English Final Reflective Essay

I think that as a writer, I have grown a lot this year. I have been introduced to many different writing styles and authors, and it has opened my eyes to the world of writing. as I look over my blog posts, I really see how i have developed as a writer. As I look back at the book reviews that I have done, I see my progress in how I comprehend the books I have read. I like having my blog because I feel that the feedback that I get from my peers is very very helpful. It helps in the sense that I am getting feedback from people my age. It was also interesting when I looked at my blogs stats and saw which of my posts were the most viewed. To my surprise, my most viewed post was one of my first post and the first debate that we did in Mr. Sutherland’s class.

           I really like having a blog, but sometimes finding ideas what to write about is difficult. A lot of the time I post on my blog because we are assigned to in our English class, but sometimes I decide to post freely. Whenever I decide to do that, I encounter one of two problems. I encounter writers lock where I get stuck in the middle of writing a post, or simply not knowing what to write about......See it just happened. I didn’t know what to write about thus the “.....”. Actually even this post is a blog assignment for my English class assigned by Mr. Sutherland, and I am still encountering writers block. Even though I do encounter writers block, I feel as if I actually learn from it. I learn from it because of the various ways that I overcome the writers block. Sometimes this means stopping and coming back to the writing, or simply taking a deep breath. These various techniques that I have learned by writing on my blog has not only helped me develop different strategies for writing, but I have developed strategies for overcoming obstacles overall in life.  

           I think that the more open minded writing I do on my blog is much different from more structured writing assignments like in writing class in one major way. On my blog, I am allowed to write about how certain things make me feel, and my opinions about those topics. I really like this type of writing much better because it fits me better. Trying to write about something that does not interest me or do research on something that does not interest me is a little difficult. Those are the type of assignments that I do not like very much, so in comparison I like the writing I am able to do on my blog much better. I think that as a person, having this blog has actually helped me handle with various life problems that I have had over the course of this school year. It has allowed me to get a lot of things off of my chest in more suttle ways, and I really feel like that has benefited me greatly as a person. Who knows, but maybe this has even helped me get better grades this year. I some ways I see some correlation in my blog posts and grades. In the beginning of the year, we ere posting a lot more and my grades were better in the first semester. This semester we did not post as much and my grades  have not been as good a last semesters, but maybe that is just a coincidence. Who knows?

           I am going to recall on a previous post of mine. Clouds & Sky Symbolism (Due: 3/11/11). In that post, I wrote:

Clouds and sky are a recurring theme throughout the book, that my classmates as well as myself picked up on.  I believe that clouds and sky are a sign of freedom and hope to Esperanza. I feel like her hope has diminished throughout her life, because of emotional insecurity due to hormones and growing up. She discusses much insecurity about herself, and relationship status. She wants a man that will hold her and be there for her, and for the majority of the book she does not find the right person. On page 60-61, she writes this poem…

In this post, we were assigned to pick up on silent and non apparent themes with in a book, and that is what I posted about. That skill of picking up this type of symbolism is not a skill that I think I had last year in eighth grade.

Another post of mine that I recall is, “Why I agree with Justice Toailoa on Changing your Child's DNA”. In this post I said, “I think that one thing Justice could have added to her debate, was the very possible chance(s) of genetic mutation and other types of mental illness. By changing or messing with the child's DNA before it is born could leave to these genetic defects. I am going to use smoking as a example. When expecting mothers smoke while pregnant can cause birth defects, than imagine what tampering with their DNA could do. Other than that, I felt that justice's opening statement was very well rounded. The only thing that I would have changed was her evidence. I felt that there was no sources which was ok, but in order to make her arguments valid, sources are needed.” The reason why I found this post of mine special, is because of the fact that I was not only comprehending a book, or article, but a friends work. This is something that I have never done before.

           These are the types of things that I found having a blog allows me to do and I am extremely happy that I have one. Overall, even if we are not assigned any blog posts next year, I strongly believe that I will use my blog for the rest of my life.

English Final Sign ups

Post a comment of what you are bringing please...thanks.We especially need:
-forks
-cups
-chips
-drinks
-and add anything that you are willing to bring

this is about to be hella fun!

My Responses

Beatrice Zulu: I could not make any response or comment on her blog because she did not post her book          review draft. The one up there now is an old half book review that we did before spring break.

