MQueen's Blog

A License To Kill?

2010-11-05T06:24:00.000-07:00

The dictionary defines accident as ''an unforeseen and undesirable event''. Strictly speaking, most traffic collisions are not even accidents. They are all incidents that could have been avoided with ease. So, how have road accidents become the number one killer of(ww. - among) teenagers? Every week, the headlines tell us almost the same story: ''Teen driver dies in car crash''. Is not it the time the headlines told us a different story, a brighter one?

A recent proposal, made by an organization of accident victims, suggests that the minimum driving age should be raised to 19. Radical as it may seem, the proposal bears the potential of stopping the escalating accident rate. Teenagers are thrill-seeking, regarding good driving as the ability of controlling(gr. - to control) their car at high speeds. This behavior recklessly risks their lives and the lives of others. Raising the driving age will help save precious lives and increase road safety, since the older you are - the more mature and responsible you are behind the wheel.

An alternate way, which might accelerate the battle against car accidents, is education. In order to promote the well-being of teenagers in the traffic environment(phr. - on the roads), school programs must include a significant road safety focus. The development of attentive drivers, skilled in defensive driving techniques, will help create a better driving culture and reduce the number of fatalities on the roads.

When you look at the current statistics, it gives one a sense of how severe the problem is. Driving is not just about holding a wheel in your hands. It is about holding people's life in your hands. Raising the driving age is critical due to the fact that older drivers are best equipped to deal with any potential hazards on our roads. They are far more reasonable and mature, being able to maintain their cool while driving. Therefore, I believe this proposal should be materialized as soon as possible.

Now, that's what I call a great essay!

(97)

Daphna

The Wonderland of Internet

2010-10-06T23:37:00.000-07:00

Man has come a long way during his evolution journey. Thanks to his persistent quest for more and more facilities, the technological revolution of computers has knocked on our doors throughout the 90's. At that period of time, the term ''Internet'' was practically anonymous to the vast majority of people. But, as time went by, the Internet has penetrated our lives and become a vital tool we cannot live without. The Internet, just like the coin, has two sides which will be discussed straight away.

The Internet excels beyond any expectation in the field of communication. By the advent of Internet, our Earth has attained the form of a global village, enabling us to communicate in a fraction of a second with a distant person through e-mails and social networking websites. Moreover, the Internet is a virtual treasure trove of information. Any kind of information on any topic under the sun is available on the Internet. Not only does the Internet save precious time, it also helps us expand our horizons in every single subject.

Apart from its vast social and education potential, many parents are concerned with the Internet's over-accessibility. Thousands of pornographic websites can be easily viewed anonymously by children. Being exposed in an early age to an inappropriate content may have a negative impact on children's mental health. In addition to the pornography threat, prolonged computer use, caused by hectic web surfing, may cause severe physical health problems related to eye

diseases and bad posture.

The Internet has by all means conquered our lives. We no longer have to climb the top shelf and leaf through dusty books for hours. Everything now is at our fingertips. But, the wonderland of Internet may contain traps which might hurt us. So, does it mean we have to say ''No'' to Internet use? I keenly believe that not. We should take advantage of the marvels the Internet has to offer, but we must be constantly alert to any virtual danger. That is, I suggest, the recipe for a fruit-bearing web-surfing.

Very good work!

(95)

Daphna

Matriculation Exams

2010-08-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

The Israeli students share a common concern related to the long-lasting and tedious Matriculation exams. These examinations are the ultimate admission ticket to advanced studies, as they provide you with a graduation cetificate accepted and demanded by every educational institute. But are the Matriculation exams the best method of evaluating a student's knowledge?
~
To my mind, the answer to this controversial question is no. Examinations place a huge amount of stress on students. Having to cope with loads of material under a ticking clock may raise not only the panic level, but also lead to negative health consequences. Moreover, it may evoke among the students feelings of rejection directed at school and learning in general.

~
The key to success in the wide-ranging Matriculation examinations is balance. Those in charge should step back, reconsider the pros and cons of the current examining technique and contemplate a brand new evaluation method which will not stress the students as it does nowadays. For instance, schools can also prolong the time set for each examination. Thus, students will be able to manifest their knowledge and not their stress.

You are still missing a paragraph. Have you forgotten about this writing task?

(75)

Daphna.

Friends Will Be Friends

2010-08-30T14:33:00.000-07:00

Countless people ponder the key to maintaining quality relationships. Well, provided that I am bound to reveal you the secrets of a lasting relationship, I keenly believe that a good friend should have two vital qualities.

Despite being a rare commodity in today's reckless world, loaylty is an utter requirement in true and abiding friendships. Loyalty is not based merely on keeping a tight rein on our tongues. We may never know what's around the corner, but we all have to have this person who will stand to our right with a warm hug or a heartening word.

An ancient proverb states, ''Whoever seeks a friend without a fault remains without one''. So, be open-minded and do not negate differences. Variety is the spice of life, especially when it comes to personalities. Our life is not covered with black and white paint, and thus along with a variety of personalities comes a variety of flaws. A good friend should stick to his friend through thick and thin and not desert him due to a certain fault.

The French well-known author, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, stated once that there is no hope of joy expect in human relationships. A true friendship is worth any price, but yet it cannot be purchased with currecy. It can be definitely attained when you develop a friendship, whose cornerstones are loyalty and conceptual openness. It may take a while, but time is negated when you receive one of the most crucial ingredients in the recipe of life - a true friendship.

