Stone City
Growing up in an outskirt of Anamosa, I lived extremely close to the Stone City General Store Pub. A restaurant and pub in an old stone building, Stone City is an older city famous for their Weber Stone Rock Quarry. There are many old buildings with much history. Water Towers, Churches, Buildings, Mansions, Horse Shoe Factories, and so much more. It has much history, and I was able to learn about it while I lived there. My family owned the much of these buildings before my parents got a divorce, my mom turned the water tower into a store. The water tower was a very small two story building on the top of a hill, it had stairs that were only one foot wide and wrapped around a pole to reach the second floor. The first floor had a kitchen that was about 4 ft by 6 foot. An open circular area that was only about 15 feet in diameter. Upstairs was a bathroom not much larger than the kitchen, and a small square room, it very close to The Grant Wood building, and a church. A mansion used to be within 50 yards of this tower, but was burnt down unfortunately.
The General Store was recently remodeled and they added on more room, it used to be a three story building, with two decks. Upstairs was an apartment, the main floor, had a hallway, one of the decks, large bar and stage with a lot of seating room, and downstairs, was a kitchen, a bar, seating room, back room to the kitchen, a walk in freezer, and the other deck. This building was many entirely out of stone, and wood, and sits right upon the river, so there are many snake visitors, one had EARL written on it by the employees. During the flood in 2008, the General Store was very lucky they were able to stay open, the downstairs only flooded slightly, the deck was covered, and the water was only started to come in through the deck door and the windows.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Term 3- AHS/CR-HS
Anamosa High School/Cedar Rapids High Schools
All my life I grew up and went to school in Anamosa, but recently that changed and I moved to Cedar Rapids. The school systems are much different here than they were in Anamosa. We had two lunch periods, and 7 classes each day compared to the 5-7 courses here and 4 lunch periods each day. 300 students in Anamosa, compared to the 2000+ in each of the three public high schools in Cedar Rapids. In Anamosa we started school at 8am everyday except Thursday, which we would start at 8:30 am. School ended at 3:20 in Anamosa. In Cedar Rapids, Kennedy and Washington start at 8am and end at 2:45, and Jefferson starts at 7:45 and ends at 3. Changing my school schedule, really messed me up the first few weeks, it was very confusing for me. In Anamosa, we had only two or three early outs every two months, and they would always be on a Friday, Unlike the every other Wednesday we get let out early in Cedar Rapids.
There is only one high school in Anamosa, and it isn't very uniquely named, "Anamosa High School." Cedar Rapids, has Xavier, Cedar Valley Christian, Kennedy, Washington, Jefferson, Prairie, Linn Mar, Homeschooling system and so many more. There is a more broad variety of classes you are eligible to take in Cedar Rapids, courses you wouldn't imagine if you grew up in Anamosa. You know everybody that goes to school with you when there is only 300 students in the entire school, at a High school in Cedar Rapids, it isn't that easy, you may know the names of everybody..but I am nearly positive you don't know each of the students personally.
All my life I grew up and went to school in Anamosa, but recently that changed and I moved to Cedar Rapids. The school systems are much different here than they were in Anamosa. We had two lunch periods, and 7 classes each day compared to the 5-7 courses here and 4 lunch periods each day. 300 students in Anamosa, compared to the 2000+ in each of the three public high schools in Cedar Rapids. In Anamosa we started school at 8am everyday except Thursday, which we would start at 8:30 am. School ended at 3:20 in Anamosa. In Cedar Rapids, Kennedy and Washington start at 8am and end at 2:45, and Jefferson starts at 7:45 and ends at 3. Changing my school schedule, really messed me up the first few weeks, it was very confusing for me. In Anamosa, we had only two or three early outs every two months, and they would always be on a Friday, Unlike the every other Wednesday we get let out early in Cedar Rapids.
