Ross Capicchioni and His Amazing Story

 So much inspiration here. What an amazing story. 

Part 1

Part 2

Dr Preston's 5th period hokey pokey breakout!

http://youtu.be/56dsL57F09A

Participants:

Stephanie Villalovos 

Bridgit Mcglaughlin 

Yesenia Beas 

Jisu Yoon 

Millie Anqulo 

Jhaicelle Laron 

Terry Franklin

Chase Hugh 

Yunsoo Lee

Jeff May

Chrystal Dulay

Lupita Pliego 

Edgar Rodruigez 

Laike McFarland 

Tia Jones 

Sean Rebaldo

William Dowell

Val Richardson 

And Recorded by me! 

Optimism- hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.

Happiness is but a state of mind.

Big Question

-For starters, why are we here? 

-How are we here? Is it scientific, or philosophical? 

-is there really a god? If so, why do things like cancer, physical handicaps, etc. exists? to punish or teach us something? (I by no means intent to offend anyones religious affiliations or perspectives... simply just questions.)

-How do we measure what a "good" life is to a "bad" one? And how exactly do we measure a "fulfilled" life at that?

-How do you know the people teaching you are not in fact wrong themselves?

-What happens to a person after death? Is there even an after life? What is our purpose to fulfill before death? Is the afterlife made by a judgment of our living lives?

-How do you explain human nature? And where do you draw the line between nature and nurture in humans?

-Why do we live in a nation built upon the idea of "freedom" and yet the government has all ties into our personal life? 

-Why does religion tear us all apart so much? Religion preaches peace and equality, but yet we teach younger generations that if they do not follow the religions they were born into then they are going to hell. Religion models peace and equality, and yet the people following it are usually the ones diving society even more when people do not share their common belief

-Should we fear the future? Or should we embrace it? 

-in short, my big question is the worlds universal question: What are we doing? why are we here? and what comes next? 

Notes: Pg. 31-60, Online Sect. 1-10

(Textbook)
31-37
from Tristia Ovid, Translated by L. R. Lind: Book 10
-Tristia had moved from her mother country, Dardanian Troy, when it was attacked by the Grecian Army.
  -Now in the Pontus, feels like the days go by like years
-Despises the common theme of death races (referring to gladiator games and/or the continuous war between the Romans and their enemies)
-Feels like a barbarian not being able to communicate with people of the new land, had to use body language
-Was exiled from Rome
-"Injured the power of Caesar the god," in result was sent to assimilate with the Scythian race as a punishment
  -Believes she deserved to be exiled but not to such a city

Far Corners of Earth by Tu Fu translated by David Hinton
Describes a shift from the Chiang-han mountains where clouds begin to hover over to "a new waste of highway." Gradual decline in mood.

from Beowulf
-portrays the Anglo-Saxon culture of eighth century Britain
-Beowulf: sword-wielding slayer of monsters, upholder of the right, warrior-chieftain
-Takes place in sixth century Scandinavia, speaks Old English
-Beowulf seeks to help the Danish King Hrothgar in fighting the swampland monster, Grendel.
  -first of the three mortal battles
-Scops often told long narrative poems by mouth in Anglo-Saxon England which resulted in it's change and growth
  -finally written down in eleventh century
-main themes: bravery, loyalty, heroism
-The Electronic Beowulf Project revived the burnt original manuscripts of Beowulf.


 38-41

Background

- England was changing from a pagan to Christianity, when Beowulf was created.

- Pagan Anglo-Saxons told tales rued by fate where people struggled against monsters in regards to their place in the world.

-The Christian converts taught that human choices between good and evil were at the center of creation.

- Beowulf interprets both the Christian and Pagan traditions

- Starts out during a celebration at Herot and outside is the murderous monster, Grendel

The Wrath of Grendel

- Grendel, the powerful monster grew upset with the constant music that played in the banquet hall of the Danish King Hrothgar that rejoiced in the beauty of Earth.

- Thousands of evil spirits formed from their murderous crimes due to God’s banishment of them by Cain’s responsibility for the death of Abel, who opposed God’s will.

- Cain and Abel were the sons of Adam and Eve; Cain killed his brother because he was envious of the attention Abel received from God.

- When all the warriors in the hall were done partying, Grendel went inside killed thirty men and took them back to his lair. 

- In the morning the king mourned his companions that he lost, and knew it wouldn’t be the end of Grendel’s wrath.

- The only way the warriors could try to stay alive were if they escaped Grendel.