Jessica Chen: Hey, there are a few grammar, spelling, and formatting errors here and there but other than that I think it is great. I think that this is definitely good material and I feel that it can most definitely be used for the final. The only thing that I would do is look over it and proofread to fox those few mistakes that there are.


Kasia M.: She also does not have a new Book review. The last post she has is dated back to before spring break as well, so I can not comment on hers. 

Final Book Review: Wisdom of Insecurity

This book has really opened my eyes about the way we as humans act and live our modern day lives. Allan W. Watts does a wonderful job assessing the patterns of actions and attitudes that people live by and live their lifestyles. My English teacher Mr. Sutherland was the one who got me interested in the book, and I really thank him for that. After reading this book, I have somewhat of a better understanding of why people act the way they do, and why they do what they do. Alan W. Watts has addressed the issue of anxiety of today modern society. This anxiety caused my various situations in our modern busy lives. He writes, "We have been accustomed to make this existence worth-while by the belief that there is more than an outward appearance-that we live for a future beyond this life here." What he means by the, is that in today modern society, we always try to push ourselves to create a better life for.us in the future. People do this in many different ways. Religious or not, we find ourselves doing this sometimes even subconsciously. In the case of religious people, they thrive to do good deeds, and keep from doing sins for what? So that they will get into heaven or a better afterlife. This is a bigger view, but what about people who are not religious? They do it too. For example, the average college student. He or she let's college kick their butt so that they will be able to get a better job and make a better life for themselves. I think that Watts writes this book to help us realize. To help us realize the over activity of our modern day lives. To help us realize that we do all of this for something that may it may not actually happen or come true. There are may suggestive themes throughout the book that back up thus idea if over activity in our lives, and the anxiety if what is yet to come. Because we do not know what is yet to come we try to make it the best in the future, but while doing that sometimes making our present lives suck.

He also said "In the ordinary way, we know this as a matter of information but do not feel it to be true. Certainly, most people feel separate from everything that surrounds them...I feel cut off only because I am split within myself, because I try to divide from my own feelings and sensations." This is an issue that I see all the time around me, specially as a teen ager. People generally have a hard time accepting the truth, and because of it they turn themselves into something that is not themselves. For example many teen age girls these days, try their hardest to fit in with the crowd, but in the process they are denying the fact that they are turning themselves into something they don't want to become. Their sense of identity becomes blurred at if not caught in time, they can live a good part of their lives walking in the shadow of someone else. Not showing the world who that person really is. I find this very fascinating, because of the fact that it is all around me. I am sure that I have done it. I 'm sure that I have done numerous times, but of course it is more obvious when you see it in others.

            I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested, because it will explain a lot. Of course the book is completely opinionated, but good nonetheless. There are things that I do not agree with in the book, but those points got me thinking. It got me thinking about what I though about these points and I found myself going really far in depth about the points. I just never really thought about how much of an “act” we as humans and especially teen agers put on to please others, or reassure ourselves on things that we don’t even know is true. Allan also said, "In the ordinary way, we know this as a matter of information but do not feel it to be true. Certainly, most people feel separate from everything that surrounds them...I feel cut off only because I am split within myself, because I try to divide from my own feelings and sensations.". This is an issue that I see all the time around me, specially as a teen ager. People generally have a hard time accepting the truth, and because of it they turn themselves into something that is not themselves. For example many teen age girls these days, try their hardest to fit in with the crowd, but in the process they are denying the fact that they are turning themselves into something they don't want to become. Their sense of identity becomes blurred at if not caught in time, they can live a good part of their lives walking in the shadow of someone else. Not showing the world who that person really is. I find this very fascinating, because of the fact that it is all around me. I am sure that I have done it. I 'm sure that I have done numerous times, but of course it is more obvious when you see it in others.

In todays day and age, we call that "fake". Something that can be taken very offensively among the teen age community these days. The thing that I hope my readers take away from this, is simply being yourself. Not being afraid to recognize the truth. The truth in various forms. Wether it be realizing what type of person you are and affiliating yourself with the right people. Or simply catching yourself when you start to deny yourself the truth. Something that is easier said than done. I believe that Alan Watts wanted us to take this message away from his book, and I certainly have.

