Hi all, I just wanted to let you know that I have read all of your columns and will be emailing you tomorrow with your grades. It has taken me longer than anticipated to read and assess all of your columns, but I can say that on the whole they have been wonderful and I think that most of you will be happy with the grade that you receive. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading them, all 110 columns! In the future, so that we can continue to do these assignments with some regularity and so that you can share your writing with your classmates and in turn read their work, but so that I can continue to maintain some semblance of a life outside of school (yes, teachers have a life too!) I will read and comment on the columns, but will not assess them. You will get the full points for writing them, as you did with your first writing assignment about your essence. You will still get assessed on your unit papers as well as the occasional in class essays that we will do, now that you have tables to write on. This way we can continue to write on our blogs and you can do so without worrying about your grade, you can write for the pleasure of writing and sharing your incredibly insightful and mature opinions with me and with each other.
Mr. Nic
Friday, August 29, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
One Proud Teacher
I just wanted to take a quick moment to commend all of you for the time, effort, passion, creativity, and energy that you have put into this assignment. I had high expectations for this, but you have exceeded even those, and I just want to say how proud I am to be able to work with you, and how much I am looking forward to this school year. I will be reading through the columns and comments that you all posted over the next few days, and hope to be caught up on my reading and grading by the end of the week.
I will discuss in class how you will be graded on these, and I do take some time to grade them as I read and reread them carefully, so be patient with me as I know I don’t get you immediate feedback. What I lack in timeliness I will try to make up for with depth in my assessment of your writing.
Remember, I am looking for, in order of importance, the quality of your ideas, your writing style, and the fundamentals of your writing. In other words, what you have to say, how you say it, and that you say it in the proper fashion. I really enjoy reading good creative writing, and to that end I welcome you to challenge yourself and to try different things with your writing. I would rather you take some risks and fall short than to play it safe and give me the standard 5 paragraph AIMS essay, and I will take all that into account when grading and assessing you.
Again, thank you for being such wonderful students and for giving so much of yourselves. I will always do everything I can to live up to the challenge and the honor of being one of your teachers here at ASA.
Mr. Nic
I will discuss in class how you will be graded on these, and I do take some time to grade them as I read and reread them carefully, so be patient with me as I know I don’t get you immediate feedback. What I lack in timeliness I will try to make up for with depth in my assessment of your writing.
Remember, I am looking for, in order of importance, the quality of your ideas, your writing style, and the fundamentals of your writing. In other words, what you have to say, how you say it, and that you say it in the proper fashion. I really enjoy reading good creative writing, and to that end I welcome you to challenge yourself and to try different things with your writing. I would rather you take some risks and fall short than to play it safe and give me the standard 5 paragraph AIMS essay, and I will take all that into account when grading and assessing you.
Again, thank you for being such wonderful students and for giving so much of yourselves. I will always do everything I can to live up to the challenge and the honor of being one of your teachers here at ASA.
Mr. Nic
Sunday, August 17, 2008
My Religion
I sit here, trying to decipher what exactly religion is. Is it your beliefs shared by others? Is it a community that you belong to to worship a God or higher being? When I think about religion, I automatically think about God, and the belief in something greater than ourselves, that we are not alone and not all there is in this world, and that there is a purpose to everything in life and every human being.
When I was a baby, I was baptized in the Catholic church. Shortly thereafter, my family began attending a non-denominational church. I grew up in a home believing in God, praying before meals and at bedtime, and going to church every Sunday. However, in all of those years, I felt like something was missing, like I wasn't quite connected. I had studied the bible and had taken classes, but still felt like my relationship with God was missing something... that is, up until two years ago. My mom had encouraged me to consider being baptized as a young adult to reconfirm my relationship with God. While participating in the music ministry at my church, I began to observe several of the members and how dedicated they were to their music ministry. I made the decision to get baptized. My brother began to work with me on a weekly basis to better understand my spirituality versus religion. I realized for the first time in all of my life, that it wasn't just about the stories and the classes but about my developing an intimate relationship with God. That was the important part. For the first time, it was what felt most real to me. I see how tremendously I have been blessed and I feel like I finally know what my purpose is, what I am going to do in life. My relationship with God and knowing Him has changed every part of me, who I am as a person, what I believe in, and what is most important to me. It has affected the decisions that I make, the relationships and experiences that I have in life. It has made me want share with others this great life experience. I also think it is so great that there was the religious "wire" last night between our two presidential candidates, to hear their opinions and views. That is crucial because what they believe in and what they hold strongly to is going to affect the decisions that they make when running our country. I feel that their religion and belief-structure has everything to do with who they are.
32 Pages of Pure Genius!
All together, our class has written 32 pages. This is so cool!
Haha. I copied and pasted it into Word to see.
I'm so glad I came to ASA.
Mary
Haha. I copied and pasted it into Word to see.
I'm so glad I came to ASA.
Mary
Driving for the Line
Everyone knows that Monday night football is a way of life for many people in today’s society. I believe that sports are an extremely important part of youth culture. And I don’t mean sitting in front of the television and rooting for your favorite team, I’m talking about that feeling when you know that your giving everything you’ve got physically for the greater good of a team. As children grow up they go through the typical first grade sports cycle. They go out for t-ball, join the little league, pose for adorable soccer photos, and if they’re lucky, it might carry them through those wonderful years of middle school. However, once you reach high school, it’s a whole different game.
Playing sports in high school is a typical cultural cliché. Everyone dreams of being the next Michael Phelps, or Shawn Johnson, and hears the classic stories from adults about how they were the star quarterback back in the day, and glow with pride as they slap you on the back for following gloriously in their footsteps. The buzz that surrounds athletes has been around for almost as long as athletics itself. There’s a part inside of everyone that wants to step up to that medal podium, and know that you’re the best one out there. Even in ancient Greece, wars were put on hold so that everyone could come together for the Olympics. Although youth athletics in our culture wouldn’t be the same without the thousands of years of society praising it and living through their children’s successes, nothing can compare to the feeling inside the athletes themselves.
As a high school athlete, I can personally say that being in the cultural environment of competitive sports and high adrenaline doesn’t compare to anything else I’ve ever experienced. Like most kids, I went through the typical sports loop. I swam, dove, danced, and skied, played softball, baseball, basketball, t-ball, and almost every other little league sport available. However, in seventh grade I started crew, and it has stuck with me ever since. It started out as a recreational activity. But as I started to win more, I began to become addicted to the feeling of pushing yourself to the complete limits, and seeing immediate results. I also had the opportunity to meet people who completely understood this feeling, and lived for that moment of crossing the finish line first knowing that you had exerted every once of your physical strength. The competitive, yet camaraderial cultural dynamic of a sports team is something you wont find anywhere else in society. Also, with sports like crew, there is a cultural appreciation, but lack of cultural understanding. I feel extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to be so thoroughly involved in youth athletics, and know first hand what it feels like to be a part of a long cultural tradition.
-Sophie
Playing sports in high school is a typical cultural cliché. Everyone dreams of being the next Michael Phelps, or Shawn Johnson, and hears the classic stories from adults about how they were the star quarterback back in the day, and glow with pride as they slap you on the back for following gloriously in their footsteps. The buzz that surrounds athletes has been around for almost as long as athletics itself. There’s a part inside of everyone that wants to step up to that medal podium, and know that you’re the best one out there. Even in ancient Greece, wars were put on hold so that everyone could come together for the Olympics. Although youth athletics in our culture wouldn’t be the same without the thousands of years of society praising it and living through their children’s successes, nothing can compare to the feeling inside the athletes themselves.
As a high school athlete, I can personally say that being in the cultural environment of competitive sports and high adrenaline doesn’t compare to anything else I’ve ever experienced. Like most kids, I went through the typical sports loop. I swam, dove, danced, and skied, played softball, baseball, basketball, t-ball, and almost every other little league sport available. However, in seventh grade I started crew, and it has stuck with me ever since. It started out as a recreational activity. But as I started to win more, I began to become addicted to the feeling of pushing yourself to the complete limits, and seeing immediate results. I also had the opportunity to meet people who completely understood this feeling, and lived for that moment of crossing the finish line first knowing that you had exerted every once of your physical strength. The competitive, yet camaraderial cultural dynamic of a sports team is something you wont find anywhere else in society. Also, with sports like crew, there is a cultural appreciation, but lack of cultural understanding. I feel extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to be so thoroughly involved in youth athletics, and know first hand what it feels like to be a part of a long cultural tradition.
-Sophie
so, you think i speak funny, eh?
“Dia.lect (dī'ə-lěkt')… a form or variety of a spoken language, including the standard form, peculiar to a region, community, social group[etc.]...” (Agnes, 397)
We all have our dialects. Within them, we choose our words depending on who we are speaking to and how we feel at the moment. Think of our different greetings.
· “Howdy” (archaic)
· “yo wazzup” (used by those “feelin’ gangsta up in here”)
· “Hello” (our default)
· “egh” (when it’s too early for any other comment)
· “Hey [insert name here]!” (when we’re feeling friendly and excited)
And then along with our choice of words, slang or formal, our tone of voice says the most. There’s the pitch at which the word is said, the amount of effort put into the enunciation of the word, the accent placed on different syllables, the breathiness of the voice or the gravelly tone of the voice, the volume at which the word is spoken, and most importantly, how the person you’re speaking to receives the words said. We all have our own personal voices, with their own personal traits. Independently, we all sound more unique and individual than we realize. How we speak tells a lot about who we are.
Regional accents such as “joisey” or “can-eh?-dian” can show people one’s life journeys, literally. There are also social dialects as in “valley-girl” or “ghetto-fabulous.” These differences tend to show who we hang out with, grew up with, or aspire to be. Both of these types of dialects can also just be an expression of playful references or impersonations.
***
The way in which we speak is important to me because, when really analyzed, it can share lots of information about people in particular and on a large scale. Dialects can show a person’s background, a person’s sincerity, and a person’s social grouping. Dialects can also be a means of having fun or lightening the mood. When someone breaks out a few lines speaking like an Italiano mafia member, the whole room can’t help but laugh, especially when in reference to “The Sopranos.” I, personally, love to know as much about people as possible, and have as much enjoyment as possible. So, studying people’s dialect habits and quirks is one of my favorite elements of culture to analyze.
I also love expressing how I feel using my different tones and dialects. I know that if one was with me enough, they would know exactly when I felt sarcastic, sincere, sleepy, energized, or regal based on how the words I spoke flew out of my mouth. For me, this element of culture is cathartic, yet on a more subconscious level. For instance, when I am tired I don’t try to speak in a deeper, rougher voice, it simply comes naturally. But, speaking this way is just another method of letting the world, or at least those within listening range, know exactly how mothergoose feels.
~Mothergoose
We all have our dialects. Within them, we choose our words depending on who we are speaking to and how we feel at the moment. Think of our different greetings.
· “Howdy” (archaic)
· “yo wazzup” (used by those “feelin’ gangsta up in here”)
· “Hello” (our default)
· “egh” (when it’s too early for any other comment)
· “Hey [insert name here]!” (when we’re feeling friendly and excited)
And then along with our choice of words, slang or formal, our tone of voice says the most. There’s the pitch at which the word is said, the amount of effort put into the enunciation of the word, the accent placed on different syllables, the breathiness of the voice or the gravelly tone of the voice, the volume at which the word is spoken, and most importantly, how the person you’re speaking to receives the words said. We all have our own personal voices, with their own personal traits. Independently, we all sound more unique and individual than we realize. How we speak tells a lot about who we are.
Regional accents such as “joisey” or “can-eh?-dian” can show people one’s life journeys, literally. There are also social dialects as in “valley-girl” or “ghetto-fabulous.” These differences tend to show who we hang out with, grew up with, or aspire to be. Both of these types of dialects can also just be an expression of playful references or impersonations.
