Kelsey

Blogging

2008-12-01T12:13:00.000-08:00

I believe that there are more pros than cons of having to blog as part of my English class. For the most part, I enjoy blogging because it's a release of feelings on topics that are important to me. Sometimes it's just a nice way to relieve stress through typing the words to make better sense of something. More often than not, I discover additional insight and ideas about a topic when I actually have to sit down and write about it. This is important and helpful, because I gain more knowledge on something that I previously didn't value much. I definitely prefer blogging about things I want to rather than being assigned to blog about something I could care less about, because I'm more motivated to write and try harder. I believe that having to write two blogs a week for class is a fair assignment because I think it's easy and allows students to be creative as well as improve their writing skills simultaneously. When I blog I feel free and not restrained to a structured essay which is stressful and time consuming. With blogs, time is not a factor to me and I can type for however long I feel to get my point across. There is no pressure and it's almost like writing in my own secret diary, yet my other peers can view my material and provide me with feedback. I have no problem with this though, because I feel more comfortable with my blogs since it's the "real me" exposed; no boundaries, no limits. Overall, blogging is a helpful tool which helps people express emotion on a subject as well as improve their writing as a whole.

Book Review

2008-11-09T17:42:00.000-08:00

I have just recently finished reading the astounding memoir entitled "A Million Little Pieces," by James Frey. I must say that it was quite interesting and managed to attain my attention throughout its' entirety.
Reading the various descriptions of the horrible things the author went through while coping with the rehabilitation process at a treatment center came off initially as a shock to me. It's hard to fathom that him, as well as millions of others struggling with addiction, were able to overcome their struggles. Many of the descriptions in the book were very raw and at times hard to read. Yet this is another factor which made me appreciate Freys' writing even more. He didn't hide anything and the situations that he explained were extremely realistic, allowing the readers to relate to exactly what he must have gone through.
At the young age of 23, I can only imagine the stir of emotions Frey felt, dealing with both the surroundings at the rehabilitation center and his family, or should I say the lack of family. It made me sad to think that his family barely supported him, if at all, while he was going through one of the hardest times in his life. It just made me realize how typical that is with others who are struggling with the same thing Frey went through himself. This is where I withhold a large amount of respect for him.
Although he was in a scary new place, dealing with traumatic withdrawals as well as other neurotic patients, he remained strong throughout the entire ordeal and stayed clean, sticking true to what was best for himself. That must have taken a lot of courage from him, or from anyone for that matter. Even if his family wasn't there to acknowledge his accomplishments, Freys' biggest reward was remaining true to himself and getting better. His memoir was truly inspiring.

I've Been Watching You

2008-11-09T17:20:00.000-08:00

I remember as if it happened yesterday. Another walk to the park with my new puppy, a practiced routine that had become ritual. Every day after getting home from school I would hook Isabel to her leash and then out the door we would go. Her tail wagged in excitement, and it seemed more like she walked me than I walked her, as she anxiously dragged me down our street.
Looking both ways, we crossed the street carefully to the community park. I began to giggle in glee as she sped up to chase after a bird that had been perched near the ground. This was the highlight of my day. Nothing else mattered as I spent this time with my favorite new friend. All the worries of my day seemed to disappear as I took in the sweet fragrance of the flowers and the whispering of the creek.
We made our way around to the far side of the park. As she stopped to play with a stick near a tree, I heard a voice behind me. Although startled at first, I was reassured as I turned around only to see a friendly guy interested in my dog. He was smiling and had a foreign accent as he asked me about Isabel. He explained how he had been contemplating the idea of getting a new addition to the family and was curious whether my rottweiler mix breed was a good choice. He knelt down to scratch her chin while he talked.
Realizing it was getting late, I hinted at goodbye as I led Bella with me so we could make our way back home. But the man followed us along, walking next to my side as if he had been invited to come too. I tried not to think much of it since this was probably the way he has to go as well. The next thing that came out of his mouth made my heart stop. "I've been watching you come here every day. Where do you live?" I couldn't believe what I had just heard. I attempted to laugh the question off as I grabbed my phone out of my pocket with trembling hands. My first reaction was to call my mom, who I knew was just across the street.
I text messaged her the short statement: "Some guy is following me. Help." Immediately my phone began ringing and I calmly answered it as Isabel and I, and this stranger, continued walking. My mom's voice was shaking and frantic and she asked me what was happening. I discreetly let her know that this creep was right next to me so I couldn't answer too much. She let me know that my step-dad was on his way and we hung up. The guy had seemed oblivious to the fact that I had just called for help.
Now all three of us were right across from my street. My puppy had laid down and the man was kneeled down beside her, petting her head. This was a nightmare. All I could think about were the various forensic files shows I had seen with my mom, and I imagined the worst case scenarios that could occur in the next couple hours of my life. Where could I end up at? What were these mans' intentions?
I felt relief as I heard the familiar nosy engine of my step-dad's truck as he parked and walked across the street to save me. The guys' eyes grew big in fear when he noticed my step-dad walking towards us, realizing that his fun had ended. "Hey, what do you think you're doing man? She doesn't want to talk to you. I never want to see you here again." The guy put his hands up in the air, backing away from me and Isabel, while desperately trying to explain that he meant no harm. He then got into his car and sped off.
I held back tears as my step-dad put his arm around me to let me know that everything was alright now. We got into his truck to go home. My heart was still pounding and I was still shook up from what had just taken place. I had never felt so violated and helpless before. The one care-free, special part of my day had been ruined. It could never be the same because of this strange, stalker who had placed fear in my heart. Now everyone was a suspect in my eyes. I felt unsafe in my own neighborhood. Maybe the guy had just been a loser with no experience on how to get a date, but I wasn't willing to risk that chance. I have never taken that same route since that day.

