My Ecological Footprint

Note 8: Love Lost by The Temper Trap

The Temper Trap is an Australian indie rock band that formed in 2005. The lead singer, Dougy Mandagi was born in Indonesia, and some of his rich influences from singing in church choirs and listening to his dad play guitar are integrated into the band's sound. As a collective, the band's vocals, guitar, bass, drums, and other instrumental creations produce this unique transcending sound found nowhere else but in The Temper Trap. Love Lost is one of those transcending pieces.

Beginning with a classy keyboard progression, the song is accompanied by the uniform sound of clapping hands. The singer sings “our love was lost, but now we've found it”. Dougy’s voice that so much resembles the Gibb brother's vocals (BeeGees), add to the song's spiritual and emotionally uplifting quality. With just that first line, those four words illustrate an obvious circumstance in which someone (presumably him) and someone else had once lost their love. He sings with so much passion and raw emotion with the proceeding lines of “our love was lost and hope was gone.” Although those lines are very simple, the way Dougy sings those words illustrates this running image of the situation. Further ahead into the song, the words “and if you flash your heart, I won't deny it” suggests the willingness of the lover to take up this salvaged love once again. He then declares that he “won't deny it”, this sacred love, and this other person's heart. And after that, he says “I promise, I promise.” If the words were sung by any other artist, the ingenuity and power of the lines would be lost.

Encroaching upon the situation, it seems that the love and the pleading person are trying to cross into the once-known barriers of this relationship. He sings “your walls are up too cold to touch it, your walls are up too high to climb”, meaning that this other person is not comfortable opening up his/her heart to this person yet. Either too much damage has been done in the past, or the idea of re-opening this love is frightening and risky. But Dougy then pleads with the comforting lines of “I know it's hard but I can still hear it beating.” He tells this person that he understands the difficulty of all of this, but he also knows that this person's heart is still “beating” with all the love in the world, and that he/she has that recognizable thump (heart beats) rhythm that he knows all too well. He then promises again to not “mistreat it”, or take advantage of this person's heart.

In the end, he acknowledges that their love “was lost in the rubble” of all the things this person has “been dreaming of”, meaning that their first run was disappointing and perhaps even disastrous. Nevertheless, he begs this person to “keep [him] in mind” when he/she is ready, because he is “here to take [him/her] every time.” Those ending lines followed by the usual refrain illustrate the devotion and gratitude of this lover.  

Note 7: Fake Empire by The National

The national is an indie rock band that was formed in Ohio in 1999. Their lyrics are usually described as having a dark, melancholic, and ambiguous quality, and their songs' meanings are usually debated often by zealous fans. The many supported claims about the meaning of the songs add to the adoration of the band for their empowering and mind-provoking music. One of these hotly debated songs is Fake empire, one of their most popular pieces.

Right away, a piano plays the melody of the song that invites listeners to the following powerful lyrics. The first lines of the song stir up images of the first stage of romantic relationships otherwise known as the “honeymoon period”. The two people in the relationship have not reached the period of struggle and improvement, or the period of struggle and deterioration. All they have experienced with one another is the staying “out super late” at nights, the “picking [of] apples”, and “making pies”. The two parties are sang to be “half-awake in a fake empire” (the refrain), meaning that the couple chooses to ignore the upcoming tide that many romantic duos will or have endured. The mixture of the piano and the lead singer's classic baritone voice creates this sadness, yet uplifting purity of the song.

They'll “tiptoe through [their] shiny city/with [their] diamond slippers on.” They will even “do [their] gay ballet on ice [with] bluebirds on [their] shoulders.” These rhythmic and poetic lines suggest that they will not leave this dwelling of happiness that they know and love. Nothing else needs to be troubled with, and all they have endured together is enough for them. Why trouble with the kinks and defects of the relationship when everything else is going well? The last lines of the poems illustrate this image of a night's end to a date or night out. One of the partners will “turn the light out [and] say goodnight.” There will be “no thinking for a little while” and no “[trying] to figure out everything at once.” All of this represents the couple's attempt to take control and hold onto this natural “high” of their young love. 

Before the the last refrain, one dagger line “It's hard to keep track of you falling through the sky” may acknowledge the existing cracks in the relationship. The singer seems to almost beg to not discuss or think about all of this just yet. They continue to try to stay in this state of happiness even though they know that there is this very possible or even very likely end coming to them. Perhaps when they are “half-awake”, they both know that they can't stay in this state forever. The ending of the song concludes with a collection of sounds including the piano, drums, guitar, and the appropriate trumpet to wrap up the song. Building up from this emotional tension, the song closes with a much uplifting tone that may push forth the idea that it is okay to just enjoy the ride while it lasts. Love is a privilege to have with someone, and whether you both fall or rise, be glad that this lifetime experience was given to you. The beauty of the song lies in the celebration of both the happiness and the sadness of the relationship between these two people.  

Reading Log: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

16% into The Perks of Being a WallFlower 
Charlie is the main character and narrator of this book. His unique letters to someone unknown is hilarious and devastating. His diction and writing style fits perfectly for his stages in high school. We get to see him grow, experience, and break down in his writing. He doesn't give much information as to where he lives and to whom he is writing to, but he does share with us his world, and that has been enough and more. His letters are humorous, saddening, and sometimes frightening recounts of high school experiences from observing the arenas of sex and drugs to first dates and mixed tapes. I've found this novel that all of us can relate to in some way. I look forward to Charlie's roller coaster journey.

Book Review: Pride and Prejudice

The plot deals with the five Bennet sisters, whose fanatic mother obsesses over marrying off the girls as quickly and as advantageously as possible. Her only concern is to have her daughters financially secure by marriages to wealthy and "ideal" men. A happy marriage filled with unconditional love is foreign matter to Mrs. Bennet.

Most of the action of the novel centers on the two eldest Bennet girls: dutiful Jane and practical, quick-witted Elizabeth. These sisters are occupied chiefly in damage control against the various disastrous almost-engagements set up by their mother, by chance, or by mere follies. Jane and Elizabeth pine after their various objects of affection: the dashing yet befuddled Charles Bingley for Jane, and the grave, calculating Mr. Darcy for Elizabeth.

It's Elizabeth and Darcy that really drive the plot through a combination of their compatibility and their total inability to get together due to stubbornness, pride, and prejudice. Once the two characters break down their barriers, try to understand one another, and receive all the facts about one another, they (especially Elizabeth) realize and acknowledge the undeniable love and respect they have for one another.

Book Review: The Fault In Our Stars

Throughout the whole book, I laughed, tensed up, and cried without restrain. I fell in love with the characters of the story, especially the philosophical pair, Hazel and Augustus. Their humor and love kept me clinging onto my kindle for more, and I never lost touch with the story. Although the plot revolves around cancer patients, there is much more significance to the novel then just a regular "cancer book."

At the age of 12, Hazel was diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer. Until the age of 14 when she received a medical miracle that shrunk her tumors in her lungs, she was prepared to die, and even later she still feels that sense of nearing to death.

