FIRST IMPRESSION OF A DREAM!

Simply Brilliant.

Today, I read a poem, entitled, A Dream Within a Dream, composed by the infamous, Edgar Allen Poe. Now, if you have interest in poetry or literature in general the amazing writings of Poe are no stranger. I happen to be one of those people. Therefore, I was expecting greatness while reading the poem and that is what I and more! During the first lines, I ebelived the poewas going to fuuc of the theme of loss of time and or the deficit of time. However, the poem explored this theme and others such, like dreams/imagination. Furthermore, Edgar proposes that we live life as dream. For the reason, that we let our beliefs/thoughts contribute the way we perceive the world. Therefore, we love a dream within a dream. I found this extremely eye-opening and insightful. As the author, always is! In the end, Poe once again showered my brain with insightful thinking and observations. 

MY TIME PORTFOLIO!

In general

Days of the Week	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday	Total Time of the Week
Selling Time	7:00 hrs	9:00 hrs	9:00 hrs	9:00 hrs	14:00 hrs	2:00 hrs	3:00 hrs	53 hrs
Giving Time	2:00 hrs	2:00 hrs	2:00 hrs	2:00 hrs	3:00 hrs	6:00 hrs	6:00 hrs	23 hrs
Spending Time	5:00 hrs	4:00 hrs	4:00 hrs	4:00 hrs	0 hrs	4:00 hrs	2:00 hrs	23 hrs
Passing Time	2:00 hrs	1: 00 hrs	1: 00 hrs	1: 00 hrs	0 hrs	4:00 hrs	5:00 hrs	14 hrs
Biology	8:00 hrs	8:00 hrs	8:00 hrs	8:00 hrs	7:00 hrs	8:00 hrs	8:00 hrs	55 hrs

MY ESSAY ESSAY!

                                            Power of One's Mind

       Thud! Thud! Thud! The sound of your heartbeat was echoing in your ears. Anxiety. Nervous. Stress. All these words were thrashing throughout your mind. Today, was your mind-term for your class. It was going to determine what grade would receive in the class. Therefore, you spent waves of hours studying and preparing for the test and typically received good grades. However, in your mind you kept telling yourself you were gonna fail.Everyone that you knew  that took course had failed the midterm, which evoke in you believing you weren't going to pass. Now, will actions of preparation win your doubts of the test. Answer: No you received a below average on the test. But, why you studied and prepared for hours? Although, the work and effort was put in there was a lack of mental strength that plays a significant role. Therefore, as of that day you perceived that there was no purpose in studying or trying if failing was going ro the result anyways. You now view the world of study as meaningless and pointless. Furthermore, the ideology is presented in Nathaniel Hawthorne's work, Young Goodman Brown, the theme is presented and or expressed to be that our genuine, true beliefs despite our reputation can change the way we perceive/see the world. So, how did Hawthorne express this theme; the most significant factor was the use of symbolism. However, the use of foreshadow, and tone contributed as well.
       To start off, Nathaniel's strength is shown to be in the component of symbolism. The symbols given throughout the plot significantly helped establish the hidden or in depth meaning of the text that ultimately, create the theme. For example, the staff of the old man/traveler that walked with the protagonist, Young Goodman Brown, through the forest. Firstly, the old man was proven later in the story to be the devil. Although, his staff played a more major role in the theme. The staff took to symbolize evil and deformity. Therefore, when Brown in the dream and or maybe even real walk in the woods, took the staff to aid him to continue walking revealed that the sense of evil/opposing of religious faith was truly Brown's current beliefs.  To add on, there were mere pink ribbons. At first, the pink ribbons seem to be a simple accessory to the Brown's wife, Faith, but as the story unfolds they come to serve a much more larger purpose. During the plot, Brown is questioning his religious faith after discovering several people he looked up to as religious figures associated with the devil. In other words, Brown was questioning the generalized pureness and or goodness of people. But, once he saw the pink ribbons come falling down from the trees the answer was clear. For the reason, that the one last "pure" thing, his faith(in religion/wife), had fallen into the hands of evil. As a result, once again revealing Brown's true perspective on the Puritans in his society which was they were hippicritical/corrupted. To conclude, the use of symbols helped present Brown's genuine beliefs and mistrust of people in the world due to them. So, that is why symbolism was the key factor to creating the theme. 
       Secondly, Hawthorne also presented the use of foreshadow. In definition, foreshadowing is a technique used to indicate an upcoming event in other words or warning almost. Looking into the literal objects, instead of symbols, Nathaniel uses this technique  when he consistently mention's brown's wife's accessory, the pink ribbons. Now, these ribbons seem to play many roles in the plot right?  In this case, this helps us reader's understand that the pink ribbons will mentioned again later in the plot but, serving  larger reval than just being accessories. Therefore, it helps create the scene by setting up the for the "climax" which is when the theme is revealed most specifically. As a result, it contributed to the making of the theme.  Next, there's the staff once gain however, its the shape of the staff this time. In the story, the staff is shaped a serpent. In regards to biblical stories, a serpent is way to represent the devil himself. So, this shape of the staff foreshadows that the old man is the devil, which is proven later on. This foreshadow helps the audience understand that evil will play a factor in the theme as it is foreshadowed in the plot. In gist, the foreshadow enabled the audience to prepare for the theme in order to analyze efficiently and adequately. 
       Finally, we have tone; the author's attitude towards a certain subject and or event. Throughout, the plot the main tone is shown to serious and formal and or straight to the point. To rephrase, there is no exaggerated tone in this piece of literature. An example of this is, "It was as lonely as could be; and there is this peculiarity in such a solitude, that the traveler knows not who may be concealed by the innumerable trunks and the thick boughs overhead; so that, with lonely footsteps, he may yet be passing through an unseen multitude" (Hawthorne). So, this explicitly shows/tells us the woods are creepy. Like, trees look like witches, and night noises sound like creepy devils coming out to get you. The point here is that Hawthorne is setting us up for confusion. Just like Brown, the dark woods are confusing our sense of truth and fantasy. In addition there's the quote, "There may be a devilish Indian behind every tree," said Goodman Brown, to himself; and he glanced fearfully behind him, as he added, "What if the devil himself should be at my very elbow!" (Hawthorne) . The text is flatout said there is no evident emotion or attitude given out by the author there is only simply the establishment of the character's fear/anxiety of the setting around. Therefore, as we continue reading this story the formality and simplicity o the other's tone crates a more subtle/nerve wrecking vibe if you may. As a result, when the theme is introduced it impacts the reader more because the tone set up a certain vibe and or feel beforehand. 
       As mentioned before, one's own thoughts can manipulate and change the way one envisions the world. Everyday. Every hour, Every second, An opinion or judgement is made. Currently, people see this a mere normal humane factor. But, it holds such a deeper purpose. It just takes one opinion or judgement maybe due to one event to change our whole entire perspective on the world. Just one. Keep this is mind it may come it in the future for you, 

