Brains of a Brunette

A Work of Art

2011-04-05T07:40:00.000-07:00

Quote: “The holy grail is to spend less time making the picture than it takes people to look at it.”-Banksy

To say that an artist is one whom simply tries to paint a picture to the best of their ability does not begin to describe the way a true artist works. Their minds think more complex thoughts. Their words have a more dramatic impact. Their brush strokes are more intracet and intimate than even the most passionate touch. Their works--whether it be a painting, a piece of literature, or a composition of music—have a life of their own. A truly artistic work of art is produced so lovingly that readers, or viewers, or musicians have no choice but to stop and stand in awe, firstly, at the incredible amount of love, time, and talent the artist puts into the work. Then, the question that always comes of a truly interested viewer: Why? Why would anyone work so hard to accomlish a single piece of music or a painting. The audience takes in the work of art in an absorbant state of exctasy, the piece filling their minds and senses, somehow reaching with outstretched hands, grasping at the observers spirit until this live work of art takes a firm hold and forever leaves an imprint in their soul. A lasting work of art, such as the poetry of the romantics like Coleridge and Wordsworth or the paintings of Renoir, are still talked about and looked upon today simply because of the work of art which serves as the only connection between artist and viewer. A painting, a piecie of music, or a page of literature is vapor of the soul that lingers from the artist to find acceptance in the heart of an understanding onlooker. Therefore, an artists true goal is to create a masterpiece so majestic and powerful that people have no choice but to take the piece in and carry it in their souls long after they have left the museam, opera, or library.

Personally, I consider myself to be of a different breed—a different race if you will. I am an artist. To tell a little bit about myself, I love: rain tapping on the roof, sappy love stories, white chocolate covered pretzels, hiking, bike rides, midnight swims, laying out on the beach, and formal events. I have a passion for helping other people and I long to make the world a better place, which is really where my works of art come into play. My voice is to me as a paintbrush is to an artist. To say that I like to sing is quite an understatement. My soul is set free when I sing. There is no situation that can not be expressed through my voice. Not to be too full of pride, but God did indeed bless me a voice, which can inspire or tear down. I, like every artist, have the power to cause others that hear to become deeply moved by the words I say. I have the power to encourage anger. I have the powe to inspire strength. Because I am an artist, my voice is just like a priceless Renior painting; it is the very essence of soul reaching out to find an open mind, heart, and soul to latch onto, to make a difference in. This quote only reinforces my beliefs about art. The purpose of a work, no matter how deep or high, how meloncholy or cheerful, how passionate or unfeeling, is always to connect.

Public School is the Way to Go

2009-11-16T17:39:00.000-08:00

After recently reading an argument about Homeschooling vs. Public Schooling, it is my firm belief that Public School is the best choice for parents.

While many parents argue that with homeschooling, their child gets more individual attention, I argue that though this could be true in some cases, this does not prepare them for life after high school.

Not to be a Debbie Downer, but unfortunately in today's society, people aren't concerned with helping out their fellow man, or in this case, co-worker. The world we live in is all about the individual. Humans are very self-centered. There is no room or time for individual attention in the workplace. Each person is focused on the goal that he or she is committed to accomplishing.

Another down side, is the social aspect of homeschooling. How much social interaction can you really have with the same three or four people every day? Sure, every day is different. But people react to similar situations in similar ways, which is seemingly repetitive and dull.

To really learn strong and effective people skills, more intermingling with different types of people is necessary because of the numbers of diverse people all around. Some may have different emotions, habits, and religious beliefs than our own. It is very important to learn how to deal with this.

Homeschooling is, at this point in time, definitely not up to par with public. The advantages of public schooling far out way that of homeschooling.

The Awakening Ch. 6 Analysis

2009-11-11T07:22:00.000-08:00

Look at the cool map I created today! Click on the bubbles to read my analyses. If you can't see the map, you can view it at Umapper.

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's...A Diaper Wearing Mom?

2009-10-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

In the society that we live in, it has become more and more common to see mothers in their 60's and 70's having children. After having read an article by Meghan Daum, "Moms in their 60's--oh, baby," I must agree with the argument presented by it's author.

There should, in no way, be moms at the ages of 67. Sure, maybe the woman waited until late in life to realize she wants kids. But, it is too old to have children safely, both for fetus and mother. The older a woman gets, the less likely she is to getting pregnant. If she does get pregnant, then she has to worry about her health and safety throughout the pregnancy, as well as her unborn child.