As a 16 year old now, she is attending college early, and has lost the opportunity to partake in high school experiences ever since she was diagnosed. She has a small circle of friends and she still lives under the care of her parents (which can sometimes be tiresome for her). Even though she can live for a long time (shorter than for healthy individuals), she must live with this oxygen tank tethered to her.

Every wednesday, Hazel attends a support group meeting held at this church. During one of the meetings, a new person appears. The stranger is Augustus Waters. He is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, very interested in Hazel. Being with this whimsical and equally intelligent guy will carry her on an unexpected destination and a long-overdue journey. The time she spends with Augustus will not bring her extreme happiness, but will also push her to re-examine all aspects of life and death. Their close relationship will teach her and the readers the defining significance of human life.

Reading Log

102 pages into 1984
This story evolves around the life of Winston Smith who lives in a totalitarian government. The restrictive,  controlling, and purposeless lifestyles of everyone around him including himself is depressive. Every aspect of life, public and private is controlled and regulated. Every situation is dangerous, and you have to be careful to not speak or think a certain way that speaks revolution or rebellion even if you don't mean to. I have yet to discover the ultimate purpose behind the projects and laws enacted by "The Party." Winston seems to be the only one who notices or acknowledges the oppressiveness and cruelty of the government. But worst than that, he feels like he is the only one with this belief. He knows the lies, the alteration of the past, and the hypnotizing/control of the people done by The Party. Yet, what can he do? He's under their control, and he has to be careful to not get caught (there are telescreens everywhere).

Reading Log: Triangles and Looking For Alaska

35% into Triangles, the ladies in their separate lives are falling further into their detrimental mid-life crisis circumstances. Holly is still attending the writing/critique group assembled in the city, and she still has her mind set on writing erotica (one of her many attempted endeavors). All the while, she has to deal with her hormone-raging teenage daughter who consistently never fails to anger her parents, especially her father. Holly seems to be bored with her family life, and still seeks that adventure that (she thinks) can only be found outside of a typical American family lifestyle. Like everything else in her life, she seeks more from her husband and especially more for herself. Having already cheated on him once now, she takes a different refuge at the writing meetings in which another man has caught her interest. Andrea, the single mom still continues to a seemingly lonely livelihood, and she envies the life her best friend, Holly has. So far, she has been discovering the difficulties of parenthood, especially with Harley, her teenage daughter. Along with that, she has just started a restrictive and hard-core diet with her daughter, and her struggle is evident in her hidden cheats from time to time. Marissa continues to care for her ill daughter by herself, but now her gay son has finally emerged from his time of family abandoment, and he shows a genuine kindness she has not seen since he was a young kid before Sophia was born.

19% into Looking for Alaska, Pudge (Miles) had just been kicked out of class because he was looking out the window distracted form Mr. Hyde's discussion. Alaska stands up for him, and thus follows Pudge outside (Kicked out as well), and later Katumi and the Colonel join the rebellious duo. As we go further into the novel, Pudge's attraction towards Alaska growing. He tenses up and gets nervous whenever she carelessly compliments Miles for being cute or adorable. Colonel and Katumi notice this, but not much is said on their parts.

Note 6: Unmediated experience

Unmediated Experience
BY: BOB HICOK

Bob's poem describes the decaying and saddening relationship between an owner (presumably him) and his dog. The readers are first introduced to his seventeen year old dog who is "mostly deaf", "mostly dead", and has a tendency to do "this thing." The owner explains "this thing" by recalling all the times he would call the dog and the dog would not listen or would obliviously walk away in another direction. The dog would "walk towards the nothing of speech", and would even "[trot] down the the drive, ears up, as if [his] voice [was] coming home." Obviously, this dog has aged and has lost much of his senses, and the imagery of the old and worn dog no longer able to voluntarily obey his owner, creates a mood of lost hope and discouragement.

Twice, the author places references of Christmas and Santa in the poem. He describes the owner experiencing the moment of watching his sick dog like "a child [believing] in Christmas, right before you burn the tree down." The owner must feel excruciating pain as he watches his withering dog fail to respond to his calls, yet every time he calls the dog, he hopes and "thinks, this time she'll turn to me", "this time she'll put voice to face", and "this time, [he'll] be absolved of decay." And this saddening frustration is also described as "being a child who believes in Christmas" but this time "as the tree burns as the drapes catch, Santa [will] light] a smoke with his blowtorch and [ask], want one?" These references of extreme childhood disappointments infers a much more painful reality in which his ailing dog will probably never heal or regain her old self.

Note 5: Now it is fall by EDITH SÖDERGRAN

Now it is fall 

BY: EDITH SÖDERGRAN

The poem's landscape and mother-child scenes are illustrated by the Swedish author's declarative and lyrical style. The first lines of the poem are evident images of the fall season, especially the few short lines describing the child of the poem as observing "all the golden birds [flying] home across the blue deep water." Edith describes the child as being "rapt in its scattering glitter", and the otther imagery of "the [rustling] through the trees (the migrating birds)", and the "vast farewell" and nearing "close" affirms the progression to autumn season. "But [the] reunion, that also is certain" produces the aura of hope the child carries or naturally abides to. 

Within the last stanza of the short poem, the seemingly innocent child "falls asleep easily" on her arm, and on "her eyes" she feels a loving "mother's breath." The warm and tender moment of mother-daughter embrace effuses the mood of unconditional love that can usually be found within such an honorable relationship. And "from [her mother's] mouth to [her] heart", the child hears the words, the last lines of the poem, "sleep, child, and dream now the sun is gone." This final close of the poem draws out the sincere emotional language that exists between this mother and daughter, and also beautifies the scenery of autumn with ernest love. 

Note 4: Esperanza by Judith Otiz Cofer

Esperanza

BY JUDITH ORTIZ COFER

My name mocks me

for I was born at the cost

of my mother’s life,

earning my father’s hatred

with my first breath.

All my life

I have scoured a house soiled

with the thick soot of his resentment.

It has left its mark on the walls,

in his eyes, and on me.

All of it I have tried to wipe away.

In my hands I hold a broom,

in my heart—

ashes, ashes.

The beginning lines of Esperanza, illustrating a girl's birth "at the cost of [her] mother's life" suggests the overwhelming burden the daughter must carry. Her Spanish originated name which means hope "mocks" her for her own existence, and with her "first breath", her livelihood earns nothing more than her "father's hatred." Her grim circumstances depicts a life overwhelmed with constant debt, as though she is in constant pressure to pay for all that she has done, which has only been to live. 


Leading into the second half of the poem, she describes the house she lives in as "soiled with the thick soot of his (her father's) resentment." The oppressive imagery of the emotions of both parties and the setting of the house exclaims that "it has left its mark on the walls, in his eyes, and on [her]." These lines emphasize the isolated and depressive lifestyle she leads, as though during her whole life she has been trying to "wipe [all of the mess] away." The ending scene of the girl holding "a broom in [her] heart", and the very last line of "ashes, ashes" draw the poem to its conclusion, that all of the mess and turmoil is still there, and she can't help but try to cleanse it all away even though it may be useless. 