MY THESIS STATEMENT!

Prompts...

Prompts, typically there are given to provide a certain structure and or outline if you may for an writing piece like, an essay. Furthermore, a prompt is helpful for the fact that is gives the writer the foundation  to begin to start their work. However, a prompt limits and or restricts writers of their freedom to speak their mind about a topic. For the reason, that it may or may not be related to the point of focus in the prompt. Now, regarding, Young Goodman Brown, a short story, written by Nathaniel Thorne. Prompt or no prompt? In my view, it would be better to not have a singular prompt because there are many components to the story like the power of imagination, puritism in the 17th century, and the true identity of one's self not regarding their reputation. But, if there were to be a prompt I believe the best one would be: Analyze the work, Young Goodman Brown, and select whether to express the purpose, theme, and or influence the works presents and connect it to the audience.

READ. TALK. UNDERSTAND!

Essay...

Once again, I participated in a discussion However, this one was distinctive from past discussions. The author of the essay, do. or do not. there is no essay, was present in the room during the conversation. Now, I found it easier to understand the author's message when he elaborated on his words and work. That is really the only difference I found in this discussion compared to others but it a strong differentiation. Moving forward, I mostly understood the whole message of the text which was to blow away from the typical thoughts of an essay and think about in a new positive way. Although, I did learn/realize something from the the discussion that I had not noticed before, which was that Montaigne the creator essay did not create them to make students stress or feel negatively towards them. Simply, Montaigne wanted us to write. Write what is on our minds. Make your readers/audience understand your thinking and or idea. This really moved me. Therefore, I was grateful for this discussion an for the presence of the author. 

FOOD FOR THOUGHTS #6!

Password Life...

*Your password is as secured as the weakest websites you've ever been on*        

          ↪ Ex: Chilli's Security gets hacked A LOT!

•  CHANGE YOUR PASSWORD EVERY 30 DAYS!!
• Combination of uppercase/lowercase letters, numbers, and other characters ↪Examples:D0gc4t, G0t M14k
• May keep a notepad/journal of passwords ONLY if you can keep it SECURE!
• Password Manager (offline or online)
• secure, change, REPEAT
• *No one can force you to reveal your passcode*
• *Can compel you to use your fingerprint and face recognition*
• KEY TIP: whenever you give your phone to someone always clean the screen to not give your password due to the smudges on the glass 

YOUNG OLD GOOD BAD!

Deeper into the Woods...

Why Hawthorne?