The Wisdom of Insecurity Part.2

     Once again, I am reading The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan W. Watts. As I am nearing the end of the book, I am starting to understand and truly realize some of the things that he is saying in the book. He writes,

"In the ordinary way, we know this as a matter of information but do not feel it to be true. Certainly, most people feel separate from everything that surrounds them...I feel cut off only because I am split within myself, because I try to divide from my own feelings and sensations."

     This is an issue that I see all the time around me, specially as a teen ager. People generally have a hard time accepting the truth, and because of it they turn themselves into something that is not themselves. For example many teen age girls these days, try their hardest to fit in with the crowd, but in the process they are denying the fact that they are turning themselves into something they don't want to become. Their sense of identity becomes blurred at if not caught in time, they can live a good part of their lives walking in the shadow of someone else. Not showing the world who that person really is. I find this very fascinating, because of the fact that it is all around me. I am sure that I have done it. I 'm sure that I have done numerous times, but of course it is more obvious when you see it in others.

     In todays day and age, we call that "fake". Something that can be taken very offensively among the teen age community these days. The thing that I hope my readers take away from this, is simply being yourself. Not being afraid to recognize the truth. The truth in various forms. Wether it be realizing what type of person you are and affiliating yourself with the right people. Or simply catching yourself when you start to deny yourself the truth. Something that is easier said than done. I believe that Alan Watts wanted us to take this message away from his book, and I certainly have.

The Wisdom of Insecurity Draft

Alan W. Watts has adressed the issue of anxiety of today modern society. This anxiety caused my various situations in our modern busy lives. He writes, "We have been accustomed to make this existence worth-while by the belief that there is more than an outward appearance-that we live for a future beyond this life here." What he means by the, is that in today modern society, we always try to push ourselves to create a better life for.us in the future. People do this in many different ways. Religious or not, we find ourselves doing this sometimes even subconciously. In the case of religious people, they thrive to do good deeds, and keep from doing sins for what? So that they will get into heaven or a better afterlife. This is a bigger veiw, but what about people who are not religious? They do it too. For example, the average college student. He or she let's college kick their butt so that they will be able to get a better job and make a better life for themselges. I think that Watts writes this book to help us realize. To help us us realize the over activity of our modern day lives. To help us realize that we do all of this for something that may it may not actually happen or come true. There are mAy suggestive themes throughout the book so far that back up thus idea if over activity in our lives, and the anxiety if what is yet to come. Because we do not know what is yet to come we try to make it the best in the future, but while doing that sometimes making our present lives suck.

Response to Vignette Project

I was looking over Stanley Anderson's Vignette Project, and I found something that caught my eye. He talks about many things that happened to him between 6th and 9th grade, and I found myself relating to a lot of it. Maybe it was because I was friends with him whole a lot of this stuff was going o, but maybe not. As I read through his vignettes, I came to the conclusion that friends meant a lot to him as he was living this time of his life. In the majority of his vignettes, he talks about girls and school. I think that this represents not only the obvious in his life, but maybe the not so obvious. Maybe just maybe girls and school are a metaphor for something much larger. Symbolizing his entire life story in a couple of short vignettes. As a friend of his, I can definatley relate to these things that he talks about. Now moving onto Christy's Vignette project. She writes, "I promised myself that I would try to be confident and leave my quietness/shyness behind. New school , New beginnings, New friends. I knew that I didn't want to be the old Christy. That one that turns bright red, the one that stutters during author’s chair." To me, this explained a lot about what some of us went through, and maybe still going through as we made this huge transition between middle school and high school. She talks about being shy and not really wanting to reach out and apply yourself, and I found myself really relating to that. I know that may be hard to believe at first because of my loud and outgoing personality. But I was shy and a little bit scared as I made this huge transition. Both Stan and Christy in a way summed up how I felt through out middle school and through out the transition between 8th and 9th grade. I feel that they both did a wonderful job addressing the problems that teen agers face during this time of their lives.

What would Cisneros Say?