If she really wants a kid, then why not adopt? If she was truly concerned for the welfare of her child's being, she would not be going through the pregnancy at all. In today's time, I think it is safe to say that just about all women understand the risks that accompany conceiving late in life. Perhaps this decision just goes to show how very little she actually cares for the child.

Also, the older the woman, the more likely she is to have health problems. As mentioned by Daum, Maria Bousada died of cancer very shortly after giving birth, leaving two children without parents to care for them.

Could it all be for show? Perhaps that is the reason for such idiotic decisions. Why endanger two human life's just for media attention? These are question that should be answered. Whether for selfish reasons or just stupidity, it must stop.

Book Talk

2009-10-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

Day 12 Sentence

2009-10-11T19:04:00.000-07:00

"Not surprising, of course, but most of the time, Travis was at a loss as to what to do."-The Choice, Nicholas Sparks

The author uses a periodic sentence here to show how clueless the character was. For the majority of the time, it was Travis' wife who was the leader of the household and kept things in order. After she was put into a coma, he felt totally lost and confused.

"The happiness with which I could smile all day and never really care, my upbeat attitude that most people did not understand--these were what made me who I was."-Meagan Poff

Day 11 Sentence

2009-10-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

"Six fifteen alarm; a minute to get out of bed and nine minutes in the shower, another four minutes to shave and brush his teeth, and seven minutes to get dressed."-The Choice, Nicholas Sparks

The author's use of repetition here clearly depicts a very orderly man. Every morning in the same. The character's routine never changes. It's always about the time.

"Beautiful day; the clouds are drifting and snow is falling, the river is rising and wind is blowing, and the fire is roaring."-Meagan Poff

Day 10 Sentence

2009-10-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

"Human Necessity 101."-The Choice, Nicholas Sparks

The author uses a rhetorical fragment here to show the extent to which the author was hungry. In the previous text, a friend had invited her over to dinner. She was arguing with herself, and at this point clearly convinces herself to go and eat with her friend.

"Didn't think so."-Meagan Poff

Day 9 Sentence

2009-10-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

"He arrived-still half-naked, to her dismay-carrying four long boards beneath his arms."-The Choice, Nicholas Sparks

The author uses dashes to show the particular character's thoughts about the half naked man. Not only did she notice him, but also thought about how he looked. He definatly had her attention.

"I was laying out on the beach when I noticed him-tanned, muscular, and smiling-surfing the waves."-Meagan Poff

Day 8 Sentence

2009-10-11T18:31:00.000-07:00

"Who on God's green earth knew puppies could poop so much?"-The Choice, Nicholas Sparks

The author uses the use of an interrogative sentence here to convey to the reader the massive amount of doggy doo-doo produced by just one dog in a humorous way. There was a massive amount clearly not thought possible by the narrator of the story.

"How did my three year old get the idea to cut the dog's hair all by himself?"-Meagan Poff

Day 7 Sentence

2009-10-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

"Already the major line of his brief life was drawn sharp and clear-his passionate love for science."-Death be not Proud, John Gunther

The author's clear use of a period sentence shows the extent of how much Johnny loved science. It seemed to be the focal point of this young man's short life.

"When the smoke drifted away, one thing was for certain-it wasn't a deer that had been shot this time."-Meagan Poff

Day 6 Sentence

2009-10-11T18:16:00.000-07:00

"Not all children are Mozart's; but almost all are geniuses at one thing or another before they are ten."-Death be not Proud, John Gunther

The author uses a balanced sentence to show the difference in Mozart and children, but also similarity. Mozart was a genius at just one thing, which was composing music, just as the author says all children are. The only difference is not all children are gifted in music.

"Every mountain I climbed seemed to get steeper; though, in reality, they were getting less steep and my body was getting fatigued."-Meagan Poff

Day 5 Sentence

2009-10-11T18:09:00.001-07:00

"There was that day after the first operation, the operation that lasted almost six hours, when Dr. Putnam thought it wise to tell him what he had."-Death be not Proud, John Gunther

The author uses a cumulative sentence to show how Johnny, the author, and the doctor must have felt. When talking about the operation, he describes in furthur detail how long the ordeal lasted. Six hours, being a long time for an operation, was written to show the exhaustion felt by everyone involved.

"The day I was born, a day of sunshine and happiness, is a day of happy memories for everyone."-Meagan Poff

Day 4 Sentence

2009-10-07T06:45:00.000-07:00

"Johnny was the only person I have ever met, who, truly never thought of himself first, or, for that matter, at all; his considerateness was so extreme as to be a fault."-Death be not Proud, John Gunther

In this sentence, the author uses repetition to show the reader the extent of Johnny's selflessness. The author was showing that not only did Johnny never think of himself first, but that he did so so often it was probably not a good thing. Perhaps he let people walk over him.

