The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Everyone has to experience growing up. Whether they're good or bad, important events that occur while your a teenager can affect your whole life. These types of things shape our persona's forever. But what types of things will change us the most? It's different for everyone. The most important thing is to be true to yourself. In the novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, Charlie, a 15 year old boy, goes through a series experiences that influence him forever.

Charlie is a unique character. His extremely kind heart and thoughtfulness leaves you thinking about what you can do to make someone happy. Charlie doesn't even realize how genuine he is. But Charlie is also extremely...clueless in a sense. He doesn't really understand how the world works or why people do the things that they do. He simply just wants everyone to get along.

Charlie starts his freshman year very lonely. The only thing he has for company are his favorite novels (The Great Gatsby, Catcher in the Rye, The Naked Lunch, etc.). But everything changes once he meets a few friends. Although he doesn't start out that close to the new people he meets, having friends really changes a lot about charlie. He learns how to be in a relationship with another person and help it grow. As he becomes closer with his new friends he tries a lot of things he wouldn't imagine himself doing. Stepping out of his comfort zone also helps Charlie develop as a character. He starts to feel more confident and stable. Through the best times of his life and the worst, Charlie's new friends influence him forever. In a good way, that is.

Current Article

An interesting article I recently read was an article about Trayvon Martin. Trayvon Martin was a 17 year old boy that was randomly shot and killed on February 29th in Florida. This particular case has stirred up a large amount of controvery due to the races and ages of the two people involved in it (Trayvon being African-American and Zimmerman being Hispanic). In the article, it gives an update on the case of the prime suspect George Zimmerman. The article states that Zimmerman has officially been charged with the 2nd degree murder of Trayvon. Zimmerman is pleading not guilty and his official arrangement is on May 29th. This article is important because it updates an event that has touched the hearts of and resonated with many.

One of the reasons this article is important is because it declares a very important step in the case. It states the fact that George Zimmerman has been officially charged. "Mr. Zimmerman, 28, who was charged by a special prosecutor on Wednesday evening with second-degree murder," This quote makes the whole case a lot more official. It's a big step for Zimmerman to be officially charged, a step that may bring us all closer to justice for Trayvon's family.

The article is also important because it talks about several aspects on an event that's become very important in the last few days. It's many important details it includes helps average people understand the case better. “We only know one category as prosecutors, and that’s a ‘V,’ ” Ms. Corey said. “It’s not a ‘B,’ it’s not a ‘W,’ it’s not an ‘H.’ It’s ‘V,’ for victim. That’s who we work tirelessly for. And that’s all we know, is justice for our victims.” This is a quote from Zimmerman's lawyer addressing the racial controversy. It's important for articles to include things like quotes that will makes the overall picture easier to understand.

Overall, the reason why this article is important is simply due to its subject matter and formatting. The death of Trayvon Martin is very tragic, and it's important for the press to update on it as much as they can for it's readers. This article speaks about very large steps in the case. Also, it's crucial for any article to be organized, clear, and authentic. This article was all of those things based on its direct quotes/sources and detail. The purpose of this article was to give the latest on this case, which is succeeded to do.


Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/13/us/george-zimmerman-to-appear-in-court.html?_r=1&hp
Source: nytimes.com

Plagarizing

Plagarism is a widespread crime that has been underestimated for its level of reprecussions. Unfourtunately, many kids plagarize without knowing the true depth of it. This situation occurred with a writer that plagiarized pieces of a text called "A Brief Understanding of the Starry Night Paintings." 
What did the student do wrong? What could he/she have done to include the source correctly?
The student took someone else's work and re-named it as their own. This is plagiarism. The used the exact pieces of the text, word for word, with out citing or acknowledging the original writer. To include the source correctly, the student could of put the text in quotations or citing where the source was from in parenthesis after the text.  

Write a sentence using the original source correctly; use a quotation or paraphrase. Also, make sure to cite correctly. "There is the night sky filled with swirling clouds, stars ablaze with their own luminescence, and a bright crescent moon. Although the features are exaggerated, this is a scene we can all relate to, and also one that most individuals feel comfortable and at ease with. This sky keeps the viewer's eyes moving about the painting, following the curves and creating a visual dot to dot with the stars. This movement keeps the onlooker involved in the painting while the other factors take hold"

("A Brief Understanding of the Starry Night Paintings").

