Nicole Szeto
2.20.09
English 1B
Gabor
Red-tailed hawk missing after vandalism at San Jose's Youth Science Institute
This past Friday around 9:30 p.m, intruders broke into the Youth Science Institute located at San Jose’s Alum Rock Park. Tosh, a 20-year-old red-tailed hawk was released and also the intruders also released a great horned owl but it was found in a fence nearby. The intruders also damaged a wooden fence and destroyed the door to the institute which will cost around $2,000 in damage and vandalism. The institute educates about 30,000 children a year about more than 80 mammals that are living in the institute. Tosh, the red-tailed hawk give the children a chance to observe and learn more about animals like her, it also makes science concepts more understandable when it is applied to Tosh. The institute held an emergency fundraiser campaign which raised $300,000 in 12 weeks so the institute to keep operating.
This is important because the damage that was caused to the institute will ultimately slower the cash flow going into the institute. The institute already needed an emergency fundraiser campaign and with this incident that just happened, it will just add on to the list to be worried about. Also the economy is struggling as well, especially attractions like this institute, because many are struggling to keep the viewers coming. I am pretty sure Tosh and the owl were part of the main attraction at the institute, and without them their it can cause a huge effect in prospectors. Without institutes like this kids are not able to see the animals up close in person which can effect them in understanding the science concepts or just making learning more interesting so I hope the institute will be able to continue even with this incident.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Advocacy
Nicole Szeto
2.20.09
English 1 B
Gabor
“Adovah”
In the Adovah website there are many people that spoke about the program and how it helped them incredibly work wise and by helping build their personality. Religion is affiliated in the Adovah program because most of the founders and the participants help build the connection between social activism and Jewish life. Although most of the founders of the program were Jewish there were also a handful that were not. The participants that were not Jewish were those who worked in non-profitable organizations and those who wanted to better the world by helping those in need. The participants’ practices have definitely shaped the program into making it what it is today. The effort the alumnus have put in have helped the program prosper by helping those in need without having the intentions of getting any pay. All the participants within the program have a set belief, which is to benefit others first before themselves. Those who were Jewish had a mind set to serve others and to “integrate Judaism and social activism in ways that nourish their ideals and provide them with the capacity for stronger, enduring activism.”
Religious beliefs have a huge part in advocacy especially to those who are Christian, for example. Christians, like myself, have been taught to treat others like you would like to be treated. Although religion can take a huge part in advocacy, some people just do it because of karma. Some people do good deeds just because it is their nature to help those in need or because it makes them feel better as a person. Other people who do not believe in religion but believe in heaven think that doing good deeds and helping those in need will win them the key to heaven’s gate, however that is not the case.
2.20.09
English 1 B
Gabor
“Adovah”
In the Adovah website there are many people that spoke about the program and how it helped them incredibly work wise and by helping build their personality. Religion is affiliated in the Adovah program because most of the founders and the participants help build the connection between social activism and Jewish life. Although most of the founders of the program were Jewish there were also a handful that were not. The participants that were not Jewish were those who worked in non-profitable organizations and those who wanted to better the world by helping those in need. The participants’ practices have definitely shaped the program into making it what it is today. The effort the alumnus have put in have helped the program prosper by helping those in need without having the intentions of getting any pay. All the participants within the program have a set belief, which is to benefit others first before themselves. Those who were Jewish had a mind set to serve others and to “integrate Judaism and social activism in ways that nourish their ideals and provide them with the capacity for stronger, enduring activism.”
Religious beliefs have a huge part in advocacy especially to those who are Christian, for example. Christians, like myself, have been taught to treat others like you would like to be treated. Although religion can take a huge part in advocacy, some people just do it because of karma. Some people do good deeds just because it is their nature to help those in need or because it makes them feel better as a person. Other people who do not believe in religion but believe in heaven think that doing good deeds and helping those in need will win them the key to heaven’s gate, however that is not the case.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Affirmative Action
Affirmative Action
In chapter 12 in the book Compose, Design, Advocate , there is a short story about affirmative action. There was a boy named Charles Ogletree Jr., who was accepted into Stanford because of his nationality. He argues that affirmative action should be kept because it gives African Americans a greater chance into getting into college especially while attending an average high school and receiving an average G.P.A. It is funny how Charles Ogletree Jr. assumed he will be with his peers that are just like him. He definitely thought wrong; I mean has he heard of the saying “Nothing comes easy in life?” or how about “With success comes responsibility.” Nothing is ever handed to you without you working for it right? I am glad Stanford made Ogletree work for his grades and make him compete against those smarter than him.
