I recently finished my Coming of Age book The Giver by Lois Lowry. It was great. The plot kept me interested throughout the whole book, and I became extremely attached to the characters. I still stand by my main point I had half way through the book also, which was that age plays a huge role in this book. And now that I've finished the book, I feel like in a way it has a whole new meaning. I'll try to explain it without spoiling the plot too much.
First of all, I think that Jonas was probably the most mature person in his entire community. The way he handled himself on several occasions throughout the book is phenomenal. I cannot relate in any way. While I would have most likely just stood there in shock in most of those situations, Jonas somehow found a way to react accordingly. And he's only twelve years old, can you believe it? TWELVE YEARS OLD! That's amazing. Another thing is that while his ideas might have been slightly influenced by the giver himself, he has some amazing insight on current events happening in the community. He's very creative. Also, he takes initiative very well, as indicated by the way the book ended. I think one of the best parts of the book is one of the first times Jonas recieves a memory. Snow, to be more specific. I think at that point in the book, Jonas had come to the realization that there were things past his community, and what everyone living there had been deprived of.
Second, the Committee of Elders is probably the most ignorant group of people ever portrayed in a book. Ultimately, they decide who lives and who doesn't, and what everyone one of those living people get to do, say, and think. Why would anyone be under the impression that they are able to decide those type of things for other people? Memories is a whole other thing. Why would you purposely want to delete certain memories from people's minds? You would think that someone would stop and say, "Hey, maybe we shouldn't completely brainwash our entire population." But wait, there's that one person that says "Let's just force the memories onto some unlucky, unsuspecting person." Great idea, imaginary idiot. Put all the pain in memories of certain things on one person. Then come up with some BS "Oh, we've been watching you. You seem like the best choice for this job." More like, "Hey, sorry kid, but we just picked a name out of a hat, and you just happened to be the one that got put with the job." Guess Jonas showed them.
When I wrote my response when I was halfway through the book, I said that age determines responsibilities, benefits, and drawbacks in the community. After having finished the book, it turns out that age only determines responsibilities and drawbacks. This is because in the long run, there are no benefits to getting older in this book. It may seem like it, but in reality, you're just going to end up doing things that you don't particularly enjoy, and then finally being "released" by your community. How nice of them.
But despite what seems like endless complaints about how things are run in Jonas' community, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The perseverence of Jonas, and how he was able to put popular ideas in his neighborhood aside to do what was right. It may seem kind of cheesy saying all these things about a fictional character in a book, but it's the truth. This book is honestly one of the best I've read in a while. In retrospect, I'm glad I picked this over To Kill A Mockingbird.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Prompt Post #5
What are some important realizations and/or epiphanies that you have had about yourself, friends, family, and the world overall? How did you arrive at these realizations?
There are some interesting realizations that I've had about the world lately. Mainly based off the recent event "Judgement Day," which was a fluke just like I had figured. It just proved how people can blow things way out of proportion. I mean, one random person says it, and then somebody decides that it's stupid enough to make something big out of, and then people are in a mini frenzy. You'd think they were trying to act crazy. Mob mentality can really have a big impact on the world. The minute someone's able to master it, the world's going to be putty in their hands.
There are some interesting realizations that I've had about the world lately. Mainly based off the recent event "Judgement Day," which was a fluke just like I had figured. It just proved how people can blow things way out of proportion. I mean, one random person says it, and then somebody decides that it's stupid enough to make something big out of, and then people are in a mini frenzy. You'd think they were trying to act crazy. Mob mentality can really have a big impact on the world. The minute someone's able to master it, the world's going to be putty in their hands.
Prompt Post #7
What are the main similarities and differences between childhood and adulthood?
I think the main similarities between childhood and adulthood are that no matter how old you get, you're still learning something new every day. No one knows everything, and whether you're going to school or not, you still usually learn something, even if you don't really notice it. That's all I can really think of for similarities.
However, I can think of a lot of differences. One thing that sticks out in my mind is responsibility. Adults have way more responsibility than kids do. We think we have it hard, but adults actually have it way harder. They have to constantly think about money, living, children, all while managing their social lives. That's pretty overwhelming. Another thing that's different is expectations. Kids are expected to do about as many things as adults are, only for different things. While kids have to do good in school, adults have to do good at their job, and they're expected to pull their own weight. I think it'sinteresting to think that however different adults and kids may look differently, they share many qualities.
I think the main similarities between childhood and adulthood are that no matter how old you get, you're still learning something new every day. No one knows everything, and whether you're going to school or not, you still usually learn something, even if you don't really notice it. That's all I can really think of for similarities.
