WHEN: 1957, later, 1965
WHERE: Pittsburgh, PA
EVENTS: http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/070805/13badlands.htm
a couple was on a murder spree, they inspired songs & films years later. Charles Starkweather & Caril Ann Fagate were the two misfits.
technology wise: first video recorder, transistor radios, satellite, first computer hard disk
Economics: Civil Rights Movement, The Eisenhower Era, "Americans achieved a level of prosperity they have never known before", Increase in college attendance, Arms Race begins, Population shifts,
Entertainment: Rock & Roll became famous, television became very popular,
Politics: Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat, Alaska & Hawaii become the 49th & 50th state, Dwight D. Eisenhower was president,
Sports: football, basketball, baseball & boxing. Racial barriers were about to come down in sports.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
Who is the Real Outsider?
When someone asks "What do young people understand about racism?", they don't seem to realize that the "young people" can be as little as five years old. We grow up in a society where we tend to question ourselves in a negative way. Ask ourselves if we're good enough because of the colour of our skin, our backgrounds, our heritage, ethnicity, every little thing we could think of seems wrong at some point in our lives. Those young people know more than we do about what racism is. It's coming to a time where little boys and girls are picking on each other for something older generations didn't have to worry about until they reached high school!
In the short documentary, A Girl Like Me, the director decided to retry an experiment that was conducted a long time ago. She put two dolls on the table, a white doll and a black doll. Then she asked children, who looked about four or five years of age, to pick which one was better, nicer, and which one they preferred. It turned out that we have not really changed. The first time the study was conducted, most of the kids chose the white doll, the result came out to be the same; kids today still think that being white is what you makes you better. The video also interviewed a couple of African-American, young girls, they were talking about how society made them think that being light skinned made them beautiful. You had to be a certain shade of this, your hair to look like that, you have to talk in a certain way, dress like this, do that, all this unnecessary pressure was laid upon these young people's shoulders. Some even shared a story about how they know someone who uses bleaching cream to become lighter, or when they, themselves, thought they were ugly because they where darker than the rest of their family members.
We live in a world where you are judged by who you are, that does not seem like it is going to change anytime soon, it is an awful thing to think about or say, but it seems true. We can go deeper into discrimination, it is not only about your skin colour, it can also be about your gender. In the Hispanic community, a female is viewed as delicate, sensitive, as if our bones were made of glass and any little thing will make us crumble into pieces. The males of the family are viewed as the warriors, hunters, the one's in charge. Hispanic families definitely have different sets of rules for females and males. The male, for instance, has more freedom, they are able to stay out late at night, go out anywhere they want, among other things. While the female has to be home at a certain time, can't leave during a certain time, can't wear certain things, can't do certain things. The female is expected to know how to cook, clean, and tend to the house. The male has less responsibilities, and it is not just in Hispanic families anymore, it is in the eyes of society.
At a young age you already know what is expected of you, but not only because of the way you are raised, but by the way that society molds an image into your head of what you have to look like. Since you are still young and trying to find yourself, of course you will give in to those images, but soon enough you will realize that there was no need for that. Soon everyone will realize that racism is nothing but ignorant people who cannot stand someone else being different. Among your "own kind" you are different, not every Hispanic person looks the same, not every black, Asian, English, Australian, or any other race is the same! Before you judge others for what they are, take a look at yourself, are you any better?
In the short documentary, A Girl Like Me, the director decided to retry an experiment that was conducted a long time ago. She put two dolls on the table, a white doll and a black doll. Then she asked children, who looked about four or five years of age, to pick which one was better, nicer, and which one they preferred. It turned out that we have not really changed. The first time the study was conducted, most of the kids chose the white doll, the result came out to be the same; kids today still think that being white is what you makes you better. The video also interviewed a couple of African-American, young girls, they were talking about how society made them think that being light skinned made them beautiful. You had to be a certain shade of this, your hair to look like that, you have to talk in a certain way, dress like this, do that, all this unnecessary pressure was laid upon these young people's shoulders. Some even shared a story about how they know someone who uses bleaching cream to become lighter, or when they, themselves, thought they were ugly because they where darker than the rest of their family members.