In regards to, Nathaniel Hawthorne's story, Young Goodman Brown, I believe his purpose specifically was to reveal the corruption in the Puritan society back then. For the reason, that Hawthorne places the setting on the story back in the century where the New England colonies practiced and advocated Puritism. Also, there is the generalized purpose that could be interpreted which is to reveal one's reputation does not define their true character.

Stephen King (The hidden side of people)

So, Stephen King quotes that this story is the scariest story ever written. In my view,I think King is so affected by this story because of the generalized purpose of it which as said before, is  you may never truly see the difference betweens one's reputation and one's character. Now, if you really take this into consideration the more terrifying it gets. Furthermore, imagine if everyone in your life your parents, family, and friends had this whole other side of them you never knew about. In other words, the story is implying everyone surrounded by you may be strangers and you will never truly know it or not. I mean that's just flat out terrifying! Therefore, that is the reason why I think King was so impacted and inspired by this piece. 

The Power of our Imaginations 

In the story, it is questioned whether or not the protagonist, Young Goodman Brown, dreamt or actually lived out his traumatizing experience that resulted him in losing trust and faith in people and his religion. After analyzing the text, I feel that Brown's walk in the woods was a figment of is imagination. Therefore, this reveals the power of our mind by showing that thoughts or feelings we have can result in this whole construct dream that answers our doubts and or questions we have towards someone or something. In my view, Brown was beginning to question his faith. As a result, came a dream about him losing his faith and falling into the grasp of evil. To add on, this experience Brown had impacted him forever changing his beliefs significantly. So, that is why our imagination is shown to be powerful by this story.

YOUNG GOODMAN BROWN!

Beyond the Walk in the Woods...

Author's Purpose

In my perspective, I believe that Nathaniel Hawthorne's purpose of writing was to reveal the hypocrisy in the Puritan society by showing the difference between one's appearance in society and their true identities. 

"Faith"

Hawthorne states, that Young Goodman Brown's wife is, "aptly named Faith", now I find myself in agreeing this statement. For the reason, that in the beginning of the story Brown is shown be extremely faithful to his religion. However, when Brown went to the party of evil and sw his wife, Faith, he lost his faithfulness in religion and in people. Furthermore, Brown started to no longer trust people seeing that their true identities were being revealed which were in contrast to who he thought they were.

The Pink Ribbons

In my perspective, Faith's pink ribbons served more than a mere accessory in regards to the plot. At the start of the story, the pink ribbons are repeated several times. Therefore, implicitly implying their significance. In my view, the ribbons signify his actual faith in religions andpeople.As a result, when Brown is questioning the generalized pureness and or goodness of people the pink ribbons come falling down. This showed that the one last "pure" thing, his faith, had fallen into the hands of evil. In addition, at the end of the story the next morning Faith has both of her pink ribbons. This event makes the readers and Brown himself question whether what occured in the woods real or just his imagination. 

Real or Imaginary?

After analyzing the text, I believe that the walk in the woods was a figment of Brown's imagination. For the reason that, threwere certain details in the text that give off an imagination vibe i guess I could say. For example, the text states,"Turning the corner by the meeting-house, he spied the head of Faith, with the pink ribbons, gazing anxiously forth, and bursting into such joy at sight of him", (Hawthorne). This reveal fallacy in Brown's experience in the woods, in the woods Faith's ribbon falls through the trees but, in the present she has both ribbons. As a result, this makes believe his experience was imaginary. In addition, in the text it is stated that brown rest on rock and blacks out, what if Brown was sleeping there the whole time? Maybe he fell asleep during his walk. At least, that's what I think.  However his imagination did hold some truths. The events in the woods he imagined were based on his doubts, so it is more than just imagination. In my view, Brown was a devout Puritan. Therefore, Brown believes in some of the ideals that contradict the clergymen, and this confuses Brown, he does not know who/what to believe anymore. In other words, Brown needed a way to find the answers to these questions in order to sort his doubts. Therefore, came the imaginary walk in the woods.

The Old Man

The text explicitly reveals the old man to be the devil. As as example, in the story it quotes ,"The devil'...'The devil!', screamed the pious old lady," (Hawthorne). This is pretty straightforward as we knew we would be talking about religion from the start it was bound for us to connect the old man with being the devil. 

The Serpent Staff

To start off, the serpent severs as a staff. This just screams off evil. Moving on, I think the staff was put in to serve as a symbol of Brown's motivation/tool to move deeper into the woods and or devil's grap. In the text, the devil offers he staff to hep Brown move faster. Therefore, this all connects back to the original symbol serpent in the biblical stories, Goodman Brown takes him up on the offer and, is ultimately condemned for his weakness by losing his innocence. Besides representing Temptation , the serpent represents Brown's curiosity, which led him into that temptation. In other words,  Brown's decision to come into the forest is motivated by curiosity. While, the staff makes clear that Brown, when he takes the staff for himself, is on the path toward evil.

Would it be Different?

