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Zoos Should be Abolished!
Zoos Should be Abolished!
May 29, 2020
May 29, 2020
Blog 12:
Blog 12:
There are many different articles supporting whether or not zoos should stay open or be abolished. The pros and cons of zoos are very different, and can all provide new problems, but in the end, there are more cons then there are pros. Zoos should be abolished because animals get taken away from the wild and they develop bad habits while in captivity.
First, animals should not be allowed in zoos because they get taken away from the wild. In other words, animals kept in captivity are taken away from their natural habitat, which is where they are meant to live in. As a human, imagine being taken away from the home one is used to living, and then being transferred to a tiny cage that’s nothing like the home humans are used to. According to WeTown.org,“The animals are stuck in enclosures that are barely the size of the first floor of a middle-class house.” This is not safe or normal for animals. The first floor of a middle-class house might seem normal to humans, but think about the comparison to animals. That would be like humans being put in a tiny cage with no room to jump or even stand up in.
Secondly, zoos should be banned because once in, animals tend to develop terrible habits. Some habits can be more severe than others, but is killing or trying to kill a human while in captivity normal? No. For example, in 2016, a three-year-old girl climbed over the fence into an endangered gorilla’s cage. The workers ended up shooting and killing the endangered gorilla to save the girl. If zoos didn't even exist, that would’ve never happened. Furthermore, from the article, “Zoos should be Banned” by Sarah Schaefer, “Some of the animals are very unhappy so they lash out, hurt, or even kill people. Most of the time, the animals hurt workers or trainers.” If zoos were banned or didn't even exist, no humans would be at the risk of getting hurt, and animals would be a lot healthier in general. Also, there have been multiple cases of orca whale’s fins bending down and arching because of being in captivity.
To conclude, although animals might be endangered or need extra help in staying alive, zoos are not the answer. Zoos provide dangerous environments to animals which are not nearly as big as they would be in the wild. Organisms develop terrible and unhealthy habits such as an arched fin. Zoos should be banned because they are not beneficial at all towards animals.
My Go-To Songs
My Go-To Songs
May 18, 2020
May 18, 2020
Blog 11:
Blog 11:
There have been many songs that have helped me regain motivation when I have lost it and there are other songs that just make me happy when I listen to them. Quarantine has led me to not only listen to music 24/7, but I’ve also been able to find new songs I love. My favorite type of music is pop, but I also enjoy listening to older music from the 1980’s. I love listening to songs in both English and Spanish. There are some certain songs I have a deeper connection to than others. For example, my top two favorite “older” songs to listen to are “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston and “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. When I was growing up, my parents would always play these two songs on repeat and I used to not like them. After some time, I pretty much ended up growing up to these songs, and now I love them both. Furthermore, another upbeat song I love listening to is “LMK” by Lil Xxel. This song has a very fun beat to it which makes me want to play it on repeat forever. Whenever I am having a bad day, I’ll play this song and it’ll put me in a better mood. Also, Harry Styles, a music artist has been on my playlists quite frequently lately. A few of his songs that I love are “Watermelon Sugar”, “Adore You”, and “Lights Up”. Harry Styles has a really soothing and amazing voice that I really enjoy hearing. Lastly, I really enjoy playing songs in Spanish that include “Imposible” by Luis Fonsi and “Ignorantes” by Bad Bunny. These two songs remind me a lot of summer, which is something I miss dearly.
Something I Support
Something I Support
May 14, 2020
May 14, 2020
Blog 10:
Blog 10:
If there is one thing that I support more than anything else, then it is definitely a strong relationship with one’s family. By family, I don’t mean only direct family. Family can be aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, etc. One’s family will always be there for them no matter what. My family has been there for me through every step of my life, whether good things or bad things occurred. Furthermore, friends aren't always going to stay forever. Yes, some friends thankfully last a lifetime, but others don't. It is so important to have a strong relationship with one's parents, especially. They are the ones that will see you at your best and worst times and will help you overcome them. Not only do they help you, but they are a big source of entertainment during quarantine. I have improved my relationship with my siblings so much since the lockdown started, and I couldn't be more thankful.
