Life of Pi essay

     The main character, Pi, in Life of Pi seems to show madness when he tells the Japanese men his survival story involving life on a raft with animals, and later changing the animals to humans in a second story when the Japanese men do not believe him. However, while many would see the two stories as delusional or mad, the way Pi originally recalls his time on the raft goes along with the theme that it is up to you to choose what you believe. Pi also reflects this theme through his choice in practicing three different religions- Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. Again, many people would see that the practicing of three different religions as contradicting and view Pi as delusional.
     My favorite line of Life of Pi is when Pi has been confronted by the three men guiding him through his faith. While the three men are arguing and criticizing the other for their chosen belief, Pi calmly states "Bapu Gandhi said, 'All religions are true.' I just want to love God." (87). Even with the three men pressuring him to choose one single religion, Pi chooses to stay with all three becuase they all are centered around loving God, which is all he simply wants to do.
     The strongest case of madness and choosing what one wants to believe is through the second and final sections of the book. Pi is a young boy on his way to a new unknown country when the Tsimtsum sinks. With the way Pi tells the story through the chaos of the sinking boat, we are left to believe his family has perished, and he is the lone survivor left with a raft and a few dangerous zoo animals. Through his time spent on the raft, Pi accounts for his day with the animals, and how he is surviving. It is not until Pi is eventually rescued, admitted into a hospital, and interviewed by two Japanese men that Pi's time on the raft is questioned. But like his answer to when his faith was questioned, Pi told the men the story was true, but he would go on to tell them another story with people instead of animals. Even with the new gruesome tale, we are still left to choose which story is real. Do I choose the human story becuase Pi was delusional and in a state of shock, so he replaced humans with animals as a coping method, or do I choose to believe the tale about the animals because Pi grew up in a zoo and the animals were also on the boat to go to a new country? There is no right or wrong answer. The reader is left to choose which story to believe, which reflects on the theme.
     Pi's two stories and practicing of three faiths seems crazy to the average person. However, it is what Pi chooses to believe. Pi sees both stories as actual accounts of what happened during his time of the raft, and practices three religions because they lead him to love God. Pi also uses the variety of stories and religions to back up his idea of how do we know what is right, if we cannot prove it wrong? While reading through Life of Pi is at times difficult, the book is very thought provoking and an interesting read.

Current event week 4

Schools today are relying more on standardized tests for federal funding and determining whether or not a teacher is "good" or "bad". The focus on how a student has grasped a subject is slowly fading away as schools put more effort in making sure students know how to do well on a test, rather than fully learn the material. With schools using tests to determine how well a teacher teaches a subject and if that teacher should remain at the school or not, the pressure is on with each standardized test. I believe that using standardized test for these things are ridiculous. Some students have "test anxiety" or are just terrible test takers. A student may be brilliant, but struggles when it comes to important and intimidating tests. A student could have a great teacher, but just might not pick up on the subject and not do well on a test; thus, the bad score should not completely reflect back on the teacher. Also, schools should not be so worried with federal funding, but should be worried about their students. Schools are here to educate, not make money.

Kastenbaum, Steve. "The High Stakes of Stadardized Tests". Web. CNN 15 May 2012

Life of Pi- the final chapters

Whoa.. We have a new story. This time we have people instead of animals.. This book definitely took a turn for the more exciting in this last section of the book. I personally think Pi initially tells the story with the animals because it is his way of coping; after all, he did grow up in a zoo and expressed and early fondness for animals in the beginning of the book. When the Japanese men come back to ask him what really happened, I was very surprised to read Pi's "new story". It was very graphic, but also seemed much more believable to me. Even though this is a fiction book, it is portrayed as non fiction book. I think that's why it's easier to believe Pi's second story over his first story. Because it feels like a non fiction book in parts, so logically the story with people is easier to believe over the animals. However, I'm still on the fence because as I said before, Pi grew up around animals so it may be true. I hate when books leave off with a mystery- a "you decide" ending. It's very frustrating, yet kind of fun because you get to pick. I was very skeptical going into this book because of the comments of previous students who have read "Life of Pi", but I actually did not mind this book.