Very good work!

Excellent and very true...

(100)

Daphna.

Across The Universe

2010-04-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

24 David Elazar Street

Holon, Israel
21 April, 2010

~
The Manager's Office
"See The World" Tours
13 Strawberry Fields Street

New York, United States of America
~
Dear Sir/Madam,
~

I am a 25-year-old woman, who wishes to go on an organized tour to the United States. I have always loved the adventure of traveling the unknown. Several days ago I came across your brochure and I would be glad to have the opportunity to feed my passion for travel through your agency.

Since the accomondation is a nonseparate part in every single voyage overseas, I would also wish to learn about the quality of the hotels offered. Furthermore, I would like to recieve the payment terms your company adheres to, as well as the range of prices for your various services.
~
I am eagerly anticipating to already discover overwhelming New York, and thus I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
~

Sincerely yours,
Keran Auster

This is a bit too short and it seems you have completed it in a hurry and missed a paragraph.

(92)

Daphna.

HELP AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

2010-03-30T23:14:00.000-07:00

24 Dizengoff Street

Tel Aviv, Israel
7 April, 2010

~
The Manager's Office
"AM:PM" Radio Station
102 Ibn Gabirol Street
Tel Aviv, Israel
~
Dear Sir/Madam,
~

A little bird has whispered in my ear that your radio station plans to produce a one-hour program for the younger audience. As a constant listener of your radio station, I would like to voice my suggestion for a new program addressed to adolescents living in our city.

~
I suggest that you produce a radio program with a unique format, in which disorientated teenagers will have the privilege to call and share their difficulties with a certified psychologist.
~
From waking up early in the morning to coming home late in the evening, teenagers nowadays encounter various problems regarding their body image, social life and sexuality. During the adolescence years, teenagers are more likely to be influenced by their peers and some go off track, embracing questionable behavior. Parents are not always supportive of their children, and this lack of consolation results in a ramshackle family structure.

To conclude, I am downright convinced that launching such a radio program is the most proper move your station can do. It will help your radio station gain far more popularity, but first and foremost it will help bewildered teenagers keep their heads above the water and spend their few adolescence years with a broad smile on their faces.

Best Regards,
Keran Auster

I think it's great!

(98)

Daphna.

Have You Ever Visited Planet Hell?

2010-03-09T09:57:00.000-08:00

The 28th of February has finally come. It was a day the entire Kugel High School expedition has been craving for all year long. It was the day the Polish airplane took off from the Israeli airport and landed within three hours in the cold city of Warsaw. And then I knew that I was not living a dream and that the journey of my life was about to begin.

No History coursebook can school people better about the Holocaust enormities than the journey itself. Seeing the places of horror helps slightly realize this devilish notion. During the journey, we visited the Aushwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, where the beauty of the green fields is so amazingly opposed to the site's rotten reputation as an accursed death factory. We also visited the Majdanek extermination camp, where the thunderous silence of a seven-ton ashes pile of cremated victims says everything.

Treading on this bloody ground and singing our national anthem in a voice choked with tears has filled my breast with immense pride. This journey will also be engraved in my mind and heart for its softer and pleasant sections. We strolled along the marvelous square of Krakow and ran from one floor to another in two colossal malls in Poland, looking for souvenirs for our beloved relatives.

Time has come to return to my precious homeland. Some return with a huge sack of memories. Some return with a massive burden of mixed emotions. Some return with a considerable amount of unsolved mysteries. I return with the recognition that in Israel I was born and in Israel I will live forever on, because there is no such thing like warm home.

I Loved it!

(100)

Daphna.

A Vacation?

2010-03-09T08:50:00.000-08:00

24 David Elazar Street
Holon, Israel
9 March, 2010

~
The Manager's Office
"Bon Voyage" Tours
64 Ibn Gvirol Street
Tel Aviv, Israel
~
Dear Sir/Madam,
~

I recently went on a two-week vacation to Italy, organized by your company. I wish to express my deep dissatisfaction at the standard of the service I was forced to accept during what I thought would be a soothing vacation.

Your brochure states that qualified guides take tourists on excursions to explore the charm of Italy. However, our guide's explanations were not comprehensible. Every basic question addressed to him was not answered, and he had a noticeable lack of tolerance.
~
Furthermore, I was misled to believe that the hotel chosen was luxurious. Much to my disappointment, the service was poor and unkind. When I finally entered my room, I discovered the sheets were unclean and that the doors were broken and could not be locked. Moreover, when I went to the dining room, my hope to receive a fine meal was not fulfilled either.
~
To conclude, our guide and accommodation were sub-standard and did not overlap to the promising details your ludicrous brochure contains. Consequently, I request an appropriate compensation within 14 days for the inconvenience I've encountered during my vacation. I believe it is high time you published far more accurate brochures, so that your future customers would not be led astray as I was.
~

Sincerely yours,
Keran Auster
Displeased customer

Excellent.

(100)

Applying For A Job

2010-03-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

24 David Elazar Street
Holon, Israel
January 28, 2010

~
Greenhouse Organization
18 Strawberry Fields Street
London, England
~
Dear Sir/Madam,
~

Our planet is suffering. Huge icebergs progressively melt. The Ozone layer keeps on proceeding its steady decline. Weather forecasters report radical changes in the Earth's climate. These facts have always concerned me. The clock is ticking, and still millions of heads are stuck deep in the sand.