A Quarantine Poem
A Quarantine Poem
April 30, 2020
April 30, 2020
Blog 9:
Blog 9:
It will all be over soon
Stress, loneliness, and frustration
I am empty inside
Waiting
Thinking
Hoping
Feeling isolated from the entire world
All I have is my house
Boring and quiet
It will all be over soon
Faith
White
Dove
Here to set us free
Kindness Throughout the Pandemic
Kindness Throughout the Pandemic
May 8, 2020
May 8, 2020
Blog 8:
Blog 8:
During these different and harder times, I think doctors, nursers, and medical workers deserve so much. They are being so kind and generous so work everyday through this pandemic, being there when people need help and not to mention, saving lives. Even when life was normal and the Coronavirus wasn not going around, doctors and healthcare workers have always been there for us. People in this job area have such big hearts, risking their lives in the daily to help others out. I consider them heros because of all their dedication and time they have put into making the world a better place.
My Grandma's Paintings
My Grandma's Paintings
April 30, 2020
April 30, 2020
Blog 7:
Blog 7:
My grandma, named Clary, has a huge hobby of painting, and has painted many things for my family. My favorite painting she has made is displayed in my room. It is a ballerina stretching with a red rose-looking tutu. I decided to ask her a few questions about her career.
Q1: What age did you start painting?
A1: I was first interested in art when I was about 10 years old. At that age, I drew my first drawing and fell in love with art. At least 40 years later, I realized that I also loved painting canvases as much as I love to draw.
Q2: Who inspired you to start painting?
A2: My mom put me in art and piano classes when I was little and has been my inspiration ever since. If she wouldn't have put me in classes, I would not have been able to find this hobby. Also, my kids inspire me a lot because I used to paint and draw things for their rooms when they were little.
Q3: What has been your favorite painting you have ever made?
A3: My favorite painting is one that I am still working on and haven't finished yet. It is you and me laying on the grass at your 7th birthday party. I have been working on it for a really long time now and I can't wait for it to be finished.
Q4: What is your favorite thing to paint on?
A4: My favorite thing to paint is a canvas. You can paint whatever you feel and use your creativity throughout them. I also love painting my own pottery and ceramics. I occasionally make plates, teacups, and regular cups. I love ceramics and pottery because you start from scratch so you can do whatever you please.
Q5: About how many canvases do you think you have painted in the past 10 years?
A5: I have painted about 50 canvases in the past 10 years.
Q6: What is your favorite topic to paint?
A6: I love painting landscapes and portraits. Landscapes are so fun to paint because you get to use a variety of colors and elements. Portraits allow you to express how you or a different person is feeling, and I love showing feelings in my art. I do not enjoy painting flowers because it takes a very long time to blend and the colors in the exact way you want.
The Place I Miss the Most
The Place I Miss the Most
April 27, 2020
April 27, 2020
Blog 6:
Blog 6:
This is a picture that I took of the beach a few weeks ago and it is something I miss a lot. I used to go to the beach at least once a week with my friends or family to eat or watch the sunset or surf. I find it very relaxing and therapeutic to go to the beach. The sounds of the waves crashing and the view of the clouds and sky allows me to think really deeply and I cherish and enjoy it so much. Surfing allows me to see a different perspective of the ocean and shows me that there is more to everything than what you just see. I love being able to stand up on my surfboard and look out at all the other people in the ocean and sand. Since the beaches used to be closed, I couldn't go at all, but now some beaches have reopened and I am very excited to go and spend time there alone or with my family. Although I won’t be able to go to the beach and sit on the sand, I can still surf! I plan to go back to my favorite place again during the day and spend a lot of time surfing!
Baking my way through Qurantine
Baking my way through Qurantine
April 22, 2020
April 22, 2020
Blog 5:
Blog 5:
How to make Chocolate Buttercream Cake
This recipe has been in my family for quite a few generations, and has been shifted to the ingredients that are available per generation. I highly recommend it, especially now that there is not much to do! You probably have these ingredients in your kitchen!