- For twelve winters Grendel’s defeat of the Danes ruled, killing many and most men.

- Grendel wouldn’t make peace or accept a truce or price

- Grendel continued to kill but wouldn’t touch King Hrothgar’s throne because it was protected by God, and the king’s council debated over remedies to get rid of Grendel.

- The King and council were conflicted by doing the Devils work by trying to get rid of Grendel and banishing him to hell, but trying to do right by God.

Pg. 45-47

Beowulf and his men arrive at Herot and are called to see the King 

-Beowulf ordered some of his men to stay with their weapons, while he took others and himself "into Hrothgar's Presence"

-Beowulf describes himself to the kind to make him seem more favorable, by saying things like "They have seen my strength for themselves, Have watched me ride form the darkest of war, Dripping with my enemies' blood."

-Beowulf over does it on the compliments to the king then asks for the kings permission to "purge all evil from this hall" (including Grendal, who Beowulf is willing to go into great battle against) Beowulf is willing to die for his cause and exaggeratedly says so. 

The Battle with Grendel 

-Grendal came from the marsh and journeyed to Herot and was met harshly with Herot being so firmly defended. 

-Grendal stormed through the doors quickly, saw the young and sleepy soldiers lining the halls, grabbed one and killed him, snapping shit and drinking the blood. 

-Grendal clutched Beowulf but was suprised by his strength and attack. Grendal's first reaction was to run but Beowulf didn't let him go. 

-Beowulf and Grendal battled violently. Herot shook and trembled, it was built to only come down in fire but the battle was a much great force. 

The Coming of Beowulf

Pg. 48-50

• He was the strongest man, Beowulf was going to kill the "monster"
• Beowulf's men woke up to Beowulf fighting Grendel and were ready to fight, if needed; they were courageous, but Grendel was pretty indestructible against them and he could easily beat them all
• But, he(Grendel) was now declining, dying, and had been defeated
• His shoulder bone broke, a sign of the battle being over
• Beowulf won "glory, Grendel escaped" to his den though, to die a slow and miserable death
• Beowulf was very prod, the Danes were happy and his accomplishments were listed; he ended Hrothgar's people's problems
• Beowulf hung Grendel's "arm, claw, shoulder and all" on the rafters; it was basically a trophy of the victory and proof of the win

The Monsters' Lair (there was a celebration of Beowulf's victory, but Grendel's mother kills Hrothgar's best friend and takes Grendel's claw, Beowulf hears from the king about the underwater lair)

• The king is talking the whole time
• peasants in fields saw female and male creatures and told the king's wise men
• Grendel they named the man one, no one knows if there were any before them or any other creatures like them
• The creatures lived in a secret wolf den with rocks and a waterfall to an underground lake (my visual interpretation of the text) It's very dark, roots hanging from the top, no one knows how deep
• The king wants Beowulf to kill the mother, Beowulf is his only help and hope of "being saved", he will reward him with gold and treasure for winning

 The Battle with Grendel's Mother (Beowulf decides to kill her and goes to the lake)

• (Beowulf is speaking to the men) To Hrothgar, if he(Beowulf) should die during battle, he wants Hrothgar to be "Father and protector" of his comrades. He wants Higlac to have the things Hrothgar gave him. To Unferth, who questioned his bravery before the Grendel battle, he leaves his "famous old sword" <symbolic value
• He jumped into the lake without others responding
• Sank for "hours" before reaching the bottom
• Grendel's mother saw him, her "welcome" was trying to kill him, but his armor was too strong to penetrate
• She carried him to her home, he couldn't get out his weapon
• the fight brought other monsters swimming to see...

51-53
Epic: a long narrative poem, sometimes developed orally, that celebrates the deeds of a legendary or heroic figure
 -hero battles for the order of his world
 -story told in serious matter with sophisticated language
Legendary hero: a larger than life character whose accomplishments are celebrated in traditional tales

-She brought him into her home which nothing could attack them in
-He attacked her but realized he couldn't hurt her
-They continue to fight, and she draws a blade on him, her only son, but she hit his armor and he was unharmed
-He then struck her across the neck and rejoiced at her death
-He then picked up his sword and went to find Grendel but found him dead
-Beowulf then left taking nothing but Grendels head and the jeweled sword
-The Geats rejoiced when Beowulf returned
-They then gifted the Danes with Grendel's head

42-44
- Higlac was the king of the Geats and Beowulf's feudal lord and uncle as well as a very strong man

- Higlac heard that Grendel violently forced and demanded a boat to be fitted out for him to go see Higlac

