Franklin Cider Mill!

 

Synopsis:
               The Franklin Cider Mill was established in the early 1800's.  Ed W. Matthews was the one who started this project, but due to many financial problems he was unable to complete the Mill.  During the 19th and 20th century the mill has gone through many different owners and is currently owned by Jack Peltz. 

Analysis:
              This trip worked to my benefit because I love both small towns and cider mills! I really enjoyed just walking around and seeing the little market and coffee house. I thought that was really neat. The whole environment was very nice. Going to the cider mill is one of my favorite fall activities.               I think it is really great that the do everything from making the doughnuts to making their cider right there in there own kitchen.  Gotta love keepen it close to home!







for more history info go to this site!

http://www.franklincidermill.com/history/

Turning Tables for a Bullied High School Student



<Worth watching!! grab some headphones and take a look

 

Synopsis:
               16 year old Whitney Kropp has been making headlines all over the place about her story.  She was never the most "popular" kid in school and that made her an easy target for bullying.  Kids at her school decided it would be funny to put Whitney's name in the the options for the Homecoming court.  She was extremely hurt when she found out it was all part of a huge prank.  Once her story got out there, and people started listening, her whole community pitched in for Whitney's dress, hair and makeup.  Things began to turn around for her. 


Whitney Kropp got her night in the spotlight.

Analysis:
               Bullying has been an ongoing issue when it comes to students.  It can go from kids crying all the way to an extreme like suicide.  It hurts people in so many ways and it really needs to stop.  The story of Whitney has a few different emotions.  She was very hurt when she found out that the whole nomination was a prank, but she was reassured that people do care when the whole community rallied up and helped her.


An inspiration to many

               I think I speak for everyone when I say bullying really needs to stop.  Kids shouldn't be afraid to go to school.  Instead they should look forward to it.  Whitney, at first, was not even going to go to the homecoming.  Her plan was to just say home, but her mom told her that she needed to be brave and persevere.  And when she did it, things ended up working out for her.  It takes a lot of courage to do that and many kids out there don't have that kind of drive.  I think that it is really great that bullying it being recognized more and there are people out there who really do care, but it is still a huge issue that NEEDS to be resolved.



http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/national/whitney-kropp-homecoming-prank-ogemaw-heights-teen-teaches-a-lesson-to-all-high-school-bullies

http://schoolsofthought.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/26/worthy-homecoming-for-bullied-teen/?iref=allsearch

Sin País

(left) Sam (middle) Dulce (right) Elida

 

 

Sin País

 

Synopsis:

 

               The documentary Sin País is about a family of five, the Mejia's, who are trying to achieve the "American Dream".  Sam and Elida Mejia were burdened with having to leave behind their two of their three kids, Helen, age 13, and 18-year-old Gilbert, because of an immigration law.  Because Helen and Dulce were both born in the US they were immediately considered American citizens.  Gilbert, however, was not born in the US, but he was in school here and in the middle of getting a work permit.  Over time, because of the immigration law, Sam and Elida were forced to leave the country.  They also decided to take their youngest, Dulce, and move back to Guatemala with them.  Over time this family has gone through many hardships like missing holidays, struggling with finding work, and the lack of family support.  Their hope for the "American Dream" was that much farther away.

Analysis:

               This Immigration Law has really taken a tole on this family.  The Mejia family's story is just one of many stories that have been affected in a negative way.  If you asked someone who came to the US illegally, they would most likely tell you, "To have a chance at the American Dream." These families do close to anything to get their chance.  Many people complain that there are immigrants taking their jobs, but the truth of it is that they are taking the low end jobs that nobody else wants to do.  I truly do feel awful for these families and stories like this really move me. 

 



http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/diaz/article/PBS-film-Sin-Pais-shows-immigrant-family-split-3761401.php#photo-3287420

"Battleground polls seem to give Obama upper hand over Romney"

"Battleground polls seem to give Obama upper hand over Romney"
Article by: Paul Steinhauser
9/24/2012
http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/23/politics/battleground-polls/index.html?hpt=po_c2

               Many politicians use polls as a way to see where the general position is people have on a certain topic.  For example, the very first Presidential debate is just around the corner,and it is important for the candidates to know what issues they should be addressing.  There have been polls sent out to "swing states" to see where they stand.  As of right now, it looks like Obama has their votes. 
              "Polls are a snapshot of how people feel right now", says Paul Steinhauser. Polls can not always be reliable because with other debates, such as the Vice President debate, coming before the Presidential debate, many opinions could change and that may alter the results of the previous polls.
              Previous months, Romney was confident that anything President Obama says can easily be erased, currently this is not the case as the new months approach.