Post #8, 3-17-09, More than Words

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug." -Mark Twain

Save that thought.

So, I took my SAT's yesterday. It was a long, excruciating process- no joke, no lie, no exaggeration. I thought, with as much experience as I've had taking test after test, week after week, over an accumulation of sixteen years, nine months, and seventeen days, that this would be a breeze. It wasn't- I lost stamina, not even half-way through. Word of advice to those who haven't taken the SAT yet: don't fight it, timed writes really do help.

During one of the three critical reading sections, during one of the million excerpts and passages, one short story really struck me. Let me just say, after about the first section the stories all start running together; you end up filling in the second half of each sentence and skimming paragraphs, bored out of your mind. The reason why I'm not fond of reading comprehension questions is simple- I'm terrible at them. I'm incredibly stubborn, and if I'm not interested in what's been given to me to read, I just won't read it. In these cases, I usually forget words the instant after I read them. So the fact that this excerpt particularly stuck out means a lot. The story was about Zubin, a computer programmer who decided to then pursue life as a novelist. He quickly learned that writing out repetitive source coding in complex computer programs is very different from writing a book. A book requires finding the exactly right words to fit into the exactly right sentences with the exactly right structure, etc. etc. etc. It's a much more meticulous process. In the end, Zubin had a new-found respect for writers, as well as a greater knowledge of the off-the-page work involved.

The quote mentioned at the top of the blog was mentioned in the passage mentioned in the previous paragraph. I'm sure I wasted a good three minutes of my test time rereading Mark Twain's wise words over and over. I believe that there's two types of people in the world: the writers, and the editors. I am an editor. I've never really written out an actual draft, of anything. When I write, I continually pick apart what I want to say in my head until I find it worthy enough to put on paper. I rarely find existing words capable enough to perfectly express my thoughts. I am extremely picky; my thesaurus is my best friend. Knowing that someone else felt the same way was a huge relief.

light⋅ning

–noun

a brilliant electric spark discharge in the atmosphere, occurring within a thundercloud, between clouds, or between a cloud and the ground.

light⋅ning bug
–noun
any nocturnal beetle of the family Lampyridae, characterized by a soft body with a light-producing organ at the rear of the abdomen.

"firefly." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 17 Mar. 2009.

"lightning." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 17 Mar. 2009.

Obviously, the minor change between the two words is not minor at all. The addition of three letters changes the definition entirely. That is a concept I can easily relate to. While writing this, the video we watched in English class last semester keeps coming to mind- the documentary about Isabel Allende. What I specifically remember is the part of the interview in which Isabelle Allende discussed the importance of words, and how the meaning of a certain word in Spanish can mean something completely different in English. She used the example of "bread". In English, bread is an every day staple. To us, bread is an often overlooked, common household item. We use it to make sandwiches, toast when it gets old, and that's it. But in Spanish, bread has sacred connotations to it. Bread signifies the "bread of life". It's almost overwhelming how unalike identical words can actually be.

Just some food for thought, I guess.

Yahooing the "importance of words", I came across a business article about how to make your writing more effective in the corporate world. I realized, words connect countless topics. You can end up learning a lot from something you wouldn't think relates at all to what you're talking about.

Post #7, 3-10-09, MacFrugal's: The Way to Go

When it comes to frugality, I've grown up in a pretty average family. We're somewhere smack dab in the middle of all the typical economical stereotypes. We don't toss aside the never-been-used every Wednesday with our trash, but we don't hoard everything either. However, I have to admit- after reading the latest business article in Newsweek, I felt like my family could be doing a much better job at managing our money. Called "The Frugal Family Guide", Steve Tuttle describes his family life growing up in rural Virginia. His parents have never owned a television, clothes dryer, or credit card. Some people may think that their approach to life is a little extreme, but it actually worked. The Tuttle family ends up saving enough money every ten years to buy a new car and pay in full the day of. Up until now, I basically thought doing that was impossible. Even the most thrifty people I know are nothing in comparison to the Tuttle's. Long story short- I was amazed at how far living simpler and more efficient can get you. But the point of the article was to convince readers that during this recession, "there are still valuable lessons to be gleaned: the people who have been living the thrifty life all along are the smart ones now... while the rest of us watch and worry, my parents, with their paid-for house and their old rusty mousetraps, have peace of mind to spare." This is true. We're in the midst of some difficult times. My dad just recently switched jobs and is making less money than before, but we're still pretty well off. We cut back a little, but with the way the economy is headed, I'm beginning to wonder if it's enough...

