My poetry everywhere experience was very nice. These were my four favourite ones:
1) A Boy Once Told Me, by Naomi Shihab Nye. Poetry from a child's mouth. She had the best presentation, I thought. The poem, put together from quotes from her toddler son, was very sweet and funny. Also, you could tell that she enjoyed sharing it with the audience, she laughed along with them in several parts and had a really unique way of telling it.
2) Dust, by Dorianne Laux. A poem about working hard, and wanting to shut the world out sometimes. I think, from her biography at the side of the video and from what the narrator said, she's had a hard life, and this poem certainly reflects that.
3) Lake Echo, Dear, by C.D. Wright. She has a way with words, and how she tells her poem. She has her own way of writing things, I really can't describe it.
4) I Started Early, by Emily Dickinson. This was animated, and I really loved it. You could kinda relate to the poem, and the images in the movie just flowed so well with the words. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/poetryeverywhere/dickinson.html
Have a good weekend.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
~National Poetry Month Wrap Up~
All in all, I think National Poetry Month was a pretty good experience. I think that so far, it's one of my favourite things about PATH so far this year. I think what I liked most about poetry was that it always varied from author to author and from poem to poem. Unlike certain types of books, poetry isn't really all that predictable. You can get something that you think is one thing but it's really completely different. That's really cool.
I'm definitely going to keep reading poetry now that NPM is over, but in smaller amounts. I think it's a great way to kinda get away from everyday life, and to just kinda kick back and relax. On a similar note to this, I also kinda was listening to Adele the other day, and I got to thinking about how a lot of song lyrics (though not all of them) can be poetry but set to music. Both music and poetry create images based off of the words in my mind while hearing it, so therefore I'm kinda considering some singers and/or bands as poets in their own right as well now.
And last, but not least, did I gain any new favourite poets and poems? Why, yes, I suppose I did. I think the two I'm most fond of right now are Yeats and Connie Voisine. Both poets just kinda stuck in my mind. I like Yeats because of how he makes words flow, anad how they mix with each other (I hope that makes sense). As for Ms. Connie Voisine, well, she wrote a poem that I think will probably just stick with me for a long time, which is an acomplishment because unless I hear a poem over and over or really love it, that doesn't usually happen.
So long, farewell. Happy May.
I'm definitely going to keep reading poetry now that NPM is over, but in smaller amounts. I think it's a great way to kinda get away from everyday life, and to just kinda kick back and relax. On a similar note to this, I also kinda was listening to Adele the other day, and I got to thinking about how a lot of song lyrics (though not all of them) can be poetry but set to music. Both music and poetry create images based off of the words in my mind while hearing it, so therefore I'm kinda considering some singers and/or bands as poets in their own right as well now.
And last, but not least, did I gain any new favourite poets and poems? Why, yes, I suppose I did. I think the two I'm most fond of right now are Yeats and Connie Voisine. Both poets just kinda stuck in my mind. I like Yeats because of how he makes words flow, anad how they mix with each other (I hope that makes sense). As for Ms. Connie Voisine, well, she wrote a poem that I think will probably just stick with me for a long time, which is an acomplishment because unless I hear a poem over and over or really love it, that doesn't usually happen.
So long, farewell. Happy May.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sticks are Dangerous for Girls at Noel even if we all are Dusting.
I'm back! Not from the dead, but from a long week of no time for poetry. Here goes the list.
1) Dusting, by Marilyn Nelson. A lovely little poem centered around her gratitude for being alive and, well, here. I liked the images this poem conjured in my mind, of us all truly being little pieces of dust doing dusty things in such a large universe.
2) Sticks, by Thomas Sayers Ellis. This is a sad poem, I think it was about a child who was abused by his father, and felt like he was sinking. But then he discovered writing, and that became what he took his frustration out on. So say his dad hit him- He'd write it down.
3) Dangerous for Girls, by Connie Voisine. This poem was kinda freaky, but at the same time, it was like a safety lesson for girls and women everywhere. It was centered around a girl, any girl, seeing all the things happening around her, bloody Jane Does being found in refrigerators, women going missing without a trace, etc. Basically though, the girl in the poem doesn't think anything bad will happen to her, that it's always some one else. Unfortunately, she gets drunk one night, and meets a stranger, and in the morning, you can infer she was "that other girl" who disappeared.
4) Noel, by Anne Porter. Yes, I am perfectly well aware that this poem is very out-of-season, as a matter of fact, it's about Christmas, and explaining it to kids. I liked how the poem sounded, since I could relate to it really well. Christmas is, after all, a magical time of year. December, actually, is a magical time of year. I really adore Christmas (if you haven't figured that out yet).
Have a good week, and enjoy killing some chocolate bunnies.
1) Dusting, by Marilyn Nelson. A lovely little poem centered around her gratitude for being alive and, well, here. I liked the images this poem conjured in my mind, of us all truly being little pieces of dust doing dusty things in such a large universe.
2) Sticks, by Thomas Sayers Ellis. This is a sad poem, I think it was about a child who was abused by his father, and felt like he was sinking. But then he discovered writing, and that became what he took his frustration out on. So say his dad hit him- He'd write it down.
3) Dangerous for Girls, by Connie Voisine. This poem was kinda freaky, but at the same time, it was like a safety lesson for girls and women everywhere. It was centered around a girl, any girl, seeing all the things happening around her, bloody Jane Does being found in refrigerators, women going missing without a trace, etc. Basically though, the girl in the poem doesn't think anything bad will happen to her, that it's always some one else. Unfortunately, she gets drunk one night, and meets a stranger, and in the morning, you can infer she was "that other girl" who disappeared.