However, I can think of a lot of differences. One thing that sticks out in my mind is responsibility. Adults have way more responsibility than kids do. We think we have it hard, but adults actually have it way harder. They have to constantly think about money, living, children, all while managing their social lives. That's pretty overwhelming. Another thing that's different is expectations. Kids are expected to do about as many things as adults are, only for different things. While kids have to do good in school, adults have to do good at their job, and they're expected to pull their own weight. I think it'sinteresting to think that however different adults and kids may look differently, they share many qualities.
Reading Response for Coming of Age (Halfway Point)
For our "Coming of Age" unit, I've been reading The Giver by Lois Lowry. It's really good, I have to say. Not knowing what I was getting into, I decided to pick this book for this unit. There are many things that say a lot about coming of age in this book so far. For example, the whole idea of age and how big of a role it plays in their community. Or the idea of "Assignments." It's all very eye-opening.
In this book so far, age is a really important factor. In The Giver, age is kept until the age of twelve. Each year leading up to it, you gain new benefits and responsibilities, while you lose others. At the age of twelve, you are given your Assignment. That's basically your job until you get too old, in which case you go to the House of the Old. You stay there until you "get released." The fact that age is held in such high regard, and so strictly as well, is amazing. I'm not exactly sure if I like it or not though. There are certain aspects of it that seem rewarding, yeah, but others just seem very... restricting. The fact that you gradually gain the benefits of getting older as you go along is cool, I guess. But the added fact that things also get taken away is slightly depressing. I personally think that you should be allowed to grow out of certain things instead of being forced to. It's kind of harsh to just make a kid stop doing or using whatever they're accustomed to. And the children don't get any leeway, either. It's pretty hardcore.
Another thing that I'm not sure about is this whole "Assignment" business. I don't see why the Committee of Elders thinks it's a good idea to assign everyone a job for the majority of their lives. Let them pick their own occupation. At this point, kids who have just turned twelve are assigned their job that they will then train for so they can eventually do it until they turn old and frail. Everyone in the community is chosen for a specific thing that they will do based on how they act from ages 1 through 11. And even though most children are pleased with what they are chosen to do, I still think it's unreasonable to choose someone's job for them. What if that kid didn't like his "Assignment"? Just the name irritates me to an extent. Assignment. Like it's something they have to do for classwork to make the teacher happy.
Alright, so a lot of things have come up so far in this book. And I can say that age plays an enourmous role in this book. Why is the Committee of Elders in charge? Does age play that big of a role? Everything that happens in this book is determined by how ol you are. The responsibilities, the benefits, the drawbacks, everything. Change is good. However, there's no room for change when it's the same people in control all the time.
Variety is the spice of life.
So in conclusion, so far the book relies heavily on age. I like the book, but it's very eye-opening, as I said before. Lois Lowry is truly an amazing author. She's extremely descriptive, and gives the feel that you're actually apart of the alternate universe she writes about. Kudos to her for writing such an amazing story. I haven't finished the book yet, but I'm looking forward to what's going to come next. I haven't been this interested in a book in a very long time. Thank you Lois, for making reading fun again.
In this book so far, age is a really important factor. In The Giver, age is kept until the age of twelve. Each year leading up to it, you gain new benefits and responsibilities, while you lose others. At the age of twelve, you are given your Assignment. That's basically your job until you get too old, in which case you go to the House of the Old. You stay there until you "get released." The fact that age is held in such high regard, and so strictly as well, is amazing. I'm not exactly sure if I like it or not though. There are certain aspects of it that seem rewarding, yeah, but others just seem very... restricting. The fact that you gradually gain the benefits of getting older as you go along is cool, I guess. But the added fact that things also get taken away is slightly depressing. I personally think that you should be allowed to grow out of certain things instead of being forced to. It's kind of harsh to just make a kid stop doing or using whatever they're accustomed to. And the children don't get any leeway, either. It's pretty hardcore.
Another thing that I'm not sure about is this whole "Assignment" business. I don't see why the Committee of Elders thinks it's a good idea to assign everyone a job for the majority of their lives. Let them pick their own occupation. At this point, kids who have just turned twelve are assigned their job that they will then train for so they can eventually do it until they turn old and frail. Everyone in the community is chosen for a specific thing that they will do based on how they act from ages 1 through 11. And even though most children are pleased with what they are chosen to do, I still think it's unreasonable to choose someone's job for them. What if that kid didn't like his "Assignment"? Just the name irritates me to an extent. Assignment. Like it's something they have to do for classwork to make the teacher happy.
Alright, so a lot of things have come up so far in this book. And I can say that age plays an enourmous role in this book. Why is the Committee of Elders in charge? Does age play that big of a role? Everything that happens in this book is determined by how ol you are. The responsibilities, the benefits, the drawbacks, everything. Change is good. However, there's no room for change when it's the same people in control all the time.
Variety is the spice of life.
