Dear Web Author
GenesisExegesis is YOUR platform for YOUR writing for YOUR community. We have taken our title from "genesis"-"the origin or mode of formation" and "exegesis"-"critical explanation or interpretation", because this site aims to incorporate writings which are both original and critical.
The postings are for members of ALL communities: old, young,male, female from ANY region, ethnicity or religion. You have COMPLETE choice of form in fiction or non-fiction: narrative,explanatory, persuasive,discursive,recount-the choice is yours!
This month the topic is "Community" and there is a prize of 25 Vivos for the best creation.
Fruitful creation!
Angela Leary
Web Host
GenesisExegesis is YOUR platform for YOUR writing for YOUR community. We have taken our title from "genesis"-"the origin or mode of formation" and "exegesis"-"critical explanation or interpretation", because this site aims to incorporate writings which are both original and critical.
The postings are for members of ALL communities: old, young,male, female from ANY region, ethnicity or religion. You have COMPLETE choice of form in fiction or non-fiction: narrative,explanatory, persuasive,discursive,recount-the choice is yours!
This month the topic is "Community" and there is a prize of 25 Vivos for the best creation.
Fruitful creation!
Angela Leary
Web Host
Beverage Age Should Be Lowered. By Ashleigh Talbot
ReplyDeletePeople use alcohol for numerous reasons: peer pressure, anxiety, celebration, sadness and boredom; the list could go on! The legal drinking age is currently 21, but illegally the drinking age is as low as zero! Why you ask? This is the main question.
A few reasons for teen drinking are: peer pressure, enjoyment etc, but the main reason for doing so is breaking the law. 87% of high school seniors have used alcohol. That means that a large number of teens have used alcohol before. Just the feel they got from breaking the law is huge. Being rebellious and not following the rules is a big part of a teen's life. Despite the fact that it is illegal for young teens to purchase alcohol, they still seem to be able to purchase it from older friends. As we all see, it's not hard for teens to purchase and obtain alcohol! Why not lower the drinking age then? Anyway you put it they are getting it. The is makes no sense of domination.
We have all heard the quote, "we want you to join the army and protect your country". Well you are technically saying that we can legally kill someone at the age of 18, but not to have a sip of alcohol! Besides at the age of 18, we are classed as an adult.
Drinking age should be lowered, and I know that by lowering it we can't drop the percentage of reckless teen alcohol abusers, but it is worth trying it. Changes are always good (most of the time) and I know this particular one is a good one!
He followed me home,
ReplyDeleteWhen my friends had gone
And I was left alone.
He watched me cross the street,
I wanted to run,
But could not move my feet.
He waited for me at the end of the alley,
He watched and stared,
Then I saw what I thought was my friend Sally.
I looked once more,
And she became a blur,
My knees collapsed to the floor.
I woke up in my bed
Safe and alone,
With a bandage on my head.
Was this just a nightmare,
Because I fell on my head
Or was he actually there?
I am now at school,
I see him everywhere,
Even when I'm lying by the pool.
How can I handle this trauma?
Is he a ghost or just some stalker?
If he was a ghost he would have an aura,
But now I've found out he's a paedophile,
Which I found out in the police files.
And now I can see him all the while.
I'm scared and don't like this man
What shall I do?
I have no specific plan.
Telling the police wouldn't be easy,
Neither should I tell my parents,
Because he is behind me being sleazy.
He grabbed my hair yesterday morning,
Because he followed me home from school.
He slit my throat and now my parents are morning.
I am the sister of this writer
Who has been writing on my sister's behalf
For the past few lines, but she was the starter.
Just shows who this can happen to,
Watch your back and don't go anywhere alone.
I watch mine now, what about you?
Bullying:
ReplyDeleteWhen bullying becomes a problem,
And you don't know what to do,
Don't run and hide,
And just say, "shoo!"
People only bully,
Just to see what it is like,
They do it after they were bullied,
Which was quite a fright.
This poem is just to tell you,
What bullying is like,
It tells you the truth,
And gives you much insight.
Stand up to bullying,
That's all you need to do,
Stand up for yourself,
And just say, "boo!"
People don't deserve this,
People like you,
We are all the same
Inside and through.
People are different,
That's the truth,
Don't bully them because they are not like you,
If people were the same,
What would it be like?
Dull and boring,
And surely not bright.
Remember this true thing,
Bullying is not right,
Especially if you give people a fright,
Treat people well,
Do not let this dwell,
Everyone has rights,
And so do you,
So let this give you a clue...........
Bullying shouldn't be done,
They should just let you be,
Because we are all part of community
Immigration...why are people taking our parking places?
ReplyDeleteImmigration. The migration of people from one country to another with the intention of permanently settling down.
"The History of Immigration"
Immigration dates back to many centuries in history. It is the thing that has made Britain what it is today. In fact, there would be no Britain without immigration, since every citizen of England is either an immigrant or has descended from one. Even the oldest generation, that boasts the superiority of their ancestors are immigrants. Countries such as India, Italy, Mexico and Germany have all contributed to populate the UK. Each wave of immigrants landing at Heathrow bring new ideas, cultures and communal integration. Immigration is definitely a natural necessity, however without a strict cap it can be devastating to the country's economy and prospectively large population.
Maintained immigration can have an array of positive effects on the economy. Immigrants pay taxes and start businesses all boosting out GDP. Even the founder of Hotmail was an Indian immigrant. His company has certainly had a positive impact on the global economy. A recent immigration study, found that immigration provides a whopping $10 billion annually to the USA.
Well if immigration is so beneficial, why are there limitations on who can enter the country?
Caps are in place because the British government feels a financial strain. Immigrant households tend to heave large numbers of children (Note: More children, stronger citizenship application!!) depend on benefits and pay lower taxes. If Immigration wasn't controlled, it would've slaughtered the British economy by now. Most immigrants (a large proportion being illegal) come with nothing but clothes on there bodies. Should we sympathise with the plight of those travelling on the back of lorries. (Their ordeal could be vividly described as unwanted). Immigration could've ended the average family of today. Working for pretty much nothing, immigrants would flood the British work force. Should immigrants be allowed to let the country slip into the realm of third world countries, that too in a state of recession?
If we go over the history of immigration again, we have many things to thank our foreign counterparts for. Many Indians have become doctors or engineers whilst others have created numerous inventions, which without, we wouldn't be living the luxurious lives we live today. Allowing some (note 'some') immigrants into our country is morally right, many people escape to London, trying to be safe from cruel dictating governments.
