Gabe's Post

Gabe

Mr. Salsich

English

9^th December, 2008

 

                                                Remorse, Regret, and Resolution;

                                                    An Essay About Resolutions

 

 

             (1) Everyone makes poor decisions, but it is what you learn from the decision that matters most. (2) If you get an “F” on your first math test, then you would resolve to do better on the others. (3) We’ve all had a situation like this in all of our lives and we’ve all had to find some lesson from this. (4) In my life, the best example of this is my preparation for the 8^th grade assessment presentation.

            (TS) Throughout the 8^th grade year, my biggest regret was my lack of preparation for the assessment project. (SD) I put off the presentation itself until the week before it was due. (CM) At the last minute, rushing frantically to meet the requirements, I managed to throw together a sub-par poster-board and unsatisfactory presentation. [SV split] (CM) I am very regretful for this because if I had taken the time and tried, I could have received a much better grade on the presentation. (SD) Along with procrastinating, I also did not take very good notes at my work-site. (CM) While writing the presentation, I found myself being redundant and vague.  (CM) I am remorseful of this as well because if I had paid more attention while working, I could’ve been more descriptive in my writing and raised my grade. (CS) Overall, procrastination and lack of attention were the two major flaws that affected my assessment presentation.

             (TS) My lack of effort taught me many lessons. (SD) The first lesson it taught me was to always rehearse. (CM) I went into the assessment presentation unprepared and excessively nervous. (CM) Since I started rehearsing, I have entered presentations with .a new awareness (SD) In addition, I learned to always be confident. (CM) Entering a presentation without confidence will usually result in nervousness. (CM) This is never good for the presentation because instead of taking advantage of the presentation and succeeding, you’re letting the presentation take advantage of you. (CS) Overall, some of the worst incidents can result in the best lessons.

            (1) With every bad decision comes a lesson. (2) When you get a bad grade, you learn to study more. (3) We have all had these occurrences in our lives. (4) Overall, even though regrets are memorable, the resolutions are what matters most.

Letting Go; An Essay About Regrets

Rashad

Mr. Salsich

English 9

12 15 2008


(1) Imagine you, sitting in a lonely classroom, began sulking. (2) You became of this because you regret being a less than studious pupil the previous evening. (3) Accepting to let go of your mistakes and regrets are something that we must all learn. (4) We must learn this because we constantly make mistakes.
(TS) Regrets are something that humans cannot live without; making bad choices is in our nature. (SD) One of my biggest regrets was last year on a music project when I decided to waste my time and put the project off until we had one weekend left. (CM) There was no way I was going to complete the whole two page assignment in a single weekend. (CM) This led me to copy my assignment off of the Internet. (SD) This was not a good Idea, the next week I had to serve two in-school suspensions. (CM) This action of mine could have been totally avoided. (SD) If I could change something I would do the assignment during the long period of time that the music teacher had given us to do it. (CM) When redoing the assignment I realized that it was so simple to complete that I did not need to copy something off of the web. (CM) Though I do regret committing to this action I believe that this has helped shape me as a person. (CS) It has helped me so that I do not make the same mistake in the near future.
(TS) In the last paragraph I talked about a regret that I have. (SD) Though that is most certainly a regret, there are many few more that I can name. (CM) I learned that it is not good to dwell on the little things that occurred in the past. (CM) Living in the moment is what is best for myself, and everyone around me. (SD) Everyday we make thousands of little mistakes that we constantly curse and bother with. (CM) If you accept these blunders as soon as they happen, we will be able to continue on with our strenuous days. (CM) Therefore, be prepared for the next coming error to overcome. (CS) Though these mistakes cause us pain and suffering in each passing moment, they also strengthen us for the larger ones at the end of our road.
(1) In our lifetimes we make faults that limit the learning and joy in our lives. (2) These are things that can be avoided by the slightest thought or a sincere gesture. (3) No matter what things you regret try to overcome your first instinct and try to leg go of the regrets that are constantly beating, and beating constantly at your head.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

Wendell Frink

Mr. Salsich

9English

10 December 2008

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

An Essay on What I Regret

(1) Regrets is the “I wish that I” in your life; “I wish I spent more time with that person” or “I wish that I had gone and done more things;” where you talk about what you did or didn’t do. (2) There is something that I wish I had done. (3) If I had done this thing, then I would have a couple of items that I want. (4) My regret isn’t personal, but I still hold it to me that I made a mistake.

(TS) Everyone probably has regrets, even me. (SD) For example, a regret that I have is that I didn’t work over the summer. (CM)A teenager, working a whole day, can take in a lot of money. (CM) These are two things that I needed the most, money and initiative. (SD) During the summer I usually hang around the house, ambling throughout the rooms. (CM) But if I had gotten my act together, I would have used of spare time. (CM) Also, my mother wouldn’t have wanted to kill me for not doing summer work. (SD) If I had worked over the summer I would have two essential things. (CM) The first thing would be money, something that I want and need the most. (CM) The second thing would be a computer, something that I also need. (CS) After much thought, I realize that I should have worked this summer.

