My Blogging Experience

Here it is, the last blog of my senior year.  I wasn't sure how this whole blogging thing would turn out at the beginning of the year.  I am not on the Internet in a blogging type of way, and this was my first experience with blogging. I thought that these blogs would be a really easy grade to make, but I was somewhat wrong about that.  Blogging definitely takes time, thought, and work.  It took some effort creating a blog and making it ready to start posting.  Then, the blog posts themselves were some work.  Especially like tonight when I had no idea these were due before midnight.  You have to pick a topic that you want to write about and make a somewhat decent blog about.  And why wouldn't you want to make a decent blog? It is your opinion and you should want to make a strong opinion.  Also, make it fun for people to read. It was also more difficult to write blogs because I didn't have a lot of time to read books this year so I had to find creative ways to find something to blog about.  These blogging assignments proved to be a bit harder than i thought they were going to be and the content had to have more depth than i thought it would need.  Overall, these assignments were different than anything I have ever had to do for an assignment.  Since it was different, it was fun and interesting.  Though I have to say, I don't think i will miss blogging.  And I don't think blogging will miss me.  BUT I will miss blogging for Mrs. Healey.  Thanks for being an awesome teacher for my senior year of high school.  Your class was always a highlight of my day, you rock!

Da Vinci

Recently, I read the DaVinci Code by Dan Brown.  I had seen parts of the movie so I knew I was interested in reading the book at some point.  I didn't have much time to read many books this year, but I am glad I chose this book to read.  It held my attention the entire time I was reading it.  It was one of those books that you hate to put down and you lose track of time while reading it.  I really enjoyed the mystery of the book and the action.  As the reader, you are constantly on your toes and asking questions.  I really liked how Dan Brown never revealed too much and always kept the reader guessing.  I really enjoyed all of the references to Leonardo DaVinci.  I wrote my first ever research paper on Leonardo DaVinci in eighth grade.  I have always been interested in Leonardo DaVinci and his work and his secrets.  I think it is obvious through his work that he was a very intelligent man and he may have known more than most people.  I enjoyed how much historical references and facts Dan Brown used in his fiction novel because I think it gives the book a more realistic feel.  However, that realistic feeling may rub people the wrong way concerning their religion.  It can be a controversial book, but I think it is important to keep in mind that it is FICTION.  It is a good read and interesting, but nothing to get your panties in a bunch about.  The novel has a very interesting concept, and some may say a plausible one.  It is a fun read, an exciting read, and I enjoyed every page of it.

Hope...That I can finish this year

Hope Is The Thing With Feathers

Emily Dickinson

"Hope" is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -

I've heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.

I chose this poem because it is a great way of explaining hope.  Hope is weightless and always happy.  It is hard to lose and it is what you have when you have absolutely nothing.  Hope expects nothing in return, it is just there to help you along.  At this point in the year, I think a lot of seniors are riding on hope.  They are hoping they pass their tests they are no longer studying for.  They are hoping that the homework they didn't do won't be collected.  They are hoping their teachers are feeling as lazy as they are and won't assign work.  They are hoping this last quarter will be an easy one.  They are hoping this last quarter goes by quickly so we can finally receive our high school diplomas and start the next chapter in our lives.  They are hoping for a summer filled with fun and friends before we all depart for college.  They are hoping they transition well at college and make new friends.  They are hoping for their future.  Hope is great and should be held on to.

Never Let Me Go

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Since we never really discussed this summer reading book in depth in class, I have decided to write an end of the year blog on it.  Hands down this was my favorite book I had to read last summer and without a doubt, the best summer reading book I have ever been assigned.  I really enjoyed how the whole book is written.  As the reader, you get to know the characters personally as they grow up through Kathy's memories.  They seem like completely normal children who do normal things and feel and react as normal children.  That's why as I read it, it took me by surprise when I finally discovered why they were different.  The discovery of them being clones and that their ultimate fate was donating their organs was kind of heartbreaking.  You had gotten to know the characters and related to them as human beings, and then you find out that they aren't treated as human beings.  As children, they were all curious why Madam would take their artwork for her gallery.  Later, Kathy finds out that Madam was trying to convince people that these clones also had souls and they were just as human as anyone else.  As the reader, you can relate to Madam's argument because for the majority of the book, you don't know they are clones.  I think this book is written very well, it keeps the reader reading by the mystery and then has the reader finish by feeling sympathy for the characters.  I also think this book is a look into the future and future ethics.  One day, it might be possible to create clones for organ harvesting.  And if that day comes, the world will be faced with the conflict in this book.  Do they have souls?  Should they have basic human rights also?  If they turn out to be anything like the characters in this book; they are able to feel, love, and react, then I believe the answer is yes.  Never Let Me Go was an interesting read that also got me thinking

