Monday, May 4, 2009
Phoenix, AZ and the Red Convertible
I think there are alot of similarities between "This Is What It Means To Say Phoenix, Arizona" and "The Red Convertible" and I also think that they may have been written in somewhat the same mindset although they are by two completely different authors.
Both are short stories written by native american authors who describe briefly life on a reservation, and deal with two male protagonists along with other characters in a subplot.
In "..Phoenix, Arizona" the relationship between the main characters is more strained at first and then through the event of a relative dying they become closer for a short period of time and then realize that they are very different from each other, but they accept it.
In "The Red Convertible" the relationship between the brothers is very close at first and then begins to fade away as time goes on and one of them comes back from the war a very different person and the other remains the same. The death of Henry breaks them apart and closure does not ever seem to come.
I believe that in a way these stories are parallel although they are headed in different directions.
Both are short stories written by native american authors who describe briefly life on a reservation, and deal with two male protagonists along with other characters in a subplot.
In "..Phoenix, Arizona" the relationship between the main characters is more strained at first and then through the event of a relative dying they become closer for a short period of time and then realize that they are very different from each other, but they accept it.
In "The Red Convertible" the relationship between the brothers is very close at first and then begins to fade away as time goes on and one of them comes back from the war a very different person and the other remains the same. The death of Henry breaks them apart and closure does not ever seem to come.
I believe that in a way these stories are parallel although they are headed in different directions.
Los Vendidos and The Boondocks
When I think further about the play "Los Vendidos" I started to be reminded of aspects in the tv cartoon "The Boondocks." Both deal with somewhat taboo racial issues and use humor to get their point across. Suprisingly to many I am an avid fan of "The Boondocks" even though I do not agree with their usage of the "n word." My favorite aspect of the show is one of the characters Huey because he is the "revolutionary" of the show and has very strong op9nions about African-American people and where the race is versus where the race could and should be. Along with his perspectives viewers are also given Huey's younger brother Riley who plays the rolse of more of the typical "Black kid" who swears and has a bad attitude and so forth. I like that the show gives sterotypes within the black culture they also assess these sterotypes and their lack of validity. It is very possible that plays like "Los Vendidos" set the pavement for shows like "The Boondocks."
Anyone that genuinely knows me knows that I am a big fan of Henry David Thoreau, one of my favorite quotes by him is:
As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.
For me this quote means a lot of different things but for one, this quote reminds me of Aristotle's principles of what constitutes ethical behavior, in that according to Aristotle ethical/moral people are those that practice ethical behaviors every day. Thoreau's quote has some of the same ideas in that it is one thing to think of doing something but it is more important to act. Sometimes if I am procrastinating on doing work that I know needs to be done I can think about this quote and it will motivate me to do something productive with my life. One, because I know that i do want to make a difference in my lifetime so before I can actually make that difference I have to go thought a lot of things that I may consider tedious but, that are necessary. Secondly, the quote reminds me that I have to get in the habit of making good habits in order to be the person I feel I need/want to be.
s
As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.
For me this quote means a lot of different things but for one, this quote reminds me of Aristotle's principles of what constitutes ethical behavior, in that according to Aristotle ethical/moral people are those that practice ethical behaviors every day. Thoreau's quote has some of the same ideas in that it is one thing to think of doing something but it is more important to act. Sometimes if I am procrastinating on doing work that I know needs to be done I can think about this quote and it will motivate me to do something productive with my life. One, because I know that i do want to make a difference in my lifetime so before I can actually make that difference I have to go thought a lot of things that I may consider tedious but, that are necessary. Secondly, the quote reminds me that I have to get in the habit of making good habits in order to be the person I feel I need/want to be.
s
Sweeney Todd
I don't know how many of you were able to go and see the school's performance of "Sweeney Todd" because the show sold out for all three nights before opening night started! I was able to go opening night and see the musical - considering that I saw it on opening night I did enjoy the show. I had heard a lot of mixed reviews from the cast so when I went to see it, I really did not know what to expect. I had been told that the director was not the best qualified for the job and that many of the cast and crew members were not impressed with her "vision" for the show. It was clear that the director was going for something very close to the more recent Tim Burton, Johnny Depp version of the musical instead of the less dramatic original Broadway version of the musical. Considering that the school's production was similar in costume, make up and scenery to the movie/musical version it almost seemed like a cheap immitation. If I have a choice of watching Ben perform the role of Sweeney versus Johnny Depp, there is no doubt that I would rather watch Johnny Depp, as I'm sure many would agree. Not to say that Ben did not do his best at performing under the circumstances, but, when you put on a play that has become very famous it is dangerous to not change things up. I feel that the production should have taken it's own direction instead of being like a "cover" performance of the movie/musical version.
