I believe that music has the power to bring people together.
It was August 10th, 2008, and like every Sunday, I had choir practice. I noticed a new person joining choir. As I took my seat, I stared across the room at “the new guy”. He had his hair down, covering his forehead, but it slightly swayed to the right. His eyes looked puffy, and his face gave me a feeling of mystery. Naturally I thought, “What’s this guy doing here?” as I sat amongst the scuttlebutt of my friends. Maybe he was here for a friend, or perhaps, we shared the same love for giving back to God through music: just like how everyone in the church congregation sings all the hymns together.
Later in the year, I added his MySpace. I noticed that he had a couple of songs that I enjoyed on it. We chatted for a while on there, and I admit, I grew a bit interested in him.
Around that time, I recently got dumped by my boyfriend. I tried to cope with that pain. All my friends tried to cheer me up, but nothing worked.
Another Sunday came, and I saw him again. This time, he brought his guitar. I just sat in the corner in my misery, while he was gathered with his friends in another corner. He started to play a song that sounded highly familiar: “I’m yours” by Jason Mraz. I felt calm and relaxed, as if the guitar playing soothed me like a nice peaceful day on the beach. Suddenly, I heard a voice -- an unfamiliar voice that I’ve never heard before. I looked over to where the music seemed to be coming from. I was shocked. The sight of him singing seemed so quixotic to me. I began to smile a little, and happiness soon triggered my heart. I forgot about all my problems and sadness. His voice made my heart melt like ice cream on a boiling summer day. He seemed to be my panacea.
Later that day, I went on his MySpace to tell him about his amazing voice, when I noticed he added a new song: “Say” by John Mayer. The lyrics said “say what you need to say” and I took it as a sign.
On October 8th, 2008, I did as the song said. I asked him out, and we’re still together to this day: almost two years later.
Music can bring people of different cultures and beliefs together. From crowds of people singing the anthem for the love of their country, to videos of famous artists singing to help a cause, to average day-to-day people like me and my boyfriend.
The thing that struck me was that she was deaf and she was teaching us how to listen. I find that very ironic, yet, very interesting.
What did you notice?
I noticed that when she played a certain piece note by note according to the music sheet, it sounded pretty plain. But when she improvised a little, and changed several things in the piece, it added way more emotion to the piece.
I also noticed that she was able to play different dynamics, tempo, and intervals with four mallets, and only two hands.
What did you enjoy about her performance?
I enjoyed that her presentation was very unique. I have never seen any performance like that before. It really excited me.
Questions: 1. What struck you about the location you visited? Was it what you expected, or very different?
The thing that struck me about the location I visited was that it was located at Otay Mall. Also that they've been having these farmer's markets there every Tuesday for 3 years, and I've been shopping at Otay mall for about that long. It was kind of what I expected, like, I expected it to be outdoors and people to be just selling their fruits. Though, I did not expect there to be non-food items, like jewelry and such.
2. Which items were cheaper than you expected? Which were more expensive?
I'm not sure, I haven't seen the prices compared to the grocery store's prices.
3. Do you think you will start going to a farmers market more often? Or using a community garden? Or supporting a CSA?
I don't think I will start going to a farmer's market that often, but I probably will keep it in mind more than usual.
4. How do these locations fit into our essential questions of “Why Don’t People Live More Sustainably?” and “How Can I Convince them to do So?”
These locations fit in to the questions because they relate to sustainable living. Living sustainably can include organic, home-grown fruits and vegetables.
1. What are you growing? Strawberries, tomatoes, carrots, peas, bananas, watermelons.
2. Has this inspired you to make your own garden? If she had the time.
3. How do you keep the bugs away? Since we don't use any pesticides, we are not able to keep the bugs away. :(
4. Who's taking over when you leave? The juniors.
5. Who will take care of the plants over the summer? I don't know, maybe whoever works in the house near it.
6. Are the seeds GMO? No, they are not.
Reflection
1. How did this visit change you? This visit changed me by making me think more about the Earth and how gardens like the seniors have help it.
2. What struck you about the garden? The thing that struck me about the garden was the fact that the seniors did all the gardening themselves.
