I remember the first time I read Harrison Bergeron was in my senior year of high school. We read it in economics class, but for what reason I can’t be certain. After reading it aloud, we had a few moments of reflection time to answer some guided questions we were given. I remember very clearly thinking that it was the greatest short story I had ever read. I had always enjoyed Vonnegut’s writing, but it seemed to me nothing of his was ever as straight forward as this. Even though I can’t for the life of me remember what that lesson in economics was about, Harrison Bergeron remains my favorite short story to this day.
The whole story is no more than a one shot spanning a few pages, but the lessons conveyed in the story transcend the length. The most important part of the story is the emphasis on the stifling of traits that make one person stand out more than another. Those who were attractive were given ugly masks to wear, those who were intelligent were given a device that rendered them unable to finish a thought, and those who were graceful were given heavy chains to wear. Harrison’s parents are clearly in favor of this systematically created equality and fear regressing back into a time where one person could be deemed “better” than another. Harrison is speculated to be exceptionally handsome and talented person as he bore many “handicaps” to make him “just like anybody else.” He attempts to stage a coup and winds up being killed, while his parents remain in the dark due to their limitations.
Vonnegut’s usage of satire is blatant in this story. He presents this situation in an almost comical way, as it seems to outrages. In reality, we aren’t so far off from this. He is attempting to create a scenario where one can see what would happen if we keep trying to level the playing field so that everyone starts from the same spot; but by forcing people backwards, or forwards for that matter, we are denying what is inherently human about us. That we have different combinations of strengths and weaknesses proves that we are individuals, and this is how we are, naturally. Sometimes, a square really does not fit in a circle, but it is only as big of a detriment as we as a society make it. By handicapping the traits of those who excel naturally we are only harming ourselves. How can we move forward if we are always waiting for every person to catch up? How do we ever reach true equality without hindering people in the process? Although these answers aren’t handed to us by Vonnegut, he nonetheless poses important questions to a people so focused on the differences between perceived perfection and imperfection.
Harrison Bergeron provides important social commentary for issues that remain constantly relevant. Although people seem as though they are free, they are confined to the parameters set forth by those ruling the country. The government did not facilitate a society where people could speak or think freely but a place where there was obedience and forced enslavement. The government in this story is the epitome of fascist rule, and although it is portrayed as a place where true equality has been achieved it is only a place where people have no free will over their lives.I don’t believe that Vonnegut wrote this story without a purpose. He presents the reader with a glimpse into a dystopian world where traditional beliefs about how to create equality goes awry and in its place there are only those who are shells of the people that they might have been. The fact remains that to really level the playing ground, there would have to be uniformity in our society that is unrealistic. It is in our best interest to let people excel at their own rate, while not asking others to regress for them
25.4.09
response to Adam & Ruby (Laura)
After reading Annam’s story entitled Adam and Ruby, I was blown away by how beautifully it was written.
I especially enjoyed the fact she incorporated her Pakistani culture into the story. Words such as salwar kameez and jalebi give you an aspect of her culture and a taste of the traditions. It’s a strong theme to write about but she did it wonderfully.
Annam also does a good job at capturing the reader’s attention, especially if you’re a teenager, by creating characters that stir emotions and are easily relatable. She talks about the feelings most of us feel at that age, where we all just want to escape to someplace where no one knows our name and the pressures of school and families are far behind us. The main character Adam is presented to you and you’re not confused at what type of person he is. You see he’s just this young sarcasm spitting teenage boy who wishes to escape the cultural and religious expectations of his family at times. He’s in some ways an outsider in his own family, not really conforming to the wishes of his parents. Instead of studying to be a doctor or a lawyer, he chooses to play music and rock alone with his guitar in the confines of his room. During a party held by his parents he meets a strange girl called Ruby that entices him with her quirkiness and lets the walls he built up crumble to the ground. Together they talk and open up to each other about music and their families, creating their “own private world” in such a short amount of time. With a tune that had been stuck in his head for awhile, Ruby became his muse. Extracting the words from inside him and giving his song an identity for the first time.
I loved the humorous tone Annam puts into the story, especially the part where Adam prays to Allah. Praying is something he hasn’t done in a very long time, but results to doing it before entering his house, hoping it will help deflect any worries and stress being unleashed on him. Who hasn’t felt that way at one point or another? The dialogue Adam shares with his younger brother Ali also made me chuckle because it reminds anyone with a sibling how exchanges usually end when you’re talking with them, an insult.
The first time Ruby is introduced, you can picture her unusual appearance in your head because she is illustrated so well to the reader. “Her lips were stained an intense red shade and her eyes were painted black, with the tips of her eyeliner bridging out like a blackbirds wings…her clothes, completely disheveled and strangely endearing…Her bleached red hair was in a disarray just like the rest of her bangs that covered her eyes and self made braids which from afar resembled dreadlocks.” She’s clearly the wild child of her family, challenging the rules and sticking to the person she is. She is very similar to Adam in that way, giving you the feeling that she and Adam are meant to be. Even after just meeting Ruby, he can see right through her. “…despite her wild outer appearance, she was fragile. Everything else and an illusion of freedom” In the end when she hears her father going and they say their final goodbyes to each other, your left wondering whether or not these two will ever see each other again. Your reassured though towards the end as Adam starts writing more songs, in hopes of singing them to her one day.
I especially enjoyed the fact she incorporated her Pakistani culture into the story. Words such as salwar kameez and jalebi give you an aspect of her culture and a taste of the traditions. It’s a strong theme to write about but she did it wonderfully.
Annam also does a good job at capturing the reader’s attention, especially if you’re a teenager, by creating characters that stir emotions and are easily relatable. She talks about the feelings most of us feel at that age, where we all just want to escape to someplace where no one knows our name and the pressures of school and families are far behind us. The main character Adam is presented to you and you’re not confused at what type of person he is. You see he’s just this young sarcasm spitting teenage boy who wishes to escape the cultural and religious expectations of his family at times. He’s in some ways an outsider in his own family, not really conforming to the wishes of his parents. Instead of studying to be a doctor or a lawyer, he chooses to play music and rock alone with his guitar in the confines of his room. During a party held by his parents he meets a strange girl called Ruby that entices him with her quirkiness and lets the walls he built up crumble to the ground. Together they talk and open up to each other about music and their families, creating their “own private world” in such a short amount of time. With a tune that had been stuck in his head for awhile, Ruby became his muse. Extracting the words from inside him and giving his song an identity for the first time.
I loved the humorous tone Annam puts into the story, especially the part where Adam prays to Allah. Praying is something he hasn’t done in a very long time, but results to doing it before entering his house, hoping it will help deflect any worries and stress being unleashed on him. Who hasn’t felt that way at one point or another? The dialogue Adam shares with his younger brother Ali also made me chuckle because it reminds anyone with a sibling how exchanges usually end when you’re talking with them, an insult.
The first time Ruby is introduced, you can picture her unusual appearance in your head because she is illustrated so well to the reader. “Her lips were stained an intense red shade and her eyes were painted black, with the tips of her eyeliner bridging out like a blackbirds wings…her clothes, completely disheveled and strangely endearing…Her bleached red hair was in a disarray just like the rest of her bangs that covered her eyes and self made braids which from afar resembled dreadlocks.” She’s clearly the wild child of her family, challenging the rules and sticking to the person she is. She is very similar to Adam in that way, giving you the feeling that she and Adam are meant to be. Even after just meeting Ruby, he can see right through her. “…despite her wild outer appearance, she was fragile. Everything else and an illusion of freedom” In the end when she hears her father going and they say their final goodbyes to each other, your left wondering whether or not these two will ever see each other again. Your reassured though towards the end as Adam starts writing more songs, in hopes of singing them to her one day.
24.4.09
Final portfolio& class anthology (Annam)
I've been spending some time working on my final portfolio for the class, in which we have to submit all of our revised stories plus some extra things like a introduction letter. For the intro, I talked about how books were always my escape as a kid, and I still love to read them whenever I get the chance. I mentioned how I once heard "to be a good writer, you must be a good reader", and this saying holds a lot of truth. Just by reading, I learned many words and improved my grasp on the english language. Reading a good book also makes you aware of different styles that writers use to effectively portray their story to readers, and all those technicalities and formalities of writing. I know how using correct grammer and proper structure in writing a story can be annoying, but just by reading so much through the years, it almost became an instinct to me to do so.