Current event week 3

We've all seen the annoying "Click it or ticket" commercials on TV; and while the cheesy rhyme seems to be another cliched PSA, the Deparment of public safety is showing the number of car related fatalities dropping 30% this year in Mississippi. Still being considered a new and not very experienced driver, my parents still remind me to buckle my seatbelt before even turning the car on. My parents aren't just fearing a hefty fine from a ticket, but also for my life if I were to be in an accident. And if my parent's voices in my head when I get in a car aren't there nagging me, I hear the infamous line "click it or ticket!" So, while many consider these commercials to be tacky and not effective, statistics have shown the decrease in vehicular accident fatalities, and I myself show how the campaign helps the people of Mississippi remember to take the safety precaution, or pay the consequence. Barnes, David. "Seat belt enforcement paying off" Hattiesburg American. Web 13 May 2012

"Life of Pi" part 3

Week one of survival, and it seems Pi is doing pretty well. I couldn't help but picture the guy from the Discovery Channel building the mast and setting salt water out to evaporate the salt to have fresh water. Again, amazed at how Pi is managing to take the necessary measures to keep himself alive. The most notable was when he cried killing his first fish to eat because he had been a vegetarian all his life. I don't see how this kid has the guts to survive and tame Richard Parker. I found it quite humerous that Pi marked his territory like the tiger to show superiority to Richard Parker. It's also very inspiring to see Pi to continue his practice of his three faiths. I know faith would probably not be my top thought when stranded on a boat, but Pi manges to maintain all three.

Current Event #2

Govenor Phil Bryant signed a new bill today that will allow for schools to start on or after the third Monday of August. Not only is this bill and thrill for public school students, but it will also help extend summer tourism season. However, this new law will not take affect until the 2014-2015 school year.

YAY! Finally a longer summer break! Oh... Wait... Class of 2013... No extended break for the current junior class. While we wont get to reap the benefits of the new law, it is a necessary change for the next up and comming school years. Students will now get to enjoy a longer break, and wont have to attend schools during the majority of the hottest month of the year. The extended break is not only nice for the students, but also better for atheletics. With August holding the highest temperatures in South Mississippi, outdoor sports such as football, track, and soccer can be exceptionally difficult and even dangerous. School not starting the first week of August any more will push back the first school sport games of the season, which will decrease the risk of exhaustion. Mississippi's Gulf Coast will also benefit from a longer season of tourist coming to enjoy the beaches, seafood, and other sites to see. Tourism brings in a lot of money for the gulf coast, and this new bill will only help it bring in more.

Pham-Bui, Trig. "New Mississippi Law Pushes Back School Start Date". WDAM, 01 May 2012. Web 01 May 2012

"Life of Pi" part 2

I can understand Pi wanting Richard Parker to survive becuase of his love for animals... but I wouldn't want a full grown bengal tiger on my life boat.. Although if I had to pick between sitting on a boat with a tiger or floating in shark infested water, I would choose the boat! And I now know who Richard Parker is! Very odd name for a tiger.. but of course you can't forget the orangutan named Orange Juice. While this part of the book is much more entertaining with the sinking of the boat and various animals floating about, I could have lived without the images of animals killing each other.. I know it's the circle of life and all, but still. Through reading this section, I can't help but applaud Pi. I would have been like him in the beginning, and gladly accepted being put out of my misery of losing my family by a tiger. Instead this young boy finds the strength in him to survive, and to even tame Richard Parker. I was hesitant with the first section of this book, but now I am very interested to see how the strong bond forms between Pi and this beast his father previously warned him about.

Current Event- Dick Clark passes away at 82

     On Wednesday, April 18, Dick Clark suffered a severe heart attack and passed away at the age of 82. Dick Clark was more popularly known for his "American Bandstand" and "Rockin' New Years Eve" that show cased his love for music. My mother always talked about watching "American Bandstand" after school every day growing up, and "Rockin' New Years Eve" with her family every New Year. The New Year tradition continued on to our family who also gathered around the TV to countdown to the ball drop and watch favorite artists perform. My mother and I were in the car when he heard the sad news that Dick Clark had died, and began to wonder what the New Year celebration was going to be like for the coming year. While Clark's sudden passing is very sad, his legacy will live on and appears to be mirrored by Ryan Secreast. I guess we'll have to see how Ryan fills Clark's shoes.




