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Any suggestions are welcome though. I am looking to edit this before I turn it in on the 15th.
Laura Mathis
Ryan Bacchia
English 110
December 3rd, 2009
Secured Freedom
Security in the United States is extremely important due to the constant threat of terrorist attacks. Although racial profiling and increasing security may seem unfair and discriminatory, without this type of security terrorists would attack again. If security were to be left to the American people instead, paranoia may ensue. At the same time, there must a balance between security and liberty, not only to reassure the public that human rights are still intact, but also to prevent those in control from terrorizing people with constant fear. The security provided must help protect America and not be too strict or too loose.
The government should increase security. The American people will still have freedom, just more of an annoyance when profiling. Even though things may seem like less of a threat, there is always a risk of a terrorist attack. Mark Krikorian demonstrates this in Safetey Through Immigration Contol, “Our enemies have repeatedly exercised this option of inserting terrorists be exploring weaknesses in our immigration system” (461). If weaknesses like these are taken care of, the terrorists will not be able to use them to their advantage, and the country would be safer. Although the American people will have to deal with the government being more involved and profile, it is just a mere inconvenience. Linda Chavez demonstrates this in Everything Isn’t Racial Profiling, “Sure it’s unpleasant to be a suspect when you’re innocent. But it’s worse to overlook terrorists because we ignored their persistent characteristics” (458). The events of the terrorist attack on American soil on September 11th, 2001 have happened almost nine years ago, the threat of an attack is still real.
Without security terrorists would attack again. Melanie Phillips points out in the Daily Mail, “Quite simply, the threat posed by Islamist terrorism is so completely different from previous terrorist threats that it requires new attitudes and new procedures to defend ourselves against it” (12). Even after we increased security after September 11th the United States has still had multiple threats and has had to act last minute, when the government should be more prepared. Oh the other hand, if America decreases security, it would be right back to where it started before the attacks, and would risk terrorists infiltrating the country. The war that spawned from those attacks have provoked the government to increase security, and even though some liberties must be given sacrificed, it is vital for the survival of the American people.
However, if we decreased security and focused more on liberty, security would be left to the American people instead, and as a result paranoia may ensue. Although we would have more liberty legally, people would feel less safe and be imprisoned mentally by the constant threat of terrorism. For example, during the mid 1900’s America was constantly afraid of nuclear attacks from enemy forces. The country was gripped with fear and the people always had the thought in the back of their minds that they were in constant danger. With increased security that fear is almost completely wiped out, yet some liberties must be sacrificed.
There should be a balance between security and liberty. With too much security liberty can be threatened, but at the same time with too much liberty the American people will feel less secure. It is hard to find a balance, but that is why the country should work together with the government, and vote for what is fair and agreed upon. The article Obama balance of security and liberty; US administration acknowledges need for legitimacy points out, “Mr. Obama may not yet have got the balance right, but in acknowledging painful trade-offs and the need to justify himself at every step, he is putting US policy on a sounder basis.” ("Obama balance of security and liberty; US administration acknowledges need for legitimacy”, par. 6). Although it may seem at times that the President focuses on one more than the other, one must understand that there are sacrifices that need to be considered with either decision. These are sacrifices that the citizens must be willing to partake in to ensure that the security provided will continue to keep the country safe.
The government must focus more on security, rather than liberty. The American people will still have freedom, just more of an annoyance when profiling. Even though things may seem like less of a threat, there is always a risk of a terrorist attack. Mark Krikorian demonstrates this in Safetey Through Immigration Contol, “Our enemies have repeatedly exercised this option of inserting terrorists be exploring weaknesses in our immigration system” (461). Without the assistance, which can sometimes be considered and invasion of privacy, from the government our borders are left open to the threat of terrorism, like a welcome mat for enemies. Racial profiling, and storing information about suspects that fit the profile of a criminal are necessary tools to help prevent terrorism, without them it would be near impossible to prevent future attacks.
The funeral was really sad, but I'm glad we all got to say good bye. It was a bit harder to deal with than I expected, I still get tears in my eyes when I think about it due to the manner in which he died. It's really scary thinking about being over 80 and still being horribly scared to die. I hope I won't ever feel that way, and I feel so bad he was terrified. We just have to remind ourselves that the only thing constant in life is death. At least he's at peace. I know I've been talking about it a lot, but I find it's a ton easier to vent and not keep it bottled up, so thank you to everyone who's listened to this over and over, it'll be out of my system soon I promise.
So the long of the short of it is, even though times are tough I'll pull through, with some help from family and friends of course :)
- Location:werk
- Mood:
drained
It calculates your grade for you. I have a very low b in my AOJ class so far. I really need to study harder.
