Monday, May 2, 2011
Osama bin Ladens Death
Certain things in life are things you will never forget. Where you were when the attack on 9/11 happened, or what you were doing when you heard that Osama bin Laden was killed. Many questions still rise about his death and how he was killed but the bigger thing is not how he dies but what happen next. When I first say that Osama was dead I didn't believe it, it was unreal. Too many things ran through my head. What happens with the relationship of Pakistan and Afghanistan? How does the government know that the man they killed is really Osama? What does the United States need to do in order to fend off a retaliation attempt on the Americans or NATO. Can Osama be considered a "hero" for some people? How would this situation be different if he was captured alive? So many questions and so little answers.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Maus Vs. Night
While reading a book you often think "What if?", "Why?"or think about the message the story is telling. In the book Night by Elie Wiesel and the books Maus I and Maus II by Art Spiegleman these questions and many others come to mind while reading. Both books are about World War II and the horrors of the Holocaust and the Nazi death camps. The books are not only similar in they are set in the time of World War II but show the meanings of survival, love and hope. In both books, the main characters are faced with death or the possibility of death everyday. Life is the un-known and death is normal. In Maus II, in order to go to the bathroom, Vladek (the main character) has to not only step on the dead bodies but must also urinate on them. This shows how common death was and how rare survival really was. It is seen similar in Night, "There was no longer any questions of wealth, of social distinction, and importance, only people all condemned to the same fate-- still un-known" (19). This quote shows that if they continue to worry about wealth and social class they will die, they need only to worry about the bare minimums, food, water and warmth. Which are very hard to come by. Another similarity is hope. It is seen in both books that hope and love will help carry you to survive. In Night, a big reason Elie survives is the hope and love he gets from his dad. With having his dad with him, he feels as if he has a reason to keep going and not to give up. This is similar to Maus I and II. In these books Vladek and his wife, Anja find ways to keep their love and hope strong. By living not only for themselves but for the other as well. If one dies, so does the other. They both make sacrifices to help keep the other alive. Whether it be sharing food or writing a letter, love and hope keep the two families alive.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Restrepo Vs. Fallen Angels
Pre-Write:
In the book Fallen Angels, and the movie Restrepo, it shows the band of brotherhood and what people do to survive in war. At the beginning of the book and movie, both groups of characters are very cocky, ignorant and excited to go and fight in war. When the groups of people are in their base, they both say "What are we doing her? What is the purpose of us being here?" When talking to their parents and family, both the people in Fallen Angels and Restrepo act like they are doing fine and that everything is going well. Another similarity is that the Army wastes lots of money for killing one man, In the book they waste $10,000 to kill a sniper, and in the movie Restrepo, they waste lots of money to kill one person. When the people go on patrols, they try and make friends with the native people so they will help them in finding the enemy. Also while on patrols, they constantly get ambushed. Another similarity is that both groups of people lose close friends in the war but they also save great friends from near death in the war. Finally, certain people in the squad cannot sleep because of the horrific sights they have seen in the battles and war.
Final Draft:
Walter Dean Meyers' book "Fallen Angels" and the war documentary "Restrepo" have a very similar theme of brotherhood is a very big part of staying alive in not only in war but in everyday life as well. This is seen many times both figuratively and literally. When going into their war, the characters in the book and people in the film are very cocky and excited to go into war. When they finally get into fighting and into the war, they realize that it is hell. By having brothers by your side its is less intimidating and less scary because they know that someone is watching your back. Also, both groups of "brothers" say "What are we doing here? What is my purpose of being here?". The reason they are there is because of their brothers, the guys to their left and their right. Lastly, both save their brothers in a time of need. In Restrepo, when soldier is downed, right away two of his "brothers" rush over to help him. In the book "Fallen Angels" Pee-Wee and Perry, save Monoco when he is about to be ambushed by the enemy. Brotherhood is a very strong bond in friends and brothers. The secret and hidden code is what helps keep these brave soldiers in the book "Fallen Angels" and the movie "Restrepo" going.
