Graduation!

If I were giving a graduation speech I would probably start off with a quote I memorized by marianne williamson. You probably have heard it before...It starts out "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." I have had the memorized for many years and it has been a huge part of who I am. After this, I would probably talk about the things I've learned, such as the quadratic formula or the calvin cycle or the great depression or supply and demand, etc. But then I would say that I've learned much more than that. I've learned that true friends are always there for you whether you've been locked in a locker by accident or you forgot your lunch, or you forgot your project...they're there...and that's what matters. Another important thing is to never distance yourself with your parent as you move forward, call them everyday...just to even say hi. Make new friends. This is your chance to be new...but remember...to always be you. That is the most important of all...be YOU!

Prompt #2

I just recently read up to the point where the mom has hung herself. This is unbelievably surprising and leads me to believe this book is not gonna be a happy one. The style of writing really contributed to the dramatization of this scene as well as the sadness and depression the reader felt. Though it was incredibly sad, it somehow made me want to read more as if I thought it would all just eventually go away or it would all get better. Unfortunately it was about 12 midnight so I had to go to bed but I wished I could have stayed up to read more. 

When I think of atonement, or “a way to be good again,” I think of redemption. As we have seen already, Amir is haunted throughout this book, and probably will continue to be haunted by the guilt he feels for just watching Hassan be raped and just letting him take the blame and sacrifice himself for Amir. The word sacrifice is extremely important here. Hassan is portrayed as a “Jesus” like character through the sacrifices he makes and how his one last sacrifice to take away Amir’s sin sends him off, leaving Amir and Baba. This makes a lot of sense because the word atonement and redemption are very religious words depicting the sacrifice Jesus made for out sins and how Christians spend their entire lives trying to atone for their sins and receive redemption. It is clear that Amir wishes to achieve atonement but does not have the strength or maturity to go through with it. Only when Amir admits his guilt and his sin can he achieve atonement and redemption. I think as the story progresses, Amir will find a way to atone for his sins as he matures and hopes to “find a way to be good again.”

I think Amir seeks atonement for just sitting there while his friend, who had his back every second of every hour, gets raped. I think Amir needs atonement for setting up Hassan with stealing the watch. I think, most importantly, Amir needs atonement for just allowing Hassan to be so good to him his entire life and treating him with such disrespect and immaturity. I a not sure how Amir can make up for these sins but I hope, as time goes on, he matures and when the opportunity comes, he makes amends with not much Hassan or his father, but himself. 

I loved Kite Runner! The writing style of Khaled Hosseini is just amazing and the setting of the novel is in such a different world than the one I see everyday. Since this novel takes place in the same type of world, I think I will really like the novel. My family has read both Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns and they all say this book is better than Kite Runner. I cannot wait to just be able to sit down and read this book. I have heard this is even sadder and more controversial than The Kite Runner so it will be interesting to see how I feel after reading it. My parents and sister both said that the novel leaves you anti-man so we'll see how I feel after reading this.

Tell Me A Story...

We had just woken up from a rainy stormy night and let's just say the tents we slept, or tried to sleep in, weren't as strong as our mind and body. Luke was making breakfast while I sat sipping the bitter coffee we were provided while listening to John tell a story about the time he faced a bear in the woods. Just as the bear got on two feet and john described his facial expression and the wetness of his pants as he saw his life flash before him, the sound of a mortar hitting 20 feet from our camp grounds stopped the now very interesting story. My coffee, though no Dunkin Donuts, was the little thing I savored every morning, and as it spilled to the ground and my tin cup crashed to the dirt floor, I realized I wasn't getting breakfast that morning. I hurried to grab my helmet leaving what other possessions I had behind. There was no time for organization, it was everyman for himself. Though I do not know for certain cause I have not seen either of my men since, the sound of Luke screaming leads me to believe he burned himself on the fire when startled by the explosion. I could not look back, everything was ahead of me, my family, my friends, Chico my dog, and my beautiful wife, all waiting for me just a plane ride away. As I ran, watching my every step as a occasionally slipped on a moss covered wet rock, I began to truly take in the beauty of Brazil. It's jungles, it's wildlife, something I would miss 3 days later as I headed home with only one leg and the love and support of those waiting for me to hold me up for the rest of my life. As I ran for seven straight miles I thought of those at home more than anything else. I never looked back, not at my past life, not at the mortar slowly but surely following my trail. Everything was ahead of me. Once I felt safe, I radioed the base to come pick me up. For two days I would wait as smoke signal after smoke signal was destroyed by the pelting rains of the Brazilian rain forests. No food, no companionship, just the wandering mind of a soldier praying for his life. It was during these hours and days that I gained back a long lost relationship with God. After eight years of war and battle, I had lost faith, convincing myself that a man, or woman, so powerful would never let events such as those that I had witnessed occur. But with life and hope slowly drifting away, faith and religion seemed the only option. 

