Character Study 1

Phonar14 Video

-Phonar is about habits and trying to establish a habit for a start
-You have 10 weeks to complete an assingment
-Looking at habits that you don't and do have
-Where do most photographers look at their photos??
-What makes a photographer??
-You need: PASSION, CAMERA, and CREATIVITY
-Habits become something we inherit
-We have to abide by our habits, a system, that binds us
-SYSTEMS DONT WANT US TO TALK FOR OURSELVES
-A photograph.... physical, black and whites... etc
-A photo is fixed in time
-The difference between a photo and an image
-Photographers keep photos on facebook
-Kodak invented the first camera
-How many people work for Kodak compared to the number of workers at instagram...??
-Instagram only has 13 workers that got sold for billions of dollars
-SYSTEMS DONT WANT US TO TALK FOR OURSELVES

Canterbury Tales 1

• When East Anglian and Northumbrian forces rode ash-ships built years ago, they harassed the Wessex.

• Because of this, King Alfred ordered to build bigger and stronger ships than ash-ships.

• Alfred died the same year that peace was signed at Tiddingford, advised by King Edward, with East Anglians and the Northumbrians.

From The Canterbury Tales: The Prologue

• The Canterbury Tales provides the best contemporary picture.

• King Edward paid £16 for Chaucer's release when he was put in jail.

• Growing older, Chaucer began displaying penetrating insight into human character.

• The Canterbury Tales encompass medieval literature: romance to comedy, from rhyme to prose, and from crude humor to religious mysteries.

Chaucer's Guided Tour of Medieval Life and Literature

• A disaster or a crisis - rich and poor, old and young, gather together to support each other.

• Chaucer found a joyous event - a pilgrimage, a journey to a sacred spot - gathering all of lifestyles together. 

• There's the lords or the kings. Then there's the nobles - the courtly world. Then there's professional men - middle ranks. Finally, there's craftsmen, storekeepers, peasants, and minor administrators - the lower orders.

• Chaucer is know as the father of English poetry.

From The Canterbury Tales: The Prologue

• St. Thomas à Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170.

• "There was a Knight, a most distinguished man...": The story begins with the introduction of the Knight, representing truth, honor, generousness, and courtesy. 

• "He had his son with him, a fine young Squire, " Next the story introduces the knight's son, describing him as a lover and a cadet and a lad of fire. 

• Chaucer users imagery in deceiving either the Knight, his clothes, his personality and the same with his son, he uses direct and indirect characterization.

• "A Sergeant at the Law who paid his calls...": Sargeant was someone who was wary and wise.

• "There was a Franklin with him, it appeared;" A sanguine man, benign. Lived for pleasure. 

• " A Haberdasher, a Dyer, a Carpenter, A Weaver and a Carpet-maker were..." They were all trim and fresh, each a worthy fit for the burgess. 

• "They had a Cook with them who stood alone...": Was an amazing cook, who could recognize a flavor without any difficulty, but had an ulcer in his knees. 

• "There was a Skipper hailing from far west;" An excellent fellow, prudent in undertaking.
• rain. 

•  "There was a Summoner with us in the place...": A gentle varlet and a kind one. But drinks a lot. 

• "He and a gentle Pardoner rode together..."

• "Our Host gave us a great welcome...": A striking man, and fit to be the marshall. Bold yet wise.

-after he is finished introducing all of the pilgrims, the narrator apologizes to his reader if he has offended anyone (referring to the reader); "But first I beg of you, in courtesy, Not to condemn me as unmannerly If I speak plainly with no concealing's And give account of all their words and dealings Using their very phrases as they fell."-after all of the pilgrim get settled, the host announces that this group of pilgrims was the best he has ever been accompanied by and that the journey will be free of cost for them all