There is only one high school in Anamosa, and it isn't very uniquely named, "Anamosa High School." Cedar Rapids, has Xavier, Cedar Valley Christian, Kennedy, Washington, Jefferson, Prairie, Linn Mar, Homeschooling system and so many more. There is a more broad variety of classes you are eligible to take in Cedar Rapids, courses you wouldn't imagine if you grew up in Anamosa. You know everybody that goes to school with you when there is only 300 students in the entire school, at a High school in Cedar Rapids, it isn't that easy, you may know the names of everybody..but I am nearly positive you don't know each of the students personally.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Term 3 Changes
Disney Channel, Than and Now
Over the years, Disney Channel has changed alot. I can remember growing up with Out of The Box, Zoom, Bear in The Big Blue House, and so much more. Now if you turn on Disney Channel, the shows are pretty much all fantasy reality shows, teaching children it is okay to compete to get popular, fighting, and adult humor hidden within the shows. Most of these I would never allow my siblings watch. Disney channel used to be mainly pointed to ages 0-10. Now a days, it is directed toward preteens and young adults. Although there are a few shows that are okay for children to watch, talking fish, 11 year olds in high school classes, middle school girls dancing with college students, and so much more. I am actually ashamed that my family allows my younger siblings to watch these shows. It makes me upset that Disney Channel had to stoop down so low.
Over the years, Disney Channel has changed alot. I can remember growing up with Out of The Box, Zoom, Bear in The Big Blue House, and so much more. Now if you turn on Disney Channel, the shows are pretty much all fantasy reality shows, teaching children it is okay to compete to get popular, fighting, and adult humor hidden within the shows. Most of these I would never allow my siblings watch. Disney channel used to be mainly pointed to ages 0-10. Now a days, it is directed toward preteens and young adults. Although there are a few shows that are okay for children to watch, talking fish, 11 year olds in high school classes, middle school girls dancing with college students, and so much more. I am actually ashamed that my family allows my younger siblings to watch these shows. It makes me upset that Disney Channel had to stoop down so low.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Term3 Lake Joy/Eagle Point Park
Lake Joy
It's a hot summer day, 95 degrees, with 80% humidity. Lake Joy is the perfect place to cool off, located in Belmont, Wisconsin. Lake Joy, is a reserved campsite for many families, with 60 acres of land, fishing, swimming, canoeing, weekend hay rides, 2 beaches, game rooms, playgrounds, walking paths, and so much more, it is the perfect family friendly campsite! There are many inflatable water toys, including a giant turtle water trampoline, blowup rock wall water slides, water discs, and a boat dock. To come here, you don't have to be camping. For just $5 a person, you can come and spend the day. This is a great family friendly idea to spend your day.
Eagle Point Park
One Hundred-Sixty Four acres, outlooking the famous Mississippi River, with a tri-state view of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois, The Eagle Point Park in Dubuque, Iowa is one of the most-outstanding parks in the entire Midwest.With multiple picnic sites, walking trails, parks, playground equipment, spray pool, ponds, and many pavilions both enclosed and open. There is a paved road going thru the entire park, two giant Eagle statues, one located at each end of the park, and nearly 100 barbeque grills. The Eagle Point Park, is a great place for a family reunion, and there is something for all ages. It really helps give kids reasons to play outdoors.
Some information on Eagle Point Park, found at; www.cityofdubuque.org
Some information on Eagle Point Park, found at; www.cityofdubuque.org
Term3 Love
What is Love?
In high school many people fall in love. Some more than others. I am one of those girls who fall in love really easily. I give my heart out to the first guy who says they love me. I'm very insecure about myself and all I really want is somebody who appreciates me for who I am without trying to change me..A couple of months ago, I found love. I was always happy, couldn't spend enough time with him, I didn't know I could be so happy. That all changed yesterday, I lost what I thought was my everything, I really wish I could tell myself it would all be okay, that I'll be happy again soon. But i can't, I don't know if it will ever be okay again.
Love is a mix of so many emotions a lot of people don't even believe it's real. But it is, It usually begins with a simple harmlessly fun relationship, moves to be a bit more intimate, you feel amazed, complete, like nothing can go wrong, than you get to the marriage stage, all is perfect, until you get to the divorce or breakup stage, when your world comes crashing down.