I cant fail to mention that I gave a little reference to this very blog as well. What I wrote was, that the initial prospectives of becoming a "blogger" didnt sound very ideal to me. It amazes me how people can use their online blogs as personal journals. Maybe Im someone who values my privacy on an abnormal level, but I couldnt understand the idea of blogging my thoughts for the entire world to see. But I've actually maybe sort of liked being able to post my responses and what not on here. Its much more conveniant and faster than keeping a journal for class. Also, writing sarcastic, smart alecy posts with my witty friend Laura was fun, even if we're the only ones who are amused by them.
I did get around to editing all three stories. I found many things I decided needed to be changed or corrected, and in the end, I feel like I did everything I could to convey what I wanted to through these stories. "Transience", the first one, was the longest yet easiest one to write for me, because I already had a clear idea of what I wanted it to be about, and it all sort of flowed on paper. "Odd Chance" was the one that took the longest. I spent alot of time scrutinizing over the little details of this one, because i never wrote a story before that didnt have any clear or dynamic plotline. It was just about a guy who is on the subway and is people watching. He happens to see a few random occurences and encounter a few interesting strangers. "Adam & Ruby", the third story, took me just a few hours to jot down. I think I mentally went back to being 16 years old when I wrote that one, because its totally a teenage story that that age group might like and be able to relate to-the pressures of the adolescent years and the awkward transition from child to adult.
Also, for the class anthology, I submitted "Transience" to be published. I think its actually pretty cool that our class will have this chance to become published writers. I dont think many other creative writing classes get to do that as a class.
I cant fail to mention that I gave a little reference to this very blog as well. What I wrote was, that the initial prospectives of becoming a "blogger" didnt sound very ideal to me. It amazes me how people can use their online blogs as personal journals. Maybe Im someone who values my privacy on an abnormal level, but I couldnt understand the idea of blogging my thoughts for the entire world to see. But I've actually maybe sort of liked being able to post my responses and what not on here. Its much more conveniant and faster than keeping a journal for class. Also, writing sarcastic, smart alecy posts with my witty friend Laura was fun, even if we're the only ones who are amused by them.
I did get around to editing all three stories. I found many things I decided needed to be changed or corrected, and in the end, I feel like I did everything I could to convey what I wanted to through these stories. "Transience", the first one, was the longest yet easiest one to write for me, because I already had a clear idea of what I wanted it to be about, and it all sort of flowed on paper. "Odd Chance" was the one that took the longest. I spent alot of time scrutinizing over the little details of this one, because i never wrote a story before that didnt have any clear or dynamic plotline. It was just about a guy who is on the subway and is people watching. He happens to see a few random occurences and encounter a few interesting strangers. "Adam & Ruby", the third story, took me just a few hours to jot down. I think I mentally went back to being 16 years old when I wrote that one, because its totally a teenage story that that age group might like and be able to relate to-the pressures of the adolescent years and the awkward transition from child to adult.
Also, for the class anthology, I submitted "Transience" to be published. I think its actually pretty cool that our class will have this chance to become published writers. I dont think many other creative writing classes get to do that as a class.
22.4.09
Surefire ways to annoy your fellow human beings
Being passive aggressive is not easy. I should know. There are many people and things you despise with the heat of a thousand burning suns, yet for some reason, you dont show it. Maybe you hate confrontation, or your too lazy to say anything and would much rather privately wallow in your sorrows. Us "pass-aggs" as we like to call ourselves, may feel the need to speak up against what we find unacceptable from time to time. But most of the time, we just like to bitch inside our scattered minds and find creative little, unassuming ways to get back at those who wronged us. Say what you want, its our way of life and its definitely better to be passive agressive than to be...agressive-aggressive..?
So here for all the pass-aggs and even to anyone else who might need some passive aggressive wisdom, are surefire ways to tick off, piss off, annoy and just all around be an ass to anyone who deserves it. They dont even have to be directed at anyone in particular, just do them to blow off some steam and get some pass-agg satisfaction. Its completely healthy, believe me. And all can be done in the most passive agressive manners known to man:
So here for all the pass-aggs and even to anyone else who might need some passive aggressive wisdom, are surefire ways to tick off, piss off, annoy and just all around be an ass to anyone who deserves it. They dont even have to be directed at anyone in particular, just do them to blow off some steam and get some pass-agg satisfaction. Its completely healthy, believe me. And all can be done in the most passive agressive manners known to man:
-Specify that your drive-through order is "TO-GO."
-Reply to everything someone says with "that's what you think."
-If someone says they love something, reply "then why dont ya marry it!?"
-Highlight irrelevant information in your papers/work and hand in to boss/teachers.
-Signal that a conversation is over by clamping your hands over your ears and grimacing.
-Signal your bored of someone by pretending to doze off when they are talking, fake snore for extra oomph.
-Holler random numbers while someone is counting.
-Staple pages in the middle of the page.
-Honk and wave to strangers, a toothy grin and thumbs up for added effect.
-Decline to be seated at a restaurant, and simply nibble on their complimentary mints at the cash register.
-TYPE IN UPPERCASE, and use only online lingo and abbreviations (ex. omg! lol irl, l8r)
-Repeat the following a few times when someone is talking:"DO YOU HEAR THAT?""What?""Never mind, it's gone now."
-Ask people what gender they are.
- Wear graphic t's with obnoxious or random slogans. (True story: I once saw a boy wearing a shirt that said "Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day" It was the most annoying shirt ive ever seen and i couldnt stop looking at it)
- for men, wear v-neck tshirts that showcase your chest hair.
-Sit in your front yard pointing a hair dryer at passing cars to see if they slow down.
-Sing along at the opera.
-Go to a poetry recital and ask why each poem doesn't rhyme.
-Ask your co-workers/friends mysterious questions about themselves and then scribble their answers in a notebook. Mutter something about "psychological profiles."
- Give uncreative nicknames to inanimate objects (ex. pen named "peny", book named "booky") and refer to them in everyday conversations
-Do not add any inflection to the end of your sentences, producing awkward silences with the impression that you'll be saying more any moment.
-Drum on every available surface.
- Ask people if they would like to join your "air band", Say your the lead air guitarist and the only available spot for them is air maracas or air xylephone.
-Start off a compliment with "ooh la la!", creepy smile and a bat of the eyelashes
-Repeat everything someone says, as a question and answer all questions with a question (Ex. If someone says: Where are you going?, you say "Where am I not going?")
-Speak with different accents, Southern and British accent are especially encouraged.
-Never make eye contact.
- Never break eye contact.
- And lastly, as much as possible, skip rather than walk.
18.4.09
Story #1 (Laura)
In my first story entitled “Lost” I was inspired to write about a funny story that happened to my mom and her best friend when they were around my age. Of course I exaggerated some parts and had to add things to make it more interesting but essentially it’s a true story. I tried to be as descriptive as possible when writing it so i could engage the person reading my story and have them picture the scenes in their minds. At the same time though I didnt want to get carried away to the point where it was getting obnoxious. Writing this story gave me my first chance at discovering my own personal writing style. I didn’t tell the story from just one characters point of view but from a third person style. I also tried to put my own experience of being with my friends into the story. Growing up with all brothers I tend to view my three closest friends as my sisters, who like me only have brothers for siblings. As “sisters” we tend to talk to each other in sarcastic tones and make smart-alecky comments towards each other teasingly like the two characters in my story do. This story was the one I had the most fun writing because I wanted it to be humorous and be allowed to use some of my cynical prone behavior in it. I even dipped into a real life incident where my friend was driving and almost ran over a cat that had ran into the road. She pulled over and we proceeded to have the same little chat as Terri and Lee did about her losing her driving privileges. The dialogue came easy to me but I did find myself in trouble towards the end because I wasn’t quite sure how to end it. In real life, my mom and her friend ended up turning around and driving back home so I decided not to stray too far and stick with the factual account.
A pointless rambling on Online Shopping
These days, everything is a click away. The world of knowledge is at our fingertips. In the olden days a la 1990, kids had to find out about all the know-hows and what-nots on the streets. So you want to know if the stork really brought you down from the sky or the proper formula for magnesium sulfate? Try cracking open that encyclopedia of universal knowledge! Or maybe you need to update your wardrobe or buy some milk for your Count Chocula? Well then...put on some pants and go out and buy it! But now, your pantless, encyclopedialess self can sit safely within the confines of your humble abode and order all your neccesities of life on your handy dandy computer. Oh the wonders of the internet. And online shopping is no small feat either pals.