What are at least three ways to avoid plagiarizing?

 A writer can avoid plagiarism in many ways. Including:

1. Correctly citing the text in a works cited page.

2. Paraphrasing the texts into your own words.

3. Correctly citing the text with quotations.

Student Responses

Although there were many very well written blog posts from Ms. Galang's list, one that I thought was particularly great was Izzy's. I truly admire the way that Izzy chose to think outside of the box. The fact that she chose to write about how she doubts Romeo and Juliet's love was a very bold and courageous move. Not many people would decide to disagree with a statement that is so famously pronouced true (Romeo and Juliet's love for eachother). That is why I think it was very wise for Izzy to take that step and open up many knew interesting perspectives and idea's to the text. Another great thing Izzy did was citing the lines she referred to. I thought that using exact quotes and lines made the post very authentic and organized. I really believed that Izzy truly analyzed and thought about the text. Using quotes made her idea's much more persuasive. Overall Izzy did a great job of getting her very interesting point across to the reader.

Another impressive blog post I read from Ms. Galang's list was Ruby's. (810.) I thought how Ruby decided to begin the post with her real life feelings was a really nice way to ease the reader into the entry. It was almost comforting; reading a few lines of something that most of the readers can really connect to instead of a background story. A strong lead or opening lines to a post is crucial to the whole piece. Ruby made a very mature move in helping the readers connect with what she was saying.  Another sophisticated thing that Ruby did was connect to her own life and the main character while still staying relevant. When Ruby connected to the book, the readers (including myself) could aswell. This made Ruby's final message to her post much more authentic and influential. Ruby did a great job on this reflection.

These posts inspired me to improve my future blog posts in many ways. I'll try to connect to myself and the reader better to make my opinions easier to understand. I'll also try to cite my sources and use direct quotes to enhance authenticity. Also, after looking at these posts I've noticed my blog posts may need to be a big more organized with a clearer focus. I will definitely take the sophisticated techniques these writers used into thought.

Classic Stage Theater

My experience at The Classic Stage Theater was a very good one. As soon as I walked in I thought the combination of the coffee shop and the theatre was very clever. The idea of getting a cup of coffee and then seeing a live show seems very relaxing. I also thought the layout of the stage created a very including effect to the play. I really enjoyed being so close to the actors. It made me feel like I was much more involved and attentive. The shape of the stage was also really great for both the actors and the viewers- not only does it bring in a unique vibe but I think it was more efficient for everyone. I felt like I could see a lot more on a round stage.

Also, all of the actors were very talented. Their exceeding animation and skill made the play much more emotional and enjoyable. They stayed in character literally every time they were open to the audience- there was never a moment when I saw one of them goof off and such. All of the actors portrayed their parts as if they really were those people in real life. I felt like all of it was very real and authentic the whole time. In addition all of the transitions were very smooth and the live music was a great touch to it.

And lastly, the production did a very good job of modernizing it without completely changing the story. Since live plays are so fast paced- I was worried that I would have trouble following. But the change of time period and slight edits in the script made it really clear and easy to understand. Overall I thought it was a very good play/experience! I would definitely go back if I could.

Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet has already introduced very innovative and interesting characters. They all have very pronounced personalities which I think really enhances the text. A huge problem I've come across in books are lifeless characters; it makes me feel like the story isn't genuine. A key element to a truly notable book is interesting characters. Shakespere has already shown that.

I think a very noteworthy character in Romeo and Juliet is Juliet. Juliet is very wise for her age. Her sense of self-control and sensibility is very charasmatic. She seems to know what she wants very clearly, without panicking. For example, when Lady Capulet suggests that Juliet gets to know/marry Paris, she simply tells her that she will try to but only for Lady Capulet, and anything further she'll do as she wishes. Juliet presents a sense of peace with every word.

I also see a little controversy to Juliet. I feel that under all of her wisdom and tranquility lies a very fiery and wild personality deep inside. I feel that her love for Romeo will spark a new aspect to her persona. I'm interested to see how it all unfolds!