We live in a world where you are judged by who you are, that does not seem like it is going to change anytime soon, it is an awful thing to think about or say, but it seems true. We can go deeper into discrimination, it is not only about your skin colour, it can also be about your gender. In the Hispanic community, a female is viewed as delicate, sensitive, as if our bones were made of glass and any little thing will make us crumble into pieces. The males of the family are viewed as the warriors, hunters, the one's in charge. Hispanic families definitely have different sets of rules for females and males. The male, for instance, has more freedom, they are able to stay out late at night, go out anywhere they want, among other things. While the female has to be home at a certain time, can't leave during a certain time, can't wear certain things, can't do certain things. The female is expected to know how to cook, clean, and tend to the house. The male has less responsibilities, and it is not just in Hispanic families anymore, it is in the eyes of society.
At a young age you already know what is expected of you, but not only because of the way you are raised, but by the way that society molds an image into your head of what you have to look like. Since you are still young and trying to find yourself, of course you will give in to those images, but soon enough you will realize that there was no need for that. Soon everyone will realize that racism is nothing but ignorant people who cannot stand someone else being different. Among your "own kind" you are different, not every Hispanic person looks the same, not every black, Asian, English, Australian, or any other race is the same! Before you judge others for what they are, take a look at yourself, are you any better?
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Inaugural Address
John F. Kennedy believes science has had a negative impact on our world. In his Inaugural Address, Kennedy explains, "Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begins anew the quest peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction." What Kennedy wants to say is that science will lead us to a generation in which we are corrupted. The day has come where the instruments of war have outpaced the instruments of peace. If one plans revenge, we will easily put ourselves up for destruction. There is also the possibility of unintentionally destroying one another.
With every evil, there is a good. Although Kennedy thought science can have some negative effects, he also explain, "Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, & encourage the arts & commerce." He wanted us to make good use of the knowledge we held in our hands & stored in our minds. Knowledge is our superpower, we can choose to use it for evil or good.
If every nation formed an alliance, there would be an endless amount of things one can create. Combining our knowledge, almost anything could be accomplished. Kennedy had a vision of all of us working together & "to 'undo the heavy burdens, & [to] let the oppressed go free.'" We can either use our knowledge against each other or combine them & start anew.
With every evil, there is a good. Although Kennedy thought science can have some negative effects, he also explain, "Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, & encourage the arts & commerce." He wanted us to make good use of the knowledge we held in our hands & stored in our minds. Knowledge is our superpower, we can choose to use it for evil or good.
If every nation formed an alliance, there would be an endless amount of things one can create. Combining our knowledge, almost anything could be accomplished. Kennedy had a vision of all of us working together & "to 'undo the heavy burdens, & [to] let the oppressed go free.'" We can either use our knowledge against each other or combine them & start anew.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Luck of The Irish
St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17 & for the Irish, it is observed as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. People go to church in the morning & celebrate the holiday in the afternoon. They would drink, dance, & feast. This holiday is known for parades, shamrocks, & anything from leprechauns to the colour green. Some people see St. Patrick's day as just another day to party & drink, but if you look closely, it has a bigger meaning than that.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Normalacy?
People are generally taken back & shocked when others decide to step outside the box of comfortability & normalacy & behave in a way that is considered unconventional or unacceptable. Something that not everyone seems to realize in today's world is that not everyone will think the same. We all have different opinions, ideas & views on things. Someone who is an example of thinking different is Don Haskins from the film Glory Road. In a particular scene he said, "I don't see colour. I see quick, I see skill. . .", Don Haskins was making it clear that the racial factors of another person did not matter to him, what really mattered was your ability. This was important because he was the one who was going to make a difference & possibly help others see past the things that do not matter. Don Haskins was going to be an example to the rest about being fair. In life, when you start to step out of that box, you will see all these different opportunities that you can have or give to someone else. Don Haskins, a white basketball coach, proved to a black student that his colour did not matter; what mattered was what that student brought to the table. You can do the same, it does not have to do anything with race, it can simply be speaking your mind in a confined environment. Letting your voice be heard is one was of stepping out of that box. If you are able to open your mind, you will go far.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Gazing At The Moon
She was getting ready to go out for the first time in months. Her jeans were new, her sweater was her favourite, & for once she attempted to do her hair. She felt as if everything was finally coming together. As she was putting on her shoes, the horn honked. Her friends were waiting for her in the driveway.
"Hey! Nice to see you getting out that house!" greeted her friend, Phoebe.
"Mhm." with a simple smile, she slipped a stray hair behind her ear & got into the passenger seat. There was a couple more people in the back, but she didn't pay attention to them. She seemed to be lost in her own world.