Versace Versace

Versace by Daniel K. Davis

I read this biography by Daniel K. Davis on Gianni Versace for my research paper.  It was jammed packed full of information on everything Versace.  This was a major source for my paper because I learned pretty much everything about Gianni Versace and his fashion house by reading it.  I discovered where in Italy he was born and raised.  His mother was a dressmaker and that's how he discovered his love for fashion.  He also had a close relationship with his siblings who would later help him build his fashion empire and also continue his work once he died.  By reading this biography, I learned all about Versace's creative genius.  I, myself, am more of a fan of designers such as Armani and Dolce and Gabbana.  So, reading this book on Versace gave me a different outlook on Versace.  Once you learn about Gianni Versace and his fashion house, you have to respect his uniqueness and creativity.  He wanted his clothes to express the individual wearing them and he wanted them to mean something.  He wanted his clothes to be noticed and not overlooked.  He didn't want his clothes to be the kind that you could just reach in your closet and throw on and go on with your day.  He wanted his clients to think about their clothes and express themselves with it.  Gianni Versace changed the fashion world with his colorful patterns, mixture of materials, and sexy cuts.  He broke all the rules which allow fashion designers of today to feel the freedom to design however they want.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

The Wudan teaches their pupils rules. Rules such as friendship, trust, humility, and loyalty. I think these rules are necessary to be a successful warrior. Warriors are unlike other people; they have a special talent and women don't have to be married. Warrior women can roam free which is frowned upon by common women whose biggest accomplishment in life is marriage. So, I can see where friendship is an important aspect of being a warrior. They must join together and respect one another since they are different. Trust is also big. A pupil must trust their master to train them well and correctly. A master must trust their pupil to be obedient and learn. A warrior must trust themselves and their ability to carry out their duty. At the same time, a warrior must be humble. They can not be arrogant or impulsive. They have to respect other warriors with exceptional ability and the chance they can lose. They have to be humble that others could possibly have better abilities. Humility is important in making level-headed decisions in fights. Loyalty is another important value. Pupils must be loyal to their masters. Pupils must be loyal to the Wudan. They have to be able to keep the wudan's secrets and stay loyal to their purpose. I believe these values are what makes the warriors so effortless if they master these values.

Midterm Motivation

Would you like me to give you a formula for success? It's quite simple, really. Double your rate of failure. You are thinking of failure as the enemy of success. But it isn't at all. You can be discouraged by failure - or you can learn from it. So go ahead and make mistakes. Make all you can. Because, remember, that's where you will find success. -John Watson

A quote about motivation and success seemed appropriate with midterms next week and senioritis striking hard.  Of course I was thinking something along the lines of "Keep going.  You can do it.  Don't give up."  But one about failing seems even better.  Midterms aren't looking too good when all of our energy is spent, our stress is through the roof, and our motivation is beginning to lag.  So, remember, failure isn't always a bad thing.  Get an F on a midterm here and there?  Don't sweat, learn from it.  Do better on midterms next year...oh wait, that's right, midterms don't exist in college...lol.  All jokes aside, this is a great quote.  We can't be perfect all the time.  There will be times that we fail.  But failure shouldn't discourage us.  We can only get better from there.  I definitely agree that in failure you find success.  I know when I fail at something I get determined to succeed.  Mistakes are a great learning tool when you are able to realize the mistake and fix it.  As Aaliyah once said, "If at first you don't succeed, dust yourself off and try again."  Life is full of failure.  But failure can lead to even greater success if you don't let it discourage you.