So in conclusion, so far the book relies heavily on age. I like the book, but it's very eye-opening, as I said before. Lois Lowry is truly an amazing author. She's extremely descriptive, and gives the feel that you're actually apart of the alternate universe she writes about. Kudos to her for writing such an amazing story. I haven't finished the book yet, but I'm looking forward to what's going to come next. I haven't been this interested in a book in a very long time. Thank you Lois, for making reading fun again.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
The Secrets Behind My Wardrobe (My ArtiFACTS)
As you all are are probably fully aware, I take numerous amounts of pride in my wardrobe. Whether it be through my self-proclaiming t-shirts or my school renowned Jimi Hendrix hoodie that's on the virge of death, I flaunt my clothing where ever I go. I find clothing to be a simple and subtle representation of who you are and how you wear your personality, pun fully intended. For me, that consists of shirts that scream to the world just how amazing I am to myself, and how I'd like to be known to everyone around me. I'm also widely known around the school for my color-wheel smiley-face trifecta t-shirt. That is my all time favorite t-shirt. I love the simplicity of just 7 or so colors just smiling at you. I honestly wear that shirt whenever I want good luck. It always makes me feel good.
Now, as for the Hendrix Hoodie. I'll give you the history of me and that thing. I originally got it as a gift from my mom, a birthday present I think.
I hated it.
You'll never believe that looking at me now, but it's true. I thought it looked stupid and tacky, and not something I would want to be seen in public with. I tried to stuff it deep into my closet just so that we could all forget about it and move on. But my mom would have none of that. With no sweater to wear and the colder days of fall fast approaching, my mother literally forced the thing onto me. I was so scared to even get within a block radius of 51 with it on. So I walked into the school praying nobody would notice me. Which was an impossible dream, being a 5"7 7th grader with a huge a$$ afro. The first comment I get is from Celina Santin, probably the loudest girl in our class at the time. She sees my sweater and goes, "Woah, where'd you get that?" I responded with "Target", which is apparently a bad thing to say, seeing as the last time I told Alberta I bought a shirt from Walmart she laughed, so. But anyway, the sweater actually went over great. I was surprised to say the least. When my mom got home from work, she asked how the sweater went over at school. Not wanting to give my mom the satisfaction of being right, I shrugged. I had become in love with it. Inseperable, I went all of 7th grade wearing it in school. Over time though, it's become apparent that I need a new sweater. The sleeves are a victim of the wear and tear of playing football on a daily basis, the string actually got ripped from the hood earlier this year, and the other day my mom said it smelled terrible.
So, quick recap, shirts are fun, and the hoodie is on its deathbed. I get friends asking me, "Why do you have all these 'awesome' shirts?" Why do you think I have those "awesome" shirts? Because I'm awesome. You'd think it'd be self-explanatory. I don't see why people think that shirts are only supposed to be some design. I'd rather have a shirt that calls me something pleasant than some random pattern. It's so much more exciting than stripes across my shirt.
Uniqueness. Pass it on.
Now, as for the Hendrix Hoodie. I'll give you the history of me and that thing. I originally got it as a gift from my mom, a birthday present I think.
I hated it.
You'll never believe that looking at me now, but it's true. I thought it looked stupid and tacky, and not something I would want to be seen in public with. I tried to stuff it deep into my closet just so that we could all forget about it and move on. But my mom would have none of that. With no sweater to wear and the colder days of fall fast approaching, my mother literally forced the thing onto me. I was so scared to even get within a block radius of 51 with it on. So I walked into the school praying nobody would notice me. Which was an impossible dream, being a 5"7 7th grader with a huge a$$ afro. The first comment I get is from Celina Santin, probably the loudest girl in our class at the time. She sees my sweater and goes, "Woah, where'd you get that?" I responded with "Target", which is apparently a bad thing to say, seeing as the last time I told Alberta I bought a shirt from Walmart she laughed, so. But anyway, the sweater actually went over great. I was surprised to say the least. When my mom got home from work, she asked how the sweater went over at school. Not wanting to give my mom the satisfaction of being right, I shrugged. I had become in love with it. Inseperable, I went all of 7th grade wearing it in school. Over time though, it's become apparent that I need a new sweater. The sleeves are a victim of the wear and tear of playing football on a daily basis, the string actually got ripped from the hood earlier this year, and the other day my mom said it smelled terrible.
So, quick recap, shirts are fun, and the hoodie is on its deathbed. I get friends asking me, "Why do you have all these 'awesome' shirts?" Why do you think I have those "awesome" shirts? Because I'm awesome. You'd think it'd be self-explanatory. I don't see why people think that shirts are only supposed to be some design. I'd rather have a shirt that calls me something pleasant than some random pattern. It's so much more exciting than stripes across my shirt.
Uniqueness. Pass it on.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Reading Response Revision: Final
"Mother to Son", written by Langston Hughes, is a very down to earth poem. It says and explains how things are, straight up. It doesn't attempt to try to put something of a veil over the truth. It tells the truth, no matter how graphic or emotional it is. The mother doesn't hold back anything, which I think is saying a lot about how she feels about her son: mature and responsible.
