What is the greatest challenge facing your generation? What will be necessary to address it?
I believe that the greatest challenge facing my generation would be technology mutilating social norms. With social networking and college/schools developing online with the same benefits as a normal school, people will be kept in their houses, confined to a computer screen. To address this would be reconsidering online schooling and perhaps giving a limit to those who can and can't attend online schooling, i.e. those with low budget who need to work and don't have time to school. However, a certain number of hours in a schooling environment should be required for graduates.
Describe your vision for yourself in pursuing higher education.
I plan to attend a 4 year college and major in either international business or international affairs, with a minor in the Chinese language. I'd also like to study media arts and graphic design.
What is a quality in a classmate that you would like to develop in yourself?
A quality in classmates that I've worked with would be to gain leadership abilities, since in groups, I tend to be more of a follower. I would like to be a leader to easily share my ideas and have a thought that people are hearing them.
Beyond grades, what motivates you to work hard at school?
I am motivated by the thought of college, and through high school classes which subconsciously teach how to take notes and learn how to manage your time with assignments. This is especially important in college, since there is notably a lot of work that you are expected to know how to deal with when you get there. Not to mention, what you do in high school greatly changes your chances of getting into whatever college you're interested in, so that's a motivation too.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Writing Reflection
At the beginning of the year I found it difficult to create leads and endings to my writing pieces. I had always felt that I had strong content to put in (albeit a tad jumbled) but I could never find a way to pull a reader in or lead a reader out without making me feel awkward about writing the whole piece in general. An example of such would be my "Desert Solitaire" question writing, which I did back in December, which would be here. The essay begins abruptly and ends with a statement that could've been explained much clearer. During my internship, I presented this problem to my mentor. I watched her create ledes and endings for some short articles she had requested I finish. I was able to see what structure an ending should have to finish the writing piece strong, crisp and clear, with a thought in your head. I found that my ending for Ampersand was presented stronger and at the same time satirical.
A goal for my writing in the future would be for my side to be presented stronger. In my ampersand piece, I didn't exactly take too much of a side. An example of this would be my Ampersand piece. While I do find that I had a strong article, I found myself not really taking a side, instead presenting both sides. As Randy always says, there is no such thing as an unbiased piece of writing, so my attempt to create a piece explaining the pros and cons of 2 opposing concepts, and it may have looked like I didn't exactly know what I was writing about. Also, I would like to have more of a smooth transition between different ideas. An example of this is here.
A goal for my writing in the future would be for my side to be presented stronger. In my ampersand piece, I didn't exactly take too much of a side. An example of this would be my Ampersand piece. While I do find that I had a strong article, I found myself not really taking a side, instead presenting both sides. As Randy always says, there is no such thing as an unbiased piece of writing, so my attempt to create a piece explaining the pros and cons of 2 opposing concepts, and it may have looked like I didn't exactly know what I was writing about. Also, I would like to have more of a smooth transition between different ideas. An example of this is here.
Semester Reflection P1
What challenges do you face as a student in a project-based learning environment?
I'd have to say that after attending HTHMA for 3 years, the greatest challenge I find is the ability to do "normal" school work when it is assigned. By this, I mean essays and other assignments (i.e. math assignments, next-day biology readings, etc.) that would be due in a limited amount of time I sort of found harder to do, since I was used to working in and out of school on a long-term project, such as Ampersand, where I could space my time out and not have that "it's due tomorrow" feeling. This is a challenge, since I will have all sorts of different assignments due overnight in senior year and college, so I have to get used to not having project homework every night.
Describe in detail one significant academic challenge you faced this year. Why was it a challenge for you? Go in depth, use specific experiences, and explain how they contrast with a less challenging experience.
I'd have to say that after attending HTHMA for 3 years, the greatest challenge I find is the ability to do "normal" school work when it is assigned. By this, I mean essays and other assignments (i.e. math assignments, next-day biology readings, etc.) that would be due in a limited amount of time I sort of found harder to do, since I was used to working in and out of school on a long-term project, such as Ampersand, where I could space my time out and not have that "it's due tomorrow" feeling. This is a challenge, since I will have all sorts of different assignments due overnight in senior year and college, so I have to get used to not having project homework every night.
Describe in detail one significant academic challenge you faced this year. Why was it a challenge for you? Go in depth, use specific experiences, and explain how they contrast with a less challenging experience.
I mostly had a challenge when it came to organizing thought. I found myself stuttering when it came to explaining my own thoughts when I was called on, or writing in unorganized thought with no pattern. Even now as I write this, I find myself jumping from sentence to sentence. Because of this I had an especially difficult time writing for the La Jolla Light Newspaper (my internship), since my ideas mostly came out jumbled or 1/2 in my head.