(TS) There is a way to redeem myself of these past regrets, and let my past regrets redeem themselves. (SD) One way that I am changing this is that I am trying to get a job. (CM) Work will occupy my mind and keep me out of trouble. (CM) I’ll also be able to buy that computer that I desperately want. (SD) Also, during summer vacation, I won’t be laying around the house doing nothing. (CM) As soon as school ends, I will ask my parents to help me look for work. (CM) They will see that I actually have initiative and be glad to help me in my search. (CS) We can’t change the past, but we can change the future.

(1) What we should do in life is not hold little regrets like mine in high standard, but still think about them. (2) I always think about my mistake. (3) Why I didn’t do anything, still is a mystery to me. (4) Now I am going to try and get a job over the summer, to get the things that I want.

A) What I like most about this essay is that I am admitting to past mistakes. It takes a lot of courage for people (especially me) to admit they did something wrong. After I wrote this essay, a wave of relief washed over me. It was like I was letting it all out.

B) The hardest part about this assignment was the writing. I don't think that I did very well on the flow of my essay. It is like I am saying the same thing, but I don't know what else to put into it.

TS: Regrets are the things that you wished you did

SD: My Regret

CM: work is a good thing

CM: these are the things i needed the most

SD: during the summer i hang around

CM: But if i got my act together i would have used my spare time

CM: my mother wouldn't want to kill me

SD: i would have two essential things

CM: the first would be money

CM: the second would be a computer

CS: after much thought i realize that i should have worked this summer

Gabe's Post

Gabe

Mr. Salsich

English

9^th December, 2008

 

                                                Remorse, Regret, and Resolution;

                                                    An Essay About Resolutions

 

 

             (1) Everyone makes poor decisions, but it is what you learn from the decision that matters most. (2) If you get an “F” on your first math test, then you would resolve to do better on the others. (3) We’ve all had a situation like this in all of our lives and we’ve all had to find some lesson from this. (4) In my life, the best example of this is my preparation for the 8^th grade assessment presentation.

            (TS) Throughout the 8^th grade year, my biggest regret was my lack of preparation for the assessment project. (SD) I put off the presentation itself until the week before it was due. (CM) At the last minute, rushing frantically to meet the requirements, I managed to throw together a sub-par poster-board and unsatisfactory presentation. [SV split] (CM) I am very regretful for this because if I had taken the time and tried, I could have received a much better grade on the presentation. (SD) Along with procrastinating, I also did not take very good notes at my work-site. (CM) While writing the presentation, I found myself being redundant and vague.  (CM) I am remorseful of this as well because if I had paid more attention while working, I could’ve been more descriptive in my writing and raised my grade. (CS) Overall, procrastination and lack of attention were the two major flaws that affected my assessment presentation.

 

(TS) lack of preparation

(SD) I put off the presentation

(CM) I rushed at the last minute to finish it

(CM) If I had taken the time I could have made the presentation really good

(SD) I didn’t take good notes at the work site

(CM) While writing, I was very vague

(CM) I could have been more descriptive if I had paid more attention

(CS) Lack of attention and procrastination were two big flaws.

In the book “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens Scrooge is wondering why Marley is back and haunting him as a spirit. Marley tells him that every spirit must roam the world along his fellow men. I believe that Marley has come to Scrooge, because even though he was not necessarily good to Marley he thinks that Scrooge may be able to change. Scrooge may have a heart of ice but the ice of his heart may be melted. Since Marley was the only person who got very close to Scrooge, he would be the only person who could alter Scrooges personality. As quoted early in the story, “The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose and shriveled his cheek.” As he was a dark and lonely man Marley could be the only person who could get through to Scrooge that the holidays were about celebrating and enjoying yourself.

The Life I Forged

Wendell Frink

Mr. Salsich

9English

4 December 2008

The Life I Forged

An Essay on a Quote

(1) In the play “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, his writing can be very confusing. (2) He uses many writing tools and his writing is old fashioned, so it’s hard to understand what he is saying. (3) In the quote “I wear the chain I forged in life” he might be saying that as a person, you control how you run your life. (4) This quote is filled with a mountain of meaning.

(TS) (Chiasmus) The above quote is when the ghost is talking with Scrooge about being a good person in life and letting life be good to you. (SD) If you are a caring and giving person, life will be filled with pleasures. (CM) (Purposeful Repetition) Scrooge is a miserable man, he is icy cold, he is lonely, and he is sick, but maybe if he devoted more time to being kind he wouldn’t be so miserable. (CM) He could start with just a few coins in a poor persons cup or donating to charity. (SD) When Marley says, “I wear the chain I forged in life,” he might be hinting at Scrooge to be more kind. (CM) Scrooge is almost a carbon copy of Marley; he devotes his time to his business. (CM) Marley is probably wishing that he was a better person, so he didn’t have to wear the chain made of “cash boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, deeds, and heavy purses wrought in steel” around his waist. (CS) Life is tough as it is, but if you are a kind and caring person, than it might be good to you.

