aficionado- a serious devotee of some particular music genre or musical performer
browbeat- to discourage or frighten with threats or a domineering manner; intimidate
commensurate- able to be measured by a common standard
diaphanous- Of such fine texture as to be transparent or translucent
emolument- Payment for an office or employment
foray- A sudden raid or military advance
genre- A realistic style of painting that depicts scenes from everyday life
homily- An inspirational saying or platitude
immure- To confine within or as if within walls; imprison
insouciant- carefree or unconcerned; light-hearted
matrix- a substance, situation, or environment in which something has its origin, takes form, or is enclosed
obsequies- A funeral rite or ceremony
panache- A bunch of feathers or a plume, especially on a helmet.
persona- The role that one assumes or displays in public or society; one's public image or personality, as distinguished from the inner self
philippic- a bitter or impassioned speech of denunciation; invective
prurient- unusually or morbidly interested in sexual thoughts or practices
sacrosanct- Regarded as sacred and inviolable
systemic- Of or relating to systems or a system
tendentious- Marked by a strong implicit point of view; partisan
vicissitude- A change or variation
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Tools that Change the Way We Think
In class we had to read an article
Below are my thoughts on it:
The internet has changed our generation. Take for example myself. I'm constantly anxious, there is something going on out there that I am missing. There is so much information out there that I have yet to encounter but I NEED to know in order to be the best version of myself that I can be. I can't simply have 'downtime' I need to be on social networking, reading a book, reading the news. I am also extremely impatient, going at such a fast pace while searching the web I become terribly anxious while waiting for a page to load.
I looked up what some celebrities might have to say and found this article:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/14/celebrities-technology_n_1322020.html#s780582&title=Ray_Bradbury
Which makes perfect sense that Ray Bradbury is against the Internet. In an interview he stated :
"To hell with you and to hell with the Internet.' It's distracting. It's meaningless; it's not real. It's in the air somewhere."
Below are my thoughts on it:
The internet has changed our generation. Take for example myself. I'm constantly anxious, there is something going on out there that I am missing. There is so much information out there that I have yet to encounter but I NEED to know in order to be the best version of myself that I can be. I can't simply have 'downtime' I need to be on social networking, reading a book, reading the news. I am also extremely impatient, going at such a fast pace while searching the web I become terribly anxious while waiting for a page to load.
I looked up what some celebrities might have to say and found this article:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/14/celebrities-technology_n_1322020.html#s780582&title=Ray_Bradbury
Which makes perfect sense that Ray Bradbury is against the Internet. In an interview he stated :
"To hell with you and to hell with the Internet.' It's distracting. It's meaningless; it's not real. It's in the air somewhere."
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Ur A What?
Have you heard about what is recently going on in Uruguay? You know, that tiny country in South America you studied once in 7th grade? Well that “insignificant” country is currently revolutionizing the way our world thinks.
In the past six months Uruguay has legalized not only same sex marriage for their whole country but has also legalized marijuana, two major feats that has taken America years to legalize and is still not allowed throughout the country.
It all has to do with their President, Jose Mujica, a man who donates about 90% of his salary to charities. He is considered an “anti-politician” because of his focus on the opinons of the people. Mujica has taken a giant step in legalizing Marjiuana and selling it for one dollar a gram in want to end the an underground drug ring located throughout the country.
Uruguay is constantly on close watch by countries from all over, especially America. If their country ends up benefiting by the new laws then we can expect to see a considerable increase in support for same-sex marriage and marijuana legalization worldwide.
Did you find this interesting? CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE
In the past six months Uruguay has legalized not only same sex marriage for their whole country but has also legalized marijuana, two major feats that has taken America years to legalize and is still not allowed throughout the country.
It all has to do with their President, Jose Mujica, a man who donates about 90% of his salary to charities. He is considered an “anti-politician” because of his focus on the opinons of the people. Mujica has taken a giant step in legalizing Marjiuana and selling it for one dollar a gram in want to end the an underground drug ring located throughout the country.
Uruguay is constantly on close watch by countries from all over, especially America. If their country ends up benefiting by the new laws then we can expect to see a considerable increase in support for same-sex marriage and marijuana legalization worldwide.