4) Noel, by Anne Porter. Yes, I am perfectly well aware that this poem is very out-of-season, as a matter of fact, it's about Christmas, and explaining it to kids. I liked how the poem sounded, since I could relate to it really well. Christmas is, after all, a magical time of year. December, actually, is a magical time of year. I really adore Christmas (if you haven't figured that out yet).
Have a good week, and enjoy killing some chocolate bunnies.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Poetry for the Week
First off, there's this amazing poem, The Rose of Battle, by W.B. Yeats. Fantastic poem, I love it. If you've ever read The Gemma Doyle Trilogy, it's actually featured in the beginning of The Sweet Far Thing, the final installment in the series. Problem is, it's not featured on the poetry website, which is too bad. I was really looking forward to adding it to my notebook. However, there were several other poems of his that I liked too.
1) A Prayer For My Daughter, a very sweet, very sentimental poem about a parent wishing the best for their daughter throughout her life.
2) The Player Queen, which is a song that's from an unfinished (and unnamed) play. It's about a mother who, I think, is imagining her son growing up to be a wonderful person, a king of sorts.
3) Easter 1916, I think this is about describing the poet's emotions concerning the Easter Rising in Ireland against British rule on Easter, 1916. On a side note, the uprising was apperantly unsuccessful, and most of the Irish republican leaders involved were executed for treason.
There were some other poems I found on the website as well.
1) Nothing Gold Can Stay, by Robert Frost. It's about how you have to cherish life, but yet we sometimes just take it for granted. Also referenced in The Outsiders, by S. E. Hinton.
2) Famous, by Naomi Shihab Nye. This was the first time I've read this poem, and I liked it a lot. There's just something about her poetry that makes you think.
3) Dulce et Decorum Est, by Wilfred Owen. A poem about what fighting in WW2 was really like, mostly centered around the hideous mustard gas used on enemies, and how dying for your fatherland isn't all that it's cracked up to be.
1) A Prayer For My Daughter, a very sweet, very sentimental poem about a parent wishing the best for their daughter throughout her life.
2) The Player Queen, which is a song that's from an unfinished (and unnamed) play. It's about a mother who, I think, is imagining her son growing up to be a wonderful person, a king of sorts.
3) Easter 1916, I think this is about describing the poet's emotions concerning the Easter Rising in Ireland against British rule on Easter, 1916. On a side note, the uprising was apperantly unsuccessful, and most of the Irish republican leaders involved were executed for treason.
There were some other poems I found on the website as well.
1) Nothing Gold Can Stay, by Robert Frost. It's about how you have to cherish life, but yet we sometimes just take it for granted. Also referenced in The Outsiders, by S. E. Hinton.
2) Famous, by Naomi Shihab Nye. This was the first time I've read this poem, and I liked it a lot. There's just something about her poetry that makes you think.
3) Dulce et Decorum Est, by Wilfred Owen. A poem about what fighting in WW2 was really like, mostly centered around the hideous mustard gas used on enemies, and how dying for your fatherland isn't all that it's cracked up to be.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Spring Break
Hello to all,
First off, I'd like to state that I sadly just signed up at poets.org for the daily poems. Therefore, I've been shifting through a bunch of different poetry topics to find different poems that sound interesting. So far, I've found four I really liked.
1) Red Slippers, by Amy Lowell. I really liked this poem because you see it so much in everyday life. Maybe you actually are shopping, maybe you aren't, but you see something that you can't or won't have. So you're stuck wishing for it, sometimes even after you walk away.
2) The Land of Nod, by Robert Louis Stevenson. Unsurprisingly, this particular piece of poetry is centered around dreams. It tells of how you go into a different world when you dream, how how it can be scary and wonderful. However, you can't quite ever go back (at least not to the same dream), which can be both a good thing and a bad thing.
3) To His Coy Mistress, by Andrew Marvell. First off, whoever put this poem into the "love" section of the site was a complete moron. They likely didn't take the time to bother figuring out what it really meant. Kinda like being told a certain word means "Hello" in a foreign language and then accidentally swearing at the person from that country without meaning to, cause you think that word means hello. Basically, don't ever give the poem as a lovey-dovey thing. Anyway, I'll post the poem here. http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/16076
4) The Sandman, by Margaret Thomson Janvier. The poem is basically just about going to sleep, and about the Sandman who makes it happen. He closes people's eyes at night. It's sweet.
As for books I've read over break, I've been trying to work my way through two German travel guides on some old castles. I've been feeling like my German has been getting rusty lately, so I thought the books (which are in German) would be a good challenge. I also read a story in poetry, The Sign of the Seahorse, by Graeme Base. It's about sea creatures living in a coral reef that's becoming polluted, and they must follow the seahorses to a new reef. I also am re-reading The Hobbit by Tolkien, since I haven't read it in a good amount of time.
First off, I'd like to state that I sadly just signed up at poets.org for the daily poems. Therefore, I've been shifting through a bunch of different poetry topics to find different poems that sound interesting. So far, I've found four I really liked.
1) Red Slippers, by Amy Lowell. I really liked this poem because you see it so much in everyday life. Maybe you actually are shopping, maybe you aren't, but you see something that you can't or won't have. So you're stuck wishing for it, sometimes even after you walk away.