- Beowulf chose the mightiest, bravest, and best men of the Geats he could find to accompany him on his journey to Hrothgar (14 men total)

- He knew the sea would lead them straight to that distant, Danish shore

- They sailed their boat and arrived fully dressed in mail with the best armor and uninvited

- Hrothgar's lieutenant met them on the shore, demanding to know who they were and why they came unannounced

- He asked Beowulf to immediately explicate their reason for their visit before they take action against them

- Beowulf explained who they were and that they were there to hunt Grendel and protect the people and their King from the monster

- The mounted officer believed their words and that he and his men would guard their ship and protect it, saying that any warriors who battle Grendel successfully should go home bearing their love

- Once Beowulf and his men arrived at Herot, they were called in to see the King

- Beowulf arose and went to meet Hrothgar with some of his men, ordering a few to remain behind with their weapons

The Last Battle Pg. 54-56

• Beowulf honored by Hrothgar
• He becomes king
• rules Greatland for 50 years
• Dragon comes into kingdom when Beowulf is an old man
• he decided to slay the beast 
• before battle, tells his men about the royal house 
• wanted to fight without any armor, then realizes the dragon breathes fire 
• believes he's the only man who can do it. 
• wants to claim dragon's riches
• dragon attacked with breathe first
• his armor held up, then started to melt
• first time in life, he fought with fate against him
• his sword broke in two, but got a stab into the dragon
• Beowulf fell back, dragon attacked, breathed fire at him, he suffered
• once king, now a beaten warrior 
• all other men fleed without helping him
• only man that stayed was Wiglaf, Wexstan's son
• Wiglaf's mind made up, he raised his shield and drew his sword

Pg. 57-60

Onela got armor from the king. 

Wexstan kept the shining gifts for his son but was killed. 

His heir, Wiglaf, inherited the treasures. He went into war with Beowulf and was strong and courageous. 

Wiglaf brought the soldiers together, telling them Beowulf had given them the swords, it is time to defend with them. It is better for them to suffer than to cause agony to the king. He yelled encouragement and went into the dragons deadly flames. 

Wiglaf and Beowulf kill the dragon. The Beowulf is wounded and is dying. He asks Wiglaf to retrieve the treasure the dragon was protecting. 

The Spoils

Wiglaf goes into the cave. Finds lots of gold and sparkling things. He grabs as much as he can and takes it to the dying king. 

Beowulf says he gave his life for this treasure, use it to help and lead his people. 

He said he wanted to be burned high at the waters edge so sailors could see this tower and call it Beowulf's tower. He gave all he had to Wiglaf and said their family had been swept away as warriors and now he was following them. Then he died. 

Wiglaf is mad at those who deserted Beowulf

The Geats burn his body. 

The Farewell

The Geats built the tall and strong tower Beowulf requested, his ashes sealed inside. All the treasure was left at his grave deep in the ground. Twelve men road around the tower telling of their stories and sadness and of his greatness. They said there was not other king worthy of such praise. 

(Online)

Prolouge

-A King named Scyld the Scefing was a wealthy man who was looked up to by the people of his town.

-Nobody challenged him, he was better than everyone else

-Had a son and named him Beowulf.

-Son was looked up to and was gernerous to all the people of the town. 

-Ship created to hold dead body, very wealthy items, 

-Description of armor and expensive weapons.

-Ship sent to sea, talk about a flood

-Poeple mourn for the death of the child.

Chapters 1-3

-A new peson came to the thrown named Healfdean. 

-Was a strong leader

-Had four children Heorogar, Hrothgar, Halga, one not living 

-Heorogar was known for his bravery on the battle field.

-A hall was built in his honor 

-Creates an award called Heorot

-Talks about a banquet and a fued between father-in-law and father over wealth. 

-Something of evil comes from "moor-land" to hurt the happiness 

- Cain awakens (evil creature) to ruin the fun. 