Also, Ampersand was more difficult since it was more like I threw everything I wanted to say in the article all at once.
Also, Ampersand was more difficult since it was more like I threw everything I wanted to say in the article all at once.
Describe one valuable mistake you made this year.
I think a mistake I've made this year was not keeping up with reading, especially with Grapes of Wrath. I didn't figure it meant much since I was working on Ampersand most of the time, so I didn't keep up with reading. Next thing I know, I'm being told that there's a quiz coming up in 2 days on chapters I haven't read, so I end up frantically reading through the book the last day. I found this to be a habit throughout the year with the honors novels, but after the GoW issue I learned that I should be more on top of reading, and was able to complete Slaughterhouse 5 on time and finish the quotes/sketches every time they were assigned.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Historical Reflections
Of all of the historical figures we have studied this year, including—but definitely not limited to—Presidents, philosophers, politicians, leaders, social movement-ers, and the many everyday people that have contributed to American history & culture, who would you most like to run into in college?
If I could run into any historical figure, I'd want it to be late president Franklin D Roosevelt. I wouldn't mind him being a student, but if he was a student, he wouldn't have had that much experience in his life, so I'd like him to be a professor for a philosophy class that I'd take. He would be teaching after his presidential occupation had been finished (but not dead, mind you).
Roosevelt would be an amazing public speaker in a classroom environment. I believe he'd treat the students as equal to himself as he did to American citizens when he became president in the 30's. I think he'd personally connect to the students as a teacher opposed to just teaching them blindly.
"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future."
"In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved."
http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Franklin_D._Roosevelt.
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USArooseveltF.htm
http://millercenter.org/academic/americanpresident/fdroosevelt
If I could run into any historical figure, I'd want it to be late president Franklin D Roosevelt. I wouldn't mind him being a student, but if he was a student, he wouldn't have had that much experience in his life, so I'd like him to be a professor for a philosophy class that I'd take. He would be teaching after his presidential occupation had been finished (but not dead, mind you).
Roosevelt would be an amazing public speaker in a classroom environment. I believe he'd treat the students as equal to himself as he did to American citizens when he became president in the 30's. I think he'd personally connect to the students as a teacher opposed to just teaching them blindly.
"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future."
"In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved."
http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Franklin_D._Roosevelt.
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USArooseveltF.htm
http://millercenter.org/academic/americanpresident/fdroosevelt
Honors Essay - Literary Reflections
If you could bring one character from any one book that we have read this year with you when you go to college, who would bring? Why?
If I had to go to college with a character from a book we've read, I would choose a Tralfamadorian from Slaughterhouse 5. I wouldn't choose any Tralfamadorian in particular, just the first one I pick. They're friendly, or so I've heard (more like read), so they wouldn't mind accompanying me. I wouldn't need it as a roommate, since it could easily blend into my bathroom as a plunger (well, for the most part). The far superior sight of this Tralfamadorian could predict for me which questions would be on any exam I'd take during my time at college, giving me an advantage for studying. As Kurt Vonnegut once explained, these Tralfamadorians had much to teach about time to us inferior earthlings, giving me the oppurtunity to see beyond what I've been given.
The Tralfamadorians' philosophies are some to live by too. For example, their philosophy of death is one to keep you thinking. They believe that death is just a "hard time in a person's life," meaning that they are still alive and well in other places and time. Surely, their words would have an impact of some sort while I am stressing over myclasses.
If I had to go to college with a character from a book we've read, I would choose a Tralfamadorian from Slaughterhouse 5. I wouldn't choose any Tralfamadorian in particular, just the first one I pick. They're friendly, or so I've heard (more like read), so they wouldn't mind accompanying me. I wouldn't need it as a roommate, since it could easily blend into my bathroom as a plunger (well, for the most part). The far superior sight of this Tralfamadorian could predict for me which questions would be on any exam I'd take during my time at college, giving me an advantage for studying. As Kurt Vonnegut once explained, these Tralfamadorians had much to teach about time to us inferior earthlings, giving me the oppurtunity to see beyond what I've been given.
The Tralfamadorians' philosophies are some to live by too. For example, their philosophy of death is one to keep you thinking. They believe that death is just a "hard time in a person's life," meaning that they are still alive and well in other places and time. Surely, their words would have an impact of some sort while I am stressing over myclasses.
Monday, April 26, 2010
S2, Honors History Blog 2
How/Why are World Wars 1/2 important today? How do they impact and/or inform our world today? hint: think about alliances, democracies around the world, cultures, international institutions, nuclear (and other) technologies, etc.