2) The Land of Nod, by Robert Louis Stevenson. Unsurprisingly, this particular piece of poetry is centered around dreams. It tells of how you go into a different world when you dream, how how it can be scary and wonderful. However, you can't quite ever go back (at least not to the same dream), which can be both a good thing and a bad thing.
3) To His Coy Mistress, by Andrew Marvell. First off, whoever put this poem into the "love" section of the site was a complete moron. They likely didn't take the time to bother figuring out what it really meant. Kinda like being told a certain word means "Hello" in a foreign language and then accidentally swearing at the person from that country without meaning to, cause you think that word means hello. Basically, don't ever give the poem as a lovey-dovey thing. Anyway, I'll post the poem here. http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/16076
4) The Sandman, by Margaret Thomson Janvier. The poem is basically just about going to sleep, and about the Sandman who makes it happen. He closes people's eyes at night. It's sweet.
As for books I've read over break, I've been trying to work my way through two German travel guides on some old castles. I've been feeling like my German has been getting rusty lately, so I thought the books (which are in German) would be a good challenge. I also read a story in poetry, The Sign of the Seahorse, by Graeme Base. It's about sea creatures living in a coral reef that's becoming polluted, and they must follow the seahorses to a new reef. I also am re-reading The Hobbit by Tolkien, since I haven't read it in a good amount of time.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Reading & Trend Stuff
So far I've found out a fair amount of stuff from both sides of the silly band debate. One side is composed of those against silly bandz (many teachers, school workers) because they're distracting to students in the elementary school, causing problems that can easily be avoided. The other side is a lot of people who think silly bandz are okay. Their reasoning is usually one of two things: One, trends like these come and go. For example, hot wheels and beanie babies. Two, saying kids can't wear silly bandz to school is taking away their right to wear what they'd like. I'd agree with that, but it's not just wearing the silly bandz. Kids can trade, throw, and argue over the bracelets as well, which causes a problem.
Another thing was a lot of parents seemed to be okay with buying silly bandz. It's cheap, fun entertainment for kids, and plus, all kids should be able to "be a kid" and follow trends.
As for reading, I haven't really had much time to read anything in the last two weeks not homework related, and it bugs me. AS a matter of fact, the only thing I can think of off the top of my head was an article in USA Today about Liz Taylor's death (RIP Cleopatra). However, spring break is coming up, so I can hopefully read more books then. :)
Another thing was a lot of parents seemed to be okay with buying silly bandz. It's cheap, fun entertainment for kids, and plus, all kids should be able to "be a kid" and follow trends.
As for reading, I haven't really had much time to read anything in the last two weeks not homework related, and it bugs me. AS a matter of fact, the only thing I can think of off the top of my head was an article in USA Today about Liz Taylor's death (RIP Cleopatra). However, spring break is coming up, so I can hopefully read more books then. :)
Monday, March 21, 2011
Silly Trendz
My new topic, I've decided, is Silly Bandz and how they are nothing but a problem.
I'd describe them, but you probably already know what they are.
These multicoloured rubber bandz have been around for several years, but in early 2010 they really became the cat's pajamas. You can see it on the streets, little kindergarteners treating them like gold. It's ridiculous. I cannot believe parents actually BUY these things. I mean, they could buy coloured hair bands and they'd be just as popular, and useful at the same time. Kids these days... Anyway, silly bandz are a distraction. For example, as Jill Wolborsky, a fourth-grade teacher at my son's school, who banned them from her classroom before the principal implemented a schoolwide ban said to Time Magazine, " One student stole some confiscated Bandz from my desk, choosing them over the cash in my drawer." That's a problem.
In similar news:
- Fox News also had a rather interesting article on the bracelets last summer, saying how the tight rubber around the kids wrists could cause blood clots.
I'd describe them, but you probably already know what they are.
These multicoloured rubber bandz have been around for several years, but in early 2010 they really became the cat's pajamas. You can see it on the streets, little kindergarteners treating them like gold. It's ridiculous. I cannot believe parents actually BUY these things. I mean, they could buy coloured hair bands and they'd be just as popular, and useful at the same time. Kids these days... Anyway, silly bandz are a distraction. For example, as Jill Wolborsky, a fourth-grade teacher at my son's school, who banned them from her classroom before the principal implemented a schoolwide ban said to Time Magazine, " One student stole some confiscated Bandz from my desk, choosing them over the cash in my drawer." That's a problem.
In similar news:
- Fox News also had a rather interesting article on the bracelets last summer, saying how the tight rubber around the kids wrists could cause blood clots.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Trends and trends and trends and trends and trends and FASHION!!!
Well, the topic I am doing for the trends essay is how many guys are starting to blur the lines between fashion for each gender. For example, guys wearing skinny jeans, make-up, or anything else not viewed as "the norm" in society.
So far, I've found a great article at the New York Times, which tells about this, and how different people seem to react to these new trends (sending kids home from school, or adults and students being more accepting of trends and looks some teens may want to try out, or like). Also, a lot of the major changes guys make in their own personal fashion don't actually come until high school. This is also the age where classmates seem to be more accepting of others looks. Another thing is that a lot of schools don't always know what to do, concerning personal fashion and the dress code. For example, if they tell a guy to not wear make-up, would that be harassment or protection against harassment from students who might tease him? It's a pretty interesting topic.