Now, the question is would Brown's life would've been different if he never ventured out into the woods? I answer yes and no. I find myself neutral in this position. For the reason, that Brown has had to have doubts about the Puritans and or the people of his community. Therefore, the truth about their identities was inevitable or in other words bound to happen whether imagined or real. However, I do not think his view on his wife, Faith,would change, he carries such strong emotions towards her. Therefore, it would take Brown to physically seeing her associated with evil to begin to not trust her. In summary, if Brown never walked into the woods he would have more trust in people but, the truth is bound to come out. 

HAVING THE TIME OF MY LIFE!

Understanding...

Time management. We all heard this once or twice before. However, have you ever thought about the significance of it? Now, every person has his or hers different time schedule whether its planned and or made up on the way. Furthermore, the knowledge of knowing what time you spend, give, sell, and pass could significantly improve your decisions on how you manage your time. To start off, when we spend time it's typically practicing something like a sport or hobby like drawing. Next,is signing time this is when you socialize whether in person or on your phone. Then, there's selling your time this is seen when you working whether at your job or school. Lastly, there's passing time this is when you are doing things like watching a movie or netflix. In other words, your entertainment. So, how can knowing all these variations of our time usage help you? Easy. Now, that you know the categories you can easily list how you spend your time.Therefore, you can now manage and move around what you need to spend more time on. As a result, you will be more considerate on what you specifically spend your time on and its benefit for you. All in all, the more you analyze your time usage the more positive decisions you will make to help aid you in whatever goal and or simple task you have,

THE MEDIUM IS THE MESSAGE!

Consideration at it's Finest.

Text. Email. Letter. Social media post. All of these are channels of communication we currently use. After analyzing the chanels, I have concluded when I will each and every one of them. In my perspective, the best time to use a text if is the receiver knows you well and on a more personal level. Like, a friend or family member. To ad on, I will text if I need a quick response to any particular question or if I need an immediate conversation with an individual. Secondly, I select to use email if I want to contact someone professionally. This does not need much explanation we all know that emails are like the professional version of texts. Thirdly, letters, I would us this form of communication when I want to leave an impact on the receiver. For example, if I want show appreciation to someone's help a handwritten letter in the mail will be significant fulfilling as a thank you. Lastly, social media. This is pretty explicit on its own. Anyhow, I would use this when I want my message to be known by everyone quite quickly. The post allows several people to view my message at quick pace. In conclusion it is important to know your options of communication it ca help you greatly in the future.







Signing out,
Destiny G.

FOOD FOR THOUGHTS #5!

Email.

• Techne= the way we use tools to communicate (as a human time)
• Wifi= the internet network that technically send your email,text, ect. (around for about 20 yrs.)

                                                                                                Feedback

Transmitter ⇀⇀⇀⇀⇀⇀→Message⇀⇀⇀⇀⇀⇀⇀⇀→Receiver ↺

                                           *Channel*

                                            (Medium)

• Plural term of medium= Media
• We choose of channels of communication without thinking of the impact on the receiver        (Ex. Break up text/post)
• If you don't want to be misunderstood⇒ Have an in person conversation 
• Talk is cheap 
• Stereotype- Youth prefers text or while, the matureudience prefers email 
• **Write a handwritten letter**⇒ significant impact on receiver 

-How to keep email secure:

• Use two-step verification Process
• Change passwords around every 30 days 
• Protonmail (Suggested Site)

...Signing out,

Destiny G.

SO THIS GUY GOES FOR A WALK...

Misconceived.

This morning, I began to read Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story, Young Goodman Brown. Although, I did not get very far into the story it still left an impression. At first, in my view the plot seems so innocent a man leaving to complete task while, his wife is saddened by his departure. However, the more you go into the story the more and more darker it gets. Furthermore, as the Young Goodman Brown continued his walk he is to reveal he is completing an "evil" task. Therefore, as he reaches his meeting with the man with the serpent staff he constantly say he wants to return back to his wife. To add on, Brown tells the man that his family have been christians and good people for generations. So, he continues on to say he feels ashamed to be associated with man he is meeting with. However, the man replies to  Goodman Brown saying that he knew Goodman Brown's Grandfather and even father. This event ignites the thinking question of the do you really know the people you're surrounded by? In my opinion. this is a terrifying question if you actually spend time analyzing it. As a result, the impression this story leaves on me is fear and interest of looking deeper into my life and the people who are in. In other words, I think this story was boring at first but, it quite quickly shifts to me being fearful and interested in its plot.

Signing out,
Destiny G.

LITATURE ANALYSIS: THE OUTSIDERS

"Stay Gold, Ponyboy,".