(1) After interpreting this quote it doesn’t look so confusing after all. (2) Marley just wants Scrooge to be a better person and not end up like himself. (3) If he is just a more giving person, then life will pleasant. (4) There is always meaning in even the most confusing sentences.

In Class Essay

Gabe

Mr. Salsich

English 9B

4^th December 2008

 

                                             Doomed to Wander;

                           An Essay on a Quote from “A Christmas Carol”

 

         (1) We have been taught to make the most of our lives. (2) We only get one shot at making a difference so we’ve been told that we need to live life for every second we can. (3) If we make the wrong decisions, than all of this was for nothing. (4) The quote “if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death. It is doomed to wander” can be related to our actions.

         (TS) The quote is can be related to how we act during our lives. (SD) If we do nothing during school, then we would not accomplish anything. (CM) We would receive poor grades and be forced to “wander” throughout the rest of our lives badly educated and struggling to find a job. (CM) We wouldn’t have made a difference and we were essentially “rewarded” for our actions. (SD) In addition, this quote can also be related to how we handle tough situations. (CM) When we are faced with the option to take drugs one of two things can happen; we can take advantage of the situation and say no, or the situation could take advantage of us and we become hooked. (CM) If we don’t handle these difficult situations properly, then we would be condemned and doomed to live with our mistakes. (CS) Overall, the quote “if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death. It is doomed to wander” can directly relate to our actions through life.

         (1) Our lives are precious things. (2) We only get one shot, and if we screw up it could drastically change the outcome. (3) If we don’t “go forth in life” and make a difference, then we would be forced to “wander” around aimlessly.

         

essay #7

Gabe Campbell

H. Salsich

English 9B

20^th November, 2008

 

                                                The Awakening to Awareness;

                        A Reaction to a talk by Stump Olsen and Heterosexism                                               

 

            (1) In our rising society (participle), flaws aren’t found very often. (2) Even still, there are a few grave problems such as heterosexism that are plaguing our civilization. (3) When Stump Olsen came into talk with us, she unraveled this sour surprise to us. (4) With the talk from Ms. Olsen, my eyes were not only opened to the abuse hate that heterosexuals have to face but the torture and suffering they face mentally as well.

            (TS) Stump Olsen’s talk left a significant impression on me. (SD) The first impression it left was shock. (CM) Overnight, she transformed from a beloved friend to the most hated kid in the school. (CM) She had to encounter isolation and abuse for the majority of her high school years. (SD) In addition, her talk left me astonished for two reasons. (CM) The first was because she could talk about a subject so harsh with such ease and secondly because she has gone through this hardship and is still a joyful person. (CM) This astonished me because with all the discrimination that she encountered she still talks about it effortlessly. (SD) Finally, her talk left me with a new understanding. (CM) In recent years, I have been exposed to derogatory language as mentioned by Ms. Olsen and thought nothing of it. (CM) Now I realize how hurtful phrases like “that’s so gay” can really be. (CS) Overall, Stump Olsen’s speech left a momentous impact on me and gave a new awareness of the treatment of homosexuals and lesbians.

            (TS) Heterosexism is becoming a very serious issue in today’s society. (SD) The first reason is because heterosexuals are average people. (CM) There are no differences on the appearance of the person and the only difference is that the person is attracted to the same gender. (CM) The fact that people discriminate by this fact is completely inhumane and illogical because if you had a room consisting of mixed straight and hetero people, you couldn’t tell the difference just by looking at them. (SD) In addition, heterosexism is starting to make heterosexuals hate themselves. (CM) As Ms. Olsen said, “ I was hoping that they would beat the gay out of me”. (CM) People were making her feel so awful about her sexual preference that she would hope that during one of her WEEKLY beatings she would wake up the next morning a straight person. (SD) Finally, it has put innocent people into a state of fear. (CM) Heterosexuals are constantly petrified because they face the standing threat that they will be murdered or abused by hate groups such as the Ku Klux Klan. (CM) In a land of freedom, innocent people should not have a “death warrant” out for them just because of their sexual preference. (CS) Overall, heterosexism is a disease that is infecting our society.

            (1) Heterosexism, the virus that is spreading through our country (absolute), is as much of a serious matter as racism. (2) This issue used to be a closed door until Ms. Olsen opened us up to the dark world of hatred. (3) Without her talk, we would never have understood the gravity of this situation. (4) Overall, Ms. Olsen’s inspirational yet devastating talk has awakened us all to a world of discrimination.

