Save the Earth Do This

RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLERECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLERECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLERECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLERECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLERECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLERECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLERECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE

REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE

REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE

REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE REUSE 

REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCEREDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCEREDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCEREDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCEREDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCEREDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCEREDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCEREDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE REDUCE 

Invisible (short narrative)

I never understood my fascination with being invisible.  Being invisible to most means the ability to do whatever you wanted or ultimate freedom. Being invisible can give you that freedom but I'm more drawn to the ability to disappear.
 I long to disappear from this world when things seem to be unbearable . It would mean that I am no longer burdened with the responsibilities I have to others and myself. ] Sometimes I just wish I can make it stop so I can have a moment's rest.
Individuals who are invisible have plenty of time to think. The problems of the world cannot see them to burden them with responsibility, anguish, and stress. If I were invisible, I escape the world I knew for a moment's rest. Too many times my relaxation and happiness has been hindered. Once my work is finished, I will be free of these parasites who want this, take that, and it will be me who can finally want and take.
There are those who say being invisible is being worse than being nothing. Their argument is that being conscious  will being completely ignored is a life worse than hell. I am not fazed by this argument. You have to become less than nothing in order for the parasites not to find you because no matter how much yourself you get rid of, the parasites always manage to find you.
-Ralph Wells ,researcher of Imperceptible Tissue Serum

A Book To Read

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a biography about the life and times of Henrietta Lacks. Henrietta Lacks was an African-American woman who had cancerous cells taken without her knowledge in the 40s. These tumor cells were biologically immortal, meaning that as long they received the nutrients they needed, they would not stop dividing. Researches upon these cells have provided nearly all of the medical developments within the last century. HeLa cells were used to prove the effectiveness of the polio vaccine.  HeLa cells were also used to develop methods for freezing cells without harming or changing them.  This made it possible to send cells around the world using the already-standardized method for shipping frozen foods and frozen sperm for breeding cattle.  These are just few of the many developments brought by her cells. While companies and others benefit from selling and research upon Henrietta’s cells, her family is too poor to afford health insurance and care.

Henrietta lived in a time where taking these cells without her permission was considered okay for someone of her racial and economic status.  Many people didn’t know about or didn’t mind the experimentation on various minorities because of the negative stereotypes they believed in, the extreme prejudice they had against them or just because they had no regard for the lives of these minorities.

In terms of race, this was not the first time unethical medical research was performed on someone of African-American heritage. For example, to observe the natural progression of syphilis, The Tuskegee syphilis experiment researchers chose poor, African American men with syphilis. Controversy arose because these men were not told they had syphilis nor were they treated for it despite the validation of penicillin as a cure for the disease. Researchers chose black subjects because they, like many whites at the time, believed black people were “a notoriously syphilis soaked race”

In terms of her economic status,  many doctors and researchers often took samples from  or experimented on poverty stricken individuals in compensation for free medical care. This was common practice at the time Henrietta’s cancer cells were removed without her consent. Also it was common practice to withhold information from and take samples from patients without their consent to avoid unnecessary fear and hesitation that would hinder scientific study. This is also the case when researchers do not share information regarding procedures and sample removal with the patient’s family. HeLa cell research contributed to the demand of and implementation of an informed consent requirement in research regarding human subjects.  

Movie Review

Movie Review

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKFLrTYKIXk

Sin City is one of my all time favorite movies. Sin City was released in 2005 and was written, produced and directed by Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez. It’s based on Miller’s graphic novel series of the same name.   The movie emulates the style of the book with unique black and white color processing with few significant objects appearing in color. The film has an all star cast who’s characters are all unique, meaningful and most of all fun to watch.

Sin City follows three male protagonists in the crime ridden and sinful city of Basin City.  Bruce Willis is cast as John Hartigan, an aging police detective (one of the few good cops)who risks everything to save a little a girl from a serial rapist.  Mickey Rourke is cast as Marv, a veteran with questionable sanity and a lust for revenge against the killer of his one-time sweetheart. Clive Owen is cast as Dwight, the mysterious protector of a town inhabited by independent prostitutes.  The first two performances, stand out the most to me however.