Declaration Of Learning Independence

This document gives students the right to their own style of education, which promotes self interest and growth. Every individual person learns in a different way and has a brain that functions slightly different. Some students are more comprehensive with a step by step approach, some understand drawings or visuals, some understand verbal, and some comprehend through reading. Other students don't care to learn at all. If students are failing all of there classes every year, then forcing them to stay in school won't change their grades. It's obvious they are resistant to learning and therefore won't have the grades to continue in schooling. I've learned over the years that you can't make anyone do anything. Students should have the option in high school to decide where their calling is. Many kids go from studying books every day to working with stone. All those years of science and math sure won't be helping them with this task. Anywho... What would school be like if there weren't grades? I'm not sure, but I know for a fact that they are set up for a reason. Only certain individuals are capable of maintaining a learning capability without grades. Those are the people who are in school for the right reasons. If there weren't grades, I know that I wouldn't have made it to where I am today. The way I am perceiving information today doesn't need a grade, but that doesn't mean that is the right system for everyone. There are two sides to a grade. The good includes a motivator to keep up with things, the bad is an over rated system that causes stress.

Vocabulary #4

Definitions:

obsequious - adj. attentive in an ingratiating or servile manner;attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
beatitude - noun one of the eight sayings of Jesus at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount; in Latin each saying begins with `beatus' (blessed); a state of supreme happiness
bete noire - noun a person or thing that one particularly dislikes
bode - verb indicate by signs
dank - adj. unpleasantly cool and humid
ecumenical - adj. of worldwide scope or applicability; concerned with promoting unity among churches or religions
fervid - adj. extremely hot; characterized by intense emotion
fetid - adj. offensively malodorous
gargantuan - adj. of great mass; huge and bulky
heyday - noun the period of greatest prosperity or productivity
incubus - noun a male demon believed to lie on sleeping persons and to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women; someone who depresses or worries others; a situation resembling a terrifying dream
infrastructure - noun the stock of basic facilities and capital equipment needed for the functioning of a country or area; the basic structure or features of a system or organization
inveigle - verb influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
kudos - noun an expression of approval and commendation
lagniappe - noun a small gift (especially one given by a merchant to a customer who makes a purchase)
prolix - adj. tediously prolonged or tending to speak or write at great length
protege - noun a person who receives support and protection from an influential patron who furthers the protege's career
prototype - noun a standard or typical example
sycophant - noun a person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage
tautology - noun useless repetition; (logic) a statement that is necessarily true
truckle - noun a low bed to be slid under a higher bed; verb yield to out of weakness; try to gain favor by cringing or flattering

Comfort In Silence

Vocabulary #3

Definitions:

accolade - noun a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
acerbity - noun a sharp sour taste; a sharp bitterness; a rough and bitter manner
attrition - noun the act of rubbing together; wearing something down by friction; a wearing down to weaken or destroy; sorrow for sin arising from fear of damnation; the wearing down of rock particles by friction due to water or wind or ice; erosion by friction
bromide - noun any of the salts of hydrobromic acid; formerly used as a sedative but now generally replaced by safer drugs; a trite or obvious remark
chauvinist - noun an extreme bellicose nationalist; a person with a prejudiced belief in the superiority of his or her own kind
chronic - adj. being long-lasting and recurrent or characterized by long suffering
expound - verb add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing state
factionalism - adj. of a faction or factions; self-interested; partisan
immaculate - adj. completely neat and clean; free from stain or blemish; without fault or error
imprecation - noun the act of calling down a curse that invokes evil (and usually serves as an insult); a slanderous accusation
ineluctable - adj. impossible to avoid or evade:"inescapable conclusion"
mercurial - adj. relating to or containing or caused by mercury;relating to or having characteristics (eloquence, shrewdness, swiftness, thievishness) attributed to the god Mercury; relating to or under the (astrological) influence of the planet Mercury; liable to sudden unpredictable change
palliate - verb provide physical relief, as from pain; lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
protocol - noun code of correct conduct; forms of ceremony and etiquette observed by diplomats and heads of state; (computer science) rules determining the format and transmission of data
resplendent - adj. having great beauty and splendor
stigmatize - verb mark with a stigma or stigmata; to accuse or condemn or openly or formally or brand as disgraceful
sub rosa - adj., adv. happening or done in secret
vainglory - noun outspoken conceit
vestige - noun an indication that something has been present
volition - noun the act of making a choice; the capability of conscious choice and decision and intention