Did you find this interesting? CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE
THOUGHTS ON HAMLET (IN PROGRESS)
When I first started reading this place I found it confusing and boring. I've seen horror movies before, a ghost showing up out of no where for no reason and scaring people.. isn't that all of their plot lines nowadays? Then we got more in depth into the plot and all the schemes started happening and I became overwhelmed with the amount of information spewed out at me. It was all talk and no action. Then Act 3 came along, finally the plotlines crossed and action started happening. We are just now beginning to read Act 4 and I can same I am invested in this story and and interested to see how it turns out.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
WHAT I THINK ABOUT WHEN I THINK ABOUT ACT III
I really enjoyed Act 3, far more then I did the other two acts. Act 3 contained a lot of action which was nice to see after spending weeks studying the build up. I would hate to be sadistic and say I enjoyed reading about Polonious's death but the scene reminded me of the excitement I have found throughout the other Shakespeare works.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Literary Analysis #3
For this one I choose... *drumroll*
Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseni
1. Briefly summarize the plot of the novel you read according to the elements of plot you've learned in past courses (exposition, inciting incident, etc.). Explain how the narrative fulfills the author's purpose (based on your well-informed interpretation of same).
This story takes place from 1975-2001 mainly in Kabul, Afghanistan. We follow the story through the eyes of Amir, starting when he was a young boy all the way until about his mid-40s. We witness how his relationships with his 'best' friend and father change based on certain events and how this affects his personality and overall course of life. I believe Hosseni was trying to convey human nature with his story and basically it is us against ourselves, we are the only one holding ourselves back. He achieves this purpose by the story of Amir. Amir lets his instincts overtake him, he takes the easy road out on whatever the cause, trying not to face his fear. In the end Amir is swallowed up by his guilt and cannot fully live his life because of it.
2. Succinctly describe the theme of the novel. Avoid cliches.
As stated above I believe the theme of this novel his.
Humans vs. Themselves.
We are our own worst enemy (CLICHE. I know. I know.) But it's true in the fact that we only complicate our lives. Take for instance Amir's father. Baba lives his life in debt forever to his servants which is extremely ironic. Baba cast this upon himself when he slept the his servants wife and she had a child who also became his servant. This forced Baba to focus less of his time on his son and more on repaying his servants for his wrongs which ultimately leads to Amir believing he is not good enough of a son and spending his life trying to prove himself to his father.
3. Describe the author's tone. Include a minimum of three excerpts that illustrate your point(s).
I believe the author uses a very forgiving tone throughout the story as shown in these quotes:
"There is a way to be good again"
(Rahim Khan says this to Amir in his phone conversation with him.)
"I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering it things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night."
"Forgive your father if you can. Forgive me if you wish. But most importantly, forgive yourself."
4. Describe a minimum of ten literary elements/techniques you observed that strengthened your understanding of the author's purpose, the text's theme and/or your sense of the tone. For each, please include textual support to help illustrate the point for your readers. (Please include edition and page numbers for easy reference.)
I am not going to answer this question so I can spend more time working on inlocopolitico
CHARACTERIZATION
1. Describe two examples of direct characterization and two examples of indirect characterization. Why does the author use both approaches, and to what end (i.e., what is your lasting impression of the character as a result)?
An example of indirect characterization is when Amir witnesses Assef assault Hassan and does nothing about it, this shows he is a coward and afraid.
Another example is when Amir says this quote, “I was going to win, and I was going to run that last kite, Then I’d bring it home and show it to Baba. Show him once and all that his son was worthy” This quote shows Amir constant pleading for his Father's approval.
An example of direct characterization is:
"I can still see his tiny, low-set ears and that pointed stub of a chin, a meaty appendage that look like it was added as a mere afterthought. And the cleft lip, just left of mid line, where the Chinese doll maker's instrument may have slipped, or perhaps he had grown tired and careless"
and
"Born to a German mother and an Afghan father, the blond, blue eyed Assef towered over the other kids"
2. Does the author's syntax and/or diction change when s/he focuses on character? How? Example(s)?
I don't believe so. The author's tone does change though. For example when Hassan is talking the tone is suddenly for calm and joyful while when Amir is talking it's often frantic and condescending.
3. Is the protagonist static or dynamic? Flat or round? Explain.
Amir is a Dynamic and Round character. We watch Amir avenge his guilt by adopting Sohrab and in the end realizing he never should've had the guilt the in the first place, that he was not a bad son. We also witness Amir as he is obedient around his father, fearful around Assef, and powerful towards Hassan.
4. After reading the book did you come away feeling like you'd met a person or read a character? Analyze one textual example that illustrates your reaction.
Yes I have met a character. We witness the story through Amir's eyes. When he has a major event happen to him we are with him when it happens and for the most part we react the same way he does. I will end this Literary Analysis with my favorite quote from the story:
""She said, 'I'm so afraid.' And I said, "Why?,' and she said, "Because I'm so profoundly happy, Dr. Rasul. Happiness like this is frightening.' I asked her why and she said, 'They only let you be this happy if they're preparing to take something from you,' and I said, 'Hush up, now. Enough of this silliness.'"
Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseni
1. Briefly summarize the plot of the novel you read according to the elements of plot you've learned in past courses (exposition, inciting incident, etc.). Explain how the narrative fulfills the author's purpose (based on your well-informed interpretation of same).
