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.