According to the book, I believe that Sandra Cisneros believes that boys and girls should be raised differently. From reading the book I get the impression that Cisneros believes that they need to be sheltered and protected. Protected from guys and from life. For example Esperanza says, “Sally, make him stop. I couldn’t make them go away…why did you leave me all alone? I waited my whole life.” (P.99) This shows that she feels that girls should be protected from boys especially around the teenage years. I feel that maybe this is how Cisneros was raised, so maybe that is why she chose to put this part in the book. Another example is on page 8. She says, “The boys and girls live in separate worlds. The boys in their universe and we in ours.” This is a result to being raised differently. Overall, this is just a couple of examples that I can find throughout the book. All of this evidence proves that Saundra Cisneros believes that girls should be more protected and sheltered from the outside world. Even though I may not believe in this from my point of view, this is what I fell that Saundra Cisneros was trying to tell us in her writing of the book. 

Whats Next For Esperanza?

After reading the last four vignettes, I have gotton a different perspective on what Esperanza has in store for the rest of her life. On page 110 she says, "They will not know I have gone away to come back. For the ones I left behind. For the ones who cannot out." By this, I think she means that she is leaving the house on mango street, but she will return. She will return not too stay, but instead return to help. Help all of the people that helped her. Help them leave their houses on mango street, and make a better life for them and their families. She tells us that she us leaving mango street, but to do what? In page 110 as well she says,"One day I will pack my bags of books and paper." Even though she has not left yet, when she does I believe that she wants to make the best life for herself that she can. When she talks about taking her books and paper, I get the impression that she wants to further her education. I believe that she wants to do this for a couple of reasons. First, so that she can make a better life for herself. Secondly, so that she can support her family and maybe children in the future. And Lastly, so that she help the people who helped her get away from Mango street. My understanding from the book, was that Mango street was somewhat of the slums of where she lived. This does not mean that Esperanza was a bad person, but she needed to get out of there. This was not the kind of life she wanted. She wanted a better education so that she can get a good job, and get her family out of these slums. That is how I understood the prompt, and this is why I believe that Esperanza wanted and/or needed to get away from the little house on Mango St.

A little taste of My Life

Tina
        Tina. My grandma Tina. My Dad’s mom, and my grandpa’s wife. She was diagnosed with stage four cancer which had spread all throughout her body. She fought it as long as she could, but the time came. The time came that she had to let go, and learn the unknown. She moved on and learned what comes after life. She passed away roughly six years ago, and we all miss her dearly. When my mother gave me news that she had passed away, it was at that point that I realized something. I realized probably the most important thing in life that I will ever learn. I discovered the important of my family. It was at that point in my life just eight years old, that I realized how much my family meant to me. You never really realize how important something is, and how lucky you are until you lose someone or something. I have never looked at my family as my support group, my shoulder to cry on, my life until now. To this day, I look at my family as my life, and that will never change. No matter how many family issues we have, no matter how annoying, rude, or audacious they can get, I will always love them to death.


Marriage

I remember the day. That day that my mom said she had something to talk to me about and pulled out a plastic twenty-five cent toy ring. That was the day that she told me that Kevin had proposed. Proposed with a plastic toy ring. This confused me. Was this a joke? I knew that they were serious about each other, but a toy ring? My mom asked,  “How would you feel if Kevin and I got married?” I was happy, because Kevin had always been really nice to me, but still didn’t fully understand the situation. I thought people proposed with real rings, you know with diamonds and rubies and stuff. My mom explained why she was holding a toy ring. Kevin didn’t want to buy her a ring that she didn’t like, so he got her the toy one, until they could go and get a real one. Then came time for the dress, suit, and wedding. It was a small wedding simple with not many people but nice and sweet. That was about five years ago, and I will never forget the day. I will never forget this day, because this was the day that I realized one of the most important things that. I realized that no one could replace my father (who I still see 2-3 days a week), but another father figure could be a part of my life.

My Name

        My name is nothing special to the average person, but to my family and I it is somewhat traditional. Cameron, my first name is nothing special. It’s is the only name that both my parents could agree on. My mom wanted to name me after my Dad, but my Dad was not having it. My first middle name James, is a tradition for all of the grand children on my Dad’s side of the family. My second middle name is Phillips, which is my mother’s madden name. Actually her birth last name was LaJoie, but it was changed to Phillips when she was two years old. Lastly, my last name is Leahy which just about as Irish you can get. In Ireland, Leahy means king of kings or something like that, but my Dad’s side of the family is truly Irish. Long story short, my name is nothing special to everyone else, but me and my family it is something special.



