Procedural essay: Plumbing Drama

PLUMBING DRAMA:

A GUIDE TO STOP THE CRAP PLUGGING UP SOCIAL PLUMBING

If you haven't joined the social networking band wagon by now, you'd probably never seen the amount of drama presented on many peoples personal pages. Often refered to as "walls" on Facebook, this guide will show you how to refrain from buying into negativity of the social site.It will assist you in posting positivity and also help you cope with what to do when negativity infects your social site.

The first thing you must do is create a Facebook account. To do this, you must first open your web browser. Windows users can hit the windows key and scroll up to the softwares default web browser Internet Explorer. Mac users please scroll to you dock and select Safari. Once the web browser loads, type in the web address www.facebook.com this will take you to Facebook's main site. 

This site will provide a sign up form at the start up page. Proceed with filing out the form and select Sign up. You will be asked to enter various information about yourself. Please take some time to be cautious of what you put in this information. Anything you wouldn't want people to know about you should not be inserted as once it is on the internet, you are never able to take it back.

You will also be asked if you would like to upload pictures and do other various things to make experience more enjoyable. Do so with cation however as the more social you get on the internet, the more drama will incur. 

Lastly you will be asked to add friends. Take this time to add personal friends first. Social networking sites are just that, for social networking. They are not personal hook up sites, nor hot or not profile sites. Rules do imply on social networks sites although some people ignore this fact.

Once your personal friends are added the best thing to do is go to your Privacy settings and adjust your new social network site to be private. This will help drama get ignored and also prevent unwanted people from seeing your information. To do this simply go to "privacy settings"  under "account" in the top right hand corner.

Once that page loads, you will see your settings. "Friends Only" is the optimal setting preference. This will allow only the people on your friends list to see what you post. This however does not guarantee your privacy. If your friends decide to "share" anything you've posted, their friends will have access to it, so once again, be cautious of what you post.

Other settings on privacy can be found on this page as well. This guide is more about learning to keep the drama off your page, so further questions about privacy can be found on the same page near the bottom right. Click LEARN MORE, and Facebook will provided you with lots more on that topic. The "block list" option is also a handy feature which will will go into more deeply later, just remember for now that it is found on the privacy settings page.

Now that your privacy has been protected to some extent, and your friends have been added, you can now start sharing things. The best thing to remember is no one wants to hear negativity. That only allows for negativity to be plastered on you're wall. If you must air your dirty laundry on social sites for your friends to see, I would suggest calling them instead. Try posting highlights of your day. Maybe someone stood out and made you feel good, that would be a great story to share. 

If you can't help but vent your frustrations remember to not include anyone's name. This will prevent other people who might know that person from telling them that your gossiping. It also helps prevent the topic from blowing way out of proportion. When you include names in your frustrations you are directly attacking that person and this causes your mutual friends to pick sides. Also on your post, you might consider using the "lock" feature located left of the "share" icon on the bottom of what your thinking of posting. By clicking this option you can choose who will or will not see your post. If you're knowingly attacking someone, I would recommended hiding the post from that person as well as any and all mutual friends.

When browsing other people's pages you will encounter their own form of negativity. Weather they are complaining about work, school, life, or anything else, it's your choice on what to respond to these posts with. I suggest looking for the silver lining of the post or at the very least offer them some advice or constructive criticism.  Feeding into their negativity will increase the tension and stress on the topic and is causing drama, do not do this. No one wants a "Negative Nancy" as a friend. Also refrain from responding with cruel jokes on certain subject matters that might be deemed inappropriate. This also causes unneeded stress.

Also be cautious of what you post. Anything can and will be used against you if certain people are not adapted to your personality. Remember that cynical personalities or dark humor does not transfer to well onto the internet. The tone of your voice is not able to be portrayed into your text so any approach in this manner might be considered rude or offensive. If you must be cynical remind the readers that you are joking or emphasize the fact that you are being cynical. Remember, other people your friends have on their friends list might see your posts and they do not know how you are.

So what if you find someone who's picking a fight? You will encounter this many times on the internet, especially in social sites. Sometimes they might be your friends, sometimes complete strangers. In either case the best thing to do is not give into their drama. Try first by letting the person know where your stand on your views of the topic and that you respect theirs as well. Sometimes this will defuse the situation, however some arguments might escalate.

In case of an escalation you have a few options. You can either block the member so that you and them have no more further contact.  To block a person you can visit their profile and on the bottom left side, chose the "block" feature. If you need to unblock later you can once again return to the Account options, and choose privacy settings. Then near the bottom, you will see the BLOCK options. Upon clicking that you will encounter a new window with all of those whom you have blocked. Chose the "x" located on the right of their name to remove them from the blocked list.

Another option you have in defusing an escalated user is to use the "Yes" sandwich. This is when you use a nice comment, followed by letting the user know to leave you alone, followed by another nice comment. This will compliment the user and make him look even more of a jerk.  Remember not to give into the drama.