What is it about online shopping that just hooks you up and pulls you in like bait when there are many risks? For example, you need a credit card or your screwed, and even then, your credit card info. can be stolen by hooligans known as hackers. If your a shopoholic (yes, such a disease exists)..especially if your a lazy or anti-social shopoholic, shopping online is a boundless haven that craves all of your materislistic desires. You could be tempted into clicking on things you never knew you needed and sink furthur in your isolated state! Another downfall of internet shopping: what if you dont like what you ordered, the hassle of shipping it back truly sucks.
But put these few minor difficulties aside, and what you have is the start of an epic era known as online shopping! It can also be quite an amazing thing to behold. So simple and so conveniant, so bittersweet and oh so addictive! I am not ashamed to say that I am a proud online shopper. Once you learn the ins and outs and the safety precautions of shopping with respectable sites, your set my friend. Online shopping can unleash the smart shopper in you as its much easier to compare prices and find deals, which is much more difficult when shlepping from store to store. Shop till you drop if you like, and even then, it okay...cause your at home and you can just go take a slumber on your cozy bed nearby!
Online shopping makes my stomach fill with little imaginary, analogical butterflies--as weird as that sounds. Im no shopoholic, and definitely not materialistic in any sense. Shopping to me is a kind of a once in a while, spiritual endeavor that takes time and careful planning...despite the few impulse buys that plague us all, online or not. Going to websites like Amazon.com that are the jelly to my peanut butter, the sun to my moon, is ever so satisfying. If you stay within your limits and know what your ordering, your sure to have a blissful experience. 2-14 business days later...or sooner if you choose expidited shipping, you'll feel like the postman is Santa Clause and your a kid on the nice list at Christmas all over again. As your package arrives safe and sound...you tear it open to uncover the treasure inside. Its a good thing, a very good thing indeed. Now excuse' mua as I click on over to another site where some mighty good looking shoes are calling my name and practically screaming "discount" in my ear...Speaking of ear, I might also order some ear-muffs. Winter's just a short year away and its good to be prepared for those dreadful ear frost bites ya know...
What is it about online shopping that just hooks you up and pulls you in like bait when there are many risks? For example, you need a credit card or your screwed, and even then, your credit card info. can be stolen by hooligans known as hackers. If your a shopoholic (yes, such a disease exists)..especially if your a lazy or anti-social shopoholic, shopping online is a boundless haven that craves all of your materislistic desires. You could be tempted into clicking on things you never knew you needed and sink furthur in your isolated state! Another downfall of internet shopping: what if you dont like what you ordered, the hassle of shipping it back truly sucks.
But put these few minor difficulties aside, and what you have is the start of an epic era known as online shopping! It can also be quite an amazing thing to behold. So simple and so conveniant, so bittersweet and oh so addictive! I am not ashamed to say that I am a proud online shopper. Once you learn the ins and outs and the safety precautions of shopping with respectable sites, your set my friend. Online shopping can unleash the smart shopper in you as its much easier to compare prices and find deals, which is much more difficult when shlepping from store to store. Shop till you drop if you like, and even then, it okay...cause your at home and you can just go take a slumber on your cozy bed nearby!
Online shopping makes my stomach fill with little imaginary, analogical butterflies--as weird as that sounds. Im no shopoholic, and definitely not materialistic in any sense. Shopping to me is a kind of a once in a while, spiritual endeavor that takes time and careful planning...despite the few impulse buys that plague us all, online or not. Going to websites like Amazon.com that are the jelly to my peanut butter, the sun to my moon, is ever so satisfying. If you stay within your limits and know what your ordering, your sure to have a blissful experience. 2-14 business days later...or sooner if you choose expidited shipping, you'll feel like the postman is Santa Clause and your a kid on the nice list at Christmas all over again. As your package arrives safe and sound...you tear it open to uncover the treasure inside. Its a good thing, a very good thing indeed. Now excuse' mua as I click on over to another site where some mighty good looking shoes are calling my name and practically screaming "discount" in my ear...Speaking of ear, I might also order some ear-muffs. Winter's just a short year away and its good to be prepared for those dreadful ear frost bites ya know...
Story #1 "Transience" (Annam)
I took inspiration from a French film I once saw about a strangely endearing girl who constantly traveled from place to place, like a drifter, and began thinking up alternate versions, endings, and characters. I decided I would take this original plot and make it my own, with new characters and a new story...sort of like a spin-off. You could call this film my muse when it came to my first story for class called Transience.
In the story, a homeless girl, named Perry, is found frozen to death in an abandoned barn shed. The only thing she possesses with her are a few scarce items she took as memory tokens from three significant people she encountered in her short life. Thus begins a full fledged investigation which steals headlines and TV time all over. Everyone is obsessed with the idea of uncovering the identity of the mystery dead girl.
I liked the idea of a non-linear, flashback type of format for the story and felt it would have fell flat any way else. The reader is introduced to the only three people whom Perry ever allowed to get close to her, and each character begins heading back to that short time they knew her, telling every detail about the breif meeting and their first impressions of the mystifying transient. Everything starts to fit together and make sense.
Perry is known to be a wild child with a poetic soul. I imagined her to be completely disheveled with dark features. When it came to coming up with the three characters who make up a huge part of the story, I wanted each to be completely different on the outside, but all a bit mentally damaged and insecure on the inside.
The character whom I spent the most time on was River, Perry's momentary love interest, as they make the most noteworthy connection. I sort of imagined Perry and River to be a Kurt Cobain/Courtney Love type couple, expect younger and less "tortured". Perry inspires Gaspard the businessman to fulfill his dream of being a teacher and he moves off to the mountains and leaves his cold, business world behind him. She encourages Belinda, the depressed housewife to run away from her supressive husband, and ofcourse, River to stop being such a recluse and go forth with his dream of traveling and becoming a well-recognized poet and writer.
Perry comes along out of nowhere and becomes the saving grace for each character, but tragically cannot find a saviour for herself. But its not all dark and gory in the end depending on how you take it because I saw it as she didnt live such a solemn life. She took whatever little she had and brought happiness to those she met along the way, sort of sacrificing herself for another. I feel like Perry is one of those beautifully flawed characters you come to admire and sympathize with and Im really glad I could portray her the way I wanted.
In the story, a homeless girl, named Perry, is found frozen to death in an abandoned barn shed. The only thing she possesses with her are a few scarce items she took as memory tokens from three significant people she encountered in her short life. Thus begins a full fledged investigation which steals headlines and TV time all over. Everyone is obsessed with the idea of uncovering the identity of the mystery dead girl.
I liked the idea of a non-linear, flashback type of format for the story and felt it would have fell flat any way else. The reader is introduced to the only three people whom Perry ever allowed to get close to her, and each character begins heading back to that short time they knew her, telling every detail about the breif meeting and their first impressions of the mystifying transient. Everything starts to fit together and make sense.
Perry is known to be a wild child with a poetic soul. I imagined her to be completely disheveled with dark features. When it came to coming up with the three characters who make up a huge part of the story, I wanted each to be completely different on the outside, but all a bit mentally damaged and insecure on the inside.
The character whom I spent the most time on was River, Perry's momentary love interest, as they make the most noteworthy connection. I sort of imagined Perry and River to be a Kurt Cobain/Courtney Love type couple, expect younger and less "tortured". Perry inspires Gaspard the businessman to fulfill his dream of being a teacher and he moves off to the mountains and leaves his cold, business world behind him. She encourages Belinda, the depressed housewife to run away from her supressive husband, and ofcourse, River to stop being such a recluse and go forth with his dream of traveling and becoming a well-recognized poet and writer.
Perry comes along out of nowhere and becomes the saving grace for each character, but tragically cannot find a saviour for herself. But its not all dark and gory in the end depending on how you take it because I saw it as she didnt live such a solemn life. She took whatever little she had and brought happiness to those she met along the way, sort of sacrificing herself for another. I feel like Perry is one of those beautifully flawed characters you come to admire and sympathize with and Im really glad I could portray her the way I wanted.
