Outside reading- #4

Shortly after returning home Franks one-year-old brother, Oliver, dies in the hospital. The day of the funeral Franks father spends all his dole money on alcohol.  The McCourts move to a new home, and Frank and Malachy finally begin school. The school that they are attending is difficult and challenges your spirit.  After starting school the McCourts face, yet again, another challenge, Eugene dies of pneumonia.  Yet again Franks father drinks the whole day of Eugene's funeral, so Frank has to pull him from the pub so that he can pay his last respects to his son. After the funeral Frank and Malachy eat fish and chips.  While eating Frank can't help but think about how Eugene has been taken by angels to go see Margaret and Oliver.  After Eugenes funeral Mrs. McCourt decides that the family should once again move, so they do. Unfortunately Mr. McCourts pay is reduced to 16 shillings a week, and they have to share a bathroom with 11 other families in their new home. 

The McCourts life just keeps getting worse and worse. Having to lose one child is something no parent should have to deal with, but three is just terrible.  Although this tragedy does strike I feel that the move and education that Malachy and Frank finally receive is exactly what they need. These kids need something they can escape to so that they have something other to do that just get in trouble.  Although the first move is good for the boys, the McCourts are once again just attempting to run away from their problems when moving isn't going to make them disappear. At the beginning I felt just a little bit of sorrow for the McCourt family but now I feel terrible.  No one should have to go through this type of a life, and I really hope that their situation gets better in the near future. 

McCourt, Frank. Angela's Ashes. New York: touchstone, 1996. 

Outside Reading Post-#3

When I last left off the McCourts new life in Ireland wasn't going to well, and I was hoping that their situation was going to get better, but unfortunately it hasn't.  Mr. McCourt has a job that pays 19 shillings which isn't enough to pay rent and feed his family.  So one morning when the family is eating breakfast Franks grandmother tells Mr. McCourt that if he wants he can go to the IRA so that he can ask for money to commend what he's done. Before they leave they go to church and even there the family is referred to as Yanks "... he hoped he'd see us all at Mass, especially the little Yankees..."(McCourt 48).  Once they are there Mr. McCourt asks for money but the man working the desk refuses him even the fare to get a bus ride home.  The whole McCourt family went along to try and get money, but they were sent home empty handed. 

The McCourts have a much worse life in Ireland than in America.  Mr McCourt has a terrible job, no money and his children are learning terrible habits.  I really don't understand why the the McCourts family wanted them to return to Ireland with them.  They too are living terrible lives, and for me if i loved someone I would want the best life for them.  This life can't be found in Ireland.  The kids are being given drugs, not being fed, and aren't receiving an education.  I think that if the McCourts stay in Ireland the kids will not be able to make better lives for themselves.  Although this book is sad, the writing style is very intriguing. Frank puts a funny flare to his writing and makes the rare funny parts of his life almost stick out just as much as the unfortunate events.      

McCourt, Frank. Angela's Aches. New York: touchstone, 1996.

Blog Question Response #3

In the movie On The Water Front all of the working people know that what the mob is doing is wrong, and they want to see the mob gone, yet they withhold the information they do know in fear that they will be thought of as a "stool pigeon" and end in their demise. All of the characters, apart from Doogan and the reverend, were to scared to stand up to the mob and become moral crusaders in fear that they would be "tattle tales". All the characters think that anyone who stands up to the mob is a brave person, but unfortunately they know that the mob will become angry and "get rid" of them. The truth is that these people who did stand up to the mob, and attempted to make a difference in every one's lives were moral crusaders, but they were thought of as tattle tales. Most of the characters in On the Water Front know what the right thing to do is, but they won't stand up to the mob because although they know what the crusader is doing is right and brave, they are to scared to take action in fear that the mob will think they are a tattle tale.

I believe that the smart people are those who stand up for what is right. Although they may stand alone they are strong and they have a cause that they believe in, and are willing to make sacrifices so that change will occur. In real life a tattle tale is someone who tells someone of a higher authority any little detail that can have some importance, but usually doesn't. A moral crusader is someone who shares information that will help and make a difference in theirs or others lives. Tattle tales are usually small minded, scared people who have no back bone and are only doing what they are doing so that they have safety provided to them. Where as a zealot is someone who is brave, and knows what the right thing to do is and takes action so that the situation will get better, rather than going along with everyone else.The cause that these brave citizens are fighting for is usually something of importance to them and others. Although we might think it's easy to stand up to others, in the situation that the characters in On the Water Front face is a very tough and scary decision. These citizens are forced to choose between a better tomorrow while possibly giving up their life, or just standing in the background and watching the same terrible things happen over and over again. The effects that the moral crusaders have to deal with are serious and real, but if they are willing to risk that so that them and others can have a better life, then we should all support them and help them so that their journey can be easier.

