Monday, May 2, 2011
Osama Free-Write
My feeling on the death of Osama Bin Laden is indifference, however I do believe that this won't change a whole lot in the middle east, or how we currently stand overseas. Osama Bin Laden was (or we think he was) a huge figure for terrorism in the middle east, but, I don't know how much his death will affect Al-Qaeda or any other terroristic organization, in theory this could end the war on terror gradually, but the other terroristic groups in the middle east more than likely have other leaders that can easily fill Osama's shoes. It wouldn't make much sense to assume that this would affect our position in Pakistan or Afghanistan or any other middle eastern country with terroristic organiztions, Al-Qaeda is the most well known but that doesn't mean it's the most powerful, or influential in those countries. Like in class today, Max was saying something about how there's a 'runner-up' for Osama, and if he was in hiding all these years, who knows how much he was doing or how much influence he had on the terrorist's actions. Al-Qaeda could already have a more powerful leader and we have no idea who that person is. to be continued....
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Slaughterhouse-5 PreWriting
Please list 10 ways you can improve your essay scores
1. Re-read the book for quotes 6. Make more drafts
2 Brainstorm Ideas 7. Run Spell check, revise often
3. Do a lot of prewriting 8. Develop a deeper thesis
4. Focus 9. Use a good PIE structure
5. Read example essays 10. Participate in discussion
Please write any 15 thoughts about the book Slaughterhouse-5. For each thought, please refer to a specific part of the book that generated this thought (for instance, “It was funny” receives no credit; “It was funny when he described the Tralfamadorians” receives full credit).
1. I enjoyed the vulgar language, it added to the maturity of the book... or lack thereof.
2. There was no defined pattern, e.g. The time travel jumped around a lot, it wasn't linear.
3. The nonlinear perspective on time was interesting in it's self.
4. I found it funny how Vonnegut expected so much out of the 1970's
5. I thought that "so it goes," seemed like a good 'defense mechanism,' for death.
6. Billy's utter lack of emotion was quite surprising and a level on which I can easily relate to him.
7. Having 3 plots, though confusing at times, seemed to prove effective in the development of this story
8. Absolutely everything about the Tralfamadorians was completely enthralling.
9. I enjoyed the first chapter, in which the Author writes about himself... writing the book.
10. Something I didn't enjoy about the book was when solutions were found to problems that hadn't happened yet, or a climax was revealed so early in the book so that no suspense was created.
11. I disagree with it being an advertised 'anti-war' book because combat is barely even spoken of.
12. The perspective on time travel was interesting and a definite possibility, I believe.
13. The book's definition of the 'Present,' is whatever Vonnegut was writing about at any given time.
14. I found Vonnegut's use of vulgar language and references to sex quite satirical. Especially in today's context...
15. I think there's still potential for this book, a sequel? Just more.
State 5 possible themes for the book Slaughterhouse-5.
1. Death isn't scary
2. War affects everyone
3. Nothing you do will change what will happen
4. Focus on what's good in life
5. Time Travel isn't as glamorous as we may think.
Write a conversation between yourself and Billy Pilgrim in which he tries to teach you a lesson based on his own experiences. You must explain IN DEPTH at least 3 specific events and details from the book in order to receive full credit. This conversation should go on as long as it takes to demonstrate YOUR UNDERSTANDING of Billy’s experiences.
EXAMPLE:
Billy: Hello, Mr. Cheng
Mr. Cheng: Hi Billy
Billy: Have you heard about Tralfamadore?
Mr. Cheng: No, what’s that?
Billy: It’s a planet where they... etc.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Billy: Hello, August.
Me: Greetings, Billy.
Billy: Have you heard about Tralfamadore?
Me: No I can't say that I have, what on Earth is a Tralfamadore?
Billy: Not what on Earth, what off of Earth. Tralfamadore is a planet billions and billions of lightyears away, the inhabitants are small creatures which see 4 dimensions. They know what's going to happen, they see time like you or I see a mountain range.
Me: Amazing.
Billy: I have to take a nap now, farewell!
Me: Likewise.