***
The way in which we speak is important to me because, when really analyzed, it can share lots of information about people in particular and on a large scale. Dialects can show a person’s background, a person’s sincerity, and a person’s social grouping. Dialects can also be a means of having fun or lightening the mood. When someone breaks out a few lines speaking like an Italiano mafia member, the whole room can’t help but laugh, especially when in reference to “The Sopranos.” I, personally, love to know as much about people as possible, and have as much enjoyment as possible. So, studying people’s dialect habits and quirks is one of my favorite elements of culture to analyze.
I also love expressing how I feel using my different tones and dialects. I know that if one was with me enough, they would know exactly when I felt sarcastic, sincere, sleepy, energized, or regal based on how the words I spoke flew out of my mouth. For me, this element of culture is cathartic, yet on a more subconscious level. For instance, when I am tired I don’t try to speak in a deeper, rougher voice, it simply comes naturally. But, speaking this way is just another method of letting the world, or at least those within listening range, know exactly how mothergoose feels.
~Mothergoose
Music is my Life
I am pretty sure that since before I was born I was listening to music. Music can be used in so many different ways. Music can be used for sharing my emotions with others, inspiring emotions in other people or myself, relaxing, getting myself pumped up for something, inspiring new ideas, dancing, meeting new people, bonding with people I already know, and learning new things. Every culture has its own style of music, and I will listen to almost any type of music.
I could not survive a day without music. I probably realized that I, personally, could make music when I was a little younger than six. That was when I first got to touch a cello and pull the bow across the string. I produced a very clear note, everyone around me applauded, and after that I wanted to play the cello.
Having to practice took a little getting used to, but I eventually realized that it was a necessity when playing music. At some point, I began to realize that music was not just playing the notes on the page the way the music says to (or how my teacher told me to), it was about conveying a message, a feeling, an emotion, or even a thought. If the music is played without this feeling, message, etcetera, then the music is dry and lacking something. Even if it is technically played correctly; the music will still lack pith. In many cultures, the people believe that music is a window into another world that is better than this one. I strongly agree.
Once I realized that the music was not just notes I began to like my practice time, and would not quite want to quit. When I practice I feel like I can fly, visit other countries, and get inside other peoples heads and see what they are thinking. While playing music or listening to music I feel that I can do anything.
Also through music I have come to know many people, who are amazing musicians and amazing people. If I had not gone to
Music is emotions, thoughts, and ideas conveyed in a way that no other art or anything else could convey them. When music is played with emotion it becomes a living breathing thing that grows and blossoms. Without emotion, music is no longer music and just organized sound. Music is about meeting new friends and becoming closer to people I already know. That is what music is to me.
The Monkey Kingplease dont do this!
Part of my post just got deleted. yes I know you can go on and edit other people's, but please dont.... maybe an accident?
-Anika
-Anika
Food as an aspect of culture
Food is a necessity that all cultures have in common. Cuisine of the culture is mostly defined by what they can grow and what is plentiful in their region. For example, rice is extremely plentiful in Asia, which is why their cooking is so focused around rice. Extremely rural communities that do not have the luxury of imports have to rely on the food their community can supply. Food is something that the whole world has in common, not only because it is a necessity, but because it is something everyone can enjoy and relate to each other by.
Food has a strong presence in my life and shows a lot about my family. Because my mother is a nutritionist, the food in my house is very centered around good health and correct portions. In my home, lean meats are very common as well as many fruits and vegetables. Snacks and desserts are not common in the kitchen, mainly because of the strong belief in three meals a day with not a lot of “extras.”
Family gatherings also show insight into the food of different cultures. During the Christmas season, both sides of my family celebrate with food and relatives. The food served at my families celebrations is vastly different. On my mother’s side of the family, everyone is from Norway. The food is inspired from that country in the form of lefse, a type of Norwegian bread that is similar to a tortilla, but sweeter; made with potatoes and butter. In addition, Christmas cookies are made, but with a Norwegian twist. They are a crisp, waffle-like cookie called a krum kaake that is rolled into a cone shape. Some fill the cookies with jelly, and some prefer the cones plain. It is very fun to see what kinds of food the people in Norway would make in the cold season. Everything is made with butter, cream and potato. This is because of what they have access to back in Norway. Norway has some of the major deep water ports in Europe. This is why fish is so common in their diet. Based on this staple in their diet, my family has many different ways to prepare sea life.
Christmas on my father’s side of the family is a very different experience. The Kennedy family is extremely Irish. Therefore, a totally different nature of cuisine is to be expected. The Christmas ham of the Norwegian dinner is replaced with a large cut of lamb. This is a result of the shepherding that occurs in Ireland. Potatoes are also a main crop in Ireland, which is why they are also present at the table. At other Irish gatherings, the meal usually consists of corned beef, cabbage and soda bread, which I sometimes prepare.
Although the meals are different between the two sides of my family, they are both accurate portrayals the culture’s cuisine. When living in America, our food still resembles that of our ancestry. Food is what everyone shares in common with each other. The type of food may be vastly different, but it is one of the universal aspects that can bring all types of people together.
Kelsey
Food has a strong presence in my life and shows a lot about my family. Because my mother is a nutritionist, the food in my house is very centered around good health and correct portions. In my home, lean meats are very common as well as many fruits and vegetables. Snacks and desserts are not common in the kitchen, mainly because of the strong belief in three meals a day with not a lot of “extras.”
Family gatherings also show insight into the food of different cultures. During the Christmas season, both sides of my family celebrate with food and relatives. The food served at my families celebrations is vastly different. On my mother’s side of the family, everyone is from Norway. The food is inspired from that country in the form of lefse, a type of Norwegian bread that is similar to a tortilla, but sweeter; made with potatoes and butter. In addition, Christmas cookies are made, but with a Norwegian twist. They are a crisp, waffle-like cookie called a krum kaake that is rolled into a cone shape. Some fill the cookies with jelly, and some prefer the cones plain. It is very fun to see what kinds of food the people in Norway would make in the cold season. Everything is made with butter, cream and potato. This is because of what they have access to back in Norway. Norway has some of the major deep water ports in Europe. This is why fish is so common in their diet. Based on this staple in their diet, my family has many different ways to prepare sea life.
Christmas on my father’s side of the family is a very different experience. The Kennedy family is extremely Irish. Therefore, a totally different nature of cuisine is to be expected. The Christmas ham of the Norwegian dinner is replaced with a large cut of lamb. This is a result of the shepherding that occurs in Ireland. Potatoes are also a main crop in Ireland, which is why they are also present at the table. At other Irish gatherings, the meal usually consists of corned beef, cabbage and soda bread, which I sometimes prepare.
Although the meals are different between the two sides of my family, they are both accurate portrayals the culture’s cuisine. When living in America, our food still resembles that of our ancestry. Food is what everyone shares in common with each other. The type of food may be vastly different, but it is one of the universal aspects that can bring all types of people together.
Kelsey
Food as an aspect of culture
Food is a necessity that all cultures have in common. Cuisine of the culture is mostly defined by what they can grow and what is plentiful in their region. For example, rice is extremely plentiful in Asia, which is why their cooking is so focused around rice. Extremely rural communities that do not have the luxury of imports have to rely on the food their community can supply. Food is something that the whole world has in common, not only because it is a necessity, but because it is something everyone can enjoy and relate to each other by.
Food has a strong presence in my life and shows a lot about my family. Because my mother is a nutritionist, the food in my house is very centered around good health and correct portions. In my home, lean meats are very common as well as many fruits and vegetables. Snacks and desserts are not common in the kitchen, mainly because of the strong belief in three meals a day with not a lot of “extras.”
Family gatherings also show insight into the food of different cultures. During the Christmas season, both sides of my family celebrate with food and relatives. The food served at my families celebrations is vastly different. On my mother’s side of the family, everyone is from Norway. The food is inspired from that country in the form of lefse, a type of Norwegian bread that is similar to a tortilla, but sweeter; made with potatoes and butter. In addition, Christmas cookies are made, but with a Norwegian twist. They are a crisp, waffle-like cookie called a krum kaake that is rolled into a cone shape. Some fill the cookies with jelly, and some prefer the cones plain. It is very fun to see what kinds of food the people in Norway would make in the cold season. Everything is made with butter, cream and potato. This is because of what they have access to back in Norway. Norway has some of the major deep water ports in Europe. This is why fish is so common in their diet. Based on this staple in their diet, my family has many different ways to prepare sea life.
Christmas on my father’s side of the family is a very different experience. The Kennedy family is extremely Irish. Therefore, a totally different nature of cuisine is to be expected. The Christmas ham of the Norwegian dinner is replaced with a large cut of lamb. This is a result of the shepherding that occurs in Ireland. Potatoes are also a main crop in Ireland, which is why they are also present at the table. At other Irish gatherings, the meal usually consists of corned beef, cabbage and soda bread, which I sometimes prepare.
Although the meals are different between the two sides of my family, they are both accurate portrayals the culture’s cuisine. When living in America, our food still resembles that of our ancestry. Food is what everyone shares in common with each other. The type of food may be vastly different, but it is one of the universal aspects that can bring all types of people together.
Food has a strong presence in my life and shows a lot about my family. Because my mother is a nutritionist, the food in my house is very centered around good health and correct portions. In my home, lean meats are very common as well as many fruits and vegetables. Snacks and desserts are not common in the kitchen, mainly because of the strong belief in three meals a day with not a lot of “extras.”
Family gatherings also show insight into the food of different cultures. During the Christmas season, both sides of my family celebrate with food and relatives. The food served at my families celebrations is vastly different. On my mother’s side of the family, everyone is from Norway. The food is inspired from that country in the form of lefse, a type of Norwegian bread that is similar to a tortilla, but sweeter; made with potatoes and butter. In addition, Christmas cookies are made, but with a Norwegian twist. They are a crisp, waffle-like cookie called a krum kaake that is rolled into a cone shape. Some fill the cookies with jelly, and some prefer the cones plain. It is very fun to see what kinds of food the people in Norway would make in the cold season. Everything is made with butter, cream and potato. This is because of what they have access to back in Norway. Norway has some of the major deep water ports in Europe. This is why fish is so common in their diet. Based on this staple in their diet, my family has many different ways to prepare sea life.
Christmas on my father’s side of the family is a very different experience. The Kennedy family is extremely Irish. Therefore, a totally different nature of cuisine is to be expected. The Christmas ham of the Norwegian dinner is replaced with a large cut of lamb. This is a result of the shepherding that occurs in Ireland. Potatoes are also a main crop in Ireland, which is why they are also present at the table. At other Irish gatherings, the meal usually consists of corned beef, cabbage and soda bread, which I sometimes prepare.
Although the meals are different between the two sides of my family, they are both accurate portrayals the culture’s cuisine. When living in America, our food still resembles that of our ancestry. Food is what everyone shares in common with each other. The type of food may be vastly different, but it is one of the universal aspects that can bring all types of people together.
Swimming :)
Swimming is a great sport and has had a huge impact on my life thus far. First of all, it has equipped me with some fine abs, and let me tell you, that’s a definite confidence booster. Swimming is a great way to get in shape. Back in the day, before my hair smelled of chlorine and I was constantly wet and hungry, I was a scrawny little kid with about three pounds of muscle on me. Fast forward four and a half years and not only can I swim a 200 meter butterfly in 2 minutes and 53 seconds, but I have changed mentally to an incredible degree.
Before I was a swimmer, I really didn’t know who I was. I had no defining characteristics, no unique personality traits. I was pretty much whoever my best friend at the time was. I didn’t really have a passion. I loved music, but that was nothing compared to the passion I have for swimming. I can barely make it through ten minutes without something swimming related crossing my mind. I admit, I’m a little obsessive. I mean honestly, I can look at a math problem and be like “Hmm, without the variables, that problem has the same numbers as my best time in the 500 free, only flipped.” It can be a little pathetic at times, but I love it, and it’s what keeps me going.