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3 years from now
Three years from now I see myself graduating from a great University with my degree. I played golf my freshman year and am planning on possibly getting back on the team and get good enough to possibly pursue a career in it. I'm not positive where I will be living or where I'm going to be working. Hopefully all of that will come when my education is complete. I feel, because I am such a hard worker, that I will be very successful no matter what career I chose to be in. I want to be doing something I enjoy more than anything so I changed my major from Business to Criminal Justice. Golf would also be a great career if I get the opportunity. I don't see myself settling down quite yet. I would like to get my career in line, and figure out what I am going to do the rest of my life before getting stirred up in something like a family of my own. Three years from now will be a great time in my life. It will be a time when I am in my prime, but will be the most important time of my life because my choices then will influence me for the rest of my life!
Poem
When I was in high school we were required to create a scrapbook for my senior english class of key events that happened my senior year. I looked through it and noticed a poem I had in there. I don't even remember writing it but it was there so here it is.
Goodbye to the laughs
Goodbye to the tears
Goodbye to the memories
Of the last four years
Goodbye to the tests
Goodbye to the games
Goodbye to the people
We will never know by name
Goodbye to the teachers
Goodbye to the staff
Goodbye to the people
Who made us laugh
Goodbye to our friends
Goodbye to our foes
Goodbye to the lives
We used to know
Goodbye to this place
Goodbye to this heaven
Goodbye to the class
Of 2007
What We Talk About When We Talk About Love
I have mixed feelings about the short story, although I did really enjoy the writing style because I feel that it naturally flowed and was easy for me to follow. The structure of the story for me was almost as if I was watching a scene from a film. I strongly feel that when it comes to the topic of love too many people feel that it has to be one certain thing; that love is this, and it is not this. I would argue that love has to be defined by the people in the relationship and that with that society should stop imposing their beliefs on other people. The lady within the story that had just cam from an abusive relationship I found her very honest and mature in that she was able to realize that although what she had may not have been conventional love it was still some type of love for her and her boyfriend. Granted, I may look at that relationship and not consider it love but she was completely right when she said that for him that was love. That was the way that he knew to express whatever love he had for her. And truth of the matter is her only options were to either stay with him and accept and embrace that type of love or to believe that, what they shared is not what she would define as love. I do not think that it is fair to pass judgement on people that have lived in or do live in what society considers dysfunctional or unhealthy relationshps. When two people enter a relationship whether it is romantic or not, that relationsip is to be defined by the people in it.
The Year of Magical Thinking Discussion Questions
3. Even while describing the events leading to John's death, Didion spends time looking for the right words (i.e., "V-fibbing" page 12) and giving us snippets of poetry (page 19 and 32), notes (page 20), and research (page 21). Why might she include this information (seemingly unrelated to the story of grief she is telling?).
Joan Didion’s story the year of the magical thinking was about her grief for her husband. She included details about the period right after her husband died and also about they ways she is trying to cope with her loss. I feel she used such precious words to describe the moment because she was present at that incident. It is painful to watch the loss of your loved ones and in her case she was present at the moment. To see her husband alive and within minutes he was gone she must have been in denial or in trauma that she paid attention to such words like V-fibbing. Through the story she writes bout their history and also recalls their memory which can be that she wants to share their love and in memory of his husband. When we miss our loved we tend to think about the moment and times we spent together so therefore I believe she was doing the same with her husband in the story after his death. This can mean that she is trying to cope with her husband loss through the moment she cherished. The notes reminded of her husband and she used in form of remembering him. Every person had different ways to deal with their loss and different measures can be taken while grieving and in her case she chose to do it through the story. The research done in the story, I feel is the way to get closure for her and move on with her life.
Joan Didion’s story the year of the magical thinking was about her grief for her husband. She included details about the period right after her husband died and also about they ways she is trying to cope with her loss. I feel she used such precious words to describe the moment because she was present at that incident. It is painful to watch the loss of your loved ones and in her case she was present at the moment. To see her husband alive and within minutes he was gone she must have been in denial or in trauma that she paid attention to such words like V-fibbing. Through the story she writes bout their history and also recalls their memory which can be that she wants to share their love and in memory of his husband. When we miss our loved we tend to think about the moment and times we spent together so therefore I believe she was doing the same with her husband in the story after his death. This can mean that she is trying to cope with her husband loss through the moment she cherished. The notes reminded of her husband and she used in form of remembering him. Every person had different ways to deal with their loss and different measures can be taken while grieving and in her case she chose to do it through the story. The research done in the story, I feel is the way to get closure for her and move on with her life.
My thoughts for Luci Tapahonso's poems
At the beginning of the class I was really scared for the poems because I feel I am not that good in understanding or writing a poem but when I read poem from Luci Tapahonso it was quite understandable and I enjoyed her poems. Even though I could grasp a little out of the poem at the start I learned new thing for instance about Native Americans. I was not familiar with Native American culture at all but reading her poem made me see the boarder picture and their lifestyle. And it was so wonderful to read about their tradition and cultures which reminds me of my background filled with customs and rituals. I was frightened that I would not be able to understand her poem but her poem were not like the other poem but certain stanza. Her poems were like stories being told and it was easier for me to understand. I found the poems interesting because she could easily related her life and the culture she was raised in form of poem. In my case I find it hard to express my self through poem and I always wished that I could write a poem. After this class I will try my best to read more poem and also poem by Luci Tapahonso. It is always interesting to learn and hear about new cultures and their experiences.