So far, I've found a great article at the New York Times, which tells about this, and how different people seem to react to these new trends (sending kids home from school, or adults and students being more accepting of trends and looks some teens may want to try out, or like). Also, a lot of the major changes guys make in their own personal fashion don't actually come until high school. This is also the age where classmates seem to be more accepting of others looks. Another thing is that a lot of schools don't always know what to do, concerning personal fashion and the dress code. For example, if they tell a guy to not wear make-up, would that be harassment or protection against harassment from students who might tease him? It's a pretty interesting topic.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Juliet & Romeo
Thought I'd change up the title a bit.
Romeo & Juliet is not my favourite story. However, it's okay. I think the biggest thing for me is that I'm a 15-year-old girl in the 21st century reading a story centered around a 13-year-old girl and her 18-year-old lover in the 14th century. Therefore, I compare it to the modern world today, and have a harder time looking at this story as it was viewed hundreds of years ago, when Shakespeare first wrote it. Also, the language was a bit hard to decipher at times as well, it's really changed a lot over the years. I think what I like most about the story is Juliet. Yeah, she's still the poster girl for a wealthy family daughter in that era, but she's headstrong. She realises that you can't always depend on mom, dad, or the nurse, and takes matters with Romeo into her own hands. That's good, I think.
I think that if I had to make this story a high school play, it would be fun to make the same story take place, but in modern times. Or, make a spoof of it or something, like Gnomeo & Juliet. It could be the same story, but they simply put it in a different setting, you know? Also, for Under Milkwood, the play was soooo much better than the movie. The movie was creepy, so I kinda wasn't looking forward to the play as much. However, the play turned out to be hilarious! I think my favourite part was the creepy guy who wanted to poison his wife ("Here's your arsenic, dearrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!") I laughed so hard. Also, the germaphobe, O.C.D. widow with the two dead husbands. That was fantastic.
Romeo & Juliet is not my favourite story. However, it's okay. I think the biggest thing for me is that I'm a 15-year-old girl in the 21st century reading a story centered around a 13-year-old girl and her 18-year-old lover in the 14th century. Therefore, I compare it to the modern world today, and have a harder time looking at this story as it was viewed hundreds of years ago, when Shakespeare first wrote it. Also, the language was a bit hard to decipher at times as well, it's really changed a lot over the years. I think what I like most about the story is Juliet. Yeah, she's still the poster girl for a wealthy family daughter in that era, but she's headstrong. She realises that you can't always depend on mom, dad, or the nurse, and takes matters with Romeo into her own hands. That's good, I think.
I think that if I had to make this story a high school play, it would be fun to make the same story take place, but in modern times. Or, make a spoof of it or something, like Gnomeo & Juliet. It could be the same story, but they simply put it in a different setting, you know? Also, for Under Milkwood, the play was soooo much better than the movie. The movie was creepy, so I kinda wasn't looking forward to the play as much. However, the play turned out to be hilarious! I think my favourite part was the creepy guy who wanted to poison his wife ("Here's your arsenic, dearrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!") I laughed so hard. Also, the germaphobe, O.C.D. widow with the two dead husbands. That was fantastic.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
The End of Romeo & Juliet
So to the discussion.
Today, when I finished up this tale, I was running on very low amounts of sleep. Therefore, I was A) More emotional and moved about the deaths than I would normally be and B) Stuck in a frame of mind where I compared every scene to another one in a movie. For example, in act 5, scenes 1 and 2, I kept thinking of the scene in Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers where Arwen's dad tries to convince her to forget Aragorn and head to Valinor, the Undying Lands. Then, at the end, I kept thinking of the end of Les Miserables, specifically, the song "One Day More!" Which is actually very fitting for the final scene...
Also, Juliet was pretty okay in the end. Clever, ya' know? She sucks up to her dad, and then pulls a fast one behind his back. I can't believe he'd be that stupid to question her sudden change of character. He probably thought that since he was the man and she was his stupid daughter, he had nothing more to worry about concerning her. And the scene with Paris and Juliet meeting at church made me think of Norrington and Elizabeth from Pirates of the Caribbean. He reminded me of her dad. It was so creepy. And I think her dad even said something like that to Juliet once she decided to be a good, obedient daughter again. Something about how he'd be her master/keeper until she married Paris, and then he'd "own her" or whatever. I'd hate to live back then.
Also, I'm happy the families made up at the end. They could have ended it with a huge battle over whose fault it was, but they choose to simply put it all behind them and start over as loving friends/ in-laws.
And I bet Lady Montague and Lady Capulet became fast friends. :)
Today, when I finished up this tale, I was running on very low amounts of sleep. Therefore, I was A) More emotional and moved about the deaths than I would normally be and B) Stuck in a frame of mind where I compared every scene to another one in a movie. For example, in act 5, scenes 1 and 2, I kept thinking of the scene in Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers where Arwen's dad tries to convince her to forget Aragorn and head to Valinor, the Undying Lands. Then, at the end, I kept thinking of the end of Les Miserables, specifically, the song "One Day More!" Which is actually very fitting for the final scene...
Also, Juliet was pretty okay in the end. Clever, ya' know? She sucks up to her dad, and then pulls a fast one behind his back. I can't believe he'd be that stupid to question her sudden change of character. He probably thought that since he was the man and she was his stupid daughter, he had nothing more to worry about concerning her. And the scene with Paris and Juliet meeting at church made me think of Norrington and Elizabeth from Pirates of the Caribbean. He reminded me of her dad. It was so creepy. And I think her dad even said something like that to Juliet once she decided to be a good, obedient daughter again. Something about how he'd be her master/keeper until she married Paris, and then he'd "own her" or whatever. I'd hate to live back then.