It is written from the point of view of a mother. The whole poem is her speaking to her son, relating life to a staircase. It is an amazing speech about how although life may get hard, you have to keep going, and eventually you will find success.
I think this a really good poem. I like how the mother is talking to her son about this, and using this metaphor. It talks about how life is hard, and some things affect you forever. I also noticed that the mother says that she's still climbing her own staircase, and that she doesn't plan on stopping. It really says a lot about what a perserverer she is.
You can only wonder how the son feel about this. He has no dialogue in the poem, so it's completely up to the reader to interpret this. I think although he may be a little confused, he has a newfound respect for his mom. That's how I would feel.
I mean, just imagine if your own mother came up to you at the age of 7 or 8 (I'm guessing) and started telling you about a staircase. Honestly, I'd just assume that my mom was high or something. But I think the more you grow up, or the more "grown up" you are, you begin to understand more and more just how deep that metaphor your mother had told you is, and how truthful she's being. It is an absolutely astounding analogy, and I believe that this poem should be read to all people just to give them inspiration.
Songs of the Day:
Do the ___________!
A song from one of the best movies ever :)
It is written from the point of view of a mother. The whole poem is her speaking to her son, relating life to a staircase. It is an amazing speech about how although life may get hard, you have to keep going, and eventually you will find success.
I think this a really good poem. I like how the mother is talking to her son about this, and using this metaphor. It talks about how life is hard, and some things affect you forever. I also noticed that the mother says that she's still climbing her own staircase, and that she doesn't plan on stopping. It really says a lot about what a perserverer she is.
You can only wonder how the son feel about this. He has no dialogue in the poem, so it's completely up to the reader to interpret this. I think although he may be a little confused, he has a newfound respect for his mom. That's how I would feel.
I mean, just imagine if your own mother came up to you at the age of 7 or 8 (I'm guessing) and started telling you about a staircase. Honestly, I'd just assume that my mom was high or something. But I think the more you grow up, or the more "grown up" you are, you begin to understand more and more just how deep that metaphor your mother had told you is, and how truthful she's being. It is an absolutely astounding analogy, and I believe that this poem should be read to all people just to give them inspiration.
Songs of the Day:
Do the ___________!
A song from one of the best movies ever :)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Final Revision of "Response to "Mother to Son""
"Mother to Son", written by Langston Hughes, is a very down to earth poem in my opinion. It says and explains how things are, straight up. It doesn't attempt to try to put something of a veil over the truth. It tells the truth, no matter how graphic or emotional it is. The mother doesn't hold back anything, which I think is saying a lot about how she feels about her son: mature and responsible.
It is written from the point of view of a mother. The whole poem is her speaking to her son, relating life to a staircase. It is an amazing speech about how although life may get hard, you have to keep going, and eventually you will find success.
I think this a really good poem. I like how the mother is talking to her son about this, and using this metaphor. It talks about how life is hard, and some things affect you forever. I also noticed that the mother says that she's still climbing her own staircase, and that she doesn't plan on stopping. It really says a lot about what a perserverer she is.
You can only wonder how the son feel about this. He has no dialogue in the poem, so it's completely up to the reader to interpret this. I think although he may be a little confused, he has a newfound
respect for his mom. That's how I would feel.
Songs of the Day:
Do the ___________!
A song from one of the best movies ever :)
It is written from the point of view of a mother. The whole poem is her speaking to her son, relating life to a staircase. It is an amazing speech about how although life may get hard, you have to keep going, and eventually you will find success.
I think this a really good poem. I like how the mother is talking to her son about this, and using this metaphor. It talks about how life is hard, and some things affect you forever. I also noticed that the mother says that she's still climbing her own staircase, and that she doesn't plan on stopping. It really says a lot about what a perserverer she is.
You can only wonder how the son feel about this. He has no dialogue in the poem, so it's completely up to the reader to interpret this. I think although he may be a little confused, he has a newfound
respect for his mom. That's how I would feel.
Songs of the Day:
Do the ___________!
A song from one of the best movies ever :)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Revised Reading Response - Mother to Son
"Mother to Son" written by Langston Hughes is a very down to earth poem in my opinion. It says and explains how things are straight up. It doesn't attempt to try to put something of a veil over the truth. It tells the truth, no matter how graphic or emotional it is. The mother doesn't hold back anything, which I think is saying a lot about how she feels about her son: mature and responsible.
It is written from the point of view from a mother. The whole poem is her speaking to her son, relating life to a staircase. It is an amazing speech about how although life may get hard, you have to keep going, and eventually you will find success.
I think this a really good poem. I like how the mother is talking to her son about this, and using this metaphor. It talks about how life is hard, and some things affect you forever. I also noticed that the mother says that she's still climbing her own staircase, and that she doesn't plan on stopping. It really says a lot about what a perserverer she is.