The First Day of School

2008-11-09T17:05:00.000-08:00

The first day of school is always a nerve-racking experience. There is the curiosity of the different teachers, the stress of all the new classes, and most importantly, the fear of making new friends. It was the beginning of seventh grade; I sat uncomfortably in the pine-scented desk of my new science class, my first period on my schedule. The teacher was clearly excited about the new year as she stood in the front of the class with a big grin on her face, her dimples sparkling up the room, appearing friendly in an effort to make a good first impression. I felt small and alone as the other students around me chatted with each other lightheartedly. The class was filled up, yet an empty seat had remained unoccupied next to mine. As Ms. Pringle began to take attendance for the first time, the door slowly opened as the last student entered the room late. She was a beautiful African-American girl, with many braids and little pearl-colored beads in her hair, which made a tiny clinking sound when she moved her head from side to side. Her glasses were perched perfectly on her nose and she appeared just as shy as I was, as she stood with her hands in the pockets of her sweater, (a nervous habit that I shared as well). The teacher came over to her, greeting her with a big, enthusiastic smile and the new assignment sheet. The girl glanced around the packed room, desperately in search for a place to sit. She noticed the vacant seat next to my own, and she quietly made her way over to my side of the room. I smiled at her and she smiled back. "Hi, my name is Kelsey," I said as I introduced myself. I surprised myself with this outgoing act I had just performed, which was very unlike my typically reserved self. "Hi, my name is Dereishia," she quietly responded, as her mouth formed into a smile. We both shared an overwhelming sense of relief as we acknowledged that we weren't alone anymore. I realized right then that I had just met my best friend.

Me, Myself, and I

2008-11-09T16:54:00.000-08:00

A four letter word we hear so often: love. Such a simple word, yet it withholds so much meaning. It's the one thing everyone wants and often the one thing people deem to be more important than anything else. Although love brings happiness, it also comes with bad experiences which you can either let break you or make you. For this simple fact, I believe that the best thing, as well as the most necessary thing, is to love yourself before you search for love in others.
I've always been the type of person to keep just a select few close relationships. I've seemed to confide in one best friend throughout the years. Due to this, I guess you could say I've never been part of the "popular" crowd since quality is more important to me than quantity. Yet it doesn't bother me one bit, since trust is one of my most powerful possessions. It's not an easy thing to gain from me because of the negative experiences I've been through. The only person I can absolutely trust, without a doubt, is myself.
When you give your love to someone else, you are letting your guards down, allowing that person to have the power to hurt you. Unless you feel completely comfortable with this person and you've established a strong relationship with one another, it is better for one to keep their guards up, in a sense. Instead of making yourself vulnerable, it is wiser to remain independent. Just by saying "I love you," they can take your kindness for weakness and stab you in the back.
I'm not saying that one should never love, but instead I'm expressing that love takes time and patience. You must let it come to you, not chase it. Don't rush things and assume what you're feeling is love. Ultimately, you are the only one who has absolute control over your own happiness.
Although it may sound vain, loving yourself first is the basic requirement before being able to love another.

