Eric

          Funny, Lazy, Smart, and Dramatic. These are the words that describe my ginger brother, Eric. He is currently an employee at McDonalds, and next year is going to the University of Wisconsin Madison. Although he is annoying and a brat to me at moments, he is the best brother I could ever ask for! 

          To start off, my brother has red hair, is normal height, and normal weight. He has hazel eyes and a couple of freckles. Eric is a true definition of a nerdy Ginger. He will be majoring in math, and hopes to be an actuary. 

          Eric is many things, even at the times he's mean he is the best brother ever, and I wouldn't trade him for anyone or anything.

Control

In the year of the 1800's and 1900's, men and woman were not always considered equal. Men were considered better and higher than woman. In the short story, " The Lottery" it proves that woman were treated very poorly, and many things were done to them for no reason. 

First off, the overal theme in this story is power and control.   I thought this because there are many events that happen throughout the story that show the men are in charge in the society they lived in. one example I thought of was that the children in the story only listened to their fathers. Another example is the people started killing a woman once a man said they could. This is why control is the one of the main themes in this story. 

Secondly, I would compare this book to the hunger games. The hunger games does not show that men have more control over woman, but it shows how the society is unfair, just like the lottery. 

In conclusion, the lottery has a lot of themes, but control is definitely one of them. It has the same plot as hunger games, but not the same theme. This book has many events that prove that men have control.

One Thing I love

Authors Note: In this piece I explain how much volleyball means to me. Its changed my life and is one of the most fun sports you will ever play, even if it doesn’t look like it.           

Slap! Thirty feet away from your face is a volleyball that will come flying at you going fifty miles an hour. You feel the butterflies in your stomach, any second, you will ether get a perfect pass up to your setter, or you will shank the ball and it will go flying through the air. The worst feeling in the world is when you shank a pass. Your whole team is counting on you, and you blow it. This is what my volleyball career feels like, and that is why I love the game. 

 First off, you might think, how can someone like volleyball? It’s just an intense game of “Don’t let the balloon touch the floor”, a game we all used to play as kids. Volleyball is not like this at all. But rather a very competitive sport. People watch a bunch of four year olds play volleyball and make an analogy that it is easy. They carry this with them, thinking volleyball is an easy and tedious sport. It’s not easy! Its very complex and enjoyable. You try passing a ball that’s coming fifty miles per hour at your face into a two by two feet box. You try running all around the court having to get the second ball. You try getting a controlled hit that shuts the other team down. This is why I love volleyball. The things like winning a long rally, or getting a perfect hit is the best feeling in the world. 

Another reason how volleyball has changed my life is the fact that I have the most fun position. Well at least that’s what I think. I’m the Libero. A Libero is someone who passes all the nasty hits, or serves. You also might think to yourself. Who wants to pass? That’s so boring. I strongly think otherwise. During a rally, you fly through the air to get a pass up. Once you get this pass, you feel you’re the king of the world. It’s so corny, but true. These are the reasons why volleyball is my second life.   

Lastly, I have always liked volleyball, but his year is when it really hit me. I play for the Midwest penguins with freshman from Arrowhead, Waukesha North, Brookfield central, and Pewaukee. This is my favorite team I have ever played on, with the best teammates and best coaches. When I played last year on both my volleyball and even basketball team, I never looked forward to going to practice. But this season was different. I looked forward to going to practice, even when they messed up all of my Friday night plans. Yup, that’s right, volleyball practice from 6 till 8.But it was worth it. I looked forward to seeing my friends. I looked forward to seeing my coaches. More importantly, I looked forward to playing volleyball. My team and I are closer than peanut butter is to jelly. They make my volleyball experience even better.

In conclusion. Volleyball is a huge part of my life. It has many people thinking it is a easy, dreary sport. I strongly disagree. I love getting a perfect pass for my team. I love waking up at five o’clock in the morning on a Saturday to play volleyball in Minnesota. You can see the love and excitement on everyone’s faces when you win a huge rally. Its an amazing feeling. The best feeling in the whole world is when you step on the court, and play that one thing you always think about, volleyball.

