I had some trouble coming up with what to blog about, but the idea came to me since, well, it's Sunday. I originally wanted to post Friday, but then I got busy. Then, I thought "Oh, it's alright, I'll just post Saturday, for sure! Definitely!" That definitely turned into a possibly, then a maybe, then a tomorrow. Oh, but worry not! I promised myself I would post around noon so that I wouldn't have to worry about it the rest of the day. Noon came around, and I figured that playing some video games wouldn't hurt, I could post at one instead of noon, an hour later isn't that bad, right?
"Man, that was fun. Hey, I bet I could play another quick game. Then I'll watch a little t.v., but only a little!" This kind of thought process continued for the next couple of hours, leading to right about...now.
This doesn't just apply to the blog though, because I procrastinate on a lot of things. Luckily, I always get my work done and on time, but it's really tiring to put off work all the time, as weird as that sounds. I could do the smart thing and finish my work early so I can spend my day without stress or anxiety, but I love to save it for the last minute.
I used to ask myself why I procrastinate, but it's not too difficult to see the reasoning behind it; just look at any toddler. "Can I stay up a little longer? Can I watch one more show? Can I *insert almost any activity toddlers like* just a bit more?" Since childhood, people have always tried to fit more into their day, because twenty-four hours just isn't enough. So am I calling myself immature? In that aspect, that's exactly what I'm saying. I consider myself relatively mature for a teenager, but do I have to act like an adult now that I'm eighteen years old? I probably should, but it can wait till next year.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Marc Golsmith's Precious Little Life
On Saturday, my parents gave me the complete Scott Pilgrim series as a present for my birthday. Many only know of this as the title of a movie, but it was adapted from the comic book series by Bryan Lee O'Malley. The first volume, Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life, immediately had me hooked. Not only is the main character extremely relate-able, the minor characters are what push the storyline along and help Scott Pilgrim through all of his challenges and endeavors. All of the seemingly "minor" characters become their own developed, lovable individual by the end of the series.
What makes this such an awesome series is the writing. Yes, an important part of a comic book is its artwork, but no amount of artistic skill will help a story if the writing is boring, dull, mundane, tedious...I think you get the point. What amazes me about O'Malley is his ability to introduce new characters in each volume and make me want need to learn more about them. Why does he/she act like that? What connection could they have with the other characters? What's their part later in the plot? These questions are usually answered, which is very satisfying as the reader.
Oh, and there's a lot of comedy, action, romance, and...well...everything! The simple art style had me a bit skeptical at first, but this comic proves that fantastic writing triumphs pretty pictures. Plus, the simple art style works for this series. If you have any questions about what I mean, I highly suggest you check it out. I'm really obsessed with this series, so I'll be using it as a topic in one of my future blogs.
To tie this in with AP English more specifically, I find some of the same satisfaction with the minor characters in The Namesake. I wish that the narrator could have focused on Sonia a bit more, but other than that I have no complaints in the character-development aspect of the novel. We got to watch as the Ganguli family grew out of a confused, sometimes lost group of relatives and into a strong family who cares for one another. They had always cared about each other, but in a more forced "I love you people because I have to love you." Gogol finally started showing signs of a more mature adult, which is the one thing I wanted throughout the entire book. I believe that character-development is one of the most important aspects of any piece of literature, and it's refreshing to see such great use of it in both the Scott Pilgrim series and The Namesake.
To tie this in with AP English more specifically, I find some of the same satisfaction with the minor characters in The Namesake. I wish that the narrator could have focused on Sonia a bit more, but other than that I have no complaints in the character-development aspect of the novel. We got to watch as the Ganguli family grew out of a confused, sometimes lost group of relatives and into a strong family who cares for one another. They had always cared about each other, but in a more forced "I love you people because I have to love you." Gogol finally started showing signs of a more mature adult, which is the one thing I wanted throughout the entire book. I believe that character-development is one of the most important aspects of any piece of literature, and it's refreshing to see such great use of it in both the Scott Pilgrim series and The Namesake.
.jpg)
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Succession and Reflection
"Success doesn't cause us to reflect upon ourselves."
I believe that was the conclusion we came to at the end of today's discussion.
Well, I have an interesting anecdote to combat that statement.
I took Creative Writing my sophomore year (if anyone was in my class, please correct me if I'm wrong), mainly because I had a story idea and believed this class to be the perfect outlet. I soon learned, however, that Miss Beach wouldn't be the only person reviewing my writing. Apparently the entire class would critique it and give feedback. I felt genuinely afraid, not sure how the class would take to my story. I could write a short post describing some of the plot if people seem interested enough, but I'd rather not, not right now at least. Basically, it's a fictional fantasy story that takes place in the future. The "fantasy" part had me worried, since I didn't know how the rest of the class would like it. After much anxiety, however, I decided to throw my worries to the curb.