After watching the play out of Los Vendidos I understood the problem that the Author was addressing much better. Unfortunately this play isn't really outdated because people still stereotype mexicans into certain groups of different class and status. Today it is much better but this should not be happening. This kind of play is meant for future generations to look back on and laugh at because the idea should be absurd to us. But it isn't, and we are all guilty of stereotyping something or someone at one point or another. On the othe rhand I found the play very entertaining and slightly absurd with the whole car metaphor being used. But I find that without it not only would the play not be as funny but it might not be as widely accepted. I found the play to be very funny as well especially the part where the mexican sales person and the secretary were kicking the other mexican. One thing I think that this play addresses is the fact the the sales pertson was a mexican and therefore was guilty of selling his own people. Also it shows how the American mexican was a sell out these problems are hard to reach a salution for but hopefully in the near future this problem of stereotyping people will be over.
Well I was listening to talk radio today and Rush Limbaw said that the Swine Flu had broke level six but it seems to be losing some of it deadliness. While Mr. Limbaw is not a specialist in diseases or anything but he is very well known for being well informed. Anyway many people are in a hysteria over this new mutation of the virus that we all know too well. The thing people either forget or don't realize is that there are nearly 30,000 deaths because of normal Influenza every year. People are in an uproar because many specialists are comparing this mutation of the flu to the plague of 1918. What people do not realize is while this may be an accurate comparison as far as the disease is concerned it is not anywhere near accurate when we compare the hygiene and medical developments that we have today to back then. Also while it is easier to spread a disease now because of international travel rates people are much more aware of the disease and are taking many of the necessary precautions.
So my group and I have been meeting at least once a week and sometimes twice a week and we were still having a hard time keeping up. we mutually decided that it was better for all of us if we stay in touch through frequent e-mail and phone calls but meet less. This has allowed for our meetings to be much more focused on the account that we all come to the meetings ready to share our findings and our ideas. I believe that this system is a much better idea than the one that we were originally using. We now have our rough draft completely done and all of our sources are complete and reviewed by all the members. Meetings are going to be harder to hold now because I have moved off campus for summer. Our group should be able to get done with this project a littlebit early, we just need to consult with Josh because he has been out of town and we are not sure what all he has done or what he needs to do. Our rough darft is basically what we are going to do I don't think we will need to do very much revision. Hope everyone elses project is going well, good luck
Chance
Chance
the Natural
The Natural not only offers a detailed rendering of the world of baseball; it also illustrates the business aspect of professional sports. How is the relationship between pro sports and business characterized in this film? What about the relationship between pro sports and gambling? Do you think that either of these relationships would be characterized differently if the story was being told today?
In the movie the Natural we see the love and game for baseball but within that aspect we also see the negative part of the game. In the natural Robert Redford is an aspiring baseball player who comes across many thing in life like losing his father, girlfriend and even the opportunity to play baseball at the start. But as he is old and decided to return to the game he comes across many changes with the game and also his life. When he joined a new team while he was older, he didn’t get to play much and his best potential was not portrayed this can be because of his age and that the coach at first didn’t believe he was all that good. The owners of baseball team also didn’t pay much attention towards him but as his potential was being shown they realized that he can be a great asset to their team. Then successful come in Robert Redford way but soon he is under the trick of the owner. The character in the movie were very business minded they all seek for profit through the main character played by Robert Redford. No I feel these relationship would be characterized same if it was being told today because till present these illegal gambling with the games do exist but the story line can be completely different people go through different situation on present today.
What We Talk About When We Talk About Love
“What We Talk About When We Talk About Love” is a short story written by Raymond Carver. Carver uses the four main characters in his story to try and explain what “Love” actually is. This story can relate to everyone in the world because at some point in our lives we have talked and tried to figure out what “Love” really is. People who have ever tried to answer the question about “Love” have always come up with different answer about what they think “Love” really is. Mel from the story says, “It seems to me we’re just beginners at love. We say we love each other and we do, I don’t doubt it…I loved my first wife more than life itself. But now I hate her guts. I do. How do you explain what happened our love” (Carver 392)? I find that after reading this quote I have become more confused about love. I always thought that if you truly loved someone you would need them in your life, or at least in some way. But Mel makes a valid point in what he says. A lot of people who get married end up getting divorce because they are not in love with each other anymore. If they get divorced then were they ever really in love to begin with? Are couples like the one described about just infatuated with each other? I have a hard time answering this question because I have not yet had a chance to experience this. Maybe sometime in the future I will find what I think “Love” is which will also allow me to have a better understanding of love.
