The room is dark and lifeless, save for the single child lethargically clicking buttons while his eyes struggle to focus on the dim light from his t.v. Apart from the occasional blink, this child remains practically motionless as he viciously tears apart fictitious characters in a bloody battle of a video game, completely decensitized from all violence. Sounds appealing, doesn't it? Isn't that a scenario we would all like to see a loved one of our own participate in? While on the other hand we have this child placed in another scenario, where he anxiously rolls the dice on a board game, eager to see the turnout as he enjoys some laughs with his friends and family. The answer is self evident, board games are much more entertaining than video games.
Sure, multiple people can play video games together. When I say multiple, I mean four, of course, unless you enjoy the thrill of playing against people online, which for all you know are nonexistant. With board games however, there can be a room full of people all enjoying the same game whilst enjoying each others' company. Those who play board games hold such a large advantage over those who don't, because board games give you an opportunity to grow socially while having fun. Very few are the cases where people would prefer to play alone rather than play by themselves, because people like other people. It is wired into our very system, we find comfort in our friends and family, and how in the world are we supposed to connect with these people and make more friends if we spend our time blowing people up on video games? Now you may think I'm stereotyping video games to first person shooters, but the fact of the matter is, a majority of all best selling games are in fact first person shooters, and this is where you find your child, learning the quickest way to end the life of another human being. It's quite a scary thought, wouldn't you rather have your child develop a heightened ability of strategic thought while growing into the social butterfly you've been dreaming of?
With life, there is no reset button. When things get a little messy, and you find yourself in a dire situation in a video game, you are just one button away from trying again, and again, until you win. Not only does this display a disappointing lack of concentration, it gives the player the false sense of security in the ability to "avoid failure" by restarting, which almost always leads to more failure. The sad, but ever so real, fact of the matter is that you can't do that in real life. With board games you get one chance, with which you learn to do things right the first time and therefore reap the rewards of victory. This mindset will result in many occassions where you will thank the heavens that you could concentrate long enough to finish that math test, or that english project, or even that college entrance exam. And trust me, those things are very real.
Everybody can enjoy a good board game, and board games themselves are made so you can interact with other people and have fun doing it. Even though video games can be entertaining, there just not multi-oriented. And fortunately, there are no board games rated Mature, neither is there an age limit. The only limits in board games are your willingness to play and your imagination, which gives everyone a chance to play.
December 16, 2007
December 3, 2007
"....I will sound my barbaric yawp around the world..."
I'm done. I am finished with this incompetance that swirls around the globe like the black plague itself. This evil set of traitorous and demonic hate entrenched in us from the beginning will be our downfall as a community, as a city, as a country, as a planet, and I for one am not finished with our planet just yet. This problem where everybody, everybody, has a problem with trusting other people, how can doubt be such a universal sin? This world dwindles in unbelief, as even the closest friends and most passionate lovers hesistate to believe, and continue to cause dissension. Are we not to be trusted? Are we so hateful and drawn to that of pessimissm that we cannot stop to take a leap of faith and check our prejudices at the door? This doubt we harbor cripples us in every fashion, with everyone assuming we are out to get each other. I for one will not tolerate this any longer. No longer will I tolerate such a disgusting habit. Never again will I let anyone tell me who I should like, and who is too strange for tolerance,especially those who think of themselves above others. And I will never, Never let anyone tell me what where I'm going and what I'm going to do with my life, I'm much to important to be driven around like a mindless drone. I see it every day, mindless teens being molded by their parents, who chose their classes, their jobs, and their very views and opinions. Even though it be unintentional, parents force themselves onto their teens, and often crush their teens' most desired dreams. I for one will never hear again my mother or father ever tell me that I can't do it, that I cannot follow my dreams. Because I know what I want to do with my life, and I know my potential. I will change the world. And no one will tell me different. There are 6.5 billion people around the world, all calling my name, and I will not disappoint them. Realism, hah! I was meant for much greater things than my current reality will allow.
I have the power to change the world and with that the responsiblity to do so. I will change the world, I will follow my desires, and most of all I WILL BE HEARD!!!!
I have the power to change the world and with that the responsiblity to do so. I will change the world, I will follow my desires, and most of all I WILL BE HEARD!!!!
October 17, 2007
Champion All Star? How about a Champion Some Star
They can do it all. Sports, academics, social appearance, all in the grace of near perfection. You know of whom I speak, these robots, oiled with ambition and fueled with an unknown drive to do everything fill our school and dance through our halls. We stand out of their way, staring on with a look of incredulity, as our logical thinking fails to answer our questions of "how they do it" and gives way to our imagination to fill the holes of ignorance. "They must be born with it" is a reason oft used to describe these student's amazing disease. These students who work so hard in their college-level classes only to attend sports practice afterward are the question of everyone as no one understands why they do it and when they have time to have "fun." To begin with, let's clarify a few items of discussion.