"So, where are we going?" asked one person from the back seat.
"I don't know, let's have Alyssa choose" replied Phoebe, "Alyssa?"
"Huh? What?" they had interrupted her thoughts again. It was probably a good thing, the memories were coming back, haunting her.
"Where do you want to go?" Phoebe asked again.
"Oh, umm, I guess the park?" Alyssa really wasn't interested on the destination, she just wanted to be out of her house for once.
"Why don't we take a trip up to Awaken Forest?" another person piped up from the back.
"Alyssa? Are you cool with that?" Phoebe took one hand off the steering wheel & touched Alyssa on the arm. It seemed to startle her because she jumped up & returned to down to Earth.
"Yeah, sure." she replied & turned back to the window.
They made it through the bumpy hills & settled on the campsite. Phoebe was talking to the rest of the crew when Alyssa slipped away & went for a walk. When Phoebe noticed Alyssa was gone, it was already dark. They had to get flashlights from the trunk & split up.
A few minutes later Phoebe found Alyssa sitting at the top of a hill gazing at the moon. She walked up to her slowly & sat next to her.
"Hey, what's up with you? First day leaving your house in so long & you keep wondering off." Phoebe said cautiously.
"My mom died."
Phoebe didn't know what to say. She simply looked up at the stars & slipped her hand into Alyssa's to let her know things where going to be okay.
Alyssa rested her head on Phoebe's shoulder, silently sobbing. Phoebe felt a tear & hugged Alyssa.
"It's going to be okay. She's in a better place now. Whatever it was, at least she can be happy."
"You don't understand. My father killed her! Right in front of me!" Alyssa's tears began to flow furiously out her eyes as she continued to tell her story, "He was hopped up in drugs again, lost control & stabbed her! I didn't know what else to do. I grabbed a vase & smashed it on his head . . .my neighbor heard the noise, called the cops. All they saw was two adults on the floor & me standing over their bodies. They took me away to a mental hospital. The test results were against me. . .They gave me this weird kind of medication that made me lose myself. Left me like a zombie. . . ."
"There, there, it's okay. You didn't know what else to do. I'm here for you, always. Who are you staying with?"
"Just myself. The bank sent an eviction notice, so I'll be going away soon. Have no place to go, no family to turn to."
"You do have a place to go," Phoebe said with a smiley, "You can stay with me. As long as you want, if one day you wish to leave, it's your choice, but remember, you can always come back."
Alyssa started sobbing again, not of sadness, not of anger, but because she was surprised that someone saw a value in her. She didn't feel so alone anymore. It was the best she felt in months. Both girls stayed on the hill, looking up at the sky. Soon their eyes got heavy & without knowing, they fell asleep.
-A few years later-
Alyssa went in for an interview & ended up getting a job at an animal shelter. She stopped using the medication her doctor prescribed because her depression had gone away. Phoebe was still her roommate & they grew closer together. They were both college graduates. Phoebe was happy that Alyssa found happiness & everyday that every morning, she heard Alyssa's footsteps in the kitchen. She decided to stay & Phoebe couldn't be happier. Her friend was safe & happy, living her life without the haunting of her past. All she needed was a friend, someone to talk to. Alyssa was finally happy.
"Yeah, sure." she replied & turned back to the window.
They made it through the bumpy hills & settled on the campsite. Phoebe was talking to the rest of the crew when Alyssa slipped away & went for a walk. When Phoebe noticed Alyssa was gone, it was already dark. They had to get flashlights from the trunk & split up.
A few minutes later Phoebe found Alyssa sitting at the top of a hill gazing at the moon. She walked up to her slowly & sat next to her.
"Hey, what's up with you? First day leaving your house in so long & you keep wondering off." Phoebe said cautiously.
"My mom died."
Phoebe didn't know what to say. She simply looked up at the stars & slipped her hand into Alyssa's to let her know things where going to be okay.
Alyssa rested her head on Phoebe's shoulder, silently sobbing. Phoebe felt a tear & hugged Alyssa.
"It's going to be okay. She's in a better place now. Whatever it was, at least she can be happy."
