a heartbreaking moment

It’s the same old room. The same old smell. The same old settings. Except this time, the girl is crying. Crying so hard, that the makeup has melted. The gradually fainted eyeliner revealed the girl’s sadness. For the very first time, the girl speaks. “I am sorry. Let’s start everything over.” The stillness of the boy from the opposite of the room triggers more tears. The girl starts weeping. Weeping so hard, that the girl thinks she might faint. “We are done.” Comes from the far corner of the room. Without emotions. The room goes back to the quietness. Girl tries to talk, but the crying is in her way. She touches the bed, looks mildly at the cold back of the boy, trying to soothe her mood. With a deep breathe, she talks again. “Is there really no way to fix us? I don’t want to live without you.” Another silence breaks the girl’s confidence completely. Puts the dignity aside, she knees down and begs. But nothing can alter the boy’s determined mind. “Now, you get your answer. You are wasting my time.” And the boy leaves the room, not even lay his eyes once on the devastating girl.

letters.

Dear John:
I really appreciate the letter u sent me. And it reminds me of every single detail when you were my student. You are a brilliant guy. You have remembered the stuffs I told you and apply those to your own witting. I am really impressed.
About the tour to Europe I suggested, I am glad that you didn't have to experience the shame. Although the Great Depression did hurt me in some ways. But that is not the point. Look at what you have achieved right now, all by yourself, without any exterior forces. And winning the Nobel Prize.
last, again. Thanks for the greeting and this letter.
Best Regard.
Edith Mirrielees

charley.

It is a sunny day, just like usual. But today’s slightly different. John and I are going to the Yellowstone Park. I have never been to anywhere that far before, except the one time that I almost got washed away by a river, but anyway, I am all excited about this.

As we reached the gate, there is a man rambling something about a bear. I have no idea what his point is. All I am thinking is running around in the huge park to strength out limbs. My long legs are all tense and stiff because of stay in indoor all the time. Finally, John and the man finish their pointless talking and take me into the park.

As we walk, I sense a feeling of danger. I persuade myself into believing that I am just being paranoid. Suddenly, a giant bear pop out in front of me, and scare the crap out of me. Probably is the hormone or other thing in my body, I feel so strong and brave all of the sudden.

I barked.

And barked

And barked.

finally everything is calm as before again. only one thing is different.

I turned to look at John. He is looking at me with this weird look, as if he couldn't even recognize me no more.

I bark at John again, wish to scare him and wash away that look on his face.

I don't get this. How come John doesn't know what kind of dog I am?

Death ain't Dark

The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold

>>Plot: *****

>>Charaters: *** (not special but tightly related to the plot)

>>Setting: ***

With a scary title, this novel is actually mild and encouraging. Although, the plot is more like a ghost story, but it is not. This strong opening of this novel has intrigued me deeply into the book. The first thought that came to me when i read the first sentence is that, if the main character died in the very beginning, then how in the world could the author continue the story. However, as i finished, I was very impressed about this book. The author tells the story in a very different way than other novels. There are not many books out there with a dead main character. On the rating chart, I said that the characters tied closely to the plot is because the author has taken advantage of the main character's age (By the way, she is dead because of being killed at the age of 14). Since she died in a such young age, that fact has drawn lots of interests from the readers.

Destind Love

P.S. I Love You - Cicelia Ahern

>> Plot: *****

>> Characters: *****

>> Setting: ***

Unlike other novel-based movies, the movie P.s. I Love You is actually somewhat better than the novel. However, i am not saying that the novel is bad, it's just that there are few movies that are as good as the book. Sung Min had recommended me the book, she said, "whoever reads it, will fall in love with this book". Well, this is supposed to be a secret, but i actually found this book ok. Even though, it dose have a creative plot, contrast to other cliche love stories. However, I am just not that a big fan of pure romance. As for recommendation, I would still recommend this to people who are seeking for a good cry and feeling touched inside, then this book will be the best choose. (PS. I do recommend the movie though, the actor is hot!!!)

Daughters Dilemma

My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult

>>Plot: *****

>>charatcers: *****

>>Setting: *****

This is book is definately one of my favourite novel ever. When I feel like I am so sick of unrealistic love novels, Karen recommened this book to me. Although, I have heard of this book long before, Karen had recommended it, but she insisted that this book is the kind of book that if i don't read, then i would regret the rest of my life. However, after i finished the book, Karen was right. This book is awesome. I am not telling what is happening in the story, because i don't want to spoil it for people who havnt read it yet. Any how, this book does have a surprising ending. The kind of ending that I wasn't expacting, because Anna is my favourite charater among all. (opss!!) At the beginning of the novel, i didn't like Sara, who is the mother, but as i read toward the end, i changed my opinion on this. Because i figured out that there is actually no right or wrong in this issue. Since it is impossible to determine love as a tangible value.

the captured moments.