 

                                                                                                                                               

 

Gabe

11/20/08

Essay on a reaction to Stump Olsen’s talk

 

1)    I used some good fast words to enhance the writing. I also got rid of unnecessary words.

2)    I didn’t exactly follow the theme of unity. Also, my opening/closing essays don’t exactly correspond with the rest of the essay

3)    I am continually having trouble making my opening/closing paragraphs tell what the rest of the essay is about. Also, my TS’ and CS’ aren’t always attention grabbing

4)    B/B+

________________________________________________

Heterosexism; My Reaction to a Discussion with Stump Olsen

1.People are being hurt and even killed just because of the sex that they are attracted to. 2.Mrs. Olsen is a homosexual woman who experienced physical and mental heterosexism during her adolescence. 3.Sitting in her final class, Mrs. Olsen is thinking about how she is going to get from the door to her locker without being abused. 4.During our discussion some of the things she told me almost made me literally jump out of my seat.

 

TS.Stump Olsen taught me some things about heterosexism that almost brought me into shock. SD.It seems as if the beatings and taunting in her stories were amplified from what I had originally thought. CM.Being jumped twice a week at school would be a horrible experience. CM.I am grateful that the teachers and students at Pine Point School are as loving and caring as they show to be. SD.During our discussion Mrs. Olsen said,"I was not fortunate enough to have a family that stood behind me but I did have a large group of friends who are now my family." CM.This made me think about how important it is to have a family and how important it is to have friends. CM.It is not Olsen's fault that she is heterosexual and her immediate family should understand that. CS.Though Mrs. Olsen had a pretty bad childhood she turned out to be an intelligent, funny woman.

TS.Heterosexism is a topic that has been amplified in our generation. SD.Saying hetero slurs like,"That's Gay" have become part of young and adult language. CM.Though it may be offensive to these heterosexuals we may not catch them coming out of our mouths and because of this mistake we make unwanted lasting impressions. CM.Not long ago African-Americans were discriminated against by many individuals; they were killed and tortured. SD.This is something that I hope will not escalate with heterosexual men and women. CM.In my own family there are heterosexuals and it would be an outrage if anyone of them were hut just because of they are heterosexual. CS.How someone can discriminate against something that one person does not choose to become is beyond me. 

1.Heterosexism is a growing problem that needs a solution, and needs one fast. 2.Her heart broken her family lost, Mrs. Olsen overcame her horrid past. 3.The thing that Mrs. Olsen experienced was undoubtably one of the most appalling experiences that one person could overcome. 4.Mrs. Olsen is proof that it is possible to be a heterosexual and excel in life.

* * *

Rashad Young

11.20.2008

Essay #7

1. I am continuing to work on removing unnecessary words, and simple punctuation errors.

2. I see some strong points in the second chunk.

3. Staying connected to the main point.

5. B-/B

Heterosexism and Stump Olsen

Wendell Frink

Mr. Salsich

9English

20 November 2008

Heterosexism and Ms. Olsen

An essay about heterosexism and a speaker

The world we live in is forever, we have a new president, terrorism is forever a threat, and the word gay is used everyday. We need to stop using this word in a negative way, and that’s what Ms. Olsen came to talk to us about and her experiences as a homosexual. Heterosexism is one of the largest topics in the media and in our lives. As she grew up, Ms. Olsen was beaten and broken, but she still pressed on in life.

TS) Ms. Olsens talk about heterosexism was a huge eye opener to me. (SD) First of all, I had no idea about the beatings that would take place to heterosexuals. (CM) In particular, Ms. Olsen was jumped at least twice a week, and was beaten up badly. (CM) A young high school girl trying to disguise her wounds from her parents, wouldn’t go home after school. (SD) Secondly, she didn’t tell people for fifteen years. (CM) Because of the sexism that was going on in the world she was scared of what more could happen to her. (CM) Also she didn’t want her parents to know of her feelings towards other women, she didn’t know what to expect. (SD) Lastly, I admired how happy she was. (CM) Even though she as been disbanded from her family and beaten up, she is so carefree about everything, "Ok that wasn't a good joke..." (CM) On her birthday she checks her mailbox to see if her parents sent her anything, the answer is always no, but "15 smiling people will be there to give [her] cards" instead. (CS) Overall this has been a wonderful experience.

(TS) Heterosexism, being one of the most widely discussed topics in today’s world, constantly gains attention. (SD) The biggest thing is the idea of allowing gay marriage. (CM) As of now, the only states in the U.S. where gay marriage is legalized are Connecticut and Massachusetts. (CM) California tried to pass gay marriage, but it was shot down during the November 4^th election. (SD) The second issue is, that young adults and even some adults use the saying “that’s gay” on a regular basis. (CM) Have you ever thought about how that might make someone who is gay feel? (CM) You probably have never thought about that, but when you say those two words, you are hurting someone’s feelings. (SD) I am touched personally by homosexuality. (CM) My aunt is gay and kept it a secret until she was thirty years old. (CM) She felt the same way that Ms. Olsen did, isolated and different and that she had to date boys, just like what Ms. Olsen did. As you can see, homosexuality and heterosexism, is widely talked about in the world.

