Sewage Coastal Problem

"...sewage pouring into the world's seas and oceans is polluting their water and coastlines and endangering the health and welfare of the people and animals that inhabit them..."
[http://www.physorg.com/news79196531.html]

Untreated sewage water is polluting water around the world. In our class, we are learning about the problems Earth's water is having because of humans and government systems, The sewage systems are dumping untreated bacteria and diseases into the oceans, and poisoning the marine life. This ties in with our school project, because it shows how humans are starting problems in the ocean in a matter of seconds, that'll take years to solve.

Final Post.

[Uplifted]

Mad at the world because all I can think about is ‘the problems’. My parents just don’t know, and my friends don’t seem to understand. Teachers give work on top of work, and if I tell them, why would they care? It seems like everything’s gone wrong, and nothing goes my way. So sitting in my room with the door locked shut and the stereo turned loud, I tuned out the world. “To all the youth world that thinks nobody understands. Well I understand that.” The music coming out of the stereo caught my attention.

Finally, someone who knows; someone I can relate to. Mary J. Blige’s music seemed to come at me every time I needed some uplifting words (or when I just needed to be assured that I wasn’t the only one). Lyrics like; “Straight up, I ain’t got time for new friends, I need paper”. “I want you to rescue me, take me from this misery.”

If it wasn’t lyrics to relate to, it was positivity that made me look at the good side of situations, instead of the bad. “Work what you got” and don’t worry about the haters. Take the positive out of the negative and focus on the compliments people give you, instead of the hateful words people say just because they aren’t happy with themselves. She sang about real life situations, and positive uplifting ways to overcome troubles. And she led by example.

Without disrespecting herself, keeping a strong feminine personality, and taking her life into her own hands, she stayed true to herself, and lived the words she sang. No bad gossip was ever said about her, because everyone knows she handles her own business. Now she has reached a level in her life that she only imagined about when she was younger. When it seems like anger got the best of me, and I don’t know what to do, I’d just think about the words of her songs and everything’d be okay.

Because of that, I’m confident about what I plan on doing in life, and I know it’s not necessary to lower my self-standards to get there. The problems I used to trip on don’t seem as big anymore.

When my friends come to me with their problems, I can give them positive helpful advice about getting through it, instead of sitting there complaining with them. “Well, hold on, I say. Things will soon turn my way”. Life doesn’t stay bad for too long and troubles are just obstacles I need to get over to get to where I dream if being in life. And I will get there without demeaning myself, or lowering my self-standards, to stay a strong independent female.

[Bioloqy]

A&T Television networks. (2009). Retrieved on September 11, 2009, From Biography Channel Website: http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biography_story/1132:1289/1/Mary_J_Blige.htm



EZLyrics. (2005). Retreived September 11, 2009, From EZLyrics. Website:

http://www.elyrics.net/song/m/mary-j.-blige-lyrics.html

American Icon Reflection 2 [part 1]

1. I discovered that I usully have very organized writings, but I make it more personal and don't explain myself very well. So I need to work on that more.

2. Punctuate with Purpose and Purpose.
       -I used that because I wanted to give more emphasis and meaning to some lines in my writing more than others. It worked well, and emphasizd the parts of my writing that I wanted emphasized. It helped the message that I wanted to make more clearer, which was cool.

3. If I had one more draft, I would add more quotes and make it more interesting. I probably explain myself some more.

4. "Well, hold on, I say. Things will soon turn my way." Life doesn't stay bad for too long and troubles are just obstacles I need to get over to get to where I dream of being in life.
          -That pretty much ties up the whole artist statement. My life is full of obstacles that I need to learn to vercome, and the lyrics of Mary J. Blige have helped me to realize that. It may not be easy, and even if sometimes I do feel like Im the only one in my situation, it's just a temporary situation that I will get over.

Optional Assignment

Question 1
       -"Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness" was first originated from an english philosopher named John Locke who [originally] said "No one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions." It was later put into the Declaration of Independence as "Life, Liberty, and..."

Question 2
     -Hamilton, J. Madison, and John Jay wrote the Federalists Papers. The federalists papers were  written in order to try and win the ratification of the new constitution from the state of New York. They wrote [in summary] "Hamilton rejects giving power to appoint in hands of the electorate or their legislature. Appointment is the responsibility of the president. Impartiality and the President’s sense of duty to the People are to guide his appointments. Impartiality and merit are to guide the President in his nominations.Problem posed by a Senate with sole power to appoint. Hamilton explains why the President has the power to nominate and is not given the “absolute power of appointment". Hamilton explains the relationship between nomination and appointment. ..etc."