We shouldn't forget, that a minority of immigrants support terrorist views; these people plan unwanted disruption! The language we speak today is made from a mix of foreign languages, caused by multiple historic invasions.
Many people argue, that immigration is bad, because, there is pressure placed on public services and travel is made both difficult and expensive.
Immigrants entering the country often can't speak English, this then additionally drains the country's resources by having to pay for ESOL courses. Without immigration, factories would close down and the NHS wouldn't run, since both these sectors are mainly immigrant run.
Lets have a look at how many immigrants arrived in 2011...legally!
* The amount of visas issued, fell to 406,511; the lowest ever since 2005.
* Total admissions were 106.4 million.
* The easy route of entry...I mean, asylum, had 19,959 applications.
* There were a whopping 175,298 grants of citizenship!
To conclude, Immigration is truly helpful to our nation. However without it, we wouldn't be the Britain we're known to be today. Immigrants, they're like chocolate, if one doesn't maintain the intake it would result in an unpleasant aftermath.
Diwali is the Festival of Lights which is celebrated by the Indians; Hindus, Sikhs and Janis. It is celebrated all around the world: India, Canada, America etc. but I will be focusing on Diwali in my community.
ReplyDeleteThe date for Diwali is indefinite every year, it all depends on the Hindu lung solar Calendar. For example: in 2011 it was celebrated on the 26th October, this year 2012 it was celebrated on the 13th whereas next year the festival will be celebrated on the 3rd November.
Diwali is a Harvest Festival just like many other Indian Holidays. Diwali is celebrated because Lord Rama (the supreme God in Hinduism) King of Adodhya, his wife Sita and brother Lakhsmana returned to Adodhya after a 14 year exile. They had fought a war in which Lord Rama killed the demon King Ravana. The people of Adodhya lit divas or oil lamps in rows to guide the way.
The history of Diwali dates back to more than hundreds of centuries. This is the best known and widely celebrated Hindu festival. It marks the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. The celebration takes place during the months of "Ashvin" which is during October and November. An interesting fact of Diwali is that it is also celebrated by the Buddhists of Nepal.
In my community we celebrate Diwali by going to the Gurdwara or Mandir (some Gurdwaras such as: Guru Nanak Gurdwara on Sedgley Street, Guru Nanak Satsang Gurdwara on Cannock Road. A Mandir often visited on Diwali is Shiri Krishna Mandir which is on Penn Road ) and listening to the prayers and religious rituals. This is later followed by a firework display. Other people decide not to visit the Gurdwara or Mandir but will still celebrate Diwali by holding their own firework display in the back of their gardens, and everyone will light diva candles and place them in secure areas around the house.
For Diwali, as I am Sikh, me and my family go to the Gurdwara to listen to the religious rituals and prayers. This is followed by a firework display which we stay to watch. The prayers last all day, but we travel to the Gurdwara at around 6:30pm and will leave at around 7:30pm sometimes later. We also visit my parents brothers and sisters houses where we take a box full of a variety of Indian sweets which is part of the Diwali tradition.
Racism in the community. Racism in the community is getting more and more aggressive. But what no one knows is how the people that are being racist feel when they are abusing (physically and mentally) and how the people being mentally abused feel but never show. The poeple who are dealing with racism are physically and mentally abused but hide it. "Why?" People ask and that is because, if they show any emotions, the others would feel that they have won, so they hide it until no one is looking. The abuser's have hidden secrets too, because the are lots of things that can set them off being mean and disrespectful, but the most common one, is that they are or once was abused mentally and physically there self. Therefore they start to let all the emotions of their pain release as they become racist to help their anger. It could because, if they are in a group of people, that are being racist and are made to join in. What people don't know is that after someone hurts another person, all they feel is pain and regret for what they have caused on that innocent person and how much that they have physically and mentally abused them; most of all how they have made them scared to leave the house and walk around the neighbour hood without getting abused by racists. So to Provent racism in the community, people have to realise that everyone has a past but some can't let go of it, and make others suffer for their own pain. So, if this could be prevented, would everyone get along and treat everyone the same as how they want to be treated? By Eloise McLean
ReplyDeleteThese are really thoughtful and interesting contributions so far. Let's have more!
ReplyDeleteRacism
ReplyDeleteRacism is a daily experience for most ethnicities. From unintentional racism in jokes aimed at no one, to racism aimed to hurt someone, all of these forms are serious and need to stop. Throughout this I will share my personal experiences with you in a hope that you understand what it's like.
Firstly, I would like to tam about one time, when I was playing with my friend 5 years ago in the park; his dad came over and dragged him away and said he couldn't play with me because of my ethnicity. I wondered why. My mom said it was because his dad wasn't right in the head. I agree with this, even to this day. Anyone who is racist isn't right in the head.
M next story is a more recent one, it happened to me last week. Stereotypes rule the world and the classic 'black' stereotype in stealing and stabbing anything and everything . Some old teenagers approached me and asked me if I had a knife on me, I said no. They said what kind on Nigger don't have a knife. I tried to walk away but they grabbed me and demanded drugs. They didn't believe me when I said I didn't have any because of my colour and the area I was in, so they robbed me. All of my money was gone.
There are a lot of stereotypes in the world, from English people liking tea. And crumpets to every American being fat. The fact is the is always going to be prejudice in the world, and people are always going have their opinions on race and gender, you just have to put it behind you and forget the past. No holding onto emotions and forgive people. No regrets.
By Liam Mannion
A house sat on the corner of the lonely street, a house on its own, a dull black house, the only house within ten miles. A big house with 8 acres sitting next to it. A high targeted house for criminals and an un-wanted gift for the un-suspecting victims.
ReplyDeleteA sunny afternoon, children out playing at the park, ice-cream trucks passing by, no one at the lonely house, the owners are also not in. A van slowly crept up to the house, the squeaky brakes scream outloud.
Two men, both small, both wears a hat, and one of them wears glasses, they slowly walk towards the front door of the house. Knock on the door, inspect the outside of the house and make their move.
Two hours later, the house owners, a tall blonde haired woman and a small dark haired man, returned to their home, to find everything gone, the woman, who was holding shopping bags, dropped them to the floor and started to cry. Tears poured out of her eyes, the man was teary and shaking badly. Within an hour of returning home, they called the police and the police arrived sharply.
