Exhibition night reflection

    As some of the readers of this blog may know, my class and much of the school had an exhibition last night. It was divided into three shifts. Being in group C, I had the first shift off, the second shift in Humanities, and the last shift in Math/Physics.
    The exhibition in general went pretty well. I feel I did really good in presenting our work. The only parts I did poorly on where arriving on time to  my first shift and dressing appropriately.  Due to a miscommunication, I thought we just had to be in dress code. About thirty minutes before the exhibition, I learned we needed professional dress (which is more formal). As for the being late to my first shift, it was my fault entirely but I was only late by 3 minutes. However, I was to arrive 5 minutes early so it did hinder my partner.
    My group did pretty well in general. Especially presenting. Our group did very well in conveying our message. Also, we remained in character which is fun. In the Math part we did good as well.
    None of our interactions seemed very challenging. Most of the questions where fairly easy. What is your story about, how does your camera work, etc. Because the presentation was easy, we remained calm and focused.
    Since the exhibition was a success, I would change very little if I could. The only things I would do different next time is dress more professional and look at my watch more often as to be on time.

Drama exercises and discussion reflection

Today in class we did several drama exercises. They where supposed to give us ideas for our characters. Through these exercises, I realized several things. For instance, I realized that everyone in a scene has to match the theme of the scene or it seems awkward. I also learned that pure dialog or no dialog doesn’t work and a balance is needed. Though this hasn’t convinced me to change my characters, it has convinced me that I should reconsider the layout of our scenes. For example, the scene right before the battle of Chaeronea might be better if not on horseback. Also, all the battle scenes will need to have a fair amount of dialog, which might be a challenge. The discussions we had in class today will no doubt affect the novel in ways still unknown.

Novel synopsis

Here is the Synopsis for our novel, written by me.

Synopsis

On a July day in 356 BC, a great person was born. His name was Alexander. He was son of King Phillip and Queen Olympia of Macedonia. From a very early age it was obvious he was smart. What wasn’t obvious was that this boy would rise to be the greatest King Macedonia had ever known. Thus was born Alexander the Great.
Alexander is going to school with his friend Daiman. Their teacher is Aristotle. As he starts teaching, he asks a complex question. Alexander gets it right. Aristotle is immediately impressed with Alexander’s intelligence. As they continue to learn, Alexander does much better than his friend Daiman.
Alexander’s father goes off to fight the Thracians. Alexander is left as ruler. He finds ruling troublesome. As he complains to Daiman, Daiman suggests that he get used to it because he will inherit the throne of his father permanently one day. Alexander sees his point and agrees.
Alexander is now 18 years old. His father comes back to find Alexander is doing a good job as king and enjoying it. Alexander’s father suggests that Alexander helps him lead troops against the Athenians and Thebans. Alexander accepts.
Alexander and Daiman are both riding to war. Alexander seams rather excited about it. Daiman however, seems nervous. King Phillip comes over and tells Alexander that they will reach Chaeronea tomorrow and that Alexander will be leading one o the cavalry wings. They make camp.
Alexander and the rest of the army are all ready for battle. As they ride towards the opposing army, they let out a battle cry. Arrows start hitting their troops. Alexanders troops start to veer off to different sides to avoid fire. Alexander instead commands them to ride straight at the enemy and close together. He also commands them to hold shields above their heads. As they close in on the enemy, they lower their spears. When they hit, the devastation to the other force is amazing. The cleave paths through the enemy by which foot soldiers enter the opponent’s rank. As Alexander’s soldiers are slowly taken down, one by one, he and Daiman charge towards the enemy leaders. Troops with large shields assemble to defend him. Alexander and Daiman jump over the wall of soldiers but a spear goes into Daiman’s horse. As he falls, Alexander spears the enemy leader. Then he rides over to Daiman and picks him off the ground and swings him onto his horse. He then shouts “Victory is ours”. A cheer goes up among his men.
Time has past since the battle. Alexander’s father is marrying Cleopatra. Alexander is not happy about this. He goes to the wedding but looks sad which Daiman notices. After the wedding, they’re feasting. In his drunkenness, King Philip says something about wanting a pure Macedonian heir. Alexander throws a goblet at him in anger and storms out of the room.
Alexander is walking down a hall, he hears servants whispering about Cleopatra having a child. Alexander gets really angry but also worried. Daiman meets up with him and Alexander asks him if he heard about Cleopatra’s child. Daiman says he has and was coming to tell him. Alexander is about to speak when a guard comes and tells him his father has been assassinated. Daiman looks shocked but Alexander looks calmer than he previously was. The guard asks them to follow him but Alexander says he’ll catch up soon. Daiman asks where he is going and Alexander replies “To get rid of the competition”.
Weeks later, Alexander is unhappy. He I now king but his people are not acting well. He has just finished putting down a revolt in Thebes. Alexander is taking to Daiman. Daiman suggests that the people are unhappy with King Phillips death. He also suggests that they be distracted. Alexander smiles as he come up with an idea.
Alexander is giving a speech to the Macedonia people telling them that they will go on a campaign. Starting with Persia, he decides to conquer the land.
It is several years into his campaign. As his army marches towards Egypt, Daiman tells him that Alexander has taken more than enough land and that he has done more in the last few years than most than most men hope to do in their entire lives. Alexander tells him it is never enough. Just then an alarm is sounded, Egyptians are ambushing them. Egyptians rush towards Alexander and Damian. As Damian struggles to draw his sword, Alexander quickly slays the five Egyptians attacking them. As Damian gets his sword out, an Egyptian runs at them wielding a scimitar. He does a fancy and intimidating sword routine and starts to come at Alexander. Damian picks up a spear from the ground and throws it at the soldier, it hits him right in the chest and the Egyptian falls forward, further impaling himself. Alexander thanks Daiman. They rush out to help the fight.
Alexander is back in the capitol. Daiman comes in bearing news of the battle in India. Alexander is glad of their success. He tells Daiman to bring back the troops after the victory. He is afraid he will die soon. Daiman assures him he will live long yet. Alexander laughs but his laughing turns into coughing. He asks Daiman to not let people forget him. Alexander dies. Daiman promises to his dead friend that they won’t. He goes outside and tells the people Alexander is dead.