Those pictures gave a vivid visualizations to the essay. They provived a better understanding to the readers that how was it like during the "Department of Agriculture". Also, as the old version, black and white kind of photos, they deepened readers' impression on the topic.

#1)
A couple stood in front of their so called "house", which was actually an old tent, they looked directly into the camera. Their facial expressions were plane. as if they have finished doing a day's hard work. Although, their overall facial expressions were plane, but there seemed to have a slight curve upon their lips.

#2)
After several nights' hard rain, the road that used to served as walking path had been flooded with water. There were two girls carrying a buckets to remove the water away from their "home". Those huge containers lining across in the picture were people's homes. Without any privacy, people who lived there closed up their curtains, in order to feel a little bit safer. This must be a warm spring, because the tree had just experienced hard rain and winter and left leafless.

#3)

Two kids are playing in front of their "home", who seem not have been influenced by the horrible surroundings. All of their furnitures are laied out around their tent. There are some branches set at the end of their tent, in order to suppport the tent more stabily. Another boy peaking from inside the tent seems like he just woke up from a uncomfy nap. Overall their condition doesn't seem to affect the kid's moods on playing.

THE FLOOD - RESPONSE

The Flood is one of the chapter in John Steinbeck's famous novel Grapes of Wrath. Similar to The Turtle, this chapter contains a lot of descriptions as well. In the first several paragraphs, all it is talking about is the flood. Also Steinbeck has chosen carefully on his word choose. For example, there are many personifications, such as, "And at first the dry earth sucked the moisture down and blackened" (923). And lots of descriptive verbs, such as, "Levels fields become lakes, broad and gray, and the rain whipped up the surfaces" (923). Furthermore, this passage also revealed a sense of sadness that could draw in people's compassion. The flood brought a huge damage to the people and worsened their living conditions. In one of the paragraphs, it says, "They splashed along, carrying the children, carrying the very old, in their arms. And if a barn stood on high ground, it was filled with people, shivering and hopeless" (924). In which, it shows the sad tone within the passage. However, after finished reading The Flood, I can strangly feel and even see the scene of the flood in front of me.

Betrayal

betrayal is a lesson that at least everyone needs to experience once in their lives, either it is on love or friendship. however, either one is not easy to tolerate. to condone someone who has failed your trust, is a very difficult job. For me, whether to forgive that person or not, is depends on that he/she has done. if this betray happens between a couple, a romantic relationship, then i would probably forgive the persone. however, friendship is another case. Because, I don't value love as important as friendship. Since love is not really a thing that you can control. It usually happens spontaniously, without your notice, as they say that love blinds people, erefore, betrayal is more likely to happen between couples. Yet, friendship is something that can be controlled. Either betray or not, is in your hand. So I think betray is forgetable in a way.

Antigonev.s. Chiveric codes

Even though Anitgone is a woman, but she indeed has all the characteristics that are included in the chivalric code. In the play Antigone, Antigone demonstrates her courage, loyalty and honor, also shown as a strong feminist, even in that ancient time. In the play, Antigone does what she believes in. She disobeys the new law that Creon has established, instead she buried her brother. By believing what is the right thing to do, and not fear facing her own death, she shows courageous. In order to give her brother a proper burial, she literally gives up her life, which is an example of loyalty also. Although, she is punished by Creon, and been sentenced to death, but Antigone never even had a glimpse of thought that she did something wrong. Even till her last moment, she still believes what she did was right and died with honor. Compare to any other Round Table Knights, Antigone proves herself with all the qualities within a great knight. However, how the knights show their qualities is different from how Antigone shows it. She never had a chance to gone to a war and cutting down others heads, but by sacrificing herself to her believes is also another way to prove that she's got the qualities.