As I sit here now, sipping that Dunkin Donuts coffee I had longed for for eight years, I sit incomplete silence but serenity as I have the privilege to see the young man my first born has become as he watches over and plays hide and seek with my wife's three month 13 month old little girl whom I have not even heard speak. With my arm around my wife, I begin to remember her scent, and the aroma of our home which I left eight years ago to defend the country I love so much. I then am taken out of this trance as I hear my baby girl whom I have not for only three hours say "daddy" for the first time as she hands me her stuffed teddy bear which I set her from Brazil just five short months ago. Here, on our living room couch, Dunkin Donuts coffee in hand, arm around my wife, listening to the happy sounds of my children playing. This, this is what I longed for, and this is what I dreamt of every night as I drowned out the cries of fallen soldiers and the blasts of mortar surrounding me. I cannot say I did not enjoy those eight years. They are a part of who I am, but what I can say is that now I am home, and no one, I mean no one, can take moments like this away from me. I have paid my dues and fought for my freedom and the country I love, and now, now I savor every moment of my reward.

‘All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing’ (or words to that effect)

http://tartarus.org/~martin/essays/burkequote.html

The above webpage goes into great detail to describe and reveal the many quotes all centered around this very quote. It is interesting that such a famous quote could be rewritten so many different ways. In the essay written on it, the author describes that the quote is meant to be political and to push government to have a larger role in our lives. By saying this I believe he means that if the government just sits back, all chaos will break loose and evil will prevail but if government, in this case, "good" government, steps in, evil can be restrained. 

In part I agree. I think that good is needed to stop evil but I am not sure that if good is not present that evil is: one the only option, and two will triumph. I am not sure why if there is no good, it must mean evil will triumph. This quote really brings out the discrepancy in the definition of the words good and evil. I believe this quote could probably mean a different thing to every person that reads it. We all have a different interpretation of these two words and therefore a different understanding of the quote. 

The 3 F's...(family friends and faith)

I think there are many factors that affect people's decisions that have stayed true for centuries. Such factors would include the decisions affect on family and friends, or possibly use religion and family morals to see how the decision should be made, or just weighing the pro's and con's for the decision. Now, as technology is booming and with such an economic crisis and a large decrease seen in attendance to certain religious practices, our decision making has become more selfish, and we have abandoned or looked less heavily upon the affects it may have on others, and begun to care less about morals or our faith as we make decisions. I think we have also become somewhat lazy and therefor many of our decisions are based on which is easiest. For me, my faith and family morals still play a large role on my decision making and I try to consider its affects on others as much as possible without stressing too much but at times, I seem to lean towards the more fun are easy approach. As senior year approaches, we begin to encounter more and more temptations which I try my best to avoid and use family, friends and faith to guide me, the 3 F's. Though college is a big decision, I see this as more of a decision that I make myself and weigh out the pro's and con's for but as a legacy student, family did play a role. Obviously I thought about who I want to become and want I want to do as well. Since I have hopes of becoming a doctor and studying biology and medicine, a school with a good science program and high rate of acceptance into med school was preferred. At Franklin and Marshall, I found that and that is why next year I will be a Diplomat. In most decision making, I usually stick with the 3 F's to make my decision but there are circumstances where a scale is maybe better. 