Movie review for Happy-Go-Lucky (Annam)
Warning: I tell all, up to the ending about this movie so read only half way if your planning to watch it and dont want to know what happens :)
I recently watched a movie called Happy-Go-Lucky starring a relatively unknown actress called Sally Hawkins. But she has gained instant recognition after the film won an Oscar. It comes from England-a land that has produced many a greats. This movie is not one that is particularly epic or brilliant. Its more of a fun, light, cute little film you can see with friends or when you need a pick me up. There is a deeper underlying message behind it though which is evident at the end.
The story revolves around Poppy, a very energetic and quirky woman who lives in London with her best friend. You either love Poppy, or despise her. She is either this very funny, upbeat person with whom you'd like to be friends with-or- an annoyingly chipper person who you'd like to shoo away with a stick or a disturbed raccoon. Life seems to test Poppy on all levels. In the start, she tries to begin a little chat with a bookstore keeper, and he flat out refuses to acknowledge her existence. Soon afterwards, she discovers her favorite bike is stolen. Now you or I would probably be cursing the heavens at this point, but not Poppy. Its almost inhuman how she manages to brush off the ugly aspects of life and only focus on whats ahead, and how to take the positives out of a negative.
Throughout the film, we meet Poppy's various circle of friends and family, and discover she's a schoolteacher, trampoline enthusiast, and a lover of all things unusual and uninhibited. One recurring story in the film is how Poppy decides to take driving lessons after the theft of her beloved bicycle, and encounters a rather strange driving instructor named Scott. He has a very harsh, cynical, and dark outlook on life that parallels Poppy's soft, positive and bright personality. Its almost like fate played a cruel trick by bringing these two together. Scott constantly yells at Poppy, while all she can do is laugh at his sudden anger outbursts at her bad driving. In the meantime, Poppy must deal with a young bully at her school and tries to uncover what is making him so violent, and develops a blooming relationship with the school's child psychologist in the process. In a creepy turn, Poppy discovers that Scott is actually madly in love with her and stalks out her home on off days. This leads to an intense confrontation where Poppy's blind optimism is successfully tested, and she must face Scott's anger and issues, and ultimately decides to end their driving sessions for his own good and her safety.
So to top it all off, Poppy and her best friend are sitting in a cute little boat in a cute little pond, having a nice time. Poppy's bff tells her she needs to be less nice and naive all the time and Poppy sort of agrees to disagree. Here we meet a woman who is impressively unaffected by life's harsh realities, and rather chooses to live her life on her own terms despite the constant negativity that seems to test her strong spirit. This is a movie with no particular plot. It plays out like a linear look at someones life, and for those who like a traditional beginning-middle-end film that is plot heavy, this movie is not for you. But for those who are not picky, and just like something that is not tasteless and overly structured, but has an interesting variety of characters and storyline, you'll probably like this. Its a film that teaches you to embrace your oddest quirks and not take life so seriously. Having a laugh and smiling in the face of all that is depressing once in a while can be more important than you think. Like a true movie critic, I'll rate this film with 3 out of 4 stars.
I recently watched a movie called Happy-Go-Lucky starring a relatively unknown actress called Sally Hawkins. But she has gained instant recognition after the film won an Oscar. It comes from England-a land that has produced many a greats. This movie is not one that is particularly epic or brilliant. Its more of a fun, light, cute little film you can see with friends or when you need a pick me up. There is a deeper underlying message behind it though which is evident at the end.
The story revolves around Poppy, a very energetic and quirky woman who lives in London with her best friend. You either love Poppy, or despise her. She is either this very funny, upbeat person with whom you'd like to be friends with-or- an annoyingly chipper person who you'd like to shoo away with a stick or a disturbed raccoon. Life seems to test Poppy on all levels. In the start, she tries to begin a little chat with a bookstore keeper, and he flat out refuses to acknowledge her existence. Soon afterwards, she discovers her favorite bike is stolen. Now you or I would probably be cursing the heavens at this point, but not Poppy. Its almost inhuman how she manages to brush off the ugly aspects of life and only focus on whats ahead, and how to take the positives out of a negative.Throughout the film, we meet Poppy's various circle of friends and family, and discover she's a schoolteacher, trampoline enthusiast, and a lover of all things unusual and uninhibited. One recurring story in the film is how Poppy decides to take driving lessons after the theft of her beloved bicycle, and encounters a rather strange driving instructor named Scott. He has a very harsh, cynical, and dark outlook on life that parallels Poppy's soft, positive and bright personality. Its almost like fate played a cruel trick by bringing these two together. Scott constantly yells at Poppy, while all she can do is laugh at his sudden anger outbursts at her bad driving. In the meantime, Poppy must deal with a young bully at her school and tries to uncover what is making him so violent, and develops a blooming relationship with the school's child psychologist in the process. In a creepy turn, Poppy discovers that Scott is actually madly in love with her and stalks out her home on off days. This leads to an intense confrontation where Poppy's blind optimism is successfully tested, and she must face Scott's anger and issues, and ultimately decides to end their driving sessions for his own good and her safety.
So to top it all off, Poppy and her best friend are sitting in a cute little boat in a cute little pond, having a nice time. Poppy's bff tells her she needs to be less nice and naive all the time and Poppy sort of agrees to disagree. Here we meet a woman who is impressively unaffected by life's harsh realities, and rather chooses to live her life on her own terms despite the constant negativity that seems to test her strong spirit. This is a movie with no particular plot. It plays out like a linear look at someones life, and for those who like a traditional beginning-middle-end film that is plot heavy, this movie is not for you. But for those who are not picky, and just like something that is not tasteless and overly structured, but has an interesting variety of characters and storyline, you'll probably like this. Its a film that teaches you to embrace your oddest quirks and not take life so seriously. Having a laugh and smiling in the face of all that is depressing once in a while can be more important than you think. Like a true movie critic, I'll rate this film with 3 out of 4 stars.
Response to ASAP program and plans for college (Annam)
Being apart of ASAP has been a really great experience. When I was first approached to join right before enrolling at QCC, Im going to admit that I was very hesitant. Up until the point of signing the little contract that officially makes one an "ASAP'er", or whatever we're called, I had to think twice about it, mainly because it almost sounded too good to be true. But since then, I've not had any regrets. ASAP lives up to its standards. Even all the little obligatory tasks and things we're asked to do are worth the hassle.
Having individualized assistance and guidance is so worth having. Im actually a little scared of what I'll do without Danielle next year as she honestly helped me get by these past 2 years with all of her help. The block scheduling is something I didnt consider to be important but it has been. I have friends in other colleges that constantly complain about how they have no option but to take classes scheduled hours apart on the same day, and thats truly a stress inducer.
And of course, the financial assistance with tuition, books, and metrocards are more than I could have asked for. I think the city and CUNY school system did such a good thing by creating this program. Its been a big benefit to everyone involved, it makes the transition from high school to college easier, and Im sure its encouraged many people to continue on with their education.
My plans for after ASAP are to transfer onto a 4 year college, which I just recently found out will be Hunter College. While there, I honestly dont know where to begin as Im scattered with things I have to do. I might have to stay in touch with Danielle for some unofficial guidance. There are so many things I'd like to do professionally from traveling and reporting, to photography to writing. But my safety plan is to major in Elementary Education and get a license in teaching young children.
If I have to have a normal job, I feel like its best to be a teacher as I've always loved that profession and would resort to lining up my stuffed animals in rows and teaching them various subjects as a kid. I really admired my elementary school teachers who made learning fun, and used unconventional methods to engage us. And the idea of teaching kids is the best for me, because strangely enough, kids seem to naturally like me...I suppose its for my endless wit and charm (or not). Besides that, my only other college plan is to study abroad somewhere like England or Spain. And after that, its all still a mystery since there are so many possibilities.
Having individualized assistance and guidance is so worth having. Im actually a little scared of what I'll do without Danielle next year as she honestly helped me get by these past 2 years with all of her help. The block scheduling is something I didnt consider to be important but it has been. I have friends in other colleges that constantly complain about how they have no option but to take classes scheduled hours apart on the same day, and thats truly a stress inducer.
And of course, the financial assistance with tuition, books, and metrocards are more than I could have asked for. I think the city and CUNY school system did such a good thing by creating this program. Its been a big benefit to everyone involved, it makes the transition from high school to college easier, and Im sure its encouraged many people to continue on with their education.