"You don't understand. My father killed her! Right in front of me!" Alyssa's tears began to flow furiously out her eyes as she continued to tell her story, "He was hopped up in drugs again, lost control & stabbed her! I didn't know what else to do. I grabbed a vase & smashed it on his head . . .my neighbor heard the noise, called the cops. All they saw was two adults on the floor & me standing over their bodies. They took me away to a mental hospital. The test results were against me. . .They gave me this weird kind of medication that made me lose myself. Left me like a zombie. . . ."
"There, there, it's okay. You didn't know what else to do. I'm here for you, always. Who are you staying with?"
"Just myself. The bank sent an eviction notice, so I'll be going away soon. Have no place to go, no family to turn to."
"You do have a place to go," Phoebe said with a smiley, "You can stay with me. As long as you want, if one day you wish to leave, it's your choice, but remember, you can always come back."
Alyssa started sobbing again, not of sadness, not of anger, but because she was surprised that someone saw a value in her. She didn't feel so alone anymore. It was the best she felt in months. Both girls stayed on the hill, looking up at the sky. Soon their eyes got heavy & without knowing, they fell asleep.
-A few years later-
Alyssa went in for an interview & ended up getting a job at an animal shelter. She stopped using the medication her doctor prescribed because her depression had gone away. Phoebe was still her roommate & they grew closer together. They were both college graduates. Phoebe was happy that Alyssa found happiness & everyday that every morning, she heard Alyssa's footsteps in the kitchen. She decided to stay & Phoebe couldn't be happier. Her friend was safe & happy, living her life without the haunting of her past. All she needed was a friend, someone to talk to. Alyssa was finally happy.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Deal With It.
The origin of Saint Valentine has many stories, anything from dark, grotesque pasts to the "sweet & romantic" holiday it is today. One story says that Valentine was somewhat a hero. He attempted to help Catholics escape Roman prisons. Obviously, the Romans did not like this idea of his & soon, Valentine ended up in prison & eventually killed. While Valentine was in prison, he sent the first "valentine greeting" to a young woman who he fell in love with. He signed it with the famous expression, "From your Valentine". As it was said before, the background to this holiday is not pin point.
Valentine's Day can be the best holiday in the world. It can open up new opportunities, give you the extra boost to go after what you want. It can also be that one holiday you detest, yes, I'm talking to all you fellow Forever Alone's. To be honest, it all depends on what you do with it. You can choose to look at it as any other day & go on with your life. If you are in a relationship, appreciate it, there's always someone out there who wish they had a special someone. Relationships aren't always easy either. It comes with pain, happiness, stress, tears, joy, romance, & plain ol' "love". Relationships are like farts, if you have to force it, then it's probably poop (was not going to use the "s" word, ha). Going through all those tough patches can change you for the better or for the worst. It's all on what you let it do to you. Take the easy way out & let it bring you down, give up. Or take the difficult way & actually work on making yourself happy again. It's a part of growing up. Yes, this probably does not make sense, I am rambling. Good day to you all!
[grammatical errors may occur, enjoy]
Valentine's Day can be the best holiday in the world. It can open up new opportunities, give you the extra boost to go after what you want. It can also be that one holiday you detest, yes, I'm talking to all you fellow Forever Alone's. To be honest, it all depends on what you do with it. You can choose to look at it as any other day & go on with your life. If you are in a relationship, appreciate it, there's always someone out there who wish they had a special someone. Relationships aren't always easy either. It comes with pain, happiness, stress, tears, joy, romance, & plain ol' "love". Relationships are like farts, if you have to force it, then it's probably poop (was not going to use the "s" word, ha). Going through all those tough patches can change you for the better or for the worst. It's all on what you let it do to you. Take the easy way out & let it bring you down, give up. Or take the difficult way & actually work on making yourself happy again. It's a part of growing up. Yes, this probably does not make sense, I am rambling. Good day to you all!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Toasted toast is toasted.
MONDAY [misunderstood]
I am as misunderstood as a squirrel doing scientific research under the deep blue sea. I do not wish to harm you. I do not wish to make you mad. I want you to see me & think "Thank you, Monday. You are my fresh start." This doesn't happen, of course. Everyone just wants to get rid of me. I'm that kid in the back of your class that gets picked on & everyone hates. I have feelings too. You may not realize it, but just like that quiet kid, I made a difference in your life in some way. I have had people celebrate their birthday's with me, mourn a death of a significant other, family memeber, someone important, there are amazing memories created with me, sad memories you wish to forget, the best days of your life can happen when I'm around too. You don't notice I am always there for you. You always want me to go away. One thing you should know, if it isn't obvious enough, I will always be there to greet the sun that shines through your window & lets you wake up & live another day.