I have been fascinated by our planet ever since I know myself. As time went by, I have acquired a fair amount of knowledge in the fields of Geography and Economy. I have also taken several advanced courses, which encouraged me to study the subject of Global Warming thoroughly.

I am a hardworking and broad-minded person with an ability to get on well with people from all walks of life. I have outstanding communication skills, which I believe are highly essential, since the organization's ambition is to make people aware of the hazards of neglecting Earth.

To conclude, I believe my qualifications make me fairly suitable to be a Greenhouse volunteer and help make our planet's future look a bit brighter. Therefore, I would be more than delighted to come to an interview at your earliest convenience.
~

Best Regards,
Keran Auster
~

(96)

Daphna

Virtual Insanity

2010-01-09T01:14:00.000-08:00

Virtual schools have recently begun to gain ground, and we can see that more and more education officials are embracing the concept. Virtual learning enables the students to study via the Internet through lessons supervised by a certified teacher. The purpose is to alternate the traditional learning form of frontal lessons.

Many students and teachers applaud the flexibility that online learning allows. Virtual schools are the light at the end of the tunnel for students, who have hardships enduring the pace of many of their classmates. The fact that every student studies individually with a teacher's online support makes the learning procedure far more enjoyable and productive for him.

However, some decry the method's rising popularity. Opponents of the new form of learning say that virtual schools lack the fundamental social education brick-and-mortar schools provide. Moreover, students may encounter many technical difficulties, which will definitely disrupt the effectivity of the unique learning process.

I, personally, consider the method of virtual schools as a highly distinctive form of learning for students living in the current age of developing technology. Nevertheless, I believe that virtual schools should not replace the beauty of the traditional method. To my mind, combining both methods will create a positive learning environment, where students have a golden opportunity to mingle education, convenience and fun.

Very good, but you haven't ended it, for some reason.

(95)

Daphna

First of All Be Rich. Then We'll Consider If You Deserve Being a Jew.

2009-12-03T04:45:00.000-08:00

24 David Elazar Street

Holon, Israel
December 9, 2009

Ms. Gilat Symon

The Principal Office

Kugel High School

1 Mota Gur Street, Holon

Dear Madam,

Every year, students throughout the Israeli nation are given the opportunity to explore the harrowing history of the Jewish people under a magnifying glass by allowing them to be a part of a unique expedition to Poland. Many students wish to participate in this unequaled journey, but are compelled to relinquish this desire due to their parents' scanty pocket. Therefore, I would like to complain about the unreasonable price set for the trip, which prevents students from going through this life-shaping journey.

No History coursebook can school students better about the Holocaust enormities than the journey itself. Students must have the capability to pay a visit to the places of horror, where six million of their brothers and sisters were mercilessly brought to slaughter by the accursed Nazis. It is not righteous that a minor portion of students will receive a better education merely because their financial status is better than this of their friends.

At the heart of this delicate subject, I truly anticipate you take action to lower the price of this vital journey. It has been testified more than once that the journey teaches its voyagers lessons of love, brotherhood and peace. On the whole, I believe that it is the government's unquestionable duty to subsidize this journey, but since my request is unrealistic at this point, the least that can be done is cheapening the cost of the journey.

I look forward to your prompt reply.

Sincerely yours,

Keran Auster

Excellent work!

(100)

Daphna.

R-I-P

2009-11-24T12:22:00.000-08:00

The Show Must Go On.

A Summer's Reading

2009-11-11T10:22:00.001-08:00

George Stoyonovich is the main character of the story "A Summer's Reading", a short story written by Bernard Malamud. Throughout the entire story, George endeavors to alter his sluggish behavior and become a level-headed person.

~
George is a twenty-year-old boy, who lives in a humble New-York borough. Having negated the opportunity to earn education at school, unemployed George cannot apply for an honorable job. He usually spends the afternoon hours reading second-rate magazines, but when the evening comes, George meanders along the streets in order to flee from his tangled reality. The apathetic environment George grows up in makes it tremendously difficult for him to blossom and prosper in life.
~

George has a very convoluted personality. He is amazingly passive and immature. He dismisses every single opportunity to make a significant change in his life. He dislikes being under the supervision of dictating teacher. Regardless of this, he wants to be highly esteemed by the neighborhood people. But, all of a sudden, George opens his eyes and realizes his mistakes thanks to his neighbor, Mr. Cattanzara. Being the single person to be thoughtful of George, he spreads positive rumors across the neighborhood. This fuels George with confidence, and eventually, helps him begin a new chapter in his own book of life.
~

At the beginning of the story, George wasn't a character I could cherish much. George permitted himself to tell a lie more than once, until at length he became addicted to lying. I also belittle George's passiveness and desire to blossom without earning it decently. Striving for success without hard work corresponds to trying to harvest where you haven't planted. Though, as the story evolved, I learned to love George for the fact that, finally, he brought himself to change. I felt supreme happiness and tranquility as George headed towards the library, leaving the remnants of childish George behind him.
~~

The Boy Who Was Arrested For Knowing Too Much

2009-10-15T05:41:00.001-07:00

We were all raised on the probe that gaining knowledge is not a crime. Well, Vikas Swarup shatters this well-known myth in his engrossing novel, Q&A. The book's suspenseful plot and distinctive structure spellbound me and conquered the highest rank in my own list of 1001 books I must read before I die.