1. Re-read the book for quotes 6. Make more drafts
2 Brainstorm Ideas 7. Run Spell check, revise often
3. Do a lot of prewriting 8. Develop a deeper thesis
4. Focus 9. Use a good PIE structure
5. Read example essays 10. Participate in discussion
Please write any 15 thoughts about the book Slaughterhouse-5. For each thought, please refer to a specific part of the book that generated this thought (for instance, “It was funny” receives no credit; “It was funny when he described the Tralfamadorians” receives full credit).
1. I enjoyed the vulgar language, it added to the maturity of the book... or lack thereof.
2. There was no defined pattern, e.g. The time travel jumped around a lot, it wasn't linear.
3. The nonlinear perspective on time was interesting in it's self.
4. I found it funny how Vonnegut expected so much out of the 1970's
5. I thought that "so it goes," seemed like a good 'defense mechanism,' for death.
6. Billy's utter lack of emotion was quite surprising and a level on which I can easily relate to him.
7. Having 3 plots, though confusing at times, seemed to prove effective in the development of this story
8. Absolutely everything about the Tralfamadorians was completely enthralling.
9. I enjoyed the first chapter, in which the Author writes about himself... writing the book.
10. Something I didn't enjoy about the book was when solutions were found to problems that hadn't happened yet, or a climax was revealed so early in the book so that no suspense was created.
11. I disagree with it being an advertised 'anti-war' book because combat is barely even spoken of.
12. The perspective on time travel was interesting and a definite possibility, I believe.
13. The book's definition of the 'Present,' is whatever Vonnegut was writing about at any given time.
14. I found Vonnegut's use of vulgar language and references to sex quite satirical. Especially in today's context...
15. I think there's still potential for this book, a sequel? Just more.
State 5 possible themes for the book Slaughterhouse-5.
1. Death isn't scary
2. War affects everyone
3. Nothing you do will change what will happen
4. Focus on what's good in life
5. Time Travel isn't as glamorous as we may think.
Write a conversation between yourself and Billy Pilgrim in which he tries to teach you a lesson based on his own experiences. You must explain IN DEPTH at least 3 specific events and details from the book in order to receive full credit. This conversation should go on as long as it takes to demonstrate YOUR UNDERSTANDING of Billy’s experiences.
EXAMPLE:
Billy: Hello, Mr. Cheng
Mr. Cheng: Hi Billy
Billy: Have you heard about Tralfamadore?
Mr. Cheng: No, what’s that?
Billy: It’s a planet where they... etc.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Billy: Hello, August.
Me: Greetings, Billy.
Billy: Have you heard about Tralfamadore?
Me: No I can't say that I have, what on Earth is a Tralfamadore?
Billy: Not what on Earth, what off of Earth. Tralfamadore is a planet billions and billions of lightyears away, the inhabitants are small creatures which see 4 dimensions. They know what's going to happen, they see time like you or I see a mountain range.
Me: Amazing.
Billy: I have to take a nap now, farewell!
Me: Likewise.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Siddhartha Blogging Assignment(absent)
Siddhartha literally translates to "he who achieves his goal." I believe this is very fitting for him and fits easily into life experiences I've had, but for the opposite reason. Towards the beginning of the book is when Siddhartha's frustration and situation can be as easily compared to my life. "[Siddhartha] had begun to feel that the love of his father and mother, and also the love of his friend Govinda, would not always make him happy, give him peace, satisfy and suffice him. He had begun to suspect that his worthy father and his other teachers, the wise Brahmins, had already passed on to him the bulk and best of their wisdom [but] his soul was not at peace."(3). This quote can easily be tied into my life currently because I feel that I've just begun to be appreciated by my parents as a person, no longer a child, but I'm still not sure what I want to do for the rest of my life and it's slowly eating away at me.
Finding your goal in life is important before you do any planning towards that goal. Siddhartha's goal becomes clear when he sits with the Buddha for a second time after nightfall, he proclaims "I, also, would like to look and smile, sit and walk like that, so free, so worthy, so restrained, so candid, so childlike and mysterious. A man only looks and walks like that when he has conquered his Self. I also will conquer my Self...No other teachings will attract me, since this man's teachings have not done so."(29). This somewhat connects to my life because I found a definite possibility when I shadowed at Perpich Center for Arts Education, it made my life goal become more clear, if there hadn't been one there before, after touring at Perpich (My Buddha) I realized what I wanted to do for the rest of me life.