Reading Log: Looking For Alaska

13% into the book (and also 24% into Triangles), I am enjoying the ongoing activities of the story. Miles is still adjusting to his life here at this boarding school. He shows obvious signs of attraction towards Alaska, and he is developing a friendship with his room mate.

As the story progresses, Miles' character is shown bit by bit. As a welcoming gesture, a couple of boys had thrown him, while tied up into the lake. When his friend Colonel (room mate) finds out about this situation, he is outraged and declares that what they did was extremely dangerous.

I'm looking forward to the progression of Miles and Alaska's friendship. It's quite obvious that there is something between them. Even though she has a long-distant relationship with another boy, I can't help but predict something good for the two teenagers.

Anthology: Notes 2 & 3

1. The Animal Odd Couple

Surfing around on the internet, I found this clip with a title that caught my eye, that showed the relationship between two very different animals. After I had chosen my anthology theme which was relationships, I realized that this theme could extend to animal relationships. In this clip, CBS observes an unusual friendship between an elephant and a dog. In this sanctuary for retired elephants, these animals pair up with one another as best friends. Among these massive elephants are over a dozen stray dogs that also live in the sanctuary. Although both groups usually ignore one another, the dog Bella and the elephant Tara are the best of friends. They have formed a distinct and admiral bond that we should all model ourselves upon.

In the clip, the two inseparable animals are seen roaming around the land together. According to the owner’s reports, the two best friends do everything together like a pair of elephants would. Footage in the woods shows this massive elephant walking down a rummaged path with her fluffy small companion. This sweet moment shown in televised broadcasting brings forth a genuine and unbreakable bond forged by these two animals.

Later in the video, the interviewees discussed a time period when the dog Bella was ill. For three weeks, she suffered from a spinal cord injury, and she lay motionless in the office of the sanctuary building. During this time, Tara stayed in the corner of a high-built fence that bounded the sanctuary office; she waited for her best friend in this little corner of 2700 acres of land. Eventually one of the cofounders started carrying Bella down to the fence daily so that Tara could see her dear friend; every time she was brought down, the two companions were excited and eager to see one another. This ritual continued on until Bella could start walking again. At the end of this clip, the news reporter says one line that puts all of us to shame, “Take a good look, America.” These two glorious animals easily put aside their immense differences and formed an everlasting bond. How is it that they can do it, and we cannot? Why is it so difficult for human beings to at least be peaceful with one another? Perhaps the answer exists very simply by the example set by Bella and Tara. We have the choice to live by this example, but the majority of us are too stubborn to take this much easier path of living.

2. Lost in the Hospital  By: Rafael Campo

A Poem About Friendship

Rafael's powerful, yet simple lines drive out a potent and tender story about friendship. His style is lucid yet the meaning of a few lines behold a delicate ambiguous quality that helps sublimate the theme of the poem. 

He first says "It’s not that I don’t like the hospital." The man seems to not detest the environment, but rather acknowledge and feel indifferent about the "small bouquets of flowers, pert and brave", and "the smell of antiseptic cleansers." Roaming around the hospital this man is lead outside by his friend to take a smoke. The image of patients outside smoking with "IV’s And oxygen in tanks attached to them" is frightful and pitiful. The fact that the ill group of people are further endangering their already "wistful" and ailing health circumstances is grim and saddening.

 As the two friends shared a cigarette and the healthy companion held onto the other's hand which was "Like someone’s keys", the moment of bondage is admirable and more significant than the gloominess of illness and death. And as the sun points down on the two friends, it is as if "they were important, full of life, [and] unbound." In this scene in which they are standing together in the strange "tiny patio for skeletons", the differences between the men are forgotten, and their moment of unity is celebrated in the source of life, the sun. In the final lines of the poem when the man "wandered for a moment where his ribs had made a space for [him]" and he thinks to himself that he is lost beside his friend's "thundering waterfall of [a] heart", this moment reaches the apex of the best of friendships. During that time of embrace or perhaps just profound realization, the man is lost, but it is a good lost; a lost into the journey of their friendship and love in which the beginning is vague and the end may be near, but the memories in between are infinite and the love is forever flourishing. 

Reading Log: Looking For Alaska

During Spring Break I managed to read 11% of Looking For Alaska and a bit of Triangles. I enjoy reading the former, but I'm starting to lost interest in the other.

The main character in Looking For Alaska, Miles Halter is still a mystery. There is still much to discover about him and his new colleagues. What I've learned about him is that he is a scrawny caucasian boy who loves and fascinates over famous last lines. He had lived in Florida with his parents, but now he is in Alabama at Culver Creek, a boarding school. I still have yet to discover his reasons for boarding school. He has explained that his Dad had gone to this high school, and that this decision was his own, but I think Miles is seeking for something more. I think he could be looking for a significant change in his life, and that he wants to start living a life that is more exciting and thrilling rather than staying in his sheltered life back home. Perhaps, he is hoping to live a significant life, be remembered, and speak the most beautiful and famous last words when he passes away.

Exercise 3

Dead to You
Black Boy White School
The Lover's Dictionary

A review needs a luring introduction to grab the audience's attention. Once that is completed, an introduction, one that is not telling (or spoiling) the story, but one that gives only a hint of the storyline is required. Then finally, end the review with a smashing paragraph stating how this book could be for you! Grab the reader, give them a small but intoxicating sample, and hook them with a conclusion.

Reading Log: Triangles

22% into the book (according to Kindle), "Triangles" by Ellen Hopkins is a well-leveled and casual book. Three female friends, with differing and struggling lifestyles face their mid-life crisis, and the readers spectate the ongoing events through Hopkin's poetic style. Her poetic verses embody a emotional and powerful scope into the fluctuating lives of these three women.

After getting a taste of the different lives of these women, I feel that the one who is in the toughest position is Marrisa.  The other two suffer from less extreme cases in comparison to the former; Holly regrets her boring family life in which her only role is to be a stay-at-home mom, and Andrea yearns for that perfect husband. All the while, Marissa has to cope with caring for Shelby who is terminally ill and unable to make any motions whatsoever. Additionally, her workaholic husband stows away time at work to avoid having to deal with his sick daughter and tarnished family.

Although I believe Marissa to be the one who suffers the most, the story is beginning to unravel other severities in the lives of these women, and the connections between the three are surfacing. As the story progresses, it will be interesting to see how each situation is dealt with and  how each ends.

Note 1: Hard Times

"Hard Times" by Michael Ryan 


Michael Ryan's poem, "Hard Times", characterized by a gruff, sarcastic, and terse tone,

illustrates a picture of a child's (perhaps his) rotten and base family life. The picture of the

pathetic parents, the "lousy job [his] father lands", and his "mother's rosary-pinching hands"

expresses a resentment towards the mother and father. The pigs in a blanket served for

dinner by the mother is referenced and observed as more than a delicacy. The "Teeny

uncircumcised Buddha penises (cocktail hot dogs in strips of dough)" are referred to as

"puffed-up weenie geniuses" who tells the author to get the "fu*%" out of this home life as

fast as possible.