Romeo and Juliet Act 1 Scene 1

Dear Sydney,

I think Romeo and Juliet is already becoming a pleasure to read. I really enjoy how unique it compared to the modern novel. The text is so thought out and advanced; it makes me stop and question the quality of the books I'm reading now. There is a sense of ease and authenticity in his writing that you don't usually see in most books. Shakepere is a very true and talented writer which I exceedingly appreciate.

I've noticed that even though the play is set in a very different time period, I can easily relate to the characters. Shakepere has already presented each of the characters with very defined personalities. I'm only about 30 pages into the book- and he's already shown the characters individuality/persona. Although it is very challenging writing, under all of the complexity is clarity. It's almost like a contradiction- which makes it more compelling.

I'm very interested to see how the characters and the plot develop!

Sonnet 75

I think sonnet 75 is a very interesting poem because of its unique tone. Instead of a description or explination of a passion, sonnet 75 is a lot more eager. It's more like a confession, like Shakespere is stating his utter veneration and obsession for whoever he's writing about. It lacks a sense of patience- it's not necesarily a bad thing, but you just have to appreciate it in a different way.

"So are you to my thoughts as food to life
Or as sweet-season'd showers are too the ground"
These are just two examples of how Shakespere shows the obsession he has with this girl. Throughout the sonnet he explains that the only way he'll ever be happy is if hes with his love. I think that it's very interesting how Shakepere is actually a lot more personal in this sonnet than in others. He shows his longing and almost vulnerablility without doubting it.

I think this is a very significant sonnet out of Shakespere's collection. The fact that its steps out of a comfortable zone and takes the next level makes it more stimulating. However, what is true to this poem and all of Shakespere's poems is that they can be interpretated differently by anyone. But in my opinion, I think William Shakespere's sonnet 75 is very memorable and notable. It's not the average sonnet, in a sense.


"So are you to my thoughts as food to life
Or as sweet-season'd showers are too the ground
And for the peace of you I hold such strife
As a 'twixt miser and his wealth is found;
Now proud as an enjoyer and anon
Doubting the filching age will steal his treasure,
Now counting best to be with you alone,
Then better'd that the world may see my pleasure;
Sometime all full with feasting on your sight
And by and by clean starved for a look;
Possesing or pursuing no delight,
Save what is had of must from you be took.
Thus do I pine and surfeit day by day,
Or gluttoning on all, or all away."

Georgia O'Keeffe

Georgia
With your brush strokes smooth like silk
And soft like cotton
Your watercolor washes like watery milk
A type of art I never knew

Through a canvas of paint
I see kindness
Whether it is thick or faint.

Whether you live near or far,
When you see Georgia's paintings,
You'll feel happy
No matter who you are.

What happens to...

What happens to a voice without sound?
Does it hide deep inside
With its eyes sad and without pride?
Does it pace around
antsy to be loud?
Or does it blow up,
set free,
and grow up.

Poetry is

wealth is
a desire
a strength
a weakness
an obstacle
an aid
a friend
an enemy
a way of life.
but it will never be
emotion

Georgia O'Keeffe

Georgia O'Keeffe was a very memorable artist. Her pronounced art style revolutionized the world. She was also one of the first female artists to become so popular. Born in 1887, Georgia grew up on a small farm in Wisconsin. Ever since Georgia was a kid she was very curious, constantly exploring around her farm. Growing up, Georgia attended art lessons. She also graduated from an art collage. Georgia was eventually featured in art galleries by Alfred Stieglitz (A famous photographer) in New York. Alfred introduced her art to famous artsits like Cezanne and Matisse. Alfred and Georgia eventually got married and moved to New Mexico.

Georgia generally liked to paint objects over people or animals. She often drew skulls, flowers, and shapes. A painting that I thought resonated with me was Summer Days made in 1936. This one one of the last painting she made for around four years. The painting shows a skull of a cow or bull with flowers beside it. The very bottom of the painting shows small mountains.

I think this painting is very stimulating because Georgia is able to create a certain beauty based on her composition and faded color. Along with its melancholic feel is a suppressing amount of peace. She able to capture death and life as if they are hand-in-hand. I think what Georgia is represtenting is a sense of tranquility in death and life. This painting also provides me with a sense of relief. It makes me feel the circle of life and death is a calming and consoling process opposed to something stressful and cold. AlsoI appreciate the subtleness. With only a few compontents, there is a very pronounced tone or vibe to the painting. It is very pleasing to the eye.