However, actually following through and achieving said goal is an entirely different story. For Siddhartha it wasn't as simple as taking 1 step in the right direction and he's there, there were multiple paths to take, multiple mistakes to be made, luckily he chose all the right paths. The first 'lesson' Siddhartha learns is one from Kamala. "[Siddhartha learns] that one cannot have pleasure without giving it...She taught him that lovers should not separate from each other after making love without admiring each other, without being conquered as well as conquering, so that no feeling of satiation or desolation arises nor the horrid feeling of misusing or having been misused."(54). Now this quote can't be directly connected to my life, but the principle of it can. Essentially what the quote is saying is that someone shouldn't be appreciated and then deserted and left alone, the person should be surrounded with attention and care from, for lack of a better term, the first party. This applies to my life, not directly, but with purpose. My dream of becoming a studio producer is something that I must pay attention to lest it dwindle and die, I don't want to lose my dream or my grip on it, therefore by attending Perpich or making a point to attempt to attend Perpich is my way of "admiring"(not abandoning) my "lover."(dream).
Finding your goal in life is important before you do any planning towards that goal. Siddhartha's goal becomes clear when he sits with the Buddha for a second time after nightfall, he proclaims "I, also, would like to look and smile, sit and walk like that, so free, so worthy, so restrained, so candid, so childlike and mysterious. A man only looks and walks like that when he has conquered his Self. I also will conquer my Self...No other teachings will attract me, since this man's teachings have not done so."(29). This somewhat connects to my life because I found a definite possibility when I shadowed at Perpich Center for Arts Education, it made my life goal become more clear, if there hadn't been one there before, after touring at Perpich (My Buddha) I realized what I wanted to do for the rest of me life.
However, actually following through and achieving said goal is an entirely different story. For Siddhartha it wasn't as simple as taking 1 step in the right direction and he's there, there were multiple paths to take, multiple mistakes to be made, luckily he chose all the right paths. The first 'lesson' Siddhartha learns is one from Kamala. "[Siddhartha learns] that one cannot have pleasure without giving it...She taught him that lovers should not separate from each other after making love without admiring each other, without being conquered as well as conquering, so that no feeling of satiation or desolation arises nor the horrid feeling of misusing or having been misused."(54). Now this quote can't be directly connected to my life, but the principle of it can. Essentially what the quote is saying is that someone shouldn't be appreciated and then deserted and left alone, the person should be surrounded with attention and care from, for lack of a better term, the first party. This applies to my life, not directly, but with purpose. My dream of becoming a studio producer is something that I must pay attention to lest it dwindle and die, I don't want to lose my dream or my grip on it, therefore by attending Perpich or making a point to attempt to attend Perpich is my way of "admiring"(not abandoning) my "lover."(dream).
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Odyssey Thematic Analysis
Overall Theme: In my opinion, the theme of The Odyssey is to heed your elder's warnings and advice.
PIE #1: Book 12; The Cattle of The Sun.
In this Book, Odysseus and his crew arrive on Thrinicia, The island of the sun, after Eurylochus persuades them to stay. A storm soon comes in and beaches Odysseus and his crew for a whole month, during this month they completely deplete their provisions. They soon find themselves in a position where they must kill and eat the Cattle of The Sun to survive, despite Odysseus' strong warnings against it and orders to not kill the Cattle, the crew are persuaded once again by Eurylochus. "Then in the same breath Zeus hit the craft with a lightning bolt[. . .]shipmates pitched out of her, cutting short their journey home forever." (Pg. 284 Ln.447-552). Helios was angered deeply by the crew eating his cattle so he told Zeus to punish them. This connects to the theme because if the crew had listened to Odysseus and not eaten the cattle they would have lived. Even if it seems like a little issue, elders generally view things in the "big picture," taking their advice and warnings to heart can save you in the long run in many situations.
