In Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The Tell Tale Heart", the narrator of the story kills an old man because of the man's "evil eye." After that, the narrator chops up the corpse into parts and hid it under three wooden planks. The narrator is visited by several police officers and the narrator confesses that he killed the man after taking the police officers into the chamber of the old man. This story is completely in the view of the narrator. I believe that this narrator is either insane or dreaming.
Let us say that the narrator is insane. the narrator is very watchful that during the week before he murders the old man, he stays up every night to kill the man but he withdraws every night. It is said that he finally kills him on the eighth night. The narrator is insane already, and he is then deprived of sleep for a whole week; enough to make anyone go "insane." After the murder, he claims to have heard the old man's heart beating under the floor boards. If a person is dead, their heart will not beat. The narrator must be insane but there is another possibility. It might be possible that nothing even happened on the eighth night and he probably dreamed of killing the old man instead of actually proceeding to the old man's chamber for the execution.
After not sleeping for seven nights, the narrator is probably extremely tired and fatigue. I highly doubt he would still have the strength to last another nothing and yet kill the old man by lifting up a heavy mattress and suffocating the old man. Though, it would be possible if he were dreaming of the murder.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Draft for Short Story
“Mark… Mark….Mark… Hey! Wake up! You’re sca…”
1 hour ago…
Coming out of his bedroom, Mark rushed to the bathroom and does his daily routine. After a few minutes, he emerged from the steaming room dressed in a pair of Nike shorts and a t-shirt. On the way going down the stairs, Mark realized he had forgotten his knee pads and rushed to his room and retrieved them under his bed. Mark runs pasts his mother after walking down the stairs making his way toward the front door. Mark’s mother calls for him, “Hey! Mister! Come back here. Where do you think you’re going. You haven’t even eaten breakfast yet.”
“Can’t talk now. I’m gonna be late. I’ll tell you about it later. Love you,” replies Mark as he runs out of the front door, leaving it open. Today was the day that Mark’s best friend Ryan is going to teach him to ride a bike.
Under the burning hot sun, Mark ran in the direction of Ryan’s house. He bumped into Mary on the way and she stopped him. “Hey! Where are you going? What are you doing today?” Mark stopped for a brief second to catch his breath. “Got any plans for this summer? It’s been two weeks and I haven’t done anything yet.”
“I’m busy right now. I’m going to Ryan’s. He’s gonna teach me to ride a bike.”
“Cool! I’m coming too.”
“Fine… whatever. Don’t get in the way like you always do though.”
The two of them arrived at Ryan’s house just as he is pulling a bright blue bike out of the garage. He greets them and Ryan’s dad comes out of the garage. “Hey guys, how’s it going?” greeted Ryan’s father. Mark and Mary both say hi. “It looks shiny and all but this is pretty old,” Ryan’s father informed as he pointed to the bike. “I had it since I was a kid. I’ll be busy around the house today. If you three need any help, go find me in the front of the house.” After his words, Ryan’s dad leaves and Ryan starts teaching Mark to ride the bike in the alley. There were a few wooden posts here and there with wires suspended from the tops of each. There were a few garbage cans here and there.
“Okay, let’s get on with this,” said Ryan. “It’s hot out here. The faster you learn, the faster we can get back inside.” Under the sun, the temperature soared as Mark attempted to learn to ride the bike.
After half an hour of falling and wobbling and crashing into garbage cans, Mary grew impatient and said, “Geez. Hurry up already. It’s so hot out here. I’ll hold the back and you hold the front,” Mary addresses Ryan. They grabbed the bike while Mark is on and starts moving it forward.
“Hold on! Slow down!” screamed Mark. Mark wobbled left and right and Ryan backed away from the bike. Mary continued to push the bike blindly. “Hey! Stop!” Mark loses balance and falls off the bike, crashing his head into the post. Mark falls down and stays down for a couple of seconds.
Mary and Ryan both ran toward him and starts shaking him and calling his name.They find him unconscious. “Oh crap!” exclaimed Ryan. He runs to the front of the house to get his father.
Mary continues to shake Mark but he doesn’t wake up. “Mark… Mark….Mark… Hey! Wake up! You’re scaring me.”
1 hour ago…
Coming out of his bedroom, Mark rushed to the bathroom and does his daily routine. After a few minutes, he emerged from the steaming room dressed in a pair of Nike shorts and a t-shirt. On the way going down the stairs, Mark realized he had forgotten his knee pads and rushed to his room and retrieved them under his bed. Mark runs pasts his mother after walking down the stairs making his way toward the front door. Mark’s mother calls for him, “Hey! Mister! Come back here. Where do you think you’re going. You haven’t even eaten breakfast yet.”
“Can’t talk now. I’m gonna be late. I’ll tell you about it later. Love you,” replies Mark as he runs out of the front door, leaving it open. Today was the day that Mark’s best friend Ryan is going to teach him to ride a bike.
Under the burning hot sun, Mark ran in the direction of Ryan’s house. He bumped into Mary on the way and she stopped him. “Hey! Where are you going? What are you doing today?” Mark stopped for a brief second to catch his breath. “Got any plans for this summer? It’s been two weeks and I haven’t done anything yet.”