"Dick Clark, Entertainment Icon Nicknamed 'America's Oldest Teenager,' Dies at 82" Good Morning America. ABC. ABC, New York City. April 24, 2012. Online

"Life of Pi" chapters 1-29

Well, not impressed with the first few pages, but still interested. The beginning of the book is very slow, and boring because he's explaining the difference between sloths and his study of sloths. As I was reading about the zoo and all its inhabitants, I couldn't help but feel like I was in Ms.Smart's class. I found the beginning of the book to be rather scattered and random in some parts. For example, he goes from talking about sloths, to his family zoo, to being named after a pool and swimming lessons, and then to religion and how it is like a zoo. I was really struggling through this book until he began to explain his religous choices and what led him to religious studies in college. I can't help but admire Piscine for just wanting to "Love God" through Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam. While it is very odd, and violates a belief in all three practices, it's pure and simple. I couldn't help but laugh when he and his family ran into the pandit, the priest, and the imam and they began to belittle the others choice in religion. I also found it commical he called the three men of different faiths the three wise men. Perhaps a deeper meaning? Having an interest religions and respect for those who practice a faith different than mine, my favorite line in the whole book is "Bapu Ghandi said, "All religions are true.' I just want to love God," I blurted out, and looked down, red in the face.". I could go on forever about my views on this quote, but I will leave it at the I agree with him completely. I also loved that he didn't back down, and even asked to be baptized and to get a prayer rug. The diversity of this book has definitely grabbed me, and I am very interested to see how everything plays out.

Fahrenheit 451- The Sieve and the Sand; Burning Bright

     The first part that grabbed my attention the most was when Faber began to talk about religion when Montag brought him a copy of the Bible. Faber talks about how Jesus is a member of the family and how Jesus is used as more of an endorser for products than to bring salvation to those who believe (81). This made me think about how now there are podcasts and broadcasts of church sermons and endless trinkets, notebooks, and other paraphernalia wiith Bible verses and references. Church today seems to be more of a chore or a chance to show off one's new expensive outfit or to just have the good Christian boy/girl title. As Faber said, Jesus is being used to make someone or something look good, instead of people following Jesus' teachings.
     When Montag reads "Dover Beach to the women, he reads only the third and fourth stanza of the poem. The third stanza talks about "The Sea of Faith" which could be a symbol for life before books were banned in "Fahrenheit 451", and then it continues on to show a loss of something that leaves the narrator feeling melancholy and almost empty. This change could represent the removal and burning of the books because the people now are more robotic with their emotions, and depression in common in the society of "Fahrenheit 451". The fourth stanza of the poem opens with a hopefulness of the potential of the world before them, but ends with the reality of a "darkling pain" and "armies clashing by night". Montag is the one with the hope for the society because of his secret stash of books he began to read; and for the armies clashing part, the rebellion he wants to start to end books being illegal. However, the women do not enjoy Montag reading the poem, and abruptly leave his house upset. Montag also leaves and feels down because of the women's reaction to the poem. Them rejecting his reading could show that no one would want to help him on his fight to bring back books.
     The most shocking part of the end of "The Sieve and the Sand" and the beginnig of "Burning Bright" would be the firemen getting a call for Montag's house. Mildred put the call in about books in the house, so Captain Beatty makes Montage come along, and do the burning himself. But while Montag is burning his home and belongings, he is enjoying himself. The idea that fire is cleansing comes back in this part because Montag is cleansing himself of things that were hurting him, such as Mildred's obsession with her "family", and their love-less relationship. Montag also cleanses himself of the firemen when he kills Captain Beatty with fire too.
     I was really excited when Montag found Granger and the outcasts. I kept hoping they would build up their own little army like Katniss and District 13 from "Catching Fire". (It's ironic that the third book is title "Catching Fire" and has a rebellion, which fits with the fire of "Fahrenheit 451" and Montag's attempted rebellion.) Getting closer and closer to the end, I was waiting for an epic battle, but was only left with a giant bomb that destroyed the whole city..(That also makes me remember that the capitol in "Catching Fire" was partially destroyed with a giant bomb at the end of the book. Whoa..) Even though there was no fighting, I was still left with the idea that Montag, Granger, and the outcasts could rebuild their own new society.
     I really enjoyed "Fahrenheit 451", and it made me appreciate having books even more. I'm sorry for being tardy with my blog, but I wanted to actually finish the book before writing this post.
     