Popular Culture

2008-11-03T12:52:00.000-08:00

I believe that MTV is ruining our society. Back in the day, this channel offered exactly what it stands for: Music Televison. Back to back music videos, one after another, played on this station, providing the audience with what they want. Nothing fancy, just good ol' music. Now if you click over to this channel, it's rare to view a music video. Instead, obscene reality television shows such as "Flavor of Love" and "Paris Hilton's: My New BFF" can be found. I find myself asking myself more often than not, "Is this really happening?" This used to be such an amazing television channel, my favorite to be more specific, and now it has nothing to do with music at all. I have no interest whatsoever in shows such as "The Hills" and "Laguna Beach." They actually make me sick because these rich preppy girls are making millions off of a show all about their laidback lives of tanning and gossip. The show "TRL" still runs every afternoon, but even this show has transformed into more like a talk show rather than a music video countdown. The only music videos that are played are only ran half way through, if that, and it makes me furious. Maybe the reason MTV has gone down is because the new music out these days has gone down with it as well.

The Power of Love

2008-10-13T12:50:00.001-07:00

When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace... -Jimi Hendrix

This Hendrix quote is by far one of my favorite quotes and it hangs on my bedroom wall to remind me of its' important message every day. We live in a world where peace can't seem to be found among the spiteful wars between countries all around the globe. There's so much talk about war, and the idea of love has seemed to be forgotten, in a sense.
Yet love is the most important idea which withholds the power to heal people and any kind of situation, because of the strong passionate feeling which is unlike any other. It is the one thing that all of us want and strive for our whole lives. It is the thing which keeps us going every day, realizing that there are people we love and vice versa.
If I could have it my way, we would all go back to the good old hippie days where peace, love, and rock and roll were the three basic factors needed for life; a good life, where no one believed in wars. If all of the talk about fighting turned into talk about love, problems could be resolved in such better ways than killing and wars.
It is only when we stop and remember what exactly we are here for and the people who love us the most when we can see others as our brothers and sisters rather than a stranger. We all have a lot more in common than we realize and there is no good reason to want to harm someone who is just like us.
All we need is love.

Goodbye Drive-In

2008-10-06T12:48:00.000-07:00

When I think of summer memories the first thing that always comes to my mind is the drive-in movie theatre. This awesome place which brings together all different kinds of people who all share one thing in common; the love of movies. Nothing fancy to be seen except for a small indoor cafeteria where one can run in to grab some popcorn or a slushie. Just dirt roads with cars and trucks parked as eager viewers lay on top of the roofs, gazing up at the stars in the sky during the previews. It always reminds me of the scene from my favorite movie of all time, the classic, Grease. A place which allows people to get away from the noisy city life, yet still come together to watch a good flick.
Now as I drive past the place where the drive-in resides, the yellow neon billboard posted reads "Drive-In Closed for the Season," yet instead I beleive it should read "Drive-In Destroyed For Good." The dirt where trucks used to line up side by side has been dug out and giant holes are now present. The screen where I watched so many good movies is now absent, nowhere to be found. This place looks so sad now, so abolished and helpless. All I want to know is why would you take away the one place where people can go which was unlike any other? There are no other drive-ins to be found in Colorado and it downright just makes me sad. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way either. This place where friends made it tradition to go during the hot summer nights is now ruined, just to get used for more land to add food chains and stores already found excessivley throughout the city.
As disappointed as I am about the drive-in, I still withhold so many good memories about the place. No matter what buildings or houses replace this area which brought so much happiness and allowed one to feel care-free about the world, I will never forget the drive-in which made so many of my summers complete.

Life Without You

2008-10-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

Life would be hard if you were gone
Nothing would be right, everything would feel wrong
Ever since the first day we met,
I feel so lucky, have nothing to regret
I'm always happy when you're near,
Hearing your voice whisper softly in my ear
When I'm sad you hold me tight
And I know everything will be alright
You know how to make me feel good,
Like nobody else ever could
When I look into your eyes, I find myself
It seems as if I can feel all the things you've ever felt
Just the feeling of your hand in mine,
Sends chills up and down my spine
Nothing to hide, with the smile on my face
It's clear to see, you've got me, and I've found my place
You make sure I'm safe by taking care of me
You spoil me, giving me special things that I don't even need
You've always been there for me, always cared
You've always listened, our thoughts and secrets we've shared
You realize I'm not perfect, accepting me for me
Loving me despite my faults, with you I feel so free
Thank you for being there through the ups and the downs,
Never leaving my side when no one else was around
Even though someday you might go away,
In my heart you will always stay
The way you've made me feel, I'll try to make you feel just the same
Because the love you've given me, I know will always remain...