3. What did you like/not like about the garden? I liked the fact that the whole garden was organic and all done by students of HTHMA, though, I did not like the fact that there were bugs everywhere and there was no way to keep them away.
4. Did this inspire you to grow your own garden? No, it hasn't, though it has made me be more aware of the Earth.
The conversation started out about me telling my parents what I learned in class about how the food we buy in stores can be harmful in many ways. Then, I proceeded to tell them what struck me the most was the story about Kevin, a two year old who ate three burgers and died from escherichia coli (e. coli). I told them that after this incident, they passed a law called "Kevin's law" that gives the U.S. Department of Agriculture the power to shut down plants that have contaminated meat. My parents responded to this by saying "We should be more careful now. Thank you for sharing that with us."
Quote: (Click the image to enlarge) Response: I chose this quote because it really caught my attention and it immediately reminded me of what my parents always tell me about school and life. They say that if I want to be successful in life or not go hungry or homeless, then I have to work hard for money and get a good job. That is why I thought this quote from the book really connected to me and my life and the way that I've been taught.
BEEP, BEEP, BEEP! A loud piercing sound came from the alarm clock that read "7:00 AM". Russell moaned as he lazily flipped onto his side, and reached out to hit the snooze button. The small, empty room was silenced from the obnoxious noise. Russell sat up on his bed, squinted his eyes and rubbed them. The floor creaked as he slowly made his way to the bathroom in a very mundane fashion. He stood in front of the mirror for a good half a minute. He had pallid blonde hair that spiked up about 2 inches high. His face had a bit of plump, and his cheeks looked like it had so much weight, that it looked like they were the reason his eyes drooped down so low. He then turned on the squeaky faucet and washed his face. He felt the cold, soothing water splash the surface of his rough, wrinkled skin, and reached for a face towel.
Suddenly, the telephone rang. Feeling uninterested, he walked over to it. He sighed, then picked it up.
"Hello?" he said with a deep, vibrating voice.
"Hey Rus!" the voice replied. "It's me, Tim!"
"Oh, hey man, what's up?"
"Not much, hey you down for some motorcyclin'?"
"Uhh..." Russell uttered hesitantly. "I-I-I don't know..."
"C'mon man, ever since Darla left, you ain't don' nu'in but stay in and destroy your liver. It's been a year, Rus. It's time to let go." Silence came over the phone. "Tell you what," Tim said, breaking the silence. "Me and the boys are goin' out motorin' and such. Just gon' hangout, you and us, like old times, bud. I know this nice place we can go to. You'll have yourself a good time. Sounds good?"
"Yeah, alright." Russell said in agreement.
"Now that’s what I'm talkin' bout! We gon' come over there soon, alright buddy?"
Once they hung up, Russell went to his room, then slipped on his Hell's Angels leather jacket, pants, and shoes. He went outside, walked up to his full black Yamaha, and said "Hey Ol' Beauty," he said referring to his motorcycle. "Been a while, 'ey ol' friend?" Russell sat on O'l Beauty and waited.
Soon enough, Hell's Angels arrived. In a distance, you could hear the sounds of a dozen motorcycle engines roaring. They came packed in what seemed to look like a flock of birdstraveling in a 'V' formation. They all wore full black attire, and matching leather jackets. As they approached Russell, they greeted him with a "Hey Rus! Long time no see!" and patted him on his back.
Forcing out a fake smile, in great torpor, he replied, "Yeah, good to see ya'll too."
Later, they all started their motorcycles, and rode off in unison. Tim led them to a bar. Russell looked around. "The Tennessee Bar." he said to himself. He recognized this place.
Tim nudged Russell's shoulder, "'Member this place, bud? Almost 20 years since we last been 'ere, who woulda thought this place woulda still been up this long, huh?" The gang headed in, through the two wooden doors, and ordered a couple of drinks. Russell's eyes wandered the place. It felt like he was 30 years old again. All the great memories with Tim and the gang.