The Common Cold is Real Cold

                        

Avery Colwell

2^nd hour

                           The Common Cold is real Cold 

         More than 1 billion people get infected with the common cold each year.

The common cold is an infection that can cause a variety of symptoms like sneezing and coughing (Merriam-Webster). The common cold is very well known, like allergies.  The common cold is really hard to find a cure for, due to the huge variety of viruses, but if you do some easy steps, you can avoid getting infected.

            First off, you can get a cold any day, anywhere. It doesn’t matter where are, there’s always a possibility. Colds are caused by infections, not by cold weather. You get a cold from others who transfer germs on to you (Mirkin). Also, a lot of people wonder, Why isn’t there a cure yet for the common cold? There isn’t a cure for the common cold because there are around 250 viruses (Cold and Flu). Even though there is no cure to the common cold, there are many remedies to help you avoid getting infected.

            Secondly, some remedies work very well with colds. The best things you can do are, drink a lot of fluids and even gargle salt water. You can also use over the counter Saline nasal drops or sprays. Nasal sprays dry up your nose so you don’t keep having to blow your nose. You can also drink Chicken Soup (Common Cold). Chicken Soup works very well because it thins the mucus. There are also many over the counter medications such as, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, oxymetazoline, and naphazoline. The common doesn’t have a cure yet, but these remedies can be very helpful and put you out of your misery.

            Another thing you might want to know about the common cold, is that there is a difference between a cold and allergies. Colds are caused by a lot of different viruses. You may get congestion and coughing from a cold. Allergies are a lot different, but the two might be hard to tell apart. Allergies are caused by an overactive immune system. This can cause swelling in your nasal passages, a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing. An allergic reaction can also accrue. 

            In conclusion, its undeniable that the common cold has effected many people. It is different than allergies, but has some of the same symptoms. Scientist are still trying to find a simple solution to this problem, but right now it looks like there are just things to help us through this sickness. Almost everyone gets this in their life. Sometimes more than 8 times per year. The common cold can be prevented if you are just aware of it, and follow through with the right procedures. 

Bibliography

"Cold and Flu." 2012. WebMD. 18 April 2012 <http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/top-10-questions-cold>.

"Common Cold." 22 February 2011. MayoClinic. 16 April 2012 <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cold-remedies/ID00036>.

Merriam-Webster. 2012 17 April <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common%20cold>.

Mirkin, Dr. Gabe. ""How Do You Catch a Cold?."." 19 February 2012 . DrMirkin. 16 April 2012 <http://www.drmirkin.com/morehealth/9941.html>.

GaGa has Changed the World

Authors note: I really love Lady Gaga so I decided to write a writing piece about her. She has changed alot about this country. 

When’s the last time you have ever listened to the radio? Whether you were in your room or in the car, there must have been a time that you have heard Lady Gaga on the radio. Lady Gaga has had many hit songs, including just Dance, Bad Romance, Paparazzi, Born this Way, and Edge of Glory. This young artist has changed the music world, bullying, and even fashion world in many ways, more than any other artist during this time. People refer to Lady Gaga as the new Madonna.

First off, if you listen to the radio on a daily basis, you might realize that the famous Justin Bieber is rarely on. Justin Bieber is very talented, but Lady Gaga is obviously more if she’s always on the radio. Katy Perry and Lady Gaga are very strong artists, who will be all over the radio. Whether you’re a fan or not, you are going to have to live with them. They are the new singers of the decade. This is why lady Gaga has changed the music world.