Monster

2008-09-30T17:08:00.001-07:00

I never dreamed my life could turn out this way, especially after what I’d watched my own mother go through.
Screams like the sound of cats dying pierced the cold air as the hit of the frying pan targeted its’ victim. Helpless, shaky whimpers faded away. I felt paralyzed, as if my legs were no longer connected to the rest of my body. I was unable to attempt to take action. Fear enveloped my mind, body, and soul.
She was sitting and sobbing against the blood-stained wall now, her trembling hands placed on her weak knees. The familiar perfectly long curly blonde locks were now tangled and destroyed. Then the frightened eyes met mine, which were filled with so much sorrow. She mouthed “I’m sorry” as softly as she could, her cracked bloody lips too dry to speak. Those dark eyes withheld so much pain.
She knew in her heart that what was happening was wrong. This person who had once been someone she thought had loved her, had transformed into a monster. A destructive, selfish monster who lived to put things in their place. He had abolished all the warm feelings of a home, instilling fear in her kids’ hearts. I don’t understand why she puts up with this. My own mother, my protector. I will never allow myself to go through something so awful.

I fall back onto the small bed, my head knocking hard against the wooden headboard. The impact of the hit shoots a sharp sensation through my body. I pull my hands towards my chest, and tuck my fingers inside, making a closed, shaky fist. My heartbeat feels like the beat of a drum as I gasp for air.
Now he’s on top of me, smothering my mouth with the pillow I rest my head on at night. My heart pounds even faster than before as I kick and do every little thing in my power to keep him from doing anymore harm. I manage to push and thrust him away from me as I stand up and contemplate my next move.
A slap wails through the air as my cheek turns a bright red. A scream is let out as I touch my hand to the sting. Now he is satisfied at last, as he turns and goes downstairs, leaving me to sit on the floor, wrapped in a fetal position, fear preventing me from moving again.
I hear the sound of the porch door slam and shortly after the engine starting and tires screeching as he pulls out and makes his way to work. I am alone now. Except for her.
I look over at my bedroom door and see her sitting around the wall, her little head peeking in. Her brown eyes are big with fright as she stares in at me. All I can do is say “I’m sorry,” while I look back at my confused baby girl.
Tears begin to stream down my cheeks, the sting from the slap still present, as I cradle my head in my hands and rock my body from side to side. I had promised to never let this happen to me or my family, but now a monster of my own resides in our home.

Every Rose Has Its Thorns

2008-09-30T17:04:00.000-07:00

Started out from a seed
Now it’s blossomed into something full of beauty
Standing sturdy on a strong stem
Full of different petals which each represent me

I once was withdrawn
But over the years I’ve branched out
Standing before you
The young woman I am now

As the seasons change, I change with them
Bright days keep me growing strong and bold
But it seems that when it rains it pours
And I become withered down and unfold

I encounter different people over the years
He loves me, he loves me not
My petals withhold my truest virtues; my family and friends
They’re all I’ve got

Bad experiences throughout my life
Some things you just learn to let go
So petals may fall off and drift away
Allowing me to continue to learn and grow…

