Vocab #2

Pobesity- the condition of being overweight or grossle fat

Americans are becoming more and more obese.

accumulate- gather together or to acquire an increasing amount of

The dust began to accumulate.

mass:a coherent typically large body of matter with no definite shape

The was a large mass on his spine.

disease- a disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, esp. one that produces specific signs or symptoms or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of physical injury.

He was diagnosed with the disease.

diet- the kinds of food that a person, animal, or comm

My diet consists of mostly junk food.

prevalence- the fact or condition of being prevalent

stigma- a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.

People hate having social stigmas put on them.

prevent(able)- keep (something) from happening or arising.

Prevent obesity by eating healthy and exercising

adolescent- in the process of developing from a child into an adult.

The adolscent has a lot to learn

cardiovascular- of or relating to the heart or blood vessels

The doctor said everything relating to his cardiovascular looked fine.

excessive- more than is necessary, normal or desirable

We bought an excessive amount of food

mechanism- a system of parts working together in a machine; a piece of machinery.

He created a mechanism.

sedentary- (of a person) tending to spend much time seated; somewhat inactive.

I prefer a sedentary type of lifestyle.

predispose-make someone liable or inclined to a specified attitude, action, or condition.

syndrome- a group of symptoms that consistently occur together or a condition characterized by a set of associated symptoms.

The child was diagnosed with down syndrom.

Pros and Cons: Obesity

       So after reading "The Blame Game And Obesity In America" (which you can read for yourself here) I think that there will be many opposing views on the subject of the article. The main idea of the article seems to be revolved around one certain question: Who's to blame? After researching and reading many articles its fair to say everyone has someone to blame, whether it personal responsibility or processed food companies, everyone wants some one to blame. Obesity is one of the hottest debates in America right now. But is it really an "American" problem or a personal problem?
       I found to really great articles that both feel as though everyone needs to take accountability for their own eating habits and lifestyle. In one of these articles Steven Bryan was diagnosed with obesity and said, "I'm fat, and It's my fault." it's a very blunt statement but its partly true. No one forces us to eat junk food. Lets be honest, if we were sat down and allowed to choose between fried chicken and a salad i think most of us would choose the chicken. We don't think of the repercussions of eating unhealthy until its too late. Many people say obesity can be prevented by just eating healthy and getting that active lifestyle, but others say that american food corporations are sabotaging all of the hard-work american are putting in to a healthy lifestyle.
       One of the most common beliefs is that processed food is just too easy to get. Think about it, fast food restaurants are on almost every street. In stores theirs all the snacks claiming to be healthy, but once you read the nutrition label and its loaded with all these additives you can barely read let alone say. Which lead some people to think that these additives may even be addictive. In an article they claim that all these foods are causing you to lose your freedom of choice because your becoming addicted. It makes sense, companies will do anything to sell so why not sneak in some additives that'll keep you coming back for more? And in another article they tackle the subject of food becoming more scientific. A bunch of our food is loaded with all these additives to keep it fresh or make it taste better but its making it very unhealthy.
      What's my opinion? Well I do think that everyone needs to take accountability for their own actions. But is it truly their fault when food really is becoming more and more addictive? Its a complicated situation. At the end of the day I think that we all need to cut back on junk food and spend a little more time being active. Its a lot harder than the lazy and unhealthy lifestyle but it will definitely pay off.

Text Analysis #1

 The article that Ricky posted was alright. The main point of the article was that we should prevent getting sick so that we don't have to use our country's healthcare. I do agree with the point about preventing sickness, but the way it was presented bugged me. The article spends a whole 2 paragraphs bashing our doctors. Yes, some deaths are at the hand of doctors, but they save lives everyday so the idea of pushing the blame on to our doctors seems harsh. The article basically says prevent getting sick so that you don't have to go to the doctors because they kill alot of people I think it gives doctors no credit.

This is PHAT!

Finding an article about the obesity problem here in America couldn't be any easier. Just google "obesity in America" and hundreds of articles come up within seconds. The article I chose is, "America's Titanic Obesity Problem". This article is basically comparing obesity in America to the Titanic. Simply put, the article says we are on a sinking ship and that eventually we will all end up in the water ( the water being obesity of course). I totally agree with some point of this article but at the same time I dont think its fair to say we will all end up obese. Some people are healthy and do watch their health. It just seems as though obesity  has become a word that is used too loosely. I also feel as though people make this an "American" problem, but its not truly anyone's problem but the individuals. Sure American companies produce horrible food but at the end of the day we all support their business by eating and buying their food. They dont make me eat it, but i eat it because i have no self control and eat whatever i want, but how is that truly Americas problem?