I Was Positive, But Wrong
        I had never felt anything so strong in my life. Everything in life felt like a dream. Things were so perfect. I had never felt anything like this in my life. I was positive that she was the one. I was positive at the age of fourteen. Maybe I was just caught up in the heat of the moment, which is probably what was happening. When the time came, the time to put this wonderful thing to an end. Why? Why did one of the best things that ever happened to me have to stop. I wanted this forever. I guess life isn’t perfect. I didn’t see her for three weeks because I went to Europe. That was probably the best three weeks of my life, but something was wrong. She was not with me. I was ecstatic to be back home and see her and my family, and I thought everything was fine. A week later all my happiness soon came to an end. Of course I got over it, but I wish I never had too. She is still my best friend, but I wish so much more than that. Life is not perfect, and I cant get everything I want. We will see how it goes from here.

Clouds & Sky Symbolism (Due: 3/11/11)

Clouds and sky are a recurring theme throughout the book, that my classmates as well as myself picked up on.  I believe that clouds and sky are a sign of freedom and hope to Esperanza. I feel like her hope has diminished throughout her life, because of emotional insecurity due to hormones and growing up. She discusses much insecurity about herself, and relationship status. She wants a man that will hold her and be there for her, and for the majority of the book she does not find the right person. On page 60-61, she writes this poem:

            “I want to be

              bike the waves on the sea

              like the clouds in the wind,

              but I’m me.

              One day I’ll jump

              out of my skin.

              I’ll shake the sky

              like a hundred violins.”

As you can see, she sees the sky and clouds as a place of freedom, and a place that she can escape. I think that she feels trapped in her body which is a major sign of insecurity. Another example of this,  is on page 33. She says, “You can never have too much sky. You can fall asleep and wake up drunk on sky, and sky can keep you safe when you are sad.” This shows that when she thinks about or looks at the sky, she feel safe. This proves that clouds and sky are a form of security and comfort to her, and that is why it comes up so much in the book. The last example that supports this theory, is on page 82. She states, “And if you opened the little window latch and gave it a shove, the window would swing open, all the sky would come in.” This quote raises a question. She brings up windows again, which is another piece of symbolism the author uses. Maybe open windows scare her, and she feels that open windows crush any hope, security, and comfort she has, and that is why she says this in the book.

            Of course, there is no real way to find this out for a fact. And there is a chance that clouds and sky does not mean anything at all, and we are just imagining things. Either way, there is good evidence supporting the idea of clouds and sky as symbolism, and I strongly believe that the author put this in the book for a reason. 

The Color Purple

         In Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, she compares the differences in character between Celie and Nettie the two main characters. In this novel, Nettie and Celie have many differences in character, and the reasons why are somewhat obvious. The main differences that I will discuss in this essay are, their differences in religion, gender inequality, and their courage.

Celie and Nettie have completely different religious views based on what I have observed from the book. This is based on many different things they went through, and the different outcomes of their lives. Celie has been in a abusive situation her entire life. Her father beat and raped her, and Mr. did the same. Nettie on the other hand, escaped from her father and was able to get away from Mr. I think that the way their lives played out differently, determined their beliefs. Now to go into depth. As I said before, Celie had been in this abusive situation her entire life. She was put through so much, and based on what I have observed, she turned to God as a coping mechanism. As you can see in all of her letters, she basically asked God for answers and help. She titled all of her letters to God (until she found the letters from Nettie),  which shows that God was the only person she could talk to. She told God what happened to her all the time, hoping for some kind of answer. Nettie on the other hand, had a totally different view. She made God and religion her life. She was a missionary for a living in Africa, teaching Christianity and other things to children. God was not a coping skill for her, but instead her life. This could be a result of the outcome of Nettie’s life. She was able to get away from Mr, and maybe she saw that as God saving her. There is no doubt that they had different religious view, and the reason why is very simple.

            Now I am going to elaborate on their different views towards men and the gender inequality. Nettie had a had childhood as well, but yet her views are different from Celie’s . Nettie was beat by her father, but this did not change her views toward men. She still ended up marrying Samuel and raising Celie’s kids in Africa. In other words, she was able to live her life, and understand that not all men were evil, but just the ones she had in her life (other than Samuel). Celie on the other hand, grew up with a abusive father, and then had to live her life with a abusive husband that she did not want to marry. She had been around abusive men her entire life, and this had a huge impact on her. This is proven when Mr’s father comes to the house. Even though she had never met him before, she was very afraid of him. He had never done anything to her to make her afraid of him, accept the fact that he was a man. Because of her life situation, she thought that all men where evil, and dangerous. Because of this, Celie and Nettie had completely different views towards men.

