Roman Mythology is something that is an interesting topic and something that is also fun to learn about. Each god or goddess has their certain characteristics, whether that may be war, wisdom, a specific power, beauty, ect. . . As for the teachers at Pleasant Plains High School, there are a couple teachers that I think meet a couple of the standards for either a god or goddess.
Deity: Jupiter
Orgin: Greek (Zues)
god of : Sky, lightning, and thunder
Teacher: Mr. Ward
Now, there are certain facts behind my reasoning, when comparing our principal Mr. Ward and Zeus. In my mind, Zeus is the protector and his temple is the official place where meetings were held. Mr. Ward conducts all the business and concerns of the school and his office is the place where meetings of importance are held. He watches over the high school, much like Zeus overlooks the earth from above. Zeus is also called the "Ruler of the Gods". Mr. Ward, is in a way the supervisor and leader of the teachers at Pleasant Plains High School. Though they all work together to make the high school better, Mr. Ward, is usually the one behind all the planning in charge of making things happen.
Deity: Minerva
Orgin: Greek (Athena)
goddess of: Wisdom, Learning, the Arts, Sciences, Medicine
Teacher: Mrs. Lee
I thought that our science teacher Mrs. Lee would definitely compare to Athena the goddess of sciences and medicine. Mrs. Lee teaches the classes of Anatomy, Biology, and AP Biology. So not only does she teach the science (biology), but she also teaches the medicine (anatomy). In her years of teaching experience, she also has the wisdom of all the knowledge of teaching for so long.
Another teacher that could qualify for Athena, would be Mrs. Williams. She is in charge of math and also has the wisdom for teaching for so long. One never questions Mrs. Williams because odds are, she is going to be right.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Decision Making Process
Decision: the act or process of deciding, a determination arrived at after consideration. A report of a conclusion (Merriam Webster). No matter big or small, a decision is a decision. It can affect who you are now and who you will become later. Now not all decisions are approached the same way. If you are deciding what dessert you want to eat, you will probably approach your decision a little differently than a person who is deciding what college to go to. Though both are decisions, they are on two totally different levels. Now, I hope that in making the college decision, you do not make it as quickly as the person who is choosing a dessert. In making a proper decision, it takes time and great thought. It is thinking before acting. Like the definition said, "a determination arrived at after consideration". It takes meditating, considering, asking questions, and also looking into all possible options. Making decisions is a privelege and responsibility. As we get older, we get to make more and more decisions about our lives. How we choose something is important.
There are different steps one can take in making a decision and can vary on the person making it. Some like to think all to themselves, while others like to go a research until they have searched every website. Here are some things to take into consideration when making a decision.
Think about it. Ask questions, see if anybody that you know has gone through the same thing or might have an insight that could prove to be helpful. Pray about it. Maybe list out pros and cons, how will it affect your life. Similar to the previous one, look at all options of the situations. Research. Meditate.
These are all options and are things that I do when I make my decisions. I am not very good at making decisions. Having a process or at least a plan of attack when looking at an issue is something that helps and comforts, knowing that I am ahead of the game.
There are different steps one can take in making a decision and can vary on the person making it. Some like to think all to themselves, while others like to go a research until they have searched every website. Here are some things to take into consideration when making a decision.
Think about it. Ask questions, see if anybody that you know has gone through the same thing or might have an insight that could prove to be helpful. Pray about it. Maybe list out pros and cons, how will it affect your life. Similar to the previous one, look at all options of the situations. Research. Meditate.
These are all options and are things that I do when I make my decisions. I am not very good at making decisions. Having a process or at least a plan of attack when looking at an issue is something that helps and comforts, knowing that I am ahead of the game.
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Power of Multi-Tasking
Oh multi-tasking, with it, it can complicate things and distract us, without it, we could loose valuable time. I think that the word--multi-tasking--is directly related to teenagers, though not jsut teenagers. As a teen, we do this ALL the time. We can even do it with out thinking about it. Like right now for example...I am listening to music while I write my blog. It is the matter of putting two tasks together and doing them at the same time.
A common one is doing other things while doing your homework. I listen to music, talk, watch T.V., and text. In my mind, I have to multi-task, I have to get things done, and in most cases, the quickest way possible. Period. End of story. Sometimes I have to do two subjects at one time. I study and clean my room, all sorts of things, just so that I can move on to the next item on my list. Students multi-task all the time during school, like when the teacher is lecturing/giving notes, we take notes. We are listening, writing, AND retaining all at the same time. I think that our minds just get in the habit of doing multiple things at once and can, therefore, take on more things.