During heavy training is the worst time of year for the obsession. It’s kind of strange actually. By that point in the season, swimming is no longer what I would call fun. It’s not torture, but it definitely isn’t fun. Practices are harder, and longer, and I can be sore for an entire week from one workout. I’m constantly having to stop myself from falling asleep in class and am cramming food down my throat whenever I get the chance. I dread morning practices, and am ready for Sunday (the one day of the week I don’t have practice) by Tuesday. And yet, somehow, I convince myself to keep going to practice, to keep working hard.
Honestly, I don’t really know what drives me to keep going to practice at that point in the season. It’s hard, and it hurts, but it’s worth it in the end. I just tell myself, “just wait till the end of the season. It will pay off.” And it does. Nothing is more satisfying than swimming a personal best time by seven seconds in March and seeing all the hard work pay off.
In the meantime however, it is definitely a struggle. There are some tough practices, and some days I question why I am in the pool. Swimming is a sport that takes extreme dedication, and it has taught me so much about just sticking with it. Last year I didn’t miss a single practice the entire short course season (August to March). That’s approximately 222 practices. Let me tell you, getting up at four in the morning once a week for morning practice isn’t fun, but it makes you feel good. Three times last year I was the only one to show up to morning practice. I was the only one standing out there in a swim suit at five a.m. in 40 degree weather, and the only one to dive in and swim. But being the only one in the water those mornings, I also knew I was the only one improving right then.
And that is what swimming is all about: improvement and doing your best. Swimming is a sport that has shown me that hard work pays off and that fighting through the tough stuff is worth it in the end. I have grown so much as a person in the short time I have been swimming. I am more confident, more hard working, and most of all, I believe that anything is possible if you are willing to work for it.
~Nora~
WOW
This is brilliant, I keep checking back here because I love reading all of these, everyone is so passionate about what they chose and I have yet to not like any of them, wow guys.
-Anika
*minute later*
-Anika
*minute later*
Theatre- A Movement
Ever since I was young I have gazed upon the world of theatre with adoring eyes, dazzled by the fancy lights, the glittering sets and the magic that can be created on stage. It was an untouchable fantasy to me, something created out of thin air that can take a person anywhere. Better then a book, a play brings the imagination to life, and invites the audience to be wrapped up in its subplots and flights of fancy. As a child I was in simple awe of this universe, watching from afar and never daring to step into it as a player. I had a mind-set of what theatre was, and what interested me on a stage. My knowledge of shows, actors and the craft was fairly limited.
As I grew older, I was exposed to theatre in a different way. I was plunged into a celestial pool of knowledge provided by teachers, directors and my fellow actors. I began to grasp a simple understanding of what theatre truly is and represents, theatre was more then simply a pretty face. Theatre is something people use as a demonstrative of the want, need and thirst for being heard. Theatre is above all an art of expressionism. It is telling a story for the purpose of the deeper meaning, what is truly being depicted on that stage. People have revolutionized theatre into more then story-telling and into an act of defiance, a political statement or an attempt at being heard.
Theatre has changed my life in extreme ways. I have sacrificed my social life, my health and sleep for theatre, and I feel it has changed me only for the better. I have gained the knowledge of what it truly means to emote feeling, to not play into drama and to be true to ones self. Theatre represents something different to everyone, and we are all influenced by it whether we like it or not.
Theatre is harsh, real, perfect, beautiful and magical. Theatre is a voice, a passion and a wealth of knowledge on human nature. Residing in the world of theatre has molded my personality and allowed me to form my own opinions of not just what shows I like or which actors I think should play my favorite roles, but my opinions, thoughts and ponderings on the world around. It has changed how I interact with my friends, how I see things in this world. Theatre has given me a new level of respect for people with something to say, someone with a story to tell.
Jess
As I grew older, I was exposed to theatre in a different way. I was plunged into a celestial pool of knowledge provided by teachers, directors and my fellow actors. I began to grasp a simple understanding of what theatre truly is and represents, theatre was more then simply a pretty face. Theatre is something people use as a demonstrative of the want, need and thirst for being heard. Theatre is above all an art of expressionism. It is telling a story for the purpose of the deeper meaning, what is truly being depicted on that stage. People have revolutionized theatre into more then story-telling and into an act of defiance, a political statement or an attempt at being heard.
Theatre has changed my life in extreme ways. I have sacrificed my social life, my health and sleep for theatre, and I feel it has changed me only for the better. I have gained the knowledge of what it truly means to emote feeling, to not play into drama and to be true to ones self. Theatre represents something different to everyone, and we are all influenced by it whether we like it or not.
Theatre is harsh, real, perfect, beautiful and magical. Theatre is a voice, a passion and a wealth of knowledge on human nature. Residing in the world of theatre has molded my personality and allowed me to form my own opinions of not just what shows I like or which actors I think should play my favorite roles, but my opinions, thoughts and ponderings on the world around. It has changed how I interact with my friends, how I see things in this world. Theatre has given me a new level of respect for people with something to say, someone with a story to tell.
Jess
The God in My Life
Religious beliefs permeate every aspect of culture and civilization. Our values shape every aspect of our lives, whether we are atheist or attend religious services on a regular basis. It is astounding that so many of the ideas and values in the world are based on a higher celestial being.
Throughout my life, I have changed my beliefs and my faith. My religious background was always a little vague. My mother is Jewish and we celebrated the major holidays when I was young. But eventually, my mother decided that the religion no longer spoke to her and the celebrations ceased. My dad is Christian and though he never attends church, has a strong belief in God. He exposed us to the major biblical stories and ideas.
Because of my upbringing, when I was little, I had no doubt that God existed just like I believed in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. But my childhood dreams gave way to reality and, subtly, without my noticing, my faith in God did too.
There were times when I wasn't sure God existed. The first real test came when I was talking to an atheist friend who told me there is no proof in God, no evidence that he exists. As my friend went on to point out, almost all phenomena can be explained scientifically and at some point, you have to face that harsh reality. It reminded me of when I was eight and my mother told me that Santa Claus did not exist. Then too, I had to face reality, accept it, and move on. So I tried again.
Logically I agreed with my friend. I began doubting religion. I considered the thoughtless people who blindly followed their faith, never taking a step back to consider if what was being preached was something they believed in. I specifically recalled an experience in which I was told that because I was not Christian and did not attend church, I was irrevocably headed towards Hell. With these arguments in mind, I could clearly see my friend's point of view.
But it did not feel right. Not accepting God felt like there was a crucial part of me missing. It was jarring notes in a familiar song. I began to realize that I believed in God because I could see good in the world. My personal beliefs are that God is necessary for that definable difference between good and evil, between moral and immoral to exist.
In the end I realized that my faith in God is buried deep inside of me, ingrained in my soul. It is one escape I have from the materialistic world I live in. Whether I am a part of a church or not, I believe in and love God.
Throughout my life, I have changed my beliefs and my faith. My religious background was always a little vague. My mother is Jewish and we celebrated the major holidays when I was young. But eventually, my mother decided that the religion no longer spoke to her and the celebrations ceased. My dad is Christian and though he never attends church, has a strong belief in God. He exposed us to the major biblical stories and ideas.
Because of my upbringing, when I was little, I had no doubt that God existed just like I believed in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. But my childhood dreams gave way to reality and, subtly, without my noticing, my faith in God did too.
There were times when I wasn't sure God existed. The first real test came when I was talking to an atheist friend who told me there is no proof in God, no evidence that he exists. As my friend went on to point out, almost all phenomena can be explained scientifically and at some point, you have to face that harsh reality. It reminded me of when I was eight and my mother told me that Santa Claus did not exist. Then too, I had to face reality, accept it, and move on. So I tried again.
Logically I agreed with my friend. I began doubting religion. I considered the thoughtless people who blindly followed their faith, never taking a step back to consider if what was being preached was something they believed in. I specifically recalled an experience in which I was told that because I was not Christian and did not attend church, I was irrevocably headed towards Hell. With these arguments in mind, I could clearly see my friend's point of view.
But it did not feel right. Not accepting God felt like there was a crucial part of me missing. It was jarring notes in a familiar song. I began to realize that I believed in God because I could see good in the world. My personal beliefs are that God is necessary for that definable difference between good and evil, between moral and immoral to exist.
In the end I realized that my faith in God is buried deep inside of me, ingrained in my soul. It is one escape I have from the materialistic world I live in. Whether I am a part of a church or not, I believe in and love God.
Can't Stop the Music
“You know what music is? God's little reminder that there's something else besides us in this universe; harmonic connection between all living beings, every where, even the stars.” I’m not sure what the screenwriter of August Rush was thinking when we wrote this, but when you look past the sentimentalized, poetic traits of that statement, it’s a load of nonsense. Music isn’t some God-sent reminder, and pieces of music can hardly be considered prophetic or universal. Music exists only as ideas in our minds, until that idea is expressed by transforming sound into art.
Music takes shape in a limitless array of styles, and genres are trivial, since the boundaries they set are so easily breached. But even though music isn’t nearly as fantasized as it is in August Rush, it still has some unaccountable aspect to it that brings people together.
This summer at camp, I brought my saxophone along, hoping to not return home sucking. There were quite a few musicians there, among them, a guitarist and bassist from my bunk. One day, they just came up to me and asked if I wanted to jam. I’d barely hung out with them, and on no account was friends with them, but music was something we shared. And somehow, we spent the next two hours playing the same standard twelve-bar blues. It never got boring, and we didn’t tire of it because we improvised, and thrived off of each others innovations. While we played, there was some indescribable quality to what we were doing that made any other aspect of our personality unimportant. All that mattered was that we all loved music. They could have been a thousand times better than me, but I doubt they would have cared. They probably didn’t appreciate jazz in the same manner that I did, but they enjoyed it, and asked to play again numerous times over the course of the summer.
The same unearthly power is displayed every time you go to a concert. There could be hundreds of people there with you, and you could have very little in common with all of them, but there will inevitably be one thing you share: a love of music. Music is all around us. Its use is everywhere and limited to very little. Music is the quiet jazz sax you hear in an elevator. It’s the band with terrible sound quality that goes on when you’re on the phone and get put on hold. It’s the way-too-loud loud beat that gets played all night in clubs. It’s the eerie screeching violin at the climax of a thriller, the screaming lyrics of heavy metal, the classic opera that’s still playing five hundred years after it was written. Even though it has taken on countless forms and styles, music has thrived as far back as the history books go. And although the title of this post may just be a cheesy musical comedy from the 80’s, the mantra stands true: you can’t stop the music.
- B. Roos
Music takes shape in a limitless array of styles, and genres are trivial, since the boundaries they set are so easily breached. But even though music isn’t nearly as fantasized as it is in August Rush, it still has some unaccountable aspect to it that brings people together.
This summer at camp, I brought my saxophone along, hoping to not return home sucking. There were quite a few musicians there, among them, a guitarist and bassist from my bunk. One day, they just came up to me and asked if I wanted to jam. I’d barely hung out with them, and on no account was friends with them, but music was something we shared. And somehow, we spent the next two hours playing the same standard twelve-bar blues. It never got boring, and we didn’t tire of it because we improvised, and thrived off of each others innovations. While we played, there was some indescribable quality to what we were doing that made any other aspect of our personality unimportant. All that mattered was that we all loved music. They could have been a thousand times better than me, but I doubt they would have cared. They probably didn’t appreciate jazz in the same manner that I did, but they enjoyed it, and asked to play again numerous times over the course of the summer.
