This article is about the bus fares going up, but the MetroCards will be more flexible in the near future. The M.T.A (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) announced that on Wednesday, riders can fill their cards with unlimited-ride time and pay-per-ride dollars. According to the article, they produce almost 160 million MetroCards each year, and they costed almost ten million dollars. Also, a MetroCard that is loaded with a dollar value and either 7 days or thirty days of unlimited rides, a swipe will be drawn from the unlimited pool first, and when those expire, the fares will be collected from the pay-per-ride value of the card. That means that people can get a ride for a very low or no price at all. And that the authorities noted that the one dollar fee would not apply to people who bought MetroCards from vendors outside of the subway system, who got theirs from their employers, or people who bought a combination of railroad and MetroCard tickets.
Also according to the article, it is said that the authorities voted that they will raise base fares on subways and buses by a quarter, which means that they will raise the cost to $2.50. They will also increase the cost of a thirty-day unlimited ride card by eight dollars, which also means that it will be raised form one hundred four dollars to $112. And the fares on the authority 's railroads will increase by nine percent and the tolls on many major crossings will rise as well.
According to the article, Thomas F. Prendergast, the authority's executive director, says that "...by refilling your MetroCard, you'll reduce expenses and help the environment." This means that the new additions to the payment will help the people who live here and the local environment because it reduces the wasted cards and people can save money.
All in all, the fares and cost of toll on major crossings will increase, but paying for it got more easier and flexible, and people will not be "trapped into buying a new MetroCard" says, Mr. Prendergast.
Cited page
Flegenheimer, Matt. "MetroCards Become More Flexible." New York Times on the Web 20 Feb. 2013. Transportation. 21
Feb. 2013 <http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/20/metrocards-become-more-flexible/>.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Reading response: The Elegance of the Hedgehog
This book is about two people who live in a fancy hotel in Paris. One of these people is Renee. She is a concierge who is an art lover and has a cat named Leo. The other person is Paloma, who is a 12-year-old girl who is also a genius and she hides her intelligence from her family and her teachers. She also wants to commit suicide on her thirteenth birthday, which is also the last day of school. They both have something in common, which is that they hide their true nature and that they are both very different from what everyone expects them to be. Then they meet a man named Ozu who changes their lives and is the reason why Paloma and Renee became friends as well.
Throughout the book, the two main characters hide their true nature to the residents of the hotel because they thought that they wouldn't like them for their intelligence and talent, but when they meet Ozu, they realize that they each others unique personality and appreciate each other. They also slowly reveal themselves to the conceited community and accept themselves for who they are. In the book, both characters have many different reasons why they do not want to show others their talents. Paloma's was that if she shown her intelligence, her family would annoy her and she would never have time for herself. Renee's was that the hotel would be shocked and would be fired from her job and kicked out of the hotel. Ozu, who is the hotel's new tenant and who is also Japanese and cultural, shows them that it is the twentieth century, and that they should show the world who they really are. This book is mostly about people's expectations and that they can slow people down, like when Paloma was found hiding so that she could write in her Journal of the Movement of the World and her Profound Thoughts.
Ozu also gains Paloma's trust and sees through Renee's worn disguise and her sad past. Another interesting thing about the book is that Paloma writes about what she thinks about the world and life, like grammar being a form of art instead of a trick that gets people into society. They learn that being different is good, even if they expect them not to be. For instance, when Renee went out to dinner with Ozu and was seen with some people who live in the apartment, they hardly recognized Renee. And when Paloma showed the therapist her intelligence, he was shocked. Paloma also showed a bit of her talent to her sister, Colombe, she was also shocked because that she made herself believe that Paloma was dumb, that she almost believed in it.
I also think that the book is about life itself and the theories about adulthood and childhood that shows the true meaning of life. One example is that in the book, Paloma wrote that the purpose of life is that "...so we can track down those moments that are dying." All in all, the characters in the book learn to show who they really are and their thoughts about the world.
Throughout the book, the two main characters hide their true nature to the residents of the hotel because they thought that they wouldn't like them for their intelligence and talent, but when they meet Ozu, they realize that they each others unique personality and appreciate each other. They also slowly reveal themselves to the conceited community and accept themselves for who they are. In the book, both characters have many different reasons why they do not want to show others their talents. Paloma's was that if she shown her intelligence, her family would annoy her and she would never have time for herself. Renee's was that the hotel would be shocked and would be fired from her job and kicked out of the hotel. Ozu, who is the hotel's new tenant and who is also Japanese and cultural, shows them that it is the twentieth century, and that they should show the world who they really are. This book is mostly about people's expectations and that they can slow people down, like when Paloma was found hiding so that she could write in her Journal of the Movement of the World and her Profound Thoughts.
