Monday, May 16, 2011
The Tell Tale Heart
In this story the narrator is the only one to really analyze. The big discrepancy is whether or not he is crazy. No matter who you are if you kill someone your mind is not in the right place. In the case of The Tell Tale Heart the narrator is clearly crazy because he has the urge to kill the old man based on that his eye is "evil." In the average person's mind that just doesn't add up. If someone gives you the "stink-eye" you don't go around killing them. So that is a big red flag on his sanity. However, Poe makes you believe that the narrator is more normal because of the planning and meticulous nature of the murder. The narrator also shows that he is not a complete psychopath because when the police come he goes from murder to kind citizen. Ont the other hand, this trade off of personalities makes him a little crazier because it also shows his mind is off in all different directions. Bottom line he is crazy not because he killed (well probably) but more because of his mindset and reasoning.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
A Summer Feud
On a Summer day where every kid in the city was outside the conditions were perfect, high 80's with a slight breeze. Every kid on the block was cooling down with super-soaker and hose wars. Even the adults were having a good time on the wondrous day at hand. Everyone but the Crazy lady, as the kids called her, was having a great time. She was determined to wreck everyones day.
After I ate a late breakfast I went across the street to get my friend Alec and his older brother Craig. I knocked at the door and Alec answered.
" Hey Ryan what's up?" "Not much Alec wana have a super-soaker war?" Alec replied happily "Sure. We should get George too."
I went back across the street to get my neighbor George out as well. His mom answered and told me he would be out in 10 minutes. As I got ready for the intense battle that was to come more kids were coming out also ready for war. This battle was going to require all the yards on the block. This was not to the liking of the Crazy Lady. As the day wore on yards were wrecked by all the water and running kids. Front lawns that were once crisp and perfectly manicured were now nothing but muddy swamps that were suitable for crocodiles. This was the first time the Crazy Lady came out and expressed her disapproval of kids. She put the hammer down so to speak by leaving a looming threat of calling the cops on us. From then on we had all water fights on the other side of the street.
On days that water wars were non-sufficient to the weather we played woffel-ball or even just threw the pigskin around. Now knowing we couldn't play on her lawn, we played over her property. If we played catch one person would be on each side of her lawn. But of course a ball would manage to land on her now perfect grass and she would tap on the window with phone in hand to reinstate the threat of the police. So we would have to sacrifice that ball because she would then come out of her lair to come confiscate the object that intruded on her perfect lawn.
Up until this time we hadn't had the cops called but many of our possessions had been taken. Sometimes we felt the need to get them back so all the kids that had had something confiscated would go up a ring her doorbell and her response was very concise and potent.
"Read the sign. NO TRESPASSING OR LOITERING."
Eventually the other kids and I got tired of getting our stuff taken so we rebelled and just started to neglect her threats and grab our possessions before she could. When I first started to run through the war zone to get my belongings I tried to do it stealthily by crouching under the windows where she couldn't see me and then someone would tell me if she was looking or not.
"Is she gone yet George?" "No not yet Ryan. Wait hold on she's..... OK she's gone."
But then this got old and we all realized how crazy it was that we couldn't walk on someones lawn. But with this false sense of security came the consequences. She finally called the cops on us for going on her lawn during a Woffel-ball game where a throw home missed its target and ended up on her lawn. One of the younger players in the game, Ian who was about 5, went to go get the ball. When he started towards her lawn the phone got whipped out and she was calling the cops. About a half an hour later the cops, sure enough, showed up. We were speechless.
The cops got out of their car and asked jokingly,"Alright which one of you hoodlums trespassed on her property?"
We all pointed at the innocent five year old. They laughed with us at the stupidity of her accusation. They told us that to deal with people like her we just have to abide by them and live around her. That is exactly what we did. we moved our games farther down the block or we played on the other side of the street. To this day no one has talked to the Crazy lady. In the winter now her sidewalk is the only one not shoveled and she now pays for landscaping where we would cut her grass before the whole trespassing indecent.
After I ate a late breakfast I went across the street to get my friend Alec and his older brother Craig. I knocked at the door and Alec answered.
" Hey Ryan what's up?" "Not much Alec wana have a super-soaker war?" Alec replied happily "Sure. We should get George too."
