Possible Topics

1. The prominence of McDonald's in current day society. How the company appeals to audiences of almost every age & how effective their advertisement strategies are. Ex. Dollar Menu, Happy Meals, Menu with Many Items and how they play a roll on American citizens. -> Critical Analysis.

2. Blood Diamonds. I would discuss the issue & the immorality of the topic. See what is being done to prevent this process. New organizations have been formed to prevent Blood Diamonds from being distributed, ex. The Kimberly Process, an organization which monitors where diamonds came from, so that people can purchase diamonds from conflict free sources.

3. Disney Films. How they have played a roll in society. Hidden messages behind the films, how they influence Americans.
Ex. During WWII, Disney made propaganda films against the Nazis. Influencing Americans to become involved with the war.

#11, Paragraph Revision

Kyleigh’s accident took place in 2006. There were three other passengers in the car. In 2006, the law for anyone with a provisional license stated that the driver could drive with family members plus one other person, and teens were prohibited to drive from 12:01am- 5:01am. The teen driver broke this rule the night of the accident. The boy driving had his brother, as well as 2 extra people in the car, one being Kyleigh. Kyleigh and the driver died instantaneously while the other two passengers were in critical condition.

(I feel I am stating my information backwards. I need to state the facts then claim my argument.)


Kyleigh's accident took place in 2006. In 2006 the law for anyone with a provisional license stated that the driver could drive with family members plus one other person and was prohibited to drive from 12:01am-5:01am. The driver Kyleigh was with however broke these rules. There were 4 people in the car, Kyleigh being one of them and the drivers brother being the other. That left the boy with one extra person than the rule stated. Laws were being broken on the site of the accident, however Kyleigh's mother still insisted on revising the law. There was no need to change the law, it was perfectly fine the way it was. Kyleigh and her friends broke the rules that were originally standing, other drivers should not be punished for this groups mishappening.

Kyleigh's Law... Not So Safe

“A Dangerous Law” by John Phalon

As of May 1, 2010 a new law was created for all New Jersey drivers with a provisional license. Originally, at 17, when you received a provisional license one could drive in the car with family members and one other person until 12:01am. The rule now states that anyone with a provisional license can only drive with one person in the car, they can not drive past 11:01pm, and a red sticker is required to be placed on the front and back license plate of your car.

The rules have changed due to Kyleigh D’Alessio’s death. Kyleigh died at the age of 16 in a car accident along with the driver of the car (another teen driver). After she passed away her mother worked hard to pass a law that would make teen driver “identifiable” to people on the road.

The problem is not limiting the number of people in the car, it is in fact the fact that teens are now made out to be “identifiable”. The red stickers make teens more vulnerable to rapists, murderers, and other criminals. The stickers are in fact unsafe making teens specific targets.

In Florida, in the 1990’s, a series of murders and robberies took place specifically to people who were using rental cars. The rental cars had different license plates, which made them stand out from other cars. In total there were 4,000 crimes related to the license plates. “When the assailants were caught, they said they prowled the roads looking for license plates with the telltale letter.” What makes the license plates any different than the bold red stickers?

Just like the Florida license plates, teens license plates stand out to. This is potentially extremely dangerous being that teens are younger and more susceptible to danger. Teens are also only required one other person in the car, making the situation even worse. Driving late at night home from jobs or a friends house is extremely dangerous because of the stickers. The teens are singled out among the rest of drivers.

Not only are 17 year olds susceptible to danger, they are targeted out to police to. It is easier for police to pull over naive and new drivers opposed to older more experienced drivers. It makes them more inclined to receive tickets.

What it comes down to is that the red stickers are extremely dangerous and unfair for teens. It targets them as inexperienced, vulnerable, and at risk.

Personally, I do not agree with the stickers. I find them to be extremely harmful. They increase crime, tickets, and hazards. The stickers came out on May 1, and my birthday was on May 13, I was supposed to drive with the stickers for 12 days, however my father felt that they were extremely unsafe. He told me he would rather me be pulled over by a police officer than targeted by a criminal. I completely agree, I felt the stickers were a violation of my rights, and were unsafe to me as a teen and young driver.

Phalon, John. "A Dangerous Law." NorthJersey. North Jersey Media Group, 4 Nov.

2010. Web. 4 Nov. 2010.

courts/safety/89658602_A_dangerous_law.html>.

#9, Argument

Four Loko

Four Loko’s are the newest and most dangerous alcoholic drink on the market. The drinks come in colorful cans and in many different flavors. They seem to be normal energy drinks, however they are 12% alcohol, and have lots of caffeine… about as much as a cup of coffee. Dr. Reihart states, “I’ve talked to parents who were shocked because the can was in their refrigerator and they didn’t realize it was an alcoholic beverage. It looks like every other energy drink out there.”