My Little Cook Book

1 cup major crossroads

2 cups brutal civil war

A dash of European influence

A dash of Empire

A dash of Kingdom

A dash of Republic

3 cups Muslim

2 tablespoons of petroleum

Just throw this into a pot and heat it up...

A whole lot of nothing...

I pretty much did a lot of nothing. I'm not just saying that cause I'm to lazy or tired to write I really did just sit around most of break. I guess if there is anything to write about it would be the time I got to spend with my family for easter. A bunch of my family came down for 3 days or so and we just spent time together. No agenda, nothing to get done, just talked, played games, and dyed easter eggs. Overall a pretty chill break with some much needed relaxation and family time..

IRP: I'll Admit It...I Cried... (Ch. 227-Appendix, prompt # 8/18)

(the above is a famous image from Sherlock Holmes "The Adventure of Silver Blaze"

So yeah the ending was pretty awesome. Christopher does well in math and seems to have a hopeful future and though it took awhile, eventually began to trust his dad again which I was definitely worried about.

But for the prompt...For this post, I am going to do a mix of 8 and 18. I am going to answer 8 but to do that I have to answer 18.

So I was trying to find a deeper meaning or message or theme for the story and had some trouble. Then I thought about the whole mystery concept. I thought about possibly something with the whole Wellington thing. Then I realized that the book is supposed to be about Wellington and the whole mystery about his mother is completely unknown. Though I did figure it out early on, to most other readers, they probably thought she was dead the whole time. So for them, she was never a problem and any mention of her didn't really mean much. Even Christopher doesn't know he is solving this mystery. He has accepted the fact that his mother is dead and has no intention of proving otherwise. But I didn't think this was a good enough theme so I began to work on the title post...

I searched the title and of course a bunch of Mark Haddon book review sites and such came up but surprisingly, Sherlock Holmes also came up. I searched a little more about Sherlock Holmes literature and any connection between him and Haddon and found that the title of the novel is actually a reference to Sherlock Holmes "The Adventure of Silver Blaze," a book mentioned in Christophers book. In this Holmes mystery, a silence of a dog was accepted as normal.

Here lies the connection. Not only is it about dogs, but the mistaken acceptance of something not true. While Christopher and the reader focus on the mystery of who killed Wellington, and Holmes focuses on his mystery, we all accept something else for real turning our heads and missing the true mystery, the mystery of Christophers mother and the dog in the Holmes mystery.

This is the true theme of the novel...

The reader fails to see the importance of what isn't there. Now obviously this relates to not just this novel but real life. As we focus on other aspects of life, and compensate by accepting other things, therefor no longer noticing them, we realize that it is the absence we should have been focusing on all along.

This true play on the reader is quite comical but also frustrating, though it does bring out a great novel and a modern masterpiece which I recommend to anyone who has the time to read it. That's it for these posts and I hope you have enjoyed the book.

Let me know your final thoughts on the novel and if you would recommend it or not...


This is just a little video to enjoy. If you've never witnessed a Sherlock Holmes movie you're really missing out. This it from "The Adventure of Silver Blaze." There's nothing really relevant in the clip but just thought I would add it to give you some enjoyment.

IRP: A Picture Book (Ch. 181-223), prompt #11)

So not too much goes on in these chapters. Most of it is just following Christopher on his journey to his mothers. If you just took the text out...it would probably be a pretty boring section to read and wouldn't really interest you at all.

But...Haddon, or Christopher, whoever you want it to be, decides to "enhance" the story. He does this by adding pictures. I looked ahead a little through the next few pages, and we start to see even more pictures. Throughout the book we have had some math problems and pictures of some roads and some more math problems but in this part of the book, the pictures are almost allowing the reader to envision the actual journey he is taking. From the pictures of the maps he makes in his head to the signs he sees in the "underground" as they call it. Though this is not exactly a language choice, it is definitely a style choice made by the author. In my opinion it is a good one. It really brings out the truth of Autism and how many savant autistic kids percieve the world. They're vision is so unlike ours and for an author to capture that and allow the reader, just for 200 or so pages, get a glimpse of the way of life, is truly something to admire and applaude....