"John is the only guy I know that has climbed Mount Everest in a week, and, for that matter ever; his talent and speed are admired by many."-Meagan Poff

Day 3 Sentence

2009-10-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

"Johnny was conceived in California, carried across the bosom of the American continent and the Atlantic Ocean by his mother, and born in Paris, on November 4, 1929."-Death be not Proud, John Gunther

In this sentence, the author uses parallel structure to let the reader know how much the subject of the story had been through before he was even born. Knowing that the book is about Johnny's struggle with death, I know that the author uses this sentence to foreshadow what is yet to come in Johnny's life.

"Because Dad couldn't resist buying a fresh pineapple from Hawaii before we left, the pineapple was bought at a farmer's market, flown across the South Pacific, and unloaded in Little Rock."-Meagan Poff

Day 2 Sentence

2009-10-07T06:23:00.001-07:00

"What she needs is someone to be with her as she goes down, to listen to her while she shares her feelings, and to empathize with what she is going through."-Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, John Gray

In this sentence, the author uses prepositional phrases in parallel structure to let the man he is speaking to know just what to do for his wife. He must be with her, listen to her, and empathize with her. The author makes this very clear with the use of parallel structure.

"On my way to my brother's dorm, I walked over the bridge, through the tunnel, and over the hill."-Meagan Poff

Day 1 Sentence

2009-10-07T06:09:00.000-07:00

"Life is filled with rythms-day and night, hot and cold, summer and winter, spring and fall, cloudy and clear."-Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, John Gray

In this particular sentence, the author uses parallel structure to convey to the reader how repetitive life is. According to the author, life is basically just a series of events that happen over and over again.

"No matter where I am, the river is always the same-long and winding, wide and strong, shining and beautiful."-Meagan Poff

A Whole New Mind

2009-06-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

After reading Daniel H. Pink's book A Whole New Mind, I decided to take the author's advice and try one of the many suggestions to help me develop a sense of design by reading a Oprah Winfrey's design magazine, O Magazine.

Pink suggested that by reading a design magazine, my eyes would be sharpened to the knew "sense" and that by reading the piece, I would quite possibly be inspired by what I saw.

After following Pink's proposal, I could not agree more.

As I sat and read O Magazine, I took a moment to notice all the designs that we have around us everyday. As Pink pointed out, almost everything that surrounds me was designed by someone. And why did that someone design it?

Someone designed, for example, the mirror in Oprah's house so that the beautiful work would sell on the market. As I learned in the book, it is not simply enough anymore to just have a mirror that is plain Jane. The mirror must be a work of art.

Anyone can have a mirror. But not just anyone can have Oprah's mirror that can, with the click of a button, be transformed into an area for a plasma television.

Having realized what design really is has shown me a knew way of thinking.

I now know that in the music industry that I would love to become a part of, I will have to have something no one else can replicate. I will have to march to the beat of my own drum. I will have to know how to craft the words of a poem into a magical song that listeners can relate to.

Thanks to pink, I can now see what changes need to be made for me to be successful in future endeavors.

Pride and Predjudice

2009-05-25T17:25:00.000-07:00

After reading Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice, I was left feeling like I had just taken a walk in the clouds.

The life lesson I took from the book was that sometimes, I may have to humble myself and realize my faults to become the greatest person I can be.

Austin's portrayal of all of the character's was so realistic to me, I was astounded. One of the story's main character's, Mr. Darcy, reminds me of a friend I once knew. She had to humble herself to gain a friend.

Austin shows that her character's are not without normal emotions, as well. The story contains love, deceit, betrayal, and irony.

After finishing the wonderful work, I related this book to some of the issues our country is facing today. Perhaps, if we swallowed our pride once in a while, as a nation, we would accomplish more diplomatically.

I personally, love this book. I had to go and buy my own copy to keep. I believe that if you read it, you will love it. The book is one that everyone should read.

Of Mice and Men

2009-05-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

After finishing John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, I realized that you can truly never trust anyone. This book was very sad and extremely thought provoking.

Of Mice and Men taught me that not everyone that acts like my friend really is my friend. Perhaps it also taught me that there will never be a friend that will not let me down.

I love the book's style. I feel as if I am where the action in the story is taking place. Steinbeck's abilities are amazing.