Russell was so caught up in a good time, he forgot about all of his troubles. The lacuna he felt, his problems, his divorce, Darla, all those worries seemed to vanish until suddenly, he spots a girl with blonde, curly hair… just like Darla. He desperately moved his head side to side, trying to get a better look at her face. Fighting his sight through the crowd, he finally got a good clear look at her face. It was her. She wore the same black dress she had worn the first time he'd seen her. He hastily stood up out of his chair, leaning on one leg. He was hesitating to approach her. "If I do go up to her, then what? What would I say? I still love you, I want you back?" he thought. After some thinking, he decided to go up to her, but just as he stood on the other leg, he saw a tall man bring two drinks over to her and hand her one. She laughed and gave him a kiss. Right at that moment, Russell felt as if his heart was shattered into a million pieces. He took a step forward.
Tim extended his hand, and put it onto Russell's shoulder, stopping him from taking another step.
"Hey man, where you goin'?" Russell said nothing, and just kept staring straight ahead. Tim turned his attention to what Russell was looking at, saw Darla and the man, and turned his head back and looked into Russell's eyes. "Don't let it get to you, Rus. It's not worth it."
Russell said, "You're right," then turned and gesticulated to the bar waiter to come over to him. "30 shots of brandy."
"You alright?" Tim asked.
Russell puckered his lips, tilted his head, raised his eyebrows, and shrugged as he replied, "Oh yeaaaah. I'm fiiine. Juuust fine." Tim watched Russell as he hastily gulped down 30 shots of brandy as if it were smoother than water. Consuming all of this lubberwort, Russell didn't feel a thing. It was like everything was numb, and he couldn't feel anything, except emotional hurt. Everyone cheered him on. He caught the whole bar's attention... including Darla's.
Russell finished his last shot, and looked over in Darla's direction. They stared directly into each other’s brown eyes, and their eyes locked for about a good half a minute. Surprise and disbelief was written all over Darla’s face as she watched Russell. Totally wasted, Russell announced, "I have to go." and went for his motorcycle. Before Tim or anyone could stop him, he was gone. The whole gang yelled for him, but he didn't stop.
He was going somewhere, anywhere, he didn't know. Nothing could stop him. He just wanted to be alone, to get away from everything. From life, and from Darla. His mind was clouded, and he couldn't think.
Soon, he was going so fast, that it if he were to come to a sudden halt, he would lose balance and fall off. The road was empty, except for the train coming in the distance. He tried to make it past the lowering bars, the red flashing lights, and the bells, but he wasn’t fast enough. By the time he was on the railroad tracks, trying to escape the incoming train, it was too late. He was going too fast, he couldn’t stop. The train came by and hit him in the side. He ended up off the side of the railroad, and just laid there.
He woke up about 3 hours later, in a hospital bed. He couldn’t move much, and his body was wrapped in white gauze. He was in a great amount of pain all over his body. The doctor explained what happened, and that he might die in almost half an hour because of his weak liver, and all the injuries he had. Russell couldn't believe it. "Not now, not yet. Dear God, please don’t let me die just yet. Please, just let me see Darla, one last time. Let me just hold her, talk to her, and see her beautiful face, just once. That's all I ask for.Then, you can take my life."
About a few minutes later, Darla walked in, knocking on the door. She had on a black dress, bright red lipstick, and light eyeliner. Her blonde curls bounced as she walked, and her face was thin and boney. "Hey Rus." She said, in a soft, sweet, calm voice. He didn't know how to respond. He was speechless. "Look," Darla said, "I know I'm probably not the person you wanna see right now. The doctor says you only got a few minutes, and this ain't the time to leave things unsaid."
"Don't you have a man?" Russell said, mockingly.
"Now holdup, Russell. Things change, and people change. Life goes on, but you know what? One thing that can never change is my love for you." Darla paused. "Maybe that ain't gonna change anything, just had to get that out before you're gone." Russell wanted to say he loved her back, but he couldn't.
"That all?" he asked.
"Yes."Darla said, heading for the door.