Using these steps will create an almost perfect, peaceful atmosphere for you to enjoy on your Facebook, or any other social networking site. Although nobodies lives are drama free, you will find a decrease in the amount on your page and in your life as opposed to others. If you ever do encounter a dramatic person, try sending them this guide, it might just change their experience.

News Story Analysis Worksheet #1

The headline for this story is "Craigslist Cannibal's Diner plans spoiled by "Main Course."

The effectiveness of this headline is extremely great. It sums the story up in pretty much one sentence.

The article appeared on both MSN.COM and TODAY.COM. The link below is from Today.com. It was written on May 17th by Athima Chansanchai. Craigslist Cannibal

The article does a great job answering the "who, what, where, why" questions.  Apparently Metej Curko wanted to eat someone on may 10th. He was hungry and had some sick fetish. He asked a swiss man who's name has not been released if he'd like to partake in this fetish, the man agreed.

This article follows the "inverted pyramid" nicely as most of the important information is at the top of the article. Towards the end of the article the facts get boring and are tedious.

The writer is extremely opinionated in this article by using colorful vocabulary such as "Grisly" and comparing the crime to show's she's more than likely seen.

The purpose of this article is to keep the public aware of all the sick psychos out there and also to entertain.

The way the article is written is to force you to one side of the issue. It's written to cast dark shadows on the   criminal Curko, while making you feel sympathy for the victim. However, I do not take either side as the victim did agree to let the criminal eat him. The victim wanted to be dinner, and wimped out, that's the victims fault.

I have found a bag of cash and I...

I have found a bag of cash and I slowly turn to the rest of my friends.

"What is it?" they ask.

"Yea, What's in the bag?" another questions.

"Cheesecake." I quickly reply, my eyes shifting from side to side in paranoia. "It's cheesecake!"

"Someone left cheesecake in a bag, in 100 degree temperatures?" Shit, I've been challenged. Jenni has always felt the need to dig deeper into my lies to sort out the truth. I tie the strings of the bag and look at her with as straight of a face as I can create.

"Yes, it's a cheesecake. Cherry as a matter of fact. It's still cold to. I'm going home to enjoy it."

"Oh hell no!" Jenni exclaims. "We want to see what's in that bag, we don't believe you."

"I'm in shock!" I protest, but it came to little to late. My group of friends was already upon me. Their hands stretched out as if they were feeling their way through darkness. With seconds to spare I leaped into a gallop down the road screaming for help...which wasn't the brightest of ideas.

What if my prayers were answered and someone did come to my call? What if they chose to join the mob in their lynching of me for the contents of the bag. What if they owned it?

Runnin farther and father, I took one quick look back. Yep, just as I expected, they're still chasing me. I turned back towards the intersection I was running towards and with my first step into the busy street BLAM.

And that's how I died.

What is my favorite commercial?

My favorite commercial is the "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop." The reason I like this is cause it's funny, and cute, and has lasted through all the years, still being played on nickalodean today.

Learning about your Field

My field of study is Video and Television production. There are three major parts to this field as you are able to work before the production on certain tasks such as casting, location scouting, and other pre-filming concepts. This is called Preproduction. There is also Production in which you shoot what concept was created during the preproduction phase. Lastly there is Post Production which is essentially putting the final pieces together.

My objectives within this field are to become a director and strive to produce quality films that have story and substance. I can’t stand going to the movies and seeing a bunch of remakes taken over by computer FX.

Analysts and leaders see the primary objective of this field is to entertain and inspire. Film and video is just another form of art and that is basically it’s sole purpose.

Some trends, issues, or core values in my field include pushing the envelope of technology as well as story. Art is basically an expression of your own personal values, since there is no one law governing art. My core values are to make films that retrain the ordinary way of thinking.

Future trends in my field are more computer usage, a higher rate of direct-to-DVD releases, more “indie” type films. Challenges in this field include money, industry monopolization and above all else more of a supply than the demand calls for.

The field has changed a lot as things are becoming cheaper and easier making it possible for anyone with video capabilities on a phone to an hand held camera able to create a short film. Special FX has changed dramatically as most stunts and effects is placed into the films during post production. Filming movies is essentially becoming a lazy art.

I don’t fit in with larger trends for I am not one to hop onto the band wagon.  I chose to create my own style.

I remember watching films and the behind the scenes videos on how certain aspects of the film were shot. This gave me my initial spark of curiosity in  this field. During high school, we had a production course which only furthered my influences.

article #1

link: GAY OF THE DEAD

The subject of this article is about writer/director Mark Bessenger. The articles talks about his film "BITE MARKS" which is an indie horror film that centers around the gay community. 

The thesis is that horror films are now becoming "gay" opening them up to a new community.

The writer appeals to logic as it talks about how this will impact both the horror community and the gays as well.

This article was extremely helpful as I now see that films are gradually accepting homosexuals as lead roles and not just crazy sidekicks there to cast stupid jokes.

I will not be able to use any information from the article but it is very inspirational. 

Article #2

link: TIM BURTON DITCHES MALEFICENT

The subject of this article is Tim Burton and how he pulled out from the disney's plan to remake Sleeping Beauty into a live action film.

