Carina

I Believe…


 * I believe that family comes first always.[[image:carina2-summerschool-2011-semester2-.jpg width="554" height="371" align="right" caption="Two "thumbs up" from Carina!"]]
 * I believe in friends who you can make memories with.
 * I believe that school can be boring at times.
 * I believe that school should start at noon.
 * I believe that true friends are loyal and caring.
 * I believe that candy satisfies your hunger.
 * I believe that wanting something is the key to success.
 * I believe in sharing laughs with everyone in your life.
 * I believe in having fun all day every day.
 * I believe in trying new things.
 * I believe that you should always stay positive no matter what in every situation.
 * I believe that the color green is very bright.[[image:laugh width="175" height="162" align="right"]]
 * I believe in what goes around comes around.
 * I believe that you don’t need money to find happiness.
 * I believe that late is better than never.
 * I believe that if you really want it, you should never let it go.
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">I believe that time is valuable.
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">I believe that music can inspire.
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">I believe that practice makes better.
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">I believe in having a good career to live a good life free of worries.
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">I believe that being responsible can get you somewhere in life.
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">I belive that getting everything done gives you a good feeling.
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">I believe in never giving up on your goals.
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">I believe that reading is boring.[[image:music_notes width="222" height="264" align="right"]]
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">I believe that being outgoing in life can lead to having many friends.
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">I believe that love is the most important thing in life.
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">I believe in taking risks.
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">i believe that im going to be successful in life.

I Know… I know how it feels to watch your home of 4 years be consumed by flames in an instant. It was a horrible feeling I will never forget. It was on April 20, 2009. I still remember this day clearly. Nobody deserves to lose their belongings but most importantly the roof they had for many years. It was a warm sunny day. I was just coming home from school.As I get off the bus I hear voices telling me that my house is burning down. I turn to look at my brother, who is walking on the side of me, and we ran home. As we turn the corner all we could see is fire fighters trying to stop the flames from spreading. At that moment I didn’t know what to say or do. I couldn’t help but cry. Nobody was home, thankfully. A few moments later, I see my mom and dad arrive from work. The look on their face was unexplainable. They couldn’t believe what was happening. What hurt the most is that it wasn’t too long ago that we remodeled our house. My parents had bought everything new with their savings. My brother and sister got a new bedroom, including me. All the furniture we had was new. Unfortunately, everything we had turned into ashes in one day. I was sad to see that happen. Later that day, I see aunts and uncles arrive. It was a good feeling knowing that they were there through hard times. We really needed them there. That day, we decided to stay at one of uncles’ house for the night. After all, that’s what family is for. Although I couldn’t sleep at night, I was glad to see that we had somewhere to stay. This was an unforgettable moment that will forever be marked in my life. I don’t wish this to anybody. It is really not a god feeling to know you lost everything in seconds. It was devastating.

Larry King’s Death I personally think that many people were involved in the tragic death of Larry King Jr. Brandon, his parents and E.O Green school officials are to blame but also Larry himself. There are many reasons as to why I take this position.

For example, Brandon McInerney, being 14 years old at the time, knew the consequences to his actions but did not care. He chose to plan a murder of a classmate and did not use appropriate channels. Brandon pushed the limits beyond acceptable. He failed to go to school officials for help. Brandon went about the wrong way. Yes, Brandon was being humiliated but killing wasn’t the answer.

On the other hand, Larry drew attention to himself. His actions led him to his tragic deat h. The way Larry presented himself was a little too much for others to see. Larry flirted with boys, in this case Brandon McInerney, but also liked the attention. Larry used his sexuality as a weapon and took it too far. If he would’ve showed his sexuality in a different I don’t think this would’ve happened.

E.O Green school officials hold responsibility as well. The staff at E.O Green was clearly struggling with the Larry situation. Epstein, a school counselor was a lesbian. For that reason, she let Larry get away with too much because of “gay freedom”. She didn’t do much to prevent things like this from happening. School says it has the duty to defend school choice and expression but also to protect student and keep them safe at school which was clearly an issue in this case. Also, I think that Brandon’s parents had to do a lot with it. Brandon’s father left a loaded gun to his view which was not the right thing to do. His mother was a drug addict.