The novel narrates the life of Ram Mohammad Thomas, an 18-year-old orphaned boy, who becomes the first contestant to correctly answer dozen random questions on "Who Will Win A Billion?". The TV producers, who do not have a billion rupees to reward the winner, have the boy arrested by the police, for reaching the jackpot in a corrupt manner. Truth to tell, Ram managed the entire quiz because each question prompted a different flashback to a genuine event that occured in his turbulent life.

The author attempts to uncover the underbelly of the Indian society we tend to avoid without devoting a second thought to this vile issue. Homophobia, brutality, decrepit living conditions and racism are merely needles in a haystack Swarup wishes to enveil in his book.

~
Q&A is, beyond doubt, one of the most remarkable books I have ever read. I highly recommend this book, as it is much more than a worthwhile activity to pass the long afternoon hours with. Q&A is a mirror shaped into a book, which reflects badly on us as a society.
~

Great, although I believe your third paragraph needs some clarifications.

(95)

Daphna.

You Are What You Eat

2009-10-05T04:46:00.000-07:00

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, with more than one billion adults overweight. Should food manufacturers be held responsible for the alarming statistics? I, personally, shift the blame on us, the light-headed consumers who recklessly head toward the unhealthiest shelves in the supermarket, for several reasons.

People have the right to choose what to eat. Consumers across the universe can benefit from an unprecedented variety of food products. A broad range of healthy food products is already waiting to be snatched from the shelves, but the vast majority of consumers prefers purchasing the unhealthy products because they bring far more delight to the belly. In this case, consumers must be liable for the forthcoming consequences of their unrestrained food consumption.

Furthermore, preventing companies from manufacturing any kind of food is a ludicrous course of action, which bears the potential of worsening the worldwide economy. This might decelerate the economic activity even more, which is already in recession due to the severe financial crisis of 2008.

At the heart of this, I don't believe we should rail against the various food manufacturers for producing unhealthy food. We are the owners of our own bodies! We, as consumers and human beings, should bear responsibility for what we eat. I do believe that the food manufacturers should specify what their products consist of, so that we could derive the most of following a healthy lifestyle.
~

(100)

Daphna.

Letter To The Editor

2009-09-17T04:51:00.000-07:00

24 David Elazar St.
Holon
September 17, 2009

The Editor
Aftonbladet Newspaper
63 Arenavägen St.
Stockholm, Sweden
~

Dear Editor,

Concerning the article "IDF Troops Killed Palestinians For Organs", I would like to state my resolute disapproval of the ill-founded blood libel published recently in your tabloid.
~
Donald Bostrom, the author of the article, said that he was primarily prompted by the concerns triggered by the possible credibility of the report. He had no solid evidence regarding the veracity of the story. As an empowered and honorable author, I would expect him to examine the issue under a magnifying glass and confirm the details. He shouldn't publish a misleading report unless he has fulfilled the aforementioned assignments.
~
Not only could Bostrom damage his own reputation as an author, but also Aftonbladet's reputation as a trustworthy source of news in Sweden. Similar situations in the future may lead to Aftonbladet's loss of readership.

I have no doubt that you wouldn't want to see the occurrence of this as the prime editor of the newspaper. Therefore, I outspokenly suggest you denounce the report and talk Bostrom into delivering a frank apology to innocent and offended Israel.
~

Sincerely yours,
Keran Auster

Excellent! I think you should publish your letter.

(100)

Daphna.

13.9.2009

2009-09-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

May these two good souls rest in peace.

Pride & Prejudice

2009-08-31T14:41:00.000-07:00

The 2nd of August will be rememberred as a black-letter day for the gay community.

~
On a Saturday night, a camouflaged gunman entered the Israeli *LGBT Association's center in Tel-Aviv. Equipped with a M-16 rifle, he began opening fire on the participants of the event. The atrocious massacre came to an end with a sore outcome: two fatalities and fifteen wounded people. The assailant fled from the scene of the crime on foot, still remaining at large.

~
The event has evoked complete astonishment among members of the gay community, since no evidence confirms homophobic activity in Tel-Aviv, the most liberal city in Israel. Hundreds of Israeli homosexuals held a rally and lit candles in tribute to the victims of the massacre.
~

According to the police, there was no terror motive behind the event. To my mind, the fact that the assailant was prompted by a homophobic factor merely demonstrates that the level of tolerance among the Israeli multitude is meager. The thought of belonging to a shallow and bigoted society saddens me. Hence, I believe that the value of accepting diversity should be delivered to people when they are still in diapers and lack the ability to pick up a rifle and shoot someone due to his supposedly different identity.

*LGBT = Lesbian Gay Biseuxual Transgender

This essay was based on the article below:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3755400,00.html
http://www.sovo.com/2009/8-7/news/localnews/10450.cfm

When Love Is Suppressed... Hatred Takes Its Place!