“I’m busy right now. I’m going to Ryan’s. He’s gonna teach me to ride a bike.”
“Cool! I’m coming too.”
“Fine… whatever. Don’t get in the way like you always do though.”
The two of them arrived at Ryan’s house just as he is pulling a bright blue bike out of the garage. He greets them and Ryan’s dad comes out of the garage. “Hey guys, how’s it going?” greeted Ryan’s father. Mark and Mary both say hi. “It looks shiny and all but this is pretty old,” Ryan’s father informed as he pointed to the bike. “I had it since I was a kid. I’ll be busy around the house today. If you three need any help, go find me in the front of the house.” After his words, Ryan’s dad leaves and Ryan starts teaching Mark to ride the bike in the alley. There were a few wooden posts here and there with wires suspended from the tops of each. There were a few garbage cans here and there.
“Okay, let’s get on with this,” said Ryan. “It’s hot out here. The faster you learn, the faster we can get back inside.” Under the sun, the temperature soared as Mark attempted to learn to ride the bike.
After half an hour of falling and wobbling and crashing into garbage cans, Mary grew impatient and said, “Geez. Hurry up already. It’s so hot out here. I’ll hold the back and you hold the front,” Mary addresses Ryan. They grabbed the bike while Mark is on and starts moving it forward.
“Hold on! Slow down!” screamed Mark. Mark wobbled left and right and Ryan backed away from the bike. Mary continued to push the bike blindly. “Hey! Stop!” Mark loses balance and falls off the bike, crashing his head into the post. Mark falls down and stays down for a couple of seconds.
Mary and Ryan both ran toward him and starts shaking him and calling his name.They find him unconscious. “Oh crap!” exclaimed Ryan. He runs to the front of the house to get his father.
Mary continues to shake Mark but he doesn’t wake up. “Mark… Mark….Mark… Hey! Wake up! You’re scaring me.”
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Analysis on Little Boxes
Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes made of ticky tacky,
Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes all the same.
There's a green one and a pink one 5
And a blue one and a yellow one,
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.
And the people in the houses
All went to the university, 10
Where they were put in boxes
And they came out all the same,
And there's doctors and lawyers,
And business executives,
And they're all made out of ticky tacky 15
And they all look just the same.
And they all play on the golf course
And drink their martinis dry,
And they all have pretty children
And the children go to school, 20
And the children go to summer camp
And then to the university,
Where they are put in boxes
And they come out all the same.
And the boys go into business 25
And marry and raise a family
In boxes made of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one, 30
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.
This is "Little Boxes" written by Malvina Reynolds in 1962. She talks about the conformity of life in her time. Everyone who goes to college and "university" will become successful like everyone else. They all become "the same" such that they will all live in houses that look different in the outside, but will have television sets and washing machines. Back in the 1960s, a lot of families owned electronic appliances.
It is commonly said that only rich people play golf. Also, she mentions the professions doctors, lawyers, and business executives; all very successful people. Therefore, Malvina is probably trying to say that all all the people who come out of college are successful and they raise families. In line 19, Malvina said that they all have pretty children; they as in the business executives and the successful people.
As the song finishes up, Malvina said that the boys go into business and marry and raise a family, notice that she said boys. She may be saying that only boys were successful. Maybe that was her view of society. In the end, she emphasizes that "they all look just the same." She has said this line many times. She might be saying that all the successful people will live similar lives and their children will follow in their footsteps.
Little boxes made of ticky tacky,
Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes all the same.
There's a green one and a pink one 5
And a blue one and a yellow one,
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.
And the people in the houses
All went to the university, 10
Where they were put in boxes
And they came out all the same,
And there's doctors and lawyers,
And business executives,
And they're all made out of ticky tacky 15
And they all look just the same.
And they all play on the golf course
And drink their martinis dry,
And they all have pretty children
And the children go to school, 20
And the children go to summer camp
And then to the university,
Where they are put in boxes
And they come out all the same.
And the boys go into business 25
And marry and raise a family
In boxes made of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one, 30
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.
This is "Little Boxes" written by Malvina Reynolds in 1962. She talks about the conformity of life in her time. Everyone who goes to college and "university" will become successful like everyone else. They all become "the same" such that they will all live in houses that look different in the outside, but will have television sets and washing machines. Back in the 1960s, a lot of families owned electronic appliances.
It is commonly said that only rich people play golf. Also, she mentions the professions doctors, lawyers, and business executives; all very successful people. Therefore, Malvina is probably trying to say that all all the people who come out of college are successful and they raise families. In line 19, Malvina said that they all have pretty children; they as in the business executives and the successful people.
As the song finishes up, Malvina said that the boys go into business and marry and raise a family, notice that she said boys. She may be saying that only boys were successful. Maybe that was her view of society. In the end, she emphasizes that "they all look just the same." She has said this line many times. She might be saying that all the successful people will live similar lives and their children will follow in their footsteps.
Friday, April 1, 2011
On the Reservation
Reservations in the United States were set up for Native Americans a long while back. In the early days of the United States, much of the land to the west of the thirteen colonies was thought to be uninhabited. Though, as people moved to the West, they met tribes of Native American and began to take over the Native American's land. The Native Americans were friendly at first but soon became hostile.
