Tell if you think Michael Vick, or any other sports figure who has been convicted of a crime, should be allowed to play again. Why or why not? BE SPECIFIC.
When sport stars are convicted of a crime or break the law, the judge always seems to be more lenient with their sentence because of their amazing talents and their wealthy amount of money. Michael Vick, the NFL Falcons quarterback, was convicted for his infamous Bad Newz Kennels where he hosted dog fights. The authorities seized fifty-one dogs from Michael Vick, and by July 20, 2009 he will be eligible to start playing football again. Because NFL as well as all sport stars are admired by children around the world, are part of the Make a Wish Foundation, and other organizations that help neighboring communities, part of their punishment should be banishment from all professional sport teams.
The Superbowl is the number one televised and watched program on television each year. Because there is as an average of two televisions in every home and many adults watch sports, children become exposed to sport teams at a very young age and they grow up around it. Some children are more involved with sports than others, most have a favorite team or even a favorite player. When their favorite player is convicted of a crime, and the next year or two years later they are playing again, what does this teach the learning, susceptible mind of a child?
The NFL has became more involved with communities and children throughout the years. They sponsor many activities in their off season and build play grounds and parks for children who don't have those advantages. They are always on commericals, most of the time there is a child in the commercial with them, and they are speaking to the kids and encouraging them "to get out there and play". Most of the wishes granted by the Make A Wish Foundation involves a child meeting his favorite sport player. Sport players have an extreme impact on a child's life. If a childs last wish is to meet a football player, how does this effect a child when that football is arrested?
An autograph means so much to a child and to some kids it means the world. Going to a football or baseball game should be a family activity, but now it's better for your childs safety to watch the game on television. Fans have been associated with violence in the last few years, as more and more players are convicted eiher because of DUI's, dog fighting, or violence. The professional sport teams have an impact on not only children but adults too. Adults should know better, but some people are so obsessed with sports, it can't be healthy.
Because sports play an extreme part of the American life, if NFL players such as Michael Vick break the law they should be banned and never allowed to play again. He had his fame and made his money, and took advantage of it by using it in a negative, immature way. He should not get a second chance. History repeats itself, he is untrustworthy and no famous sports star should be allowed a second chance, especially if they cause harm to others.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Stuck at Prom
Senior year students begin to get creative with choosing their prom dress, but how far does creativity go before it becomes weird? Since 2001 the Duct Tape club has been giving out 3,000 dollar scholarships to those who can make the best prom dress out of duck tape. Very few of the dresses and suits look like something a couple would wear to prom.
There are many advantages to having a duck tape prom dress. It is less expensive than buying a brand new prom dress, all you need to buy are a few roles of duct tape and possibly some paint and wire. No one else at the dance will have the same dress. It is very creative and neat, and can be supportive. Also, it might earn someone 3,000 dollars for college.
But, there are also numerous negativities about a prom dress made from ducktape. It would be very uncomfortable, especially if the owner of the dress enjoyed dancing. I imagine the duct tape on your skin would create a lot of perspiration. Plus the dress would be heavy, stiff, and hard to move in. It probably won't be as pretty as all the other dresses made from fabric. Plus when this trend ends, the picture will always be there. Duct tape is associated with red necks and some might refer to wearing a duct tape prom dress as trashy.
Because I'm not creative, love to shop, and am not much for standing out I would never wear a duct tape prom dress. I love to dance and am not one for sweating and feeling sticky. I love comfort and beauty and want my dress to express that.
There are many advantages to having a duck tape prom dress. It is less expensive than buying a brand new prom dress, all you need to buy are a few roles of duct tape and possibly some paint and wire. No one else at the dance will have the same dress. It is very creative and neat, and can be supportive. Also, it might earn someone 3,000 dollars for college.
But, there are also numerous negativities about a prom dress made from ducktape. It would be very uncomfortable, especially if the owner of the dress enjoyed dancing. I imagine the duct tape on your skin would create a lot of perspiration. Plus the dress would be heavy, stiff, and hard to move in. It probably won't be as pretty as all the other dresses made from fabric. Plus when this trend ends, the picture will always be there. Duct tape is associated with red necks and some might refer to wearing a duct tape prom dress as trashy.
Because I'm not creative, love to shop, and am not much for standing out I would never wear a duct tape prom dress. I love to dance and am not one for sweating and feeling sticky. I love comfort and beauty and want my dress to express that.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Immigrants
Based on the article and your own experience, what should be changed to help immigrant students assimilate? What could you change here to help an immigrant student assimilate?