I Like Green Eggs and Ham

Green Eggs and Ham

By Dr. Suess

While looking for something short to read to write a blog entry about, I came across some books my siblings and I used to read when we were little.  My favorite, Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess, was among them.  How could I not post an entry about Green Eggs and Ham?  It's a classic.  I read it again after years of not giving it a second glance.  It still amuses me and holds my attention.  That's one of the great things about any Dr.Suess book.  No matter how old you get, his books are fun to read.  Dr. Suess was a master of rhyme.  He was like the first and best white rapper.  Eminem has nothing on Dr. Suess.  Will the real Sam I Am please stand up.  The imaginative detail in Green Eggs and Ham really sparks one's senses.  The fun made up words always makes it entertaining to read.  And of course, how short the rhyme schemes and story is really appeals to lazy high school readers.  I don't think anyone is too old to read a good Dr. Suess book.  His unique stories are timeless and have no age limit.  His stories are jam packed full of literary devices.  Rhyming of course "I do not like green eggs and ham.  I do not like them Sam I am."  Assonance- "box, fox".  Alliteration- "them, there".  There is plenty of imagery and all sorts of other literary devices.  Of course to small children, the story just holds their attention with fun and ear-catching language.  But as someone gets older and receives some background on poetry, you notice the the foundation of the writing which can also be fun.  Fun fact!  Green Eggs and Ham uses a total of 50 words throughout the whole story.  Dr. Suess was without a doubt an amazing writer and I don't think his work should be limited to children.  His work is still entertaining to read as an eighteen year old.  I'm not ashamed.  I would rather read Green Eggs and Ham than Oepidus Rex.  #sorrynotsorry

"'Twas the Night Before Christmas"

'Twas the Night Before Christmas
by Clement Clarke Moore

Clement Clarke Moore wrote this poem in 1822 and it is still one of the most popular Christmas poems today. This poem is completely timeless and still fills people with the holiday spirit. He wrote it for his own children and I think it is truly amazing that it is still read to children to this day. I believe it has stayed popular for a few reasons. First, the literary devices make the poem very appealing to hear. The use of rhyme makes the poem fun and childish, which children love. Also, Moore uses clear and festive imagery. How he describes the atmosphere of a house on Christmas Eve and his description of St. Nick is wonderful. It almost seems real to adults, so it definitely seems real to children. Moore also puts alliteration to good use. Alliteration also makes the poem flow and makes it appealing to listen to. Another reason I believe this poem is timeless is because it is referenced so much in popular culture. References range from comics to movies to songs. In the comic strip, Garfield, the poem is referenced around Christmas time. There is also a movie called "'Twas The Night Before Christmas". The famous Muppets recite the famous poem. In the Christmas classic, "The Grinch", the beginning of the poem is recited as the grinch sneaks in the houses to steal the presents, trees, and decorations. Another movie that keeps this poem alive is Tim Burton's, "The Nightmare Before Christmas". Jack the Pumpkin King wants to mix things up and try out a different holiday other than Halloween. He and his nightmarish friends make their own Christmas presents to deliver, and as he travels in his ghoulish sleigh he recites the end of the poem “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”. Another example is in the movie "The Santa Clause" with Tim Allen. When he becomes Santa and gets into character, he recites the "Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blixen!" part of the poem. These are just a few examples of countless references to this extraordinary poem. Another reason I believe this poem is still to this day one of the most loved and well known poems is because it is full of Christmas spirit and joy. If hearing this poem doesn't make you jolly and feel Christmas, you have no soul. I feel confident in saying that we all know how it felt to be waiting for Santa in a quiet yet excited house. Also, I don't know about you but, Moore's vivid description of St.Nick is exactly the image of Santa in my mind. This poem takes me back to being a kid and the feeling of wonder and happiness during Christmas. This poem remains popular because it is relatable and just happy. Moore did a splendid job at capturing the spirit of Christmas with his words. I believe this poem will continue to be a Christmas classic and will always warm people's hearts. Christmas is a time of happiness and this poem encompasses that holiday happiness. I bet Moore had no idea how long of an effect his poem for his children would have on the world. I am glad that this poem has become a classic. Even the fact that he wrote it for his kids is full of Christmas spirit. So pretty much, I love this poem. I think it is the greatest Christmas poem ever written and it deserves to be a classic. Merry Christmas Mrs. Healey and anyone else who reads this blog! Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Human Rules