Chapter 2 

Went to house and found group of people mourning the death of a person 

The next morning Grendel found out his servant of 12 years was murdered

That night Grendel looked for the person who killed his servant and was determined to get his revenge

The murder wasn't hard to find and Grendel found who he thought killed his servant

There was another person continuing to murder people ruthlessly 

People said he still lurked the "moorlands" but nobody said where this place was because they were so afraid 

People prayed that they wouldn't be killed by this person but also prayed he would be forgiven by god 

Chapter 3 

Grendel seen as a hero and people thought his valor should be recognized by the king 

Grendel chosen to lead a group of 14 men (called the Geats) to sea 

He and his men found the place they were sailing to - Danes 

Get off boat armed with weapons and shields 

Met by a warden (" scylding clansman") on horseback that was armed 

Warden explains that his job is to protect the people of Danes from sailors who land there

He also explains he had never seen people come there and be so obvious that they were warriors

Warden tells them that he is praying for them on their voyage 

Ch. 6-8 (Online)
Chapter Six (VI)

• Hrothgar is talking of Beowolf and only legends have been told (like rumors in today’s world) of how strong and great Beowolf is
• They thank god (grateful) for having him send Beowolf to relive them of Grendel and his destruction
• Grateful for someone/thing that they haven’t even met yet, they just know rumors and stories about.
• Like society today when we want to ay someone for their service but really we should just be grateful for their service and sacrifice to be there rather than having to pay them to make ourselves feel better about “hassling them”
• heros don’t get hassled, they just go out and do because that’s their “job”
• People get mad about Beowolf not taking the money and gold but why should he? He did a good deed and shouldn’t it just be left to that?
• Beowolf gets message that Hrothgar will accept him and his kin in his own kingdom for Beowolf’s bravery
• Beolwolf replies by giving story of his own battles and how he came to be known as a strong man. He fought animals and his foes, many at a time, for his people (the Geats) and to avenge them (symbol of hero)
• Beowolf knows his duty, in specific to defeating Grendel, and knows that he must use only himself and no other armor
• knowledgeable of situation and knows what needs to be done. Doesn’t put brawn over brains
• “So, from thee, thou sovran of the Shining-Danes, Scyldings'-bulwark, a boon I seek, and, Friend-of-the-folk, refuse it not, O Warriors'-shield, now I've wandered far, that I alone with my liegemen here, this hardy band, may Heorot purge!” - I am not sure what he means by I have wandered too far?
• He knows he might die in battle and respects the “rules” of battle and lets his family know that if he is to die in battle, they shouldn’t worry about burying him properly.
• Practical but still with hope that he will win the battle with faith

Chapter Seven (VII)

• Hrothgar retells story of brother’s, Heorogar, death.
• Killed by war between Wylfings and Scyldings over money and gold
• Shows destruction of materialistic world and consequences of it
• “Then was this mead-house at morning tide dyed with gore, when the daylight broke, all the boards of the benches blood-besprinkled, gory the hall: I had heroes the less,” - descriptive language of how warriors died trying to defeat Grendel. Revenge Hrothgar wants. Passionate
• Sit to eat after this gruesome story, shows culture and how they take death as a apart of life but then want revenge for wrongful deaths as do we in today’s world

Chapter 8 (VIII)

• Always refer to seafarers to tell a rumor or story, Why?
• Enferth (son of Ecglaf) questioned Beowolf’s ability to actually fight Grendel and told of story where Beowolf and “rival” Breca swam the seas together and then Breca got out of the sees unharmed but he worries that Beowolf is not strong like Breca.
• Questioning of strength is key in hero battle/adventure because it makes the hero think about his/her strength and if they really can achieve their goal
• Also gives background to Beowolf and adventures
• Questions that Beowolf will do anything without really thinking about it or consequences
• Beowolf reinforces that he is ready and states that he was a child and didn’t know better but he did bring swords for protection
• He stayed by Breca until the very end until it was impossible to stay together because of the seas tearing them apart
• Beowolf defeated the beast of the sea and that shows give evidence behind why he is worthy of fighting Grendel
• He supports this accusation on inadequacy and backs up his point with evidence as seen in today’s culture with giving effective opinions and if you want people to believe you then you give them reasons to
• He proves himself time and time again which is what a hero has to do because the people are putting their faith into him and they want credibility 

Reflections on week 1

I feel there aren't any factors that are going to hold me back from participation. For the most part, my computer, phone, etc, all function and help for the course. The only real conflict I would have would be athletics conflicting with my schedule every once in a while. Other than that, I'm pretty solid. 

Summer after my sophomore year, I was given such an amaIng opportunity to intern for a writer for a local news press. Thanks to Deanna Byrne, I got to take part in something I could have never had a chance at. I have gained so many connections, and it honestly has changed my life. It makes me so proud, and thankful for such an awesome experience and elevate my writing.  

I'm most excited for the "open learning" approach. I'm really enjoying the blog and being free to express myself and thoughts. I'm most concerned about not keeping up with all the online assignments, but I'm sure I will power through it. This online learning will make a big difference in my life in the sense it will give me a new perspective and understanding. I'm always wanting to earn an grow, and this class will do just that for me, and I can't wait! 