Go ahead...you can applaude...he deserves it...

The book is definitely making its way up my list of favorites. His style is so different from other novels and it is amazing how such a simple story can become so enjoyable to the reader.

IRP: I'm A Geinus! (Ch. 151-179, prompt #7)

Well, it's official, all my predictions were true!

1. Christopher's mother was in a relationship with the neighbor and is not dead but still alive and actually living with the neighbor in London.

2. The father blatantly admits that he killed Wellington. Not only was I right about who did it but I was right on why too. He was upset because the neighbor wouldn't keep a relationship with him and he thought she cared more about the dog than she did for him.

So that pretty much ruins the book right? I mean both mysteries are solved...what's left to know?

But the plot is just getting started! Little Christopher is running off to live with his mother!!! I personally loved the little chart he made of possible options to go to and then crossed out the ones that wouldn't work. That was pretty hilarious...

Anyway...It will be interesting to see the events that occur as he heads for his mothers and how the story progresses from here...

Look forward to this weeks reading and hopefully you guys are keeping up with all of it...

IRP: The Litle Things (Ch. 109-149, prompt #12)

So for this post I'm gonna discuss all the little things. Throughout the novel, Mark Haddon, or Christopher Boone, either one, decide to incorporate little aspects into the book. By this I mean, when Christopher decides whether it is a good day or a bad day depending on the color and number of cars that go by. When Christopher and his dad spread their fingers out and touch them together because Christopher doesn't like to be touched. When Christopher mentions the exact time his dad got home or the exact time he went to bad or the exact number of times he played Mine Sweeper. Things like this that just seem so minuscule but are put into the novel repeatedly. Though this may annoy you, and it annoys me sometimes when I'm up late reading and want to go to bed, it enhances the story. It truly brings out the character of Christopher. These characteristics are almost a mix of a bunch of characteristics found in those with savant autism. I believe these aspects were added to truly reveal the realism of savant autism. I am not sure if I would have taken anything out. Event the math problems are really interesting and provide almost like a break from the story. Overall, I think Haddon, or Christopher, has done a great job with keeping in everything that is important and also adding little extra's to enhance the characterization and interest the reader.

The videos below are divided into part 1 and part 2 of a British documentary about savant autism. If you have the time to watch both, it's well worth it. Throughout the videos you can really almost picture david and all his little peculiar characteristics.

IRP: The Monty Hall Problem (Ch. 79-107, prompt # 10)

Quick little update on my prediction...

When Christopher talks with Mrs. Alexander, she eventually reveals that Chris' mother and Mr. Shears were "very, very good friends." This little quotation clearly supports my predictions. Though we do not know for sure if she died, we do know that this could lead to mr. Shears and Chris' mother leaving together.

For the prompt...

In chapter 101, Christopher describes the monty hall problem in great detail. As soon as I read it I remembered the movie 21. Now I know this isn't exactly my experience or someone I know but it was in a movie I saw and it's still a connection. I had to read this chapter let's just say 5 time (it was probably more) until I actually understood it. I then brought the book to the dinner table and tried to explain it to my parents. Though it was difficult to explain, explaining it definitely made it easier to understand. My mom seemed to catch on pretty quickly but my dad still doesn't get it. Anyway, I just read this and remembered the scene from 21. Included in the video is also a scene from numb3rs which apparently depicts the same problem.

IRP: Characterization (Ch. 53-73, prompt #17)

(the above cartoon has to do with the last few sentences...)