Los Vendidos
Los Vendidos
1. Do you find the play dated? Offensive? Entertaining? Explain your reactions.
2. Do you think Valdez's aim is to make his audience uncomfortable? Why or why not?
3. The phrase "theatre as a weapon" is often used to describe Valdez's play. Do you think it is an effective weapon?
The play can be offensive as they are relating Mexican people to cars. But I found it quite interesting that the writer could relate to them as thought he was selling a car. At first I got confused if he was really selling a car or the Mexican men but as I read it was clear that they were using it in term of metaphor. As I was reading the play I had a complete different picture in my mind but as we watched the play in YouTube during the class it was quite not as I that thought. But the play was entertaining and funny but the acting made the play into a comedy. No i do not think that Valdez was trying to make his audience uncomfortable but some part can be taken in a negative form because nobody would like to see their people being put down or to see such incident. People can also take his play in a negative way because they may not like that fact the Mexican people were being sold and made fun of. I found the play had a unique storyline and it would send out a message to people.
1. Do you find the play dated? Offensive? Entertaining? Explain your reactions.
2. Do you think Valdez's aim is to make his audience uncomfortable? Why or why not?
3. The phrase "theatre as a weapon" is often used to describe Valdez's play. Do you think it is an effective weapon?
The play can be offensive as they are relating Mexican people to cars. But I found it quite interesting that the writer could relate to them as thought he was selling a car. At first I got confused if he was really selling a car or the Mexican men but as I read it was clear that they were using it in term of metaphor. As I was reading the play I had a complete different picture in my mind but as we watched the play in YouTube during the class it was quite not as I that thought. But the play was entertaining and funny but the acting made the play into a comedy. No i do not think that Valdez was trying to make his audience uncomfortable but some part can be taken in a negative form because nobody would like to see their people being put down or to see such incident. People can also take his play in a negative way because they may not like that fact the Mexican people were being sold and made fun of. I found the play had a unique storyline and it would send out a message to people.
Me Talk Pretty One Day Discussion Question #1
1. In the language classroom, as the narrator mentions, we are often asked to talk aboutthings that we would never in reality talk about:
“How often is one asked what he loves in this world? More to the point, how often is one asked and then publicly ridiculed for his answer?”
Have you ever had a similar feeling in a language classroom?
Through Kindergarten and junior year I was constantly taking Spanish classes in school. You would think after taking Spanish classes for so long that I would be able to talk in complete sentences and understand Spanish. However that was not the case and it will probably never be the case since I did not retain anything that I learned in Spanish. I remember every day when I was taking Spanish classes in high school all the Mexican students and even the teacher would ridicule me for not being fluent in Spanish. I am able to recall several instances when I would be asked to read Spanish sentences out loud and would suddenly be mocked in the middle of them. The kids would always make fun of the way I pronounced my words and would always tease about not being able to roll the R sounds with my tongue in Spanish. I became embarrassed about this so of course I naturally stopped caring about Spanish. It finally got to the point where I did not care to try fixing the way I talked in Spanish, which also led to me not caring about the language at all. I was through with Spanish.
“How often is one asked what he loves in this world? More to the point, how often is one asked and then publicly ridiculed for his answer?”
Have you ever had a similar feeling in a language classroom?
Through Kindergarten and junior year I was constantly taking Spanish classes in school. You would think after taking Spanish classes for so long that I would be able to talk in complete sentences and understand Spanish. However that was not the case and it will probably never be the case since I did not retain anything that I learned in Spanish. I remember every day when I was taking Spanish classes in high school all the Mexican students and even the teacher would ridicule me for not being fluent in Spanish. I am able to recall several instances when I would be asked to read Spanish sentences out loud and would suddenly be mocked in the middle of them. The kids would always make fun of the way I pronounced my words and would always tease about not being able to roll the R sounds with my tongue in Spanish. I became embarrassed about this so of course I naturally stopped caring about Spanish. It finally got to the point where I did not care to try fixing the way I talked in Spanish, which also led to me not caring about the language at all. I was through with Spanish.
poem
I have been writing a little bit of poetry in the last semester. After reading some of the poetry in this class, even though it can be tough to understand sometimes, I still really enjoy writing. I entered this in a New York Times poetry contest for this summer, just for fun! Hope you like it!