She looked back, then Russell said, "Hey Darla, wait." She stopped, and struggling, with all his strength, he stood up. He took a few small steps towards Darla. He collapsed a little, and Darla held him up. They embraced each other, shedding thick tears. He didn't care about all the physical and emotional pain he felt. He just wanted to hug her, to hold her. She seemed to be his panacea.
She left, and said, "Goodbye Rus."
He said, "Goodbye." With his last breath, he said "I love you, Darla." Then collapsed onto his bed. With no more pulse.
The topic of electric car resurrections fall under the field of technology. This is a big deal because considering our economic and environmental troubles, the electric cars use less or no gasoline, and that saves money and the environment. In 2010, General motors and Nissan are attempting to create and release electric cars. One setback is that the car may fail, and disappoint many people lined up to buy these cars.
The TV on the go section in the field of entertainment is about accessing TV with your cellphones, netbooks, or any mobile device for free. This is a big deal because now, you are able to watch any show on television no matter where you are. Usually, the only place you can access television is by a TV. This year, television broadcasters have spent thousands of dollars to install transmitters that allows free broadcasts to mobile devices. The one problem of this is that not all mobile devices will be able to receive this development. Only specially equipped mobile devices.
Project description: In this assignment, we were asked to do research on a particular civilization and produce a three page essay on it. We followed a certain format.
Process: First, we were assigned an ancient civilization and pillars. I was assigned Assyrian religion. I then researched about it. We received a handout showing the format we needed to follow for our essay. The drafting and revision process began.
Reflection: I have learned so much from doing this assignment. Not only about Assyrian religion, but also how to strengthen my thesis. A good thesis consists of a concessive, according to my teacher. :)
Project Description: In this particular assignment, we were asked to choose a picture that best represented your civilization's pillar. Then, we had to paint the pillar.
Process: After much research, I found a picture of the Assyrian God, Assur. I then drew out my design, and got it approved. Then, I began to paint my pillar.
Reflection: I honestly believed I learned a few things, doing this assignment. Yet, I believe I did not use the Habit of Mind, ownership because I think I could've done much better and put for effort and detail into my painting.
Goal 1; My first goal would be to complete my homework. Steps; First step would be to write the homework in my planner and check it daily. Then, I would have to prioritize and do my homework prior to chatting.
Goal 2; My second goal would be to ask for more clarification. Steps; The first step would be to go to office hours once a week and/or ask questions.
1. A hero becomes a hero by performing a heroic act. For example, a fire fighter can be considered a hero simply because he/she saves people from fire. Another way a hero becomes a hero is by having a heroic trait like wisdom, bravery, thoughtfulness, etc. Basically, a hero is a person who makes an impact on another persons life.
2. This project was
3. The hero in my eyes project started out as just a simple task. We were first asked to make a body sculpture of what we thought was a hero. Then, we had to choose someone in our life that we considered a hero and interview them. That was when Charlotte asked us the question 'What makes someone a hero?". In class, we read a couple of character sketches and we were required to create our own character sketches. The character sketch consisted of a description of why our hero is considered a hero to us, and two photos. After that, we posted the character sketch on our blog, and made a template of it.
4. Of course by the interview, I learned a lot about my dad and his life in the military along with other things like what his thoughts, feelings, and experiences were. But beside that, I also learned a whole new meaning of the word 'hero'. At the beginning of this project, when we were asked to make a body sculpture, I first thought that a hero was a person with super powers, or local firefighters, police, navy men, etc. But a hero can also be a normal day to day person who you look up to, or impacted your life in any way.
5. One of the habits of mind that I used in this project was innovation. Innovation is a new way of doing something. I used innovation in my project because I usually just ask my dad about his experiences in the Navy to get information, but I've never interviewed him or had a list of questions.
If you click here, the link will lead you to my hero sketch.