Alexander The Great Bio

Here is anoother Bio. This one I wrote.

Alexander the great, Bio



Alexander the Great lived July, 356 BC- to June 11, 323 BC. His Zodiac sign was Cancer. He was born wealthy, his Father being King Phillip, the king of Macedonia and his mother being Queen Olympia, one of the many wives of Phillip. People decribed him as having a passion for military control and being brave. His parents wanted him to have a good education and as such he was taught by some of the greats minds of his time such as Aristotle. By adulthood, Alexander was a brilliant general and exceedingly intelligent..
Though Alexander was a stubborn person, he was quite charismatic. His ability to cope with stress was impressive. He was originally the King of Macedonia but eventually his empire controlled Macedonia, Thrace, Aegyptus (Egypt), Lydia, Phradia, Syria, Babylonia, Media, Persis, Cappadocia, Drangiana, Carmania, Sogdiana, Arachosia, and Gedrosia. In summary, most of Eurasia. Outside of work, he enjoyed music, poetry, and drama. In our story, he will enact his life’s history with his friend as it unfolds in an entertaining manner.

Bibliography

http://www.biographyshelf.com/alexander_the_great_biography.html
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=54408419
http://www.hyperhistory.net/apwh/bios/b2alexandergreat.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/10805/alexmap.html

Bio for Daiman

This is one of the Bios for our Graphic Novel Project. This one was done by my partner, Ana.

Daiman’s bio

Full name: Daiman

Birth date: December 7th 356 B.C.
Astrology sign: Sagittarius

Sense of humor: Fun to be around with, serious, if anyone needs supporting help then Daiman will be their.

Birth order:

Parents and parent’s occupations: Daiman’s mother name was Layna, she died at the age of 28 when Daiman was born. Daiman’s mother was a famous cloth maker for the king and queen, and loves literature for her extra time. Daiman’s father’s name was Zenos, he died at the age 35 from a war. Daiman’s dad was friend of king Phillip and so that when the Layna died Zenos would not know what to do so he moved in with king Phillip.