I definitely agree with Ogletree when he said “It is my hope that one day we will no longer need affirmative action…However that time has not yet arrived.” (Pg. 412) It may seem unfair to the majority race that have an average G.P.A because they do not get the same opportunity as minorities. Also it can seem unfair as well because students that are White or Asian get denied from schools like Yale and Stanford even though they meet the requirements. Although the affirmative action is looked down upon, it is not ready to be taken away due some of the same problems we had decades ago.
More information about Affirmative Action
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Budget Cuts are Affecting all schools
Nicole Szeto
02.10.09
English 1B
Gabor
San Jose councilmen renew push to tap tobacco money for crossing guards
San Jose City Council members agreed to move $1.9 million in tobacco settlement money from nonprofit organizations to crossing guards at schools. Many parents and prospectors joined Councilmen Pierluigi Oliverio and Pete Constant to push this new promotion with tobacco companies because this can provide funding for nearly 200 police-supervised crossing guards. The crossing guard program is highly affected by next year’s $65 million deficit next year by a 20 percent reduction. This tobacco settlement will hopefully schools by funding enough money to help pay for cross guards. Parents like Lori Katcher, who has two kids attending Merrit Trace Elementary School, said “Any amount of wonderful programs will mean nothing if our children aren’t safe.” This program is being pushed by many who spoke as the council’s Rules and Open Government Committee to consider this new proposal. Hopefully this program will also help parents feel more secure about their kid’s safety. The budget cut that will be occurring next year is affecting everyone in San Jose, from elementary schools to San Jose State University. This budget cut will make all the schools have some withdrawals which will affect the students within the school.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Police on Segways to Patrol Downtown San Jose
Nicole Szeto
2.9.09
English 1B
Gabor
San Jose will be the first major city to use personal transporters called Segways, which will cost around $6,000 each. They will be used to help patrol downtown on weekend evenings to insure safety at night. Each Segway is able to go up to 12 mph, however it can travel up to 24 miles after it is fully charge, which will cost only 10 cents. The foundation started in 2006 by Chief Robert Davis ho hopes to purchase two to three Segways for the department. Although the Segways will come in handy when it is time to catch criminals, but is it really worth $6,000? Most of the security guards that are working in local malls are using Segways now as well but will it benefit the security guards? Yes, it will benefit the guards and police by being able to catch the criminals instead of running but it is a waste of $6,000 when it can be spent somewhere else and it is contributing to security guards obesity. By being on a Segway I believe that security guards and police can forget about going through the physical test because they have Segways to depend on. I wish I could have said to the Chief when he made this decision “ Don’t wanna hear your shoulda-coulda-wouldas! Get your head outta your butt” (Pg 449) We should not get the Segways, because like I said it is a waste of money.
2.9.09
English 1B
Gabor
San Jose will be the first major city to use personal transporters called Segways, which will cost around $6,000 each. They will be used to help patrol downtown on weekend evenings to insure safety at night. Each Segway is able to go up to 12 mph, however it can travel up to 24 miles after it is fully charge, which will cost only 10 cents. The foundation started in 2006 by Chief Robert Davis ho hopes to purchase two to three Segways for the department. Although the Segways will come in handy when it is time to catch criminals, but is it really worth $6,000? Most of the security guards that are working in local malls are using Segways now as well but will it benefit the security guards? Yes, it will benefit the guards and police by being able to catch the criminals instead of running but it is a waste of $6,000 when it can be spent somewhere else and it is contributing to security guards obesity. By being on a Segway I believe that security guards and police can forget about going through the physical test because they have Segways to depend on. I wish I could have said to the Chief when he made this decision “ Don’t wanna hear your shoulda-coulda-wouldas! Get your head outta your butt” (Pg 449) We should not get the Segways, because like I said it is a waste of money.