The performances by the three mentioned actors are superb.  You want Bruce Willis to save the girl because you begin to respect the good person he tries to be in a nearly lawless city. He never stops or hesitates to do the right thing no matter how bad he is mutilated and punished by Basin City. He doesn’t care what he has to do or what he has to lose, he will be the knight in shining armor.

Mickey Rourke’s performance as Marv is fantastic as well.  Even though he is arguably a ravaging psycho killer I began to care for his cause as i get to know him. When he is not dismembering criminals in pursuit of his Goldie, he’s the average joe. He drinks a little, he’s self conscience (of his scarred face and body), he visits the occasional strip club, he’s a gentleman and he can be quite the friend.  What I found most remarkable is that he was really convincing as a comic book character. He was quite enjoyable to watch.

Art Review

Art Review

I f****** love comic books. I have spend a great deal of my life trying to read as many as possible and know as much about them as possible. My comic book knowledge can put some nerds to shame (don’t know whether should I be proud or sad of that myself) They have been the major influence on my decision to pursue art throughout my life with the hopes of making my own someday.

My favorite artist is Frank Quietly  (his pen name) who is a Scottish comic book artist. His real name is Vincent Deighan (born 1968).He may sound familiar to people who read comic books. He worked with phenomenal DC writer Grant Morrison on many groundbreaking projects.  Morrison and Quietley teamed up to reinvent the X-men for a modern audience in New X-men, humanize Superman  and recapture his extremely sci-fi roots in All Star Superman, and reveal an all new dynamic duo in Batman and Robin. These books are some of my all time favorites because of  Morrison’s deep understanding of comic book mythology and gift of intricate storytelling and character and Quietly’s  unorthodox  and iconic style.
http://www.liveforfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/all-star-superman.jpg

This piece is from All Star Superman. When I look at his art the first thing I usually notice is his choice in color. The shades of light blue, blue, light red and dark red are not only perfect choices but they are not the outlandish and unbelievable colors often seen in the costumes of superheroes.  Also his sense of detail is remarkable. From the shadows casted by the falling sheets of paper to barely noticeable reflections of superman’s red and blue costume in the glass everything is there.

What the image is representing as well is also amazing. In this picture, Superman is depowered, hiding and forced to rely on a gun to defend himself against a super powered Lex Luthor. That may not seem  like much but after analysis of what that means you realize how amazing the picture. Superman, the most powerful being on the planet, is now facing desperation and perhaps fears of death or the deaths of others.   This accomplishes 2 things, An intensly dramatic situation- if superman is facing desperation, that says something on how dire the situation truly is and the personification of Superman who was once regarded as difficult to relate to but now he is seen feeling desperation and fear like we do.

http://www.jollygoodshow.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/batman-and-robin-12.jpg

This is piece from Batman and Robin (Batman Vs Robin) Again notice his choice in color.  The iconic but not too bright colors of both superheroes contrast of each other nicely. Also Quitely’s sense of detail can be seen in little things like the different types of texture throughout their costumes and the stitches in  the young and new Batman’s  cowl that may have had altered to fit him or that his costume has been battle damaged due to  his inexperience.

This image is representing something amazing as well. In this picture, the former Robin Dick Grayson has become the new Batman and he is fighting his Robin, Damian Wayne the spoiled and illegitimate son of Bruce Wayne.  These are fresh perspectives on iconic characters. Dick Grayson was the former Robin and he replaced Bruce Wayne. He is a more human and more liked Batman and Quitley expressed this by replacing Batman’s usual black primary with a more friendlier blue and giving him a less intimidating body type from than Bruce Wayne.  This Robin was not the Robin Dick was. He is brash, rude, and impulsive and condones the use of lethal force.  This dynamic duo is not the one we are familiar with. Damian does not even see Dick as an equal let alone a partner. They always fight and they compete and this unique comic book relationship is depicted perfectly in this image.

