Sniper Summary

The story takes place in the night in Dublin, amidst a war. There is a republican sniper hiding on a roof, and after he kills an enemy in a vehicle and an informer he takes a shot to the arm. With no feeling in his arm, he takes cover behind a low protective wall on the edge of the roof, and sees that his arm is broken so he then sterilizes it and wraps it up. Realizing he must get out before the morning he comes up with a plan to ensure a safe escape: he tricks the last enemy on the rooftop across the street into thinking he has shot and killed the sniper, and once the enemy is in clear shot, the sniper shoots him off the roof with a cry of victory as the opponent falls to the street below. However his joy does not last long, for it is replaced by remorse. After retreating from the rooftop he decides to go see if he might have known the soldier, only to discover he had shot his brother.

Prediction

I predict that the book will end with George finding Lennie before the other guys do. I think this for several reasons. First, George knew where Lennie would be, and he pointed the guys in the other direction. Also, he knows what they are going to do to Lennie, because he knows that the other guys don't understand that Lennie didn't mean any harm; they don't know Lennie like George does. I predict George will go to where Lennie's hiding and shoot him, in "self defense." If George runs with Lennie this time, he is an accessory to murder, and he knows there's a big chance that Lennie will end up doing it again. George knows Lennie doesn't do bad things on purpose, but he knows what will happen to Lennie if he gets caught. He cares very much for Lennie, they have been together for a long time and have developed quite a strong bond between each other, and George knows there is only one way to save Lennie from the inevitable torture that awaits him. He's always looked out for Lennie, and I think, in a way, this is his last display of affection to his old friend.

Student Debt

It's a catch 22 situation, really. Going to college will give you a higher chance of getting a well paying job; not going to college might cause you to have a harder time getting where you want to go in life. So, it seems the most logical to go to college right? Well, the increasing student debt is making it harder for students to complete school, which makes it harder for them to get a good job, which makes it nearly impossible for them to pay off their debt. Students' debt is preventing students from being able to pay off their debt. Doesn't seem right does it? Although I don't know enough about this topic to determine whether there are alternatives and if so what they are, from what I know about the world I would say there probably are alternatives. There's always another way. You just have to look hard enough to find it.

Vacation

Over vacation I did a lot of things. The thing I enjoyed most was staying at my sister's house with her and her boyfriend. I really like spending time with them. It was really fun. We all squished into the full size bed and watched movies, which is one of my most favorite activities, and my sister and I got lost in the woods on our way back from 7-11, when we decided it was so nice out that we should go on a little adventure which ended up turning into a big adventure. Despite all the drama that I had to resolve (not my own drama, but other peoples), I'd say I had a pretty great vacation. I don't get to spend time with my sister too often, but when I do, it seems to substantially brighten my days.
 No, I am not happy to be back. I hate school, being at school. I hate how difficult everything is, when it doesn't need to be. I hate the lack of understanding from so many people, teachers and classmates. I just don't like school. I think it's a horrible experience and if I didn't care at all what happens to me, I wouldn't chose to come, not that it would even be my choice, anyway.

Maine Switch

I think it would be a good idea because it would help ensure and support a better future for graduates. The proposed change would require students to know and understand the material before they graduate, which sets them up for a more successful future. It would also adjust learning to individuals' needs. So yes, I think this change would be a good idea because it would allow students to get a higher quality education that works for them.

Favorite Character

I don't have a favorite. I haven't seen much of The Boss, but from what the workers say he's not so bad. Slim is nice, easy to talk to, and trustworthy. Candy is kind and sensitive. Curley is a total meanie pants, and his wife is a very promiscuous lady. I don't really know what to think about Carlson, but it irritates me that he convinced Candy into shooting his old dog mostly because it smelled bad. Carlson said it needed to be put out of its misery but I suspect he had ulterior motives. Tempting as these characters are, I really don't have a favorite.