The thesis of this article  is that without a good director disney is still planning on doing the film.

The writer appears to be emotional, almost as if he's favoring the director.

The article wasn't helpful to me at all. While I do love Tim Burton as he's my inspiration to be in school, the article was only about what his plans are and why he couldn't do the film.

I will not be able to use any information as this article is basically information about the preproduction of this film.

Black Talk and Pop Culture

QUESTIONS FOR CLOSE READING

1) In "Black Talk," author Leslie Savan proses the thesis that the english language has deep roots with black english as well. She states that the American language now is partly due to the black-inspired slang.



2) By using the term "pop language," Savan means that it is the language most commonly found in the streets and often refereed to as slang. Some examples of this pop language would include Micky D's, getting Jiggy with it, and sup.



3) The world cool is characterized by Savan as the most important pop word of all because while other words fade into society never to be spoken again, the word cool has managed to survive this whole time.



4) According to Savan, what's troubling about white mainstream cultures appropriation of black words and phrases is that the white people are basically willing to accept the blacks words but not them. Also that it's not in the white culture to be throwing the words around.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WRITER

1) Savan uses so many examples of black talk because he would like to ephisize how many terms of black ebonics actually made it into the mainstream pop culture.

2) The reason Savan discusses the use of black talk in marketing products becuase it seems "fun" and "pops" making it easy on the ears and more exciting.

3) Savan stops the flow of the essay to delve deeper into the terms of black talk because she want's people to understand just how complex black talk is. She calls it black talk instead of black english because it doesn't separate or make it seem racist as much as the other words due.

4)Sacan uses examples from MTV, Such other examples however include the infamous "ecko" and "FUBU" clothing. Rappers often use this "black talk" both on and off stage.

SHORT ANSWER:
1) Eminem is a prime example of a rapper who uses "black talk." Although he is white, he feels since he grew up in the "ghetto" he is apparently part black. This "wanna-be" has even worked with several black artists to ensure that he always has fresh jargon to use.

Favorite meal

My favorite meal is hamburgers. That's all I ever really eat. I hate vegetables, hate pastas and grains. I like MEAT!!!! My favorite place to eat hamburgers from is Lenny's Burger off of 24st and something...ooohhhhh they're so good! Rally's comes in second. Sure we cook at home and I wind up starving myself till all the roommates go to sleep, but as soon as they do I run out and hit up the local fastfood chains for HAMBURGERS!!!!

where do I see myself in 10 years

I try not to look to much into the future, but in 10 years I hope to be at least out of arizona and in California. And not one of those area's in California that are gonna go underwater either. NO. I also hope to have a job working in the industry that I'm going to school for. I plan on at least being stable finically in that amount of time.

Comparison Contrast

The stories "Flavio" and "Sister Flowers" both had some key points or comparison as well as extreme differences. For instance, both Flavio and Marguerite could appreciate the struggle of growing up without a silver spoon in their mouthes. Both characters have learned important life lessons. They also contrast with one another by what obstacles they faced growing up.

The struggle of survival both Marguerite and Flavio faced was growing up at what others think is the bottom. While Flavio didn't have food in his belly, Marguerite had eyes on the color of her body. Each of them faced a common problem that we still see today, and it's a problem we don't like to face. Flavio had to  help his family raise the kids, and in an essence Marguerite had the same task, only given to her by herself.

They each also walked away from their lives as a stronger person. Although Flavio didn't have much time, he still learned that not all of life is fair and sometimes you get the end of the stick. Marguerite, although her lesson was slightly different, learned that education can help over come obstacles so that end of the stick isn't always in your own hands. Both characters endured what problems they faced and with little to no complaints, learning valuable lessons and skills that can only be taught through experience.

Their stories are not all similarities however. While the basic sex of the character, national origin, and time period are all blunt differences, there are a few others. One particular difference is the lesson learned. One character learns about education of oneself, and the other learns the hardships of life. Another difference is the life in which they live. While both are considered outcasts at one point to another in our society, they haven't and will never walk in one another's shoes. Growing up in poverty is completly diffrent they given a life a prejudice. Marguerite would never know how it feels to be Flavio and vise versa.

What is “Film Noir”?

Film noir is a word used to describe the hollywood crime drama. The crime drama's back then were way more complex than they are now a days. The black and white film noir's were dark in contrast and clarity. The stories relied more on the characters over-acting performances rather than the special effects.

Google your name, what do you find?

when I google my name, I see a majority of links to Ricardo Perez M.D or some stuff on Wikipedia...nothing really about me. My name's a real common name so I didn't expect to zone in on me automatically. Also, when doing things online I rarely use my name, especially when signing up for emails, can't have those things running rampant on the internet now can we. Also I've removed myself from sites like Spokeo.com so that people can't look me up, sure there are a few public records on me, but with a name as common as mine it'll be hard.

Tweens

1) The thesis of Tweens is that there is no such thing as preadolescence anymore.

2) The self-image Tweens cultivate is that they are worried about their appereance and how other see them. They're also into fashion and know the fashion industry better than themselves. When they discuss this, it causes other kids to want to join the tween sensation.