2009-08-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

~
August 17, 2009: A Swedish tabloid, called the Aftonbladet, claimed that Israeli troops killed Palestinians and harvested their organs. According to the report, bodies of Palestinians were being returned within five days with stitches running from their abdomen to their neck. This has evolved a severe diplomatic controversy between Israel and Sweden.
~
The author of the article, Donald Bostrom, spoke to Israel Radio, telling he was concerned by the allegations made public. Bostrom said that the article's purpose was to call for an investigation on suspicion to trafficking in organs. Despite this, major Swedish sources have criticized Aftonbladet for publishing a groundless anti-Semitic conspiracy theory.
~
The baseless report sparked a furious reaction by Israel's Foreign Ministry, who associated the article with the medieval blood libel. Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has tenaciously clarified that Israel is not asking for an apology, but for Sweden's official condemnation of the report.
~

Bostrom's report is nothing but a composition filled with mendacious utterances to the brim. As a democratic country, Sweden stands for the freedom of speech, but every positive thing must have its own limitations. Recycling historic blood libels is certainly not a way of using that precious tool. I would be more than delighted to read in the forthcoming days about Aftonbladet's deprecation of the report, and of course, Bostrom's sincere apology for Israel.

~
This essay was based on the article below:
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/middleeast/news/article_1496925.php/Israel-Sweden-crisis-over-organ-harvesting-claim-intensifies

The Face of Facebook

2009-05-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

200 million people across the globe are registered in Facebook, the most common social networking website, which allows people to communicate with relatives, friends and colleagues. Unfortunately, Facebook has recently become a forum for hate groups. I strongly condemn this phenomenon and believe that the current situation has to change.
~
We must not adopt a positive attitude towards this phenomenon. It is distressing to see how people abuse the marvels of technology to make their radical opinions public. Teenagers are an easy prey for hate groups since they are not equipped with enough alertness to the flood of hazards in the boundless world of websites. A teenager may not comprehend the severeness of joining a group of The Holocaust Denial, and thus persuade his peers to join the group along with him.
~
The ministry of education has chosen to handle this worrisome problem by giving lectures to students concerning the hazards of surfing the net with least caution. Unfortunately, the healthy messages that the lectures convey will not be assimilated in teenagers' minds since they tend to turn off their ears during a lecture.
~
In the light of the information aforementioned above, some would suggest to confiscate Facebook, as the best solution to this phenomenon. I believe that the perfect solution is to remove these groups from Facebook. The key people of Facebook, who brought this brilliant concept to the world, have the capability and power to remove hatred promoters and make a spacious room for peace lovers.

Excellent work, as always.(100)

Daphna.

...

2009-05-17T05:46:00.001-07:00

"Lucky I'm in love with my best friends..."

Simplify Mornings or Violate Freedom?

2009-05-07T14:34:00.000-07:00

"I love my school uniform. It is so comfortably lovely."

~
According to recent statistics, more and more school administrators adopt uniform policies. The vast majority of students disapprove this policy, while others believe that wearing school uniforms is a substantial requirement.
~
A permanent dress code helps the students perform academically better. Students spend most of their mornings deciding on their wardrobe, and due to a ceaseless occupation with clothes, they abandon their school requirements. With a predefined outfit, students can concentrate more on their studies rather than on how to make a fashion statement. Secondly, children tend to be ridiculed by their peers due to the kind of clothes they wear. Wearing the same type of dress helps blur the socioeconomic differences between the students, and this will help prevent erroneous judgment towards students whose parents cannot afford fashionable brands.
~
People, who voice their disapproval of school uniforms, claim school uniforms curtail students' freedom of choice and expression. Clothes are a common tool for expression of thoughts and feelings among teenagers, and when school administrators dictate students what to wear, they violate their freedom of choice and curb their self expression. There is also the issue of cost. Many parents shop for their children's clothes at used and discount stores. Uniforms can cost more money than these families might be able to afford, and this may double the amount of money a family would spend that they would without the concept of school uniforms.
~
I strongly believe in school uniforms, since it helps reduce fashion contests and contributes to a healthy academic environment, where children can learn completely free of distractions.
~
(95)
Daphna.

...

2009-04-13T06:40:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PIGLET!!!

Love At First Fight

2009-04-12T02:20:00.000-07:00

Mr. McCall is clearly not the perfect husband most women dream of, for he is the complete opposite of Prince Charming. Mr. McCall is a short and clumsy man with eccentric habits and unconventional means of entertaining himself. He isn't the prince who comes to the rescue of the damsel in distress, his wife Mrs. McCall. On the contrary, he seeks for his wife's attention by using physical and verbal violence against her.

~
Mrs. McCall is a tall, thin woman with smoothed black hair. She is characterized with an incredible tranquility for she tolerates her husband's atrocious cruelty to her. Mrs. McCall is apparently not a companionable person for the townspeople never call her by her first name, Venita. It is rumored among the townspeople that the couple married not due to endless love, but due to Mrs. McCall's desire to depart her miserable and noisy hometown.

~
At the beginning of the story the relationship between the married couple is horrible and brutal. Mr. McCall has no regard for his wife's feelings. He keeps using physical and verbal violence against her. Mrs. McCall tends to remain calm and passive despite her husband's frequent use of obscene language. She would only stare at him with her penetrating black eyes since it makes Mr. McCall feel awkward and bewildered.
~
The turning point in the story takes place when Mrs. McCall shrewdly makes her husband think she is going to revenge him for his heartless behavior by poisoning him. Her cunning plan is about to change her marriage life forever. Mr. McCall becomes incredibly openhanded towards his wife for he has bought her a prestigious sealskin coat. Last but not least, Mr. McCall ceases his constant use of physical violence and verbal vulgarity against his wife.
~
To my mind, couples who are currently enduring divorce procedures should read this story. The relationship between the McCalls may teach them a crucial lesson about relationships - put your quarrels aside and try to materialize the love between both of you even though you believe your relationship is doomed to fail!
~
I loved it. Well done, Michal. (95)
Daphna.