Also, I'm happy the families made up at the end. They could have ended it with a huge battle over whose fault it was, but they choose to simply put it all behind them and start over as loving friends/ in-laws.
And I bet Lady Montague and Lady Capulet became fast friends. :)
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Romeo and Juliet Act 3 (And a side note of "I Am Number Four!"
Well, things in this story are starting to wind down fast.
First, I'd like to state the maturity levels of our tragic young lovers are changing. Well, not Romeo's as much... He kinda acts on impulse, and it really gets him in trouble. Juliet, though, is starting to grow up fast. I think she's starting to take a bit more charge of her life now, she's realising she can't rely on her nurse forever, her mom only sees her as a pawn, and that her dad's a moron. Therefore, I'm getting a bit excited for the end of the book, to see how much she grows up before croaking.
However, I also must say this: Yeah, Romeo's her husband, but Tybalt's her cousin. And I do feel like although the Capulets aren't much of a loving family, that Tybalt was kinda a big brother figure to Juliet, like her protector. And Romeo killed him. However, Juliet really doesn't care much about Tybalt, at least not that much. She's just like, "AHHHHHH!!!!!! ROMEO'S BANISHED!!!!!!!! I'M GONNA DIE!!!!!" Silly girl, he freaking killed your cousin. And maybe I'm strange, but I know for a fact that if someone killed one of my family members, even one I didn't particularly care for, I'd hate them, and possibly try and kill them as well. Preferably with dry ice. I like that scheme. It's so original... :)
Plus, she's known Tybalt her whole life. She's known Romeo for MAYBE 72 hours.
Also, I hate Juliet's dad. I know that he's trying to do what's best for his family, but there is no excuse for yelling at her. It's abuse. And her mom doesn't even do anything about it.
And now for I Am Number Four! I'd just like to state that this movie/book made me really happy. Why? Because the female love figure for John Smith/Number Four was a sensible girl with a level head. First character in love that's acted like that in years, I swear. For example, during the climatic fight, she didn't run onto the battle scene and demand that the villian not touch her boyfriend. She was smart, and let 4 and 6 handle the situation, while she and the one other kid fought the bad guys inside the school. She also broke up with her boyfriend who treated her like crap, and when he turned her friends against her in revenge, she decided she didn't need them and left, refusing to put up with their nastiness. Plus, at the end, Numbers 4, 6, and the one kid left to find the other numbers. She didn't have a teary good-bye, nor did she demand to leave with them. She stayed behind to finish high school and go to college, and get an education. Because, of course, Prince Charming doesn't always survive, and won't always look out for you. So I admire her for that.
First, I'd like to state the maturity levels of our tragic young lovers are changing. Well, not Romeo's as much... He kinda acts on impulse, and it really gets him in trouble. Juliet, though, is starting to grow up fast. I think she's starting to take a bit more charge of her life now, she's realising she can't rely on her nurse forever, her mom only sees her as a pawn, and that her dad's a moron. Therefore, I'm getting a bit excited for the end of the book, to see how much she grows up before croaking.
However, I also must say this: Yeah, Romeo's her husband, but Tybalt's her cousin. And I do feel like although the Capulets aren't much of a loving family, that Tybalt was kinda a big brother figure to Juliet, like her protector. And Romeo killed him. However, Juliet really doesn't care much about Tybalt, at least not that much. She's just like, "AHHHHHH!!!!!! ROMEO'S BANISHED!!!!!!!! I'M GONNA DIE!!!!!" Silly girl, he freaking killed your cousin. And maybe I'm strange, but I know for a fact that if someone killed one of my family members, even one I didn't particularly care for, I'd hate them, and possibly try and kill them as well. Preferably with dry ice. I like that scheme. It's so original... :)
Plus, she's known Tybalt her whole life. She's known Romeo for MAYBE 72 hours.
Also, I hate Juliet's dad. I know that he's trying to do what's best for his family, but there is no excuse for yelling at her. It's abuse. And her mom doesn't even do anything about it.
And now for I Am Number Four! I'd just like to state that this movie/book made me really happy. Why? Because the female love figure for John Smith/Number Four was a sensible girl with a level head. First character in love that's acted like that in years, I swear. For example, during the climatic fight, she didn't run onto the battle scene and demand that the villian not touch her boyfriend. She was smart, and let 4 and 6 handle the situation, while she and the one other kid fought the bad guys inside the school. She also broke up with her boyfriend who treated her like crap, and when he turned her friends against her in revenge, she decided she didn't need them and left, refusing to put up with their nastiness. Plus, at the end, Numbers 4, 6, and the one kid left to find the other numbers. She didn't have a teary good-bye, nor did she demand to leave with them. She stayed behind to finish high school and go to college, and get an education. Because, of course, Prince Charming doesn't always survive, and won't always look out for you. So I admire her for that.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Romeo & Juliet, Act 2
I think this part of the story was okay, it was good, but I felt it was a bit too mushy. Plus, once again, I wanted to slap both of our young heroes, particularly Romeo. I felt a bit like I was walking down the hallway at school and watching two classmates who have been a couple for two weeks profess their love for each other... Really? I think what Romeo and Juliet feel is a bit more like an infatuation with each other. As a matter of fact, according to a self-help website I found: Signs of infatuation are feelings of panic, uncertainty, overpowering lust, feverish excitement, and impatience. When infatuated, we are thrilled, but not happy, wanting to trust, yet suspicious. There are lingering, nagging doubts about our “partner in infatuation” and their love for us. We’re miserable when they’re away, almost like we’re not complete unless we’re with them. It’s a rush and it’s intense. It’s difficult to concentrate. When infatuated we experience a surge of dopamine that rushes through the brain causing us to feel good. Norepinephrine flows through the brain stimulating production of adrenaline (pounding heart). Phenylethalimine (found in chocolate) creates a feeling of bliss. Irrational romantic sentiments may be caused by oxytocin, singling feelings of emotional attachment. Together these chemicals sometimes override the brain activity that governs logic.
