reason because of how much thought bestowed onto the assignments.  Additionally, the frustrating parts about the assignments were knowing if the assignments were done correctly because on occasions, I would doubt my work due to the fact that I was unsure if the assignment was appealing to the teacher like when someone fancies a movie star, bossing around her assistant about what color M&M’s are supposed to be in her immense punch bowl in which the Nile River could not even reach the radius of the spherical object.

There was no other gracious gentleman out in the country of X like Nehemiah Bruiz, an admirable god that would pull chairs out, open car doors, place his cloak on the wet puddle upon the rainy curb, and remark on sweet, unforgettable comments, preferably an ideal man for the ladies because of the mannerism he displayed.  His long, golden-red hair complemented his glossy, deep-hued blue eyes as if the sky and the ocean were not enough to compare the appearance of the sapphire icons.  Professionally, the “sweetheart’s” occupation happens to be a construction worker, suppliers that would check out the gorgeous women strolling by to go to work, smoking vigorously every minute of the day while the steaming Sun beat them up despite the fact that they were hauling heavy equipment as they were completing their day job.  Together with his adoration of crosswords, his love for his son means the world to him like newlyweds exchanging their romantic vows to each other in the life-changing moment: marriage.

As the short story enfolds, one will envision “Peter-angelo,” the poetic illustrator whose artistry imbues through his arteries.  I chiseled down my beloved character as a reality figure for my audience to relate to like kids and the childhood idols they would constantly talk about, act like, and praise.  In brief, while simplicity and frustration plays a role in my short story, those factors will aid my paper to become a masterpiece, affecting my overall grade for the last quarter and the second semester positively and leaving my eleventh grade career successful.

CC#4: Police Seek Motive in Deadly Vegas Strip Attack

In a current article by Ken Ritter, a writer for the Associated Press, entitled "Police Seek Motive in Deadly Vegas Strip Attack," Ken Ritter informs how 1) the attack occurred 2) how people reacted to this horrific incident and 3) how brutal the attack was.

"The Las Vegas Strip became a scene of deadly violence early Thursday when someone in a black Range Rover opened fire on a Maserati at a stoplight, sending it crashing into a taxi that burst into flames..."  The incident occurred at four o'clock in the morning.  With the information I read, I understood that the Maserati wrecked into the cab, bursting into flames and a person in the Range Rover started firing at the Maserati at a stoplight, concluding four other cars crashing into the Maserati and the taxi.

"When you're out at 4 a.m., nothing good's going to happen."  This quote came from Jeff Martin.  He wanted to pass through the intersection where the incident occurred, assuming that he was going to a casino or an activity he planned early on his vacation or stay in Las Vegas.  The thirty-three year old man from Columbus, Ohio stated that in a city like Las Vegas, a city known for such crimes, incidents, activities, etc., obviously there will not be any magical, awesome event that would benefit anyone at that time happening in those hours of the day.

"...leaving three people dead and at least six injured."  The "Vegas Strip Attack" left all these victims dead, including the driver and passenger in the taxi cab, the driver and passenger in the Maserati (the passenger was shot,) four other miscellaneous vehicles, and more in counting.  The attack was so brutal that not only was there yellow caution tape blocking off access to the area around the intersection, the whole road system involved during the incident was closed off for most of the day!

In my perspective, I can relate to this article because when I was in Nigeria, I was like one of the four miscellaneous cars that wrecked into a barbarous event like the "Vegas Strip Attack."  Thankfully, I am still here today because that occurrence was pretty nasty.  Textually, this reminded me of the movie Notorious; during the last scene of the movie, the Notorious B.I.G. approached a stoplight when the car on his right approached and opened fire at the green Chevy Suburban, where Biggie was murdered with the windows rolled down in the night coming back from a party at 12:30 in the morning in the luminous city of Los Angeles, California, the city of Angels.  Globally, tragic events like the "Vegas Strip Attack" sadly happen everywhere.  These circumstances even happen in other countries, knowing that they are worse internationally because of my presence in another country besides the United States of America!  Tragedies like these challenge our American Dream; if we as Americans continue shooting at each other and causing all this violence to one another, then our American Dream to become a better nation will never be fulfilled.