Blog Question Response #2

In the play All My Sons there is one main character that has to make the immense decision of family over society, Joe Keller.  He is forced to make the decision between his sons future, and the lives of the pilots who fly with the parts that his company makes.  Keller decided that his son, Chris's future was worth more than the lives of many men in the army.  While Keller and Chris are fighting Keller admits, "Chris, I did it for you, it was a chance and I took it for you.  I'm sixty-one years old, when would I have another chance to make something for you?" (Miller 70).  Keller felt that his duty as a father was to create a better life for his son than he had.  Keller does exactly this, yet he forgets to show his son what is the "right" thing to do.  This decision is a very difficult one, yet Keller feels that he had only one option if he wanted to be a successful father.  In addition to Keller believing Chris's future was at the up most importance, he also thinks that his businesses reputation and success is more important than a humans life. While making the decision to send out the cracked parts he thought of his businesses future and reputation for each of the two possible situations. Keller, attempting to defend his decision tells "I'm in business, a man in business; a hundred and twenty cracked, you're out of business... you stuff is no good; they close you up, they tear up your contracts, what the hell's it to them?" (Miller 69).  Keller knew that if he didn't send anything that his business wouldn't make a profit, and the army would look to another company for their products; so he told Steve Deever, his partner, to weld the cracks and send them out anyways.  He did this so that his company could still make profit, even though it meant many men would die, and families would suffer.  Keller had a huge decision to make, and he choose to make his son's future better rather than making sure his products were safe.  Although his decision helped out his Chris, he wasn't happy with what his father decided. 

Keller was able to make this huge decision, yet I don't feel as if I can. The love that a parent feels for a child is like no other love in the world, and can sway and alter you ethics.  I feel that I'm not in the right position to make this decision because I have no children and I have never been in the terrible situation where I've had to choose between family and society.  I also feel that I'm incapable of making this life changing decision because I've never felt that type of pressure and I think during that moment you have to make the decision your random feelings and pressure can sway your choice.  In my life I hope that I never have to make the terribly hard decision of the future of my family over the well being of people I've never met.  

Outside Reading- Post #2

One thing I need to correct from my last post was the relationship between Malachy and Angela. Although they were in love at one point and had a child, they didn't want to marry, but it was a forced marriage so they had to. Their life in Ireland is harder than they thought it would be. The whole family is still depressed about the death of Margaret. I found it was weird that the family thought they could escape the sadness of loosing a child by moving back to Ireland, and that they thought their lives would be better in Ireland. They didn't want to move at first but then Angela's family sends her money so that they can come "home" to Ireland. When they leave they know their leaving a life of freedom, yet they hope it will soon become better. I think this is a poor decision on their part because everyone is striving to move to America, they had a place to live and just enough food to get by, and they left it for a sceptical life. Once they're there they are not welcomed. In America everyone noticed they were Irish so they didn't fit-in, and now in Ireland they we're referred to as the Yanks so they didn't fit-in in Ireland. Malachy finally found a job that only payed 19 shillings which is worse than the pay he was receiving in America. The house they live in is crowded, and now their family of six was going to have to starve.

I really don't understand their move back to Ireland. They didn't have it that great in America, but it was the land of opportunity and almost all of the other immigrants were in the same situation. In addition if Malachy can't hold a job in the "land of opportunity" how is he going to hold a job in Ireland where money, food, and work is scarce. To make it worse Angela's family wasn't even nice them when they moved back to Ireland. I think the decision wasn't thought over enough and ultimately no one is liking the move so far, hopefully it will get better. This relates to what we were doing in class because JGC and Rawlins moved to Mexico to try and find a better life, but Angela's family was doing the opposite.


McCourt, Frank. Angela's Ashes. New York: touchstone, 1996.

Outside Reading- Post #1

The memoir I’m reading for outside reading this quarter is Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt. This book is about the life of a poor Irish family and their struggles through life. The family’s life is portrayed through Frank’s point of view. The story starts out with the move back to Ireland. The parents had met in New York, both as immigrants from Ireland. Once they met they fell in love and started a family. Their family consists of the mom, dad, frank, his brother Malachy, his twin brothers Oliver and Eugene, and his sister Margaret. They were all born in America, but soon after the twins were born the moved back to Ireland. Although Frank did have a sister, Margaret, she dies before the moved back to Ireland. After this Frank just describes how hard their life in Ireland was, growing up as a poor catholic boy.