Pilot Safety Program for Housing Begins
Nicole Szeto
2/9/09
English 1b – 40
Gabor
This article in the Spartan Daily says that the residents of Campus Village C (CVC) and Campus Village B (CVB) have to check in themselves and their guest, if present, between 12 A.M to 3 A.M from Thursday to Saturday. Students that were interviewed have mixed feelings about this process. Although it will be safer because RAs will be able to know who goes in and out of CVC and CVB during those times. RAs are hoping to catch more people that happen to be getting drunk during the weekends. This program will hopefully decrease the presence of unauthorized guests, which will make the suites a lot safer. Other universities such as SDSU and UCLA have a program similar to the one SJSU has now, however their program was enforced since the beginning of school and for 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Many people have different feelings about this program but like Elkin said, “It serves many purposes well, but it is also full of drawbacks.” (Pg 430)
2/9/09
English 1b – 40
Gabor
Pilot safety program for housing begins
This article in the Spartan Daily says that the residents of Campus Village C (CVC) and Campus Village B (CVB) have to check in themselves and their guest, if present, between 12 A.M to 3 A.M from Thursday to Saturday. Students that were interviewed have mixed feelings about this process. Although it will be safer because RAs will be able to know who goes in and out of CVC and CVB during those times. RAs are hoping to catch more people that happen to be getting drunk during the weekends. This program will hopefully decrease the presence of unauthorized guests, which will make the suites a lot safer. Other universities such as SDSU and UCLA have a program similar to the one SJSU has now, however their program was enforced since the beginning of school and for 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Many people have different feelings about this program but like Elkin said, “It serves many purposes well, but it is also full of drawbacks.” (Pg 430)
Monday, February 9, 2009
Homework for Feb 9th
Nicole Szeto
February 5th, 2009
Cathy Gabor
Eng 1B-40
Knit Blogging: Considering an Online Community
I chose this piece because Amy E. Earhart, the author of Knitting Blogging, was a little naïve when it came to blogging until she found an outlet for her current problems she had with knitting. Many people, like her, did not know why people allowed strangers to read their personal interest or just about their daily duties; however, until people find a blog within their interest they begin become intrigued and start to understand why blogs are so popular now a days.
When Earhart found the different blogs about knitting and the tips within the blog, it really made her appreciate blogging a lot more because without it she would have hated knitting more. The blog helped many successful knitters by showing them different techniques, tips on knitting, starting projects and also feedback on local yarn stores. The blog comes in handy especially if you are new to knitting because many experienced knitters give feedback and advice. The bloggers are very consistent in putting up new pictures and helping different knitters from around the world with their problems. Earhart soon realized after visiting this blog that blogging can also help in academics because people like her sometimes have an easier way in expressing themselves by writing instead of speaking orally. She also realized that the bloggers in the knitting blog or in any blog help eliminate racism and the common problems we have around us. Blogging can help many who are bad a speaking in public or it can help those who are better at composing a piece by writing on paper. Blogging has evolved into something that can and will help everyone possible from fashion sense, political views, to music and I am pretty sure blogging with continue to spread.
February 5th, 2009
Cathy Gabor
Eng 1B-40
Knit Blogging: Considering an Online Community
I chose this piece because Amy E. Earhart, the author of Knitting Blogging, was a little naïve when it came to blogging until she found an outlet for her current problems she had with knitting. Many people, like her, did not know why people allowed strangers to read their personal interest or just about their daily duties; however, until people find a blog within their interest they begin become intrigued and start to understand why blogs are so popular now a days.
When Earhart found the different blogs about knitting and the tips within the blog, it really made her appreciate blogging a lot more because without it she would have hated knitting more. The blog helped many successful knitters by showing them different techniques, tips on knitting, starting projects and also feedback on local yarn stores. The blog comes in handy especially if you are new to knitting because many experienced knitters give feedback and advice. The bloggers are very consistent in putting up new pictures and helping different knitters from around the world with their problems. Earhart soon realized after visiting this blog that blogging can also help in academics because people like her sometimes have an easier way in expressing themselves by writing instead of speaking orally. She also realized that the bloggers in the knitting blog or in any blog help eliminate racism and the common problems we have around us. Blogging can help many who are bad a speaking in public or it can help those who are better at composing a piece by writing on paper. Blogging has evolved into something that can and will help everyone possible from fashion sense, political views, to music and I am pretty sure blogging with continue to spread.
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