War between the Native Americans and Americans broke out and Native Americans lost. The war ended with Native Americans put on reservations and Americans took all their land. Native Americans were moved from reservation to reservation because of greed. Americans would occasionally find oil reserves or gold on the reservations and demand the Natives to be removed so that they can retrieve the minerals. Native Americans fought back but they lost anyways and are relocated in the end. After being relocated so many times, Native Americans soon ended up all over the United States.
Native Americans still live on reservations today, but there are some that moved into American cities. Native Americans on reservations still do what they used to do. They pass down their traditions to their children and this preserves their culture and traditions. Native Americans live on lands that are not even a quarter of what they used to own. What would life be like for them if European settlers never came to America?
War between the Native Americans and Americans broke out and Native Americans lost. The war ended with Native Americans put on reservations and Americans took all their land. Native Americans were moved from reservation to reservation because of greed. Americans would occasionally find oil reserves or gold on the reservations and demand the Natives to be removed so that they can retrieve the minerals. Native Americans fought back but they lost anyways and are relocated in the end. After being relocated so many times, Native Americans soon ended up all over the United States.
Native Americans still live on reservations today, but there are some that moved into American cities. Native Americans on reservations still do what they used to do. They pass down their traditions to their children and this preserves their culture and traditions. Native Americans live on lands that are not even a quarter of what they used to own. What would life be like for them if European settlers never came to America?
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Propaganda 2011
The world is full of lies. Germany use propaganda during World War II to tell its citizens that Germany is winning all along and that the Jews were evil people or whatnot. Let's not talk about politics this time.
What is propaganda? Dictionary.com states that propaganda is information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc. Where do most people today get information about things? I would guess probably through the commercials on television or from ads on a website. Companies try to get people to buy their products or use their services and would make themselves benevolent and their products as the best. For some of these ads or commercials, it may be true. Though, most of the time, they are all lies or not the complete truth.
Fast food restaurants make their food seem like they are delicious, which they are (most of the time..), but they do not tell people that they use products with high fructose corn syrup, trans fat, or other harmful things. Bud lite or any alcohol commercials always depict people enjoying their beer but never do they show the aftermath of drinking.
Anyways, this world is full of lies and incomplete truths. Be careful of what you see because it might be gilded.
What is propaganda? Dictionary.com states that propaganda is information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc. Where do most people today get information about things? I would guess probably through the commercials on television or from ads on a website. Companies try to get people to buy their products or use their services and would make themselves benevolent and their products as the best. For some of these ads or commercials, it may be true. Though, most of the time, they are all lies or not the complete truth.
Fast food restaurants make their food seem like they are delicious, which they are (most of the time..), but they do not tell people that they use products with high fructose corn syrup, trans fat, or other harmful things. Bud lite or any alcohol commercials always depict people enjoying their beer but never do they show the aftermath of drinking.
Anyways, this world is full of lies and incomplete truths. Be careful of what you see because it might be gilded.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Free Response to Black Boy
Black Boy by Richard Wright is an autobiography. Richard talks about his early life and the days after that. I find this quite an interesting story. It is adventurous in its own little way. I can say that Richard was a very mischievous boy. Though, this could be because his dreaded father left him when he was at a young age.
Richard introduces the reader to him burning down his house and getting punished for it. A little later into the book, he tells everyone he became a drunkard at the age of six. Richard also informs him about his many beatings, punishment, and never ceasing hunger.
He was once sent to buy groceries and was turned back because of a gang boys. They were beating Richard up and taking his money. Richard reported this to his mother and his mother did not nurse him, but instead gave him a stick to fight the boys and threatened to beat him if he did not return with groceries. His mother played the role of a catalyst for maturing and becoming a man. Even though she becomes sick, the sickness only speeds up the need for making a man out of Richard.
At one point, because Richard's mother is too sick to work, he takes up a job to support the family. When he finds out his mother had a stroke and is paralyzed, he informs his relatives and they took him and his brother to stay with them, though separately. I have not yet finished this book even though it is very interesting because of the limited time I have. This is a very interesting book, again, and I would recommend it.
Richard introduces the reader to him burning down his house and getting punished for it. A little later into the book, he tells everyone he became a drunkard at the age of six. Richard also informs him about his many beatings, punishment, and never ceasing hunger.
He was once sent to buy groceries and was turned back because of a gang boys. They were beating Richard up and taking his money. Richard reported this to his mother and his mother did not nurse him, but instead gave him a stick to fight the boys and threatened to beat him if he did not return with groceries. His mother played the role of a catalyst for maturing and becoming a man. Even though she becomes sick, the sickness only speeds up the need for making a man out of Richard.
At one point, because Richard's mother is too sick to work, he takes up a job to support the family. When he finds out his mother had a stroke and is paralyzed, he informs his relatives and they took him and his brother to stay with them, though separately. I have not yet finished this book even though it is very interesting because of the limited time I have. This is a very interesting book, again, and I would recommend it.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Hungry for Attention
This week's question is about Richard Wright, the author of Black Boy. Is Richard "hungry" for attention when he was young? Is he alone in his cravings?