I have always admired Georgia. Her paintings capture contrast that is balanced out into something very soothing and diplomatic.

Boy in the Striped Pajamas

There's a wonderful thing about kids. Somehow, they can take a scary or traumatizing situation and turn it into something exciting and enjoyable. Their perspective of the world is a way of life adults with never see, whether its for good or bad. This is true in the life of Bruno from The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne.

Bruno is a 12 year old boy growing up during the holocaust. Since his father is a Nazi, he moves from his sweet town in Germany to across the street from a concentration camp in Poland. But the War puzzles Bruno; intriguing him even more. Bruno decided to try out as much as he can about this odd new life he is living. By asking questions and exploring, what he does find is a bit disturbing to him. But it doesn't bring him down. His curiosity never dies.

 Eventually, Bruno meets a friend, Shmuel. Shmuel lives in a concentration camp.  It's frustrating for Bruno. He hates not understanding things to the full extent. He doesn't understand why Shmuel is behind a fence when he's not. But despite their differences, their friendship progresses into a truly unbreakable bond. Their relationship is not the type you see everyday.

Unfortunately, his curiosity leads to a tragic end. But in theory, the importance is the friendship that he gained. Disregarding the pregidous and opinion that surrounds him, he invents a genuine friendship.

The Great Gatsby

Symbols are present in real life and in stories. Symbolism may occur more than the average person thinks. It's also not always so obvious. The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald contains many hidden symbols in all different forms; even characters. A symbol that takes form of a character is Daisy.

Daisy is a wealthy midwesterner who lives in East Egg (Sand's Point), Long Island. Married with and without children, Daisy's lifestlye is idle and self involved. Everyone that knows Daisy wants to know her better. As said by Gatsby, even her tone of voice is full of money. The way Daisy carries herself makes her intriguing to everyone. But Daisy is a significant character because she is not a character at all.

Daisy is simply a symbol. She's a represtenation of how self absorbed and egotistic wealthy people were in the 1920's. She is hollow, lifeless inside and out. She is so incredibly dishonorable that she is able to abide blaming a murder on someone else. She may seem to be just a privileged housewife, but truly she is a cheat. Readers will love to hate Daisy.

The fact that Scott Fitzgerald would create this kind of character is beyond sophisticated. Not only is it contentious, but very stimulating. This kind of writing that witholds incognito world topics and symbols isn't something seen as well portrayed as in the Great Gatsby.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Life is never easy. Everyone encounters obstacles, one way or another. Junior, the main character of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is no different. But unlike others, Junior is able to simultaneously maintain an optimistic and efficient personality even in the worst of situations. Junior is the type of character that would resonate with you forever; his good sprit and ongoing sympathy make him truly memorable.

            Junior lives on a Native American reservation with his mother, sister, father, and grandmother. His lifestyle automatically grants him with the burden of discrimination, poverty, and an unsafe environment. Anyone can see that it takes a lot to handle those issues when you’re merely a teenager. But somehow, he never lets these disadvantages take over his life.  It’s as if Junior can tackle bad situations more genuinely than most adults. For example, his problems with poverty lead to a poor education. But instead of letting that get the best of him, he surpasses to switch to a better school.  This shows his amount of patience and responsibility, he doesn’t blame his situation on anyone or fall into a sort of depression.  He’s able to find a silver lining in the darkest of times

Junior has great ability in not letting hard situations get to him. He is able to create distractions to help ease him through his complicated life. For example, he starts playing basketball. This evolves into a new found passion. This helps Junior extract hope and happiness despite the violence and loss he is exposed to. Also, Junior is constantly cracking jokes. The fact that he can find humor so easily is an easy quality to revere. But Junior's personality is so sophisticated and complex that he barely notices it.

            Although this relates to me less drastically, being positive and headstrong all the time is something that I’ll try to continuously be. If I’m in a sticky situation, I’ll think about Junior and all of the good things he obtained from his positive attitude. I hope that anyone who reads this book understands how truly important it is to be optimistic; being the opposite will only bring more of a struggle.