3) Hymowitz links the tween phenomenon to dangerous behavior such as drug abuse, sex, and eating disorders.

4) According to Hymowitz, primary causes of the tween phenomenon are music, television, encouragement from parents unknowingly, and society.

Describing my childhood

My childhood was a lot more active than how I'm seeing my nephews and nieces grow up.  I grew up in a small town with five other brothers and sisters so there was never a dull moment. It wasn't a life I'd want to live again, but I wouldn't have it any other way. My father taught me morals and hard work. My siblings taught me how to be strong and fight, and my mother taught me compassion.

what inspires me to come to school

I am inspired to go to school by many things. One is my favorite director Tim Burton. I remember seeing a lot of his films and being blown away by how the film was made. Another reason is that I want to have a lot of what I write put onto film. Also, I am my own motivator. I choose not to become a waste of space and figure I'll actually get an education and learn something!

Banned Books Questions

What is the #1 banned book of 2000-2009?

The most banned book of 2000-2009 was a toss up between Harry Potter and And Tango makes three. They both made #1 three consecutive times within that span.

Do you agree with that book being banned?

Although I haven't read And Tango Makes Three, Harry Potter was a read of mine. I don't feel it's appropriate to ban books of this nature because it's at least getting kids to read.

Which banned books have you read?

I have read a few. Atlas Shrugged, Harry Potter, To Kill a mockingbird, A Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy

Should books be banned? Explain your answer

No, books should not be banned for the simple fact that if you chose to open the cover, you chose to gain that knowledge. It's sad to ban books over personally opinion we we're not the center of the universe.

What is freedom of speech? Does that include written material?

Freedom of speech is the ability to say/write/create what you want and the message you want to convey without anyone telling you otherwise. I think this includes written material because speech is also the words you write as well as the ones you speak.

"Where one burns books, one will soon burn people."
--Heinrich Heine

Do you agree with this quote? Explain

 Yes, it's happened before with the Salem Witch Trials. We burned people at the stake for their own personal beliefs.

Find one banned book and explain why it has been banned:

 Ulysses was banned for it's sexual content.

Give background information on the author:

 James Joyce was an irish novelist and poet now considered to be one of the most influential writers.

What has this book and author contributed to our society?

the author has contributed a great deal of books and literature why his most popular book Ulysses continues to inspire even to this day

What would be lost if no one could ever again read this book or any books by this author?

a good understanding of one's own personal character, as well as a great story would be lost.

What does my mother mean to me?

My mother means more than I would ever have words for. She had passed away four years ago and since then I have always looked back on each thing she's ever said. If she were here I would want to ask her things I never thought of while she is alive, but she is not. I would want her to teach me how to cook the crap she made, but she can not. You never realize how much you appreciate and rely on her until she's gone.

who is your favorite star wars characters?

I do not have a favorite Star Wars character as I haven't seen the films. Sure I've laughed at all the funny spoofs and what not, but I never actually grasped the concept of why this film has gotten so popular, and never did I actually sit down and watch the films. I tried reading the comics from MARVEL as my mom had them, but when I saw she also had her old cache of Creepshow and Tales from the Vault/Crypt/ect I chose to go the gory route. In no way am I against sci-fi, just not my cup of tea...then again I don't really like tea either. I've seen enough of the commercials and clips to piece together some dude falls in love with his sister-which unless I'm watching a film based off Shakespeare, I do not agree with, and even then it was hard to swallow the fact Hamlet slept with his mother. ANYWAYS, I also know some furry thing and Harrison ford have to go and do something with these incest-loving people...and that some dude doesn't like em and winds up being there father (which is typical, make the dad out to be a jerk) and that the film has spawned numerous sequels as well as created a grove of merchandise that's either collected or found in the dirt of a backyard (much like the one's my sister was given) In any case I've seen and heard enough of this series, and refuse to go back and watch something so long, as I fell asleep during titanic for it's lengthy story telling.

Don't get me wrong, star wars is apparently HUGE and has a lot of fans...unfortunately most of them saw the movie with their parents at young ages, and have now took to living in the basement at the age of 45 and still battling acne. Sure they have conventions on the films, where people dress up and flaunt their favorite characters, and once again, unfortunately psychiatrists are not free or on call for these events...But yea...star wars isn't that big of a film to my career. I respect the fact it was the "best" of it's kind for that time however other than that...it seems kinda boring.

Osama bin ladan and the death of consequences

Osama Bin Ladan's death and life both caused crazy consequences. For starters his life was made up of hatred. He used this hate to gain followers and supposedly "attack" the U.S, weather you buy that story or not is your own belief...but regardless it started a war...
NOW HERE WE ARE, ten years later and the news smothered with talk about his "Death." It's disgusting to me that when it was announced america cheered. REALLY? Cause that's how america works right? NO. Something smells rotten and it's our corrupted government. How are we to know that this person is "dead" and further more why would we shoot an unarmed person? JUSTICE WAS NOT DELIVERED, IT WAS FORGED.