I just need to get a dress for the ball and to go food shopping.
Now, I must work on homework for the next week.
~~~
I haven't been able to sleep well for the past week or so and I've been getting progressively sicker, so hopefully the reduced stress will help me get some shut eye.
Halloween party at my house btw on Halloween for whoever's interested. I'm planning on having people over around 5 or 6 for drinks and fun. After my house we're going out to On Broadway for the halloween blast, and I'm going to try and convince the kids to go to Sabbat to finish up <3
I'm actually looking forward to resting on Sunday, lol.
Annnnndddd finally I have Bisbee the weekend after~!!!!
Wewt :D
Must calm down. . . .
- Location:Werk
- Mood:
excited
http://www.shoebuy.com/funtasma-arena-20
http://www.shoebuy.com/funtasma-arena-20
I personally think I like The top pair, they can go over my pants and go well with a dress.
What do you think?
I'm looking for boots that can pretty much go with anything (black skinny jeas, skirt, dress, ect) and I also want to be able to wear/dance in the comfortably. I know it's a lot to ask but here are my top choices:
Laura Mathis
Ryan Bacchia
English 110
October 20th, 2009
The Happiest Place on Earth
The anticipation had grown at an alarming rate in the past few weeks leading up to the day of the trip. Growing up in Southern California it is almost a rite of passage to be introduced to amusement parks, particularly one known as the “happiest place on earth”, at a young age. When the day finally arrived that we would embark on our adventure we were all so enthusiastic we were hardly able to sit still. The earliest trip I can remember was when I was around ten years old, and my sister Lisa was 7. My mother, grandmother, Lisa, and I would take the train from San Diego to Anaheim multiple times a year to visit this magical place of excitement and fairytale. It was a family past time that allowed everyone to bond that my mother and grandmother decided to hand down to us children, and we continue to carry on the tradition to this day.
Planning the trip was almost as exciting as actually getting to the park itself. Weeks in advance our family would start meticulously preparing. My mom and grandma would take care of the transportation and finances. Lisa and I wrote down what rides we would get in line for first. This particular trip was an important milestone in our lives because mom and grandma had decided we were finally old enough to explore everything on our own for the first time without supervision. We were to meet up at certain times, but Lisa and I were going to be in charge for at least a little while. The wait was almost unbearable. Once the day finally arrived we were all well prepared and could hardly contain ourselves.
The ride up that day had passed by in a blur as always. It was the spring in the early nineties and the weather was perfect. We arrived by shuttle to the front gates in lighting fast time. We had finally reached our destination, Disneyland. Tickets in hand we quickly approached the line, which was surprisingly short for a Saturday morning. The greeter rushed us through the turnstile and our adventure began. Once on Main Street the aroma of the delectable sugary sweets perfectly placed in the shiny windows of the candy and ice cream shop crept up our noses and had our mouths watering instantly. We stood in the middle of Main Street to prepare ourselves for whichever ride we had chosen first. Lisa turned to me and asked, “Ok do you have the list of what rides we wanted to go on?” I searched through my bag for the tiny folded paper but to my shock it was no where to be found. I felt a wave of panic wash over me because I knew my sister would not be amused and when we fought it seemed like the end of the earth. I secretly feared all hell was about to break loose. I usually started the fight, being the annoying big sister that I was, but this time I knew it was my mistake and she would have every right to be angry with me. I kept searching but then, a clear image came to mind of the paper carefully placed on my desk so I would not forget, but of course I had forgotten it after all. I quickly reassured her that even though we didn’t have a guide to follow we could just decide as the day progresses by taking turns, and offered to let her choose first. I could see my peace offering was accepted as a smile crept across her face and her eyes glistened as she was deep in thought.
The different theme of each section of the park was noticeable from the center of Main Street. To the right was Adventureland, where giant open bamboo gates that lead to what looks like a hidden jungle complete with strange masks, pineapple treats, and rides that were a bit scarier than the rest, and the sound of xylophones and bongos spill out from the humongous gates. Frontierland was similar with its exciting look and feel, but it sounded like an old western shoot out was taking place right before the river where the old Golden Horseshoe Saloon was located. I always knew when we were getting close because you could smell the hickory flavor of turkey legs right before the entrance. In the center was Fantasyland, the entrance was over the bridge and through the fairytale castle into a land of magic. The rides were a bit more for families with young children to enjoy the magic of make-believe together. Finally to the right was Tomorrowland, the section where all the rides of the future were located. Everything was futuristic and it felt like you were walking into a science fiction movie. I turned to Lisa, our eyes met and she had a very familiar look on her face. I instantly knew what ride she had chosen first, the thrilling Space Mountain.