In chapter 61, the author decides to reveal something about the character which to me seems very interesting but I guess makes sense. In chapter 61, the author creates a discussion between the main character, Chris, and Reverend Peters. The Reverend told Chris that his mother went to heaven when she died but Chris does not believe in heaven. Though it is shocking, it makes sense. Christopher basses everything he believes in on logic and probability. It is clear that heaven cannot be proven through either of these aspects, but purely through belief. Though it is surprising, it is little things like that that makes the character seem so real and truly show who Christopher really is.

On a side note, I thought I would point out some aspects of the story which are starting to make my predictions seem more real.

The first thing I noticed was that in chapter 53, it is revealed that the mother died of a heart attack at age 38 which is obviously very young for someone to die from a heart attack so her death seems unlikely. The other is that the father does not know what kind of heart attack she had which if he visited her so much, and didn't let Christopher visit, then he should have some idea what type it was.

Then, in chapter 61, Christopher says his mother was cremated but never saw her ashes which again is suspicious.

Then, chapter 67 is where I truly believe my predictions are right. Christopher reveals that he suspects mr. Shears killed Wellington because he left mrs. Shears 2 years ago, unusually close to when his mother died. Then he says Mrs. Shears, after Mr. Shears left and Chris's mother died, began cooking for them and occasionally staying the night even though she lives next door. It seems that Mrs. Shears and Chris' dad have some interesting relationship. This information backs up both of my predictions. The first being that Mrs. Shears must have gotten closer to Chris' dad because both their spouses left them around the same time...seem suspicious? The second, if Mrs. Shears used to be with Chris' dad and is now no longer as close, seems that would make a man mad if his wife "died" (a.k.a. left him) and then another lady left him. Giving him reason to I don't know...


KILL HER DOG?!?

anybody following me on this?

Haddon is shoving the clues directly in your face!

IRP: My Predictions (Ch. 37-47, prompt 6)

Alright so for this post I'm just gonna go out on a limb and make some predictions. I feel like I have some good ones so I'll just say them. If I'm wrong I'm wrong and if I'm right you owe me $5!

Alright...1st prediction: In chapter 41, we really see the father son relationship between Christopher and his dad. It is obvious the dad is mad because he just had to pick up his son from jail...I'd be mad too. But, there's something else going on. The dad seems too upset and emotional. While in the car he yells at Christopher, and in my opinion it was unfair. The kid did not know any better and he just wants to solve a mystery. Then, after Christopher plays his 76 games of minesweeper and before going to bed at exactly 2:07 a.m. Sorry but just gonna butt in here...the whole like exact time and numbers thing is really comical and clever and props to Haddon for this little addition to the story. It really brings out the whole math aspect of the novel and takes the Christopher being good with numbers thing that extra step. Okay so back to what I was saying...after the minesweeper, Chris sees his father crying and asks what is wrong and if he is upset about Wellington, the dog that died. His reply is suspicious. The father says, "You could very well say that." Now I would never answer a question like that. It just seems very odd. He could have just said "yes." Anyway, this leads me to my prediction...I think the father may have something to do with the death of the dog. Either he knows who did it which could very well be the case because he's acting suspicious, or he did it himself. I think it's unlikely he did it himself. I just don't know why he would ever do that, unless the dog was annoying, but I don't think that's the case. So...bottom line...the father knows who killed the dog.

Alright...2nd prediction: I think there is something weird about the mother in the story. The way it is all described is very suspicious to me. One day Chris comes home and his mom is gone and the dad looks for her and comes home and says she's in the hospital with a heart condition and that he can't visit her. Then, when the kid wants to bring her food the dad says no? That just seems weird. I just don't know why someone would do that. So the whole thing is just odd and I don't really have an explanation just I don't think we have the whole story, or the realy story.

So...we'll just have to see if I was right as we continue for more reading...tomorrow...

IRP: Prime Numbers and Metaphors (Ch. 19-31, prompt 5)

Through these chapters we are told by Christopher that the chapters are truly prime numbers. One thing in this section, chapter 19, which moved me was his explanation of prime numbers. It is amazing to see someone, especially someone like Christopher, take something so simple like prime numbers and compare it to life. He says that they are like life in that though they are logical, it's impossible to work out the rules. I think it's interesting he described this now, when he has just been taken to jail and he does not know why, as if he doesn't understand the rules.