Notes: PP. 2-14 Textbook

Conquest of Britain 

• Two groups of Celts: Brythons settled on Britain, Gaels settled in Ireland. 
• Farmers and hunters. Organized in clans with loyalty. Priests settled disputes. 
• Next came Roman conquerers. Mainly Julius Ceasar with hasty invasions. 
• Next Anglo-Saxons. Fishers. Took over more of England. 

Coming Of Christianity

• Romans had accepted it. Although Rome fell, the religion/Celtic church didn't. Established monasteries. Promoted peace, helped to unify English people.after

Danish Invasion 

• Norway wanted Scotland, Whales, and Ireland. Denmark wanted Eastern/southern England. The vikings destroyed monasteries and killed people. England fallen to invaders. 
• King "Alfred the great" was throned. Split between Saxon and Danish territory. King considered a hero. 
• King preserved danish lifestyle. Then Edward became king.

The Norman Conquest 

• descendants of vikings. after  Edward died, next came Harold II, but was killed by William who rightfully took the throne he was promised. Shifted from Saxon to Norman lifestyle. 

The Reign of the Plantagenets 

• Now Henry II founded House of Plant. conflict with church. When he killed a person who took church's side, attended his tomb and it became a sacred thing to do. 

The Magna Carta 

• Next Richard I, military expeditions over seas. Next King John inherited his debt, taxed people, People resisted, brought brinks to civil war. Made Magna Carta= constitutional Gov in England. 

Lancasters, Yorks, And Tudors

• Next came three henry kings of Lanc. Yorks conflicted with them. Known as Wars of Roses. Fought over throne. 
• York king killed. Two descendants married, united/ending the war and the throne. 

Decline of the Feudal System 

• after plague, labor work increased. Got treated badly, peasants revolted. 
• cause faded, but fight for social injustices would come again

Literature 

• Anglo-Saxon-reciting of poems. Focused on heroes, or deaths of loved ones. 
• English Middle Ages-dramas emerged. Chaucer depicted medieval life, knights, love deeds, outlaws. 
• advancements in printing lead to widespread literature productions
• Romances, Lyrics, and Ballads

English Language

• A mix of a little bit of everything
• Derived from low germanic tongue from Saxons. 
• modeled from more sophisticated words from other languages like Latin and Greek
• mixed with french from Normans 
• Now called Middle English 

The Exeter Book- Collection of manuscripts that included pieces of oral tradition. Properly compiled by monks during Alfred the great's reign. "Seafarer", "Wanderer" and "Wife's Lament" all came from book. Inspired through Anglo-Saxons. 

My Opinion Isn't (A) Right!

The worst thing someone could ever say in an argument it is "well i have a right to my opinion". That is literally the worst way to end an argument. In the document we discussed in class, the author described this statement to be very ignorant. Saying this line is beyond pointless. It does not give any insight as to why you are right and the other person is wrong. It brings absolutely nothing new to the debate, and honestly, it just makes you look like your living in a cave of ignorance. Also, I personally do not understand how a person can have "A right to an opinion" if it is completely wrong. In that case its not an opinion, you're just wrong and coming off as an idiot defending a case that is based on false assumptions. 

Discussing the document in a seminar in class was extremely helpful in understand intentions for this course. It's insight into life arguments. In other words, you can't just argue whatever you want because you have a "right" to it; when you don't.  I mean, of course you can think whatever you want in your head, no one can stop that. But what i'm trying to say here is, is that there are some grey areas of fault in the statement. Countless examples from the document enforce this concept. Technically, to really have a "right" to something, others have to abide and follow that entitlement as well, which is not always the case to begin with. Sure, you could have a right to your opinion if you were a totally separated and isolated individual with no other dependence but for yourself. But this isn't the case. We live in a world that is so interconnected that this statement is useless, irrelevant, and does nothing but hold us back from getting to the root of an answer or issue. It does nothing more than restrain society from evolving and progressing.


"Right"- a moral or legal entitlement to have or obtain something or to act in a certain way.



.

Vocabulary #1

1.)adumbrate (V)

report or represent in outline

indicate faintly 

foreshadow or symbolize• overshadow

The homework assignment was written very adumbrate, as it wasn't very specific.

2.) Apotheosis (N)

the highest point in the development of something; culmination or climax

During the experiment, the apotheosis struck when the explosion occurred in the middle of testing 

3.)ascetic (Adj)

characterized by or suggesting the practice of severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons bauble 

a small, showy trinket or decoration.

something that is superficially attractive but useless or worthless.