You can be happy, mad, upset, depressed, crazy, all sorts of emotions come with love. But what exactly IS love? Well, I'm not quite sure I can answer that question, I'm not sure anybody can, but I have a good idea of what love really is. I was once told 'words cannot explain my love' somebody extremely important to me, that impacted my life by unmeasurable means. Well, there is your answer. Love is more than just words, more than just a feeling, love is the way you feel when that one person looks into your eyes and smiles, when their big blue eyes, and their one dimple smile makes your heart melt. Love is very magical. The one you love makes you smile, feel complete, make the rest of the world just one big blur to you. Even during fights love is still there and growing strong. With each breath. With each blink. With each heartbeat. You gain love.
Term3 Focus Steps
Steps to Becoming More Focused.
As the end of year approaches quickly, students tend to stop wanting to do their work and study, they are more focused on summer activities, and with other 6 weeks left of school, this isn't a good idea. Students need to stay focused so they can finish their classes, and pass so they can either graduate on time, and not have to retake courses. Here are plenty of ways to stay focused during these last 6 weeks, from the website; testprep.about.com
As the end of year approaches quickly, students tend to stop wanting to do their work and study, they are more focused on summer activities, and with other 6 weeks left of school, this isn't a good idea. Students need to stay focused so they can finish their classes, and pass so they can either graduate on time, and not have to retake courses. Here are plenty of ways to stay focused during these last 6 weeks, from the website; testprep.about.com
- Eliminate all the obvious distractions you can think of, turning off your phone, computer, and tv are a few examples.
- Physical needs are important, use the restroom, change into more comfortable clothes, fix the heat or air, and get a drink and brain power snack to bring with you
- Time frames, choose a good time to finish your work, a time where you wont be to rushed, and won't be interrupted
- Be physical if you get frustrated or tense, quick excersises can help you get back on focus.
Tips to Getting and Staying Focused;
1.Don't be afraid to ask for quietness if you are in a public place.
2.Use a 'good' pen.
3.Don't wear pajamas or sweatpants.
4.Tell yourself positive things.
5.Drink your favorite non-alcoholic beverage as a reward.
Term3 Diet Meals
Meals For Dieting.
When starting a diet, it is very important to understand what you will need to keep consuming vitamin and protein wise. Making sure you are eating enough calories, not eating extra sugar, fat, and sodium.
For breakfast you can eat foods such as; salmon, egg whites, fruits, and there are many variety's of diet safe breakfast bars. For lunch, and daily snacks there are many foods you could eat. Fruit smoothies, yogurt parfaits, turkey sandwiches, tuna, soup, nuts, and dried fruit. Dinner is another meal with many great choices. Grilled steak or chicken, and salads are just a few of the many great choices.
Listed below are a few great ideas for diet meals that are less than 200 calories.
Easter Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Eggs recipe – 149 calories
Ingredients:
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 (12 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons shortening
Preparation:
1. In a 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave the brown sugar and butter together on high for about 1 – 1-1/2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds or so, until the brown sugar is melted.
2. Stir in the peanut butter, powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
3. Shape by teaspoonsful into egg shapes; chill.
4. In a heavy saucepan or double boiler, melt the chocolate chips together with the shortening over low heat.
5. Using a wooden pick, dip each egg into the chocolate chip mixture, coating completely.
6. Place on a baking sheet that was covered with waxed paper.
7. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.
8. Chill for several hours. Keep stored in the refrigerator.
Banana Blueberry Crumb Muffins recipe – 174 calories
Ingredients:
2 bananas
2/3 cup blueberries
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup melted margarine
Crumb topping ingredients
2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons oats
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon margarine
Preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 375° F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat together the sugar, bananas, corn syrup, melted margarine and egg.
4. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened.
5. Add the blueberries.
6. Spoon the batter into muffin cups, 1/4 cup at a time.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the crumb topping ingredients except the margarine.
8. Cut in the margarine. Sprinkle the topping over the muffins.
9. Bake for about 18-20 minutes.
Warm Chicken Spinach Salad recipe – 167 calories
Ingredients:
12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 cups torn spinach
2 red peppers or green sweet peppers, cut into bite-sized strips
2 cups torn leaf lettuce
1 garlic clove, minced
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon cooking oil
2 tablespoons water
fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
Preparation:
1. In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, spinach, pepper strips and sliced red onion. Cover and chill the salad for up to 2 hours.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Toss the chicken with the lemon-pepper seasoning and rosemary.