We Have the Right

Since the beginning of time, man has always fought over principles and freedom that they are entitled to. These entitlements are called rights. Even though the earlier definitions of man have changed over time to where some of these men did not have these rights, the purpose of rights are to establish entitlements that all man ,no matter how different,  have no matter what. The interpretation of what exactly what entitlement a man need and what defines a man has changed has lead to conflicts between men for as long as we could comprehend difference in each other.

In a way, rights don’t end conflicts but since the absence of them often creates conflict, they create conflict.  We solve these right related conflicts by rewarding those without the rights in question with the rights they deserve or demand but their will always be a group that doesn’t have a right that another has. These type of conflict never ends. It seems to me to destroy these conflicts is to destroy the idea of entitlement or privilege. If the privilege doesn’t exist, no one can claim to not have it. 

What I am saying is that if no one has privilege, no one can claim to be treated unfairly. It would be technically world peace right? This brings up a few questions. Now the real question is do we need the concept of privilege for a functioning society? Do we need our authority figures to have special powers? How far can the world go with abolishing privilege without being cruel to those that may have special circumstances?  Just-a- brainstormin’

McCarthy’s Birthday Week

http://cdn2.knowyourmeme.com/i/000/068/894/original/cool-story-bro-house-Cool-Story-Bro.jpg?1283216613

Nope. Just kidding. Happy birthday!

Ummm yeah…how do I make this 250 words? That’s pretty much all I got. I failed. 

X is Known

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X Marks the Spot

                

Malcolm X- Pirate of the Caribbean

X Marks The Spot

(Inspired by Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter)

While Malcolm X was a well known Civil Rights Activist, one could argue his other career was a lot more interesting.  You see when Malcolm X was not promoting human rights; Malcolm X was fighting the government another way…at sea with violence and sometimes criminal acts. In other words, he was a pirate.

As a young boy, Malcolm was brilliant but he had a grudge against the government and white people for institutionalizing his mother and murdering his father.  As he grew more detached from education he grew closer to the heads of the criminal underworld, more specifically the pirate underworld. He began smuggling, drug-dealing, gambling, robbery, and other endangering and criminal activities of the pirate life-style.  Malcolm reputation as Detroit Red the pirate gained him famous status among his peers and infamy from the law. It would be only a matter of time before these behaviors catch up with him and he is imprisoned. While in prison, he is begins to reinvent himself in efforts to effectively combat the government that he almost forced the lifestyle that almost destroyed him and destroyed his family.

Malcolm did not simply remove the violent and aggressive tendencies of his personality when he converted to The Nation of Islam; he embraced this side of him against the government that he no longer felt served all of its citizens.  When Malcolm was not spreading the Nation of Islam, he destroyed shipments of alcohol and other goods that were destroying the communities of black people to save his people and send a message.  He did not condone violence but he did what he thought was necessary to save his people.

Now Malcolm, retired for the sake of his family, through his pirate contacts has learned of a treasure that will effectively remove hate and prejudice from the world. With this treasure he can finally have abolished racism and created world peace. He is only given one clue however. X marks the Spot.

Album/Track Review

I chose to review Pendulum's 3rd studio album.  For those of you that don't Pendulum is a drum and bass , electronic rock band. I'm little late on finding out about them but I really enjoy their work. In their album, they combine many of my favorite forms of music.  Elements of electronica, alternative rock , industrial rock,  heavy metal and even house music. The flawless combination of my favorite forms of music and the meaningful ideas behind their lyrics make them of my favorite bands of all time and this album one of my all time favorites.
My favorite song from this album is Crush. Crush is fast-paced and more electronic rock than the other songs. Despite being fast-paced and electronic I feel that the lyrics means more than the garbage many modern musicians try to pass of as lyrical genius. I believe the song's lyrics are trying to recreate the a person's reflection on the harm he has caused himself and others.

I was running out in the cold light,
Wondering where to go,
To run away, without you.

All my fear is coming home,
And it's ripped out for the show.
You can't be me,
I will become you (tonight).

I was wandering under black skies,
Clutching at what is mine,
No control, left to lose.
When I felt that it wouldn't phase me,
I ran and hid like a child.
I feel so guilty,
I'll make it up to you (tonight).

Bridges I've been dreaming are going down,
They're changing my future.
Visions I had buried underground,
Return us our futures.