Plot: 

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, a fourteen year old boy, named Ponyboy Curtis, a member of a  teen gang (The Greasers) narrates a significant chapter from is life. In his household, the teen is raised by his two brothers Darry and Sodapop who are also Greasers. To start off,  the Greasers are in conflict with the Socials (The Socs), a rival group. In other words, there are the "poor", the Greasers and the "rich" ,the Socials. As a result, Ponyboy and his companion, Johnny Cade, get into a fight that concludes in the death of a Social. Therefore, in fear the two teens are forced to go into hiding. Soon, Ponyboy and Johnny, along with their other Greaser buddies, must try to live with the consequences of their violent lives. While, some Greasers attempt to better themselves others meet pure tragedy. However, in the end Ponyboy finds himself through it all.

Theme:  

The overall message, is that any form of conflict between classes whether social or in general is pointless and destructive. 

Author's Morning:

Based of the author's tone, I envision the author's morning routine quite negative. First, I see the writer waking up early although, they would much rather be asleep. I get the sense that the author was young when this was written for the reason that the ability to describe a young teens thoughts/feeling are strongly relate-able. This is seen in this text, "Me and Darry just didn't dig each other. I never could please him. He would have hollered at me for carrying a blade if I had carried one. If I brought home B's, he wanted A's, and if I got A's, he wanted to make sure they stayed A's. If I was playing football, I should be in studying, and if I was reading, I should be out playing football. He never hollered at Sodapop--- not even when Soda dropped out of school or got tickets for speeding. He just hollered at me ," (pg. 12). Therefore, the author will be annoyed by waking up early. Coffee is a must! I sense that the author is continuously sleep deprived because the way she writes the text is the protagonist is always tired or frustrated over something. An example of this is, "...wishing I had some company. Greasers can't walk alone too much or they'll get jumped, or someone will come by and scream "Greaser!" at them, which doesn't make you feel too hot, if you know what I mean," (pg. 3-4). The protagonist is tired of feeling alone and begins to give reasons to why its bad to be alone as a Greaser to let out his frustration. Therefore, in order to cure the sleep deprivation a cup of coffee and or energy drink most likely will be needed! No exercise! The author makes a few references of sports here and there but, the mentions of school and academics is constant. For example, "You must think at school, with all those good grades you bring home, and you've always got your nose in a book, but do you ever use your head for common sense," (pg. 12). This explicitly shows the academic vibe. So, I see the author as a non-active nerdy type of person. In conclusion, the author's tone throughout the reading was frustrated and negative. As a result, I see the morning routine as an early wake up filled with negativity and coffee with no breakfast to start of their "wonderful" day. 

Literary Techniques:

Now, as I was reading I saw characterization, foreshadow, symbolism, similes and allusion. Firstly, let's explore the  characterization: " I have light-brown, almost-red hair and greenish-gray eyes. I wish they were more gray...My hair is longer than a lot of boys wear theirs, squared off in back and long at the front and sides, but I am a greaser and most of my neighborhood rarely bothers to get a haircut. Besides, I look better with long hair", (pg. 1),  "Darry is six-feet-two, and broad-shouldered and muscular. He has dark-brown hair that kicks out in front and a slight cowlick in the back--- just like Dad's--- but Darry's eyes are his own. He's got eyes that are like two pieces of pale blue-green ice. They've got a determined set to them, like the rest of him. He looks older than twenty--- tough, cool, and smart. He would be real handsome if his eyes weren't so cold. He doesn't understand anything that is not plain hard fact. But he uses his head", (pg. 6-7), "Soda is handsomer than anyone else I know. Not like Darry--- Soda's movie-star kind of handsome, the kind that people stop on the street to watch go by. He's not as tall as Darry, and he's a little slimmer, but he has a finely drawn, sensitive face that somehow manages to be reckless and thoughtful at the same time. He's got dark-gold hair that he combs back--- long and silky and straight---and in the summer the sun bleaches it to a shining wheat gold. His eyes are dark brown---lively, dancing, recklessly laughing eyes that can be gentle and sympathetic one moment and blazing with anger the next", (pg. 7-8). After analyzing these descriptions of the characters,  I was able to paint out the view/scenery of the protagonist's (Ponyboy) life. Furthermore, these simple descriptions allowed me to take out that the protagonist is not the most confident, without a doubt adores/favors his second oldest brother, and has conflict with his oldest brother (father figure). Secondly, I recognized foreshadowing. Let's list the excerpts I found the foreshadow in: "A rumble, when it's called, is usually born of a grudge fight, and the opponents just happen to bring their friends along", (pg. 11), "And Johnny, who was the most law-abiding of us, now carried in his back pocket a six-inch switchblade.," (pg. 34), "...snatched up an empty bottle, busted off the end, and gave it to me, then reached in his back pocket and flipped out his switchblade...", (pg. 45). All of these quotes are serving as implicit hints that foreshadowing the climax,  when a main character Johnny Cade,  killed a Soc with his switchblade. The rumble reveals that the Greasers and Socs have tension with one another. As for the switchblades, are constantly repeated emphasizing its significance. Thirdly, I noticed that the author used symbolism in her writing. To be more specific she used the sunset constantly as a symbol. For example, "Maybe the two different worlds we live in weren't so different. We saw the same sunset", (pg. 41). At this moment in the novel, Ponyboy was in midst of anger that girl he likes constantly helps the Socials as she is one as well. However, to diffuse his anger he begins to thnk about the sunset imagining her to be watching the sunset just as he is at that point of the book. Therefore, in this section the sunset symbolizes a sense of peace and unity. In addition, there's the text, "I never noticed the clouds and stuff until you kept reminding me about them. It seems like they were never there before", (pg. 78). In this quote, the character Johnny Cade, is experiencing a truly new dawn because his eyes open up to this new way of life that Ponyboy helped him get. As a result, some sunset represent the new view of life for Johnny and or his view on the world in general. "I mean, I couldn't tell Two-Bit or Steve or even Darry about the sunrise and  clouds and stuff. I couldn't even remember that poem around them", (pg.78). Now, here we see that Ponyboy has also gained something from Johnn which is a brand new true personal connection. For the reason, that Ponyboy finally found someone who thinks and sees the way he does. So, here the sunset represents Ponyboy and Johnny's loser establishment of friendship and care for one another. Next, I saw the use of similes. Like, "There was Two-Bit grinning, like a Chessy cat", (pg. 27). This simile helped me gain more knowledge about the character Two-Bit's childlike personality because immediately the iconic grin of the Cheshire cat from, Alice in Wonderland, almost immediately popped up into my head..  To add on, there's, "And for Pete's sake, run a comb through your and quit slouching down like a thug," (pg. 64). This quite and ironic part of the novel because Ponyboy and Johnny are Greasers and are on the run from a murder charge. This in my opinion at lest let me see the comedic side of the author kind of knowing them in a personal way I guess I should say. Also, there is, "You know how it is, when you wake up in a strange place and where in the world you are, until a memory comes rushing over you like a wave", (pg. 68). Now, right the author brings up a relatable topic that allowed to connect with the character on a personal level and feel sympathy towards the situation in that time of the plot. Finally, there were several allusions and or hidden messages I should say. One example is,"...on my mind Paul Newman...he looks tough I don't", (pg. 1). The infamous actor brought into the picture allowing the readers to understand Ponyboy desires to have the look and life of the exciting Paul Newman. Next, there is an old fairytale brought up, "Hey, Ponyboy!' He grinned down at me or should I sleeping beauty", (pg.80). Right here, this small reference brings out a comedy relief and insight on the hardcore character of Dallas Winston. From this I was able to infer hat Dally has a soft spot for the younger member of the gang. Lastly, is my favorite of them all, "Johnny left you his copy of Gone with the Wind. Told the nurse he wanted you to have it", (pg. 158). Throughout, the novel this book is mentioned several times. But, it has a purpose to doing so. The book served as a representation of Ponyboy's personality/interest and most importantly the key that ignited Ponyboy's and Johnny's close relationship. To conclude, the author used a large amount of literary devices to move along the story keeping the readers interested and entertained. Therefore, I never felt a second of boredom while, reading this work. Oh! And remember stay gold.

Signing out, 

Destiny G.

FOR THE WIN!

PROUD!

In terms of this one particular course, I found myself doing something really well. After analyzing my assignments,  I've noticed that in my writing I am able to carry on my arguments/opinions to the readers . To add on, I've gained some feedback from peers that my opinion and purpose of the text is clearly seen and presented. So, I feel that I Am succeeding in my writing in general. Looking back, to my writing beforehand, I am seeing some significant improvements. For example, I seemore use advanced vocabulary, transitions, and consideration for the way I organize my writing. To conclude, I am proud of myself to be able to make the readers understand my perspective on topics! Huge gold star in my book!

Signing out,
Destiny G.

I AIN'T GOT TIME FOR THIS!

MY TIME SPENT?

During the week, I tend to spend my time at school, practice, and at home. As I mentioned before, I am a student athlete which means I am at school all day then, return home at night. Why? Do I spend my time like this? Well, my ultimate goal in life is to become a lawyer. Therefore, school is must obviously! Furthermore, spending a majority of my time in school will ensure that I will be able to graduate and apply for colleges that will help me reach my career. Secondly, practice is a significant component of my time. Constantly, I  practice everyday except for Sunday. How does practice for my sport help me get closer to reaching my dream? Simple, The more I practice the more better I will become in my sport. Therefore,as I continue to get better during the season I will have a good performance level that may catch the eye of college scouts looking for recruitments. As a result, my sport lays out the option for a scholarship that could help me significantly. Thirdly, home sweet home, here I work on my homework and simply rest. Currently, the courses I take require a large amount of attention and work. Therefore, I tend to have homework everyday even on weekends in order to catch I guess I should say. Luckily, I do have some opportunities at home to just relax and step out of that stressful environment school has created for me. The factor, homework, helps me reach my goal by establishing a deeper understanding of the key concepts of my courses which will benefit my performance in that particular class. Moving on, relaxation. This component allows me to "restart" myself. In other words, when I get home and simply do nothing it aids me to collect myself after the time-consuming week. As a result,I tend to be more prepared to complete the following week that consists of more, homework, practice and school. In the end, I feel that I am managing my time well so that none of it will go to waste.

