Art Review Blog Post # 9

Art Review Blog Post

“From The House of The Dead”


Looking through the New York Times, I came across an art piece called “From The House of The Dead.” In the painting, I see a display of a man doing pyrotechnics, and a huge audience of people crowding around him. There seems to be a universal voice that is displayed in this art work. The fire that the man uses in his expression plays the role of a voice, in a very inspirational way to the audience. Almost as if he is trying to send a message to these people who are crowding around him. The author makes an attempt on creating his work to look like the time of the Industrial Revolution. In the art work you can find run down apartments along the sides, with ladders connecting one floor to another. The group of people outside crowding around the fire man must be the hard workers of those industrial factories, who barely receive money to get by. The fire that the man expresses to the workers shows almost a symbol of a revolution. I think it has to do with an attempt on strengthening morale within the working class, to revolt against the unfair government regulations.

The author in the passage talks about the works of opera director, Mr. Chereau. Mr. Chereau’s works are viewed as pieces of art that contributes to the success of opera directing as a whole. The critics used research that including his old works such as “Queen Margot” and “Intimacy”. One being about blood and brocade, while the other discusses highly erotic performances. Nonetheless the works of Cheraeu are valued highly in the opera world, without a single negative feedback from the critics.

Soheil Tayebi

The article on sugar skulls was very interesting to read. I noticed that it was a very differnet format from say the art review we had to write for our third essays. There were alot more quotes throughout the review. I would say almost 80 percent of the article was quotes. I also noticed that this particular article wasn't so much as say a typical review where the author talks about how good or bad some art work is. This article revolved around letting people in the city know about the family that visits chicago once a year to make sugar skulls for the day of the dead at the chicago museum of art. I noticed that the say voice of the author was not really present but rather the voice of a viewer was more involved. As a reviewer i think they get a bigger say than an average consumer or viewer. But these piece seemed to be from the stand point if a normal person. I did notice that alot of say research was done to right the article. There was a load of facts all throughout the article revealing things to the reader about the art, artist, and other key points. I would say that this article was very different from the type of review we have to do. As the review really had no input on there opinion, we do not have acsess to interview the artists, and all around it was more of an informative summary than a review.

Edible Art

Edible Art. Sugar skulls or calaveras are a sweet treat that is a custom of the holiday, Day of the Dead. Yolanda Perdomo’s article “Sugar Skulls,” reveals the history of the Mondragon family who have been coming to Chicago since 1995. Each year the family comes the National Museum of Mexican Art to show how they continue to use the same traditions of making sugar skulls which has been past down from their ancestors. Throughout her entire article, Yolanda creates a visual image. It is as if you weren’t reading an article but watching a short documentary of celebrating life and accepting death, instead. The article is full of quotes of the Mondragon family and visitors who come to the museum to view their art. By researching and interviewing with a bunch of people, Yolanda is able to give a more personal information to the reader versus what you would get from a textbook. I think what would help make this article stronger is if the author would have incorporated her own voice more. For example, she could describe the sugar skulls in more detail or continue to add more detail of the Mondragon working on the sugar skulls in the museum. Even though there is plenty of history describing the sweet treats, it would have been nice to hear more of the history of the Day of the Dead holiday to understand what it is about and how the skulls play in to it. The author only begins to skim the surface of everything.

River North

The River North Dance company is one of the most popular and innovative dance companies in Chicago. Recently they performed at the Harris Theater as a part of their 20th anniversary program. The company, formed in 1989, has survived despite Chicago's failed support. In the review, the author, Sid Smith, uses some really cool and interesting description words to relate to the dancers and the performance. He doesn't use the normal words that most people would use to describe a dance piece such as beautiful , flowing, and graceful. Smith uses words such as, wriggle, turgid, tense, and expressive. In using terms like these it gives the reader's idea of the company a whole different feeling. He describes some of the movements of the first piece in the show. His descriptions were definitely vivid. He relates the dancing to some things we have usually seen such as, tug of war, cages, and acrobatics. At the end of that paragraph he goes on to describe the costumes. This I think, could have been left out for something else. He could have described the show as a whole and the feeling that it game him and the audience. I would have also liked it if he had described more of their repertory and how the different pieces related and didn't relate to each other. Overall I thought the article had a lot of good, interesting descriptions.

'Uneven presentation at Rhona Hoffman is still worth seeing'

Lori Waxman of the Chicago Tribune sends her regards to the work of the late Fred Sandback, in her review of his displayed work at Rhonda Hoffman Gallery. I have no personal input on what this piece looks like at all, but was intrigued by what was written as a representation of the space of a room covered entirely in yarn. In a generally positive write up, Waxman's overview of the work is personally described as difficult to put into words and that photographs would actually take away from the work. Essentially, the critic is saying there's a transcendence to Sandback's method. Other elements brought up in the review include her giving a brief background on the artist, describing him as a minimalist best known for his working with yarn, up until his death in 2003. In a quote towards the end of the review, 'There is more than one way to draw a line', something he had been doing for the 40 years of his career. From the amount of respect to comments of great originality shown in this piece, one could probably say she was a fan of his, but this isn't to say she is biased. The critic isn't without some negativity at the least; because she does point out that portion of the room in the art just doesn't work well in the position it's placed in. She pulls from comparisons as a method of writing also, using a passed work of Sandback's something of a hybrid between Sol Lewitt and Russian Constructivist as well as comparing it to a child's drawing brought to life.

fred sandback's magical lines in space

I used the Chicago tribune as my site to find an art review. The one I chose was called Art review: Fred Sandback's magical lines in space by Lori Waxman. The author of this article uses a lot of history about art how they are eluded. Specifically about the different techniques used to show how art can be more than one or two dimensional. She uses examples of different artist and their techniques. For example, she Italian artist Lucio Fontana took a razor blade to his canvas she was kind of comparing the different techniques of the two. Lori was very descriptive about the art. She talks about how there were so many lines, some even reaching from the floor to the ceiling. In addition to how hard it was for photographers to capture this art in its true form, which was three dimensional. Lori uses her imagery about the art and how it was hard to capture it on camera to describe the art piece. She describes colors of the yarn how they were placed in certain places even where the yarn came from to help describe it. She also talks about the placing of this piece of art. How just putting it anywhere would take away from the art and it would lose some of the essence of its beauty. So this in addition to the detail things about the artist Lucio Fontana, and Fred Sandback showed me that she did a lot of research about the art work and its history.

Atheist Damien Hirst

The art review that I read was from TimesOnline and was titled “Atheist Damien Hirst to display oil paintings in St Paul's.” This article began immediately in the opening line to tell the reader about the past work of artist Damien Hirst and then related that to the work he is currently creating. Before getting into the description of the oil paintings that are to be on display, the article gives a brief narration of the entire display that will put up in the church. This gives the reader a background before introducing the actual art. Finally the article gets to a description of the paintings, however it goes beyond just telling what the paintings look like. The reader is also informed of the inspiration and meanings of the paintings. Later the article goes into more detail about the history of Hirst’s artwork and his influences.

The methods used in this article help the reader visualize the art well. By having an image of what Hirst’s other work looks like, one can easily create a picture of the art being reviewed. Also the article talks about the other work in this display in the church, which assists in giving the reader the overall feeling of the display. At the end of the article the author talks about the process of how the church brings in art to display. I enjoyed reading about this because it gave me an idea of what kind of exhibit and church this was.

The author of this art review had to do a lot of background research about Damien Hirst, his artwork, the church, and the other art on display. This research helped a lot as it gave the review more depth and gave the reader more of an understanding of Hirst’s artwork and allowed for comparisons.

Art Review Review

Here are some newspapers and links to their Art sections. I want you to find a review of a gallery or piece of art in one of these papers. Then I would like for you to analyze the article looking once for clues to voice and audience. I would also like for you to look at methods the author uses in analyzing the work. Do they compare the work with older work by the artist or work by his or her peers? How much detail do they give of the work, of the venue? What kind of research did they need to do? 250 words.