In the book Fallen Angels, and the movie Restrepo, it shows the band of brotherhood and what people do to survive in war. At the beginning of the book and movie, both groups of characters are very cocky, ignorant and excited to go and fight in war. When the groups of people are in their base, they both say "What are we doing her? What is the purpose of us being here?" When talking to their parents and family, both the people in Fallen Angels and Restrepo act like they are doing fine and that everything is going well. Another similarity is that the Army wastes lots of money for killing one man, In the book they waste $10,000 to kill a sniper, and in the movie Restrepo, they waste lots of money to kill one person. When the people go on patrols, they try and make friends with the native people so they will help them in finding the enemy. Also while on patrols, they constantly get ambushed. Another similarity is that both groups of people lose close friends in the war but they also save great friends from near death in the war. Finally, certain people in the squad cannot sleep because of the horrific sights they have seen in the battles and war.
Final Draft:
Walter Dean Meyers' book "Fallen Angels" and the war documentary "Restrepo" have a very similar theme of brotherhood is a very big part of staying alive in not only in war but in everyday life as well. This is seen many times both figuratively and literally. When going into their war, the characters in the book and people in the film are very cocky and excited to go into war. When they finally get into fighting and into the war, they realize that it is hell. By having brothers by your side its is less intimidating and less scary because they know that someone is watching your back. Also, both groups of "brothers" say "What are we doing here? What is my purpose of being here?". The reason they are there is because of their brothers, the guys to their left and their right. Lastly, both save their brothers in a time of need. In Restrepo, when soldier is downed, right away two of his "brothers" rush over to help him. In the book "Fallen Angels" Pee-Wee and Perry, save Monoco when he is about to be ambushed by the enemy. Brotherhood is a very strong bond in friends and brothers. The secret and hidden code is what helps keep these brave soldiers in the book "Fallen Angels" and the movie "Restrepo" going.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Slaughterhouse-5
Please list 10 ways you can improve your essay scores
1.Read the book slower. 6.Take my time when writing.
2.Ask questions about parts I do not understand. 7.Use proper grammar.
3.Think about my quotes. 8.Cite my sources better.
4.Work on my PIE paragraph writing. 9.Use better explanations.
5. Think about my reasoning. 10.Read the requirements of the paper before writing.
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.It was depressing when Billy's wife died.
2.It was realistic in the first chapter when Billy is talking about writing the book.
3.It was descriptive when Billy was talking about his death.
4.It was funny when Billy put on the silver boots.
5.It was nasty when Billy has sex with his fat wife.
6.It was interesting when Billy and Montana talk about Billy time traveling.
7.It was funny when Kilgore Trout was yelling at the kids in the ally.
8.The book was interesting when Billy was abducted by the Tralfamadorians.
9.It was interesting how the Tralfamidorians talked.
10.The Tralfamidorians were weird because they kept Billy and Montana in a zoo.
11.I thought it was weird when Billy knew when and how he was going to die.
12.I didn't like knowing what was going to happen before it did happen.
13.It was confusing not knowing what was the real time or the present.
14.I like how descriptive he was about the Tralfamidorians.
15.It was funny how Edger Derby was elected president of the club.
State 5 possible themes for the book Slaughterhouse-5.
1.Life is always a battle.
2.Every choice you make, has both positive and negative outcomes.
3.Time is just a word and has no meaning.
4. Death is just the beginning of another life.
5.Your life is already planned out for you.
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.
Billy: Hi Jake.
Jake: Hello Billy.
Billy: Have you ever been to New York?
Jake: No. Why?
Billy: Well have you ever been on the news?
Jake:No...
Billy: Have you ever felt like you had to tell the world about something?
Jake: No..., not really. Why?
Billy: Well I have.
Jake: Would you mind telling be about them?
Billy: Sure Jake, a couple years ago was abducted by aliens! It was amazing! I was a star on Tralfamadore. They thought I was beautiful and smart and I was what every human looked like!
Jake: Billy, are you trying to tell me you were abducted by aliens?