World War 2
During WWII, in America, women had to take over men's jobs in factories and other workplaces, as men were fighting in the war. When the war was over, women were so proficient in the workplaces that it was more acceptable for them to work in heavy type jobs that were limited to males before. "Rosie the Riveter" became an icon of female work in factories and manufacturing plants.
WWII especially affected Germany. Germany made many enemies and few allies in WWII. Germany was given a choice to either be invaded by the allies or sign the treaty, so officials felt they had no choice to sign it. Through the treaty of Versailles, a large amount of land would be taken away from Germany (13% of land given to France, Belgium, Denmark, Czechoslovakia, and Poland). The militant forces were to be reduced to 100,000, and Germany was forced to admit to being the main cause of the war, even though that is not entirely true. Germany was also to pay for a large amount of money to allied countries (approximately $32bil USD) in which it the country is still paying off today. Through this, Germany has taken measures
After WWII, the United Nations was formed, more specifically, in 1945. The UN formed after the League of Nations proved to be a failure. The United Nations originally consisted of the Allies Nations in WWII, but now consists of every country of the world (excluding antarctica). The purpose of the United Nations is to keep security and cooperation between the countries, internationally.
Sources:
http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/versailles.htm
http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1656.html
http://www.un.org/en/
http://www.archives.gov/research/alic/index.html
World War 2
During WWII, in America, women had to take over men's jobs in factories and other workplaces, as men were fighting in the war. When the war was over, women were so proficient in the workplaces that it was more acceptable for them to work in heavy type jobs that were limited to males before. "Rosie the Riveter" became an icon of female work in factories and manufacturing plants.
WWII especially affected Germany. Germany made many enemies and few allies in WWII. Germany was given a choice to either be invaded by the allies or sign the treaty, so officials felt they had no choice to sign it. Through the treaty of Versailles, a large amount of land would be taken away from Germany (13% of land given to France, Belgium, Denmark, Czechoslovakia, and Poland). The militant forces were to be reduced to 100,000, and Germany was forced to admit to being the main cause of the war, even though that is not entirely true. Germany was also to pay for a large amount of money to allied countries (approximately $32bil USD) in which it the country is still paying off today. Through this, Germany has taken measures
After WWII, the United Nations was formed, more specifically, in 1945. The UN formed after the League of Nations proved to be a failure. The United Nations originally consisted of the Allies Nations in WWII, but now consists of every country of the world (excluding antarctica). The purpose of the United Nations is to keep security and cooperation between the countries, internationally.
Sources:
http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/versailles.htm
http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1656.html
http://www.un.org/en/
http://www.archives.gov/research/alic/index.html
WW2 Letters
February 18, 1945
Dear (insert loved one's name here),
Tomorrow we will attack Iwo Jima, a Japanese island. It will be our force's first attack on a Home island of Japan.
I am very nervous about what will await us tomorrow. I heard that there are over 10 miles of tunnels under the ground from where the Japanese can attack. Us on the American side have plenty of ways to attack the island, from the water, land, AND sky, and with the help from napalm and other gases, it should be no trouble exterminating the Japan side, and yet, I am uneasy if it will work.
Our plan has been set. First, two troops will land near Mount Siribuchi, a mountain on the island. They will secure the mountain along with securing the west side of the island. From there, we will go from the south up in order to take over the island. We will attack from land using flamethrowers and other artillery, along with napalm gases and others to poison them from aboveground. Then we will do aerial attacks using bombs dropping from over-going aircraft.
Love,
Mr. Marine Man
Thursday, April 22, 2010
S2, Blog 15
After WWII, the ministry of education ordered the kanji count in the Japanese language to be condensed to only 1,945. Also, words created in Japanese after WWII would be in English, but in katakana (For example, English "CD" is japanese "Shiidii" and English "DVD" is japanese "DEEBEEDEE"). This is interesting because, in a while, Japanese will literally be half English.
Ideas such as the microprocessor and computers were branched from WWII during the Manhattan project, when the idea of multitasking machinery was considered. The first were punchcards fed into such a machine and would spit out information.
Monday, April 19, 2010
S2, Blog 14
1. What are the most interesting aspects of World Wars 1 and 2?
2. What do you hope to learn about these wars?
3. How/Why are these wars important today? How do they impact and/or inform our world today? hint: think about alliances, democracies around the world, cultures, international institutions, nuclear (and other) technologies, etc.
1. The most interesting aspects of world wars 1 and 2 are the causes that brought the wars to be. For example, I'm aware that World War 1 started because of the controversial assassination of Franz Ferdinand (not sure much what happened after that, which I hope to learn).
