"Everyone suspects himself of at least one of the cardinal virtues, and this is mine: I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known"(59, Fitzgerald).
Nick saw himself as an honest person maybe because he was surrounded by so many lies. Out of all the people he knew in his life, Nick saw himself as the most honest because he kept no secrets. Every other person in his life, told lies and kept secrets. Everybody to themselves, has one pleasant trait that they keep to themselves and Nick's is being incredibly honest. At this point in the novel, Nick did not know much about Gatsby, Jordan had a secret to herself, Tom was lying to Daisy and Daisy retained much to herself. This quote foreshadows the ending to this novel because it shows how Nick was alone again and how he could only rely on himself. Daisy was not even truly honest to Gatsby because she did not tell him how she was madly in love with her money as well. No one was as down to Earth as Nick was in this novel because everybody else was way over their heads. This quote brings an unforeseen importance to Nick in this book because it shows how different he is then the people that surround him. He is a loyal, smart and honest person who does not really fit in at West or East Egg. He plays a key role in every relationship in this novel. It is obvious that everybody goes to him for advice and wishes for his help because he is like the "connecting road". An example is when Gatsby wants Daisy to come to Nick's house because Nick was Gatsby's "road" to Daisy.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
The Struggle of the Middle
"Obama State Of The Union Address Highlights Battle For The Middle Class"
By: Michael McAuliff, Sabrina Siddiqui
Source: Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/21/obama-state-of-the-union-address-_n_6471266.html
President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address seemed to call the middle class to battle and the Republicans were not happy about it. Obama mentioned the middle class at a minimum of seven times and "working" people at least nine as he called out his new proposals. The President mentioned new offers such as new child tax credits, raising the minimum wage, extending family leave and making college more affordable. Before Obama's speech was over, House Speaker John Boehner's office was directing responses, mentioning that "regulatory onslaught squeezes the very middle-class families he claims to be trying to help". This response shows that Obama seems to be doing more of the "people pleasing talk" then actually pleasing the people. He also threatened to veto what Republicans considered to be, jobs bills. The Republican Congress mentioned how hard it was to be in office for the past six years because they also felt it every day. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers mentioned how disappointed she was by Obama's speech because she did not hear much on how they were going to be helping the middle class. She mentioned how his speech sounded like a "rosy picture of how things are" since he was not covering how these problems were going to get fixed. Most mentioned that the speech seemed like everything else: without a solution. It is especially going to be difficult for the middle class, so there must be a way to help them in order to get this country in order, considering a majority of this country is middle class.
By: Michael McAuliff, Sabrina Siddiqui
Source: Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/21/obama-state-of-the-union-address-_n_6471266.html
President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address seemed to call the middle class to battle and the Republicans were not happy about it. Obama mentioned the middle class at a minimum of seven times and "working" people at least nine as he called out his new proposals. The President mentioned new offers such as new child tax credits, raising the minimum wage, extending family leave and making college more affordable. Before Obama's speech was over, House Speaker John Boehner's office was directing responses, mentioning that "regulatory onslaught squeezes the very middle-class families he claims to be trying to help". This response shows that Obama seems to be doing more of the "people pleasing talk" then actually pleasing the people. He also threatened to veto what Republicans considered to be, jobs bills. The Republican Congress mentioned how hard it was to be in office for the past six years because they also felt it every day. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers mentioned how disappointed she was by Obama's speech because she did not hear much on how they were going to be helping the middle class. She mentioned how his speech sounded like a "rosy picture of how things are" since he was not covering how these problems were going to get fixed. Most mentioned that the speech seemed like everything else: without a solution. It is especially going to be difficult for the middle class, so there must be a way to help them in order to get this country in order, considering a majority of this country is middle class.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Ticket To Luxury
They give you no budget and they tell you to throw the most amazing party ever...so you do just that. If I were given the chance to throw the most extravagant party, I would throw it at the most luxurious hotel in the world; Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai. This party would take place in numerous locations in the hotel. The pre-party would take place at the SkyView Bar, also known as "A lavish hideaway on top of the world" which is soaring 200 meters above sea level. I would also have the Al Mahara Restaurant open to my VIP guests who will be traveling from everywhere around the world. I expect this party to be classy and luxurious, but of course extremely wild. The Al Mahara, which means "The Oyster Shell" in Arabic, has a floor to ceiling aquarium and a fine selection of the best seafood in Dubai. After the dinner at Al Mahara or the SkyView Bar, the cocktail reception will continue at the Assawan Ampitheatre. The Ampitheatre is an open air indoor venue with stunning views of the color changing Burj al Arab sail.