3. In a 10-inch skillet or wok, stir-fry the chicken strips and garlic in hot oil over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes (or until the chicken is tender and no longer pink).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and add to the salad mixture.
5. To make the dressing: add the vinegar and water to the skillet, stirring to scrape up any browned bits. Pour the dressing over the salad, gently tossing to mix.
6. Transfer the salad to individual salad plates and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired. Serve warm.
http://dietrecipesblog.com/2012/04/03/easter-chocolate-covered-peanut-butter-eggs-recipe-149-calories/#more-867
When starting a diet, it is very important to understand what you will need to keep consuming vitamin and protein wise. Making sure you are eating enough calories, not eating extra sugar, fat, and sodium.
For breakfast you can eat foods such as; salmon, egg whites, fruits, and there are many variety's of diet safe breakfast bars. For lunch, and daily snacks there are many foods you could eat. Fruit smoothies, yogurt parfaits, turkey sandwiches, tuna, soup, nuts, and dried fruit. Dinner is another meal with many great choices. Grilled steak or chicken, and salads are just a few of the many great choices.
Listed below are a few great ideas for diet meals that are less than 200 calories.
Easter Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Eggs recipe – 149 calories
Ingredients:
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 (12 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons shortening
Preparation:
1. In a 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave the brown sugar and butter together on high for about 1 – 1-1/2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds or so, until the brown sugar is melted.
2. Stir in the peanut butter, powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
3. Shape by teaspoonsful into egg shapes; chill.
4. In a heavy saucepan or double boiler, melt the chocolate chips together with the shortening over low heat.
5. Using a wooden pick, dip each egg into the chocolate chip mixture, coating completely.
6. Place on a baking sheet that was covered with waxed paper.
7. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.
8. Chill for several hours. Keep stored in the refrigerator.
Banana Blueberry Crumb Muffins recipe – 174 calories
Ingredients:
2 bananas
2/3 cup blueberries
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup melted margarine
Crumb topping ingredients
2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons oats
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon margarine
Preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 375° F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat together the sugar, bananas, corn syrup, melted margarine and egg.
4. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened.
5. Add the blueberries.
6. Spoon the batter into muffin cups, 1/4 cup at a time.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the crumb topping ingredients except the margarine.
8. Cut in the margarine. Sprinkle the topping over the muffins.
9. Bake for about 18-20 minutes.
Warm Chicken Spinach Salad recipe – 167 calories
Ingredients:
12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 cups torn spinach
2 red peppers or green sweet peppers, cut into bite-sized strips
2 cups torn leaf lettuce
1 garlic clove, minced
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon cooking oil
2 tablespoons water
fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
Preparation:
1. In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, spinach, pepper strips and sliced red onion. Cover and chill the salad for up to 2 hours.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Toss the chicken with the lemon-pepper seasoning and rosemary.
3. In a 10-inch skillet or wok, stir-fry the chicken strips and garlic in hot oil over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes (or until the chicken is tender and no longer pink).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and add to the salad mixture.
5. To make the dressing: add the vinegar and water to the skillet, stirring to scrape up any browned bits. Pour the dressing over the salad, gently tossing to mix.
6. Transfer the salad to individual salad plates and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired. Serve warm.
http://dietrecipesblog.com/2012/04/03/easter-chocolate-covered-peanut-butter-eggs-recipe-149-calories/#more-867
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Term3 Diet Tips
Sticking to a Diet
Many people start dieting about March and April to get ready for 'bikini season,' but not very many people can actually stick to their diet plan, they get bored and lazy, don't believe in themselves, and many other reasons and 'excuses.' The food on advertisements is never healthy fruit, salads, and water. It's always ice cream, coffee, or greasy fast food, which makes your stomach tell your mind that you are hungry and the human mind often gives in and you end up eating your weight in grease. You than tell yourself, you will run off the fast food you ate, but you never get to it, you feel lagged, and all you want to do is sit down which will lead to watching hours upon hours of television. Well, over time this will add up, and your 'bikini body' will turn into 'sweat-pants only body', and I am certain nobody wants to spend their entire summer wearing sweatshirts, and sweatpants to cover up their muffin top, love handles, and back rolls.