Post #6, 3-3-09, A Difficult Read

"The death of a beautiful woman, is unquestionably the most poetical topic in the world."

-Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe sure seemed to think so. Most, if not all, of Poe's dark work seems to have something to do with the death of a beautiful woman. Poe was raised to be a Southern gentleman: witty, charming, intelligent, polite. As a result of his upbringing, he practically worshiped women and viewed them as angelic figures. Due to the poor sanitation of the time, Poe stood by and watched most, if not all, of the women he loved die. His mother died of Tuberculosis when Poe was very young and his first girlfriend died of brain cancer when he was fifteen. But perhaps the most influential of all these on Poe's writing was the death of his wife, Virginia, in 1847. From this event, short stories and poems such as "Annabel Lee", "Ulalume", "Lenore", "Eleonora", "The Oblong Box", "Ligeia", "Metzengerstein", "The Tell Tale Heart", "The Black Cat", "The Cask of Amontillado", and "The Raven", were all written. Obviously, these deaths had quite an impact on him. Learning about Poe earlier this week, I discovered just how full of tragedy his life really was. It seemed as if everything he had ever strived for- family, true love, a career- all slipped right out of his grasp like handfuls of sand. His father abandoned him a year after he was born and as previously mentioned, his mother passed away shortly after. He was put into foster care and eventually taken in by John and Frances Allan, family friends. John Allan treated Poe cruelly and extremely disliked him. His stories, if ever published, did not make enough money for Poe to live off of. These misfortunes caused Poe to develop a mindset in which he felt the need for his every attempt at a better life to fail. If these attempts were not unsuccessful on their own, Poe destroyed them himself. This eventually led Poe to his death in 1849.
Yes, Edgar Allen Poe's biography can be rather depressing. I figured that out the hard way. But after thinking about it for a while, I realized that good did come out of it. For one, Poe is now well-thought of and seen as a very talented and influential writer. His ultimate goal was reached, although it was some time after his death. His written thoughts give the sad and lonely something to relate to. His unique writing style give students something to study, teachers something to teach, and fellow writers something to emulate. Being a model to others is the most anyone can ask for. So, in conclusion, here's something to keep in mind during the hard times: there's always a bright side; silver lining can be found on anything. Don't forget it.

P.S. Need more of a pick-me-up? After reading Poe's Biography, you just might. Turn to Scripture- after rough days, God will always be there to pull you out of it. These encouraging Bible Verses are here to help: http://highhopesforhardtimes.com/.

Post #5, 2-24-09, Procrastination

Procrastination- a medium length, five syllable word that causes an infinite amount of damage. "Later" and "not now"- smaller words in length that destroy just as much. I've learned that the hard way, one too many times. Take last night for example: we're given a week to do an essay. Our teacher makes it extremely simple for us- we pre-write for two days in class, even write a practice essay. But after the due date had been extended, I still hadn't made a dent in it. Hadn't even started actually. I'd been formulating what I planned to say in my mind for a couple days, but I was still staring at a blank Microsoft Word document on Sunday afternoon. Monday comes along, and I get home around five. I put my backpack upstairs, unpack it, and head back downstairs to turn on the computer. After sitting down and waiting for my desktop to load, I realize I need my English notes. I run back to my room to get them. Sit back down. Need my Writer's Inc. Run back to my room to get it. Sit back down. Dinner time. Sit back down. By this time, I don't even remember what I was doing at my computer in the first place. See- this is what procrastination does to you. Put things off and put things off until you find yourself submitting your essay an hour before it's due. Not a great idea, trust me. You'd think after about the millionth time I'd learn. I hate stressing out over hours of work, getting major writer's block. Procrastination is probably the reason why I type so fast. Well, that's one good thing from it. So what do I do to discontinue this bad habit? Absolutely nothing. "Never make the same mistake twice", right? Wrong. I've tried time and time again- learning better organizational skills, writing in planners, the whole shebang. In the end, I'm the one up past midnight scrambling to finish everything that needs to get done. Yes, crunch-time is something I'm very familiar with. And if you asked me why, I couldn't tell you. It makes no sense whatsoever. No one wants to add to the stresses of daily life when there's no reason to. Yet I keep finding myself in the exact same situation. If there's anyone out there that can help me out, please do. I'm tired of being tired.