"Fahrenheit 451" The Hearth and the Salamander

     In the first part of "Fahrenheit 451" we meet the main character Guy Montag. Guy is a firefighter, but in this book, Montag's job is the opposite of the traditional firefighter we know. The firefighters of "Fahrenheit 451" set fire to books inside fireproof houses instead of putting out fires. Montag meets a peculiar girl, Clarisse McClellan. Clarisse is very different from the typical person of the dystopian society of "Fahrenheit 451", and challenges Montag in a way. She asks Montag about what firefighters did before, and if he is happy. As Montage and Clarisse become friends, Montag seems to loosen up; she litterally gets Montag to stop and smell the roses, or leaves in this case (page 29). Sadly and unexpectedely, Clarisse dies and Montag feels that his daily routine is messed up rather than sad. Montag aslo feels a change in emotions when on one mission to burn books the woman of the house with books stays behind and dies in the fire with her books. This sticks with Montag and constantly nags at him. We then find out he has been hiding books in his own home, and asks his wife to read them with him.
     Through the Hearth and the Salamander we see that the society is not openly challenged. As the story progresses, Clarisse seems to subconsciously challenge the norm of the dystopian style, and Montag with his secret stash of books. Fire is obviously an element of "Fahrenheit 451", but Bradbury uses the element repetedly, even when describing the people (page 33). "Fahrenheit 451" also uses color as symbolism like "The Great Gatsby". Bradbury uses the traditional colors of fire along with the constant use of "darkness" and ash, brass, and other gray scale colors. While the first part shows what the firemen do and how this dystopian society functions, I am very interested in seeing how things got this way.
     So far I have really enjoyed this book, and cannot wait to continue to see how everything will play out.
    

"The Great Gatsby" Final Essay

  F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" depicts the withering of the American Dream through the tale of Jay Gatsby, Tom and Daisy Buchanan, and Nick Carraway. Jay Gatsby grew up a poor farm boy who worked relentlessly to make a name and fortune for himself, the Buchanan's lived in a lavish mansion, and Nick Carraway was back from The War with old family money to his name. However, while all seem to be well off, each character is miserable in their own way.

  Jay Gatsby grew up poor on his family farm out west. When Gatsby reached the age of seventeen, he left his family and past behind to partake in sketchy business to make a large salary. Before Jay Gatsby left to fight in World War I, he met a young girl by the name of Daisy. Fresh from the farm with hardly a penny to his name, he made a promise to return to Daisy one day with more than enough money to provided for their life together. When Jay Gatsby returned home, he learned that the then Ms. Daisy found a man of money, Mr. Tom Buchanan. Gatsby moved to a large mansion in West Egg, right across the bay from the Buchanan's. Gatsby believe that now since he had more than enough money, he would be able to win the heart of Daisy Buchanan again. Daisy and Gatsby began to see each other privately during the afternoons. As the affair continued, one day the Buchanan's, Gatsby, Nick Carraway, and Jordan took a trip to the city to try to escape the boiling temperatures. Daisy and Tom got into a fight about her affair, and Gatsby pleaded for Daisy to leave Tom for him. Upset, Daisy ran out of the room and Gatsby followed. Upon driving home, Myrtle Wilson, who was married to George Wilson and Tom Buchanan's misstress, ran out into the street thinking she saw Tom driving. Myrtle was struck by the car and instantly killed. Even though Daisy was driving the car at the time Myrtle was run over, Gatsby took the blame to ease her mind. Tom was shocked over the death of his misstress, and told George Wilson that is was Jay Gatsby's car that hit her. In a state of extreme dispair, George Wilson showed up at Gatsby's house where he shot Gatsby to death, and then pulled the trigger on himself. In the end, all of Gatsby's work only got him a luxuorious mansion, and a brief affair with Daisy. Through Gatsby's tale of success then heart breaking demise, Fitzgerald shows that money cannot buy one happiness.