TUESDAY [nonchalant]
Hey, I'm just here, you know? You need me to get over Monday. I can be your little therapy day. Still not what you want, but I'm here for you. You have to get through me. Think of me as your fridge; I am always there to brighten up your day, I can make you happy because you received what you wanted or disappointed because nothing went as plan, but I am always there for you. That reliable friend you don't talk to unless you have a problem. . .yeah that's me. I do not mind, it's ehh.
WEDNESDAY [ignored]
You know who I am, I know who you are. We know we're here, sense it all the time. We do not acknowledge each other. I do not know why. All you care about is that it's the middle of the week & you want your break. By the time you get to me, you're slacking off, not caring. All of you are the same, not caring about how that makes me feel. Being ignored all the time. . .You don't know what I go through to ensure that all of you are happy. Not one "Thank you", nothing. You just pass by me like you pass by roadkill.
THURSDAY [troll]
Haha, you want it to be Friday already. Well guess what? It isn't & you have to deal with me for 24 hours. Tick. . .Tock. . .Tick. . .Tock, time will go slow. You will get lazier today. I will be here, laughing at you, how you want me to go away already. Don't worry, make the best of it & maybe, just maybe, I'll be nice to you & have time go back to normal. Keyword here is "Maybe". Haha, this is fun, having you sit in class, watching the clock, waiting for the final bell to ring. Enjoy your day!
FRIDAY [conceited]
YEAH! I'm finally here! I can make everyone happy just by having someone say my name! Everyone wants me here, you all need me here in order to be happy At this point, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday are out of sight & out of mind. All you're thinking about is how much you waited for me to come. All you do with me is chill, lay back & relax. All the worries are gone & you're either preparing yourself for a good weekend or adding hours to your interweb time. All the plans are made for me, by me, with me, you love me, you need me.
SATURDAY [chill]
You make plans with me, you have the whole day to yourself. You can sleep over for as long as you want, stay up as late as you want, & visit the interwebs as long as you want. You can have fun with me if you choose to. I will fun with anyone, anytime. I make you smile & hopefully you create wonderful memories with me. You love me & I love you, we're those friends who can't wait to see each other.
SUNDAY [indifferent]
You all detest me almost as much as Monday. I end your "fun", "ruin" your weekend. You do not like the sight of my name, you wish I would just go away. I do not care. You have to live through me, just like you live through everyone else. I can bring you down in less than a second by reminding you you have homework, having to go to bed early, setting your alarm for early morning, & having to go live through everything all over again. Hope you enjoyed the show, one man play starring you.
I am as misunderstood as a squirrel doing scientific research under the deep blue sea. I do not wish to harm you. I do not wish to make you mad. I want you to see me & think "Thank you, Monday. You are my fresh start." This doesn't happen, of course. Everyone just wants to get rid of me. I'm that kid in the back of your class that gets picked on & everyone hates. I have feelings too. You may not realize it, but just like that quiet kid, I made a difference in your life in some way. I have had people celebrate their birthday's with me, mourn a death of a significant other, family memeber, someone important, there are amazing memories created with me, sad memories you wish to forget, the best days of your life can happen when I'm around too. You don't notice I am always there for you. You always want me to go away. One thing you should know, if it isn't obvious enough, I will always be there to greet the sun that shines through your window & lets you wake up & live another day.
TUESDAY [nonchalant]
Hey, I'm just here, you know? You need me to get over Monday. I can be your little therapy day. Still not what you want, but I'm here for you. You have to get through me. Think of me as your fridge; I am always there to brighten up your day, I can make you happy because you received what you wanted or disappointed because nothing went as plan, but I am always there for you. That reliable friend you don't talk to unless you have a problem. . .yeah that's me. I do not mind, it's ehh.
WEDNESDAY [ignored]
You know who I am, I know who you are. We know we're here, sense it all the time. We do not acknowledge each other. I do not know why. All you care about is that it's the middle of the week & you want your break. By the time you get to me, you're slacking off, not caring. All of you are the same, not caring about how that makes me feel. Being ignored all the time. . .You don't know what I go through to ensure that all of you are happy. Not one "Thank you", nothing. You just pass by me like you pass by roadkill.