The sultry, simple and yet potent language of the author flumes an

atmosphere of frustration and perverseness. Within the last stanza, the dad is depicted as

unappreciative and perhaps verbally abusive, while as the mother is painted out to be

emotionally overwhelmed and in tears. Finally, in the last line, the author writes, "I

don't know who to hate or how to feel." The plain words of those lines are as powerful as the

running emotions in this poem. In the end, the readers are left to contemplate how the

the kid will approach the situation and whether the kid overcomes this state of malcontent.

Exercise 2

3. The amount of time implies "the adrenaline roses up on his cheeks..neck gleaming with sweat."
1. “[Taking] the end, made his wrap, brought the rope around the back of his hand and over the palm a second time, wove it between his third and fourth fingers, pounded the rosined glove fingers down over it and into his palm.”
3. "I WILL KILL YOU" in Barry's excerpt pretty much sums up how the mood of the story is

Best Post: Unfettered

Exercise: "The Mud Below" by: Annie Proulx

In this scene from “The Mud Below”, Proulx illustrates a rodeo landscape with an instilled distinctive and image-laden style that spews a western atmosphere. The scene paints a picture of Diamond, the main character “[keeping] his butt cocked to one side, his feet up on the chute rails so the bull couldn't grind on his leg, brad him up, so that if it thrashed he could get over the rope in a hurry.” “[Taking] the end, made his wrap, brought the rope around the back of his hand and over the palm a second time, wove it between his third and fourth fingers, pounded the rosined glove fingers down over it and into his palm.” These cautious and possibly-dangerous scenes suggests that Diamond's lifestyle bears excitement and adventure, and also great risks. His excitement and enjoyment can be shown when “the time came closer and he slapped his face forcefully, bringing the adrenaline roses up on his cheeks...” Whatever Diamond is doing, no complaint or struggle is expressed, and when his adrenaline “roses up on his cheeks”, perhaps his appreciation for rodeo life rises too. 

Reading Log

Having read one of Ernest Hemingway's books before, I immediately noticed the same diction and style in one of his most famous books, The Sun Also Rises. 20% into the book (according to Kindle fire), I am enjoying this story and its characters.

The story evolves around a group of Americans living in France. My favorite character at the moment, who is the narrator, is Jake Barnes. He is a writer like the other characters (Cohn and Frances).

These characters, especially Jake, express dissatisfaction with their lives. Robert Cohn is in an unaffectionate and unhappy relationship with Frances. Frances desires to marry as soon as possible, while Robert feels there is large void in his life that could not be filled by marrying someone like Frances. Then there is Brett who Jake is in love with.

Unlike the other characters who openly express their sorrows, I think Jake locks his pain within his tight emotional realms.  During World War I, he had a major wound that restricts him even now from making love to Brett Ashley, whom he is in love with. The two are very very much in love with one another, but Brett refuses to be in a relationship due to the fact that he is "impaired" (which I think is a ridiculous reason). Like Cohn, she also feels this void in her life. But unlike the former, she knows that Jake would have been the one to fill that sorrowful hiatus.

As Jake drives the storyline with his narration, he rarely speaks out his emotion to the audience. When he does communicate his emotions, it's usually in the form of extreme sadness, anger, or frustration, and his emotional expression is usually never direct. The audience has to infer from his responses to other characters or from his actions when he is alone or with others. I'm eager to find out how his story will end. I hope he has a happy ending.

Anthology Theme

I'm fascinated by the different type of relationships we develop with one another. I especially admire poetry about relationships of the non-romantic sort.

The pictures shown here demonstrate just a few ideas of the kind of works I want to include in the anthology.


Above is a picture from the popular movie "Up". I always loved and admired the friendship between the old man and the seemingly-annoying boy. I hope to find some works that portray this type of friendship.


I like that this topic is an "umbrella" topic having a broad range of poetry that I can include in the anthology.

On the left is a picture of a grandmother and her grandson. Having never met my own grandmother, I love reading about this type of admirable affection in poetry.

In my life, my mother has been the epitome of strength, wisdom, and struggle. I have a soft spot for poems celebrating mother-daughter relationships.

Q4 Reading Goals

1. Explore "new territory" (genres)
2. Finish Love in the Time of Cholera, which has been pushed off to the side too often
3. Read poetry to someone
4. read at least 150 pages a week

Beginning "The Sun Also Rises"

After reading the first few chapters of this novel, I've gathered a feeling of the movement of this story. I had read The Garden of Eden, also by Ernest Hemingway, and I can sense the same Hemingway distinctive writing style in this novel. 

The five chapters I've read have introduced me to the characters in the book. The story revolves around this group of Americans residing in Europe. The principal character and narrator is Jake Barnes. Outlying characters include Robert Cohn, and Brett Ashley.

I'm curious as to how this story progresses. The story is set in the time after World War I. This war must be associated with the character's personal situations. I"m definitely looking forward to this book. 

The Fault In Our Stars: The End

At the end of this humorous and philosophical novel, I surprisingly did not cry. Although one of the main characters passed away, the story was not focused on tragedies or sadness. Instead, the scope of the novel encompassed the entire being of humans.

There is a constant reference to how the “Universe wants to be known” and how humans try throughout their lives to leave a mark on this world and be remembered. We are such insignificant creatures in a world full of inevitable dangers. The characters in the novel also tend to question the meaning of it all, of life. What is the answer?

To have had the privilege to love and give to your beloved ones is a vital part of our lives. Although the majority of the population will die unremembered by the world, we strive to live especially for those who never had the chance and those who were cut short of a long life. I didn’t cry, because I appreciated my life. I appreciated the lives of these characters.

An Excerpt from Augustus’ letter to Hazel:

“Hazel knows the truth. People will say it’s sad that she leaves a lesser scar, that fewer remember her, that she was loved deeply but not widely. But it’s not sad, Van Houten [the author]. It’s triumphant. It’s heroic. Isn’t that the real heroism? Like the doctors say: First, do no harm.

Virgin Suicides: Half-way through

Halfway through the Virgin suicides, I’ve learned to respect the Lisbon sisters. After Cecillia’s death, the book journeys through the aspects of the neighborhood and the alterations and consistencies within the town. The boys become even more interested in the Lisbon family, especially the girls. One scene in particular, depicts the girls’ first day of school after the summer’s tragic event; the girls walk on the campus and through the school with a seemingly exotic air that intrigues both the boys and girls. The group of sisters comes off as strange and bizarre yet very interesting and luring. Many students along with teachers pity, and even admire them. As they would walk around the school, many of the kids dare not to approach them, especially when they walk as a group.  For some reason, the girls are intimidating to the school community.

Later on, some students approach the girls and even acquaint them. One of their common activities includes ditching class and smoking in the girls’ bathroom. Here, one or two of the sister’s friends will attend the sessions.  The narrators or the interviewers state that a girl they interviewed years later had said that the sisters were quite normal teenagers. This is later affirmed again by the boys themselves. On one fortunate day, Trip Fontaine, the hottie and punk of the school dared to ask Mr. Lisbon for permission to go on a group date with the girls. After some sly smooth talking, the protective father agreed. He seemed almost relieved. The night came and Trip and a couple of boys took the girls out to the dance. Here, the boys had the same epiphany that the girls were quite normal or that day they seemed that way. They also realize that as the world was looking in and speculating about the Lisbon family, the family was looking outward at the community too. They were not as secluded and aloof as everyone had thought.

