Dear President Obama,
The country has called upon you in a dark hour. The economy is struggling, the War on Terror consistently runs in to setbacks, and tensions around the world are set high. However, it is in this time of need when great men shine their brightest, and I am certain you are one of those great men.
One very important focus would obviously be the War on Terror. The cause of the war is just and noble, however the lack of efficiency and precision seem to hinder the purpose. I appreciate your efforts in attempting to make more direct effects in the war, and hopefully others will to. With you as president, hopefully the war will head in the right direction, and not just sit around waiting for something to happen from either side.
Another topic is the receding Economy. I realize that this problem will not be fixed over night, and I appreciate you for declaring that nationally. However, some just want a quick fix for themselves, not caring about the repercussions that would follow. I myself pray for such troubles not happen, and for people to support you and your plans for the rest of your term.
Lastly, I'd like to talk about Education. No doubt the education of America is important, but I don't believe there needs to be too many changes at this time. I appreciate you planning to get rid of some of the seemingly less important plans already installed to increase government spending efficiency. However, I believe not many other changes need to be made when there are more pressing matters at hand.
As the first minority ever elected as the President of the United States, all eyes will be watching you. The road ahead will not be without troubles. However, I believe in you and your ability to lead this country to a time of prosperity. I am hoping to see great things from you, our new President.
Thank you,
Andrew Haynes
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
WA4 Letter to Obama
Dear President Obama,
The country has called upon in a dark hour. The economy is struggling, the War on Terror consistently runs in to setbacks, and tensions around the world are set high. However, it is in this time of need when great men shine their brightest, and I am certain you are one of those great men.
One very important focus would obviously be the War on Terror. The cause of the war is just and noble, however the lack of efficiency and precision seem to hinder the purpose. I appreciate your efforts in attempting to make more direct effects in the war, and hopefully others will to. With you as president, hopefully the war will head in the right direction, and not just sit around waiting for something to happen from either side.
Another topic is the receding Economy. I realize that this problem will not be fixed over night, and I appreciate you for declaring that nationally. However, some just want a quick fix for themselves, not caring about the repercussions that would follow. I myself pray for such troubles not happen, and for people to support you and your plans for the rest of your term.
Lastly, I'd like to talk about Education. I currently believe that today's education may have some flaws, is suitable. It allows the students to take their learning experiences as far as they want. It is because of these reasons, that education, and other topics of the sort, shouldn't have their programs cut at all, but take a back seat in the terms of vast changes when more pressing matters are at hand.
As the first minority ever elected as the President of the United States, all eyes will be watching you. The road ahead will not be without troubles. However, I believe in you and your ability to lead this country to a time of prosperity. I am hoping to see great things from you, our new President.
Thank you,
Andrew Haynes
The country has called upon in a dark hour. The economy is struggling, the War on Terror consistently runs in to setbacks, and tensions around the world are set high. However, it is in this time of need when great men shine their brightest, and I am certain you are one of those great men.
One very important focus would obviously be the War on Terror. The cause of the war is just and noble, however the lack of efficiency and precision seem to hinder the purpose. I appreciate your efforts in attempting to make more direct effects in the war, and hopefully others will to. With you as president, hopefully the war will head in the right direction, and not just sit around waiting for something to happen from either side.
Another topic is the receding Economy. I realize that this problem will not be fixed over night, and I appreciate you for declaring that nationally. However, some just want a quick fix for themselves, not caring about the repercussions that would follow. I myself pray for such troubles not happen, and for people to support you and your plans for the rest of your term.
Lastly, I'd like to talk about Education. I currently believe that today's education may have some flaws, is suitable. It allows the students to take their learning experiences as far as they want. It is because of these reasons, that education, and other topics of the sort, shouldn't have their programs cut at all, but take a back seat in the terms of vast changes when more pressing matters are at hand.
As the first minority ever elected as the President of the United States, all eyes will be watching you. The road ahead will not be without troubles. However, I believe in you and your ability to lead this country to a time of prosperity. I am hoping to see great things from you, our new President.
Thank you,
Andrew Haynes
Sunday, December 7, 2008
WA3 Final Draft
What is peace?
