10 Somebody Has to Say It

It seems to me that everybody has something to say. I filter twitter, facebook, e-mails, and other social media, and who doesn't have something to say? So much is said it's impossible to decipher what is real and what is relevant. This constant confusion only confuses me, for I do not know who to believe. Too many questions and not enough answers only make my confusion real.

TU Tuesday - Commencement Speech.

http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/2012/05/robert-de-niro-gives-commencement-speech-bates-college-maine

“I have one message for you, class of 2012: Stay in school." I find the irony of this message striking considering he never did, and I always will aspire for the success that he has achieved. " I think this is the most important piece of advice you’ll get today: become a movie star." How can you argue with this considering his success? "When I started, I wasn’t a movie star, and it sucked." Obviously the lifestyle of a movie star is far greater than the lifestyle of most. "Trying to improve society isn’t a cliche, it’s a worthy goal." Often being a movie star is not the best way to improve society, but if one picks their projects carefully, the work can affect some in a positive way. "We know what we are, but know not what we may be." (http://www.teenink.com/nonfiction/all/article/50449/Graduation-Speech/) Maybe Mr. De Niro was not concerned with what he may be, but more concerned with what he was.

Tried and True.

http://writingprompts.tumblr.com/post/17477297690/my-28-most-tried-and-true-writing-prompts
For starters, the question itself is vague. Do these people need to be alive? If so, I would have to find a way to make my mother famous because I would choose her. I could not think of a better person to steer me towards lifes expectancy. On the other hand for my father, my current ones out...hah. It would have to be someone who has the same value system as him. For me, I would say Elvis Presley most resembles my dad. His love for music, and passion for what he does motivates all those that come into contact with him.

7.Do you think Memorial Day is about remembering deaths or celebrating live?

Do you think Memorial Day is about remembering deaths or celebrating live?

Memorial meaning to commemorate someone or something. The day actually represents both. In remembering their deaths we can celebrate the lives that they have saved. Those who have lost loved ones to war are supported by this countrys' recognition of their sacrifice. The freedoms that we often take for granted were given to us by these brave heros.

4 A Community I Love

Altamont, right out of  a Norman Rockwell painting.You've got main street with small shops and eaterys.There are neighbors you trust in a neighborhood that you feel safe in.Altamont will always be that small part inside of me that says home.Come visit "Hellotown", where everyone seems to have a warm greeting for you.

Love to Know Slideshow

What is the dog looking at outisde the window?

I see my boy Louie kicking a ball around with other boys.Ohhhhh I really, really want that ball . Why is it I never get to play in the street with them.I only popped the ball that one time,no big deal.I know if I stay here long enough I'll get to play again.No one can wait better than me, I do it all the time.

Creative Contest III

For sale: great mind, great person

Communism

Being raised in a capitalist,and free market economy,I found it difficult to grasp the idealogy of communism.The notion of creating a socialist movement to create a classless, moneyless, and statless social order with common ownership seems imposible in todays society.With the United States being recognized as the worlds most succesful superpower, one would conclued capitalism, and democracy would be the blueprint for succesful government.It would appear that communism would supress creativity,and the desire for greatness.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communism

TU Tuesday - Classified

Dogue de Bordeaux
http://timesunion.kaango.com/ad-akc-champion-blood-dogue-de-bordeaux-puppies-m-f/20548029

     My name is Jean Deverau and our family started raising Dogue de Bordeaux dogs about three years ago. With our french heritage, we were instantly attracted to this breed. While they strike an imposing figure they possess a friendly demeanor. They "love the outdoors" and are a "wonderful family pet."
     We started breeding because I lost my job and it seemed like an easy way to generate extra revenue. I was shocked of how much work is involved in breeding dogs. For a family that was cash strapped already, the start up cost nearly depleated our savings. Our middle class neighborhood was initially intimidates by the size of the "French mastiff," but soon warmed to the gentle giants. This is our third litter and our family is now turning a profit. My two young girls are helpful in raising the puppies and often suffer seperation anxiety when the puppies are sold. We sell them at a set price of 1200.00 but are willing to negotiate. We try to screen future owners and put the puppies in a safe enviroment.
     The experience of raising puppies has turned out, not only profitable, but educational for our entire family.

Famous Poem Starters

Promises

But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep
Not a word. Not a peep!
Too much to do, with so little time
My heart races, as if it was a crime.
If not finished, my world may cease
My mind just asking for a little peace.
I can accomplish it, I know I can
For once it once the same, when it first began.
And for now I ask you if I may be done
For me,
I am the only one.

Nursery Rhymes ARE Relevant to Life

I scream,
You scream
We all scream
For ice cream!
 http://www-personal.umich.edu/~pfa/dreamhouse/nursery/rhymes/icecream.html

This connects to my life because when I was younger my world revolved around this frozen treat. I was obsessed with ice cream since about the age of 7. Chocolate ice cream from Stewarts was my abosolute favorite thing. I would beg and scream for my parents to take me there. Presently, I work at an ice cream shop which is my a great priveldge knowing my ice cream obsession. Everytime I work, I must eat at least about a half gallon. I absolutely love ice cream!