There has been a sixty percent increase since 1995-2005 of english language learners in schools. This vast number plays a large role in the economy. Nothing should be changed to help immigrants students assimilate, except the fact that illegal immigrants should not be allowed in public schools. America is the land of opportunity, but some subjects require restraints.
Before entering a foreign country, it is necessary to be familiar with the country's language. Here in America, people are becoming billingual to be accustomed with the language of the foreigners entering their country. This act is the opposite of what it should be, even though it is good for people to become familiar with other languages, they should not be forced. Because many foreigners do not learn English before they arrive in America, this causes a demand for jobs. Making the government spend more money on education, but with all the budget cuts, this country can not afford to educate this vast amount of increasing immigrants. It is not fair to the teachers or the native born students to incorporate non-english speakers in their classrooms because it slows the learning process.
Many of the immgrant students do not want to be seperated from their english speaking piers, but students need to be in a classroom with other students who are on the same level. Every student is seperated based on their educational status, that is why there are AP, Honors, regular, basic, and below basic classes on a highschool campus. When statistics have proved that "it takes the average learner of English at least two years of study to hold conversations, and five to seven years to write essays, understand a novel or explain scientific processes at the level of their English-speaking peers." How is it possible to incorporate non-english speakers with english speakers in a four year high school? If immigrants do not want to be segregated when they come to school in America, they should learn the english language first.
Thus, America should not assimilate to the needs of immigrant students. Immigrant parents should not bring their children into this country, if they can't understand english. It's the parents responsibility, not the high schools or the country's.
There has been a sixty percent increase since 1995-2005 of english language learners in schools. This vast number plays a large role in the economy. Nothing should be changed to help immigrants students assimilate, except the fact that illegal immigrants should not be allowed in public schools. America is the land of opportunity, but some subjects require restraints.
Before entering a foreign country, it is necessary to be familiar with the country's language. Here in America, people are becoming billingual to be accustomed with the language of the foreigners entering their country. This act is the opposite of what it should be, even though it is good for people to become familiar with other languages, they should not be forced. Because many foreigners do not learn English before they arrive in America, this causes a demand for jobs. Making the government spend more money on education, but with all the budget cuts, this country can not afford to educate this vast amount of increasing immigrants. It is not fair to the teachers or the native born students to incorporate non-english speakers in their classrooms because it slows the learning process.
Many of the immgrant students do not want to be seperated from their english speaking piers, but students need to be in a classroom with other students who are on the same level. Every student is seperated based on their educational status, that is why there are AP, Honors, regular, basic, and below basic classes on a highschool campus. When statistics have proved that "it takes the average learner of English at least two years of study to hold conversations, and five to seven years to write essays, understand a novel or explain scientific processes at the level of their English-speaking peers." How is it possible to incorporate non-english speakers with english speakers in a four year high school? If immigrants do not want to be segregated when they come to school in America, they should learn the english language first.
Thus, America should not assimilate to the needs of immigrant students. Immigrant parents should not bring their children into this country, if they can't understand english. It's the parents responsibility, not the high schools or the country's.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Timed Write
A weekly feature of The New York Times Magazine is a column by Randy Cohen called “The Ethicist,” in which people raise ethical questions to which Cohen provides answers. The question below is from the column that appeared on April 4, 2003.
At my high school, various clubs and organizations sponsor charity drives, asking students to bring in money, food, and clothing. Some teachers offer bonus points on tests and final averages as incentives to participate. Some parents believe that this sends a morally wrong message, undermining the value of charity as a selfless act. Is the exchange of donations for grades O.K. ?
The practice of offering incentives for charitable acts is widespread, from school projects to fund drives by organizations such as public television stations, to federal income tax deductions for contributions to charities. In a well-written essay, develop a position on the ethics of offering incentives for charitable acts. Support your position with evidence from your reading, observation, and/or experience.
Offering Incentives for charitable acts has many pros and cons, depending on the circumstances. Sometimes this act can benefit everyone, while other incentives can be unjust to those who work the hardest. Buying your wages or grades is morally wrong, but offering a chance for someone deserving to get ahead when they are behind is only fair.