You can only wonder how the son feel about this. He has no dialogue in the poem, so it's completely up to the reader to interpret this. I think although he may be a little confused, he has a newfound
respect for his mom. Th's how I would feel.
Songs of the Day:
Do the ___________!
A song from one of the best movies ever :)
It is written from the point of view from a mother. The whole poem is her speaking to her son, relating life to a staircase. It is an amazing speech about how although life may get hard, you have to keep going, and eventually you will find success.
I think this a really good poem. I like how the mother is talking to her son about this, and using this metaphor. It talks about how life is hard, and some things affect you forever. I also noticed that the mother says that she's still climbing her own staircase, and that she doesn't plan on stopping. It really says a lot about what a perserverer she is.
You can only wonder how the son feel about this. He has no dialogue in the poem, so it's completely up to the reader to interpret this. I think although he may be a little confused, he has a newfound
respect for his mom. Th's how I would feel.
Songs of the Day:
Do the ___________!
A song from one of the best movies ever :)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Quest For An Independent Reading Book & Interesting Metaphors
O.K., so recently I've been in a slump. I have not been able to find an independent reading book. It's driving me crazy! For days I've been trying to find a good book, but I've had no success. I actually had to go to my last resort:
Going to the Brooklyn Public Library.
Shocking, I know. For people who don't know, I hate the library. I'll put it in simple terms for you.
Me + Library = Never
While I did put some good books on hold, I don't think it should have been needed. I hate to say this, but Ms. Galang, your library is the Hurricane Katrina of libraries at the moment. You're in serious need of some new books. You need to start a donation box or something, because the citizens of room 105 need help. I can't imagine what it's like for your homeroom. Your classes are like marriages: we need a little bit of freedom, and a little bit of support.
Hope this blog gets to someone.
Sincerely,
A concerned student
P.S. Aaron, Charlie, and Tomin - KCkcKKccKCckcCKCcKCkCCk. (Inside joke)
Going to the Brooklyn Public Library.
Shocking, I know. For people who don't know, I hate the library. I'll put it in simple terms for you.
Me + Library = Never
While I did put some good books on hold, I don't think it should have been needed. I hate to say this, but Ms. Galang, your library is the Hurricane Katrina of libraries at the moment. You're in serious need of some new books. You need to start a donation box or something, because the citizens of room 105 need help. I can't imagine what it's like for your homeroom. Your classes are like marriages: we need a little bit of freedom, and a little bit of support.
Hope this blog gets to someone.
Sincerely,
A concerned student
P.S. Aaron, Charlie, and Tomin - KCkcKKccKCckcCKCcKCkCCk. (Inside joke)
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Best Reading Responses. Ever.
Aaron Straker
My boy Aaron is always layin' it down, but his response to Please Don't Take My Air Jordans was just downright astounding. I like his opinions on the main character. You can easily tell that he put a lot of thought into the poem. He covers everything that has to do with the poem, from the rhyme scheme to relating it to the real world, for both himself (personal connection) and just in general. Nice job, big boy. P.S. Get on my "Bless You" level. GAMH
Anna Duke
Anna's response to My Papa's Waltz was really good. She was able to really read into the poem. I like how she tells the reader about her personal experience with the poem, and the whole story about how her opinion of the poem itself changed over time. That's something I can't do very well, so kudos to her for being able to do that consistently in all of her posts.
Tomin Pereachamblee
Before I start, I'd just like to say I spelled Tomin's last name without looking. That's an accomplishment.
Anyway, Tomin is just an overall amazing writer, both in and outside of the blogs. His vocabulary seems infinite, and his ideas and opinions are almost never able to be argued. It was hard picking just one of his responses, but I decided on his Please Don't Take My Air Jordans response. He really, really read into this. Unlike many other people, he expressed his dislike for the poem. I found this to be really unique. Not many people do this very often. He talked about all the aspects of the poem, and didn't miss anything. Nice job, Tomin.
My boy Aaron is always layin' it down, but his response to Please Don't Take My Air Jordans was just downright astounding. I like his opinions on the main character. You can easily tell that he put a lot of thought into the poem. He covers everything that has to do with the poem, from the rhyme scheme to relating it to the real world, for both himself (personal connection) and just in general. Nice job, big boy. P.S. Get on my "Bless You" level. GAMH
Anna Duke
Anna's response to My Papa's Waltz was really good. She was able to really read into the poem. I like how she tells the reader about her personal experience with the poem, and the whole story about how her opinion of the poem itself changed over time. That's something I can't do very well, so kudos to her for being able to do that consistently in all of her posts.
Tomin Pereachamblee
Before I start, I'd just like to say I spelled Tomin's last name without looking. That's an accomplishment.