Is it the smiles from a young couple,
As they watch a sunset together?
Maybe it's the mutual respect of two sport teams,
Competing in a friendly match.
Is it the tears falling from a mother's eye,
As she welcomes her son home from war?
Perhaps it's the sensation of love,
Emitted from a family dining together.
Could it be as subtle as flowers,
Being allowed to blossom unhindered?
Or is it something more immediate,
Such as a treaty declared between nations?
Is it a feeling one has,
Such as anger or happiness?
Or it a way we express emotions,
As a sign of gratitude and thanks?
Peace is what we make it,
And how far we will.
Is it the smiles from a young couple,
As they watch a sunset together?
Maybe it's the mutual respect of two sport teams,
Competing in a friendly match.
Is it the tears falling from a mother's eye,
As she welcomes her son home from war?
Perhaps it's the sensation of love,
Emitted from a family dining together.
Could it be as subtle as flowers,
Being allowed to blossom unhindered?
Or is it something more immediate,
Such as a treaty declared between nations?
Is it a feeling one has,
Such as anger or happiness?
Or it a way we express emotions,
As a sign of gratitude and thanks?
Peace is what we make it,
And how far we will.
Monday, December 1, 2008
WA3 Second Draft
What is peace?
Is it the smiles from a young couple,
As they watch a sunset together?
The tears falling from a mother's eye,
As she welcomes her home from war?
Could it be as subtle as flowers,
Being allowed to blossom unhindered?
Or is it something more immediate,
Such as truce stated between nations?
Is it a feeling one has,
Such as anger or happiness?
Or it a way we express emotions,
As a sign of gratitude and thanks?
Peace is...
Is it the smiles from a young couple,
As they watch a sunset together?
The tears falling from a mother's eye,
As she welcomes her home from war?
Could it be as subtle as flowers,
Being allowed to blossom unhindered?
Or is it something more immediate,
Such as truce stated between nations?
Is it a feeling one has,
Such as anger or happiness?
Or it a way we express emotions,
As a sign of gratitude and thanks?
Peace is...
Sunday, November 23, 2008
WA3 First Draft
Nature's winged creatures flutter
They fly together harmoniously around the world
In serenity and tranquility
The doves begin to gather
Their innocence and purity
The perfection of the world
Nature's cooperation
Peace
It all begins to scatter
As they make room for the chaos
And War
They fly together harmoniously around the world
In serenity and tranquility
The doves begin to gather
Their innocence and purity
The perfection of the world
Nature's cooperation
Peace
It all begins to scatter
As they make room for the chaos
And War
Sunday, October 26, 2008
WA2 Final Draft
The stadium’s blinding lights pierced through the black curtain over Jon “The Fire Starter” Washington’s eyes as his senses began to return to him. As he slowly pulled himself up from the depths of unconsciousness, a wave of sounds collided against his ears. His brain quickly filtered through the chaotic storm of noises. Shouting from his coach. The roar of the crowd. The vibrations of the mat. All faded as Jon searched for the one he needed to hear. Then his keen ears picked up the noise. “THREE!…FOUR!…FIVE!!!” The referee’s loud booming voice filled Jon’s movements with determination and his body with spirit. Achingly, Jon pulled himself to his knees, pressing himself against the soft yet firm mat below him, as the referee continued his count. “SEVEN!!!...EIGHT!!!...NINE!!!!!...” At the last moment, Jon came to his feet. The referee began to back away as the fight was ready to resume. Then, a relieving sound rang in Jon’s ears. DING! The round’s bell had sounded, marking a brief moment’s rest for Washington. The match was leaning towards Washington’s opponent, Derrick “The Executioner” Anderson, but Jon didn’t care. He’d even the fight next round. However, as Jon walked back to his corner he spotted Anderson making a throat slicing gesture towards him.
Jon collapsed on the stool in his corner. Immediately following this was his medical staff, one man tending to his right cauliflower ear, another treating a tear under his left eye, and a third readjusting Jon’s distinct boxer’s nose, which seemed to have suffered another break. Jon’s coach, known simply as “Tips”, butt in through all this action in order to become face to face with his prized fighter. Unfortunately, due to his strong Brooklyn accent, and Washington’s bleeding ear, it was an incredible effort on Washington’s part to determine if Tips was even speaking English.