Some religions require fasting periods. This is very ascetic and makes for good self discipline.

4.)Bauble (N)

a small, showy trinket or decoration. Something attractive but useless 

The picture on the project board was bauble, as it was pretty, but served no purpose.

5.)beguile (V)

charm or enchant (someone), sometimes in a deceptive way 

The evil princess beguiled the gulible prince into doing something bad. 

6.)burgeon 

begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish

7.)complement (N)

a thing that completes or brings to perfection. A number or quantity of something required to make a group complete 

8.)contumacious (Adj)

stubbornly or willfully disobedient to authority.

9.)curmudgeon (N) 

a bad-tempered or surly person.

10.)didactic (Adj)

intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive 

11.)disingenuous (Adj)

not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does. 

12.)exculpate (V) 

show or declare that (someone) is not guilty of wrongdoing

13.)faux pas (Adj) 

made in imitation; artificial

14.)fulminate (V) 

express vehement protest 

explode violently or flash like lightning.

develop suddenly and severely

15.)fustian (N) 

pompous or pretentious or uppity speech or writing

16.)hauteur (N)

haughtiness of manner; disdainful pride.

17.)inhibit (V)

hinder, restrain, or prevent

18.)jeremiad (N)

a long, mournful complaint or lamentation; a list of woes.

19.)opportunist (N) 

a person who exploits circumstances to gain immediate advantage rather than being guided by consistent principles or plans

20.)unconscionable (Adj)

not right or reasonable. Unreasonably excessive.

1987 AP Exam

Question #1

George Eliot’s piece on leisure shows the contrast between old and new lifestyles that we live in. she characterizes old leisure as laid back, relaxed, and a slow paced life. While on the reversal, new leisure is much the opposite being a hard working and fast paced life style. New leisure is drawn to be much more in depth thinking and involving intellectual activities stimulating the minds of people who wish to learn and grow. Old leisure is simple minded and relates to just going through the motions of every day routine. Eliot uses a man going through his daily routine to show the contrast between the two. Her diction, tone, personifying, and use of flashbacks show the shift from old to new leisure as well as the gap of contrast between the two. She depicts two people of opposite life styles, that symbolically represent the old and new lifestyles society has evolved into. 

Question #2

History itself deserves as the best proof of society’s progress on a global scale. For example, the great depression of the 1950’s brought about one of the biggest and most dramatic chapters of history known today. It left society with an escalation of problems, including  the stock market crash, dust bowl, and the rise in moving west. Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck captures our nations great struggle through the devastating great depression. Steinbeck’s book explored the doubt people had in the government as well as our nations financial systems exemplified through the stock market crash. Also, the dust bowls destroying crops affected countless lives and inflicted damage into all areas of agriculture. Steinbeck uses a variety of literary devices. Figurative language, personification, hyperbole, metonymy, and vivid characterization are all mixed into the book, Steinbeck’s novel almost flawlessly ties connections from historical events to a story on paper about “living the american dream” and the struggles it takes in achieving it. 

Weaknesses: I feel my biggest weaknesses in test taking is my constant self-guessing (and it mostly aimed towards the multiple choice). I read the question, then once at the answers i start to think that all letters work, but have trouble in selecting which one is the most correct. Another big flaw would definitely be vocabulary. I would like to at least know tips on narrowing down wrong answers even when i don't fully understand/know the word being asked. For me personally, I feel a also struggle with speed reading. I have trouble reading the passages fast enough to get to the questions. This is a very important detail i hope to improve. Also, with this particular text, i realized just how little i know about poet devices. All these are aspects of my test taking i wish ti improve by the end of the year when I take the AP Exam.

Strengths: I think my biggest strength for the AP Exam would be the essays. I think it much easier for me to write about things i am able to draw connections and relate to then to simply bubble in answers about pieces i barely even had time to read. With the essays i think I'm very good with finding/applying rhetorical and literary devices. I think in general i do a good job of comparing books to one another which applies quite nicely for the test. I also think i do a good job of detecting the authors themes, mood, tones, etc when reading passages for both the multiple choice sections and writing. But there is always room for improvement! 