Steinbeck has the talent to make me believe in the character's as people. In the story, Steinbeck shows that George is just like other humans in the way that he wanted and needed space from Lennie. It is not that I agree with the way he handled the situation, but through
George's actions, Steinbeck showed me, as the reader, that George felt like any other human would have in the situation.

When reading this book, it reminded me of Cline Eastwood movies. The setting was much the same.

I strongly recommend this book. The text gives an amazing insight into the human heart and what everyone truly feels at times.

The Curtain Finally Closes...

2009-05-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

It is so hard to believe that I have been in school a whole year already! It seems like just yesterday I was walking into the high school for the first time, and now it is time to go.

I remember getting out of the car on the first day of school. Me being your typical teenager, my first thought was, "How many days are there left in the school year?"

Now, I realize the short amount of time I really do have left in high school. If the remaining two years go by as fast as this year did, I have learned that I will need to make every day count like it was my last.

I will not be ready to go back to school in the fall, but I must admit that I will, however, be ready for some Pioneer football. The atmosphere at those hometown football games is like nothing else in the world. You can sense in the air pride, family, and victory.

I wish everyone well over the summer. God bless.

The House on Mango Street

2009-05-22T13:21:00.001-07:00

After having read Sandra Cisneros' The House on Mango Street, I thanked God for all that he had given me. I feel very blessed to live where I do.

Cisneros left me in awe. The way she told her story was truly amazing.

Cisneros grew up as a Mexican-American in a poor neighborhood as did Esperanza,the main character in her book. The little girl grew up both physically and mentally during the time that she lived on Mango Street.

The experiences the little girl went through seem crazy to me, simply because of the way she lived and handled herself. During the book, a lot happened to her. At the end of the book Esperanza seemed to be wiser and stronger than when she had first began.

I feel as if I grew a little with Esperanza. Cisneros ability to make you feel what the main character is feeling is truly amazing.

The Giver

2009-04-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

After reading Lois Lowry's The Giver, I realized that sometimes we have to take a stand when we don't believe in something, though it may mean turning away from everything you have ever known.

Jonas, the main character, has an experience quite like this. When he realized that alot of what he was taught as a child was basically a lie and had no meaning, he makes a plan. The courage it took carry out the plan was amazing.

When reading the book, I felt like I was there. Every time someone was in danger, you felt their anxiety.

Lowry's writing abilities are truly amazing. I felt like I knew the characters and was right there beside Jonas and Gabe. I felt the sunburn as it was being given in a memory to Jonas. I saw the rainbow, and felt the happiness of Christmas.

I highly recommend this book.

Poetry

2009-04-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

so much
depends upon
a glistening diamond ring

sparkling
from the sunlight

on
a lovely polished hand

Old McDonald had a Farm...

2009-04-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

After reading George Orwell's Animal Farm, I decided that my opinion had been changed on books with animals as the main characters. Having read some bad books in the past with animals as the main characters, I have to admit that I was a little sceptical.

Orwell's ability to transform the characters from animals, to what seemed to be human, amazed me. In my mind, as I was reading, I kept picturing humans instead of animals. Having been written about the Russian Revolution, this was quite simple.

This book also made me reconcider what kind of government, I believe to be the best.
I believe now more than ever, America is the best country to live in. I feel very blest.

At the end of the book, I had chosen a side. I realized that sometimes, you need to fight for what you believe in. If you don't, their could be disasterous end results.

What side are you on? If you don't know, I suggest you read this awesome book.

Ah..The Wonders of Technology

2009-04-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

Technology has become an amazing resource for schools to use.

Batesville High School, for example, allows parents to check their students grades online. The kids may not like it, but the parents appreciate knowing what their kids are up to academically.

Also, students have certain Facebook pages that teachers create for their students. These allow kids to post questions to a wall, and get an answer back hopefully within a day or two.

Another resource is a class wiki. Teachers can have their own wiki's for the students to check assignments on or possibly to download documents off the Internet.

My personal favorite "tech tools" are blogs. Blogs to me are the best way to communicate thoughts. On school blogs you can write about anything related to education. This provides a fun way for students to interact online for those parents who don't like Facebook and Myspace.

Topics on thoughts such as books, vacations, and politics will arise. The possibilities are endless. Plus, you can always post comments to other people's blogs to which you have subscribed.

As a student, I love it. I consider it fun and intertaining.

The Choice

2009-04-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been stuck and not known the right choice to make? Is it a choice that could change the rest of your life for better or for worse?