This story takes place from 1975-2001 mainly in Kabul, Afghanistan. We follow the story through the eyes of Amir, starting when he was a young boy all the way until about his mid-40s. We witness how his relationships with his 'best' friend and father change based on certain events and how this affects his personality and overall course of life. I believe Hosseni was trying to convey human nature with his story and basically it is us against ourselves, we are the only one holding ourselves back. He achieves this purpose by the story of Amir. Amir lets his instincts overtake him, he takes the easy road out on whatever the cause, trying not to face his fear. In the end Amir is swallowed up by his guilt and cannot fully live his life because of it.
2. Succinctly describe the theme of the novel. Avoid cliches.
As stated above I believe the theme of this novel his.
Humans vs. Themselves.
We are our own worst enemy (CLICHE. I know. I know.) But it's true in the fact that we only complicate our lives. Take for instance Amir's father. Baba lives his life in debt forever to his servants which is extremely ironic. Baba cast this upon himself when he slept the his servants wife and she had a child who also became his servant. This forced Baba to focus less of his time on his son and more on repaying his servants for his wrongs which ultimately leads to Amir believing he is not good enough of a son and spending his life trying to prove himself to his father.
3. Describe the author's tone. Include a minimum of three excerpts that illustrate your point(s).
I believe the author uses a very forgiving tone throughout the story as shown in these quotes:
"There is a way to be good again"
(Rahim Khan says this to Amir in his phone conversation with him.)
"I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering it things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night."
"Forgive your father if you can. Forgive me if you wish. But most importantly, forgive yourself."
4. Describe a minimum of ten literary elements/techniques you observed that strengthened your understanding of the author's purpose, the text's theme and/or your sense of the tone. For each, please include textual support to help illustrate the point for your readers. (Please include edition and page numbers for easy reference.)
I am not going to answer this question so I can spend more time working on inlocopolitico
CHARACTERIZATION
1. Describe two examples of direct characterization and two examples of indirect characterization. Why does the author use both approaches, and to what end (i.e., what is your lasting impression of the character as a result)?
An example of indirect characterization is when Amir witnesses Assef assault Hassan and does nothing about it, this shows he is a coward and afraid.
Another example is when Amir says this quote, “I was going to win, and I was going to run that last kite, Then I’d bring it home and show it to Baba. Show him once and all that his son was worthy” This quote shows Amir constant pleading for his Father's approval.
An example of direct characterization is:
"I can still see his tiny, low-set ears and that pointed stub of a chin, a meaty appendage that look like it was added as a mere afterthought. And the cleft lip, just left of mid line, where the Chinese doll maker's instrument may have slipped, or perhaps he had grown tired and careless"
and
"Born to a German mother and an Afghan father, the blond, blue eyed Assef towered over the other kids"
2. Does the author's syntax and/or diction change when s/he focuses on character? How? Example(s)?
I don't believe so. The author's tone does change though. For example when Hassan is talking the tone is suddenly for calm and joyful while when Amir is talking it's often frantic and condescending.
3. Is the protagonist static or dynamic? Flat or round? Explain.
Amir is a Dynamic and Round character. We watch Amir avenge his guilt by adopting Sohrab and in the end realizing he never should've had the guilt the in the first place, that he was not a bad son. We also witness Amir as he is obedient around his father, fearful around Assef, and powerful towards Hassan.
4. After reading the book did you come away feeling like you'd met a person or read a character? Analyze one textual example that illustrates your reaction.
Yes I have met a character. We witness the story through Amir's eyes. When he has a major event happen to him we are with him when it happens and for the most part we react the same way he does. I will end this Literary Analysis with my favorite quote from the story:
""She said, 'I'm so afraid.' And I said, "Why?,' and she said, "Because I'm so profoundly happy, Dr. Rasul. Happiness like this is frightening.' I asked her why and she said, 'They only let you be this happy if they're preparing to take something from you,' and I said, 'Hush up, now. Enough of this silliness.'"
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I learned exactly what this TED talk was meant to teach me. The internet is ridding of information we might not want to see by looking at our past sources. Google, Facebook, and Yahoo News are all different for each person that reaches them.
b)How does this information make you think differently about what you see online?
I thought I saw what everybody else saw, but after watching this video I now realize that what I am viewing is biased and if I were to really want an unbiased opinion on a subject I would need to find a new source.
c)What questions does this video raise about the Internet in general?
If the internet is doing this now, then what harm will come to us in the future? Will we all become codependent closeminded drones?
and d)How can you improve the effectiveness of your searches?
You need to become specific. If you want to learn more about modern egypt you cannot just type in the word egypt because it might give you hotels avaliable there. You need to type in such things as: the egyptian economy 2013.