Ozu also gains Paloma's trust and sees through Renee's worn disguise and her sad past. Another interesting thing about the book is that Paloma writes about what she thinks about the world and life, like grammar being a form of art instead of a trick that gets people into society. They learn that being different is good, even if they expect them not to be. For instance, when Renee went out to dinner with Ozu and was seen with some people who live in the apartment, they hardly recognized Renee. And when Paloma showed the therapist her intelligence, he was shocked. Paloma also showed a bit of her talent to her sister, Colombe, she was also shocked because that she made herself believe that Paloma was dumb, that she almost believed in it.
I also think that the book is about life itself and the theories about adulthood and childhood that shows the true meaning of life. One example is that in the book, Paloma wrote that the purpose of life is that "...so we can track down those moments that are dying." All in all, the characters in the book learn to show who they really are and their thoughts about the world.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Reading response: "Education Dept. to Hear School Closing Complaints"
I have recently read an article called, "Education Dept. to Hear School Closing Complaints" by Jon Hurdle. This article is about some schools in Philadelphia, Detroit, and Newark that are planned to close or reorganize because of racism and complaints of discrimination against black, Hispanic, and people with disabilities. Jon Hurdle wrote this article to tell readers that some schools are racists of some people with different cultures or disabilities, and that they are planned to be closed because of this. Daren Briscoe had said, if a school district has been caught to violate civil rights through a closing program, it is will be taken to court or denied federal funds (Hurdle, 1). The article also says that last month, in the district in Philadelphia, they published a plan to close thirty seven schools in order to close a 1.1 billion dollars budget over five years. the plan will be voted on in the month of March by the School Reform Commission, a body that looks over the schools of Philadelphia.
Many schools have been filed because of violating civil rights, and some of those schools have been planned to be closed. One example that shows is that in the article it says that "community groups in New York, Chicago, and Washington have also filed civil rights complaints, although those have not been investigated." This shows that there are several schools that have been filed for civil rights complaints, but only a few that have been investigated or been sent to court, and have been planned to be closed down. Another example is that Jitu Brown, a community organizer from the South Side of Chicago, is quoted, "Racism is real in the U.S. ...there are different rules for the students in our community." This means that there are racism and it is a major dilemma and it affects our schools.
There many results on Monday, which was when a department official confirmed the complaints about those particular schools. One example is that Action United, a group that opposes the closing of schools, presented data that shows that "eighty percent of the students affected by the planned closings are black; the district's enrollment is 55 percent black and 19 percent Hispanic." This shows that the closings will affect the students, or more likely, the victims of the racism, will be affected by the closing of the school greatly because many of those people are enrolled there (Hurdle, 2). Although, another example is that Fernando Gallard, a spokesman for the Philadelphia school district, is quoted, "The district understands that a higher proportion of students in under-enrolled, low-performing schools are African-Americans, and these are the schools that are most affected by the recommended facility closures." This means that it is best for the schools to close down because of schools that are low-performing and are too under-enrolled.
In conclusion, because of some school's racism, they are decided to be closed down for the better so that the students with the unfair advantages will get their opportunity. However, many other schools do not get their chance to become a better student, but wvwntually, it will change.
Works cited
Many schools have been filed because of violating civil rights, and some of those schools have been planned to be closed. One example that shows is that in the article it says that "community groups in New York, Chicago, and Washington have also filed civil rights complaints, although those have not been investigated." This shows that there are several schools that have been filed for civil rights complaints, but only a few that have been investigated or been sent to court, and have been planned to be closed down. Another example is that Jitu Brown, a community organizer from the South Side of Chicago, is quoted, "Racism is real in the U.S. ...there are different rules for the students in our community." This means that there are racism and it is a major dilemma and it affects our schools.
There many results on Monday, which was when a department official confirmed the complaints about those particular schools. One example is that Action United, a group that opposes the closing of schools, presented data that shows that "eighty percent of the students affected by the planned closings are black; the district's enrollment is 55 percent black and 19 percent Hispanic." This shows that the closings will affect the students, or more likely, the victims of the racism, will be affected by the closing of the school greatly because many of those people are enrolled there (Hurdle, 2). Although, another example is that Fernando Gallard, a spokesman for the Philadelphia school district, is quoted, "The district understands that a higher proportion of students in under-enrolled, low-performing schools are African-Americans, and these are the schools that are most affected by the recommended facility closures." This means that it is best for the schools to close down because of schools that are low-performing and are too under-enrolled.
In conclusion, because of some school's racism, they are decided to be closed down for the better so that the students with the unfair advantages will get their opportunity. However, many other schools do not get their chance to become a better student, but wvwntually, it will change.