Sound a bit like our young lovers? Yeah, that's what I thought too.
Also, as I mentioned earlier, I wanted to slap Romeo, particularly for this reason:
ROMEO: Lady, by yonder blessed moon I swear
That tips with silver all these fruit-tree tops-
Earlier in the story, Romeo compares Rosalind to the moon, and falls out of love with her the minute he sees Juliet. Luckily, Juliet is smart enough to doubt this.
JULIET: O, swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon,
That monthly changes in her circled orb,
Lest that thy love prove likewise variable.
And even though it is just a story, I really do kinda hate Romeo for saying that... He does mature by the end of the story, I know, but still, it bugs me.
Sound a bit like our young lovers? Yeah, that's what I thought too.
Also, as I mentioned earlier, I wanted to slap Romeo, particularly for this reason:
ROMEO: Lady, by yonder blessed moon I swear
That tips with silver all these fruit-tree tops-
Earlier in the story, Romeo compares Rosalind to the moon, and falls out of love with her the minute he sees Juliet. Luckily, Juliet is smart enough to doubt this.
JULIET: O, swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon,
That monthly changes in her circled orb,
Lest that thy love prove likewise variable.
And even though it is just a story, I really do kinda hate Romeo for saying that... He does mature by the end of the story, I know, but still, it bugs me.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Romeo & Juliet Act 1
Romeo and Juliet is, I've decided, a perfect product of it's time. Shakespeare did a good job with a lot of stuff, like Benvolio (whose name means "Goodwill," is like the unofficial diplomat person who tries to calm people down) and Juliet saying her grave shall be her wedding bed (woah, she's accurate!) but I just cannot stop thinking about how much I wish I could jump into the story and slap both lovebirds over the head. Not to mention Juliet's parents (um, hello... Paris is probably about THIRTY, you idiots. She's not even fourteen).
Anyway, I think the story's good and all, but both main characters are a bit problematic. For example, Romeo is practically stalking Rosalind, who doesn't "love" him back (However, I think she should feel flattered to have a stalker. It means you're interesting). Juliet, though, is what really bugs me. She's is all submissive and all "Hey dad, sure, I'll marry Paris! He's thirty, rich, and hot!" Although I can see her point of view (her dad could kick her out and send her to an abbey in a second if she refuses) I still hate how she just goes along with it. She can think for herself. And she does. She goes to the party, and meets dashing young Romeo, who immediately forgets all about Rose... Rosie... oh, yeah! Rosalind, and "falls in love" with Juliet, and she with him.
Now, Romeo's probably around eighteen, and she's thirteen, and girls mature faster than boys, yet Romeo still has a ton of growing up to do, as shown by his changing feelings... Oh dear. I'm afraid this shall be an equation with a rather bloody answer...
Also, I find it funny how Montague and Capulet are both ready to fight, yet the wives hold them back, saying it's a stupid idea. I kinda wonder how it would be if they were friends? I think they'd have a lot in common.
Anyway, I think the story's good and all, but both main characters are a bit problematic. For example, Romeo is practically stalking Rosalind, who doesn't "love" him back (However, I think she should feel flattered to have a stalker. It means you're interesting). Juliet, though, is what really bugs me. She's is all submissive and all "Hey dad, sure, I'll marry Paris! He's thirty, rich, and hot!" Although I can see her point of view (her dad could kick her out and send her to an abbey in a second if she refuses) I still hate how she just goes along with it. She can think for herself. And she does. She goes to the party, and meets dashing young Romeo, who immediately forgets all about Rose... Rosie... oh, yeah! Rosalind, and "falls in love" with Juliet, and she with him.
Now, Romeo's probably around eighteen, and she's thirteen, and girls mature faster than boys, yet Romeo still has a ton of growing up to do, as shown by his changing feelings... Oh dear. I'm afraid this shall be an equation with a rather bloody answer...
Also, I find it funny how Montague and Capulet are both ready to fight, yet the wives hold them back, saying it's a stupid idea. I kinda wonder how it would be if they were friends? I think they'd have a lot in common.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Weekly Reading
Okay, so this week, I didn't do much reading. As a matter of fact, I think the only things I read were my mom's magazine, scbwi (Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators), and the prologue to Romeo and Juliet.
scbwi Magazine wasn't normally something I would pick up, but I was flipping through it while doing my Geometry homework and found an article, "The 15 Most Overused Things in YA Fiction." Although the list didn't include Vampires and Werewolves, it still had a ton of stuff I could relate to reading. Here are a few examples, and examples that go with them:
15) Irresponsible parents (Twilight, Shiver)
4) Main characters who are the only ones in the world without a cellphone (The Mediator Series)
2) Guys with _____ (insert adjective of your choice here) green eyes (Harry Potter, Wicked Lovely)
1) Main characters who depise math (The Princess Diaries)
Anyway, the article was really interesting, I'm thinking about bringing it to class Tuesday.