I would say that Richard is hungry for attention, but he is not alone in his cravings. Richard said that he "accidentally" burned the curtains and that he only wanted to see what it would look like on fire. Though, he only did this because he felt that he did not receive attention since his grandmother was sick. Another thing is that Richard stands and waits outside of the saloon waiting to be invited in by a customer. During his stays inside the saloons, he is asked to drink and recite vulgar words to others for a penny or so. I would consider these actions as examples of being hungry for attention. Richard seemed to have gotten off his addiction for alcohol easily, meaning it was not actually alcohol that drove him to the saloons, but rather for the attention he gets from the men and women.
Richard's mother is also hungry for attention in a way. She brings Richard and his brother to her work place and asks them to go to court to testify against their father. This is also evident when she asks Richard to go ask his father to give him a few dollars so he is fed and taken to Arkansas.
I would say that Richard is hungry for attention, but he is not alone in his cravings. Richard said that he "accidentally" burned the curtains and that he only wanted to see what it would look like on fire. Though, he only did this because he felt that he did not receive attention since his grandmother was sick. Another thing is that Richard stands and waits outside of the saloon waiting to be invited in by a customer. During his stays inside the saloons, he is asked to drink and recite vulgar words to others for a penny or so. I would consider these actions as examples of being hungry for attention. Richard seemed to have gotten off his addiction for alcohol easily, meaning it was not actually alcohol that drove him to the saloons, but rather for the attention he gets from the men and women.
Richard's mother is also hungry for attention in a way. She brings Richard and his brother to her work place and asks them to go to court to testify against their father. This is also evident when she asks Richard to go ask his father to give him a few dollars so he is fed and taken to Arkansas.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
On Being an American Journalist
This is a response to On Being an American Journalist, an essay by Steve Bell.
The army and police force of any country is always in danger. They are risking their lives to protect their country. This is a very honorable job in my belief. Though, I also believe that journalists who go out in the battle field to garner information of what is going on during battles are also in danger. They also have a very meaningful and honorable job. Though, I don't agree on some ideas regarding journalism.
Journalists provided people who are worried and concerned about wars with news on what is happening in other countries. As I read this essay, I was enlightened. I did not know that journalists had to go out in battle to retrieve all their stories. Prior to this reading, I thought journalists got their information and stories by just asking around from soldiers and then twist the truth.
Loren Jenkins was asked if journalists should report the presence of an army's location. Jenkins answered that she would report all the truth if she finds it and that she does not represent the government, but instead represent history. I find this a very hard thing to do. This seems like a job of a spy and this could cost the war for either side. By the end of this essay, I still think journalism is meaningful.
The army and police force of any country is always in danger. They are risking their lives to protect their country. This is a very honorable job in my belief. Though, I also believe that journalists who go out in the battle field to garner information of what is going on during battles are also in danger. They also have a very meaningful and honorable job. Though, I don't agree on some ideas regarding journalism.
Journalists provided people who are worried and concerned about wars with news on what is happening in other countries. As I read this essay, I was enlightened. I did not know that journalists had to go out in battle to retrieve all their stories. Prior to this reading, I thought journalists got their information and stories by just asking around from soldiers and then twist the truth.
Loren Jenkins was asked if journalists should report the presence of an army's location. Jenkins answered that she would report all the truth if she finds it and that she does not represent the government, but instead represent history. I find this a very hard thing to do. This seems like a job of a spy and this could cost the war for either side. By the end of this essay, I still think journalism is meaningful.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
King Still King?
Martin Luther King Junior is a very important man responsible for bring justice to the world. He was crucial in the abolition of segregation. Even though he is deceased now, his ideas and legacy lives.
Where ever you go, well, almost where ever you go, you see colored people along with people of other races. Before segregation was uplifted by the help of King, you would rarely see a colored person in a restaurant, in your school, or in an amusement park with you. Though, by the works of King, today, you see colored people in those places where you wouldn't see them 60 years ago.
His ideas are still present today. For example, in school, children still learn about him. King's famous speech "I Have A Dream" is not known word by word but it is still an inspiring and moving speech today. If you ask anyone if they knew who Martin Luther King Junior was, they would most-likely associate him his honored speech.
Martin Luther King is a respected man in his time and still is, up to the present. He is respected by his contribution to our society. His respect is so great that out of the 365 days of our year, we take a day off to commemorate him.
Where ever you go, well, almost where ever you go, you see colored people along with people of other races. Before segregation was uplifted by the help of King, you would rarely see a colored person in a restaurant, in your school, or in an amusement park with you. Though, by the works of King, today, you see colored people in those places where you wouldn't see them 60 years ago.
His ideas are still present today. For example, in school, children still learn about him. King's famous speech "I Have A Dream" is not known word by word but it is still an inspiring and moving speech today. If you ask anyone if they knew who Martin Luther King Junior was, they would most-likely associate him his honored speech.
Martin Luther King is a respected man in his time and still is, up to the present. He is respected by his contribution to our society. His respect is so great that out of the 365 days of our year, we take a day off to commemorate him.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Response to Children of the Sea
Children of the Sea by Edwidge Danticat is what I am writing about today. It is a very interesting story written in a unique style (to me). This is a compilation of excerpts between a boy and a girl in their teens or so.