Another aspect of this section which moved me was his examination of metaphors and his own name. Christopher perceives metaphors as lies and here we learn that Christopher truly hates lying. We later see this in chapter 31 when Christopher is asked if he meant to hit the cop and he says yes. He then examines his own name which his mother, who we learned has passed away, told him is also a metaphor for "carrying Christ." Chris does not like this and wished his name meant himself.

These two aspects of this section are just another example of how odd and unique Christopher really is. They also show how very smart Christopher his and we get to see more of his thought process. I have to admit that I am really starting to get a visual of Christopher already and am really starting to like him and sympathize for him. His description of prime numbers was very thought provoking and his detest for lying is so extreme I have to laugh but also feel shameful of the lies I make or accept in life.

IRP: The Main Character Is Revealed (ch. 7-17, prompt 3)

In these few chapter we really begin to see who the main character, Christopher, really is. We learn that he reads a lot of science and math books but also likes mysteries because they are like a math problem which the reader can solve. We also learn that this novel is not a comedy but a mystery. This in itself is comical, and throughout these chapters, Christopher repeatedly reminds the reader that it is a mystery and not a comedic novel. Though the mystery in the story is obvious, the reader cannot help but laugh at the style of writing and the events that occur. We also truly begin to see Christopher's though-process. Through his style of writing, Christopher likes to give the details of his thoughts. This will be very comical to read but possibly at times, too much information. Besides the basic plot of Christopher hitting a policeman and getting taken to jail, we learn he is obviously bad with others as he should not have hit the cop. We also learn that certain jokes, like the one his father has told which has three answers, is too much for Christopher. At the end of chapter 17 we see Christopher's love for science with his description of the Big Bang and the stars and his in-depth knowledge of science and math and the world around him, but his lack of understanding and interacting with others.

IRP: So It Begins (Chapters 2-5, prompt 1)

When you first start the book, you think you maybe lost chapter one. The author, or the main character rather, divides the chapters into prime numbers, just a little aspect of the book which makes it unique and truly characterizes Christopher, the main character. The book is clearly different and unusual. The writing style of Christopher is simple but almost complex. As we enter chapter 3 we begin to see more of Christopher's personality. He starts to use a lot of drawings or ideograms to portray his emotions. After flipping through the book I realized that this type of writing style and picture drawing will occur a lot. I personally love hoe the story is put together. He states that the book is not funny but rather serious but I could not stop laughing. Though we begin to learn about the story and the plot, it was almost background to the writing style in my case. The story does progress in these three chapters though and we begin to see the mystery at hand. It seems that in this first chapter we learn a lot about Christopher. We learn he likes to be the only person in the world, and is quite afraid of any physical contact from others or screaming of any sort by those around him. It is obvious that he is socially slower than others but very smart with math and numbers. 

Thesis Statement

Ernesto “Che” Guevara’s journey through Latin America allowed him to witness the hardships of the average Latin American, and it was these visions which stuck with “Che” and led him to join the revolution with Fidel Castro, becoming a major part of the success of the Cuban Revolution. 

Peru

After reading the section on Peru, how do you see Che changing throughout this section? What aspects of Peru have had the largest effect on him?

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Over the next week, I will be reading a novel by Mark Haddon titled "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. The book is a national bestseller, and has been raved about in many book clubs and papers such as the New York Times. The back gives a brief summary stating: " Christohpher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow. This improbable story of Christopher's quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog makes for one of the most captivating, unusual, and widely heralded novels in recent years." From the summary, it seems like a Rain Man type story. The main character seems extremely intelligent and good with numbers yet very awkward and unaware socially. In other words, the main character probably has a very high IQ, but a low EQ. Starting next week I will begin to read this short novel. I will start monday (3/16) and finish friday (3/20). I will do 2 posts each day and since the book is roughly 200 pages, I will read 40 pages. If you didn't understand that, this book may not be for you because after flipping through, it seems that the main character uses a lot of math in his though processes. I don't think that sounds too daunting of a task. You can look for my posts on this blog every day. They will all be given the labels of Independent Reading Project and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Hopefully you enjoy the book as much as me, and feel free to leave any questions or comments on the blog itself and I will be sure to get back to you. Good Luck reading and I hope you enjoy!

who do I want to become, and what impact do I want to have on the world around me?