My plans for after ASAP are to transfer onto a 4 year college, which I just recently found out will be Hunter College. While there, I honestly dont know where to begin as Im scattered with things I have to do. I might have to stay in touch with Danielle for some unofficial guidance. There are so many things I'd like to do professionally from traveling and reporting, to photography to writing. But my safety plan is to major in Elementary Education and get a license in teaching young children.
If I have to have a normal job, I feel like its best to be a teacher as I've always loved that profession and would resort to lining up my stuffed animals in rows and teaching them various subjects as a kid. I really admired my elementary school teachers who made learning fun, and used unconventional methods to engage us. And the idea of teaching kids is the best for me, because strangely enough, kids seem to naturally like me...I suppose its for my endless wit and charm (or not). Besides that, my only other college plan is to study abroad somewhere like England or Spain. And after that, its all still a mystery since there are so many possibilities.
An unusual vacation spot by- Annam
Spring Break is almost over and I've done nothing stimulating, school-wise. Any work is still undone and any studying is still unstudied. I did however go on a little trip to Saudi Arabia that took all of my energy and cranium space, so right now, thats all I can really think about. Usually when I travel anywhere, it takes me about a week to get back into regular, normal, routine life mode. I suspect this trip might take a little longer. I'll write a response on my trip there and some things I saw and experienced:
Well the reason for going was purely for religious reasons otherwise I dont think I'd have ever gone there. Muslims are supposed to go on a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia atleast once in their lives called Hajj. Hajj is such an intense event that only happens once a year during a condensed time frame and you need to be mentally and physically stable to go through with it. For the rest of us, there's something called Umra. Umra is like a less intense version of Hajj that is open all year round. Even though Hajj is required and Umra is not...Thats what my family and I did, Umra that is. Im not your typical religious person, but my family is so I tagged along, but I was excited and willing to learn alot about the religion I grew up with.
Saudi Arabia is a really beautiful, surreal place. At night, riding through the desert on an unbearably hot and crowded 5 hour bus ride that left me feeling quite proud of myself for enduring, i just st
ared out of my window for hours...it was hypnotizing. The desert stretches for miles and miles and all you can see is its deep golden hue and sandy mountains that reach the sky. And the sky in complete darkness is littered with stars, unlike anything a city person like I have ever witnessed. In the city of Mecca, authentic old clay buildings and crowded dirt streets make you feel like a time traveler jolted back 1,500 years. Going into the beautifully crafted Masjids or "Mosques" that are everywhere to be found is like stepping into art. The history behind this ancient land is so bold and vivid, it was amazing to think that I was walking the same land that the most well known and beloved figures in Islamic history once walked, and was looking at the same sites that they once looked upon.
To be honest, Ive felt discontented with the thought of religion for a large part of my life. But I realized that religion can actually be quite a beautiful and uniting force. Its only the people and followers of the past and present that have caused it to become a source of war and hatred. Islam in particular is a religion that has fallen victim to many intolerant ignoramuses out there. But you wouldnt know that when your in S.A. and many other Muslim countries, where Islam is an extremely beautiful and natural aspect of everyones lives that bonds, instead of seperates. During the times of the five daily prayers, you'll see the streets lined with thousands of people all heading in the same direction: to the mosque. During the prayer, everyone is surrounded by peaceful silence. All you can hear are quiet prayers and the sounds of the sparrows overhead. You feel like your apart of something greater than yourself, and its a very humbling and spiritual situation to be apart of. Many people ignore or forget about their inner self because of the fast pace of everyday life. I realized thats why Muslims pray so often, to get out of the daily grind mindset and go somewhere peaceful and personal during those five prayers per day.
(Right) The black building in the middle is called the Kabba, the holiest landmark in Islam as it was said to be built by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). The sea of white surrounding it are Muslim pilgrims during Hajj. The number of people visiting this sacred site during Hajj can easily reach millions. During Umra, the numbers are much less, but still massive in the thousands range. (I was right where that tall guy in white is standing in the picture if you can see)
Saudi Arabia also has some negative points which to me, are mainly sociological and cultural. They have a shortage of internet or libraries available there, which led the cynical speculator in me to suspect the government is trying to limit its citizens access of outside knowledge. Non-Muslims are not allowed into the country, which I think is a tad extreme- but hey, they have their own reasons for this and one can only hope they'll eventually reconsider this strange, strange rule. Besides, how would they even know who really is and isnt what they say, right!? Also, women are required to cover their hair and wear abaya's (a type of long, shapeless gown) and men can wear whatever they want, but most usually wear long white Arab style dresses. I dont see that as oppressive for women if its her choice to do so, but the women there dont have a choice: cover yourself up or be outcasted.
The line between a man and woman is not fine in such a country. It was clearly apparent that men were considered the more dominant sex, and woman had a clear purpose: to be a good wife, mother, obediant and domestic, respectful and soft spoken. Naturally, growing up in America where Im free to do many things such as speak my mind and walk around the street by myself, I had the same mind set when I was there. But I had to think twice before I thought of leaving the hotel room with even a bit of my hair showing, or when walking through the shopping areas, even asking the male shop keeper the price of an item made me feel nervous. My brother had to do most of the talking. To be fair, we did see many woman walking around alone or in groups, and its not like they arent allowed to speak in public...in general though, I think men are forced to take the dominant role, just as women are forced not to.
There is also a serious lack of understanding there about how racism, discrimination, and stereotyping is wrong. Quite a few Saudi's (as I personally witnessed) make fun of foreigners and people of other, Non-Arab backgrounds and there's no law or stigma against it there. But we have that here as well, i guess. Its just that we have more closeted racists in our country while they have more open ones. I dont know which is worse. I'd also like to point out that these extreme rules and form of religion are mainly expressed in Saudi life. In many other Muslim countries, women are free to wear what they like and do as they please, things have come a long way from traditional, conservative Muslim values.
Besides the usual downers, our entire trip remained mainly positive and something to remember. It was like a really bizarre, entertaining, spiritual, and mind numbing adventure all in one. I met many interesting, friendly people that I would have never guessed I'd meet otherwise. I experienced some cool things, and overall, it was well worth the effort, money, and planning. Also, apparently the Saudi's really love Obama because there was a big poster of him outside a shopping mall, which is ironic--Saudi's liking the American president? It almost sounds like a sick joke. "Would you ever go back?" an imaginary person asks me...Well, the answer is yes. I'd like to go back again for Hajj, or maybe even another Umra. Sure why the heck not! But once Im through with those things, I think I'd feel like my job there is done. Besides, I'd be too busy trying out different things like backpacking around Europe or rowing through a river in the Amazon ;)
Well the reason for going was purely for religious reasons otherwise I dont think I'd have ever gone there. Muslims are supposed to go on a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia atleast once in their lives called Hajj. Hajj is such an intense event that only happens once a year during a condensed time frame and you need to be mentally and physically stable to go through with it. For the rest of us, there's something called Umra. Umra is like a less intense version of Hajj that is open all year round. Even though Hajj is required and Umra is not...Thats what my family and I did, Umra that is. Im not your typical religious person, but my family is so I tagged along, but I was excited and willing to learn alot about the religion I grew up with.
Saudi Arabia is a really beautiful, surreal place. At night, riding through the desert on an unbearably hot and crowded 5 hour bus ride that left me feeling quite proud of myself for enduring, i just st
ared out of my window for hours...it was hypnotizing. The desert stretches for miles and miles and all you can see is its deep golden hue and sandy mountains that reach the sky. And the sky in complete darkness is littered with stars, unlike anything a city person like I have ever witnessed. In the city of Mecca, authentic old clay buildings and crowded dirt streets make you feel like a time traveler jolted back 1,500 years. Going into the beautifully crafted Masjids or "Mosques" that are everywhere to be found is like stepping into art. The history behind this ancient land is so bold and vivid, it was amazing to think that I was walking the same land that the most well known and beloved figures in Islamic history once walked, and was looking at the same sites that they once looked upon.To be honest, Ive felt discontented with the thought of religion for a large part of my life. But I realized that religion can actually be quite a beautiful and uniting force. Its only the people and followers of the past and present that have caused it to become a source of war and hatred. Islam in particular is a religion that has fallen victim to many intolerant ignoramuses out there. But you wouldnt know that when your in S.A. and many other Muslim countries, where Islam is an extremely beautiful and natural aspect of everyones lives that bonds, instead of seperates. During the times of the five daily prayers, you'll see the streets lined with thousands of people all heading in the same direction: to the mosque. During the prayer, everyone is surrounded by peaceful silence. All you can hear are quiet prayers and the sounds of the sparrows overhead. You feel like your apart of something greater than yourself, and its a very humbling and spiritual situation to be apart of. Many people ignore or forget about their inner self because of the fast pace of everyday life. I realized thats why Muslims pray so often, to get out of the daily grind mindset and go somewhere peaceful and personal during those five prayers per day.