There are many ways you can stick to your diet, and even reward yourself with a small sugary treat every now and then, being sure not to over do it. A few ways to make sure you stick with your diet are;
1. Make a plan of your week plans, and your room to exercise, leaving a good sized gap in case something comes up.
2. Don't give in to your cravings, if you are hungry than wait until you are home, or order something with very few calories from a local fast food restaurant.
3. If you are thirsty, drink water, nothing with flavor or added preservatives.
4. Think of food you can ADD to your diet, not take away.
5. Consider if you are really hungry, or just bored.
6. Enjoy your treats outside of your house, keep them out of the house, if possible, walk to get them.
7. Eat several 'mini-meals' instead of large meals.
8.Eat protein.
9. Add spices, they help fill you up.
10. Swap pasta for vegetables
Tips found on;
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/15-best-diet-tips-ever
Many people start dieting about March and April to get ready for 'bikini season,' but not very many people can actually stick to their diet plan, they get bored and lazy, don't believe in themselves, and many other reasons and 'excuses.' The food on advertisements is never healthy fruit, salads, and water. It's always ice cream, coffee, or greasy fast food, which makes your stomach tell your mind that you are hungry and the human mind often gives in and you end up eating your weight in grease. You than tell yourself, you will run off the fast food you ate, but you never get to it, you feel lagged, and all you want to do is sit down which will lead to watching hours upon hours of television. Well, over time this will add up, and your 'bikini body' will turn into 'sweat-pants only body', and I am certain nobody wants to spend their entire summer wearing sweatshirts, and sweatpants to cover up their muffin top, love handles, and back rolls.
There are many ways you can stick to your diet, and even reward yourself with a small sugary treat every now and then, being sure not to over do it. A few ways to make sure you stick with your diet are;
1. Make a plan of your week plans, and your room to exercise, leaving a good sized gap in case something comes up.
2. Don't give in to your cravings, if you are hungry than wait until you are home, or order something with very few calories from a local fast food restaurant.
3. If you are thirsty, drink water, nothing with flavor or added preservatives.
4. Think of food you can ADD to your diet, not take away.
5. Consider if you are really hungry, or just bored.
6. Enjoy your treats outside of your house, keep them out of the house, if possible, walk to get them.
7. Eat several 'mini-meals' instead of large meals.
8.Eat protein.
9. Add spices, they help fill you up.
10. Swap pasta for vegetables
Tips found on;
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/15-best-diet-tips-ever
Monday, April 9, 2012
Term3 MMA
What is MMA?
MMA, otherwise known as mixed martial arts has a wide and broad history which wasn't very well known up until recently, it is now the fastest growing sport in America. MMA is a mixture of multiple fighting, striking, and grappling techniques, such as; Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kickboxing, taekwondo, karate, judo, wrestling, and boxing. It is the only full contact combat sport, involving both standing and on the ground violence, which is growing in popularity at a sky-rocketing rate.
Ancient Olympics, where one of the earliest documented similar fighting was held in the early 1900's, the sport of combat, was utilized in the sport of Pankration, which were events known for their brutality; Modern mixed martial arts competition or MMA has only a short history. Although a similar type of sport was held in the early 1900's, on November 12, 1993, the Championship UFC(Ultimate Fighting Championship) events took place as the first Ultimate Fighting.
The history is still being made, atlaeast once or twice a month there are MMA and UFC fights. From all over the country, there are many types of gyms to train at, the largest growing gym in Cedar Rapids, is Hard Drive, which is located near Coe College. You can train for nearly every type of technique at this gym.
All in all, whether you know family or friends, or even don't know anybody, who is an MMA/UFC fighter, this is an extremely dangerous sport. You have to fast, cut-weight, train, and stay healthy before a fight. Many of the fights look very sickly and almost as if they were dying the night before the fight when they weigh-in.
MMA, otherwise known as mixed martial arts has a wide and broad history which wasn't very well known up until recently, it is now the fastest growing sport in America. MMA is a mixture of multiple fighting, striking, and grappling techniques, such as; Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kickboxing, taekwondo, karate, judo, wrestling, and boxing. It is the only full contact combat sport, involving both standing and on the ground violence, which is growing in popularity at a sky-rocketing rate.