Anyway, Tomin is just an overall amazing writer, both in and outside of the blogs. His vocabulary seems infinite, and his ideas and opinions are almost never able to be argued. It was hard picking just one of his responses, but I decided on his Please Don't Take My Air Jordans response. He really, really read into this. Unlike many other people, he expressed his dislike for the poem. I found this to be really unique. Not many people do this very often. He talked about all the aspects of the poem, and didn't miss anything. Nice job, Tomin.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Narrative Poem
I watch the snow
As it falls to the ground
Gently
The first of the season
But this can get bad very fast
Slush
Ice
All part of Mother Nature's master plan
To annoy everyone in the city
What.
A.
Drag.
As it falls to the ground
Gently
The first of the season
But this can get bad very fast
Slush
Ice
All part of Mother Nature's master plan
To annoy everyone in the city
What.
A.
Drag.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Painting Analysis: Mona Lisa
Observations:
Vivid Background
Lots of Mountains
A path between the mountains
It's unclear where she is sitting
She is wearing old clothes (i.e. a veil, gown or something, etc.)
Inferences:
I'm guessing she's sitting somewhere outside on a rock or something. Either that or she's sitting near a window. I can't tell if the sun is rising or setting. She has a kind of half-smile, so she must be somewhat happy.
Interpretations:
The way I interpret this is that it's just trying to capture some of the happy moments in life. Be it through relaxing in an odd surrounding or just hanging out, you should take the time to try to enjoy yourself. That's what I think, at least.
Vivid Background
Lots of Mountains
A path between the mountains
It's unclear where she is sitting
She is wearing old clothes (i.e. a veil, gown or something, etc.)
Inferences:
I'm guessing she's sitting somewhere outside on a rock or something. Either that or she's sitting near a window. I can't tell if the sun is rising or setting. She has a kind of half-smile, so she must be somewhat happy.
Interpretations:
The way I interpret this is that it's just trying to capture some of the happy moments in life. Be it through relaxing in an odd surrounding or just hanging out, you should take the time to try to enjoy yourself. That's what I think, at least.
Monday, November 22, 2010
My Response to Social Awareness - Global Warming and Ideas for My Picture Book
Alright, so my second topic is Global Warming. I picked this topic because it’s a pretty important social issue, and because I have a pretty good idea for a picture book. Global Warming is a very big problem, and that’s because it affects everyone, not just one group of people. It’s killing the ozone, and eventually it will kill us. That is, unless people do something about it. Here’s a short excerpt from an article in The New York Times:
Global warming has become perhaps the most complicated issue facing world leaders. On the one hand, warnings from the scientific community are becoming louder, as an increasing body of science points to rising dangers from the ongoing buildup of human-related greenhouse gases — produced mainly by the burning of fossil fuels and forests. On the other, the technological, economic and political issues that have to be resolved before a concerted worldwide effort to reduce emissions can begin have gotten no simpler, particularly in the face of a global economic slowdown.
This article basically outlines what Global Warming is. It’s bad, and people need to put a stop to it, and they can. Now, time for my story idea. The main character is Earth. But he’s sad. He doesn’t like it when people litter and put bad stuff on him. But one little boy, named David, doesn’t do that. Earth likes David, and David likes Earth. So David tries to get people to make Earth feel better. And then he does it, and everyone is happy.
Yet another great story idea by Gabriel Sturdivant.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
My Response to Social Awareness - Racial Bullying and Ideas for My Picture Book
My Social Awareness topic is Racial Bullying. I was going to do something else, but I have a really good story idea for this.
I knew going into this that it was going to be a pretty hardcore, serious topic. But a lot of this stuff was really shocking. Like the statistics and facts in this article. Here’s an excerpt from the article:
Racist bullying in schools can include ill-considered remarks that weren’t intended to be hurtful, but represent a pervasive negative attitude, as well as deliberate acts of bullying that specifically target a student because of his skin color or ethnicity. Children who experience racist bullying are at the same risks of other victims of bullying, including
· Loss of self-esteem
· Difficulty concentrating in school
· Higher risk of depression
· Disruption of schooling
· Fear of going to school
· Feeling unsafe in school
· Dropping out of school to escape the bullying
· Not continuing to higher learning
· Higher risk of suicide
Racist bullying can include any or all of the following characteristics:
· Physical assault
· Derogatory name calling, insults and racist jokes
· Racist graffiti
· Wearing racist badges
· Carrying or distributing racist materials
· Verbal and non-verbal abuse and threats
· Incitement of others to behave in a racist manner
· Racist comments in the course of discussion in lessons
· Attempts to recruit for racial organizations and groups
· Ridicule of an individual for cultural differences
· Refusal to co-operate with other people because of their color, ethnicity or language
· Written derogatory remarks
· Accessing racist material on the Internet.1
Crazy, right?
