October Sky

Last week, as a unit activity, we watched the heart-warming movie, October Sky. This movie is based on the true happenings that occurred with Homer Hickam Jr. The movie starts out with Homer and his friends watching Sputnik, the first rocket ever made by the Russians. Homer comes from a coal mining town in Virginia and all they thought about was coal. Coal mines were usually the owners of everything in a town. In Coalwood, Virginia, Homer's home was owned by the coal mining company. Working in the coal mines back then was very dangerous and all the men had to take care or else many deaths. Also, there were many accidents that occurred and almost all men died of the coal and chemical inhalants. Since this movie took place during the 1950's, rockets were really major and no kid had ever thought of building or even testing out a rock. Homer Hickam and a couple of his friends took it upon themselves and were determined to make rockets. With hard work and perseverance, the boys start making rockets but everything changes when one of their fired off rockets goes missing and the police accuses the boys of setting a fire in the woods with their rocket. Time went by and Homer had the idea to prove their innocence with math. By making calculations, the boys were able to prove that their rocket didn't start the fire in the woods. Once their innocence was proved, the boys were able to get back on track and enter the science fair. In the end of the movie, Hickam was supported by all of his county and with all that support, Homer was able to win the National Science Fair. Homer and his friends were able to go to top colleges and became proud children. Homer Hickam grew up and worked as an astronaut for NASA and achieved his dreams.

Also in the movie, some of the CARES traits were shown and some were not. For example, cooperation was shown with Homer Hickam and his friends because they all worked together to achieve their goal and they never backed away even through the toughest time. Unlike how Homer's dad cooperated with him. Another character educataion trait that was shown in the movie was self control. Homer always controlled himself whenever his dad yelled at him and dicouraged him. Homer was always full of energy and controlled his feelings and emotions. In the movie, the characters also showed respect to themeselves and to their teacher who always encouraged them to do what was in their hearts. Aside from the traits that were in the movie, empathy and assertion weren' t shown from Homer's dad and it turns out that they never agreed on anything. Homer Hickam's dad never felt emapthy for him until the way end and that was only a small part.

Last but not least, the movie October Sky, was an emotional and deep movie. I enjoyed watching it and I also learned a lot. Many people might think that the movie is just about Homer Hickam's life and that's it. I think that all of us could learn many lessons from Homer Hickam and how he lived his life the way he wanted to. :)

Response to DOWN SYNDROME

http://ponderingbacon.blogspot.com/2009/05/down-syndrome.html

Once I read about the disease "Down Syndrome" I felt deep sadness. I can't believe that down syndrome shapes the face in a weird and abnormal way. I myself can't imagine being a patient of down syndrome and not be able to think and act normally. Fortunately for these down syndrome patients, they can benefit so much from programs that are designed for that type of disease. As for the treatment, I hope that one day soon, there will be an available cure and down syndrome will be obliterated off this Earth. With the technology and high tech science we have now, anything is possible and I would be overwhelmed with joy if a cure is found anytime soon. I agree with Pondering Bacon when it was stated that she feels bad for down syndrome patients. Many people don't like the state that they are in now a days and can't seem to cooperate. If those people took a look at anyone with down syndrome, they would thank God for what they have and that they don't have to suffer and be a disease carrier. To sum it all up, kids and adults with down syndrome suffer unlike normal humans do. Everyone should do the best they can so we can find a cure for down syndrome. 

Genetic Disorders: Canavan Disease

Canavan disease was  discovered in  1931 and causes major brain damage. What happens is that the ill gene mutates and that causes the myelin in the brain to start getting damage. Also the white matter in the brain starts getting spongy and that's when the brain damage starts occurring. When a child or toddler has Canavan disease, their motor skills differ from any other being. Besides from that, eating and swallowing becomes very difficult and complicated. Unlike normal humans, these children and toddlers will never be able to enjoy a good meal. At this time, there is no current cure or treatment for this disease. In order for scientists to build a treatment, one would need to understand the molecular aspects, the amount of affected cells and the amount of fluid in the brain and in the cell. Canavan disease is most common in the people of Ashkenazi (eastern and central Europe) and mostly the people of Jewish heritage. 1 in 6400 to 13500 get this disease. In my opinion, that is not so much and I think that is kind of rare. The common mortality of this disease is before the age of four and  early childhood. In other cases which are not that common, people with the disease can live up to adolescence and maybe adulthood. The thing that is really sad about this disease is that the patients of it can never enjoy the life others have. I myself would hate to have Canavan disease because I would die young and not be able to live a healthy and happy life. Everyone with Canavan disease is a hero to me! 

For more information go to:

www.canavandisease.net