“Noaw you gotta watch tha’ leff eye. You is takin’ a beatin’ from his right hook, and ya eye is showin’ it. You gotta use that Philly shell to your advantage. Wait for ya chance an’ take it! Don’t be lettin’ him punish ya like this. Ya ain’t already done are ya?” exclaimed Tips. The humidity in the arena had exhausted Jon. It was hot and sticky, a climate foreign to the native New Yorker. He took a gulp of water, swished it around in his mouth, and spat out the residue of blood. And with that, the next round began.
Washington stared Anderson in the eye as he witnessed him whispering the words “It’s over.” In response to this, Washington squeezed his fingers inside their gloves, so tightly the threads of mitts squeaked under the pressure. Washington was a tiger, and Anderson was his prey, and it was his time to feast. Jon had taken a beating the first round, but he knew Anderson couldn’t keep up the pace. The old workhorse had burned through his energy like a Hummer through gas, and prices are just too expensive to keep oneself fueled.
Despite Jon’s confidence, the round started much like the first. Despite the fact that Anderson’s hits were showing signs of fatigue, they were too well timed and executed for Washington to capitalize on Anderson’s exhaustion. Jon was forced to remain constantly with his back against the wall of ropes bordering the ring as Anderson continued unleashing brutal combos on him. However, when the one minute bell sounded, Anderson’s strategy seemed to switched. Keeping true to his aggressive style of playing, Anderson was attempting to land heavier hits, rather than the safe, quick jabs. This jagged fighting style greatly opened his defenses, finally allowing Jon to land some glancing blows. This then developed into more satisfying hits on Jon’s part. And at last, Anderson’s new technique proved too flawed for Jon not to exploit as he managed to time a devastating Haymaker like an arrangement of Bach’s in Concert F, landing promisingly under The Executioner’s left cheek.
The hit rattled the entire foundation of Anderson, as he collapsed unconsciously to the ground. The ref began to count
One…Two…
Anderson continued not to stir.
Five…Six…
He still remained motionless.
Eight…Nine…
Now expectant of assured victory, Jon let out a premature roar of victory.
Then, the Referee finished the countdown, as Jon and the rest of crowd exploded with a wave of cheers. Jon marched over to Tips victoriously the presence of immense joy shown abundantly among both their faces. Then the final essence of victory was acknowledged as the referee declared Jon victorious by a knock out, with Anderson’s team still tending to him, and the crowd once more roared in excitement.
Jon collapsed on the stool in his corner. Immediately following this was his medical staff, one man tending to his right cauliflower ear, another treating a tear under his left eye, and a third readjusting Jon’s distinct boxer’s nose, which seemed to have suffered another break. Jon’s coach, known simply as “Tips”, butt in through all this action in order to become face to face with his prized fighter. Unfortunately, due to his strong Brooklyn accent, and Washington’s bleeding ear, it was an incredible effort on Washington’s part to determine if Tips was even speaking English.
“Noaw you gotta watch tha’ leff eye. You is takin’ a beatin’ from his right hook, and ya eye is showin’ it. You gotta use that Philly shell to your advantage. Wait for ya chance an’ take it! Don’t be lettin’ him punish ya like this. Ya ain’t already done are ya?” exclaimed Tips. The humidity in the arena had exhausted Jon. It was hot and sticky, a climate foreign to the native New Yorker. He took a gulp of water, swished it around in his mouth, and spat out the residue of blood. And with that, the next round began.
Washington stared Anderson in the eye as he witnessed him whispering the words “It’s over.” In response to this, Washington squeezed his fingers inside their gloves, so tightly the threads of mitts squeaked under the pressure. Washington was a tiger, and Anderson was his prey, and it was his time to feast. Jon had taken a beating the first round, but he knew Anderson couldn’t keep up the pace. The old workhorse had burned through his energy like a Hummer through gas, and prices are just too expensive to keep oneself fueled.