“This is it.” He thought. “This is my chance for a better life.” It was 1987 and Elpidio was a short, 35 year old man. His hair was as black as night, and when he smiled, his eyes seemed to squint. He, along with his parents and brothers, had just migrated from the polluted atmosphere of Catablan, Philippines to the fresh air of Vallejo, California. A variety of feelings mixed inside of him, but mainly, feelings of excitement and happiness. The new environment gave him the strong sentiment of wanting to make something out of himself. He thought about the loved ones he was leaving behind, the poverty he was escaping, and the many opportunities America can offer. Things were completely different for Elpidio. The tall people, the big buildings, the many cars, the good roads, and the cool climate weren’t familiar to him. Although living in what seems to be a whole different world, he felt that as long as he followed the law, he would do alright. Staying in the United States, he grew a sudden passion for politics and patriotism. He thought, “What can I do for my country to defend and protect what we believe is right, mandated by our constitution for the welfare and security for all mankind.” He then decided to join the Navy and serve the country. Elpidio enjoyed his job as a chef for the USS Pearl Harbor. He served the Navy for 20 years and is now a retired veteran at the age of 56. It’s truly amazing how one can come from a small town full of poverty, to a large land filled with opportunity. Starting off with nothing, and making it something. Elpidio never lost hope, and that gives me the pride, determination and motivation I hold today. He gave me the sense that anything is possible if you put your mind and heart to it. I am proud to call Elpidio my father.
Catching the signal from one of her friends, Angela brushed her skirt, took a deep breath and walked towards where he was sitting. "Hey," she uttered nervously. "Hi," he said in reply. Her hands began to shake rapidly as he turned to face her. His eyes were like diamonds, twinkling in the light, and his laugh was a loud roar that no one can miss. "So, would you like to go to the dance with me?" She asked eagerly. "Sure!" He shouted with glee. She tiptoed back to her friends with joy and said, "That was a piece of cake!"
It was a warm, tranquil afternoon. The loud sound of church bells ringing filled my ears. My sister, boyfriend and I were all crammed together on a padded, dark green pew. I was laying my head on the firm shoulder of my boyfriend, as he had his arm tight around my waist trying to comfort me. “Manang, are you okay?” my younger sister whispered, trying not to disturb the mass. I curled my lips tightly into my mouth, and stroke my eyes against my soft, powder blue long sleeve cardigan. I glanced at her and didn’t respond. She reached out for my arm, and gently embraced it.
My eyes had been swollen red from crying for so long. I tried so hard to hold my tears back. I had a rough feeling in my neck as if there was a gigantic stone in my throat, and I was choking on it, trying to prevent tears from coming out. But somehow, they managed to force themselves out.
Just two days before, I found out my uncle and his son were dead. No one really had the story straight, but my family and family friends believed they committed suicide. I didn’t want to accept or believe it. The thought of it was just unbearable. It was as if my heart was shattered and broken into a million pieces, and the damage was unable to be repaired.
Sitting on the pew, I’d reminisce and think back about how he would always come to visit me and my family. Whenever he came out of his car, he had a huge contagious grin on his face that just made you want to smile. He wore dark shaded glasses, and had wrinkles the size of a single finger that covered every area on his face. His daily attire was an array of collared polo shirts tucked in dress pants, and dress shoes. Whenever we saw him, he would always greet my brother, sister and I with, “Hi, kids!”, then pat our shoulders or give us a hug, and smile.
I’d always remember him saying, “Do well in school, kids! Be good to your parents.” These were the words that replayed over and over again in my mind. The deaths of him and his son were my personal motivation to get good grades, and stop disobeying my parents. I related myself to someone who has lost a parent before, and I learned that you truly don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.
As I was lost in the memory of my uncle, I woke up to the fact that I was in church. I glanced at the lit up altar with a giant crucifix of Jesus. Below that crucifix, was where the pastor was giving his sermon, and I listened closely. “We pray for the dead that they rest in God’s arms.” were what I remembered him saying.
I never could understand why a man who showed so much joy would ever want to die. In church that day, I’d pray for my uncle, hoping that he would have a place in heaven, in Jesus’ loving arms.
It starts off with tune that makes you want to tap your feet. It sounds like an electric piano, then sudden clapping and snapping. The sound slowly fades away as random sounds of what seems to be urinating or waterfalls come in. The tune comes back in and out throughout the whole sound clip, and the dynamics change.