I went back across the street to get my neighbor George out as well. His mom answered and told me he would be out in 10 minutes. As I got ready for the intense battle that was to come more kids were coming out also ready for war. This battle was going to require all the yards on the block. This was not to the liking of the Crazy Lady. As the day wore on yards were wrecked by all the water and running kids. Front lawns that were once crisp and perfectly manicured were now nothing but muddy swamps that were suitable for crocodiles. This was the first time the Crazy Lady came out and expressed her disapproval of kids. She put the hammer down so to speak by leaving a looming threat of calling the cops on us. From then on we had all water fights on the other side of the street.
On days that water wars were non-sufficient to the weather we played woffel-ball or even just threw the pigskin around. Now knowing we couldn't play on her lawn, we played over her property. If we played catch one person would be on each side of her lawn. But of course a ball would manage to land on her now perfect grass and she would tap on the window with phone in hand to reinstate the threat of the police. So we would have to sacrifice that ball because she would then come out of her lair to come confiscate the object that intruded on her perfect lawn.
Up until this time we hadn't had the cops called but many of our possessions had been taken. Sometimes we felt the need to get them back so all the kids that had had something confiscated would go up a ring her doorbell and her response was very concise and potent.
"Read the sign. NO TRESPASSING OR LOITERING."
Eventually the other kids and I got tired of getting our stuff taken so we rebelled and just started to neglect her threats and grab our possessions before she could. When I first started to run through the war zone to get my belongings I tried to do it stealthily by crouching under the windows where she couldn't see me and then someone would tell me if she was looking or not.
"Is she gone yet George?" "No not yet Ryan. Wait hold on she's..... OK she's gone."
But then this got old and we all realized how crazy it was that we couldn't walk on someones lawn. But with this false sense of security came the consequences. She finally called the cops on us for going on her lawn during a Woffel-ball game where a throw home missed its target and ended up on her lawn. One of the younger players in the game, Ian who was about 5, went to go get the ball. When he started towards her lawn the phone got whipped out and she was calling the cops. About a half an hour later the cops, sure enough, showed up. We were speechless.
The cops got out of their car and asked jokingly,"Alright which one of you hoodlums trespassed on her property?"
We all pointed at the innocent five year old. They laughed with us at the stupidity of her accusation. They told us that to deal with people like her we just have to abide by them and live around her. That is exactly what we did. we moved our games farther down the block or we played on the other side of the street. To this day no one has talked to the Crazy lady. In the winter now her sidewalk is the only one not shoveled and she now pays for landscaping where we would cut her grass before the whole trespassing indecent.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Old Man
Old man look at my life,
I'm a lot like you were.
Old man look at my life,
I'm a lot like you were.
Old man look at my life,
Twenty four
and there's so much more
Live alone in a paradise
That makes me think of two.
Love lost, such a cost,
Give me things
that don't get lost.
Like a coin that won't get tossed
Rolling home to you.
Old man take a look at my life
I'm a lot like you
I need someone to love me
the whole day through
Ah, one look in my eyes
and you can tell that's true.
Lullabies, look in your eyes,
Run around the same old town.
Doesn't mean that much to me
To mean that much to you.
I've been first and last
Look at how the time goes past.
But I'm all alone at last.
Rolling home to you.
Old man take a look at my life
I'm a lot like you
I need someone to love me
the whole day through
Ah, one look in my eyes
and you can tell that's true.
Old man look at my life,
I'm a lot like you were.
Old man look at my life,
I'm a lot like you were.
This song by Neil Young is about growing up in life. This isn't so much about becoming a teenager like some growing up songs, but more growing old in life. As we grow old we realize what we have done with our lives. Some become what they wanted and others see lost opportunities. But in the end everyone reflects on their life regardless, as we grow old and settle down. In this case Neil is talking about his life and what he's missed and gained. Some believe it was about a old man that he had as a neighbor in California. I believe that the old man is a metaphor for where he is in the present and he is talking about his life in the past. The overall meaning to this poem is that sometimes we have to stop and see what we have really done with our lives. Have we missed out? Have we celebrated our gains? Have we found our true passions on Earth? It is like a reality check. This poem is Neil Young reflecting on his life and seeing that he has everything except a partner for life.
I'm a lot like you were.
Old man look at my life,
I'm a lot like you were.
Old man look at my life,
Twenty four
and there's so much more
Live alone in a paradise
That makes me think of two.
Love lost, such a cost,
Give me things
that don't get lost.
Like a coin that won't get tossed
Rolling home to you.
Old man take a look at my life
I'm a lot like you
I need someone to love me
the whole day through
Ah, one look in my eyes
and you can tell that's true.