In searching "procrastination" on the internet, I discovered the answer to "why". But I'd still like feedback, advice, and tips on what I can do the next time an assignment is given.
Psychology Today, "Procrastination: Ten Things to Know", http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20030823-000001.html.

Post #4, 2-17-09, What's your story?

This is mine- inspired by a story in Newsweek, about the power of storytelling.

Called "Stop Me if You've Heard This One", this week's My Turn article was written by Ann Banks. In her essay, Banks starts by telling readers a story that she's sure her grandmother would tell after reading some of today's headlines. She knows this story like the back of her hand, inside and out- she grew up on Depression stories told time after time around the dinner table. Now, in the midst of a recession, Banks recalls this story- a story about how an artist had cemented a silver dollar in the middle of a mosaic map of Florida on the floor of a real-estate office in Palm Beach, and how, during hard times, someone had stolen that silver dollar- chiseled it right out of the floor. Banks said that although her grandmother had lost so much during the Depression, she spoke about the silver dollar so much more. "It comforted my grandmother, I believe, by reminding her that in her misfortune she was far from alone." For that reason, Banks strongly believes that "storytelling is due for a revival... It got folks through the depression. It can work now, too." Banks also says that "we need again to imagine a future that is meaningful in the face of difficult circumstances. Listening to each other's stories may grant us a sense of common purpose that money can't buy."

At first, this article grabbed my attention because of its catchy title. I like being in the know, and I wanted to see if I ever had "heard this one". But the title wasn't the only thing well-chosen. With every word, every sentence, I was drawn further and further into Banks's story. About halfway through the article, I came across a quote that made me stop and think: "I became fascinated by the role that stories play during hard times- the way they seem to strengthen people, offering a bulwark against loneliness and feelings of personal failure." How true is that? When we're in the middle of a major crisis, what do we look for to help us feel better? A friend, maybe- someone who will empathize with us, someone who will share a similar, enlightening experience with us to show that we can overcome our trial. Ultimately, we look for a story. That is what convinced me- a simple, yet powerful, story might be just what we need after all. I'm sure plans to reconstruct our economy are necessary too, but the most brilliant strategy will do us no good unless we keep a positive, optimistic mindset and are determined to achieve our goal. That is where the work of our stories comes in. Each one of us has something to contribute; each one of us has something to say.

So that, was my story. Now it's your turn to tell yours.

To read the entire article, pick up a copy of Newsweek and turn to page 18, or visit this link: http://www.newsweek.com/id/183675.

Post #3, 2-10-09, Not a Trekee

I have to start out saying that I am not a Star Trek fan. Never have been, never will be. Whether it be watching it with my Dad on Spike late at night because he won’t let go of the channel changer, or watching an episode in English class because it sort of ties in with The Crucible, every episode bores me to tears. However, when the latter situation did arise, and I was forced to suffer through 45 minutes of Betazoids and Vulcans, I found that I was able to stay awake long enough to actually learn something from it. Yes, I learned something from Star Trek. Not in a million years would I have even imagined saying that sentence. But for that reason, I found it interesting enough to blog about.

In English, we watched “The Drumhead”, Episode 21 of Season 4. The storyline of this episode is very similar to the plot of The Crucible, numerous parallels can be drawn. In “The Drumhead”, Admiral Satie arrives on board the Enterprise to assist Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the investigation of a security breach. They quickly find that a Klingon exobiologist named J’Ddan is guilty. However, the trials do not stop there. Admiral Satie is convinced that there is a conspiracy on the ship, and is determined to stop it. She goes so far as to even accuse Captain Picard before her unethical hearings are finally brought to an end.

Many important points were brought up during “The Drumhead”. In a scene when Admiral Satie and Captain Picard were discussing the trials, Admiral Satie argued that the trials were necessary because they needed to find all conspirators. Captain Picard replied “Oh yes, that's how it starts, but the road from legitimate suspicion to rampant paranoia is very much shorter than we think.” This quote stuck out to me. It made me think about how fast things can get out of hand. The trials started because of one spy, but soon unraveled into false accusations directed towards most of the Enterprise crew.