As you can see, heterosexism is something that needs to be stopped. People want to kill themselves because of how they feel towards others, and this is not something that should be happening. After Ms. Olsens talk, we will all try to make an effort to stop using the term “that’s gay” when something that we do doesn’t go out right. Every movement starts somewhere, maybe the movement to stop using those slurs will start at PPS.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Writing issues I'm continuing to work on: I am continuing to work on putting commas where they belong and deleting commas that are not needed. This is something that I really need to work on.
2. Some strong points I see in this piece of writing are: After the help of Mr. Salsich and my classmates I know that my particle and absolute are the way they need to be. I also think that my second body paragraph is well written.
3. Some weak points I see: The SD of the third paragraph is a little weak I think that I can change that. I probably have several comma errors that I haven't noticed yet.
4. The grade I would give myself: 85

Rashad Young

Mr. Salsich

9 English

11.12.2008

“The Way to Rainy Mountain”;

A Reaction to an Essay

The Rainy Mountain was a place of pain and suffering, but also a place of love and worship. In “The Way to Rainy Mountain” N. Scott Momaday uses many words that would otherwise seem unnecessary to describe many things such as the Mountain itself. He also shows compassion when chanting about his grandmother and how she always kept the spirit of Kiowa very strong. His many descriptive words give me a better understanding of his life and lifestyle during the early 1900’s.

(TS)Throughout the essay "The Way to Rainy Mountain", Momaday uses very descriptive words, which brings the places he is describing to life in the minds eye. (SD)The essay begins with his description of the homelands of his Kiowa people, which has been given the name of Rainy Mountain. (CM)The picture painted in the readers mind by these beautiful descriptions makes it easily understandable why the Kiowa people came to settle upon this land as their home. (CM)For example, part of the description Momaday gives of the land within the first paragraph is, “There are green belts along the rivers and creeks, linear groves of hickory and pecan, willow and witch hazel.” (SD)At a distance in July or August the streaming foliage seems almost to writhe in fire."(CM) I cannot help but imagine the trees wavering in a gentle early fall breeze as the yellows and reds seem as if the whole land is burning beneath the fading summer sun. (CM)Halfway through the essay he describes the Black Hills by saying, "A dark mist lay over the Black Hills and the land was like iron. (SD)" He then describes Devil's Tower in the next sentence by writing "…I caught sight of Devil's Tower up thrust against the gray sky as if in the birth of time the core of the earth had broken through its crust and the motion of the world was begun. (CM)"The way Momaday depicts this tower gives me a crystal clear picture in my head. (CM) It almost makes me feel like I was actually there and this is just a distant memory in my head. (CS)Momaday writing to me seems like an illustrated picture book, with elaborate drawings and Illustrations.
During our time our life and morals are changing as we progress into the future. Momaday’s essay is an excellent example of making a tremendous change in culture, religion, and even language. After reading this essay, Momaday has inspired myself to work hard through my bad times and even harder through the horrible ones. N. Scott Momaday is one of the best writers of our century and this essay proves that.

Admiration

Gabe

Mr. Salsich

English 9

12^th of November 2008

           

                                                            Admiration, Awe, and Respect;

                        An essay about emotions in the story “The Way to Rainy Mountain”

 

            In all of our lives, there is something that deep down we appreciate. It can range from music to the sight of a sunset. For example, when N. Scott Momaday was talking about the landscape, he was so vivid in his portrayals that a sense of admiration was embedded (F.A.S.T. word) in his writing. Overall, in the essay “the Way to Rainy Mountain” by N. Scott Momaday, appreciation, awe, and respect for the land were subtle (F.A.S.T. word) yet recurring emotions that he demonstrated.

            Throughout the essay, traces of these emotions were scattered within the story. The first example was when he wrote, ‘to look upon the landscape in the early morning, your imagination comes to life.” Mr. Momaday was implying that the beauty of dawn allows your thoughts to run wild. The brilliant colors and crisp details essentially give your mind clay to mold, something that Mr. Momaday appreciates because not many things can do this. In addition, another example is when he wrote, "winter brings blizzards, hot tornadic winds arise in the spring, and in summer the prairie is an anvil's edge." This time admiration is subtler because Momaday is also depicting (F.A.S.T. word) respect. He admires and respects Mother Nature because she has such power. She has the ability to turn a barren tundra into an arid prairie. Finally, when he wrote ‘”he sky is immense beyond comparison”, Momaday was showing admiration through awe. He is amazed at the mere existence of something so vast. At the same time, while he realizes that he is but a fraction of the size he admires the existence of the sky for how grand it is. Overall, while they may be slight, admiration, respect, and awe can be found hidden within the essay “the Way to Rainy Mountain” by N. Scott Momaday.