Turn your Inkblot into a Butterfly

The darkness of the black
Each crevice shows a feeling
Regret, loss, trust

The wings appear
Some weight lifted
\My colors once showing again

My head rises up
The mistake taken as knowledge
Expanding and aquiring

My true colors show
I learned
I conquered
I stood up
Showing myself
For who I am

Cathleen F. Crowley

(1) read a brief biography about him/her; (2)  read the article (completely and thoroughly and thoughtfully); (3) write a summary of what you learned about the journalist (two direct quotes) and the topic of the article (two direct quotes) based on your reading; (4) cite specific examples in the form of FOUR direct quotes.  Call the blog by the journalist's name that you chose to find out more about. 

I've learned that Cathleen Crowley writes medical articles for the Times Union. "Crowley studied journalism at Boston University." Her journalism studies indicate an intelligent writer, and also she has worked at The Gardner News. "She was co-writer of Dead by Mistake, a Times Union series about medical errors that won a Society of Professional Journalism Investigative Reporting Award." This shows how well Crowleys journalism is, and how successful some of her work has been. In the article "Drugged rat research hits a sour note" Albany Medical College studied how rats react to different types of music under certain circumstances. "Albany Med received about $1.4 million in grants for the research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a federal research agency funded by taxpayers." "The ultimate goal of this research is to find medications that can help diminish drug cravings in human." The experiments were of the rats that had been injected with different drugs, and their reaction to the music was what they were looking for. "Then Glick's research team injected some rats with cocaine and played Miles Davis to them over a period of days. After that, the drug-addicted rats preferred the jazz song even when they weren't on cocaine." This was shown how when the rats were under the influence of cocaine, their preferability of music can be changed. "In one of the Albany Med studies, researchers exposed 36 rats to "Fur Elise" by Beethoven and "Four," a jazzy horn piece by Davis." The result to these experiments was shown that after rats had been under the influence, their music preference is jazz.

Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that (readers) can follow your line of reasoning.  The organization, development, substance, and style should be appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.

NYT Tuesday

Education

While the brokers sipped wine and nibbled cheese
A panel of lawyers and a banker reviewed
United States may still be slumping
an unmistakable signal
In winning the main battleground
But the day was in some respects
striving for academic excellence
A block from the school
It was not clear why


http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/04/us/politics/maryland-wisconsin-washington-primaries.html?hp

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/04/realestate/russians-court-luxury-real-estate-with-record-breaking-sales.html?_r=1&hp
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/04/us/oikos-university-gunman-lined-up-victims.html?hp

My favorite time of the day...

My favorite time of the day must be about 2:50 p.m. This time is usually when I get off the bus. This is my favorite time because I know that I finished school for the day, and am almost home. I live right next to The Helderbergs so I usually like to look at the mountains, and just enjoy the time of day. I always feel really happy at this time of day just because I know everything is okay, and that I completed all my tasks of the day. It's almost as if a weight is just lifted off my shoulders at this time.

S=The Standard

I absolutly love The Standard restaurant in Crossgates Mall. They offer a wide variety of appetizers and entrees for lunch and dinner. Everytime I go to the standard I've had a pleasurable and enjoyable meal. Their prices are reasonable because of their generally large portions. Their large variety of salads, and healthy dishes are great for vegetarians also. They also offer many chicken dishes like their Encrusted Chicken Parmesean. One great thing about The Standard is that you could go to dinner and then see a movie, or walk the mall! A con that I could think of would be one time the service was really slow, but other than that, everything else is a pro! I would definately recommend The Standard for a nice, enjoyable, and always expected good dinner!

The Book That Changed My Life

My absolute favorite series is The Sisters Grimm by Michael Buckley. This series tells about 2 little girls that move with their grandma into a town that consists of all different fairy tale characters. These characters are in disguise but are known to the town that they are actually these characters. I really just like these books because of the pure fantasy and un-reality of them. They explain things that are never possible, and they tell you about new stories with the "old characters." Buckley almost tells new stories about old fairytales using the background information from the real stories. He gives them so many more features and life like qualities than the actual stories, it feels like you can actually relate to them as more "real people." Although these books don't relate to my life, I really feel like these books are what I wanted my childhood to be like. I always wanted to explore and have magical powers, so reading these books kind of gave me an escape to my dream world!