NY Times
Chicago Tribune
Seattle Times
Slate.com
Times Online

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" Research

There are a couple resources that would help me very much with researching the art I have chosen for this essay. Ivan Albright was actually commissioned to paint “The Picture of Dorian Gray” for the 1940s film adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s novel. So renting the movie would probably be a great asset to my research into this artwork. Reading the novel would be very beneficial as well. The story is about Dorian Gray, a very vain man, who trades his soul for an ever-youthful appearance. As the still-handsome Gray leads an increasingly dissolute and evil life, a portrait of himself that he has in his home rots and decays, revealing his sin and corruption. The painting itself is filled with detail, and to fully understand and appreciate these detailed allusions, it would be important to be familiar with Wilde’s work. For each sin that Dorian Gray commits in the novel, is represented in the painting in some form of decay. There is a cat that appears next to Gray in the painting as well, and I can assume that this too is a literary reference and would have much more meaning if I had read the book. Of the research that I have done, it is very helpful to learn about why the artist made this piece. As I stated earlier, it was for a film version of the novel, and as I read more about the film I learn a lot about the artist and this specific work of art.

Research Ideas

What research can I do to improve my essay? I came up with ideas like researching about the history of thrifts stores, facts about the art institute and the artist himself. There were two ideas, however, that I felt would be best to improve my essay: incorporate my own experiences and researching other lost traditions in America. I have been to thrift stores many times. I really enjoy looking at the old items that have been preserved but I have always found myself asking why some items, such as old photos and wedding gowns, are in a thrift store. Why would people want to give these things away? Shouldn’t they be more precious to the families that they belong to? It was interesting to go through the different photos especially, because looking at those old photos was like going back in time and exploring what was really occurring during the time. The photos revealed what it was really like versus the history books from school that we use all the time that may sugar coat it. Those old photos are timeless.
Also, I found it would be extremely useful to compare the lost language the artist was describing, which is photography, with other lost traditions. The best example of a slowly dying out tradition is the newspaper. Newspapers, back in the day, were extremely popular and everyone always read one to find out what was going on in the world and locally at the time. But now, most people do not bother to get a newspaper because they can easily access the news through the Internet. It might be interesting to talk about the lost use of a landline telephones, computers and VCRs, too.

essay #3

I think what can really help me on my essay is research a typical lifestyle in Chinese culture. What are their jobs like? What is their home life like? What kind of effects does the government have on the people? How are their lives different to ours in the US? Although their economy is not the best, there is a gradual increase in employment rates. Most of these jobs are in the marketing field. There are also jobs available in the teaching lower grade levels, especially in teaching English. I want to explore the specific qualifications for jobs like these and see if it is easier or harder to get a job in China. I also want to explore what it is like to be a student in China and if the curriculum is easier or harder than the curriculum here. What is college life like for students? I also want to explore what their home life is like. I want to explore the differences between the roles of men and women. Also what traditions do they have? How important is family in the Chinese lifestyle and how does it compare to the American views on family? The typical American family seems to have many traditions that have been passed down through the years, some are shared by the country, and others are specific to a family. I also want to see if the government has as much of an effect of their culture as our government has on ours. These similarities and differences are the biggest thing that I want to research for my paper.

I went online and found two sources that are really gonna help me with my third essay. The first was a site on photography and the second was a another blog site for artist. I looked up some basic techniques of photography and some skills needed to accomplish art through photography. I learned some different styles of photography and techniques. I learned about a school in germany that is famous for its revolutionary styles and for the people that attend. There is a technique called the rule of thirds where pictures should line up according to imaginary lines that photographers use. I also learned about ISO setting and how a photograph can blend the background and foreground. Also how the background can be in some what focus while the subject is crystal clear. Another thing i learned from the second blog source was about the artist, and his background. He was originally from maine which gave me some insight on the berries. I also got to see some of his other artwork, so i can understand his style and what he was all about. I think that these two resources can help me with my next draft because i can add more detail to the essay. And also i can understand the art better so i can make more educated review of the artwork.

Blog Post 8 (Research)

Blog Post # 8

Research



I like to use information on the history of Shanghai as a resource for my artistic piece. My piece had to do with the transition of shanghai from a rural village to a city full of sky scrapers. The piece wanted to express how those “old small towns” started loosing its value due to the rise in the new generation.

I looked up information on the history of Shanghai, and I found out that it started out as a fishing village. Over time, it became a huge area for the growth of cotton, and it soon began to earn its name as one of the biggest cities in China during the 18th century. The amount of revenue that generated from Shanghai began to vastly expand, and many things came into play. Foreigners intruded on China’s soil to reap some of the benefits China was earning. Over a long period of time Shanghai was controlled by many countries particularly the Japanese. However, once China received its freedom, the Chinese National Government gained control of Shanghai. All of the businesses that were left behind from the other countries, were one by one taken over by the Chinese Government.

The businesses led to a need for reconstructing a city that catered to the businesses’ needs. Thus this was the reason why small rural areas that thrived as a fishing capital, was slowly being taken over by bigger businesses. So I found out that one of the main reasons the small villages were demolished for the sake of tall buildings, was because it made more money for China itself.

Soheil Tayebi

Trip to Shanghai

I think a visit to Shanghai would be a better resource to writing my paper. Because in one of my pieces of art shows pictures of certain areas of Shanghai before and after. I think it would help me understand if the artist feelings towards the changes in Shanghai were positive or negative, which can relate to all of my pieces I am writing about. Some of the artist that I am researching are difficult to understand because I do not know if they really like or dislike the changes that are going on in Shanghai. I think the development of Shanghai is great, but losing its heritage and the style of the old Shanghai neighborhoods is a bit sad. Another good reason for me to visit would help me with with my piece "Build your own home" I would probably understand how hard it was to make the homes in the old Shanghai neighborhoods and I would probably be able to feel the emotions that the people, specifically the elders of the Shanghai neighborhoods felt. I would also be able to relate to the younger people of the neighborhood and how the new Shanghai city would be better and helping the city of Shanghai become a better city.
A trip to Shanghai would be awesome because I would get to learn more about the traditions and a lot of cool cultural things about the city. I think it would get a better perspective of what development and destruction of Shanghai really means to the people who live work and play there.

Mother Knows Best

The inspiration for looking into Edward Hopper, as I talked about in my essay, comes from my momma, since she is a very big fan of his. She likes to paint herself and I can see alot of influence from him in her pictures. During parent's weekend, my mom even had me critique some of her latest work and said she would paint me one of the pictures for my apartment here. What make the work my mom and Mr. Hopper look so alike to me, is that she draws lots of scenery around her and really emphasizes on the still beauty of it, such as looking out the window of our home during a snow storm and recreating the view from the inside viewpoint. Very like Mr. Hopper, my mom likes to use oil based paints. They're very rich in their colors and really bring out the liveliness that would be most easily found when in motion, At least, that's how I see it. She works as a teacher in a school as well, and in her home room, she painted a giant version of a painting she had seen once. I'm not sure what the name of the artist who painted the original was (it may have actually been a picture), but there is such a similarity between it and Mr. Hopper's work that can make almost see like a homage.

I patiently look for my name on the package wall in the lobby to see my name, so I can get her next painting and bring a little bit of Maryland to my West Coast residence. :)

Merce Cunningham

I am comparing my art pieces to the work of choreographer Merce Cunningham. This fall I had the opportunity to see his company live at the dance center. His choreography is unlike any other dance I’ve ever seen. It’s extremely abstract; it contains no underlying meaning. He creates dance about dance. Cunningham focuses purely on the movement itself as he reveals the dancer’s incredible strength and control. Many choreographers, especially those in ballet, concentrate their choreography around a central point, directing the eye of the audience. Cunningham, however, creates multiple centers in his work, allowing the audience to choose what it looks at.