What is fun? It's the sense of pleasure and excitement one feels while participating in an activity that produces these feelings, right? If fun is so varying to each individual's personality, then who are we to judge what fun is and who should be having it? Your right, we shouldn't be passing such judgement on those workaholics we observe from a distance. It could be by chance that they are the ones who enjoy school and learning, not to mention hardwork and practice. Or perhaps they are a part of the select few who thrive under huge amounts of pressure, quite like a fire hydrant. Without structure to their lives they burst forth in a fountain of chaotic mess, accomplishing nothing and getting nowhere, but when that power is harnessed and focused in a certain direction, it can be used to save the day, as a fire hydrant can be used to save a burning building. This theory goes hand in hand with the next, stating that by chance these students have extroardinary foresight and give forth a herculean effort to fasten their long term goals into that of tangible safety and reward.
All I know is that me and people like me will never be able to join these people in their pilgrimage for perfection, although I head in the same direction they have chosen the higher road and frankly, I'm afraid of heights. We'll never be able to join the "fire hydrants" of our school who keep our school's reputation as the greatest gathering of child-prodigy in the state, because compared to them I and others like me are only garden sprinklers, who only enjoy sporadic moments of acheivement in order to keep our lives green and growing.
Must we be good at everything? Is there not a time where we can lay at ease and revel in our accomplishments, or must we always be progressing, striving to be the best at everything? This question you must ask yourself individually, are you willing to bear the burden of perfection? Or will you stop at the crossroads of ambition and insanity, to stand your ground and state your name, who you are and what you are, not who you will be and who you could be. Will you be among those eager to impress, continually feeling the need for beating those around you and declaring your dominance, or will you relax and come to know yourself?I now speak of another type of person, those who build their lives on the opinions of their peers. These people, weak and confused on the inside, yet strong dominant on the outside, will always appear in your life, these people feel no comfort in outward excellence, yet that is what they are defined by. It is strange that people like this, who are so strong-willed and anxious to succeed only to satisfy their ego, rely so much on the opinions of their peers, which at some times can be worth less than the air it takes to state it.
Once again, will you take this path of fragility as succeed only in the eyes of those around you, or will you relax and stop to come to know yourself? When you do this-come to know yourself and pause for reflection-you will be able to further your strengths and fortify your weaknesses, in retrospect to those who always try to be better than others, who use their ambition as a vehicle to keep them running from who they really are. You will be able to stand independant of the thoughts of others and rise through the judgemental misgivings, like the sun parting the clouds you will shine forth and others will follow, convinced of your confidence and sure of your ability. And that my friends, is when you become numbered among the greatest of great and the strongest of strong. When you know who you are and where you stand the whole world will fall into place around you.
What is fun? It's the sense of pleasure and excitement one feels while participating in an activity that produces these feelings, right? If fun is so varying to each individual's personality, then who are we to judge what fun is and who should be having it? Your right, we shouldn't be passing such judgement on those workaholics we observe from a distance. It could be by chance that they are the ones who enjoy school and learning, not to mention hardwork and practice. Or perhaps they are a part of the select few who thrive under huge amounts of pressure, quite like a fire hydrant. Without structure to their lives they burst forth in a fountain of chaotic mess, accomplishing nothing and getting nowhere, but when that power is harnessed and focused in a certain direction, it can be used to save the day, as a fire hydrant can be used to save a burning building. This theory goes hand in hand with the next, stating that by chance these students have extroardinary foresight and give forth a herculean effort to fasten their long term goals into that of tangible safety and reward.
All I know is that me and people like me will never be able to join these people in their pilgrimage for perfection, although I head in the same direction they have chosen the higher road and frankly, I'm afraid of heights. We'll never be able to join the "fire hydrants" of our school who keep our school's reputation as the greatest gathering of child-prodigy in the state, because compared to them I and others like me are only garden sprinklers, who only enjoy sporadic moments of acheivement in order to keep our lives green and growing.
Must we be good at everything? Is there not a time where we can lay at ease and revel in our accomplishments, or must we always be progressing, striving to be the best at everything? This question you must ask yourself individually, are you willing to bear the burden of perfection? Or will you stop at the crossroads of ambition and insanity, to stand your ground and state your name, who you are and what you are, not who you will be and who you could be. Will you be among those eager to impress, continually feeling the need for beating those around you and declaring your dominance, or will you relax and come to know yourself?I now speak of another type of person, those who build their lives on the opinions of their peers. These people, weak and confused on the inside, yet strong dominant on the outside, will always appear in your life, these people feel no comfort in outward excellence, yet that is what they are defined by. It is strange that people like this, who are so strong-willed and anxious to succeed only to satisfy their ego, rely so much on the opinions of their peers, which at some times can be worth less than the air it takes to state it.
Once again, will you take this path of fragility as succeed only in the eyes of those around you, or will you relax and stop to come to know yourself? When you do this-come to know yourself and pause for reflection-you will be able to further your strengths and fortify your weaknesses, in retrospect to those who always try to be better than others, who use their ambition as a vehicle to keep them running from who they really are. You will be able to stand independant of the thoughts of others and rise through the judgemental misgivings, like the sun parting the clouds you will shine forth and others will follow, convinced of your confidence and sure of your ability. And that my friends, is when you become numbered among the greatest of great and the strongest of strong. When you know who you are and where you stand the whole world will fall into place around you.
October 14, 2007
A direct definition from the Dictionary of HolmSlice
Referendum 1. (Re-fer-end-um)
1. A blatant disregard for the progession of education of middle class students as they continually put forth a growing amount of effort to counteract the lack of educational funding in the state of Utah.
