Reflection

     My high school career is coming to an end, so many thoughts and ponderances race throughout my head. Where do i start i remember my freshman year feeling like I knew everything, and now in my senior year when there is still a plethora of unexplored facets of life. Over the years I have developed an uncanny ability critically analyze various aspects in and outside the classroom. Thanks to Mrs. Day, who is the alarm clock that awoke my mind, and politely forced me to expand my horizon. I have had teacher teach me in ways they are not aware of. I have learned to look at the big picture. I honestly feel as if I have been enlightened. Although I feel enlightened, I know I have not been properly educated. I am thankful for my enlightenment; even though i lack the proper education, I have the necessary skills to seek out the education I need. I am proud of the small and modest things I have accomplished.

Interview with August Wilson

     During the interview Wilson highlights the short-comings of African Americans, but never directly blames any one thing. By not blaming anyone Wilson implicitly sends a message saying it does not matter what cause this problem we have to find a way to fix it. He speak about the lack of a place in society for blacks, and he touches on how this leads many African-Americans being institutionalized whether it be in the army, penitentiary, or the black church.
     Wilson seems focused on the betterment of black society. It is obvious he wants black to widen their horizon and have more options in life.

Figuring out metaphors

     John R. Searle is saying to interpret metaphors you have to look beyond the literal meaning in order to figure out what the speaker realy means. Searle says some metaphors are easier to interpret than others. Metaphors can be used to better convey the author's feelings. Metaphor also help explain situations that there are no words to explain.

On the words in poetry

     In this piece the writer, Dylan Thomas, attempts to explain his infatuation with words even before he could read them himself. Thomas tells how nursery rhymes lead him to fall in love with words, but he did not actually care for what was being said or what was going on. He wants to make sure the reader understands his passion for solely the sounds each word makes. At one point he describes what words can become; he is actually intrigued by the abundance of moments in life that words can create. He explains that has as a writer must learn to manipulate word in order to be great.

Reading Billy Collins

   The author has multiple attempts to get his class to understand a poem, but it is very difficult for many of them; which is what happens in many classrooms some student can not grasp the concepts of some poems. He attempts to let his pupils read and work their way through the poem. The students begin to struggle with the interpretation of the poem and try to force the meaning of the lines. The teacher is using them to convey the students are the ones struggling.

Death of a salesman

      The movie Death of a Salesman was mostly about a man, Willie Loman, whom had long fooled himself into the perception that a man's success was measure by how well-liked he was. He passed his thoughts down to his two sons, but in doing so gave them the wrong message, he only spoke of the treasure at the mountain top not the toiling trek up the mountain. His eldest son, Biff, developed the mentality that he was automatically the top dog, and had a hard life due to it. The other son, Hap, just worked to please his delusional father. The thought of the "American dream" pushed the father into a false reality. Once his salesman job deteriorated so did his mental stability he could not fathom the thought of no longer being liked. Although Willie die in the car-crash the death of a salesman had already occurred.

"Citizen Kane"

     In Citizen Kane although the main character of the movie was Charles Foster Kane, the movies was actually based of the very real and very powerful William Randolph Hearst who was a newspaper typhoon. Who was given away after his mother comes into fortune. In the movie Kane started as a young innocent young boy who enjoyed his home with his mother and father. Kane was showed as a young and particularly happy child while he lived with his parents, but as he grew older he grew more careless and frivolous with his fortune. The movies portrays the metamophosis of a man into a power crazed maniac. It was hard for Kane to know the value of money because he had always had it. The narrators were also unreliable because the stories were told from others' point of view and their are many thigs to affect their recollection such as old age, motifs, bad memory. Some people may want to make themselves a person of interest in their own stories, or may want to slander Kanes name. Overall it is a difficult task to tell the life story of one who no longer possesses life. 

"Their Eyes Were Watching God"

     In Their Eyes Were Watching God Janie Crawford, the main protagonist, was a young woman who lived with her grandmother in the south. She was a young woman who had to lear throughout her life that she controlled her own destiny. In the movie Janie can be caught in a few scenes peacfully gazing into the sky and when asked what she is doing she would reply, "Watching God". Whenever Janie was "Watching God", she was at peace with herself the moment was genuine and blissful. Nature represented a utopia it was where Janie could be care free.  Also Janie goes through three marriages demonstrating that relationships can not thrive without affection from both people. 

Reflection

     Taking AP this year was a real eye-opener, the class not only challenged me mentally, but in this class I had to use time management skills. I mean while taking this class I was exposed to so many types of literature. It actually amazing to see how much I have grown in taking the class.
   My AP teacher Mrs.Day knows what she is doing; she can pull the greatness out of any student willing to put forth the effort. Mrs. Day knows how to reach various types of students, and will work with them in many situations. In the past i hav had teacher who care, but Mrs. Day takes the time to meet her students and learn thier personalities.
    After taking AP lang this year I am anxious about AP lit next year. Hopefully Mrs. Day will have more to expose my concise mind to. Unlike last year I am actually prepared for next year's challenge.