Secondly, Lady Gaga has been bullied all of her life. When she was a child she got everywhere from emotionally to physically abused by her peers. At the age of 14, she got thrown in the trash can. People would call her very inappropriate words, and write all over her locker. “Bullying really stays with you your whole life, and it really, really never goes away”. This is what she thinks about bullying, and how much of a crime it is. Lady Gaga has started a large anti-bullying group called “SMASH”. This has been taken to Harvard, and others agree that there needs to be bigger consequences from bullying. She is changing the way people live and act.

Also, many words to describe Lady Gaga, and one of them is definitely successful. Lady Gaga has won more than 117 awards including the best video with a message and Best female video at the 2011 video music awards. Both of these awards were from her splendid Born this Way Album. This album is saying that you can be whoever you want to be. Whatever you are is perfect, because you were born that way and God makes no mistakes. Lady Gaga is a very Independent and that’s why I strongly think that Lady Gaga has had numerous effects, anywhere from bullying to music culture.

On another note, Lady Gaga has also changed the Fashion world. If you ever watched any giant Music award shows you might see the really bizarre outfits worn from Katy Perry and Nicki Manaj, due to Lady Gaga. Back in the day, famous singers would come in dresses, but not anymore. Once Lady Gaga came along, everyone started to dress differently. She comes wearing whatever she wants, from a meat dress to an egg. People criticize Lady Gaga’s meat dress, but this is because they have no idea what this dress represents. They don't even know that this meat dress actualy went into the cleavland Ohio Rock and Roll hall of fame. I think that is a success. You shouldn’t dislike someone when you know nothing about them.

Lady Gaga has changed the music world, bullying, and even fashion world in many ways, more than any other artist during this decade. She stands for being you, and to not bring people down. She has made a difference in the world, and this is why I think Lady Gaga is a enormous, inspiring person who has changed the way people live today.   

Breathe

Have you ever felt like your house is haunted? This is how Jack felt in the story, Breathe. Jack and his mother move into a new house, not knowing that there are multiple ghost children lurking around. Many unbelievable things happen in this story, from people getting possessed to a secret world hidden beneath Jacks house.Find out if Jack survives in this wonderful story about trust and friendship. 

Lyrics vs. Music

Authors Note: We read two poems and we also listened to the music of the poem. This explains how the music can change the mood and tone of the actual lyrics. 

Big Yellow Taxi

The mood of this is Happy it seams. Especially on the refrain. When its not the refrain it seams a little more sad, but mostly happy.  I think the writer is a little crazy, but I actually like that. It adds a kick into the song and makes it interesting.

The tone the author is trying to communicate how we are ruining the world, but she doesn’t want to make a sad song. She's crazy and is really sad and wants to express her feelings towards this subject. She actually sounds pretty happy. She had a lot of emotion when she wrote this song. She has a lot of meaning. She didn’t just write the song to write it.

Field Below 

The mood is definitely sad in this song. It makes the audience sad also. Its a lot different than Big yellow taxi. Big yellow taxi is a lot more happy and cheerful. I don’t mind this song, its got a good melody but it has a depressing tint in it.  I feel when I hear this song.

The tone is also sad. It sounds like she is trying to make herself sound like she's crying in some parts. The Piano also makes it seam like a sad church song. She's gloomy which makes the audience feel gloomy.

So Sorry

I have taken 

the gear                                                                               

that was in

the closet 

and which

you were probably

saving

for the mission 

Forgive me

 I was lazy 

but it just 

looked so amazing 

Paragraph- 

This is a poem about the book “I’d tell you I love you but then I would have to kill you” It’s about a girl who is a spy. In this poem, the mood is that Cammie is mad and frustrated. The tone of book is that Cammie is Lazy and not really sorry.In this poem Cammie is talking to Bex and is mocking Bex that she has to go get more gear because Cammie took it

Have your life be a crystal star

Authors note: The poem Mother to Son, there is a lot of great figurative languages used and has a very encouraging theme.  

            In the poem, Mother to son, there are so many awesome figurative languages used. An example of this is, Life for me ant no crystal star. This is a metaphor explaining how the ladies life isn’t that bright. This poem is full of great figurative languages. Another example of this is a great poem that more people should read.