Personal Narrative: Society Swallows

I have often found myself living in an everlasting halloween. While I roam the streets, I see vampires preying on defenseless people without a care. We unknowingly play host to these parasites as they suck out every emotion from our bodies and drain us of everything from our joy, to our depression. They leave us an exhausted empty shell and run off to their next victim who will more than likely play their next host. 

The first time I had encountered one of these vampires, to the best of my memory, was when I was four. I was playing in my room as a child and in walked the undead version of my brother. Without care, he disrupted the happiness I had been experiencing and replaced it with exhaustion as we battled out who's toy was who's and then eventually which side of the room was owned by whom. After several moments, the vampire I'd call brother would sing out for his master to come. Sure enough, my mother entered the room and would lay down boundaries and rules. This caused my exhaustion to become a comatose state of an "I give up!" feeling. 

Home was not the only place these vampires we're found. As I ventured into society and schools, I found I had to battle a battalion of emotion sucking creatures. With my bad attitude and solitude way of nature, I would ward these demons off so that I wasn't burdened with problems that were not my own. My Anti-social behavior had soon started to devolop at a young age and by the time I reached high school, it was now a massive missile ready to defend when the army of the undead would come around. I had survived teachers who would play favorites, fellow students who would attack so they would gain popularity, and even a principal who considered me more of a slayer of his faculty than a student with high expectations.

After I left the campus's that harbored the living dead, I ventured into the world. I obtained a job at the local Jack in the Box, where my weapon of social anxiety would have to be disarmed, and I would have to blend in with these creatures. The drive-thru was packed full of them, life draining vampires in operational vehicles. It was as if they're numbers had been increasing daily. Each time I would deliver an order, another one would pull up to the window with a complaint about something. My co-workers were no better, constantly putting their problems on public display like an audio tabloid. 

Throughout my years of experience after my first encounter way back when, I have tried not to be like these undead beings. I handle my problems on my own and observe the world for guidance and advice, rather than drain my fellow humans for the strength to accomplish this. I try not to share to much of my negativity as I don't want others to feel burdened by my personal issues. I chose not to discuss certain matters with certain people so that I do not drain them of their own aura or energy. Also, I've come to the conclusion that although my energy is being sucked away, it's society who swallows.

What is your favorite movie line?

my favorite movie line has got to be from the movie (originally from the broadway rock opera) RENT. "NO DAY BUT TODAY" which is my favorite quote and what I live by each day. Your not promised tomorrow, or the rest of the day for that matter...so enjoy each moment your alive. Savor each minute that you breath, and live like everyday's your last.

writing about a picture

I chose to write about this picture due to it's gothic nature and winter atmosphere. When people think of death they often think of cold, isolation....this picture represents that. It's melancholy style also shows a sad, sympathetic side of an otherwise horrible situation. I also like the picture because of the way the death is represented, as the iconic reaper. Although this is picture is lacking wings (as the angel of death is an angel) it's still a pretty good representation of how we've been taught he would come to us as.

The Crow: Movie Critique

In 1994, Director Alex Proyas brought comic book character Eric Draven to life. Produced by Edward Pressman and based off a comic created by James O' Barr's own personal tragedy, the film stars Michael Wincott, Ernie hudson, and the late Brandon Lee. I remember watching the film at the local theatre and falling in love with it that day.

The story revolves around a man and his fiance who are brutally murdered. A year later, and through the help of supernatural superstitions, a crow brings his soul and body back to avenge his lover. Picking off the murderers one by one, he relives moments and shows an ironic side of death, love, and life. Drawing his powers from the mythical bird, he finally gets to "Top Dollar," the leader of a ruthless gang and they battle their differences out between good and bad.

There are several characters based on real life as already mentioned. Eric representing James O' Barrr. Shelly representing his fiance. Officer Albrecht was a reincarnation of a friend who helped him cope with the problem, and The Skull Cowboy serves as his "religious" guidance. Real events make appearances too as Devils Night is a central plot to the story. Devils night, in case anyone is unaware, is a night of chaos the day before halloween in which gangs in New Jersey wreak havoc upon society. This all plays a key role in making a surreal story seem more realistic.

The movie has no defined dates, but seems to be set in the mid 90's which was the current decade during filming and releasing. This is brought out by not only the fashion of the film, but it's grunge-gothic like sequences which seemed to have boomed in that decade. Also the soundtrack (which helped the film portray this type of setting and style,) was mostly compromised of grunge artists during that time period. Although the film had a majority of problems, they managed to pull off an otherwise seamless performance. However of r there was the incident of the star Brandon Lee being killed on set due to the irresponsibility and drug use of the prop master. Rather if this helped the film gain it's cult status or not will always be a mystery.

The film will always be a "Cult Classic" and hold a special place in my heart due to it's story line and it's popularity of a comic even before the film was shot. The characters were beyond well played as many of them surfaced from other films and took on roles that stretched their talents beyond their own comprehensions. Although during editing a few characters and key points were ultimately left on the cutting room floor, the film fit together nicely even after it's one year shelved life to sort out the legal problems Miramax was having. The film makes people think about crime, and how it effects people, which is one of the biggest quotes from the film: "Victims, aren't we all." In my opinion anything done to this film hereafter would tarnish it's ability to push it's message of love, hate, pain, revenge and irony. I would defiantly recommend this film to anyone, even if your not impressed with it, you'll walk away with a different view of death.

