Cyber Debate

The Olympic Winter Games will benefit B.C.

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games are socially and economically beneficial to B.C. It will introduce "sustainable economic benefits for host communities and regions in British Columbia and across Canada." There will be more jobs and business opportunities as well as an increase in infrastructure. The winter games will establish thousands of short term jobs in construction and numerous in the service industry. Major new sports facilities will be formed as well as major transportation projects. Tourism and the expansion of youth, women and aboriginal people is a distinguished advantage of the game. The Olympics will also improve the conservation and management of natural resources by "rehabilitating or offsetting negative impacts we cannot avoid" including the expansion of the city's light rail transit system (the SkyTrain) and improvement of the Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler Village. The association includes all groups affected by the activities and incorporates everyone in the decision making. The Olympics have many positive affects in British Columbia and significantly impact the social and economic regions around B.C.

http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/sustainability-and-aboriginal-parti/-/31640/toq5zj/index.html

-megs

55 Fiction

It was a cold winter's day and Johnny was out playing ice hockey on the pond. It all was fine and dandy until Johnny fell straight through the ice into the numbing, freezing cold water! His friends panicked and didn't know what to do. A pedestrian nearby luckily saw the incident and saved Johnny's life.

-megs

Darn Cats.

That darn cat is chasing me again. Why are cats so amused with the simplest of things? I mean I am not that special I am just a big ball of yarn. My job is to be made into clothing or blankets but no, the humans think its very entertaining dangling me above this dim-witted animal. I really don't appreciate it. How would they like it if they had a relentless little kitten clawing at them! It goes on for hours as well because these creatures never seem to get bored with me. Oh and the best part is when the humans drop me onto the floor and the kitty starts chasing after me! It's extremely frightening and I can only roll so far. I believe that cats are just horrifying critters but you would too if you were just a ball of yarn. I roll and roll and roll until the cat finally entangles me. Being all tangled and mangled is probably the worst part. When i just lay there still the cat stops but then the humans pick me right back up again, untangle me and the process starts all over! As you can tell I am not impressed whatsoever so you humans can cut it out! You may think this is an exciting life but its no thrill. As i get used over and over again my only wish is that one day i get used for my real purpose in life. Please.. take this to heart humans.

-megs

Synthesis: "The Book of Negroes" & "To Toussaint L' Ouverture"

It takes strength and perseverance to escape the slave trade. William Wordsworths sonnet " To Toussaint L'Ouverture" was written about a West-Indian slave who fought against slavery and Napolean. Through his actions he eventually became the Governor of Haiti demonstrating how he overcame one of the most horrific events throughout the 17 and 1800's. Every individual is capable of prospering no matter their background. Aminata in "The Book of Negroes" also escapes a life of slavery and throughout her journey inspires and motivates many to continue to have hope. In "To Toussaint L'Ouverture" it seems as if William Wordsworth could be saying "Live, and take comfort. Thou hast left behind powers that will work for thee" to Aminata. Others will always remember her determination and intelligence and will be forever thankful for her teaching. Both pieces of writing are about escaping slavery and the power and strength necessary to fight for freedom. Also they both have to overcome many obstacles on their journey to freedom. It's not easy but both characters have motivated and inspired others to do the same. These pieces of writing are based on the same idea and it connects together well. Therefore, Aminata in "The Book of Negroes" and the character in William Wordsworths "To Toussaint L'Ouverture" both have a strong ambition and prove that anything is possible if you stay strong.

-megs

Rant: Loud Chewers!

When all I hear is CRUNCH CRUNCH and saliva swishing around in the mouth it literally makes my body cringe. It is not necessary for this irritating noise to be there. It is the worst when I wake up in the morning, sit down to breakfast and all I can focus on is the disgusting and aggravating sound. Maybe I'm just not a morning person but does it not bother you when someone is chewing their gum obnoxiously? The gum isn't going to run away on you! Slow it down and please chew with your mouth closed, it is the civil thing to do. I once knew this girl who got asked out by her so called "dream guy". She thought he was perfect with his brown locks, hazel coloured eyes and you can't forget his incredible six pack. The date was going just fine until.. you guessed it, the food came. She could hear the saliva swirling around and the smack of the food on his tongue. The poor boy never even had a chance. Careful boys, you may want to reconsider how you chew your food or gum or anything for that matter.

-megs

Synthesis: "The Lottery" & "The Perils of Indifference"

In both "The Lottery" and "The Perils of Indifference" there are examples of injustice and inhumane acts of violence that occur and are demonstrated by the most normal people. Society has a huge influence on the world around them and can create simple or massive acts of violence. "The Lottery" starts off with a description of the town and the people making it similar to any of our own lifestyles. "The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day; the flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green." The Lottery commences and the plot thickens. The author keeps the readers guessing about what the Lottery could possibly be. It ends up that Mrs. Hutchison (the mother of a perfectly normal family), will be stoned to her death. It is bizarre to even think that this would happen but it is a perfect example of how these "ordinary" people like you and I, commit an act of injustice. Even Mrs. Hutchison's own family throw stones at her. "The Perils of Indifference" also displays inhumane violence but on a much bigger scale like with the Holocaust. Elie Wiesel and his family had to experience the torture and brutality of the Nazis and Elie has to continue to live with the painful memories and scars since he was the only survivor in his family. The most astonishing thing is the fact that "ordinary" people just turned their backs on this horrific event. The United States were very obscene and made a shameful decision because "maybe a boat of 1000 Jews was turned back to Nazi Germany." Again, the U.S. citizens are just as ordinary as any other countries but people turn away in fear because it's not happening to them. In my perspective society can easily get sucked in by the influence of others. Indifference will continue to happen if we continue to let it.

-megs

Novel Research

Lawrence Hill is an uplifting and intelligent author who's novels have triumphed around the world and have been known to attract the attention of many readers. Hill was born in Toronto in 1957, he is the son of a black man and a white woman. His writings have been greatly influenced by his parents who are involved in the human rights movement. Hill has written 7 critically acclaimed novels most which touch on issues of belonging and identity. One of his greatest novels is The Book of Negroes which is a #1 Canadian Bestseller and it was named one of the top 100 books of 2007 by The Globe and Mail. It also won the 2008 Commonwealth Writer's Prize for best book and various others. Hill often speaks at conferences and universities and lives in Burlington, Ontario with his wife and five children. Lawrence Hill is very successful and outstanding author who's novels will be recognized for generations to come.  

-megs

http://www.international.gc.ca/missions/unitedkingdom-royaumeuni/media/lawrence-hill-eng.asp