Which essay did I find the hardest? I'd say the rhetorical analysis, but I don't even remember writing it at the beginning of the year, so what I should say is the synthesis essay we wrote after putting together the corresponding binder. I guess that one was the hardest since it includes the hours and hours of preparation with finding and analyzing the sources. Really it was hard just because of all the effort, though I probably put the essay itself together easier than one about rhetorical devices.
Easy essays? When hell freezes over, maybe. OK, I felt good about the argumentative essay assignments we had. The structure isn't the easiest with the facts coming last, but honestly, argumentative essays just seem like easier synthesis essays, without all the heavy preparation. For me, it's not terribly hard to make an argument without trying to persuade or attack the other end of the debate, and the important people profiles we made as optional homework really helped.
As for the books and stories we read, I think all the choices were pretty good and important for everyone to read, such as The Crucible, In Cold Blood, The Things They Carried, and The Great Gatsby. Out of all of them, The Things They Carried was definitely the one that I like most- it allows readers to catch a glimpse of how soldiers develop camaraderie and the bonds they make for life, or death, in addition to explaining Vietnam's mental cost on the servicemen with the "Speaking of Courage" and "Notes" section. I was fairly shocked to read that Norman Bowker hanged himself after Tim rejected his letter, which teaches us something about the struggles of today's veterans. I think this one was the most important of all to me.
What I disliked the most was the Recitatif short story. Whilst it makes some important points near the end on the lesser known issue of busing in America's equality struggle, still, I found it hard to follow which of the duo was supposed to black, which, to me, seems kinda counter-intuitive to an important statement on racial strains in America.
Anyhow I'm really satisfied with APLAC anyway, I was worried at the beginning of the year after a particularly troublesome 10th grade year that, without this sounding conceded, could be attributed by a lot of students to a teacher that's no longer here fortunately. But even more fortunately, this year with Mr. T. was quite productive to, if I may say so, everyone of us in his classes.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Friday, March 7, 2014
Mr. T's APLAC Blog #5: What I carry
The namesake introductory chapter in Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried describes several "weights" that the member's of his platoon bear. They carry physical entities such as rifles and grenades, but in addition, they carry heavier loads specific and unique emotional baggage, memories, personality, and love.
In the physical aspect, my Timex digital watch is something that I can say I feel "naked" if I leave home without it. I began wearing it regularly since freshman year after it sat on my night table at home for a few months since my birthday. For the sake of keeping time, it's a let less conspicuous than always reaching for my phone. Now, the thing wakes my up at 6:40 every morning, as I drive myself to school. It's not a terribly valuable watch, and is rather beat up as the finish has wear, the screen is scratched, and the Velcro/felt is frayed. However, it's become like an extension of my skin, as I've used it to keep track of valuable minutes on tests and timed writings and log the long hours when I had a summer job. Without it, I'd probably feel less aware of my time management, although I never leave home without the watch.
As for desires and lifelong achievements, I can't say that I'm an especially motivated towards a particular dream job or whatever. I'll tie this with the third category: my family is certainly my driving force. Both of my brothers Greg and Joe were very successful at Westside, and went to the University of St. Thomas and Texas A&M respectively. Greg got his computer science degree at A&M and works now, whilst Joe passed the LSAT and has submitted applications to several law schools. I know I am as capable as they are, and aspire to share their accomplishments.
In the physical aspect, my Timex digital watch is something that I can say I feel "naked" if I leave home without it. I began wearing it regularly since freshman year after it sat on my night table at home for a few months since my birthday. For the sake of keeping time, it's a let less conspicuous than always reaching for my phone. Now, the thing wakes my up at 6:40 every morning, as I drive myself to school. It's not a terribly valuable watch, and is rather beat up as the finish has wear, the screen is scratched, and the Velcro/felt is frayed. However, it's become like an extension of my skin, as I've used it to keep track of valuable minutes on tests and timed writings and log the long hours when I had a summer job. Without it, I'd probably feel less aware of my time management, although I never leave home without the watch.
