If We Burn, You Burn With Us

"Barack Obama, Ferguson, and the Evidence of Things Unsaid"
By: Ta-Nehisi Coates
Source: Huffington Post
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/11/barack-obama-ferguson-and-the-evidence-of-things-unsaid/383212/

         During a recent occurring from Ferguson, Missouri, Jelani Cobb mentioned that President Obama's response to "unpunished racial injustices" which categorized into the genre of events that were not taken care of. These events were ignored or dodged which made these events an even bigger deal. When President Obama stood before the nation to describe the non-indictment of Darren Wilson for the murder of Michael Brown, he presented a very blank and broken illustration of what occurred. Obama had brought optimism and put faith into his speech, but the real truth of the killing was not recorded. Even though most of the issues were addressed, the death of Brown was not handled or solved for that matter. Obama had avoided being emotional and truly sharing how he really felt about the death of Michael Brown. Instead his speech really sounded like a list of items that he was checking off. Most of the time, President Obama's instincts lead him to the middle ground. An example of this, is the fact that he believes that there is more overlap between liberals and conservatives than mostly admitted. On Monday he nodded toward the distrust that divides the black and brown from the police and discussed the tragedy of this. This is seen as a tragedy because this is occurring in communities were "helpful policing" is most needed. Throughout these numerous tragedies, it is obvious who is really wearing the mask. Black people are aware of the boundaries between what can be said and what cannot.

         These revolts, these riots are ones that cannot be ignored. This is actually happening in our present day. It is tough to admit, but the truth is that we live in a racist country. It is unfortunate that in the year of 2014, black lives do not matter to some. Michael Brown was shot to death, multiple times for a crime that could have been excused. There must be a resolution to all these tragedies that have occurred because if there is not…then our country is in danger. If we go down, so will the government and everyone else.

The Disappearance of Students Brings Awareness To Country

"The Disappearance of 43 Mexican Students Is An Atrocity. But It's No Isolated Incident"
By: Eline Gordts
Source: Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/22/mexico-missing-students_n_6200842.html?utm_hp_ref=world

       Thousands of Mexicans met up on the streets of their capital city, Thursday evening. They were all quite upset with their government's response to forty-three students who went missing in Guerrero state in September. This large group of students disappeared on September 26 when they were on a trip to the town of Iguala. Public officials announced that a local gang had killed the students after the police handed them over to criminals. Gang members were not afraid to keep this a secret. They told investigators that they killed the students and buried their bodies. This case of missing students has brought awareness to the high number of unsolved disappearances in Mexico. A mother, Nora Jaime told the Associated Press, "There are thousands of disappeared, thousands of clandestine graves, thousands of mothers who do not know where their children are." One cannot imagine how frightened mothers are when their children do not come home and are declared for years to come.
         The WorldPost had an interview with Daniel Wilkinson, managing director of the Americas division at Human Rights Watch, about the disappearances that occurred in Mexico and how many families live in fear for their children. Wilkinson mentioned that this has been one of the worst atrocities Mexico has seen, but that it is one in many that occur. "There have been many other cases of disappearances and forced disappearances--when state agents are involved in disappearing people" (1). All of these disappearances are occurring because President Felipe Calderon launched his war on drugs. This case of forty-three missing students has struck in outrage in Mexico because students were just attacked by police in the streets of Iguala and then taken away. Also because they were students who were young and had families. It is despairing to hear about families losing their children and them having to constantly live in fear because they could lose their children at any time. Mexico must make a change before this gets worse than it already is.

Unforeseen Nature

         I decided to spend ten minutes in my wide backyard then go on a walk to get to know nature better. I think that nature is something that you have to have alone time with, so you really get to know everything about it. Nature has a different meaning to everyone because it makes everyone feel a specific way. As i was sitting on my grass in my backyard I took a fresh breath of air and was relaxed while looking up at the sky. The sky looked more beautiful today than usual or maybe it was the fact that I had not really noticed it before. It was the bluest I had ever seen it, with a few clouds. There were few birds in the sky, chirping and making noises. They seemed happy, traveling together in packs, possibly looking for food. Then I looked all around and admired the variety of vibrant flowers in my backyard and absorbed the beauty of them all. Then I got up and decided to take a walk around my pleasant neighborhood. People were walking with their children or their dog or just jogging. People looked busy with the thoughts in their heads or laughing with the people surrounding them. Cars passed by and leaves fell on the sidewalk as I continued walking. Thirty minutes of no technology really made me observe everything around me and take it all in.