The drinks are heavily intoxicating and a cheap way to get drunk. The FDA is concerned that the bright colored cans, cheap price, and the fact that the drinks do not taste like alcohol is promoting Loko’s to underage drinkers.

One sorce claims, It’s a recipe for disaster because your body’s natural defense is to get sleepy and not want to drink, but in this case you’re tricking the body with the caffeine.” The drinks are causing many people to become hospitalized and experience black outs.

States, colleges, and facilities are looking to ban the drinks. So far, Ramapo College, in New Jersey, prohibits the drink. In addition, legislators around the U.S. are looking to prohibit the sale of Four Loko’s as well. Stricter rules should most likely come into play about this drink.

“You want flies with that? McDonald's Happy Meal shows no sign of decomposing after SIX MONTHS”

Sally Davies recently did an experiment that she entitled “The Happy Meal Project”. She bought a burger and fries from McDonalds and let them sit on her shelf for six months. Typically, food decomposes, grows mold, and rots after just a few weeks of sitting out.. however the Happy Meal took a path of its own.. this magical meal did not change after 6 months. There were no signs of rotting and not one speck of mold.

Should it be legal that McDonalds sell such disgusting, unhealthy, and I don’t even know what to call it food? I think not. The standards for McDonalds food should have to change. I see this as an extreme health issue.

McDonalds should not be allowed to sell meals like this. The bread did not even rot… How is this possible?

Legally Married Gay Man Faces US Deportation

Henry Valdina moved to America from Venezuela in 2002, and is currently married to a U.S. citizen, Joshua Vandiver. The couple has been together for four years and now it is time for Henry to renew his green card. Marriage, by U.S. law is a legitimate reason for a non-American person to remain in the country, however since Henry is gay, the court has ruled the validity of his case as unacceptable.

America is an extremely cruel place. "Trying to imagine me being separated from Josh is just -- it's like I see my world crumbling apart. We're in love." How can the court defy the case?

Henry came to America with nothing and is currently now stable. He is married and started his own dance studio in Princeton, NJ called HotSalsaHot. However, the American government does not seem to be sympathetic towards his situation.

If the law states that married couples can stay in the U.S. as long as one is an American citizen, then why is Henry being denied his citizenship? He should be treated just like any other individual. Henry is being deprived of his citizenship specifically because he is gay. This is not fair. America needs to re-think its values.

Old iPod Nano vs. the New

Old iPod Nano:

The older Nano is rectangular in shape and extremely thin. Each Nano comes in an awesome, bright, and bold color! Every color of the rainbow is available including black and gray. The screen, where the images are shown is long, and underneath is a round disk that allows you to navigate through the iPod. The round disk contains the words Menu, play/pause, forward, and back. On the back of the iPod there is a video camera, which allows you to record and take snapshots. This iPod is full of fun features and is easy to carry around because of its size. The Nano is extremely thin. The iPod is sleek and easy to use.

New Touch Screen Nano:

Since the previous Nano, there have been many new innovative design features added to this tiny and thin mp3. The Nano was always known for its colorful design and tiny figure, however this new Nano is the smallest one yet! It is nearly half the size of the older generation version. The Nano’s bold colors remain the same, however the shape and screen size shrunk. Now the Nano takes on a whole new look and form. It is smaller, takes on the shape of a square, and has a touch screen! No longer is there a big white disk with the features menu, play, forward, and back. The iPod allows you to navigate these options through the screen.

