Best of the Week: Art with wire, thread, sugar, chocolate

This TED presentation was definitely the highlight of my week in humanities. The pieces of art that we saw were both unique and amazing. The pieces of thread he used to make some of his portraits were incredible. It looks like someone drew the artwork but it is actually yards and yards of thread. The creativity to be able to apply thread with art is amazing. I like the TED presenters outlook on art also. He encourages using an array of methods to create artwork, telling people to ignore criticism from others. He is proof that if someone has talent, it doesn't matter what form they chose to express their creativity. I believe that his most out of the box idea is his use of planes to make drawings in the sky. I believe that the presenter embraces a lot of aspects of humanities, and he definitely challenges the status quo with his innovative ideas. He is a good model to replicate because he goes into foreign territories and succeeds in impressing and producing great works of art.

Metacognition: Do You Mind

When I answer the Do you mind questions, I usually have to take some time to think about the question. I sometimes have to figure out my personality and answer accordingly. For example, A talent you wish you had, was one of the questions. I figured that I am a person who enjoys music and thought that if I could play some of the songs I listened to I would enjoy it even more. I believed that I would have a better understanding of the song if I actually knew how to play it. What suprised me about my thinking process is how I have to visualize myself in different situations to figure out what I would enjoy or want. This part of my process enables me to get a better understanding of myself. The Do you mind questions require us to think about where we see ourselves in the future and what we are going to be doing. These types of questions again require me to visualize where I will be in the future. I enjoy this aspect of my thinking because I can produce a vivid image and answer the questions in detail. Other questions that require us to dig into our past and pick out a rememorable moment is harder for me. I cannot always figure out what specific things in my past I find the most important. I dislike this part of my thinking because I am unable to make up my mind. The Do You Mind questions require a lot of deep thinking.

Connection: Hamlet and The Lion King

While reading Hamlet, I could not help but think of the movie The Lion King. There are actually a lot of similarities between the two stories. For instance, in both stories, the main characters' fathers are killed by their uncles. Each uncle is trying to improve their position and become king. Also Simba and Hamlet both want to avenge their fathers’ death and want to take their rightful place on the throne. The stories have a similar premise too both with villainous uncles. Simba and Hamlet are also similar in their visions of their fathers, both talking to the dead. Another Similarity between the two stories are Simba’s and Hamlet’s friends, Rosencrantz Guildenstern and are similar to Timon and Pumba. It is really amazing how many similarities these seeming unrelated stories have.

360 Degrees: Should We be afraid of Swine Flu?

The most prevalent epidemic that is occuring at the time is the break out of the swine flu. Spawning from a pig farm in Mexico, it has caused national concern with repeated reports of the disease. With an epidemic, comes a lot of speculation on how serious the outbreak is. Many believe that the swine flu will cause deaths in the United States, similar to the 150 people who were killed by the infectious disease. The president, Barack Obama, has asked congress for 1.5 billion dollars to help combat the disease. Reports have stated that the flu is spreading throughout the United States. U.S. officials however say that there is no need to panic over the flu outbreaks, since they are quite common each year. Those who are less alarmed about the outbreak point to new advances in a vaccine in early may. Swine flu is an enigma, I do not know whether to be overly cautious or go on as I usually do.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090428/ap_on_he_me/med_swine_flu

Carry It Forward:Hamlet

A common idea that reoccurs in our class discussions of Hamlet is the changing of ones' personality. Because Hamlet is part of a monarchy and is in a high position, he must act normally. People's perception of him must always be that he is strong mentally and in control of himself. This keeps the monarch looking strong and stable. When Hamlet is by himself, he goes on these rants of how horrible his situation is and woes for his father. He lets the hatred for his uncle show and a manipulative side is shown. But in the presence of his uncle, he must act civilly and show manners. The predicament he is in seems to be really frustrating and confusing. I can sort of relate to how he feels, when I am in the presence of my friends' parents I have to act differently. The context of my conversatoins and the words and subjects that I should veer away from. I act a lot differently when I switch from situation to situation. I do not know if it is a bad thing that I have to change my personality so drastically when adults are around. It may be a sign that I should control my tounge a little big better and not let foul language escape from my mouth so often.

Research: Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was born in 1564 to middle class parents. He was well educated where he was most likely taught latin grammar throughly. Shakspeare, at the age of 18, was wed to the 26 year old Anne Hathaway. He would later on become a notable playwright in London and Stratford, where he would divide his time. Shakespeare would often write his play in quarto texts, a sheet of paper folded four ways. His writing style would often change from poem to poem or play to play. Tragedies, histories, and comedies were the most common themes in his writing. All though Shakespeare was not revered in his lifetime, but would eventually be known as one of the greatest playwrights of all time.

http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/122

Carry it Forward: Creating a Future

Answering the several daily questions at the beginning of class has been an interesting activity. They are peculiar and require me to think about my future. For example, what do you want to know what you don't know right now?, was a question that was asked. It instantly made me look into my future and wonder where I would be in the different stages of my life. What profesion I will choose? Who will I marry? Will I be successful? I believe these questions are meant to make us look at our futures and how we want them to turn out. I think we should constantly thinking about our next step so we are never stagnant. Constant application is needed to be able to make a difference in our future. These questions have made me wonder whether my life will have an affect on the future and how I can shape my life so success turns to present. I have realized that I should be looking at different career choices now instead of waiting until college to figure it out. And in college I will stay motivated by looking forward to accomplish what I am working for. I believe a person who lives an organized life is kind of like a psychic when it comes to their lives. They know that they are working hard to reach a goal and will succeed if they continue.