(Right) The black building in the middle is called the Kabba, the holiest landmark in Islam as it was said to be built by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). The sea of white surrounding it are Muslim pilgrims during Hajj. The number of people visiting this sacred site during Hajj can easily reach millions. During Umra, the numbers are much less, but still massive in the thousands range. (I was right where that tall guy in white is standing in the picture if you can see)
Saudi Arabia also has some negative points which to me, are mainly sociological and cultural. They have a shortage of internet or libraries available there, which led the cynical speculator in me to suspect the government is trying to limit its citizens access of outside knowledge. Non-Muslims are not allowed into the country, which I think is a tad extreme- but hey, they have their own reasons for this and one can only hope they'll eventually reconsider this strange, strange rule. Besides, how would they even know who really is and isnt what they say, right!? Also, women are required to cover their hair and wear abaya's (a type of long, shapeless gown) and men can wear whatever they want, but most usually wear long white Arab style dresses. I dont see that as oppressive for women if its her choice to do so, but the women there dont have a choice: cover yourself up or be outcasted.
The line between a man and woman is not fine in such a country. It was clearly apparent that men were considered the more dominant sex, and woman had a clear purpose: to be a good wife, mother, obediant and domestic, respectful and soft spoken. Naturally, growing up in America where Im free to do many things such as speak my mind and walk around the street by myself, I had the same mind set when I was there. But I had to think twice before I thought of leaving the hotel room with even a bit of my hair showing, or when walking through the shopping areas, even asking the male shop keeper the price of an item made me feel nervous. My brother had to do most of the talking. To be fair, we did see many woman walking around alone or in groups, and its not like they arent allowed to speak in public...in general though, I think men are forced to take the dominant role, just as women are forced not to.
There is also a serious lack of understanding there about how racism, discrimination, and stereotyping is wrong. Quite a few Saudi's (as I personally witnessed) make fun of foreigners and people of other, Non-Arab backgrounds and there's no law or stigma against it there. But we have that here as well, i guess. Its just that we have more closeted racists in our country while they have more open ones. I dont know which is worse. I'd also like to point out that these extreme rules and form of religion are mainly expressed in Saudi life. In many other Muslim countries, women are free to wear what they like and do as they please, things have come a long way from traditional, conservative Muslim values.
Besides the usual downers, our entire trip remained mainly positive and something to remember. It was like a really bizarre, entertaining, spiritual, and mind numbing adventure all in one. I met many interesting, friendly people that I would have never guessed I'd meet otherwise. I experienced some cool things, and overall, it was well worth the effort, money, and planning. Also, apparently the Saudi's really love Obama because there was a big poster of him outside a shopping mall, which is ironic--Saudi's liking the American president? It almost sounds like a sick joke. "Would you ever go back?" an imaginary person asks me...Well, the answer is yes. I'd like to go back again for Hajj, or maybe even another Umra. Sure why the heck not! But once Im through with those things, I think I'd feel like my job there is done. Besides, I'd be too busy trying out different things like backpacking around Europe or rowing through a river in the Amazon ;)
14.4.09
whats with all the tripping?
People all over the world have different reactions to watching scary movies. Some scream or cover their eyes, a few might even faint. I personally love watching scary movies because I tend to laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation thats taking place. Pure amusement is an emotion that trumps fear and anguish more than anything when enjoying a good, horror flick. Maybe im mentally disturbed or maybe its a defense mechansim, i dont know...
Movies such as Childs Play used to force me to sleep in my parents bed where it was safe as a kid. Nowadays, if i catch this movie on TV I start asking myself, why the hell is this doll stronger than a grown adult? And what stupid toy company thought a doll with ugly red hair and a creepy face was marketable?
A good example about how much I critique scary movies was when I went to go see My Bloody Valentine in 3D. The whole time my friends and I were turning to each other laughing and saying "Was every character in this movie hit on their f***** head as a baby?!". I'll confess I had more fun watching the reactions of other people in the theater, saying "It's like its right there in front of you" more than watching the actual movie. At one point I actually got angry at how many times people tripped or lingered around as a friend got murdered with a pick axe. I mean, if someone is chasing you with a pick axe with the intent of killing you with it, be a little more coordinated is all I ask. And why is it that the murderer is always WALKING after his prey, who in turn are running like wild baffoons, but still manage to not escape? If your running at top speed, and some guy is casually strolling along after you, one would think you have some chance of successful escape, right? Is that too much to ask??
I did gain some helpful tips after watching horror movies though and here they are for your conveniance: What to do when your in a horror movie situation (note that reverse psychology is being used here as I know its human nature to try to be a rebel without a cause. So please, feel free to rebel against these tips...or um, don't)
1. Never check the back seat of your car before you go anywhere, just in case theres a man hiding back there in the dark crevices with the ultimate goal of bludgeoning you.
2. An old abandoned mine shaft where a man once went on a killing rampage is most certainly the optimum place to throw a wild rave for you and your friends.
3. When your all alone in a grocery store at night and a man is inside trying to kill you, go ahead and barricade yourself inside a room with windows that have bars on them and no other way to escape if he manages to find a way in, which he will, inevitably. Don't think twice about exiting through the front door when you have the chance, oh no.
4. Be utterly surprised and shocked whenthe guy going around town dressed as a copycat of the mine shaft killer is the same guy who ten years earlier was almost murdered in said mine shaft by said mine shaft killer. I mean, even though the evidence was all there in front of you, how could you put two and two together? Its insanity!
5. Dont bother securing a murderer in a coma in some super high tech, 24 hour security prison... just place him in your normal, run of the mill hospital room so he can suprisingly wake up on the anniversary of his massacre and kill everyone on the floor.
6. When a crazed lunatic finds a way inside your conveniantly unlocked house and is trying to brutalize you, DONT run out of the door onto the street where help and escape can be readily available. Instead, run UP the stairs and go hide in a closet or something.
7. Oh hey, whats that you got there? Wow, some dusty looking black book from the 18th century filled with strange voodoo chants that are supposed to awaken ancient evil spirits? Go ahead, read them...out loud...invite your friends over and make a party of it.
8. When you spot the dead bodies of your friends on the floor of a mine shaft and a mysterious man is standing a few feet away with his back towards you, DO try to gain his attention and draw closer. Dont take it as a sign to get the hell out of there.
9. And lastly, when running for your life through a darkened forest, always make sure you trip over some random unknown object so the man with the pick axe can take full advantage of your clumsiness.
In conclusion, scary movies can be such a hoot to watch. Watching stupid people loiter around at night when a killer is on the loose or investigate a strange noise in the dark will always help in reminding oneself that they know better.
Movies such as Childs Play used to force me to sleep in my parents bed where it was safe as a kid. Nowadays, if i catch this movie on TV I start asking myself, why the hell is this doll stronger than a grown adult? And what stupid toy company thought a doll with ugly red hair and a creepy face was marketable?
A good example about how much I critique scary movies was when I went to go see My Bloody Valentine in 3D. The whole time my friends and I were turning to each other laughing and saying "Was every character in this movie hit on their f***** head as a baby?!". I'll confess I had more fun watching the reactions of other people in the theater, saying "It's like its right there in front of you" more than watching the actual movie. At one point I actually got angry at how many times people tripped or lingered around as a friend got murdered with a pick axe. I mean, if someone is chasing you with a pick axe with the intent of killing you with it, be a little more coordinated is all I ask. And why is it that the murderer is always WALKING after his prey, who in turn are running like wild baffoons, but still manage to not escape? If your running at top speed, and some guy is casually strolling along after you, one would think you have some chance of successful escape, right? Is that too much to ask??