2. The result of excessive lobbying from the higher class families who can afford to send their children to private school, yet proclaim a "need" for additional reimbursement for their participation in this nation's government taxation program, which in turn provides an education for this generation who is soon to be in leading this nation in tomorrow's world.
3. an ill-conceived joke
As an addition to this dictionary we also provide a break down and interpretation of the root words in the word previously mentioned. Here is a closer look at the meaning of the word "Referendum 1" beginning with the root word "refer"
(Refer)-- To refer is to give reference or allude to a source of information related to the given subject. An example of this would be me referring to the "no child left behind" proclaimation give by our president, which will prevent students from falling behind in school thus giving everyone equal opportunity to learn and grow to be successful individuals later in life. This would be exponentially difficult with less funds in the public education system, seeing as Utah is already the number one state with the least amount of money in the schools and educational system.
(End)--The word end describes the closure of anything, simply the end. A great example of this would be the end of support for our local government from the majority of Utah's population." "This could end the careers of many of our beloved politicians in their place of civil office," is a great example of the word end used in a sentence.
(Um)--The word um is used to describe confusion and/or frustration. a great example of the word um can be seen in the following sentence. "Um, why is referendum 1 even up for debate, um, I don't see the point in taking money from our already monetarily malnutritioned public schools, and um, this is just plain ridiculous!"
Referendum 1 used in a sentence: "I'm glad our local government has a sense of humor, but Referendum 1 is about as useful as....it's not even worth using as a joke anymore, let's just pretend that it never happened."
This concludes today's definition from the Dictionary of HolmSlice.
1. A blatant disregard for the progession of education of middle class students as they continually put forth a growing amount of effort to counteract the lack of educational funding in the state of Utah.
2. The result of excessive lobbying from the higher class families who can afford to send their children to private school, yet proclaim a "need" for additional reimbursement for their participation in this nation's government taxation program, which in turn provides an education for this generation who is soon to be in leading this nation in tomorrow's world.
3. an ill-conceived joke
As an addition to this dictionary we also provide a break down and interpretation of the root words in the word previously mentioned. Here is a closer look at the meaning of the word "Referendum 1" beginning with the root word "refer"
(Refer)-- To refer is to give reference or allude to a source of information related to the given subject. An example of this would be me referring to the "no child left behind" proclaimation give by our president, which will prevent students from falling behind in school thus giving everyone equal opportunity to learn and grow to be successful individuals later in life. This would be exponentially difficult with less funds in the public education system, seeing as Utah is already the number one state with the least amount of money in the schools and educational system.
(End)--The word end describes the closure of anything, simply the end. A great example of this would be the end of support for our local government from the majority of Utah's population." "This could end the careers of many of our beloved politicians in their place of civil office," is a great example of the word end used in a sentence.
(Um)--The word um is used to describe confusion and/or frustration. a great example of the word um can be seen in the following sentence. "Um, why is referendum 1 even up for debate, um, I don't see the point in taking money from our already monetarily malnutritioned public schools, and um, this is just plain ridiculous!"
Referendum 1 used in a sentence: "I'm glad our local government has a sense of humor, but Referendum 1 is about as useful as....it's not even worth using as a joke anymore, let's just pretend that it never happened."
This concludes today's definition from the Dictionary of HolmSlice.
October 7, 2007
You have freedom of speech...As long as you stay quiet
In the first amendment in the United States Constitution, all American citizens are given the right of freedom of speech and press, and every student is taught of the enormity of sacrifice our forefathers put forth just to give us that right. Freedom of speech is as valuable to Americans any other unalienable right, and is viewed as the last right to be taken away by an unjust government before rebellion ensues and among the first to be retaken as the unjustly governed take control. As previously mentioned, we are all taught about our rights and how to use them, but why is it that in various activities and classes over at Davis High we are discouraged to voice our opinion? Even our prized school newspaper is censored to an extent, which, when thought about, gravitates an air of incredulity. The sole purpose of the Davis Dart is to inform and entertain the readers on current issues that affects the students. To censor our paper would be to omit a portion of information on the issue, which in other words is omitting the truth, which in other words is lying. The newspaper isn't the only one suffering from this hypocritical backlash, the Davis High Marching band has entered into a recent conflict of heated debate. This conflict is a highly sensitive issue to both arguing parties, so without further ado I send my opinion and bias hurling through the air into this agitated minefield.