Ingredients for cake:
1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
2 cups of granulated sugar
4 large eggs
3 cups of cake flour
1 tablespoon of baking powder
1 cup of whole milk
2 or 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract (based on how vanilla flavor you want)
Ingredients for chocolate buttercream frosting:
1 cup of salted butter, softened
1 (2-pound) package of powdered sugar
1 ½ cups of unsweetened cocoa powder
8 to 10 tablespoons of whole milk (depending on consistency)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to make the cake:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray two round cake pans (about 9 inch pans) with baking spray
In a big bowl, beat butter and sugar at medium speed until fluffy, scraping the sides when needed. Add the eggs in one at a time, making sure everything is well beaten before adding in the next one.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Slowly add this mixture to the butter mixture, beating just until combined after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla to the batter. Divide this batter into your two prepared pans.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and until a wooden toothpick inserted from the center comes out clean with no batter. It should take about 28 to 30 minutes. Once ready, take both cakes out of the oven and wait about 10 minutes for them to cool. Then, take them out of the pans and spread the buttercream frosting on the top, sides and in between the two layers,
How to make chocolate buttercream frosting:
Beat the butter at medium speed until creamy and smooth. This should take 3-4 minutes. In a separate large bowl, combine the sugar and cocoa. Slowly add the sugar and cocoa mixture to the butter, beating it together. Gradually add in enough milk to make the frosting a consistency that can easily be spread. Lastly, beat in the vanilla extract.
Bringing Back Older Times
Bringing Back Older Times
April 15, 2020
April 15, 2020
Blog 4:
Blog 4:
I decided to share about a really fun thing I am currently doing with my best friend, who I am unable to see because of the Coronavirus. We decided to start mailing eachother cards and little treats through the mail. Although yes, we do text almost everyday, mailing eachother is such a creative way to keep in contact and and add a little bit more fun to quaratine. We started mailing eachother cards and candy about a month ago, and it has kept going ever since. I am planning to buy something small from Amazon soon and ship it to her house without her knowing. She will hopefully not expect it and be really happy once it gets to her house. So far, I have sent her Snickers, Jolly Ranchers, and Takis. She has sent me Jolly Ranchers, assorted chocolates, and gummy worms. I do not know how long we will continue doing this for, but it has definitely helped me keep in contact with her and bond in a completely different way that we ever have.
13 Years Apart
13 Years Apart
April 1, 2020
April 1, 2020
Blog 3:
Blog 3:
This is a photo of my baby sister Noa, who just turned one a few days ago. Having online school has allowed me to spend a lot more time with my family, especially with Noa. Noa loves to nap, and that made it hard to spend time with her back when we had actual school. The flexibility with the schedule has given me the opportunity to bond with her and in this case, teach her how to walk and go up the stairs. My parents put up a mini door at the top and bottom of the staircase so that Noa doesn’t go up or down them by herself. Yesterday, after about two weeks of helping her go up the stairs, she let go of my hand and took off by herself. This made me really proud of her and it made me realize how hard work really does pay off. This was a pretty special moment to my family and I because any step closer to walking is a huge milestone. I plan to keep helping her gain more strength in her legs so that she can walk by herself soon!
Looking at the Positive
Looking at the Positive
March 29, 2020
March 29, 2020
Blog 2:
Blog 2:
A lot of people are saying that the Coronavirus is taking away so much from them, which is true and I agree with that, but there are also many positive aspects about the Coronavirus. For example, one positive outcome of the Coronavirus that I was able to enjoy was a lot of time to be with my family. When normal school hadn't switched to online school yet, I wasn't able to spend as much time with my family as I can now. A few weeks ago, when I had to go to school every morning, I would have super quick meals such as breakfast and dinner with my family. Now, thanks to the Coronavirus I enjoy quality time eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner with my family. Also, online school has allowed me to have more flexible times. Since I have a one-year-old sister who loves taking naps, it was very hard to be with her when I had to go to school. Now, I am able to spend so much more time with her. I play with her on her beanbag or we go outside and get some fresh air. Furthermore, a very good memory I have from last week was playing soccer with my family in my backyard. We made the teams by splitting up into boys and girls. My family and I played soccer for at least three hours and I had so much fun. Furthermore, my family and I went online to look at puppies near our area that were up for adoption. Since everybody is supposed to be distancing themselves from others, we can't go to shelters to look at dogs, so we did it virtually! We found a few very cute puppies that we want to look into more and see if we can adopt at least one. After that, my mom and I checked up on our garden. Recently, our lemon tree has been growing a lot and new lemons have started growing which I am very happy about. Lemons are one of my favorite fruits and I put them on everything, so having them in my backyard allows me to have them whenever. To conclude, social distancing has given my family and I lots of chances to bond and spend time together and I am so grateful for it.