It finally came, the day of my critique, and I was prepared for the worst. I sat down, ready for whatever the class had in store for me. The first comment from a fellow sophomore had me rather dumbfounded: "So...when is this getting published?" I know it was partially a joke, but I still felt pretty shocked by the question. The reactions continued though, as the class commented on the likable characters and their interactions with one another. Oh, sure, there were a couple of criticisms about how to improve my actual writing style, but no one belittled the story or had done anything that I originally feared. This encouraged me to continue with the story, writing on the next section for each of my future critiques. The class gave me the same positive feedback each time, while their edits allowed the writing itself to improve immensely.
Well, after my experience with Creative Writing, I made a choice; I will become a novelist. The story that had formed from a simple idea soon grew into an entire storyline. If it wasn't for the my "success" in Creative Writing, then I probably wouldn't have come to the same conclusion. I'm grateful for the supportive classmates I had, because I now know what I want to do with my life. I don't consider myself anywhere close to writing a full-length novel yet, but I will. I have the passion and drive to make my tiny idea blossom into an expansive book series that will captivate its readers with intense action, heartfelt character development, and a plot with plenty of twists and turns.
So, do I believe that we cannot reflect upon our life through success? Absolutely not. I now have a dream to work toward, and I think it's important for everyone to have their own ambition.
What's your dream/ambition?
I believe that was the conclusion we came to at the end of today's discussion.
Well, I have an interesting anecdote to combat that statement.
I took Creative Writing my sophomore year (if anyone was in my class, please correct me if I'm wrong), mainly because I had a story idea and believed this class to be the perfect outlet. I soon learned, however, that Miss Beach wouldn't be the only person reviewing my writing. Apparently the entire class would critique it and give feedback. I felt genuinely afraid, not sure how the class would take to my story. I could write a short post describing some of the plot if people seem interested enough, but I'd rather not, not right now at least. Basically, it's a fictional fantasy story that takes place in the future. The "fantasy" part had me worried, since I didn't know how the rest of the class would like it. After much anxiety, however, I decided to throw my worries to the curb.
It finally came, the day of my critique, and I was prepared for the worst. I sat down, ready for whatever the class had in store for me. The first comment from a fellow sophomore had me rather dumbfounded: "So...when is this getting published?" I know it was partially a joke, but I still felt pretty shocked by the question. The reactions continued though, as the class commented on the likable characters and their interactions with one another. Oh, sure, there were a couple of criticisms about how to improve my actual writing style, but no one belittled the story or had done anything that I originally feared. This encouraged me to continue with the story, writing on the next section for each of my future critiques. The class gave me the same positive feedback each time, while their edits allowed the writing itself to improve immensely.
Well, after my experience with Creative Writing, I made a choice; I will become a novelist. The story that had formed from a simple idea soon grew into an entire storyline. If it wasn't for the my "success" in Creative Writing, then I probably wouldn't have come to the same conclusion. I'm grateful for the supportive classmates I had, because I now know what I want to do with my life. I don't consider myself anywhere close to writing a full-length novel yet, but I will. I have the passion and drive to make my tiny idea blossom into an expansive book series that will captivate its readers with intense action, heartfelt character development, and a plot with plenty of twists and turns.
So, do I believe that we cannot reflect upon our life through success? Absolutely not. I now have a dream to work toward, and I think it's important for everyone to have their own ambition.
What's your dream/ambition?
Monday, November 15, 2010
Three Men Versus The World...of AP English 12
I find it odd, quite honestly, that I look around sixth period to only see one other male in the room. Yes, I do mean one, since I never see Kyle behind the row of girls. If I hear him speaking and I want to see him, I have to lean over my desk. Seriously, it takes a lot of effort.
No, but really, I do wonder about the odd proportion of males/females. I have never asked about the other class and how many guys fill their roster, but something tells me that the number of girls would still trump the number of guys, even if the two classes came together. Why? I have no idea. I do remember AP English generally having more females than males in it, but three guys? I don't know, it just seems way out of proportioned.
Now, hold on right there, young reader. I can predict what questions I will receive. "But Marc, why do you have a problem with a class having more girls in it than guys?" I have no problem with it whatsoever, actually. I guess I just find it weird when a question pertaining to males comes up in class, and everyone turns to either myself or the two other guys in the room.
Sometimes I just feel as though the room needs more testosterone. Maybe one day I'll come in wearing a baseball cap backwards, a ripped t-shirt, and a soda can. I know you're not supposed to have any drinks other than water in class, but I'm just that rebellious. It doesn't stop there, though. I would then smash the can on my forehead and toss it into the trash like a basketball player. Then, I would turn to whoever sits next to me and start trying to talk about monster trucks, football, and...well...you know, other manly stuff.
That's how normal guys usually act...right? Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's it.
(Um...I posted this Sunday, and now it says I posted it Monday because I edited a spelling error in it. So, if anyone gets confused on that, that's why it says Monday. No one will care, more likely than not, but I had to clarify for my own reassurance.)
Sometimes I just feel as though the room needs more testosterone. Maybe one day I'll come in wearing a baseball cap backwards, a ripped t-shirt, and a soda can. I know you're not supposed to have any drinks other than water in class, but I'm just that rebellious. It doesn't stop there, though. I would then smash the can on my forehead and toss it into the trash like a basketball player. Then, I would turn to whoever sits next to me and start trying to talk about monster trucks, football, and...well...you know, other manly stuff.