Throughout the book, the narrators do confirm that the other sisters do perform suicide later. Nevertheless, the story continues to illustrate the views of the boys and the overall community presumably to the end. The adults’ and teens’ postulated theories of the family range from ludicrous to possible factors that could have caused the suicides.  These formulated ideas of the family seem almost obsessive, especially the boys’ opinions, but that’s not surprising since tragic death, especially a death of a young girl was not common in this neighborhood.  Another strange aspect of the story is the strained relationships between the family members. The father’s stoically quite manner  and unhappy behavior adds to the somber atmosphere of the story. His isolation in his science classroom and aloofness to community life suggests a plausible influence on the strength on his family life and marriage. In one interview conducted by the narrators, Mr. Lisbon had stated that after the suicides, he and his wife split. He seemed to be quite relieved. The mother’s behavior correlated with the father’s, but instead of his isolationist method, she stowed away in her room, sometimes doing chores, or knitting. At one period, she had actually resisted leaving her room and doing any housework. Her withdrawn attitude reflected an image of a mother who was almost ready to give up. During one period after Cecilla’s death, the family as a collective locked themselves in the house. Their lawn collected a wild vegetation of weeds and wines swarming around and on the house, and excessive leaves lay muddying the front yard.  With these bleak images interconnected, the view of the family is hopeless. Although the boys do confirm that the girls seemed normal, the many illustrations of the seemingly grim family affirms the ending circumstance of the Lisbon family members. 

Towards the end of Pride and Prejudice

Now towards the end of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth is conflicted with her misjudgment of Mr. Darcy. During her summer tour with her aunt and uncle, the group travels across the country and make a stop at Pemberley where Mr. Darcy lives. Due to her Aunt’s curiosity to visit the Darcy household, they make a stop at an Inn and visit the large estate. Upon the visit, Elizabeth tries to loosen her worries of meeting him there, but just as she was comforted by the news that he was away on business, Mr. Darcy appears.  Their greetings were awkward, yet surprising, because Mr. Darcy had a change of character. Though, Elizabeth carried some embarrassment through her blushing countenance, the latter was genuine in his inquiries about her family. He was more openly friendly and more well-mannered than she had ever seen him. He proceeds to walk with them and give them a tour around his estate. From this excursion, Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s relationship improve drastically. Elizabeth gains an appreciation for him and his change of mannerisms, and all the while Darcy continues and more openly expresses his respect and admiration of Elizabeth in his subtle way.

After this lively and unanticipated day, the group head back to rest, but afterwards, during the week, Darcy and his sister visit the group. The day before, he had expressed his wish of introducing his sister to Miss Bennet which astonished yet pleased Elizabeth.  This visit was accompanied by Mr. Bingley and his sister. The sister was the same manipulative and cajoling beaut whereas her brother was the same high-spirited, charming, handsome, and genuine young man. After some formal inquiries toward one another’s health and family’s health, the visitors leave happily, especially Mr. Darcy.

 His intentions of the whole visit could be inferred as a way to earn Elizabeth’s respect and love.  His sincere wish for his sister and Ms. Bennett to meet was a delightful and agreeable gesture.  His devoting regard for Elizabeth is commendable, and the results of his effort to gain a good stance in the eyes of his love may be a success. The latter could not have been unaffected by his change, and this is shown in the passing days in which she cannot help but think about him and muse about the possibility of feeling more for him. Her old framework of Darcy changes, and her new view of the respectable man may be the very push needed to make her realize that she may love him most dearly. 

1. Books and Stuff 

"Through his lens we see grand, impressive exteriors and crumbling interiors—chairs stacked against walls with peeling green paint in a grand hallway; brightly colored toothbrushes still hanging on a rack; stacks of suitcases, never packed for the trip home" 

2. Keep Calm and Carry On
"The girls will graduate soon and grad parties are coming up and as they plan on going to friends parties Hanna is reminded she too will have to be the center of attention, something she isn't so used to."
3. Three Coconut Pods


"His comical description of ordinary occurrences hypnotize readers into  appreciating these "awesome" happenings that usually pass by unnoticed." 

4. Vivir, Sonar, Leer

"The radical range of color schemes, discombobulating object scale, unusual item combination, and drastic angling of geometric shapes combine to form a divine harmony in the middle of a flustering discord"

Natsumi Hayashi: Levitating Portraits

The photos shown here present a model positioned in mid-air "levitating". The model is shot alone in an isolated area or in areas crowded with people. Natsumi Hayashi's recognizable and iconic style of levitating portraits is taken precisely and carefully. Ensuring the subject is positioned in the frame in a desirable manner, Hayashi also displays Japanese vibrant culture through the lavishing dainty dress attire of the female model.

Observe closely at the girl in the pictures. In every picture, the subject is the same girl; the model is the artist. Natsumi, who mainly photographs levitating self-portraits, resides in Tokyo where she shoots her pictures in the settings of the city and the surrounding rural areas. With her professional Canon EOS 5D Mk SLR and large lenses, Natsumi will target a composition and focus the camera manually. Then she sets the self-timer and runs to her position. She’ll watch the camera’s blinking red LED count down ten seconds, and then she’ll proceed to jump. This process will repeat itself until she is satisfied with her product. In this circumstance, Natsumi jumps several to a dozen times just for one shot. The work effort seems to be the jumping instead of the camera shots itself.

In a few cases, some more complex equipment is used to obtain a shot at a distance or to obtain a shot with a 3D or depth effect.

The effects of these photos are mesmerizing, and they have an unreal sense of breaking the laws of physics.  The shots of the model seemingly jumping spontaneously serve a purpose of tricking the eyes and mind. At first glance, the pictures evoke an iconoclastic shot of a Japanese girl’s life levitating through daily activities. Observe again and notice that the pictures of the beautiful model and inviting settings are splurged with effervescence. Natsumi in these photos can be related to a real-life anime character who is spirited and energetic. Her vibrant attire, and voluptuous and sprightly form in the pictures effuse a dashing and active quality in these photos. The photos almost suggest that a life in mid-air levitation may be simpler and more fun. 

This American Life Podcast: What I Did For Love

Ira Grass who created This American Life, a weekly radio program, featured a special podcast for this week's universal holiday. In this special Valentine's Day edition, he speaks to Kristy Kruger about her quirky way of dealing with a breakup and to Kurt Braunohler about his thirteen year relationship with a woman.