Things I Noticed at the Mall

2008-09-30T17:02:00.000-07:00

On a hot afternoon, a desirable day for shopping, my sister and I took off for a trip to the Park Meadows Mall. While walking around the shopping center filled with bustling activity, I observed various things. Each store we arrive at, there are women of all shapes and sizes scrambling for an empty fitting room to try on their designated selections. I notice in disgust how teenagers rudely mug other fellow teens, judging every miniscule detail. A young girl is shopping with her elderly grandmother, obviously embarrassed of the fact that she looks uncool to have no friends to shop with instead. There are various groups of teens with their friends, not really shopping, but walking around the mall “strutting” their stuff. I see young couples all around, strolling their babies in attempt to keep the little tot calm and quiet for a while. I spot a hefty boy crunching on fried wontons from Panda Express, although it’s clearly evident that he doesn’t need the extra calories. An old janitor is wandering around the food court and collecting the numerous pungent scraps of trash, appearing less than pleased with his job. Two young girls walk by dressed from head to foot in Abercrombie and Fitch clothing, who are way too young to already be so concerned with designer clothes. I look down and notice a lost child meandering around, like a lost puppy, with a befuddled look upon his face. There is a middle-aged businessman perched at a table in the corner of the food court, humming to his self and reading the newspaper simultaneously. One person after another lines up in the already extremely long line at Starbucks, the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans filling the air, because the coffee is just that good. We try to escape the attention of the annoying employees at the kiosks, who harass and grab at every uninterested customer who walks by. I hear the wailing sound of “waaaahhh” fading away, as a frustrated mother drags her screaming, misbehaved child out of a toy store. A man in the jewelry store is carefully selecting the perfect glistening gift for his wife. I watch a family in the pet store, excited to bring home their new fluffy addition, similar to the sensation of a new birth in the family. A guy who appears both bored and slightly impatient tags behind his energetic girlfriend, carrying all of her bags. A little girl begins crying after she accidentally drops her strawberry ice cream on her new white pants, although I’m unsure whether she’s more disappointed at the loss of the ice cream or the fact that her pants are now stained pink. There is a group of three perverted young boys hiding under the stairs and trying to look up girls’ short skirts. The broken escalator is causing frustration to people, because of the inconvenience of having to use them as stairs instead. Finally the day has come to an end, and following our tradition, my sister and I make a stop at the Cheesecake Factory for a tasty treat before making our journey back home.

Beauty Around Me

2008-09-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

Perched on the bench outside in front of my school, there is beauty to be found all around me. The light breeze wisps my hair gently around my face as I gaze ahead at the glorious sight of endless blue sky and bright green grass. Big clusters of white clouds dangling above me provide a security blanket, in a sense. Visions of fall peek through the shades of green leaves fading into yellow on the giant trees surrounding the campus. Brightly colored flowers welcome the students, blossoming alongside the long path leading toward the front doors. The sunlight shines in between the branches of the tree hanging above me and I breathe in the aroma of fresh plants and mountain air. Perfection. Nowhere else I'd rather be, even despite the fact that this gorgeous setting is where my school resides. I'd much rather be out here than inside my classroom listening to lecture, confined from the wonders to be discovered outside the windows. Tennis courts; my favorite sight yet. Thoughts of grasping my racket inside the tight grip of my hand fill my mind, reminding me of my biggest passion. I dread the arrival of winter, yet beauty is found everywhere and the snow-covered sight will just be a different form of magical wonder.

Body Art

2008-09-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

The week after I turned 18 I went to go get my first tattoo. My nerves were calm and I was anxious to get my new addition. I've loved angels ever since I was little and I knew that this was the perfect tattoo for me. Girly, yet beautiful and much more deep and meaningful to me than a simple flower or heart, I realized that angel wings were meant to be a part of my body. My back was the ideal place for my creation since my body figure is tall and I have kind of broad shoulders. My arms are long and the wings my tattoo artist created were big, yet not too big; placed directly in between my shoulder blades. The wings I have are enclosed rather than open, since this is how I feel I am as a person. I decided to add my nickname, "Schatzie," which is German for sweetheart, above the wings on my back. I chose to do this since I've seen others who have wings tattooed on their backs as well, but no one would have the same enscripture along with them as I did. More importantly, this name represents my culture and who I am. This is what would set my art work aside from the others, being unique yet significant simultaneously.
Today, it is rare to see someone who doesn't have any piercings or tattoos, when years ago it was shocking to see an individual who did have body art, even when it was just pierced ears. This shows that body art has transformed over the years and has become more accepted. I personally think that tattoos are beautiful because they mean so much to the person who has them. Behind every tattoo is a story, some deeper than others, yet they still withhold some kind of meaning to their owner.
Although I don't have a problem with body art, I do believe in the idea that there are those people who go overboard with tattoos and piercings. I find individuals who have tattoos covering every inch of their skin unnecessary. Same with facial piercings all over their face, I believe this is excessive and tasteless. It may be valuable to them, but to me, I think there is a fine difference between something being tastefully done and meaningful and something being over done and tacky. When there are less pieces of art on one's body, they stand out more and withhold more significance, whereas when there are so many tattoos on a person that you can't focus on one, they seem to lack meaning. It all relates to the popular expression: Less is more.

