Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
THE CONNECTION: Hurricane Katrina & Sewage Spill of Malibu
Both Hurricane Katrina and the Sewage Spill of Malibu were result of lack of government participation...
Katrina was as severe as it was because the Levees broke.
Sewage spill was caused by a metal clamp that had deterioated over time on the main sewer line.
In both scenarios government participation could have prevented the situation. While the spill isnt as intense as Katrina it was impacting. Minor corrections that are negleted lead to disasters.
In both senarios government participation could have prevented the situation. While the spill clearly isn't as tragic, it does leave an impression. Neglect leads to disasters
It takes both government and citizen participation to benefit a community!
Katrina was as severe as it was because the Levees broke.
Sewage spill was caused by a metal clamp that had deterioated over time on the main sewer line.
In both scenarios government participation could have prevented the situation. While the spill isnt as intense as Katrina it was impacting. Minor corrections that are negleted lead to disasters.
In both senarios government participation could have prevented the situation. While the spill clearly isn't as tragic, it does leave an impression. Neglect leads to disasters
It takes both government and citizen participation to benefit a community!
Documentary Summary of "When The Levees Broke"
Ethics:
Some were blessed shelter and care in the Super Dome, but even that was breaking down in the turmoil of Hurricane Katrina. The US Coast Guard tried to rescue those who were stranded on buildings, debris, and water that covered 80% of the city. Citizens did their part by aiding eachother with what they could. Their efforts were focused on the ill, disabled, old and young. Some victims were relocated to different states far from the disaster. However, family wasn’t consider, several were separated from their mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters. There was no system. The education of children in New Orleans was an important issue that needed to be addressed and would resolve many of the problems that the city faced. Educated people make an environment safer. Majority of people's homes and sentimental items had been completely destroyed by the Hurricane. Victims depended on other victims for support because they were all they had left. They were robbed of their property and lost all materials and even family. Loosing family was the hardest to face because items are replaceable pets, friends and family aren’t.
Government & Role of Citizens:
The citizens of New Orleans main focus for years was to educate, especially their children because they are the future. The government was slow in providing aid to Katrina victims and clearing the damages of the hurricane. The people were promised a rebuilding of their home in under six months by their mayor; however, the people knew it was false hope. It’s impossible to rebuild a location in under six months that took over forty years to accomplish what it has. Another promise was stronger levees. Many were concerned that the new levees would still not be able to withstand a hurricane of the same magnitude as Katrina. The government had known that the levees were not up to standard 10 to 15 years ago, yet they did nothing to reconstruct it. Knowing of the defect and not correcting the situation is neglect. Citizens felt lied to and disconnected to the country. Hurricane Katrina caused the biggest domestic relief mission in the history of the United States. Because there was no law and order, the military stepped in. Not only was the reaction from the military and other relief agencies slow, President Bush himself was slow with government response. Unlike President Johnson during Hurricane Betsy, Bush did not go down to New Orleans. Many had strongly felt as if FEMA treated the city as if it were nothing serious.The line was crossed once they were referred to as refugees. The name calling was heart breaking.
Existentialism:
Five days after Katrina hit the federal government came to New Orleans. The delay caused people to question the true intention of the government. Was their help for publicity or for love and protection? Many feel that their dedication was weak and aid came after the real struggle. Because the victims lost so much then were not helped when needed they began to question their faith. The experience was traumatizing and left people wondering not only why it occurred but what purpose is there. New Orleans has a unique culture that cannot be replaced. Their spirit is still alive and shows that nothing, not even a natural disaster as devastating as Katrina can ruin that. Because New Orleans was completely destroyed, depression was an issue for many. Many were deeply disturbed and needed medical and psychological help. Music and celebration was a major way for people to reunite with their community. Sadly there was some who were not strong enough to fight the struggle and committed. Katrina didn’t only break the Levees, it broke homes, families and ruined lives.
Some were blessed shelter and care in the Super Dome, but even that was breaking down in the turmoil of Hurricane Katrina. The US Coast Guard tried to rescue those who were stranded on buildings, debris, and water that covered 80% of the city. Citizens did their part by aiding eachother with what they could. Their efforts were focused on the ill, disabled, old and young. Some victims were relocated to different states far from the disaster. However, family wasn’t consider, several were separated from their mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters. There was no system. The education of children in New Orleans was an important issue that needed to be addressed and would resolve many of the problems that the city faced. Educated people make an environment safer. Majority of people's homes and sentimental items had been completely destroyed by the Hurricane. Victims depended on other victims for support because they were all they had left. They were robbed of their property and lost all materials and even family. Loosing family was the hardest to face because items are replaceable pets, friends and family aren’t.