Masterpiece In Progress

I haven't even thought of a big question. There are so many undiscovered mysteries in the world that seem impossibly endless. What if the answers will never be found? What if there are no answers to any of these questions? Then what? Society is always seeking for an explanation that is yet to be found. Personally, I think there is bliss in accepting that answers come in their own timing. Why seek something more, when you can live now and live happily.

Will Study For Food

Currently, I'm working on the Chamber of Commerce and Elks scholarships. I find it difficult to find other scholarships to apply for. It's very overwhelming with the cost of college and the constant questioning of the future. Which college to apply for, which scholarships to spend time on, which classes demand homework to be completed. I hope to not be in debt, if that is even possible. I'm not setting a limit to my scholarship money, but rather challenging myself to earn as much as possible.

Beowolf Essay

Beowolf alone is a symbol of great heroic strife and leadership. During his time, Beowolf was known for his confidence and power. He was and is still viewed as an impressive hero. This over powering male figure has always been the main theme of heroism. This demands the question that asks if there are other ways to embody the name of hero. In modern literature, a hero is extremely diverse and takes on any shape or form. Society has changed its views over this spacious time period and adapts as well. Beowolf was the only character that would have been accepted during his time period, although modern heroes (sometimes even females) may be matching him in popularity.

A modern hero that is similar to Beowolf is Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games. She also has a bold and somewhat unlikable personality, which is similar to Beowolf. Her heroic traits are slightly differed, but Katniss still displays hints of courage and integrity. In her showing, Katniss displayed strength and skill with the usage of her bow and arrow. The major distinctions that drive the two characters apart are gender and strength. Katniss had strength mentally and used skill, whereas Beowolf demonstrates power as strength. If it isn't obvious enough, Katniss is a woman and Beowolf is a man. In this time period, women would have never been viewed as strong. If the Hunger Games were a true story, they most likely would have twisted it to make her a male. Society was closed minded to the fact that a woman could ever achieve victory in battle. Ironically enough, Katniss defeated Cato. Cato was much larger and relied on strength, much like Beowolf. Would Katniss have defeated Beowolf if they were in the Hunger Games?

In Beowolf there are many bold literary devices such as imagery, symbolism, and setting. Water tends to be a re-occurring substance that is common in the story. In reaching Denmark, Beowolf had to cross a large river. Grendel's mother happens to live near the ocean, which is also the location where the dragon was fought. In addition, Beowolf raced Breca in a swim competition. Water is used to represent fear. A terrifying persona that the water created during this time kept men away from sailing. They were commonly afraid of monsters and sirens coming up from the water to destroy them. With the story being third person omniscient, much was revealed about his struggles. These devices add great depth and concept to the story.

Subsequently, although the qualities of Beowolf demonstrated great attributes in his time, would he be a hero today? Would Katniss Everdeen serve as a more effective hero, despite the fact of her being a woman? The technique in Beowolf is cleverly written, but is his personality as a hero as agreeable as they previous thought. There are so many descriptions of heroes that it comes down to preference. In the case, the quality of a hero is self determined. Society praises heroes for being someone that they wish they could be.