Plugged In

I do agree that technology can and does have a negative effect on school and homework efficiency. It is common sense that something that one has applied one's full attention to will be of better quality and will most likely be accomplished not just quicker but more efficiently than something that is done with many distractions. Thus I say to the average teen, you might insist that texting or listening to an ipod does not hinder your outcome, but I argue that your overall completion time and focus are negatively affected. Think of the time it takes to answer a text or change the song; 30 seconds, maybe even a minute or two for that oh-so-important text message? Doesn't seem like that long, but if you have a 30 minute assignment, and let's say every three minutes or so you receive a text message and or change the song, the time adds up. What was initially only a 30 minute assignment, will now take you 40 minutes or more. That's ten plus minutes of not thinking about the assignment. Now tell me that your focus and efficiency aren't hindered. Technology is supposed to help us increase our performance ability and make life easier, but I ask you, is it really helping our ability to learn and complete tasks that are important for our future?

Dust Bowl

The Dust Bowl happened in the bread basket states (mostly Oklahoma) during the Great Depression. It was caused by excessive farming accompanied by a drought. It earned the title Dust Bowl because without moisture to keep the soil in its place, the once fertile terrain shriveled up and dried out so much so that it turned into dust; without trees and other land formations to cut the wind, the dust was whipped around everywhere. When one went outside the mouth had to be covered because if one breathed, one would be inhaling more dust than air. In fact, many people died from diseases caused by the build up of dust in their lungs. The drought did not just directly affect the land, but the people as well. People could not maintain good health and hygiene; there was no water to bathe in or to stay hydrated, and families could not rely on their crops to sustain themselves as they had before. The Dust Bowl made the Great Depression even harder for those living in the Oklahoma area, business was bad as it was, but without water and good land to grow their crops there was no business. Consequently families were forced to find other work wherever they could, working in bad conditions for less than a reasonable wage. The Dust Bowl was a very unfortunate event, and was another contribution to the already devastating Great Depression.

What would you do for your best friend?

My best friend is my sister. I have other really good friends, but she is my sister. I would do anything for her. I will always do anything for her. Whatever she needs. I love my sister more than anything, and I will always be there for her whenever she needs me. I honestly would die for her, although I hope I never have to, because I wouldn't want to leave her. There is nothing I wouldn't do for my sister.

MPBN

No! I do not want to risk losing my morning cartoons. Cartoons are very important. If we take away the money we're giving MPBN, it might lead to the decimation of the cartoons. Save the cartoons!

Pink Slime

I absolutely think this product should be banned from schools and stores. It's disgusting. That's what hot dogs are for.

Silence Limbaugh

The author's point of view is that in order to 'Silence Limbaugh' it is best to not use argumentative tactics such as bullying and government support, but rather to wait your turn to present your ideas. I don't know enough about Limbaugh's opinions to agree or disagree with the author's views (regarding Limbaugh's opinions), however, I do agree with the way the author proposes to approach the situation, because it is a way of fighting that is ethical as well as fair.

Teacher's Comments 3/5

Although they may be overreacting, I think it's important to demonstrate that violence is not acceptable and will be taken seriously. I think it puts it in perspective for students that violence, no matter who it comes from, is no laughing matter and is not something to be taken lightly.

Bullying Prevention!

If the bullying prevention methods stated in the article are proven to be ann effective way of reducing and preventing bullying then it would be ignorant not to try. If theres a chance to lessen bullying and subsequently lessen the harmful effects of bullying then why not try? If it works, great; if it doesn't, then: "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again."

2/14 The Odyssey Today

The author believes that The Odyssey is still relevant today. He reasons that: "Man must learn to survive on his own determination and strengths instead of others. Man must also learn to see a greater vision and look at the big picture rather than the moment. Lastly, man must decide with whom he wants to share his feelings of fear, love, and despair so he can experience a greater fulfillment in life." I agree that the first two arguements are relevant. If one is dependant on others to solve one's problems, when the time comes that one must face life's difficulties on one's own, one will be unprepared and subsequently will not be able to overcome obstacles. Also, if one gets caught up in the moment rather than focusing on the larger picture as the author said, one will be stuck, unable to make progress or move ahead in life. The last point the author makes, I feel is much more subjective than the others, and is lacking substantial supporting evidence,  therefore it is more difficult to decipher whether or not I consider it relevant.