The same unearthly power is displayed every time you go to a concert. There could be hundreds of people there with you, and you could have very little in common with all of them, but there will inevitably be one thing you share: a love of music. Music is all around us. Its use is everywhere and limited to very little. Music is the quiet jazz sax you hear in an elevator. It’s the band with terrible sound quality that goes on when you’re on the phone and get put on hold. It’s the way-too-loud loud beat that gets played all night in clubs. It’s the eerie screeching violin at the climax of a thriller, the screaming lyrics of heavy metal, the classic opera that’s still playing five hundred years after it was written. Even though it has taken on countless forms and styles, music has thrived as far back as the history books go. And although the title of this post may just be a cheesy musical comedy from the 80’s, the mantra stands true: you can’t stop the music.
- B. Roos
Dancing Through Life
Of the many aspects of culture having great effects on my life, the one that impacts it the most, with the exception of food, is dance. For me, dance is a form of art in which I am free to do things and use the steps in order to express myself and my moods; a grande allegro when I am feeling like I am on top of the world and want to show off, an adagio when my more artistic side is coming out, when I am upbeat and excited, a petit allegro and turns. You cannot lie or hide your feelings or what you are thinking when dancing, everything is laid out for people to see, it is one of the most truthful art forms, not to mention one of the most revealing about one’s self. There are endless ways to convey your mood through dance.
I am not the only one who feels this way. Throughout history dance has played an enormous role in the culture of almost every society on the planet. From the Whirling Dervishes of Istanbul, to the gypsies of India and Spain, to the Aztecs in Central America, dance is a critical part of culture and life. In the Bible it says, “For everything there is season and a time to every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance…” Ecclesiastes 3:1-4. This shows that even as far back as biblical times, dance was just as much a part of normal life as planting crops, being born, and dying. It is also a way of worshipping in many religions. In early Christianity, as shown by the passage, in Islam by the Whirling Dervishes, in Native American tribes, and in many others as a way of rejoicing in their religion, or as a way of feeling closer to their god. Interesting history can also be found intertwined with dance. Flamenco, a dance most people think originated in Spain where it is widely practiced, got its influences from gypsies travelling there from India. Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates to keep himself and fellow inmates strong when in an interment camp set up by the British during World War One.
Aside from the emotional and expressive aspects of dance, it is also a rigorous physical activity. It helps to keep me in shape, strong, and healthy. Albert Einstein once said, “Dancers are the athletes of God.” I believe this statement is completely true. Dance is a strenuous aerobic work out that still appears pleasing to the eye. Dancers use and develop muscle groups most normal people would not even think to. As Joseph Pilates learned, dance is an excellent way to keep the body and the mind in excellent condition.
For myself, dance is much a natural part of my life, as said in the passage from the Bible. Like it was for Joseph Pilates, it is also a way for me to stay in shape. Dance is also an art for that leaves me free to express myself, like many of the cultures throughout the history of the world. So in conclusion, I will leave you with one final quote, “Some men marry dancers, real men become them.”
SugarDaddy
I am not the only one who feels this way. Throughout history dance has played an enormous role in the culture of almost every society on the planet. From the Whirling Dervishes of Istanbul, to the gypsies of India and Spain, to the Aztecs in Central America, dance is a critical part of culture and life. In the Bible it says, “For everything there is season and a time to every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance…” Ecclesiastes 3:1-4. This shows that even as far back as biblical times, dance was just as much a part of normal life as planting crops, being born, and dying. It is also a way of worshipping in many religions. In early Christianity, as shown by the passage, in Islam by the Whirling Dervishes, in Native American tribes, and in many others as a way of rejoicing in their religion, or as a way of feeling closer to their god. Interesting history can also be found intertwined with dance. Flamenco, a dance most people think originated in Spain where it is widely practiced, got its influences from gypsies travelling there from India. Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates to keep himself and fellow inmates strong when in an interment camp set up by the British during World War One.
Aside from the emotional and expressive aspects of dance, it is also a rigorous physical activity. It helps to keep me in shape, strong, and healthy. Albert Einstein once said, “Dancers are the athletes of God.” I believe this statement is completely true. Dance is a strenuous aerobic work out that still appears pleasing to the eye. Dancers use and develop muscle groups most normal people would not even think to. As Joseph Pilates learned, dance is an excellent way to keep the body and the mind in excellent condition.
For myself, dance is much a natural part of my life, as said in the passage from the Bible. Like it was for Joseph Pilates, it is also a way for me to stay in shape. Dance is also an art for that leaves me free to express myself, like many of the cultures throughout the history of the world. So in conclusion, I will leave you with one final quote, “Some men marry dancers, real men become them.”
SugarDaddy
Music and My Life by Ali
Music is so many things. All across the world and throughout history music has helped develop culture and pride. Although it is constantly evolving all around the globe, I believe music is, and shall always be, an indivisible connection shared by anyone who has ever been a part of it whether in performing or listening. Human kind has always been driven to expand and express emotion. Music is one of the oldest ways of doing just this. It can tell stories, carry a message, stand in the unalterable memory of past struggles, tell of everlasting love, instill pride in a whole nation, or, most important of all, simply bring us all together. In some way or another, music has touched us all, and showed us the world in a new light. As for me, well, music has purely changed my whole life.
My personal journey into music began four years ago. I had been bugging my parents for a long time to get me a violin, and finally they did. I can still remember that first night, as I opened the battered case and looked upon the little violin that was contained within. Little did I know, years of dedication, joyful times, new experiences, disappointments, a countless number of friends, and true passion were near in the future, all because of that instrument. I began taking lessons and the more I learned the more I fell in love with music. Suddenly, I had the gift of expression, I could finally find the words that had been hidden within me for so long, and now in a new way, I could speak them. As time went on, and I became more and more dedicated to my violin studies, my teacher suggested that I attend ASA. After two year of indecision, I finally applied and got accepted in eighth grade. This was by far the best place music had taken me. I made countless friends, and learned amazing things from the people around me. My worldview expanded and I learned to think independently. I excelled in academics as well as in my arts, which were extended to choir and piano as well as violin. I soon became involved in all different musical and academic events, and I was truly pushed to my fullest potential.
Every day, music is around me, and it is helping me to become the person I want to be. In the future, I know my studies will take me wherever I want to go. I feel very fortunate to have such a passion that provides me with countless opportunities, and the ability to connect with other people all across the world. Music has truly changed my life.
element.of.culture. mothergoose.
“Dia.lect (dī'ə-lěkt')… a form or variety of a spoken language, including the standard form, peculiar to a region, community, social group[etc.]...” (Agnes, 397)
We all have our dialects. Within them, we choose our words depending on who we are speaking to and how we feel at the moment. Think of our different greetings.
· “Howdy” (archaic)
· “yo wazzup” (used by those “feelin’ gangsta up in here”)
· “Hello” (our default)
· “egh” (when it’s too early for any other comment)
· “Hey [insert name here]!” (when we’re feeling friendly and excited)
And then along with our choice of words, slang or formal, our tone of voice says the most. There’s the pitch at which the word is said, the amount of effort put into the enunciation of the word, the accent placed on different syllables, the breathiness of the voice or the gravelly tone of the voice, the volume at which the word is spoken, and most importantly, how the person you’re speaking to receives the words said. We all have our own personal voices, with their own personal traits. Independently, we all sound more unique and individual than we realize. How we speak tells a lot about who we are.
Regional accents such as “joisey” or “can-eh?-dian” can show people one’s life journeys, literally. There are also social dialects as in “valley-girl” or “ghetto-fabulous.” These differences tend to show who we hang out with, grew up with, or aspire to be. Both of these types of dialects can also just be an expression of playful references or impersonations.
***
The way in which we speak is important to me because, when really analyzed, it can share lots of information about people in particular and on a large scale. Dialects can show a person’s background, a person’s sincerity, and a person’s social grouping. Dialects can also be a means of having fun or lightening the mood. When someone breaks out a few lines speaking like an Italiano mafia member, the whole room can’t help but laugh, especially when in reference to “The Sopranos.” I, personally, love to know as much about people as possible, and have as much enjoyment as possible. So, studying people’s dialect habits and quirks is one of my favorite elements of culture to analyze.
I also love expressing how I feel using my different tones and dialects. I know that if one was with me enough, they would know exactly when I felt sarcastic, sincere, sleepy, energized, or regal based on how the words I spoke flew out of my mouth. For me, this element of culture is cathartic, yet on a more subconscious level. For instance, when I am tired I don’t try to speak in a deeper, rougher voice, it simply comes naturally. But, speaking this way is just another method of letting the world, or at least those within listening range, know exactly how mothergoose feels.
~Mothergoose
We all have our dialects. Within them, we choose our words depending on who we are speaking to and how we feel at the moment. Think of our different greetings.
· “Howdy” (archaic)
· “yo wazzup” (used by those “feelin’ gangsta up in here”)
· “Hello” (our default)
· “egh” (when it’s too early for any other comment)
· “Hey [insert name here]!” (when we’re feeling friendly and excited)
And then along with our choice of words, slang or formal, our tone of voice says the most. There’s the pitch at which the word is said, the amount of effort put into the enunciation of the word, the accent placed on different syllables, the breathiness of the voice or the gravelly tone of the voice, the volume at which the word is spoken, and most importantly, how the person you’re speaking to receives the words said. We all have our own personal voices, with their own personal traits. Independently, we all sound more unique and individual than we realize. How we speak tells a lot about who we are.
Regional accents such as “joisey” or “can-eh?-dian” can show people one’s life journeys, literally. There are also social dialects as in “valley-girl” or “ghetto-fabulous.” These differences tend to show who we hang out with, grew up with, or aspire to be. Both of these types of dialects can also just be an expression of playful references or impersonations.
***
The way in which we speak is important to me because, when really analyzed, it can share lots of information about people in particular and on a large scale. Dialects can show a person’s background, a person’s sincerity, and a person’s social grouping. Dialects can also be a means of having fun or lightening the mood. When someone breaks out a few lines speaking like an Italiano mafia member, the whole room can’t help but laugh, especially when in reference to “The Sopranos.” I, personally, love to know as much about people as possible, and have as much enjoyment as possible. So, studying people’s dialect habits and quirks is one of my favorite elements of culture to analyze.
I also love expressing how I feel using my different tones and dialects. I know that if one was with me enough, they would know exactly when I felt sarcastic, sincere, sleepy, energized, or regal based on how the words I spoke flew out of my mouth. For me, this element of culture is cathartic, yet on a more subconscious level. For instance, when I am tired I don’t try to speak in a deeper, rougher voice, it simply comes naturally. But, speaking this way is just another method of letting the world, or at least those within listening range, know exactly how mothergoose feels.
~Mothergoose
Feel the Passion of Fashion
Fashion is. Fashion is harsh and beautiful and revolutionary and, at times, absolutely a complete an utter mess. But to me fashion is part of who I am. The clothes I wear define me in way more powerful than words. Who ever thought that colors, patterns, and textures could evoke emotion and describe a person so clearly? Clothes are not just bits of fabric sewn together on a rusty machine in some factory, but they are individual and truly exquisite pieces of art created for us by the talented minds of the fashion gods. Fashion is thrown at us from every direction, hitting us with ideas and oftentimes fear. Clothing is ever evolving and revolving and moving at such high speeds, that we may never have had the chance to truly appreciate the genius of it.
A wonderful thing of fashion is the genius of it. A genius distributed to the population on a mass scale. Designers share their creations with all of us, allowing us to purchase their coveted designs. Every blouse, skirt, sneaker, and sandal were once a mere figment of dreamer’s imagination. And how does that feel, knowing someone has given you their idea to do what you please with, to interpret anyway you choose? To me this feeling is absolutely fascinating because I know that the imagination will not stop with the designer, but carry on in me, in the way I choose to wear their clothes. And this is the most magical part of fashion.