Lullabies, look in your eyes,
Run around the same old town.
Doesn't mean that much to me
To mean that much to you.
I've been first and last
Look at how the time goes past.
But I'm all alone at last.
Rolling home to you.
Old man take a look at my life
I'm a lot like you
I need someone to love me
the whole day through
Ah, one look in my eyes
and you can tell that's true.
Old man look at my life,
I'm a lot like you were.
Old man look at my life,
I'm a lot like you were.
This song by Neil Young is about growing up in life. This isn't so much about becoming a teenager like some growing up songs, but more growing old in life. As we grow old we realize what we have done with our lives. Some become what they wanted and others see lost opportunities. But in the end everyone reflects on their life regardless, as we grow old and settle down. In this case Neil is talking about his life and what he's missed and gained. Some believe it was about a old man that he had as a neighbor in California. I believe that the old man is a metaphor for where he is in the present and he is talking about his life in the past. The overall meaning to this poem is that sometimes we have to stop and see what we have really done with our lives. Have we missed out? Have we celebrated our gains? Have we found our true passions on Earth? It is like a reality check. This poem is Neil Young reflecting on his life and seeing that he has everything except a partner for life.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
On the Reservation
Throughout my life I have only come in contact with a handful of Native Americans. Many of which were my parents age or older. As a kid meeting a Native American was like seeing a bald eagle, they were few and far between. But whenever I did meet one I always expected a good story. I always recieved one but whether they were true or not, who knows.
The first Native American I ever met was a friend of my grandfathers. He was from a small tribe up in Minnesota. He and my grandfather both were pilots on the Great Lakes. He was a very nice man that always would make up interesting stories for me as a very young kid. It wasn't till later when i asked my grandfather about him that i figured out he was a nut. Story goes that after a couple drinks he would start doing old Native American tribal dances. So all in all the only Native American's i really know are known to be a little crazy and always good for a story. This is kind of of sad because the stereotypical Native Americans are sometimes perceived as nutty story tellers. For me to truly understand the Ways of the Native Americans I would need to go back to the time of Lewis and Clark and live among the Natives to truly identify with them.
The first Native American I ever met was a friend of my grandfathers. He was from a small tribe up in Minnesota. He and my grandfather both were pilots on the Great Lakes. He was a very nice man that always would make up interesting stories for me as a very young kid. It wasn't till later when i asked my grandfather about him that i figured out he was a nut. Story goes that after a couple drinks he would start doing old Native American tribal dances. So all in all the only Native American's i really know are known to be a little crazy and always good for a story. This is kind of of sad because the stereotypical Native Americans are sometimes perceived as nutty story tellers. For me to truly understand the Ways of the Native Americans I would need to go back to the time of Lewis and Clark and live among the Natives to truly identify with them.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Propaganda Today
Propaganda has increasingly become more widespread because of the advances in social media. When ever I think of propaganda I immediately think of mudslinging advertisements for political power. Every election, in Chicago at least, there are always those ads that put down the other opponents. The most recent one I've seen is about Rahm Emanuel and his residency issue. Without knowing whether or not he was living in Chicago ads were being broadcasted talking about, "Do you want a mayor that lies about his residency???" This was a tactic that was used against him just to make the opposition stand out better. These "rumors" whether they be true or not fuel ideas into the public to influence their choices. It is just like brainwashing in a sense. It uses controversial questions to influence the general public one way or another.
In the past propaganda was most commonly used during times of war to "rally the troops." We don't see this so more. For the war in Iraq they didn't push the public to fight in the war like they did in World War II. Although there were no Uncle Sam posters the media made a case of why you should. They riled up the public by instilling anger over 9/11. However, politics still make the biggest market for propaganda. For as long as there is voting propaganda will exist. Also it will never completely go away. It is a seed that is planted and when the public need something to turn to and blame, the seed will continue to grow. For a last example, Obama's residency was once a huge controversy. Was he born in another country? How can he be president? These ideas that were planted after the inauguration maybe a wall that the public can lean back on when things start to go south. When things go down, it is human nature to turn around and blame someone or something else.
