Mawi Blog

John Zalazinski

9/24/2015

Throughout the book Of Beetles and Angels and the article "Yazidis capture life in refugee camp through the lens" has some similarities when you go through them. An example of this would be the idea of determination they never let anything get in there way especially when they had something to hold on to. Mawi had education to look forward to and the refugee girls have photography to express themselves. Both have something, despite all the bad things that are happening with or around them. 

Mawi and the female refugees both never forget their heritage. Mawi I had beliefs that a person that can be the least likable, arrogant, and most irritating person ever but on the inside they're the angel you have been looking for. There was a refugee girl named Barfe who took a picture of a woman who is living in the same refugee camp as her because, "The clothes she is wearing are traditional Yazidi clothes and that is why I chose to take a photo of her," which shows that even in difficult times she doesn't forget where she came from. 

War can have really terrible outcomes to individuals and societies. An example of this would be Obama not letting any other refugees in because of ISIS sneaking into the refugee camp and disguise as another refugee. Even though that is a really huge threat to the country there is still actual refugees in that mix and we should take the chances to help them out. Overpopulation is also a really big problem because of war. Currently, there are enough Syrian refugees to fit Italy and maybe even a little bit more than that. Hopefully this would get better when or if US plans to take in 85,000 - 95,000 members, and more of the refugees will be safe.

Summer Blog #4: Book to Book Connection

John Z.

8/12/2015

Book to Book Connection:

Gathering Blue & Wonder

The one way Gathering Blue & Wonder is that both of the main characters are deformed in some way. Everybody thinks they are useless because only one or some parts of their body is deformed. Both "Kira" and "August" feel like they are not welcome at all and are alone most of the time. People around them seem to judge a book by its cover.

Another way they are similar is that they are avoided most of the time. All the females in Kira's village outcast Kira, similar to what most of the kids in school do to August. Most of the people Kira and August can go to for help are usually not around, for example both of Kira's parents are dead, and August could only see his friends at school. They don't have anyone to turn to, and if they do they would have to wait for a long time.

The final way they are similar is a time when they work is the only way to escape all of the troubles they have. For Kira doing joys brings back memories of her mother. When August goes to English class he enjoys the messages the teacher writes on the chalkboard. They both take the experience and interpret it into something that comforts them. 

Gathering Blue, Summer Blog #3

John Z.

8/6/2015

Gathering Blue by

Lois Lowry

Blogging Topic: Grief from Two Different Worlds

Description:

Grief is something we all have to go through every now and then. Whether it's an outcome of  a disease or maybe a terrible accident. Although it is a sad and negative topic, I decided to see how grief in the world of Gathering Blue differs with the real world. 

In the Gathering Blue after your loved one dies they don't pass on as fast as you would expect them to. Their spirit still lingers around you for four sunsets and sunrises so you can get a little bit more time with them. You would have to use your time as wisely as possible when you are with their spirit. Every second counts, so you can tell them something you didn't tell them when they were alive because you were never sure what they were going to think, or maybe recreate memories of when they were alive. 

Here we are in the real world where none of that really happens. We live our lives normally and as we mature we learn to cherish the good times we have with our family and friends. Every second counts so we have to learn to take that seriously all the time because you never know when you or someone else is going to go. That's why I feel like books like the Gathering Blue teach us morals to get us through life and teach us important lessons to hold on to.

Now, I want to talk about the "Kira" the main character of the book and how she grieves compared to us. She gets an extra four days to talk to her mother after she passes, yet she still does grieve. To be honest, I don't really get that, you just talked and communicated with her spirit for four days and there also is a possibility that she is literally watching down on you. That means she is technically still with you for the rest of your life. In the real world we don't get that at all. Sure we got the spend the whole or majority of our life with them but Kira gets something more, extra time. Extra time with a loved one can critically important to how you remember that person, because that last memory of them is the one that will never forget no matter what.

 

Summer Blog #2, Book to World Connection

John Z.