When Che began his journey he wanted to become a doctor. He wanted to help those who needed it most. As time went on and he saw more of the world, his dreams changed and he began to yearn for leadership. He wanted to change Latin America and bring them together through marxist and socialist ideals. I believe his impact was much larger than the impact he would have had of being a doctor. Though I do not agree with some of his actions, it is clear that Che had a dream and a goal and he achieved that which is something many of us cannot say about ourselves. 

Che in Chile

I think when Che was sick he learned a lot. The doctor said, "For the flue: bed." I think it was here that Che realized that the medical facilities in Chile and all of latin america were poorly constructed and very unintelligent. I think it was at this moment that Che decided he would continue to follow his dreams as a doctor. Though he never followed through completely, I believe when he became a revolutionary, one of his main goals was to help those who were sick and impoverished be able to live a fulfilled life. 

Chile: In 6 Words

A place to ski in summer.

America's 6-word Memoir

Land of opportunity yet realization come.

Mydeology

My personal ideology is influenced in many ways by the Bible. I spend a great deal of my time at the church and with those who attend my church. Because of this, my ideology revolves a great deal around family and friends and the trust that lies between those who love you. Though there are many other aspects of my ideology, my family and friends play the largest role. Though I wish the truth could be more prevalent in mydeology, I sometimes feel the truth is more harmful than not and therefore occasionally do not tell the truth. Family and friends, true friends, are alway there for you, just as you should be there for them. Family and friends sometimes know more about you than you do and I think it is this truth that really shows why I value family and friends as much as I do. 

Comparison

I guess I can see a comparison between the two events. I think today’s events are much larger and it is not just one person leading, but also a group that is acting as a threat. I also think more people are directly affected by these events than in Che’s case in Bolivia. 

Voice

“One of the owner’s sons looked on with a certain mistrust at these “doctors,” disgustingly dressed and obviously famished, but he kept his mouth shut and let us eat to our idealistic hearts’ content.”

 

This excerpt shows many aspects of voice including diction, syntax and tone. It is clear that he uses a variety of words form a large dictionary, and that his structuring is different than many would choose to write. His tone is also sarcastic and humorous, as he describes the seen as if he is not one of the “doctors.”

 

In his letter to his mother on page 50 and 51, there is a very relaxed and informal approach to writing, one that many would not use when writing to their parents. He start, “Just as you have not heard from me, I’ve had no news from you and I’m worried. It would defeat the purpose of these few lines to tell you all that has happened to us;” Here, sarcasm is used again, and he speaks very informally. 

Chedeology

I believe that Che's ideology revolves around his trip he took with his friend through latin america. Che saw many depressing and impoverished areas on this trip. He saw a divided latin america, and realized though it is comprised of many, it should still be one. I believe it is this ideology and these visions that kept him going each ad every day. I also believe, as his first wife said, Che loved children, and I think it was the look in their eyes which he saw so rarely with his constant work and struggle that kept him going. His love for his children symbolized his love for his country. He saw in his children, a depressing and unfulfilled future, and he felt responsible to make sure that he created a future worth living. I think as time went on, he decided that maybe medicine was not the fast track to success and that he would have to get his hands dirty and covered in blood to spread his message to the world and make a difference. Though I may not agree, I believe it takes a lot of courage and perseverance to stick with such a task.