  Tom and Daisy Buchanan also lived in a large mansion in West Egg. Their lives were not difficult in the money sense because they came from a family background of good money. While Tom had a beautiful wife, daughter, wealth, and a nice house, he still was not satisfied. Tom Buchanan has an affair with George Wilson's wife Myrtle, whom he frequently spends time with and buys expensive gifts for. Unfortunately, Myrtle is killed, but ironically because Tom's wife Daisy was driving the car that hit Myrtle. Daisy Buchanan is also miserable with her marriage, even though she has such wealth, because she simply does not love Tom. To make matters between her and her husband worse, Jay Gatsby reappears in her life. She also has an affair, but seems to love Gatsby in a different way than before. Daisy is amazed at Gatsby's wealth, and his willingness to buy her anything her heart desires. Daisy appears to love Gatsby more for his money, than when she just loved him before. Sadly, Jay Gatsby also met a similar demise, and was killed by Myrtle's husband, George Wilson. Even though Tom and Daisy were wealthy, neither one of them was happy with their relationship. Tom snuck off with Myrtle for lustful reasons, and Daisy snuck off with Gatsby on a pursuit of money. 

  Nick Carraway is the narrator of the book, and our insite to the many characters and twisted stories. Nick is fresh from the battle field of World War I, and living in a modest home between Jay Gatsby and the Buchanan's. Nick Carraway plays a part in showing the withering of the American Dream through befriending Gatsby, and being awkwardly caught between Tom and Daisy's strained relationship. As Nick and Gatsby's friendship grows, he begins to learn more about how Gatsby became to be. Nick learns of Gatsby's plan to better himself, and admires him for his success. WHen Gatsby is killed, Nick takes over the planning for his funeral. Nick begins to call around to invite people to pay their last respects, but is dissapointed and appaled that the only people to attend Gatsby's funeral was his father, Nick, the house servants, and the owl eyed man from one of Gatsby's extravagant parties. No one showing up to Gatsby's funeral showed Nick that even though Gatsby was very wealthy, and many people came to his parties, Gatsby died alone; all the money and material items were left there, and Gatsby died a young unmarried man. Reality also hits Nick after the fight between Daisy and Tom in New York City. Soon after Daisy storms out of the room, Nick stops and realizes it was his 30th birthday. Here he was 30, unmarried, and with a decent house and amount of money. Nick sees that even though Tom and Daisy appear to have a lovely and wealthy life, they are both miserable. Nick takes his experiences with Gatsby, Tom, and Daisy and learns that his modest lifestyle is okay because he is happy. He is not wealthy, yet miserable like his friends.

  Many believe that the American Dream is something easily obtained, and will make them eternally happy. "The Great Gatsby" is a spot on view of how even those with more than enough money still aren't satisfied, and can be just as miserable or worse than those with little to no money.

"The Great Gatsby" chapters 6-9

We have finally reached the end! And might I add that the second half of the book definitely makes up for the first half. Chapters one through five feel like the never ending first chapter of a book you're not so sure about, while chapters six through nine prove why you pushed through the make or break beginning.

The part that really snagged my interest the most was not only Myrtle being killed, but the fact that Daisy was responsible for her death. To add to the drama, Gatsby takes the blame. And incase that wasn't enough, Tom practically signs Gatsby's death certificate when he gives his name up to George Wilson. It's like a crazy murder/revenge/love triangle!

The end is also very sad in that no one shows up for Gatsby's funeral. Nick, Gatsby's father, the owl eyed man from one of the parties, and his servants were the only ones to pay their respects. While so many people attended Gatsby's party uninvited, they did not attend his funeral when invited. Even though Gatsby achieved great wealth, and seemed to be quite the popular man, he ultimately died alone.

I noticed also that Fitzgerald didn't include the color white as much in this half of the book. He was still detailed, but not as descriptive. I especially liked how he went back to the green light in chapter one and explained it's significance then and now.

Overall I didn't enjoy reading "The Great Gatsby" as much as the previous books, but I would recommend it. I will have to do as you suggested, Mrs. Leffler, and read it again when I am older, and perhaps I will appreciate it more.  

"The Great Gatsby" chapters 1-5

Even being a little more than half way through "The Great Gatsby", I'm still not as interested as I was with "On Writing" and "The Crucible". One thing I do enjoy about "The Great Gatsby" is the time period, and the scandal of Tom and Daisy. Hopefully chapters 6-9 will be more exciting.