Stage Fright

2008-09-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

In my English class this week, our assignment was to create an identity collage and then present it to the class; Easy right? Wrong; At least for me. While there are people who don't love anything more than standing in front of an audience and knowing that everyone is listening to them, there are others who would rather curl up in a corner and die rather than have more than 5 strangers staring at them at once. I am one of them.
Since a child, I've never liked being among a group of people who I don't know well. Quiet and shy to others, I just see myself as someone who knows their comfort zone and doesn't like to be out of it. At school, this made my problem even more difficult since we are forced to break out of our boxes and get to know those around us. Although I hated those "go around the room and tell a little about yourself" talks you have to do when you start a new class, now I see the significance in them over the years. They are supposed to make us more comfortable with not only each other, but ourselves as well. Being listened to is the number one form of respect in my book, and this is exactly doing that. Everyone seems to care, for those few minutes at least, about who you are and what you have to say.
So my point is that public speaking, as awful as it may seem to the shy ones at first, is good practice for learning how to accept others, but more importantly, how to feel more comfortable in your own skin.

Self Image

2008-09-08T12:52:00.000-07:00

After reading Bordo's essay "The Empire of Images in Our World of Bodies," it has become even more clear to me how the media has tainted the way we view ourselves. From magazine advertisements to billboards to the shows and commmercials we view on our t.v. screens, appearance often seems to be the most significant thing portrayed to the audience.
We live in a world where we live to hear the latest celebrity gossip among those like Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan, yet we don't stop to see how this is an unhealthy sickness in a sense. Instead of focusing on our own lives and the situations we face, we would rather thrive on the lives of those in the spotlight. How unrealistic is this? Do we honestly care more about these idealized figures more than we care about ourselves? Isn't there more to life than scanning through the weekly Us magazines? As much as it seems to be ridiculous, we all do it. Some people's obsessions are just on a higher level than others.
Just merely immitating what we see on the television screen, like buying the latest fashion brands, isn't what is hurting the economy though. Instead, it is the young girls who obsess about their images every second of the day which is creating an uproar, though not a very loud one, from the people. The teenage girls who fantasize about one day fitting into those size zero jeans and strutting their stuff down the runway. Anorexia is spreading throughout the country at a rapid pace and it feels as if the media is doing nothing but adding to the dilemma. The air-brushed photographs of perfect bodys spotted in the magazines have an effect on the sad-eyed girls staring at it in awe. We all long to look like them, but in reality, who really does? This is why I believe that sicknesses such as anorexia seem to attract and target younger people, since they are not at a maturity level to understand that these images are unreal. Even when you flip over to the Disney channel, popular idols for kids such as Hannah Montanna are excessively done up in make-up and wear revealing short skirts. Are these really good role models for our 10 year old daughters? Soon they will start immitating what they see, dressing more sexual and forgetting about the more important things they have to offer the world.
All in all, I find this situation very sad and it seems as though the way we percieve ourselves is never going to be good enough for anyone.
"Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." (John Wooden)

Obama's Speech

2008-09-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

This past week on Thursday, August 28, 2008, Barack Obama delivered his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention. Standing before about 84,000 supporters in a football stadium, Obama presented his most significant proposals for running for President: Ordinary people are hurting economically, the Bush administration has failed to respond, and a McCain presidency would provide nothing but "more of the same."

Obama offered a new summary of what he proposes to do for the struggling middle class, which includes a broad-based tax cut which would cover 95% of wage-earners, an elimination of the capital gains tax on small businesses, as well as an energy program focused on investment in renewable sources.

The powerful and effective speech was a key part of the Democrat's strategy for winning the election: Triumph in the debate over the economy, motivate traditional Democrats and increase the amount of supporters by turning out record numbers of African American, Latino and young voters.

Educational vs. Non Educational Text

2008-08-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

I believe that there are no differences between educational and non educational text because I think that no text is non educational. Every area of text in our surroundings offers some bit of knowledge, whether it may be small or large.

Text can be found in various subjects: music, billboards, clothing, artwork, movies, commercials, internet, games, and cell phones. Although some people may consider text found in video games insignificant whereas others don't get anything out of listening to music, there are others who thrive on games and the codes that come with them, as well as people who live by the idea that without music, life wouldn't be the same, and that there are lyrics in songs that can change ones outlook on everything. This is why I believe that all text is educational, or withholds some kind of meaning, despite the fact that there are people who don't gain the same feeling that others do when dealing with varieties of text found in the world.