We Don't Need No Education, Do We?

2009-02-26T03:02:00.000-08:00

Homework has always been a fundamental part of students' lives since the beginning of formal school. However, the practice has sometimes been accepted and other times repulsed. Some educationists believe homework shouldn't be given to students. Others claim five hours at school is insufficient and must be supplemented by some work at home. To my mind, it is not the homework that is objectionable, but it's nature and amount which provoke criticism.

Students go to school and gain knowledge in subjects they haven't encountered before, and the only way for the material to be assimilated is by practice. Since the atmosphere in class is quite noisy, one's home is the ideal place to reinforce the lessons covered in class that day. Secondly, homework, given in humanistic subjects such as History and Litreature, may instill a sense of curiosity so that students become lifelong learners.
~
Homework can benefit children also in the personal level. It can foster positive character traits, such as self-reliance and responsibility. Homework utilizes the leisure time of the children, which otherwise would have been wasted for nonsense. Thus, homework can teach children how to manage time wisely. It may also establish the habit of working hard and regularly.
~
I believe that the significance and necessity of homework cannot be minimized as long as homework is given in the right moderation. It is an essential component of learning since homework carries an enormous burden of benefits. I can guarantee you that homework is not a slavish task, but a wonderful recipe for success and prosperity.

Dogs Really Eat Homework...

2009-02-24T11:41:00.000-08:00

2009-02-19T03:01:00.000-08:00

Pros and Cons of...

SPACE EXPLORATION

How would it be to plan a holiday to some tourist destination in the outer space? Wouldn't it be stuperfacient? Definitely, yes! It sounds unbelievable, but it has the potential of becoming a reality! The dream once dreaded is seen with thrill today. Nations have sponsored manned and unmanned space flights to destinations unexplored in view of making the impossible - possible! But is space exploration really a rosy picture? Or do some dark clouds shadow this field?
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Space exploration has the potential of discovering the yet undiscovered facts about space. It has a huge potential of resolving mysteries that surround the outer space. Through the exploration of space, we may find new minerals and new precious materials. Exploring space may lead us to the discovery of better evolved creatures and even humanoid species living in the outer space.
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One of the major cons of space exploration is the vast amount of money spent in the research. Space exploration involves both astronomy and space technology. Both require a huge amount of money to be spent on the journey to space. Why not spend this money to reduce poverty in the undeveloped countries? Why not channelize the national fortune towards the betterment of the downtrodden lot of society? Apart from the expenditure of money, manned missions to space compel a huge risk of human life. Astronauts have to face harsh conditions and challenge themselves to adapt to hostile environments. Unmanned missions and the usage of robots to explore space are a solution to risking the human life. But robots mean another new technology, thus incurring further costs.
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Space research is undeniably a giant leap for mankind. But I wonder whether it is equitable to spend on space exploration when many cannot even meet their basic needs of life. Is it rightful to devote endless endeavors to land the first man on Mars, but not endless efforts to rescue an African child seeking for food that won't be found? I'm afraid that the answer is no.

Intriguing! (100)
Daphna.

UNDER PRESSURE

2009-01-29T03:00:00.000-08:00

Peer pressure is a societal situation when your friends persuade you to do something you're not desirous of doing or don't have the valor to do. One of the major problems of peer pressure occurs when you are towed into something you didn't really want to do but due to certain circumstances - become dependent on. It might be positive, but most of the occasions end up with an adolescent smoking a Marlboro cigarette during school break.

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The adolescent suddenly finds himself in a situation of being constantly tested and evaluated not by adults, not by official authorities, but by his peers. He has to prove that he is trustworthy, courageous and not subject to parental dictates. Therefore, the adolescent may find himself doing things he doesn't like, merely in order to be respected by his peers.
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The adolescent may study less than he used to since hanging with friends has become more significant to him. He may skip classes at school in order to avoid a test. He may begin smoking or drinking beer in alehouses even though he can't bear the taste of the cigarette or the beer but won't admit it. He may even be tempted to use drugs. This behavior may be disastrous, and the adolescent may wake up from the dream when it is too late.
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You probably wonder what is the best way to combat peer pressure. Well, all you have to do is arm yourself with wisdom and some decision making skills and remember once and for all - knowing who to listen to and who to avoid is the biggest step in struggling unwelcome negative peer pressure!

Excellent work, Michal. I enjoyed it very much. (95)

Daphna.

2009-01-25T07:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Daphna,

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Pardon me for not fulfilling my entire commitment to prepare the seventh writing assignment on time! I wouldn't lie to you by telling you stories that my computer had collapsed, but I want you to know that I didn't mean to disdain this assignment! I deeply apologize and I hope you would accept my sincere apology.
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Michal :(

No need for such an apology. I know you. This could happen to anyone, including me. So, keep up your great work and don't feel too bad about it.

Daphna.