When talking about extra credit for students, students should get an opportunity to redeem or higher their grade, if they are a dedicated hard working student. Students get sick, get in car accidents, and have deaths in the family which cause school to be missed. School is not always a first priority, there is family and health which are extremely important to an individuals well being. Therefore, those students who miss school days not always have time or the ability to complete absent work, especially if they have a strict agenda with AP and college classes. These students should have other options, such as going to a play, bringing in cans for the Million Dollar Can Challenge which our local FFA hosted, or a bringing a jacket for the Jacket Drive hosted by the salvation army. All these charitable events the West Valley High School offers throughout the year as well as numerous other high schools and it's essential for those strong willed, busy students who are unable to have a perfect attendance record.
On the other hand, students who are deserving of the low grades they receive, should not receive the chance for redemption. Someone who shows up to class once a week and does not try and ceases to pay attention should receive no sympathy from teachers towards their grades. Their needs to be a limit on how much extra credit a teacher can put towards the grade book. If a student has a "C" average year round, and brings in cans or another form of charity, their grade should be bumped up no higher than a "B". Even though, this form of extra credit does not treat everyone equally, because it's based on how good of a student they are, it creates controversy and complaints. Because each student is not the same, each have individual needs and different subjects they excel in, their extra credit should work corresponding to the way each student works.
Sports and Occupations should not give incentives. Because someone is wealthy and can afford to donate money for a team or business corporation, does not give them the right to play or work above someone else who is more deserving. In the work field, how bosses rank their employees should be by the level of skill, dedication, and loyalty, not by how much money they have or how much they donate to charity. Coaches of sport teams can be greedy and corrupt, players who work the most throughout the year and players who do the most physically and mentally for their team deserve more playing time than a player whose father donated fifty-thousand dollars to the football team. These are the moral ethics, and whether business works like this or not, this way is only fair.
In conclusion, Incentives vary on many different levels. They should be used if needed in the education field, because students don't get sick leave an other benefits. They are forced to make up what they missed. Unlike most work fields where everyday is a new day, you don't have to make up anything. Therefore work should be solely based on skill and determination, as well as sport teams and other programs.
At my high school, various clubs and organizations sponsor charity drives, asking students to bring in money, food, and clothing. Some teachers offer bonus points on tests and final averages as incentives to participate. Some parents believe that this sends a morally wrong message, undermining the value of charity as a selfless act. Is the exchange of donations for grades O.K. ?
The practice of offering incentives for charitable acts is widespread, from school projects to fund drives by organizations such as public television stations, to federal income tax deductions for contributions to charities. In a well-written essay, develop a position on the ethics of offering incentives for charitable acts. Support your position with evidence from your reading, observation, and/or experience.
Offering Incentives for charitable acts has many pros and cons, depending on the circumstances. Sometimes this act can benefit everyone, while other incentives can be unjust to those who work the hardest. Buying your wages or grades is morally wrong, but offering a chance for someone deserving to get ahead when they are behind is only fair.
When talking about extra credit for students, students should get an opportunity to redeem or higher their grade, if they are a dedicated hard working student. Students get sick, get in car accidents, and have deaths in the family which cause school to be missed. School is not always a first priority, there is family and health which are extremely important to an individuals well being. Therefore, those students who miss school days not always have time or the ability to complete absent work, especially if they have a strict agenda with AP and college classes. These students should have other options, such as going to a play, bringing in cans for the Million Dollar Can Challenge which our local FFA hosted, or a bringing a jacket for the Jacket Drive hosted by the salvation army. All these charitable events the West Valley High School offers throughout the year as well as numerous other high schools and it's essential for those strong willed, busy students who are unable to have a perfect attendance record.
On the other hand, students who are deserving of the low grades they receive, should not receive the chance for redemption. Someone who shows up to class once a week and does not try and ceases to pay attention should receive no sympathy from teachers towards their grades. Their needs to be a limit on how much extra credit a teacher can put towards the grade book. If a student has a "C" average year round, and brings in cans or another form of charity, their grade should be bumped up no higher than a "B". Even though, this form of extra credit does not treat everyone equally, because it's based on how good of a student they are, it creates controversy and complaints. Because each student is not the same, each have individual needs and different subjects they excel in, their extra credit should work corresponding to the way each student works.