The police state that there has been multiple burglaries around the whole of the community, everybody was warned, people took it serious, others chose to ignore.
Every victims statement has been the same:
"I must have left the house for two hours maximum, when I arrived back at home, it was all gone".
The mood around the community changed;
Everybody is sad, scared, and depressed.
As the police walk away from the house, the engine of the car started and they slowly pulled away. The owners are left in an empty house, nothing to do, not anything to use.
Another day, a van slowly pulls up to a house, two men inspect it and say "Another day, another dollar".
By Dean Jefimik
The Haunting
ReplyDeleteBy Lauren Smith
(Part 1)
As the mist thickened, a high-pitched shriek pierced through the dense fog entering my delicate ears. Dark figures approached from what seemed like nowhere, whispers echoed throughout the eerie surroundings. Closer and closer the creatures crept, unrecognisable beings invading the air I breathed. The beats of my heart increased to such a rate that it was impossible to recognise one beat to another. Something as cold as ice grasped my left shoulder, its long fingers curling round the bone getting tighter and tighter. A spine-chilling cackle blasted into my ear. Unable to face what was behind me; I closed my eyes and opened my mouth as wide as possible, but no sound was heard. As quick as a flash I closed my mouth again. Baffled, I tried again but the same result occurred. At this point my shoulder had been released by whatever was gripping it. Eagerly, I sprinted to get away from this so called beast.
Reaching a forest that appeared out of the blue, my legs unable to run much more. Collapsing onto the hard ground, I lay motionless for a while trying to figure out what had just happened.i was in such deep of thought that I didn't realise a pair of dark red eyes staring into my soul from the bushes. The beast emerged with blood dripping from its fangs and a rather large object in its mouth. CRUNCH. It had been broken into thousands of little pieces. A low growl rumbled from its frothing mouth. Leaping, it grabbed me by the leg and dragged me across the floor. Blood began to pour out where my leg once was. Excruciating pain shot through my frail body. Screeches of agony filled the woods as the beast went once again for my leg.
Screaming, I awoke. A sigh of relief was given when it only appeared to have been a dream. For weeks now my dreams have been haunted by many daunting figures that take any form. This all started on Halloween night, when I took part in a seance that was not properly performed. Something went wrong that night that causes me regret, freaky happenings happened that should never usually occur. Spirits took their place in the world and appear to all want to take their revenge out on me.
Knowing that sort of thing would be waiting for me in my dreams, I chose not to go back to sleep. Cool sweat dripped off my blistering hot face and onto the cushioned bed that I sat on. The feel of the bitter cold fingers still grabbing my feeble shoulder. Once again, a shiver seeped through my spine, causing my mind to go into over-load about my "dreams" that seemed so real.
(Part 2 - the haunting by Lauren smith)
ReplyDeleteLater that evening, I managed to get back to sleep. As all the other times the location and creature had once again changed. A shadow was cast upon the wooden floor by no visible creature, growing longer and longer until it reached my shuffling feet. As soon as it had touched my bare feet it rapidly retreated out the doorway. Turning, I found myself face to face with a decaying beast moaning at me. Understanding why the casted shadow scarpered, I decided to follow as fast as my legs could carry me. Reaching the other room, a young girl was sat in the corner of the room with her hands cupped over her face and crying. Accidentally, I stepped on a wooden floorboard that creaked. Immediately, she turned around and glared at me with sorrowful eyes, shouting to go away and leave her alone. Groaning, the dumb brain eater had returned. As I ran for the other door another one had appeared, I was trapped. Stepping backwards, I found myself in the corner of the room. Unable to escape, I slouched to the floor and sat how the little girl had. At that point I realised that she wasn't longer crying but singing. My mind had wondered from the living dead, I turned to see where it had got to. As I turned it went for my face, tearing flesh off as it went. The pain was unbearable.
Like always, I awoke screaming, but this time it was worse than any other before. The rest of the day carried on as normal, until the night. This time there was a knocking sound on the front door of my house. Confused, I went to open it expecting some terrifying beast to be waiting for my presence. In its place stood a postman with a large parcel addressed to me. Another knock at the door; an envelope also addressed to me was shoved through the metallic painted letterbox. At once I opened the envelope, to my surprise with ease, to find an old fashioned key. Thankfully, the metal key fitted into the wooden box with ease. Bewildered by what may be inside, I hastily opened it. A golden necklace with a crystal heart lay in the middle of the box. I picked it up and fastened it around my elegant neck. For once in a. Long time I woke up happy and without screaming. Hoping it was the last of the nightmares I walked into the kitchen to get a refreshing drink.
Opening the fridge; I noticed the reflection of a red figure on the toaster carrying some sort of weapon. Expecting it to still be the nightmare, I continued to adventure the fridge. BANG!!! My legs felt weak, a gasp left my mouth as I collapsed. My vision became blurry, my ears became more sensitive, my mouth felt dry. My hand clutched my blood-covered chest where the bullet had entered. My skin felt cold, a tear rolled down my pale cheek. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed a metal barrel pointing to my head. BANG!!! A scream rang out, followed by a blood curdling laugh. All sound had gone, all that was left was a corpse, the killer and a eerie silence...
http://soransstroy.blogspot.co.uk/
ReplyDeleteAlways on the outside,
ReplyDeletenever looking in.
Who knew that being different
could be such a sin?
I'm the piece that wouldn't fit,
The one that just stood out.
No one took the time
To see what i was about.
Looks can be deceiving.
ReplyDeleteJay was an intelligent and witty 12 year-old boy with an extremely rare genetic disorder called progeria. Mentally, he was twelve years old and very normal, but physically he looked five times older than his actual age. In spite of his condition, Jay was an extremely joyful boy and lived in Wolverhampton with his mother Isha who was a gynaecologist. Where Jay used to live before he moved to Wolverhampton, he was fearful about going out of his house because people used to isolate him for what he was and the disorder he had. However after he had moved to Wolverhampton, he wasn’t worried to go out of his house because most of the people in the area knew about the disorder and supported him in every way they could.
Jay was a student at the North East Wolverhampton Academy, and loved going to school. He was also was very eager to learn numerous new skills every day, but mostly he liked going to school especially, the N.E.W Academy because the students and teachers who went to the school supported him and understood what condition Jay was going through.
Amir was a young, unemotional politician. He was a man with a mission who out to prove to the world that ‘politics’ was not bad and the people who work for the politic were not heartless. Jay was Amir’s son and Jay knew that Amir was his father, however Isha concealed this from Amir and told Jay to do so as well.