That's how normal guys usually act...right? Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's it.
(Um...I posted this Sunday, and now it says I posted it Monday because I edited a spelling error in it. So, if anyone gets confused on that, that's why it says Monday. No one will care, more likely than not, but I had to clarify for my own reassurance.)
Sunday, November 14, 2010
What's In A Name? A Lot, Apparently.
Well, I had originally meant to post yesterday, but Debate makes you unbelievably tired. Please, I encourage everyone to try and sit in a room with someone for forty minutes, while he/she tries to tell you why you're so dumb, and then go through that four more times. Oh, don't get me wrong, I love debate. The stress can just become a bit...overwhelming sometimes.
Oh, right, AP English.
Anyways, I remember writing in my journal about the name Marc and what it means literally and what it means to me personally. Well, I've thought about it more, and I have to admit that I love my name. Not just my first name either, all of it. Marc Paden Golsmith. Not your average name, huh? I'll break it down by each name (first, middle, last), since each one means something different to me.
My first name, Marc, kind of confuses me now, or at least what it means exactly. Apparently, it means a lot of different things. I have found three different meanings, which I will list; Roman Warrior, Rebellious, and Warlike. Um...yeah, most people who know me would not describe me as any of those. I do, however, fight for what I believe in and "rebel" against the norm. I mean seriously, who wants to be normal? It's just too boring.
Paden sounds like an odd middle name, right? Yeah, I kind of think so too, although I've always loved it. Some people freak out about their middle name and never want to tell people about it, but I don't mind. I adopted my middle name (and my entire name, for that matter) from my Grandfather, Marc Paden Golsmith. My parents wanted to honor my Grandfather (on my Dad's side) by naming their son (me obviously) after him. I never got to meet him, but my Dad always tells me about how great of a guy he was. I might elaborate about his great war stories in a later post, but I want to move on for now.
Lastly, Golsmith. Read closely. Golsmith. If you think I mistyped my own name, I didn't. Golsmith has no D, although it used it a while ago before I was born. My Grandfather (whom I get my name from) changed it since Goldsmith is a name of Jewish origin. The Jewish people were being discriminated against, and he had no idea how long it would last, so he decided it would benefit the family if he simply took out the D. That way, if someone asked about the name, my Dad could say that it's different from Goldsmith and not have to admit his Jewish descent. I hate the name Golsmith when I was a kid, since I would always have to repeat the name at least twice before someone spelled it right. I even received an award from the school last year, which had my last name spelled "Marc Goldsmith." Yeah, I wasn't too happy about that. I now love the name though, because the changing of our last name displays the love my Grandfather had for the well-being of his current family, and future generations of Golsmiths.
Basically, the way I see it, my name shows a lot about me. I fight for my beliefs, I honor my family, and I carry on the love that my Grandfather had for his family. If he were to see me now, would he be proud? I like to think he would.
Oh, right, AP English.
Anyways, I remember writing in my journal about the name Marc and what it means literally and what it means to me personally. Well, I've thought about it more, and I have to admit that I love my name. Not just my first name either, all of it. Marc Paden Golsmith. Not your average name, huh? I'll break it down by each name (first, middle, last), since each one means something different to me.
My first name, Marc, kind of confuses me now, or at least what it means exactly. Apparently, it means a lot of different things. I have found three different meanings, which I will list; Roman Warrior, Rebellious, and Warlike. Um...yeah, most people who know me would not describe me as any of those. I do, however, fight for what I believe in and "rebel" against the norm. I mean seriously, who wants to be normal? It's just too boring.
Paden sounds like an odd middle name, right? Yeah, I kind of think so too, although I've always loved it. Some people freak out about their middle name and never want to tell people about it, but I don't mind. I adopted my middle name (and my entire name, for that matter) from my Grandfather, Marc Paden Golsmith. My parents wanted to honor my Grandfather (on my Dad's side) by naming their son (me obviously) after him. I never got to meet him, but my Dad always tells me about how great of a guy he was. I might elaborate about his great war stories in a later post, but I want to move on for now.
Lastly, Golsmith. Read closely. Golsmith. If you think I mistyped my own name, I didn't. Golsmith has no D, although it used it a while ago before I was born. My Grandfather (whom I get my name from) changed it since Goldsmith is a name of Jewish origin. The Jewish people were being discriminated against, and he had no idea how long it would last, so he decided it would benefit the family if he simply took out the D. That way, if someone asked about the name, my Dad could say that it's different from Goldsmith and not have to admit his Jewish descent. I hate the name Golsmith when I was a kid, since I would always have to repeat the name at least twice before someone spelled it right. I even received an award from the school last year, which had my last name spelled "Marc Goldsmith." Yeah, I wasn't too happy about that. I now love the name though, because the changing of our last name displays the love my Grandfather had for the well-being of his current family, and future generations of Golsmiths.
Basically, the way I see it, my name shows a lot about me. I fight for my beliefs, I honor my family, and I carry on the love that my Grandfather had for his family. If he were to see me now, would he be proud? I like to think he would.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)