THURSDAY [troll]
Haha, you want it to be Friday already. Well guess what? It isn't & you have to deal with me for 24 hours. Tick. . .Tock. . .Tick. . .Tock, time will go slow. You will get lazier today. I will be here, laughing at you, how you want me to go away already. Don't worry, make the best of it & maybe, just maybe, I'll be nice to you & have time go back to normal. Keyword here is "Maybe". Haha, this is fun, having you sit in class, watching the clock, waiting for the final bell to ring. Enjoy your day!
FRIDAY [conceited]
YEAH! I'm finally here! I can make everyone happy just by having someone say my name! Everyone wants me here, you all need me here in order to be happy At this point, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday are out of sight & out of mind. All you're thinking about is how much you waited for me to come. All you do with me is chill, lay back & relax. All the worries are gone & you're either preparing yourself for a good weekend or adding hours to your interweb time. All the plans are made for me, by me, with me, you love me, you need me.
SATURDAY [chill]
You make plans with me, you have the whole day to yourself. You can sleep over for as long as you want, stay up as late as you want, & visit the interwebs as long as you want. You can have fun with me if you choose to. I will fun with anyone, anytime. I make you smile & hopefully you create wonderful memories with me. You love me & I love you, we're those friends who can't wait to see each other.
SUNDAY [indifferent]
You all detest me almost as much as Monday. I end your "fun", "ruin" your weekend. You do not like the sight of my name, you wish I would just go away. I do not care. You have to live through me, just like you live through everyone else. I can bring you down in less than a second by reminding you you have homework, having to go to bed early, setting your alarm for early morning, & having to go live through everything all over again. Hope you enjoyed the show, one man play starring you.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
what?
Simile: when you compare one thing to another using "like" or "as"
Similes are important because it helps paints a better picture of what you're saying into the readers' or listeners' mind.
Example: As fast as a lion.
Shallow as a puddle.
Shallow as a puddle.
Sweet like candy.
[lyrics from Banner by Lights.]
Maybe it's bricks and mortar now,
Whether or not they run it down
I don't want anything to shake that shape away
No one told us which way to come
Nobody mapped oblivion
So I go growing roses in the disarray
Just like most, falling head in
'Til my ghost fills the bed in
So lift it up like a banner
Hold it up over me
If this war is never ending
I'll take this love down with me
Like a banner
Like a banner
I don't need fate to give it time,
It doesn't take pain to change your mind
No weapon can sever the soul from me
Not the sorceress, not the money
All my cleverness, all my cunning
So lift it up like a banner
Hold it up over me
If this war is never ending
I'll take this love down with me
Like a banner
Like a banner
It's around me in my surroundings
It counts me when it starts the counting
In the chaos there is a standard
I'm carrying it like a banner
It's around me in my surroundings
It counts me when it starts the counting
In the chaos there is a standard
I'm carrying it...
So lift it up like a banner
Hold it up over me
If this war is never ending
I'll take this love down with me (like a banner)
Like a banner
Hold it up over me (like a banner)
If this war is never ending (like a banner)
I'll take this love down with me
I don't want anything to shake that shape away
No one told us which way to come
Nobody mapped oblivion
So I go growing roses in the disarray
Just like most, falling head in
'Til my ghost fills the bed in
So lift it up like a banner
Hold it up over me
If this war is never ending
I'll take this love down with me
Like a banner
Like a banner
I don't need fate to give it time,
It doesn't take pain to change your mind
No weapon can sever the soul from me
Not the sorceress, not the money
All my cleverness, all my cunning
So lift it up like a banner
Hold it up over me
If this war is never ending
I'll take this love down with me
Like a banner
Like a banner
It's around me in my surroundings
It counts me when it starts the counting
In the chaos there is a standard
I'm carrying it like a banner
It's around me in my surroundings
It counts me when it starts the counting
In the chaos there is a standard
I'm carrying it...
So lift it up like a banner
Hold it up over me
If this war is never ending
I'll take this love down with me (like a banner)
Like a banner
Hold it up over me (like a banner)
If this war is never ending (like a banner)
I'll take this love down with me
TONE: hope, love, & peace
MOOD: calm & hopeful
Metaphor: when you compare one thing to another without using "like" or "as"
Metaphors are important because they also help create a picture in the persons' mind, except that with metaphors, it seems to be more a "matter of fact", straight forward.