With such crimes like this happening now at days, the "Vegas Strip Attack" marks as one of the most disgusting incidents that have occurred this year.

Jesus Piece

Game does not play games. Comparatively, he is like a movie; the lyrical contents in his music portrays images and indirect sounds in my head.  With his music suffering over the years, Game came back with a number one, highly anticipated studio album entitled Jesus Piece.  His spiritual side talked and walked with me while I studied the album.  Now, everywhere I go, I have to have my earphones plugged into one of his thirteen tracks on the album.

Game, a Compton-based rapper, went spiritual on me with this album.  Without delay, Game switched over to a different approach of his music.  Instead of rapping about drugs, gangs, and violence, he decided to leave that scene of music on his fifth album.  Stereotypically, one would think that he would continue rapping about those topics, but with a wife and three children, he had to travel down a different road with his music.

I was at All-Region Clinic in Jonesboro when we stopped to eat at the Turtle Creek Mall.  My tradition is buying studio albums due to my love of CD's.  I went to Target and saw the album Jesus Piece and I knew I had to buy it immediately.  With this intention, for $11.99, I bought the thirteen-track disk without regrets.  Significantly, I cannot believe $11.99 changed my life!

                                                                    


This album is dedicated to Game's late older brother, Jevon Danell Taylor.  He got shot over a dispute with a female; he was only twenty-one.  Over time, controversy leaked out when angry fans were offended by the set album art, effecting the units sold of Jesus Piece.  As a result, the album's artwork was the picture of his brother, while the controversial one became the deluxe edition artwork.

The tracks of Jesus Piece compose spiritual content, referring to the Grace of God and Jesus Christ.  To point out, he went so spiritual on this album, he won a gospel award for it! Really?!  If one knew Game, one would know that he is not capable of writing gospel music.  In brief, all thirteen tracks soothed my senses with his flow of lyrics and the charisma presented in his fifth album.

In the final analysis, the reason why I bought this album was for the positive comments and ratings of Game's work.  I am so honored to own a masterpiece like no other.  I could listen to this album a billion times because the production of Jesus Piece was genius. Although the album did not successfully sell as many units intended, I am proud to say that Jesus Piece is my favorite studio album of all time.

• similie
• metaphor
• hyperbole

CC#3: Ireland Pledges €4.7m For Syria

In a current article by Genevieve Carbery, an Irish Times news writer, entitled "Ireland Pledges €4.7m For Syria," Genevieve Carbery educates how 1) the Syrian government needs to stop fighting in the name of humanity, 2) how money plays a contribution to other countries and 3) how many people need humanitarian help.

"I appeal to all sides and particularly the Syrian government, to stop killing... in the name of humanity, stop the killing, stop the violence."  In summary, Mr. Costello stated at least 60,000 people had been killed since the violence begun in 2011...; the world body warned earlier this week by saying that without more money, it would not be able to help millions of Syrians.  With all these soldiers dying, the expenses would be more and they would need more humanitarian help...

"The contribution was made at a UN donor conference in Kuwait today seeking pledges of $1.5 billion of aid."  Additionally, Ireland pledged €4.7 million to help fund humanitarian efforts for millions of Syria affected by nearly two years of conflict.  All of the donations will support the provision of the life saving humanitarian supplies and essential services...

"...with 2 million people displaced and 4 million Syrians in need of immediate humanitarian assistance."  All of these people really needed humanitarian help because the donations brought the State's total contribution to the relief effort in the region to over €7 million.  Syrians are sheltering 700,000 registered refugees with another five hundred million dollars to bankroll humanitarian work for four million Syrians inside the country."

Personally, I can connect this article to myself because I have donated money to Nigeria before.  They were in need of supplies at a time, so I heartly made a contribution to stop the struggle.  Relating to another text, the article connects with "The Good Samarian" story in the Bible.  The man got help from the Samarian, expressing how Ireland assisted Syria financially.  Globally, the countries of the world are having to help each other with money as friends to help fund militia, weapons, and/or possibly the government!  This situation can connect to the American Dream because if we aid other countries like Ireland did Syria, then we can become a better nation, including the opportunity of peace with other nations in the world too!

Genevieve Carbery educates how Syria struggles through the war humanly and financially, looking for and finding a helping hand to get them through the tough situation they happen to be in.