The Giver 

7/29/15

The book The Giver takes place in a world where everything is basically perfect, our world not so much. That's why I want to compare and contrast them to see if they more of the same or completely different worlds. One similarity I can spot straight off the bat is that they both make sacrifices big and small. An example of this would be that if one twin weighed more than the other one, the other one would be "released". 

Another similarity is that the more you age the more responsibilities you have. An example of this would be the main character, Jonah has a dad who is a temporary nurturer for children entering the community until they find the correct family for them. Jonah himself has a job of The Receiver (of memories) that is basically the assistant of The Giver. There is also Jonah's little sister Lily who works at Childcare who is also looking forward to be a nurturer like her father.

A difference between our world and The Giver is a lot of people have an extremely good vocabulary. The small children even have a professor's vocabulary. That could be the result of bigger and way better schools that offer the perfect education. All of that education creates the community, and their perfect lives.

                                               

Summer Blog #1, The Giver Poem

John Z.

The Giver

7/29/15

Perfection is a complicated thing.

No one can achieve it one day.

Right when its in your grasps it just slips away.

Everything must be according to plan.

One wrong move can make it can all collapse.

Everyone has a certain job, 

but some don't have the heart to complete it.

Like letting a newborn child 

live out on their own.

Although sacrifices must be made,

through thick and thin.

From the long path where we were

able to begin.

Must not go back whatever the cost

because if we do all will be lost.

You might have thought the world was fine,

but when it comes to perfection we 

can't go the line.

"Paradox and Dream" Reflection

"Paradox and Dream" Reflection

John Z.

5/21/2015

Paradox: "Fortunes are spent getting cats out of trees and dogs out of sewer pipes; but a girl screaming for help in the street draws only slammed doors, closed windows, and silence.

The first paradox is basically stating that an human life is just as important as a animal life. John Steinbeck is saying when it comes to cats and dogs there is not a maniac going after them so we have no problem saving them because they don't endanger a life as much. When humans are getting killed or greatly harmed people won't help because of what they think would happen to them if they stepped in. People are afraid to save another human life but an animal's life they no problem saving at all. 

My thoughts on this is that even though you might get harmed or killed it is still important to save another human life. Sure its great saving a cat's or a dog's life when they're either stuck in a tree or a sewer pipe, but another living being who is getting killed or assaulted is important too. It's not good to just be a bystander thanking God that that's not them getting harmed. A think a big part of life is willing to step up and help not just look.

Paradox: "We are self-reliant and at the same time completely dependent."

The second paradox is about thinking you got everything under control but in reality you need those special people by your side at all times. People think they are self-made/"Self-Reliant" and can handle all that is thrown at them but they are always going to have a hard time without people taking care of them. There are people who live alone who are like this, who don't rely on other people, they might be successful but maybe don't feel like they are complete. They most of the time have a hard time going through life and without maybe things like health insurance and think they can cover it when they are only in college.

My connection to this is when I was ten and wanted to stay home alone. I thought I was really grown up and ready to be on my own but my parents disagreed. I really didn't see why, until a few years later. I was mature and smarter and understood more things about the world and trusting ten year olds with a house doesn't seem like the smartest thing in the world. Well now I do stay on my own from time to time now that I can do some things on my own

What Symbolizes Me Is...

What Symbolizes Me Is...

5/14/2015

John Z.

I chose picture because it shows seeds getting thrown into the soil, this represents wanting to keeping growing until you're the best that you can be. No matter what it is technology, school, home or just learning want to grow throughout all of the experiences I have. An example of this would be me wanting to become an engineer, I have to work hard in a lot of subjects in future school years to get there. It's not just school and future work, I want to grow to become a better listener, learner, and more obedient with my parents too. Learning is the guide to grow for me, because as you get older and older you get to know a few things. Stuff you want to use in a positive way towards your future. No matter how long it takes I want to grow into the perfect plant.

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