            Within our lives there are traces of many different emotions among our thoughts. We could respect the complexness of space, fear the vastness, and admire the beauty (3 action verb) of it without even realizing it. This can also be true when describing Mother Nature. In the essay “the Way to Rainy Mountain” by N. Scott Momaday, the three traits admiration, respect, and awe were apparent because he demonstrated each of the three in his description of the landscape.

Rainy Mountain; An analysis of an essay

Wendell Frink

Mr. Salsich

9English

12 November 2008

Rainy Mountain

An analysis of an essay

The Rainy Mountain is forever changing, a place with extreme weather, from boiling hot to freezing cold, and so is the life of the Kiowas. Ms. Momaday was from the Kiowa tribe and heard all of the hardships that the generations before her had to face. In her essay she describes how the Kiowas came into Yellowstone and then how the U.S. Calvary swept them away from their homes. Ms. Momaday’s essay gave me new insight on how the Native Americans were treated.

(TS) In her essay describes how the Kiowas were treated during the 1800’s. (SD) Firstly, she tells how the U.S. Calvary captured the Kiowa tribe’s people. (CM) After the Civil War, the U.S. changed its sights to the west, and with the west were the Native Americans. (CM) The U.S. Government did not like the Native Americans, so they sent out troops to capture, imprison, and sell the Native Americans as slaves. (SD) As if capturing the Native Americans wasn’t enough, they imprisoned them “in an old stone corral.” (CM) The grandmother almost went to the prison but missed it by “eight or ten years.” (CM) But she did know of the anger of the old warriors, “the dark brooding” of defeat which is the worst thing to live with during that time. (SD) Lastly, the soldiers slaughtered all of the wild buffalo. (CM)To pass time, the soldiers would shoot the wild herds of buffalo and leave the carcasses to rot in the fields. (CM) During the last Sun Dance, the Kiowas could not find any buffalo skulls for their decorations, because all of the buffalo were dead. (CS) After reading Ms. Momadays essay, my mind has been opened up to some Native American history.

The world is always changing, that’s what happened to Ms. Momadays family, their world changed. This wasn’t a good thing though, for they were thrust into a world of anger and hate. Ms. Momaday carefully tells the story of one tribe captured by the U.S. Calvary, and the events that ensued. The Native Americans weren’t wrong, it was the U.S. Government.

Rashad Young
Mr. Salsich
9English
11.4.2008

Double Take; A second look at the Garden Party

If you were walking down the street and saw a man walking on stilts you would probably take a few looks at this man. This is
exactly what we did with “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield. Looking over this story multiple times freed up any confusion there was in the original reading. Reading through the garden party a second time made me notice many things that would have otherwise gone under my radar.
Though there were many things that were new to me in the second reading only a few popped out at me. What I noticed was how quickly Laura wanted to stop the garden party when the man died. Though this was a tragic moment it would not be reasonable to discontinue a whole initiation ceremony. It almost seemed as if Laura did not want to continue with the party for some unknown reason. Laura also added, “Jose! However are we going to stop everything”, this was another part that had contributed my last point. After re-reading this section of the story it almost made me think that she did not want to be initiated. She continuously tried to stop the party almost as it she hadn’t become of age quite yet. The final thing that I noticed was when Ms. Mansfield was describing the deceased man. She stated that he was “remote” and “peaceful”. As I was reading this I was thinking how death is not always a bad thing, it is our time to join out creator. Laura had seen life, watched ongoing conflict, and observed a peaceful death. (3 Action)
I believe that reading this book a second time enabled me to understand and realize many things that I did not see in the first reading. Laura had endured many different hills and valleys throughout her day of initiation. With this story being so engaging I do not think it would be a bad idea to read a third time. Even on the third time through I would probably find a handful of treasure that went unnoticed.

A Second Look

Gabe Campbell

Mr. Salsich

English 9B

5^th November 2008

 

                                    At a Second Glance;

         An Essay About the Story “the Garden Party” at a Second Look

 

         A second look at anything will unravel surprises you haven’t noticed before. If you take a second look at a piece of art you can notice colors contrasting, or if you take another glance at statue you could notice details that you hadn’t seen before. You can even discover new things when taking a second look at a story. While rereading the story “Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield, new emotions became clear.