Amir, as part of his mission, went to schools around the country to explain to young people about the importance of politics. One of the schools he went to was the N.E.W Academy. This was where Amir met Jay and became close to him, though he still did not know at that time that Jay was his son. Jay also had started liking Amir, and wanted his mother and father to get back together, but Isha refused, still hurt by the fact that Amir wanted her to have an abortion when they first found out she was pregnant. However Isha and Amir finally met after 10 years, and Amir told Isha that he has realised his mistake and proposed to her, because he knew that he still loved her like he used to before they separated. When Amir found out that Jay was his son, he was shocked that the boy who he had made friends with was actually his own child and son.
Before long Jay’s health began to deteriorate and his physical strength also started worsening as he reached his 13th birthday. However, Jay was not worried about what’s going to happen to him because he was finally able to reunite his mother and father back together. As Isha went to give in to her feelings for Amir and her motherly love for Jay , Jay started succumbing to his disease, and the last words he said was “Mom…..Dad” before dying with a contented smile on his face.
ReplyDeleteThe Leveson Inquiry Is Published. What Does It Mean For Britain?
Yesterday (29th Nov 2012) Lord Justice Leveson has urged the Government to set up a new media watchdog as he published his report into press ethics and standards. You can read the full report here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/leveson-inquiry/9711729/Leveson-inquiry-report-in-full.html
The report is a momentous event for many different reasons: it potentially threatens Britain's right to have a 'free Press', something which many countries do not have. This means that the British Press have freedom to report on whatever they deem fit, so long as it is not slanderous; and can expose private affairs so long as they can be justified as being 'in the public interest' (which is a catch-all parameter that can be used to justify almost any publication).
The inquiry was commissioned after numerous unethical incidents in the British Press, mainly regarding phone-hacking (of various people, including MPs, the relative of a deceased soldier and other vulnerable members of the public, and celebrities), caused an outrage in public opinion and Parliament.
This freedom brings with it inherent problems: newspaper paparazzi stalking vulnerable people and victims of scandals or tragedies, taking indecent pictures of celebrities, prying into private lives by hacking phone messages and other such surveillance techniques, etc.
So the debate is continuing over how much freedom the Press should have, what the government’s response to the Leveson paper will be, and
Is this the beginning of regulation? If so, is it the dawn of a more fascistic state? What does this say about democracy in Britain? Should the papers be allowed to publish what they choose? Is freedom of speech a good idea? Should we regulate British internet providers, and censor large portion of the internet, like China? Who gets to decide what exactly British ethics are?
Looking for that ray of sunshine to over reign the darkness to your dragging day? Well, fortunate for you we have the ideal place: The City of Wolverhampton. You will by no means want to leave, with the caring hospitality of the citizens and the wide range of activities show cased here.
ReplyDeleteThe honoured home to the Wolverhampton Wanderers or as you might know it as, "Wolves". Take a trip to the Wolves stadium (Molineux) where you will guaranteed create treasured memories and fall in love with the team spirit.
Nevertheless, not only is Wolverhampton recognised for its immense sporting accomplishments. Wolverhampton also has recognition for its achievements in the academic field, with thousands of students introduced to the world of work through achieving outstanding degrees at The City of Wolverhampton University, as well as the top teachers providing the education. Yet to prove that we are the superior safe keepers of the Wolverhampton Boys Grammar School and Wolverhampton Girls high School home of the top pupils up and down the city. Thinking of a permanent move? Well, Wolverhampton caters towards your children's schooling necessities
Furthermore, there is a wide range of ethnic/ religious groups through out the city, and many places for all religious groups to worship. We do not tolerate racism and celebrate all religions values and celebrations, so you can feel comfortable being you!
For a city, we endeavour to make the scene of wildlife and more environmentally friendly. You can witness these breathtaking visions as you capture an enlightening over view of the lungs of Wolverhampton at West and East Park, a perfect location for family day out: picnics, workout, the lot!
On this day it was my son's birthday, so I was finishing early to see him. But then the planes hit, and people began to lose their lives. Just before it happened I was just gathering my stuff together on my way out. As the strength of the speeding plane crashed into the world trade centre, the building instantly shook and smoke began to gather around the building. Everyone began to scream and shout. I was on the 32nd floor.
ReplyDeleteOur manager began to ask if anyone was injured, no-one replied. All electricity had gone in the building. What the hell is going on? As many of us ran towards the emergency exit, we noticed that smoke was coming from the staircase, the stairs had caught fire from above us and was beginning to get closer to our floor. Suddenly we heard a massive boom and the staircase began to collapse, floor by floor, the concrete began to fall through each one. Leaving us to our doom if it reached our stairs. One of my colleagues, who at the time of talking to me was on his phone, said: "it was a plane that went into the building and-" before he could finish his sentence an extremely loud crash sound was heard as we all turned our attention to the other building next to us. The whole building shook with the impact of the plane. People began to ring their family and say their final goodbyes. I didn't want to die here, I wasn't going to. I would ring my own son and say some words but I couldn't find my phone. People all around me were shrieking in panic, I was worried too. Thinking about my son, my late wife and my mother.
Then from outside we could hear something, but it was muffled. "Go open the damn window someone." shouted my manager. Someone did so. Then we could hear it more clearly "Everyone on floors fourth two and below make your ways down the stairs to the outside." said a speaker coming from a police car, we could barely hear it. After this people began to make their way towards the stairs. We looked up, the collapsing concrete hadn't quite reached our stairs yet. We began our long journey down the never-ending staircase. Hearing screams from the above floors. I was torn, should I go up and help them or make my own way out? Before I could decide the concrete began falling again, closer to us now. Someone grabbed my arm and pulled me down, "Come on John!"
There was about fifteen of us going down the stairs, other people were joining us from several other floors too. I looked around for any signs that would tell us what floor we were on, we were on floor seventeen. I started to slow down and feel sick. I was feeling disorientated and my view was blurred. I could hear someone shouting my name but it sounded like they were miles away and I couldn't tell what direction it was from. And then I fell, but I think someone caught me but I couldn't tell. Then it went black.
I woke up with a medic next to me, I was in the back of an ambulance. She looked at me. "You're very lucky - you had hardly any oxygen left in you, you had inhaled so much smoke into your lungs," she said. I then noticed the oxygen mask that was on my mouth. I took it off so I could speak. "Am I free to go now?"