Billy: No Jake. It amazed me that they saw everything through my eyes! They all believed that I was amazing. One person can change or make people think a lot when they are the only person around.
Jake: Okay, Billy. How about New York or being on the news.
Billy: Well I was never really on the news but, I was really in New York trying to get in the news.
Jake: Why would you want to be in the news?
Billy: To share all my thoughts and experiences. I bet no one else travels through time like me or has been abducted by aliens. I had to tell the world.
Jake: Well what happened?
Billy: I couldn't get on the news but, I did get on the radio for a short time. I started talking about all my experiences but after about three minutes, they kicked me out and said I was crazy!
Jake: Well Billy, that's not a normal thing to say. However, I think people are scared that you might be right and not crazy. People often get scared when new things are introduced, especially the ideas or time travel and being abducted by aliens.
Billy: That is the point I am trying to make -- when a new thing is introduced, people get scared and panic. It is the same way with war. People get scared and panic when new and more difficult things erupt. Next time someone has a crazy idea, maybe take the time and listen to them before you write them off.
1.Read the book slower. 6.Take my time when writing.
2.Ask questions about parts I do not understand. 7.Use proper grammar.
3.Think about my quotes. 8.Cite my sources better.
4.Work on my PIE paragraph writing. 9.Use better explanations.
5. Think about my reasoning. 10.Read the requirements of the paper before writing.
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.It was depressing when Billy's wife died.
2.It was realistic in the first chapter when Billy is talking about writing the book.
3.It was descriptive when Billy was talking about his death.
4.It was funny when Billy put on the silver boots.
5.It was nasty when Billy has sex with his fat wife.
6.It was interesting when Billy and Montana talk about Billy time traveling.
7.It was funny when Kilgore Trout was yelling at the kids in the ally.
8.The book was interesting when Billy was abducted by the Tralfamadorians.
9.It was interesting how the Tralfamidorians talked.
10.The Tralfamidorians were weird because they kept Billy and Montana in a zoo.
11.I thought it was weird when Billy knew when and how he was going to die.
12.I didn't like knowing what was going to happen before it did happen.
13.It was confusing not knowing what was the real time or the present.
14.I like how descriptive he was about the Tralfamidorians.
15.It was funny how Edger Derby was elected president of the club.
State 5 possible themes for the book Slaughterhouse-5.
1.Life is always a battle.
2.Every choice you make, has both positive and negative outcomes.
3.Time is just a word and has no meaning.
4. Death is just the beginning of another life.
5.Your life is already planned out for you.
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.
Billy: Hi Jake.
Jake: Hello Billy.
Billy: Have you ever been to New York?
Jake: No. Why?
Billy: Well have you ever been on the news?
Jake:No...
Billy: Have you ever felt like you had to tell the world about something?
Jake: No..., not really. Why?
Billy: Well I have.
Jake: Would you mind telling be about them?
Billy: Sure Jake, a couple years ago was abducted by aliens! It was amazing! I was a star on Tralfamadore. They thought I was beautiful and smart and I was what every human looked like!
Jake: Billy, are you trying to tell me you were abducted by aliens?
Billy: No Jake. It amazed me that they saw everything through my eyes! They all believed that I was amazing. One person can change or make people think a lot when they are the only person around.
Jake: Okay, Billy. How about New York or being on the news.
Billy: Well I was never really on the news but, I was really in New York trying to get in the news.
Jake: Why would you want to be in the news?
Billy: To share all my thoughts and experiences. I bet no one else travels through time like me or has been abducted by aliens. I had to tell the world.
Jake: Well what happened?
Billy: I couldn't get on the news but, I did get on the radio for a short time. I started talking about all my experiences but after about three minutes, they kicked me out and said I was crazy!
Jake: Well Billy, that's not a normal thing to say. However, I think people are scared that you might be right and not crazy. People often get scared when new things are introduced, especially the ideas or time travel and being abducted by aliens.