When I walk into a clothing store, I have free range over everything. I can interpret every piece of clothing in any way I feel due. My mind will buzz with the endless and truly fabulous ideas of what I see in the clothes and what I see them doing in the future. Pictures will unfurl of various accessories seeking out a pair of pants, while a blouse will tango joyously with a flowing skirt. The colors will flow through my mind, flooding all thoughts with the never-ending possibilities. The cut of a shirt will call out to me while the pattern of another will follow me through the store. I am torn between what to get and what I need. It’s practically an addiction, but I know that clothes are a necessity to the definition of who I am.
Fashion is culture, the evolving, revolving, rather scary torturous part of culture, but completely fabulous nonetheless. We all know following trends is tedious and oftentimes ridiculous, but with me, it all comes back down to the idea of fashion as an art, and that each and every one of us is a display of the designer’s work. We can choose the way we display as well as convey the finished product, this concept creating the evolving factor of fashion. We can wear a ten year old blouse, or someone could recreate it, revolving fashion back to its former years.
The clothes us people wear are beautiful, regardless of designer or brand. Fashion flows and grows. Go with it and don’t fight back. It’s a gift from the fashion gods. But remember to always keep your own, and use the magic someone else has created in your own way. It’ll be bigger and better and best of all, you, or in my case, me. So have fun, go wild, because fashion is.
Mary
A wonderful thing of fashion is the genius of it. A genius distributed to the population on a mass scale. Designers share their creations with all of us, allowing us to purchase their coveted designs. Every blouse, skirt, sneaker, and sandal were once a mere figment of dreamer’s imagination. And how does that feel, knowing someone has given you their idea to do what you please with, to interpret anyway you choose? To me this feeling is absolutely fascinating because I know that the imagination will not stop with the designer, but carry on in me, in the way I choose to wear their clothes. And this is the most magical part of fashion.
When I walk into a clothing store, I have free range over everything. I can interpret every piece of clothing in any way I feel due. My mind will buzz with the endless and truly fabulous ideas of what I see in the clothes and what I see them doing in the future. Pictures will unfurl of various accessories seeking out a pair of pants, while a blouse will tango joyously with a flowing skirt. The colors will flow through my mind, flooding all thoughts with the never-ending possibilities. The cut of a shirt will call out to me while the pattern of another will follow me through the store. I am torn between what to get and what I need. It’s practically an addiction, but I know that clothes are a necessity to the definition of who I am.
Fashion is culture, the evolving, revolving, rather scary torturous part of culture, but completely fabulous nonetheless. We all know following trends is tedious and oftentimes ridiculous, but with me, it all comes back down to the idea of fashion as an art, and that each and every one of us is a display of the designer’s work. We can choose the way we display as well as convey the finished product, this concept creating the evolving factor of fashion. We can wear a ten year old blouse, or someone could recreate it, revolving fashion back to its former years.
The clothes us people wear are beautiful, regardless of designer or brand. Fashion flows and grows. Go with it and don’t fight back. It’s a gift from the fashion gods. But remember to always keep your own, and use the magic someone else has created in your own way. It’ll be bigger and better and best of all, you, or in my case, me. So have fun, go wild, because fashion is.
Mary
Elements of Culture- Music- By Gwen
What is music? Many believe music to be noise, exercise, a hobby, a skill, and an emotion. I believe music to be all of these things. After all, you can dance to it, march to it, cry to it, play it, sing along with it, and believe it. Music is an outlet for all creativity and all cultures. After all, have you ever heard of a culture that does not practice some form of music?
Music is also an important part of History. History and music of a culture have a direct connection. Music can measure the change in culture. In earlier centuries, such as the 1600’s, each culture pretty much only had one form of music and most cultures did not venture outside of their culture’s musical “comfort zone”. But in later generations, such as the birth of rock, you can sense all of the different musical elements and instruments, such as loud and syncopated drum beats, which mainly originated (I believe) from African culture, guitars, “non-operatic” vocals, etc. All of these elements were melded together to form a new type of music which quickly spread from culture to culture. Many similar things can be said for jazz as well, although it did not spread as well culturally. Jazz contains many elements of Latin, rock, African, and even classical music. Music is a bridge between cultures.
Music can also affect peoples’ emotions. “Screamer music” or heavy metal stirs up anger, while songs with a slower tempo in a minor key can make you cry or can add suspense to a scene in a movie, opera, or play. Rock music generally comes with a mixture of emotions depending on its topic, an d jazz tends to make people relax. Music can also make people feel exited or awkward, such as a school dance, where everyone jumps up when “Macarena” plays, but hides when a slow song starts to play. Everyone jumps up when “Macarena” starts because it’s a song everyone knows and everyone can dance to, but everyone hides when slow songs play because they are nervous for personal reasons or are afraid that people may be more judgmental.
Music has impacted my life as well as other cultures. It has taught me to look at things from new and different perspectives, and it has led me to meet many wonderful people who have taught me much. Music has greatly improved my self-esteem over the years and if it were not for music, I would not at all be who I am today.
-G.K.G
Music is also an important part of History. History and music of a culture have a direct connection. Music can measure the change in culture. In earlier centuries, such as the 1600’s, each culture pretty much only had one form of music and most cultures did not venture outside of their culture’s musical “comfort zone”. But in later generations, such as the birth of rock, you can sense all of the different musical elements and instruments, such as loud and syncopated drum beats, which mainly originated (I believe) from African culture, guitars, “non-operatic” vocals, etc. All of these elements were melded together to form a new type of music which quickly spread from culture to culture. Many similar things can be said for jazz as well, although it did not spread as well culturally. Jazz contains many elements of Latin, rock, African, and even classical music. Music is a bridge between cultures.
Music can also affect peoples’ emotions. “Screamer music” or heavy metal stirs up anger, while songs with a slower tempo in a minor key can make you cry or can add suspense to a scene in a movie, opera, or play. Rock music generally comes with a mixture of emotions depending on its topic, an d jazz tends to make people relax. Music can also make people feel exited or awkward, such as a school dance, where everyone jumps up when “Macarena” plays, but hides when a slow song starts to play. Everyone jumps up when “Macarena” starts because it’s a song everyone knows and everyone can dance to, but everyone hides when slow songs play because they are nervous for personal reasons or are afraid that people may be more judgmental.
Music has impacted my life as well as other cultures. It has taught me to look at things from new and different perspectives, and it has led me to meet many wonderful people who have taught me much. Music has greatly improved my self-esteem over the years and if it were not for music, I would not at all be who I am today.
-G.K.G
The Impact Dance has on My Life
Dance is a beautiful art form; it is a source of expression in ways that only movement alone can evoke. Dance is simpler than words; it displays one’s feeling and connects the audience to the dancer’s inner self. It allows me to become another person or idea, through dance I can escape from the tight binds of my own mind and see as though I were another. In this way, dance has a large impact on my life. With dance I can face the truth or escape from reality, the choice is mine. Other ways dance impacts my life are in self expression, a deeper understanding of myself, strengthened confidence, and having a good work ethic.
Dance has given me a creative route to take in life, one that has helped me to express myself. One of my favorite forms is contemporary because the movements are so precise to the artist’s emotions. For example, if I feel I am struggling with pain from the past that I can not seem to repress, then I could display this with movements that are strong and sharp maybe starting low to the ground with my arms close to my chest and then sharply throwing my torso upwards in a zigzag motion and gently releasing my arms (displaying the struggle of repression being released, accepting the pain and moving on). Another way self expression in dance impacts me is through my style. My movements are usually long and fluid (or so I try to make them), while other people might have a more petite and sharp or energetic style.
Another aspect in life that dance has helped me strengthen is confidence and a deeper understanding of myself. When I was younger I was very shy and scared to express myself in fear of what others might think. Dance has strengthened my confidence and has released the constant burden of disapproval. Music has also helped me learn more about myself. For example, when I listen to a song and it evokes a certain emotion that I can relate to or I desire to relate to, I sometimes start to choreograph a dance in my head. The feeling of embracing my emotions makes me feel invincible and confident, and in doing so I learn about myself.
Dance is very difficult for me and something I really treasure; this makes it something I can work hard and strive for excellence in. I believe that desiring improvement in dance helps largely with my academics. For one, if I do not maintain good grades I will have to drop dance classes. Therefore, most importantly I have learned to use the same work ethic I use for dance in school. Since then my grades have improved as well as my dancing and desire to dance.
I owe much of my success to dance and ASA for showing me how arts and academics go hand in hand. In this way dance largely impacts my life, without it a part of me would be missing. Dance has inspired my creativity to take flight, my confidence to strengthen, my personality to grow, and my love for the art to expand. I am honored to take part in such a genius yet natural invention; dance proves that simplicity is the key to happiness. I am amazed a single art form is able to give me confidence, an understanding for myself, and a good work ethic.
-Kellie
Dance has given me a creative route to take in life, one that has helped me to express myself. One of my favorite forms is contemporary because the movements are so precise to the artist’s emotions. For example, if I feel I am struggling with pain from the past that I can not seem to repress, then I could display this with movements that are strong and sharp maybe starting low to the ground with my arms close to my chest and then sharply throwing my torso upwards in a zigzag motion and gently releasing my arms (displaying the struggle of repression being released, accepting the pain and moving on). Another way self expression in dance impacts me is through my style. My movements are usually long and fluid (or so I try to make them), while other people might have a more petite and sharp or energetic style.
Another aspect in life that dance has helped me strengthen is confidence and a deeper understanding of myself. When I was younger I was very shy and scared to express myself in fear of what others might think. Dance has strengthened my confidence and has released the constant burden of disapproval. Music has also helped me learn more about myself. For example, when I listen to a song and it evokes a certain emotion that I can relate to or I desire to relate to, I sometimes start to choreograph a dance in my head. The feeling of embracing my emotions makes me feel invincible and confident, and in doing so I learn about myself.
Dance is very difficult for me and something I really treasure; this makes it something I can work hard and strive for excellence in. I believe that desiring improvement in dance helps largely with my academics. For one, if I do not maintain good grades I will have to drop dance classes. Therefore, most importantly I have learned to use the same work ethic I use for dance in school. Since then my grades have improved as well as my dancing and desire to dance.
I owe much of my success to dance and ASA for showing me how arts and academics go hand in hand. In this way dance largely impacts my life, without it a part of me would be missing. Dance has inspired my creativity to take flight, my confidence to strengthen, my personality to grow, and my love for the art to expand. I am honored to take part in such a genius yet natural invention; dance proves that simplicity is the key to happiness. I am amazed a single art form is able to give me confidence, an understanding for myself, and a good work ethic.
-Kellie
Religion
In our culture, nothing is sacred.
Or everything is.
It all depends on whom you ask: the ever-skeptical atheist, the member of the Church of the Celestial Order and Temple of Olympus, or their bemused six-year-old.
Hundreds of cultures meet in America, each with their own distinct take on the nature of the universe. People meet, discuss, marry, change religions, breed, found new philosophies, and live by their own self-enforced rules.
As if this wasn’t enough, the media is constantly reporting on new and unusual belief systems, religious zealots, uprisings based on religious beliefs, and the personal beliefs of various influential figures.
And a quick Google search of the word “religion” pulls up: first, a definition from Wikipedia, next a YouTube video headed “George Carlin- Religion is bullshit”, and third, religioustolerance.
org; Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance.
Obviously, our culture has a great deal of religious freedom. We no longer have to subscribe to one certain set of beliefs to be accepted.