           I think it is completely healthy to have your phone, laptop and other technology away from you for a specific amount of time. These thirty minutes made me focused on my environment and nature in general. I witnessed the falling of the fall leaves and people living their lives. It was all pleasant and soothing not having anything distracting near you. I believe that spending time without technology can change you as a person. I realized that there is so much more to life than we think. There are people out there living their lives and exploring and letting nature take its course. I think it is all beautiful, that life goes on. The fact that I have the privilege to witness it all and be here for that, makes me happy. Nature seems to have a positive effect on me. Maybe I should check it out more?

A Pause To ISIL

"ISIS Leader Wounded In Airstrike, Report Iraqi Officials"
By: Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Vivian Salama
Source: Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/09/isis-leader-wounded_n_6129350.html

         Iraqi reporters have announced Sunday that the head of the ISIL terrorist group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was injured in an airstrike in an area near western Anbar. Pentagon officials were not aware of this attack and declared it unknown. Iraq's Defense and Interior ministries issued statements saying that Abu Bakr-al Baghdadi had been injured, without any details. They had broadcasted this on state-run television Sunday night. This was announced around the same time when President Barrack Obama said the U.S.-led coalition was ready to begin to go offensive towards the Islamic State militants. Al-Baghdadi is believed to be in his early forties and to have transformed a branch of al-Qaida to an independent military force. He has gotten his followers to kill thousands of innocent people and to take over areas in Syria and Iraq. He has also drawn the US troops and warplanes back into the region. An Interior Ministry intelligence official mentioned to The Associated Press that he had been wounded by an airstrike that came during a meeting on Saturday, in the town of Qaim. This operation was taken care of by Iraqi security forces, but no one knows yet how he was injured. Rami Abdurraham, the director for the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said that a few Islamic State militants were injured in an airstrike near Qaim and then taken to Boukamal, a Syrian border town. Although, there was no indication of who was taken to Boukamal, Bakr al-Baghdadi could have been one of them. These airstrikes have been slowing down ISIL in the advance that they were making.
           This announcement is quite important to readers and the people because the chief of the ISIL group has been injured and this can be taken as an opportunity. If Obama reacts now, it could be possible that there is a chance to overthrow this group. These airstrikes have been helpful to pausing their terrible work against innocent people and their homes.

The Remodeled Class Of 2035

         For the next generation, high school will be completely different than how it is now. I am hoping that the school system would be extremely different for the new generation of students. This educational system must be changed for the better because students do not deserve these many long hours and all of that stress. My generation unfortunately is struggling to get past all of this, but i title ourselves us as the "survivors". In twenty years I would hope that by high school, students will be able to chose their class, according to what they enjoy doing, and pursue their future careers. Twenty years from now students will be working with the most advanced technology in each of their classrooms. Who knows, by junior and senior year they might be driving flying cars! Students will be dealing with the best technology in the classes and research and studies will be able to done in seconds because of their various resources. Teachers will be attending classrooms to be of assistance to the students but they will still be needed for their important criticism. High school teachers will be quite similar to professors in college in order to get the students prepared. Students will be able to choose which class to take because as teenagers, they are free to do as they want. Their homework will be limited because of how much they will be able to get done in school, but breaks will provided so students are able to be social and rest their precious brains.
           Even though technology will be used most of the time, students will continue to read books that are paperback or hard cover. Technology will be the main source, but having books in paperback is essential. Students will be given many options, considering what they would prefer most. This new generation will have normal school hours with extra time to do things that they enjoy most (hobbies). I personally, do not see myself becoming a teacher, but a role model for the high school students. I would like to be an inspiring leader for the upcoming generation and share the real story of my generation.