P.S. As I was writing this article I ate a bag of chips and soda.

MY OPINION ISN'T (A) RIGHT)

•"Youre not entitled to your own opinion"

•opinions being used in wrong way 

•in order to value an opinion it must be validated

• wanting to hear something that makes sense, they want a reason

• "big people make little people feel small"

•right to life not to ruin it

•interdependence: depending on yourself and others "INTERnet"

•our country operate on myth "man vs. world"

•we cant get anywhere without the help of others

It's All Latin To Me

As an assignment I was told to translate and explain the reason the following Latin quote is relevant to this class: "dimidium facti qui coepit habet: sapere aude, incipe". "He who has begun is half done: dare to know, dare to begin!". The quote means that once you start something your halfway there, and you just have to try new thing without being afraid of failing. It is very relevant to this class because this new style of teaching is new to almost all of us. We don't know how it will play out, but we wont ever know if we don't try. Beginning is the hardest part because we aren't following the "status quo" but just because its not normal doesn't mean its not right. The quote is totally relevant to our class and it really does explain how we are going to take this chance in hopes of adapting to this new style.

REFLECTIONS ON WEEK 1

So its the end of week one and we have been assigned to post a blog answering these three questions:
1. Are there any factors that you think are going to affect your participation or experience in this class? Access to a computer?  Mobile/smart phone?  Transportation?  Friends/family? Schedule?

In all honesty yes, I work about 4 or 5 days a week, but my school schedule allows me to be home at 11:20 so it shouldn't be a problem. Other than that I think it wont be too hard for me to get through the class. 

2.Think of an awesome best ever learning experience that changed you. What did you learn? Where were you? What happened? Who else was there? Did it teach you anything about how you learn (or pay attention... or remember, or think?) How did you know what was happening? 

I think one of the best learning experiences was at my school with my art teacher I had last year. I learned so much about art but throughout the entire year I never once felt like I wasn't having fun. She made it fun for us to learn and was a very good teacher. She made me realize that learning doesn't have to be boring. Most teachers don't treat their students too well, which results in the students resenting the fact of being inside a classroom for an hour listening to a teacher that you don't like ramble. If students have fun they will engage but when teachers are rude it does the exact opposite. The classroom doesn't have to be boring.

3. What are you most [excited/concerned] about in this class? What do you look forward to in learning?  How do you think it can/will make a practical difference in your life?

The most exciting thing about the class is being introduced to something different. School has become so repetitive. You go to a class where most teachers stand in the front of the room and talk to you, not with you. This class is different. Within the first week the entire class was sitting in a circle having an open discussion about an article, "The Right to Your Own Opinion"  (which most of us failed to read ,oops!) Its exciting to learn in a new way. I cant wait to use this approach.

5 GO-TO SOURCES FOR GOOD NONFICTION

Finding a good book can be hard. Using sources to choose a book can make it way easier. Here are 5 sources to find a good nonfiction book:

1. The Library- Obviously this is the easiest way to find many nonfiction books. There is tons of options and the best part is that its free to access.

2. Friends & Family- Find a friend that likes to read and ask them what books are good to read and what are some good options.

3. The New York Bestsellers List- This is an easy way to find books that are trending now and will give you ideas for current popular books.

4. Smartphones- Phones now come with so many apps and many apps for readers. iBooks, Kindle, Nook, etc. all are made for your phone and they have top charts, featured books and many options to choose from. Plus you can read reviews from people all over the world.

5. Google- I love google. I use it for everything. Just type in "interesting nonfiction books" and within seconds you will have a huge selection.

What is Expository Writing?

Expository writing gives information on a subject. The writer gives information to the reader and explains to them clearly about a certain topic.

My Big Question?

I never really thought about what my "big question" was until now. Since class I have been going over different thought and wondering what my biggest question was. I never realized how many questions I truly had. I think my biggest question would probably be about the meaning of life. What is life truly about? Why are we created just to build a life that ends in death? Its a crazy thought if you think about it and it just never came across my mind.