Journal #7: Droid X vs. iPhone4

The new Verizon cell phone, the Motorola Droid X is in close competition with Apples new iPhone 4. “If Apple cannot resolve these iPhone 4 problems, unsure potential customers may move over to Motorola’s new Droid X as their communication device of choice.” (Harten). The Droid X, may be the phone to conquer all. The Droid X has many new features, some which even beat out the iPhone. There are plenty of games available, and awesome new applications and software that allow for the ultimate efficiency, organization, and fun! The iPhone currently has over 200,000 Apps available, unlike Apple’s iPhone, anyone can create new applications for the Droid X, so the options are endless. Soon, the Droid will be in close secession with the iPhone and its applications. Currently, the Droid X has 70,000 applications, which still is a whole lot of apps! In regard to the screen size, memory, and camera, the screen on the droid is bigger than the iPhone, they have equal memory compatibility; if you purchase an extra memory chip for the Droid, and the camera on the Droid is 8MP opposed to 5MP. Although the Droid’s screen size is bigger, 4.3 inch in comparison to 3.5 inch, the IPhone does in fact have a higher resolution. The iPhone contains special Retina Display technology, which enhances the image quality. Because the phone has Retina Display technology it can hold “326 pixels per square inch” (Watson & Writer). It seems that the Droid and iPhone are in close standing for each other. The operating systems are one of the few differences. The Droid runs on Google’s Android operating system and the iPhone runs off of Apple’s iOS4 system. Both phones have amazing features. They can even hook up to the television! When it comes to plugging the phone into the TV, the Motorola Droid does have an advantage. The Droid X is able to connect to HDMI cables, which means the image will be in high definition. The iPhone simply connects to AV cables; standard television cables. So which phone is better? Watson and Writer state, “the Droid versus iPhone debate is one of the greatest battles of our time”. Now that is impressive. The battery life on the iPhone is outstanding for a smart phone. Verizon has not yet released the exact battery life for the Droid X, however extension battery packs are available. It seems that the Droid X is the new iPhone for Verizon. The Droid X and iPhone are even the same price, $199 with a contract. The Droid X however does come with insurance, where as the iphone4 does not. If you misplace or damage your phone, Verizon insures another for free, where has Apple does not. Who wants to buy a whole new phone? It is pretty clear that the Droid X may be beating out the iPhone. The Droid has GPS, Wi-Fi, voice commands, as well as many other awesome and unique features. Who wouldn’t want this awesome phone?

Journal #6 Investigative Report Outline

1. Opening Scene: On Sunday, September 20, 2009 Penn State freshman, Joe Dado, was reported missing after leaving a party at Phi Gamma Delta. His body was discovered the following evening around 6pm, from a repairman, outside of the Hosler Building. It was discovered that Joe had fallen 15 feet to his death. Soon after, police come across that alcohol was a factor in this atrocious casualty. However, did this sad start for Penn Staters result in any sort of change in campus regulations? Do Penn State students now realize the potential hazards of the overconsumption of alcohol and walking home alone?

2. Illustrative quote that will conclude your scene:

Zane: “I can’t drink for a while now.”

Me: “Why”

Zane: “This.” (Yellow sheet of paper, was charged with an underage.)

Well I guess, apparently not. Students each day are still becoming hospitalized, passing out, throwing up, and partaking in idiotic drunken acts.

3. Nut Graph: The University on the other hand has become stricter with drinking regulations. According to a Megan, an RA, “the rules for drinking have changed since Dado’s death. East never was a dry until this year. I am 21, so I would be able to have alcohol in my room. Now I cant. Anywhere there are freshman, there can’t be alcohol. They weren’t as strict last year”. It is however good to know that the University is taking a stance. Zane’s underage, as well as new regulations for dorms, show that Penn State is taking drinking more seriously.

4. Background: After Joe’s death Penn State is in fact becoming stricter with drinking. They have created new rules for RA’s as well as students and fraternities.

5. Supporting Information 1: “If you get caught throwing up in the bathroom, the RA’s automatically have to call the ambulance” –Megan, RA, age 21.

The school now takes the most direct approach with drinking. If you get caught, and are incoherent, the ambulance MUST come.

6. Supporting Information 2:

“Now frats have to make lists and they have to watch who can get in. We never had those security guys either. They have to make sure the frats are following the rules. They have to have an emergency number, a taxi, and drinks other than alcohol. The frats used to be chill. If you get caught, you have to go to a course and pay a fine.”- Paul, RA, age 20.

Currently, Fraternities are required to be rigorous with who they allow in. They must abide by harsher rules, and safety is now up there with having a good time. Security guards walk through the frats to make sure students are complying by the rules and partying in a safe manner.

7. Supporting Information 3:

“At first when I saw the security guards I thought they were police. It was scary. There were so many of them. They walk around carrying clipboards. They don’t do anything now they just make sure we are ok. It is the police who hide behind bushes that you have to watch out for.” –Ali, freshman, age 18

Ali affirms that there are a lot of security guards and policemen at night who watch out for students.

Supporting Information 4:

“It is scary for me to know that it is so easy to get an underage because for me, if I get one, I can not become a teacher.” Ali, freshman, age 18

Students are fearful about getting an underage; this can have positive and negative effects. Positive: hopefully students will be smarter about drinking. Negative: they will not want to ask for help when they need it.

8. Conclusion: Penn State students will not stop drinking, however it is good that the campus is making sure that students are being safe about drinking. Having security guards around truly does help. The arresting part and automatically calling the ambulance, does not help so much, because this will cause students to become fearful of asking for help when needed, however I do know that Penn State is doing their role when it comes to student safety.