Billy: That is the point I am trying to make -- when a new thing is introduced, people get scared and panic. It is the same way with war. People get scared and panic when new and more difficult things erupt. Next time someone has a crazy idea, maybe take the time and listen to them before you write them off.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Siddhartha's Theme
Siddhartha learns many lesson's about life and himself by interacting with other people in the book. I believe that you can learn a lot from people you least expect. Siddhartha learns very much from Vasudeva. He learns that listening can take you very far in life and, you can learn very much from watching nature for example "Siddhartha looked into the river and saw many pictures flowing in the water. He saw his father, lonely, mourning for his son; he saw himself, lonely also with the bonds of longing for his faraway son: he saw his son, also lonely, the boy eagerly advancing along the burning path of life's desire; each one concentrating on his goal, each one obsessed on his goal, each one suffering." (134). This quote shows that Siddhartha learns to listen to the river because it can show him things that will help him find his goal. This is similar to my life because I too try and listen and look to nature to find answers or to help me find a calm place where I can concentrate on one important goal.
Also, Siddhartha learns that in order to find and reach your goal you must not look for your goal and become obsessed with trying to find and accomplish your goal. " Seeking means: to have a goal; but finding means: to be free, to be receptive, to have no goal." (140) This quote from the book really made me think about my life and goals. It i very interesting to see another perspective on how to seek your goals. When thinking about a goal I am obsessed with trying to reach it. But now I realize that by not seeking a goal and just living your life, your goal will be accomplished.
Also, Siddhartha learns that in order to find and reach your goal you must not look for your goal and become obsessed with trying to find and accomplish your goal. " Seeking means: to have a goal; but finding means: to be free, to be receptive, to have no goal." (140) This quote from the book really made me think about my life and goals. It i very interesting to see another perspective on how to seek your goals. When thinking about a goal I am obsessed with trying to reach it. But now I realize that by not seeking a goal and just living your life, your goal will be accomplished.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Macbeth: What Makes a Man?
Macbeth: What Makes a Man?
Five Quotes from Macbeth That Might Make You A Manly Man
1.Quote:
"I have almost forgot the taste of fears." (Act 5, Scene 5, Line 15)
Context and Paraphrase: This is later in the play after some of the plotting and murder has taken place. Macbeth is learning that his wife has died from Seyton. He is starting to process his feelings and emotions.
Interpretation and Explanation: In the play one of the themes is that to be a man you can not have many fears. Macbeth is saying that it has been a long time since he was fearful or felt fear; it is a macho stand to take and to express openly to others. It is macho on two levels -- first, to say you haven't had fear for so long, and second, to express you have had fears -- to be man enough to talk about feelings rather than suppress it. To express it shows some feeling which has not been evident in all of Macbeth's plotting during the play.
2. Quote:
"Come, you spirits
That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,
And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full
Of direst cruelty. Make thick my blood.
Stop up th' access and passage to remorse," (Act 1, Scene 5, Lines 47-51
Context and Paraphrase: Lady Macbeth is saying she is going to kill the king if Macbeth does not. She is calling for action and saying that this is macho act.
Interpretation and Explanation: Lady Macbeth is saying to the spirits to make her like a man by giving her manly qualities such as cruelty and a lack of remorse. This will allow her to do what she needs to do -- take the life of the king. It shows cool, calculated actions make a man.
3. Quote:
"There the grown serpent lies. The worm that's fled
Hath nature that in time will venom breed,
No teeth for th' present. Get thee gone. Tomorrow
We'll hear ourselves again."
Context and Paraphrase: The king has just been killed and Macbeth is discussing the killing. He is implying it was no big deal to do this. He says they will catch up tomorrow.
Interpretation and Explanation: Manly men can murder with little or no regard to the lives they have taken. There is no need to bother with more thoughts on weak-natured people.
4. Quote:
"What man dare, I dare.
Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear,
The armed rhinoceros, or th' Hyrcan tiger;
Take any shape but that, and my firm nerves
Shall never tremble. Or be alive again
And dare me to the desert with thy sword.
If trembling I inhabit then, protest me
The baby of a girl. Hence, horrible shadow!