            Another thing is, when I read this poem I feel very inspired. The mom is telling her son to not take a bad path like she did. Now her life is not clear. The feeling that this author is giving us it inspiration

Cruel World

"Ellen had said that her mother was afraid of the ocean, that it was too cold and too big. The sky was, too, thought Annemarie. The whole world was: too cold, too big. And too cruel. ” This is a quote from the book, Number the stars. This quote is explaining how cruel this world is and we have to change our ways. War is not the answer to the worlds problems.  

First off, Annemarie is struggling with life during World War two. This is a great quote that shows frustration of war. I think it’s a good quote because it is a great comparison, showing that her mothers fear of the ocean, being too big, the earth is scary also. More people should read this quote because it shows how we need to change this world, one step at a time. I know this quote is saying this, because the mom in the story is deathly afraid of the ocean, just like the world is deathly afraid of making a difference.  

Lastly, this quote is showing how Annemarie and her friend feel. They are feeling like they have nothing to look forward to in this horrible world. People should start caring about the world, and wars that are ruining peoples lives. This quote explains how bad the world has come to, and that we need to change it. It’s a scary world. It would be a better place if there were more people

Numbering Five Smooth Stones

Authors Note: I read two books that I realized are very spectacular. In this piece I compare and contrast the two stories.

Do you have a relative who is serving in the war? If you do, you miss and think about that person every day. Annemarie and Hope are both going through out their lives with hardships facing the war in the books Numbering the Stars and 5 smooth Stones. These two books are all different but also share some similarities.

Annemarie is a younger girl struggling to stay alive during the time of the holocaust. She escapes with her friend Ellen to try and get to Sweden, a free county. The same thing is going on in Hopes life, but it is during the time of the revolutionary war. Hope travels across the country with her family, living with the struggles of her brother and Dad gone, and she doesn't know where half of her family is. They share the same life story. They have a horrible life but learn a very valuable lesson. They strive to get through this tragedy, and in the end they lean a very valuable lesson.Many are put into the same situation of these two characters through the world.

Both of these people have very alike home life. They both have relatives. Annemarie has a younger sister who always bugs her and annoys her. On the other hand, hope has an older brother who she misses dearly because he has run away. They share very big things but also have a lot of things that are much different.

Finally,both characters have another thing in common. They both have one best friend who helps them through the stories. Hope has a friend who helps her throughout her brother running away and the revolutionary War. Annemarie has problems with spending her life escaping from the Nazis. This proves how friends can help you through anything.  

"Ellen had said that her mother was afraid of the ocean, that it was too cold and too big. The sky was, too, thought Annemarie. The whole world was: too cold, too big. And too cruel.” This is a quote from the book Numbering the stars. It shows her struggles in the war. In the book Five smooth stones, there are a lot of similar quotes. 

Therefore, both of these stories have many things in common, including both having best friends who help each other through life, both having some similarities in their home life, and both going through a huge war. Both of these books are very good books with the stories about effects of the war.

No Casual Cammie

Authors note: In this piece I describe the main Character in the Book Tell you I love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You" by Ally Carter. I did this because I think Cammie is a very unique person.

In the book "I'd Tell you I love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You" by Ally Carter, there is a teenage spy who goes to a spy school. The main characters name is Cameron, but people call her Cammie. Cammie is a regular privet school girl. She has Brownish blond hair that shines in the bright sun, and is skinny with Blue eyes like the ocean. She is tall and goes to the Gallagher Academy, for Exceptional Young women. She is training to be a spy. 

Another thing about Cammie is that she loves Physical Education and Science. She's in her sophomore year and already knows different languages! She also knows more tiquando moves than Jackie Chan. Cammie is also falling in love with a boy she has met. She is having trouble because the school she goes to teaches you about hacking into electronics, but not how to hack into a boys heart to see what he thinks of her.