Which fictional character do I identify with?

I identify with the character Azreal from Leah Wendells' Our Name Is Melancholy (the books of Azreal.) The reason for this is I think in a more spiritual form with science intertwined in my philosophy than the fairy tales in the bible could produce. I'm sympathetic towards death yet understand it's a natural process of evolution.

What are your quirks???

One of my quirks is orginzation of cords, I hate long dangly cords. Wet door knobs get on my nerves. When I drink from a soda can I have to make sure the tab is over the whole so it blocks foriegn objects. I have to have things dangling off my arms or I feel uneven. Sidewalks make me angry so I walk on the road. High pitch noises make me wanna break things to offset the sound. I won't eat MSG or Aspartame so check every product I buy. Doors have to be closed, I hate open doors.

The secret for creativity is knowing how to hid your sources -einstien

what Einstien ment by this was that when you model a character over a person, make sure that person is not to similiar that if people know him or her they'd be able to put two and two together...or that if you inspired by something, you'd put your own spin to it so that people think it's original.

Analyzing persuasive techniques

1- The message is that you should have a big mac and that it's an urge as strong as a medical condition...
2- I think it's exaggerated hyperbole with some glittering generalities as they not only hype the big mac up but make it sound amazing and urgent
3- This ad is geared towards teens and adults due to the fact it has a hospital nature and it takes a more mental mind to decipher this picture.
4- I don't think this ad is effective at all because it implies health hazards such as if I eat at mcdonalds I'm going to wind up in the hospital.

pathos, ethos, and logos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gspElv1yvc
this video shows the Ethos by empowering a popular musician to fill the role of announcer and making her seem goodhearted by helping defense less animals, at least it's a cute ad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaQjL8A5Igw
I like this commercial for the simple reason it has the grim reaper. What it is doing is basing it's theories on misguided information and scaring people into thinking certain types of people cause aids. A good example of Logos in my mind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOM4AMV050A
this one bluntly tells you what it's doing and how you wish you can be her. It is a prime example of Pathos

Stephen King

Close Reading:
1 - In "Why We Crave Horror Movies," Stephen king bluntly expresses his thesis that "we're all mentally ill: some of us hide it better than others."

2 - Stephen King References Jack the Ripper and the Cleveland Torso Murderer to support his thesis because these two notorious criminal masterminds were able to blend in with society and look as normal as everyone else but have this sick obsession they were able to hid.

3 - When king states that horror movies are "Innately conservative, even reactionary" he is meaning to say that we have an inner need for that normality of ugliness and have yet to see its true form. He also refers to them as anarchistic and revolutionary by meaning that we tend to go want to against the rules and do crazy things.

4 - King refers to "alligators" and "gators" imply that they are the dark ideas and evil thoughts. He states "as long as you keep the gators fed," by meaning that although you should always exercise love, you should make sure you think your morbid thoughts to a certain degree.

5 - Hysterical is uncontrollable emotions,   reactionary is responding to actions or impulse, Voyer's are the spectators of events secretly, lynching is a public display of brutality, Penchant is a strong liking of something, Immortalized is to be thought of after death or beyond our realtiy, anarchistic is to go against rules or governments and group and all moral senses, morbidity is to think of things in gruesome detail and thoughts society considers pure evil.


Writers Craft

2 - Kings comparison and contrasts reinforce kings thesis by putting into forms of equal morality value realistic points. Such as the public lynchings, we have an obsession to sick and twisted acts of cruelty and love doing it in groups.

4 - In my opinion, King structures the statements in this manner to be straight and to the point. They are simple yet bold full fragments that are basically just the key points in what might have been a less effective lengthy paragraph such as this answer.

My Favorite Horror Film

My favorite horror movie is Return of the Living Dead. I love how they've mixed comedy with horror and threw in a punk rock soundtrack to produce a great film! While many films contain zombies, RETURN puts a spin on it and pokes fun at the theory by giving certain zombies characteristics normally not contained in these types of films.

SISTER FLOWERS

Close Reading:
1 - Maya Angelou expresses a thesis in her article "Sister Flowers," that childhoods logic never asks to be proved.

2 - Angelou admires the fact that Mrs. Flowers is what she expects a human being can be meaning that she's caring of others and isn't a barbarian thinking she's better than everyone else and is wise as well.

3 - Young Angelou is ashamed of Momma when Mrs. Flowers is around because of her lack of attention to verbs when speaking. Mrs. Flowers and Momma behave as if they were family, not caring for rules of society and proper speaking.

4 - The "lessons in living" that Angelou receives from Mrs. Flowers during the first visit is to be intolerant of ignorance and understanding of illiteracy.  These teaching have influenced Angelou to accept all people regardless of education, and to correct those who assholes.