In the past propaganda was most commonly used during times of war to "rally the troops." We don't see this so more. For the war in Iraq they didn't push the public to fight in the war like they did in World War II. Although there were no Uncle Sam posters the media made a case of why you should. They riled up the public by instilling anger over 9/11. However, politics still make the biggest market for propaganda. For as long as there is voting propaganda will exist. Also it will never completely go away. It is a seed that is planted and when the public need something to turn to and blame, the seed will continue to grow. For a last example, Obama's residency was once a huge controversy. Was he born in another country? How can he be president? These ideas that were planted after the inauguration maybe a wall that the public can lean back on when things start to go south. When things go down, it is human nature to turn around and blame someone or something else.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Beat Street
Beat Street.... What a movie. This movie is very interesting because it shows a unique perspective of life in New York. It hides all the glam of the city and portrays the "darker" side of the city, the Bronx. It shows how kids grew up in the city and learned the way of the streets. Although it is an 80's movie it is very interesting because it shows how as a kid you could make it out of the backsides of New York. Beat Street also just goes to show there is talent no matter where you come from. Weirdly this movie makes me think of 8 mile. This is a long shot but, they are similar in the respect that they show how people grow with a talent they are given. One of the main characters Double K is a DJ that is mixing sounds on very basic equipment where as others are making comparable mixes on way more advanced equipment. It shows that talent is found with in a person and nothing else matters. Beat Street is a rare point of view that is shown and it is very heart warming because it proves that their are people that work hard for what they want and it pays off for them. In this world to many people are where they are at because of what someone else did for them. Unlike that Beat Street portrays kids that worked to become a somebody.
Hungry For Attention
Everyone is in need of some type of attention. The ways people get attention obviously vary depending on the person. Richard did light his house on fire, but it wasn't intended to hurt anyone. When you are a young kid all you want is attention. For example, when my younger sister was born I wouldn't even look at my mom because my sister was getting all her attention. As people we thrive off attention. First place in a competition would be pointless if the winners didn't get recognition. I remember as a kid I was always trying to impress someone, rather it be myself, my parents, teacher, or anyone that cared. So to get back to Richard, he is not alone in his hunger for attention. Attention is almost secondhand nature to most people. This is unfortunate in a way though because with attention comes people that only do things when they get attention. This is sad because then the people that are "behind the scenes" go unnoticed. So for all of us that are attention cravers we must remember all those who aren't like us and do things that go unnoticed. Richard isn't one to stay out of the lime light so he needs that constant attention to maintain his lifestyle. Richard is not alone in his hunger for attention it is human nature to want to be noticed and only we can control our need for it.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Being a Mexican American
Although I'm not Mexican this is probably my favorite short story. No matter where you live in America you are most likely going to be identified with the people you hang out with. So if you live in a community made up of a specific race you are going to be identified with them. This story tells it from the perspective of a kid that is trying to defy who he is identified with. He will forever be a Mexican, but as he starts to mix with other groups he slowly looses parts of his roots. This portrayal shows how he will never be able to completely let go of his roots because they go so far back in his life. We become so connected and wrapped up with our past that there is no way to leave it behind. Some think this is bad others take it as a blessing. Mendoza believes that no matter what it will always stay with you and it makes you who you are. I agree because no matter what your past was like, good or bad, it still made You. A point that Mendoza makes is that people will never fully integrate with each other. Is he so far off? If you take a look at a diverse city like Chicago you will find that there are neighborhoods for each ethnicity. No one segregates us but ourselves. In my life time I really wonder if I will see a true mix of culture throughout the world.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
King still king?
Martin Luther King Jr. is far from a forgotten figure. His prominence is known throughout the world. However now he is looked at as a revolution. He is not just the man who started this idea he is the idea. This news of equality spread throughout the world. The Civil Rights Act not only effected the United States of America, but the world as a whole. Everyone knew about it and was amazed a feat that seemed impossible was accomplished. I think the idea that you can do anything you put your mind to is really what was brought out from the movement. People now-a-days give up to fast when the times get tough. If M.L.K. Jr. was still around I believe he would be fighting another movement for the better of a harmonious world. So Martin Luther King is still around in our lives not as a person, but as the idea of a driving force of determination.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Short Stories
For this blog I will explain why I like "This Sacred Soil" and "Children of the Sea." These two stories have very different origins and purpose, but overall a similar conflict. Both characters in each story are forced off their lands. The means by which this happen are different but non-the-less they are forced to leave.