Now, for the question on how good of a multi-tasker I am...well, that varies. It depends on the situation. Somethings I can do at the same time, while others are extremely difficult. I do not like worrying about taking notes and listening because I am so worried about getting all the words from the PowerPoint, that I am not really paying attention to what the teacher is saying. I like to be able to focus on the teacher and listen to the examples he/she gives us. Notes help, but writing fast, and listening to someone talk is doable, but somewhat hard. Overall, it really does depend heavily on the situation that I am in, but multi-tasking is very important.
A common one is doing other things while doing your homework. I listen to music, talk, watch T.V., and text. In my mind, I have to multi-task, I have to get things done, and in most cases, the quickest way possible. Period. End of story. Sometimes I have to do two subjects at one time. I study and clean my room, all sorts of things, just so that I can move on to the next item on my list. Students multi-task all the time during school, like when the teacher is lecturing/giving notes, we take notes. We are listening, writing, AND retaining all at the same time. I think that our minds just get in the habit of doing multiple things at once and can, therefore, take on more things.
Now, for the question on how good of a multi-tasker I am...well, that varies. It depends on the situation. Somethings I can do at the same time, while others are extremely difficult. I do not like worrying about taking notes and listening because I am so worried about getting all the words from the PowerPoint, that I am not really paying attention to what the teacher is saying. I like to be able to focus on the teacher and listen to the examples he/she gives us. Notes help, but writing fast, and listening to someone talk is doable, but somewhat hard. Overall, it really does depend heavily on the situation that I am in, but multi-tasking is very important.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The Beloved Valentine's Day
The lover's day. This holiday is most popular with the girls and also for jewelry, roses, and chocolate. Its a sweet day and meant to show emotion and passion toward the opposite gender. Mainly this is a day dedicated to the girls, meant to express appreciation and...love. For girls, we look forward to it and cherish it, while guys on the other hand...take it in stride and try to make the night a night to remember.
February 14:
There are many legends about Valentines Day, but any way one looks at it, it is romantic. Most legends have to deal with St. Valentine. Though none are confirmed real, these legends are fun to read and fantasize about. Each one has its uniqueness and can pertain to any reader who reads them.
One story reads that Emperor Claudis II decided that for his army, men that were single and did not have to worry about the lives of their loved ones, fought better than the ones who were married/with kids. He then declared that there were to be no more marriages allowed. St. Valentine on the other hand, had a different say in the matter. He made the decision to keep on marrying young couples in love, which was seen as a great act.
That is one legend about the history of Valentine's Day.
Another one states that St. Valentine was in jail. While in jail, he met this beautiful young women that he began to love. This women was the jailor's daughter. Before he was put to death, he penned a letter to her and signed the letter "From your Valentine".
Out of these two stories, I like the last one the best because of the dedication that St. Valentine had to the women. I can only imagine what the women thought when she read his letter. Something tells me that she cried that day. In both stories, St. Valentine is the signature of love and creates a great romantic story to think about come Valentine's Day.
February 14:
There are many legends about Valentines Day, but any way one looks at it, it is romantic. Most legends have to deal with St. Valentine. Though none are confirmed real, these legends are fun to read and fantasize about. Each one has its uniqueness and can pertain to any reader who reads them.
One story reads that Emperor Claudis II decided that for his army, men that were single and did not have to worry about the lives of their loved ones, fought better than the ones who were married/with kids. He then declared that there were to be no more marriages allowed. St. Valentine on the other hand, had a different say in the matter. He made the decision to keep on marrying young couples in love, which was seen as a great act.
That is one legend about the history of Valentine's Day.
Another one states that St. Valentine was in jail. While in jail, he met this beautiful young women that he began to love. This women was the jailor's daughter. Before he was put to death, he penned a letter to her and signed the letter "From your Valentine".
Out of these two stories, I like the last one the best because of the dedication that St. Valentine had to the women. I can only imagine what the women thought when she read his letter. Something tells me that she cried that day. In both stories, St. Valentine is the signature of love and creates a great romantic story to think about come Valentine's Day.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Food...
Who does not like food? I would have to say that eating is one of my favorite things to do. Most of the time, it does not matter what type of food it is. It could be Mexican, Italian, American, Chinese, it is all the same to me. One thing that I very much dislike is onions!!