Major childhood influences: Daiman’s life was all around his dad; even though his mom was not with him anymore Daiman still love her by giving him his life. Daiman love his dad also because like every males the son always want to be just like his dad. Even though Daiman’s dad did not now much about how to take care of kid but Daiman was raised to be a loyal, patient, and talented person. Daiman have a childhood friend from birth his name was Alexander, Sense they both lived together when Daiman moved in to his house. Daiman felt like Alexander was a brother to him;4 they both fought with wooden swords and learned form the same teacher Aristotle. Everything Alexander did Daiman did too, but the problem was Alexander advance faster then Daiman. Daiman did not mind because Of his friendship was enough for him. When Zenos died Daiman was seven years old and Daiman cried for a month and Daiman did not even let anyone near him. Alexander tried to comfort Daiman and he successes by giving Daiman’s dad a great funeral for a really great commander.

Talents, strength: Daiman’s talent was really great at far distance battle like with throwing spears and bows and arrows. The problem was that Daiman was to good he wanted to try sword and shields. Daiman strength was literature he loves so much sometime Daiman would just read under a shady tree.

Flaws, Vulnerabilities: Daiman flaws are not to fight in wars, Daiman disliked war so much but for the like of Alexander, Daiman would fought in war because if he loose his best friend then Daiman would not know what to do when he is gone. Daiman would do anything for Alexander even when he is dead. Daiman’s main flaw was to loose Alexander.

Income level: Daiman is a very rich person half his money was owned by his parents and was given to him on their death. Daiman does not us all his money even though he is rich from his parents. Daiman wants to earn a living by himself, so for him was a really easy job because he can have any jobs because he is a friend of the kings son, and also everyone loved Daiman because of is kind heart.

Attitudes, personality type: Daiman is a very kind person, he loves everything even if he was in a battle field he would love the enemies. Daiman is a hard worker who works so hard to be Alexander’s level.

Primary relationships: Daiman was in love with a girl but Alexander loved her too. Daiman end up loosing the first girl she loved and the next he had many affairs because Alexander loved many girls too. Daiman would always hang out with Alexander wherever he want for supportive.

Ambitions: Daiman has been on Alexander’s side sense birth. When Daiman is on Alexander’s side everything was not a hard work. After Alexander’s death Daiman has wrote everything about Alexander’s life and every adventure they have gone and done.

Hobbies: Daiman’s hobbies is reading and writing when ever he can about his life with Alexander.

Taste in books, movies: Daiman loves all kind of books, he does not have a favorite but he knows he loves all of the books. Daiman does not listen to much music; he rather read when Alexander is having a party.

Motivation: The reason that Daiman has all the motivation is all from Alexander, Daiman would do anything for him. Reaction under stress: Daiman can find in a rare stress moment. The only stress Daiman can get from is when Alexander is worried or has a problem. Daiman does not know much what to do when he has a problem. He get stress trying to calm him down.

Persepolis reflection (warning, this is pretty long)

In class we are studying graphic novels. That in combination with our study of Islam led us to the story of Persepolis. As we read the book, we grew to understand more about Islam and how sometimes you need pictures to express strong emotions. Now we have finished the book and will soon undertake the task of writing and illustrating our own graphic novels. We have learned a lot from the book and now its time to share some of what we learned with you.
Persepolis is the story of a young girl named Marji Satrapi and her childhood in Iran. It occurs at a troubling time for the nation. The government has become an Islamic theocracy and war is brewing with Iraq. As Marji grows up, she experiences the wonders and horrors of her society first hand. Starting with her school forcing her to wear a veil, violent protests and ending with finally leaving Iran country, she goes through a journey that is hard to imagine.
As Marji experiences these things, she grows greatly in maturity. Starting as a semi-secular child, she grows to be an important member of her community. As anarchy descends on her country, she is bombarded by political propaganda about the war. She still somehow manages to retain her childish innocence in reservoir.
She is not the only one effected by the conflicts of her country. Her entire family is changed as they try to retain their culture, which has become clandestine. As the leaders and proletariats give their veritable speeches, the society becomes decadent and hard to live in. They spread propaganda of martyrdom and the war. Their friends are hurt by the situation as well with the oil embargo crippling their countries economy and all their resources are sent towards the war. With all these things happening to her, Marji has no choice but to leave the country.
I can only imagine what will happen to her when she gets to Vienna. However, it is safe to say she will meet more challenges. Some racism will probably be in effect against her as well. After all, she has come from a country that is a theocracy and as the old saying goes, no one (besides theocrats) likes a theocracy.
As she grows older in Vienna, she will probably start to try to affect the world around her more. I also guess that at some point her parents will visit her and/ or die. She might also get re-caught up in the war. These are just presumptions seeing as I have not read the sequel (Persepolis 2). However, I look forward to learning if my premonitions are correct. Two things are for sure though, she will have trouble in this new country and she will write a book describing her life (though perhaps not in the story). After all, the book is a recollection of the author of her life as an Iranian.
As you can probably tell from my writing, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is both educational and nicely drawn. While I don’t like the style of writing or the plot, it is a thoroughly entertaining book. I highly recommend it to all mature enough to read it for there are some mature themes (Torture, profanity, etc.). I also suggest it to people who usually don’t like graphic novels. I personally don’t care for them but this book is less of a graphic novel and more of a work of art. If you are interested in the book, I have put an Amazon review link below. Thanks for reading this post and if you chance to find this book in your public library, open it. I think you’ll enjoy what you see.