AGI Gives Us An Outlook

"Ebola in Sierra Leone 'spreading quickly'-campaign group"
By: Nick Thompson
Source: BBC
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-29870009

Ebola has been the main topic on news stations for weeks now. An international campaign group has mentioned that Ebola cases are rising quite quickly in areas in Sierra Leone. The AGI(Africa Governance Initiative) discovered that in rural parts of the country the disease is spreading nine times quicker in the last two months. Luckily, the rate in Liberia has slowed down. AGI's discovery came right after the World Health Organization announced that the number of new cases with the disease is becoming lower. Although Sierra's rural area has been struck the worst with Ebola cases, the spread of disease increased six times more cases per day compared to the situation there two months ago. AGI, the organization that was formed by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, works and operates in areas affected by the disease. AGI does not know why the spread is lowering, but that it is encouraging. Burial Management has improved in a magnificent way in Liberia and Sierra Leone. A majority of the Ebola infections are said to come from victims' bodies. On this Friday in October, WHO mentioned that 13, 567 cases, since this outbreak began and about 4,922 people have passed away.

 This article is quite important to all readers because it gives everyone an insight about what it occurring in other areas affected by this disease. Even though this disease seems to be spreading rapidly, there are other areas where lives are being saved and the rate of people affected is decreasing.

"Education" SOAPST

           In this article, Ralph Waldo Emerson explains the real education that students are receiving in schools. The Subject of "Education" is the education reformation and philosophical views. The Occasion is in the 1800s and it is published in the American Scholar. The Audience is the readers of the magazine, educators and also parents. The Purpose is to educate, to persuade and to reform. Emerson tries to reach out to teachers and parents by letting them know that students must be respected and must also learn independently. The Speaker is Ralph Waldo Emerson. The Tone of "Education" is philosophical, confident, professional and considerate. Emerson successfully appeals to the audience and makes sure that his point was clearly stated many times.
            As a young child begins school, they realize that they need assistance from their parents. With this help, children become dependent on their parents. The parent keeps on helping the child because they want them to see the child do excellent in school. By this process, the child begins to lose intellectual value and becomes dependent instead of independent. Emerson believes that the child should learn through the natural method. The child should learn through natural observation, where they observe and learn on their own to adapt to the situation.
             Natural observation was extremely important to Emerson because it proves that if the child learns on their own from their mistakes they will be more likely to survive in various environments. The child must learn on his or her own and they must find their own path in life. Children must be taught the fundamentals but let to succeed on their own. The child will soon love to learn if parents and educators let them. "The whole theory of the school is on the nurse's or mother's knee. The child is as hot to learn as the mother is to impart. There is mutual delight"(191). The child will love to learn if school is portrayed as a place to free one's mind.
              This article serves its purpose by spreading Emerson's message. The SOAPST for this article helps the reader receive a main background on the article and why Emerson believed in this method. Emerson persuades and educates the audience through pathos. He states that the child must live its own to life to realize the right from wrong and to grow as a person. Education is highly important, but it all matters on how it is portrayed.

Not Cities, But "Smart" Cities

"Tomorrow's cities- How do cities get smarter?"
By: Stephen Hilton
Source: BBC
http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-28694686

          Being a "smart city" is different for every city because everyone has their own definition to it. For some cities, being "smart" has to do with removing pollution or congestion and for others it is going greener. Some cities have been built with the idea of smart such as, Songdo in South Korea or the green city Masdar in the United Arab Emirates. The United Kingdom is eager in not only building smarter cities but becoming a world leader in technology. Last year, its government brought up a competition and the winner, Glasgow, won twenty-four million dollars to spend on "smart" technology. Glasgow has various social problems, one of them being the fact that they have the lowest life-expectancy rate compared to any other city in the UK. A majority of the money has been put in building an operation center. This center helps control crime rates and keeps them at a minimum. They have also invested in intelligent lighting that opens up when trouble is taking place. Glasgow is known to politically go their own way. Glasgow was not too well on opening up about their plans, but Bristol, a city not too far away from Glasgow, was happy to do so. Bristol won three million dollars in the competition and decided to focus it on the people and their experiences. They have been creating various apps that is advancing their smart technology. They also won the amazing title of European Green Capital of 2015. As said by their council, they are trying to make Bristol a "living lab".