PIE #2: Book 16; Father and Son.
In Book 16, Telemachos and Odysseus are plotting to kill the suitors. At first Telemachos disagrees with Odysseus' plan and suggests a more direct approach, but Odysseus assures him that if he were to act on his plan to charge in and kill all of them, he would surely die. Telemachos listens to him and it was a good thing that he did. Odysseus says, "If we pit ourselves against all these in a house, I fear the revenge you come back home to take will recoil on our heads- a bitter, deadly blow." (Pg. 346 Ln. 284-286). This quote connects to the theme because Odysseus is explaining why charging in guns blazing would be a bad idea. Telemachos appreciates the wisdom Odysseus has, and acts on the plan his father has proposed. Listening to Odysseus definitely saved Telemachos' life.
PIE #3: Book 22; Slaughter in the Hall.
Book 22 picks up after Odysseus has strung the bow, but hasn't revealed himself yet. Soon after stringing the bow, Odysseus kills Antinoos with it and reveals himself. Eurymachos tries to reason with Odysseus and asks him what they did wrong and if they can live. Odysseus replies "No Eurymachos! Not if you pay me all your father's weath...not even then would i stay my hands from slaughter till all you suitors pay for your crimes." (Pg. 441 Ln. 66-68). Odysseus' punishment for the suitors holds strong because while he was away they took advantage of his palace. This is a superb example of what can happen when you don't heed warnings from elders, though it may be a bit extreme.
PIE #1: Book 12; The Cattle of The Sun.
In this Book, Odysseus and his crew arrive on Thrinicia, The island of the sun, after Eurylochus persuades them to stay. A storm soon comes in and beaches Odysseus and his crew for a whole month, during this month they completely deplete their provisions. They soon find themselves in a position where they must kill and eat the Cattle of The Sun to survive, despite Odysseus' strong warnings against it and orders to not kill the Cattle, the crew are persuaded once again by Eurylochus. "Then in the same breath Zeus hit the craft with a lightning bolt[. . .]shipmates pitched out of her, cutting short their journey home forever." (Pg. 284 Ln.447-552). Helios was angered deeply by the crew eating his cattle so he told Zeus to punish them. This connects to the theme because if the crew had listened to Odysseus and not eaten the cattle they would have lived. Even if it seems like a little issue, elders generally view things in the "big picture," taking their advice and warnings to heart can save you in the long run in many situations.
PIE #2: Book 16; Father and Son.
In Book 16, Telemachos and Odysseus are plotting to kill the suitors. At first Telemachos disagrees with Odysseus' plan and suggests a more direct approach, but Odysseus assures him that if he were to act on his plan to charge in and kill all of them, he would surely die. Telemachos listens to him and it was a good thing that he did. Odysseus says, "If we pit ourselves against all these in a house, I fear the revenge you come back home to take will recoil on our heads- a bitter, deadly blow." (Pg. 346 Ln. 284-286). This quote connects to the theme because Odysseus is explaining why charging in guns blazing would be a bad idea. Telemachos appreciates the wisdom Odysseus has, and acts on the plan his father has proposed. Listening to Odysseus definitely saved Telemachos' life.
PIE #3: Book 22; Slaughter in the Hall.
Book 22 picks up after Odysseus has strung the bow, but hasn't revealed himself yet. Soon after stringing the bow, Odysseus kills Antinoos with it and reveals himself. Eurymachos tries to reason with Odysseus and asks him what they did wrong and if they can live. Odysseus replies "No Eurymachos! Not if you pay me all your father's weath...not even then would i stay my hands from slaughter till all you suitors pay for your crimes." (Pg. 441 Ln. 66-68). Odysseus' punishment for the suitors holds strong because while he was away they took advantage of his palace. This is a superb example of what can happen when you don't heed warnings from elders, though it may be a bit extreme.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Odyssey Reaction Blog
1. According to books I and II of The Odyssey it is my opinion that Telemachus is indeed a hero because of the Call To Adventure. On lines 322-323 of Book I, Mentes speaks to Telemachus, "Fit out a ship with twenty oars, the best in sight, sail in quest of news of your long-lost father." The call to adventure is for Telemachus to go to Ithaka to find his father.