In the letters, the reader finds out about the terrible condition is Haiti. There was a shift in political power. The new leaders of the government do not want to have anyone in opposition so they sent out the army. The army goes out around and kills people. They force the parents to commit incest with their children and those who do not obey are killed. Many people moved away because they were afraid.
Some people were hunted down because they were seen as a threat to the regime. To save themselves, they went away in boats. One of them is the boy. He had to leave Haiti because he was on a radio station ranting about the government and talking about reforms. He is on a boat going to a non-specified place because if he doesn't, he will be killed. One of the people who opposed the government was "run over by a car" and all that was left of him was his head, which was delivered to his mother along with the news of his "accident".
I have yet to finish this story because of the limitation of time. I will finish this hopefully in the weekend. This is a very interesting story and I would recommend it to anyone who has a heart.
In the letters, the reader finds out about the terrible condition is Haiti. There was a shift in political power. The new leaders of the government do not want to have anyone in opposition so they sent out the army. The army goes out around and kills people. They force the parents to commit incest with their children and those who do not obey are killed. Many people moved away because they were afraid.
Some people were hunted down because they were seen as a threat to the regime. To save themselves, they went away in boats. One of them is the boy. He had to leave Haiti because he was on a radio station ranting about the government and talking about reforms. He is on a boat going to a non-specified place because if he doesn't, he will be killed. One of the people who opposed the government was "run over by a car" and all that was left of him was his head, which was delivered to his mother along with the news of his "accident".
I have yet to finish this story because of the limitation of time. I will finish this hopefully in the weekend. This is a very interesting story and I would recommend it to anyone who has a heart.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Music Review - Sungha Jung
Sungha Jung is a resident of South Korea. He is currently 14 years old and is an acoustic finger-style guitarist. Sungha Jung started to learn to play the guitar when he was 9 years old. He joined Youtube.com in 2006 and has posted over 300 videos of himself playing the guitar ever since. He has done covers for songs by Jason Mraz, Michael Jackson, Yiruma, and many more artists. Sungha Jung has also composed many of his own pieces.
As said before, Sungha Jung is a acoustic finger-style guitarist and is only 14 years old. He has his own CD called "Perfect Blue". If you are interested in music without lyrics or you like the sound of guitars, you may like his compositions. I find them very calming and somewhat inspiring. It sounds like something that can make you happy from a bad day. Then again, it is my opinion. You have to hear it to decide on what it is to you.
You can hear his music at from his channel on Youtube.com:
http://www.youtube.com/user/jwcfree
His official site is:
www.sunghajung.com
As said before, Sungha Jung is a acoustic finger-style guitarist and is only 14 years old. He has his own CD called "Perfect Blue". If you are interested in music without lyrics or you like the sound of guitars, you may like his compositions. I find them very calming and somewhat inspiring. It sounds like something that can make you happy from a bad day. Then again, it is my opinion. You have to hear it to decide on what it is to you.
You can hear his music at from his channel on Youtube.com:
http://www.youtube.com/user/jwcfree
His official site is:
www.sunghajung.com
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Nick and Jay
Nick and Jay are both very important characters in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Nick and Jay met at a party hosted by Jay. They had a conversation at one point and talked about their fighting in the army. After their conversation, Nick finds out that the man he was talking to was actually Jay Gatsby. When they met, Nick had no idea he was talking to his host but Jay knew.
In The Great Gatsby, Nick narrates from his prospective. Readers do not know much about him, though, readers do know a lot about how Nick looks at other people in the book. Nick heard an abundance of rumors about Jay such as him killing a man and that he was a spy, but when Nick got to know Jay more, he finds out that he is actually a nice person, in a way.
Jay is a mysterious person though. In some points of the story, he would disappear suddenly. During the lavish alcohol filled parties he throws, he stands by the side or alone and watches everyone around him have fun and become wasted. Jay seems to always have things go in the way of his will no matter what difficulties come between him and his destination.
Nick does not judge people according to himself. He said that his father told him that before he criticizes anyone, he must remember that all the people in this world did not receive the same opportunities has he had. Nick seems to be a friendly and person that is easy to get along with.
During a point in this book, Jay is very nice to Nick because he wants to get him to go along with a plan he had in mind. He wanted to see his cousin, Daisy. Jay and Daisy were once lovers but Daisy married someone else. Jay still has feelings for Daisy and he has waited for around five years so that he could see her. Here comes Nick, a person who can have access to Daisy. Now, here is the question for this blog. Do you think Jay only became friends with Nick so that he may see Daisy again or was it just a coincidence and that Jay had no prior knowledge of Nick's relationship with Daisy?
In The Great Gatsby, Nick narrates from his prospective. Readers do not know much about him, though, readers do know a lot about how Nick looks at other people in the book. Nick heard an abundance of rumors about Jay such as him killing a man and that he was a spy, but when Nick got to know Jay more, he finds out that he is actually a nice person, in a way.
Jay is a mysterious person though. In some points of the story, he would disappear suddenly. During the lavish alcohol filled parties he throws, he stands by the side or alone and watches everyone around him have fun and become wasted. Jay seems to always have things go in the way of his will no matter what difficulties come between him and his destination.