The Crows
In between the swaying tree tops
And the slow current of the heavy grail clouds
The crows fly back and forth; mocking her
As Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata throbs in her ears
She sat starring out into the dreadful day
The day she finally lost her soul
Her heart which was once crimson
Her heart finally black and hard
The trees have stopped blowing by now
And the current of the sky quickens
Darker and darker the color dims
The deafening squawk of the crows
And the off-key piano piece sends the feeling down her spine
She knows it is over
All hope is gone
The birds speed off
High into the heavens
She tries to follow them there
Into the only light there is left
She gets so close
But then the light fades; it is gone
Whitney Baker
The Crows
In between the swaying tree tops
And the slow current of the heavy grail clouds
The crows fly back and forth; mocking her
As Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata throbs in her ears
She sat starring out into the dreadful day
The day she finally lost her soul
Her heart which was once crimson
Her heart finally black and hard
The trees have stopped blowing by now
And the current of the sky quickens
Darker and darker the color dims
The deafening squawk of the crows
And the off-key piano piece sends the feeling down her spine
She knows it is over
All hope is gone
The birds speed off
High into the heavens
She tries to follow them there
Into the only light there is left
She gets so close
But then the light fades; it is gone
Whitney Baker
Culture
I made a comment on an earlier blog about my trip to Japan and the woman yelling because I insulted her by making eye contact. Well I decided to look up a few more gestures that can be marked offensive. We have to be careful when you are in a culture different from our own. You can really insult on accident just by doing everyday things. If you are planning on going anywhere out of the country, I would suggest doing some detailed research about the country you are visiting. Not only about gestures, but just the culture in general. There can be many things you need to know about a country before you go!
Thumbs up sign-
In America usually means good job or “OK”
In Australia, if you move it up and down, it is a huge insult
“OK” sign ( pointer and thumb in a circle with other fingers sticking up)
In America it means “OK”
In Turkey, it means someone is homosexual
In Germany it is an insult
In Australia it means zero
The peace sign
In America it means the number two or peace
In Ireland it means “f” you. (also means this in the U K)
Thumbs up sign-
In America usually means good job or “OK”
In Australia, if you move it up and down, it is a huge insult
“OK” sign ( pointer and thumb in a circle with other fingers sticking up)
In America it means “OK”
In Turkey, it means someone is homosexual
In Germany it is an insult
In Australia it means zero
The peace sign
In America it means the number two or peace
In Ireland it means “f” you. (also means this in the U K)
happiness
For my part of our final writing project, I am doing a piece on happiness. I have done quite a bit of researching on the subject, and it has been very interesting. I found a scholarly review about the study of the background of happiness. One scholar first suggested that happiness was genetic, that you can not be happier than your makeup. He wrote a book about it and everything, then a few years later; he reevaluated his statements and saw that although genetics is the base point of happiness, you control how happy you are as an individual. He used the following example to explain his new theory.
"I wanted people to know that happiness is genetically influenced but it is not fixed," Lykken says, adding that he sees the set point of subjective well-being-a term he uses interchangeably with happiness-as a lake upon which each of us sails our own personal boat. While the standard water level is determined by genetics, it will rise and fall depending on what's going on in a person's life, always returning to baseline in a fairly short while whether he or she wins the lottery or loses the house to a hurricane (Maynard). It is a really interesting article, you should check it out!
"I wanted people to know that happiness is genetically influenced but it is not fixed," Lykken says, adding that he sees the set point of subjective well-being-a term he uses interchangeably with happiness-as a lake upon which each of us sails our own personal boat. While the standard water level is determined by genetics, it will rise and fall depending on what's going on in a person's life, always returning to baseline in a fairly short while whether he or she wins the lottery or loses the house to a hurricane (Maynard). It is a really interesting article, you should check it out!
Los Vendidos Discussion Questions
1. Do you find the play dated? Offensive? Entertaining? Explain your reactions.
2. Do you think Valdez's aim is to make his audience uncomfortable? Why or why not?
3. The phrase "theatre as a weapon" is often used to describe Valdez's play. Do you think it is an effective weapon?
From the beginning of the story the audience is able to tell that the play is not up to date because the secretary, Miss Jimenez, mentions that she is shopping for the perfect “Americanized” male model to represent the Reagan administration. Unfortunately I do not find the play offensive because the ways Mexicans are portrayed in the play is the way Mexicans are in reality. It is entertaining in a way because I find it quite amusing that the Mexicans scam Miss Jimenez out of $15,000 dollars. It amuses me because I see and feel that Mexicans in America try to do anything to make a quick buck such as selling stolen good.
I do not think Valdez was trying to make his audience uncomfortable, but I feel that he was trying to prove that Mexicans are as smart and witty as regular people in America. He shows the audience this by showing that Mexicans are smart and capable of coming up with intelligent schemes, which proves that Mexicans can do anything/everything like normal Americans. Despite how Mexican’s outer appearances might seem.
I think that “theatre as a weapon” is an effective weapon because Valdez is extremely good at getting his point through play by using his characters in a creative and unique way.
2. Do you think Valdez's aim is to make his audience uncomfortable? Why or why not?
3. The phrase "theatre as a weapon" is often used to describe Valdez's play. Do you think it is an effective weapon?
From the beginning of the story the audience is able to tell that the play is not up to date because the secretary, Miss Jimenez, mentions that she is shopping for the perfect “Americanized” male model to represent the Reagan administration. Unfortunately I do not find the play offensive because the ways Mexicans are portrayed in the play is the way Mexicans are in reality. It is entertaining in a way because I find it quite amusing that the Mexicans scam Miss Jimenez out of $15,000 dollars. It amuses me because I see and feel that Mexicans in America try to do anything to make a quick buck such as selling stolen good.