The prologue to Romeo and Juliet seems to me like it should belong in an opera. I've always had that feeling about it, it's dramatic and suspenseful, if you didn't know the storyline. It's actually a lot like a Shakespearean movie trailer...
scbwi Magazine wasn't normally something I would pick up, but I was flipping through it while doing my Geometry homework and found an article, "The 15 Most Overused Things in YA Fiction." Although the list didn't include Vampires and Werewolves, it still had a ton of stuff I could relate to reading. Here are a few examples, and examples that go with them:
15) Irresponsible parents (Twilight, Shiver)
4) Main characters who are the only ones in the world without a cellphone (The Mediator Series)
2) Guys with _____ (insert adjective of your choice here) green eyes (Harry Potter, Wicked Lovely)
1) Main characters who depise math (The Princess Diaries)
Anyway, the article was really interesting, I'm thinking about bringing it to class Tuesday.
The prologue to Romeo and Juliet seems to me like it should belong in an opera. I've always had that feeling about it, it's dramatic and suspenseful, if you didn't know the storyline. It's actually a lot like a Shakespearean movie trailer...
Monday, January 24, 2011
Weekly Reading
Well, this week I went up to Traverse City on Sunday, and on the way up there I read "The Children of Húrin," by J. R. R. Tolkien. It's really neat, and I was over the moon to read it. Basically, in "The Simarillion," Morgoth (the baddie) wants to be the supreme ruler of Middle Earth, and to do so, goes to war with the Elves. However the Elves, for the most part, hold their own, and procede to go and siege Morgoth's fortress, Angband for three centuries (pretty impressive). Then, though, Morgoth fights back, and kills a fair amount of the Elves. But despite the losses, there are still some unconquered Elf kingdoms, such as Dor-lómin, where Húrin Thalion is Lord. This is where the actual story starts in. Húrin and his brothertravel to the hidden Elf city of Gondolin, and stay there a year. Finally, they leave, promising not to tell anyone about the city's location. However, during a battle, Húrin is captured alive and brought to Angband, where Morgoth personally tortures him for Gondolin's location. Yet, Húrin manages to not give in. As punishment, Morgoth curses Húrin's family so that their lives will be plagued by evil, and then he imprisons Húrin on a mountain, forcing him to watch his family's fate. It's a pretty cruel punishment, though I must give Morgoth some credit for coming up with such an original wayto torture his prisoners...
Anyway, I loved the book. J. R. R. Tolkien is one of my favourite writers, so it made me extremely happy to read another one of his stories. The only downside to the story was that I could feel Húrin's pain a lot of the time, which wasn't fun. It made me wonder how I would react in that situation. There were several times in the story where I just wanted Húrin to commit suicide, because I felt so bad for him. And the ending almost made me cry, because... (SPOILERS!) he gets released to see his wife, and she croaks while they meet by his children's graves.
Romeo has nothing on this guy.
Anyway, I loved the book. J. R. R. Tolkien is one of my favourite writers, so it made me extremely happy to read another one of his stories. The only downside to the story was that I could feel Húrin's pain a lot of the time, which wasn't fun. It made me wonder how I would react in that situation. There were several times in the story where I just wanted Húrin to commit suicide, because I felt so bad for him. And the ending almost made me cry, because... (SPOILERS!) he gets released to see his wife, and she croaks while they meet by his children's graves.
Romeo has nothing on this guy.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Thoreau, Part 2
"Henry! Henry! What are you doing in jail?"
"Waldo, what are you doing OUT of jail?"
So, this week, I finished and also reread "The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail." I was disappointed that it ended, simply because I enjoyed reading it so much. It was like when Harry Potter ended, but on a much more miniature scale. It was funnier than Harry Potter though, with Aunt Louisa paying his tax and all. Poor Thoreau, having to deal with his relatively normal family members. :) I guess in a way, the ending made me feel like I was at some awesome sleepover. You know, the type where you stay up all night and do the most random things, like rubbing electric blue eyeshadow all over the faces of your sleeping friends at 2 AM. Bailey was one lucky man; If I ever had a cell mate I would definitely choose Thoreau.
I also came to a conclusion about Waldo this week, although I like him, he's far too into the thinking and wording part of things. Also, he says things, but at the same time doesn't exactly do them. It's like he expects everyone else to do them for him. However, since he's so powerful, I feel like he probably must tread lightly in order to make a difference, so will give him a bit of rope there...
Anyhow, it was a great story. Happy we read it.
"Waldo, what are you doing OUT of jail?"
So, this week, I finished and also reread "The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail." I was disappointed that it ended, simply because I enjoyed reading it so much. It was like when Harry Potter ended, but on a much more miniature scale. It was funnier than Harry Potter though, with Aunt Louisa paying his tax and all. Poor Thoreau, having to deal with his relatively normal family members. :) I guess in a way, the ending made me feel like I was at some awesome sleepover. You know, the type where you stay up all night and do the most random things, like rubbing electric blue eyeshadow all over the faces of your sleeping friends at 2 AM. Bailey was one lucky man; If I ever had a cell mate I would definitely choose Thoreau.
I also came to a conclusion about Waldo this week, although I like him, he's far too into the thinking and wording part of things. Also, he says things, but at the same time doesn't exactly do them. It's like he expects everyone else to do them for him. However, since he's so powerful, I feel like he probably must tread lightly in order to make a difference, so will give him a bit of rope there...