5 - The selection uses the words: Taut, which is meant to be "strained" or "tense." Voile refers to the light-weight dress. Benign was the kind deposition of Mrs. Flowers.  unceremonious was referring to the informal greetings. Gait is a manner of walking, moors is a piece of land overgrown with plants. incessantly means without interruption. scones and crumpets are both pastries that many cultures have with tea. heath is another word for land filled with overgrown vegetation. chifforobe is a piece of furniture with drawers and room to hang things. sacrilegious is basically going again anything held sacred. infuse is the combining of two different things. couched was in regards to arranging or framing of words. Aura is referring to the energy or quality of something that still lingers after it's gone.


Writers Craft:
2 - The similes in paragraphs 1 and 11 contribute to the essay's dominate impression by giving it's reader something they've come across to refer to. Such as the simile in paragraph 1 which compares her life to a old biscuit.

3 - The imaginary conversations reveal that young Angelou was always noticing the many parts of speech and recognizing the many different ways people communicate. These relate to her "lessons of life" because she now understand in what context to talk in way ways.

Forms of entertainment

American culture is bombarded with entertainment. Broadway plays are a good example that has lasted throughout the ages inspiring many based off it's characters. Reading is another form that captivates it's user and indulges them in a dreamscape of illusions and provokes them to think outside reality. Many forms of entertainment have even been fused together to form the Internet, as Video's, Music, Games and other activities can be enjoyed without ever leaving your chair, and invites it's users to put in their own comments. Cellphones are now becoming a form themselves as this fusion is brought together on a simple handheld device which infects users with a random nature to talk about what they've just discovered or have been updated with. Board and Card games are still in use which cause it's players to learn competitiveness.

Are you following your passion

I am following my passion. Ever since I was small I was focused on creating and manipulating realms and realities. I've always been a writer, and with most writers, our books form in our minds like films. Writing them down took time and often aspects get lost due to the fact our brains have no "pause" button. I find that with film It's easier, you write main points out and describe your story in a 3-D realms of actors and illusions.

What do I feel about flavio

I feel bad for the people in society that live the way Flavio does...I feel even worse when I realize we have situations like that on our own soil and how people chose to look the other way. It easy for us to sit at our tables and be humble as we horde our food and say our grace while we shun the person in the ally's picking through our spoiled leftovers. I, like Gordon Parks, try my best to fight this greed and urge to dog-eat-dog my fellow members of society.

Flavio's Home

Close Reading

1. Gordon Parks expresses in his article "Flavio's Home" that he holds a personal grudge against poverty.

2. Flavio's family is pretty much every other family around the world, with the simple fact that they have no money being the only distinguishing factor. Flavio has so much responsibility due to the fact he is the oldest.

3. Some distinctive characteristics of flavio's neighborhood is that they live atop a mountain that was surrounded by garbage and waste. Flavio's home was basically a few planks and a tin roof. 

4. Flavio feared giving Parks and Gallo food in case his father might have gotten angry due to the small amount they already had on hand.The two understood that the family had to make the food last for a while.

5. Barrios are basically an area with the majority of the population speaking spanish decent. Now a days however it's a word to degrade an area by racists and people who cling to a criminal-like lifestyle. Jacaranda is a plant. Jaundiced is a disease that turns your skin yellow and spigot is refereed to as something that helps stop or control the flow of water.

Writers Craft

1. Parks expresses a sympathetic and unfortanate impression of Flavio. He does this by explaining his daily activitites, his family lifestyle, and his health conditions.

3. Parks uses colorful, discriptive words to describe mundane items and compares certain aspects to what the reader would be accustomed to viewing in their own life. This helps the reader adjust from one horrible aspect to another.

4. The effect of the hotel scenario was to make people feel sympathetic to those who are less fortunate, and to feel remorse  the need to help. It contributes an understanding for the reader to see what they have in their own life and compare it to Flavio.

a visit to a tv show...

If I could be a character in a show it would be Dead Like Me. Although it isn't on anymore, I think it would be awesome to be a part of a show that takes a humorist approach to death. I would want to play the character of a "reaper" as the show refers to that has been traveling in both the realms of the living, and that of the dead delivering lists to the head reapers. The main character of the show has millions of questions and a character like that would not only answer some of them but also provide a sense of reality to a part in the show which had been lacking.

What is real poverty

In my opinion real poverty doesn't exists. It has been a virus in the mind of generation after generation inflicted by materialistic train of thoughts. We're the first humans living in poverty? No, they were not. Humans had lived in tribes before technology and profit was invented. They worked as a group, gathered food for the entire tribe, harvested and dug rivers. They built cities and complete towns with no claim to land. We as humans have been conditioned to separate ourselves from one another and to work for "corporations" and told we need to have certain things to live up to one another's standards. This "Keeping up with the jones's" way of life has kept us from evolving as humans and forced us into conditions where we look down upon those "less fortunate" than us, when really we are slaves. Take a homeless man for instance, he has no bills, no attachments. More than likely he has a completely different outlook on what poverty is to him. People in third world countries have been forced into this "poverty" yet if you dig deeper you'll find the roots of their people who still live in what a "community" should be.