After this first chapter of the book I already love it. Frank’s style of writing is so innovative and funny that you really feel as if he were there talking to you in person. I believe he also has a trade mark saying that he says, “Her arse”. He has said it multiple times already and I can’t wait to see if he continues to use this through the memoir. Already I would recommend this book to anyone in the class. I feel this is one of those books you just can’t put down. Hopefully the rest of the book is just as good as the beginning.

McCourt, Frank. Angela's Ashes. New York: touchstone, 1996.

Week 5- Jennifer Hudson's Relatives Killed

The article I read was about the deaths of Jennifer Hudson's mom, brother, and nephew. It was said that Jennifer's nephew, Julian, had been reported missing since Friday morning, and was later found dead in an white SUV. Along with Julian, Jennifer's mother and brother were found shot to death in Ms. Donerson's (Jennifer's mom) home. Many of the details of this case have not been released to the public yet, which could be a good thing. This event is most definitely tragic for Jennifer, and many others. I too think this is terrible, because from what every one who knew the Hudson family, said that they were all wholesome, polite, and hard working people. Personally I feel that people who lead lives like the Hudson's don't deserve such a gruesome ending to their lives, unfortunately that isn't always the case. The fact that most of the details of this case haven't been released is a good thing because then the public doesn't have as much to talk about. The public has already blown this story up and told as much as they possibly can, but for the sake of The Hudson family, keeping most of the detail secret would be in their best interest so that the media can say what's wanted and then move on. The reason I choose this article is because now a days it seems like murders are happening all the time. Most of the people killed in these murders did nothing to deserve this fate, and these murders just cause problems and grief for the families and friends of the deceased. This obviously isn't the most important issue in our country right now, but it still has importance and needs to be discussed so that we can find a solution.

Blumenthal, Mitchell L. "2 Relatives of Jennifer Hudson Reported Slain". New York Times News Paper. October 24, 2008.

My citation issue

I'm having trouble indenting the second line of my citation. It shows up when I write it and in the preview, yet when it's posted there is no indent. Can any one help me?
Thanks!

Week 4- Nick and Norahs Infinite Playlist

The film review that I read was about the movie Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. This movie is about a teenage boy, Nick, who is depressed about the loss of his girlfriend, Tris. He tries to win her back by making her music mixes, but instead of Tris listening to the mixes, she throws them away. After weeks of trying to win Tris back, Nick’s band mates force him to come play their gig on a Friday night. On that same night a band Where's Fluffy is also playing a concert, which is why Norah and her friend Caroline are in New York City. Norah attends Nicks band’s (has no official name) concert, and while trying to make Tris jealous, Norah and Nick share an extremely long awkward kiss. They then spend an adventurous night together battling obstacles while trying to find Where’s Fluffy. The author of the review I read, Roger Ebert, portrayed this movie ask dumb, boring, and lacking plot. He then goes on to criticize the acting of both Nick (Michael Cera) and Norah (Kat Dennings) as stupid. I however completely disagree with this review. I too saw the movie, and although I am a teenage girl who loves romantic comedies, I truly enjoyed this movie. The plot was interesting and had many unsuspecting twists. While watching this movie I never once became bored and wanted to stay and watch. I felt that this movie was very well made and the acting was superb. Nick and Norah have amazing chemistry, and I couldn't imagine any others playing the rolls of Nick and Norah. I would recommend every teenage girl to go see this film.

Ebert, Roger. "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist". Chicago Sun-Times. Film

Review. October 2, 2008.

My Picture

Week 3- Bill Murrays Devistating Divorce

The second I saw this title I was extremely intrigued by the devastating news. This story is about the terrible breakup of Bill Murray and his wife Jennifer Butler Murray. Jennifer filed for divorce during may of 2008, and in the papers she accused Bill of being an alcoholic and being addicted to marijuana. This is such an unfortunate divorce because they were married for 11 years, and personally I felt they were perfect for each other. Yet the great thing is that instead of Bill being depressed for a long time, he's engaging him self in his new movie, The City of Ember. I feel that the allegations made by Jennifer were preposterous. Ever since I saw the amazing move Meatballs Bill was one of my favorite actors/comedians. He has been an amazing man, and has graced us with many great movies and episodes of SNL. I'm truly saddened to hear about this divorce. Although I am a Bill Murray fan, I also felt the need to blog about this article due to the augmentation of divorces in our society. I have many friends who's parents are divorced; sometimes it's good and sometimes it's not. I feel this is an issue in today's society because either people aren't taking enough time to consider their love, or yet just evidence that marriage is a hard thing. I picked this article because it involved a current issues, and is a big deal for Bill Murray fans. This connects to Siddhartha because in chapter 7, Samsara, Siddhartha must fix whats wrong with his life (right intention) so that he can proceed in the eight fold path, and this is the same as what Jennifer is doing. Unfortunately Jennifer felt that for her to proceed happily with her life, it didn't involve Bill so she fixed her problem.