2. I hope to learn what conflicts initially started these wars. I believe I know what start WWI (franz ferdinand) but what else? Also, what triggered WWII at first?
3. These wars are important today because, without them, things that were fought for during the World Wars (i.e., extermination of nazism, and other aspects)
Greenpeace Campaign
Monday, March 15, 2010
S2, Blog 13 (GOW Essay) {honors novel 2}
How does Jim Casy's moral philosophy guide the novel as a whole?
In a way, Steinbeck portrays Jim Casy as a sort of holier figure in the Grapes of Wrath book. His accidental meeting with one of the main, if not the most main, character, Tom Joad, was where this first concept came in to play. Jim Casy was seen sitting alone, recognizing Tom Joad on sight as a boy he once baptized many years ago. Upon asking if he still was known as reverend Jim Casy, he goes on to explain a revelation he made while preaching that brought him to the conclusion he should no longer preach.
"...I was sayin' out loud, 'The hell with it! There ain't no sin and there ain't no virtue. There's just stuff people do. It's all part of the same thing.' . . . . I says, 'What's this call, this sperit?' An' I says, 'It's love. I love people so much I'm fit to bust, sometimes.' . . . . I figgered, 'Why do we got to hang it on God or Jesus? Maybe,' I figgered, 'maybe it's all men an' all women we love; maybe that's the Holy Sperit-the human sperit-the whole shebang. Maybe all men got one big soul ever'body's a part of.' Now I sat there thinkin' it, an' all of a suddent-I knew it. I knew it so deep down that it was true, and I still know it."
These was a significant moment in the Grapes of Wrath because it conveys a whole new perspective on a widely controversial subject: the subject of higher power existing. He explains his revelation of this "Sperit" that he once believed to be with only those believing in God and Jesus to be in man as a whole.
However, his philosophy of holiness being in humans as a whole contradicts the actions and "virtues" of people in Grapes of Wrath.
Through this, his philosophy can help guide the novel as in show how corrupted and "unholy," in all senses of the word, the world has become during this time period. Casy's philosophy is that holiness is in people, and their so called "sin and virtue" is nonexistent, as it's just "stuff people do." He believes that this holiness and true virtue is in the heart and soul of the people, which drives us as humans to do what we do, and care for each other with the same love that one may think was God's love. However, during the book, things happen were any kind of virtue, God's or philosophically the ideals of man. During this time period, man's true "evil" side came out when the value of wealth became more valuable than the value of men. For example, when fruits were allowed to rot instead of given to those who truly needed it. Through this, the philosophy is turned sour in a contradictory situation of mankind's ignorance to their love for one another. Also by this, the moral philosophy that Jim Casy invented and had potentially led the story along was contradicted, which made the reader think harder of the meaning behind Grapes of Wrath.
However, in the final scene, where Rose of Sharon suckles an old dying man after birthing a stillborn child, the concept of Casy's "holiness" and a higher power "holiness" concept collides. The scene has been compared to that of the virgin Mary's when she held the dying Christ, and shows both the love of humankind and the original "Sperit" comparison. After the scene, Rose of Sharon looks into the distance and smiles "mysteriously," as if to come to the revelation that everything will be okay, even after their cars have been rained away, along with all their money spent and their new child being born dead. With this the moral philosophy of Jim Casy ends in the book with an unexpected revelation.
"...I was sayin' out loud, 'The hell with it! There ain't no sin and there ain't no virtue. There's just stuff people do. It's all part of the same thing.' . . . . I says, 'What's this call, this sperit?' An' I says, 'It's love. I love people so much I'm fit to bust, sometimes.' . . . . I figgered, 'Why do we got to hang it on God or Jesus? Maybe,' I figgered, 'maybe it's all men an' all women we love; maybe that's the Holy Sperit-the human sperit-the whole shebang. Maybe all men got one big soul ever'body's a part of.' Now I sat there thinkin' it, an' all of a suddent-I knew it. I knew it so deep down that it was true, and I still know it."
These was a significant moment in the Grapes of Wrath because it conveys a whole new perspective on a widely controversial subject: the subject of higher power existing. He explains his revelation of this "Sperit" that he once believed to be with only those believing in God and Jesus to be in man as a whole.
However, his philosophy of holiness being in humans as a whole contradicts the actions and "virtues" of people in Grapes of Wrath.