The idea that kids would even do this cannot even resonate in my mind. It’s just so stupid. What would possess you to even do that- to even think of doing that?! What kind of sick, twisted thoughts go through your mind? What else do you do, kick babies for enjoyment? Idiots.
Alright, topic change. My picture book is going to be awesome. My idea is this:
There is a town of green blobs. They all like each other. Everyone is friends. Then a new family moves in. They’re red blobs. None of the other blobs like them. People start telling them to go away. The young red blob goes to the local school. He is teased and picked on. But one green blob doesn’t have a problem with him. He befriends the red blob, and they become best friends. But everybody else still doesn’t like the red blobs. The red blob gets tired of it. He wants to be accepted like his best friend. He demands that they try to do the things that he does, together.
And then I don’t know what I want to do after that. But I think it’s pretty good. :)
Monday, November 8, 2010
Social Awareness Project
1.
10/23 - Legalizing Marijauna- California wants to do it, but the multiple pros and cons are leaving it to the world's opinion.
10/24 -
10/25 - Cholera in Africa- It's making water unsafe to drink. However, they have nothing else, so they have to drink it.
10/26 - Four Loko- A legal drink for kids. It has the same amount of alcohol as 6 light beers and caffeine the equivalent of 2 cups of coffee.
10/27 -
This was a really eye-opening project. I don't relly watch the news very often. Everything I saw on the news that week had a lot to do with health. Smoking, disease, alcohol, etc. It really makes you think about the well-being of others, and not just yourself.
4.
I'm reading "Cathing Fire" by Suzanne Collins, the second book in the Hunger Games series. There are a lot of social issues in this book, surprisingly. The main one is corruption in the government. In the book, the government is extremely superficial and turns a blind eye to what actually goes on in the districts. They could care less about what happens to the people living there, and only think about themselves. They're the leaders of the "country", and they should really be more aware of what's going on in it. I'd really hate to be there, and have to deal with the crap that the citizens put up with.
5.
I'm responding to the song "World on Fire" by Sarah McLachlan. Honestly, I don't like the song. I understand the message, and what she's trying to say. But the song is just so depressing. First off, her music video is all about how "x" amount of money can do "x" amount of things. It makes me not want to spend any money. Second, she says absolutely nothing happy or pleasant in the entire song. It sounds like she's some suicidal who wants to make everyone else be the same as her and never experience the feeling of joy. She seriously could have gone about this a completely different way, and not make everyone sad whenever they hear the song. But hey, that's just me.
10/23 - Legalizing Marijauna- California wants to do it, but the multiple pros and cons are leaving it to the world's opinion.
10/24 -
10/25 - Cholera in Africa- It's making water unsafe to drink. However, they have nothing else, so they have to drink it.
10/26 - Four Loko- A legal drink for kids. It has the same amount of alcohol as 6 light beers and caffeine the equivalent of 2 cups of coffee.
10/27 -
This was a really eye-opening project. I don't relly watch the news very often. Everything I saw on the news that week had a lot to do with health. Smoking, disease, alcohol, etc. It really makes you think about the well-being of others, and not just yourself.
4.
I'm reading "Cathing Fire" by Suzanne Collins, the second book in the Hunger Games series. There are a lot of social issues in this book, surprisingly. The main one is corruption in the government. In the book, the government is extremely superficial and turns a blind eye to what actually goes on in the districts. They could care less about what happens to the people living there, and only think about themselves. They're the leaders of the "country", and they should really be more aware of what's going on in it. I'd really hate to be there, and have to deal with the crap that the citizens put up with.
5.
I'm responding to the song "World on Fire" by Sarah McLachlan. Honestly, I don't like the song. I understand the message, and what she's trying to say. But the song is just so depressing. First off, her music video is all about how "x" amount of money can do "x" amount of things. It makes me not want to spend any money. Second, she says absolutely nothing happy or pleasant in the entire song. It sounds like she's some suicidal who wants to make everyone else be the same as her and never experience the feeling of joy. She seriously could have gone about this a completely different way, and not make everyone sad whenever they hear the song. But hey, that's just me.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Respons to "Mother to Son"
"Mother to Son" written by Langston Hughes is a very down to earth poem in my opinion. It says and explains how things are straight up. It doesn't attempt to try to put something of a veil over the truth. It tells the truth, no matter how graphic or emotional it is.
It is written from the point of view from a mother. The whole poem is her speaking to her son, relating life to a staircase. It is an amazing speech about how although life may get hard, you have to keep going, and eventually you will find success.
I think this a really good poem. I like how the mother is talking to her son about this, and using this metaphor. It talks about how life is hard, and some things affect you forever. I also noticed that the mother says that she's still climbing her own staircase, and that she doesn't plan on stopping. It really says a lot about what a perserverer she is.
Songs of the Day:
Do the ___________!
A song from one of the best movies ever :)
It is written from the point of view from a mother. The whole poem is her speaking to her son, relating life to a staircase. It is an amazing speech about how although life may get hard, you have to keep going, and eventually you will find success.