COMPARE AND CONTRAST- the different point of views

Either as myths or legends, the story of King Arthur has been passed down since Middle Age. In the different versions of King Arthur, each author had a different point of view from the others. For example, in LeMorte d'Arthur -The Crowning of Arthur, one version of the legend of King Arthur, is mainly about Uther Pendragon. In contrast, in The Mists of Avalon - Morgan Le Fay, it is focus on Morgraine's perspective, instead of the male characters. Through different perspectives from varied characters, it gives us a more copmlete understanding about the story. As female reader, I particularlly like the Morgan Le Fay one, because from a female character's point of view to view the same story seems more interesting. When the arthor is using the famale's perspective, it also brings out women's positions in the story. Since women are the leading characters in this writing, men has become less important. Therefore, there are lesser dramatic and heroic scene on battles or killing, instead, there are more emotions and feelings from one character to another. On the other hand, in LeMorte d'Arthur -The Crowning of Arthur, Igraine was protrayed as a woman, the woman who has all the sterotyped traits. Ironically, Uther Pendragon was protrayed as a brave worrior, who fights for his love and such a positive image, whereas in Morgan Le Fay he is more likely to be protrayed as a bad man with werid beard and hair who steals Morgraine's mother. However, both of the stroies tell the same plot, just in different ways and details.

SUICIDE

Suicide is the stupidest way to end one’s life, and also is the most irresponsible way to escape from reality. Most people think that suicide could cure the problem that they are facing, but this thought actually contradicts with the real fact. According to most people who have experienced with suicide in their family, they said, “Suicide actually creates more problems”. Indeed, that is true; suicide also creates trouble for the police too. However, seems like the characters in the play Antigone do not realized that. In the play, three out of five main characters have committed suicide. They all have different reasons to kill themselves, but the cause is the same – Creon’s stubbornness. Also, they died with diverse attitude too: Antigone die with pride, because she never thinks that she’s done something wrong. Antigone left a sad saying before she died, she said:” You will remember what things I suffer, and at what men’s hands, because I would not transgress the laws of heaven” (Antigone Scene 4. 78-80). Haemon died with grief, because of his beloved wife is sentenced to death by his father. Hasmon even threatened his father with the consequence if Creon insists on killing Antigone, he said: “Antigone’s death will cause another” (Antigone Scene 3. 119). Eurydise died with sorrow, because of his son’s suicide. Through those three suicide incidents, they created more problems for King Creon.

TOTAL POWER

In ancient times, there are few Kings who actually understood Democracy. Instead, most of the Kings are obsessed with total power, which the King decided everything. Unfortunately, the Greeks happened to be a lot more democratic than other countries, where total power is in a weak position to the citizens. In the play Antigone, King Creon is being described with that characteristic. He changed the laws for his country, which contradict with the God’s, and it irritated Antigone. In Ceron’s laws, he stated that no one is allowed to give Antigone’s brother a burial. Creon said: "Polyneices, I say, is to have no burial: no man is to touch him or or say the least prayer for him; he shall lie on the plain, unburied; and the birds and the scavenging dogs can do with him whatever they like"(Antigone Scene 1. 39-42). Regardless of the new law, Antigone did what she thinks is right. She risked her life to burry her brother and did not think at all that she is wrong. To Creon, he is mad and also afraid of Antigone; mad because of her behavior and scared because of her courage. As a result, he decided to kill her. Creon said: “...take her to the vault and leave her alone there. and of she lives or dies, that's her affair, not ours: our hands are clean”(Antigone Scene 4. 55-57). Due to Creon‘s pride and arrogance, he doesn’t’ care that has he offended the Gods or not. Obviously, for Antigone, he did. What Creon has become when he was at the king’s throne, was the biggest fear of all commoners. The Thebes citizens wanted democracy, and not being controlled by one. Eventually, at the end of the play, Creon has realized what he had done to his family, and suffered from the consequences.

MOVIES AND PLAYS

There are so many different ways to perform an act, and of course there are preferences too. As for me, I prefer plays more than movies, and reasons varied. Firstly, in plays there are more chance to interact with the actors yourself, since there are no "screens", as in movies. Also, in plays, there are no cameras, therefore, the audiences could capture every characters' reactions or even little mistakes. Unlike movies, the directors cut off every undesired part of the acting, which actually provides more laughters from the audiences. However, i do strongly suggest that plays' theaters should put up subtitle, because sure it would be a lot easier for audiences to understand the plot.

what i think of Shakespeare

I think Shakespeare is a great writer who wrote hundreds and thousands of plays and poems. Even though Shakespearean language brings a lot of frustrations to the students who have learned and are learning it, but this kind of language does have an more in depth meanings than modern language. Compare to nowadays language, Shakespeare's writings include more emotions and drama. Although, some are way too cheesy, but plays plays like, Romeo and Juliet , and Julius Caesar, could still being passed down generations through generations.

