Research Topic

          Hey. I'm about to tell you about my research topic for English. First off, my questions are what was the role of a Gypsy during the Holocaust, and how were they affected? And how did certain countries feel about them, and how do they feel about them now? I really wasn't interested in this topic until Ms. Brock told me my original topic was too broad. My overall original topic was literally "Holocaust/World War II" because I barely understood what we were doing for the project, but Ms. Brock recommended some topics to me. I thought Gypsies would be the coolest one to talk about. I learned the Gypsies were outcasts to Germany when they moved there, and most people didn't like them. They had to go straight to concentration camps just like the Jews.  Also, countries besides Germany wanted to get rid of them. Even now some people don't like the Gypsies.

          The topic I have chosen is based on Gypsies during the Holocaust. The specific questions are what was the role of a Gypsy during the Holocaust, and how were they affected? Also, how did certain countries feel about them, and how do they feel about them now? I was intrigued by this topic after the school's librarian, Ms. Brock, recommended me to looking into further detail with the topic of Gypsies during the Holocaust. I have learned a significant amount of information as I had to do an annotated bibliography. The bibliography allowed me to read at least ten articles, journals, books, etc. and find information that would help me answer my research questions. Gypsies originated from India. They moved to Germany with diverse culture, different appearance, and a different language than the people who lived in Germany. They were basically outcasts, pariahs, in Germany. They lived in ghettos of Germany because they didn't have enough money to live anywhere else because nobody would give them a job. Later, they had to go to concentration camps, along with the Jews, because Hitler felt the same way about them like he felt about the Jews. Back then, other countries didn't want Gypsies to move to their area because of all the stereotypes about them being criminals and filthy people. Now, some countries still show an outrageous amount of discrimination towards the Gypsies. I find that ridiculous, but from what  I have found, it's true.

Reading Times: 1/23 read and annotated one article(30 minutes) 1/24  read and annotated 7 articles(3 1/2 hours)
Total: 8 articles, 4 hours

Research Update

     My topic is centered around Gypsies during the Holocaust. I've used Facts on File, SIRS, and Galenet for my information to put on note cards and such. Typing in basic words like Holocaust or Gypsy have been helpful to look up things for my research topic. Gypsies are also called Roma, so that would also be a good keyword to type in to help me find more information. For me, it's not that difficult to find the information needed. 

     The thing I'm having the most difficult time doing is the annotated bibliography. I have six citations already, and I put them on noodletools. I am still trying to get in the process of how to do the paragraphs for the citations or whatever it is. I will try to find examples from the people in my research group in class. I should be fine though. 

Reading Times: Tricks by Ellen Hopkins ... Jan 15- 246 through 327... Jan 16- 328 through 408.. Jan 17- 409 through 568 .. Jan 18- 569 through 627

Total: 381 pages, 317 minutes

Inauguration 2013 and MLK Day

        Today is the day that Barack Obama was inducted into office for his second term, and it's also the day we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. who crusaded through discrimination and racism. Both of these men, being African American, were affronted in some way. The severity of the affronts have lessened tremendously as King used nonviolent ways to issue how wrong racial inequality was back then. Being adroit men, Obama and King are similar in the way that they knew how to handle things and had powerful voices to get their points across.
       Sometimes as I hear negative comments about Barack being back into presidency, I am militant. I just want to bite back with a comment of how he has helped us so much. I don't see why certain people have a negative demeanor towards Obama if they don't really know what he does for us or what he wants to do for the United States. The things King and Obama have done for this world weren't just avocations, but were done to make this world a better place. It took time and hard work.
       Today is a day where we should think about what these leaders have done without being raucous and obnoxious. I think it's tacit that I appreciate these two people. Try not to be a pariah in these types of situations. Get involved!

Friends

          If you are going to be friends with someone, actually be there friend! Don't talk to them only if you want or need something. Friends are suppose to be there for each other no matter what. Specifically best friends, but you don't have to be just their best friend to ask what's wrong if they're looking down. A friend should do that also. Laughing and crying and smiling and frowning together.  Someone who you can always tell secrets to and have insiders that no one else knows about. Someone to joke around with and be comfortable around.
          A friend is someone who can turn that smile upside down because they know what'll make you smile. They almost know you better than you know yourself. They should be the ones that always help you out and you can seek some guidance from.

Reading Response

          I am reading Tricks by Ellen Hopkins. I think the last book I read by her was Burned which I really liked, so I decided to read another by her. I don't believe this one is in that series though. The book is realistic fiction. It is about "the right kind of love. With the wrong person." There are five teenagers who are main characters, and their stories are being told.
          My response to Eden is that I think you found a good type of love with Andrew, but don't go into the relationship too fast because you may be rushing it knowing your mother and father would never approve because of their strong religious belief. If I were you, I wouldn't tell my parents because I know the consequences would be very bad, but for some reason I think they will find out without you telling them.
          Seth, you just need to quit. You already know what you are doing is wrong, and if you told your father he would look down at you. I think the best time for you to cut off your relationship is when Loren goes off to New York. The disconnection would kind of be natural.
          Whitney, I have to tell you I understand why you have a better relationship with your father than your mother. Also, that boyfriend of yours, or if he's even your boyfriend, does not love you at all. It was obvious when he didn't tell you he loved you whenever you told him. Plus, he's way older than you and everything. You have definitely found the wrong person to love.
          Ginger! I feel so sorry for you. I feel everything you're doing is right though. You are helping your family more than your mother when she is the cause for everything. You should think of getting a job since you have so much free time. It'll really help. I don't think your in a relationship or in love with anyone yet so I don't really have anything to say for you.
         My response to Cody is that you are not in love. You just think the girl is really pretty. You don't know anything about her at all. One thing you need to do is to stop drinking and smoking. That is just too bad, and plus you're in high school. You don't need to be doing all of that. But Cody, you have definitely found the wrong person to love.

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins,Reading Times: pages 1-84(70 minutes), pages 85-164(70 minutes), pages 165-245(75 minutes)
Total- 245 pages, 215 minutes