But many people are never given one certain set of beliefs in the first place. And any religion is ridiculed, challenged nonstop, and frequently dismissed as absurd by the public, which creates a very difficult atmosphere for someone who merely wants to practice his of her beliefs in peace. Of course, if their beliefs involve cruelty or infringement on the rights of another being, a third party is completely justified in stopping the practice in question. But much of the abuse beliefs face is unnecessary, pointless, and often hypocritical. For instance, someone who obtains his or her information about evolution off of an unfounded internet page and then criticizes those who trust their feelings about God and the Bible have, in fact, less evidence to substantiate their claim than those who can feel God in their hearts.
My family background is Christian, but with three distinct family branches and many unique individuals, there are Catholics, Methodists, Lutherans, atheists, agnostics, yoga students, and "I don't know"'s. My own parents had no particular religion. We never attended church until I asked if we could try it. Not surprisingly, I have never settled on one. I briefly believed, or affected to, in God, Buddha, my own fictional gods or all at once. I am still trying, but the truth is that the most enduring and significant spiritual figure I have is a personality based on a painting I did in fourth grade and soon after inadvertently ruined.
I do have personal values and beliefs that are applicable to all areas of my life. I have never, to my knowledge, met anyone who shares the same. My code of conduct can and does change. It is not rigid or based on any text or person. But the closest thing I have to a denomination is “vegan”. And since people call themselves by this name for a variety of reasons, and it does not necessarily imply a moral code, I do not in any way consider it my church.
I would not have chosen to be born into a strictly religious family. But I do believe that the people born into such situations suffer from the lack of a church or it’s equivalent: where basically like-minded people can create a community in which to celebrate and help to enforce their values.
Too long... ah well.
Or everything is.
It all depends on whom you ask: the ever-skeptical atheist, the member of the Church of the Celestial Order and Temple of Olympus, or their bemused six-year-old.
Hundreds of cultures meet in America, each with their own distinct take on the nature of the universe. People meet, discuss, marry, change religions, breed, found new philosophies, and live by their own self-enforced rules.
As if this wasn’t enough, the media is constantly reporting on new and unusual belief systems, religious zealots, uprisings based on religious beliefs, and the personal beliefs of various influential figures.
And a quick Google search of the word “religion” pulls up: first, a definition from Wikipedia, next a YouTube video headed “George Carlin- Religion is bullshit”, and third, religioustolerance.
org; Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance.
Obviously, our culture has a great deal of religious freedom. We no longer have to subscribe to one certain set of beliefs to be accepted.
But many people are never given one certain set of beliefs in the first place. And any religion is ridiculed, challenged nonstop, and frequently dismissed as absurd by the public, which creates a very difficult atmosphere for someone who merely wants to practice his of her beliefs in peace. Of course, if their beliefs involve cruelty or infringement on the rights of another being, a third party is completely justified in stopping the practice in question. But much of the abuse beliefs face is unnecessary, pointless, and often hypocritical. For instance, someone who obtains his or her information about evolution off of an unfounded internet page and then criticizes those who trust their feelings about God and the Bible have, in fact, less evidence to substantiate their claim than those who can feel God in their hearts.
My family background is Christian, but with three distinct family branches and many unique individuals, there are Catholics, Methodists, Lutherans, atheists, agnostics, yoga students, and "I don't know"'s. My own parents had no particular religion. We never attended church until I asked if we could try it. Not surprisingly, I have never settled on one. I briefly believed, or affected to, in God, Buddha, my own fictional gods or all at once. I am still trying, but the truth is that the most enduring and significant spiritual figure I have is a personality based on a painting I did in fourth grade and soon after inadvertently ruined.
I do have personal values and beliefs that are applicable to all areas of my life. I have never, to my knowledge, met anyone who shares the same. My code of conduct can and does change. It is not rigid or based on any text or person. But the closest thing I have to a denomination is “vegan”. And since people call themselves by this name for a variety of reasons, and it does not necessarily imply a moral code, I do not in any way consider it my church.
I would not have chosen to be born into a strictly religious family. But I do believe that the people born into such situations suffer from the lack of a church or it’s equivalent: where basically like-minded people can create a community in which to celebrate and help to enforce their values.
Too long... ah well.
Música
Music is more than sound, more than random notes on paper, and way more than a catchy tune on the radio. It has the ability to bring people together, heal a broken mind, and make a statement far more powerful and influential than an article in the newspaper. Music is always growing, and always open for interpretation. It is universal; separated into genres often born of or geared to a specific audience or culture, and yet, even genres are not binding. One’s taste in music is a reflection of their personality and there is always a song or artist appealing to whatever they are feeling or looking for. You can be a lover of powerful techno beats, wholesome folk melodies, and the intense scream of heavy metal and no one can truly say you are right or wrong because, music isn’t right or wrong or good or bad. The composer of a symphony is not necessarily better, more gifted, or more musically in touch than a rapper. It all depends on who you talk to and what their influences, thoughts, and opinions are. As a listener, critic, musician, songwriter, or composer, music is whatever you want it to be.
For me, this realization was one hard to come by. I have always had a fairly strong opinion on what I listened to and on all of the other genres there are in the world. Rap was talentless and obscene, classical was boring, heavy metal was for freaks, country was for cowboys, classic rock was for my mom, and alternative artists with catchy melodies were for me. Not only did I narrow my appreciation of music, I couldn’t understand why people didn’t like what I liked. Oh how lost and confused I was indeed.
I can’t quite pinpoint what started to transform this opinion but I owe a lot of credit to my 5 years at ASA. The people, environment, and taste of being a musician myself helped me to broaden my horizon. I quickly interested myself in spending Sunday afternoons delving into iTunes, Rhapsody, and Music MySpace, searching for the band that “I couldn’t believe I wasn’t listening to before”. I gained my unexplainable love and appreciation for what a few guys and some instruments could create. I am enamored by the ability a song has to take you back to a moment in time, induce a feeling, and sway an opinion. My intake of music has easily tripled and it seems, the more I listen to it, the more I want to listen to it. There were a few times that I questioned myself when I compared my music taste with a respected friend and vice versa but that’s ultimately no different than a deviation in favorite color or opinion on politics. One person can write a review for a band going on and on about how amazing they are and another person can call them the downfall of sound. When I think of music, I don’t limit myself to the dictionary definition because it really isn’t just an art of sound. But, then again, who am I to tell you what music is or isn’t?
-Angela
For me, this realization was one hard to come by. I have always had a fairly strong opinion on what I listened to and on all of the other genres there are in the world. Rap was talentless and obscene, classical was boring, heavy metal was for freaks, country was for cowboys, classic rock was for my mom, and alternative artists with catchy melodies were for me. Not only did I narrow my appreciation of music, I couldn’t understand why people didn’t like what I liked. Oh how lost and confused I was indeed.
I can’t quite pinpoint what started to transform this opinion but I owe a lot of credit to my 5 years at ASA. The people, environment, and taste of being a musician myself helped me to broaden my horizon. I quickly interested myself in spending Sunday afternoons delving into iTunes, Rhapsody, and Music MySpace, searching for the band that “I couldn’t believe I wasn’t listening to before”. I gained my unexplainable love and appreciation for what a few guys and some instruments could create. I am enamored by the ability a song has to take you back to a moment in time, induce a feeling, and sway an opinion. My intake of music has easily tripled and it seems, the more I listen to it, the more I want to listen to it. There were a few times that I questioned myself when I compared my music taste with a respected friend and vice versa but that’s ultimately no different than a deviation in favorite color or opinion on politics. One person can write a review for a band going on and on about how amazing they are and another person can call them the downfall of sound. When I think of music, I don’t limit myself to the dictionary definition because it really isn’t just an art of sound. But, then again, who am I to tell you what music is or isn’t?
-Angela
Music to My Ears-Mr. Nic
There are very few things in life that I enjoy more than music. Time spent with loved ones, a fiery sunrise, a peaceful sunset, and a big old tuna sandwich on sourdough are a few, but music is one of my favorite things to experience. When I listen to good music I am taken away to another place, I become almost oblivious to my surroundings. Whether I’m in my car banging out the drum solo on the steering wheel or strumming the guitar line on my center consul, or at the gym with my iPod and mouthing the lyrics while keeping time with my feet, I get to a place where I don’t even care if people are looking at me funny or what they even think because I’m in the middle of a great tune and nobody can touch me.
Some songs bring back memories of certain times in my life, sometimes sad memories but mostly great ones, as my life has been made up of mostly wonderful people and great experiences. I can hear a song and it will take me back to a certain time and place, usually accompanied by a big smile on my face as I remember high school days spent cruising up the esplanade at the beach at sunset, or sitting in my buddy’s car in front of my house, him doing the lead and me doing the backup vocals.
When I hear great music I get emotional. I get goose bumps at some music, and some music is just so good that it brings tears to my eyes. Not because I’m sad, but the opposite, I just feel so good to be alive and so fortunate that it humbles me and brings tears streaming down my face, and I’m old enough that I don’t care anymore if that seems unmanly so I just let them fall. I also come to tears at movies, plays, and musicals, again not even at a usual tear jerker moment, like when Old Yeller died or when ET wanted to go home, but just when something moves me.
My tastes in music have expanded over the years, but I still love all of the musical styles that I have been exposed to since I first fell in love with music as a little kid. When I was only 2 or 3 years old I used to listen to my record player so much that as a punishment my parents would take my record player away. It did the trick because I didn’t want that punishment again.
Growing up my parents made a decision to not have a TV in the house, so in addition to reading a lot, I spent countless hours in my room, lying on the floor and listening to my albums and to the radio, which back in the days before corporate radio dominated the airwaves was really enjoyable. From Elvis Presley records that I listened to and Sam Cooke records that my grandparents had in their collection when I was a pre-schooler, to heavy metal, which I started listening to in junior high, to new wave or alternative music that I listened to in high school, to the classic rock that I got turned on to in college, to jazz which I also fell in love with in college, to classical music that I used to listen to when studying for exams but have come to greatly appreciate in recent years at any time, to opera, which I fell in love with only last December watching the performance of La Boehme at the Orpheum theatre, music is something that enriches my life and gives me great pleasure, and it is something that will always be a major part of who I am.
Some songs bring back memories of certain times in my life, sometimes sad memories but mostly great ones, as my life has been made up of mostly wonderful people and great experiences. I can hear a song and it will take me back to a certain time and place, usually accompanied by a big smile on my face as I remember high school days spent cruising up the esplanade at the beach at sunset, or sitting in my buddy’s car in front of my house, him doing the lead and me doing the backup vocals.
When I hear great music I get emotional. I get goose bumps at some music, and some music is just so good that it brings tears to my eyes. Not because I’m sad, but the opposite, I just feel so good to be alive and so fortunate that it humbles me and brings tears streaming down my face, and I’m old enough that I don’t care anymore if that seems unmanly so I just let them fall. I also come to tears at movies, plays, and musicals, again not even at a usual tear jerker moment, like when Old Yeller died or when ET wanted to go home, but just when something moves me.
My tastes in music have expanded over the years, but I still love all of the musical styles that I have been exposed to since I first fell in love with music as a little kid. When I was only 2 or 3 years old I used to listen to my record player so much that as a punishment my parents would take my record player away. It did the trick because I didn’t want that punishment again.
Growing up my parents made a decision to not have a TV in the house, so in addition to reading a lot, I spent countless hours in my room, lying on the floor and listening to my albums and to the radio, which back in the days before corporate radio dominated the airwaves was really enjoyable. From Elvis Presley records that I listened to and Sam Cooke records that my grandparents had in their collection when I was a pre-schooler, to heavy metal, which I started listening to in junior high, to new wave or alternative music that I listened to in high school, to the classic rock that I got turned on to in college, to jazz which I also fell in love with in college, to classical music that I used to listen to when studying for exams but have come to greatly appreciate in recent years at any time, to opera, which I fell in love with only last December watching the performance of La Boehme at the Orpheum theatre, music is something that enriches my life and gives me great pleasure, and it is something that will always be a major part of who I am.