MileyMania Docmentary

If I were to create a documentary, I would make it about Miley Cyrus. I know you're thinking...Why didn't I think of that? The answer...well I don't know cause you definitely should have! Miley Cyrus is like the Beatles of today. She is four people in one. But she goes beyond that. Not only is she an expert singer and musician, she has her own television show! Mileymania is at large, and it is time those ignorant to the success and awesomeness of miley cyrus learn the truth. Miley Cyrus and her character on her television show have become role models for many young girls...and boys. Her sold out concerts and famous youtube pictures have created a miley sensation. her tour was even filmed in 3D...it looks like you're there! Since the Beatles, music has begun to no longer reach new genres, but has begun to expand outward, breaking off of what the Beatles made. Miley Cyrus breaks this trend and creates a new and innovative form of expressing herself. It has been years since such ingenuity and creativeness has been witnessed and it is time she receives credit for her fame and fortune. Seriously, who wouldn't want to be Miley Cyrus?

Revealing who Che really is

Based on what I have discovered about Che, I would definitely highlight his travels because I think it shows a side of Che which many do not know. I would also include more detail about his actions and involvement with Castro and other leaders who are not considered good people. I would ask the viewer what they know about Che, and who they believe he is as a person. I think by asking this question, the viewer would realize how little they know, and how the public has kept a lot from them. I do not think I would focus on any particular aspect of his life, but briefly cover it all, and really emphasize the change that occurred within him from his journey with his friend, to his leadership role in partnership with Castro. This change is really what makes the man so interesting, and I believe there is a psychological truth behind all of this which is quite revolutionary.




This documentary is just an example of what it could possibly be like...

Destination Nowhere...

The summer of my freshman year my family and I went to Europe for 2 weeks. It was not exactly a road trip, but it was the closest thing I've experienced. We took a flight into Paris and then rented a car to travel to Italy, Switzerland and Germany. It was very luxurious which made it seem unlike a road trip. I had a lot of fun and saw a lot of sights but if I could do it again I would make sure to spend less time at each place and explore more and stay in less expensive hotels to get the full road trip experience.

El Diario De Motorcicletas?

Um...I think this book will be interesting. I have a feeling it will be somewhat like Into the Wild, as it depicts an adventure through the wild and unknown. I think this book will most likely portray a completely different side of Che Guevara than the one we hear of in Beck's video. I think overall it will be enjoyable and entertaining but I am not sure of how meaningful and life changing of a novel it will be. 

Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover

I believe everyone judges a book before reading it. The cover can say a lot about the mood of the book. Usually, an odd font and some bright colors will end up being a happy or comical book. On the other hand, a book with dark colors may not be so happy. Then there is also a book with a picture on it. Sometimes this picture can either, capture someone’s attention and spark an interest, or it can have the completely opposite effect and make the reader move along looking for another novel. I know that with Invisible Man, the cover seemed very distasteful and meaningless, and throughout the book I had a feeling of dissatisfaction. 

Che Who?

So I gotta say that I had no idea about any of this before watching this video. I consider myself pretty up-to-date on current events and I'm not completely ignorant when it comes to fads and fashions but I have never seen Che t-shirts or anything Che before...atleast I haven't noticed any. I am very confused as to why this guy is becoming "popular" 40 years after his death. If he died 40 years ago, it's not like he has done anything to hype up his name...he's dead. I guess I would have to agree with Beck. Though I am completely uneducated on Che's life and ideology, I disagree with what I have heard of him from this video. I think what Hollywood has done is very interesting. It seems obvious to me that they started a trend of t-shirts with this guys face on them and decided to sell them in masses to uneducated and ignorant teenagers who thought they looked cool. This is Hollywood at its worst, taking advantage of children to sell a fad. This is modern propaganda. I found Beck somewhat annoying and I actually wanted to disagree with him. I think if it were a more controversial and difficult situation I would have definitely found a way to disagree but I just do not agree with Che so I must agree with Beck. I found him very pompous and seemed to be looking down at our entire generation as a whole portraying us as ignorant and not knowledgeable. 

Yeah so no clue why were doing this!

I mean I'm not against it and it'll be cool just not sure when we'll use it but it's a great use of technology! Keep up the good work yost!

Leave comments about how awesome this blog is!