I did gain some helpful tips after watching horror movies though and here they are for your conveniance: What to do when your in a horror movie situation (note that reverse psychology is being used here as I know its human nature to try to be a rebel without a cause. So please, feel free to rebel against these tips...or um, don't)
1. Never check the back seat of your car before you go anywhere, just in case theres a man hiding back there in the dark crevices with the ultimate goal of bludgeoning you.
2. An old abandoned mine shaft where a man once went on a killing rampage is most certainly the optimum place to throw a wild rave for you and your friends.
3. When your all alone in a grocery store at night and a man is inside trying to kill you, go ahead and barricade yourself inside a room with windows that have bars on them and no other way to escape if he manages to find a way in, which he will, inevitably. Don't think twice about exiting through the front door when you have the chance, oh no.
4. Be utterly surprised and shocked whenthe guy going around town dressed as a copycat of the mine shaft killer is the same guy who ten years earlier was almost murdered in said mine shaft by said mine shaft killer. I mean, even though the evidence was all there in front of you, how could you put two and two together? Its insanity!
5. Dont bother securing a murderer in a coma in some super high tech, 24 hour security prison... just place him in your normal, run of the mill hospital room so he can suprisingly wake up on the anniversary of his massacre and kill everyone on the floor.
6. When a crazed lunatic finds a way inside your conveniantly unlocked house and is trying to brutalize you, DONT run out of the door onto the street where help and escape can be readily available. Instead, run UP the stairs and go hide in a closet or something.
7. Oh hey, whats that you got there? Wow, some dusty looking black book from the 18th century filled with strange voodoo chants that are supposed to awaken ancient evil spirits? Go ahead, read them...out loud...invite your friends over and make a party of it.
8. When you spot the dead bodies of your friends on the floor of a mine shaft and a mysterious man is standing a few feet away with his back towards you, DO try to gain his attention and draw closer. Dont take it as a sign to get the hell out of there.
9. And lastly, when running for your life through a darkened forest, always make sure you trip over some random unknown object so the man with the pick axe can take full advantage of your clumsiness.
In conclusion, scary movies can be such a hoot to watch. Watching stupid people loiter around at night when a killer is on the loose or investigate a strange noise in the dark will always help in reminding oneself that they know better.
response about fiction (Laura)
In elementary school I remember being taught the basics of a story such as creating the plot, the different characters and choosing a setting in which my story takes place. Reading all the materials given, I guess you can say I definitely expanded my knowledge about Fiction. It’s been a while since I had to write a short story with an idea that I’ve come up with by myself so I’m a little rusty. I remember reading a lot of short stories through high school that were considered classics and had help introduced me to the world of writing.
Prior to the class I knew the basic definition of fiction, stories made up by an author along with all the necessities that piece together a story such as setting, main character, time period, and the conflict. They take from their imagination and bring it onto the pages of a book. With imagination people are able to hear original thought provoking stories and gain knowledge about things that exist in the world. As someone flips through a book they see a story told from a different point of view and learn about new understandings and situations they never experienced before in their lives. What I’ve learned though is fiction surrounds a person’s life. Just turning on the TV I see it in the shows that come on, like some hilarious storyline on a sitcom or an action filled drama.
Growing up I saw it in those old Disney movies that caused me to be glued to the television watching The Lion King or my personal favorite The Little Mermaid. At time my brothers had to hide the tapes because I would watch them over and over, almost hypnotized by the pictures and stories that came across the screen. Watching a story unfold allowed you to enter some sort of fantasy world and put ones imagination into overdrive. Imagination after all can be very important in the development of a child, it allows us to explore our world and learn how to become creative thinkers. I can definitely relate to what Jonathan Culler writes about when he mentions how from an early age children beg their parents to tell them a story because I can definitely be held accountable for asking one of my parents to read me a bedtime story or forcing them to make one up out of thin air. My bookshelves held a bunch of children books ranging from Mother Goose to the all mighty Dr. Seuss, and I loved hearing them read over and over again even though I knew the story by heart.
When a parent reads you a story like the classic children’s book seen in any library where the wild things are or if you give a mouse a cookie you can picture the images in your head broadening our imaginations in the process. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that you learn some great morals as well. Books open up these never explored worlds for a child that they can enter and learn from. I remember in sixth grade when the Harry Potter books came out and were starting to become really popular, I had a friend that seemed to get sucked into them. It was as if she was living vicariously through these characters she had grown to know and love. Each time a new book would come out she would finish it in a couple of days. As she grew up and become older that feeling of reading a book of fantasy and the excitement that went along with it never left, which I think is true for everybody. It doesn’t matter how old you are, everyone can get absorbed into a book.
I found it interesting reading about narration and the different ways I myself can narrate my own story. Reading about the options I could take with my story was helpful such as focusing on time and the mindset of my character as they recall a memory in the present time or how they felt in the past. There’s also the speed to take into account, deciding whether or not I want to skip through the details or slow it down and state the specifics. There was a lot of useful information, especially Cullers story. It gives the reader the importance and impact a piece of fictional writing gives to society.
Prior to the class I knew the basic definition of fiction, stories made up by an author along with all the necessities that piece together a story such as setting, main character, time period, and the conflict. They take from their imagination and bring it onto the pages of a book. With imagination people are able to hear original thought provoking stories and gain knowledge about things that exist in the world. As someone flips through a book they see a story told from a different point of view and learn about new understandings and situations they never experienced before in their lives. What I’ve learned though is fiction surrounds a person’s life. Just turning on the TV I see it in the shows that come on, like some hilarious storyline on a sitcom or an action filled drama.
Growing up I saw it in those old Disney movies that caused me to be glued to the television watching The Lion King or my personal favorite The Little Mermaid. At time my brothers had to hide the tapes because I would watch them over and over, almost hypnotized by the pictures and stories that came across the screen. Watching a story unfold allowed you to enter some sort of fantasy world and put ones imagination into overdrive. Imagination after all can be very important in the development of a child, it allows us to explore our world and learn how to become creative thinkers. I can definitely relate to what Jonathan Culler writes about when he mentions how from an early age children beg their parents to tell them a story because I can definitely be held accountable for asking one of my parents to read me a bedtime story or forcing them to make one up out of thin air. My bookshelves held a bunch of children books ranging from Mother Goose to the all mighty Dr. Seuss, and I loved hearing them read over and over again even though I knew the story by heart.
When a parent reads you a story like the classic children’s book seen in any library where the wild things are or if you give a mouse a cookie you can picture the images in your head broadening our imaginations in the process. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that you learn some great morals as well. Books open up these never explored worlds for a child that they can enter and learn from. I remember in sixth grade when the Harry Potter books came out and were starting to become really popular, I had a friend that seemed to get sucked into them. It was as if she was living vicariously through these characters she had grown to know and love. Each time a new book would come out she would finish it in a couple of days. As she grew up and become older that feeling of reading a book of fantasy and the excitement that went along with it never left, which I think is true for everybody. It doesn’t matter how old you are, everyone can get absorbed into a book.
I found it interesting reading about narration and the different ways I myself can narrate my own story. Reading about the options I could take with my story was helpful such as focusing on time and the mindset of my character as they recall a memory in the present time or how they felt in the past. There’s also the speed to take into account, deciding whether or not I want to skip through the details or slow it down and state the specifics. There was a lot of useful information, especially Cullers story. It gives the reader the importance and impact a piece of fictional writing gives to society.
response to harrison bergeron (Laura)
The story Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut takes place in a future society drastically different from our own. In this society people are all equal due to the use of handicap devices placed on them. Those who were really strong were given weights to carry around them so they would be brought down to a strength equivalent to others and those with high levels of intelligence were given ear pieces that made sounds causing them to lose their train of thoughts. For Harrison Bergeron, at the young rebellious age of fourteen he had the most handicaps placed on him. “Harrison’s appearance was Halloween and hardware. Nobody had ever worn heavier handicaps.” With a red clown nose on his face and shaved eyebrows to make him less attractive, headphones to hinder his thinking and intelligence, eyeglasses that made him half blind and over 300 pounds of extra metal to carry around, Harrison was the one person that was ready to defy the government. He escapes jail, and on a televised broadcast in front of the entire country, stands up and removes all the obstructions that layered his body stopping him from reaching his potential. Claiming himself emperor to the people that watched, he fatefully tries to overthrow the government and the “Handicap General” who enforces these laws on the people.