In "This Sacred Soil," the author really put into perspective the view of the Natives. He basically wrote that the Red man and the White man, will never agree on anything. The Natives will forever worship their gods and the White man will worship his. His reason for giving into the idea of a Reservation is that he doesn't think that their will be any Native Americans left by the time the Reservation has a big impact. All he can do is hold onto the virtues they have left and pray that one day both cultures will find that their maker is the same. The part that made a deep impact on me is this: "At night when when the streets of tour cities and villages are silent and you think them deserted, they will throng with the returning hosts that once filled and still love this beautiful land. The White Man will never be alone." to me this means that Chief Seattle thinks that for as long as the White Man lives in America, he will never have the compassion of that of the Red Man.
In "Children of the Sea," the story of the life of children in Haiti put into perspective just how lucky I really am. I believe to many people take everything we have in life for granted. Life around the world is much harder than just getting by in school and having a good relationship with your family and friends. In the story the kids had to worry about staying alive. These stories of genocide really get to me because it's really hard to fathom why a race of people could turn on each other. It happens all around the world and the reasons for it are wars that have been fought for many of thousands of years and yet each battle is still in full swing. So this story is especially compelling because it puts into perspective all the things we take for granted.
In "This Sacred Soil," the author really put into perspective the view of the Natives. He basically wrote that the Red man and the White man, will never agree on anything. The Natives will forever worship their gods and the White man will worship his. His reason for giving into the idea of a Reservation is that he doesn't think that their will be any Native Americans left by the time the Reservation has a big impact. All he can do is hold onto the virtues they have left and pray that one day both cultures will find that their maker is the same. The part that made a deep impact on me is this: "At night when when the streets of tour cities and villages are silent and you think them deserted, they will throng with the returning hosts that once filled and still love this beautiful land. The White Man will never be alone." to me this means that Chief Seattle thinks that for as long as the White Man lives in America, he will never have the compassion of that of the Red Man.
In "Children of the Sea," the story of the life of children in Haiti put into perspective just how lucky I really am. I believe to many people take everything we have in life for granted. Life around the world is much harder than just getting by in school and having a good relationship with your family and friends. In the story the kids had to worry about staying alive. These stories of genocide really get to me because it's really hard to fathom why a race of people could turn on each other. It happens all around the world and the reasons for it are wars that have been fought for many of thousands of years and yet each battle is still in full swing. So this story is especially compelling because it puts into perspective all the things we take for granted.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Music Review
For this music review I'm digging up an old song. Old Man by Neil Young is a great song that compares generations. I feel that a big clash between people always comes down to generation vs. generation. Ever since there has been different generations clashes have occurred. Fathers always trying to be better than their sons, or even people in the business world look down upon younger generations for their lack of experience and vice versa. I think what people fail to see is that even though our age may be different, they are more similar than different. This song sums this up a little bit.
As I'm writing this blog I'm watching American Chopper: Sr. vs.Jr. For those that don't know what this show is, here is a short summary: American Chopper: Sr. vs. Jr. is a show that follows both Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. after they split from OOC. Paul Sr. sued his son Paul Jr. and since then they haven't talked and their relationship has dwindled so bad that Paul Sr. didn't even go to his son's wedding. What they won't except is that they are so much a like, they can't work equally. As soon as they accept their like personalities the sooner they will be able to reestablish a relationship.
Back to reviewing, this is a song that the lyrics speak louder than the music. Neil Young is an amazing song writer that has power within his lyrics. Even though the song is a very simple one, it still has a lot of meaning. Neil Young's lyrics captivate the listener and leave it open ended to interpretation. Although it maybe a story, it can mean as much as you desire.
YouTube - Neil Young - Old Man - Live at Massey Hall
As I'm writing this blog I'm watching American Chopper: Sr. vs.Jr. For those that don't know what this show is, here is a short summary: American Chopper: Sr. vs. Jr. is a show that follows both Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. after they split from OOC. Paul Sr. sued his son Paul Jr. and since then they haven't talked and their relationship has dwindled so bad that Paul Sr. didn't even go to his son's wedding. What they won't except is that they are so much a like, they can't work equally. As soon as they accept their like personalities the sooner they will be able to reestablish a relationship.
Back to reviewing, this is a song that the lyrics speak louder than the music. Neil Young is an amazing song writer that has power within his lyrics. Even though the song is a very simple one, it still has a lot of meaning. Neil Young's lyrics captivate the listener and leave it open ended to interpretation. Although it maybe a story, it can mean as much as you desire.