All About Coronavirus
All About Coronavirus
March 25, 2020
March 25, 2020
Blog 1:
Blog 1:
What is Coronavirus?
COVID-19, otherwise known as Coronavirus, is a very infectious virus originated in Wuhan, China. This disease affects most organs in a person, but it mainly affects people’s lungs and respiratory system. As of now, there is no cure or vaccine for Corona. This quickly-spreading virus has infected thousands of people worldwide and is continuing it’s spreading by the second. There are many crucial steps and precautions that can be taken to prevent getting the Coronavirus.
Symptoms of the Coronavirus
The symptoms of Coronavirus are very similar to those of the common flu. Some symptoms of Coronavirus are shortness of breath, fever, cough, headaches, body aches, and other flu-like symptoms. Experts realized that a big amount of people are getting Coronavirus symptoms mixed up with Flu and the common cold symptoms. CNN says, “One possible sign that you might have Covid-19 is if your symptoms, especially shortness of breath, don't improve after a week or so but actually worsen.” (LaMotte, 2020)
The First Tracings of Coronavirus
In late November/beginning of December of 2019, China started reporting many cases of what they thought was pneumonia. All the people reported with this “pneumonia” had recently been associated with seafood. After tests proved that these people didn't have pneumonia, doctors and scientists soon realized a new virus had arisen.
Children and Teenagers
Recent stats have shown that the Coronavirus is mainly affecting and killing people who are mainly 60 or older. The death rate for the Coronavirus is surprisingly a lot higher within elders than children and adolescents. Scientists and doctors know there is a reason for this, but they haven't figured it out yet. Some think it is a vaccine that older people received when they younger that is no longer put into people. Others think younger people’s bodies have developed differently. The answer is not known, but it is known that older people should take more precaution.
Previous Health Issues
Scientists have discovered that people with previous or current health conditions are at higher risk of catching Coronavirus. For example, about 76% of patients with COVID-19 in Italy had a higher blood pressure than the average person, known as hypertension. Business Insider explains that, “Any kind of cardiovascular condition can leave a patient more susceptible to severe disease from the virus.” (Miller, Secon, Lopez, 2020). Since people with existing health conditions have weaker immune systems, the virus can affect them a lot faster and easier than it would on an average person.
Countries affected
Although the Coronavirus has been declared a worldwide pandemic, some countries are worsley affected than others. For example Praveen Duddu explains in the article “COVID-19 coronavirus: Top ten most-affected countries”, that China, Italy, Iran, Spain, and Germany are the top five most affected countries. Following them come, the United States, France, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Pros about Coronavirus
Although, yes, the Coronavirus is taking away thousands of lives, the virus does have good aspects about it. For example, less fossil fuels are being burned from a decrease in travel. Also, some cities in China are seeing blue and un-polluted skies for the first time in most of their lives due to big factories closing. China is also having record-breaking pollution cuts. Furthermore, Venice canals have become clear with fish living in it due to the lack of smaller boats and people in it.
What can you do?
There are many actions that can be taken to prevent getting the Coronavirus or any disease in general. First, distancing oneself at least 6 feet away from someone who may be sick is a very smart thing to do. To be even safer, staying home and being in self-quarantine is a very crucial action that can be taken. Isolation prevents contact with other people, which prevents any germs from spreading. One can also cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Lastly, the most important action someone can take to prevent getting sick is washing their hands as often as possible. People can wash their hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to wash most germs and bacteria off of their hands. If water and soap isn’t available for someone at the moment, they can also carry around hand sanitizer with alcohol. Hand sanitizers that don't contain alcohol will work as well, but will not be as efficient as the ones that do.
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