Harrison though isn’t alone in this, when he asks for someone to stand beside him as queen, a ballerina with a mask over her face hiding her beauty accepts his offer. Tragically though as they dance together they are shot and killed by the Handicap police. I found it really sad in the end when Harrison Bergeron dies as his parents watch. The fact that Harrison’s own mother can’t even remember why she is crying a few moments after her son’s death just ends the story on a sour note for me. I could never imagine my own parents forgetting about me. It makes you think of this world and how much it had changed for the worse, where a simple thing like the grief over a child’s death is taken away from a parent. I never read this short story before so I found it interesting, a part of me at the end thought that Harrison was going to actually win in overthrowing the government so I was surprised to read him get shot and killed as the nation watched.
I also found it very interesting to see a glimpse of how life would become if we were all made equal by not just laws but in intelligence, strength and beauty. Especially with this all taking place in America, the land of the free, it shocks you to imagine a world where this is possible. Free will and freedom is something not to be taken for granted, when it’s taken away from a person you can see them slowly wither away almost as if they were a caged animal. The people of this future society sadly no longer have the ability to dream and have the drive to make the world a better place, as cheesy as that sounds. Freedom to be who you are makes us unique and keeps the world moving ahead.
As Harrison’s father George watches the ballerinas on the TV you can’t help but feel how disheartening fairness can actually be. “They were burdened with sash weights and bags of birdshot, and their faces were masked, so that no one, seeing a free and graceful gesture or a pretty face, would feel like something the cat drug in. George was toying with the vague notion that maybe dancers shouldn’t be handicapped. But he didn’t get very far with it before another noise in his ear radio scattered his thoughts” As I read this I thought, what is the point of living in a world where were all the same. No one would ever be able to show their true potential, express themselves and achieve great things. This story makes you stop and think afterwards, imagining yourself living a life wearing hardware that holds you back along with your family and friends. I think that those who read this story can take a lot away from it just like “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson.
Harrison though isn’t alone in this, when he asks for someone to stand beside him as queen, a ballerina with a mask over her face hiding her beauty accepts his offer. Tragically though as they dance together they are shot and killed by the Handicap police. I found it really sad in the end when Harrison Bergeron dies as his parents watch. The fact that Harrison’s own mother can’t even remember why she is crying a few moments after her son’s death just ends the story on a sour note for me. I could never imagine my own parents forgetting about me. It makes you think of this world and how much it had changed for the worse, where a simple thing like the grief over a child’s death is taken away from a parent. I never read this short story before so I found it interesting, a part of me at the end thought that Harrison was going to actually win in overthrowing the government so I was surprised to read him get shot and killed as the nation watched.
I also found it very interesting to see a glimpse of how life would become if we were all made equal by not just laws but in intelligence, strength and beauty. Especially with this all taking place in America, the land of the free, it shocks you to imagine a world where this is possible. Free will and freedom is something not to be taken for granted, when it’s taken away from a person you can see them slowly wither away almost as if they were a caged animal. The people of this future society sadly no longer have the ability to dream and have the drive to make the world a better place, as cheesy as that sounds. Freedom to be who you are makes us unique and keeps the world moving ahead.
As Harrison’s father George watches the ballerinas on the TV you can’t help but feel how disheartening fairness can actually be. “They were burdened with sash weights and bags of birdshot, and their faces were masked, so that no one, seeing a free and graceful gesture or a pretty face, would feel like something the cat drug in. George was toying with the vague notion that maybe dancers shouldn’t be handicapped. But he didn’t get very far with it before another noise in his ear radio scattered his thoughts” As I read this I thought, what is the point of living in a world where were all the same. No one would ever be able to show their true potential, express themselves and achieve great things. This story makes you stop and think afterwards, imagining yourself living a life wearing hardware that holds you back along with your family and friends. I think that those who read this story can take a lot away from it just like “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson.
1.4.09
Response to "Erased" (Annam)
In "Erased" by Laura Nici, an intriguing question is posted: If you had the chance to permanently erase a bad memory from your mind, would you do it? In the story, we meet the serious-minded and mature Miles, a teenage boy who is plagued by the memories of his deadbeat mother. Although Miles lives a seemingly content life with his grandfather, distant images and all too real reminders of his mother always seem to put a damper on his days. Miles is aware of a doctor nearby who, as the story goes, performs "abnormal acts of service in a normal looking building" for his clients, known as memory erasing. “Only those longing to forget go inside", he believes.
The story flows with flashbacks from Miles everyday life, where he is consumed with the bitterness of his past and his desire to put an end to it, leading up to present day, where Miles gives the reader a play-by-play of his thoughts and surroundings as he is waiting in the office of Dr. Maurice Crow, the strange and eccentric memory erasing doctor.
Inspired by the film, Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind, Laura puts her own unique spin on an already compelling story. But unlike its movie counterpart, Laura’s story is one that has a harsher outlook on the effects that life can have on us, thus making it more relatable. Sympathy and relatability are just a small range of emotions the reader can feel towards the main character.
The way Laura has Miles describe his every thoughts and surroundings in such a detailed way makes you feel like your right there walking beside him. As you come to put two and two together, and start to realize that Miles has decided to go through with erasing the memory of his mother as he waits in the doctor’s office, anxiety and anticipation begin to build. Basically you will be asking questions such as “Will he actually go through with it”? and “How does it work?” with genuine curiosity.
I loved the abrupt ending, leaving the readers imagination to take over. The short, random, italicized passages that are littered throughout the story happen to be Miles present day thoughts, while the longer, regular paragraphs are the past events leading up to the present day. Also, the description of each character gives so much insight into who they are, even though there aren’t many of them. For example, Miles’ grandfather’s warm and comforting personality is shown through the words, and his best friend, Joseph’s dimwitted persona is comically apparent.
I read this story in one entire sitting and could not put it down. I feel like Laura accomplished fully enthralling the reader with the story without even trying. The plot itself is very intense, but she managed to keep the intensity without going overboard, and without sounding too corny. She took a supposedly fictionalized and unimaginable situation and turned it into something believable.
There is very little I would have changed, and I helped Laura with fixing up certain aspects of the story until we had something we were both really proud of. Personally, I don’t know if I myself could have went about taking this complex topic and turning it into such an effective short story. So with that said, I think Laura did a great job with it.
The story flows with flashbacks from Miles everyday life, where he is consumed with the bitterness of his past and his desire to put an end to it, leading up to present day, where Miles gives the reader a play-by-play of his thoughts and surroundings as he is waiting in the office of Dr. Maurice Crow, the strange and eccentric memory erasing doctor.
Inspired by the film, Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind, Laura puts her own unique spin on an already compelling story. But unlike its movie counterpart, Laura’s story is one that has a harsher outlook on the effects that life can have on us, thus making it more relatable. Sympathy and relatability are just a small range of emotions the reader can feel towards the main character.
The way Laura has Miles describe his every thoughts and surroundings in such a detailed way makes you feel like your right there walking beside him. As you come to put two and two together, and start to realize that Miles has decided to go through with erasing the memory of his mother as he waits in the doctor’s office, anxiety and anticipation begin to build. Basically you will be asking questions such as “Will he actually go through with it”? and “How does it work?” with genuine curiosity.
I loved the abrupt ending, leaving the readers imagination to take over. The short, random, italicized passages that are littered throughout the story happen to be Miles present day thoughts, while the longer, regular paragraphs are the past events leading up to the present day. Also, the description of each character gives so much insight into who they are, even though there aren’t many of them. For example, Miles’ grandfather’s warm and comforting personality is shown through the words, and his best friend, Joseph’s dimwitted persona is comically apparent.
I read this story in one entire sitting and could not put it down. I feel like Laura accomplished fully enthralling the reader with the story without even trying. The plot itself is very intense, but she managed to keep the intensity without going overboard, and without sounding too corny. She took a supposedly fictionalized and unimaginable situation and turned it into something believable.
There is very little I would have changed, and I helped Laura with fixing up certain aspects of the story until we had something we were both really proud of. Personally, I don’t know if I myself could have went about taking this complex topic and turning it into such an effective short story. So with that said, I think Laura did a great job with it.
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