Bucket List

1. Go to Paris- I love the French language and the culture. I have always been fascinated with learning other languages, and French was always my favorite.
2. Skydiving- I absolutly love adreneline rushes! After doing the skycoaster at The Great Escape, I decided that I'm going to skydive when I have the chance. I love the feeling of free falling or weightlessness.
3. Graduate College- I know that I would like to graduate college and have a successful job that I enjoy doing. I hope to have a fun job that I would never get tired of!
4. Make 1 person everyday smile- making one persons day even just a little bit better is a good goal to have. I like brightening others days, it makes the time we have, even better.
5. Exand Palate- I am a very particular eater, and I would like to try to expand my tastes, and maybe try some different foods that I'm not very used to.
6. Earn enough money to take care of my family- I would like to earn enough money to take care of my parents and family and just be able to go on vacations with them from time to time to just give them a little back from what they gave to me.
7. Always have an animal in my life- Having an animal in my life is very important to me, and soon as I live on my own, I would love to own a farm with many different animals. They have always been a part of my childhood. Being an only child, the dogs were my brothers and were always there for me!
8. Learn Greek!- After visting Greece, I absolutly fell in love with their culture and land. The people, and place are so nice, and so welcoming, I could justsee myself living there. Their language is so different and very intricate in writing, it would be a nice piece of knowledge to have.
9. Scuba diving in the Great Barrier reef- While in Mexico I got a brief taste of scuba diving, and I really do enjoy it! I love seeing and studying all marine organisms, so the Great Barrier Reef would be a fantastic sight to see.
10. Get a tattoo- I really want to get a tattoo on the inside of my lip in French that says "Apprenez d'hier, vivent pour aujourd'hui." This means learn from yesterday, live for today. I really like this quote and I truly believ in it.

The Language of Song

song used : Le Vendu by Kapadnoms
 Lyrics French:

Toi t’aimes, ta vie confortable
T’aimes ton job, ton portable
T’aimes ton eau bien potable
T’aimes des choses trop palpables
Tu manges que du végétal
Tu penses que t’es pas banal
T’as mis d’côté oui tous tes idéaux
Tu préfères penser comme la populo
C’est tellement plus simple de profiter des cadeaux
Offert par l’système pour une poignée d’ euros
Tu préfères payer régulièrement tes impôts
T’apprécies cette vie, moi j’te tire mon chapeau

Refrain :
Laisse- moi penser
Qu’y a p't’être une autre solution
Laisse- moi penser que ce n’sont pas des illusions
Laisse- moi penser *2
Autre que ta belle conception :
Qu’la vérité, c’est le pognon, c’est le pognon

Ça fait 20 ans que j’travaille,
Je suis dev’nu commercial
Je vends à des succursales
Du vent et des combines bien sales
J’ai écrit adolescent sur mes idées, des poèmes
Malheureusement maint'nant j’ai plus l’temps d’changer l’système
J’ai plus d’utopie, j’serais jamais un accompli
J’ai des excuses, il faut qu’mon frigo soit rempli
Si on m’avait dit qu’un jour je s’rais dev’nu bien pensant
Politiquement correct voir même insignifiant,
J’aurais pris mon billet pour l’inde, le Pakistan
Pour vivre mon rêve à fond sans jamais m’dire qu’j’ai l’temps

Lyrics English

You love yourself, your life comfortable
You love your job, your mobile
You love your drinking water well
You like things too palpable
You eat the plant that
You think you're not trivial
You got to put aside all your ideals so
You prefer to think like the populist
It's so easy to enjoy the gifts
Offered by the system for a handful of euros
You prefer to pay your regular tax
You appreciate this life, I take my hat j'te

Chorus:
Let me think
What p't'être has another solution
Let me think it n 'are not illusions
Let me think * 2
Other than your beautiful design:
Qu'la truth is the dough, the dough is

It's been 20 years since j'travaille,
I'm shopping dev'nu
I sell to stores
Wind and dirty tricks well
I wrote my ideas teens, poems
Unfortunately maint'nant I have more time to change the system
I have more utopia, j'serais never done a
I apologize, it must qu'mon fridge is filled
If someone had told me that one day I thought well s'rais dev'nu
Politically correct or even insignificant,
I would have taken my ticket to india, Pakistan
To live my dream thoroughly without ever say to me the time qu'j'ai

It was just the two complete opposites. The live of Timmy and the life of Tod. These 2 twin brothers were absolutly identical, but when their minds were compared, their lifes were quite contrasting. Timmy lived the luxurious and splendid life always filled with pure easiness and success. His life never consisted of many challenges until he had discovered about his twin brother. Tod appears into Timmys life through the explanation from their mother. Timmy had stayed with their dad, and Tod with their mom. Tod was always hard working and had to work hard towards a goal. He had to work much harder in school, and money was always a concern when growing up with his father. When Timmy graciously opened his life to Tod and let him move in, they found out that they truly were brothers and that they did have a lot of twin characteristics.
Tods life was in a sort of downfall during this time, and he needed to pay back a couple people. The only way for him to do this was to steal some money from Timmy. He obviously knew this wasn't the right thing to do, but this was the life he was taught using his "teenage ways and dirty tricks." He wasnt presented with all the oppertunities that Timmy was. Tod had to work, maintain, and live a hectic life. He became somewhat jelous and quite angry about his brothers graceful upbringing, and he decided that it wasnt fair that his mom picked Timmy. He stole all Timmys money and went to accomplish his only dream he's ever had. He was going to visit Paris, France. He felt like he'd fit in there,  and be able to live a hardworking, self sufficient life along with the sweet Parisian life. Tod split the country and hopped onto his new life. Tod found a job, and started feeling somewhat accomplished again. He was working, and not caring about his brother. He still felt somewhat bad about taking the money, but it was what Tod deserved. He never had all the experiences that Timmy had. So I guess that Tod could thank Timmy for "giving" him the money to start his dream life. Tod never heard from his brother again