Another scene that stayed fixed in my mind was towards the end when Captain Picard was talking with one of the accused, Simon Tarses. During the scene, Captain Picard tells Tarses that he’ll still have a place on the Enterprise if he is not found guilty. But Tarses responds, “It doesn’t matter. I lied on my application. That mistake will be with me for the rest of my life.” The trials completely exposed Tarses for who he really was, and ruined his reputation. Often times, we make rash judgments about others without even realizing it. We are quick to jump to conclusions after hearing rumors and gossiping with friends. Those judgments will tear a person down if we are not careful. We should allow others the chance to reveal what they are hiding and not do it for them. The hearings started with proving a person guilty, and ended with a person being forced to prove their innocence.

In one of the last scenes, Worf confronts Captain Picard about Admiral Satie. Worf said, “I believed her. I... helped her. I did not see her for what she was.”

Captain Picard told him, “Mr. Worf, villains who twirl their moustaches are easy to spot. Those who clothe themselves in good deeds are well-camouflaged.”

Worf: “I think... after yesterday people will not be so ready to trust her.”

Captain Picard: “Maybe. But she, or someone like her, will always be with us. Waiting for the right climate in which to flourish, spreading fear in the name of righteousness. Vigilance, Mr. Worf. That is the price we must continually pay.”

I'll leave you with that to chew on.

And although I'll admit, I actually did enjoy watching this in English, it was more because we didn't have to do a Timed Write, and less because the show is growing on me. If I'm ever up late with nothing to do, turning on the television will definitely be my Dad's choice, not mine.

Quotes from: Star Trek: The Next Generation.

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Star_Trek:_The_Next_Generation#The_Drumhead_.5B4.21.5D

Post #2, 2-3-09, Blog-Challenged

“What to write… What to write.” That is the question I’ve been asking myself over and over for four long, busy days filled with events completely irrelevant to English. As a matter of fact, I’ve been asking more than just myself that question. Family, friends, friends of friends- no one’s been fortunate enough to escape my constant interrogation. I talked to someone for two hours yesterday on possible topics, to no avail. Throughout today I asked everyone and anyone who crossed my path. Our conversation normally went something like this:
Friend: “Hel-”
Me: “What should I write my blog about?”
Friend: “Uhm. Hmm, I don’t know.”
Me: “I already wrote about The Crucible for my last post, so I kind of want to move on from that subject.”
Friend: “Oh hey! What about The Crucible?”
Yeah, as you’ve probably already guessed, the typical responses I received didn’t help much. One friend thought he was being helpful by repeating, “I know! Why don’t you write about something really boring, and then make it interesting!” Great idea! Psyche.
So finally, it’s sixth period, and we’re doing nothing, as usual. I ask the girl sitting next to me, with little hope that she’ll say anything of use. But, of course, she was the person who ended up providing me with an actual answer: “Write a blog about writing a blog”. And that, is exactly what I’m doing.
Step number one: Decide on a topic.

Step number two: Using proper “netiquette” (we should all know what that is by now), sit down in a quiet, comfortable location and write your blog.
Your blog should be written about something interesting. Your blog should engage your audience, captivate them, take them to another world riding on fascinating thoughts. The rule: it has to somehow relate, however tangentially, to something previously discussed or studied in English Class. Okay, let’s face it- “interesting” and “English” don’t easily connect. Upon hearing the words “intriguing” and “exciting”, some think sports, some think shopping, some think Twilight- the last thing on the endless list is school. But it seems the other thirty-two students are having no problem with finding some sort of link between the two, so I’ll move on.

Step number three: Give your blog a flashy title (without forgetting to include the post number and date) and publish it!
There you go- the simple three step process is complete. The only thing left to do is read the rest of your group’s thrilling, action-packed blogs and comment on two appropriately (again using proper “netiquette”).
The best part- next Tuesday afternoon, the cycle starts again. Hopefully between now and then the class period will be spent doing something other than correcting vocab. But if we continue discussing the difference between a “moral” and a “theme”, and a friend is having difficulty finding an idea for Blog #3, it would probably be beneficial to reread my first paragraph before replying.

P.S. If you find this blog lacking (I'm still learning myself), try reading through some of the tips here: Problogger, "How to Write Great Blog Content", <http://www.problogger.net/how-to-write-great-blog-content/>.