These ten rules are a good start of guidelines for being human, but it is impossible to limit the human experience to ten simple rules.  Most of the rules I agree with, but there are a couple that I do not completely agree with.  I believe #3 is not completely true.  We do make mistakes, BUT mistakes are OKAY.  A mistake is when we have learned a certain lesson, but choose the wrong way anyway.  Making mistakes is part of being human.  The real trick is realizing the mistake we have made, and do not make it again.  We are not perfect, so there is such a thing as a "mistake".  And #7, others are not merely mirrors of you.  Sure, we have some similarities, but we are all different.  We are all our own person, with our own thoughts and opinions.  The real trick to this rule is knowing yourself, your thoughts, and your opinions.

As I said before, it is impossible to make a list of ten rules for being human because the experience is much larger for any ten rules.  There are a few rules that I would add to this list.
#11 We do make mistakes, but do not be afraid to make them. Learn from them. Share your mistakes so others can learn from them.
#12 Take every moment you can to laugh and love life, it is short.
#13 Do not be scared to ask for help.  There are so many humans for a reason...to join together and assist one another.
#14 Always strive to meet your full potential.  Each one of us has been given gifts, talents, intelligence, and much more.  Strive to express those gifts in every way you can.
#15 Share your happiness with others.  Not only will it make other people happy, it will make you happier.
#16 How can one forget to include the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you."  Always treat people with kindness, it will go a long way.
#17 Do not stress the little things.  It will drive you crazy.  Think to yourself, "does this really matter?"
#18 Impermanence.  Remember, people change, situations change, everything changes.  If you are having a bad day, it won't stay bad forever.
#19 Stay positive.
#20 There is nothing you can not handle.  When things get hard, remember that you were made to thrive and succeed.  There is nothing that can destroy your human spirit.

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is a novel written by Suzanne Collins.  I believe this novel displays many different themes.  One theme I think stands out as important is the value of life.  I think valuing your life along with the lives of others is very important in this world because of the human condition that we only live once.  I also believe that our world has become corrupt and we do not value life as we should.  So, it is inspiring that a modern author has written a book that constantly shows someone valuing life in the midst of violence and death.  An example of life being valued is when Katniss volunteers as tribute for her little sister.  This act shows that she is willing to give up her own life for her sister's life.  Although she is ready to give her life, she is valuing her younger sister's life.  This is a very touching act of love and valuing life.  I think people in today's world should value life as Katniss values life in The Hunger Games.  If people valued life like Katniss, this world would be a better world to live in.  Another example of Katniss valuing life is when she honored Rue by laying flowers on her body when she died.  Also, Katniss makes it clear throughout the novel that she does not agree with the Hunger Games.  Katniss recognizes and appreciates human life, and the Hunger Games degrades and abolishes human life; so she strongly disagrees with this form of genocide.  Katniss shows the respect for life that I believe is necessary.  There are so many forms of disrespect of life in our world and I believe we need to return to respecting life.  Life is a precious gift and we should not be the one's determining the worth or extent of others and our own lives.  In conclusion, all humans should not only respect their own lives, but all the lives around them.  Therefore, I truly appreciate Suzanne Collins's display of the theme and moral of valuing human life.

A Different View of Ash

Patience Worth (1883-1937)

 

Who Said That Love Was Fire?

Who said that love was fire?
I know that love is ash.
It is the thing which remains
When the fire is spent,
The holy essence of experience.

I find this poem very interesting.  It is so short, but it reveals a truth that I do not think people tend to recognize on a daily basis.  This short poem gives ash a new meaning, a different view.  At least it does for me.  A popular image and comparison of love has always been fire.  You can find love being compared to fire and a flame in many modern works of literature.  You can also find love being compared to an everlasting fire in the works of Shakespeare.  Patience Worth gives us a new angle in which to look at love.  Fire is bright, full of heat, color, and life.  Ash is grey, gritty, and usually depressing.  But in reality, it is more realistic to compare love to ash than to fire.  Love does not always stay so alive and heated like a fire, and that feeling does not always mean love.  Also, no fire burns forever, but love can last forever.  Worth compares ash to an experienced love.  Ash is what prevails after a fire has burned out.  Experience is what makes love last, not the flame.  When you continue to love someone past the flame stage is when you gain the experience of truly loving someone. I can believe that love lasts with experience.  Ash is the result of a fire dying out, so the ash is the remains of the fire.  For love, the ash is the love that is present and obtained when the initial attraction that originally brought two people is passed.  I just think this is an uncommon and refreshing image of love.  Normally, ash would not appeal to a person's senses enough to compare it to something as sensational and extraordinary as love, but the way Worth presents the comparison is quite pleasing.  Comparing love to the experienced ash of a dwindled fire is a powerful image.  This poem caught my attention even though it is very short because it contains a new way to view love that is not popularized and overused. 