THE TRIGGER OF LAUGHTER

The triggers of laughter

People laugh for various reasons, either because of positive or negative causes. However, according to online dictionary sources, the definition of laughter is: “to express mirth, pleasure, derision, or nervousness with an audible, vocal expulsion of air from the lungs that can range from a loud burst of sound to a series of quiet chuckles and is usually accompanied by characteristic facial and bodily movements.” Also, people have different responses towards different causes. For example, giggles and chuckles happen when the cause is slightly humorous; grins and smiles are often associated with sentimental situations; guffaws and howls trigger when watching a hilarious movie or TV drama. Nevertheless, the definition of any form of laughter can still vary by people.

Humor is the most common factor of why people laugh. Yet, every human being has their own definition for humor. Sometimes, one thing that is funny to you does not necessarily mean it is funny to another person. It is due to the different past life experiences that each individual has been through. Whenever people feel the connection between themselves and the topic, people laugh.

In some other cases, a smile may symbolize happiness or shyness. A smile can be identified mostly in couples where, a slight curve appears on a girl’s face with blood-red blushing on both cheeks. This is a universal sign of being in love. This category of laugh is mild and gentle, which is regularly found quiet, unlike those loud hysterical laughs with a “haha” sound.

Furthermore, people laugh because of embarrassment and awkwardness as well. Laughter often takes place in some uncomfortable situations. Such as, party or social occasions, where people first meet. Those uneasy surroundings often put people in a situation of not knowing how to respond; therefore the best solution is always smiling. It is not like smiling or laughing could break the condensed atmosphere, but it is a spontaneous reaction to these kinds of situations. Also, smiles give people a comfortable and welcomed feeling, even without any words.

Smile is a natural and god-given gift to all human beings. Imagine a world without any laughter and smiles. No more curves would show upon the lips; no more warm welcome from a friendly household. How terrifying it would be if this world was created without such thing called laughter. Even though people do not always laugh for positive reasons, regardless of the reason hidden behind, a smile does always look pleasant and optimistic.

950,000 children worldwide killed by injury, violence

By Elizabeth Landau
CNN

(CNN) -- The summer that her family bought a soft-sided pool, Charisse Nurnberg of Assaria, Kansas, tried to keep her children safe from water-related injuries. She kept all the doors locked and would even have her young son Matt wear a life jacket while he played inside.

Matt Nurnberg was 3 years old when he drowned in a pool at his house in 2002.

But one day in August 2002, 3-year-old Matt got into the pool unsupervised. An ambulance rushed him to the hospital, but it was too late. He had drowned.

"You don't think it can happen to you, you think you've got things under control, and it just happens to other people," Charisse Nurnberg said. "It is just, I think, probably about the most horrible experience a parent can live through."

New reports from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that deaths by unintentional injury, such as drowning, are a growing problem worldwide. More than 950,000 of those younger than 18 are killed annually by injury or violence; about 830,000 of them die from unintentional injury.

"Even for those of us working in the field, we were taken aback by that number," said Dr. Adnan Hyder, associate professor at Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health and one of the editors for the WHO report. "Some of that is an underestimate, frankly speaking."

In the United States, an average of about 12,000 people aged 19 and younger died from unintentional injuries each year from 2000 to 2006, the CDC report said. Males' injury death rates were nearly twice as high as those of females, the report said.

Injury rates were highest for American Indian and Alaska natives in the United States and lowest for Asian or Pacific islanders, the report said. States with the lowest injury death rates were in the Northeast.

For nonfatal injuries in the United States, about 9.2 million children per year had an initial emergency department visit for an unintentional injury, the CDC report said.

Generally, in high-income countries, injuries account for 40 percent of all child deaths, the WHO report said. But low-income and middle-income countries bear most of the burden; 95 percent of all child injuries occur in those areas, the report said.

"Something good is happening in high-income countries in terms of prevention, which is not happening in many other countries," said Dr. Junaid Razzak, chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan.

Road crashes are the No. 1 cause of injury and death among children globally, claiming 260,000 lives annually, the report said. Drowning follows as the second leading cause of death, killing more than 175,000 children a year, and is the top cause of injury and death in Asia.

Burns, falls and poisoning were also in the top five leading causes of death by unintentional injury, the report said. Africa has the highest overall rate for unintentional injury deaths, 10 times higher than in many high-income countries.

Razzak, who wrote a chapter of the WHO report, said he sees a significant number of children with head injuries sitting in the laps of their parents in cars or motorcycles in Pakistan.

He also mentioned falling televisions as another source of injury or even death among kids in Pakistan. Children also commonly fall from the roofs of buildings while playing, he said.