I do not think Valdez was trying to make his audience uncomfortable, but I feel that he was trying to prove that Mexicans are as smart and witty as regular people in America. He shows the audience this by showing that Mexicans are smart and capable of coming up with intelligent schemes, which proves that Mexicans can do anything/everything like normal Americans. Despite how Mexican’s outer appearances might seem.
I think that “theatre as a weapon” is an effective weapon because Valdez is extremely good at getting his point through play by using his characters in a creative and unique way.
Luci Tapahanso Discussion Questions
“Conversations at the Gila River Arts Center”Where does Tapahonso’s first conversation with the medicine man take place? Why stress this setting?Where does her last conversation take place? Who does she talk to and what does she talk about? What does she mean by suggesting that “some memories and stories [are] too powerful for things as new as concrete and asphalt to destroy” (26)?
Tapahonso’s first conversation with medicine takes place on a warm spring morning at the Gila River Arts Center restaurant just south of Phoenix, Arizona. This setting is important because the medicine man and the character talk about special their special traditions that they cherish and their sacred places that they worship and believe in.
Tapahonso’s last conversation takes place when the character in the story stops by the stores across the Gila Arts Center. Tapahonso’s character talked to a Navajo man at first and then to a Navajo women. When Tapahonso’s character is talking to the man they exchange friendly jabs about their heritage to each other. Tapahonso’s character talks to the woman about her son getting married to a Navajo woman and how they were living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Tapahonso’s character agrees that Santa Fe is far, but relates to her feelings by explaining how his parents also live in New Mexico.
While driving Tapahonso’s character passes by an excavated area and remembers the voices, stories, and traditions that were once there. Even though the area was being excavated and appeared to be covered by concrete and asphalt, the memories and traditions would never go fade away.
Tapahonso’s first conversation with medicine takes place on a warm spring morning at the Gila River Arts Center restaurant just south of Phoenix, Arizona. This setting is important because the medicine man and the character talk about special their special traditions that they cherish and their sacred places that they worship and believe in.
Tapahonso’s last conversation takes place when the character in the story stops by the stores across the Gila Arts Center. Tapahonso’s character talked to a Navajo man at first and then to a Navajo women. When Tapahonso’s character is talking to the man they exchange friendly jabs about their heritage to each other. Tapahonso’s character talks to the woman about her son getting married to a Navajo woman and how they were living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Tapahonso’s character agrees that Santa Fe is far, but relates to her feelings by explaining how his parents also live in New Mexico.
While driving Tapahonso’s character passes by an excavated area and remembers the voices, stories, and traditions that were once there. Even though the area was being excavated and appeared to be covered by concrete and asphalt, the memories and traditions would never go fade away.
The Natural Discussion Questions #7
7. The Natural not only offers a detailed rendering of the world of baseball; it also illustrates the business aspect of professional sports. How is the relationshipbetween pro sports and business characterized in this film? What about the relationship between pro sports and gambling? Do you think that either of these relationships would be characterized differently if the story was being told today?
In the film business is characterized by corruption over the baseball team The Knigts. The owner of The Knights, The Judge, is corrupt and even tries to convince Roy Hobbs to lose on purpose so he have full control over the team. The Judge even goes as far as hiring a gamblers associate, who was a girl, to distract Hobbs from baseball. Her name was Memo Paris and she began a romantic relationship with Hobbs. From the point they started dating to the point where they end marked the descent of Hobbs' baseball performance until Hobbs eventually sees his childhood sweetheart at a baseball game.
In every sports there is always gambling involved. Usually gambling in sports involves lots of money, but in "The Natural" i feel that Roy Hobbs gambled with his life in the game that won The Knights the Pennant. Hobbs could have died because of the bullet wound that he suffered when he was a teenager, but Hobbs did not want to let his team down. He ended up playing in the game and even scored the winning run with his towering homerun that he hit.
I think if the story was being told now in the present day it would not be characterized differently. The relationships that were occuring back in the old days are still occuring now and willmost likely never go away. There will always be corruption in sports and there will always be gambling in sports.
In the film business is characterized by corruption over the baseball team The Knigts. The owner of The Knights, The Judge, is corrupt and even tries to convince Roy Hobbs to lose on purpose so he have full control over the team. The Judge even goes as far as hiring a gamblers associate, who was a girl, to distract Hobbs from baseball. Her name was Memo Paris and she began a romantic relationship with Hobbs. From the point they started dating to the point where they end marked the descent of Hobbs' baseball performance until Hobbs eventually sees his childhood sweetheart at a baseball game.