Signing out,
Destiny G.

Signing Out,
Destiny G.

FOOD FOR THOUGHTS #4!

TIME!

Time/Effort 

      

                                       😡                                                                              😊

                           (Anger/Frustration)                                                        (Proud/Happy)

    

                                       😔                                                              Non-existent Category               

                              (Sad/Defeated)                                                                   

                                                                              Satisfaction  

•  Two Types of "Satisfaction"- 

1. A person who has worked hard for it feel good!!!
2.  A person who hasn't worked for it feels like a fraud (inheritor of a billion dollar company) 

• 1 Day= 8400 s  (How we spend it typically):

1. Sleeping
2. Shower
3. Breakfast
4. Phone- Social
5. Clubs- Resume
6. Practice- Sports/Hobbies 
7. Cleaning 
8. Homework- School
9. Netflix/Video Games- Entertainment 

Selling Time:                          Giving Time:        Spending Time:       Passing Time:     Biology:

-Homework                             -Socialize               -Practice                     -Netflix               -Sleep

-Meetings/Clubs                       -Phone                   -Hobbies                    -Video Games      -Eat

-School                                     -Cleaning                                                                              -Shower

-Commute                                                                                                                               -Clean

-Work

*Selling Time= When we agree to sell our time to market place in exchange for profit/something better 

*Giving Time= exchangeage time to socialize 

*Spending Time= We exchange our time that our personally rewarding 

*Passing Time= Recharging our battery 

Signing out,

Destiny G.

THE EARTH ON TURTLE'S BACK!

First Thoughts...

This afternoon, I read the myth, The Earth on the Turtle's Back, told by Onondaga-Northeast Woodlands. In summary, the plot is a woman falls into a hole that results in her to land in another dimension. As a result, a group various animals attempt to fish the Earth from the bottom floor of the water source. Finally, the smallest animal of all, the muskrat, succeeds at getting the Earth and places it on the turtle's back as well as the women. Therefore, creating the start of life on Earth. In regards to myself, I was greatly fascinated by this story, it provided a strong message and was entertaining. Now, what is a myth exactly? A myth is a story told/written to explain a concept that we don't understand. In this case, the myth  was explaining the "Big bang theory", or in other words the way the Earth was created/started.  Throughout the story, the tribe uses entertainment tools like personification (amorphisation), suspense, stereotypes to keep the story moving. Overall, the  moral of the story is with determination and resilience you can succeed all, never underestimate the “underdog”, don’t judge a book by its cover, and etc. . Now, the purpose of the tribe telling this myth to their younger members to make the  youth learn to never give up, be stubborn, and have a strong sense of determination. To conclude, the myth was a creative way to teach the youth of the tribe a valuable life lesson.

*RECOMMENDATION*—Imagine yourself in a group of people circled around a fire in the night while, a storyteller is center by the fire!






Singing out,
Destiny G.

FOOD FOR THOUGHTS #3!

Texts...

• How does it work? 

          →PUBLIC!

• We use metaphors to descibe what we know ex. Desktops
• we knw how to COMMUNICATE even when restricted ex. notes Texts 

MUST KNOW:

1.Text with Integrity- Everything you text u should be able to back up with INTEGRITY -"Yah , I said it here's why"

2. TRUST the receiver of message 

TODAY I WAS THINKING...

Mindfulness?

Thoughts, consideration, kindness, and presence. This selection of words comes into one's mind when hearing the word, mindfulness. What is mindfulness exactly? In literal, definition mindfulness means to be conscious and or aware of something. Now, students today especially in high school experience very quick movement lifestyles. In other words, these students are equipped to move from class to class, to subject to subject, assignment to assignment, and so on. In midst, of all this constant change there may be periods of time where the student may struggle to be focused. So, here are some way to help you students and or people in general get to be present/achieve mindfulness. Firstly, rub your thumbs together. Just try it! Secondly, simply take a deep breaths. Lastly, close your eyes. You may continue this process for as long as you feel is needed. After performing this, you should feel more relaxed and focused. In addition, the environment should significantly change positively feeling more calm and quiet. To conclude, you may want to try this method before you begin any assignment and tasks throughout day it will help you greatly!