Through this, his philosophy can help guide the novel as in show how corrupted and "unholy," in all senses of the word, the world has become during this time period. Casy's philosophy is that holiness is in people, and their so called "sin and virtue" is nonexistent, as it's just "stuff people do." He believes that this holiness and true virtue is in the heart and soul of the people, which drives us as humans to do what we do, and care for each other with the same love that one may think was God's love. However, during the book, things happen were any kind of virtue, God's or philosophically the ideals of man. During this time period, man's true "evil" side came out when the value of wealth became more valuable than the value of men. For example, when fruits were allowed to rot instead of given to those who truly needed it. Through this, the philosophy is turned sour in a contradictory situation of mankind's ignorance to their love for one another. Also by this, the moral philosophy that Jim Casy invented and had potentially led the story along was contradicted, which made the reader think harder of the meaning behind Grapes of Wrath.
However, in the final scene, where Rose of Sharon suckles an old dying man after birthing a stillborn child, the concept of Casy's "holiness" and a higher power "holiness" concept collides. The scene has been compared to that of the virgin Mary's when she held the dying Christ, and shows both the love of humankind and the original "Sperit" comparison. After the scene, Rose of Sharon looks into the distance and smiles "mysteriously," as if to come to the revelation that everything will be okay, even after their cars have been rained away, along with all their money spent and their new child being born dead. With this the moral philosophy of Jim Casy ends in the book with an unexpected revelation.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
My Grapes of Wrath character sketches
https://sites.google.com/a/hightechhigh.org/shanna-s-dp/humanities/grapes-of-wrath
Thursday, March 11, 2010
S2, Blog 12
What were "public works projects"? What famous ones were part of the New Deal? What public works projects would you recommend for our society today?
Public works projects were projects created by the Public Works Administration during the great depression. The purpose of these projects were to rebuild the economy and the nation.
Famous programs that were included in the New Deal included the AAA (Agricultural Adjustment Association), RA (Resettlement Administration), Farm Security Administration (FSA), and the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority).
For our society today, I would recommend the Resettlement Administration. The program relocated those who could not afford to live in their houses and were relocated to communities funded and planned by the federal government. This is a smart idea, because one of the largest factors of the recession is bank reposession of people's houses, leaving many homeless. With the resettlement administration program, those who had been kicked out of their house could be resettled to a federal government community.
Public works projects were projects created by the Public Works Administration during the great depression. The purpose of these projects were to rebuild the economy and the nation.
Famous programs that were included in the New Deal included the AAA (Agricultural Adjustment Association), RA (Resettlement Administration), Farm Security Administration (FSA), and the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority).
For our society today, I would recommend the Resettlement Administration. The program relocated those who could not afford to live in their houses and were relocated to communities funded and planned by the federal government. This is a smart idea, because one of the largest factors of the recession is bank reposession of people's houses, leaving many homeless. With the resettlement administration program, those who had been kicked out of their house could be resettled to a federal government community.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
S2, blog 11
Dear Mr. Obama,
It has come to my attention that our country as a whole has not been returning to its original healthy, pre-recession state too soon. This may be because of you and your still-new title of presidency, as you may think, but with your term over 1/4th through, enough is enough.
May I suggest a re-do of late president Mr. Roosevelt's plan, of the New Deal? With aids to, well, "aid," careers and essential parts of the country (i.e. livestock, factories, etc.) I'm sure that businesses can boom once again.
Also, perhaps you could do something about the buying out and shutting down of small businesses lately here in California, as well as other states I'm sure. The local bank and market I'd always gone to had been bought out by citibank and Vons, which was upsetting. I'm unsure what you could do about that, but there must be something to stop a "monster company" invasion, right?..
Sincerely,
Shanna M.
It has come to my attention that our country as a whole has not been returning to its original healthy, pre-recession state too soon. This may be because of you and your still-new title of presidency, as you may think, but with your term over 1/4th through, enough is enough.
May I suggest a re-do of late president Mr. Roosevelt's plan, of the New Deal? With aids to, well, "aid," careers and essential parts of the country (i.e. livestock, factories, etc.) I'm sure that businesses can boom once again.
Also, perhaps you could do something about the buying out and shutting down of small businesses lately here in California, as well as other states I'm sure. The local bank and market I'd always gone to had been bought out by citibank and Vons, which was upsetting. I'm unsure what you could do about that, but there must be something to stop a "monster company" invasion, right?..
Sincerely,
Shanna M.
Monday, March 8, 2010
S2, Honors Novel Blog 1
Many works of literature deal with political or social issues. Choose a novel or play that focuses on a political or social issue. Then write an essay in which you analyze how the author uses literary elements to explore this issue and explain how the issue contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.