MQueen's Advice Column

2009-01-22T13:11:00.000-08:00

25/1/2009

Dear Janet,

As a fifteen-year-old teenager, I am more than familiar with your problem. I've myself encountered that kind of quandary - I had to choose between my passion to prosperity in school and assisting my friends. I was torn between these two difficult decisions until I decided to take action and do something for my own sake.

On the one hand, due to the moral principles you feel proud to hold, you consider swindling during the test something which is corrupt and beyond your powers! This is the reason why you're not thrilled to help your friends by allowing them to copy from you. On the other hand, you love being surrounded by society, which is something you won't waive with ease. You know that unless you help them, they will cease their connection with you! You must agree with me that being committed to both school and society make the decision even harder!

Why not talk to your friends and tell them that you won't tolerate this situation anymore? They may not understand your furious reaction at first, but I believe that eventually they will realize that they were mistaken.

I suggest you talk to them as quickly as possible! The conversation may not be genial, but I'm certain that you will come to terms and put this matter aside. When I was in a similar situation, I didn't hesitate and talked to my friends. Thanks to that conversation, things got better and better and so did my grades!

Sincerely yours,

Michelle

Very good work! (100)
Daphna.

FEAR NOT! BE STRONG!

2009-01-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

FEAR NOT! BE STRONG!

My name is Michal and I am a fifteen-year-old student, studying at the Kugel High School in Holon. I would like to demonstrate my undoubtable support in Israel's warfare against the nefarious terrorist organization, Hamas.

In this very moment, myriads of Israeli soldiers are walking through the narrow paths of the Gaza strip, examining each and every Palestinian house in a demanding struggle against Hamas. I support our government's decision of attacking Hamas mainly because Israel has finally woken up. Citizens in the southern part of Israel live already the eighth year under the voices of the Red Color system. This is the routine innocent children in my age are accustomed to - hearing the Red Color and immediately finding a good shelther! Is that rightful? Is this a thing called JUSTICE? Negotiation with the Hamas terrorists is bootless! We mustn't hesitate to use force unless those monsters understand what we have to offer for them in words!

To sum up, I believe the war against Hamas is more than essential! We don't fight innocent Palestinian women and children - we fight a phenomenon called TERRORISM!

A Letter To Heaven

2008-12-18T00:37:00.000-08:00

8th of December, 2008

Dear Freddie,

How are you? I wonder whether this question suits the occasion... Well, you haven't paid your visit to Earth for a pretty long while! It's an honor for me to write for someone whose highly creative mind had produced myriads of beautiful pieces, someone who had died before his time. Freddie... You've conquered my heart with your musical divinity! As a passionate lover of yours and Queen, I've come prepared with a sack of questions, but beyond that I would like to tell you about a fascinating night I've spent with Hila and May, two of my best friends.

Three of us went to a Queen marathon in the Tel-Aviv Cinematheque on Friday the 21st, three days before the 17th anniversary of your death. When arriving to the screening hall precisely at 22:00 p.m., we could see many teenagers, particularly girls, wearing shirts with their musical heroes on. Our waiting for the marathon to begin was worthwhile - we watched a documentary movie about Queen, starting from your weak beginning in the early seventies, through the massive success you've gained thanks to Bohemian Rhapsody and ending in your sore surrender to the AIDS disease. Moreover, we watched the Live Aid electrifying performance. We were simply lost for words - it was amazing to see how you immersed yourself in the audience's adulation so easily and so perfectly!

When the marathon came to an end, we meandered along the cold streets of Tel-Aviv, laughing continaully, sharing sweet memories and simply having a nice conversation! Sitting in the screening for four hours might have been an immense pleasure for us, but it certainly made our stomachs starve! We stopped by an ice-cream parlor to eat delicious frozen yogurts.

To conclude, we've spent a splendid time together! I hope I haven't bored you with this letter... My aptitude to entertain people isn't as high-leveled as yours, but I would be more than thrilled to receive a couple of lessons!

Looking forward to meeting you up there,
Michal Agur

* The letter was sent to 8 Spread Your Wings Street,

Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Heaven

2008-12-16T14:34:00.000-08:00

CONGRATULATIONS, SHIPHRA!!!

CYCLES OF THE NATURAL WORLD

2008-12-06T11:10:00.000-08:00

The Natural World History Museum is proud

to present you its newest exhibition:
CYCLES OF THE NATURAL WORLD

LIFE

What is life? If this strikes you as an odd question, consider it for a moment. It's almost as hard as describing the origin of life! One thing is certainly sure - we all have an intuitive sense of what life is, but how would you actually define it? Given the incredible diversity of living creatures, from tiny microbes to monkeys running wildly in tropical rain forests, how could one word encompass all that LIFE represents?

There is no universal definition of life. Defining life in conclusive terms is still a challenge for the brightest minds of humanity. Although scientists and biologists have a difficult time classifying the concept they are currently studying, it is recognized that all living creatures share a set of characteristics in common. All living things take in and use energy, eliminate waste products, grow and develop, respond to their environment, reproduce, but perhaps the most fascinating quality of the natural world is that living creatures show variation based on heredity. For something to be considered "alive", it must possess these characteristics.

Come and explore the mysterious term of life, a term which mankind hasn't defined completely yet. Maybe you are the ultimate scientist that will answer the question many of us ask but don't receive unequivocal answer: WHAT IS LIFE?