In every sports there is always gambling involved. Usually gambling in sports involves lots of money, but in "The Natural" i feel that Roy Hobbs gambled with his life in the game that won The Knights the Pennant. Hobbs could have died because of the bullet wound that he suffered when he was a teenager, but Hobbs did not want to let his team down. He ended up playing in the game and even scored the winning run with his towering homerun that he hit.
I think if the story was being told now in the present day it would not be characterized differently. The relationships that were occuring back in the old days are still occuring now and willmost likely never go away. There will always be corruption in sports and there will always be gambling in sports.
The Ataris - In This Diary
Here in this diary,
I write you visions of my summer.
It was the best I ever had.
There were choruses and sing-alongs,
And not a spoken feeling.
I'm knowing that right now is all that matters.
All the nights we stayed up talking
And listening to 80's songs;
Quoting lines from all those movies that we love.
It still brings a smile to my face.
I guess when it comes down to it.....
Being grown up is isn't half as fun growing up,
These are the best days of our lives.
The only thing that matters
Is just following your heart
And eventually you'll finally get it right.
Breaking into hotel swimming pools,
And wreaking havoc on our world.
Hanging out at truck stops just to pass the time.
The black top's singing me to sleep.
Lighting fireworks in parking lots,
Illuminate the blackest nights.
Cherry cokes under this moonlight summer sky.
2015 riverside, it's time to say, "goodbye."
Get on the bus, it's time to go.
Being grown up isn't half as fun as growing up:
These are the best days of our lives.
The only thing that mattersIs just following your heart,
And eventually you'll finally get it right.
This song talks about taking your youth forgranted and not realizing it until we are grown up. Also this song may talk about how people grow up and eventually move away when the time comes in their life, such as college. Everyone can relate to this because almost everyone always takes their youth forgranted and almost everyone always moves away to persue what they want in life.
I write you visions of my summer.
It was the best I ever had.
There were choruses and sing-alongs,
And not a spoken feeling.
I'm knowing that right now is all that matters.
All the nights we stayed up talking
And listening to 80's songs;
Quoting lines from all those movies that we love.
It still brings a smile to my face.
I guess when it comes down to it.....
Being grown up is isn't half as fun growing up,
These are the best days of our lives.
The only thing that matters
Is just following your heart
And eventually you'll finally get it right.
Breaking into hotel swimming pools,
And wreaking havoc on our world.
Hanging out at truck stops just to pass the time.
The black top's singing me to sleep.
Lighting fireworks in parking lots,
Illuminate the blackest nights.
Cherry cokes under this moonlight summer sky.
2015 riverside, it's time to say, "goodbye."
Get on the bus, it's time to go.
Being grown up isn't half as fun as growing up:
These are the best days of our lives.
The only thing that mattersIs just following your heart,
And eventually you'll finally get it right.
This song talks about taking your youth forgranted and not realizing it until we are grown up. Also this song may talk about how people grow up and eventually move away when the time comes in their life, such as college. Everyone can relate to this because almost everyone always takes their youth forgranted and almost everyone always moves away to persue what they want in life.
Imagine by John Lennon
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
This is one of my favorite songs of John Lennon. He was a former member of the British band, Beatles. In the 1970’s after he separated from the Beatle, he was involved in many anti war campaign. He was an activist and most of his songs were related to anti war, love, peace and life like Give peace a chance, Working class hero and many more. John Lennon was very passionate about his work and he related with songs to them. This song has a deep meaning because it talks about the possibilities and the option. This song makes me dream big, with a wonderful place with no hatred and peace all around. In my point of view since he was strongly involved with anti war, he could easily translated his believes in his music. I feel this song can be pictured as if he wanted his fans to follow his ways or even try to make an effort to stop the war during that time. His lyric is very powerful and it expresses the need for peace in the world.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Am I done?
I think I have finished all my blogs Dr. Myers.
Could you please let me know please. :)
Thanks!!
Could you please let me know please. :)
Thanks!!
The natural--long time ago.
7. The Natural not only offers a detailed rendering of the world of baseball; it also
illustrates the business aspect of professional sports. How is the relationship
between pro sports and business characterized in this film? What about the rela-
tionship between pro sports and gambling? Do you think that either of these rela-
tionships would be characterized differently if the story was being told today?
I do not think so. People, I think, have just gotten more greedy. People are always looking for ways to make more money and I am sure people in the sports industries gamble on if the teams will win or lose all the time. It sad but true. I believe most people are good but you always have a few rotten apples. Maybe not to the extent in The Natural but I'm sure there are some. Pro sports are a business now. I do not see them as anything else. They have all these guys that are getting paid millions for what they do best. People have described football players as being like the gladiators and that was a business to. If it was not this it would be something else and this is not that bad compared to what gladiators were. So I guess we will have to put up with the corruption, which there will always be in anything, but we will just have to hope for the best.
illustrates the business aspect of professional sports. How is the relationship
between pro sports and business characterized in this film? What about the rela-
tionship between pro sports and gambling? Do you think that either of these rela-
tionships would be characterized differently if the story was being told today?