Literature Analysis #1

1. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller.
----Rising Action----
The plot begins with a man named Yossarian, who has fled WWII by staying in a hospital. The doctors are unsure whether his illness is legitimate or not.  After patient admittance and discharge, Yossarian also leaving the hospital. He feels solo in his opinion that the war is nonsense and many men die. Doc Daneeka has trouble in the medical field due to the war and etc. Catch-22 is a "grounded" facility that holds the insane. This place is unattainable since those who ask to go must be sane, and therefore are not in need of help. It is a loose/loose situation Yossarian seems to want to go there, since he is terrified in his bombing position in planes.
----Climax----
Yossarian is shaken by the deaths of Nately and Dobbs. After that event at La Spezia, he openly rejects attending any more missions. His brutal and defeating position finally pushes him to the brink. Yossarian declares open rebellion against the officers that command him.
----Resolution----
Yossarian hears news of hope from his location in Sweden. Orr had escaped, which inspired him to work towards that as well. He finally deserts and moves on with his life. This decision signifies his freedom and sanity. It also proves his bravery.
"Catch-22 is a satirical, historical novel by the American author Joseph Heller, first published in 1961. The novel, set during the later stages of World War II from 1944 onwards, is frequently cited as one of the great literary works of the twentieth century. It has a distinctive non-chronological style where events are described from different characters' points of view and out of sequence so that the time line develops along with the plot.The novel follows Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces B-25 bombardier, and a number of other characters."-anonymous

2. The two most striking themes: The inevitability of death and the loss of language.
After Snowden's death, Yossarian sees the brutality of man. He also seems that humans will all eventually die one day, just as everything turns to trash. *This period of literature embodies a lack of hope and a loss of a sense of reality... Both present in the character of Yossarian.* Yossarian is in constant disbelief at the varied ways a man can exist no further. The second theme is portrayed in the first chapter of the novel, with the invariability of his letters. His most shocking time was when he tried to comfort Snowden, but knew that his words meant nothing to the dying man. He had lost hope in the meaning of his words.

3. The author indicates a tone of sorrow and gloom, but twists this in a combination with humor and satire. This is exemplified in a quote in which the author writes "Gee I guess he really is dead,' grieved one of his enlisted men in a low, respectful voice." He is attempting to enlighten the sadness in the death of war, by saying something satirical. Although this will obviously not cause someone to physically laugh, it is intended to relieve the audience. The tone can also be expressed as very serious. This is reflected by the time period and the seriousness of war. Soldiers are attempting to remain positive, but the saddened approach is an essential emotion to the plot.

4.

1)Motif
"I don't want to fly milk runs" (p.103)

2)Repetition "Help him, help him" (p.50)

3)Allusion
"John Milton is a sadist" (p.97)

4) Paradox
"If he flew [planes] he was crazy and didn't have to; but if he didn't want to he was sane and had to. " (p.46)

5) Alliteration
"If the colonel says we have to fly fifty-five missions, we have to fly them" (p. 65)

6) Situational Irony
" Clevinger was a genius... a Harvard undergraduate... [going] far in the academic world... In short, he was a dope" (p. 68)

7) Dramatic Irony
"Yossarian was in the hospital with a pain in his liver that fell just short of being jaundice. The doctors were puzzled by the fact that it wasn't quite jaundice" (p. 7)

8) Verbal Irony
"I don't have nightmares" (p. 54)

9) Foreshadowing
"Do you remember... that time in Rome when that girl who can't stand you kept hitting me over and over the head with the heel of her shoe? Do you want to know why she was hitting me?" (p. 25)

10) Symbolism
"He never sends anyone home, anyway. He just keeps them waiting around waiting for rotation orders until he doesn't haven enough men left for the crews, and then raises the number of missions and throws them all back on combat status. He's been doing that ever since he got here" (p.102)

CHARACTERIZATION
1. Direct- "There were many principles in which Clevinger believed passionately. He was crazy."
Indirect- Milo"I just can't sit here and watch while those mess halls let my syndicate die."
Direct characterization is a statement of someone's personality or appearance, while indirect characterization tells something of a character by their actions. The quotes above signify both direct and indirect characterization.

2. Characters in this novel are often spoken of differently than the tone and horror surrounding them. The characters are specific and contain their own qualities that can often differ from the environment around them. The aurora of the novel contained dread and discontentment, but some of the characters proved to enlighten this time with didactic statements and techniques that sometimes altered tone. The qualities of satire seemed to illuminate the war. It was slight, but it made some impact.