By looking more into Cunningham’s choreography, I will be able to more effectively analyze the art of Ellsworth Kelley. Merce Cunningham’s approach to his art is very similar to that of Ellsworth Kelley. Kelley’s paintings are incredibly abstract. He paints realism in the most conceptual ways. The legs of a chair become white streaks across the canvas, obscuring all hope of depicting the object. His paintings also contain no focal points just as Cunningham’s dances. Both leave the observer the choice of what to look at, and even to determine the meaning. This kind of art looks beyond the artists’ initial vision.

The style that Kelley and Cunningham share can clearly be applied to various types of art. Today composers, photographers, visual artists, and even writers explore this new approach. Art no longer follows the traditional means of creation and significance. Cunningham, Kelley, and a variety of other artists were the first to begin this innovative method.

Blog Post #8 Research

For this post I want you to find one resource that you believe will help you in writing essay #3. Then write at least 250 words on what it is and how it will help. Be specific!

Spring Awakening

Spring Awakening is everything you Grandmother would not want watch with you, but is everything that should be watched by your Grandmother.
Spring Awakening is one of my favorite all time musicals! I like this show because it is controversial and its very different when it comes from a performance stand point. It touches on subjects that most musicals do not just shout out!
Because its so controversial people tend to view it as filth. The musical addresses many topics such as sex, rape, insets, masturbation and homosexuality. The musical talks about how people now and in the Victorian age did not talk to their children about sex, and the effects it has on teens as they grow into adulthood. I think Spring Awaken makes a good point as when they sing about raunchy topics! I think this musical should be seen by audiences of all ages that can comprehend what sex is. Some people think that this show is dirty, but I think people should see this show so that they can become comfortable with talking about such delicate subjects.
The music to this show absolutely is awesome. I like the fact that they made this show from the book Spring Awakening by Steven Sater. They take his words and express it so uniquely in the show. I also like the music in the play. Because its rock music, it separates itself from the stereotypical musical genre of show tune mu

The Giving Tree

One of my favorite poems of all time is Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree." Besides that fact that I loved Silverstein when I was growing up, and that I think he does an amazing job teaching kids about rhythm and movement of words, I think it is a timeless piece.
For some reason it's just something so childlike and simple that it really fills me with a lot of emotion. I think it is beautiful.
The poem addresses so many themes that people face throughout their lifetime, and this is why I think it is so relevant to our society today and in the future. It addresses the ideas of growing old, greed, sacrifice, friendship, and love. Although Silverstein made this story for children, I think adults can take just as much, if not more from it. We have all faced loss and pain as the tree does, and we have all been the boy too. Because it is stated in such simple words, the poem is not pretentious or self promoting. It is something anyone can understand, open to the world, and thus a perfect piece of art.
Here are the last pages of the poem:

And after a very long time
the boy came back again.
"I am sorry, Boy,"
said the tree," but I have nothing
left to give you -
My apples are gone."
"My teeth are too weakf
or apples," said the boy.
"My branches are gone,"said the tree. " You
cannot swing on them - "
"I am too old to swing
on branches," said the boy.
"My trunk is gone, " said the tree.
"You cannot climb - "
"I am too tired to climb" said the boy.
"I am sorry," sighed the tree.
"I wish that I could give you something....
but I have nothing left.
I am just an old stump.
I am sorry...."
"I don't need very much now," said the boy.
"just a quiet place to sit and rest.
I am very tired."
"Well," said the tree, straightening
herself up as much as she could,
"Well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting
Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest."
And the boy did.
And the tree was happy.

Blog Post 7

Blog Post #7

The Pursuit Of Happiness

I believe that the movie “The Pursuit of Happiness” starring Will Smith is one of the greatest pieces of art I’ve ever discovered. The movie has Will Smith working an independent job with barely enough money to provide for his wife and kid. Given that his job wasn’t going anywhere, his wife left him. All he had was his son who he wanted to provide for, but his job wouldn’t let him. He decides that he wants to be an investment banker, but to do this, he needed a degree in investment banking. Will didn’t have a degree. So Will Smith does nothing but beg and beg and beg to an investment bank board of members for the smallest thing like an internship. Him and his son move from one shelter home to another day by day in search of food for his son. Will does nothing but study for his exams, and get coffee for those above him in the internship. He believed that the suffering would soon end, and that he was on the road to the pursuit of happiness. After going through nothing but hardships, after hard work and dedication, Will is given the opportunity to work as an investment banker. He achieved his dream of providing for his kid, and more. He reached the pinnacle of happiness, and owed it all to determination, motivation, and relentless hard work.

It is innovative, because the movie is based on a real story. The fact that it’s based on a real story makes it more motivating for watchers because it makes anything that seems impossible, possible. It will stand the test of time, because no matter how many years go by, the only way to get somewhere significant in life, is by putting forth extremely hard work.

The piece of art I think that everybody should look up and listen to is redemption song by Bob Marley (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFGgbT_Vasl). Just listening to this song brings back so many happy memories for me. I can remember me and my dad singing this song together when I was only a girl. I had to be no older than five years old but then it was just something that I did with my father but now that I am a woman I realize the meaning of this song and the impact this song had on the world. Some of these lyrics in the some derived from a speech given by the orator Marcus Garvey. He really painted a picture with his choice of words and the dynamics in this song are incredible. It’s so smooth but it still has a passion and purpose behind it and when he really wants you to listen to what he is saying he makes it really clear. The part of this song that strikes me the most is:

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
None but ourselves can free our minds.
Have no fear for atomic energy,
cause none of them can stop the time.
How long shall they kill our prophets,
While we stand aside and look? ooh!
Some say its just a part of it:
We’ve got to fulfill de book.

This is so powerful!! See the song wasn’t just something appeasing to the ears but also stimulated the mind and effected your emotions too.

A piece of art that i really enjoy and respect is a song by Grand Funk Railroad. The song is Im Your Captain from the album Closer To Home. I first discovered the song in about the 8th grade while riding in my dads truck. I actually remember the 1st time i heard it. I could remember thinking about what the meaning of it was and i was very impressed with the bass and drum riffs. The song was the ending song on there 1970 album release. It has to movement the first is im your captain and the second closer to home. I think what made it incredible is that the whole song is escalating the whole time, till finally it explodes at the end. The whole song is a build up. It uses mellow tomes and slow rock as well as straight ahead in your face rock. The words have meaning and you can feel it in the singer (Mark Farner's) voice. It has a sense of urgency as it sounds like he's pleading with the listener. It sounds as though he is singing the sound for you, or wrote it for you. I identify with it in different ways but it is said to originally have been written about the Vietnam war. I have played this song with my band and i have actually gotten goose bumps from hearing it, playing it, and singing along with it. Its amazing that a 10 minutes song can stir my emotions like that. Something else that makes the song original was the incorporation of an orchestra in the background with the band. It was amazing to here a rock band playing with an orchestra. The song and even album is a classic and will be played for as long as music is. It had the epicness to last forever and will still relate to people who are missing there home and are in a moment of desperation. It was one of the bands greatest hits and one of my favorite songs of all time.