The book "A Million Little Pieces" is chock full of literary elements. For starters, the title in itself. The title can easily contrast to the narrator, a drug-abusing alcohol-addicted sex-deprived "messed-up" individual whose life is in shambles, or, "a million little pieces." The book starts off with a poem about a young man going to an elder who had broken an object and had it in a million little pieces:
The book "A Million Little Pieces" is chock full of literary elements. For starters, the title in itself. The title can easily contrast to the narrator, a drug-abusing alcohol-addicted sex-deprived "messed-up" individual whose life is in shambles, or, "a million little pieces." The book starts off with a poem about a young man going to an elder who had broken an object and had it in a million little pieces:
The Young Man came to an Old Man seeking counsel.
I broke something, Old Man.
How badly is it broken?
It's in a million little pieces.
I'm afraid I can't help you.
Why?
There's nothing you can do.
Why?
It can't be fixed.
Why?
It's broken beyond repair. It's in a million little pieces.
This poem is about for someone young seeking help from one who's had experience in the world. What the young man has broken remains unnamed, but when mentioned that it was broken "into a million little pieces," the old man tells him it cannot be fixed, as it is beyond repair. The poem is undeniably a metaphor for, in the eyes of this certain elder, who could be compared to old man Time, how someone's life cannot be repaired once messed up so much it is, again, in a million little pieces. The constant asking of "why, why, why?" can be compared to how said person's ruin life can be pondered upon, why and how you can repair it to no avail. Although a pessimistic view of such a person's life, it is all too real.
This book is a self-told story of James Frey, said "mess-up," and his time recovering from a lifetime's worth of drugs, alcoholism, and lost love once sent to one of the most expensive rehabilitation clinics in America with a patient success rate of a little over 10%. The issue of drug and alcohol addiction is a touchy social subject, and talk of those sent to rehabilitation clinics and is often taboo. In this book he delves into his experiences and memoirs in rehabilitation including his meeting of Lily, an ex-prostitute whose life at that point had been similar to his, full of abuse and addiction.
The format in which the book is written can be perceived as a blocky style, with no quote marks, full sentences or explanation upon whom is talking. At some point it is difficult to tell if he is speaking of present occurances or going into a flashback. Another time he runs on a sentence for nearly a page explaining the white pain of a root canal without anaesthesia. He may have written this book because of how the story corelated with his state of mind during these occurences: full of incomplete findings and quick events all too important to conform to a "normal" book's formatting.
This poem is about for someone young seeking help from one who's had experience in the world. What the young man has broken remains unnamed, but when mentioned that it was broken "into a million little pieces," the old man tells him it cannot be fixed, as it is beyond repair. The poem is undeniably a metaphor for, in the eyes of this certain elder, who could be compared to old man Time, how someone's life cannot be repaired once messed up so much it is, again, in a million little pieces. The constant asking of "why, why, why?" can be compared to how said person's ruin life can be pondered upon, why and how you can repair it to no avail. Although a pessimistic view of such a person's life, it is all too real.
This book is a self-told story of James Frey, said "mess-up," and his time recovering from a lifetime's worth of drugs, alcoholism, and lost love once sent to one of the most expensive rehabilitation clinics in America with a patient success rate of a little over 10%. The issue of drug and alcohol addiction is a touchy social subject, and talk of those sent to rehabilitation clinics and is often taboo. In this book he delves into his experiences and memoirs in rehabilitation including his meeting of Lily, an ex-prostitute whose life at that point had been similar to his, full of abuse and addiction.
The format in which the book is written can be perceived as a blocky style, with no quote marks, full sentences or explanation upon whom is talking. At some point it is difficult to tell if he is speaking of present occurances or going into a flashback. Another time he runs on a sentence for nearly a page explaining the white pain of a root canal without anaesthesia. He may have written this book because of how the story corelated with his state of mind during these occurences: full of incomplete findings and quick events all too important to conform to a "normal" book's formatting.
Friday, March 5, 2010
S2, Blog 10
Do you believe that the Grapes of Wrath successfully establishes sympathy for the plight of Dust Bowl farmers? Why or why not?
I think that the Grapes of Wrath is trying too hard to establish said sympathy for those affected by the Dust Bowl, i.e. Farmers. the book tries to incorporate every terrible thing possible into this book until it seems jumbled. The book even starts out miserable, desperate for the reader's sadness and sympathy, mentioning how CHILDREN and WOMEN are looking for their man's reassurance and how there is nothing truly there. Comparing banks to monsters are another cry for attention, and saying how tractors "rape the earth" is quite a hyperbole.
Having several characters die/run away is also trying too hard to be sympathetic. Surely, not everyone at once should die just because they're journeying west to California, and not everybody suddenly miscarries/stillbirths after their spouse leaves them and some crazy religious lady tells the so. Don't get me wrong, I do feel sympathetic for those who lost their land, their home, and everything else int he Dust Bowl, i.e. farmers and their family, but I can't say that Grapes of Wrath makes me cry over it.