Lucky Blog

My most lucky posession is my swatch that I got in NYC about 3 years ago. I swear when I wear this watch, it just makes my mood change. Of course I believe that "lucky things" are just a prized posession with no actual luck, but I really do love this watch. It's one of those wartches that shows all the gears, and it ticks extremely loud. The gears are all different colors which really makes the watch pop. I call it my mood changing watch just for that exact reason. It could just be that I like wearing watches, but who knows, maybe this watch is actually lucky? Also, while wearing this watch, I've found a 50 dollar bill at crossgates, and I've won a contest at some convention. I just won a couple gift-cards, but still...I did win! Of course, this was all because of the 'Lucky Watch.'

TU Tuesday

My Question: Are physical/mental disorders taken into account during a murder trial?

http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/6-jurors-picked-in-Pa-vet-s-double-murder-trial-3405369.php

http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/l_to_o/mentally_disordered_offenders/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15176762

The Times Union article that I read was about a double murder trial in Hollisday, PA. The article explains that six jurors were selcted for this case. It then explains where and how the situation occured. "

Horner is charged with murdering 19-year-old Scott Garlick at the Subway sandwich shop where Garlick worked on April 6, 2009, and with gunning down 64-year-old Raymond Williams a short distance away. In the NCBI article it explains how specifically men who are Comorbid substance users are more likely to be the offender. "However, there are no published data from clinical interviews or lifetime objective documents on the prevalence of lifetime personality disorder (PD) or SUD among a comprehensive sample of mentally ill homicide offenders." This explains how there is no written saying that these "users" and their disorder is associated with the situation at hand. In Mentally Disordered Offenders, it explains that, "Each case must be considered on its merits, taking into account all available information about any mental health problem, and its relevance to the offence, in addition to the principles set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors." This says that if the offender does have a disorder, the court must investigate how the disorder affects the offenders decision making skills.

Creative Contests II

"The magician waved his wand, and the mans head just fell off his body!"

SCRUPLES

You are drafted to fight in a war you consider unjust. Do you refuse and risk prison?

If I was drafted into a war that I considered unjust, I would definately refuse to go! To say the truth, I would rather go to jail than to go into any war, but thats just my oponion. I think that fighting in a cause that you consider to be wrong, is just not fair. Being forced to fight is just not right. You are more like a slave that just goes off to war, and puts your life on the line for an unjust cause! If I believed in a cause, than I MIGHT fight. I am a person who doesn't believe in fighting, so I think that using violence to come to an agreement is just pure stupidity. If fighting countries are in such a virulent disagreement that they result to fighting, then (in my oponion) their leaders are just so incapable and lacking leadership. Look at all the wars our world has been in; lives have been lost, and rarly the goals are achieved. Why lose lives when talking could accomplish the EXACT same results. People need to learn how to come to an agreement. (Sorry, got off topic) So back to the question; again, I say NO, I would never fight in a cause that I didn't believe in!

What Did the Teachers do Wrong?

Think through all of your previous/present teachers, and think about one teacher that you didn't like. Explain the ways this teacher taught the class, and what were the things that you didn't like about it. Also think about describing some of the things that this teacher focused on, such as a certain topic or a certain aspect.

I think my least favorite teacher was during 3rd grade. This teacher was very focued on having your child become independant, and focusing a lot on reading. I think that her teaching strategies were just not suited for a 3rd grade class. She had much to large expectations, and always treated us with a "stupid" like attitude. She was much to focused on reading, and having hour long reading assignments for a easily destracted 3rd grader was quite ridicolous. I think that her teachings were just a little to advanced for our age, and that maybe she taught an higher grade before, and that maybe she just expected more. I just remember absolutly dreading to have to go to school to be with this teacher. I was one of the kids who would tell somebody off if someone was bothering me, so this particular teacher wasn't too fond of me. So I think that this teacher definately was the least productive in teaching, and was not fit to be teaching an elementary class.

Revisions

Satellite
Tracked
Traced
Everywhere
I can find
I can see
I can feel
Who you are
What you do
I know
I know
No secrets
I am the satellite
I am untouchable
unapproachable
undefeatable
I am the satellite


Grass
Who glosses you every morning?
Are the elves there... painting your stalks?
Every morning you show the suspicious quality
Is there something that we dont know?
Are you more than just a plant?
What is your "dew"?
Unexplainable, this crazy phenomenon
How do you change every morning?
What creates this morning dew..that lies on you?

Taylor - two very nice poems.  I very much appreciate the metaphor in "Satellite."  I wonder if you could add more details (things you know about a satellite or could look up) to enrich this poem.
In Grass - I found the questions in this poem excellent questions to raise.  I think I would have liked some kind of conclusion or discussion rather than just raising the questions.  Your best line is your last line!

