Blog Post #7

Effects of the Panama Canal

(Hook)The Panama Canal is often dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World". With the rich history surrounding the Canal's existence, the nickname is well earned. (Bridge)The building of the canal did not come easy and the early stages were disappointing to some. With hard work and countless hours of labor the Canal finally became what it is today. (Thesis)Over the years, the Canal has been far beneficial to both Panama and the rest of the world. The Canal has brought economic success and even tourism to the country, yet consequentially increased crime surrounding the canal.

Blog Post #6

My plan for my research paper is to focus on the Panama Canal and the effects that it brings unto Panama. I intend to do research on the economic benefits, the crime rates near it, and also tourism it attracts. Some challenges I will face is the development of the actual paper and the research. I feel that the Panama Canal might be too specific of a topic. However I do have a safety plan just in case one of my research topics does not work out, which is to include history of the canal.

Little-Cog Burt vs. Cotton Candy

"Little-Cog Burt" and "Cotton Candy" both compare and contrast on various different levels ranging from cultural context to the message the author is trying to convey. Both short stories take place in the Caribbean with influential women as authors, accompanied by personal experiences intertwined into each story. In "Little-Cog Burt" and "Cotton Candy" the influential atmosphere of surrounding characters are somewhat similar. Both of the stories main characters involve being influenced by the mother and even racial circumstances in both stories. This can be interpreted as the authors' way of connecting personal life experience to their influences while growing up and also the racial tensions in their islands. However the two stories differ in what they represent and what the author is attempting to convey. In "Little-Cog Burt" the author shows how poverty affects everyone and the hard laborers need more in order to support their children. In representing the poverty the economic status of Dominica's population can be seen. On the other hand in "Cotton Candy" the main character, Lola, can represent an overcoming of setbacks of dreams.

Tetiyette and the Devil

The narrative "Tetiyette and the Devil" is written by a 17 year-old Guadeloupen girl in which she expresses certain cultural aspects of Guadelupen culture within the story. The author appeals the narrative to a younger audience expressing consequences of certain actions in relationships and the importance of listening to parents. In the narrative Tetiyette is given three different life mates which are men described as a goat, a pig, and a handsome charming gentleman. The three men are presented to the mother and then the daughter who then rejects both the pig and the goat basing her opinion on their looks. Then the charming gentleman is presented and Tetiyette immediately wants to marry him. The parents warn her of the possibility of him being the devil. They turn out to be right and do not help their daughter when the devil starts to eat her. The author conveys her message by applying the use of the three figurative men and the consequences of not heeding the warnings of the parents. The purpose of the young author was most likely to raise the awareness of how deception can turn a circumstance lead to a dreadful outcome. In Tetiyette's case, her naivety turns out to hurt her as she puts herself in a toxic relationship with the devil. In my opinion the devil represents an abusive relationship and when the devil starts to "eat her up"(Kane and Flotsan) I perceive it as the man is physically violent towards Tetiyette. When Tetiyette does not heed her parents warnings

Panama

General Information:

Panama is a Central American country with beautiful coastlines in the Caribbean. The country is and isthmus located in between Costa Rica and Columbia with multiple surrounding islands. Prior to European conquest the isthmus was home to the settled by Chibchan, Chocoan, and Cueva peoples. Panama then became colonized by Spaniards up until 1821 when they joined as a department of Columbia. With their historic influence the country speaks mainly Spanish and has political views that best represent a presidential representative democratic republic.

Traveling to Panama:

1. How to get to Panama- 

A flight can be booked which would take around 4 hours and 5 minutes and would cost from around $200-$1500. Another form of transportation would be by means of a cruise which would cost up to $500+ a night per person. A passport will be required for entry into the country as a tourist and the standard currency is the US Dollar or the Panamanian Balboa.

2. Where to stay-

There are many options available from city hotels to beach resorts to stay at while visiting. Prices can range from $40-$300 a night depending on location.

3. Where to go- 

Wondrous adventures await in Panama from water activities to exploring the wildlife. A major attraction would be the Panama Canal with its historic representation to Panama. An example of another historic location would be Panamá Viejo, which is a remaining part of the old Panama City. Panama's wide variety of beaches and islands range from coast to coast which include: Bocas Town, San Blas Islands, and many others.

4. What to do- 

There are many activities to choose from when visiting Panama which can be something as simple as relaxing on a peaceful beach or even going on an exciting adventure through the wilderness. A boat tour could be arranged on the famous Panama canal to view Panama's beautiful scenery on. A tour could be scheduled for you to learn about the history and wonders of Panama. Activities are endless and with a little bit of creativity and adventure 

About

My name is Jabriel Rodriguez and I am currently a senior at Dacula High School. My plans for college are to enter into UGA and then to transfer into Georgia Tech all in the computer science field. An interest of mine is all types of technology with a rising industry of innovation and excitement. Another interest would be my passion for swimming in which i have participated in a summer league and a high school team.