As for desires and lifelong achievements, I can't say that I'm an especially motivated towards a particular dream job or whatever. I'll tie this with the third category: my family is certainly my driving force. Both of my brothers Greg and Joe were very successful at Westside, and went to the University of St. Thomas and Texas A&M respectively. Greg got his computer science degree at A&M and works now, whilst Joe passed the LSAT and has submitted applications to several law schools. I know I am as capable as they are, and aspire to share their accomplishments.
Joe and yours truly, totally not trying to imitate this at Universal Studios Orlando. Note the watch.
I don't usually have to describe myself, but I would say first that I'm very introverted and shy. I stay in my shell, and kind of prefer to stand back and be reserved. Creativity is another aspect I have, as I like to sketch and draw a bit, although not that often in class (drawing on lined paper irks me). I take Mr. Bowman's photoshop class in first period, and several assignments give me some time to apply creativity digitally. I don't express it a lot, but a good sense of humor is something else that describes me. My mom swears that when combined with my writing abilities and creativity and wit, I should become a cartoonist.
Made this last year in another PS class.
What memories shape me? I think family oriented memories are the ones that I value the most, like being at graduation ceremonies and vacations. One that has definitely shaped me was my grandfather (mother's father) death right before my sixteenth birthday in August in 2012. It was, of course, emotionally distressing, but it was also my last chance to celebrate my birthday with the extended family of my uncle and aunt (the two younger siblings of my mom) at the house where they were raised in Nederland even if neither my grandparents were there (my grandmother is in a private care facility, as she has very a progressive stage of dementia). Now, I really value the time with extended family much more as it makes for even better memories, like when I went on a fishing trip to Bay Flats with my uncle and Joe last summer where we caught some enormous redfish. In conclusion, I recognize that the non-physical things that I carry have shaped myself through family ties.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Mr. T's APLAC Blog #4: The Only Way?
To be honest, I don't have a very diverse nor interesting story of being raised in a multicultural household. so this blog entry has me stumped.
I suppose I'll start by saying the household I'm from has always upheld the traditions set by those that have come before my grandparents and parents, and I'll probably continue to live the way I was raised. I love the various aspects that comprise my heritage- the East Texas Cajun culinary treats from my mother's side, or visiting with the extensive family my father was raised in. There's just something in me that aspires to be them and share the same successes that my two brothers before me have, rather than take the Dee approach.
Of course we don't always just get along fine, as I guess I could say I'm more than just a replication of their genes, but I guess 'Honor thou father and mother' always get me in the end. I get that there's a third way though- it's something present in all sorts of stories, books, movies, ect and has been expressed a lot by several students in this class- although, in conclusion, I'm certainly a Maggie type.
I suppose I'll start by saying the household I'm from has always upheld the traditions set by those that have come before my grandparents and parents, and I'll probably continue to live the way I was raised. I love the various aspects that comprise my heritage- the East Texas Cajun culinary treats from my mother's side, or visiting with the extensive family my father was raised in. There's just something in me that aspires to be them and share the same successes that my two brothers before me have, rather than take the Dee approach.
Of course we don't always just get along fine, as I guess I could say I'm more than just a replication of their genes, but I guess 'Honor thou father and mother' always get me in the end. I get that there's a third way though- it's something present in all sorts of stories, books, movies, ect and has been expressed a lot by several students in this class- although, in conclusion, I'm certainly a Maggie type.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Mr. T's APLAC Blog #3
Edgar Allen Poe's bizarre short horror story The Fall of the House of Usher was a hallmark first in the genre. The themes and literary techniques expressed in EAP's Gothic works still show up in modern terror movies and creepy novels. In this post, I'll take note of five tropes Poe utilizes in the grim tale of the Usher's downfall.
One of the first things that offset me was the vagueness within the characters and the plot. Who was the narrator? Why did the Ushers have such a large estate? Poe never explicitly states, but certainly hints at that the Usher family was largely inbred, and that the surviving twins Roderick and Madeline were incestuous. Madeline's demise was also rather abrupt. The ending is rather uncertain about what becomes of the narrator.