One thing noteable of Fitzgerald's work is his continuous use of colors. There is rarely a time that Fitzgerald does not mention the color of an object when he is describing it. White and gray are dominant colors, and seem to symbolize the barren lifeless area known as "The valley of ashes". Green is also mentioned in chapter one, and symbolizes Gatsby's hope.

While I do enjoy a descriptive book, "The Great Gatsby" feels overly descriptive to me. Fitzgerald goes into great detail when we meet the first characters in chapter one. He points out facial expressions, body language, possible thoughts that Nick sees through their eyes, and is sure to not leave out a single detail in every place visited. I could hear Stephen King in the back of my mind complaining about the excessive "fluff" and adverbs.

"The Minister's Black Veil" and "The Crucible"

Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Minister's Black Veil" begins with the sexton ringing the bells before church serivce on a Sunday morning in a small village. The sexton abruptly stops ringing the bells when the Reverend Mr. Hooper appears with a black veil covering his face. The crowd was quickly hushed and shocked by the veil concealing eveything but the Minister's mouth and chin. Talks of the Minister commiting a secret sin soon spread with the arrival of the veil. The Reverend ignores the looks and whispers of the people and continues his duties. At one time, the Minister's wife asks him to remove the veil from his face, but he refuses. Even with a threat to leave him, the Reverend still keeps his faced covered. With his wife gone, the Minister begins to notice the judgemental looks from the people, and the children who coward away at his new appearance. Through the judging, Mr. Hooper presses on with his sermons, and never removes the veil. When Reverend Hooper is on his death bed, his wife, fellow clergy men, and friends try to pry the veil off his face. In a fit to keep his face masked, Mr. Hooper quickly sits up and tightly holds the veil to his facing exclaiming that the veil cannot be removed until he has well passed. Respecting the Minister, his black veil is never removed, and he is burried with the veil covering his face forever.

"The Minister's Black Veil" closely relates to the theme of dying for what you believe in, in "The Crucible". The Minister never removes the black veil, even with the judgement he received. Mr. Hooper was even burried with the veil still on. John Proctor does the same in "The Crucible". While Proctor openly confesses to his wife, Hale, Danforth, and Parris of his secret sins, he still accepts the hanging because he believes if the good people before him were willing to die for their beliefs, he would too.

The two works also show the common strictness of the religions in the two villages. "The Crucible" had the secret sin of witch craft, and the people of the village did everything they could to purify the village from the Devil's work. In "The Minister's Black Veil", the Minister supposedly commits the secret sin, but in his way punishes himself for it by covering his face with the dark veil.



By the way- I really enjoyed both "The Crucible" and "The Minister's Black Veil". I have a strong liking for controversial things, such as the witch craft in a strict Puritan village, and a Reverend supposedly commiting a secret sin.

"On Writing" the Essay

"Practice makes perfect" is how the saying goes. Stephen King seems to use this motto in his book about writing, appropriately titled On Writing. Through the book, King uses himself as the prime example as how to always find time to write, and the importance of writing frequently.
King's first encounter with writing on his own came through rewriting the Combat Casey comics, and would add his own descriptions. King showed his work to his mother, who was very surprised at her son's apparent talent. King confessed to not having fully written the comics, but adding his own. His mother encouraged that he continue to write, but that he should write his own entire work. This advice soon lead to Stephen King's first short stories. As King progressed through school, he developed an interest in the sci-fi scene after seeing countless robot-alien movies at the local theater. King crafted his first work, and sent it in to countless magazines. Although King met defeat, he tacked the rejection slips to his wall to remind him to keep writing.

King continues to stress the importance through the "What Writing Is", the "Toolbox" and "On Writing". While King stresses the importance of the fundamentals of writing, he encourages the practice and use of the fundamentals through continuous writing. "If you don't want to work your ass off, you have no business trying to write well." sums up how serious King is about the practice of writing. King even sets up a desired writing place for the reader: a quiet room, with no tv or any form of distractions, and a tightly shut door. Stephen King takes his craft seriously, and being how successful he is, I would strongly suggest the aspiring writer does just as he says- write all the time!