Satellite
Tracked
Traced
Everywhere
I can find
I can see
I can feel
The knowing of you
the detailed and enriched pictures
following your abilities
establishing a sense of companionship
all unknown to the follower.
Who you are, I know
What you do, I know
I know
I know
No secrets
I am the satellite
I am untouchable
unapproachable
undefeatable
I can see the things
all around you
hovering and waiting to pounce
I am the eyes behind your head
I am the satellite

Grass
Who glosses you every morning?
Are the elves there... painting your stalks?
Every morning you show the suspicious quality
Is there something that we dont know?
Are you more than just a plant?
What is your "dew"?
Unexplainable, this crazy phenomenon
How do you change every morning?
I know you answers are unreliable
because you could never tell the truth
your the liar of it all
Who knows?
Maybe the cold morning air creates this dew!
Nahh
Too predictable, never could happen
But I still question...
What creates this morning dew...that lies on you?

I found my poems to be much better after using Moriartys feedback. I feel like my poems are much more complete and able to draw the reader much deeper into the story. I added a lot of more detail and even a sub-story in just so it ables the reader to think and feel even more about the whole concept.

R=Eight People to Emulate

Ryan Seacrest- Hes a very popular and successful host of one of the most watched TV shows in the world. He shows a lot of enthusiasm, and has the ability to handle sometimes tough situations.

Ronald Regan- He was a very strong president that helped lead our soceity to what it is today.

Ray Romano- He is a very funny, and true man who starred in one of the funniest shows on television.

Mrs. Rubin- My 2nd grade teacher who was so enthusiastic and welcoming towards the world ahead.

Rascal Flatts- Their music shows you that its okay to be down sometimes, and that there is always someone there

Ringo Starr- One of the most powerful and well known man. His music inspired and led many people to be themselves, and live happy.

Rachel Ray- She always had the most energetic personality and is so informed on her profession that it helps you to learn as well.

Robin (Batman)- He shows you that sidekicks can still be helpful, and that giving your best will always turn out for the better.

TU Tuesday- Culture

It’s Tuesday!  And, that means it is a "TU TUESDAY".   Go to http://www.timesunion.com/ and choose an article about a country other than the United States that interests you.  Then, read it (completely and thoroughly and thoughtfully) and put the link to it on your blog.  Call the blog TU Tuesday - Culture and make sure you use text quoted directly from your article in your response and put it in quotation marks.  Then, respond to it by including a link to a POEM from that same culture that connects to the article and use text quoted directly from your poem in your response and put it in quotation marks.  The Power Standard this addresses is:

<><><> Interpret, analyze, and evaluate culturally diverse narratives, poetry and drama, aesthetically and ethically, by making connections to other texts, ideas, cultural perspectives, eras, personal events and situations.  Self-select text to respond and develop innovative perspectives.

Link to article: http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/Correction-France-First-Lady-Statue-story-3311747.php
Link to poem: http://thehuuvandan.org/lit.html#arvers

"She, whom God has made so sweet and tender,
Goes her absent-minded way hearing nothing
Of this murmur of love raised in her steps." This poem is about a persons love, and how they feel around their lover. "Statue in a Paris suburb that is to be modeled after French first lady." This relates to "Secret Love" by Sarcozy expressing his love and passion towards his wife, and what he wants to do to show it. This statue would represent his power, but also his pure devotion towards his wife. "The estimated cost is €81,000" Even though this price isnt enormously large for the French Prime Minister, it shows that, "My soul nurtures a secret, my heart a mystery." It expresses his emotions and love towards his wife. It also shows that he wants the French nation to see his devotion.

Valentine's Day

I know my parents love me because of all the things they do for me. I know that sometimes we have our differences in agreements, but they always just brings us closer! They always put me before them, and I appreciate that! I know I am always good with my "pleases" and "thank-yous" but sometimes that isnt enough! I just want to say that I do notice all the things you do for me, and I appreciate every single one. Most people say because I'm an only child, I "get what I want." I know this isnt true because my parents are just so giving. They always just try to make me happy! Most of the time, I am happy, but when I'm not, you guys are there to talk me through it. So, Happy Valentines Day!

Dreams are lined up against the wall

Passing By

Dreams are lined up against the wall
chosen one by one
conscience aware
but minds drift away
memories last
memories fade
but never lost

Stored everlong
in our complex hard drive
our dreams
we've seen every person
passing by
not recognizing
but we have
we have seen

All people are stored
unknown, but known
Like a person inside a person
saving all our sights
just to project in our
Dreams

Comic Connection

I think this can relate to my life just because I always loved rebelling but also "role playing" as a child. I never wanted to eat at the kitchen table. I hated it. It was always to tall, and much to proper for my childish needs. So as a child or a "dinosaur" I rebelled and fought the dinner table rules. I used other characters to find "a way out." This kind of let my parents think of me as a different person and that made them respond in a different way. I used these voices and actions to my benefit! Most of the time we ended up eating at the dinner table by my parents using "well dinosaurs eat at the dinner table" speech. So they told me I couldn't be that character once I sat down, which I then obeyed. So I think of this blog as a sort of reminder or a story of my childhood. Even today, I still fight about eating at the dinner table. The young child in me fights the urge to use these dinosaur voices once again.