When ever it is your birthday, my family has a tradition. The tradition is that whosever birthday it is gets to decide what is going to be for dinner. One of my most favorite meals is steak, mashed potatoes, and salad.
Usually my dad cooks the steak. My birthday is in the summer, so grilling out is easy and one can still outside and enjoy the summer breeze, while smelling the delicious juicy steak. My dad and I sit on the swing underneath the deck, and listen to the sizzling of the steak. He makes the best steaks!! They are juice and their texture is perfect. They are not too tough, but not "still alive" or raw. Whenever I eat steak, I take one bit plain, then the next bites I use A1 sause. The first bite is to fully appreciate the steak, everything after that is just unexplainable. So not only do I have a fabulous steak, I have the A1 sauce which adds to the taste and flavor.
My mom does the mashed potatoes and salad. Now one might think that anyone could make mashed potatoes and salad, but whoever says that is not telling the full truth. One has got to be skilled in putting just the right amount of butter, salt, and pepper. Also, it has to have the right consistence. One can not just have lumpy or running potatoes!! The softness of the potatoes and the chewy meat combined...makes it like heaven. The salad is a nice side touch to the other portions of the meal. The salad also adds color and vegetables. Plus, my mom puts stuff like ham, boiled eggs, and cheese on to it with Western dressing. Or she puts fresh, sweet strawberries, cheese, and adds strawberry vinegrate dressing. Either way you go, it is going to be delicious.
Just merely looking at this platter does not go far enough. One has got to taste it. With the brown, pale, and greens all put together, it not only tastes good, but looks good as well!!
When ever it is your birthday, my family has a tradition. The tradition is that whosever birthday it is gets to decide what is going to be for dinner. One of my most favorite meals is steak, mashed potatoes, and salad.
Usually my dad cooks the steak. My birthday is in the summer, so grilling out is easy and one can still outside and enjoy the summer breeze, while smelling the delicious juicy steak. My dad and I sit on the swing underneath the deck, and listen to the sizzling of the steak. He makes the best steaks!! They are juice and their texture is perfect. They are not too tough, but not "still alive" or raw. Whenever I eat steak, I take one bit plain, then the next bites I use A1 sause. The first bite is to fully appreciate the steak, everything after that is just unexplainable. So not only do I have a fabulous steak, I have the A1 sauce which adds to the taste and flavor.
My mom does the mashed potatoes and salad. Now one might think that anyone could make mashed potatoes and salad, but whoever says that is not telling the full truth. One has got to be skilled in putting just the right amount of butter, salt, and pepper. Also, it has to have the right consistence. One can not just have lumpy or running potatoes!! The softness of the potatoes and the chewy meat combined...makes it like heaven. The salad is a nice side touch to the other portions of the meal. The salad also adds color and vegetables. Plus, my mom puts stuff like ham, boiled eggs, and cheese on to it with Western dressing. Or she puts fresh, sweet strawberries, cheese, and adds strawberry vinegrate dressing. Either way you go, it is going to be delicious.
Just merely looking at this platter does not go far enough. One has got to taste it. With the brown, pale, and greens all put together, it not only tastes good, but looks good as well!!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Analyizing and Understanding Walt Whitman's "Chanting the Square Deific"
Walt Whitman's poem "Chanting the Square Deific" is an intricate poem that elaborates on four different types of gods. Each stanza in his poem is describing a different god. Each god has a connection of some sort, whether closely related or not. Instead of relating to the Trinity, Whitman is referring to the Square Deific. Each corner of the square is a different god. The god in the first corner is the Judgmental God. "Unpersuadable, relentless, executing righteous judgements..."This is how Whitman describes Him. He portrays God as a god of mean and relentless, and with no mercy. He can be named Jehovah, Old Brahm, Father Time, and Saturnius. These are different types of gods from different religions.
In the second corner, or second stanza, Whitman describes a god that is gentle and forgiving God. "For I am affection, I am the cheer-bringing God, with hope and all-enclosing charity..."This is a God that most people like to think about, but do not. This God is comforting and caring. He is very contrast to the first God in stanza one. "All the world have I given up for my dear brothers’ and sisters’ sake, for the soul’s sake..."Now he is talking about a God that sacrifices himself for His brothers' and sisters'. When picturing this God, it is a peaceful God that some or most people can relate to. In his poem, Whitman compares this God to Lord Christ, Hermes, and Hercules. He compares Lord Christ and Hercules, by the fact that they were both born by a god and by a human being (Zeus and a human, and Mary and the Holy Spirit). Hermes was a messenger god, while Lord Christ was a messenger of the Holy Bible.