YouTube - Neil Young - Old Man - Live at Massey Hall
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Jay and Nick
These two characters, Jay and Nick, have become quite good friends since their first acquaintance. Nick hadn't known Gatsby but from what he had heard so when he actually met Gatsby, I think he was in a way surprised. They agree on many things and they have the same views for a lot of things. Although they just met their relationship is developing fast based on what they share in common. Before they knew each other they thought way different. For example, Nick thought (Based on Jordan's rumor) that Gatsby was this menacing German spy. To say the least their friendship hit the ground running.
Jay took initiative and invited his neighbor, Nick, over to one of his extravagant parties. Nick shows up and finds Ms. Baker. Nick ventures to the library and finds that the books are real which gets his hopes up that Gatsby could be a real man to admire. However, he realizes they are uncut, but to him just the thought of having actual books is more than enough. When they finally meet, they know they will become great friends.
When Jay introduces himself to Nick, Nick doesn't even know its Gatsby himself. He makes the mistake and soon Jay corrects him by saying he is Gatsby. As they start to talk they realize they have many things in common, and that they are essentially the same person. At the second party Nick attends the two converse a little more deeply and start to talk about the war. Unintentionally, Jay clears up the rumor by telling the real story of how he took a machine gun regiment up to the front lines and took out the whole line of German soldiers before the Infantry could reach him. Nick admires many of Gatsby's qualities. Soon enough the two are hanging out around New York in Gatsby's hydroplane as if they had known each other for ever.
Jay took initiative and invited his neighbor, Nick, over to one of his extravagant parties. Nick shows up and finds Ms. Baker. Nick ventures to the library and finds that the books are real which gets his hopes up that Gatsby could be a real man to admire. However, he realizes they are uncut, but to him just the thought of having actual books is more than enough. When they finally meet, they know they will become great friends.
When Jay introduces himself to Nick, Nick doesn't even know its Gatsby himself. He makes the mistake and soon Jay corrects him by saying he is Gatsby. As they start to talk they realize they have many things in common, and that they are essentially the same person. At the second party Nick attends the two converse a little more deeply and start to talk about the war. Unintentionally, Jay clears up the rumor by telling the real story of how he took a machine gun regiment up to the front lines and took out the whole line of German soldiers before the Infantry could reach him. Nick admires many of Gatsby's qualities. Soon enough the two are hanging out around New York in Gatsby's hydroplane as if they had known each other for ever.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The Trick of Writing
For me the trick to writing is getting my ideas onto paper. This may sound easy for some but for me its most likely the hardest part. The ideas that are actually in my mind are sometimes better than when I get them on paper. So when when I do get these "good" ideas onto paper its like pulling teeth out. The whole process takes a long time for me so I end up spending a lot of time looking at the screen. However, over the years I've gotten much better at this and I can get the ideas out much faster than before.
This problem has followed me ever since I have started to writing. I've never excelled at reading and writing, I've been more of a math and science type of person for as long as I can remember through the years my English teachers have tried to help me improve this. The most memorable was probably my 6th grade English teacher, although we didn't get along, she really pushed me to improve my skills. So all in all, the trick is getting ideas on paper.
This problem has followed me ever since I have started to writing. I've never excelled at reading and writing, I've been more of a math and science type of person for as long as I can remember through the years my English teachers have tried to help me improve this. The most memorable was probably my 6th grade English teacher, although we didn't get along, she really pushed me to improve my skills. So all in all, the trick is getting ideas on paper.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thankful for a Classmate
If I had to choose someone to be thankful for I would probably choose Haley since I've "known" her the longest. She's in my division and we live very close to one another. I first met her in freshman orientation and freshmen connection. Since then our relationship has developed into a brother sister relationship. It's weird but funny in way as well. Haley is a good classmate and friend because we have a very good understanding of each other and unfortunately for her I know how to make her angry. However, she also knows how to come back at me with jokes. So all in all we are very good friends that know how to piss each other off and make each other laugh.
For me it seems that the longer that I know Haley the more dependent I have become on her. I find myself asking her lots of questions about homework and other various questions. I think I definitely depend on her more than she depends on me but I'll never admit that to her. Haley has saved me many a times and I thank her for that, and that is why she is probably the best classmate.
For me it seems that the longer that I know Haley the more dependent I have become on her. I find myself asking her lots of questions about homework and other various questions. I think I definitely depend on her more than she depends on me but I'll never admit that to her. Haley has saved me many a times and I thank her for that, and that is why she is probably the best classmate.