I CARE ABOUT YOUR UNDERSTANDING!

Do I make myself clear?

Today, I feel quite confident in my writing. After a discussion, we acknowledged that a writer's purpose is simply to make themselves understood. Who knew an author's purpose could be brought down to simple terms. I sure did not! Anyways, taking that fact in my I revised one of my works stating that my sole purpose was to make myself understood. In my view, doing so made my pion in that writing significantly clearer. In addition, I asked a couple of my peers to read my work. Overall, I received pure positive feedback similar to what I thought they replied that my message was clearly conveyed to them. Yay! As a result, I feel good about my writing as stated before. In conclusion, anytime you begin to write an essay, novel, and or mere post think about what i discussed here perhaps it will make your writing so much mere better as it did mine.






Signing out,
Destiny G. 

FOOOD FOR THOUGHTS #2!

Today's Talk...

 Notes:

• MONTAIGNE= French writer → 1st to attempt to write thoughts on paper (essay)
• Essay in french= to try 
• To be human↠to make ourselves UNDERSTOOD⇢ PURPOSE of an essay 
• The 5 Paragraph essay DOES NOT SURVIVE in the wild (real world of writing)

THE MAKING OF AN ESSAY!

My Experience...

Essay. Typically, the mention of the word ignites the emotion of dread, stress, and depressed for most people. Most of my peers absolutely despise essays! In contrast, I actually enjoy writing essays. Please note, I am not some writing genius or prodigy! My essays are not perfect! I stress out and get bored at times. However, that does not mean I do not like writing essays. I tend to enjoy challenge. Now,it all comes down to a topic if I'm passionate about a topic then I will most likely enjoy constructing the essay. Although,if the topic is not in my interest I will be quite bored. In addition, without a doubt love argumentative essays! Debating is my favorite while writing! so, let's get down to when i write the essays. I typically write late at night. It is almost like my best skills come into play a couple minutes before midnight. To add on, I spend almost all the time in the world in my introductory paragraph: I enjoy creating hooks. All in all, writing an essay is a challenging task that excites me (most of the time).

Signing out,

Destiny G. 

EVERYTHING IS A REMIX!

What do we take/borrow?

Discussion of the day:

• Remix: to combine already use materials to create something new                                                      - Ex: Good Times Chic beat sample 
• You don't need expensive tools and or even SKILLS!
• Remix- you took something or published work and combine/edit with something else to create a new form 
• Myths of Creativity- realm of God or Gods above and beyond →talent! 
• Romantics were NOT about romance about art that can speak to us emotionally
• Creativity =light bulb -moment of insights *not an divine gift 
• Truth behind creations= a mess! 
• Expect something that is not like anything else 
• How do we actually create? →3 elements of Domain knowledge- learn the "language" -copying-flat out trying to mimic (any creative artists)→covers Bill Thompson retyped, The Great Gastpy, Transformation=expanding existing things                                                                     -Ex. steam engine(triggered industrial rev.) ; combination- putting together things even if they're unlike 

• Possibility↠just by learning in class -one can become geniuses 
• Internet= network of networks 
• Original ideas= property (it is no )
• Loss aversion=brains protects us from losing 
• Two distortions the lone creator ,  ideas of property -can't steal an idea literally *importance: creates a chain of event that wouldn't happen if we didn't think of ideas 
• Reforming Education system: 1.  economy 2. culture 
• A College degree does NOT guarantee a good job!
• Current edu. syst. was conceived in a different time period and or age 
• Academic and Non-academic 
• Economic and Intellectual 
• Modern edimic: ADHD it is not an epidemic →boing stuff (lessons) vs. platforms like games →given medication to help focus 

Signing out,

Destiny G. 

THE FIRST 50 PAGES!

First Impression...

Currently, I am reading the novel, The Outsiders, written by S.E. Hinton. Right of the bat I was hooked on this book! In regards to  myself, I love the 60's/80's time period. Therefore, when the introduction to this book mentioned Paul Newman it was a done deal. so, it's pretty obvious i Am interested in this book. In addition, the novel is written in first-person! I enjoyed this a lot. For the reason, that it really allows you to see/feel the protagonist's perspective on his life at the moment. Now, the character's are incredibly descriptive. Hinton was successful at providing a clear image of each character. As I said in recent posts, I tend to envision book characters as I read so this was a huge positive for me. Furthermore, the protagonist, Ponyboy, is raised by his two older brothers. This is interesting to me and I'm curious to see how this shall play out throughout the story-line. To summarize, these first fifty pages of this novel is consisted of introducing main character's traits, the protagonist's lifestyle, and the background to a conflict that will soon appear. However, the author does an amazing job characterizing without creating boredom for the reader.  Overall, it is only the beginning of the text but, I can already predict I will continue n loving this novel.