I was breaking out of my own skin,
Choking upon release,
I'm in no state, to judge you.
Scratching itches best left alone,
Chasing memories I used to own,
I can't wait until this is over (tonight).

Bridges I've been dreaming are going down,
They're changing my future.
Visions I had buried underground,
Return us our futures.

Well the nightmares Ive been having have arrived,
They're changing my future.
Signs of my creation at my door,
How could you do this to her?

My second favorite song on this album is the Island Part 2. What the song lacks in lyrics it makes up with a more energetic feel than Crush. Crush reminds me of the catchy, new and yet strangely familiar style of another favorite of mine, Daft Punk. Even though it may be a bit techno for some people's taste, i find it surprisingly good for something so electronic. I usually enjoy alternative rock with more traditional instruments but i actually enjoyed this song.
If there is one thing you should get from my review is that Pendulum is a master of variety and there is a song for many different music listeners. More variety can be seen with there more pop orientated song The Fountain and their interesting mix of heavy metal and electronic rock in Self vs Self. Check them out if you haven't already cause their AMAZING.

Crush
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHBe6wC2NYs
The Island Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzKZuhwrwNM
The Fountain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmykCp10Anc
Self vs Self
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPCXHhH4vaA

I Know This Means Something

Day #6
I Know This Means Something

As I stare at the unfamiliar sky, I ponder my escape. I refuse to believe that this was some accident. Someone put me here and I aim to find out whom.
It was 5 days ago that I awoke on this island with no name and no memory…only a small robotic companion. He told me that he was like me… an experiment. He told me that I was here to be tested and the testing begins now and he then handed me what he referred to everything I will ever need.  He suggested that I created shelter before “they” come.
The robot told me that the tool is called the Construct. He told me the purpose of the device was to master or reclaim the lands from nature. It resembled nothing more than a backpack but inside, the robot explained, was a generator, seeds, fertilizer, a computer, and other equipment I would need to survive the test.
The Construct is a truly remarkable device. Once I found a suitable place to set up camp, it is almost if it realized what I wanted, and it duplicated itself and the original began to expand into a small fortress. I would survive. The robot told me it would construct everything I will ever need. I was overjoyed that I would survive but the feeling was short-lived as I located the Daedalus label. No longer distracted by the fear of survival, then I began to wonder the specifics of my situation…who am i? where am i? who put me here and why?
That night, I began agriculture around my home and expanding upon my home. My robot companion helped all of the time…never questioning or doubting… He said that this is what he is here for but he could not help me with any of my questions. He then told me that now that I have shelter,  the real test begins. I ask what does he mean and all he did what stare out the window of my fortress. “They” are here, he said as I look out the window…looking at the legion of creatures heading my way.

Ultimate Recipe

THE BEST LASAGNA EVER!

Bob’s Awesome Lasagna

Ingredients

·         8 ounces lasagna noodles

·         1 pound ground beef

·         1/4 cup minced onions

·         1 teaspoon salt

·         1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

·         1 (32 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce

·         1 (16 ounce) package large curd cottage cheese

·         1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

1.       Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain.

2.       In a large skillet over medium heat, saute ground beef, onions, salt and garlic salt until meat is brown. Drain excess fat, add spaghetti sauce to beef mixture, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

3.       Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch glass baking pan.

4.       Line bottom of pan with three lasagna noodles. Spread 1/3 of sauce mixture over noodles. Layer 1/3 of the cottage cheese over the sauce. Sprinkle 1/3 of the mozzarella over the cottage cheese. Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used up.

5.       Bake in the preheated oven for one hour. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/Bobs-Awesome-Lasagna/Detail.aspx http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/Bobs-Awesome-Lasagna/Detail.aspx

Good Food Review

When I first walked into Palace Grill the first thing I noticed was the atmosphere. The authentic décor of the restaurant made you feel like you’re in a 1950’s, American diner.  Since I’m a fan of retro things and themes, this was one my favorite things about Palace. Also, the people there made you feel welcome and made sure you were happy.  I have had met too many staff members of restaurants that hurry you along or they don’t even care about what you thought of the food. It was refreshing to see a restaurant think so highly of their customers.