The interview with Kristy starts out with an introduction as to how long Ira has known her. Having known her for a couple years, he tells the audience that she was having a "hard time” recently and explains further that after a break up with a guy, she continued to love him and began to obsess over him. Describing Kristy as unable to control her emotions for the guy, he gives us details about how her overwhelming feelings were shown through her wild gestures. At first, she thought of serenading him, which she had done before (Kristy is a singer/songwriter). Instead, she wrote letters to him that would never get sent and keep foods that he likes in her freezer along with his favorite pastries. She continued this while having no idea as to why she kept up with these ridiculous engagements. While Kristy affirms these actions, there is a sense of humility and self-deprecation on her part. The audience can relate to her situation in some way whether that be the silly activities or the overwhelming feelings she had for this boy. Yet these redundant gestures were nothing as wild as the “prank” she started and kept on during her drive to different music gigs around the country. As she headed to different gigs, at each place she would write his name on the bathroom walls along with a message as such, “ladies, please help me out. I really want my man back. Please call and tell him his Chalupa really misses him.” She would then leave his number next to the message. Considering how many women could have seen this, the guy must have had many calls and messages. 

Kristy’s behavior may be measured as imprudent and insensible, but maybe she really cannot help herself. She could be the very example of people fallen victims to love, especially unrequited love. Towards the end of the interview, she discusses how after two months of starting this “prank”, the guy sent her a cold text message demanding her to “knock it off with the bathroom walls” and to “Desist with this.” Kristy obliges, and instead approached a more constructive way of moving on, which was by listening to sad old country songs covered by a band called Town Criers. Her second method is a universal method of "moving on" for most girls; a method that may also include ice cream and romantic movies. 

Speaking to Ira, Kurt explains his past situation with this woman he had committed to for thirteen years and whom he had not married during this time. They had a healthy relationship; they loved each other and considered themselves “married” in a sense, yet they never approached the subject of matrimony until one ordinary day of hanging out. In mutual agreement, the couple decided to see other people for a month. They had this stubborn notion that their love could overcome anything. It was their way of testing the strength of their relationship or so they say. After this month of exhilaration and experiences, they extended the month to a few more months. 

Kurt explained how he had experiences he should have had when he was in his 20s. Having spoken to Kurt’s girlfriend, Ira affirms that the girlfriend felt the same. During this period, Kurt discusses how emotional his "encounters" with women were. He was adapted to his custom situation with his girlfriend of associating feelings with making love. These encounters with these strangers were new to him, and he felt astounded yet overwhelmed by it all. He didn't know how to separate his feelings from these situations. The couple had agreed to only see other people and not have relationships with them.  Nevertheless, this was difficult for both parties due to the fact that the two were developing feelings for the strangers they were seeing.The journey that the two endeavored to take on was a risky and wild one, but it did confirm the state of their relationship. 

At the end of the “trials” Kurt had really fallen in love with an Australian woman. Eventually, Kurt met up with his girlfriend and they discussed their situation. At the end of their luncheon, they broke up. Today, the two are on still on good terms and call each other from time to time. At the end of the interview, Ira speaks on behalf of the girlfriend that she felt that even before the suggesting and starting the “trial”, the relationship would have ended anyways. Both persons agreed that the relationship had run its course, and that both were scared and relieved to take on this challenge.  For most of us, this situation may be a dream or a ridiculous endeavor. Some of us may point out that if they had to question the strength of the relationship, then that’s an obvious road sign to end the relationship. Others may enjoy and celebrate the adventure the couple took on. Nevertheless, this example points out that not every relationship is the same. We make or break our relationships. 

Whether we were in love, or are in love now, every relationship has its own unique course.  Kristy’s behavior regarding this past relationship may have been wild, but there’s an appreciation for her passion and open heart. Kurt’s thirteen year relationship may have ended due to the forced infidelity agreed by both parties, but at the end, the couple agreed that even without this challenge, the relationship would have been broken off.  The trial only confirmed it. The title of this weekly podcast may have been misleading to audience members who hoped for stories of successful love and romantic gestures to significant others, but the title really evokes the true message of love. Our circumstances differ from one another, and that's especially true when it comes to relationships. Not every relationship will be the same and neither will our affections for one another be identical. The podcast covered two stories of the struggles and fight for love. The majority of the young adults including myself are not experts of this subject, but there is a common ground; whether we have lost it, experienced it, have it now, or never have felt it before, the idea that love is out there is strangely gratifying, and it gives us hope. 

Shortlist: artists

1. Stephen Wiltshire
Stephen was born in London in April 1974.  As a child he was mute and unsociable with others, and when he turned three he was diagnose with autism. At the age of four though, he was noticed for his enjoyment and skill in drawing. People had thought he had no language, but it was clear that drawing was his way of expression and communication. As an adult, Mr. Wiltshire is a successful city-scape artist.
stephenwiltshire.co.uk/

2. Drawing with a Squirrel
This blog belongs to an artist whose favorite art medium is ink. In her lavish and unique projects, Gentian Osman utilizes a wide range of ink colors and pens.
gentianosman.com/

3. Samantha Decarlo
Samantha is a freelance artist who also uses ink immensely in her work. Her style differs from the artist above.
http://samanthadecarlo.blogspot.com/p/about-artist.html

Podcast Response: What I did for Love

Ira Grass who created This American Life, a weekly radio program, featured a special podcast for this week's universal holiday. In this special Valentine's Day edition, he speaks to Kristy Kruger about her quirky way of dealing with a breakup and to Kurt Braunohler about his thirteen year relationship with a woman.

The interview with Kristy starts out with an introduction as to how long Ira has known her. He tells the audience that she was having a "hard time" and explains further that after a break up with a guy, she continued to love him and began to obsess over him.

Speaking to Ira, Kurt explains his past situation with this woman he had committed to for thirteen years and whom he had not married during this time. His story includes trials of love in which the couple started seeing other people in order to test the endurance of their relationship.

Both situations are unusual and seemingly crazy, but we can admit to ourselves that at one point we were the ones who were crazily in love with a person who didn’t feel the same way or we were the ones who were young , naive, and inexperienced. Considering most of the viewers here are young adults, most of us have or will face situations in a less intense form some day.

Deconstruction Art: Valerie Hegarty

Break-Through Miami 
Picture Link: Locustprojects.org 
valeriehegarty.com

Set on the backdrops of a seemingly archaic building or design set, this deconstructed art designed by Valerie Hegarty establishes a sense of the loss of nature or the nostalgia of the beauty the earth once embodied.

The artist had applied many layers of painted material to the walls and floors. Once she had finished, Valerie used a method she calls "reverse archaeology" in which she peels and removes the material in order to achieve a desired appearance.

With additional embellishments, like the obtrusive birds, the seemingly rash pond in the middle of the vibrant tiled flooring, and the ripped walls bearing some coloration, the installation renders a landscape of Miami and the city’s architecture. The opening of the development that frames the view of a luscious and tropic beach, may demonstrate the transitions of natural environments or may emphasis the urbanization that swallows up the scarcity of such prominent environments.

Expressing elements of Miami culture in the use of distinct Cuban-taste colored tiles and the ripped walls combined with the beach scenery, the design set reveals modern institutions as equally and maybe even more unstable than nature.