Anyhow, it was a great story. Happy we read it.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Thoreau, Act 1
"The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail" is so far one of my favourite books I've read all year. It's funny, but serious, and it really makes you think. At first, I didn't get what was going on, simply because of the flashbacks. I started the book after three hours of sleep, and thought I was dreaming/not remembering at first, but then I finally figured it out.
This book reminds me of John Lennon's "Imagine." Henry is not the average young fellow for that time era, and is definitely a dreamer. And I also like how he doesn't hesitate to stand up for his beliefs, like in the schoolroom. Henry won't conform to others ways of thinking, especially concerning religion and politics. I feel like people like him are hard to come by, and we never even take advantage of him until they croak. As it is, we really haven't listened to him anyhow. Imagine though, if we had, and how different the world would be today...
Also, I wanna hug Henry for being so kind to Ellen. Many (sexist) men in that time period would have laughed and turned her away, but Henry welcomes her openly just like he would a male, even without the traditional money for tuition. And that girl had GUTS, I mean, she goes out to the meadow where these two men are and asks for an education, a huge thing back then, if you get my point.
As for Deacon Bell, he makes me so mad.I think this may be because of my own... conflicting religious beliefs, but even if they didn't, I think he'd still bug me. He claims to be so "Christian" and elite, yet won't accept others and their ideas, which is what God wanted/wants. What is wrong with the man?
ALSO, VOTE ON THE POLL, DARN IT!
This book reminds me of John Lennon's "Imagine." Henry is not the average young fellow for that time era, and is definitely a dreamer. And I also like how he doesn't hesitate to stand up for his beliefs, like in the schoolroom. Henry won't conform to others ways of thinking, especially concerning religion and politics. I feel like people like him are hard to come by, and we never even take advantage of him until they croak. As it is, we really haven't listened to him anyhow. Imagine though, if we had, and how different the world would be today...
Also, I wanna hug Henry for being so kind to Ellen. Many (sexist) men in that time period would have laughed and turned her away, but Henry welcomes her openly just like he would a male, even without the traditional money for tuition. And that girl had GUTS, I mean, she goes out to the meadow where these two men are and asks for an education, a huge thing back then, if you get my point.
As for Deacon Bell, he makes me so mad.I think this may be because of my own... conflicting religious beliefs, but even if they didn't, I think he'd still bug me. He claims to be so "Christian" and elite, yet won't accept others and their ideas, which is what God wanted/wants. What is wrong with the man?
ALSO, VOTE ON THE POLL, DARN IT!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
TEOGEROMITMM Part 2
Helllooo everyone,
I have officially finished this book, and believe it or not, I actually ENJOYED the ending. I think the thing with TEOGEROMITMM was that it was so dark, the ending seemed happy because it left so much to imagine. For example, I created this scenario after where the story left off:
"The rabbit was the only light in Ruth's life, and he had finally gone out. So in the dead of night, she ran off with Chris Burns to the next town, laughing with the mad joy brought on by freedom. However, this triggered a seizure and being the idiot he was, Chris had no idea what to do. By dawn Ruth was dead and her boyfriend gone for fear of being found guilty of her death. Back at the house, Beatrice was furious. How dare her daughter run away and leave her with Tillie? In a fit of rage, she threw a frying pan across the room, hitting Nanny on the head and promptly killing her as well. Tillie of course came in to see what all the fuss was about, and Beatrice, deciding to blame the morning's events on her other daughter, came at Tillie with a knife. However, she tripped over Nanny's arm and went flying, falling on the knife and killing herself as well. "Oh my," said Tillie. Looking at the bodies though, she could find no tears willing to fall, at least for her mother. Nanny was an entirely different story. Two weeks later, both funerals were held, as well as Ruth's. And as she was walking back to her old house for after the burial, she couldn't help but think about the effects of gamma rays on one's own life..." THE END.
I am aware that this isn't probably the ending, but after reading the book ending (which was pretty open-ended) I felt like Tillie needed a new start. After all, her life wasn't exactly a picnic.
Happy new year, everyone!
I have officially finished this book, and believe it or not, I actually ENJOYED the ending. I think the thing with TEOGEROMITMM was that it was so dark, the ending seemed happy because it left so much to imagine. For example, I created this scenario after where the story left off:
"The rabbit was the only light in Ruth's life, and he had finally gone out. So in the dead of night, she ran off with Chris Burns to the next town, laughing with the mad joy brought on by freedom. However, this triggered a seizure and being the idiot he was, Chris had no idea what to do. By dawn Ruth was dead and her boyfriend gone for fear of being found guilty of her death. Back at the house, Beatrice was furious. How dare her daughter run away and leave her with Tillie? In a fit of rage, she threw a frying pan across the room, hitting Nanny on the head and promptly killing her as well. Tillie of course came in to see what all the fuss was about, and Beatrice, deciding to blame the morning's events on her other daughter, came at Tillie with a knife. However, she tripped over Nanny's arm and went flying, falling on the knife and killing herself as well. "Oh my," said Tillie. Looking at the bodies though, she could find no tears willing to fall, at least for her mother. Nanny was an entirely different story. Two weeks later, both funerals were held, as well as Ruth's. And as she was walking back to her old house for after the burial, she couldn't help but think about the effects of gamma rays on one's own life..." THE END.
I am aware that this isn't probably the ending, but after reading the book ending (which was pretty open-ended) I felt like Tillie needed a new start. After all, her life wasn't exactly a picnic.
Happy new year, everyone!
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