Amazon review

Seminar reflection :You’re 16, You’re Beautiful and You’re a Voter

I feel I did a fairly well job in today’s seminar. Even though I wasn’t fully prepared having only read the thing twice, I brought up some interesting points. Probably my strongest point was that if people not care about who is president, they won’t vote. This countered a lot of my the arguments of my opponents.
“Does driving take more responsibility than voting”?” was a question someone had. While it only sparked a short conversation, it made me think greatly. It’s a deep question when you analyze it for it becomes “ Which takes more responsibility, following a long set of rules that promote safety or making a decision that will effect the country for years to come”. Then that becomes “Which is harder, doing what your told or doing your own thing”. It’s an opinion versus reason thing. I personally think that Voting takes Voting takes more responsibility than driving.
In my group their was no one I agreed with. This was due to the fact that I was the only person still for lowering the voting age by the end of the seminar. This may sound depressing but in truth it was rather fun to fight for a lost cause. It gave me a joyous feeling of going against the grain and upholding one of my favorite sayings. “Rules aren’t made to be broken, their made to be changed” –Saul Propp


Hooray, links are working again ^o^

Bibliography
You’re 16, You’re Beautiful and You’re a Voter

Reflection on Year of the Youth Vote article

In this article, it discussed how young Constituents are taking an interest on who will be Incumbent in the white house next term. It seems like the Liberal candidate, Barack Obama, has greatly influenced Americans with suffrage between the ages of 18 and 29 to vote. Lately, our government has been run by the more Conservative party but this may change as it seems young people prefer Progressive candidates over the Liberal ones. Barack has drawn over more under-30 voters than all republican candidates combined. Now young people are forming a coalition in support of their new hero. It is a sure thing that in the upcoming referendum to decide who is the president, Obama has the vote of the youth.



Year of the youth vote (sorry about just giving the url, the link button isn't working)

http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1708570,00.html

Who's rockin the vote resonse

I think it is true that young people are more interested in politics than they where in times before 9/11. I alo agree with the video in that candidates are reaching out to younger voters more and more. However, I think that the fact only 24 percent of people between the ages 18-29 are not registered is horrific. If this country is to function properly, the peoples who's future is at stake have to vote. After all, we are a Democracy which means ruled by the people. By not voting, they are failing their duty as Americans

Video

Election Project Reflection

In the election project, I learned a lot. The thing I found was most interesting was how ineffective out voting system is. It can lead to a person being elected whom the majority did not vote for. I also learned a lot about Mike Huckabee (the candidate I studied, the notes are on my DP) and the other people running. I found that out of all the candidates, I agreed most with Mike Grave. However, the Obama candidate missed several parts of the debate so it is unknown whether or not I would of liked Obama more than Gravel. My views on almost everything differed from my candidate. Mike Huckabee is a very conservative man while I am quite liberal. This was a good experience for me because I am interested I politics. I am especially interested in economy. I have even come up with a way to fight inflation(below). I am sad this project is over and hope to do more in the future.

Saul’s plan: Pass a bill making all companies drop the cost of their services and/or products ten percent and the wages of their employees ten percent. Also, cut off foreign trade unless the people trading with drop their price by ten percent if they charge the price in dollars. This plan will make America richer and counter inflation. I call it, Deflation.

End of beauty Project

This post marks the end of the beauty project. So long and thanks for all the fish.

Of beauty and Death a.k.a the play I wrote

Unfortuneatly, the play might take a lot of space if I put it here. Therefore, it will be on my DP (Digital portfolio) The link is on the side bar.

By the by, this is the project I talked of in Morality of Fat socratic Seminar.