Works cited
Hurdle, Jon. "Education Dept. to Hear School Closing Complaints." New York Times on the Web 28 Jan. 2013. . 29 Jan. 2013 <http:/www.nytimes.com/2013/01/29/education/education-department-to-hear-school-closing-complaints>.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Reading response: A Room on Lorelei Street
This book is about a girl named Zoe who rented out a room on Lorelei Street, and she works at a small diner slinging hash. She feels like she's in the shadow of her mom, and feels like she needs attention from her family.She also feels comfortable in her room on Lorelei Street, and she doesn't want to give it up when her grandma demanded her to come home to her mom. But she doesn't because she feels like it was all about her mom, and not her; it was also because she works hard to make ends meet, while her mom doesn't, and feels that she lived two lifetimes because she acts like an adult, she does all of the chores, takes care of Mama, and she just wants to relax and act like her age.
Throughout the book, she goes to school and feels like her teacher controls her and doesn't respect her like an actual human being. She feels disrespected and she responds by acting immature like cursing, but then she tries to keep her patience during class. Zoe represents some teenagers in the outside world. Some work hard to pay bills, curse, and feel like everyone controls her. For example, her teacher, her grandma, and the guidance counselor. Some teenagers also do things so that they can get attention because they feel in the shadow. In Zoe's case, she moved out into her own room so that she would get attention and not her mom. She also feels like she owes everyone something. For instance, she owed the landlady her rent, she owed her mom her care and attention, and that she owed her grandma for not being kicked out of the family. In the book, Zoe feels that she worked hard to keep things together, like her grandma. In Zoe's case, she tries to go to a group session and work hard on her tennis team as well. In her grandma's situation, she tries to keep the family together and not fall apart when Zoe moves out, Mama drinking, and her Zoe's father's death.
I also think Zoe represents some teenagers in the outside world because they have to grow up faster because of a parent's death, or their parents are not either healthy enough or sensible enough to take care of the family. So they are left to pay the bills, taxes, and work for the money they need. Sometimes they are stressed because of that early development, and they would crack, like disrespecting their teacher and they are feeling like that they don't need help from others, but to be honest, they do need help and are afraid to admit it.
I also think that the book is a bit about second chances. In the end, Zoe decides to start fresh, and moves to Brownsville so that she could have her second chance in life. She feels that she has made bad choices, and tries to begin a new chapter in her life.
Throughout the book, she goes to school and feels like her teacher controls her and doesn't respect her like an actual human being. She feels disrespected and she responds by acting immature like cursing, but then she tries to keep her patience during class. Zoe represents some teenagers in the outside world. Some work hard to pay bills, curse, and feel like everyone controls her. For example, her teacher, her grandma, and the guidance counselor. Some teenagers also do things so that they can get attention because they feel in the shadow. In Zoe's case, she moved out into her own room so that she would get attention and not her mom. She also feels like she owes everyone something. For instance, she owed the landlady her rent, she owed her mom her care and attention, and that she owed her grandma for not being kicked out of the family. In the book, Zoe feels that she worked hard to keep things together, like her grandma. In Zoe's case, she tries to go to a group session and work hard on her tennis team as well. In her grandma's situation, she tries to keep the family together and not fall apart when Zoe moves out, Mama drinking, and her Zoe's father's death.
I also think Zoe represents some teenagers in the outside world because they have to grow up faster because of a parent's death, or their parents are not either healthy enough or sensible enough to take care of the family. So they are left to pay the bills, taxes, and work for the money they need. Sometimes they are stressed because of that early development, and they would crack, like disrespecting their teacher and they are feeling like that they don't need help from others, but to be honest, they do need help and are afraid to admit it.
I also think that the book is a bit about second chances. In the end, Zoe decides to start fresh, and moves to Brownsville so that she could have her second chance in life. She feels that she has made bad choices, and tries to begin a new chapter in her life.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
reading response:critical questions #2: mockingbird
While reading Mockingbird, I had another question on my mind which was, how does this text make you think about justice in the world? This book is a good reference because it's about how different Caitlin is from the other students in school because she has Asperger's syndrome and justice is moral rights.
This book makes me think about justice in the world because of how people think of Caitlin, and it makes me wonder of how people in the world view people with Asperger's syndrome. For example, Emma, a girl in Caitlin's school said that her behavior is disturbing. This means that people in the world view people with Asperger's syndrome as disturbing or wierd. Another example is that Mia, another classmate of Caitlin's wanted Caitlin to leave her alone because she was different. This means that normal people don't want to hang around with kids that have Asperger's syndrome.
Another reason how Mockingbird made me think about justice is that ordinary people don't like people who appear to be different or odd. For example, when Caitlin was trying to make friends her own age, they tried to get away because of her disturbing behavior. Caitlin is a symbol of all the people who have Asperger's syndrome or are appear odd to some people, and that means that common people don't want to get involved with them or have anything to do woth those people and that's not fair, because they care what's on the outside, not the inside.