"Kiss" by Susan Marshall

The very first time I watch this piece, I got goose bumps. A surge of electricity was sent through my body as I sat there watching in awe. Flashes of memories, plots of books and movies came to mind. “Kiss” choreographed by Susan Marshall is like no other dance that I have ever seen before. What first grabbed my attention to the dance was how the dancers are suspended in the air, yet they are still able to make a connection with the ground. Susan Marshall was able to create the emotion of a kiss and its effects on a person, which is what it is like to be in love. As the viewer, you are still able to determine what that emotion means to yourself. The movements and the music work well together. Most of the time, dancers will move to the rhythm of the dances, but in this particular dance, it is as if the movement of the dancers is defining the music. (They are composing the music which each step.) You can feel the passion between the dancers and their addiction towards one another. To the dance community, this piece is very innovative. Though it uses a common theme, it brings creativity of moment to a new level. It is a new approach towards modern dance. Will more dances start to be suspended in the air? This piece is fairly new so it is now facing the test of time. I believe that years from now, people will still be enchanted with the beauty of this dance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyx8efetvIY

the piece

So to be perfectly honest,i have just spent the last half an hour thinking of pieces that I have seen and music that I have heard and it is so difficult for me to pick something that tops them all. I have had so many influences throughout my life of people, places, and things that have made me want to dance. As I start to look back on these influences one person in particular comes to mind. When I started dancing at the age of 7 she was probably 17 or 18 years old, her name was Charlene Hoffman and my goal in life was pretty much to be her. She was the star of my studio and everyone looked up to her. At the time she was the most beautiful dancer I had ever seen. She could do it all, ballet, jazz, contemporary, even tap. My teachers just loved her and talked about her often. She even choreographed her own piece in the end of the year recital. After she left my studio she was cast in as company in Los Angeles, California. All I remember thinking was that she had the life, the life that I wanted. I think that every artist has a person like this who they aspire to be.

Over my last few years of high school and coming into college I have found myself becoming my own version of Charlene. During the past year at my studio I was there pretty much everyday. I taught classes and worked hard on my own dances and developing my choreography. Little did I know, I became that girl that everyone looks up to.

100 Campbell's Soup Cans

I first came upon Andy Warhol’s art in Santa Fe, at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. I had been looking at the most realistic paintings of flowers I had ever seen and suddenly I walked into room full of paintings and prints that looked like cartoons. It was brilliant. I was in love with Andy Warhol’s modern art. After that experience, I looked more into his work and that’s when I found the 100 Campbell’s Soup Cans.

It is extremely repetitive, as it is only a print of a painting of one can, but to this day, that print stands out to me as being one of best pieces of art of all time. It makes the observer question it. Why? Why 100 soup cans? That’s exactly the point, why did Andy Warhol turn his one soup can into 100 soup cans? It was innovative, imaginative, and absolutely ingenious. It’s not a print that demonstrates talent; it’s a print that shows the creative thinking of an intellectual and daring artist. Warhol took an object from everyday life, and turned it into something interesting to look at.

Andy Warhol has taken his soup can and worked it in all kinds of different ways. Sometimes it stands alone, sometimes the label is peeling off, sometimes it is a different color, and sometimes there are 32 cans, instead of 100. This new approach to art made Warhol a pioneer in the pop art movement, why shouldn’t this piece of art stand out among all others? It became famous worldwide after it was released. Not because people loved it suddenly. Some people may have hated it, others may have loved it. Regardless, people notice it when they walk by. It sparks a curiosity in people and they wonder to themselves, what this piece of art means and why did the artist create it.

Blog Post #7

For this post I want you to argue for a piece of art. Tell us why a certain painting, movie, play, song, tight rope walk, etc... is the greatest piece of art you've ever discovered. Be specific, what about this piece of art works? Don't just say it's amazing; it blows my socks off; it makes me want to create. Tell us what specifically is different about this piece than other pieces of the same genre. What makes it innovative? Why do you think it will stand the test of time?

Do this in 250 words or more. Also post a picture, you tube video, etc... of that piece.

Plus, I want you to make at least one comment on one of your classmate's posts. You must do this to receive full credit!

Jessica

Jessica has a secret. She’s a kleptomaniac. It all started when she accidentally stole a ring from a clothing store. She had tried it on and forgot to take it off before she left, and when she got home she realized what she had done. At first she felt extremely guilty, she had never done anything like this before, but as she looked at the silver band in her hand, she was filled with a twinge of excitement. Jessica had never done anything so wild in her life, and she liked it. After all she hadn’t hurt anyone had she? And 45 dollars for a cheap accessory is a bit overpriced, so why should she feel bad at all?
So she went back to the store, this time slipping a bracelet over her wrist, and making sure to carefully tear the price tag off of it. As she walked past the high security doors, she was filled with an adrenaline rush, knowing now that she was stealing for the first time intentionally. And she felt even more excited than before.
Jessica has the best wardrobe and accessories of all her friends. Sometimes they wonder how she manages to pay for college and shop at all the name brand boutiques, but she just tells them she has a very rich aunt. Standing on the El she grips tightly to her bag, because god knows it would be terrible if someone stole from her.

Oliver and his Dad

I sitting on the subway recently and a man and his sons boarded. The son was maybe 8 years old and his father told him to take a seat in the empty one next to me. As he did, I exchanged glances with the man and smiled at him, giving my approval for the son to sit there. At first was put off by the man. He seemed stern. He must’ve had a long day at work. As the train sped off through the dark tunnels he started talking to his son. The boy was thirsty, but he was going to get water soon, the man told him. Then they began to joke. The dad told the boy that he was going to give his son a glass of sand. The boy thought that was funny. He turned around and said that he had eaten grass before. There conversation continued until they reached their stop. “Ver this is our stop,” he said, “Oliver this is our stop.” “I heard you,” Oliver responded. Then they got up and left the train, but not before the dad had a chance to mouth thank you to me.

I’ve though a lot about these two characters from the train, especially the boy. What are there stories?

It was about 6:00 when I ran into them. The dad had just finished work and picked-up his son Oliver from care-after-school. Since the mother is no longer in this story, Oliver’s dad has to work extra hard. His wife died a year ago leaving her husband alone with his son. Because of this, Oliver is very close to his father. Oliver is an only child, so he spends a lot of time with his dad. They are best friends. Oliver is a responsible kid and he respects his dad. This family of two lives in the city, so Oliver has never experienced neighbor kid-play. But that’s okay. He enjoys his friends at school, but usually doesn’t see them away from school. He likes it that way…he’s an introvert. He would rather we hanging out with his dad, and their dog Roger. Oliver likes to go to park and run around. The fall is the best, because you can jump in the leaves. Sometimes Roger even jumps in the leaves with him. Oliver also enjoys getting ice cream at the little shop down the street. This only happens on special occasions. He loves it there, because the lady behind the counter always knows what he wants. Sometimes his dad is busy though, and Oliver seeks entertainment in his small, but friendly room. He builds forts, works of crafts, and writes. Oliver and his dad are happy people. Through the sadness of the mother’s death they have found joy in each other and are living a good life.

Jonathan Johnson

Standing 6 foot 1 Jonathan Johnson was a dream. Perfect caramel complexion, and dark brown heart piercing eyes. In addition to that he had a smile that could melt your heart, among other things. He was a well spoken young man. I could tell he was well educated probably an upper classmen or a fresh gradate. When he spoke the words melodically flowed from his mouth. He was a music major his hands gave him away. Not rough like working hands but they had softness to them. Like he played the piano for years. I asked in my curiosity and I was right, the way his eyes lighted up when he spoke about music was something breath taking. It wasn’t what he was saying it was the passion behind it, the love. I could listen to him talk for hours about anything but before I knew it his stop was up and off he went. Only leaving his unforgiveable scent to intoxicate us all. Leaving us begging for more.

Its almost too wonderful to be Jane...

Jane is 32 years old. Today I saw her getting off a coach bus in front of the Hilton Chicago Hotel. She is on a conference with her future film development company. Her company is looking for the next best children cartoon and they have five cartoons to review, all of the artist are Columbia students. Not only is Jane reviewing the artist she has a bit of a crush on the intern Roger! Everyone knows that there is a tension between Roger and Jane but says nothing, because if anything were to happen the boss Big Ricky will, well for lighter terms say he'll put an anchor to his face and by anchor I mean his fist.
Jane tries to stay fathful to her husband and rekendal their romance by talking a romantic walk in grant park. Jane and Ricky met there when they attended Columbia. The love life is fix whenever Jane realizes that Roger is a young hansom boy and that every girl on Columbia's campus wants him too.
Jane and Ricky go back home to their home in Boston and live happily ever after collecting stamps and adopting multiracial children.