The Colorguard. An all female section of the marching band which just so happens to include some of the most attractive girls from Davis High School, is restricted by the Colorguard advisor to an all girl bus for all bus trips to competitions and so forth. This injustice infuriated the male portion of the marching band, which just so happened to be on good relations with the Colorguard, a few of us anyway (I know I'm on really good terms). To counter this horrible decision, the few of us who really cared about this situation designed a petition, to use simple civil disobediance to respectfully disagree and present our opinion to the advisor. The Colorguard agreed with our petition wholeheartedly, but were cautious to sign. As the number of signatures grew, the power behind our cause gained momentum and we were sure to sway the Advisor and show her the error of her ways. Unfortunately she caught word of the petition before we could present it to her and she announced that if there was anyone on Guard who had signed it they would be removed from the Colorguard. Fortunately none of the Colorguard had signed it, but that does not justify the harsh ultimatum thrown at the Guard like that. I don't know if you can see the same injustice I see everytime I hear that, or feel the anger that I do everytime someone is denied their rights to freedom of speech and freedom of press. Oh don't worry, it gets worse. Being a group not easily discouraged, this band of kids and I went to the top-Dr. Homer. We described our situation and presented him with our petition bearing the signatures of over a hundred people, the voices of over a hundred people screamed from those papers, demanding justice from our underserving oppressors. Our mentors are here for us, we are not here for them! No longer will I slave away under the cracking whip of these "advisor's" forked tongues as they continue force their will upon those unwilling to receive it. These people, whose power hangs in the hearts of their pupils, depend on respect which is expected to be given without prerequisite nor trial run. We hold the power! We can turn this around with the slightest of ease, and make things how we want them! This band talks of synergy, well let's see some unification. Our director is there to direct us, not to dominate us. We are the band, we march on the field, we win the awards! Why not run rehearsals, set up are own system of legislation? Now is the time to take control, and govern over ourselves instead of take orders from a distant director. Like the colonies of an infant America, we must grow and fight for independance, for our right to do things our way. This is the call, final and desperate, we must cry out against it now or cry because of it later. The choice is up to you, whether we live for life or live to live, this is your time.
The Colorguard. An all female section of the marching band which just so happens to include some of the most attractive girls from Davis High School, is restricted by the Colorguard advisor to an all girl bus for all bus trips to competitions and so forth. This injustice infuriated the male portion of the marching band, which just so happened to be on good relations with the Colorguard, a few of us anyway (I know I'm on really good terms). To counter this horrible decision, the few of us who really cared about this situation designed a petition, to use simple civil disobediance to respectfully disagree and present our opinion to the advisor. The Colorguard agreed with our petition wholeheartedly, but were cautious to sign. As the number of signatures grew, the power behind our cause gained momentum and we were sure to sway the Advisor and show her the error of her ways. Unfortunately she caught word of the petition before we could present it to her and she announced that if there was anyone on Guard who had signed it they would be removed from the Colorguard. Fortunately none of the Colorguard had signed it, but that does not justify the harsh ultimatum thrown at the Guard like that. I don't know if you can see the same injustice I see everytime I hear that, or feel the anger that I do everytime someone is denied their rights to freedom of speech and freedom of press. Oh don't worry, it gets worse. Being a group not easily discouraged, this band of kids and I went to the top-Dr. Homer. We described our situation and presented him with our petition bearing the signatures of over a hundred people, the voices of over a hundred people screamed from those papers, demanding justice from our underserving oppressors. Our mentors are here for us, we are not here for them! No longer will I slave away under the cracking whip of these "advisor's" forked tongues as they continue force their will upon those unwilling to receive it. These people, whose power hangs in the hearts of their pupils, depend on respect which is expected to be given without prerequisite nor trial run. We hold the power! We can turn this around with the slightest of ease, and make things how we want them! This band talks of synergy, well let's see some unification. Our director is there to direct us, not to dominate us. We are the band, we march on the field, we win the awards! Why not run rehearsals, set up are own system of legislation? Now is the time to take control, and govern over ourselves instead of take orders from a distant director. Like the colonies of an infant America, we must grow and fight for independance, for our right to do things our way. This is the call, final and desperate, we must cry out against it now or cry because of it later. The choice is up to you, whether we live for life or live to live, this is your time.
September 4, 2007
Rain
I love the rain. Never has there been a force of nature that has yet to be the beneficiary of such awe-inspiring power and beauty. This colossal work of art is never the same, and as we experience it over and over again we begin to attach memories and emotions to the weather pattern. Some of us still harbor a quiet fear for this titanic wonder, as massive clouds roll in to blot out the sky and slowly reach out through the dark with their plasmaic tentacles. Others, such as myself, find a feeling of growing excitement that crescendoes into a sudden thrill and rush of adrenaline with every strike of lightning and ominous crash of thunder. These people see thunderstorms differently than others, while most just see clouds and lightning just like every other weather occurance, the same people who feel that excitement whenever it rains see thunderstorms as a phenomenal display of power, which power is left in the hands of a higher being.
Rain in itself has been used to describe and potray, dare I say, archetypal meanings that we all would recognize and have even experienced from time to time. The most widely known would be the raincloud of depression, the one that appears just in time to make matters worse on an already horrible day-the icing on the cake of irritation. Another picture of rain can be seen through the classic kissing-in-the-rain scene, one which happens to be a favorite of the ladies for some reason. This scene usually gives off a feeling of finality and closure as the couple is reunited in the midst of calamity. One final image of rain can be seen in a foreshadowing of something ominous, like the dark clouds billowing in the wind before an enormous battle.
I can honestly say that my life would be quite a lot less interesting without this weatherly wonder to keep my curiousity on its toes, life just wouldn't be life without a little rain!