Friday, November 19, 2010
I am a Plow
A plow to me is a agricultural tool. However, I doubt Mr. McCarthy wanted us to talk about how we help a farm. So a plow in this sense, to me, is a person who goes through life with their head down and does the same thing everyday. These types of people are "Going through the motions." Therefore people that take initiative in the world and are passionate in what they do are the ones that aren't plows.
People that are plows wear in the same path everyday by doing the same thing over and over again. On the other hand people that don't do this make new paths. In all both groups of people could be looked at as a plow. One makes the same trench over and over while the other makes a new path each time.
People that are plows wear in the same path everyday by doing the same thing over and over again. On the other hand people that don't do this make new paths. In all both groups of people could be looked at as a plow. One makes the same trench over and over while the other makes a new path each time.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
A Direction the Class Needs
A few of my class get to be a little tedious because of the repeated class structure: Go over homework, lecture, in-class work, and then assign homework. To me this shouldn't be how we learn. Classes should be taught the way we want to be taught. We're the ones learning after all. People learn better if they are taught in a way they can relate.
Everyone learns better a certain way so I think they should be taught based on how they learn best. For example, if a student learns chemistry best with hands on examples like labs, then that student should have more labs in his/her lesson plan. Or if someone learns better with lectures then they have more lectures. All in all for me a class has to intrigue me for me to maintain focus. So therefore the classes I like are classes that have aspects that I enjoy.
American Lit this year hasn't had this problem yet because we have discussions that I can jump into if I have an opinion to put forth. I tend to excel in classes that have aspects that are my learning strengths. So in conclusion, I think that if we are taught the way we learn best we can all make it through high school learning and having fun.
Everyone learns better a certain way so I think they should be taught based on how they learn best. For example, if a student learns chemistry best with hands on examples like labs, then that student should have more labs in his/her lesson plan. Or if someone learns better with lectures then they have more lectures. All in all for me a class has to intrigue me for me to maintain focus. So therefore the classes I like are classes that have aspects that I enjoy.
American Lit this year hasn't had this problem yet because we have discussions that I can jump into if I have an opinion to put forth. I tend to excel in classes that have aspects that are my learning strengths. So in conclusion, I think that if we are taught the way we learn best we can all make it through high school learning and having fun.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Modern Day Slavery
Around the world, children are working in more dangerous jobs than the average person in America. Approximately 1-6 children ages 5-14 are victims of child labor. Millions in the world work in very hazardous conditions such as mines, chemical plants, and around dangerous machinery. Most parents are worried when their kids start climbing trees or rough housing on a jungle gym. They couldn't even fathom having their five year-old breathing in harmful chemicals and doing tedious labor for twelve hours. These children are in need, yet they are invisible to most of the world. The majority of people don't care how they got their gold necklace, but if they knew that a child almost died to make it; maybe they'd think twice.
The child slavery all over the world for the most part goes unnoticed, due to the fact that cases aren't publicized. I find this sad because this means that companies that use children are getting away with child labor without penalties. Also child labor isn't exactly thought as slavery it's looked upon more as a wrongful crime. People don't think it is as serious of a problem as it really is. So all in all we all know it is happening yet we don't do anything because no one knows how serious it is.
In conclusion, I don't think child labor is seen as a very serious problem because it is not publicized a lot. The slavery most people think of is either the sex trade or sweat shops. However, child labor is just as serious. To sum everything up child labor should be explained to people so the rest of the world knows of this massive world wide problem. Just think billions of children around the world are victims of child labor. So the next time you buy something made outside of the US, think about the idea that a 5 year old child may have had to suffer in order for you to get that product. And then if you buy that product you support child labor.
The child slavery all over the world for the most part goes unnoticed, due to the fact that cases aren't publicized. I find this sad because this means that companies that use children are getting away with child labor without penalties. Also child labor isn't exactly thought as slavery it's looked upon more as a wrongful crime. People don't think it is as serious of a problem as it really is. So all in all we all know it is happening yet we don't do anything because no one knows how serious it is.
In conclusion, I don't think child labor is seen as a very serious problem because it is not publicized a lot. The slavery most people think of is either the sex trade or sweat shops. However, child labor is just as serious. To sum everything up child labor should be explained to people so the rest of the world knows of this massive world wide problem. Just think billions of children around the world are victims of child labor. So the next time you buy something made outside of the US, think about the idea that a 5 year old child may have had to suffer in order for you to get that product. And then if you buy that product you support child labor.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Puritans Today...