In the third corner, or third stanza, he describes Satan. "Comrade of criminals, brother of slaves, Crafty, despised, a drudge, ignorant..." Now this is a completely different god than we have seen in the other stanzas. This is not a god that anybody would like to come across. Here he projects evil.
In the fourth corner, or fourth stanza, is the Holy Spirit. Whitman describes the Holy Spirit as, "Beyond the light, lighter than light, Beyond the flames of hell, joyous, leaping easily above hell, Beyond Paradise, perfumed solely with mine own perfume..." This is a peaceful picture. Whitman combines the Holy Spirit into God, Saviour, and Satan. He also labels the Holy Spirit as "...the general soul..."
Overall, Whitman elaborates on the four different gods of the Square Deific. Each god has his own traits and characteristics.
In the second corner, or second stanza, Whitman describes a god that is gentle and forgiving God. "For I am affection, I am the cheer-bringing God, with hope and all-enclosing charity..."This is a God that most people like to think about, but do not. This God is comforting and caring. He is very contrast to the first God in stanza one. "All the world have I given up for my dear brothers’ and sisters’ sake, for the soul’s sake..."Now he is talking about a God that sacrifices himself for His brothers' and sisters'. When picturing this God, it is a peaceful God that some or most people can relate to. In his poem, Whitman compares this God to Lord Christ, Hermes, and Hercules. He compares Lord Christ and Hercules, by the fact that they were both born by a god and by a human being (Zeus and a human, and Mary and the Holy Spirit). Hermes was a messenger god, while Lord Christ was a messenger of the Holy Bible.
In the third corner, or third stanza, he describes Satan. "Comrade of criminals, brother of slaves, Crafty, despised, a drudge, ignorant..." Now this is a completely different god than we have seen in the other stanzas. This is not a god that anybody would like to come across. Here he projects evil.
In the fourth corner, or fourth stanza, is the Holy Spirit. Whitman describes the Holy Spirit as, "Beyond the light, lighter than light, Beyond the flames of hell, joyous, leaping easily above hell, Beyond Paradise, perfumed solely with mine own perfume..." This is a peaceful picture. Whitman combines the Holy Spirit into God, Saviour, and Satan. He also labels the Holy Spirit as "...the general soul..."
Overall, Whitman elaborates on the four different gods of the Square Deific. Each god has his own traits and characteristics.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Groundhog's Day
Groundhog day is a unique holiday that comes once every year on February 2. What makes this holiday a little more different than the others is by the fact that it is all based on the animal the groundhog. How many holidays do you know of that are based on an animal? Most of the time, holidays are about a significant historical event that happened.
One of my favorite things to do on Groundhog's day is watch the movie Groundhog Day, featuring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. It is a comedy movie that my parents showed us a couple years ago. It is a fun thing to watch on the holiday. The is a classic movie that I think all people should see at least once in their life. The movie is about a news reporter named Phil that got assigned to broadcast Groundhogs Day. Phil has an extremely negative attitude and is very rude to everybody. Next thing he knows, he is redoing Groundhog's day again, and again, and again until he finally realizes how he was acting. It is funny to watch him go through the same day multiple times. I wish that every Groundhog's Day I could watch this movie.
This year it is said that the groundhog saw his shadow, therefore, we will supposedly have six more weeks of winter. Thankfully, God does not always listen to the groundhog and decides against it, which I hope He does this year. As much as I like winter, which I actually do not mind it, I am starting to want the warm weather. My question is, how can one tell if the groundhog saw his/her shadow or not? I do not know, but to me, I wish there were some way we could celebrate this special holiday. I mean, I do not think that I have ever celebrated it!! I think it is the only holiday that literally never gets celebrated and just gets thrown to the side.
This year it is said that the groundhog saw his shadow, therefore, we will supposedly have six more weeks of winter. Thankfully, God does not always listen to the groundhog and decides against it, which I hope He does this year. As much as I like winter, which I actually do not mind it, I am starting to want the warm weather. My question is, how can one tell if the groundhog saw his/her shadow or not? I do not know, but to me, I wish there were some way we could celebrate this special holiday. I mean, I do not think that I have ever celebrated it!! I think it is the only holiday that literally never gets celebrated and just gets thrown to the side.
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