Rupert

Meet Rupert. Rupert is the 6’ 5” man wearing the dark blue, floor length trench coat and a green hat with a feather. He is a 47 year old man from a small suburb about 40 miles southwest of London. The girl on his left is Rupert’s daughter who is a freshman in college. Looking at this man you may think that he is a loving father here for a short visit. But what his daughter and everyone else don’t know is that Rupert is not just the friendly car salesman they all believe him to be; he is a secret assassin. Many people wander where Rupert gets all his money. (Coming from a small town, there isn’t that much business.) When they ask him how he acquired all his money, he responds by telling them it was an inheritance from his parents. The truth is Rupert’s parents were poor farmers. When Rupert was about 16 years old, he left his parents were murdered by a greedy businessmen that wanted to buy their land. From that day forward, Rupert promised to seek his revenge for his parents. Days later, he got his revenge. A man in an expensive suite approached Rupert, explaining to him that he could use his “talents.” The rest of story is history and leads Rupert to become the assassin he is today. Over the years, Rupert has gained a trademark. A single feather he leaves at the scene of each crime. I feel sorry for the guy who dares to break his daughter’s heart.

Danny

Danny is a woman on the bus. She is siting elevated on the back row of bus seats. Her hat is lowered on her head and she is wearing a big black jacket. She has her juicy purse on the seat next to her. She was wearing blue jeans and uggs. He shirt is covered by her jacket and she is wearing little jewelry. She has a wedding ring on and a bracelet.

Danny is a woman who works at an office in down town chicago. She is originally from Texas and moved to california when she was little. She works as a receptionist in a big office in downtown chicago, and loves her job. There isnt alot of stress and theres no take home work. She goes to work and comes home. She has weekends off and is not consumed with her job. She has a husband named Kevin who works at a car shop. He owns his own place so when ever she gets a chance she goes and helps him. She and her husband are best friends and spend alot of time together. They love each other and there house in the suburbs near the shop. He parents live close by in Indiana and her and Kevin visit almost 4 times a month. ! She works hard on a daily basis but is living comfterably with he husband and never really worries about money. They are plaining on haveing kids soon but are enjoying being married for the time being. She is probably on her way home from work at this time and like every other tuesday will go home meet her husband and go to a play.

Blog Post 6

Creating a Life


The person I am going to describe is sitting on the right side of the train aisle. He has a white cap, black hair, glasses, a green north face jacket, regular blue jeans, and white tennis shoes. He appears to just be gazing at the window of the train looking out at something.

This person’s name is Jim. Jim works at a law firm with his father as his boss. He works out in the city, but lives out in the suburbs of Chicago with his fiancée Stephanie. He works a normal 9-5 job, but being that his father is his boss, Jim gets Friday’s through Sunday’s off. During the weekend, Jim likes to go out with his friends, watch the Chicago Bears games, and if the chance comes, spend some extra time with Stephanie. His father is a season ticket holder for the Chicago Bears, but Jim’s dad usually can never make it due to work. So on Sunday’s, Jim usually goes with one of his friends, depending on who he is in the mood for.

Jim’s jacket shows that he can hold his own, being that a north face jacket is very expensive. His father pays him well, so that he is able to provide for his future wife and kids down the road. In this picture, you can see that it is the weekend because Jim isn’t wearing a suit. Jim is actually headed back home from the city because he had to run some errands. He is on his way to spend some time with Stephanie by asking her to come with him to the Chicago Bears game. He is hoping she would say yes, and not make him go shopping with her. Otherwise, it is just another Sunday for Jim, trying to relax as much as he can before he goes to work tomorrow morning.

-Soheil Tayebi

Sightings

A couple days ago my friend and I were sitting by the window at Epic Burger. Were sat there talking about our friends and what was going on in each others lives. Soon after we found ourselves looking out the window at the people passing by. We looked at what they were wearing and what they were doing. We could point out all the kids who went to Columbia, Depaul and Roosevelt. We were looking at the new kids and the students who we could tell where upperclassmen. We saw the business people who work in the high rise buildings. And the nannies trying to take care of their children. Although we only saw these people passing by for a few seconds, we could see how they fit into different categories and stereotypes. Although each of these people were different some of them shared a common story.

Blog Post #6

For this post I want you to create a life! Observe someone on the train or bus and create a back story for the person. Describe them to us in detail and then tell us about them! What do they do for a living? Are they married? Single? Do they have kids? What are their hobbies? Did they go to college? What was their major? Describe them fully. Make us feel like we know this person better than their best friend. Go wild.

All your base r belong to us

Being raised on the internet age, I've become quite familiar with the use of words that has come to be termed 'leetspeak'. It is a use of broken english used primarily on the internet, but has crept it's way into use in real life. Terms like 'teh' (meaning 'the') and 'n00b' (term for 'newbie') originated here. More famously, it has been used in picture of animals as an interpretation of what they are thinking, such as 'lolcats' ('lol' meaning 'laugh out loud') and the Orly Owl ('orly' means 'Oh, really?'). Many also originates from broken english used in video game, such as the famous line from the video game Zero Wing, 'all your base are belong to us'. I was a member of various internet forums for the last 6 years or so, and though not as much as others, I enjoyed reading and using the terms both on the computer and in real life. Of course, I know they're improper and never use them for anything beyond a comedic effect, so when writing and reading something serious, I'm not going to use it. It's just a fun, lazy way to get a language across on a site like Facebook or Twitter, more than anything else.

...I r internet nerd, lol.

Grammer

i would say i have a couple of mistakes that i make often. I use txting lingo instead of proper english. i would say. hey meet me here @ 2 n im cookin dnnr. I have to catch myself using this when i have to write correctly. The biggest mistake i always make is using the wrong word. If i say mean right, i may type right or write and not notice. Spell check doesnt catch it cuz its a real word. This is a common mistake that alot of people make. I find myself having to read things that i write over and over again, because i've become use to it. When i read over the word i just don't recognize that its the right sounding word but wrong word. I do it a lot when it comes to There, Their, and They're. I find it hard ti distinguish the difference sometimes. Maybe its because i never really learned the difference and i use which ever one comes out first.

i know the only way to fix it is to actually learn witch word goes where. I have to look up where and how to use words that are similar.

grammar

I think probably my biggest fault in grammar is in text citations. I get really confused about what to put in my papers because there are so many ways to do an in text citation and sometimes different teachers have different preferences as to what they want you to do. There are specific rules for how to site a quotation, or even paraphrasing. Here are some ideas to help problems with in text citation:

Single Author

“she believed that her theory reflected the pull within all of us as human beings--between our need for security and our urge to risk the unknown.” (Jowitt 151)

Corporate Author

“she believed that her theory reflected the pull within all of us as human beings--between our need for security and our urge to risk the unknown.” (Nat Archive Publishing 151)

Works with no Author

“she believed that her theory reflected the pull within all of us as human beings--between our need for security and our urge to risk the unknown.”("Time and the Dancing Image"

151)

In most other cases just page numbers are sufficient.

Does This Make Sense?

The biggest problem that I have with my writing is the overall structure of my sentences. I always struggle to write something that would make sense to the reader. I also struggle with how I get my point across. One of the things I noticed that affects my clarity is I forget/ leave out words. When I forget certain words, the whole meaning of my sentence will be wrong. To improve and correct my grammar problems, I need to be in the habit of re-reading my work out loud to hear the mistakes.

Examples:

a.) The sunset orange, pink and yellow.
b.) The sunset was orange, pink and yellow.

a.) Mary Wigman used masks as a decoration, but as a component of expression.
b.) Mary Wigman used masks not as a decoration, but as a component of expression.

They're, Their and There

A common error that people make is the difference between "They're, Their, and There" because they all sound alike. Here is how to fix it:

They're: means they are.
Examples of correct usage: They're going to miss the movie.
They're not going to win the contest.
Examples of incorrect usage: Did you hear they're music?
Put the cake right they're.

Their: Often means that there is more than one person involved.
Examples of correct usage: Lets go to their house after class.
She always braids their her so nicely.
Examples of incorrect usage: Lets meet their after midnight.
Their lies the longest snake in the world.