Th Boston Massacre

     On April 15, 2013 the city of Boston had a marathon, and during the marathon, there was a bombing. The bombing killed three and injuring one hundred three. It was all unexpected; it caught the not only the city, but the whole nation off guard. This event is thought to have been the doing of  a terrorist plot. So, like 9/11, it has many instilled paranoia in many American citizens.

      Luckily, there have been two indentified suspects in the bombing brothers Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and Tamerlan Tsarnaev. Tamerlan Tsarnaev was killed during a firefight, leaving his younger brother Dzhokhar Tsarnaev on the run in Boston.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev, right of picture, was shot dead by Boston police early Friday morning. His younger brother Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, left, remains at large. Photograph: REUTERS.

Fiscal Cliff

     According to Thomas Kenny, the “Fiscal cliff” is the popular shorthand term used to describe the conundrum that the U.S. government will face at the end of 2012, when the terms of the Budget Control Act of 2011 are scheduled to go into effect. Toward the end of 2012 the Democrats and Republicans had decided to to work together in order to make compromises to coincide with the fiscal cliff. While many solutions had been attempted like the tax increases imposed on those earning over $400,000, yet they were merely prolonging the punishment.

     In this cartoon the donkey and elephant, which symbolize the democratic and republic parties, have worked together to build what looks like an unfinished bridge. There is no money to build a bridge, especially one of such manitude. If America did have the funds we  would not be in such a predicament. The bridge has done nothing; it looks like a waste of time,energy, and effort.

Why Now

     Why wait until a man has reached his seventeenth year? Why wait until a man is making his second Superbowl appearance? Why wait until a man has openly announced his retirement upon the conclusion of the season? Why wait until a man has inspired a a whole city and willed his team through turmoil?
      According to sports illustrated Ray Lewis, all-star middle linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, "allegedly used a banned deer-antler spray to recover from an arm injury earlier this season." After missing most of the season Lewis returned during the playoffs and led the whole NFL in tackles. When asked about the spray Lewis dismissed the "stupidity".
     The whole fiasco could simply be a ply put in place by steroids dealers, in order to advertise their product.  "What's the best way to get consumers to buy your product? Have a sports star deny ever using it.",Abby Ellin rhetorically questioned. "This is probably one of the biggest sales days for it since when we launched it about a year ago,"  -Brianne Vaskovardzic.
    A similar situation occurred a few years back with Barry Bonds, former major league baseball player, he was denied entry into the hall of fame on "alleged" steroid use in 2013. During his last year of play while closing in on the record for most home runs of all time, the steroid controversy appeared. Both he and Lewis while on the verge of greatness have had their reputation tainted with such speculation.

The Hoax

     College football fan know the story of Notre Dame's all-star linebacker Manti T'eo; he as a heisman runner-up, his background story had helped push his team to an undefeated season. According to T'eo his girlfriend,Lennay Kekua, had died of cancer September 12. Hearing the story of a fellow teammate losing his significant other should be enough to motivate any great player grind it out.
      T"eo was later interviewed by ABC's Katie Couric."You stuck to the script. And you knew that something was amiss, Manti," Couric said. "Katie, put yourself in my situation. I, my whole world told me that she died on Sept. 12. Everybody knew that. This girl, who I committed myself to, died on Sept. 12," replied Te'o.
    Now, with all that aside, if T'eo found out his so called "girlfriend" was never dead on December 6,yet on December 8 he again publicy mentioned his "dead girlfriend". Why would T'eo knowingly continue with this travesty? What it to propel his campaign to win the heisman trophy? Or did he simply enjoy all the attention?
    Although T"eo was also duped, he still went on with the story after he found out the truth. The emotions that had to engulp him when he learned the truth. For his teammates to discover that their inspiration had come under false pretenses, has to be devastating. And what about the coachin staff, the cousellors, the guidance, the claerhead; why they were also apart of the scheme. What a...a HOAX!

The Harlem Renaissance

     The Harlem Renaissance, or "New Negro Movement, was known as a cultural movement from the 1920's to the 1930's. The Renaissance even reached  French-speaking black writers from African and Caribbean colonies who lived in Paris. During this time many blacks began creating and experimenting with many forms of art. Many popular African-American poets, playwrights, and authors emerged during the movement.
     Ridgely Torrence was a big contribution to the start of the renaissance. His Three Plays for a Negro Theatre, was among one of the first plays to demonstrate that blacks actually felt humane emotions and their yearning for greatness. Torrences plays were refered to as "the most important single event in the entire history of the Negro in the American Theater." by James Weldon Johnson.
   James Weldon Johnson, author and politician, was an early civil rights activist. He was a highly invovled leader in the NAACP. Johnson also made history by being one of the first African-American professors to teach at New York University.
    Langston Hughes, novelist and poet, is one of my favorites from this era. He wrote about how "the negro was in vogue" during the renaissance. Hughes often wrote about the everyday struggle of a typical black person.