Now, let’s get to the food.  I ordered the Denver omelet with hash browns with orange juice.  I have to say that it was best Denver omelet I have had.  I love Denver omelets and Palace knows how to make it right. The Denver omelets I have had in the past make the ingredients barely noticeable and you feel ripped off and that’s not the case with Palace. Every bite was full of chunks (not pieces) of fresh and premium ham, onions, and green bell peppers.  Everything was freshly made after I ordered so it wasn’t warmed up. Also the freshly squeezed orange was a plus. It’s a small thing that many restaurants forget that I love.

Even though I enjoyed Palace it has a couple of flaws.  Palace is a little pricey (the meal was almost 15 dollars) and its classic and authentic environment could be interpreted as dull or unoriginal so it may not be for everyone. However, these are small shortcomings for a great and authentic American diner.

King Still King?

Every third Monday in January we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day but is the king is still king? Of course he is. Just because we don’t celebrate him with rituals and decorations like Christmas, Halloween, or Thanksgiving he has lost any significance. The fact that he is one of the 3 people with a national holiday shows his significance.  

Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. was a hero of modern American liberalism and arguably the greatest spokesman for the civil rights movement, which successfully protested against racial discrimination in federal and state law.  Thanks to African American civil rights movement, the Civil Rights Act was passed; banning discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin in employment practices and public accommodations and the voting rights of all people were protected and restored.

Many people would argue that he has lost significance because we don’t honor him but I believe that that when that descendants of those who were discriminated against vote or further themselves academically, they honor the wishes of Martin Luther King Jr and this has happened and is continuing to happen.  I for one will definitely honor Rev. King by voting and exercising my right to vote

I am a shoe

I am a shoe

People use me

People walk on me

When they don’t want me

They hide me

I am a shoe

Damaged, lost, forgotten

Suffering is all I know

All and I do is sit and wait

To be used and abused

I am a shoe

When my time is done

I am replaced

The use ends

I rest

I am a shoe 

Winter Poem

She is winter    

Cold     

Relentless     

Unforgiving    

I love her  

Lost    

Optimistic    

Hopeless  

I always will  

As the yellow falls and the white grows  

As the days grow shorter  

As the warmth escapes  

She hates me  

Unresponsive

Majestic

Godly

I don’t care

Blind

Forgiving

Understanding

I’m happy

As the animals sleep

As the nights lengthen

As I stay awake

Globalization

One of the most debated and controversial subjects in the modern world, globalization is something that effects us all. Globalization is basically the unification of regional economies, societies, and cultures through communication, transportation and trade.  When said like that, it doesn’t really sound controversial or bad at all. What’s so bad about nations, big and small, connecting with each other? Its almost like world peace.

Sadly, globalization is not all good and peaceful. In theory, it should be a step towards world peace since the nations of the world are connecting and working together but like most human ideas it is often applied wrong and or exploited by human greed. Businesses could use globalization to remove cultures and traditions with their efficiency and image, exploit foreign and impoverished workers, and replace domestic workers with foreign workers in low cost locations who will work for cheaper wages.

What do I think of globalization? I am leaning towards the constructive opinion of the debate which means that I support global cooperation but I still recognize and am against the negative aspects of globalization.  I believe that almost all of the negative aspects of globalization are the result of greed.  Businesses remove cultures and traditions; exploit foreign and impoverished workers etc. to save money.  Globalization isn’t all bad since it does unite the world and bring jobs and prosperity to impoverished nations and people but it can be an instrument of greed.  In other words, I am against this current incarnation of globalization but I support what globalization should do for the world.

Sports in My Life

Sports? Ha, what’s that? I don’t really follow sports but the sports conversations and paraphernalia always surrounds me.   I could never get into watching large men play like children and the simplicity of it but that’s just me. Sports are a big part of many people’s lives and sometimes I get awkward views because of my opinions on them. I don’t hate sports however. I do find some aspects interesting.