I think this a really good poem. I like how the mother is talking to her son about this, and using this metaphor. It talks about how life is hard, and some things affect you forever. I also noticed that the mother says that she's still climbing her own staircase, and that she doesn't plan on stopping. It really says a lot about what a perserverer she is.
Songs of the Day:
Do the ___________!
A song from one of the best movies ever :)
Monday, October 25, 2010
8th Grade Appreciation Final Draft
“I never had a brain until Freak came along.”
This is probably the most significant line in the book. It explains how big teamwork is in this amazing story. Without teamwork, Freak the Mighty wouldn’t even exist. It’s amazing the feats they are able to obtain and the obstacles they’re able to overcome.
At first, it was just Max. All his life, he was made fun of. Stupid. Dumb. Slow. The whole 9 yards. Not to mention he had dyslexia, and he was 6”Monster. Max lives with his grandparents. His father murdered his mother when he was 4-ish, so his father is in jail. Max had learned to live alone.
Then Freak comes along. He’s pretty much Max’s counterpart – 3”Midget and an enormous brain. You’d think they’d avoid each other. But no. They are the perfect match, and together, they’re able to do anything.
This shows that through teamwork, you can accomplish anything. In my opinion, I think that even when the final climax has ended, teamwork still lives on in Max’s life. Even after Freak has “left”, Max has been influenced by him so much that it affects his future decisions. I love that. It just goes to show how far teamwork can get you.
So if you ever read this book, just keep that in mind. The fact that teamwork is an amazing thing, and how much it applies to the book. The world would be so much better if people in charge could just adapt to being open to new ideas from new people. Instead of arguing and just being so self-centered, just stop and listen. You should think about it.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Appreciation 1st Draft
“I never had a brain until Freak came along.”
This is probably the most significant line in the book. It explains how big teamwork is in this amazing story. Without teamwork, Freak the Mighty wouldn’t even exist. It’s amazing the feats they are able to obtain and the obstacles they’re able to overcome.
At first, it was just Max. All his life, he was made fun of. Stupid. Dumb. Slow. The whole 9 yards. Not to mention he had dyslexia, and he was 6”Monster. Max lives with his grandparents. His father murdered his mother when he was 4-ish, so his father is in jail. Max had learned to live alone.
Then Freak comes along. He’s pretty much Max’s counterpart – 3”Midget and an enormous brain. You’d think they’d avoid each other. But no. They are the perfect match, and together, they’re able to do anything.
This shows that through teamwork, you can accomplish anything. In my opinion, I think that even when the final climax has ended, teamwork still lives on in Max’s life. Even after Freak has “left”, Max has been influenced by him so much that effects his future decisions. I love that. It just goes to show how much teamwork can get you.
So if you ever read this book, just keep that in mind. The fact that teamwork is an amazing thing, and how much it applies to the book. The world would be so much better if people in charge could just adapt to being open to new ideas from new people. You should think about it.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Entry #7: How Research Deepens Thinking
Alright, so I'm reading "Freak the Mighty." The research exercises I decided to use were Biography Squats and Freestyle Cool Down ('cause I'm black like that). And I have to say, it was pretty interesting.
First, Biography Squats. I went to Rodman's Philbrick's website, and found a lot on not only the book, but on Philbrick himself. He grew up on the New England coast, and actually had a friend who lived a few blocks away who had the same growing disorder as Freak. And one of his friends used to carry him around sometimes. I thought that was really cool. And it helps me see how a lot of writers don't usually write just off the top of their head, they write from things that have happened to them. And now I see how Philbrick was able to make the book seem so realistic.
Freestyle Cool Down didn't go so well, on the other hand. All it was for like 7 pages of research was a bunch of reviews and trivia questions. So that wasn't so great. Sometimes, I hate Google.
Oh, and from now on, I'm going to have a few songs every human being should listen to before he/she dies. This week's blog songs are:
I won't put the song here, so it will be a surprise every time. :)
This too.
Have fun!
First, Biography Squats. I went to Rodman's Philbrick's website, and found a lot on not only the book, but on Philbrick himself. He grew up on the New England coast, and actually had a friend who lived a few blocks away who had the same growing disorder as Freak. And one of his friends used to carry him around sometimes. I thought that was really cool. And it helps me see how a lot of writers don't usually write just off the top of their head, they write from things that have happened to them. And now I see how Philbrick was able to make the book seem so realistic.
Freestyle Cool Down didn't go so well, on the other hand. All it was for like 7 pages of research was a bunch of reviews and trivia questions. So that wasn't so great. Sometimes, I hate Google.
Oh, and from now on, I'm going to have a few songs every human being should listen to before he/she dies. This week's blog songs are:
I won't put the song here, so it will be a surprise every time. :)
This too.
Have fun!
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