For most people, the answer is no. Most of the decisions we make from day to day do not have an affect on the life we will live 50 years from now.

However, in the book Dear John by Nicholas Sparks, Savannah Curtis was forced to make just such a decision by choosing which man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.

The man she had fallen in love with on trip one summer, John Tyree, was overseas fighting for the United States after the September 11th bombings. Throughout the separation that war brings to couples involved, she decided that she loved another man from her church that she had know since she was young.

Finally she makes her decision. In this book, Sparks allowed me, as the reader, to get close to the actual characters. The book will make you laugh and cry, and cry again.

As for the man she chooses...Well you will just have to find out and read the book for yourself. Be ready for a tear jerking adventure that will leave you dumbfounded.

Spring Break!

2009-04-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

Spring Break. A time to rest, relax, and have fun.

Well, I did all three! My family and I went to Destin, Florida and had a blast. While the weather was not perfect, we still found things to do.

For example, the first day and a half that we were down there, it was sunny. We went to the beach and lied out to soak up some rays! Even though I did not get a wonderful tan, it was still fun.

The next few days when it was cloudy and windy, we walked the beach, bowled at Hurricane Lanes, and shopped.

We also found several scrumptious places to eat! The Mellow Mushroom, The Melting Pot, and The Doughnut Hole are just a few.

Looking back, the best part of my vacation was being with my family and relaxing. It was nice to just sit back and not have to worry about homework, play practice, and work. All four of us enjoyed it a lot.

Next year, I think we will just head a little farther South to Orlando to make sure we catch a lot more sunshine!

And Contestant #1 is...

2009-03-19T18:11:00.000-07:00

(excerp from Essay Contest)

The more knowledge Equality 7-2521 acquires, the more changes his personality undergoes, thus changing from a darkened mood, to lightened. In the beginning of the book Equality was conservative to the point of ignorance. For example, "mating and reproduction was a "shameful matter of which [he did] not like to think" (p.41).

Also, Equality had never felt some normal human emotions. He first felt emotion for Liberty 5-3000, and he "[knew] fear and the pain" of loving someone for the first time" (p.39).

Towards the end of the book, Equality had a broadened educated view of the world. He had felt deep emotions such as love, and "[knew] what joy [was] possible to men" (p.83).

Equaltiy also realized his purpose which "[is] to speak. [He was] to give [earth] its goal, its highest meaning to all this glowing space of rock and sky" (p. 93).

The Notebook

2009-03-13T14:32:00.000-07:00

Ever known someone who has had Alzheimer's disease? It's a terribly slow and sad way to die. In Nicholas Spark's The Notebook one of the main character has this disease. She doesn't know her family, but even more importantly her husband who has loved her since they first met as teenagers.

Spark's took me on a magical journey into true love, the hardships it endures, and how to overcome them. This young couple experiences more than their fair share of challenges. The author lets you know the characters so well that you will be left teary eyed for one person or the other.

The Notebook, however, is not all sadness. This book, I believe everyone should read. I think it would inspire us all to live lives that show that special person we love them 24/7...even if they don't know who we are anymore.

Are you wondering what happened to the woman with Alzheimer's? If so, I encourage you to pick up the book and see for yourself. I must tell you though that the movie is quite a bit different than the book, so don't let that fool you. Be ready for a story that will change your definition and outlook of true love.

What is That Song I Hear?

2009-03-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

After having read Ayn Rand's Anthem, I was in awe. Her talent for writing jumped off the page at me from the moment a picked the book up. The journey of Equality 7-2521 took me through so many loops and turns, I was almost dizzy. For most of the book however, the main thought in my mind was "Will they get together?"

"Who are they?", you may ask. Well THEY are the two main characters in Anthem,
Equality 7-2521 and Liberty 5-3000.

In a world where everything the people do is conroled by a small group of people with a strict code of laws, Equality lives an extremely dangerous life. He goes against everything the mass of people believe, all for the sake and hope of a better life. He seems to know that there is more to life than just work, eating, and sleeping with no smiles and laughs. He lived a life for years where he was basically dead while alive.

Ayn Rand certainly has a talent for pulling a reader in. The way she describes her characters is amazing. You feel like you can understand what each character is going through.

What I learned from this book is to not take for granted the freedoms we have. In this book, these people could only dream of the things that we have now. Whether its electricity, or the oppurtunity to speak our mind. This book taught me to appreciate what I have.

To Perfect My World

2009-03-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

"It's a small world after all..."