Example: His heart was a black-hole
[lyrics from Happiness Is A Warm Gun by The Beatles]
She's not a girl who misses much
Do do do do do do, oh yeah
She's well acquainted with the touch of the velvet hand like a lizard on a window pane.
The man in the crowd with the multi-colored mirrors on his hobnail boots.
Lying with his eyes while his hands are busy working overtime.
A soap impression of his wife which he ate and donated to the National Trust.
I need a fix 'cause I'm going down
Down to the bits that I left uptown
I need a fix 'cause I'm going down
Mother Superior jump the gun
Mother Superior jump the gun
Mother Superior jump the gun
Mother Superior jump the gun
Happiness is a warm gun (bang bang shoot shoot)
Happiness is a warm gun, mama (bang bang shoot shoot)
When I hold you in my arms (oh, yeah)
And I feel my finger on your trigger (oh, yeah)
I know nobody can do me no harm (oh, yeah)
Because, (happiness) is a warm gun, mama (bang bang shoot shoot)
Happiness is a warm gun, yes it is (bang bang shoot shoot)
Happiness is a warm, yes it is, gun
Happiness (bang bang shoot shoot)
Well don't you know that happiness (happiness) is a warm gun, (is a warm gun, yeah).
Monday, January 21, 2013
You Have Reached The Promise Land
The ''Promised Land'' that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of ,has been reached! In the speech that Martin Luther King Jr. gave the night before he died he explained, "I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land." Dr. King knew his eyes will not be able to witness what he started. He knew it was going to happen one day and left it to us to complete his dreams. If he was alive today and stepped into our school he would be proud and disappointed.
Modern day school districts are more multiculturally diverse than they ever been in America. There could be some improvements but for the most part we no longer deal with segregation. There are a variety of students from different backgrounds, with different skin colour and ethnicity. Overall, the students co-operate with one another and are more accepting of the cultures of others. If Dr. King paid our school a visit, he would be satisfied that his twelve years of work paid off in the long run.
The main problem with today's youth the Dr. King would notice if he were here, is that these kids fail to recognize how much of an impact he had on the future. We appear to take it for granted dealing with all the other distractions in the world. These distractions being acts of ignorance, something Dr. King had enough of. Even with such positive results, there are many misunderstandings referring to non American students becoming a costume to stereotypical environments, thus creating judge mental opinions of one another.
In conclusion,Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be both proud and disappointed in our school. What he worked for lasted long after his death. We have learned to be accepting of one another, to an extent. His dream of reaching the "Promised Land" has slowly been developing to the reality that he wanted in the past. As life continues to go on, our ideas of improvement will advance and soon get rid of racial prejudice in our nation.
Modern day school districts are more multiculturally diverse than they ever been in America. There could be some improvements but for the most part we no longer deal with segregation. There are a variety of students from different backgrounds, with different skin colour and ethnicity. Overall, the students co-operate with one another and are more accepting of the cultures of others. If Dr. King paid our school a visit, he would be satisfied that his twelve years of work paid off in the long run.
The main problem with today's youth the Dr. King would notice if he were here, is that these kids fail to recognize how much of an impact he had on the future. We appear to take it for granted dealing with all the other distractions in the world. These distractions being acts of ignorance, something Dr. King had enough of. Even with such positive results, there are many misunderstandings referring to non American students becoming a costume to stereotypical environments, thus creating judge mental opinions of one another.
In conclusion,Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be both proud and disappointed in our school. What he worked for lasted long after his death. We have learned to be accepting of one another, to an extent. His dream of reaching the "Promised Land" has slowly been developing to the reality that he wanted in the past. As life continues to go on, our ideas of improvement will advance and soon get rid of racial prejudice in our nation.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Walrus
Hyperbole is when you exaggerate something to make your point come across.
Examples: "I am so hungry I could eat a horse."
"I already told you a million times!"
"He's skinnier than a stick."
Using hyperbole in your writing is important because it helps make your point come across. It lets the reader know how strongly you feel about something, in a way.
Instead of saying "The boy was thin.", you could say. "The boy was so thin, a twig was thicker than him." or something along those lines. It can also help create a picture in the reader's head.