There: References to a place.
Examples of correct usage: There are too many people in this elevator.
Ill see you there after the play.
Examples of incorrect usage: There meeting us for dinner on Tuesday.
Lets see there new movie, it comes out Friday.

his/her NOT their

I believe that the worst grammar problem that I, or anyone else, has dealt with, is the use of “their” or “they” in place of “his/her” or “he/she”. We have to be careful of this when talking in the singular. The most common mistake is using these words in sentences that could refer to either gender, masculine or feminine.

This grammar error often slips by during the editing process. We read incorrect sentences as being correct because we are so used to seeing it in the wrong way. Usually this error occurs when there is no gender difference in the subject and “their” is used as the pronoun. This makes no logical sense, though it sounds correct.

The best way to fix this is to just pay more attention to how you are using the words “they” and “their.” Ask yourself if it is referring to one person or multiple people. Many people forget or don’t even know that they are making this error and so they cannot fix it. Once your paper is finished, read through it, and pause every time to come across the word, to make sure it is being used correctly.

Incorrect Examples:

- A person is entitled to their own opinions.
- Last year my friend hosted a party at their house.

In these examples, the subject is singular yet the pronoun is plural.

Correctly they would read: A person is entitled to his/her own opinions and Last year my friend hosted a party at his/her house.

Correct Examples:

- The people in the band all had their own instruments.
- Several of my friends went home to their houses over break.

In these examples the subject and pronoun are plural.

Blog Post # 5. Grammar Problem

My Grammar Problem

A grammar problem that I’ve always had since I can’t even remember, were comma slices. My teachers in the past have always told me to work on making my sentences sound more complete.

A comma slice occurs when a comma is in between two different independent clauses without an appropriate conjunction. For example, sometimes I find myself typing things like “Sharks swim in shallow waters, they hunt to find small fish to eat.” In this sentence there are two independent clauses, but there is no conjunction in between the two. The correct sentence for this would be, “Sharks swim in shallow waters, and then they hunt to find small fish to eat.” The addition of “and then they” fills in as the appropriate conjunction for this sentence, and makes the sentence complete and correct.

Another comma slice that I have done countless times since I’ve been here was having the comma and transitional expression in my sentence, join two independent clauses. For example, I would say, “Some librarians work part-time, however, many of them work full time.” In this sentence, one independent clause ends to the beginning of the transitional expression which initiates the second independent clause. The first independent clause should have a type of break, before the second independent clause is displayed. So the correct version of this sentence would be, “Some librarians work part-time; however, many of them work full time.” Now there is a break in between the two independent clauses, which makes the sentence correct.

-Soheil Tayebi

What is your grammar problem?

For this post I want each of you to teach us how to deal with a grammar problem. Think of a problem that you have had in the past and do a little research online or in The Writer's Resource, then describe the problem you have and how to fix it. Be comprehensive in your explanation.

I then want you to show two incorrect examples and two correct examples. Make sure everything you write comes from you! Do not copy and paste from the internet!

There is no set word requirement other than writing enough words to truly teach us how to find and correct the problem.

i believe that there is hope 4 young inner city men

Now before I start I just want to make it clear that I am not talking about all inner city men because there are some that are doing the right things but this is for the ones that aren’t. I believe that there is hope for young inner city men.

I believe that they live as if they will never die and die as if they have never lived. They don’t realize how their actions affect others. Ear Piercing screams come from the mother in the front row of the church, as they close the casket on her child. With that said, I believe no mother should have to bury her child. I believe that Derrion Albert’s death won’t be forgotten. Just like Emmet till and the civil rights movement, I believe that it is the beginning of the fight against gang violence. They have to learn that two people see the same thing totally different. In addition to that, they also have to learn that violence is never the answer. I believe that they can be fathers to their children and make better choices than some of their fathers. I believe that they can learn from their mistakes and become better men. There are so many possibilities for them as a whole they just got to take advantage of it. I believe they can be more than just a product of their environment but they can be honest, respectable members of society and not the drug dealer, gang banger from down the street. I believe they can be positive role models to younger generations. So instead of living by the knife, they should live by doing what’s right. History repeats its self and if you put out a positive then you will receive it.

Blog Post # 4 "This I Believe"

Everything Happens For A Reason

I believe that everything happens for a reason. I believe that we all subconsciously find ourselves in front of things that were supposed to come across. I think that my love for music brought me to Columbia, despite going through four years of high school. My high school would feed the students different influences, and make you believe that mathematics and science was the only way to make a living. Thus the majority of the students in my high school have majors in mathematics or science in their universities or colleges. However, I stayed strong in my own beliefs since I was in middle school, and continued to pursue my interests in music.

In the beginning, I ran into someone who played the drums, and met two other musicians along the way. One thing led to another, and before I knew it I was performing in different venues. As the performances went by, my love for musical performance began to escalate more and more. People started hearing our band more, and more offers came on the table. The more the offers came, the more dedication we all had to have. Dedication eventually led to consumptions of amplifiers, microphones, and other band equipments. By the end of high school, we all had purchased up to twenty thousand dollars of equipment in total. Due to college, the band had to split into two directions. I am currently with my drummer, and the bassist and guitarist are in the Berklee School of Music in Boston. All of these instances led me to pursue a career and music. As these four years go by, I seek to come across new things that will mold my career together over time.

-Soheil Tayebi

I Believe in Traveling

I believe in traveling the world and exploring what it has to offer. I myself have traveled to three different countries and each one was like going to a different world. In order to travel, it’s a must to always fly business and avoid economy at all cost. When traveling to a different country, you go with a hungry and empty stomach. You must never be too full to stop for gelato at every corner in Italy. You must always go with a camera armed with plenty of memory cards to document every moment. I believe that in traveling the world you learn what makes up our history. You learn the cultures that influence us and that we (America) influence. In Thailand, they might not like the U.S. Government, but they worship American people. Especially, cultural icons like Britney Spears, who some children claimed I was. Meanwhile in Italy, if you’re American, you go to the back of the line and expect to wait a long time to be served! When you travel abroad, you learn how to communicate with the world. There is nothing better (or funnier) than to sit and wait for your mom while she speaks Spanish to an Italian throughout the whole trip. With many places and many faces, you learn where you fit in. You gain insight to why you’re here and how you can make a difference. I believe from traveling you learn how that we all can take care of one another. That no matter how rich or poor, we are created equally and beautifully.

I believe in passion. When it comes to anything in life passion is one thing that gets me through life. I have a passion Drums and music. For cars and for family. I would say that growing up i knew what i wanted to do with my life. From the 7th grade i knew i wanted to be a musician. It was my passion that not matter what was happening in my life kept me going. through the rough times and the happy times it was there. I believe that passion keeps people focused. I know from personal experience that its keep me away from bad things. I am satisfied working on my car of playing drums. I don't have to worry about anything else. Passion is what makes the world go round. Some have a passion for money, some have a passion for art. What ever it is it defines a person. I wish that more people in the world would have a greater passion for what there doing, or want to do! Passion is what i believe in!

I Believe

I believe in love, I believe its something strong and meaningful. I believe it goes beyond limits, I believe true love has no boundaries, you can do whatever; it has endless possibilities. If you don't understand love, you've never experienced it. Being loved is like having a life coach. Someone that's willing to take time with you. I believe that person should want to know more about you and understand feelings whether good or postive. I believe love is unclear. I believe people don't know how to love, let alone love themselves first. You can't possibly love someone without being heavily hearted about yourself. I believe love is hard to find. I believe it can just find you, and it can treat you so much better than hatred. I believe that all people should learn to love one another because it's nothing without the sensual, caring feelings of a close one. I believe love is what I want to understand and share with a certain person that has shown me nothing but true love and knew what it really meant.