Sports and Occupations should not give incentives. Because someone is wealthy and can afford to donate money for a team or business corporation, does not give them the right to play or work above someone else who is more deserving. In the work field, how bosses rank their employees should be by the level of skill, dedication, and loyalty, not by how much money they have or how much they donate to charity. Coaches of sport teams can be greedy and corrupt, players who work the most throughout the year and players who do the most physically and mentally for their team deserve more playing time than a player whose father donated fifty-thousand dollars to the football team. These are the moral ethics, and whether business works like this or not, this way is only fair.
In conclusion, Incentives vary on many different levels. They should be used if needed in the education field, because students don't get sick leave an other benefits. They are forced to make up what they missed. Unlike most work fields where everyday is a new day, you don't have to make up anything. Therefore work should be solely based on skill and determination, as well as sport teams and other programs.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Stem Cell Research
Should States have the right to oppose the Federal Government on Stem Cell Research? Why or Why not? Use examples from article to support your stand!
States should be able to refuse the pursuance of Stem Cell Research, even if the newly elected President is encouraging and funding the scientific experiments. Because the country has never accepted a single embryo as a person, scientists believe that what they're researching and doing is perfectly acceptable. While, other religious and non religious citizens find stem cell research appalling and some go as far as to consider it murder. Because of all the differing opinions and views, not all the states should be forced to allow this form of embryo study.
A controversial subject such as Stem Cell research can worsen the economy during the recession, if not taken care of properly. When all the states are forced to fund and allow this process, will be when the citizens will start rebelling against their own country, the last thing the US needs. Therefore, certain states should allow it and certain states should ban it, so the people can choose what they want to support. The state of Georgia is trying to pass a bill that will ban the destruction of fertilized embryos, "which the legislation considers a person." The passing of this bill will prove that states have the right to oppose the federal government.
All states have different characteristics, different needs, different areas of focus, what would be right for the majority of the United States would not be right for the entire United States. Each state needs to follow the constitution and support the president, but should be able to annex certain laws that their state does not agree with.
States should be able to refuse the pursuance of Stem Cell Research, even if the newly elected President is encouraging and funding the scientific experiments. Because the country has never accepted a single embryo as a person, scientists believe that what they're researching and doing is perfectly acceptable. While, other religious and non religious citizens find stem cell research appalling and some go as far as to consider it murder. Because of all the differing opinions and views, not all the states should be forced to allow this form of embryo study.
A controversial subject such as Stem Cell research can worsen the economy during the recession, if not taken care of properly. When all the states are forced to fund and allow this process, will be when the citizens will start rebelling against their own country, the last thing the US needs. Therefore, certain states should allow it and certain states should ban it, so the people can choose what they want to support. The state of Georgia is trying to pass a bill that will ban the destruction of fertilized embryos, "which the legislation considers a person." The passing of this bill will prove that states have the right to oppose the federal government.
All states have different characteristics, different needs, different areas of focus, what would be right for the majority of the United States would not be right for the entire United States. Each state needs to follow the constitution and support the president, but should be able to annex certain laws that their state does not agree with.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Newspaper Publisher McClatchy cuts 1,600 Jobs
Newspaper Publisher McClatchy cuts 1,600 Jobs
By Michael Liedtke
What do you think will happen to the newspapers in the future? Where do you get your news? Why? Will you miss them if they are gone?
Because the Newspaper industry is getting hit hard with budget cuts, similar to numerous other industries in California, the price of the newspaper will continue to increase over the next few years and it will eventually cease to exist. There are many ways people can access the news, besides the Newspaper. There's always online news, the news is broadcasted on television throughout the day, in the morning hours the radio never fails to let the public know about the most recent updates. Thus, the newspaper is not a necessity and people will not waste their money on it.
My father realized this fact, about a year ago, therefore we do not receive the paper anymore. If something important comes out in the newspaper, such as a photo of me or an obituary notice we will purchase the paper for that day. Other than that, my family feels no need for the newspaper when we can watch World News and Local News on television plus the news in other specific areas online. The only thing I miss are the ads that would come out with the cute clothes, which I feel fine sacrificing if it saves my parents money. That's the way my Dad has always been, he believes in saving, he makes me put at least half of my check in the bank every pay day, and before the economy had this down turn he made me put all of my money in the bank which was later transferred to a mutual fund.
And I believe that this is what the rest of the country will begin to do; save their money. For some it's harder than others, but it seems necessary at a time like this. If this means cutting the newspaper from their lives then so be it, but no matter what happens our government needs to supply jobs for those who are laid off.
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