[lyrics from Pierce The Veil - The New National Anthem]
Drag my hand behind you like a chain behind a truck
Sparks over your carpet while I chase you through the darkness
Somebody's suppose to fall in love, but nobody even calls
Somebody's suppose to tear this place apart until you find me hiding, silently I wait
You'll be excited just to see me someday, everything's okay
Summer and gold, throw their colours at the dark
A mother tells her son, darling look at the sparks
But you hold my attention without even trying
a beautiful reflection from firework eyes
But never means forever
Desperation, and hanging in the backyard at night
Somebody's supposed to fall in love
Tear this lace apart until you find me hiding, silently I wait
You'll be excited just to see me someday, everything's okay
Love, don't forget to bleed so slowly
Haunted hearts will melt over the fabric of your flood
I'm holdin' her just like she's gold, but I've been running from the sun
Oh, no, no
And if I ever catch the ones who hurt you
I'm hoping that God looks away this time
So, why would I let you go?
Why would I let you go? Let you go
Tear apart this place until you find me hiding, silently I wait
You'll be excited just to see me someday, everything's okay
Tone: The song sounds a little angry, but when you look into the lyrics, it's really about love.
Mood: A little bit of sympathy, when you just listen to it without reading the lyrics.
Meaning: This song was written by the lead singer, Vic Fuentes, about a night spent with his girlfriend at the time, in her apartment.
[Parts of lyrics for Pierce The Veil - King For A Day]
. . .You told me, "think about it"
Well I did, now I don't wanna feel a thing anymore
I'm tired of begging for the things that I want,
I'm over sleeping like a dog on the floor
. . .Terror begins inside a bloodless vein
. . .Born in this world without a voice or say
. . .Caught in the spokes with an abandoned brain
Imagine living like a king someday
A single night without a ghost in the walls
We are the shadows screaming take us now. . .
Tone: Probably angry
Mood: Maybe a little angry, but excited, in a way.
Meaning: Everyone has their own interpretation. It seems to be that this song is about someone taking advantage of you. It can be in anyway & basically, you're just tired of being stepped on, you want to take a stand.
Examples: "I am so hungry I could eat a horse."
"I already told you a million times!"
"He's skinnier than a stick."
Using hyperbole in your writing is important because it helps make your point come across. It lets the reader know how strongly you feel about something, in a way.
Instead of saying "The boy was thin.", you could say. "The boy was so thin, a twig was thicker than him." or something along those lines. It can also help create a picture in the reader's head.
[lyrics from Pierce The Veil - The New National Anthem]
Drag my hand behind you like a chain behind a truck
Sparks over your carpet while I chase you through the darkness
Somebody's suppose to fall in love, but nobody even calls
Somebody's suppose to tear this place apart until you find me hiding, silently I wait
You'll be excited just to see me someday, everything's okay
Summer and gold, throw their colours at the dark
A mother tells her son, darling look at the sparks
But you hold my attention without even trying
a beautiful reflection from firework eyes
But never means forever
Desperation, and hanging in the backyard at night
Somebody's supposed to fall in love
Tear this lace apart until you find me hiding, silently I wait
You'll be excited just to see me someday, everything's okay
Love, don't forget to bleed so slowly
Haunted hearts will melt over the fabric of your flood
I'm holdin' her just like she's gold, but I've been running from the sun
Oh, no, no
And if I ever catch the ones who hurt you
I'm hoping that God looks away this time
So, why would I let you go?
Why would I let you go? Let you go
Tear apart this place until you find me hiding, silently I wait
You'll be excited just to see me someday, everything's okay
Tone: The song sounds a little angry, but when you look into the lyrics, it's really about love.
Mood: A little bit of sympathy, when you just listen to it without reading the lyrics.
Meaning: This song was written by the lead singer, Vic Fuentes, about a night spent with his girlfriend at the time, in her apartment.
[Parts of lyrics for Pierce The Veil - King For A Day]
. . .You told me, "think about it"
Well I did, now I don't wanna feel a thing anymore
I'm tired of begging for the things that I want,
I'm over sleeping like a dog on the floor
. . .Terror begins inside a bloodless vein
. . .Born in this world without a voice or say
. . .Caught in the spokes with an abandoned brain
Imagine living like a king someday
A single night without a ghost in the walls
We are the shadows screaming take us now. . .
Tone: Probably angry
Mood: Maybe a little angry, but excited, in a way.
Meaning: Everyone has their own interpretation. It seems to be that this song is about someone taking advantage of you. It can be in anyway & basically, you're just tired of being stepped on, you want to take a stand.
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