Welcome to the Jungle

Last Week

2008-12-07T21:05:00.000-08:00

This is literally the last week of this semester and I am glad that everything is going good. The spring term is around the corner and hopefully I do as good as I am doing now. Christmas is also around the corner and this brings happiness and joy to everyone. There is going to be lots of family time and shopping. I gotta go.

Tired

2008-11-30T13:24:00.000-08:00

I am so tired right now. I have been helping around the house this whole weekend. First of all I had to help my dad paint the house. then I helped him decorate the outside of our house with Christmas stuff. I also helped my mom with the Christmas tree and all the other decorations in the house. I am also tired from playing football with my friends on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.Today I have to write a paper for psychology and present it tomorrow. So I am going to do that now.

Juan C.

School is almost over...

2008-11-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

I am glad that I have been getting good grades in school. I just have to finish strong like I always have. Next semester I hope to do well in my classes as well. Christmas is around the corner and my grandparents are traveling from Conneticut. This is a season for happiness and joy for everyone. I am happy that my grandparents are coming. I have no idea of what to write next.

Juan C.

Almost

2008-11-14T13:32:00.000-08:00

I am almost done reading "the exception." The beginning was boring, but as I read more the book became more interesting. It is ridiculous how Iben did not get caught in Anne-Lise's house. I also feel bad for Anne-Lise since she has gone through a lot because of Malenne and Iben. I think the author does a really good job in showing how bullying can affect the life of a person. It is a serious matter because many people of all ages are affected by it. I like the book overall and I would recommend it to other people. Hopefully I get to finish today.

Juan C.

2008-11-09T08:37:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I went to watch "a nigthmare before christmas 3-D." I love that movie and I could watch it a million times. For Halloween I dressed up as the pumpkin king (Jack). This movie has many songs in it and one of my favorite songs is "This is Hallowen" and it goes like this:

Boys and girls of every age. Wouldn't you like to see something strange?

Come with us and you will see. This, our town of Halloween.

This is Halloween, this is Halloween Pumpkins scream in the dead of night.

This is Halloween, everybody make a scene. Trick or treat till the neighbors gonna die of fright. It's our town, everybody scream. In this town of Halloween.

I am the one hiding under your bed. Teeth ground sharp and eyes glowing red.

I am the one hiding under your stairs. Fingers like snakes and spiders in my hair.

This is Halloween, this is Halloween.

Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! In this town we call home. Everyone hail to the pumpkin song.

This is not the complete lyrics and there are more songs in the movie.

Juan C.

Today...

2008-10-29T20:29:00.001-07:00

I woke up a little late today, but I made it to my first class in time. In my first class I wrote notes during the whole class and then I had to go to my next class. During my second class I watched a movie about cognitive behavior. Then I made my way to the best class (English) and we had a project due today. The project was about creating a holiday with your group and also we had to explain it in front of our classmates. So far, every project was interesting and fun. My group and I had to present our project. I hope everyone liked it. The worst part of my day was watching the Philadelphia Phillies win the World Series, but tomorrow is a new day and the Miami Dolphins still have a chance to make the playoffs.

Juan C.

World Series...

2008-10-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

The World Series of Baseball is here in Florida... Since the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Boston Red Sox 4 games to 3... And the Phillies beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 4 games to 1... Now the World Series has started and the series is tied 1 game to 1... I do not like neither team, but I would prefer if Tampa Bay wins it...

Juan C.

Chapter 3: Tradition

2008-10-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

Tradition

The eight street festival known as "calle ocho" is a local carnival that takes place every year on March 15. According to The Miami Herald "over one million people come from all over the world to attend this street party." Adults and children of all ages are welcomed to Calle Ocho. I have never been to this festival, but I have heard from people about it.

1. What are the local customs surrounding how this food is prepared, eaten, or celebrated?

This festival mainly celebrates the cuban heritage, but you may also find a variety of dishes. As you walk through the streets of "calle ocho" you see plates of black beans and rice being served while the next stand serves churrasco. Some countries prepare their foods with different ingredients, adding their own touch and making their plates unique. Instead of just frying, the food is cooked by many different methods such as "a la parilla", steamed, or barbecued. You can also eat these foods in different ways, besides a fork and a knife you can also use your hands, or eat it on a stick. Calle ocho is celebrated on March 15 from 11 am to 7 pm.

2. What would those attending this event for the first time learn about local or regional practices or traditions? What would they learn about the local or regional culture-its value or beliefs?

Those attending this event for the first time will learn about the Hispanic culture. They can also learn that most of the population in Miami speaks Spanish. Tasting the different native dishes for the first time in this festival can change your perspective of food. Once you have tried dishes like black beans and rice you will be tempted to come back next year. Newcomers are treated with hospitality because most people are friendly, happy, and nice.

3. When it comes to food, what makes a dish "traditional"? What is the difference between calling a food "traditional" and simply describing people's eating preferences?

A traditional dish is a meal that is eaten by most locals and has been around for years. It is usually passed on from generation to generation and can sometimes define the eating style of a community. Someone's eating prefereneces depends on the individual; but a "traditional" dish is something you are brought up with and something you are brought up to love. A "traditional" dish can always take you back to your roots and give you the sense of being back home. However, people's eating preferences are determined by the choices made in the household not by the entire community.