          Each city does whatever they can to be the best that they can be. They all have a different definition on being "smart". In the image above, one can see Bristol, a "smart" city in the making. During this modern time, all everyone wants are huge advancements. Everyone should be aware about this great topic and idea and take part in making our Earth "smarter".

Education?

        Education is essential for everyone in our modern time. I believe every school does their best to give every one of their students the satisfaction of a true education. Everyone has a different definition of "true education" and I am going to expand on mine. If I were to write about today's education, I would say it is not the best because it can always be better. I feel as though, today's education is focused on memorizing and not about the true essence of learning. I believe that every student should have the right to choose which subjects they focus on depending on their preferred major in college. Everyone in school is trying to figure out who they want to become in the future and with the non-stop stress of school, that is becoming difficult. A "true education" for me is letting students' minds explore and discover new things. Students these days are not allowed to try new things, but instead we are forced to follow the everyday routine of school. I feel as though there is a wall building up in every student's mind because they are not following their spark of curiosity. Our schools give us the extent of a "true education" only until the point where we have learned the basics of each subject. After we have learned about the basics of each subject, we can decide for ourselves, about which subject we enjoy and which ones we do not. The ones we enjoy should be the ones we continue in school and throughout college. I do not believe students need the stress of all seven subjects in school, because being a teenager and growing up is already enough. Schools, everywhere have set up goals for themselves, but the main goal should be making sure that every student is actually growing and expanding their minds. 

         I love learning and figuring new things out. I just wish school would have been my favorite place to do all of that in. As a student, I admit that the school system has to become better. Why is it that our schools do not reach the full extent of a "true education"? Why is it that students are not allowed to ask important questions within schools? Why is it that students do not enjoy school and would rather be home? These are all questions I want the answers too. 

Swedish Suspicion

"Sweden Claims 3 Credible Sightings In Submarine Hunt"
By: AP
Source: Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/19/sweden-sightings-submarine-hunt_n_6011798.html

         Today, the Swedish military announced that they had made three plausible sightings of foreign underwater activity. There has been suspicion of Russian invasion in Sweden. Rear Adm. Anders Grenstad mentioned that the armed forces had looked at the activity taking place, in the Stockholm group of islands, and the nearby coastal area, but decided not to share their findings or give any details. It is a reminiscent of the time when the Cold War was happening and Sweden's armed forces were hunting for Soviet submarines in their water. The armed forces had released an image, taken on today, of an object that was underwater from a distance, but it was not obvious what kind of object it was. Grenstad only told reporters that the region where the object was located is "of interest to a foreign power". The military had mentioned that an intelligence operation is taking place, which started up on Friday. Grenstad said that they had no information about any emergency messages about a Russian mini-submarine getting into trouble in the Swedish waters. Russian News Agencies have said that the Defense Ministry in Moscow mentioned that their submarines have been doing their work in the world's oceans. Russian military vessels have reported no emergencies or accidents. Swedish officials would not expand on their ideas about which foreign power could be behind the possible invasion Friday. 

           Much attention has been brought to this significant observation made by the Swedish armed forces. It is important for everyone to be aware about what suspicion is rising in Sweden. 

A Shortcut To Success

          Most people spend their lives wondering how they can make a difference in the world. With Community Service one can change a person's life or impact his or her own community. It has become a requirement for students to fulfill the hours they need, to graduate. Some may take this as a forced activity, but for others it may be an opportunity. An opportunity to impact a community or help the less fortunate. This service can help open up one's eyes to the many possibilities of life. The Dalton School mentions in its Mission Statement that Community Service "teaches us through experience--about the relationship between empathy and responsibility" and an important factor such as "being human". Figuring out oneself and finding the right path for one's future is difficult, but with a service such as this, students are able to decide between what they enjoy or what they do not. Keeping a community alive is sometimes difficult, but with Community Service one can bring attention to what has to be done.
         As The Dalton School mentioned it, in Source 2, "Community Service is vital to the healthy community". If a community is said to have a moral center then it is a strong and dedicated one. When a student or anyone else does Community Service, they feel accomplished with themselves because they have made a contribution to their community. Whether they have helped built a new center or helped the people in their city, they have left their mark. Community Service does a wonderful job with having people connect to others by learning life lessons. Even though Community Service can seem as a hassle for some students, it can help build character and establish a moral ground. When one wants to make a difference in the world they smart small, but end up flourishing with the people who were with them from the beginning…their community.