Ancient Olympics, where one of the earliest documented similar fighting was held in the early 1900's, the sport of combat, was utilized in the sport of Pankration, which were events known for their brutality; Modern mixed martial arts competition or MMA has only a short history. Although a similar type of sport was held in the early 1900's, on November 12, 1993, the Championship UFC(Ultimate Fighting Championship) events took place as the first Ultimate Fighting.
The history is still being made, atlaeast once or twice a month there are MMA and UFC fights. From all over the country, there are many types of gyms to train at, the largest growing gym in Cedar Rapids, is Hard Drive, which is located near Coe College. You can train for nearly every type of technique at this gym.
All in all, whether you know family or friends, or even don't know anybody, who is an MMA/UFC fighter, this is an extremely dangerous sport. You have to fast, cut-weight, train, and stay healthy before a fight. Many of the fights look very sickly and almost as if they were dying the night before the fight when they weigh-in.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Term3 Flood
Flood
Nearly 4 years later, after the devastating flood of 2008, the city workers of Cedar Rapids, are finally fixing up the houses down by Ellis Park. Many of the houses have been restored as well as the parks, restaurants, and other buildings. But if you drive down the side streets off of Ellis Blvd, 0 Avenue, and the other alphabet avenues in that area, you will notice creepy, broken down churches, restaurants, houses and so much more. Broken windows, and doors that were beat down with bats, axes, and so much more. Furniture is all over the yards, sheds are half standing, there is trash, furniture, and even car parts just laying in these houses, garages, and the lawns. This is a horrible way to show people how strong Cedar Rapids is as a community. I am very glad they are repairing all of these, it really worries me to take my younger brother and sister on walks to the park, or to the stores, because I am afraid of somebody coming out of those houses and scaring them. They are already very scared because this is the first time we have ever lived in town, with neighbors on each side of our house, and cars driving by our house at all hours of the night.
Nearly 4 years later, after the devastating flood of 2008, the city workers of Cedar Rapids, are finally fixing up the houses down by Ellis Park. Many of the houses have been restored as well as the parks, restaurants, and other buildings. But if you drive down the side streets off of Ellis Blvd, 0 Avenue, and the other alphabet avenues in that area, you will notice creepy, broken down churches, restaurants, houses and so much more. Broken windows, and doors that were beat down with bats, axes, and so much more. Furniture is all over the yards, sheds are half standing, there is trash, furniture, and even car parts just laying in these houses, garages, and the lawns. This is a horrible way to show people how strong Cedar Rapids is as a community. I am very glad they are repairing all of these, it really worries me to take my younger brother and sister on walks to the park, or to the stores, because I am afraid of somebody coming out of those houses and scaring them. They are already very scared because this is the first time we have ever lived in town, with neighbors on each side of our house, and cars driving by our house at all hours of the night.
Term3 Music
Music Effect
In today's society we have all different types of music. All separated into genres.There's many different genres around today. There's pop, rock, classic, rap, hip hop, etc. But how is this music affecting us? Each genre affects people differently. For instance, listening to heavy metal music may cause the listener to feel depressed and dark. But a genre such as pop, can cause the listener to feel upbeat and happy. Most people do not realise that music can affect the way you think, learn, and act. This is mostly a concern for young people since their brains are still developing and they are more easily influenced by their surroundings.
Music isn't all bad though. Many people can actually learn through music depending on the genre. Genres like classical and jazz can actually help stimulate your brain and make you more relaxed so you can learn easier. Many teachers and tutors also use music to teach an important topic to students. I have found through personal experience that this is a excellent strategy to use when studying for tests. It has been proven that students are most likely to get better scores when using a strategy like this because if the song is catchy, it is easier to memorize.
In today's society we have all different types of music. All separated into genres.There's many different genres around today. There's pop, rock, classic, rap, hip hop, etc. But how is this music affecting us? Each genre affects people differently. For instance, listening to heavy metal music may cause the listener to feel depressed and dark. But a genre such as pop, can cause the listener to feel upbeat and happy. Most people do not realise that music can affect the way you think, learn, and act. This is mostly a concern for young people since their brains are still developing and they are more easily influenced by their surroundings.