Tough is your middle name

This related to my life because my middle name is Kevin, and that was my uncles name. Kevin was a very very tough guy. He was always the big, bully kid as a child, and even grown up, he was the guy you "never messed with." I am glad that my middle name is kevin just becuase I feel like I have a little tough inside me, just because of Kevin. Even when Kevin was batteling with cancer, he was still strong, tough, and never let anybody mess with his life. He was definately the toughest person that I ever met. He wasnt that strong, or tall, it was the way he presented himself that made other people back off. He just wasnt afraid of anything. He had so much energy and adreneline, that if he got  into a fight, he would win. I feel like my middle name respresents a little tough that I have in me. I am proud to have a little Kevin in my name.

TU Tuesday

Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

Pull out - from the article - THREE examples of figurative language.  Label the examples with their appropriate term, define them, and analyze the overall role of figurative language within the text in a response paragraph that uses text quoted directly from your article and put in quotation marks.
http://blog.timesunion.com/amanda/the-perfect-cheese-for-an-awful-relationshi/21673/
"There’s a small, small part of me that thinks yeah." = repetiton: a word, phrase or idea repeated in a piece for emphasis.

"I would never want to be friends with her and I would probably have her pegged for a complete bitch who talks about everyone behind their backs — even the “friends” she has coming over to enjoy spreadable cheese and the lettuce that’s hanging out of the grocery bag."=Hyperbole-An exaggeration that is so dramatic that no one would believe the statement is true.

This picture represents personification which is A figure of speech in which human characteristics are given

"The perfect cheese for an awful relationship" is an article that expressed the dislike and unhuman nature in a boursin cheese commercial. The ladys first response after she finds the cheese is “Was she blonde?” I dont see how this relates to buying cheese. Talar explains her confusion about why the color of someones hair would dictate an item that a man buys. The mans reactions during the whole commerical are very monotone and kind of bold. “Yeaaahhh.” It shows his sarcasm, and kind of saying that he always picks out the right things. Talar then explains and questions why the wife was asking these usless, and off-topic questions. "“What’s with this cheese?!” She seems appauled in the commerical (it seems like these people arent very friendly with eachother.) Talar strongly shows her hate and disgust about this commerical. She compared the husband to Kris Humphres, who we all know is a low-life and lazy husband, that only married for the money, and fame. Using these strong comparisions makes Talars' oponions quite easy to see and unserstand.

Original Poems III

Free Verse
Satellite

Tracked
Traced
Everywhere
I can find
I can see
I can feel
Who you are
What you do
I know
I know
No secrets
I am the satellite
I am untouchable
unapproachable
undefeatable
I am the satellite
Road Sign
Moosi? Mooses? Moose?

Moose
Mooses?
The majestic beauty
The large and not readily seen Moose
Moose Xing!
Hitting one
XX
  >
~~
DEATH
The pure impact of such a large creature
The impact
Not plastic
nor metal
Hitting moose would kill
Be careful of the Moose
Their beauty comes at a price
a very large and heavy price
read the signs
stay aware

Recipe for Me
à la Taylor

First start with the large head
then add the legs
the boney arms
and a pinch of sarcasm
raise to medium heat
then add the hazel eyes
settle for around 10 years
then add 5'10" of height
and stir in the knowledge
along with the sociability
then wait
wait for it to mature
in about 5 years
you have a healthy
young man
compiled with all the parents teachings
settle for around

Original Poems II

Strong Words

Metal

Hard as ice
shiny like fire
rough
melted to sheet
lava
melted the rock
We couldnt get through
the hard
but soft lava
detrimental
melted
unable to pass
the hard
thick
deep metal
the creator of most.

Magical Powers
Invisibility

Parents searching
Why searching?
Im right here!
I screamed
Fear upon their face
I looked down
nothing
nothing but my blanket
no arms
no legs
I was invisible
Why?
accepting
now worries
pranks
lies
but
forgotten

Ladder poem
Learning
teachers
give knowledge
pencil, paper, chalk
expanding our mental capicity
growing to our adult selves
aquired by extreme attention
aspects of life
to be
ourselves

Original Poems I

The Where Im from Template
Tbone

I am from paper towels, from laundry to blankets
I am from the mounds of dog hair under every couch
I am from maple trees, the large purple veins deep in the tissue
I am from christmas eve at aunt Jens and large heads from Scott and Sue and Kevin
I am from eating european style to telling stores during dinner
From never to swear and always be yourself
I am from a non practicing catholic home
I am from Albany Med, scallop potatoes and large turkey dinners
From Uncle Kevins story through cancer, the explination of my chromosomal translocation and My grandmas cluttered life
I am from Schenectady, and Uncle Joes yard, and the old swingset
my young life, before I changed cities.