After testing it out, I've concluded that there will be 31 lockers open in the end. The reason for that is simply because there are 31 perfect squares from 1 - 1,000. Why are the lockers who have perfect squares open? Well, the perfect square lockers have been touched an odd number of times because there is an odd amount of factors for each perfect square (See diagram 1). For example; the factors of 9 are 1, 3, and 9. Compare that to 24, whose factors are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24. Each number has the factors of 1, and itself. Meaning, each locker was touched by student number one, and the student with the same number as the locker number. So, each locker was touched at least an even amount of times. Since each locker was initially open, in order for it to be open again, it must be touched an odd number of times. For example; for locker number 4, its factors are 1, 2, and 4. It would be touched by students 1, 2, and 4. Student one opens it, student two closes it, and student four opens it. Since there are no more factors of four, it will remain opened.
Diagram 1:
Lockers
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
State
o
ox
ox
oxo
ox
oxox
ox
oxox
oxo
oxox
How did I get the answer 31? Well, my strategy was, once I’ve noticed the ‘perfect squares pattern’, I tried to figure out the perfect square closest to 1,000. (See diagram 2).
Diagram 2:
These are the perfect squares that if they are to the second power, they are equal to a number from 1 – 1,000.
As you can see in the diagram above, 31 is the greatest square root or perfect square that does not exceed the 1 – 1,000 range. 32 is shown in the diagram above to show that it goes over 1,000.
After testing it out, I've concluded that there will be 31 lockers open in the end. The reason for that is simply because there are 31 perfect squares from 1 - 1,000. Why are the lockers who have perfect squares open? Well, the perfect square lockers have been touched an odd number of times because there is an odd amount of factors for each perfect square. For example; the factors of 9 are 1, 3, and 9. Since each locker was initially open, in order for it to be open again, it must be touched an odd number of times.
My favorite fictional hero is Lawliet, otherwise known as L. He is one of the main characters in the Japanese Manga, Death Note. His character portrays a detective who leads the Police Investigation Team on the Kira case, which is a series of mass murder.
L is one of my favorite fictional heroes because he is very intellectual and cunning. He is also very unique and different from any other character I've ever read about. He was an orphan who came from an orphanage for gifted people. He has a strong inclination towards candy and sweets, and he dislikes socks.
This character is special to me because he is very enigmatic or mysterious, just like I am. He reminds me of myself because of his clever, quirky personality.
In my perspective, math can be many things. We use math for our daily necessities such as shopping, bills, measurements, etc. It is involved in basically everything we do. Math is used throughout the world as an essential tool in many fields. Without math, this world would not function properly.
What is Physics? Physics to me is simply the physical properties of an object. Physics gives scientific methods to understand the basic rules or laws of nature. It is the study of the interaction of matter and energy. This energy can take the form of most things. Like motion, gravity, electricity, etc.
The conversation started out about me telling my parents what I learned in class about how the food we buy in stores can be harmful in many ways. Then, I proceeded to tell them what struck me the most was the story about Kevin, a two year old who ate three burgers and died from escherichia coli (e. coli). I told them that after this incident, they passed a law called "Kevin's law" that gives the U.S. Department of Agriculture the power to shut down plants that have contaminated meat. My parents responded to this by saying "We should be more careful now. Thank you for sharing that with us."
“This is it.” He thought. “This is my chance for a better life.” It was 1987 and Elpidio was a short, 35 year old man. His hair was as black as night, and when he smiled, his eyes seemed to squint. He, along with his parents and brothers, had just migrated from the polluted atmosphere of Catablan, Philippines to the fresh air of Vallejo, California.
It was a warm, tranquil afternoon. The loud sound of church bells ringing filled my ears. My sister, boyfriend and I were all crammed together on a padded, dark green pew. I was laying my head on the firm shoulder of my boyfriend, as he had his arm tight around my waist trying to comfort me. “Manang, are you okay?” my younger sister whispered, trying not to disturb the mass. I curled my lips tightly into my mouth, and stroke my eyes against my soft, powder blue long sleeve cardigan. I glanced at her and didn’t respond. She reached out for my arm, and gently embraced it.