2/27 LePage Proposals

One of LePages proposals was for "New Evaluations for Teachers and Principals." If there was a fair and wide ranging evaluation process, this could be a very useful proposal. If teachers and principals were aware that their performance was being evaluated it would provide motivation for them to work to the best of their ability. This proposal would help ensure that students receive a quality education in a more suitible learning environment.

2/10 Super Bowl Ads

I believe that it is always better and no doubt more motivating to take a positive stance rather than a negative one. Advertisement is all about selling ones 'product' to as many viewers as possible. Gaining a viewer's trust, and ultimately their support, is easily attainable when one's arguement is presented in an optimistic and seemingly truthful way.Eastwood's ad confronts the failures of our country, but gives evidence that one of our strong points is turning failure into success, giving viewers hope for a brighter future. Hope is comforting, and if one is presented with a choice between hoping for the best or admitting defeat, one will generally chose hope, because we are Americans; and we fight for what we believe in, ergo we are determined and we are not quick to wave our white flage in surrender.

Bills Hijacked

I think it's important to keep the internet uncensored because there is no way of censoring only parts of it without unfairly effecting other sites.

Job Hopping

I cannot really say whether or not I agree with the article because it did not say much. From my perspective, I can see how job hopping could hurt one's career because it does not help one demonstrate commitment, dedication, or one's ability to follow through. If I were given the task of hiring someone, regardless of the job position I would want someone trustworthy with good work ethic, therefore I would not hire someone who has not stayed in one job for very long. Another thing to consider is that if one's record shows that one does not stay at a job for very long, many companies might not want to hire them because the companies want to go as long as they can without having to go through the hiring and training process again.

Blackout

I do not think blacking out certain websites because of copyright infringement is a good idea. Sites such as YouTube and Wikipedia are great resources for school projects and getting information. If students were to be denied access to these it would make school more difficult than it already is. Its a good thing it already didn't pass, isn't it?

Mythological Creatures Today

"Cereal is named for the Roman goddess of grain." This makes sense because cereal is made out of grain.

12/16 Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

The author did not foreshadow the end at all. I do not consider it foreshadowing if one would not have known until after one knows. In order for something to be foreshadowing, one must be able to detect the  foreshadowing.

11/17 Adapting to Culture

Sundara had difficulty adapting to the tradition of dating. Where she came from there was no such thing. Sundara was raised with the tradition of arranged marriage so it was hard for her when she became smitten with a boy, because her aunt forbade any contact between the two.

Killing Fields Prediction

I predict that Sydney will use his super-sleuthing skills to find Pran and bust him out of the fields.

1/12 Lamb to the Slaughter

In short, the lady kills her husband with a leg of lamb because he was planning on leaving her. She then ransacks the room to make the scene appear to be a robbery, then goes out to the store to fabricate her alibi. When she returns home she calls the police and they arrive at the crime scene to question her and such. After a long night of gathering evidence and whatnot the cops are about to retire but the kind lady insists on preparing them a meal, which happened to be the leg of lamb. Unknowingly the unsuspecting police gratefully gobble up the lamb, destroying the murder weapon, and ensuring the case will go cold.

1/10 The Odyssey

• a Greek poem thought to be written near the end of the eighth century
• mostly about the Greek hero Odysseus
• tells the story of Odysseus's journey home from Troy after the Trojan war
• the word odyssey has adopted the meaning "an epic voyage"
• one of the two major poems believed to be written by Homer

Drug Test For Welfare

My question is, what is the purpose of the proposed drug tests; to cut welfare costs, or to motivate drug users on welfare to sober up? If the purpose is to motivate drug users to sober up, then I think it's worth a shot. However it would be counter productive if the goal were to cut state costs. As the article addressed "the amount of money to be 'saved' by declaring particular recipients ineligible is still far less than the amount of money required to administer drug screenings to all recipients on a regular basis." Therefore trying to cut costs would ultimately be a waste of time and money.

Vacation

I spent my vacation with my family. I got to spend the night at my sister's which was awesome because I don't get to see her much. The last 5 or so days of my vacation were filled with expeditions and wondrous adventures with Emma Muse, Sam Peluso, and Patrick McCartan. In conclusion I had a fantastic vacation.