All these reasons add up to the murder of Larry King Jr. Everyone played their role in the killing of Larry King.Their actions led to the devastating death of and 8th grade, 14 year old student. It’s a horrible situation that ended very tragically.


 * 30 by 30 **


 * 1.) **** Travel around the world. **
 * 2.) **** Have a family[[image:nice width="231" height="279" align="right" caption="Mansion"]] **
 * 3.) **** Go skydiving **
 * 4.) **** Grow long healthy hair **
 * 5.) **** Graduate from high school **
 * 6.) **** Be a millionaire **
 * 7.) **** Go to college **
 * 8.) **** Own a Bentley **
 * 9.) **** Get a career in nursing **
 * 10.) **** Find that perfect guy **
 * 11.) **** Own a clothing store **
 * 12.) **** Play a sport **
 * 13.) **** Get a tattoo **
 * 14.) **** Own a mansion **
 * 15.) **** Live a happy life **
 * 16.) **** Own many cars **
 * 17.) **** Enjoy life with friends and family before having kids **
 * 18.) **** Be Famous **
 * 19.) **** Live a healthy life **
 * 20.) **** Get married[[image:Bentley width="272" height="213" align="right" caption="Bentley"]] **
 * 21.) **** Be a great cook **
 * 22.) **** Be a role model for others **
 * 23.) **** Invent new technology **
 * 24.) **** Own a nice looking jet plane **
 * 25.) **** Fly a hot air balloon **
 * 26.) **** Own many pairs of shoes **
 * 27.) **** Help others in need **
 * 28.) **** Jump off a cliff **
 * 29.) **** Go on a road trip **
 * 30.) Find a cure for any type of sickness **

About 3 years ago, an 8th grade student, Brandon McInerney, shot one of his classmates, Larry King. My opinion about this situation is that it is not necessary for Brandon to stand trial in adult court but he does need to face consequences to his crime. His actions were unjust but I believe it should be juvenile court in this case. Brandon didn’t know how to handle the situation because his parents had issues of their own. This isn’t an excuse but could have something to do with the way he handled things. Brandon was being humiliated in front of friends. He lost his temper and didn’t think things through. At the time, he wasn’t an adult therefore it is unfair to be tried in adult court. Seven to ten years is a lenient treatment for Brandon but being sentenced to life in prison is too harsh of a punishment. I do think he should get out at 25. Everyone deserves a second chance in life. He was a kid when he committed this crime and can maybe be rehabilitated with professional help. If tried in juvenile court, Brandon would still get punishment for his actions. I personally think that what is just is that Brandon should be tried as a juvenile and still get punishment because he is clearly guilty of committing murder. For Larry and his family, this might be lenient treatment for Brandon Mcinerney but Larry had some culpability as well. He drew attention to himself. It is a horrible situation that ended very tragically. Prison is not the right place for him. He does not belong there.
 * The right punishment for Brandon McInerney **

Photography Essay

We see photographs all over the world. Images don’t necessarily explain the context. Although they may show some emotion, Susan Sontag does have a point in that text gives us a better understanding of the world. Sometimes people can make guesses of what the picture shows but can never be right. Only text can explain the context. On the other hand, we need both text and photographs to fully understand and take in its message. I don’t agree with Sontag’s claim “photography limits our understanding of the world”. Photography can be seen as art which can increase our understanding and appreciation. There are many catastrophes happening around the world. An image allows us to see what is going on and to gain knowledge, but also tell the reality of a situation. For example, viewing pictures of the death of Osama Bin Laden can impact a person. It can also be used as evidence. The only problem is that pictures only capture a slice of reality. The rest is unknown. Then again, you can’t really look at a picture and be sure about what you are seeing. This is why we rely on both text and images as methods of communication, although, sometimes you may get more information from reading a piece of literature. For instance, the book “The Outsiders”, the author does a really good job in giving mental pictures in which makes readers understand its message or concept. However, watching the movie didn’t do much. It leaves things behind making it less comprehendible or confusing. Many people use both to get a better understanding of recent history. Both try to represent reality and convey a message which is much used at recent times. I don’t think one is better than the other. Both text and images are useful tools.