Nick does not judge people according to himself. He said that his father told him that before he criticizes anyone, he must remember that all the people in this world did not receive the same opportunities has he had. Nick seems to be a friendly and person that is easy to get along with.
During a point in this book, Jay is very nice to Nick because he wants to get him to go along with a plan he had in mind. He wanted to see his cousin, Daisy. Jay and Daisy were once lovers but Daisy married someone else. Jay still has feelings for Daisy and he has waited for around five years so that he could see her. Here comes Nick, a person who can have access to Daisy. Now, here is the question for this blog. Do you think Jay only became friends with Nick so that he may see Daisy again or was it just a coincidence and that Jay had no prior knowledge of Nick's relationship with Daisy?
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Winter Poem
The season of extended nights,
Covers the earth's land with pure white.
Brings to children immense delight,
When unraveling gifts under the Light.
Away with flowers that bring thee happiness,
Away with leaves of bright vivid boldness.
Replaced by day's newly found coldness,
Replaced by nights sustained murky darkness.
Covers the earth's land with pure white.
Brings to children immense delight,
When unraveling gifts under the Light.
Away with flowers that bring thee happiness,
Away with leaves of bright vivid boldness.
Replaced by day's newly found coldness,
Replaced by nights sustained murky darkness.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thankful for a Classmate
Let's hope this goes quickly now.
I am thankful for all my classmates, but if I were to choose one from my American Literature class, I would say... MILES WEINSTEIN (I hope I spelled your name right)! For the people who wonder why it's Miles, it's because I've known him ever since Freshman Connection, he's a very nice person, and he helps me a lot.
Miles is a good friend of mine. During Freshman Connection, we sat in the same table so you could say that he was one of my first friends in Whitney Young. Also, I sit directly behind him in class. So, if there is anything I don't understand, I would ask him and he is always willing to help me. An example of this is that whenever I don't have any ideas about what to write for my journal, I would ask him and he would give me some inspiration.
I am thankful for a lot of people in Whitney Young. I am thankful for the teachers, students, and my friends. I am thankful for the help the teachers give me in my education, thankful for the students in class to make it more lively, and especially my friends, for making my life what it is. This Thanksgiving is almost over and I'll end this by saying I am thankful my good friend Miles and for you (whoever is reading) for reading my blog. Happy Thanksgiving.
I am thankful for all my classmates, but if I were to choose one from my American Literature class, I would say... MILES WEINSTEIN (I hope I spelled your name right)! For the people who wonder why it's Miles, it's because I've known him ever since Freshman Connection, he's a very nice person, and he helps me a lot.
Miles is a good friend of mine. During Freshman Connection, we sat in the same table so you could say that he was one of my first friends in Whitney Young. Also, I sit directly behind him in class. So, if there is anything I don't understand, I would ask him and he is always willing to help me. An example of this is that whenever I don't have any ideas about what to write for my journal, I would ask him and he would give me some inspiration.
I am thankful for a lot of people in Whitney Young. I am thankful for the teachers, students, and my friends. I am thankful for the help the teachers give me in my education, thankful for the students in class to make it more lively, and especially my friends, for making my life what it is. This Thanksgiving is almost over and I'll end this by saying I am thankful my good friend Miles and for you (whoever is reading) for reading my blog. Happy Thanksgiving.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
I am a Plow
Guess who's a plow this time... I am. Well, I think everyone is in a way or two though. Anyways, I am a plow.
First of all, what is a plow? A plow would be something used in farms. They loosen up soil so that seeds are able to be sown into the soil. Therefore, you can say it has a pretty important role. I claim to be a plow because I help "loosen up soil" such as making life easier for others. For example, I help others as much as I can in homework, allowing them to have an easier day of homework.
There are many plows out there. Some plows would be your mother and father. They probably take you to school, saving you some time if you were to take the train. Even if your parents don't drive you to school or take you to places you need to be, they are still a plow in many ways. They provide you with food and a home. Another plow would be a waiter or waitress. They serve you food instead of you going into the kitchen of a restaurant to get the food yourself. Another plow would be Mr. McCarthy! He teaches us so that we don't have to struggle through learning by ourselves. There are so many plows out there that have not been mentioned yet. In what ways are you a plow?
First of all, what is a plow? A plow would be something used in farms. They loosen up soil so that seeds are able to be sown into the soil. Therefore, you can say it has a pretty important role. I claim to be a plow because I help "loosen up soil" such as making life easier for others. For example, I help others as much as I can in homework, allowing them to have an easier day of homework.
There are many plows out there. Some plows would be your mother and father. They probably take you to school, saving you some time if you were to take the train. Even if your parents don't drive you to school or take you to places you need to be, they are still a plow in many ways. They provide you with food and a home. Another plow would be a waiter or waitress. They serve you food instead of you going into the kitchen of a restaurant to get the food yourself. Another plow would be Mr. McCarthy! He teaches us so that we don't have to struggle through learning by ourselves. There are so many plows out there that have not been mentioned yet. In what ways are you a plow?