Valerie’s project captures the degradation of one institution in favor for another. The combination of the building in decay and the tropic settings may represent a balance of nature versus man-made institutions, but the haughty, ripped, and tarnished floors and walls point out the dramatic transformation from primitive beauty to modern turmoil. 

The Fault In Our Stars

"I went to Support group for the same reason that I'd once allowed nurses with a mere eighteen months of graduate education to poison me with exotically named chemicals: I wanted to make my parents happy. There is only one thing in this world shittier than biting it from cancer when you're sixteen, and that's having a kid who bites it from cancer" - John Green, The Fault In Our Stars

This excerpt is from the novel by John Green. In this scene the main character, Hazel who is a thyroid cancer patient explains her parents insistence that she continue to attend support group. She obeys, but only to appease her parents. Not much of a socialite in comparison to normal and healthy teenagers, Hazel is still witty and has a great sense of humor. Here at the support group meetings, she'll meet Augustus.

Later in the book, readers learn that the title of the book came from a famous line from a Shakespeare Play, Julius Caesar. Almost half way through the book, I've found that although the story holds some conventional love elements, the novel is unconventional in regards to cancer stories. The story does not strive to evoke sympathy in the readers, nor does it insist on trying to make them cry. Although there is a sense of tragic realism, the novel is philosophical and funny. The relationships in the book are respectable and admirable, and the lives of these characters allow the audience a chance to see the viewpoint of cancer patients.

This (2nd) List

1.) Bon Iver

With the 54th Grammy Awards approaching (this upcoming Sunday). One of the worthy nominees of the year is one of my favorite folk bands, Bon Iver. They are nominated for four 2012 Grammy Awards this year. The band includes Michael Noyce, Sean Carey, and Matthew McCaughan, but the face of the group is Justin Vernon, the indie folk singer/songwriter who founded this group. 

2. 43things.com

We've been into this new year two months now, and some of us have forgotten or have lost motivation to keep our new year's resolutions. Some of us may have not even made a resolution for this new year. Years before I became a bit more organized and on task, my friend referred me to this website. 43things encompasses a social networking essence, with a focus of goal-setting. According to the site, it is the world's largest goal-setting community ever.  

3. indie rock cafe: "Best indie rock music, hot new songs, popular rock bands, top album releases, free MP3s"

The site promotes new artists as wells as well-known artists. Organized into playlists and into articles informing readers about the bands/artists, the website also gives out free MP3s. Although not all of the songs are worthy, many of them have honorable mention in the music community. Music genres range from psychedelic to alternative rock.

SHOOTTHEPLAYER: KAKI KING, BEN LEE, FIRST AID KIT

Washed over with ludicrously overdone music videos of teenagers and adults singing covers of mainstream music, YouTube has only a few worthy and mentionable channels. One of them is ShootThePlayer.  This channel is an extension of the official blog with the same title, ShootThePlayer.com/blog.  Filmmakers, Amelia Tovey and Jonathon Wald, shoot singers and indie groups that may be well known or arising in the alternative community. With over 100 music films, the talented filmmakers capture the performers in iconic and sometimes commonplace locations around the world. Their interaction with their environments gives these films originality that cannot be mimicked.

Such awe-inspiring players include Swedish duo First Aid Kit, American singer/songwriter Kaki King, Australian musician/actor Ben Lee to alternative rock artists like Cloud Control, Andrew Bird, Soko, An Horse, and Holly Miranda. There is an abundant amount of talented artists in these films, many who have made it big in the music industry, creating scores for film and television productions to receiving Golden Globe and Grammy nominations/awards, yet they are still unknown to the mainstream audience. The blog also contains many other artists who are not well known to the music community, and are thus given a boost by these films.

Note that the films themselves are not meant to spur artists’ popularity, but rather capture art in the form of live and spontaneous music performances in raw locations. Filming in sites from Sydney Australia at the Opera house to the backdrops of a cemetery in France, the filmmakers capture the artists’ true sounds that are usually hidden in auto-tuned and mechanized mainstream music. All the while, the people and/or environment in the films induce an intimacy and vitality in the performances. 

Kaki King

Below is one of my favorite artists, Kaki King. Amelia filmed her in Australia's Sydney Hyde Park in 2007. Talented at playing lap steel guitar, drums, piano, and the guitar, she plays her custom designed Ovation guitar in the park as pedestrians walk by. Her techniques involving finger-style playing, fret-tapping, and bass-slapping styles exceeds the horizons of artistic guitar playing.

Pride & Prejudice

"Every lingering struggle in his favour grew fainter and fainter; and in farther justification of Mr. Darcy, she could not but allow that Mr. Bingley, when questioned by Jane, had long ago asserted his blamelessness in the affair; that proud and repulsive as were his manners, she had never, in the whole course of their acquaintance--an acquaintance which had latterly brought them much together, and given her a sort of intimacy with his ways--seen anything that betrayed him to be unprincipled or unjust--anything that spoke him of irreligious or immoral habits; that among his own connections he was esteemed and valued--that even Wickham had allowed him merit as a brother..." -Pride and Prejudice

Having seen the old (BBC) and the new version of Pride and Prejudice, reading the book was my next step. I fell in love with Mr. Darcy, and I was charmed and struck with admiration of Elizabeth Bennet. Surprisingly, I could reflect upon the characters, connecting their lives with mine. Although I have that missing romance, my experiences have been full of misunderstandings and prejudices as these characters have experienced to a much greater extent. 

The most unexpected people will surprise you. Mr. Darcy did just that. I felt equally surprised and shocked as Elizabeth when she found out that the man she thought she knew to be proud and haughty was a man who has much more good in him.  He widened my eyes, scorched any past prejudices towards him, and leveraged my appreciation of his true disposition.

As Elizabeth begins to  recognize the nobility of Darcy's character , she acknowledges her errors in her prejudices against this man. Mr. Darcy's devotion to Elizabeth to redeem himself is admirable, succeeding with his actions towards saving her and her family from disgrace, and succeeding in obtaining Elizabeth's respect.

Potential Aritcles

1.The National
Here is one of my favorite indie/alternative bands. My friend had recommended me this band a year ago. We share many of our favorites tracks with one another...

2. Kaki King
A guitar goddess. Through my connections with my dear friend, we share a love for this unique artist who is usually unknown to the mainstream community. Among the indie/alternative and guitarists communities, she is well known and loved for her capabilities in guitar and singing. Her music is raw and not defected with synthesizers and auto-tune. Unlike most "artificial" artists today, Kaki creates her sounds with the utmost artistic style and creativity...

Duo known as FIRST AID KIT perform in New York at Washing Sqare Park.

3.SHOOT THE PLAYER

Holly Miranda performing at the Sydney Opera House

Filmmakers, Amelia Tovey and Jonathon Wald, shoot singers and indie groups that may be well known or arising in the alternative community. With over 100 music films, the talented filmmakers capture the performers in iconic and sometimes oridnary locations around the world. Their interaction with their present environments give these films an originality that can not be mimicked.