2. According to books I and II of The Odyssey it is my opinion that Odysseus is not a hero because he hasn't done much yet in the story except wait around. Though he faced some ordeals and tests, none would be heroic, I think. He's stranded on Ogygia since the beginning of book I all the way through II and does nothing, therefore I Don't believe he is a hero... yet.
2. According to books I and II of The Odyssey it is my opinion that Odysseus is not a hero because he hasn't done much yet in the story except wait around. Though he faced some ordeals and tests, none would be heroic, I think. He's stranded on Ogygia since the beginning of book I all the way through II and does nothing, therefore I Don't believe he is a hero... yet.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
18+ Concerts
I strongly believe that having a concert or a performance restricted to18+ is more than unnecessary, it is an outrage.
More than often, the majority of an artist's fan-base is under 18, in the 10-20 age group, so what sense does it make to restrict a show to over 18? As a 15 year-old musician, I find it almost insulting to have an 18+ concert, it's essentially saying "You're too young to understand or enjoy our music, so you're not allowed in our concert." Being 18 or over does NOT mean that you have a greater grasp on an artist's music and it's not fair to those of us under 18 who aren't able to attend said concert or performance. And then there are those concerts that are 21+ which is understandable, considering the drinking age, etc.
In short, I propose a change from 18+ Shows to All Ages shows.
More than often, the majority of an artist's fan-base is under 18, in the 10-20 age group, so what sense does it make to restrict a show to over 18? As a 15 year-old musician, I find it almost insulting to have an 18+ concert, it's essentially saying "You're too young to understand or enjoy our music, so you're not allowed in our concert." Being 18 or over does NOT mean that you have a greater grasp on an artist's music and it's not fair to those of us under 18 who aren't able to attend said concert or performance. And then there are those concerts that are 21+ which is understandable, considering the drinking age, etc.
In short, I propose a change from 18+ Shows to All Ages shows.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Thelonious Monk
Four sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelonious_Monk
http://www.answers.com/topic/thelonious-monk
http://www.howardm.net/tsmonk/tsmonk.php
http://www.theloniousmonk.com/
Strange Birth- Started playing piano at the age of 6, Self-Taught.
Call to Adventure- Eavesdropping on his Sister's piano lessons, realization that he wanted to play piano.
Crossing the Threshold- Toured with an evangelist playing the Church Organ, reportedly very uncomfortable.
Hero Partners- The Evangelist, his influences: Art Tatum, Duke Ellington.
Tests, Trials- Was caught with narcotics that did not belong to him and his NYC cabaret card was taken.
Tests, Trials- Diagnosed with Manic Depression and many of his "quirks" were attributed as such.
The Ultimate Boon- Was returned his Cabaret Card and then was able to perform again.
Master of Two Worlds- Found balance within his mind between his mental illness and sanity.
Final Battle- The mental battle Monk had with himself fighting Manic Depression and Dementia.
Death of the Hero- Died of a stroke in 1982.
http://www.answers.com/topic/thelonious-monk
http://www.howardm.net/tsmonk/tsmonk.php
http://www.theloniousmonk.com/
Strange Birth- Started playing piano at the age of 6, Self-Taught.
Call to Adventure- Eavesdropping on his Sister's piano lessons, realization that he wanted to play piano.
Crossing the Threshold- Toured with an evangelist playing the Church Organ, reportedly very uncomfortable.
Hero Partners- The Evangelist, his influences: Art Tatum, Duke Ellington.
Tests, Trials- Was caught with narcotics that did not belong to him and his NYC cabaret card was taken.
Tests, Trials- Diagnosed with Manic Depression and many of his "quirks" were attributed as such.
The Ultimate Boon- Was returned his Cabaret Card and then was able to perform again.
Master of Two Worlds- Found balance within his mind between his mental illness and sanity.
Final Battle- The mental battle Monk had with himself fighting Manic Depression and Dementia.
Death of the Hero- Died of a stroke in 1982.
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