Friday, November 12, 2010
A Direction the Class Needs
To all the readers of this blog:
The first quarter of this school year has ended. All the grades have been recorded and now it is time for some feedback on my American Literature class.
Let's start with the negatives. I didn't know what was for homework some times. Also, we are a bit behind schedule but that isn't much of an issue. I wished we had gone through the vocabulary book more because my vocabulary is not very good and I want to learn more. Also, the blogs weren't completely clear. I didn't know what to write about sometimes. Maybe it was just me.
I would be helpful if homework was posted on Edline or if it were written on the board. By doing this, we can probably be back on schedule and stay on schedule. If descriptions about the blog were on Edline, it would be a lot easier to write the blogs... just saying.
Now, lets talk about some good things in this class. I learned a lot. We were very productive in class and we had fun at the same time. Blogs were very fun to do even though it was somewhat mislead at times. The books we read for this class were also interesting and fun. Mr. McCarthy is an awesome teacher. He is easy to get along with and he is willing to help his students.
The first quarter of this school year has ended. All the grades have been recorded and now it is time for some feedback on my American Literature class.
Let's start with the negatives. I didn't know what was for homework some times. Also, we are a bit behind schedule but that isn't much of an issue. I wished we had gone through the vocabulary book more because my vocabulary is not very good and I want to learn more. Also, the blogs weren't completely clear. I didn't know what to write about sometimes. Maybe it was just me.
I would be helpful if homework was posted on Edline or if it were written on the board. By doing this, we can probably be back on schedule and stay on schedule. If descriptions about the blog were on Edline, it would be a lot easier to write the blogs... just saying.
Now, lets talk about some good things in this class. I learned a lot. We were very productive in class and we had fun at the same time. Blogs were very fun to do even though it was somewhat mislead at times. The books we read for this class were also interesting and fun. Mr. McCarthy is an awesome teacher. He is easy to get along with and he is willing to help his students.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Modern Day Slavery
Slavery. What do you think of when I say slavery? Some germane things I would think of is my World Studies class, slave trade, farming, and Africa. Back in the days when slavery first started, people would buy them left and right; hoping that the slaves they buy will work on their farms and be their servants. Slave owners by slaves because they are cheap labor and that would mean they would make more money. Slaves would often work for long hours and not be fed much. Slaves were usually crammed into small rooms with a few other slaves. Not all slaves were treated like this. Some had it better but generally, being a slave sucked.
If you think about it, even though slavery is abolished, there are still traces of slavery today. No matter how you shun this idea, it is true. Slaves are brought from all over the world, not only Africa. Today, there are still around twenty-seven million slaves after the abolition. There are slaves from China and India too. The people who own slaves today try not to call it slavery; they call it debt bondage, bonded labor, and a lot of other names besides slavery. Slaves today are forced to work on farms like before, but now they are also forced into prostitution and drug trafficking.
Guess what? Slavery exists in the United States too (United States: not as great as it seems >.>). Slaves work in sweat shops, factories, and farms. They are either paid very little that they can't even substantiate their needs or they aren't paid at all. They are treated like the slaves in the beginning if not worse. Probably worse now that there's technology used for torture or whatnot.
You wouldn't think slavery still existed today (well at least I didn't know until doing this blog). Here's a question. When you go out and buy anything, have you noticed that some merchandise are ridiculously cheap? Cheap as in inexpensive. Why do you think it so cheap? I wonder... o.o
If you think about it, even though slavery is abolished, there are still traces of slavery today. No matter how you shun this idea, it is true. Slaves are brought from all over the world, not only Africa. Today, there are still around twenty-seven million slaves after the abolition. There are slaves from China and India too. The people who own slaves today try not to call it slavery; they call it debt bondage, bonded labor, and a lot of other names besides slavery. Slaves today are forced to work on farms like before, but now they are also forced into prostitution and drug trafficking.
Guess what? Slavery exists in the United States too (United States: not as great as it seems >.>). Slaves work in sweat shops, factories, and farms. They are either paid very little that they can't even substantiate their needs or they aren't paid at all. They are treated like the slaves in the beginning if not worse. Probably worse now that there's technology used for torture or whatnot.
You wouldn't think slavery still existed today (well at least I didn't know until doing this blog). Here's a question. When you go out and buy anything, have you noticed that some merchandise are ridiculously cheap? Cheap as in inexpensive. Why do you think it so cheap? I wonder... o.o
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Some History of Puritans, Salem, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and The House of the Seven Gables
Puritans were a group of Protestants in England that date back in the 16th century. During that time, England was ruled by Elizabeth I and she strongly supported the Church of England movement. Puritans had different views from Queen Elizabeth I and they wanted to reform the Church of England so that it became more Puritan. However, this reformation didn't happened completely and the Puritans decided to take there religion to somewhere else, and that somewhere else is New England.
The idea of witchcraft in Salem was introduced in 1692. Betty Paris was found sick and the idea of witchcraft rose quickly. The first accusations were made by the Putnams. The Putnams took their complaint to Judge John Hathorne. Judge John Hathorne examined the "witches" and there formed a growing crowd of spectators.