3. Yossarian is the protagonist of the novel. He hates war and eventually comes to the conclusion that everyone is attempting to kill him. He eventually leaves in open rebellion to the extensive missions and the fact that he felt that he could almost never leave. Instead of trying to temporarily avoid war, he decides to take it to the next level and desert Sweden.

4. After the novel, I felt that I had simply read about a character. Due to the fact that I never connected with the plot and often became bored, it sometimes felt more like history than a story line. For this reason it never seemed that I had even met Yossarian or any of the other characters. 

Could This Be My 'Big Question?'

I've often wondered how people view their own life. Do they enjoy it? Do they regret it? Do they wish for something more? Do they like what they see in the mirror? Do they feel complete? Do you feel complete... There is so much pressure in the world to be the most athletic, best looking, and most known. It seems that people try so hard to climb their individual "social ladder" that I wonder if any true fulfillment comes of it. Others pretend that they don't care about any of the above, but is that 100% true? I don't know. We live in a day and age where people lock their emotions away in a cage. It's hard to know if anyone around me is just living or truly alive. Am I just living or truly alive, again I don't know.

Vocabulary #2

Definitions: 

accoutrements - noun personal clothing, accessories, etc.; the equipment, excluding weapons and clothing, of a soldier.
apogee - noun apoapsis in Earth orbit; the point in its orbit where a satellite is at the greatest distance from the Earth; a final climactic stage
apropos - adj. of an appropriate or pertinent nature; adv. by the way; at an opportune time
bicker - noun a quarrel about petty points; verb argue over petty things
coalesce - verb fuse or cause to grow together; mix together different elements
contretemps - noun an awkward clash
convolution - noun the action of coiling or twisting or winding together; a convex fold or elevation in the surface of the brain; the shape of something rotating rapidly
cull - noun the person or thing that is rejected or set aside as inferior in quality; verb remove something that has been rejected;look for and gather
disparate - adj. including markedly dissimilar elements;fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind
dogmatic - adj. characterized by assertion of unproved or unprovable principles; relating to or involving dogma; of or pertaining to or characteristic of a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative
licentious - adj. lacking moral discipline; especially sexually unrestrained
mete - noun a line that indicates a boundary
noxious - adj. injurious to physical or mental health
polemic - adj. of or involving dispute or controversy; noun a controversy (especially over a belief or dogma); a writer who argues in opposition to others (especially in theology)
populous - adj. densely populated
probity - noun complete and confirmed integrity; having strong moral principles
repartee - noun adroitness and cleverness in reply
supervene - verb take place as an additional or unexpected development
truncate - adj. terminating abruptly by having or as if having an end or point cut off; verb make shorter as if by cutting off; approximate by ignoring all terms beyond a chosen one; replace a corner by a plane
unimpeachable - adj. beyond doubt or reproach; completely acceptable; not open to exception or reproach; free of guilt; not subject to blame


Sentences:

Women tend to care more about accouterments than men.
The movie Gravity is involved with apogee.
The apropos grade came at the end of the semester.
Sibling bicker among each other
Coalesce is similar to coalition.
It was a contretemps to run into the man that I see randomly around town.
The convolution of the screws was necessary.
No one wants to feel like a cull.
A doppelganger is quite disparate.
The unruly woman was excessively dogmatic.
When speaking to the priest the child was rudely licentious.
Don't cross the mete into Canada.
When Jonah broke his wrist streaking at a football game, it was noxious.
Agree to disagree is an easy way to settle a polemic argument.
Wow! This city is so populous.
A hero has great probity.
The young man was inexperienced but yet clever and repartee.
It was a supervene surprise to see my old friend from 6 years ago.
An apocalypse is a truncating event.
You cant deny me, I'm unimpeachable.