Music is good :)
Throughout time, the many elements of a culture have defined its people. Each individual being has been impacted and none has been left untouched. Whether it be literature, art, or food, each element has left its mark. For me, personally, music has been a big part of my life, especially in the last few years.
I grew up listening to a lot of my dad's music. This was mostly due to the fact that I really had no choice over what I could listen to, being so ignorant of what was available in the musical world. My dad was a big lover of music and it seemed like it was always playing in the house. As I remember, he was quite fond of country music. And so it was, I grew up into a family where country music reigned.
When I got older, I was exposed to different genres of music and I became open to them all. I could really just listen to almost anything and be okay with it. Before going to ASA, I had viewed music as just a way of amusement. If you were bored, just play something and it will entertain you at least for a little while. Music was just a whole bunch of simple tunes that were sometimes strung together by a few meaningless words.
However, when I started school at ASA, I saw music in a whole different light. I found a whole new appreciation for it and for the artists who brought it into the world. I think what really opened my eyes was the first time I touched a piano. I was being trained to become a performer and now it was my turn to be on the other side of the music: the performing end. I learned that there was more to it than just playing the notes. Music was anything but simple. Emotion had to be applied to it; you really had to give all or most of yourself to it. Also, I came to the realization that songs were not meaningless; each lyric carried a message that the artist wanted convey. Besides, if it had not meant anything to me, it had meant something to the artist. The most important thing that I learned was that you had to have fun with it, otherwise it was basically dead.
One of the greatest things about music, I think, is that it can be used as an escape from harsh reality. I know that many people say this, but it really is true. I find that it really does help me relax when I need to. It helps so that I don't dwell too much on whatever is stressing me. One of the reasons is because it is so easy to get carried away and it feels like it is just the music and you, nothing else.
To me, music is and will always be a big part of my life. I have learned that as a listener, there is more to what you are hearing. It is so much deeper and so much more complex than anyone would realize. As a performer, I have learned how to make music come alive. Making the sound is just one thing, but conveying the message is another.
Dieu
MUSIC (Sean)
Music is not my life. I have family, I have friends, I have other things that are important to me. But music is a huge part of how I define myself, and, I hope, how others define me.
Two years ago I wouldn’t have recognized myself today. I tried my hardest to be cool and impress my guy friends. I went home and played video games.
When I bought an iPod, I started to fill it up with songs which I really only enjoyed because I knew they were cool, and I must be cool if I listened to them. I got a desire to start playing guitar. It was a sure-fire way to get cooler. I knew that I would be more popular if I could play the latest chart-topping song on my guitar.
But then I really started to discover music. I started listening to some of the music my dad liked. Songs started playing in my head that meant something. And I realized what music was. Music was something that artists created because that’s what they wanted to do. What they had to do. It wasn’t about being cool, or impressing people. It was a necessity of their character, to create this music.
I started playing drums. Drums, because my dad played drums, and I knew…I’m not sure what I knew, but two weeks later, I had formed a band with one of my best friends and another guy who I barely knew. Today we are all the best of friends together. I wouldn’t consider them my best friends, because that is unfair to say they outrank my other friends, and my family. But we share something that none of our other friends can feel with us. I can learn more about them in three minutes of instrumental music than in three days of talking. That is part of the beauty of music, or really of any kind of art. It’s the way the artist best communicates with others, and even with themself. Trying to create art can be the best way to discover who you are, and share that with other people.
Music has also taught me a lot about life. I’ve learned to respect all kinds of music. Anything written for the right reasons has to be respected. I won’t lie and say that I enjoy listening to everything, or even half of the music that exists. But I will say that I give it, and the artist(s) who created it, respect. I take the same approach with people. As long as someone is being themself, they deserve respect, no matter how annoying or weird or whatever they are. If that is who they really are, you can dislike that person, but you can’t deny them what they deserve.
I’m not sure why I think music is the art from I understand best. But I do feel that way. And I think it’s a beautiful thing that a few sound waves hitting our eardrums can make us cry, or laugh, or send shivers down our spine no matter how many times we hear them. So I love music. I love to love it. And I know it’s what I want to do.
Eat it.
Food is quite possibly the single most important thing on our planet. People often use the expression, "I thrive on..." but the only real fill-in-the-blank for that is food. No one really thinks about it, most of us just take the privilege for granted. Sure we think, "oh there are starving people in the world," but if you are not one of those people, how can you judge what it is like? Much less judge the true value of food?
Now food impresses me because there are so many variations of it not to mention an array of qualities. Take fast food, the staple of a appetizing to me. Huge theme parks produce food by the masses for the masses. That food is not stereotypical American, for example. The fast food chains are not focused on quality so much as quantity. Many even sell 'meat' that is labeled Grade E (for edible.) That does not sound too made with love. If you have every questioned why your mom's delicious quiche tastes better than a turkey leg from Six Flags, now you know. It is the love. The quality and taste of our food is such an imperative aspect to ones life because we have the ability to choose the food that we consume while some people have no food at all.
I come from and Italian family, therefore one of my families highest values is food. For the smallest get together of ten food is made for in the kitchen all day preparing the meal while fathers and sons do what they can to help. Not only is food a cultural statement but it readily brings a single family or multiple families together through the shared value. Different cultures prepare meals that have passed through tradition and ritual throughout years and this is a concept that supports the presence of individuality. Just think of your favorite homemade meal. Mine is probably my mom's homemade lasagna. She does not make it often but when she does the occasion is special and the whole family sits down for the meal. With busy schedules, families do not always get to spend much time together, but through the making of a home cooked meal, usually all family members take advantage of the opportunity and sit down together. The preparation and consuming of food is something that easily creates unity in a community.
Different people use different ways of expressing their values and traditions through the preparation of food. Quality and partiality to certain foods is a driving quality in individual consummation of pabulum. No matter what the circumstance, food is one of the highest values of all living things and the acquisition of that food remains an imperative aspect of life.
Green Peace (rhyming word: Kenna)
Work Cited:
All American Festivals. Food Network. Phoenix June 2008.
Now food impresses me because there are so many variations of it not to mention an array of qualities. Take fast food, the staple of a appetizing to me. Huge theme parks produce food by the masses for the masses. That food is not stereotypical American, for example. The fast food chains are not focused on quality so much as quantity. Many even sell 'meat' that is labeled Grade E (for edible.) That does not sound too made with love. If you have every questioned why your mom's delicious quiche tastes better than a turkey leg from Six Flags, now you know. It is the love. The quality and taste of our food is such an imperative aspect to ones life because we have the ability to choose the food that we consume while some people have no food at all.
I come from and Italian family, therefore one of my families highest values is food. For the smallest get together of ten food is made for in the kitchen all day preparing the meal while fathers and sons do what they can to help. Not only is food a cultural statement but it readily brings a single family or multiple families together through the shared value. Different cultures prepare meals that have passed through tradition and ritual throughout years and this is a concept that supports the presence of individuality. Just think of your favorite homemade meal. Mine is probably my mom's homemade lasagna. She does not make it often but when she does the occasion is special and the whole family sits down for the meal. With busy schedules, families do not always get to spend much time together, but through the making of a home cooked meal, usually all family members take advantage of the opportunity and sit down together. The preparation and consuming of food is something that easily creates unity in a community.
Different people use different ways of expressing their values and traditions through the preparation of food. Quality and partiality to certain foods is a driving quality in individual consummation of pabulum. No matter what the circumstance, food is one of the highest values of all living things and the acquisition of that food remains an imperative aspect of life.
Green Peace (rhyming word: Kenna)
Work Cited:
All American Festivals. Food Network. Phoenix June 2008.
Tasting Thought...
Or, thoughts about taste.
What I find fascinating is the meaning of a thing like soup.
Let's say you say soup to a Frenchman- what's going to come to his mind? A vichyssoise? A consomme? Or what if you found an Italian housewife- what is soup to her? Or to a japanese business man? Or a New York teenager?
Food is an interesting component of culture- it is something that, unlike art, dance, music, or writing, is absolutely essential to life. Yet, regardless of this utilitarian purpose, food takes so much more meaning than just as a source of energy. Think of all the rituals revolving around food- prayers, sacrifices, offerings, festivals, kosher! Throughout time, food has been viewed as a sacred thing, as food is intrinsically involved in the lives of those who prepare and consume it. Food can be seen both as a force shaping culture and as a reflection of culture itself.
Food has shaped many of the strongest values present in the cultures of the world. In example, the East-asian veneration of ancestors and hierarchy originated in the amount of labor needed to tend to rice and by the sheer population that rice allowed to develope (Myers 2007). That single concept would shape the entire course of Asian history! Another example occured down in South America. The humble potato, and it's unique properties, allowed the ascension of the Incan civilization (McNeill 1999)! Food, and it's pecularities, have shaped the world as we know it.
Through food, we, living in our largely homogenous american society, can go out and get a taste of something far removed and exotic! In food, nothing is lost in translation- an American tasting some nigiri-zushi will taste much the same thing as a Japanese man! This, however, can't be said about the poems of Basho, or the poetry of I-ching. Food is its own language.
Food, for me, is a window into another culture, into another way of thought! Eating a piece of food creates a common bond between you and another culture- nothing in food needs to be explained, or clarified.
In the austere simplicity of Japanese food, you get a feeling of discipline and precision. Imagine, then, the life of a samurai, or of a Zen monk! And when you order Italian food, you get something warm and rustic, the bold flavors of the Mediterranean left unobscured. Can you see the sun-splashed villas as the children rush back home to have some pasta? You may not have worked within the smoke-stained walls of a 19th century french bakery, but you sure can taste the bread that it created! And, you probably weren't a Hawaiian greeting the first Europeans landing on your island, but you can taste the food resulting from that cultural collision! And, finally, there's the food unique to America- fast food, fusion cuisines- can't you taste some of the irreverence for tradition, the bold innovation that created our country?
Food can transport you to places you can barely imagine!
The World is Crazy!
- Mr. Schlomoe (my name rhymes with pie)
Works Cited:
- McNeill, William H. "What if Pizarro had not Found Potatoes in Peru?" The Collected What if? New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1999.
- Myers, Mr. "Southeast Asia." Arizona School for the Arts, Phoenix. Feb. 08.
- Picture taken by yomi955 and distributed under a creative commons license.
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en
What I find fascinating is the meaning of a thing like soup.Let's say you say soup to a Frenchman- what's going to come to his mind? A vichyssoise? A consomme? Or what if you found an Italian housewife- what is soup to her? Or to a japanese business man? Or a New York teenager?
Food is an interesting component of culture- it is something that, unlike art, dance, music, or writing, is absolutely essential to life. Yet, regardless of this utilitarian purpose, food takes so much more meaning than just as a source of energy. Think of all the rituals revolving around food- prayers, sacrifices, offerings, festivals, kosher! Throughout time, food has been viewed as a sacred thing, as food is intrinsically involved in the lives of those who prepare and consume it. Food can be seen both as a force shaping culture and as a reflection of culture itself.
Food has shaped many of the strongest values present in the cultures of the world. In example, the East-asian veneration of ancestors and hierarchy originated in the amount of labor needed to tend to rice and by the sheer population that rice allowed to develope (Myers 2007). That single concept would shape the entire course of Asian history! Another example occured down in South America. The humble potato, and it's unique properties, allowed the ascension of the Incan civilization (McNeill 1999)! Food, and it's pecularities, have shaped the world as we know it.
Through food, we, living in our largely homogenous american society, can go out and get a taste of something far removed and exotic! In food, nothing is lost in translation- an American tasting some nigiri-zushi will taste much the same thing as a Japanese man! This, however, can't be said about the poems of Basho, or the poetry of I-ching. Food is its own language.