Rain in itself has been used to describe and potray, dare I say, archetypal meanings that we all would recognize and have even experienced from time to time. The most widely known would be the raincloud of depression, the one that appears just in time to make matters worse on an already horrible day-the icing on the cake of irritation. Another picture of rain can be seen through the classic kissing-in-the-rain scene, one which happens to be a favorite of the ladies for some reason. This scene usually gives off a feeling of finality and closure as the couple is reunited in the midst of calamity. One final image of rain can be seen in a foreshadowing of something ominous, like the dark clouds billowing in the wind before an enormous battle.
I can honestly say that my life would be quite a lot less interesting without this weatherly wonder to keep my curiousity on its toes, life just wouldn't be life without a little rain!
July 25, 2007
Held in the Highest Esteem...
Isn't it amazing how when one person, let's choose the stereotypical cheerleader at school, is held in such high esteem by others around her that she begins to become a scapegoat of loathing and misdirected anger from those not as highly respected as her? I have always found it strange, that those who are highly respected are equally hated. Now a major factor in this is self confidence and the overuse of this confidence, and then there's always jealousy and such, but there's something else to it. This conundrum has puzzled me for many a night, and there seems no tangible answer in sight for this question. But I have something else to discuss at the moment, and that would be in the little discovery I made while attending marching band.
Since we are on the discussion of esteem, I now reach out to all those in a position of influence, which just so happens to be everybody. It seems that when a person of influence holds another at an abnormally high level of respect that others around these people begin to respect the disrespected, begin to praise the once unnoticed talent, all because you gave a little effort into treating someone who is less known or less noticed or less respected like they should be treated. By holding someone less noticed in the highest esteem, you can break through barriers once thought to be impossible to destroy; you can mold the very minds of everyone around you as you recreate this person of once low esteem into the very epitome of confidence. But of course you this works the other way as well. By constantly undermining and insulting you can crush someone, bring them to their knees in humiliation, and leave them longing for what they once had. So please use this power that everyone contains-you don't have to be someone important to make somebody feel important.
Since we are on the discussion of esteem, I now reach out to all those in a position of influence, which just so happens to be everybody. It seems that when a person of influence holds another at an abnormally high level of respect that others around these people begin to respect the disrespected, begin to praise the once unnoticed talent, all because you gave a little effort into treating someone who is less known or less noticed or less respected like they should be treated. By holding someone less noticed in the highest esteem, you can break through barriers once thought to be impossible to destroy; you can mold the very minds of everyone around you as you recreate this person of once low esteem into the very epitome of confidence. But of course you this works the other way as well. By constantly undermining and insulting you can crush someone, bring them to their knees in humiliation, and leave them longing for what they once had. So please use this power that everyone contains-you don't have to be someone important to make somebody feel important.
May 29, 2007
Yearbooks
The end of school is now at hand, as we approach the final day in which yearbooks are signed along with sly jokes and witty comments-and surprisingly we fall upon this one enigma, what we remember of our school frieds would be what they wrote in said yearbooks. When falling upon this idea at the end of my sophomore year I have come to the realization that I was......ignorant of the longterm effects of my once idealistic and intensely funny signature statements which are now naught but untimely and poorly disguised ruises based on previous inside jokes or plainly humiliating experiances remembered in the school year. However, this is all done in good fun, and one must take into consideration the age and level of intelligence when these quotes are written.
Now we come upon one of the most puzzling quandries which approaches only the night before the last day of school--what to write in peoples' yearbooks. You simply cannot write "H.A.G.S." or "School was fun" oh no, that is simply unacceptable. Nowadays one must find the funniest thing to write, but this is not such a large problem for the ladies. The ladies simply compliment their fellow lady-friends appearance and can even go so far as to compliment their guy-friends on their appearance. This cannot be done with the men, unless done in the most extreme of sarcasm or hilarity, even then it is questionable. Sadly enough, we must carry on, us men, always carrying the heavier burden, and must always travel on this quest for confidence.
Now we come upon one of the most puzzling quandries which approaches only the night before the last day of school--what to write in peoples' yearbooks. You simply cannot write "H.A.G.S." or "School was fun" oh no, that is simply unacceptable. Nowadays one must find the funniest thing to write, but this is not such a large problem for the ladies. The ladies simply compliment their fellow lady-friends appearance and can even go so far as to compliment their guy-friends on their appearance. This cannot be done with the men, unless done in the most extreme of sarcasm or hilarity, even then it is questionable. Sadly enough, we must carry on, us men, always carrying the heavier burden, and must always travel on this quest for confidence.
April 17, 2007
Ode to an English Teacher
One day in school I was asked by a rather frustrated teacher to "put myself in his shoes" and imagine how fun it would be to be a teacher. Well, I pondered this for a second, and I figured since my favorite subject is English, I would be an English teacher. Then my teacher suggested I ponder the anxiety one feels on the first day of school, and what I would do on the first day facing hundreds of impatient hyperactive children. I actually took this scenario into consideration, and came up with a speech all English Teachers should read to their classes on the first day of school.
"Welcome you ! You illiterate uncultered parasites! What you see as you step foot in this class is a dark prison, the windows barred with pronouns, adjectives, clauses and commas asthe door is locked with subjects, nouns, phrases and quotes. Think not of these rules as a cage in which you cannot escape and appear to frustrate you at every turn, think of these rules as your weapons of choice, the ones that will lead you to victory as you spring into the arena of life. This arena of archetypes, this land of literature and this ocean of knowledge you will all travel through, sailing on naught but your own imagination and willpower.
