The research paper!

I've been working hard on my research paper, and have actually had fun researching uniforms. I've learned a lot from the articles I've read. Many people support uniforms. Research leads to the conclusion that uniforms have benefits such as decreased violence, higher test scores, less teasing, increased school attendance, lower clothing costs, and higher student confidence. Also, parents report an easier morning routine. Studies have supported this data, and now uniforms are moving from private schools, to public ones. On the other hand, many don't approve of uniforms. Arguments against them are definitely present. Some claim a violation of the 14th amendment, others say they have paid much more than fits into their budget for the outfits, researchers are skeptical about the benefits partly because other factors may contribute, and kids just don't like wearing them. I've taken pretty much a middle ground on the issue. I think uniforms can be very beneficial, and schools should consider adopting them with exceptions to help those who can't afford it, and transfers to schools that don't require them. Hopefully my paper will come together!

Still Setting The Scene

I'm on about page 90 in my book, and still things haven't heated up. Pi describes his life as a child. He was very interested in religion as a boy. He was raised in Hinduism, but walking into a church at age fourteen, decides to be Christan. Pi then explains how he became a Muslim at age fifteen. It began when Pi met a Muslim baker Mr. Satish Kumar, who, in the middle of a conversation with Pi, excused himself to pray. Pi watched the routine and returned later to ask the baker about his religion; the baker explained that Islam is about the Beloved. Pi began to pray with Mr. Kumar and to visit a local mosque. He later tells his parents he has decided to be all three at the same time. His parents tell him he has to choose one, but he says he just wants to love God. Mr. Patel, Pi's father, decides that it is time for him to move to Canada, because he is annoyed with the Indian government. Pi and his brother Ravi are unsure. Mr. Patel sells many of his zoo animals, but plans to take some with in a cargo ship with the family. Pi remembers setting sail and being very excited, but he also remembers his mothers apprehension. I think it will get exciting very soon. This is where the problem is going to come in. Can't wait to keep reading.

Pi from Life of Pi

Pi is the main character in the book I'm reading, Life of Pi. The story is told from his point of view, and he is definitely the main character in the book. Pi is very smart, and his dad owns a zoo. He thinks deeper, and is more analytical than most people I know. Though many think it is cruel to own a zoo and keep animals caged, Pi explains it differently. He says that putting animals in a zoo is not much different for them than being in the wild, if anything, it is better. They mark their territory in the wild, and it is about the same size as the cage they are in. Also, in the wild, they struggle to get food, and sometimes don't receive a days meal, but in a zoo they are fed regularly. Pi is originally from India. He has a very close relationship with his parents, and grandparents. Pi, again, seems very intelligent, and educated. I think he will be able to handle any problems he encounters later in the book.

I really enjoyed watching On The Waterfront. I liked it even more than The 400 Blows, because I thought it had a more suspenseful plot, and the fact that it was in English also helped. I thought Terry was the most interesting character because he was caught in the middle of the major conflict. In love with Edie, he had to stand by her side with the whole Joey thing, but also wanted to be true to his older brother, who was apart of the mob. In the end, as the mob betrayed his older brother, Terry obviously took the opposing side to them. He stood up to the mob leader, and really proved a point. There were many great cinematic elements used, and I thought the movie was well done. It is so fun to watch movies in class, and I hop we will continue to watch them throughout the year.

So Far In Life of Pi

For the new outside reading book, I chose to read Life of Pi by Yann Martel. I decided to read it because I wanted a fiction book. The librarian recommended it to me, and said it was a good adventure, so I decided to go for it. I haven't read very much yet, mostly just in the time we've been given in class, but I think I'm going to like it. It is about a boy named Pi. He is from India, and believes in several religions. His dad is a zookeeper, and Pi practically grew up in the zoo. He is also a very good swimmer, and was taught everything about the sport by his grandfather. Not much exciting has happened yet, but I know in the book Pi becomes stranded in a life boat with a tiger. I am ready for this part of the story to occur. Hopefully, Life of Pi will be a great book!

All My Sons Reflection

Overall, I enjoyed All My Sons. I thought the plot was very scintillating, and kept me engaged. The characters were emotionally complex, and were fun to read about. I thought the ending was dramatic, and suprising. Many themes also abounded from the story. I thought the theme about morals, and how differing they were between characters. Chris was my favorite character in the play, because he thought for the most part about others over himself. His concerns were for society, and went farther than his family's financial situation. I also enjoyed Kate, though she was somewhat psychotic, because of her intense emotions and self confidence. Joe really took me off guard when I found out he was responsible for the killing of 21 pilots as he sent out the faulty plane parts. I really didn't think he had it in him. I think that overall though, he is a good man because everything he did was for his family. Even up until the end, Joe really killed himself for Chris, and couldn't live with the thought of his sons hating him.As a whole, I thought All My Sons was a well written play and would definately read it if there had been the option not to.