Haver you ever heard that song? It is true. We all live in a small world. Mine could definatley use some changes for the better.

Starting out, I would change the way people, including myself, treat others. I always try to treat others the way I would like to be treated, but sometimes slip up. I wish that I and others would just stop for two seconds and think about the actions we make, and the outcomes that could appear because of them. We never know how what we say or do will affect someones actions or day.

Also, I would always have a smile on my face. I never know what impact that could have on someone.

The last change I would make would be to always show others that I care, no matter who they are. Everyone needs to know that someone cares about them.

These changes would make my world a better place.

Mercy, Mercy, Me

2009-02-24T11:52:00.000-08:00

In Ronlyn Domingue's The Mercy of Thin Air, the experience of true love is so realistic, I feel as if I am living Razi's life. Her story is unlike any other I have ever read. Telling not only of love, friendship, and the stuggles of women's suffrage in the 1920's, but also of the ghostly state in which Razi's soul lies.

Ronlyn Domingue absolutley knew how to interest me, as a reader, and hold my attention. Her attention to detail with the characters amazed me. As she writes of Razi's lover, Andrew O'Connell, I feel like I know him personally. I can feel how much he loves and means to Razi. I try to imagine how scared he must have felt for Razi's safety as she fights for women's suffrage.

Razi's best friend, Twolly is quite a mess. She has this amazing talent for making jewelry but because of the times, is afraid to go to a college to make it. Her boyfriend, Andrew O'Connell is a bright student who wants to study law. He is torn between the decision of whether to live Razi or stay. You will feel as if you are living the life of one of the characters.

She is truly an amazing author. I suggest reading all of her works.

Everyone has Had One...

2009-02-17T14:57:00.001-08:00

Do you remember the summer that everything just felt perfect, at home, and like it was suppose to be? I do. We all do! When I read Sarah Dessen's That Summer, it took me to a place in time a few years ago.

A lesson I learned from this book is that sometimes, it is easier to roll with the tide than try to go against it. Haven, was going through some difficult changes in her life. Her dad was getting remarried and having a baby with a new woman. Her sister was getting married to a strangley quiet and dull guy, and Haven is around six feet tall and steal moving on up.

In Haven's life she felt like there was no way out. Not even a soul to talk to. I think that the reason I liked this book so much was because I knew how well it related to many people in the world. How many times do we feel like we are trapped under pressure, not good enough, or just plain depressed? Come on...ADMIT IT! We all feel that way at times.

I recommend that you not only read this book, but also some of Dessen's other novels. The characters will capture your heart. You will not be able to put these great reads down.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

2009-02-17T14:18:00.000-08:00

Jack London's Call of the Wild is one of the most interesting books I have ever read. Jack London wrote so vividly, it is easy to relate what happens in the book to my life.

The main lesson I learned from reading this book is to always take a stand for myself. For example, Buck, the main character, gets dog napped. He is taken away to be a dog that runs routes to and from areas in the "Northland". He eventually attacks a man who he feels threatened by. I think young people today need to follow this example, in a way. When they feel that "the real them" is being compromised, they should figure out a solution. People should never lose the real them.

London also does an exquisite job of really allowing you to get to know the characters. My love for the characters makes me like the book even more. Spitz' fight for superiority, Buck's hunger for the wild, and Thorton's love for Buck make me absolutely crazy about this wonderful piece of literature.

I recommend reading all of Mr. London's books. Of all the books I have read, his are definitely the best. I am absolutely consumed and awed by his works. Are you, too, feeling the call to read Jack London's works?

Antigone Anyone?

2009-02-08T17:04:00.000-08:00

To break the law or not break the law, that is the question. How far would you be willing to go to bury a dead relative? Would you be willing to risk your own life? Most likely not, but in the case of Antigone, it seemed she had no choice. Sophocles' Antigone is quite an uninteresting read.

Sophacles chose a very dull topic. Whether or not Antigone should bury her dead brother, was basically all the book was about. In every story you read, you will find tragedy and perhaps a choice to be made. There was that, too, but all of this revolved around Antigone burying her dead brother.

In this story, you will feel as if you do not know the characters well enough to really care about what is going on in the story. Who cares if Antigone dies? She disobeyed the law of the king, did she not? What about Hameon? Who even is Hameon besides the son of the king and the lover of Antigone? Did he ever even show that he loved Antigone throughout the play? No.

Also, throughout the play, there is very little change of scenery. In scene one, there is the palace. In scene two, there is the palace. You will feel like you never leave the palace, if you even feel like you are there at all.