We high-fived and raced over to the front of the line in such record time it would impress Superman. The line was non existent due to how early we had arrived so we were inside the mock space station within a few short moments. We wound through the blue lit tunnels and reach the end of the line by the turnstiles. The ride attendant showed us to the gates where we would board the rocket ship rollercoaster car. The car pulled up and we both rushed to our seats and strapped ourselves in. My palms were sweating because of how nervous and anxious I was but I knew I would not be disappointed. The car slowly pulled out further onto the tracks and the speakers to each side of my head started counting down from ten. Once the voice exclaimed one the rocket ship shot off like a bullet from a gun and started climbing a large incline. The lights were blinding and I couldn’t tell which was up and which was down. When we reached the top and everything was pitch black besides the lights looked like stars and we crept up to edge of the track. After what seemed like an eternity we then proceeded to spiral down, faster and faster, screaming with joy and terror as it seemed the track would never end and we really would fly off into space. The wind whipped my hair in front of my face but I was too focused on staying alive to really take notice. When we finally reached the bottom it jerked to slow down and we heading straight through blinding lights once again, but this time we were safely crept back to the platform and snapped back into reality. Lisa and I high-fived once again, silently panting and agreeing that was the most fun we’ve had in a long while.
The rest of the day we had continued to take turns picking what rides we would ride next, and surprisingly neither of us disagreed or were unhappy the entire time. We met up with mom and grandma to check in periodically, who had spent most of their time exploring the more laid back Fantasyland and chatting in the ice cream parlor, and we all sat down as a family for a delicious American style dinner at the Plaza Inn and waited for the fireworks to start. At the end of the day when the finale of fireworks had finished lighting up the night sky, Lisa and I looked at each other and smiled. We knew that this day would always remain etched in our memories forever as the first time we shared the magic of Disneyland with each other more than just sisters, but as friends. I realized from that day forward that we would share an unbreakable bond for life, and that this place of wonder and magic would be the once place where we could let go and always be those seven and ten year old girls sharing the moment and understanding that this place was more than just make believe, it really was the happiest place on earth.
This weekend was a lot of fun. Halloween party was epic on Saturday, and yesterday I had Robbie, Natasha, Cassandra, James, and Mike over, then we all (minus James) went to Dominion :D I got to dance dance dance and spend time with some of my fav people. Good times and vibes. I only got about 4 hours of sleep but I'm feeling pretty good, I think it has something to do with waking up to someone again (although I can never sleep through the night when someone is sleeping next to me, but still totally worth it). I can't wait for Bisbee~!
Life is golden at the moment. <3
- Location:Work
- Mood:
sleepy
http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/product
- Location:werk
- Mood: drained
Lava Lamps |
 |
Submitted By: Pamela D Photo By: Allrecipes
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1 (3 ounce) package red or blue colored instant gelatin mix 1 cup boiling water | 1 cup vodka 1 (750 milliliter) bottle champagne |
| 1. | In a medium bowl, stir together the gelatin mix and boiling water until completely dissolved, about 2 minutes. Stir in vodka. Pour the liquid into small paper cups or portion cups. Chill until set, at least 2 hours. |
| 2. | Pour champagne into glasses. Break up the gelatin with a fork, and pour into a glass of champagne. A little stir gives it some 'lava' action. Drink with caution, these will sneak up on you. |
Spiced Pumpkin Seeds |
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Submitted By: Carolyn Photo By: Jessica
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1 1/2 tablespoons margarine, melted 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt | 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds |
| 1. | Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). |
| 2. | Combine the margarine, salt, garlic salt, Worcestershire sauce and pumpkin seeds. Mix thoroughly and place in shallow baking dish. |
| 3. | Bake for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. |
Laura Mathis
Ryan Bacchia
English 110
October 8th, 2009
The Happiest Place on Earth
The anticipation had grown at an alarming rate in the past few weeks leading up to the day of the trip. Growing up in
Planning the trip was almost as exciting as actually getting to the park itself. Weeks in advance our family would start meticulously preparing. My mom and grandma would take care of the transportation and finances. Lisa and I would make a list of things to pack and schedule of what times everyone would eat. We would even write down what rides we would get in line for first. The night before we would stuff our suitcases to the brim with different outfits and the necessary essentials an adventure of this magnitude required. Fortunately my mother always thought ahead and booked a hotel for us so that we would have a place to store all of our items, and we wouldn’t have to be exhausted on the drive back. Once the day finally arrived we were all well prepared and could hardly contain ourselves.
The ride up that day had passed by in a blur as always. It was the spring in the early nineties and the weather was perfect. We arrived by shuttle to the front gates in lighting fast time. We had finally reached our destination,