Another stylistic trope is deception. The protagonist senses something is far from normal about the Usher house on his approach, but is taken into a falses sense of security under Roderick's charm. An addition to the usage of deception is the technique of using an accidental victim. In this case it is Madeline who is presumed dead by the other two, and buried alive. A similar concept shows up with the character Lucy in Brahm Stoker's Dracula, which was published decades later.
Next up is the curse. In this particular case it is incest of the Usher family, that has likely deprived the last two twins of any chances of offspring, and definitely messed with their mental and physical health. Heck, Fall of the House of Usher could be a prelude to Final Destination as the lady seems to cheat Death when she confronts Roderick, only to stir insanity and Death responds cheekily by collapsing their deprecating mansion.....
Finally, there is the classic dark-and-dreary Gothic setting. EAP's brilliant descriptions have more than likely inspired hundreds of haunted houses and spooky castle settings.
Two things I'd improve upon is, firstly, the vagueness. I prefer protagonists to be described and set characters, rather than me filling their shoes. Tying with this, the other would be perhaps having delved a bit deeper in the flashback to Roderick's and the protagonist's childhood, as if there was always something peculiar about the young Usher. But aside from that, Poe's short story surely perfect in literary execution.
One of the first things that offset me was the vagueness within the characters and the plot. Who was the narrator? Why did the Ushers have such a large estate? Poe never explicitly states, but certainly hints at that the Usher family was largely inbred, and that the surviving twins Roderick and Madeline were incestuous. Madeline's demise was also rather abrupt. The ending is rather uncertain about what becomes of the narrator.
Another stylistic trope is deception. The protagonist senses something is far from normal about the Usher house on his approach, but is taken into a falses sense of security under Roderick's charm. An addition to the usage of deception is the technique of using an accidental victim. In this case it is Madeline who is presumed dead by the other two, and buried alive. A similar concept shows up with the character Lucy in Brahm Stoker's Dracula, which was published decades later.
Next up is the curse. In this particular case it is incest of the Usher family, that has likely deprived the last two twins of any chances of offspring, and definitely messed with their mental and physical health. Heck, Fall of the House of Usher could be a prelude to Final Destination as the lady seems to cheat Death when she confronts Roderick, only to stir insanity and Death responds cheekily by collapsing their deprecating mansion.....
Finally, there is the classic dark-and-dreary Gothic setting. EAP's brilliant descriptions have more than likely inspired hundreds of haunted houses and spooky castle settings.
Two things I'd improve upon is, firstly, the vagueness. I prefer protagonists to be described and set characters, rather than me filling their shoes. Tying with this, the other would be perhaps having delved a bit deeper in the flashback to Roderick's and the protagonist's childhood, as if there was always something peculiar about the young Usher. But aside from that, Poe's short story surely perfect in literary execution.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Mr. T's APLAC Blog #2
The widespread scrutiny over the possible involvement of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and his office in a bridge closure is another example of the insecurity American citizens associate with figures of authority. This is easy to see throughout the media as the press jumps upon anyone in a leadership position unfortunate enough to find themselves embroiled in scandal. The importance of maintaining a clean self image is perhaps too over hyped in American society that it hinders the duties of our leaders.
A recent example of over-scrutiny is the scandal involving former CIA director David Petraeus. The former Army General resigned from his post after his affair with his biographer Paula Broadwell. Despite his poor decision and it's effects on his personal life, it should not have had the influence over his position. Petraeus' military-media strategy that influenced and informed Washington policymakers and the public was proclaimed that the reports of the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan were inaccurate, and his accomplishments were reviled. Even after working as visiting professor at the City University of New York for $1 as a result of outrage from critics, Petraeus was heckled by students who labeled him a "fascist" and a "war criminal."
Petraeus may or may not have performed better than current CIA director John Brennan and responded to the criticism of the agency's drone program is up to debate, however, it seems that the general's resignation is evidence of a society's animosity of it's men and women of leadership.