Montaigne/Austen Essay

Micheal De Montaigne was a very bright intellectual who had a very unique style of writing with a variety of techniques. His work was often funneled from broad spectrums brought into being applied only to the individual. They were wrapped in life morals, theories, and philosophical thinkings. Similar to Montaigne, Austen’s Pride and Prejudice shows similar styles throughout the novel. David Foster Wallace once said, “What goes on inside is just too fast and huge and all interconnected for words to do more than barely sketch the outlines of at most one tiny little part of it at any given instant.” This quote contours the basic structure of Both Pride and Prejudice and Montaigne’s collection of Essays. 

Although extremely lengthy, the collection of essays covered such an assortment of topics ranging from everything to anything. He specifically touched on morality, religion, education, and self enlightenment. Wallace suggests that topics like these with so much background behind them are hard to cover completely; well he is right! Montaigne, however, did one talented of a job of hitting almost every corner of the arguments the topics discussed, which is not only difficult, but almost near impossible. But even after passing hundreds of pages elaborating on the subject, there are still sides that are left unsaid. In other words, Wallace’s quote explains the never ending galaxy of words, arguments, and situations that can relate to any given topic. Montaigne’s work, however, covered countless areas, but even then there are still areas left unspoken. 

I think the diction of the phrase “interconnected” is a very important detail of quote. I feel it more closely means connection of the body and the mind. Montaigne is also an author who combines his emotions and thoughts into his work. Montaigne was very opinionated with his topics. When discussing the ever controversial argument of religion, Montaigne gave his views countlessly explaining how his were victorious over any others. But yet, never once explained how the others were wrong. In Pride and Prejudice, Austen also analyzed the value of religion within his characters. When Nathan Price persistently threw religion amongst people who will not ever value it, it created a shift between what is considered civilization. People like Nathan who come from a very structural society with religious morality carved into them are viewed superior. But yet, natives in Africa are battle for real life survival from disease, homeless, and faced with starvation. Instead of giving them the things vital to living, we give them preachings about something they know and care nothing about. But yet, we are the civilized ones right? Like the quote stated, we have only “scratched the surface.”

"I Never Learned To Read!"

I fell short within Dr. Preston's 90% range of mistakes, nonetheless I'm still pretty impressed with myself considering I did a lot better than I thought I was going to! Hope this video brings smiles :)

Also, special thanks to Hannah Hurd for the help in the filming of this video (even though your mom interrupted us half way through it, it still came out great with some editing). ;)

Poetry #1

1.) Written by Charles Bukowski, The Laughing Heart, was featured in Levi's Go Forth commercial roughly around the year 2011. However, the video did not offer any credit to the original author though out the commercial.

2.)  The commercial features scenes of young people rioting, one riding their bike through tear gas,  a group of them marching, and one even taunting police. With all these dramatic scenes, Bukowski's poem is narrated over them. Now for the irony. Surprisingly, most found the ad to be a negative influence to motivate young people to riot and act against authority. To push the matter even another step forward, a version of the video was pulled in the UK as it was viewed too contentious. The hidden irony here is the underlying connections between the company's "Go Forth" commercial, and young people acting out. In fact, Global President of Levi's brand, Robert Hanson, was quoted saying, "The Global campaign was based on research...young people feel that it's their duty to improve the world." It seems to me that Mr. Hanson sees nothing wrong with rallying up kids and young adults to commit acts of violence ending themselves up in jail. Although the version may vary, the one aired in the U.S. may have still been quite controversial, however, I still can't help but to find it still inspirational in the sense that we have the power to change the world. I think it's enlightening to young people to have confidence in their actions and to understand just how powerful they can be. We have the power to influence and change the world all we want, but showing visuals of riots and violence is not the way to go about doing it (promoting it in a commercial is equally as bad as well). I think instead of encouraging this kind of behavior, we should instead be enlightening younger generations to change the world in a positive way that is constructive and progressive in solving real world issues.



3.) I think the poem itself (without regard to the commercial) reflects the author's personality and past events. Charles Bukowski was an outsider throughout his childhood at school. He had everything from physical skin conditions, speech/accent problems, abusive relationships, to poverty. He has trouble fitting in, and several health problems that required countless visits to the hospital. Because of his past, the poem relays to his life in a unique way. It related to everything Bukowski wanted or wished to be: fearless, confident, powerful, brave, etc. But when this message and overlapped to the Levi's commercial, it becomes an disaster of misleading intentions. Levi's portrays his life in the wrong contact. the line, "You are marvelous" is said as the video features the product trying to be sold. Levi's shattered the true meaning of the poem, and in the process belittled his life. I feel the Charles Bukowski deserves real recognition.