I think that the Grapes of Wrath is trying too hard to establish said sympathy for those affected by the Dust Bowl, i.e. Farmers. the book tries to incorporate every terrible thing possible into this book until it seems jumbled. The book even starts out miserable, desperate for the reader's sadness and sympathy, mentioning how CHILDREN and WOMEN are looking for their man's reassurance and how there is nothing truly there. Comparing banks to monsters are another cry for attention, and saying how tractors "rape the earth" is quite a hyperbole.
Having several characters die/run away is also trying too hard to be sympathetic. Surely, not everyone at once should die just because they're journeying west to California, and not everybody suddenly miscarries/stillbirths after their spouse leaves them and some crazy religious lady tells the so. Don't get me wrong, I do feel sympathetic for those who lost their land, their home, and everything else int he Dust Bowl, i.e. farmers and their family, but I can't say that Grapes of Wrath makes me cry over it.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
S2, Honors history blog 1
Imagine you are an advisor to President Obama. Write a letter to him in which you advise him as to how to succeed in the "Great Recession" by using FDR in the Great Depression as an example. Your advice should be presented as strategy for his first (and possible second) term as President. You should consider strategy in the following areas: US economy, relationship with Congress, relationship w/American society, as a political leader (getting laws through Congress, leading his party, etc.), and establishing himself and his ideas in American history. FDR provides clear examples in all of these areas and should be the basis of your advice for Obama's present & future. Cite all of your sources. Also, consider this a possible Ampersand piece.
Dear Mr. President,
I've come to notice that you're not exactly as likeable as a president as you had first thought you'd be in the beginning of your term. Your promising and strong words that accompanied your speeches gave hope to those desperate Americans in need of reassurance. However, with over a year gone by and not much of a sign of change, those so faithful and hopeful are starting to feel as if this whole time was a scheme and a false hope reminder. You wouldn't want people thinking that of you, now would you, Mr. President?
As you know, or I'd hope you'd know, we are going through an infamous "Great Recession." As you may not know, many American citizens are starting to lose hope and faith in your judgement as president. This may be because of their uneasiness when it comes to your ideas to bringing us out of this recession. The public does not want another Herbert Hoover! It may help to provide information, step by step, of your plans to aid those financially deficient. For example, as you should know, thousands of Americans are being evicted from their homes each month because of their inability to repay bank loans. What are your plans to aid these? And why aren't these plans enforced?
Hopefully you will take my ideas and thoughts into consideration.
Sincerely, Shanna McCue
Dear Mr. President,
I've come to notice that you're not exactly as likeable as a president as you had first thought you'd be in the beginning of your term. Your promising and strong words that accompanied your speeches gave hope to those desperate Americans in need of reassurance. However, with over a year gone by and not much of a sign of change, those so faithful and hopeful are starting to feel as if this whole time was a scheme and a false hope reminder. You wouldn't want people thinking that of you, now would you, Mr. President?
As you know, or I'd hope you'd know, we are going through an infamous "Great Recession." As you may not know, many American citizens are starting to lose hope and faith in your judgement as president. This may be because of their uneasiness when it comes to your ideas to bringing us out of this recession. The public does not want another Herbert Hoover! It may help to provide information, step by step, of your plans to aid those financially deficient. For example, as you should know, thousands of Americans are being evicted from their homes each month because of their inability to repay bank loans. What are your plans to aid these? And why aren't these plans enforced?
Hopefully you will take my ideas and thoughts into consideration.
Sincerely, Shanna McCue
S2, Blog 9
Post a thoughtful reflection on how you have performed within the numerous freedoms associated with Ampersand. Then post a thoughtful reflection on how you have performed within the numerous structures associated with Ampersand.
Honestly, such a freedom that was given with the Ampersand worktime unfortunately provided some distractions. Although I did come up with a good idea to write about, I haven't exactly been able to work 100% because of the freedom and distractions. I've received many good writing tips, especially after studying for the writing tips quiz. That was enough to make me memorize all about Concerts, pancakes, and everything in between.
Honestly, such a freedom that was given with the Ampersand worktime unfortunately provided some distractions. Although I did come up with a good idea to write about, I haven't exactly been able to work 100% because of the freedom and distractions. I've received many good writing tips, especially after studying for the writing tips quiz. That was enough to make me memorize all about Concerts, pancakes, and everything in between.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
S2, Blog 8
Franklin D. Roosevelt vs. Barack Obama
They are very similar.
Both are Democratic, attended Harvard and were on the track to become lawyers.
Both have persuasive, powerful forms of speech.