"...the emptiness of a creature...": The Virgin Suicides

"We could hear her feet right above us. Halfway up the staircase to the second floor her steps made no more noise, but it was only thirty seconds later that we heard the wet sound of her body falling onto the fence that ran alongside the house. First came the Sound of wind, a rushing we decided later must have been caused by her wedding dress filling air." -Jeffrey Eugenides, The Virgin Suicides

Here is an excerpt from the tragic and elegiac story, The Virgin Suicides, describing the horrific sounds the group of neighborhood boys and the conservative Lisbon family hear from downstairs in their home, as the youngest Lisbon girl falls and impales herself on the fence post.

Looking for an unconventional and twisted story to jump into, this novel’s two powerful words of the title tackled my attention. Set in Michigan during the 1970s, the story focuses on the suicides of the five Lisbon sisters. From the perspective of five anonymous men, who in their youths were infatuated and intrigued by the sisters, I was absorbed by the fascination, curiosity, and shock the suicidal girls’ stimulated within the community. Their behavioral patterns differed and did not correlate with custom suicidal patterns according to the community psychiatrist, and this puzzled me.

In the novel, the community especially the boys, attempted to formulate a theory as to why these girls committed suicide. Investigating and interviewing past community members, the men who knew the Lisbons, tried to piece together the story and tried to reason why the girls took such extreme actions.

Did the world bear too many flaws that they could not accept the world as it was given to them? Could these girls have lost their motivation to live, especially after their precious sister’s death? Perhaps their hearts were overburdened or even worse, empty. Either way, the knowledge that these five charming and unique girls simply gave up is a mysterious elegy.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sLtYI8vV5M/Th287EnG94I/AAAAAAAAAHw/1Ep2uPQrSdU/s1600/tumblr_kwdlppOuYU1qa9ipuo1_500.jpg

“We knew, finally, that the girls were really women in disguise, that they understood love and even death, and that our job was merely to create the noise that seemed to fascinate them.” –The boys reading Cecelia’s diary and feeling and understanding the girls’ nature.  

Dead Poet's Society Opening Sequence

 Introducing a high profile boy’s school environment, the Dead Poets Society opening sequence creates a feel of tradition, legacy, and long-held honor. The beginning shot, centered on a painting of uniformed and seemingly audacious school boys similar to the ones shown later in the film, provides an inference of the present competitive student body. The proceeding scene of a ceremonial preparation, following with the honorable ceremony itself, alludes to the audience a prolonged tradition. As the students and staff members enter the old yet authoritative chapel holding flags displaying principles of discipline, excellence and so forth, the families’ expressions foster pride for their boys. This esteemed private school offering honorable education insists on excellence in adamant and intelligent young men, while the stern looks of students reveal a certain madness and passion for the competitive curriculum and atmosphere. 

Saved

Stargirl

http://sninny.blogspot.com/2010/10/stargirl-by-jerry-spinelli.html
After attracting my eye by the simplicity of the cover, this blue book beholding at the center a green stick-figured girl and a bright yellow star above her head, I immediately grabbed this novel. The title is the same as the name of the main character, Stargirl. This character is an effervescent and very amiable teenage girl, and this story revolves around her, and another boy. Centering on the impact she makes on the people and the community, the storyline takes place in a town of the state of Arizona.  One of the most memorable scenes that I recollect whenever I think of Stargirl is the first day when she attended Mica High, where she meets the student body and eventually meets Leo Borlock.  The school environment and the people as described by the boy are mundane and very monotonous that the conformity of the school is irksome. When this bright and happy girl, who wears pioneer dresses and carries her pet rat, enters the school, she enters with her spirited and energetic self. She does not hide her “star” eminence, and she does not pretend to be like any of the dispassionate students. Through the hallways, she skips, dances, hums, and sings while she plays on her delightful ukulele.  At lunch, she would eat her food peacefully, but she would eventually stand up, take out her instrument, and  serenade someone for his/her birthday. Even if there was no birthday that day, she would find some sort of achievement or doing, small or big to celebrate. As one of the most cheerful persons in the world, she still spares time to perform random acts of kindness for everyone. While she animatedly goes through her days at school, the student body has feelings of admiration, shock, annoyance, and curiosity. From her arrival, Stargirl had brought life to the school by her constant enthusiasm and elated behavior, but she seemed more like the life of the school since she was the most happy and playful creature to ever enter this town. The conflict Leo encounters has more to do with himself than with her. The two had commenced a relationship on mutual affections for one another, and he sincerely loved her benevolence, wildness, and charms. Nevertheless, after the basketball incident in which Stargirl rooted for the opposing team (she was oblivious to the customs of sports culture), the student body despised her and her “Starboy”, thus making him feel “invisible” and ungrateful for her qualities. He loved her, but did not want to lose her, therefore he pushed for her to change. She did, but only for a short and unsuccessful time. She returned to her normal usual self and still cared for the boy who once asked her for the impossible and painful choice of conforming.  At the end of the novel, she attended a dance, and struck the students with the same exuberant behavior at the beginning. They fell in love with her again, and appreciated her, but too late, because the next day, Stargirl moved away. Leo learns of the news, and feels disappointed.  This short-read novel taught Leo and me that a majestic soul is carried in all of us, and that we should protect our own “star” beauty. 

Elements of Observation; Pharrell William's Crib in Miami

Layout

-Exterior; there is vegetation around the outside portion of the home

-On the balcony the pillars and the outside pool is surrounded by organized and jovial green plants.

- The House offers a view of Miami life and the beach right off the balcony.

-The tropic environment and sunny location of Miami is an advantage for this home.

-The sun, when shown on the surface of the home, the beauty of the home is elevated. Having a white base for the entire home and given the sun, the house is eccentrically beautiful.

Style

-There is a Cuban/Latin essence, especially with the additional colorful decorations

-There is an artistic architecture of the home

-The modern winding stairs is a lavish addition to the home.

-The upper level is a complementary extension of the home that adds beauty as well as modern characteristics to the home.

-The immense stair case to the large plateau-like upper level evokes power and riches.

Space

-The large home gives  abundant room for euphoric decorations, which Pharell has taken advantage of with his taste in art and adornments.

-The wide open space gives a fresh, open, and comfort setting, whereas small compact homes may give an unpleasant and taut feeling.

Color

 –Explosion of white complimented with modern wood flooring and metal railings are a great combination.

-The effervescent colors of furnishings and decorations give the home a "kidult" feeling (word used by Pharrel Williams)

--The white interior and exterior of the house is expressed well with warm or daylight lighting

Decorations/furnishings

-Surrounding the house, the collection of cartoon and popular characters embellish the white colored home.

-Fun figures include Stewey and Brianf from the comedy show “Family Guy”. These decorations can be inferred to be favorites of the homeowner.

-For some decorations, there is an addition of lights that complement the adornment. –

-There are also vintage/designer furnishings.

-abstract furnishings include the glass piano, the white bubble figure, and the large sung-shaped light atop the upper level.

Explosive with flamboyant colorful and chimerical furnishings, spacious with a white and fresh setting, styled in a unique modern construction, and set in a lively city, the Miami home articulates jubilant and passionate individuality.