Salem: The darkest times of the Salem actually put it on the map. As the tourists came to Salem the town was filled once again with witches.
Puritans: The puritan was created on the idea that orthodox christianity. They tried to live the bible as literally as possible in their own lives.
House of the seven gables: The House is believed to be haunted. Many employees believe there is a young boy and a women spirit.
Hawthorne: Hawthorne's grandfather was a judge in the Salem Witch Trials. Father died at a young age, mother went into seclusion until her death. Was a very angry writer, resembled the house.
The Puritans still make their way into our society today but we don't see it as much anymore. Their way of thinking still is around. The literal meanings of things are still around in our now a day political parties. Each has its interpretation on different things to different degrees. However most don't believe that there is a perfect person as did the Puritans. So all in all the Puritans as a society didn't last but their legacy and ways live on forever within the modern day world.
Puritans: The puritan was created on the idea that orthodox christianity. They tried to live the bible as literally as possible in their own lives.
House of the seven gables: The House is believed to be haunted. Many employees believe there is a young boy and a women spirit.
Hawthorne: Hawthorne's grandfather was a judge in the Salem Witch Trials. Father died at a young age, mother went into seclusion until her death. Was a very angry writer, resembled the house.
The Puritans still make their way into our society today but we don't see it as much anymore. Their way of thinking still is around. The literal meanings of things are still around in our now a day political parties. Each has its interpretation on different things to different degrees. However most don't believe that there is a perfect person as did the Puritans. So all in all the Puritans as a society didn't last but their legacy and ways live on forever within the modern day world.
Monday, October 25, 2010
The Moment I Knew I was an American
To be an American? Many things can classify a person as being American; views, background, virtues, goals. For me an American is anyone who expresses the views of freedom and the has the will to accomplish his or her goals. Race, ethnic background, culture have nothing to do with being an American. If you are a hardworking person looking to make a good life for yourself and share the necessity of freedom, you meet all the qualifications. Born in America makes you "American" but only by a slip of paper that says you were born in America. If you believe another countries virtues and opportunity are greater you could consider yourself that nationality. To say the number of people that consider themselves Americans is very few considering how many people say they live in America.
When I was a kid, I was always asking what I was. My mom would say your half Chinese and half Irish. I would also ask the story's of how our families got to America. I would ask my mom's mom especially because she immigrated from China and I found her story to be the most interesting out of all the story's. As I grew older I kept to the same story until I started being asked what race I was on surveys and tests. I had always considered myself Chinese-Irish (Chi-rish), but when I was then asked to choose between "white" and "Asian," I found myself pulled between sides of the family. I was very confused as why an "other" box was so hard to have, there has to be a pretty good amount of multi-racial kids besides just me. So this was the moment I truly realized I was an American. I represented the make up of all most the entire country. Like myself there are millions of Americans who are multi-cultural. There is only small amount of "pure-blood" people and the numbers are going down in each generation. So when I realized that being part of many cultures was the staple of America, I realized I was American.
America was sought as the "Land of Opportunity" and it brought many cultures into it. This movement of people to America is what makes it such a beauty. Before America I would have never existed. There is no way that I would've come to be if America hadn't existed. I am a true product of America because without it I would probably not be here. The chances of an Irish man going to China would've been very slim.
When I was a kid, I was always asking what I was. My mom would say your half Chinese and half Irish. I would also ask the story's of how our families got to America. I would ask my mom's mom especially because she immigrated from China and I found her story to be the most interesting out of all the story's. As I grew older I kept to the same story until I started being asked what race I was on surveys and tests. I had always considered myself Chinese-Irish (Chi-rish), but when I was then asked to choose between "white" and "Asian," I found myself pulled between sides of the family. I was very confused as why an "other" box was so hard to have, there has to be a pretty good amount of multi-racial kids besides just me. So this was the moment I truly realized I was an American. I represented the make up of all most the entire country. Like myself there are millions of Americans who are multi-cultural. There is only small amount of "pure-blood" people and the numbers are going down in each generation. So when I realized that being part of many cultures was the staple of America, I realized I was American.
America was sought as the "Land of Opportunity" and it brought many cultures into it. This movement of people to America is what makes it such a beauty. Before America I would have never existed. There is no way that I would've come to be if America hadn't existed. I am a true product of America because without it I would probably not be here. The chances of an Irish man going to China would've been very slim.
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