The public's response to the president is different with the times. Mentioned in Roosevelt's grandson's memoir, while he lived in the white house, he described what power the Americans had given the president. He states, "...Wall Street types were perfectly willing to give FDR dictatorial powers if he would cope with the financial crisis. Nobody's mentioned that with Obama, and you won't see it." Because of America's desperation to come out of this financial crisis, they found hope in the president's determination to solve the nationwide crisis.
With Obama, people are more critical of the idea of him leading an impractical "dictatorship" in this recession. Regardless, the two are taking similar action upon the country they lead going through a financial crisis (depression/recession) by creating stimulus packages to help the economy. In Obama's case, a $7billion bailou was approved, while Roosevelt created Social Security, the FDIC, and an array of other aid programs.
They are very similar.
Both are Democratic, attended Harvard and were on the track to become lawyers.
Both have persuasive, powerful forms of speech.
The public's response to the president is different with the times. Mentioned in Roosevelt's grandson's memoir, while he lived in the white house, he described what power the Americans had given the president. He states, "...Wall Street types were perfectly willing to give FDR dictatorial powers if he would cope with the financial crisis. Nobody's mentioned that with Obama, and you won't see it." Because of America's desperation to come out of this financial crisis, they found hope in the president's determination to solve the nationwide crisis.
With Obama, people are more critical of the idea of him leading an impractical "dictatorship" in this recession. Regardless, the two are taking similar action upon the country they lead going through a financial crisis (depression/recession) by creating stimulus packages to help the economy. In Obama's case, a $7billion bailou was approved, while Roosevelt created Social Security, the FDIC, and an array of other aid programs.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
S2, Blog 7
Predict how companies or industries similar to the one that you worked at during internship would have fared during the Great Depression. Would your company have thrived or sunk? Why?
I worked at a local newspaper company, the La Jolla Light. Although it is a very popular newspaper nowadays, it would have probably "sunk," so to speak, during the Great Depression. During the 30's, most local companies shut down, most likely including local newspapers. Perhaps local newspapers that were centered more around the source of the Great Depression's cause, which would be Wall Street. Seeing as how La Jolla is all the way across the country from Wall Street, it wouldn't be too thriving. However, the La Jolla Light has been around and enlightening La Jolla since 1913, so in truth it actually survived through the Great Depression.
I worked at a local newspaper company, the La Jolla Light. Although it is a very popular newspaper nowadays, it would have probably "sunk," so to speak, during the Great Depression. During the 30's, most local companies shut down, most likely including local newspapers. Perhaps local newspapers that were centered more around the source of the Great Depression's cause, which would be Wall Street. Seeing as how La Jolla is all the way across the country from Wall Street, it wouldn't be too thriving. However, the La Jolla Light has been around and enlightening La Jolla since 1913, so in truth it actually survived through the Great Depression.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
S2, blog 6
The preacher that Joad meets
"Lead 'em around and around. Sling 'em in the irrigation ditch. Tell 'em they'll burn in hell if they don't think like you."
"I went off alone, and I sat and figured. The sperit's strong in me, on'y it ain't the same."
"I says to myself, 'What's gnawin at you? is it the screwin'?' An' I says, 'No, it's the sin.' An' I says, 'Why is it that when a fella ought to be just about mule-ass proof against sin, an all full up of Jesus, why is it that's the time a fella gets fingerin' his pants buttons?' I says, 'Maybe it ain't a sin. Maybe it's just the way folks is. Maybe we been whippin' the hell out of ourselves for nothin'."
Most of the chapter where Tom Joad meets the preacher are all dialogue of the preacher that explain himself as a character. He was once a preacher, but found out that perhaps God isn't real, and the holy "sperit" is just one in himself, opposed to some holy ghost. These quotes are three of many exerpts from his dialogue.
"Lead 'em around and around. Sling 'em in the irrigation ditch. Tell 'em they'll burn in hell if they don't think like you."
"I went off alone, and I sat and figured. The sperit's strong in me, on'y it ain't the same."
"I says to myself, 'What's gnawin at you? is it the screwin'?' An' I says, 'No, it's the sin.' An' I says, 'Why is it that when a fella ought to be just about mule-ass proof against sin, an all full up of Jesus, why is it that's the time a fella gets fingerin' his pants buttons?' I says, 'Maybe it ain't a sin. Maybe it's just the way folks is. Maybe we been whippin' the hell out of ourselves for nothin'."
Most of the chapter where Tom Joad meets the preacher are all dialogue of the preacher that explain himself as a character. He was once a preacher, but found out that perhaps God isn't real, and the holy "sperit" is just one in himself, opposed to some holy ghost. These quotes are three of many exerpts from his dialogue.
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