Celie and Nettie have a huge difference in courage. The levels of courage, and how they obtained it are vastly different. Celie’s courage was on a very short supply up until Shug came. Celie new that as long as Shug was at the house, Mr would not touch her. Even then, Celie did not stand up for herself. She only gained the courage to say something to Mr when Shug announced that Celie was going back with her (on page 199). Nettie on the other hand, had courage since day one. She fought back with Mr the first time she had the chance, and finally left and made a life for herself.

            Alice walker does a fine job comparing the similarities and character differences between the two sisters. Even though the share a very strong and compassionate sisterly connection, and went through many of the same things, they also had many different lives, which changed their personality and character. (P.S. So there it is. What I say goes, and if you don’t like it, go jump in a lake.)

Why I agree with Justice Toailoa on Changing your Child's DNA

Justice says, " In my opinion I don't think the parent has any right to determine the DNA for their child because not only is it morally wrong, but also genetically dangerous." I agree with this, and in my opinion I beeve that the risks of this procedure outwheigh the benefits. 


I think that one thing Justice could have added to her debate, was the very possable chance(s) of genetic mutation and other types of mental illnes. By changing or messing with the child's DNA before it is born could leeve to these genetic defects. I am going to use smoking as a example. When expecting mothers smoke while pregnant can cause birth defects, than imagine what tamporing with their DNA could do. 


Other than that, I felt that justice's opening statement was very well rounded. The only thing taht I would have changed was her evidence. I felt that there was no sources which was ok, but in order to make her agruments valid, sources are needed.

Quickwrite: Celies Relationship with God

Celie’s letters to God tell me one thing. She needed a coping mechanism. I think that these letters were her way of venting her problems. She had no one she could talk to, and she was going through a lot through out her entire life. I am not very far in the book yet, but I can already tell that she has not have an easy life. Her father has raped her multiple time, and she has to be the mother figure in the house to her siblings.She has that mother like responsibility, because she is the oldest child, and her mother died. Having her mother die is tragic enough. But on top of that she has to take care of her siblings, and is constantly abused by her father. Could you imagine life like that?

Many people keep things bottled up inside them, and more some people it is unhealthy. Many people go talk to therapists or counselors, but Celie did not have the money or recourses to do this. She could not talk to her mother because she was dead, and she could not talk to her father, because he was the one abusing her. God was like an outlet to her, and these letters are like her journal or diary. She dates them to God because that is her only outlet. 

For many religious people, they believe that talking to God will help. In other words, if you talk to God individually, he will answer your prayers. Maybe this is true and maybe not, but I think that she made the letters to God in hope that he would answer her prayers. I think that as I read on, she might loose faith in God because bad things keep happening to her. But maybe not. 

Debate: What messures should the U.S. take to prevent Terrorism?

The best way to crack down on preventing terrorism in the U.S. is by cracking down on Airport Security. Recently TSA has been physically searching people. Many people have complained that this is an outrage and a violation if the 4th Amendment. My response to this, is that making sure that a plane is not blown up is more important than personal space. Anthony Martin form the examiner disagrees with me.

"The overwhelming majority of citizens who fly are not suspects.  So why must all citizens be subjected to the groping, probing, and fondling hands of TSA officials when they have done absolutely nothing to justify such violations of personal privacy and dignity? In order to catch a few terrorists?"

How about this? Many people are upset about this violation of personal space, but if you die because your flight was blown up, your personal space suddenly becomes irrelevant. A perfect example of this happened to me personally just this passed October. My dad and I where flying to San Diego to see my Great Grandfather. My dad had taken a smaller sized carry on because we were just taking a one day trip. He did not check what was in the back before he started packing. It wasn't until we where already in San Diego, that my dad realized that TSA let him on the plane with a box cutter. My dad was totally unaware that  he had it with him, but that part of the story is irrelevant. the part that matters, is what if my dad was a terrorist (which he is not of course)? And what if one day TSA lets through a box cutter, but the next day they let on  a bomb, or equipment to make a bomb on board?