During the time Stephen King was writing this book, he was struck by a car on one of his daily strolls. King was incredibly lucky to come out of the accident alive, and even managed to finish On Writing through the physical therapy and recovery. King shows his dedication to writing the strongest through the difficulty he faced during recovery of the accident. If anything, the aspiring writer should have no excuse to not write as much as possible. Stephen King can survive being run over by a van and still write.

"On Writing" The End

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book, and was rather sad to be reaching the end. Through King's final chapters, he rounds up his purpose behind the book- how to be a good writer. I'd like to consider myself a slightly creative person, and found King's point on bordem being a good way to unblock a creative jam very helpful. Stephen King also continues to stress the importance to stay locked up in a room to focus on your writing, and only with the revision of the first draft and beginning of the second draft can the door be open. With my failed attempts at spur of the moment writing I've found it very difficult to concentrate on a work whenever the door to my room is open. King even covers the dreaded "writer's block" and suggests a break from your current work and maybe going for a stroll or starting a new piece. Being rather ADD, this could be very helpful. It's through the breaks and bordem that one could find this sudden strike of genious (cliche I know) and viola! you've figured out the problem. His idea of an "Ideal Reader" is extremely helpful. Instead of just writing, write with someone in mind or perhaps for someone. To me the "IR" seems to be whomever the book is dedicated to.. While King seems to almost boast at the minimum amount of words in his books being well into the one hundred thousands, he continusouly stresses the point of not going off track with a story or giving it too much fluff. King adds "Thematic Thinking" to the "toolbox", but says to use it cautiously. As he said, a good work starts with a story and progresses into theme. Stephen King's On Writing is very helpful for the unsure beginning writer. King starts with the first stages of building up a sturdy toolbox (vocabulary, grammar, etc.) and continues on to how to properly write, revise, and finish a work. I have thoroughly enjoyed his insight and knowledge on the writing process, and would recommend this book to any aspiring writer.

State of the Union Address

First of all, I would like to start with saying that Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords looked abolutely wonderful tonight, and it's unbelievable that she was present for President Obama's speech. Her strength to overcome such a tragedy is truely inspirational.

While I agree with Obama on bringing our service men and women home, I did not agree with him saying that the U.S. is now safer and more respected by the world. If anything thing, I feal we are just as likely a target and a source of disrespect to many smaller countries. Having Bin Laden gone does initially give a sigh of relief, but it's not a complete sigh. There is still that fear of the men who were under Bin Laden and are likely to procede with his plans. However, Obama, like the rest of the country, would rather focus on the positive of Bin Laden no longer being present. Maybe I'm just a worry wort.

I found much of the President's address tonight to be reminiscent of his 2008 election campaign. Promises to better the economy and make changes; the montra of" "We can do this" all over again. Although this seem inevitable with it being an election year.

Obama mentioned the state of the Union growing stronger quite frequently, but I am beginning to notice a pattern in the American system. Since the start of our country it seems we have been in a continuous cycle of economic ups and downs. Every few years a low, such as the depressions of 1873 and the 1930s, and years between being economic highs, with practically no national debt (Thomas Jefferson's Presidency). Obama also followed in true form with the mentioning of banks loaning more money than they can to people which puts them in debt. (Banks play largest role in economic depressions) This time, instead of mile long bills, Obama is putting major suppport in American manufacturing. Hello! Why haven't you done this before, Mr. President? I strongly agreed with Obama's call for no tax deduction for American manufacturers for creating jobs overseas, and using tax funds to benefit the companies that stay and hire in the U.S. His overall point being to stop rewarding the overseas man and to start rewarding the men who keep their companies on home soil. I strongly agree with Obama's push for an increas for American manufacturing, and decrease for dependency on foreign manufacturing.

I think Obama couldn't be more right with his ideas to better fund community colleges to becom more vocational schools to help people get the skills, training, and job opportunities they need. However, I believe that way more than the current one percent of government funding should be spent on education. If we value education and push for everyone to be eductated more, then why do we spend so little on education? I have to disagree when Obama said we lead the world in educating people. High school drop out rates are increasing.Obama's plan to fix this: stop interests rates on student loan from doubling, and as university tuitions go up, tax funding goes down. My mother is still paying off student loans with her measely teacher's salary. Another thing- why do we pay athletes millions of dollars to throw, kick, pass, or hit a ball, but pay the people who are educating future generations less than minimum wage? Thought provoking, yes? "Families should be able to afford college." Yes, Mr. President they should, but how are we to do that when government funding doesn't help the programs that help the eager student?