And I? I? Why I am your guide, here to lead you on to glorified immortality as your life is etched into the history books one sentence at a time. I am the Master of Metaphors, the Sultan of Similes, the Architect of Archetypes, the tSar of Sound, the Viceroy of Voice, the Patriarch of Paragraphs, the King of Clauses and Pharoah of Phrases! I am the law and the law is I! I am the conductor on the locomotive heading straight for a literary El Dorado, and my passengers are few.
And you? You? You are my lowly apprentices, here to feel the grace of my presence! You are here to serve me, and it might so happen that you learn something along the way! I am the key to your success, the ship on which you sail to freedom! You need me, but I have no need for you! So sit in silence as a sign of respect and humility towards one who holds your so much of your future in so low regard! Keep a standard of diligence higher than any other and always be ready to learn! Then, and only then, will you be one of the few to survive in the real world."
I think that puts the difficulty of a teacher's job into perspective just a little, don't you? I think this speech would be an incredible way to start the school year!
"Welcome you ! You illiterate uncultered parasites! What you see as you step foot in this class is a dark prison, the windows barred with pronouns, adjectives, clauses and commas asthe door is locked with subjects, nouns, phrases and quotes. Think not of these rules as a cage in which you cannot escape and appear to frustrate you at every turn, think of these rules as your weapons of choice, the ones that will lead you to victory as you spring into the arena of life. This arena of archetypes, this land of literature and this ocean of knowledge you will all travel through, sailing on naught but your own imagination and willpower.
And I? I? Why I am your guide, here to lead you on to glorified immortality as your life is etched into the history books one sentence at a time. I am the Master of Metaphors, the Sultan of Similes, the Architect of Archetypes, the tSar of Sound, the Viceroy of Voice, the Patriarch of Paragraphs, the King of Clauses and Pharoah of Phrases! I am the law and the law is I! I am the conductor on the locomotive heading straight for a literary El Dorado, and my passengers are few.
And you? You? You are my lowly apprentices, here to feel the grace of my presence! You are here to serve me, and it might so happen that you learn something along the way! I am the key to your success, the ship on which you sail to freedom! You need me, but I have no need for you! So sit in silence as a sign of respect and humility towards one who holds your so much of your future in so low regard! Keep a standard of diligence higher than any other and always be ready to learn! Then, and only then, will you be one of the few to survive in the real world."
I think that puts the difficulty of a teacher's job into perspective just a little, don't you? I think this speech would be an incredible way to start the school year!
April 12, 2007
Too many questions, not enough answers
Have you ever wondered why? Why do we drive on the right side of the road, why not the left? Why is it that when we greet strangers we shake hands? Why is it common courtesy to place your napkin in your lap at dinner and keep your elbows off the tables? Why are convicts leaving prison with a college education, when many people who are working hard are being denied a college education? So many questions, yet not enough anwers to go around. Here's a question that you might want to ponder; if you were going to prison and you could choose the reason why, what would it be?
The fact that prisoners today are being sent to jail only to receive satellite television with lazyboy recliners along with libraries full of books and tutors ready to supply these convicts who have broken the law with a college education is revolting and completely wrong. Hey! maybe if I want to go to college, instead of working really hard to get accepted into a school I'll just blow up Albertsons! Sounds Great! I think I'll stick to that!
I know that the state of Arizona has got it straight. Convicts in Arizona sleep in tents, and when they are out cleaning up highways, they wear pink polka dotted jumpsuits to let you know they severely regret what they've done. And Let me tell you, the crime rate has never been lower in Arizona!
The fact that prisoners today are being sent to jail only to receive satellite television with lazyboy recliners along with libraries full of books and tutors ready to supply these convicts who have broken the law with a college education is revolting and completely wrong. Hey! maybe if I want to go to college, instead of working really hard to get accepted into a school I'll just blow up Albertsons! Sounds Great! I think I'll stick to that!
I know that the state of Arizona has got it straight. Convicts in Arizona sleep in tents, and when they are out cleaning up highways, they wear pink polka dotted jumpsuits to let you know they severely regret what they've done. And Let me tell you, the crime rate has never been lower in Arizona!
April 9, 2007
Spring Break left one broken
Spring Break is often seen as a time of fun and relaxation, right? This year is not the case. After returning from California on a family vacation I heard the news about the death of my grandmother who lives in Idaho and has been very sick for quite a while. Immediately we left for Idaho, rushing to other family members who were in need of assistance due to this shocking twist of events. This is where I spent most of my spring break, in Idaho preparing for and attending the funeral of my grandmother.
I wasn't as close as I would've liked to have been to my grandmother, but I still wrote her letters every once in a while and enjoyed going to see her every now and then. I didn't know that she knew I played the trumpet, so when my aunt told me that before she had passed away she had requested I play taps at her funeral, I was totally taken aback. I have never been that great at performing solos in front of a live audience, and the fact that it was her funeral and emotional stress would be great didn't make me feel much better. But I stepped up to the challenge and practiced every moment I could for this perfomance.