Question 3
     -John Locke. promoted an ideology  that is coherent with an oligarcial system. He expressed the radical view that government is morally obliged to serve people, namely by protectinglife, liberty, and property. He insisted that when government violates individual rights, people may legitimately rebel.
    -Gottfried Leibniz. he believed in auniverse which followed a "pre-established harmony" between mind and matter.
    -Emmerich de Vattel. He was most famous for his 1758 work in Droit des gens; ou, princep... In english= The Law of Nations of the Principles of Natural Law applied to Conduct and to the Affairs of Nations and of Sovereigns

Picture

Okay, so here's my photo. It took me the whole saturday to come to this one. I don't know. Its a kind of a tie between this one and thee other one I have, but I only put this one up. Ima do the 'bpi' think Monday morning tosee if it'll fit and what not, but this is pretty much what it it. It's way bigger than it appears. i was thinking about cropping the background [after i check the bpi] so i can take alot of the attention of the back and put it on me.

Artist's Statement &&Critiques.

Summary:
-So Madison [my critiquer] suggested that I tell more about how I first heard Mary J. Blige's music, and how it first inspired me. She also suggested that I go into more detail about my change in attitude when I started listening to Mary J, and looking up to her and what-not. Oh, and to also go into more detail about how she's inspirational in person as well as in song.

Plans:
-My plans and goals for this artist statement is to clearly show how uplifting music inspired me to be more positive, as well as explain that I can do alot in life [anything I want] and I don' have to demean or misrepresent myself to get or become what I want.

New Draft:

2nd draft:

      Mad at the world, because all I can think about is 'the problems'. My parents just don'tknow, and my friends don't seem to understand. Teachers give work on top of work, and if I tell them, why would they care? It  seems like everythings gone wrong and nothing goes my way. So sitting in my room, with the door locked shut and stereo turned loud, I tune out the world. "To all the youth world that thinks nobody understands. Well I understand." The music coming out of the stereo caught my attention.

       Finally, someone who knows,and someone Ican relate to so i won't be the only one. Mary J. Blge's music seemed to come at me everytime Ineeded some uplifting wordss (or when I just needed to be assured that I wasn't the only one). Words like "Staight up, I ain't got timw for new friends, I need paper." "I want you to rescue me, take me from this misery." And if it wasn't something to relate to, it ws jus the positivity that made me see the good out of the bad. "Work what you got." and don't worry about the haters. Take the positivie out of the negative, and focus on the compliment you get, instead of the hateful words haters say. She sang about real life situatins and positive uplifting ways to overcome troubles, and she led by example.

      When it seems like anger got the best of me, and I don't know what to do, I'd just think about the words of her songs and everything'd be okay. Without disrespecting herself, keeping a strong feminine personality, she stayed true to herself and lived the words she sang. No bad gossip was ever said about her, because everyone knows she does hers. Now she has reached a level in her life that she only imagined about when she was younger.

      Because of that, I'm more confident about what I plan on doing on life, and I don't have to lower my self-standards to get there. The problems that I used to trip on don't seem as big anymore. When my friends come to me with their problems, I can give them positive helpful advice about getting through it, instead of sitting there complaining with them. "Well, hold on, I say. Things will soon turn my way." Life doesn't stay bad for too long and troubles are just obstacles I need to get over to get to where I dream of being in life. And I will get there without demeaning myself, or lowering my self-standards, to stay a strong independent female.

Photography Techniques

  1.) Rule of Thirds.
       -I like the rule of thirds because it makes the picture look more creative, and focuses on the background scene a little more, which i like. And I think using the rule of thirds would make my image look more sophisticated, and that would be good because Mary J is extremely sophisticated so that'd be perfect.

  2.)Contrast
     -I want the subject of the image to contrast with the background alot. I don't know.I just think that would look really good.

  3.)Backlighting
     -In one of Mary J's music videos, the one called 'Just Fine', she has the starshot lights in the back and having that in my image would be really cute, and it would add a touch a 'Mary' you know?!

American Icons - Resources

Resources for Mary J. Blige
-Websites
...mjblige.com
...http://www.starpulse.com/Music/Blige,_Mary_J./
(these are important because they provide the autobiography, anmd information of Mary J. Bliges life and history, what she came to be, the gossip and facts about her life right now, and the new updated news on her.)

-Music
...Mary J. Blige's songs
(Any of her songs, if not all of them, would be a good source because her music is pretty much the way I know, and heard, about her. Her music symbolizes her if not anything else.)

Visual Media
...television
...pictures
(this would be a little resource, not that important though. Because part of the reason Mary J is such an icon to me is because her style, and the look she poses when she takes pictures or is in front of cameras.)


Resources ASPCA
-Websites
...www.aspca.org
(This source would provide all the information on the ASPCA that i need. Extremely informative because it's the official website for thee organization.)

-Media
(The ASPCA has a tv show that would very helpful, and shows (in action) all that the ASPCA does.)

-interview
(i can call them, and ask them about their organization. About what they do, and how they do it.

American Icon

Mary J Blige represents a classy individual that knows what she wants out of life, and does her best to get there. Mary J. Blige is a vocal artist in the R&B hip-hop industry, and she has yet to demean herself to get there. Her style is unique, and she made a lot of the music that I listen to it. Thee music she has made inspired me to make better choices in my life, and I've been able to relate to a few of thee songs as well.