Acrostic Poem
Friends
Fooling around and jokes about each other
Reading about our lifes on facebook
Indicating the things that need to change
Ending some realtionships, but never ending permenantly
Not saying the secrets we were told
Dying on the inside when one moves away
Staying close, always

Questioning something in nature
Grass

Who glosses you every morning?
Are the elves there painting your stalks?
Every morning you show the suspicious quality

Is there something that we dont know?
Are you more than just a plant?
What is your "dew" is slowly taking over our world?

Explainable, this crazy phenomenon
How do you change every morning?
What creates this morning dew?

Vocabulary On My Mind

I was walking down the street when an impassioned but sedentary man caught my attention. He expressed his vapid opinions which tended to be a little jocular. It seemed as if all these opnions would be disputatious. He definately was a misanthrope, and hated the society. He was very langour and spoke very obtusly. It seemed like when I spoke to him, he tried to allay me. I was in a quandary over what to do! Should I stay or should I leave and let this insipid man be alone once again. He never made eye contact and it seemed like he was in a tranquility. It seemed like he was aspiring to be above society. He was very avid about his goals and what he wanted to do. It looked like his house was banal, and was on the streets. His apperance was very austere and not very contemporary. His opinions were rhetorical and he tried to persuay me to become above society with him. He was very pretentious and was often claiming he had a lot of money in the bank, which obviously wasnt true. His nonchalant attitude was very boring, and hard to listen to. He recounted man details about when he was with the society, and how he was normal once. Well after about 10 minutes of listening to this egotistical man, I had to leave. I made a terse statement that led me to move along to a remote location.

What I Need to Know about WRITING AND WRITERS to Become a Better Writer

I would really like to explore more about life stories, or non-fiction pieces. I think that after listening to Marni Gillards' presentation, I really liked how real and lively her stories were. I'm not much into writing poetry, and rambling on about flowers and life. I would rather tell my life, and explain my own stories through my own mind and writing capabilities. I feel like writing real life stories comes much more natural than writing fiction. After Gillards' presentation, I now felt like I was very confident about the topic Alaynah and I chose. I chose a book that taught and explained how you should write your life story. This book did explian very helpful techniques that I will now be able to use in my writing. Not to sound rude, but I really didnt connect with the first 3 presenters. Maybe this was because they wrote poetry or fiction. After Gillard, I really loved her story telling, and how she was so lively with her emotions about HER stories that were represented. I felt like I could now write about an occurance in my life, and correctly use writing techniques to persue my idea. So concluding, I would really like to explore more on writing life stories. I like how this would able me to write about MY life and MY stories, with no restrictions.
1/17 speaker=*****

Marni Gillard

I would love knowing what they LIKE in the story, but MOSTLY what works best in the journey chapter. If I have to cut that chapter what do they think can go? What should stay?

I really like her reality in "My Artistic Journey with HIGH DIVE." Her sense of realism is quite intriguing. I feel like when I read her work, it is very "down to earth." She writes in a very interesting, but real way. "Every gasp or laugh, every puzzled or entranced face potentially affects the story, if I let it. Each of these details appeared because of some listener’s response: the drawn-out sound-effect of falling from the board, the smack as I hit the water, the way I wiggle my ruffle-bottomed suit and snap my bathing cap, my frown at the big kids' teasing, and Dad’s blowing bubbles with Meg." This I think shows her reality, but this quote I think is what works the best in the journey chapter. There are so many vivid comparisons that she uses, I feel like I can see a vivid description of each. When she said the smack as I hit the water, I could hear a large belly flop, and the ear piercing sound that results from that. These descriptions are so detailed and real, I can close my eyes and see her wrinkeled bathing suit, with her bathing cap, and the sad face she is showing. ""What's the point of getting mad now?" I whine. But as soon as those words leave my mouth, we’re both laughing. We have met at this crossroads of resistance before and recognize its familiar pull. Doug recognizes an old habit of giving up though I really want to fight for myself." I feel like this whole part isnt really necessary. I just dont think it contributes to feeling or order of the story. The description of her hitting his hands, and saying that they were like her fathers just doesnt contribute to the development of the story. "

Although I resisted facing my dad's less-than-sympathetic side, I was able to do so by making a small but important adjustment in the tale. I began to give my brother Jimmy the role of ally. When he cries at just witnessing my fall and then offers me his favorite towel, he becomes the one person who acknowledges my pain." I feel like this part needs to stay because it shows how her brother feels. It shows how she feels also. It shows that she can trust her brother, as if he was her father. She can now trust him, and can consider him an ally, and a supporter. When he shows emotion, I think that it shows how much her actually does care.