The WHO report recommends that each country develop a child-injury prevention and control policy connected to other child health strategies, taking into account the needs of all children. It also urges countries to strengthen their health system capacities to provide requisite care to injured children.

Minimum drinking-age laws, seat-belts, motorcycle helmets and graduated driver licensing systems are some proven interventions to promote road safety, the report said.

For drowning, four-sided fencing around swimming pools, personal flotation devices and immediate resuscitation are some ways to prevent fatal injury, the report said.

Nurnberg said that for pool safety, she warns against putting even a drop of water in a pool until there is a fence around it. She also recommends installing an alarm that makes a sound whenever any door opens and said parents should not just rely on watching and listening.

"My husband was actually outside when it happened," she said. "I think we envision with drowning things that we see on TV and in movies, that splashing and yelling, and that just doesn't happen. He didn't hear the break of the water."

RESPONSE:
This article being posted on the CNN website. This article is just horrible, the numbers showing up there are terrifying. Adults do need to take more care and more attention to children behavior, to avoid any unnecessary heart breaking. The numbers stand out particularly, that attracted my attention to this article, and the title too.

MARRY A MILLIONARIE

Marry a Millionaire
by Ethan Cole


I can't name a single person who doesn't have some fantasies about being filthy rich. I'm quite certain that most people also have the same daydreams. Just look at the lines of people buying lottery tickets and you'll see the stars in their eyes. My parents were by no means rich, but not hurting for money. I always wanted the latest trends and my father would tell me that I was going to have to marry a millionaire just to keep up with my demands. While I knew he was joking, it was an idea that I considered. But, how in the world do you marry a millionaire? Do you just walk up to people in the streets, ask them if they're rich and single? It's a great fantasy but not one that most people have the pleasure of turning into a reality.
There are reality TV shows that allow people to compete for the opportunity to win the heart of and marry a millionaire. That just doesn't seem to be the proper way to court and fall in love. But, stuff like that brings in viewers and more viewers ensure profits for TV producers.

If you really want to marry a millionaire, make it happen. Just know that you might have to change your lifestyle before you even attempt to chase that dream. My father also told me that you are who you surround yourself with. If you want to be rich, surround yourself with rich people. Just make sure you are able to fit in. Normal people can't marry a millionaire if they don't play the part. Think about it, millionaires are probably well educated, worldly and live life in a certain manner. Remember Marilyn Monroe's role in "How to Marry A Millonaire"? Pretend you're her. Woo the lady or man that you've always dreamed of. I can't say that just because you may get lucky enough to marry a millionaire, you'll be happy. As much as you may think money buys happiness, and for me it just might, it may have the opposite affect. Perhaps after the ownership of expensive materials gets boring, you may realize how much you don't enjoy your lifestyle. I'm not sure why, so don't ask. But it could happen. You've seen the shows and movies. There's always the lady who does marry a millionaire and has a miserable life. Maybe he's never around. Maybe he has girlfriends all over the place. Maybe she's lonely and empty inside. Maybe they need to spend some of their earnings on therapy.
I certainly didn't marry a millionaire, but she is one in a million. We struggle to pay our bills some months and have arguments about money. Sure, I'd absolutely love to have a huge house and expensive cars, constant shopping sprees and go on exotic vacations. In fact, that's what I think about when I'm waiting behind all of those hopeful people in the lines to buy lottery tickets. I don't need to marry a millionaire, I just need a few lucky winning numbers.


Being incredebly rich over one night or some events, is everyone's dream. But, this is not a thing that can be easily acheieved. This article stands out because it tells a dream of everyone, which will intrigue people to read this article.

OFOSTER'S BEER

(This advertisement may consider to be a little bit inappropriate, because of the revealing that's showing, but I think this advertisement can be an good example of an offensive ad)

I have to mention that i found something pretty interesting when i first found this ad. When i showed girls this advertisement, all the feedback that i received were, beer can't help with diet. But when I showed it to the guys, the feedback were different. What the guys said was, when a guy get drunk, even a woman like that (on the left) can look like the one on the right to them. Which obviously indicates that this advertisement is made for men. Therefore, as a woman, i felt offensive when I looked at this. This advertisement shows absolutely zero respect to woman's body. It shows too much and lack of respect.

FAT WOMAN V.S. COCACOLA LIGHT

This advertisement is extremely offensive to certain group of people. Even though, this advertisement might simply just about overweight people should have coca cola light to lose weight, but still, it doesn't portray it in the right way. So, according to this advertisement, now that the coca cola zero has come out into the market, for the advertisement should they find a fatter person to advertise it? This is just extremely unacceptable.