This I Believe

I believe that people should take time everyday to slow down. Our lives are full of busy schedules and fast faced days and most people never take any time to stop and filter our their minds from all that hustle and bustle. It is so important to give your body a rest and your mind time to think. These breaks can't just be your lunch break, or your commute to and from work. They must be an important ritual of your day. They do not have to be long, only 20 min or so. Just take a break to focus on your breathing, clear your mind, and forget about all the stress that may be building up. If you listen to nature sounds or soothing music every time, your body will begin to automatically relax when those sounds begin.

By incorporating this kind of relaxation into your everyday routine, you are reducing the tension and stress that accompany you everywhere you go. You are helping to minimize the build-up of things that eventually fall apart in a breakdown. You are allowing yourself to become more in touch with your body. And, you are a leading a healthier life style for your mind and body…this, I believe.

I believe

I believe that anyone can sing and dance. Shyness tends to overcome people. I think that there is a common fear in all of us. This is the fear of failure and judgement. As soon as we can overcome that fear is when we become more open and don't care what people think. You are much more free to be yourself and express what you are really feeling. I dance everywhere I go. I dance in the grocery store or at a store in the mall. I sing at the top of my lungs in my car with the windows rolled down. I cant help it, when music comes on it is a natural impulse. People stare, they sometimes even laugh, but I could care less. Because everyone does the same thing. I believe that singing and dancing are really common forms of expression.

I believe that singing and dancing can brighten anyone's day. I have a pretty bad temper. Whenever I'm angry or upset about something when I'm dancing those feelings automatically go away. I can let my anger out through my movement with my dancing. I believe that we all need some form of release. If we don't have something to let all of our angry, upset, and nervous energy out on we bottle it up and it can destroy us. Dancing is my way of detoxifying my mind of everything that troubles me.

I believe that singing and dancing is universal. I think it is something that no matter how much people say they cant do it, they can if they really want to.

I believe in...chance

It's an almost karmic feeling, you could say, but the last week of my life has really shown me that things really will happen (for good or bad) out of seemingly nowhere. Last thursday, a friend and I got onto a bus to see a movie and ran into a group of zombie dressed civilians. They were going to the 'Zombiewalk' for the premiere of the film 'Zombieland'. My and the friend I was with ended up hooking up with them, we went on the walk, and ended up seeing the movie for free. It was completely out of nowhere and I never would have counted on it.!

Just earlier that day, I had hung out with a with a guy who I had just been running into at random times, since coming to school here, five weeks ago. I told him how I didn't have a roommate and he wasn't happy with his roommate situation, so he said he may just talk to Resident Life about moving into my room. The next day, he tells me he's sorted it all out and moves in the next afternoon. The feeling was just like 'Holy CRAP'.

These chance encounters also made me believe in good coming out of bad. Wednesday morning, I was sick in bed, missed class, my old roommate officially moved out, got the rest of his stuff, and I still had a night class and an audition to do all in one day! But, it's if I hadn't gotten sick, I wouldn't have gone to the food court when I did and I wouldn't have run into some of my friends who invited me to one of their birthday parties that night.

I went to that after my audition and night class, which both went great. I never got a callback for the audition, but I had a good feeling the auditioners really liked it, so I was perfectly content with myself and had a great night at a small party.

On top of that, it's like if I did make my callback, I would never have gotten that chance to see a free movie. Or, if my roommate hadn't moved out when he did, I may never have gotten the new one that I did. I went to talk about my adviser about it on Friday and I think he put it best 'good things happen to good people'. So, I believe in chance!

I believe in Rainstorms...

I believe in rain storms, I believe the little drops of heaven are angels tears. Tears of joy, like a mothers happiness when she gets to hug her son for the first time, when he comes home from a war.

I believe the tears are mixed with tears of despair as well. Tears of hopelessness of mankind. Like when the war was started in the first place. I believe rainstorms cleanse the sorrow from sadden souls of the hopeless.

I believe that when the clouds gather it represents all the lovers out there. I believe that when the clouds touch, it is so powerful on an emotional level that they produce what we call rain.

I believe in laughing, in the rain, because it was so cold and wet and miserable, there was nothing else better to do. I believe in dancing in the rain, because singing in the rain seems impossible or slightly uncomfortable. I believe there were a lot of times in band when there was a rainstorm and I complained. I believe those were the best days of my life.

I believe that we humans are oblivious to the real meaning of rain storms. They are not what should be considered dangerous I believe that we are dangerous beings, and if it wasn't for rain, we wouldn't be reminded that we do not have control over the world and that there is something out in the world bigger than us.

I believe God is in the rain.

This I Believe

I believe in my mother’s homemade pasta sauce.

I believe in walking through the door of my house and smelling fresh basil and earthy tomatoes. I believe in slyly stealing pieces of pepperoni off the cutting board when my mother’s not looking. I believe in my sister Anne always getting the Basil leaf in her sauce, and never being jealous of her as a child, because that’s just tradition. It’s a rule. I believe that it’ll taste delicious every time; that it will fill your body with warmth and comfort.

I believe in dragging a heavy wooden chair from the dining room into the kitchen and climbing up on top of it, just so I could dip a small spoon in for a taste. I believe in watching the red lava simmer and stir in a massive pot on the stove. I believe that tripping, and spilling a bowl of spaghetti onto the white carpet is such a disappointing image, that your mom doesn’t even get mad at you. I believe in empathy and understanding when this happens.

I believe that the only way to eat red sauce is with a big glass of 2% and garlic bread on the side. Serve it on spaghetti, penne, bowtie, in lasagna, over linguini, or by itself in a bowl- I believe it is the star of the show. It is magic. I believe it is medicine that will cure any ailment, from a broken bone to a broken heart. I believe that it is glue that can hold any family together. Homemade pasta sauce is there when you fall off your bike. Homemade pasta sauce is there when you make your mother proud.

I believe in my mother working over it all day long and making gallons of it to freeze and heat up on another cold evening. I believe that one day I’ll do the same. I’ll toil over a sauce that will be equally delicious because it’s made with love for my own children. I believe in love and family, because I believe in homemade pasta sauce.

Blog Post #4

For our next blog post I want you to write a This I Believe essay. Here are some examples. Here are some tips for writing. 250 words due before class Wednesday.

Please comment on at least one post. And remember to add a recognizable photo to your profile.

And here is my take on the assignment.


I believe in coyote.

I was raised outside of Wichita, Kansas. Coyotes were just another part of the landscape in my childhood. At dawn, from my front porch, I could hear the yips and yaps of coyotes calling to each other. Throughout my life coyotes have been there and I believe have helped guide me.

When I got to high school I started withdrawing to the small elm and cottonwood lot behind our house. School was a social animal that I would never tame, but the animals outside my door were much easier to understand. I spent hours learning the birds and lizards and snakes I encountered. I would see coyotes off in the milo stubble often, but they were weary unlike the birds I could get close to with my binoculars. One morning a storm had brought a large amount of migrating birds into our back lot. I had gotten up for school and heard the chips and zeets of warblers outside my window. I ran out to the trees to see what I could find. It was still raining lightly, but there were birds everywhere. I found a place to sit and watch. I was completely still with my binoculars at my eyes. They were coming so close I didn’t want to move. I had sat for so long my leg had started cramping. I started to shift when I noticed, not 10 feet away, a coyote. We looked directly into each others eyes. My heart was off the charts. What to do? I just sat there completely confused, but in awe.

When I’m driving and see a coyote, I pull over, get out, and belt out a few yips and yaps. I’m not sure why I do this. They usually take off in that lazy loping way, but sometimes they just stare, probably thinking, “what is that crazy fleshy pink thing up to?” I suppose that morning I encountered the coyote I bewildered him as well. I think about that morning often.

Now that I’m in Chicago I still see coyotes. Once along the lakefront while I was out birding I saw one on the ice. I also have a friend who ran into a family, pups and all, in a cemetery on the north side. I saw one cross the road late at night.

Coyotes still have bounties on them in some western states. They’ve been persecuted by the government and livestock men as long as there have been those kinds of things. And still they persist.