"Bill Murray Looks for Renewal After Devastating Divorce". CNN News. News article October 9,
2008.

Week 2- Answer to Ms. Froehlich's question

1. Should Homer be considered an early feminist or an old-fashioned sexist? 

On one hand Athena is a powerful, resourceful and respected character.  On the other hand, Penelope is the  stereotypical wife, waiting at home working on household chores while Odysseus sails the globe and has a lady in ever port.

Now a days women have almost as many rights that men do, and equality is much more popular.  During the time of the Odyssey many women were forced to stay at home and do house hold chores, be forced in to slavery, not being able to fight in the wars, and have no effect on if their loved ones get home or not.  I would most definitely consider Homer to be and old-fashioned sexist.   

Many thought that the typical woman stays at home and does all the household chores, this idea is portrayed by many women in the Odyssey including Penelope.  Penelope stays at home, cleans and cooks all day long. I would consider this to be sexism because its the stereotypical view on women that many men had back in the old days, and now. Most men didn't think that women can do what they can because of what the past has taught us, so in Homers days that role for women was typical.  Even though he was just going along with what everyone else thought, he was still a sexist in the sense that he didn't believe Penelope or any other women could amount to the work that the men did. During the Odyssey women not only had to stay and home, they were often forced into slavery when others attacked the city.  Unfortunately today women are still sometimes taken advantage of, but it is now frowned upon because women have the right to say no.  Yet in the Odyssey when women were forced into slavery none of the other people had a problem with it. Penelope along with many other women were forced to work for and pleasure the men who "controlled" them.  The fact that Homer wrote about this numerous times and didn't hint at anything immoral with this, completely portrays him as a sexist. Not only were women taken advantage of, but they were never given the chance to prove that they could do more with their lives.  There were and are women who are just as smart as men and many times even wiser than men. In the Odyssey women were never given the chance to fight, and prove that they could.  Homer wrote that some women, such as Athena, were able to fight.  Yet Athena was a goddess, and there were definitely many women that if given the chance, would fight to defend their home and family. Homer shows his sexism by portraying many of the women in this poem as week and unable to defend themselves.  Due to this lack of ability to fight the women of this tale were unable to help their loved one, husbands and sons, return safely from war.  Now a days we have many women fighting over seas to protect our country, but in the times of the Odyssey it was never even talked about.  Again Homer was just writing about the truth of what society was like, but that still doesn't justify his sexism.  If Homer was in fact not a sexist he would have possibly hinted or even directly wrote about a strong, wise, and driven woman who made a difference in society. Instead he just wrote about hundreds of men.  After reading the Odyssey there's no doubt in my mind that Homer was a sexist.

Los Angeles Museum Receives Big Boost- Post #3

In this article is tells about the extremely generous donation from the Resnick couple of Beverly Hills. This couple gave a total of $55 million to the museums new building, which will be designed by Renzo Piano. I think this is an amazing gesture. Not only is this donation an extremely large sum, but it is also going to a great cause. The New York art museum has some amazing art, and is truly a beautiful museum. This donation also says a lot about the character of the Resnick family. Not only did they work hard to provide a great live for themselves; but with that wealth they've accumulated instead of spending it on cars or jewelry they donated it so that others can benefit from the museum. I enjoyed this article because it was a great story, and it was a relief to hear some good deeds done in the news.


Wyatt, Edward. "Los Angeles Museum Receives Big Boost".
New York Times Paper.
September 29, 2008.

Citation

sorry I forgot to put the citation on my first post.

Logue, Brian. "Kelly Austin Wins HLA Trophy".
Lacrosse Magazine, USA.
September 2008.

Kelley Austin Wis HLA Trophy: Lacrosse magazine

This article is from the official Lacrosse magazine. This extrodinary article is about a specific young woman the won one of the most desire award for female lacrosse players in the country. Even though she was the only sophomore on the team she still won this award. This article ignites my spirit with insiration. I too play lacrosse and for her to be so good at such a young age really motivates me to practice and try my hardest so that maybe someday I could be as good as Kelly.

My fist blog!!

Hello,
I'm Paige or Paijai and this is my first blog! Im sorry for the boringness of my profile but I will soon change it. Hope you like it.