Government & Role of Citizens:
The citizens of New Orleans main focus for years was to educate, especially their children because they are the future. The government was slow in providing aid to Katrina victims and clearing the damages of the hurricane. The people were promised a rebuilding of their home in under six months by their mayor; however, the people knew it was false hope. It’s impossible to rebuild a location in under six months that took over forty years to accomplish what it has. Another promise was stronger levees. Many were concerned that the new levees would still not be able to withstand a hurricane of the same magnitude as Katrina. The government had known that the levees were not up to standard 10 to 15 years ago, yet they did nothing to reconstruct it. Knowing of the defect and not correcting the situation is neglect. Citizens felt lied to and disconnected to the country. Hurricane Katrina caused the biggest domestic relief mission in the history of the United States. Because there was no law and order, the military stepped in. Not only was the reaction from the military and other relief agencies slow, President Bush himself was slow with government response. Unlike President Johnson during Hurricane Betsy, Bush did not go down to New Orleans. Many had strongly felt as if FEMA treated the city as if it were nothing serious.The line was crossed once they were referred to as refugees. The name calling was heart breaking.
Existentialism:
Five days after Katrina hit the federal government came to New Orleans. The delay caused people to question the true intention of the government. Was their help for publicity or for love and protection? Many feel that their dedication was weak and aid came after the real struggle. Because the victims lost so much then were not helped when needed they began to question their faith. The experience was traumatizing and left people wondering not only why it occurred but what purpose is there. New Orleans has a unique culture that cannot be replaced. Their spirit is still alive and shows that nothing, not even a natural disaster as devastating as Katrina can ruin that. Because New Orleans was completely destroyed, depression was an issue for many. Many were deeply disturbed and needed medical and psychological help. Music and celebration was a major way for people to reunite with their community. Sadly there was some who were not strong enough to fight the struggle and committed. Katrina didn’t only break the Levees, it broke homes, families and ruined lives.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
I Am From
I am from birth
From naked to clothed
I am from the hospital
Where I was gift wrapped in a pink blanket
Smelling of fabric softener
I am from innocence
The innocence of a new born fresh to the world
I am from childhood
From having no father
I am from my single mother
Mother of two
Me and my older brother
I am from several apartments
Complimented with small balconies, fake gas fueled fire places
I am from one elementary school
I’m from three middle schools
And one high school
I am from running late
Sprinting to catch the school bus
And no time for breakfast
I’m from late nights
With friends that turn into family
From adventures with everlasting memories
I’m from tears followed by laughter
From the natural highs of life
I am from the undefeated
The one who will never surrender
From forgiving and understanding
I am from pushing the limits
I am from that extra mile
Surpassing my expectations
I’m from mistakes
I’m here for the day
To enjoy the ride I’m on
I will continue no matter what comes my way
Sharp turns, drops, and loops won’t stop me
I am here for the taking
I am life.
Playlist
Lucky
January 2008
“Just a Ride”- Jem
“Time & Confusion”- Anberlin
“Inside Out”- Eve 6
“Space”- Something Corporate
“Unwritten”- Natasha Beddingfield
“Wannabe”- Spice Girls
“Make Up”- Elefant
“The Taste of Ink”- The Used
“This Is Not a Girl”- ShiraGirl
“Maneater”- Nelly Furtado
“Me, Myself, and I”- Beyonce
“Everytime”- Britney Spears
“When It All Falls Apart”- The Veronicas
“Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”- Shania Twain
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Personal Narrative Playlist Poem
Everybody look at me, me
My book is barely beginning
The journey is just a ride
When time & confusion collide
I’ve turned it inside out
Searching for the answer to my doubts
I remove my make up,
And I live my life with arms wide open
When it all falls apart
I can be my own best friend
Me, myself, and I
That’s all I’ve got in the end
Cause I can’t turn to you
I will be strong
Every time I try to escape
I realize
I am here and it’s in my hands
The taste is getting old
Life is so full of change and
Half of it wasn’t what I planned to be
Now I’m ready to be free
Personal Narrative Essay
My family saw it from the beginning. On holidays I could guarantee to overhear a conversation at the grown up table “Be careful! That Amanda is a wild one with a mind of her own...”And there I went pushing all the limits. Now, I wasn’t a “bad kid” I just have never been one to follow the crowd.
Summer, we’d sit on the brick wall and watch the fireworks that the amusement park up the street, Six Flags Magic Mountain, launched every night at eight o’clock sharp! While neighborhood friends rushed home as curfew came close, I stayed and pondered. There are more important things to worry of than something as simple as a curfew.
I could always hear my mother calling my name “Amanda Nicole Graham, come inside right now!” Her voice was filled with anger, but she never was mad when I came in. She new my prerogative was to have a little fun.
Roller coasters are similar to my life. One second you are going sixty miles per hour, the next you are coming to a screeching halt. Some view it has their biggest fear, others see a great adventure. A terrified rider will close their eyes, while the one seated right next to them rides with hands up. One person will hate the loops, others despise the drops. Me, I hate the turns when I’m on the edge of my seat feeling as if I will fall out. Maybe it’s the fact that I have no control, or that I am putting complete trust in something other than myself. Trust is a complicated thing. And when I think that I have it all figured out, I am thrown through another loop. Rollercoaster’s are unpredictable. Even when you think you know what is around the next turn, you can never be certain.
As I would sit on the wall and watch my friends run inside I’d wondered if they knew what they were missing out on. I wonder if anyone really knows what they miss.
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