A Book to Read

This blog is probably going to be difficult for me because outside of the classroom, I do not read much. Since September, I have tried to read more books on my own, but I have not been successful. I went to bookstores and bought books that I thought would keep me interested, but my attention span proved to be way too short. On top of my total lack of an attention span, I have just not had enough time to add on a few books. However, one of the few books that I have read that I liked enough to recommend to someone is The Road by Cormac McCarthy. This book had a captivating story line that consisted of a post-apocalyptic world. The main characters are a man and his son who are trying to survive long enough to make it South, where ever that is. I was so interested in the plot that the book almost never left my hands. To anyone who is interested in literature of any sort should seriously consider picking up this book.

Art Review

Unfortunately, I have not been to many art museums and have not spent a lot of time studying and looking at art work. Of course I have taken my one credit of high school art, but that about covers it. Because of my nominal knowledge on the art world, I asked my friend Doug about an artist that he thinks is interesting. Vik Muniz is a very unique artist with an interesting medium for his work. He creates things out of trash and random things that he finds. This piece of art was made out of trash and shows a young boy shining a man's shoe. This type of art is very interesting to me because I have never seen someone make art out of trash. Muniz really takes the phrase, "One man's trash is another man's treasure," seriously and brings truth to it.

We Have the Right

What do we legally have the right to do? Well, now-a-days it is hard to say. The legal system is constantly changing the limits to what we can and cannot do. As of now, we have "the right" to:

***Practice our own religion, although it seems like religion is being looked down on more and more as time goes on.

***Speak freely on our opinions, although often times we are alienated if we express views and ideals that differ from the "norm."

***Reach for our dreams, although if you do not follow a specific path you are considered foolish.

Our society is very hypocritical. We have "the right" to do things but if we do not do the "right" thing, well, we are ostracized and separated from the pack.

Movie Review

There are so many movies that I have seen in the past few years, but most of them are not worth mentioning. The one genre that you will NEVER catch me watching is horror. I do not know why people find it entertaining to be scared. Anyway, one of my favorite movies is “The Count of Monte Cristo.” The first time I watched this movie, I must have been around ten years old, watching it with my mom and sister with a bag of kettle corn with salt. The gist of the plot is that there is a young man, Edmund Dontes, probably in his early twenties, who was falsely convicted of a crime and was then sent to a prison where he was beaten for years. He befriends another prisoner, the priest, who was falsely convicted and they try to dig their way out. As this friendship grows, Edmund and the priest practice reading and fighting. One day, the priest dies. Edmund uses this as a way out. He eventually gets free of this prison and becomes a rich count. I do not want to spoil the movie for anyone who has not seen it, so I will not talk about the ending, but this movie is very interesting and should be watched by everyone.

X is Known

Reading “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” has really opened my eyes to the actual events and happenings that occurred in X’s life. Before reading this book, I am ashamed to say, that the quality and quantity of information that I knew about the Civil Rights leader were very minimal. All that I knew was that he was a Black Muslim who was involved in the 1950s and 60s’ Civil Rights Movement, nothing about what he stood for or how he acted or about his history as a hustler. The new information that I have learned about Malcolm X through the book not only helps me understand Malcolm’s personality, but the ways and opinions of African Americans during 50s and 60s. I knew that it was not until recently that the racial tentions between whites and blacks in America died down, but it had not registered with me how close that time was. It is hard for me to imagine a world like the one Malcolm described in his autobiography. This book has given me insight into the past.

McCarthy’s Birthday Week

HAPPY BIRTHDAYY!! I don’t really know what to do so here are all of the different variations of the Happy Birthday song that I know.

“Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday, Mr. McCarthy. Happy Birthday to you.”

“Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday.”

“Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy, Happy Birthday to you, Whoo!”

“You know we’re happy to say that it’s your birthday. You know we’re happy to say that it’s your birthday. It’s your H-A-double P-Y Birthday. It’s your H-A-double P-Y Birthday.”

Well, those are all of the songs I know. I hope your birthday is GREAT!

X Marks the Spot

X. X is the unknown. X is something new. X is something undiscovered. X is a variable that is used to describe many different things, and in this case, it describes a treasure. The phrase “X marks the spot” is usually in context with a treasure hunt and pirates. The image of a tattered old map with measurements in footsteps and a chest full of gold buried a few feet under the X. Pirates spend their lives searching for these treasure chests and only a few find them. The movies and TV shows give off this idea of having a set route that leads to the treasure or goal of life, whereas in actuality, the exact opposite is true. We are currently reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X and so far, these characteristics of X also match with Malcolm X’s. X does not yet know much about himself in the beginning of the novel, like most young people. In addition, most people do not know much about him, so in that respect he is unknown. X’s occupation continually changes throughout the novel, characterizing him as a variable with his multiple jobs. Also, many Black Nationalists would describe Malcolm X as a treasure to the black community because of his great contributions. There was no path laid out for Malcolm X to follow or a tattered map, life has many unexpected dead ends and turns, that it is only by chance that we end up where we are.