Why is death such a big deal? I mean, of course we mourn for those we love, but why is it feared by everyone? What is this phenomenon that scares us into good health, safer vehicles, and religion? There really is no answer to this question I have asked, but I know one thing, when I have my funeral, I want it to be a party! None of this mourning and sobbing and stifling silence, I want people laughing and remembering the good times, the times of fun.
I wasn't as close as I would've liked to have been to my grandmother, but I still wrote her letters every once in a while and enjoyed going to see her every now and then. I didn't know that she knew I played the trumpet, so when my aunt told me that before she had passed away she had requested I play taps at her funeral, I was totally taken aback. I have never been that great at performing solos in front of a live audience, and the fact that it was her funeral and emotional stress would be great didn't make me feel much better. But I stepped up to the challenge and practiced every moment I could for this perfomance.
Why is death such a big deal? I mean, of course we mourn for those we love, but why is it feared by everyone? What is this phenomenon that scares us into good health, safer vehicles, and religion? There really is no answer to this question I have asked, but I know one thing, when I have my funeral, I want it to be a party! None of this mourning and sobbing and stifling silence, I want people laughing and remembering the good times, the times of fun.
March 14, 2007
Mental Workout
Here is a little something to think about that I discovered. I recently attended a party where one of the people there happened to give motivational speeches for a living, and after a lull in the party he was asked to step forward and inspire us all to do better. I was expecting an average speech that would leave my attention span screaming in pain as it tries to find something amusing, but I was totally blown away by what I heard. Cliff Orem, the speaker who also happens to be the brass instructor for the Davis High Marching Band, gave the speech about your mental capacity and the potential of the brain. I discovered a wide variety of information that makes me wonder.... Anyway here are some of the things he shared with me.
Anything is possible- I thought I would throw that out there to begin with. Your subconsious is always working on your problems and your goals and anything that affects you, and if you want something really bad, your subconscious will do what it can by altering your mood or your regular habits to place you in that situation where you can obtain your goal. So if you think that you are out of shape or overweight, and you really, really want to be thin, your subconsious will help you out by either killing your appetite or taking you out of that situation where you can obtain food. But your subconsious can only do so much. You have to act on the opportunities given. As long as your in the right mindset, you can accomplish anything. Just to prove the potential of your mind, as you go to sleep tonight, instead of setting your alarm clock just tell yourself what time you want to wake up, that's it. Just say "I'm going to wake up at 3:30 a.m." and you will. The same works for anything, write down your goals, and every morning read them to yourself in the present tense. For instance, "I'm a great trumpet player" or "I am great at writing essays" or "I have a girlfriend."If you place yourself in that mindset, your goals will be achieved. Obviously I don't have the entire speech in front of me, but if you want to hear the full speech presented much better, then Cliff Orem is the guy to see. But I've tried all of these methods, and as far as I know, I can't prove them wrong.
Anything is possible- I thought I would throw that out there to begin with. Your subconsious is always working on your problems and your goals and anything that affects you, and if you want something really bad, your subconscious will do what it can by altering your mood or your regular habits to place you in that situation where you can obtain your goal. So if you think that you are out of shape or overweight, and you really, really want to be thin, your subconsious will help you out by either killing your appetite or taking you out of that situation where you can obtain food. But your subconsious can only do so much. You have to act on the opportunities given. As long as your in the right mindset, you can accomplish anything. Just to prove the potential of your mind, as you go to sleep tonight, instead of setting your alarm clock just tell yourself what time you want to wake up, that's it. Just say "I'm going to wake up at 3:30 a.m." and you will. The same works for anything, write down your goals, and every morning read them to yourself in the present tense. For instance, "I'm a great trumpet player" or "I am great at writing essays" or "I have a girlfriend."If you place yourself in that mindset, your goals will be achieved. Obviously I don't have the entire speech in front of me, but if you want to hear the full speech presented much better, then Cliff Orem is the guy to see. But I've tried all of these methods, and as far as I know, I can't prove them wrong.
February 5, 2007
Colors
To have color in your life, is to live. Without color, nothing is worth living for. As you take a look around you, you can see that everything is formed around this one concept-color makes the object great. Color brings about appeal in every form, as you look to the objects surrounding you this very moment, without color they would be quite boring. As you find paintings of great people, or scenery, try to imagine the painting with no color at all. This would crush inspiration, blot out hope, and squeeze every last drop of ingenuity out of the world's artist-to have no color to work with.
Color can be the very reason for a good day! As you see the thousand shades of orange and yellow creeping slowly over the mountain every morning as we begin to wake up each day, urging us to get up out of bed and reach our full potential, just think what you would do without that kind of ectasy to wake up to every morning. The same takes place at the end of the day, when your sitting there with the people you want to be with most, gazing towards the bright purples and deep reds, along with a few strokes of oranges that we call the sunset. These colors bring about a certain feeling of peace and soothing relaxation as you finally realized it's the end of the day.
Emotions are so closely connected to colors it's amazing. Colors such as red bring anger, or love, whichever is best fitting for the situation. Even when you hear music you see a certain color in your mind's eye, try it-I guarantee you'll see a different color with every new song. Jazz music tends to bring about the color of blue, while rock 'n roll brings about bright colors like red or even....orange?