Is it more than just chemicals?

To a potential mate, men can offer safety and protection. Their broad shoulders and mature look is what women are attracted too. Evolutionary Anthropology shows that men are interested in curvy women. For decades, men see curvy women as a symbol of fertility and healthy offspring. Chemicals play a big part in making us do the things we do, but also to feel the way we do. But its not just chemicals, its more than that.

Dopamine can trigger ones brain in wanting to do intense things, giving you a positive feeling about it. It makes anticipation such a pleasure which is responsible for the thrill that follows. Dopamine and Norepinephrine levels rise in times of stress giving the body energy to keep going. Oxytocin plays a role as well, offering a person a sense of well being. Testosterone and Estrogen enable us to have that feeling of excitement towards a potential mate or even to feel attachment for the partner they’ve got. Chemicals can give you sexual attachment, but what about romantic attachment?

Love is what keeps us alive. It is a deep feeling of affection. It is important in one’s life to keep us going. Being in a romantic, loyal, caring, faithful relationship is all part of nature. Marriage is a commitment to a beloved which doesn’t include chemicals. We don’t fall in love with a person because they seem attractive; they seem attractive because we’ve fallen in love with the person.

You get unexplainable feelings towards a person who sparks your interest. I agree with Helen Fishers statement “People compose poetry, novels, and sitcoms for love”. Hormones don’t make a person write poems for the person they’re interested in. Love is the answer to people being romantic and amorous to a “soul mate”.

Commitment, loyalty, and romance are all part of being in love. Sacrifices are made. Romance is real. And it’s not all chemicals. Love really does exist.



One Thing

As an assignment, I was asked to write about one thing that is important to me. Right away I thought about my computer. It is a really valuable item in my life. Computer skills are a must have in today’s world. I cannot tell you how happy I was when I first got my computer. It was an unexplainable feeling. I was filled with joy. Besides the use of my cell phone, my computer is the item I use the most. Owners can benefit a lot from making use of it. The computer is one of the necessaries of life. Computers are always a helpful tool when it comes to doing research or even downloading music. By doing research, it helps me learn more and be more active with my school work. Listening to music allows me to be relaxed and calm. It can be used for numerous things. It provides better and faster communication. It helps me stay connected with the world with the use of facebook and is a very essential resource nowadays. Mostly, I use it for entertainment.

Computers can accomplish many tasks easily. Moreover, it can store huge amount of data in it. We get information on different aspects with the use of the internet. Without my computer I would be very lost. Nothing can replace my computer.

Traditional arranged marriages or modern “romantic” marriages?

I think that when it comes to marriage, you need to use both out head and heart. To be in a healthy, happy relationship there has to be compatibility and love. Those are the two most important things. Nobody knows what you want, but you. At the same time, your parents know what you need. Therefore, both traditional arranged marriages and modern “romantic” marriages can work out if you choose your partner wisely.

In many traditional arranged marriages, parents choose their kids spouses using reason based on religion or education. Parents are more experienced and wiser. They know what is best for their kids because they know them well. On the other hand, being married to someone you don’t love can be devastating.Also, we should have the freedom to choose the person who we want to be with. It's our life.

Modern “romantic” marriages are all based on physical attraction. It is the individuals’ choice. They’re in a relationship with the person that sparks their interest and don’t have that thought of “what could’ve been”. Sometimes parents can be selfish, but they do know the right decisions which can lead to a great marriage.

But no one knows exactly what you want. You just need to make the right choice for yourself. I think that any marriage can work out well if you use not only your head but your heart. Any marriage can be broken apart. Divorce statistics are way out of control.

There are many advantages and disadvantages when it comes to traditional arranged marriages and modern “romantic” marriages. One isn’t better than the other. Both can be just as successful as the other of you make the right choice.