A Never Ending Conflict

"Hezbollah Repel Al-Nusra Attack on Lebanon-Syria Border"
By: Reuters
Source: BBC
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29498972

There have been violent fights in eastern Lebanon between Sunni Militants and Lebanese Shia group Hezbollah. It is believed that the Sunni Militants are from Al-Nusra front that is united with Al-Qaeda's Syrian affiliate. Hezbollah officials mentioned that two of their fighters and about sixteen Nusra fighters were found dead. These fights began occurring after gunmen attacked the Hezbollah bases from south of the town, Baalbek, until north to the near town of Arsal. These fights were unexpected and it stirred more of an uprising within fighters. Lebanon's official National News Agency spoke about the fights and said that the attack began when the gunmen from Asaal al-Ward from Syria's Qalamoun province arrived. It was reported on Sunday, by Hezbollah's al-Manar television, that the group had made sure the rebels were back over the border and the fights had stopped. Syria's border is penetrable and there are no patrols guarding it. Hezbollah controls many military posts along the border, but does not mention anything about fights that have broken out. The fights broke out two months after the IS militants and al-Nusra attacked Lebanese security forces in Arsal. In Arsal they kept hostages and since then they have killed three of those hostages.

     

   Hezbollah fighters have formerly fought alongside the government troops in Syria, against the rebels that had been supported by Syrian Sunnis. The tough situation in Syria has aggravated the existing tensions in Lebanon. It has made Hezbollah and the areas that support it a target for Sunni militant bomb attacks that could arrive at any time. The situation in Syria has become out of control and dangerous for the citizens living there. As attacks are occurring, families are living in constant fear. An end must come to this chaos. 

The Fight For Votes

"Hong Kong Activists Defy Police Tear Gas As Protests Spread"
By: James Pomfret and Yimou Lee
Source: Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/28/hong-kong_n_5897038.html

A riot advanced in Hong Kong during the early hours of Monday where democracy protestors were out in the streets. Riot police fired volleys of tear gas that sent the protestors fleeing and others trying to build barricades to block the security forces. Earlier, police came out to move all the protestors who were blocking a main road as a warning because of the illegal demonstrations. There were numerous fights that broke out between gas masks, riot gear, police in helmets and tear gas that had not been used since 2005.  This is becoming a serious problem for Beijing leaders, because these calls for democracy could spread to major cities on the mainland and decrease their power. Police then used pepper spray against the activists and began to shoot tear gas in the air. "If today I do not stand out, I will hate myself in the future,"(1). When Britain returned Hong Kong to Chinese rule in 1997, universal suffrage was set as a goal. Beijing last month denied the rights for people to choose freely on the next leader, which sparked these riots in Hong Kong. Student movement leaders had occupied the lobby of Hong Kong's representative office to show their support for the democracy protestors. As mentioned before, police had not used tear gas in Hong Kong since trying to break up protests by South Korean farmers against the World Trade Organization in 2005. This time, protestors have decided to never give up until their rights are handed to them. Police, so far, have arrested seventy-eight people, yet citizens have not decided to back down.

This shows how eager people are to fight for what they believe is theirs. The citizens of Hong Kong continue to protest until they gain the right to vote for their next leader.

