Whitecloud90's Blog

The most memorable time in my life is when I first learned to ride a bike, without training wheels of course. I remember the day like it was yesterday even though it was fifteen years ago. This is one of the proudest moments in any childs life. It’s a lesson that they remember forever. Usually it becomes a stepping stone for most, it signifies a new chapter. Learning to ride my bike for the first time meant a lot to me.

I had just turned five years old and my dad had been trying to teach me for a while had to ride my bike. For the most part I mastered the art of riding with training wheels, but the more challenging part was riding without them. Now I had never attempted it before because my dad wanted to make sure that I was ready for the big step. Everyday I would ride and ride, without any problems or hesitations. I would go around and around the block time and time again. It was something that I was definitely scared to do. What if I fell? What if I couldn’t even start to pedal? There were so many things that could go wrong with my bike that I almost didn’t even want to do it.

As a stood outside with my dad, I looked down the long narrow street. It seemed longer than usual. I know my dad wouldn’t steer me wrong when he said I was ready to take my training wheels off. I thought he was crazy. I would be ok with leaving them on for a few more years, even if all the other kids were moving ahead of me. As a prepared for take off I safely secured my helmet, my kneepads, and my elbow pads. If I was going to fall I wanted to be prepared with all safety precautions. As I took a deep breath, my dad began to unscrew the bolts to remove the training wheels. One by one he took them off. It looked like a whole new bike. It was no longer a little kids bike, it was a big kids bike now.

As I lifted my leg over the seat my heart began to beat faster and faster. I closed my eyes envisioning myself riding down the street smoothly. As my dad balanced me on the bike I took off. I didn’t stop. I was actually riding my bike, as I can hear my dad cheering me on in the back. I was proud and I knew he was too. The wind was blowing in my hair and it felt like I was flying. I couldn’t believe that I was riding so perfectly. The only problem was that I didn’t learn how to turn around. Big mistake. I had no choice but to keep riding around the block. I rode until I reached my dad again. As we both smiled and laughed I couldn’t help but think how perfect this day was.

Learning to ride my bike without training wheels was a huge step for me. Not only did I learn something new, it was the first time that I knew I could do something without the help of anyone else. It was something I did on my own. It was definitely one of the proudest times of my childhood.

There are several similarities that cats and dogs share, but at the same time they are very different. These two animals are two of the most popular pets today. Some people prefer the company of a cat, while others are considered dog lovers. Through the various aspects of each animal, we will look at the similarities and differences each one holds, and we can get a good insight as to why these animals are so loved.

First, we shall discuss the similarities that these two creatures share. One of the most obvious similarities between these two animals is that they both have hair. They are also domesticated animals kept as pets. They require love and affection from their owner, and can show love and affection If you show it towards them. Another thing is that when you pet them, not only does it relieve stress, it gets dog or cat hair everywhere. They both give birth to multiple offspring at one time, which must be very hard on the mother. Both animals are easy to love, and with the right affection they become like children to most.

Aside from the similarities, there are also various differences between the two animals. To begin with cats, who belong to the family of felines.Cats are loners, meaning they can spend a lot of time alone without getting lonely. They like spending time away from people. The sounds they make also differ from a dog. Typically you will hear a “meow” or a “purr” from a cat. Cat’s do not have ranks that determine their social status. All cats are basically equal, one doesn’t dominate over another. Another difference is the signals cats give off. When a cat holds its tail up in the it shows a sign of happiness. Another difference is that cats are nocturnal, meaning they go out at night. They also have retractable claws, unlike dogs. Cats seem to be very well-balanced and a lot more flexible than dogs. Most would say that cats have a higher intelligence than dogs do.

 Dogs, on the other hand, are canines.  They are a  pack of animals, which means you should spend lots of time with your dog so that it doesn’t get lonely. A dog goes woof, bark, growl, or howl, complete opposite of a cat. The canine group also has a particular social status, and how they determine their ranks.The determining factor in dogs is the tail. In dogs, how high they hold their tail is how they determine ranks. If one dog meets another dog, and one holds it’s tail up, it is the one of the higher social class. Dogs, however, are day animals. Another very obvious difference between dogs and cats is that dogs are usually bigger than cats.  Dogs are also somewhat smarter than cats in the area of verbal command. For example, you can call your dog by name and usually it will come to you, unlike a cat. Also, you can train dogs to do tricks when commanded. Some of the most commonly seen tricks in dogs are role over, fetch, shake hands, sit down, lay down, and play dead.  

As one can tell there are various similarities and differences that dogs and cats hold to each other. This compare and contrast between the two animals can be perceived in different ways. Some may think more highly of cats due to their intelligence, while others will choose a dog any day because of their companionship. It primarily relies on the personality of the person.

One of the scariest moments in any childs life is their first visit to the dentist. They are told horrifying stories about their first visit. They people they see, the sounds they’ll hear, the work that will be done on their mouth will have them scared out of their minds. It’s an experience that most kids don’t forget, and even as adults they still fear going to the dentist. My first time was full of mixed emotions and the visual image of that day still lies in my head.