A recent example of over-scrutiny is the scandal involving former CIA director David Petraeus. The former Army General resigned from his post after his affair with his biographer Paula Broadwell. Despite his poor decision and it's effects on his personal life, it should not have had the influence over his position. Petraeus' military-media strategy that influenced and informed Washington policymakers and the public was proclaimed that the reports of the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan were inaccurate, and his accomplishments were reviled. Even after working as visiting professor at the City University of New York for $1 as a result of outrage from critics, Petraeus was heckled by students who labeled him a "fascist" and a "war criminal."
Petraeus may or may not have performed better than current CIA director John Brennan and responded to the criticism of the agency's drone program is up to debate, however, it seems that the general's resignation is evidence of a society's animosity of it's men and women of leadership.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Mr. T's APLAC Blog
Blog #1
Some may call last year the "year of the anti-hero"-we watched several spectacular examples in various forms of media, from TV shows such as The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, and Scandal, movies such as Elysium and Despicable Me 2 just to name a few. 2013 was also a happening year with anti-hero focused video games such as Bioshock: Infinite, The Last of Us, and the latest installment in the antiest-of-all-heroes series of Grand Theft Auto V. Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) offers three different criminal protagonists as playable characters. Out of the three, Michael De Santa is considered to be the main character of the story and exhibits several traits akin to Ichabod Crane from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Although both characters seem to live as good examples (Micheal left crime and his best friend to raise his family, and Ichabod is the instructor of his town's school and involved in the community), the two also exhibit rather despicable characteristics.
First and foremost, both Michael and Ichabod have quite a passion for money. Sleepy Hollow's school headmaster has his sights set on marrying the lone daughter of a rich, aging farmer for the sake of inheriting his estate. Mr. De Santa loathes his wife for not-frugally spending on his hard earned cash, and finds that returning to crime is the only thing he'll be good at to avoid bankruptcy.
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Some may call last year the "year of the anti-hero"-we watched several spectacular examples in various forms of media, from TV shows such as The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, and Scandal, movies such as Elysium and Despicable Me 2 just to name a few. 2013 was also a happening year with anti-hero focused video games such as Bioshock: Infinite, The Last of Us, and the latest installment in the antiest-of-all-heroes series of Grand Theft Auto V. Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) offers three different criminal protagonists as playable characters. Out of the three, Michael De Santa is considered to be the main character of the story and exhibits several traits akin to Ichabod Crane from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Although both characters seem to live as good examples (Micheal left crime and his best friend to raise his family, and Ichabod is the instructor of his town's school and involved in the community), the two also exhibit rather despicable characteristics.
First and foremost, both Michael and Ichabod have quite a passion for money. Sleepy Hollow's school headmaster has his sights set on marrying the lone daughter of a rich, aging farmer for the sake of inheriting his estate. Mr. De Santa loathes his wife for not-frugally spending on his hard earned cash, and finds that returning to crime is the only thing he'll be good at to avoid bankruptcy.
Gluttony is prevalent in both protagonists- in Micheal's case, he has a penchant for cigars and whiskey, much the chagrin of his health, yoga obsessed wife Amanda. Ichabod has quite an appetite for food. He manipulates one of his own students in order to enjoy a fine meal prepared by said pupil's mother when the boy gets high marks. Crane also dreams of sausage and pancakes a few times his story.
Pride and Wrath: The two exhibit a high sense of ego and defend it with a vengeance. Mr. Crane's dancing and singing ability are an important part of his vanity as is his teaching ability. Ichabod also uses corporal punishment with a switch on his students in the novel version. Michael gets egotistical with his family occasionally, and often expressing concern for himself over others when performing dangerous activity. He tends to say that "...I always thought I was the good guy," showing a sense of justice in denial. In one memorable instance, Micheal discovers his son's car is to be repossessed at an exorbitant rate-Mike has the SUV driven through the scammer's shop and calls the salesman "...nothing but a cheat..."
Wrapping up, both men are not "knights-in-shining-armor." They are inglorious, ugly, deceitful, and considered by some to be hallmark in the hall of anti-heroes.
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