In conclusion, this book makes me think about justice in the world because Caitlin symbolizes people who appear odd, and nobody except for a few hangs out with them, and that's not fair because they care about thier weaknesses and not their skills.
This book makes me think about justice in the world because of how people think of Caitlin, and it makes me wonder of how people in the world view people with Asperger's syndrome. For example, Emma, a girl in Caitlin's school said that her behavior is disturbing. This means that people in the world view people with Asperger's syndrome as disturbing or wierd. Another example is that Mia, another classmate of Caitlin's wanted Caitlin to leave her alone because she was different. This means that normal people don't want to hang around with kids that have Asperger's syndrome.
Another reason how Mockingbird made me think about justice is that ordinary people don't like people who appear to be different or odd. For example, when Caitlin was trying to make friends her own age, they tried to get away because of her disturbing behavior. Caitlin is a symbol of all the people who have Asperger's syndrome or are appear odd to some people, and that means that common people don't want to get involved with them or have anything to do woth those people and that's not fair, because they care what's on the outside, not the inside.
In conclusion, this book makes me think about justice in the world because Caitlin symbolizes people who appear odd, and nobody except for a few hangs out with them, and that's not fair because they care about thier weaknesses and not their skills.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Reading response: Mockingbird
This book is about a girl who has Asperger's syndrome, and her experience of her brother getting shot, who is very important to her because he helps her through situations. She also experiences being an outcast in her school because of her odd behavior. Her father also deals with depression because of the brother's death. While reading this book, I had one question about the book, which was whose perspective was missing in the book, and what would it be like if I put it back?
I think that the answer to this question is that the father's perspective is missing in the book because it is mainly about the girl and her father overcoming these problems, even though it is in the girl's perspective. Another reason why I think that the father's perspective is missing is that the book shows a lot of the father and his depression of his son's death, and I think that it will be nice if the book would show the father's opinions and thoughts about the events happening in the book. It would show the "normal" thoughts and reaction about Devon's (the brother) death. It would also compare the two sides of reactions and thoughts of each event. It would also show the father's depression more easily and it's reaction to Caitlin (the girl)'s actions. It would be nice because the father can recall more memories of Devon than Caitlin and he can show how dear he was to the father. Furthermore, he can tell how connected the community was to Devon and his thoughts on closure.
Overall, I think that the answer to the question is that the father's perspective is missing from the book and it would be depressing if it was put back into the book.
I think that the answer to this question is that the father's perspective is missing in the book because it is mainly about the girl and her father overcoming these problems, even though it is in the girl's perspective. Another reason why I think that the father's perspective is missing is that the book shows a lot of the father and his depression of his son's death, and I think that it will be nice if the book would show the father's opinions and thoughts about the events happening in the book. It would show the "normal" thoughts and reaction about Devon's (the brother) death. It would also compare the two sides of reactions and thoughts of each event. It would also show the father's depression more easily and it's reaction to Caitlin (the girl)'s actions. It would be nice because the father can recall more memories of Devon than Caitlin and he can show how dear he was to the father. Furthermore, he can tell how connected the community was to Devon and his thoughts on closure.
Overall, I think that the answer to the question is that the father's perspective is missing from the book and it would be depressing if it was put back into the book.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
social awareness project news immersion
November
14 Good Morning America
This story is about a plane had crash landed onto
a house and bursted into flames in Mississippi. It shocked me that a plane had
crashed into a house. It shocks me that a plane can burst into flames like
that. and I know that planes can crash occasionally. Another story is about a
car driven onto the sidewalk of school property because the driver wanted to
avoid the school bus. This shocks me that someone would do such a thing.
November
15 Good Morning America
This story is about a health warning about 5
Hour Energy and that many people are in the hospital because of overdrinking
it. This surprises me that an energy drink can send so many people to the
hospital and it might do many harm to people who just wanted to have enough
energy. And that two ounces of that energy drink equals to two cups of coffee.
November 16 Good Morning America
This
story is about a person that saved a baby from a car crash. This makes me feel
glad because that man was brave enough to save a innocent baby from three cars
crashing. Another story is about two kids being allergic to being cold. This
surprises me because typical kids are allergic to peanuts or vitamin C, or
pets.
November
17 Good Morning America
This story is about a man having hiccups for
thirteen straight days. This surprises me because I didn't know that anyone can
get the hiccups for so long and that I know that hiccups are annoying, but they
go down soon after.
November 18 Good Morning America
This story is about pets getting help after Hurricane Sandy and the ASPCA opened a shelter for stranded and
abandoned pets. This makes me feel glad because they are getting help like medicine and shelter ad they get fed and watered.
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