4.) My research was all found through the computer and online sources. The Political Remix Video's article, "Levi's: Go Forth and Revolt?", by a reporter by the name of Johnathon published in October 5, 2011, openly discusses his opinion of the commercial. His opinion being that it is arises nothing but conflict and Levi's wrong doing in the making of the video.
www.politicalremixvideo.com/2011/10/05/go-forth-and-revolt/

Another online source I used was an article rom The Poor Magazine published in September, the same year the video came out. The article explained in detail the life of Charles Bukowski and the history behind his work, especially in "the Laughing Heart".  From the information provided, it was easy to understand as to why the poem was offensive towards the author, as well as the public who watched it.
poormagazine.org/node/4081

After a lot of time researching on the computer, I finished my research by combining what I learned, with factual information, and sprinkled my own opinion over the top of it all. After combining my thoughts, with my sources of information, I feel I have produced a great analysis of the video.

Essay #1

Alone Doesn’t Mean Lonely 

One of the greatest and most universal flaw in humans, is that we all bare fear of the unknown. Worst of all, we fear being alone and being alienated. It’s human nature to fear what we don’t know or understand, even if the experience could change us for the better. Cultural critic Edward Said once wrote, "Exile is strangely compelling to think about but terrible to experience. It is the unhealable rift forced between a human being and a native place, between the self and its true home; its essential sadness can never be surmounted.” Similar to Edwards quote depicting alienation, Victor Hugo’s book Les Miserables, brings this concept to life when a man is alienated and living a life on the run from his past. But soon learns that even the most isolated of situations, have a way of enlightening us for the better. 

Alienation is something that can occur for variety of reasons and circumstances. For Jean Val Jean, Hugo’s main character in Les Miserables, alienation occurred when he committed theft to help a friend in need. Because of his actions, he lives constantly running from police authority hunting him down. Along the way, he takes custody of a little girl, Cossette. From this, we see the biggest enrichment exile brought in the story: To learn love, after a life time of suffering. Jean Val Jean quickly learned the severity of being alienated once having to not only look after himself, but Cossette too. Being exiled for all his life, Jeann Val Jean learns through having Cosette what it means to love someone as well as being loved in return. He realizes the virtue of being thankful for the good in life. Wiithout Cossette, he would have never been willing to open up to others, release his life of crime and guilt, and ultimately end his life of being an exile. 

Another factor due to Jean Val Jean’s alienation derives from Javert, the policemen hunting him down. Javert is the most prominent antagonist of the story who single handedly isolates Jean Val Jean. He has several failed attempts of catching Jean Val Jean, but in the end, when given the final chance to kill him, he instead takes his own life. Javert realizes he was in the wrong taking the life of a good man, and ends his conscience by ultimately ending his own life. Even though Javert was the man responsible for Jean Val Jeans exile, Javert was able to teach Val Jean the righteousness and injustices that come with isolation. Not all who are isolated are guilty, and not all who are free are deserving. 

Isolation can take many different forms, ranging from physical, to mental, and even emotional.  In the story, a maze of love triangles begin to arise. This makes the depth of the character’s isolations much more complex. Cossette, much to Jean Val Jean’s disliking, falls in love with a man named Marius. Eponine is also in love with Marius, but she is emotionally and mentally isolated from him. Eponine is forced to endure this isolation throughout the whole story. But in end, she earned her redemption when she took her own life to save Marius. On the other side of the love triangle. Jean Val Jean also goes through emotional isolation when Cossette begins to grow into adulthood and decided to marry Marius. He must let her go in order for her to live her own life and grow to be successful without him. Jean Val Jean dies at the end of the story after it is revealed Marius and Cossette are getting married, but he dies in complete peace. Knowing even though he is now isolated yet again without her, he is able to let go of her to make her happy. Not only does this show the delicate balance isolation has, but is also shows  the impact love and other emotions can play in it. 

Tendency to fear isolation and exile is all apart of human nature. Edward Said explained his thoughts on isolation as “compelling, but terrible to experience…a force between human nature and a native place.” In Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, several characters are force to undergo the challenges of being isolated. For Jean Val Jean, it was running from his past and forced to leave behind his home. Javert’s isolation is rooted from the hatred he carried all his life. His constant isolation eventually drove him to killing himself. lastly Eponine isolated herself in sorrow over love, but eventually learns that being alone doesn’t always mean that you are indeed lonely. All these character’s experienced different scenarios of isolations, but yet all learned the valuable lessons that are hidden within it. In the words of Edward Said, “isolation can be potent, even an enriching experience.”