         During our second look, Laura’s hidden feelings became apparent. One emotion that I hadn’t noticed before was humility. The passage, “[…] the big hat with the velvet streamer – if only it was another hat!” represented humility because Laura was ashamed to be wearing a flashy hat. She is going to visit a dead man’s family and she knew she wouldn’t leave a good impression by wearing an extravagant hat. In addition to humility, contentment became obvious. When Laura thought, “Yes, it was the most successful party” (1 brief quote) she was emitting satisfaction because she was pleased that the outcome was excellent. She knew she put effort into the party and it paid off. Finally, discovery was more evident throughout the second reading. The passage “It was simply marvelous” (2 brief quotes) was confusing at first confusing because it was describing death. The second reading made it clearer because Laura went to the man’s house, stared at his lifeless corpse, and realized how at peace he was with the world (three action verb). She discovered beauty in something as depressing as death. To summarize, throughout the second reading of “the Garden Party” different emotions became clear.

         A second look clarifies everything. A second look at a test could reveal mistakes. A second look at a poem could expose ambiguous phrases. Finally, a second look at a novel could uncover emotions that weren’t evident before. Overall, our second look at “the Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield gave me a better grasp on Laura’s hidden emotions.

"The Garden Party;" A relook at the story

Wendell Frink

Mr. Salsich

9English

5 November 2008

“The Garden Party”

A relook at a short story

Sometimes after rereading a book we can find something that we didn’t see, like a puzzling word, or a descriptive sentence, or even a whole page. After rereading the story “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield there were parts to the story that I had noticed. For example, Laura wanted to be a work girl, she thought that she could do things a lot better then other people, and Laurie asked her “to take a squiz at [his] coat.” Rereading a book or a story is a good way to find something new and interesting.

When I reread the story “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield I found several points that I had overlooked. Firstly, noticed that Laura wanted to be like the “workmen.” The thought of just being so carefree was appealing to her. She didn’t want to stay in “these absurd class distinctions,” it was tiresome to her. Secondly, “she thought that she could do [things] so much better than anybody else.” Arranging things made her proud. She “loved to arrange things” as do we all. Lastly, I noticed a word that was quite funny, actually. Laurie asked Laura to “give a squiz at [his] coat” and “see if it wants pressing.” With a word that outrageous I should have picked it up right away, but I didn’t. That’s what rereading shows you, information in the story that you had missed before.

As you can see, rereading is not a bad idea. Reading a story for a second time might make you understand it a lot better, you’ll be able to understand the plot, find new information about the characters, and be able to talk about the story better. It might make you go, “Oh, I never saw that before” or “this is something new.” Sometimes its just fun to reread a story.

Wendell Frink

H. Salsich

9English

20 September 2008

“A Message in Music”

An Analysis of an Essay written by Suzy Bernstein Goldman

Hans Christian Andersen once said, “Where words fail, music speaks.” That’s what Suzy Bernstein Goldman’s essay, “A Message in Music,” is about, how music speaks. This essay contained several qualities that I enjoyed, in particular, how she states the parts of the story, “Sonny’s Blues,” and how she wrote her essay. Ms. Goldman has carefully crafted this wonderful essay about how a message can be sent through music.

Throughout the essay there were several aspects that I enjoyed. Firstly, this essay has two distinctive meanings. The essay was described as discussing the “musicality of Sonny’s Blues” (Goldman), or how Sonny’s Blues is musical. In “particular[] the influence of jazz” music, the type that Sonny liked to listen to and play on the piano, is a large part of Ms. Goldman’s essay, too. The way Ms. Goldman has written this essay is very skillful. She made the essay very musical by using musical terms. For example, when describing the theme, form and image of the story, she states that they “blend into perfect harmony and rise to a thundering crescendo,” and “sounds the initial note” (Goldman) when describing how the narrator finds out about Sonny’s arrest. Ms. Goldman has made this essay truly worth reading.

Ms. Goldman had several parts of her essay that I enjoyed. I liked the way Ms. Goldman stated the parts of the story, instead of just monotonously saying the second or third part. She would put the parts as “the second movement” or “the third movement,” which kept me more interested. I also liked the way that she wrote the essay. She not only summarized “Sonny’s Blues,” but also provided the feelings and emotions of the characters. Throughout the essay she used quite a few quotes and excerpts, ranging from a couple words to a couple of sentences to a couple of paragraphs. This essay, with its different way of stating the sections of Sonny’s Blues and the amount of quotes and excerpts from the story, makes you want to read more.

Johann Sebastian Bach once said: "Music is an agreeable harmony for the honor of God and the permissible delights of the soul." Music makes Sonny's soul full of delight and joy, and Ms. Goldman finds this delight and joy and describes it in her essay “A Message in Music,” which is about how music speaks and heals long term hatred in the story “Sonny’s Blues.” Her way of writing her essay was exceptional. A message can be sent through music and that is exactly what Suzy Bernstein Goldman has written about in her essay.

Goldman, Suzy Bernstein. “A Message in Music.” eNotes Oct. 1974: 231-233. 20 Sept. 2008 >.