Ultimate Recipe

Asparagus in Mustard Sauce

Ingredients:

15 asparagus stalks
¾ cup water
1 Tbs Dijon mustard
2 Tbs canola oil
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
¼- ½ tsp salt

Directions:

Peel the bottom 1/3 of the asparagus stalks
Cut diagonally into 3 pieces
Steam the stalks covered for 3 minutes
Mix mustard oil, salt, and pepper
Drizzle over room temperature asparagus

I Know This Means Something

You know when you are in the midst of a very interesting dream, and then the minute you wake up, you do not and can not remember anything? It happens to me all the time. I try to remember what it was about but the harder I try, the vaguer my memory becomes. I know my dream means something, but I can’t quite grasp it.

Or, how about when you study all night for a test, but when you get it your mind goes blank. I hate it when that happens. I sit there, trying to remember that equation of person’s name for what seems to be forever, but sometimes I just can not revive my brain. I know that the answers means something, but I can’t quite recall what.

Also, when you are talking to someone and you just can not think of the word that is on the “tip of your tongue.” It happens to everyone. I know what the word means, I just can't think of it.

Album/Track Review

This Time on Evolver by John Legend

I first heard this song while in Germany during a WY choir trip. I loved the song almost instantly. After hearing it, I could not stop listening to it. I played it over and over, memorizing the words to the entire song in less than a day. “This Time” introduces John Legend’s music to me. Of course I had heard his more popular songs like “Ordinary People” and “Green Light ft. Andre 3000,” but I became interested in his music style. It didn’t take long for me to download and hear his albums. Although the majority of his songs deal with having sex and getting high, “This Time” is unique in that neither of these topics is the main focus of the song. The lyrics describe a man who misses his old girlfriend, and that he realizes that it was a mistake to separate and that “this time” he will be better.

These are the lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Ran into you yesterday
Memories rushed through my brain
It started to hit me,
Now you're not with me;
I realized I made a mistake.
I thought I needed some space
But I just let love go to waste.
It's so crystal clear now
That I need your here now
I gotta get you back today.

[Chorus]
This time I want it all.
This time I want it all.
Showing you all the cards.
Giving you all my heart.
This time I'll take the chance.
This time I'll be your man.
I can be all you need.
This time it's all of me.

[Verse 2]
I hit the bar every night
Looking to score a good time.
It's not like I planned it,
I'm left empty handed,
'Cause I’m still alone in my mind.
Now what will it take to feel right?
Can I come see you tonight?
Is there someone new now?
What can I do now?
'Cause I need you back by my side.

[Chorus]
This time I want it all.
This time I want it all.
Showing you all the cards.
Giving you all my heart.
This time I'll take the chance.
This time I'll be your man.
I can be all you need.
This time its all in me.

[Bridge]
Last time I wasn't sure
This time I will give you more.
I'm more mature
I'll show you.
Last time I didn't know
I messed up when let you go,
I need you
Don't say no.

Lying alone in this room
All that is missing is you.
Pick up the phone
Won't you come home?

[Chorus]
This time I want it all.
This time I want it all.
Showing you all the cards
Giving you all my heart.
This time I'll take the chance.
This time I'll be your man.
I can be all you need.
This time it's all of me.

Link to youtube.com:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbMWnaD3fhI&feature=related

Good Food Review

Within the past few years, I have acquired a liking of sushi. There is a great sushi place close to my house. It is called The Sit Down and is on 53rd Street. It seems like anytime I go there I have to order something different because there are so many choices. I started out with California rolls, and then to shrimp, salmon, tuna, and yellow tail. When compared to the big name sushi places downtown like Sushi Samba, The Sit Down tastes better to me. For those who do not like sushi, The Sit Down offers a wide range of other foods. Some of these are sandwiches, bruschetta, and one of the best pizzas I have ever tasted.

Another meal that is unexpectedly good is White Hen's chicken fajitas. The first time I heard about them, I was a little grossed out that White Hen even sold chicken fajitas and that people actually bought them. I eventually gave in and tried them one day. They were much better than I thought. From that point on, I was hooked. At least twice a month I would make the walk to Racine and Adams and pay the $5 for the fajitas. Then, White Hen turned into Seven Eleven, and I was crushed. One day, I walked there just for a fajita and realized that they no longer sold them. So now I am in search of another place where I can buy chicken fajitas for under $5 within 10 minutes of the school.

King Still King?

Yes. Dr. Martin Luther King is still king because of the fact that we, as a nation, take the time to dedicate a specific day just for him. Saying that he is not the king because everyone does not commemorate his birthday is like saying the Washington was not president because we all don’t do something in his honor. Of course there were many people that were influential in the Civil Rights Movement, and indeed some people may have made a bigger change, but that does not invalidate what he did and what he stood for.

I'm a Shoe

We are used for different seasons.
We are used for different reasons.

We are bought and sold each day.
We are bought so you can play.

We are needed to go in stores.
We are needed for when it pours.

We are made to relieve.
We are made to be recieved.