Blast From The Past

I feel as though the simple questions are the hardest to answer. However, not this time. If we were allowed to choose a flavor of ice cream as one of our best friends then mine would be Cotton Candy. Every time I eat a spoonful of Cotton Candy, I close my eyes and I let the ice cream take me back to those summer days by my pool with my cousins. While eating this sweet ice cream all my fears vanish into space and I remember when our parents would call us for some ice cream as soon as we were done swimming. Around the age of eight hearing the words "ice cream" brought smiles to our faces. Ironically, it does now too. I mean who would not want to hear "Come and get your ice cream?" The pink and purple swirls of cotton candy were like a colorful water slide. I immediately wanted to slide off it. Cotton Candy is seasonal, so every time the sun gets warmer and school reaches its temporary end I make my way to the nearest ice cream shop and ask for my one and only, Cotton Candy. I mean just saying it sounds exciting! A majority of people share my opinion on this special ice cream and express their feelings by stating, "One of the best ice creams I have ever tasted". Unfortunately the majority of people does not take my road down memory lane and reminisce about it all. Reminisce about the wonderful, about the funny and about the peaceful memories. I yearn for the sweet, mouthwatering, sensational taste of this ice cream. Thank you Cotton Candy for existing and being my best ice cream friend.

Marriage To All

"Pope Marries 20 Cohabiting Couples in Sign of Papacy Shift"
By: David Willey
Source: BBC
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29198491

Pope Francis conducted a mass wedding of over twenty couples, including those who were cohabiting and one who had a child. Pope Francis was asked to marry forty different couples who had differing social backgrounds and were considered "modern day couples". This type of marriage ceremony had not occurred in fourteen years. Pope Francis has been open-minded about marriage and family values compared to his predecessor. This mass ceremony took place on Sunday at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.  The wedding came three weeks before the formal meeting of Catholic bishops from all around the world, concerning family values. This ceremony lasted two hours in Rome and the Pope mentioned that "marriage is not an easy road, it is sometimes a contentious trip but that is life"(1). Under the leadership of Pope Francis the church is accepting the fact that couples live together before marriage and divorce and marry without getting an annulment. He mentioned in one of his sermons that families are what make and shape our society and that couples should be forgiven if they ever obey the church teaching. In his eighteen-month papacy this was Pope Francis' first marriage ceremony. It has been decided that the world's clergy will come together in Rome in October to speak about issues such as divorce and marriage. A large survey will be handed out at the Vatican to find out what Catholics think about family life and marriage.

Pope Francis is doing a wonderful job as Pope and making sure that couples be forgiven for not following the specific rules of the church before marriage. The Pope seems lenient about marriage, unlike any Pope before him. He should be an example to his followers.

Ebola Immunity To Monkeys

"Vaccine gives monkeys Ebola immunity"
By: James Gallagher
Source: BBC
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-29076371

The experiments done by the US National Institutes of Health have proven that the monkeys vaccinated    have built a "long-term" immunity against the Ebola virus. For this reason they are wondering if this vaccine were to be given to people would their lives be saved? They have started human trials by giving the vaccine to people in need in the US and soon in the UK and Africa. Many treatments for this disease are being considered to help stop the spreading of the virus. A new vaccine is being developed by the US National Institutes of Health that contains two species of Ebola. The first one is called Zaire that is spreading throughout West Africa and the common Sudan species. Hopefully the immune system will react to the Ebola component of this vaccine and people will begin to build immunity. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the US National Institute of Allergy said, "The good part of this vaccine is that at five weeks or earlier you get full protection"(1).  For the reason that the vaccine was successful in the monkey, they started testing it on humans. The first patient for this new vaccine was a thirty-nine year old woman who was given the Sudan species medication. There will also be human trials while using the Zaire Ebola species. The WHO said that the safety data would be ready by November 2014 and if the vaccine was said to be safe then they would begin to give out the vaccine in West Africa. This is important because of the outbreak in West Africa at this moment.

Ebola is a serious virus that every single person should be aware of. This virus is deadly and it is extraordinary that a vaccine has been developed. This vaccine could save lives and stop this contagious disease from spreading.