I believe that their survival means our survival, that trying to learn what that mystery between us is, will help us live and I believe that I am following in coyote’s footsteps, that we are brethren, and will continue to learn and live together. And that if I could I would follow them completely, but I can’t and that is sad to me, that they are “the other” and I am “the other.” But that morning, when I was cold and wet and immersed in birds, I felt something that can’t be quantified, that can’t be caught, and that is what I believe in.

"Living Old"

The Frontline that I watched was called “Living Old.” The video addressed a lot of the issues that Americans face when they begin to reach their 70s. In America the number of people over 65 is reaching nearly 25% which is a huge number of people that the younger generations have to provide aid to. The problem that we face, however, is that not many people are equipped to do this. We only have half a dozen hospitals in the U.S. that are specifically designed towards treating geriatrics. One of the issues that we are facing is that our medicine is becoming too advanced. People are no longer dying from cancer and other catastrophic diseases, but rather they are dying from their long term untreatable conditions, such as Parkinson’s or Dementia. And although they are living longer because our scientific advancements have helped them do so, their quality of life is slowly deteriorating, along with their bodies. And when an elderly person becomes sick, it is often too difficult for a family member to take them in, resulting in hospitalization. Only one in 20 people over the age of 85 is mobile, meaning that if they don’t have a caregiver at home, they must go to live in a nursing home. Some residents thrive in such a setting that offers them a large social atmosphere, but many slowly lose a passion to live, and begin to decline swiftly. In the video a woman called a nursing home, “the waiting room; it’s where we all come to wait to die.” I think this is a very sad thought, but many of the elderly that they interviewed were not scared of death, or even wished to live much longer. When you become older, you are no longer concerned with leaving this world; you are concerned with living in it and truly being able to be independent and enjoy the things you did your entire life. So it is important, regardless of how difficult it is, to discuss with family members what you want, and how you want to be when you’re living old.

"Is Wal-Mart Good for America?"

The documentary that I chose to watch was “Is Wal-Mart Good for America.” Wal-Mart goes to any length to bring the lowest prices to the consumer. Though it may be good for the consumer, the effects of reaching those lowest prices have put Wal-Mart in controlled. One way for them to fit the needs of the consumer, they believe in low prices on objects made for by lower wages. They will give you a cheaply made object for a price you want then will put the good quality products not too distant. You may think that you are getting a good deal but it is just an illusion made by the cheaper object you saw in the beginning. Wal-Mart has a large monopoly over national businesses and international trade. Though Wal-Mart is the buyer, they have their suppliers wrapped around their fingers. If it was not for Wal-Mart being so popular and admired, many business wouldn’t be able to survive in the economy. Rubbermaid was a supplier and when the cost of the supplies to make their product went up, they asked for Wal-Mart to raise the prices at the store. Because Wal-Mart would not agree to the price increase, Rubbermaid’s product was no longer being sold. With no money coming in, Rubbermaid had to eventually to sell their company to a competitor. Also, with trading with products being made in China, causes for companies in the U.S. to have to keep their prices even lower. With many manufacturers being located in China, it has cut the employment rate here.

"On Our Watch"

“On Our Watch” followed the story of the genocide in Darfur and the lack of support that came from the UN. Though there were 21 resolutions signed by the Security Council, before Darfur, to never again let genocide happen, they turned their heads on Darfur. Eric Reeves, a Darfur activist, worked hard to open the world’s eyes on the tragedy happening in Sudan. Darfur is the first genocide in the 21st century and no one did anything about it. Many when told about the happenings in Darfur said that they were over exaggerated and they were nothing to worry about. Unfortunately 200,000 deaths, 2 ½ million forced from their homes, and too many rapes to be counted is not over exaggerated.

This episode went into great detail about what actually happened everyday in the villages and towns that were being attacked. Early in the morning a plane would drop bombs to terrorize civilians and force them to flee their homes. Soon after men on horseback would ride into the city and kill the men and rape the women. One woman told a story of how the men came into her town and shot her child who was on her back and then pulled him away and raped her. These terrifying stories accurately define what happened in Darfur. It is unbelievable that nobody believed them. Many activists, including those in the UN, worked hard to finally get relief for victims in Darfur. Sadly too many had died and been raped by the time people started to see the truth.

Blog Post # 3. "Poisonous Waters" Soheil Tayebi

Poisonous Waters


Despite the “Clean Water Act” there are still issues in keeping the Chesapeake Bay clean. Agriculture plays a big effect on the source of pollution in all water ways in the country, especially the Chesapeake. The once clean water bay is now occupied mostly of industrial waste. It is an issue that leaves everyone as hypocrites. This is because the one of the solutions to helping the Chesapeake would be for people to stop polluting. But in reality, no one stops. I believe that everyone has polluted at least once in their life, thus contributing to the unhealthiness of the bay. The people who made a living off of the bay, lost their jobs, and their commercial fishery companies went out of business. The fish, crab, and oyster production decreased greatly over the past 30 years. Humans have over fished the Bay’s resources; particularly crabs. This creates dead zones, which makes any underwater living organisms that require oxygen, die if their in the dead zone. The longing of making Chesapeake a place to swim, a recreation, a provider of sea food, and a tourist attraction is slowly disappearing. At the rate that it’s headed, without drastic and fundamental action, the lake will soon loose its once well renowned name.

Soheil Tayebi

'the Old man and the Storm'

'The Old Man and the Storm' episode of Frontline that I watched tells the story of Herbert Gettridge, the old man of the title and a resident of New Orleans. The episode explains how his home was destroyed in Hurricane Katrina, but he refuses to leave it behind and tries to rebuild from the remains and so his wife can return to living with him after she moved away because of the destruction. The episode overviews Gettridge’s struggles with his home as well as detailing his scattered family who he hardly ever gets to see. There are interviews with some of them, including his son Leonard, who lives in New Orleans, but shown going through a similar struggle to his father, with his home. This episode takes a look into the financial and political sides of the fence about Hurricane Katrina's effect on New Orleans beyond just Herbert, looking into how people cope with their loses and feel as if the government isn’t helping them out in some cases. This episode really gives you an almost heartbreaking idea of what people in New Orleans, even after Katrina has long since passed, have had to go through and still do today.

Growing Up Online

Growing up on the internet is about how the younger generation uses the internet for communication, and how it can be a bad thing to use. Front-line examines most of the different uses that the younger generation uses on the internet. They also talk about how teens depend on the web to communicate with others. The clip discuses how kids and teens don't realize how much information they are putting out on the internet and how dangerous the internet can be without parental control. In the teens defense to the clip, the teens talk about how they feel more accepted on the internet and how they can be whoever they want to be when using the web. A teenage girl talks about how she could overcome her shyness online, and how the online community made her feel better about herself. The same teenage girl also learns about child predators and the dangers of too much information online. The adults in the clip talk about how they feel like they have lost control over what there kids can access over the internet. The parents also talk about how they can no longer connect with their children unless its through the internet.

Maggie Bouffard

The Frontline episode that I watched was called "Medicating Kids." This episode followed the stories of four kids who have been prescribed different medications for Attention Deficit Disorder. There is a lot of controversy as to whether or not kids should be given medicine especially when some of the medications can lead to, or increase signs of depression. One of the stories follows a boy named Alex. Like most kids with this disorder, he had an extremely difficult time in school. He was made fun of by other kids and became extremely depressed and suicidal. The doctors had to go through many different treatments to decide what would be right for him. They tried increasing and decrease his doses of medication. Finally, the doctors put him on Aderol. Alex and his family were satisfied with the results from the medication. Other stories included Robin. Who was a troubled teen and got into a lot of bad things during his teenage years, such as drugs and alcohol. Robin was also put on medication and endured therapy for his ADD and ADHD. The medication had some negative effects but for the most part it made him happier. There are risks that come with medications but overall it seems to have a positive effect on kids with ADD and ADHD.