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.