You Win Some and You Lose Some

Wendell Frink

H. Salsich
9English
7 October 2008
Sometimes life is good and we gain something or sometimes life is bad and we lose something. In the two short stories "Sonny's Blues" and "Winter Dreams," both Sonny and Dexter lose something and gain something. It could be a loss of family, like in "Sonny's Blues" or a personal gain like in "Winter Dreams." "Sonny's Blues" and "Winter Dreams," two exceptional short stories, are both about two people with exceptional losses and gains in their lives.
Sonny has had a hard life that usually tends to having losses, but not always. First of all, Sonny has had losses within his immediate family. For example, after Sonny told his brother that he was heading off for the army, he in a sense lost his brother who didn't want him to go. In reality he lost his mother and father due to natural occurrences. Secondly, he has had losses in his life. He lost the ability to attain a reputable job by getting arrested for using heroin and peddling. Also, thanks to his love of music he lost his education because he played music so much. Sonny has had some gains, too. Most importantly he gained his brother’s recognition, which was one of his greatest accomplishments. He also had a personal gain, in which he lived his dream to be a jazz pianist. Sonny may have had many losses in his life, but also, he has had some gains.
Dexter Green had more gains than Sonny did, but his losses were quite strong. Dexter has had several gains. As a child he was one of the poorer families in his town, but as he grew up he gradually accumulated more funds. This all started back when he was fourteen and working as a caddy, he was one of the best caddy's and he made a decent amount of money for a teenager. Dexter had several gains in the area of friendship. There was a young woman in the story named Judy, who Dexter was madly in love with and finally she and Dexter dated. Then, the woman started to see other men and "Dexter [...] finally g[ave] up all hope of Judy (Burhans 2)" and became engaged with a woman named Irene. Throughout his life Dexter had some losses. Dexter lost the love of his life, Judy, to other men, which struck a final blow to Dexter's plans to try and marry Judy. A man named Devlin came to New York and told Dexter that Judy had lost all of her beauty and was now a regular housekeeping mother; he lost her image in his mind which affected him dearly. The story of Dexter Green contains many losses and gains.
If there life is good then they gain something if its bad then they lose something. In both "Winter Dreams" and "Sonny's Blues" losses and gains occur throughout the stories. "There are occasions when it is undoubtedly better to incur loss than to make gain. (Titus Maccius Plautus)" Even though "Sonny's Blues" and "Winter Dreams" are by two different authors they both contain loss and gain.

Works Cited

Clinton S. Burhans, Jr., ‘‘‘Magnificently Attune to Life’’’: The Value of ‘‘Winter Dreams,’’’ in Studies in Short Fiction, Vol. 6, No. 4, Summer 2000, pp. 401-12.

Abe Lincoln Meets Rainer Maria Rilke

Wendell Frink

Mr. H Salsich

9 English

15 September 2008

Abe Lincoln Meets Rainer Maria Rilke

An essay on the relationship of a quote and a poem

We all know that Abraham Lincoln was our 16th president of the United States, and surprisingly one of his quotes “The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time,” relates to an excerpt from a poem written by Rainer Maria Rilke titled Letters to a Young Poet, Rilke was a poet from the late 20th century. The Lincoln quote is written in a totally different style than Rilke, but they both relate to each other is some way. They are both about success and living in the present and not in the past or in the future. The future (according to these great writers) should only be thought about until the day comes, so live in the present.

Upon studying this quote, I noticed three distinctive meanings. One of the meanings this quote has is to only think about the present and not about the past or future. You should take your time for you have all the time in the world, if you take your time it will be well spent for in this modern world we are all rushing around trying to accomplish things. And don’t try to rush things in your life because people who rush usually aren’t the happiest of people. When growing up everyone wonders what the future will entail, but this is surely a mistake. If you worry about the future, then life will be hard and tiresome not smooth and relaxing. It might even make you stressful because you might think about the future holding bad things instead of good. The last meaning is to not think about the past. We should never worry about what has happened in the past only what is happening now. If we do worry about the past then, this could be a problem. These few words in the quote provide a mountain of information and interpretation.

When reading Lincoln’s quote and Rilke’s excerpt, I came across one similar meaning: to live in the present. Both poets talk about the future but in each a different way. Rilke says that the future comes “gradually” and “without [you] even noticing.” Lincoln says the future “comes only one day at a time” so you should use the day that you have wisely. You should “live everything,” every conversation, every event, and most of all your life the way you want it. Everyday is a new day that needs to be lived. Even “live your questions now” and not in the future because if you need an answer now, you won’t get it if you wait. When looking for the answer to something, don’t search for it, let it come to you. If you don’t it could make you live in more than only one day at a time and could make you forlorn. Everyday think about what you say, and what you do, for one of these times you will “live your way into the answer.”

As life goes on we should always remember to not think about the future, only the present. For a moment, pretend it is your last day on earth; do you wish that you had more time to do things or are you unhappy with not taking your time? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it is truly worth not thinking about the past. Begin now to embrace the present and live your life to the fullest.