Despite Jon’s confidence, the round started much like the first. Despite the fact that Anderson’s hits were showing signs of fatigue, they were too well timed and executed for Washington to capitalize on Anderson’s exhaustion. Jon was forced to remain constantly with his back against the wall of ropes bordering the ring as Anderson continued unleashing brutal combos on him. However, when the one minute bell sounded, Anderson’s strategy seemed to switched. Keeping true to his aggressive style of playing, Anderson was attempting to land heavier hits, rather than the safe, quick jabs. This jagged fighting style greatly opened his defenses, finally allowing Jon to land some glancing blows. This then developed into more satisfying hits on Jon’s part. And at last, Anderson’s new technique proved too flawed for Jon not to exploit as he managed to time a devastating Haymaker like an arrangement of Bach’s in Concert F, landing promisingly under The Executioner’s left cheek.
The hit rattled the entire foundation of Anderson, as he collapsed unconsciously to the ground. The ref began to count
One…Two…
Anderson continued not to stir.
Five…Six…
He still remained motionless.
Eight…Nine…
Now expectant of assured victory, Jon let out a premature roar of victory.
Then, the Referee finished the countdown, as Jon and the rest of crowd exploded with a wave of cheers. Jon marched over to Tips victoriously the presence of immense joy shown abundantly among both their faces. Then the final essence of victory was acknowledged as the referee declared Jon victorious by a knock out, with Anderson’s team still tending to him, and the crowd once more roared in excitement.
Monday, October 20, 2008
WA2 Draft #2
The stadium’s blinding lights pierced through the black curtain over Jon “The Fire Starter” Washington’s eyes as his senses began to return to him. As he slowly pulled himself up from the depths of unconsciousness, a wave of sounds collided against the shores of his ears. His brain quickly filtered through the chaotic storm of noises; the shouting of his coach, the cheers and boos of the crowd, the taunting of his opponent, Derrick “The Executioner” Anderson. These all faded as Jon searched for the one voice he needed to hear. Then his keen ears picked up the noise. “THREE!…FOUR!…FIVE!!!” The referee’s loud booming voice filled Jon’s movements with determination and his body with spirit. Achingly, Jon pulled himself to his knees, pressing himself against the soft yet firm mat below him, as the referee continued his count. “SEVEN!!!...EIGHT!!!...NINE!!!!!...” At the last moment, Jon came to his feet. The referee began to back away as the fight was ready to resume. Then, a relieving sound rang in Jon’s ears. DING! The round’s bell had sounded, marking a brief moment’s rest for Washington. However, as Jon walked back to his corner he spotted Anderson making a throat slicing gesture towards him.
Jon collapsed on the stool placed in his corner. Immediately following this was his medical staff, one man tending to his right cauliflower ear, another treating a tear under his left eye, and a third readjusting Jon’s distinct boxer’s nose, which seemed to have suffered another break. Jon’s coach, known simply as “Tips”, butt in through all this action in order to become face to face with his prized fighter. Unfortunately, due to his strong Brooklyn accent, and Washington’s bleeding ear, it was an incredible effort on Washington’s part to determine if Tips was even speaking English.
“Noaw you gotta watch tha’ leff eye. You is takin’ a beatin’ from his right hook, and ya eye is showin’ it. You gotta use that Philly shell to your advantage. Wait for ya chance an’ take it! Don’t be lettin’ him punish ya like this. Ya ain’t already done are ya?” exclaimed Tips. The humidity in the arena had exhausted Jon. It was hot and sticky, a climate foreign to the native New Yorker. He took a gulp of water, swished it around in his mouth, and spat out the residue of blood. And with that, the next round began.
Washington stared Anderson in the eye as he witnessed him whispering the words “It’s over.” In response to this, Washington squeezed his fingers inside their gloves, so tightly the threads of mitts squeaked under the pressure. Washington was a tiger, and Anderson was his prey, and it was his time to feast. Jon had taken a beating the first round, but he knew Anderson couldn’t keep up the pace. The old workhorse had burned through his energy like a Hummer through gas, and prices are just too expensive to keep oneself fueled.