As I walk into the dungeon of doom, I push the large, wooden door open. The bell tinkled, with a soft but shrill ring. It’s almost as if the door is speaking to me telling me to leave while I still have the chance.  A wave of rubber gloves and disinfectant masked with cheap air freshener washes over me. It has a distinct smell to it. Nothing that I had ever smelled before. Chairs are cluttered in the waiting room of the dentists. Clusters of magazines lie on the scratched wood of the coffee tables, shiny bright plastic screaming out logos and slogans. A little way forward from where I stand is a desk. A smiling receptionist sits there. She seems to have been expecting me somehow, as she indicates to the couches and chairs. The chairs have an old pattern to them, like if the place has been here for decades.
A few nervous patients are already there. They try to avert their eyes from the closed, threatening doors leading to the dental surgery rooms, where an ominous high-pitched whirring sound is coming from. Occasionally, I hear a muffled thud, or yell. One by one, the receptionist calls out the patients name. Plastered on the walls are dramatic “Before/After” photos. They show yellow teeth, set crookedly in red raw gums becoming brilliantly white and straight. The walls are painted a stark, clinical white, however photographs of people with toothy grins beam down at me, from newspaper clippings over the years. It must be my imagination, but already I can taste the slightly stale, bubblegum flavoured gloves, the cool hard metal of the examining probe, and the chink clink it makes when it sometimes collides with my teeth. I can feel the vinyl of the reclining chairs, which are covered in plastic, and also which clammy legs have a habit to stick to.

The overall feeling is unexplainable. The atmosphere gave a chilling vibe, while the receptionist called out my name. As I walked the dark halls seem to get longer and longer. Filled with frightening sounds and shrieking victims, I can’t help but think something is going to happen to me. The dentist is a slightly tall woman, short hair, with perfect white teeth, just as I had suspected. She smiles down at me with a soft grin that gives me the chills. She tells me to relax and lay back. As I close my eyes I can hear the machinery going off. It’s loud and gets even louder as it approaches my mouth. I clinch my eyes as she begins to drill. Her gloves in my mouth taste like rubber, very disgusting. Before I know it the procedure is over.

Going to the dentist was a memory that is burned in the back of my brain and every time I go I always reflect on that first time I went. Although it was a scary moment, it actually goes by faster than most people think. The atmosphere and the scary effects just add more suspense to it.

One of the major problems in society is alcoholism. The effects of this disease are very dangerous and serious. It can cause many problems in a person’s life without the person even knowing. We will discuss the physical, psychological, and emotional effects of alcoholism and what causes it to happen.

The first effects of alcoholism are physical. These are the most important because these can cause your death. For example, alcoholism causes cancer in the stomach, kidneys, and liver. Besides, alcohol alters the digestion of nutrients that the body needs to stay healthy. Alcoholism also causes severe damage in the neurons, so it causes alterations in the body movements, loss of appetite, and depression. There are other effects in the body like gastritis and cirrhosis of the liver. All these physical consequences could cause your death if you drink alcohol in mass quantities. Losing your life or poisoning it is not worth the joy of drinking. Take care of your body because it’s the only one you have.

The second effects caused by alcoholism are psychological. At the beginning, alcohol makes you feel relaxed, but if you drink it in excess, it increases anxiety and causes depression. It also causes family and legal problems, violence, changes of behavior, suicide among others. Alcohol is very powerful and alters all your normal behaviors. Many people believe that they can handle their drinking and that it won’t affect them at all. For some this may be true, but for others it is a cover up for what can really happen. Since alcohol alters the perception of most people, they make decisions that could change the rest of their lives. One of the most common ones is drinking and driving. Each year numerous amounts of people are killed in drunk driving incidents. This means jail time, fines, suspensions, and even worse, death. The chance that you could take your own life, or someone else’s life on account that you wanted to have a good time is very serious. So always think before you drink and drive.

The third effects of alcoholism are emotionally. Alcoholism affects families all over America, and some families are even divided because of it. Alcoholism can definitely take a toll and someone when it causes them to lose their family, their job, and even their sense of well-being. It can lead to depression and a down fall of someone’s life. Why risk everything you have for a drink? It becomes a habit, taking over your life that one day you won’t be able to control. Some might get help, while others lose faith and it drives them to the end. It isn’t worth losing everything you love.

In conclusion, the effects of alcoholism which are physical, psychological, and mentally. It can cause many problems that affect your life in all aspects. Alcohol alters your brain, muscles, digestion process, and other disorders that affect your health. It also can cause you depression or changes in your behavior that result in problems with your family, friends, and with yourself. So before you drink ask yourself is it really worth losing it all?

Character Analysis: Roger (the boy)

In the short story Roger is portrayed as a young boy, maybe fourteen or fifteen, that is roaming the streets late at night up to no good. His mission is steal a pocketbook in order to buy some blue suede shoes. At first Roger seems incompetent when snatching the purse. He is described as little compared to the woman. Throughout the story we see a change in Roger and how the woman has affected his life in such a short period of time. He is quiet and doesn’t say much except for when asked a question. One can conclude that the boy comes from a seperated household when he explains that he hasn’t eaten because nobody was home.