"The Giver" Review

In 'The Giver' Human Spirit Prevails in an Oppressive Future
By: Tom Long
Source: Detroitnews.com
Link to Review: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140815/ENT02/308150006

       Tom Long begins his review with a sense of hope that this movie brings to its audience. He mentions that even though this movie gives its farewell to human feelings and differences in people, it still captures the essence of humans. This movie explains that feelings such as love, pain and fear are necessary for life because it is what makes us human. Tom Long's main claim in this review is claim of value where he states, "The Giver offers more than just the standard clamorous post-apocalyptic claptrap that fuels far too many films these days"(1). This claim explains that "The Giver" brings a different feel to movie watchers. Claim of fact is used in the middle paragraphs of this review when he states his own version of the summarization of the movie and how the movie is based off the popular novel. He mentions that this movie challenges the audience with questions about life such as, "Are emotions a gift or a hindrance?"(1). The author of this review uses logos by stating the author of the book that this movie was based off of and the characters in both the book and movie. In this review pathos is also used when the author of this article explains the importance of Jonas' job as a Receiver. Also when Tom Long states that life has two sides to it: the tough and the pleasant. Jonas, the main character, manages to get through both stages and brings the real memories of the past to life. The reviewer introduces the background to the movie to the audience and then explains that the movie makes the audience think about how their lives would be without human emotion. Tom Long writes about both how the movie could have been better and how it feeds the audience thought and shows the other perspectives of life. This justifies a "good review".

Into The Future

"Are Google's Drones the Future of Search and Rescue?"
By: Jack Stewart
Source: BBC
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20140829-inside-googles-secret-drone-lab

Google has now announced that they are creating delivery drones that could even save lives after a disaster. Jack Stewart, the writer of this article, entered the secret building where these drones are being built, with Nic Roy, one of Google's employees. This secret building also known as The Hatchery is where Google is creating the next generation of drones. Roy explained that it is in The Hatchery where they build, test and rebuild many of  their vehicles until they work perfectly. Project Wing, the program that Roy runs, is now creating self-flying vehicles. Various companies have been developing a variety of flying vehicles to help move people and packages in a more efficient way. The Hatchery is known to be the main lab where testing and development for these drones occur. Google's latest vehicle, found in the center of the lab, is a white wing that can fly vertically to transport packages. Google has tested this drone in Queensland, Australia where the drone sent dog treats to a rural farmer and then flew back to its base.
These drones could have a more serious effect on our everyday lives. If ever in a tough situation these vehicles could deliver supplies after a natural disaster, flood or hurricane. Drones would be able to move much farther than a truck if there was any type of natural disaster. Other than emergencies these drones could be used for online deliveries. They could easily drop packages at each home rather than have one polluting truck complete all the work.

Google's drones are part of our new and developed future. These self-flying vehicles could help improve our lives, by not only delivering packages but by saving lives. Drones could be beneficial to us in an enormous way. They could help us save time and money by delivering packages to several homes in a short period of time rather than have a truck stop at each home and waste gas. These flying vehicles could be the start of a bright future and a massive advancement in technology.

"Speech to the Troops at Tilbury" SOAPST

            Queen Elizabeth I of England gives a speech to all her troops on the battlefront during the day of the war. The Subject for this speech is making sure the English troops are ready for war against the Spanish Armada. At the time, the English troops were less than the Spanish, and this speech was a way for the Queen to encourage the troops to stay strong and fight. By giving this speech she is showing her support and her pride in leadership for this country. The Occasion is 1588, when the war between the English troops and Spanish Armada was occurring at Tilbury. The Queen's Audience was the English troops who were battling on that same day. Her Purpose was to instill confidence and motivation. She also wanted to prepare and to encourage. She successfully connects with the audience by dressing in armor and saying that she will fight with her people. "I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman" (Queen Elizabeth, 41). By stating this, she shows that even though she is weak, she will fight similar to how a strong King would. The Speaker is Queen Elizabeth I of England. Her Tone throughout this speech is humble, determined, encouraging, confident and hopeful. She only sees the best for her people. 

              The SOAPST for this piece of literature helps the reader receive a general background on the speech and understand the reason for why it was given. SOAPST also helps by showing people how wonderful the Queen was for ruling England the way she did. This piece is effective because she appealed to the audience correctly. She used pathos by being emotional throughout her speech and mentioning that she and the people were united and fighting all together. Queen Elizabeth sends a powerful message to her troops and proves her purpose by encouraging them to fight until they are victorious. 