Unreal mock'ry, hence!" (Act 3, Scene 4, Lines 121-129)
Context and Paraphrase: Macbeth confronts the ghost and says he can stand up to any man, no matter how tough he appears to be. By comparing himself to the toughest known adversaries of the day, he is saying he is an equal match to any of these.
Interpretation and Explanation: Macbeth compares himself to some of the fiercest animals who can do whatever they want because of the fear they instill in others. By comparing himself to tough animals he draws the comparison to his own sense of his strength. He says his nerve are unflappable and he is a person of bold action.
5. Quote:
"The castle of Macduff I will surprise,
Seize upon the Fife, give to th' edge o' th' sword
His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls
That trace him in his line. No boasting like a fool;
This deed I'll do before the purpose cool." (Act 4, Scene 1, Lines 171-175)
Context and Paraphrase: Lennox tells Macbeth that Macduff has fled to England. Macbeth responds by saying he will go to Macduff's castle and kill them.
Interpretation and Explanation: Macbeth proves to be ruthless and one who is not afraid to wield the sword. Clearly to him, being manly means taking bold action without much thought. Killing women and children bring him no greater concern than killing men -- for men need to take bold action and be bold actors.
Five Quotes from Macbeth That Might Make You A Manly Man
1.Quote:
"I have almost forgot the taste of fears." (Act 5, Scene 5, Line 15)
Context and Paraphrase: This is later in the play after some of the plotting and murder has taken place. Macbeth is learning that his wife has died from Seyton. He is starting to process his feelings and emotions.
Interpretation and Explanation: In the play one of the themes is that to be a man you can not have many fears. Macbeth is saying that it has been a long time since he was fearful or felt fear; it is a macho stand to take and to express openly to others. It is macho on two levels -- first, to say you haven't had fear for so long, and second, to express you have had fears -- to be man enough to talk about feelings rather than suppress it. To express it shows some feeling which has not been evident in all of Macbeth's plotting during the play.
2. Quote:
"Come, you spirits
That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,
And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full
Of direst cruelty. Make thick my blood.
Stop up th' access and passage to remorse," (Act 1, Scene 5, Lines 47-51
Context and Paraphrase: Lady Macbeth is saying she is going to kill the king if Macbeth does not. She is calling for action and saying that this is macho act.
Interpretation and Explanation: Lady Macbeth is saying to the spirits to make her like a man by giving her manly qualities such as cruelty and a lack of remorse. This will allow her to do what she needs to do -- take the life of the king. It shows cool, calculated actions make a man.
3. Quote:
"There the grown serpent lies. The worm that's fled
Hath nature that in time will venom breed,
No teeth for th' present. Get thee gone. Tomorrow
We'll hear ourselves again."
Context and Paraphrase: The king has just been killed and Macbeth is discussing the killing. He is implying it was no big deal to do this. He says they will catch up tomorrow.
Interpretation and Explanation: Manly men can murder with little or no regard to the lives they have taken. There is no need to bother with more thoughts on weak-natured people.
4. Quote:
"What man dare, I dare.
Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear,
The armed rhinoceros, or th' Hyrcan tiger;
Take any shape but that, and my firm nerves
Shall never tremble. Or be alive again
And dare me to the desert with thy sword.
If trembling I inhabit then, protest me
The baby of a girl. Hence, horrible shadow!
Unreal mock'ry, hence!" (Act 3, Scene 4, Lines 121-129)
Context and Paraphrase: Macbeth confronts the ghost and says he can stand up to any man, no matter how tough he appears to be. By comparing himself to the toughest known adversaries of the day, he is saying he is an equal match to any of these.
Interpretation and Explanation: Macbeth compares himself to some of the fiercest animals who can do whatever they want because of the fear they instill in others. By comparing himself to tough animals he draws the comparison to his own sense of his strength. He says his nerve are unflappable and he is a person of bold action.