We are sold at a high price.
We are sold for looking nice.

We are the ones sold in twos.

We are the most useful shoes.

Globalization

Many people think that globalization is a new concept created by the UN and outsourcing, when actually it has been around since the beginning of time. Americans in particular see globalization as enforcing our culture onto unwilling countries and destroying their history in the process. Actually, the United States was founded by globalization. The Spanish and British came across the ocean to expand their empires and to acquire natural resources. This way of living is nothing new and should not be expected to die down quickly-or at all. We should all accept the fact that cultures are going to mix and people are going to travel and that this is all just a part of life.

Winter Poem

Time for short days and long nights.
Soon the New Year will appear.
Time for big family fights.
Hope the neighbors don’t hear.
Time for putting up lights.
Seen from far and from near.
Time for seeing “the cites.”
Many blown up reindeer.
Time for slipping on ice.
Get your car the right gear.
Time for gifts over priced.
We’ll all hate the cashier.
Time for worshiping Christ.
Though the true date is unclear.
Time to check the list twice.
So you be of good cheer.
Time to try to be nice.
Carrying a smile from ear to ear.

Sports in My Life

Sports have always been a part of my life. I loved playing with the boys at recess instead of whatever the girls were doing. When I was six years old, I joined the Hyde Park division of AYSO on a U-8 team. I continued with AYSO through the U-10, U-12, and coed U-14 divisions. While in my last year of AYSO soccer, I became seriously involved in my school’s cheerleading team. The time came to make a decision between my two favorite sports. I decided to switch sports and did not continue with soccer. Now that I look back, I realize that I did not have to make the choice between soccer and cheerleading. I wish that I would have stuck with soccer because it would have lead to a more successful future than cheerleading will. With soccer, there was a high possibility of playing college level and I am almost completely sure that I will not pursue cheerleading after high school. Next year and throughout college will be the first years since my first grade years that I will not be on an athletic team. So as of now, sports are a big part of my life, but as for the future, I do not know. I hope that I continue with soccer at some level later on but nothing is certain.

Thankful for a Classmate

This is the week of Thanksgiving, so saying who we are thankful for is appropriate. If there is one person in sixth period Philosophy In Literature that I am thankful for, it would be Xavier Muhammad. Why? I have known Xavier for four years and have never had a real class with him until this year. He seemed like a cool person so I was naturally happy that I had a class with him. In class, I can always count on him to make a joke or make me laugh. Also whenever we have to break into groups for classwork, I know that there is someone who wont mind being in my group. So, thanks Xavier for being a cool person and making sixth period Philosophy In Literature better.

Open Letter to Cormac McCarthy

Dear Cormac McCarthy,

Reading your book The Road has really given me a new perspective on the future that our world is heading. Before the recent few months, I have not given much thought to how the actions of today and yesterday will effect tomorrow. I wonder how we as a people, as a race did not stop and think about the consequences of our actions and why now there is such an increased awareness of the problems we have created for ourselves and children. I want to thank you for creating a story that exposes the almost certain future.

Along with your reveling of the future, The Road showed how human kind resorts to our most basic survival instincts when things get tough, losing our morality, humanity, and compassion. I believe that the majority of people want to think that this will never happen and that the human race is better than it actually is. Through reading your book, the world will gain a true understanding that underneath all of our evolutional progression, we are animals, and will behave as so when necessary.

Another interesting thing about your writing that interested me is your unique style. The way that the text does not fit “the mold” of what is considered good literature makes you stand out as a creative writer who is not afraid of self expression.
Chelsea Dawkins

Defend The Poet!

Charles Bukowski's Dinosauria, We is an alomst flawless prediction of how our world is today. When reading the poem, it is hard to imagine that it was written over thrity years ago. The title itself explains the meaning of the poem. Dinosauria, We compares us to the extinct prehistoric creatures that we know as dinosaurs. In the poem, descriptions about our current recession are referenced. "As the supermarket bagboy holds a college degree" "Into the sight of broken factory windows of emptyness" "Into hospitals which are so expensive it is cheaper to die."

The end of the poem however, is very disturbing. It has lines that talk about the rivers and oceans drying up, all vegitaion dying, men will eat other men. While reading this, I was reminded of the novel The Road. The apocalypitic descriptions are very similar between the two works of literature. Maybe McCarthy got some of his ideas from Bukowski. Or, maybe they were both trying to warn us about the future.

A Direction The Class Needs

I do not feel like the class needs a new direction. In my oppinion, the way that the class is structured now is fine. The class discussions that we have are better than reading out of a text book. The things said in class are more memorable than the things that I read in the text book. If i were to change one thing about the class, it would be to get everyone in the class to participate in the discussions. I think that hearing more people's view points allows us to better understand the subject and to completely formulate our own oppinoins. One thing that I like about the class is the journals. They allow us to express our feelings on topics that we do not cover in class. However, I think that we should talk about these journal prompts in addition to the discussions. Besides those two points, I believe that the class is in the best direction.