I am currently considered "homeless" as I live with my friends and have no job, however poverty isn't the most common worry in my mind. To me, Poverty is the lack of receiving help from another human. It's a state of mind in where you've alienated everyone and there is no longer a hand to help you.

Strong Writing Skills can Make or Break

Major D. Wyrtki explains in his article "Strong writing skills can make or break," that writing and speaking properly is a basis for leadership and communication skills. He tells his story from his own point of view as he dissects his own thesis of how writing and speaking correctly separates him from subordinates. He recalls one instance where he read a document that used the word "Immolate" instead of "emulate" which although sound the same, have two entirely different meanings. Although I find his thesis to be correct, I also discover that it is a harsh reality that is hard to swallow. With the many different languages that reside here in America, we need to learn respect first and foremost as English is the hardest language to learn. Just because someone is unable to clarify cohesively what is on their mind in our own language doesn't mean they're subordinates.

"My Watch: An Instructive Little Tale"

In Mark Twain's "My Watch: An Instructive Little Tale" I found the author's thesis to be that once things go awry, they'll never work right again. Mr. Twain explains this through a personal narrative in which he recollects numerous times he had tried to get a broken watch repaired, and after many attempts, the watch ceased to work properly. Mr. Twain also states that his uncle William told him "A good horse was a good horse until it had run away, and that a good watch was a good watch until the repairers got a change at it." and although this story was written in the late 1800's, the theory still applies today. Automobiles of our era are constantly breaking down with mechanics never able to tackle the real problems.

A cyborg comes into the classroom and...

A cyborg comes into the classroom and takes a bow. Students erupt in excitement like a volcano exploding from the pressure. Photographs and words couldn't describe the sheer entertainment that had happened moments before his entrance, but from the crowds cheers the ringmaster knew it had to be grand. Raising his hands and bringing the frenzy to a whisper, he spoke words that sounded more like gears turning than actual english, yet the students understood. Their whispers broke back into wild horses running in a race. Their excitement overflowed the small room and seeped through the halls drawing the attentions of every other room that harbored dull victims of an educational system. With curiosity in their hearts and heads they rushed down the echoing hall and into the classroom just in time for the ringmaster or a machine to announce the next act.

My Perfect Day

My perfect day would be waking up to complete silence without the sun shining. Arizona would have cooled down to some odd number below zero. The rain would be falling hard and the end would have arrived. My perfect day isn't a perfect day at all, but an apocalypse to rid myself of all emotions I have. Of course I could get a lobotomy, but where's the fun in that.

Art, luck, and talent....

I would disagree with art depending on luck and talent. Creation of art, no matter how mediocre is a wonderful thing. Even if the creation is pure nonsense it will still convey some sort of message to someone who watches it, and might very well inspire them to create something better. As far as luck playing a role, I believe that's just hog wash invented by artists on their high horses to bear down creativity so they remain supreme.

Fear and Failure

I think the thesis statement to this essay is that fear and failure can be a positive teaching tool, whether economic or academic. The reason I feel this is the thesis is because although the writer focus's mainly on school issues, she also refers to how it effects them after schooling is over. It's a lesson that's still used by employers when they threaten to fire people, laws that threaten to lock people up, and even the rules that govern our society.

Unfortunately, I would have to disagree with this. I feel personally that threats don't provide a proper motivational way of thinking. It has been fear that has led us to wars, hatred, and violence. Fear has separated man and by condoning such a philosophy we are not better than those who burned witches at the stake for "fear" of the unknown. Reverting back to the original topic, fear of failure has caused us to create the infamous AIMS test that has become a problematic situation with school as we find that the students haven't learned a thing until it's to late. We can not dictate what others do or say, we can only motivate, and to motivate with fear is no better than holding a gun to someones head and telling them to fill the bag with the cash from the drawer. 

Instead we need to realize not everyone will make it in this world. Some people are perfectly content being wastes of space. It's not the drugs, it's not the family's upbringing, it's a personal choice. I've seen many on a road to no good who suddenly figure out that they'd like more in life, with no form of motivation at all. It all boils down to personal choices of the person, and not what threatens them.

Regrets

As of today I am unaware of any regrets I have. Sure I think about things I could have done differently, maybe handled problems more appropriately for a better outcome. However, I don't regret the actions I've taken. To me, every day is a possibility to learn and evolve as a person. If I make a mistake, I don't sit there and sulk in how I should have handled it. Instead I learn from the situation and address the errors so that the next time a similar situation would arise I will be able to handle it from a more realistic way. I let these new ways of thinking influence my actions and if ever a situation I've handled in the past is brought back up, I'm able to say "yea, that's the old Ricky."

I take influences from people, books, movies, almost anything I can get my hands on. With these influences in my cerebral cortex, I find it easier to handle things. Take the broadway RENT for example, which has inspired me (as well as countless many) to live without regrets. With their motto "No day but today" and their constant reminder to "forget regret or life is yours to miss" I rarely focus on what could have been changed in the past and set my goals on what can be changed in the future.