Character Description

Authors note: In this piece I describe the main Character in the Book Tell you I love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You" by Ally Carter. I did this because I think Cammie is a very unique person.

In the book "I'd Tell you I love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You" by Ally Carter, there is a teenage spy who goes to a spy school. The main characters name is Cameron, but people call her Cammie. Cammie is a regular privet school girl. She has Brownish blond hair, and is pretty skinny with Blue eyes. She is tall and goes to the Gallagher Academy, for Exceptional Young women. She is training to be a spy. 

Another thing about Cammie is that she loves Physical Education and Science. She's in her sophomore year and already knows different languages! Also, she knows how to kill someone in several different ways. Cammie is also falling in love with a boy she has met. She is having trouble because the school she goes to teaches you about hacking into electronics, but not how to hack into a boys heart to see what he thinks of her.

Everything Would Change

Authors Note: In this piece I explain what the cause and effect of the book “rules of the Road” is, and what would happen if the effect was different. The porpoise is to explain the Cause and effect of Jenna’s story.

Thousands of people have things that they wish to tell someone, but they don’t. They keep things bundled up inside them. In the story, "Rules of the Road" by Joan Bauer, a teenage girl goes on a road trip across the country, learning rules of the road and rules of Life. In this essay I explain what the cause and effect of this story is. The cause is the main character; Jenna gets invited to go on a road trip. She really wants to, but her parents and friends think otherwise. The effect is that she did not listen to her parents, and she did go.

 First off, Jenna gets invited to travel across the country with her boss. She thinks it is a great idea, but her mom, dad, and Best friend highly disagree. "She's a bonfire Hansel and Gretel-eating witch! We're talking here, Jenna, about the ultimate summer from Hell!". This is what Jennas Best friend told Jenna about the Idea. You can clearly see that Jennas friend didn't want her to go travel with Jennas boss. You would think that this would force Jenna to think twice about taking the trip, but it didn't change her thoughts at all. She wanted to keep running away from her problems.  

Secondly, Jenna does follow her conscience. Many people try to convince her not to go, but she does. When she does this she just tries to run away from her problems. She wanted to get away from her dads horrible drinking problem. This story proves that you should not run away from your problems, and you should try to resolve it, so you get a better result. 

Lastly, what would happen if Jenna didn’t confront her Dad? Many things would be different if the effect wasn’t the same. Jennas Dad would continue to come home late every night, drunk. Her life would not be the same. If the effect was different, there would be no moral of the story. The moral is to not run away from your problems, and Jenna really did run away, but did confront her dad in the end. 

In conclusion, the cause of this story is Jenna not listening to her friends and family about going on a road trip, and Jenna not listening. The effect of this story is Jenna going on the road trip, and later confronting her dad about his drinking problem, and how he needs to get help. If the Effect was different, everything would. This book wouldn’t even have a moral. You should always confront people and talk about your problems, because it will almost always make you feel better.

Author’s Note: This is an essay about predicting where Jenna and her family would be in a couple years. The purpose is to predict what Jenna's life would be like in Three years.

Dear Dad,

I am so glad I finally got my Chevy Cavalier convertible. The Chevy with the sun roof just wasn’t working well. I love it here in Texas. The weathers Great, but I miss you, faith, and mother. It has been 3 whole years since I went on that trip with Mrs. Gladstone. 

Secondly, I am so proud of you. Mom says you are cutting back on Drinking, and went to Rehab. This is a huge step, and I am now glad to call you my father. Now you are here for me whenever I need help. I hope you continue to do what you are doing. This has changed how I feel about my family. I used to think that our family was never close. Now I know that I can go to you and mom with anything.  

Lastly, things are good here in Texas, I miss you, mom, and Faith. I am living the life here working at the rehab center. Keep up the good work Dad, keep it up for me and Faith so we can continue to have an amazing father.

                                                                                       Love,

                                       -Jenna