I do not think so. People, I think, have just gotten more greedy. People are always looking for ways to make more money and I am sure people in the sports industries gamble on if the teams will win or lose all the time. It sad but true. I believe most people are good but you always have a few rotten apples. Maybe not to the extent in The Natural but I'm sure there are some. Pro sports are a business now. I do not see them as anything else. They have all these guys that are getting paid millions for what they do best. People have described football players as being like the gladiators and that was a business to. If it was not this it would be something else and this is not that bad compared to what gladiators were. So I guess we will have to put up with the corruption, which there will always be in anything, but we will just have to hope for the best.
Pete and Pickles
Dr. Myers suggested a book to our group that I think everyone should read. It is a children's book about a pig who has lost his wife and finds a new true friend. The book never says how his wife dies and you have to look at the pictures to actually find out that his wife is dead. It is so sweet and there is this big elephant named Pickles that helps Pete find himself again. It is not very long but after reading this book it makes you feel so much for the characters. It is now one of my favorites. The illustrations are also done by the author which is Berkeley Breathed. It is so cool how he draws the pictures and he adds little things in each of them that relate to the situation, It's hard for me to describe but you will just have to see for yourself. This book fits really well with out last writing project :)
Third writing project
My group is writing a series of letter. is anyone else doing this? Are you putting who wrote each letter? or are you leaving it as "to group" and no "from, ___". Does that make sense?? Okay just asking because I didn't know whether it would make more sense that way or not. How is everyone's coming along? Are y'all having trouble getting together because of "swine flu", oh excuse me H1N1. Tomorrow we are supposed to be meeting in the library and I do not know if it will be open. I was thinking it might because the professors are able to be in their offices. We are using the idea that humor can be used as a coping mechanism. We are using red convertible, Phoenix Arizona, and St. Lucy's home for girls. We have found some really great parts of these stories that we can work with. If you can think of some other funny parts of those stories that could also be disguising a deeper meaning. just let us know. Thanks!!
its okay...
1. Do you find the play dated? Offensive? Entertaining? Explain your reactions.
2. Do you think Valdez's aim is to make his audience uncomfortable? Why or why not?
3. The phrase "theatre as a weapon" is often used to describe Valdez's play. Do you think it is an effective weapon?
The sad thing is I don't think this play is dated. The only part that would make it dated is the reference to Reagan being president. It is a little offensive if someone didn't know that it is a satire play. If someone just stumbled upon that video on YouTube I'm sure some might find it offensive. It was funny when we watched the play in class because we knew what was going on and why he wrote it the way he did. I think he wrote it to make people look at themselves and question if they want to be portrayed the way they are. Yes, it would make me want to change and at the time it might make some people uncomfortable. It is really hard to follow at times. Unless you know why he is writing the play then I don't think may people would get the message. It seems at times he is just being cruel to make a joke. The play was written well and I enjoyed it. The play acted out on YouTube was terrible. Terrible actors and cheesy mustaches.
2. Do you think Valdez's aim is to make his audience uncomfortable? Why or why not?
3. The phrase "theatre as a weapon" is often used to describe Valdez's play. Do you think it is an effective weapon?
The sad thing is I don't think this play is dated. The only part that would make it dated is the reference to Reagan being president. It is a little offensive if someone didn't know that it is a satire play. If someone just stumbled upon that video on YouTube I'm sure some might find it offensive. It was funny when we watched the play in class because we knew what was going on and why he wrote it the way he did. I think he wrote it to make people look at themselves and question if they want to be portrayed the way they are. Yes, it would make me want to change and at the time it might make some people uncomfortable. It is really hard to follow at times. Unless you know why he is writing the play then I don't think may people would get the message. It seems at times he is just being cruel to make a joke. The play was written well and I enjoyed it. The play acted out on YouTube was terrible. Terrible actors and cheesy mustaches.
almost done
I think i'm almost done with these posts and only have 2 posts left. Let me know if that's right Dr. Myers?
Los Vendidos
1. Do you find the play dated? Offensive? Entertaining? Explain your reactions.
2. Do you think Valdez's aim is to make his audience uncomfortable? Why or why not?
3. The phrase "theatre as a weapon" is often used to describe Valdez's play. Do you think it is an effective weapon?
2. Do you think Valdez's aim is to make his audience uncomfortable? Why or why not?
3. The phrase "theatre as a weapon" is often used to describe Valdez's play. Do you think it is an effective weapon?
I find this play to be somewhat entertaining. In my point of view I see it as a hilarious comedy with bad acting. I do realize how certain people could take offense to it. The idea that mexicans are treated like vehicles for people to buy would be offensive to me if I were mexican most likely. I don't think Valdez's intentions are to make his audience uncomfortable. I think he is actually trying to make a strong point. It can be described as an effective weapon because he accomplished his goal in illustrating what he wanted to say.
Friday, May 1, 2009
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