There will be two main locations where the party will be taking place, in order to fit all my guests. The first location will be at the 360 Lounge that is across the actual hotel and is floating on the water. It is a beautiful venue for an amazing night. Inside the venue there is enough space to fit 200 people on the dance floor and outside there is a bar that circles the entire venue. I plan to invite world class Djs to the party including Avicii, Swedish House Mafia, Major Lazer and Diplo. Across the water will be the "classy" party (Gatsby style) in the Al Falak Ballroom located in the hotel. Considering I am twenty-one by this time, drinks will be served in each location with exceptional meals imported from everywhere in the world. The Burj Al Arab would be the best location for the magnificent party I am throwing because it is the most luxurious hotel in the world with dozens of beautiful locations within it. I would be the best host at this hotel because of its extraordinary qualities.
There will be two main locations where the party will be taking place, in order to fit all my guests. The first location will be at the 360 Lounge that is across the actual hotel and is floating on the water. It is a beautiful venue for an amazing night. Inside the venue there is enough space to fit 200 people on the dance floor and outside there is a bar that circles the entire venue. I plan to invite world class Djs to the party including Avicii, Swedish House Mafia, Major Lazer and Diplo. Across the water will be the "classy" party (Gatsby style) in the Al Falak Ballroom located in the hotel. Considering I am twenty-one by this time, drinks will be served in each location with exceptional meals imported from everywhere in the world. The Burj Al Arab would be the best location for the magnificent party I am throwing because it is the most luxurious hotel in the world with dozens of beautiful locations within it. I would be the best host at this hotel because of its extraordinary qualities.
I believe that the guest list is one of the toughest parts to hosting a party, but this time it is easy. Each of my guests, even my classmates will be receiving letters inviting them to Burj Al Arab. Coming to Dubai will not cost a single cent for my guests because everything will be taken care of. Movie stars, fashion icons, political leaders, famous singers, athletes, models and entrepreneurs will be invited from all over the world. Some people that will be invited to my event are Tom Ford, Beyonce and Jay Z, Kanye West, every AYF member I know, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Georgio Armani, Jacques Cartier, One Direction, Shakira, the entire team of FC Barcelona and Liverpool, Adriana Lima, Doutzen Kroes, Candice Swanepoel, Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper, Al Pacino, George Clooney and Amal Clooney, Serj Sarkissian, Vladimir Puttin, Mr. President Barrack Obama, Bill Gates, and many more.
This extravagant hotel does not need my decorations, it is beautiful enough. Classmates, I hope you choose to come to my party. I realize I have put too much information, but I want each and every one of you to really know where you will be going for an unforgettable night. Alright "old sports" see you there!
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Sleep: The Key To A Healthy Life
"Poor sleep 'early warning sign' for drink and drug issues"
By: Smitha Mundasad
Source: BBC
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-30846703
Most teenagers do not think about the amount of sleep they are receiving each night because they are too busy with their social life, school and their extra curricular activities. Little do they know, that sleep plays an enormous role in everything they decide to do. Little sleep in early teenage years could be a potential warning sign for alcohol problems, illegal drug use and possible "regretful" sexual behavior. US scientists discovered that adolescents with a weak sleep pattern are more likely to push themselves into dangerous situations than adolescents who can easily "doze off". Parents should definitely be keeping an eye on their child's sleep pattern because it has a lot to do with their daily judgement on certain situations. Scientists analyzed data from over 6,500 adolescents in the United States. They kept track of their sleep patterns, and alcohol and drug use through a large nationwide survey between 1994 and 2002. The ones who could not get a good night's sleep were most likely to have alcohol and drug problems at the time. Researchers also wanted to see if this would affect their life later on. Teenagers who had a tough time going to bed at least once a week had a higher percentage of binge drinking, taking illegal drugs and engaging in sexual behavior that they later would regret. Even one extra hour of sleep would decrease the need to binge drink. "Most of the time we do not think sleep is important. But our results show sleep is a good marker of some serious later problems" (Prof Maria Wong, 1). Professor Maria Wong mentioned that parents should be more involved with their child's sleep schedule, considering the fact that sleep has a lot to do with how their day goes.
As a teenager, one realizes that sleep is much more important than previously thought. Sleep plays a huge role in everyone's life, so it is necessary we get enough of it.
By: Smitha Mundasad
Source: BBC
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-30846703
Most teenagers do not think about the amount of sleep they are receiving each night because they are too busy with their social life, school and their extra curricular activities. Little do they know, that sleep plays an enormous role in everything they decide to do. Little sleep in early teenage years could be a potential warning sign for alcohol problems, illegal drug use and possible "regretful" sexual behavior. US scientists discovered that adolescents with a weak sleep pattern are more likely to push themselves into dangerous situations than adolescents who can easily "doze off". Parents should definitely be keeping an eye on their child's sleep pattern because it has a lot to do with their daily judgement on certain situations. Scientists analyzed data from over 6,500 adolescents in the United States. They kept track of their sleep patterns, and alcohol and drug use through a large nationwide survey between 1994 and 2002. The ones who could not get a good night's sleep were most likely to have alcohol and drug problems at the time. Researchers also wanted to see if this would affect their life later on. Teenagers who had a tough time going to bed at least once a week had a higher percentage of binge drinking, taking illegal drugs and engaging in sexual behavior that they later would regret. Even one extra hour of sleep would decrease the need to binge drink. "Most of the time we do not think sleep is important. But our results show sleep is a good marker of some serious later problems" (Prof Maria Wong, 1). Professor Maria Wong mentioned that parents should be more involved with their child's sleep schedule, considering the fact that sleep has a lot to do with how their day goes.