RG3

      It is amazing how much of an impact one person can have on a group of people. What is it about one person's success that will inspire a few to strive for the better. Just like the saying, "One bad apple spoils the group.", but in reverse.
      In the case of football, there are many teams who have a key player(s), and that player(s) is usually are depended upon to impact the game if not win it. This may start from peewee to the NFL; the are some team whom depend on a smash-mouth running game, while others practice the air-it-out philosophy.
     Some teams play to win games, while the elite play to win championships, yet no matter the reason, you will have to practice your sport. During the practicing teams usually build bonds and grow closer as a team. Whether in the weight room or on the practice field hard work will be admired.
     Robert Griffin III, quarterback of the Washington Redskins football team, has been a rookie sensation for his team. His abilities seem to compliment the play styles of his team mates and helps his team pull out the win. Griffin's abilities seem to have given a serge to redskins; the Redskins' offense has taken on a completely different identity. Their explosiveness put defenses on edge every time they line up across from one another. Griffin's scrambling abilities forces teams to play disciplined; you have to play a few extra guys in the box to make sure he can not break containment, but in doing so this put more pressure on your defensive backs dropping back into coverage; then the DB's have to deal with Griffin's pen-point accuracy.
    Last game, against the New York Giants, Griffin rushed for 72 yards on only 5 carries, which shows keen decision making, yet Griffin also passed for 163 yards. On top of all that, his came came home with the victory.
    With Griffin having such well-rounded performances and the Redskins' number one ranked rush defense. I see great thing in the youngster's future. He has nowhere to go, but up.

Playoffs BaBY!!!!!!

    Whooooooo!!! Its  time to come on with the come on. No more almost had the tackle, no more almost caught the ball, no more mental error. This is the time when everyone has to do their part and pull together to complete a common goal. Like we said when we first strapped up, or put on the pads on for the first time, " Time to separate the boys from the men." Tension is high, and competition at it's highest level. The playoffs can be consider heaven for a fierce competitor. Often during this time in the year, the media really begin to get invovled with cameras and interviews, and an athelete can esily be distracted by the glitz and galm. This is a crucial time when the player's teammates have to bring him back down to earth, you know, " pop his bubble." Everyone has to maintain their focus, and bypass the few round to get to the "promise land", a state championship, and win the gold. Everyon wants to win big to earn the bragging rights. The playoffs can also be home of upsets and shattered dreams, for some it is the last "Hoo-rah", their last chance to make a statement, their last moment of suiting up with their school's colors. In either win or go home situation you will show you who is willing to lay it all on the line. I love the pressure wich arises in the post season.

Why Not?

      I take you (Brides Name) to be my lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health while we both shall live? Whoa! Marriage, to cleave to another human being, to commit my mind, body, and soul to a woman, to know her love for me will be everlasting. Why would someone not want to have a safety blanket? Marriage should be an objective in every one's life. Marriage, while definitely a long-term goal, is surely one of my goals.
        To begin with, most may be lucky enough to have a mother whom may love them unconditionally, but imagine if you were to be able to share that love with another, or be able to take that love and mold into a variety of things. For example a family, a nice house, a family empire, heart-warming memories in old age. For someone to find a significant other is surely a blessing. To have someone whom after you have long abandoned the care, and or protection of your mother, still be there to comfort and nurture you and help you piece together the jigsaw puzzle of life is a marvelous thing to have.
       Additionally, the nervous feeling you receive when you fall head over heels in love is stupendous. It has to be a great thing when you have a spouse whom thinks like you, acts like you, shares the same interests, and yet is the total opposite. What a feeling to know that no matter what someone will lay down their life, or endure brutal punishment to see to it you are content. The world wind of emotions a wife can make a man feel, or vice-versa, is absolutely amazing.
       On the other hand, according to the daily beast, If you are a married American, your marriage is between 40 and 50 percent likely to end in divorce. Marriage these days means nothing many may argue, but ignorance should be ignored. I mean love is not based on silly calculations and equations being keyed into calculators or computers. Love is an instinct.
      In the end, I feel marriage will help me grow and would be a very serious, yet rewarding step in my "FAR" future. I hope one day i may be able to experience the joys of the married life. I wish everyone could.

We need balance

What did the fine-arts mean to most students? At the Katy ISD program they argue that the arts are essential to mental growth and development saying,"Arts education refers to education in the disciplines of music, dance, theatre, and visual arts. Study in the arts is integral to our society. They are a part of the cultural heritage of every American. The arts are what make us most human, most complete as people." I also agree to what they are saying because for some student Their fine-arts are the only class they may find joy in attending. Fine-art inspire creativity and originality; personally, without them, I feel the world would be bland or lack astonishment. The fine arts can be extremely stimulating to students. I personally enjoy a few of they fine-arts, because they relieve a bit of the pressure which comes from the rest of our core classes.

I hear you can't judge a book by its cover; which is a very accurate statement when referring to a book entitled "They say/I Say" by Geral Graff and Cathey Birkenstein. The book's cover page is brightly colored and grabs the attention of a reader, but once you open it the book becomes a totally different story. I have to fight myself to finish each page. I mean the templates are helpful, but the book is highly disappointing and fails to engage the reader.  My Teacher is usually more lively and exciting; that's why i don't understand why she would punish us by assigning this book.