5. Quote:
"The castle of Macduff I will surprise,
Seize upon the Fife, give to th' edge o' th' sword
His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls
That trace him in his line. No boasting like a fool;
This deed I'll do before the purpose cool." (Act 4, Scene 1, Lines 171-175)
Context and Paraphrase: Lennox tells Macbeth that Macduff has fled to England. Macbeth responds by saying he will go to Macduff's castle and kill them.
Interpretation and Explanation: Macbeth proves to be ruthless and one who is not afraid to wield the sword. Clearly to him, being manly means taking bold action without much thought. Killing women and children bring him no greater concern than killing men -- for men need to take bold action and be bold actors.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
The Odyssey: Common Themes
The Odyssey is a classic story of a man finding his place in the world. Through twenty-four books, many themes bind it together. Stories 11,12,13,16,19,21,22 share the common theme that life needs to be valued. Book 11 highlights this theme as Odysseus travels to "The land of the dead", and while he is there, he talks with Achilles. Achilles says to Odysseus that he would rather still be living as a beggar than die and live in heaven as a king. "But you, Achilles, there is not a man more blest than you -- there never has been, never will be one. Time was, when you were alive, we Argives honored you as a God, and now down here, I see, you lorded over the dead in all your power. So grieve no more at dying, Great Achilles. I reassured the ghost, but he broke out, protesting, 'No winning words about death to me, shining Odysseus! By God I'd rather slave on earth for another man -- some dirt poor tenant farmer who scrapes to keep alive --than rule down here over the breathless dead.' (Page 265, lines 554-560). This shows how much certain people value life and how precious the gift of life is.
Later in book 13 after he returns from the land of the dead, Odysseus sees again the value of life and that he shouldn't take anything for granted. Life is like a precious gem. Poseidon says to Zeus "I said my self that Odysseus would suffer long and hard before he made it home..." (Page 290, lines 148-149). If Poseidon would have made Odysseus suffer, he may not have had the strength to make it home. Because Odysseus is so strong both physically and emotionally he stays alive. Being alive and physically able, helps drive home the point of suffering making life become more precious because we cherish it more and don't take it for granted.
Near the end of Odysseus' journey, the god Athena disguises him as an old homeless beggar. This disguise is not meant as a punishment, but as a way to show how we should value life no matter how the life appears. Beggar Odysseus says 'I once too lived in a lofty house that men admired: rolling in wealth, I'd often give to a vagabound like myself, whoever he was, whatever need had brought him to my door. And crowds of servants I had, and lots of all it takes to live the life of ease, to make men call you rich. But Zeus ruined it all -- God's will no doubt. So be ware, women, or one day you may lose it all." (Page 392, lines 82-88). Odysseus tells the men not to take life for granted and to help people when given the opportunity -- doing so will make the gods happy and give you more wealth and power. A good, well run life, it seems should be valued for all since the rewards of such a life benefit everyone involved.
Later in book 13 after he returns from the land of the dead, Odysseus sees again the value of life and that he shouldn't take anything for granted. Life is like a precious gem. Poseidon says to Zeus "I said my self that Odysseus would suffer long and hard before he made it home..." (Page 290, lines 148-149). If Poseidon would have made Odysseus suffer, he may not have had the strength to make it home. Because Odysseus is so strong both physically and emotionally he stays alive. Being alive and physically able, helps drive home the point of suffering making life become more precious because we cherish it more and don't take it for granted.
Near the end of Odysseus' journey, the god Athena disguises him as an old homeless beggar. This disguise is not meant as a punishment, but as a way to show how we should value life no matter how the life appears. Beggar Odysseus says 'I once too lived in a lofty house that men admired: rolling in wealth, I'd often give to a vagabound like myself, whoever he was, whatever need had brought him to my door. And crowds of servants I had, and lots of all it takes to live the life of ease, to make men call you rich. But Zeus ruined it all -- God's will no doubt. So be ware, women, or one day you may lose it all." (Page 392, lines 82-88). Odysseus tells the men not to take life for granted and to help people when given the opportunity -- doing so will make the gods happy and give you more wealth and power. A good, well run life, it seems should be valued for all since the rewards of such a life benefit everyone involved.
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