Nathaniel Hawthorne changed his last name to distinguish himself from his relative: Judge John Hathorne. He probably changed his name because he didn't feel proud that his ancestor was a judge that condemned many people for witchcraft. At one point, his uncle bought the House of the Seven Gables and remodeled it. During Hawthorne's youth, he often went to the House and was told of its history by his cousin, Susannah Ingersoll.
The House of the Seven Gables is the oldest mansion In North American that is still in existence today. It was remodeled by its owners many times throughout its years. During a period of time, the House only had three gables remaining. In 1908, the House was again purchased, but this time by Caroline O. Emmerton who restored it to it's early days and changed it into a museum. To make the House more interesting, she changed it so that it matched Nathaniel Hawthorne's The House of the Seven Gables.
The idea of witchcraft in Salem was introduced in 1692. Betty Paris was found sick and the idea of witchcraft rose quickly. The first accusations were made by the Putnams. The Putnams took their complaint to Judge John Hathorne. Judge John Hathorne examined the "witches" and there formed a growing crowd of spectators.
Nathaniel Hawthorne changed his last name to distinguish himself from his relative: Judge John Hathorne. He probably changed his name because he didn't feel proud that his ancestor was a judge that condemned many people for witchcraft. At one point, his uncle bought the House of the Seven Gables and remodeled it. During Hawthorne's youth, he often went to the House and was told of its history by his cousin, Susannah Ingersoll.
The House of the Seven Gables is the oldest mansion In North American that is still in existence today. It was remodeled by its owners many times throughout its years. During a period of time, the House only had three gables remaining. In 1908, the House was again purchased, but this time by Caroline O. Emmerton who restored it to it's early days and changed it into a museum. To make the House more interesting, she changed it so that it matched Nathaniel Hawthorne's The House of the Seven Gables.
Friday, October 22, 2010
The Moment I knew I was an American
Let's start out by asking what an American is. A simple definition of an American from Dictionary.com an inhabitant of the United States of America. That sounds pretty accurate, but let's add to it. I would say an American is also someone who love's the land and its culture in addition to living in the United States.
I knew I was an American not when I was born, but when I learned about America. I knew I was an American when I knew that this was the United States of America and when I learned about it's history. When was this? Around the first of second grade maybe. I didn't feel I was an American though. Being raised up in a Chinese background by very Chinese parents, I thought of myself as Chinese more. However, that didn't make much sense to me since I wasn't living in China.
I didn't believe I was a true American until recently, after reading What Is an American in class. After reading it, I found that an American is made up of all cultures, all other cultures including the Chinese culture. After knowing this, saying I am an American made more sense to me. I am proud to say that I am American.
I knew I was an American not when I was born, but when I learned about America. I knew I was an American when I knew that this was the United States of America and when I learned about it's history. When was this? Around the first of second grade maybe. I didn't feel I was an American though. Being raised up in a Chinese background by very Chinese parents, I thought of myself as Chinese more. However, that didn't make much sense to me since I wasn't living in China.
I didn't believe I was a true American until recently, after reading What Is an American in class. After reading it, I found that an American is made up of all cultures, all other cultures including the Chinese culture. After knowing this, saying I am an American made more sense to me. I am proud to say that I am American.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Us vs. Them, Everyone for Themself
In this world, anger is an issue that has to be dealt by with thought and time. Anger can blind a person so that he or she may not see the truth behind lies. Some people don't think before they act and if they do, their fists do the thinking. Before they even know it, arguments turn into funerals.
How open someone is to ideas and judgment also plays a part in why people murder. One may not like a idea proposed by another. For example, Martin Luther King Jr. was killed by James Earl Ray for giving speeches that were helping African Americans to get the same rights as anyone else.
Survival of the fittest drives people to unseen and absurd behaviors. Fear of death can cause someone to react differently from how they usually act. If a lifeboat can only take ten people out of a drowning ship, everyone would fight for a spot on the lifeboat so that they can see their love ones.
Death will come for everyone eventually. Being scared of death is a silly thing to do. Who has a longer life? Someone lives to 50 and has lived without regrets or one that lives to 100 being scared to do anything at all? Death just means you will be taken from this world, but are you really dead when you die? You live on after dying as long as someone still remembers you. Death can come to someone at any moment and without anyone knowing. The important thing is what you leave behind. When you die, what legacy do you leave behind? Who will remember you?
How open someone is to ideas and judgment also plays a part in why people murder. One may not like a idea proposed by another. For example, Martin Luther King Jr. was killed by James Earl Ray for giving speeches that were helping African Americans to get the same rights as anyone else.
Survival of the fittest drives people to unseen and absurd behaviors. Fear of death can cause someone to react differently from how they usually act. If a lifeboat can only take ten people out of a drowning ship, everyone would fight for a spot on the lifeboat so that they can see their love ones.
Death will come for everyone eventually. Being scared of death is a silly thing to do. Who has a longer life? Someone lives to 50 and has lived without regrets or one that lives to 100 being scared to do anything at all? Death just means you will be taken from this world, but are you really dead when you die? You live on after dying as long as someone still remembers you. Death can come to someone at any moment and without anyone knowing. The important thing is what you leave behind. When you die, what legacy do you leave behind? Who will remember you?
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