"Yes, you have enough oxygen. Be careful though your legs will feel a bit strange at first." She replied. I then got up and my legs felt like Kelly, but after few seconds they felt fine. Then my thoughts turned to the people who were injured during the attack on the building. I was thankful that I survived.
Local Schools Gender Prejudice
ReplyDeleteThe (school of something) have put forth a statement to which many parent and carers of children who attend the school have shown an unappreciated disliking towards.
(School) have stated that a psychological study is to take place oblivious to the student's knowledge. The study that is planned to occur was a similar study to the one that the 3rd grade teacher Jane Elliott conducted in 1960. Whereas in the 1960's, Elliott's study was ethically correct and in order, yet nowadays it is unethical and very low in ecological validity.
Elliott's study was based upon a prejudice towards people with brown eyes. She told the blue-eyed children they were superior and there was hierarchy within the school with the brown-eyed people. Statements from the blue-eyed children were taken: "It made us feel powerful like we were worth something for once". Elliott took this statement and used it within her experiment, the next day she made the blue-eyed children and brown eyed children wear coloured bands around there arms, according to their eye colour, and they were to be split to play on different sides of the school grounds at break. After Elliott had carried out this study she decided to switch the roles around and make the brown-eyed children superior to the blue-eyed children. Elliott made a hypothesis that the brown-eyed children would empathise with the blue-eyed children, but she was wrong, the brown-eyed children were more revengeful and wanted to make the blue-eyed children pay for what they put them through.
The study the (school) will be conducting is the well known hierarchy of the "boys are better than girls" they want to test whether on the 21st century young adults still believe in this trait and whether they act upon it. The school was offered this opportunity to be involved in the study after their Ofsted review was publicised. The Ministry of Psychological Mind and Behaviour Issues immediately got in contact with the school due to the school range and varied high IQ's throughout.
The school still has a lot of ethical issues still yet to conquer and consider and are still after granted permission from stubborn parents and carers. Although the school wants this kind of publicity, parents do not want their children to be unknowingly unaware of what is going on around them.
"We are all alike and equal ...on the inside" - Mark Twain ( US humorist, writer and lecturer...)
Gunshot
ReplyDeleteBand! The shot was fired
and I felt tired.
No one knew I was required.
All my life has been unwired.
Made of steel.
Only pain I now can feel,
And now I know itis real.
As I fell,
It rang a bell.
That smell,
It was hell
Hanging over a big abyss,
Knowingmy life has been dismissed,
Now I know,
That shot did not miss.
A little different
ReplyDeleteReluctantly, Jason peered outside of the car window.
“Mum, I don’t want to,” he pleaded.
“It’s tough! You are going to get a decent education, whether you like it or not” his mother replied.
Slowly, the car pulled up near the school entrance. Everybody else stopped and stared. The other school kids just looked with their jaws agape. Some whispered to each other, but nobody’s eyes left the vehicle. Their presence overwhelmed Jason. Slowly, he opened the door and stepped out.
“He’s not coming here right?” someone whispered in the crowded confusion.
“Nah, look at him,” another replied.
Jason blushed, his cheeks reddened with the sheer embarrassment which consumed his dignity. Gingerly, he looked behind only to have been greeted by the disoriented faces. His head tilted down and his eyes soon followed, but still everyone else’s eyes were glued to him. He walked past quickly toward the school entrance, barely glimpsing at the feet of his colleagues. Spiteful words were thrown at him, as he made his walk of shame.
A sigh of relief hit Jason as he entered the building, but he knew the worst was to come. Overwhelmed by fear he headed for a shelter – the toilets. He cleaned his face in the cooling cold water and then turned to the mirror.
“Okay Jason, you are going to be fine,” he repeated, to reassure himself, as he looked at the blank face for confidence. His heart beat rose as he became more and more anxious. Time was ticking by, he could sense the bell for first lesson was about to ring. The sleeves of his blazer rolled up, as he looked at his watch, each handle moved quickly, each second pierced his heart. His eyes focused on the door handle, as he took a deep breath. Emerging out like a brave warrior, Jason ventured back into the wilderness. The bells heavy screeches had no effect on him.
Jason could barely navigate through the school, as he pursued his target class. Wherever he walked, his presence was detected, heads immediately turned toward him. Pairs of eyes looked straight at him, with a deepness, as though they had glared into his soul. Quickly and promptly, he walked ignoring all others the best he could. He had finally found his destination. Hurriedly, Jason rushed to the room. Overcoming his hesitance, he pushed the door. The wooden entrance creaked with caution. He advanced into the room. Immediately his eyes headed to the back of the room, as he scoured for an empty seat. He became more and more disheartened as his eyes shifted to the front. There, an empty seat waited for him. Jason reluctantly headed to the seat. He released his bag, as he slowly sat down, cautious of his every move. He looked at the others and smiled, attempting to engage with his potential friends. Everybody else looked at him with pure disgust. Jason continued his pretend smile, to give off a positive impression, but that made no difference. Their faces were like stone, nothing could change their raw desire to hate.
A boy at the back of the class looked at Jason with outrage and disbelief, beyond any other.
ReplyDelete“Focus on the work Daniel,” the teacher said.
Daniel was full of rage, his eyes had a burning soreness that despised everything about Jason. The mere thought of Jason attending his school, sent him into a ferocious anger. Overwhelmed by his rage, Daniel stood up and approached Jason, with a contorted face, a burning passion of hatred. His body could not contain the built up frustration. He was about to explode. He swung at Jason with a fiery right hook, which rattled his enemies jaw. Jason turned his head slowly, as he looked to the angered grizzly. He pulled his chair back and stood up to confront Daniel. Yet again Daniel released another right hook, but Jason dodged with an agile manoeuvre. Time seemed to have slowed down, Jason could feel his school life hanging on his next actions. With the pride of his race, Jason unleashed a devastating uppercut that rocked Daniel. The grizzly fell to the ground. For the first time, Jason had gained some self-respect, as he defended his culture. Cheers were in favour of him, as he started to feel accepted.
“Hey, that nigger aint that bad,” a student said.
At last he regained his pride in being the only black boy, at the white school.
In 2011, a hit reality show that stormed the nation, Geordie Shore, had arrived.
ReplyDeleteIn 6-7weeks they show off the lifestyle of a Newcastle or 'Geordie' 20 something's. As you could imagine, they spend majority of their time slapping on the fake tan and getting 'mortal' as the would.