Peter Theo Curtis, A Free Man

"Peter Theo Curtis, U.S. Journalist Missing Since 2012, Freed by Kidnappers in Syria"
By: Reuters
Source: Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/24/peter-theo-curtis-freed_n_5705129.html

An American writer missing since 2012 was recently freed by kidnappers in Syria. A few days ago James Foley, a photojournalist, was beheaded by ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria). Today, news broke out that Peter Theo Curtis became a free man. The United States Secretary of State, John Kerry released a statement saying that the United States was trying to use any sort of "tool" to make sure that the other Americans kept hostage in Syria are safe and protected. Only a few days after the militant group posted the video of Foley getting beheaded, news came out that Curtis was released. John Kerry said that Curtis was held by Nusra Front, which was al Qaeda's main wing in Syria. Nusra Front's competitiveness started war among the revolutionaries. Peter Theo Curtis was then handed over to the UN peacekeepers located in Al Rafid village, Quneitra. After his medical check-up he was given to the representatives of the government.  Curtis, who was only forty-five described himself as a journalist and a writer. He had written two books, both based on all the work he had accomplished as a journalist. Susan Rice, White House national security adviser, mentioned that Peter Theo Curtis was safe outside of Syria and that he would be with his family soon. In the video of Foley's beheading, which was posted on Tuesday, a threat was made to kill another American journalist that was kept hostage, Steven Sotloff. This sparked anger and the widespread desire to find Foley's killer. Estimates are made that about twenty other journalists are missing in Syria, most believe by the Islamic State.

After reading this terrifying article, one understands that everyone should read this to become educated on what is occurring in Syria today. Innocent people are being held hostage for ransom and the United States is trying to make sure that these people are protected and arrive home safe.

Do Not Drink and Drive!

Everyone knows the effects of drinking and then getting behind the wheel. Dangerous incidents are bound to occur. This advertisement is creative and if put on a billboard would be noticed by all drivers. This powerful advertisement uses ethos by providing the name of whom this message is sponsored by. Ecovia wants to promote safe driving for everyone on the streets by joining the campaign "Stop The Violence". Ecovia encourages drivers to drive safely by using slogans such as "Do Not Text and Drive". This slogan is logos because it educates drivers to never drink then decide to drive. By searching this slogan on the Internet, many drivers could learn that most deaths that occur on the road are because of drunk driving. By looking at this advertisement one could understand that drunk driving kills. Pathos is used in this advertisement by showing that a punch to the face is not nearly as awful as two cars getting into an accident because one driver was impaired. The punch in the image symbolizes the pain felt by all of the people in both cars when they crashed. This image is connecting with the audience in an emotional way by showing how dangerous it is to drive drunk. By driving drunk one could kill innocent people and live with that guilt for the rest of their lives.
This advertisement is effective because it is original and successfully gets its message across to the audience. The image in this ad is overwhelming and captivating. It teaches the audience the importance of safe driving and what could occur if they were to drive drunk.

If I Can Make It There, I Will Make It Anywhere.

I have always been intrigued in reading a variety of contrastive books because I believe each story is worth my time. My favorite book at the moment is My First New York by the editors of New York Magazine. From a mix of artists, actors, politicians, comedians, entrepreneurs, sports stars, writers and fashion icons comes a book about their first special memories in the immense city of New York. This book includes a collection of short stories about their first dates and lost loves, of their exceptional nights out in the city, and slow walks up Broadway and fast subway rides to downtown. Each memory written down is of significant importance because it describes the true events that occur in New York daily.
Until I came across My First New York, I never truly knew what the city had to offer. After reading each story I came to realize why New York is the place for dreamers and achievers. While in the city all your dreams could seem real and possible to achieve. There is the aroma of success and hope in the air, one that everyone is yearning for. After each story New York became more amazing to me, like a fantasy. These remarkable people wrote about their hardships also, which made the city feel even more real and each memory powerful. This book became educational to me because it taught me that if you want to be successful in this city or anywhere in fact, you have to seize each opportunity and make it your own. I do believe that if you make it there, you can make it anywhere.