Juan C

Update on baseball

2008-10-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

A little update on the baseball postseason. The Phillies beat the brewers 3 games to 1. The Dodgers swept the Cubs 3 games to nothing. Today the Dodgers and the Phillies will go head to head in a series that I wish the Dodgers win because I hate the Phillies. On the American League, the Boston Red Sox beat the Angels 3 games to 1 in a controversial call that in my opinion was the right call. The Rays beat the White Sox 3 games to 1 (I dislike the Rays too). Tomorrow the Red Sox and the Rays will play a series that will be very interesting. I hope that the Red Sox will go to the World Series and hopefully they will win it. GO MARLINS and RED SOX!!!!!!!!!!!!

Baseball Postseason

2008-10-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

The baseball postseason has arrived and I am disappointed because our Florida Marlins are not in it. The Marlins had been in first place for the first half of the season, but after the all-star game they lost first place to the Philadelphia Phillies. The happiest moment this year for me was knocking out the New York Mets from the postseason. I was hoping yesterday that the Phillies would lose to the Brewers in the first playoff game, but they won the game 3 to 1. Hopefully the Phillies will end up losing the series and not advance any further. My second favorite team is the Boston Red Sox and I hope they win the World Series. Yesterday they took a big step by coming back down by 1 and beating the Los Angeles Angels 4 to 1. I love watching baseball because the game is not over until you make the last out. Anything can happen like the time Boston was losing the series three to nothing to the New York Yankees and they came back and won every single game after that. Also the time that the Marlins beat the Yankees even though everyone thought that the Marlins were going to lose badly to the biggest baseball franchise. I love the Marlins and I like the Red Sox a lot.

Juancho

Halloween Horror Nights...

2008-09-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

Has anyone heard about this event at Universal Studios?? I enjoy going every year with my friends or with my family. Hopefully this year I will be able to go on October 17 with my friends to this frightful event. Halloween Horror Nights changes themes every year and that makes it exciting because you do not know what to expect. This year the theme is going to be "The Urban Legends" like bloody mary and all that scary stuff. Universal Studios does a very good job on making everything very realistic and it is a very organized event. I was very tired last year at the event because I did not purchase an express pass; the express pass helps by getting you to the attraction faster. I recommend buying the express pass because the normal lines are the size of football fields. I am very excited about this year.

Juan C.

Identity

2008-09-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

What is identity? what makes up your identity? These are questions asked by some people who are labeled by mere perception. Identities go way beyond perception because not only physical traits identify us. It is harsh for people to judge someone they haven't even crossed a word with. In order to know someone's identity, you have to get to know them first. Many people commit the mistake of judging someone beforehand because of they way they dress, look, and speak. We have to try hard in tolerating and coping with people's identities. Identity means what you think of yourself and what makes you who you are. An identity has many factors involved in it like cultural background, sex, race, and physical attributes. This world is meant to have different identities, otherwise we would have been created the same just like clones. I do not like to be labeled and I do the same with people around me. My wallet does not say that much about my identity because it is too simple and it only shows my physical appereance. There is a detailed version of me that those who know me already know. I am unique and true to my thoughts and feelings.

Juan C...

My Parents...

2008-09-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

My parents are very important to me. Since I was a baby they have been taking care of me and giving me all their love. Making me feel better when I'm depressed and always supporting me all the way. They have been with me through good and bad times. Even when they get mad at me I know its because they want the best for me. They have been working hard all of their lives for my brother, my sister and me. They teach my brother, my sister and me about family unity and they always emphasize that together we can reach any goal we set our minds to. I know my parents will always be by my side and no matter what I do they will always love me. I will always be grateful to them. And thanks to them I have grown up to be the person I am today.

Juan C.

Welcome to my Life

2008-09-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

To start off my name is Juan, but my friends call me Juancho. I was born in Colombia and I moved to the United States eight years ago. I am not the average joe, instead I move to the rythm of my own beat. I have a unique sense of style and you could say I stand out from a crowd. Music is a part of me and it helps me getting through the day. Although I like music in general, rock is my favorite. Guns N' Roses and Avenged Sevenfold are some of my favorite bands. Besides music, I also enjoy sports. You would say that my favorite sport is soccer based on my colombian background, but football and baseball is what I'm into. I am a laid back guy, but when pushed to the edge I fight back. I love my life and I wouldn't change anything about it. Read more of my blogs to learn more about me. Thank you for your time.

Juan C.

An Eventful Day

2008-09-03T21:20:00.000-07:00

As I woke up and the heard the noises of rushing and panic because we all forgot to set up the alarm. I looked at the clock and realized that I only had 30 minutes to get to Miami-Dade College. I took the fastest shower of my life and got ready in 7 minutes. My breakfast consisted of a last minute grab of yogurt and fruit. I left my house and got in the car. I drove off like a speed demon running the risk of getting a ticket. It was 7:05 and I was parking my car, then I headed for my first class. When I got there I was 10 minutes late and my professor had started the lecture. I was lucky enough that the person behind me lend me their notes. As class ended I headed to my second class at 8:00 A.M. It was nine in the morning and it was time to go to English class. In English class we went to the writing center. When we entered the classroom, Professor Tulloch signaled me to take my hat off. In the writing center we learned about "the most common mistakes in students essays". In this writing center students get help from professors in their essays. There was a familiar face to me in the writing center, Professor Quant had been a substitute teacher in my high school English class. At 9:50 the class ended and I headed for building 2 to do my "orientation exercise". I decided to go home after completing my work and on the way home I decided to stop by McDonnalds and get some fifty nine cents cheeseburgers. When I got home I took a long nap and worked on my "orientation exercise". This was an eventful day.