Despite Jon’s confidence, the round started much like the first. Despite the fact that Anderson’s hits were showing signs of fatigue, they were too well timed and executed for Washington to capitalize on Anderson’s exhaustion. Jon was forced to remain constantly with his back against the wall of ropes bordering the ring as Anderson continued unleashing brutal combos on him. However, when the one minute bell sounded, Anderson’s strategy seemed to switched. Keeping true to his aggressive style of playing, Anderson was attempting to land heavier hits, rather than the safe, quick jabs. This jagged fighting style greatly opened his defenses, finally allowing Jon to land some glancing blows. This then developed into more satisfying hits on Jon’s part. And at last, Anderson’s new technique proved too flawed for Jon not to exploit as he managed to time a devastating Haymaker like an arrangement of Bach’s in Concert F, landing promisingly under The Executioner’s left cheek.
The hit rattled the entire foundation of Anderson, as he collapsed unconsciously to the ground. The ref began to count
One…Two…
Anderson continued not to stir.
Five…Six…
He still remained motionless.
Eight…Nine…
Now expectant of assured victory, Jon let out a premature roar of victory.
Then, the Referee finished the countdown, as Jon and the rest of crowd exploded with a wave of cheers. Jon marched over to Tips victoriously, as the presence of immense joy, was present in an abundant amount among both their faces. Then the final essence of victory was acknowledged as the referee declared Jon victorious by a knock out, with Anderson’s team still tending to him, and the crowd once more roared in excitement.
Jon collapsed on the stool placed in his corner. Immediately following this was his medical staff, one man tending to his right cauliflower ear, another treating a tear under his left eye, and a third readjusting Jon’s distinct boxer’s nose, which seemed to have suffered another break. Jon’s coach, known simply as “Tips”, butt in through all this action in order to become face to face with his prized fighter. Unfortunately, due to his strong Brooklyn accent, and Washington’s bleeding ear, it was an incredible effort on Washington’s part to determine if Tips was even speaking English.
“Noaw you gotta watch tha’ leff eye. You is takin’ a beatin’ from his right hook, and ya eye is showin’ it. You gotta use that Philly shell to your advantage. Wait for ya chance an’ take it! Don’t be lettin’ him punish ya like this. Ya ain’t already done are ya?” exclaimed Tips. The humidity in the arena had exhausted Jon. It was hot and sticky, a climate foreign to the native New Yorker. He took a gulp of water, swished it around in his mouth, and spat out the residue of blood. And with that, the next round began.
Washington stared Anderson in the eye as he witnessed him whispering the words “It’s over.” In response to this, Washington squeezed his fingers inside their gloves, so tightly the threads of mitts squeaked under the pressure. Washington was a tiger, and Anderson was his prey, and it was his time to feast. Jon had taken a beating the first round, but he knew Anderson couldn’t keep up the pace. The old workhorse had burned through his energy like a Hummer through gas, and prices are just too expensive to keep oneself fueled.
Despite Jon’s confidence, the round started much like the first. Despite the fact that Anderson’s hits were showing signs of fatigue, they were too well timed and executed for Washington to capitalize on Anderson’s exhaustion. Jon was forced to remain constantly with his back against the wall of ropes bordering the ring as Anderson continued unleashing brutal combos on him. However, when the one minute bell sounded, Anderson’s strategy seemed to switched. Keeping true to his aggressive style of playing, Anderson was attempting to land heavier hits, rather than the safe, quick jabs. This jagged fighting style greatly opened his defenses, finally allowing Jon to land some glancing blows. This then developed into more satisfying hits on Jon’s part. And at last, Anderson’s new technique proved too flawed for Jon not to exploit as he managed to time a devastating Haymaker like an arrangement of Bach’s in Concert F, landing promisingly under The Executioner’s left cheek.
The hit rattled the entire foundation of Anderson, as he collapsed unconsciously to the ground. The ref began to count
One…Two…
Anderson continued not to stir.
Five…Six…
He still remained motionless.
Eight…Nine…
Now expectant of assured victory, Jon let out a premature roar of victory.
Then, the Referee finished the countdown, as Jon and the rest of crowd exploded with a wave of cheers. Jon marched over to Tips victoriously, as the presence of immense joy, was present in an abundant amount among both their faces. Then the final essence of victory was acknowledged as the referee declared Jon victorious by a knock out, with Anderson’s team still tending to him, and the crowd once more roared in excitement.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)