As a teenager, one realizes that sleep is much more important than previously thought. Sleep plays a huge role in everyone's life, so it is necessary we get enough of it.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
The Rise of the Mafia
The American Mafia, an Italian-American organized crime network, with tasks in cities throughout the United States, especially in Chicago and New York rose to huge power during their great success in the illegal liquor trade in the 1920s Prohibition Era. During the 20th century, massive amounts of Italians moved to America in hope for a better life. In New York City, the number of Italians went from 250,000 to 500,000 immigrants and first generation Italian-Americans. During the 1920s Prohibition Era, when the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution banned the "sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcoholic beverages", Italian-American gangs started the bootleg liquor business and made themselves into major criminals, skilled at smuggling, money laundering and bribing police officers. Of course the mafia found its way through the 18th Amendment because of the fact that alcohol was an essential part in their day. They jumped on the opportunity off the ban of alcohol, smuggled it and sold it in America for massive amounts of money. The mafia was either looked at as the worst organization ever or the best, but it had an important part in American history. The 1920s was the main rise for the mafia and the Prohibition was the main cause for the mafia's popularity.
There were many important mafia bosses during the 1920s including Al Capone. He had worked for Johnny Torrin, who had later handed the business to Capone. Capone earned around 60 million dollars a year, only from alcohol. He had managed to bribe important politicians and Chicago policemen, which costed him around 75 million dollars per year. Although, that is how most became successful.
Je Suis Charlie
"National Unity March In Paris Draws World Leaders and Crowd of Over A Million"
By: AP/HuffPost
Source: Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/11/charlie-hebdo-rally_n_6451286.html
Over forty world leaders and around 1.2 to 1.6 million marched through the heart of Paris on Sunday to show respect for the seventeen victims of three days of terror. This march claimed to be the largest demonstration in the nation's history. It was also mentioned that 3.7 million people across France were also rallying. Rallies were also planned in London, New York and Madrid, which were all attacked by al-Qaida-linked extremists including Cairo, Sydney, Stockholm, Tokyo, and elsewhere. People rally expecting a change and justice from the massacre at the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. French President, Francois Hollande added, "Today, Paris is the capital of the world. Our entire country will rise up toward something better". During the march, everyone remembered the employees at Charlie Hebdo, shoppers at a kosher grocery and three police officers.
The three days of terror began on Wednesday when two brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi entered the newsroom of Charlie Hebdo, killing twelve people. The Kouachi brothers admitted in saying that the attacks were planned and financed by the al-Qaida in Yemen. The Al-Qaida branch in Yemen admitted to doing the attack in respect towards the Prophet Muhammed. On Thursday, police mentioned that Coulibaly killed a policewoman in Paris and on Friday the attackers united.
Hearing these news, especially in the beginning of the year is unfortunate. To hear about the killing of twelve innocent people brings much sadness. To kill people for the innocent work that they do is unfair, no matter the reason. Those twelve people had families and only enjoyed writing in a satirical newspaper. The rallies and this massive march was to make a change and ask for justice. Everyone has a right to say what they want because freedom of speech was granted to all. Je Suis Charlie.
By: AP/HuffPost
Source: Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/11/charlie-hebdo-rally_n_6451286.html
Over forty world leaders and around 1.2 to 1.6 million marched through the heart of Paris on Sunday to show respect for the seventeen victims of three days of terror. This march claimed to be the largest demonstration in the nation's history. It was also mentioned that 3.7 million people across France were also rallying. Rallies were also planned in London, New York and Madrid, which were all attacked by al-Qaida-linked extremists including Cairo, Sydney, Stockholm, Tokyo, and elsewhere. People rally expecting a change and justice from the massacre at the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. French President, Francois Hollande added, "Today, Paris is the capital of the world. Our entire country will rise up toward something better". During the march, everyone remembered the employees at Charlie Hebdo, shoppers at a kosher grocery and three police officers.
The three days of terror began on Wednesday when two brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi entered the newsroom of Charlie Hebdo, killing twelve people. The Kouachi brothers admitted in saying that the attacks were planned and financed by the al-Qaida in Yemen. The Al-Qaida branch in Yemen admitted to doing the attack in respect towards the Prophet Muhammed. On Thursday, police mentioned that Coulibaly killed a policewoman in Paris and on Friday the attackers united.
Hearing these news, especially in the beginning of the year is unfortunate. To hear about the killing of twelve innocent people brings much sadness. To kill people for the innocent work that they do is unfair, no matter the reason. Those twelve people had families and only enjoyed writing in a satirical newspaper. The rallies and this massive march was to make a change and ask for justice. Everyone has a right to say what they want because freedom of speech was granted to all. Je Suis Charlie.
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