"What Does the Fox Say?"

Music is a huge part of our daily lives. I am always searching for songs that I am interested in no matter what the genre is. I always keep an open mind when it comes to listening to a piece of music. I found a new song and a recent internet sensation that grabbed my attention. The new song, “What Does the Fox Say” has over 131 millions views on Youtube. I like this song and music video for many reasons. First off, the song is very simple and not too complex. The song starts off by stating the sounds different animals make. For example, the dog goes woof, the cat goes meow, the cow goes moo, and so on and so fourth. The song is so simple, even a three year old child could follow and enjoy it. I also like the music video because it is very creative and original. There are people dressed up in animal costumes dancing and singing along to the song. The next reason I like this song is because of the interesting beat that is used behind the song. The song has a very catchy beat that makes me want to listen to it over and over again. When a song gets stuck in my head and I just want to listen to it several times a day, that’s when I know I found a song I like. The point of the song is, no one knows what the fox says or what noise it makes. The artist describes the noise of the fox with a few different personifications. The singer says the fox makes noises like, “Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding” and “Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow”. These noises are rather comical when the artist is singing them and they really grab your attention.  I am interested in this video because it humors me. This song is very different than other songs from our generation. The songs from our generation sometimes are too similar and more times than not, send a negative message to the listeners. Not only does this song sound good and have a good beat but it is also educational for young toddlers and keeps a clean sense of humor. I think the freedom for people to express themselves in music is vital in today’s world. Besides the humorous sense of the song, this song can be interpreted in a deeper sense. The fox is a mysterious animal and it is a mystery of what it says. Foxes are very majestic creatures and I think the song reflects this in a deeper literary sense. 

Helping People with Science

www.disabled-world.com/medical/rehabilitation/therapy/

This article provides information about what physical therapists do, who they work with, and why physical therapy is beneficial.  I think the unique qualities of physical therapists are they work with people of all ages and they can mend many different physical issues.  One day, a physical therapist could be rehabilitating a senior citizen who is recovering from a hip replacement surgery.  The next day, that same physical therapist could be helping mobilize an infant who was born with a muscular defect.  I think it is amazing how a physical therapist can fix a myriad of physical problems such as; sports injuries, day-to-day injuries like falling or pulling muscles, loss of function in a limb from a stroke, birth defects, or loss of strength due to surgery.  Since physical therapists are professionals on how the body moves and works, they are able to help any human being; no matter their size, age, race, gender, etc.  Physical therapists use their immense knowledge of the human body to help people in need.  Physical therapists use their knowledge to rehabilitate people with injuries or defects so they can live normal and comfortable lives by regaining their strength and mobilization.  I just think it is inspiring that physical therapists go through school to gain knowledge that they will use every day to help people they do not even know.  That inspiration of using their expertise to aid people in distress and pain is why I want to become a physical therapist one day.  Attending college and earning a degree is a very difficult goal to achieve.  Becoming a physical therapist will require a lot of work, dedication, long hours, and it will be a challenge.  I know that all the hard work I put into earning my degree and all the knowledge I gain won’t be for nothing.  Every day that I get to witness a patient overcome a physical ailment and every smile I catch a glimpse of because a patient has recognized their triumph will make all the blood, sweat, and tears worth it.  I have seen first hand how physical therapy can benefit someone.  I have witnessed physical therapists rehabilitate my brother from sports injuries, a close family friend from seizures, and my cousin with autism.  I believe that being able to relieve and rehabilitate people of their physical pain will be an amazing and satisfying career that will never get old.