Wednesday, April 27, 2011

"Book War"

The article “Book War” by Wang Ping is about Ping growing up in China. Back in the 1960’s the government closed schools and banned books. If any citizens were caught breaking the rules it could lead to a death sentence. Ping’s mother buried a box of books under the chicken coop so they would not be discovered. But Ping unburied them. When his mother found out she made him rip pages out and burn them in the fire place.
            I don’t think this is right. People in all countries should have the right to learn. Reading books is on of the greatest learning strategies. If countries really want to banned learning and reading, their punishment should not be a death sentence. In my opinion that’s too harsh. They should come up with a punishment that is not harmful to the citizens. If learning was banned in the United States I would try and fight it. I would make a protest with other citizens to save learning.
 If I had children who wanted to read, I would not stop them, even if it was banned. I would let them read in a safe area to make sure they got their education. I would never do what Ping’s mother did! I would never crush my children’s heart by making them rip up their favorite books and watch them burn. I think that wasn’t right of her. She should of went about things a different way. She should have took them away and re-hid them from her child.
            Even though countries have many different beliefs, people still have their rights. I am just thankful we live in a country where the government encourages learning. I wouldn’t change our life style for anything in the world. 

Thursday, April 21, 2011

"Driving While Stupid"

          The article "Driving While Stupid" by Dave Barry is about how Barry has driven in almost every major city. He has sen people putting on make up while driving, reading, eating, changing CD's, and even shaving behind the wheel. His most dangerous city was Miami. Between all the reckless driving and speeding, its the worst yet.
          This is very true! Even though I haven't driven in any major cities, I have had my fair share of seeing weird things on the road. I have witnessed someone shaving their face, picking their nose, painting their nails, and plucking their eye brows. It is extremely dangerous to be preoccupied with other things rather than watching the road. I have also noticed that people who are paying attention to other things speed, stop short, and are reckless drivers. These people are putting themselves ands other innocent people in danger. A couple years ago, there was a fatal accident on Route 44 near my house. Come to find out the women was putting on make up while driving. She was speeding and she lost control and hit a tree.
          People make very bad judgments everyday. If you need to shave your face or do your make up, start getting ready earlier so you have time to do that at home. Instead of endangering yourself and other people. People really need to start practicing safe driving. Putting on make up or reading a book at a red light is not as important as your life or someone else's.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

"Cell Yell: Thanks for (Not) Sharing"

            The article “Cell Yell: Thanks for (Not) Sharing” by Eric A. Taub is about how society today with cell phone use intrudes on other people’s lives. Back in the 1950’s when people needed to make a call they were able to use phone booths so their conversations were private and excluded to other people. A lot of people are extremely rude, making or answering calls while in an air plane, in the movies, and even in restaurants.
            I completely agree with Taub because I can’t tell you how many times I go out somewhere and I feel like I’m apart of someone’s conversation. I noticed that a lot of people talk loud while on the phone. I sometimes catch myself doing it too. I think it’s because if you are having a hard time hearing the other person that you feel that they cant hear you, so you have to peak up. It’s really distracting when you are out to eat trying to enjoy yourself, while the person near you is screaming on the phone. Another problem is that people are sometimes so inconsiderate that they leave their phones on loud and it rings while in a movie theater and they sit and talk over the movie. People should be more respectful to others. If the phone call is important walk out of the movies or restaurant and answer it. Cell phones have become such a huge part society. Even now texting is becoming a problem. Kids especially will answer a text in class and while driving. Even with the new law in tact, people still text and drive and it’s a huge danger to other people.
            I believe cell phones are a good thing to have just incase of an emergency. But people are taking abuse to it. The society would be a better and safer place if people put them to the side and used them respectfully and when necessary.