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

Movie Review

"The Pursuit of Happiness"

The Pursuit of Happiness is a moving, inspirational film based on a true story that will bring tears of sadness and joy to your eyes. Actor Will Smith plays the father of a young boy. They are barely getting by and you get to experience their roller coaster ride to a better life. The emotions that the actors display in this film make you realize what it would be like to be in their shoes. One of the best parts of the movie is when the father and son have to sleep in the grungy bathroom of a subway station. This scene captivates the emotions of the viewers and makes it seem realistic. This movie is very uplifting to people because it shows that it is possible to go from a life of poverty to a life of success and happiness if your willing to put in a little determination.

-megs