Music isn't all bad though. Many people can actually learn through music depending on the genre. Genres like classical and jazz can actually help stimulate your brain and make you more relaxed so you can learn easier. Many teachers and tutors also use music to teach an important topic to students. I have found through personal experience that this is a excellent strategy to use when studying for tests. It has been proven that students are most likely to get better scores when using a strategy like this because if the song is catchy, it is easier to memorize.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Term 3 Silent House
Silent House, 2012 Review
The movie Silent House is a very intriguing movie that is to extremes where it is nearly impossible to describe in great deals of detail. Elizabeth Olsen, is the main actress of this film, whom is Ashley and Mary-Kate's youngest sister. Her father, uncle, and she are fixing up an abandoned house. This house is very 'creepy' to many. The windows are completely boarded, doors paddle locked, and no electricity. The actors, as well as the movie watchers have to squint to see what is going on in the darkness, which takes all concentration which leaves none for the scary music and loud bangs which will really frighten you. Her father ends up disappearing, than she finds him with his eye almost gauged out and very bloody. She goes to find help and ends up in the basement where she sees and hides from a man. When she finally gets out she finds her uncle and tells him what she has seen. He then tells her to stay in his SUV while he goes to get her dad and help him. She is very paranoid at this point, which I can imagine anyone would be, really. She is very nervous, and breaking down, and when she starts looking around outside the vehicle, she notices a man opened the back hatch and is standing there staring at her. At this point, she runs back into the house, locks the door, and finds her uncle. They look for her father together, who has yet again disappeared at this time. They search every room, and when they get to the attic room, the lights go off and two men drag her uncle out of the room in the darkness, after they take unappropriated pictures of a young girl. She follows the men downstairs and brings a small hand gun with her, she starts shooting at a man on the stairs and runs to hide. The rest is a mystery to anybody who has yet to see it because I do not want to give away the last gruesome scenes. I forgot to mention at the beginning, but when she is helping her father empty each rooms, she is in a small child's room and finds an old aluminum lunch box, which she cannot open, but at the end of the movie a girl she grew up with, spiritually, gave her a key to unlock it, what she finds in this lunch box helps you fully understand the ending of this suspenseful, gripping, horror film.
Silent house has a twist at the end which can get very confusing, but it definitely adds to the horror, and really is the only way to end a movie of this type. This is a movie, I would definitely suggest you go watch, but not alone.
The movie Silent House is a very intriguing movie that is to extremes where it is nearly impossible to describe in great deals of detail. Elizabeth Olsen, is the main actress of this film, whom is Ashley and Mary-Kate's youngest sister. Her father, uncle, and she are fixing up an abandoned house. This house is very 'creepy' to many. The windows are completely boarded, doors paddle locked, and no electricity. The actors, as well as the movie watchers have to squint to see what is going on in the darkness, which takes all concentration which leaves none for the scary music and loud bangs which will really frighten you. Her father ends up disappearing, than she finds him with his eye almost gauged out and very bloody. She goes to find help and ends up in the basement where she sees and hides from a man. When she finally gets out she finds her uncle and tells him what she has seen. He then tells her to stay in his SUV while he goes to get her dad and help him. She is very paranoid at this point, which I can imagine anyone would be, really. She is very nervous, and breaking down, and when she starts looking around outside the vehicle, she notices a man opened the back hatch and is standing there staring at her. At this point, she runs back into the house, locks the door, and finds her uncle. They look for her father together, who has yet again disappeared at this time. They search every room, and when they get to the attic room, the lights go off and two men drag her uncle out of the room in the darkness, after they take unappropriated pictures of a young girl. She follows the men downstairs and brings a small hand gun with her, she starts shooting at a man on the stairs and runs to hide. The rest is a mystery to anybody who has yet to see it because I do not want to give away the last gruesome scenes. I forgot to mention at the beginning, but when she is helping her father empty each rooms, she is in a small child's room and finds an old aluminum lunch box, which she cannot open, but at the end of the movie a girl she grew up with, spiritually, gave her a key to unlock it, what she finds in this lunch box helps you fully understand the ending of this suspenseful, gripping, horror film.
Silent house has a twist at the end which can get very confusing, but it definitely adds to the horror, and really is the only way to end a movie of this type. This is a movie, I would definitely suggest you go watch, but not alone.
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