Starting off with the dream team Scott and Gary also known as Gaz are the womanisers of the group. Need I need to say Sotts tag line ' I've grilled more birds than George Foremon'. Completing the lads line up is James, Dan and Ricci who is engaged to Vicky the first of the girls. The other girls include Sophie and Charlotte, who's known for out ragous quotes and love for the parsnip.
What has it been so successful?
From start to finish the show is packed with shocking, yet hilarious antics that people wouldn't do their themselves or people wish to be able to do. Essentially it's look at being young at finest which is probably why it's so addictive.
If you want to re-live your youth of fancy a late night laugh, you'll find Geordie Shore 'mint'.
Always on the outside,
ReplyDeletenever looking in.
Who knew that being different
could be such a sin?
I'm the piece that wouldn't fit,
The one that just stood out.
No one took the time
To see what i was about.
The talk of all the town,
The object of all eyes,
never showing love,
only spewing hate and lies.
They proclaimed to love ;
They proclaimed to care,
But when all fell about me
They were never there.
A community of passion,
A community built on love and care,
But when in there mighty presence,
My heart would just despair.
I tried to mould my body
To their standees: I might fit
But I was never good enough.
Eventually I quit.
The game was finally up.
My time had now arrived
To show them who I was,
The girl I am inside.
No longer could I face it;
Rejection, hate and pain-
No more hiding in seclusion;
Tonight I'm dancing in the rain.
Forced to except me
And all my quirky ways,
No more Miss Understood
Over with the dog days.
And if like me, you are alone,
Think of me and my glory
For now you have an incite of
The true outsiders story.
During the past, racism in the 'Beautiful Game' has become more of an issue. Players from a different race, are becoming the victims of racial abuse. A large percentage of the issue comes from the fans, but a small amount if the issue comes from the players them selves. A small number of players, in the very recent past, have been found guilty of racial abuse. Two of these are, Chelsea's John Terry, and Liverpools Luis Suarez. Whether they were racist or not, this shouldn't be an issue in the modern day. In the past few weeks, there has been several attempts to get ALL players to wear a 'kick it out' t-shirt, aimed at kicking racism out of football. Personally, I can't see racism being cleared out of football in the near future. There will always be rules trying trying to exclude racism. But there will always be players who believe that racism is acceptable. Le finished
ReplyDeleteDuring the past, racism in the 'Beautiful Game' has become more of an issue. Players from a different race, are becoming the victims of racial abuse. A large percentage of the issue comes from the fans, but a small amount if the issue comes from the players them selves. A small number of players, in the very recent past, have been found guilty of racial abuse. Two of these are, Chelsea's John Terry, and Liverpools Luis Suarez. Whether they were racist or not, this shouldn't be an issue in the modern day. In the past few weeks, there has been several attempts to get ALL players to wear a 'kick it out' t-shirt, aimed at kicking racism out of football. Personally, I can't see racism being cleared out of football in the near future. There will always be rules trying trying to exclude racism. But there will always be players who believe that racism is acceptable. Le finished
ReplyDeleteEven in our modern day society, we still have prejudice. Some of our ancestors wouldn't believe how much prejudice and discrimination is still surrounding us in this day and age. Take gender prejudice for example. How would the suffragettes and the suffragists feel after campaigning for years for women to have equal rights, only to discover they would be treated differently within their own communities? How would they feel about women being almost second class citizens compared to men? And after all of those years of fighting the government for women's voices to be heard, how would they feel that women's rights are classed now as just a common joke.
ReplyDeleteConstantly taken for granted are mothers, wives, sisters and daughters, all across the country. It's sad that as the year 2012 comes to a close,some women are still forced to live as though they are in the 1950's. Cooking, cleaning, looking after the kids. Being the perfect, stereotypical housewife. But then again, we all know that one powerful, successful business woman. Independent, all-knowing and consistently busy. Lots of young girls aspire to be her, lots of old ladies wish they had have been her and lots of middle-aged women wish they were her. So, if so many females want to be free, independent and successful, how do so many manage to forget or ignore their dream?
All in all, if women want to make something of themselves, they have to get their community spirit back. Show people what you can achieve, how hard you are prepared to work, and if you want to get ahead, help others to help yourself!
http://ashleighsmusicbanter.blogspot.co.uk/
ReplyDeleteMy Community is nothing but trouble:
ReplyDeleteLike a dog let loose of his lead;
When kids grow up acting like adults,
Whilst only just reaching there teens.
Drugs dealers on ever corner,
Along with a few women too;
They all sell their body's for money;
It's hard providing a baby with food
Your family are a complete utter sham;
Your brothers are all in the nick;
Your mom's out with another mister,
While your sisters at home being sick.
She's had a night in town,
Which is filled with guns and violence;
Somebody spiked her drink.
Let's all have a one minute silence.
'Cause that lad who went to your school,
Bradley, I think he's name might have been,
Bullied to death by a few lads he knew,
So he wiped himself from the scene.
The scene where the robbery took place?
Or are we onto a different story?
But welcome to my Community,
And well, don't you dare worry.
Out break at High Schools leave teachers "Gob Smacked"
ReplyDeleteIt was a calm and simple morning at the newly-bonded NEWAcademy on the Northwood campus. The feud between the two campuses were immaculate with the constant arguments between teachers and students talking about their opinions on why the two schools becoming together would be an advantage over other schools, such as Moreton, Heathpark, Aldersly etc. or would this whole process of two schools matching up with the wrong puzzle prices even work?
"On the day when the outbreak occurred many students sat down on the tennis court with out the energy to go to their lessons, " Said a teacher. She then added, "The students refused to move so we had to close the exits to take down each and every single students name." The Head masters entered the Sports Hall towards the end of the day with over 80 students all feelings as if the feud was too much for NEW school to handle
From the interview ( we had) given by the head mistress 'Bal PIerpoint' she had this to say on the behaviour of the students "I am still outraged on how out students behaved as regards to the conjunction of our schools, but this shows us that the students do care about their futures. I feel said the schools uniting will change their education in a positive manner." From the short interview it is felt that Mrs Piepoint knows what she's doing, doing it know the better of the students education!