I recommend that you do not waste your precious time reading such a ridiculous play. You would be better off sitting and watching the time go by than reading Antigone.

Taking a Stand: Yay or Nay?

2009-01-25T16:57:00.000-08:00

In fourth grade, a student named Maria moved to Batesville from Mexico. Maria was lovely and sweet. Some people, however, treated her badly simply out of jealousy.

When she first arrived, almost everyone appeared to want to know Maria better, with the exception of a few girls. They seemed not to like her because of her beauty and personality. Whenever Maria would sit down at lunch, these girls would cease their conversations and sit in silence, leaving Maria and I in conversations of our own.

Finally, I had taken enough of their stupidity. I marched over to the monkey bars and told the girls what I thought. That was that they were just making themselves look bad. The expressions on their faces went from triumphant to defeated.

A few days later, after out little chat, the girls attitudes toward Maria had made a complete turn-around. When walking through the halls, I could barely get a word in for all the girls standing around Maria. Maria gave me a very rewarding smile. That smile made my talk with the girls worth all the effort.

When I felt the need to take a stand, I did. Maybe that is one of the joys of being children. We speak what we feel and think, which can be a good thing and bad, but in this case good. I still always try to take a stand when I feel the need. I cannot ever tell if my effort will make an impact, but I might as well take a chance and find out.

One Down and Five to Go!

2008-12-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

The first semester of my high school career has been somewhat that of a roller coaster ride. There are harder classes, more drama, and more boring World History movies than I could have ever imagined possible. There are also, however, more good times than I could ever have hoped for. For example, tastier lunchroom food, funny phrases learned in Spanish, and Mi Ranchito chip and salsa. Yum!

As far as classes go, my most difficult are Pre-AP Chemistry and English. Chemistry sometimes drives me to the point of insanity. But once I master a million-step problem, I feel like I have actually accomplished something extraordinary. English is the same way. I never knew, until this year, that I could chart a sentence. Now I know that, and also that this could very well be my least favorite thing to do. Though the classes are hard, the teachers are amazing.

The chip and salsa from Mi Ranchito, I must say, is my favorite aspect of Spanish, besides the people I take the class with. We have an amazing woman for a teacher who cares about our grades as well as our stomachs.

As I look forward to the next semester, I can only hope that the upcoming session of school will be half as amazing as the first. Until then, I will be studying hard for semester tests and relaxing over the Holidays. Merry Christmas!

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar

2008-12-17T10:11:00.000-08:00

When I first read the Tragedy of Julius Caesar, I realized that my attention was not focused on Caesar, but Brutus.

Brutus, to me, appears to be the one who suffered most out of the whole ordeal. He was foolish and untrustworthy, and as the play neared the end, he realized this about himself.

Brutus was foolish enough to believe that the Roman public favored him over Caesar. Only days earlier people had gathered in the streets to sing their praises to Caesar. Also, Brutus allowed Cassius to sway his opinion of Caesar. Deep down Brutus knew that Caesar was an honorable man who wanted was best for his country. After only a few moments of talking to Cassius, Brutus had begun to question his opinion of his best friend.

Brutus was unfortunately untrustworthy also. He acted like Caesar's best friend right up until the moment he stabbed him. To be that two-faced is absolutely unbelievable.

At the end of the play, Brutus commits suicide. The cause of this, I am sure, was because Brutus had realized the person he had become.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar should have been renamed The Fall of Brutus, The Most Noble of Romans, for this better suits the play.

Follow the Leader

2008-12-08T15:10:00.000-08:00

After having read The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by Shakespeare, I noticed that the actions performed by Cassius not only took guts to accomplish, but also superb leadership qualities.

Being a leader means choosing what is best for your subjects, thinking issues out before acting, planning ahead, and perhaps being a bit manipulative.

Having a good head on his shoulders, Cassius seemed to have all of these attributes.

When he started his conquest to kill Caesar, he believed that what he was doing was for the best of the Roman people. He told Brutus that he thought Caesar was becoming too ambitious.

Also, he planned out the assassination of Caesar, the great warrior. He and his accomplices decided how, when, and where they would kill him.

They knew that they had better be able to have one good excuse for murdering the most beloved Caesar, which is why they thought ahead.

Cassius was also quite manipulative. He was the one who convinced Brutus of the power he held inside. At first Brutus wouldn't hear the words oozing from Cassius' mouth. But Cassius knew what Brutus wanted to hear and told him willingly.

