Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Fireworks

Individual cities should have the right to ban fireworks, even though the state legalized it. Fireworks are more dangerous in some cities than others. For example, the cities that have a higher crime rate (referring to crimes the fall under the category of arson), might be at higher risk for firework related "accidents." Cities in Northern Maine that have large areas of farmland are at a higher risk as well. July (the time when fireworks are most popular) is the peak of summer, the hottest month, so therefore grass and other plants have a tendency to dry out. Dry grass and improperly set off fireworks are a recipe for disaster. This is why cities should have the right to ban fireworks if they deem it necessary.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Time Capsule

I would put a map of the school in it, so people could see how much the school has changed since then. Also, I would include that there is no cure for cancer, because I bet in the future there probably will be. I might also include music and clippings of current fashion, so they can examine how much cutlure has changed or stayed the same.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

"USA- Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette"

I learned a great deal of things from this article that were surprising and fascinating to me. One thing I attained was that it is acceptable to be 30 minutes late to a large party/gathering. I also discovered that if you are not finished eating, you cross your fork and knife over your plate, with the knife under the fork, and if you are finished, you lay your fork and knife parallel on the right side of your plate (this of course, I imagine would typically apply to restaurants, or a very fancy dinner party). Additionally, I read that it is okay to refuse foods or drinks without giving an explanation. Another thing I was unaware of was that it's proper etiquette to remain standing until you are invited to sit down, and to leave a small amount of food on your plate. A final thing I acquired, was that Americans appreciate clear and concise communication, because in America, "time is money." In conclusion, this article was much more informative and interesting than I had apprehended.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Autobiography

    My name is Katie. I am fourteen years of age. I have red hair and brown eyes. I am of average height. I live in South Portland, Maine, and I currently attend the ninth grade at South Portland High School. I live close to the high school. I walk most mornings, unless it is rainy weather. My house is a one floor yellow, with a finished area in the basement. The garage doors are blue. Both of the cars that live in the garage are of gray-silver hue. My house is occupied by myself, my mother, father, dog, and cat. I have a sister also. Her name is Nikki. She has two kittens. Baby Girl (KahlĂșa) and Big Boy (Baby Binny). Her boyfriend is named Vincent. He is very friendly. Nikki is 20, and she lives in Westbrook. I do not get to see her often. The end.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

9.8.2011 Summer Reading

   This summer I started reading Let The Right One In. Over all, I would say that I enjoyed it. Therefore, I would definitely recommend it. Although, I would warn that at times it was rather disturbing. There are some parts in it that I wouldn't consider appropriate, such as references to pedophilia, and the misuse of alcohol. Additionally, there is a fair amount of violence, along with very visual descriptions of "gory" scenes.
    Otherwise, the plot was suspenseful and alluring. The author, John Ajvide Lindqvist, presented it in a way so that you were routing for the "bad guy." I really got involved in the plot, and felt like I was the main character, Oscar. I would recommend it to anyone who likes creepy vampyre stories. I would also suggest that you watch the movie first (the Swedish one, not the American remake), and then make a decision based on the movie. All things considered, in many ways the book is a lot scarier than the movie, and if the movie gave you the heebie-jeebies, then you probably shouldn't read the book.
    In conclusion, I would recommend this book, but with caution.