1/12 Speaker = (****)

Block Three= Mary Moriarty

In Moriatys poem she says "I lost my mother’s watch. And look! my last, or next-to-last, of three loved houses went. The art of losing isn’t hard to master." She starts out by explaining one detail that she had lost, and then says how another tragedy had occured. When she said "And look!" it kind of made you wonder what was going to happen. Even though we actually couldnt look, metaphorically, we could see where the poem was going. "Lose something every day. Accept the fluster of lost door keys, the hour badly spent. The art of losing isn’t hard to master." She says that we lose something everyday, and that the art of losing isnt hard to master. She kind of made me think about my last day, and maybe about something I may have misplaced. This poem kind of makes you think about your life, and notice all of the things you have lost.

Seeing?

Seeing isnt believing, believing is seeing
instances that none will accept
to be questioned until sought.

Seeing things new
Now accepting the possibility.
Seeing isnt believing, believing is seeing.

Going farther and farther:
mystical, monsters, aliens.
Believable to the crazy

Seeing these stories.
Fake! We all say
Seeing isnt believing, believing is seeing

Seeing these sights
doesnt need to happen
We can believe, if you want.

-Even seeing the unseeable,
I do believe in the unbelieveable
Seeing isnt believing, believing is seeing.
Seeing creates beliefs?
My beliefs create sight!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"We left before I had time
to comfort you." The form of this first line is very different, but has meaning. The skip after time, kind of is not just telling you, but is showing you that she didnt have him. "I wanted
to stem the burning waters running over me like tiny
rivers down my face and legs, but at the same time I was reaching out." This form is kind of jumpy. It's very difficult for me to follow, and I dont like it. When I read these lines, I cant comprehend all that is going on because my mind is to focused on finding the next line. I do like when she says that the waters running over her like tiny rivers because it is very descriptive. I can imagine water trickeling down her arms in seperate rivers all going down, but finding different ways to get there. The overall form of this poem is very distracting. I like the metaphors and descriptions she uses, but it's so hard to follow and appreciate these descriptions when your mind is trying to keep with these breaks.

Family Poem- Boston

The endless trip
8 year old Taylor
Aquariums, My obsession
Marine fish fascinated my life
My family beside me
watching my over excited face
overwhelmed

My family
always beside me
to guide
and to hold.
Through the packed
quincy market,
we weeved

We find our exit
out of the crowd,
we found the ocean.
My first time.
My obsession in my eyes
I stood fascinated
obsessed
wondering,
why I loved the ocean blue?
_______________________________

I cant rate the speaker because I wasnt there

M.E Kemp Mysteries

I really like the style that M.E. Kemp uses when writing. I feel like her style is very unique! “There are evil people in this to town who would be only too happy to stomp the Mather name in the mud.  Great men have enemies, Cousin Hetty, and while I am only a tiny gnat, my father is a giant among men." The way that she explains that giant men have enemies, and that her father is a giant indicated that her father has a lot of enemies. I like the way that she points out all of her information. She explains by not explaining. She points you in the right direction, instead of giving you all the information. "I nodded, taking care to keep my expression serious.  I ignored the face that Creasy made at me, wrinkling up his nose and his eyes in distaste." The way that she describes the wrinkeled face in distaste sort of gives me a vivid detail of a man with a sour look on his face while squinting his eyes. I find her writing very descriptive, and I really do enjoy reading her pieces. I find it interesting that much of what she writes is not very direct, and she tends to lead you. She lets you sort of create your own scene by giving you the correct details to create a detailed surrounding. I really do enjoy M.E Kemp's writing
-Do you think that leading people without giving direct desccriptions creates more of a vivid read?
-Do you intend to make readers think about the metaphors you use?
1/6 Speaker=(**** stars)

Round One = the author’s name your class is having.

I’ve found out that Susan Comninos is a very intelligent poet. Her writings are very detailed and often include many forms of punctuation in her poems. “Who plans to hang mezuzahs by the bed, dangle instruments of tenor, or better: rim the door with artifact. That’s all; no more to confess.”
http://blogs.forward.com/the-arty-semite/138168/#ixzz1iamrnQ1s. This punctuation helps to break up the poems, and explain her idea in more of a meaningful way. These punctuation marks create a deep vibe that is expressed. Also, she often uses personification, “All those amendments that might be made: soaking our structures with spit.” http://m.triquarterly.org/poetry/deconstruction-workers. I think that personification gives a realistic and a more lifelike feel. It describes and explains how and what the objects are doing.  Comninos also forms questions in her poetry, “the squid in its seaboiled soul.  for this i grow and swim?” http://hospitaldrive.med.virginia.edu/hospital-drive/issue-6-summer-2011/beached-or-dementia/. I think that forming a question in poetry is a very effective and quite unique way to express the authors opinion. Comninos uses this question to show and almost predict the future. Her style of writing is very interesting, and sometimes almost difficult to comprehend. With so many breaks in her poetry, it makes it very hard to follow her intent, while also trying to keep your place. I really do enjoy how descriptive and detailed her writing is. “Linguists
of the shrub variety make waxy a mate to verdant. Green’s the grace most of us would like.” http://m.triquarterly.org/poetry/deconstruction-workers. Her descriptions are so powerful, deep, and needed that without her style, her poetry would be just another worded, lined, and incomprehensible poem. Comininos style is purely unique.