Mary J. Blige came form the poor areas of New York. She earned her respect from thee audience she had in New York, when she was young, by her 'street cred'.She was raised fighting for what she wanted. Her mom was a nurse and a jazz artist. She didn't plan on being a famous vocal artist, but her mother sent a recording of Mary singing karaoke, and her career started from there. She made real songs,that people in her neighborhood and in her similar 'life-situation' could relate to. With dedication, respect for herself and everyone around her, she became a major voice of her generation.

 

Mary J. Blige inspired thee 'Just Fine' attitude; being positive, and happy to be you. She sang songs on loving yourself, and dropping thee unnecessary negativity around you. Believe in yourself. She said 'work that', and ignore the haters that are unhappy with you, because they are just unhappy with themself. Celebrate the good things everyone's told you. Don't be ashamed when you need to change, because it's good for yourself.

And for those 'down moments', when it seems like no one knows what I'm goin through, she sang 'Runaway Love' and 'Be Without You', 'We Ride', 'Enough Crying', and 'The One'. She's such an inspirational person, and a true American Icon.

How did this icon become important in American culture?

Thee Aspca is an organization that saves animals from cruel circumstances and situations. Not everyone that owns an animal knows how to take care of it, or has good intentions. Some animals are raised in diseased environments, or aren't fed for months at a time, or worse. The Aspca removes the animals form those environments, and gets them back to health right before giving them to adoptive owners that are better suited to take cre of it. They've saved many animals from near death situations, from puppies to horses, cats and alligators.

What does this icon represent to you and why?

This icon represents rescue... pretty much. It shows me that there is always someone out there that is looking for my best, and my well-being. It represents the 'caring part' of america. In a country where war is everywhere,  violence is right across the street, and the neglect and abuse is happening inside our own homes, Aspca shows that there are people fighting against injustice for those tht can't speak/save themselves. By taking the animals out of their bad situations and putting them into a better home, it shows me that there's always a better place somewhere.

How did this icon become important to me?

I first saw the Aspca on tv. I never knew animals were treated so badly, and so frequently around the country. Horses were neglected and left in stables to stand in their own feces. Dogs were stuck in a cage without food and left towatch each other starve to death in the backyard of a healthy owner. Chickens were shaved and left in a pit to fight to the death. The Aspca were the people that would convict somebody of the animals rough living, and make the animal as good as knew. And I think that's wonderful because if they didn't do that, so many animals would be dead, tortured, or worse, and no one would know. It would never be brought to thee light.

Music represents self-expression, emotion, and freedom. True Freedom. Music is my way of expressing myself; a way to release all my emotions [anger, happiness, sorrow.. etc] and put it out there, even if it's only to myself. To put a beat to some words, and sing it at any volume i please, or rap at any speed goin down the freeway. Music is like my open diary. There's a song out there for every time, every moment, and every feeling I have. And if I can't find it, or I don't like it, I can make my own. Music  is everywhere and in everything. I love it. You can dance to it, rock to it, sing and rap to it, nod yo head to it. Music represents... the American dream, in a way, and I love it.

I started living with music at a very young age. Both my parents were in the choir at church, and my family was always singing something for some reason. So I grew up with gospel and od school. Then when I got into middle school, I was introduced to different genres such as BET, MtV, kids at school, Rock, Latin, and Soul. Singing has always been something I've enjoyed. I'd be in class making songs and raps, remixes to the popular songs at the time, and making lil' dances to go along. Me and my lil buddies. Music has played a big part in my life. Now, I can't focus without, if i can't hear a steady beat and a good voice on top, my attention span shortens, and my mind tends to wander. Ha.

But music is important, not only in my life, but in American culture as well. Music is in everything. Music plays as the bride walks down the aisle in a wedding. There's music in church and in every religion [that i know of]. Music is in commercials,and there are tv stations based solely on music. The White House sings a song while they face the American flag. Slaves used music when they had no other way of communicating. Music is so universal, it's crazy. There's music in Russia, Japan, Costa Rica. The birds sing songs while chillin in the tree tops. So it's not an American culture type-thing [music], it's a worldwide connector. Ha, the universal langauge. Yeah That.

Welcom Back to school

This year i hope to gain a sense of responsibility and more independence. My goals for thee upcoming junior year is to end the year with the satisfaction that I have done thee best that i could and that i have no regrets. I plan on turning in on my assignments on time, and to thee best of my abilities so I have nothing to worry about when I apply for colleges.
I hope to improve on my time-management school, with school, family, work, sports, extra, etc.

In Humanities, I hope to improve my reading comprehension (because I'm not very well at that). I hope to learn, or develop, open-mindedness, because... i mean, I'm not close-minded, but I'm extremely stubborn. I don't change my mind very much when it concerns other people, and I hope to improveon that.