Also, when the woman notices the dirt upon the boy’s face, she points it out making him wash his face. At no point in time did the boy run out of the house knowing that he had several opportunities to do so. He wanted the woman to trust him even when she paid no mind to him. It’s almost as if he wanted to show her that he wasn’t a trouble maker just a troubled kid. He was worried about the fact that she could’ve taken him to jail but didn’t. After enjoying a meal together, the woman gave the boy ten dollars and sent him off. Just before walking off he had a thought in his mind to say something other than “thank you m’am,” but no words came out. He couldn’t show his appreciation but he definitely felt it.

How does the story relate to contemporary times?

It seems as though this story takes place in a different time period like the old days. They’re language sense is more old fashion, but the story behind it is something that is still experienced today. In contemporary times people still steal and  a portion of the youth is corrupted, but there’s always that one instance when someone reaches out to change someone in need. In the story the woman reaches out to the boy instead of turning him in or cutting him down. She teaches him a valuable lesson that he will remember for the rest of his life, she might’ve even changed him. Now and days, people still take that initial step to teach others a lesson.

It’s all about second chances. In today’s society things are different, but values aren’t. Some poeple still believe in taking a chance on others no matter their past actions. They see the good in someone rather than judge. It happens everywhere it could be done by anyone no matter the age, race, sex, anyone is capable of making a change. Till this day the youth is still trying to be preserved and if just one person, such as the woman in the story can reach out and not give up, they can make a bigger difference than they think. People who are strong in spirit often influence those around them.

Claim: Medical marijuana should be legalized

Grounds:

1. Marijuana is harmless – there have been zero known deaths related to the use of marijuana compared to alcohol and tobacco.
2. Marijuana has proven to increase metabolism for cancer patients causing them to eat more
3. Marijuana relieves patients of nausea and pain after chemotherapy
4. Helps sooth patients and ease their mind about their sickness
5.  Would be easier for patients to access, not only at the doctors request, but nationally.

Warrant: Legalizing medical marijuana would make the lives of sick patients much easier, and it would give them easier access to the supplies they need to boost their metabolism.

Paradox: Happy yet sad

Throughout life many people have experiences where they have a positive yet negative effect on their lives. When people experience this, they are experiencing a paradox. Whether it be at school, work, or just in life, paradoxes are all around us and come in different times in our lives.

The workplace is a good example where one might experience a paradox. For example, if you’ve worked for a company for years and years and you find a new job, the feeling of starting a new job can be exciting, yet sad at the same time. You will have to say bye to people who you’ve worked with for a very long time. You will be leaving a place that has become very familiar to you. At the same time the thrill and excitement of meeting new people and being in a different atmosphere will come upon you.

Another great example of a paradox is leaving for college. Going off to school is a big deal for most teenagers. They will be away from their parents, away from their homes, and away from the one place they knew so well. They will be leaving behind the only friends they knew and meeting new ones. It can definitely be a time of sadness having to say good-bye to their parents. At the same time, they are embarking on a new journey that starts the rest of their lives. It’s sad to leave, but they’re happy to go.

At last, one of the biggest, and perhaps most important, paradoxes one can face is the feeling of death. When someone close to you dies it’s an automatic feeling of sorrow and sadness, but at the same time if they were sick and struggling to live you’re happy they are in a better place. A place where they won’t have to hurt anymore, a place where they can be at peace with themselves. The fact that you’ll never see them again can be very devastating, but knowing that they won’t have to go through anymore pain is relieving.

As one can tell, there are many ways someone can experience a paradox. Whether it’s through a new job, a new school, or the loss of someone special, there are always mixed feelings when it comes to these things. So feeling happy yet sad is a normal way that many can express their emotions.

Happiness can only be achieved by the person themselves. It’s not something that can be bought or found, it’s something that takes time and, “happiness comes from within.” Everyone has their own opinion of what happiness means to them. While some people believe, “becoming rich and well recognized,” is the key to true happiness, “others grade their children as their source of happiness.”

In order for one to really have a full and happy life they must look past the idea that, “happiness can be afforded because of wealth.” If anything this idea can destroy a persons perception of life. Someone can have all the money in the world, but without love and companionship, there is nothing, but emptiness and saddness. The key to, “true happiness comes from satisfaction with your life.”

Arthur, Michelle. Money Can’t Buy Happiness. Irving: Northlake College, 2010. Print.

Okuqo, Victoria. Fulfillment. Irving: Northlake College, 2010. Print.

Reed, Leslie. Happiness and the Pursuit of It. Irving: Northlake College, 2010. Print.

Death toll rises in Indonesia as volcano continues to rumble

So far 120 people have dies since the volcano began erupting on October 26, but since then it’s only getting worse. There is urgent need for food, water, mats, blankets, and hygiene kits. The president has instructed the military to assist relief efforts by building facilities and field hospitals in the area. In return, residents will receive compensation for the loss of animals due to the volcano. The volcano is much worse than anticipated.  Houses have burned down due to lava balls raining down on the village. Streets and cars are covered in ash, and people are wearing mask to cover their faces. This is also causing cancellations of air flights  and delays. There is no predictable time to when the madness will end.