 It’s almost like their modern day gladiators because of their feats of athleticism and the strategy behind their actions.  It’s kind of funny that a lot people love sports but they can’t get into a lot of nerd associated things.  When you think of it most sports are just a RTS or real time strategy game because in a RTS you have to develop strategy with a team that has different soldiers with each having their own strengths, weaknesses and a specific role to play against another team. That’s really the basic premise of coaching. But you wouldn’t see a football coach play Starcraft II or a gamer try coaching.

I also enjoy the energy and environment around you when you are at a game.  It’s like this contagious energy that makes you and everyone else pumped. When I’m at a game, I start to feel excited and I actually care if my team wins and I don’t even follow sports.  It’s like the enthusiasm of sports fans can be transferred into anyone, fan or not. I don’t think there is an activity that can do such a thing.

Thankful for A Classmate

I wish to thank the students who make school much more bearable. It’s the underappreciated funny kids, best friends, and even the class clowns that I want to thank. The long days of study and lecture can really get to a kid and some would go crazy without these people.

I think every kid knows at least one kid that can always make them laugh.  They appreciate this someone who can always brighten their days with their jokes or unique input on things but are they ever thanked? I wish to thank these underappreciated funny kids who make these long days of school that more bearable with the memories and quotes they create.  

What about the best friends? Does anyone ever thank them? I know a teacher would say something oh but school isn’t for socializing but what if a student has no interest in the class at least something would get them to stay and best friends usually make the best group projects and they can support each other in the class. I wish to thank my best friends and the best friends others for the support and care they have shown.

Finally, I would like to thank the class clown.  I think that for something to truly work that there always needs to be a balance. And what can balance the seriousness and order the teacher often presents? The chaos and comedy presented by the class clown of course.  I wish to thank the class clowns for balancing out the teacher and being the center of attention.

Defend the Poet/Dinosauria, We

Dinosauria, We is a poem depicting the world before, during, and after the apocalypse by German- American poet and novelist Charles Bukowski.  The poem opens with many references to many controversial American subjects to depict how the world is now. Then as the poem progresses the poem talks about mass chaos and violence to depict the world during the apocalypse. Finally the poem ends with the end of all life and a curiosity for what’s next.

I enjoyed how the poem cleverly addressed a variety of problems and subjects like finding work, war conspiracies, medical expenses, large jail populations and the national debt of America.  Also I enjoyed Bukowski’s vivid description of a sci-fi and chaotic apocalypse.  Bukowski’s apocalypse depicts robot men fighting, radiated men cannibalizing each other and mass murder and chaos while the rich and powerful are able to avoid this apocalypse and watch as the world burns safely in space.  

But what I found most interesting is that the current problems that we have combined with the ending seem to make the apocalypse seem like a good thing. It’s almost like the apocalypse isn’t a dreadful end but a new beginning or an end to all these problems we have now.  Despite all the dread and pessimism found early in the poem, there is still optimism.  I enjoy endings like that where the situation progresses to something entirely different instead of where the situation starts good or bad and ends good or bad.

Open Letter to Cormac McCarthy

Dear Cormac McCarthy

I loved your novel, The Road. It’s refreshing yet depressing interpretation of the apocalypse really appealed to me.   So much of post-apocalyptic fiction only gets its appeal due to being sci-fi or fantasy. The characters are often unrealistic and neither the story nor the characters make you think.  I am happy to say I did not have those problems with The Road.

The Road didn’t show a large amount of survivors banding together to overcome the harsh conditions provided by their post-apocalyptic world but instead it showed 2 survivors who seem to be the only good people left in the world. This is refreshing when most of the post apocalyptic fiction that I have read only shows the first interpretation that I mentioned.  It’s more realistic to have a great majority of evil human beings than scared and noble human beings because historically we have done more evil  things than good things to each other.

I did have a few questions however.  Can you tell me a little more about the circumstances and mythology the boy and the man faced? For example, I was unsure if most forms of food were destroyed or was it just agriculture and livestock were destroyed so stored forms of food could still be around. Also, what are some of the theories that caused this apocalypse and what were the events that characterized this apocalypse in the road? I am curious to what the people in the novel thought may have caused this and I am curious to know what is unique about the Road’s version of the apocalypse.