I truly feel sorry for those color-blind people who cannot see what everyone is missing, it is truly a shame, because the world around us is based on color and the glory it brings to our lives.
Color can be the very reason for a good day! As you see the thousand shades of orange and yellow creeping slowly over the mountain every morning as we begin to wake up each day, urging us to get up out of bed and reach our full potential, just think what you would do without that kind of ectasy to wake up to every morning. The same takes place at the end of the day, when your sitting there with the people you want to be with most, gazing towards the bright purples and deep reds, along with a few strokes of oranges that we call the sunset. These colors bring about a certain feeling of peace and soothing relaxation as you finally realized it's the end of the day.
Emotions are so closely connected to colors it's amazing. Colors such as red bring anger, or love, whichever is best fitting for the situation. Even when you hear music you see a certain color in your mind's eye, try it-I guarantee you'll see a different color with every new song. Jazz music tends to bring about the color of blue, while rock 'n roll brings about bright colors like red or even....orange?
I truly feel sorry for those color-blind people who cannot see what everyone is missing, it is truly a shame, because the world around us is based on color and the glory it brings to our lives.
February 4, 2007
Stars
Stars are one of the greatests things that have ever graced the sky with their prescence. They have been the inspiration for all sorts of scientific projects and discoveries, such as Newton's heliocentric theory. They have also inspired many artists, such as Van Gogh in Starry, Starry Night. Stars gives us hope, and helps us keep that hope, that kind of hope that nothing is impossible, that everything can be achieved one way or another. As we gaze at the stars, they bring about such a feeling of awe, that we could lay in the grass for hours, just trying to grasp the overwhelmingly enormous size of our universe, and what little part we play in the solar system's life. Suddenly our problems seem insignificant, the worries that we feel no longer seem to be as threatening. We just continue our routine of life, like ants in an ant hill.
Stars bring about the one question that every one wants an answer to, are we the only ones here? Or are there others out there, living lives just like us? Nobody knows, but for the record, I think there are. I mean, if you think about it, there are billions and billions of stars and planets, what are the odds that our planet is the only one with life on it? There has to be life on other planets, there's got to be something out there.
Stars also give us a chance to embellish the unknown. We give shapes to stars by forming them into constellations, giving them the images of heroes and monsters, such as Orion, or the Scorpion, to help us tell stories. These stories helps everthing slide a little smoother, and lightens our load a little as we apply our imagination to that we do not understand.
Stars bring about the one question that every one wants an answer to, are we the only ones here? Or are there others out there, living lives just like us? Nobody knows, but for the record, I think there are. I mean, if you think about it, there are billions and billions of stars and planets, what are the odds that our planet is the only one with life on it? There has to be life on other planets, there's got to be something out there.
Stars also give us a chance to embellish the unknown. We give shapes to stars by forming them into constellations, giving them the images of heroes and monsters, such as Orion, or the Scorpion, to help us tell stories. These stories helps everthing slide a little smoother, and lightens our load a little as we apply our imagination to that we do not understand.
February 1, 2007
Dreams-One of my Favorite Past Times
Don't you love dreams? They are like a one way ticket to your planet-what you want to feel, hear, see, or touch, it's all up to you. As you lie on your bed at the end of the day, slowly slipping into darkness your subconscious kicks in, sending you to a better place. Some people say that your dreams are created from your feelings of that day, or sometimes you dream about something that's been bothering you lately. Did you know that if you are thinking about a problem you have right before you go to sleep, your subconscious will continue to work on that problem during your sleep? Sometimes it reveals the answer to you in your dream, or you just wake up knowing the answer the next morning. Try to think about the last dream you can remember, and now try to go back to the day before that dream and see if there's any connection between the two. I remember once immediately waking from a dream at one in the morning and rushing over to my desk to finish a complicated math problem I had given up on earlier that night.
Dreams can be such an awesome experience, showing you your imaginative potential as you enjoy the gentle ride through the night of wonder and awe. Dreams can be the inspiration for art, literature, and other creative activities. But not all dreams are warm and fuzzy. The imagination has its dark side also.
Dreams can turn to nightmares in a blink of an eye, especially if you've seen a horror movie lately. Nightmares can really turn nasty and leave you lying in bed, with your eyes wide open, scared to even move in fear that your nightmares were more than just that.
Hopefully you enjoy your dreams every night, or maybe you don't. I actually look forward to sleeping every night-wondering which super power I'll have or some secret mission I'm being sent on or maybe I'll just win the lottery. It's all up to you.
Dreams can be such an awesome experience, showing you your imaginative potential as you enjoy the gentle ride through the night of wonder and awe. Dreams can be the inspiration for art, literature, and other creative activities. But not all dreams are warm and fuzzy. The imagination has its dark side also.
Dreams can turn to nightmares in a blink of an eye, especially if you've seen a horror movie lately. Nightmares can really turn nasty and leave you lying in bed, with your eyes wide open, scared to even move in fear that your nightmares were more than just that.
Hopefully you enjoy your dreams every night, or maybe you don't. I actually look forward to sleeping every night-wondering which super power I'll have or some secret mission I'm being sent on or maybe I'll just win the lottery. It's all up to you.
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