DEATH

What is death? For the Roman Catholic Church, death is the "complete and final separation of the soul from the body". The Vatican had protested the Catholic definition of death, saying that diagnosing death is a subject for medicine, not the Church. Let us put the religious confrontation upon death aside and focus on the following question: WHAT DEATH MEANS TO YOU?

Death is generally defined as an irreversible cessation of blood circulation or all function of person's brain. Death is a process rather than an event. Specifying the moment of death usually involves deciding on a point from which there can be no return.

Death can be caused by disease, suffocation, prolonged lack of oxygen to the brain, physical trauma as a result of an accident, homicide or suicide. The major cause of death in the Third World countries is infectious disease, though the major causes in developed countries are cancer and other diseases related to obesity and aging. Once used to be a normal situation, home deaths are now rare in our developed world. With improved medical capability, death has become a condition to be managed.

The Natural World History Museum is delighted to open its doors for visitors to come and explore the most spectacular secrets of death. The museum is ready to take you into an amazing journey where you would be able to discover where the soul, spirit and the mind travel when the body dies. Despite the fact that the thought about death frightens us, the exhibition you're welcomed to see will bare you a different aspect of death.

Bibliography:
Life
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life
Death
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death
http://www.deathonline.net/what_is/index.cfm

Great idea for your exhibition. I loved it!

Daphna.

2008-11-24T05:13:00.000-08:00

"King Mercury, Long May He Reign"

A Night At The Cinematheque

2008-11-22T01:41:00.000-08:00

"I like people to go away from a Queen show feeling fully entertained, having had a good time. I think Queen songs are pure escapism, like going to see a good film - after that, they go away and say that was great, and go back to all their problems."

Freddie Mercury

Queen worshipers worldwide will shortly mark Freddie Mercury's 17th death anniversary, each one in his own way. However, Cinematheque Tel-Aviv decided to arrange a unique Queen marathon - 4 hours of pure ROYAL DOMINATION! Freddie kept his word and I've gone with a feeling of immense pleasure even though it wasn't a genuine Queen performance!

I went to the occasion with both of my best friends, Hila and May, on Friday the 21st, three days before Mercury's 17th death anniversary. When arriving to the screening hall precisely at 22:00 p.m., we could see many teenagers, particularly girls, wearing shorts with their musical heroes on. Our waiting for the marathon to begin was worthwhile. During the first part of the marathon, we were watching a documentary movie, telling Queen's success story which was cut down due to Mercury's surrender to the AIDS disease. During the second part, it was our turn to take the microphones and show what we have in our vocal cords! We saw Queen's electrifying performance in Live Aid (1985) and additional two live performances from different years (1975, 1986). Neither of us would accept to forget this amazing marathon, during which we were laughing and singing incessantly.

I recommend you not only to love Queen as the best band of the 20th century, but also check sometimes what the Cinemathque has to offer for you!

*Cinematheque Tel-Aviv is a cinematic library, where movies from all across the globe are tresured in the archives.

LOVE of MY LIFE

2008-10-10T06:36:00.000-07:00

"My mother is a neverending song in my heart of comfort, happiness and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune."

Gracie Harmon

You may have assumed right – I am writing about the dearest woman for me on earth, the one who bestowed me the present of being. My mother is the most marvelous, the most benevolent and the cleverest person I'm most honored to know.

My mother's name is Irene, and she is 47 years old. My mother was born in Leningrad (currently St. Petersburg) on the 21st of April 1961. During her 23th birthday celebration, she received a proposal from an uninvited visitant, who happened to be my father. Since that magical day, they would be a married couple, raising three children: Karen (1985), Ariel (1987) and I (1993).

My mother acquired her medical education in Pavlov's First Institute of Medicine. Since immigrating to Israel, my mother is no longer practicing medicine, though she is nowadays assisting my father on house calls. Besides her profession, my mother also has a host of hobbies, such as reading mystery books and having a splendid time with the whole family.

I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine – she helps me grow, prosper and reach great heights.

So Dear Mother... Thanks for everything! I Love You!

That's just beautiful. But, don't forget the structure we talked about. You must always remember to divide your writing into paragraphs, since it is an essay.

Other than that, your work is excellent!

Daphna.

Me, Myself & I

2008-09-25T15:23:00.001-07:00

My name is Michal Agur, and I'm fifteen years old. I was born on August the 16th 1993 to the most adorable family on earth, weighing 3.1 kilograms. My sister, Karen, is studying Electronic Engineering at the Institute of Technology, and my brother, Ariel, is studying Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Their attainments always make me proud, and I hope to follow their paths as well.
I have myriads of hobbies, but my major hobby is listening to music. As mentioned previously in my profile, Queen is the band I mostly listen to. The day I came upon their video hit "I Want to Break Free" has changed my entire life. Since then, I've become an enthusiastic admirer, nurturing a tiny though unique collection of rare Queen items. This fascinating foursome will always be treasured in my heart. Apart from music, I love reading mystery and adventure books and hiking with my family. Having travelled in Jerusalem plenty of times before, our hearts are enriched with excitement arriving at the gates of King David's Tomb, which I must pay a visit to, for he has mentioned my name numerously.
I currently study in the 10th grade in a science class. I major in Physics and Chemistry, subjects I chose in order to promote my dream of discovering a cure for AIDS.
This was a miniscule window to my life, hopes and dreams, which I will open further during this coming year.
Lovely!
Daphna.