I did find it rather odd when Obama talked about no more bail outs, cop outs, or handouts when he was a big supporter of the many bail outs these past years. Also a supporter of millionairs getting tax breaks. Now why should our wealthiest people be rewarded with tax cuts while our poorest have an increase in taxes? Obama promises no more tax cuts for the wealthy, but infact tax increase or at least equality. I guess this year or possible re-election will tell. Still not certain on his flip flop of this matter..

"This is not a year that will achieve nothing in D.C." I don't know if I can agree with the President on that one seeing how this year he will have to put much of his time and effort in to his re-election for another 4 years. Perhaps he will fufill his promises this year, or maybe even if he is re-elected to another term. Only time will tell. While his speech focused on plans of fixing the economy, the ever true "America will pull through" kept a constant ring, and gave it's feeling of hope that we will overcome this difficult time.

"What Writing Is", "Toolbox", and "On Writing"

"Books are uniquely portable magic." I couldn't agree more with Stephen King than with that statement alone. King's idea of writing being telepathic between the author and reader is unusal, yet makes perfect sense at the same time. While a book may have been written years before somone reads it, the person still understands what the author is writing about; as King puts it: "... a meeting of the minds." or telepathy.Through the "On Writing" portion of the books, Stephen King talks about how he does not take the task of writing lightly, and encourages hopefull writers to treat it the same way. This section is almost a waring that unless one is to take his advice and approach the craft seriously, he or she should spend their time doing something more productive.
King uses a fond memory of his grandfather's toolbox as a basic guidline for the "tools" necessary to be a good writer. King believes that good writers are already made, and through time and practice their talents will come through. To not discourage the mediocre, King suggests how to properly use the "tools" in your "toolbox, such as not using ridiculous vocabulary you found in a thesarus, or being overly descriptive. One will also become a better writer through serious dedication. Reading, reading, and more reading whenever time is spared is King's best advice to better one's writing. Stephen King also sets out a guidline for writing practice through a suggested 2,000 words a day in a distraction free zone.
Through the "On Writing" section, King goes into greater detail on how to build up a talent, and cuts the crap with saying he does believe there are bad writers. (He even calls out well known authors for their faults) As the saying goes "practice makes perfect", and King strongly emphasizes this through his constant mentioning of ceaseless reading and writing whenever possible. Stephen King encourages the writer to use their imaginations, and just write. Plots are the ultimate sin and demise of a work of fiction in his eyes. He uses his own work, "Misery", as an example of a succesful novel that didn't begin with a plot, and even critisizes his own early works for being plot driven.
Through "What Writing Is", "Toolbox" and "OnWriting", inspiring writers gain pieces of advice from an experienced and succesful writer that they cannot get from a textbook or writing course of any kind. Stephen King does a wonderful job in being completely honest in how writing should be handled.

"On Writing" blog #1

With Stephen King being know for his sci-fi horror novels and endless movies and TV specials, I was a bit skeptical to read On Writing. From the forwards on I was immediately hooked on Mr.King's writing style. While he claims to be a straight forward no fluff writer, I thoroughly enjoyed his descriptive short stories from his childhood. My particular favorite was his brother's elementary science project to build a "super duper magnet" that ended up knocking out all the power in the apartment complex. Stephen King tells the story of the beginning of his career with the comic books he used to copy and add his own personal touches to, and showed them to his mom. His mom suggested he write his own original story, which she read and told him to keep writing. As the memories continue and King's short stories are adding up, he shows his interest in horror fiction with weekly trips to the local theater to view the latest alien or haunted mansion inspired film. Here I saw the true spark to his now infamous collection of writings.  Along with the horror films, Stephen King seemed to draw inspiration from his wife, who is also a writer, and life experiences, such as the ones shared in "CV". After reading the "CV" section of On Writing I am very interested in picking up a copy of one of Mr.King's novels during my next trip to Books-A-Million.