Food, for me, is a window into another culture, into another way of thought! Eating a piece of food creates a common bond between you and another culture- nothing in food needs to be explained, or clarified.
In the austere simplicity of Japanese food, you get a feeling of discipline and precision. Imagine, then, the life of a samurai, or of a Zen monk! And when you order Italian food, you get something warm and rustic, the bold flavors of the Mediterranean left unobscured. Can you see the sun-splashed villas as the children rush back home to have some pasta? You may not have worked within the smoke-stained walls of a 19th century french bakery, but you sure can taste the bread that it created! And, you probably weren't a Hawaiian greeting the first Europeans landing on your island, but you can taste the food resulting from that cultural collision! And, finally, there's the food unique to America- fast food, fusion cuisines- can't you taste some of the irreverence for tradition, the bold innovation that created our country?
Food can transport you to places you can barely imagine!
The World is Crazy!
- Mr. Schlomoe (my name rhymes with pie)
Works Cited:
- McNeill, William H. "What if Pizarro had not Found Potatoes in Peru?" The Collected What if? New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1999.
- Myers, Mr. "Southeast Asia." Arizona School for the Arts, Phoenix. Feb. 08.
- Picture taken by yomi955 and distributed under a creative commons license.
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The Growing Window
For thousands of years culture, nations, religions, and people have been defined by their values and beliefs. Although there is a significant change from the Golden Age to the 21st century, essentially everyone judges others by what they possess and hold dear to them. As a sophomore, my early years were filled with ignorance and self importance to a point where I no longer cared what was happening in the world. No one taught me how to view the world, discover its fascinations or mysteries, to ask questions, to learn and want knowledge; they only taught me to be smart. Even then I had already decided what my life was going to be, who I would marry and what path I would take. Yet, when I went to ASA these things changed, it was as if I stepped into a different world, full of opinions, criticism, ideas, changes, and knowledge of what’s going on around them, not filled with the blatant arrogance that defined my youth. I felt as if I was trespassing an unnamed border, in which I broke the rules and defied tradition. Then I discovered an art that helped me understand why people acted this way, why people felt that way, why people had opinions, why they cared about what was happening in the world, why they could be hurt and why they asked questions. That art is theatre and it changed my life.
Many people believe that music, art, or dance can heal the spirit, chase away evil, or bring good fortune. For me, it helped me delve into the depths of mystery, questions, knowledge and everything unknown, that black unnamable abyss. For years beforehand I wanted to be a person whom my parents would be proud of and no one could predict what I’d say or do or know my future actions. I wanted to be looked at as a person who could understand anyone and anything. I thought I was able to “read” people’s emotions, their wants and fears, and even what they were thinking and on my part made bad assumptions. But, this was a false reality, nothing more than a childish dream. Yet it left an impression, a desire to be able to understand, to know, and to ask questions without fear of the answer and I buried it until I pretended I didn’t care. Upon coming to ASA I had to take a beginning acting class as my second art. I hated theatre, it was something that wouldn’t help me in the long run, and I wouldn’t have it as a profession so why study something that wouldn’t offer anything beneficial? I was wrong. Theatre is full of information, freedom, and questions. There is no definition for such a beautiful, indescribable thing. It helped me discover what I really wanted to do, to be, and to believe.
Theatre is important me because it’s something where I can let myself be me. No one will judge, no one will tell me “This is wrong!” or “You didn’t do it right.” It’s almost as if theatre bends, accepting new changes and expanding until you think it’d burst. But it doesn’t it bends and bends until it’s something inconceivable and you have to dive in and explore every corner to understand. For me, it erased the unconcealed ignorance, the horrible self importance that I had wanted to define me. It left me bare and introduced me to a whole different reality. It posed questions, offered knowledge, and challenged me until I didn’t think there’d be anything left I’d understand. It offered a window into the real reality that keeps growing until someday I can step out and walk a path that won’t be already set. I’ll be able to understand, to listen, to comfort, to think about others and to care about the world. I’ll be able to help others understand and get past that unforgiving self obsession. For me, theatre changed my life, my very essence and most importantly my principles. I feel more free and knowledgeable about people, their feelings, emotions, values, even fears. I feel more open to these things in which I never would have been able to experience without the help of that ever growing window and that ever changing path.
Note: Omg I sound so philisophical (sp?) heehee. 715 words of awesomeness. rock on the free world =)
Many people believe that music, art, or dance can heal the spirit, chase away evil, or bring good fortune. For me, it helped me delve into the depths of mystery, questions, knowledge and everything unknown, that black unnamable abyss. For years beforehand I wanted to be a person whom my parents would be proud of and no one could predict what I’d say or do or know my future actions. I wanted to be looked at as a person who could understand anyone and anything. I thought I was able to “read” people’s emotions, their wants and fears, and even what they were thinking and on my part made bad assumptions. But, this was a false reality, nothing more than a childish dream. Yet it left an impression, a desire to be able to understand, to know, and to ask questions without fear of the answer and I buried it until I pretended I didn’t care. Upon coming to ASA I had to take a beginning acting class as my second art. I hated theatre, it was something that wouldn’t help me in the long run, and I wouldn’t have it as a profession so why study something that wouldn’t offer anything beneficial? I was wrong. Theatre is full of information, freedom, and questions. There is no definition for such a beautiful, indescribable thing. It helped me discover what I really wanted to do, to be, and to believe.
Theatre is important me because it’s something where I can let myself be me. No one will judge, no one will tell me “This is wrong!” or “You didn’t do it right.” It’s almost as if theatre bends, accepting new changes and expanding until you think it’d burst. But it doesn’t it bends and bends until it’s something inconceivable and you have to dive in and explore every corner to understand. For me, it erased the unconcealed ignorance, the horrible self importance that I had wanted to define me. It left me bare and introduced me to a whole different reality. It posed questions, offered knowledge, and challenged me until I didn’t think there’d be anything left I’d understand. It offered a window into the real reality that keeps growing until someday I can step out and walk a path that won’t be already set. I’ll be able to understand, to listen, to comfort, to think about others and to care about the world. I’ll be able to help others understand and get past that unforgiving self obsession. For me, theatre changed my life, my very essence and most importantly my principles. I feel more free and knowledgeable about people, their feelings, emotions, values, even fears. I feel more open to these things in which I never would have been able to experience without the help of that ever growing window and that ever changing path.
Note: Omg I sound so philisophical (sp?) heehee. 715 words of awesomeness. rock on the free world =)
Friday, August 15, 2008
Elements of Culture Instructions-Mr. Nicholas
Here are your instructions for the assignment, in case the time we spent at the end of class wasn’t sufficient to explain what I am looking for.
Choose one or more of the elements of culture that were listed on the board, the list includes the following elements: food, language, literature, movies, music, dance, television, theatre, sports, video games, school, family, friends, fashion, religion. If there is another element that you think would fit this list that you want to write about please do so. If you are unsure, email me and I can let you know what I think. I will try to check my email a few times both Saturday and Sunday. If you have any general questions about the assignment, feel free to ask via email as well.
The main thing is that this is your impression of what the element(s) you choose means to you. How does it impact your life, and how does it add to your experience of the world. Explain what it is and why it matters to you, why you enjoy it or why it is important to you.
There are no right or wrong answers for this assignment, as with much of the writing that you will do for our class. Do not stress about getting it perfect, especially on your first try. While you will be assessed on what you write, one assignment will not make or break your grade, and I don’t expect perfection. So take it easy, think about what you want to say, and then start writing, trust that the right words will come as you begin the process. Just as when you perform a piece of music, or a dance, or a play, you have to trust yourself and get into the moment without worrying about things beyond your control, such as how the audience will react, or how your teacher will respond.
As far as your assessment does go, I am looking for the content and quality of your ideas, the style with which you present them, and the fundamentals, such as spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. I am grading you then as follows, three parts content, two parts style, and one part fundamentals.
I look forward to reading your columns and to discussing your ideas next week in class. Happy writing!
Mr.Nicholas
Choose one or more of the elements of culture that were listed on the board, the list includes the following elements: food, language, literature, movies, music, dance, television, theatre, sports, video games, school, family, friends, fashion, religion. If there is another element that you think would fit this list that you want to write about please do so. If you are unsure, email me and I can let you know what I think. I will try to check my email a few times both Saturday and Sunday. If you have any general questions about the assignment, feel free to ask via email as well.
The main thing is that this is your impression of what the element(s) you choose means to you. How does it impact your life, and how does it add to your experience of the world. Explain what it is and why it matters to you, why you enjoy it or why it is important to you.
There are no right or wrong answers for this assignment, as with much of the writing that you will do for our class. Do not stress about getting it perfect, especially on your first try. While you will be assessed on what you write, one assignment will not make or break your grade, and I don’t expect perfection. So take it easy, think about what you want to say, and then start writing, trust that the right words will come as you begin the process. Just as when you perform a piece of music, or a dance, or a play, you have to trust yourself and get into the moment without worrying about things beyond your control, such as how the audience will react, or how your teacher will respond.
As far as your assessment does go, I am looking for the content and quality of your ideas, the style with which you present them, and the fundamentals, such as spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. I am grading you then as follows, three parts content, two parts style, and one part fundamentals.
I look forward to reading your columns and to discussing your ideas next week in class. Happy writing!
Mr.Nicholas
Monday, August 11, 2008
Welcome to our Class Blog
This site will serve as a place for our class to post a variety of writing assignments that we will partake in during this school year. I believe that writing is a fundamental skill for all students to excel at, and just as when you are performing a musical piece, a dance, or a play in front of an audience, when you write for an audience it sharpens your performance. There is something about knowing that people are watching, listening, or in our case reading what you have to say that motivates you to think more carefully about what you want to say and as importantly how you say it.
I want you to be creative in your writing, try new techniques and styles, don’t be afraid to voice strong opinions about issues when you have them, but always be able to back up your assertions with hard evidence. You should also not be afraid to stay neutral on topics when you don’t have a strong opinion, or when you can see both sides of an issue and are on the fence. Above all, be true to yourself in your writing, develop your own voice and your own unique style, be concise and stay focused on your task at hand. Most importantly, write often and write well, like with any skill the more you practice it well, the better you will become at it. Read good writing and try to emulate what you think works, taking the best of what you experience and synthesizing it to create your own style.
I look forward to reading your columns and pieces, and to seeing how you progress over the school year, and for those of you who are 9th graders and continue on at ASA, over the next two years. Tell your friends and family to read your writing and leave comments, and I encourage you to read each other’s work and to offer comments, praise, and constructive criticism, as all of this will only help to make you a better writer, a better communicator, and ultimately a more well-rounded human being and engaged citizen of the world. Happy writing!
Sincerely,
Mr. Nicholas
I want you to be creative in your writing, try new techniques and styles, don’t be afraid to voice strong opinions about issues when you have them, but always be able to back up your assertions with hard evidence. You should also not be afraid to stay neutral on topics when you don’t have a strong opinion, or when you can see both sides of an issue and are on the fence. Above all, be true to yourself in your writing, develop your own voice and your own unique style, be concise and stay focused on your task at hand. Most importantly, write often and write well, like with any skill the more you practice it well, the better you will become at it. Read good writing and try to emulate what you think works, taking the best of what you experience and synthesizing it to create your own style.
I look forward to reading your columns and pieces, and to seeing how you progress over the school year, and for those of you who are 9th graders and continue on at ASA, over the next two years. Tell your friends and family to read your writing and leave comments, and I encourage you to read each other’s work and to offer comments, praise, and constructive criticism, as all of this will only help to make you a better writer, a better communicator, and ultimately a more well-rounded human being and engaged citizen of the world. Happy writing!
Sincerely,
Mr. Nicholas
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