Fire spread across the wrecked room suffocating us painfully. Screams of people , drowned us in fear and terror. Plane parts , dead bodies and chairs billeted around the room endangering every civilian. Unable to escape everyone was terrified of this terrible crisis. 9/11 the worst disaster in history! Floors collapsed before our feet. Hearing crumbling and destruction , tortured people's minds into insanity. Looking out out the brainwashing door , over watching the life outside the terror, there were evil of terror covering their faces. Fire engines ambulances and police cars shot over the streets. Smoke evaporated out the wrecking. People had no choice , falling out the tower was the best option. Thinking of their favourite memories , they only had a few seconds before the path ahead in closed on them. The twin towers were split apart for good. The other tower crashed to the ground like a giant falling to his death. Fire and smoke swept above the tower , suffering all the souls out of any living person. Watching the last minutes of life was horrible , seeing people give up their lives , spotting them scream in excruciating pain and noticing death is among them.
ReplyDeleteEverybody knew who blew up the buildings : the terrorists , the group , Al Qaeda. The police , the savours , the heroes saved a many of lives on this horrific day but many of lives were lost. The bravery of all the civilians on the plane going to the White House was strong , risking their lives for the heart of the country , the President. The final tower fell down , but loads of people were saved. After of years of looking for him the seals found and executed Bin Laden
Crime can have a big effect on communities in all cities and all countries around the world. Whether if it’s just a small crime, like burglary or a bigger crime, for example murder or assault. No matter how big or small the crime is, it’s still a crime that affects a person or even a group of people.
ReplyDeleteA few people have written into us to tell of their experiences with crime and how it affected or had an impact on the communities they’re from. A man called Frank Smith has written into us explaining the crime and what has happened.
This is the letter he had sent in:
“I was burgled and mugged, in my own house. It was late on a Friday evening, I was sat watching the television and had heard a noises coming from the kitchen. I didn’t think it was anything serious or that I had to be concerned about, so I just left it but then not long after I heard a smash coming from the kitchen but before I even had time to get up and see what it was, two men stormed into the living room and one of them instantly through me off the chair straight onto the floor. Before I knew, it, they were shouting at me asking where my money was or if I had savings or even a safe. I didn’t respond because I was in such a scared state. That’s when he began to hit me with a gun he had just pulled out of his pocket. This traumatic experience went on for a more than a couple hours until my son, who is 21, had come to check on me. His arrival had made them flee which potentially saved my life, even though they managed to take some of my belongings. I’m more than happy to have survived that situation. At first it had an big effect on me and my son but as we began to tell everyone in the area that we currently spoke to, it raised awareness and if anything it’s brought our community closer.” From burglary to almost holding someone hostage. This crime that turned bigger than it should have been has brought a community closer than it already was.
Another victim of a crime was only years old a boy named Joseph Hill. He speaks about the attack and how it was purely based on the colour of his skin. To this day he is still quite upset about it, as he had never experienced or expected to experience anything like this in his life:
“I was only 14 years old at the time and it was a normal day. I had been out with a group of my friends and was walking home with two of them. Further down the street across the road, we noticed a group of boys all with their hoodies up. It didn’t really bother us, we got more or less to about the same point as them but only across the road and they stopped what they were doing to stare at us as we walked past but just then one of my friends stopped and asked them what they were staring at, they responded with purely offensive and racial comments, he replied swearing at them all. That’s when they all chased us. We ran down the street as fast as we could but as we got faster and they gained, we all split up. I lived the closest so I thought I was going to make, I got to my street and I stopped because I was out of breath but as soon as I stopped they appeared again and I ran but because I was so tired they easily caught up to me. That’s when punches were coming my way, I instantly fell to the floor and they began kicking me shouting abusive words and offensive comments. A few minutes later a few men had just left there house and came running towards the gang attacking me, they fled and saved my life. I had been in hospital for a few days and came out to find a big surprise get-together from all the people on my street, including ones I had never spoken to before and the men that saved my life, it’s made me think to never base someone on the colour of their skin, we’re all the same.”
These crimes have affected communities and it always seems to be for the better, bringing people together and making sure the victim who’s experienced the crime feels safe in their own area and community.
ReplyDeleteDecember 1st 2012 .Death, devastation and destruction; these words are the only words I can use to describe earth, no I won’t even refer to it as earth its more like a hellish realm In which we inhabit. The stench that fills the atmosphere is vile; the streets smell like a mixture of carcasses and blue cheese. Life really couldn’t be more serene. Boys and girls, men and women all dead and all gone. Flats and houses ,hotels and B&B’s all destroyed and all gone; even civilisation as we knew it has been vaporised. Everyone, foreseen, the end, the apocalypse, the final destination.... however it didn’t play out as people assumed.
November, 28th 2011. Texas area 51 “Commander!” “Yes corporal?” “You might want to take a look at this.” “What is it?” “Well, sir, we’ve found a split in the space time continuum; we’ve found the other side of the universe and this split is getting bigger.” “What the hell do you mean, corporal?” “Sir, soon we will be able to get through the split.”
Sheffield November 29th, 2011, gazing into the stars was a young boy called Jake He was a very small, scrawny looking kid. He was as small as a mouse and he wore scruffy clothes; it was like he had worn the dirty clothing for over 2 years. Sadly, he was unfortunate enough to be an orphan, but his luck was about to change. In the sky he saw something quite odd it looked like a meteorite. Furiously, it crashed into a nearby field.
Sheffield November 30th .Excited, Jake ventured out to the field. There was a humongous crater, but at the end of the hole was a little blob of goo. Curiously Jake slowly crept up to this blob. Suddenly it unfolded and it doubled its original size and an eye popped out also a whole immerged which it seemed was a mouth and a weird dialect came out “Gvvfvdfvhbbvtunbgvxvdc”.... “What?” “Oh, sorry, my translator was not on. Hi I’m herosio.” (Amazed, little boy whisper) “I’m Jake” “I can’t believe I’m actually with someone from the greatest TV show earth; I’m so excited!” “TV show?” (Realising he had said to much herosio quickly answered back) “No, I meant from earth not from a TV show. That would be stupid... please don’t tell my boss about this!” “What? About the fact my planet is a TV show, I think I would rather tell the blooming government!” “Well it doesn’t matter anymore they’re cancelling earth... Oh crap! I've done it again!” “What do you mean cancelling earth?” “It doesn’t matter.” “NO tell me!” “Alright they’re destroying earth because no-one watches the show anymore.” “So there just goanna destroy earth? Destroy all the trees? Destroy all the animals? Destroy all off us?” “Basically yeah....well, I better be getting back.” “Wait a minute we’ve got to do something.” “We?” “Yes we because if you don’t, I will take you to area 51. They’ll like you there.” “Ok, ok fine I’ll help!” “First we should alarm the government.” “We can get there in no time in my spaceship.”