All I am saying, is that if the U.S. is making extreme efforts to stop and prevent terrorism, then the first step is with Airports. TSA needs to step up thier level of security to the next level. If people complain about violation of personal space and the 4th amendment, then they need to suck it up. No one is making you go to the airport and fly on a plane. Therefore, TSA has every right to do what is necessary to protect the people and make sure that each and every flight takes off and lands safely and successfully.

Response to Stan Anderson's Post

Stan responded to Vanessa's post, and I am responding to Stan's Post. In his post he says...


"Guys do have to work hard. They are the ones who have to work up the nerve to even go up to the girls that they like and have the guts to ask them out."


Vanessa and Stan are debating about if it is easier for a man to get a girlfriend, or a women to get a boyfriend. personally, I have to agree with Stan on this one. It is much harder for a man to get a girlfriend. Guys constantly have women on their minds (at least at this age), and getting one is not the easiest task in the world. There are many factors that you have to take into account. Building up the courage to ask them, trying to make sure that they like you before you ask them, and last but not least simply finding a girl that you like enough to go out with. Plus, based on what I have seen in the past, the chances of a guy saying yes is more probable. Meaning that more guys actually say yes when they are asked out than women. Women tend to be more picky about their guys than men. 


  

Does a Elite College = A Better Life?

Does going to an elite college mean that you will live a better life? NO! When we were first given this question in class, the first words that popped into my head where B.S. The thing that immediately makes this statement inaccurate, is the idea of a better life. What is a better life? What do you compare it too? How are the standards for a better life made, and by whom? Everyones idea of a good life are different. Someone might want to become a doctor who makes a lot of money and has a wife and three kids. But to others, that may not sound like a good life at all. Instead, someone may want to be a waitress their whole lives. Going to a elite college is not necessary to become a waitress, however to become a doctor you do (or most do). The whole question is irrelevant because everyone’s idea of a good or better life is different.

I am going to start with the article that I thought was the worst. What You Do vs. Where You Go, by Martha O’Connell. Here main point was that going to an elite college does not guarantee a better life, which I agree with. However, her examples where of celebrates or people who come from wealthy backgrounds, which did not prove anything. Martha said, “Steven Spielberg, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates dropped out of college, that Oprah Winfrey is an alumna of Tennessee State and that Ken Burns graduated from Hampshire College.” This example does not prove anything for various reasons. Bill Gates, did not need a degree to take the Mac operating system and put it on a PC. Again I am not disagreeing with her, but I am simply saying that her examples are very weak. 

I do like Access to Money and Power, by Anthony Carnevale. His main point was that colleges that charge less do not have as many resources for the students because they do not have enough money to afford them. On the other hand, elite colleges that charge more can afford more and sometimes better resources to their students. He says, “The high concentrations of affluent students at selective colleges get a lot more...” So I agree with him in a way because of the fact that yes students at elite colleges probably have better resources, therefore most likely making school easier. But once again I still believe that going to an elite college does not guarantee a better life. 

The thing that I hope people take from this. Is that you don’t have to be accepted to an elite college like UC Berkeley or Stanford. There is no doubt that it may help you get the job of your choice, but everyone has their own standard for a good life. No college can get that for you, only you can.

Free Post: MUSIC

Music is everything. I am a musician and live music. Play music, listen to it, and record/produce it. While I am writing this, I am currently blasting music in my room. I admit that it is a little distracting but I'm still getting things done. My dad is a part-time music producer, and it has rubbed off on me completely. Everyday when I come home, I get my homework done and then get on the computer and make music.

My dad has taught me how to use professional equipment and computer software to make music. It is totally a hobby, but the best thing about it is that I have a friend who shares the same interest. The coolest thing about that is that we share ideas and sometimes edit each others work. I don't want music to be my career, but I am not going to give it up later in life. To this day I am still taking lessons, because I never stop learning. How long I have been taking lessons is irrelevant, because I never stop learning.

Music club at ASTI is perfect for me because it gives me a way to socialize with my friends while doing what I love. I drum in music club, and yes drumming is my main instrument(s). After I get my degree in computer science and become a pilot in the Air Force (hopefully) I would be interested  to get my degree in music. Maybe at the same time as computer science, but that might become very overwhelming.