Cassius, a man of questionable character, had one of the best attributes possible. That attribute was leadership.

I Win, You Win, Everybody Wins!

2008-11-19T19:55:00.000-08:00

Have you ever felt that there is absolutely no way to successfully solve a difficult problem or situation? We all have.

But don't give up hope. Because for every door that is shut, a window is opened. The key is thinking Win-Win.

When having a Win-Win attitude, it is important to always be open minded and think positively about any situation life brings. You must give and take.

For example, you and a friend get in an argument at school about who should have the higher grade in lab because one of you did more work. You know that you deserve the points because you worked hard. You MUST think about how the other person feels and why.

Your friend is probably feeling the same way you do, so the best thing to do is sit down and figure out a way to split the points. Take each others feelings into account.

Doing this will not only make a deposit in your PBA, or personal bank account, but will also make a deposit in your RBA, or relationship bank account. Be the kindle to the fire in your relationships.

You will find yourself happier and with more friends if you find yourself living Win-Win.

Needed: Proactive People

2008-11-06T16:35:00.000-08:00

After reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey, I realized that in our world today, there are two types of people, active and proactive. Our planet has many problems, so what we need are less reactive people and more proactive people.

One particular issue, that needs educated "proactivaters" is AIDS. All most people know is that this particular disease is sexually transmitted. People should know all about this disease. Education could make an enormous difference in the cause.

But the spreading of news does not happen over night or magically. This takes work and effort, which is where our proactive workers come in short supply.

More Health teachers should take the time to educate their students on this matter. Seeing a lesson gone out of a nine weeks is alot better than seeing someone you know with AIDS. One lesson could mean one life.

Also, in foreign countries where this potent disease is spreading like wild fire, we need people to volunteer their time, money, and effort to help a fellow people in need. Mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers are dying because of a lack of knowledge.

Stopping, or even causing a large decline in this disease, will not be easy.

The task will be hard. The task will take more than just a few proactive people to accomplish this goal.

Changing attitudes is never easy, especially if an attitude becomes a lifestyle. Changing a lifestyle is difficult, but would be well worth the effort.

Dear Mr. President

2008-09-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

As November 4th draws near, I ponder who will be the next President of the United States. I believe that the candidate John McCain is to be the man for the job.

McCain is morally more where I stand than Obama. My main issue is abortion. McCain is against abortion which makes me very proud to say I would cast my vote for him. However, I wish he would try to get an amendment passed to outlaw abortion all together instead of letting states individually decide.

As I right a letter to the the future President, John McCain, my goal is to try and persuade him to make abortion illegal.

Sci-Fi as a Genre

2008-09-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

Having just finished reading The Time Machine by H.G. Wells, I have confirmed my belief that Science-Fiction is a ridiculous genre. Sci-Fi has never been my type of genre to read. To me, the books are pointless. I would much rather read about something that has happened in the past or something that is happening now in this day and time. Something I can learn from. Aliens and Bigfoots have never appealed to me.

"Why," I wonder "can't such talented writers produce something actually worth reading?" For example, when I read about something that happened in the past, the feeling is as if I have learned something. When reading Sci-Fi, I feel my brain slowly filling with nonsense about Spaceships in New Mexico.

Some people that read Sci-Fi live in a world all their own. I prefer to live in the present where I know what is happening and remember what has happened in the past. I find myself perfectly fine with not knowing what will happen tomorrow.

The Life of Ms. Lucious Lips

2008-09-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

In the world of Sparkle n’ Shine, Ms. Luscious Lips is always saving the day. She is very easy to recognize, since she is the only woman armed with a mascara wand. Flying about in a long diamond studded evening gown, she reminds women of just how gorgeous they really are. Ms. Luscious Lips has perfect make-up as well. Her hair is always curled in tiny spirals and left to dance as she soars through the air and through the minds of the women she helps. Ms. Luscious Lips also has dazzling superpowers. With the slightest tickle of her wand upon a head, in she goes, prioritizing the ladies’ minds. Beauty, of course, always comes first. While the patient is asleep, Ms. Luscious Lips gives make-over after make-over with her wand. If Luscious Lips wants it, the wand does it! Lashes cured, nails painted, and ears pierced. Ms. Luscious Lips being the sweet person she is never wishes to wake or startle her patient. With a suspicious glittering powder she sprinkles her head, making her completely invisible. All she leaves behind is a note stating where she got the beauty products, so if the woman desires, she can continue to use them. Without Ms. Luscious Lips, where would the women in Sparkle n’ Shine be?