London. Downing Street.
ReplyDelete“Right herosio, you distract the guards while I sneak in.”
“Ok, hey you I’m a brain-eating alien. Run for your life” (terrified, the guards pegged it) “right the coast is clear” (cautiously Jake and herosio crept into the Prime Ministers house).
“Who the bloody hell are you, if you don’t mind me asking and what the hell is that?” (asked David Cameron)
“That’s got a name. I'm herosio I'm from the planet jikeizz”
“Oh well you still look like Ed Miliband before he’s put makeup on (realising he was speaking two a little kid and an alien he asked) what are you doing here?”
“Well, we are here to tell you that earth is a TV show but no-one watches it anymore; so their destroying earth at New Year”
“are you taking the micky or something? You really want me to believe that, because you made me laugh. I won’t call the police. Now get out!”
“We warned you” (sighed herosio)
“Great, just great that went really well. What are we going to do now!”
“We could try and convince my boss to not destroy earth and keep the show going. However, he's very stubborn.”
“We might as well try”, the spaceships rearing to go blasted of to jikeizz.
1st of December, the other side of the time space continuum in jikeizz.
ReplyDelete“Wow this is magical”
“Right, stick close! We’re heading to that humongous building. In there is the creator of earth”. The little boy felt alienated like a boy inside an all girl’s school. There was a variety of alien’s monsters and ghost. Excited as Jake was still, knew that he had earths survival in his hands.
“Right, here we are the big boss’s office.” (Knock! Knock!) “Who is it?” “It’s herosio.”
“Oh, come in .Who is that herosio”
“Oh this is a little Earth boy”
“An Earth boy? You have broken the main rule! Don’t bring anyone here from Earth”
“Leave him alone he's doing the right thing, unlike you. You’ve been very villainous by violently violating my planet and what gives you the right to destroy Earth”
“I made earth”
“Really? I thought you we’re joking.”
“And why would I do that” (herosio)
“I'm sorry for shouting I'm still excited about every thing. Maybe we can come to an arrangement. If we make Earth more exciting and dangerous we could try and start world war 3.”
“Maybe... NO! It’s too. Late the destruction has already started”.
(Meanwhile on Earth, London, 10 Downing Street) .Boom! Bang!
“Sir we need to go! There’s a massive crane just outside Earth and it’s hitting our planet like a snooker ball.”
“Dam! That bloody kid was right”.... (Back to jikeizz)
“Alright, I will shut down the crane but there better be a lot more violence” (the creator)
“ok.”
December 10th the World Leaders’ Conference in the UK
“Order! Order! Order!” (The prime minister) “We’re all here today because we nearly saw the end of the world. The of Earth. The end of us, but we’re still here. Why? .I’ll tell you why. It’s because of one little brave boy from Sheffield, this little boys name is Jake. This noble boy made a deal with the creator of earth .The creator has fulfilled his side of the deal. Now all we need to do is fulfil ours. We need to make earth more chaotic and violent so rioters riot, looters loot, strikers strike, but remember nice guys finish last......
D-day, short for die day? After all many men died on that day, where they brave or stupid? Those men that died on the sixth of June 1994 gave their lives then to give us a better today, they all knew the risks that they would face the pain that their families would have to endure if they died. Joel though, knew this better than most, he had after all lost both his dad and two brothers due to the war they had all died on the same day in the same battle. As everyone else disembarked from the boat he thought of the day that the postman delivered the brown package. Everyone knew what they brown package meant he remembered his mom crying as she saw it he was too young back then to understand the significance of the package. A tear welled in his eye as he thought of the moment. No, he couldn't think about that now that would just mean that he would die too.
ReplyDeleteAs he ran towards they beach he could see no more that 50 maybe 60 Germans, this was unusual considering that this was a full scale invasion on part of the allies. The unmistakeable whiff of smoke filled the air as the sound of rifles firing left a ringing sound in Joel's ears. He looked up searching the beach for where his enemy what he viewed as the scum of the earth's position but they were already running they battle had been won before he had even fired a shot.
"We keep marching until hitler is dead or on his knees begging for his life!" Came a shout from some one at the back, probably a general, and was then followed by a cheer.
They ran for a whole day before coming across a small city being defended by what Joel guessed was three thousand Germans. His heart was pounding as several squadrons were told to charge forward including his own. He could hear shouts coming from all around but couldn't understand, not because of language problems but because he was too worried to understand. He saw a German lean out from behind a half blown up wall and fire a random shot and less than a second after the man to Joel's left fell to the ground with a small cry of pain. Joel thought about turning back but that would count for desertion and cowerdness both punishable by death that only chance he had of living was by going forward. His heart felt like there was a bomb ticking in side him, what would happen when the count down finished? A German's head was sticking out from behind a car Joel lifted his rifle and took aim. Holding his breath to steady his fire as the world around him seemed to slow down. He fired, he saw the bullet fly through the air and was shocked as a small smile appeared on his face in unison with the Germany's head exploding in a small cloud of blood. That one was for you dad he thought to himself, now time to avenge Sam and Andy (his two dead brothers). He could see troops marching in on the city from all sides now Americans from the left with Belgium and French troops performing a pincer movement by closing in from the opposite side.
The fighting continued for another hour before Joel managed to get into the city and by now he had avenged his father and two brothers five times over. He looked around the corner of a street and saw a line of men standing there he jumped back around the corner expecting a torrent of bullets to follow him, but they never came and he popped his head back around the stone wall and saw that all the German troops had their backs to him. It took Joel less than a second to realise what he should do he pulled the last grenade from his belt and pulled the pin and waited a second before throwing it a few confused faces where all they could manage before they where blown sky high. A small smile appeared on Joel's face he would surely get a medal for this.
ReplyDeleteJoel continued to fantasise about the medal until he turned a corner and saw two men facing him, but he soon realised that they were just Americans. Unfortunately the same couldn't be said for them as one raised his rifle and shot him.
'Wait he's English you dumb ass!' The one on the left shouted as Joel fell to the ground a pool of red stuff so rounded his body, Joel thought of his mother and wife who was pregnant with his soon to be daughter and then the lights went out.