Wow, the year went by faster than anyone could imagine, or especially wanted it to. So many topics and subjects were introduced to us this year in English, so it was complicated to decide which ones we, as students would boast about. From WW2, to islands full of crazy kids, I choose the following themes, or should I say, books, to represent my understanding, of this year.

People, are usually influenced by powerful, influential individuals, or large groups of people. Either because hey have no choice, or because their own ideas count as less to the larger group. WW2, a famous time. Anne Frank sat in her old rusty room, with a pen, washing her thoughts away as the ink flowed with talent. By herself. she could speak for others, represent their pain, and horrors…It was her job, to maintain her strong spirit, so she could send a message out to the world. Nevertheless, the Nazis, continued to sweep through Europe, finally, hunting her down. I think that it is interesting that this young girl, is still such a power today, against hundreds of thousands of German troops.
Another book that talks about this idea, individuals vs conformity, is “The Wave” In this book, Ben Ross, a typical history teacher finds, that there is no other way to teach kids about important events, such as WW2, without putting them through it. Again, like Anne Frank, The Waves main character, Laurie, is the victim, or rebel, of the fast growing conformity of future Nazis. Of course, the kids never achieve such a degree of violence, but they are ready to confront their friends, their best friends. The Wave, has its own unique way of re-telling WW2, because most people would say that all Germans were Nazis, but actually, when the leader eliminates all sources of information that could tell the truth, people get brainwashed and carried into things as such.
Lord of the flies, is a perfect example, as it centers its attention on human nature. Of course, an author, who again, might be looking through some cloudy “lenses”, writes this. The topic of human nature has been discussed for endless times, and it is only appropriate to try and figure it out, using books. Here, in Lord of The Flies, a group of kids is set on island. Amazingly, within a small amount of time, the group splits, and the kids are constantly fighting for power. One side is lead by Jack, probably representing the Nazis, as the book was written in that time. Then, the other rebel group, led by Ralph, the spirited and “good guy”, and his companions that believe in him, hope.

A writer must be able to change his aspects of writing to communicate to different audiences for a variety of purposes. Overseas or not, during this short-term project, one had to bend his voice to fit the style. Which was obviously, a polite, and introductory way of writing, as the people have never before met. I believe learning how to write to different audiences, therefore, adapting your voice to suit the type of audience, requires one thing, practice and time. Well, no one wanted a student to start speaking slang and nonsense with people they’ve ever met, but there are complications, because for example, the students working in America were also students, so it could be appropriate to write casual as they are in the same age group as us
That night, the candles were lit, and the tension grew like the flames on its wax, till the time, where the students were trapped, and force to read their poems to a threatening, black speaker, immobile as them. Poetry is what made us thrive to accomplish those books, and wonderful poems, and inspirations. Some would say they did It for the grade, but then why show up at the Poetry Night? Well, the answer is simple, we, the students want to share our poems, because they define a different voice in us that is finally revealed.
Finally, the part we all love, writing a Journal Entry. Here, my voice can be similar to an essay, but in its own way, entertaining, although, writing in any form should be entertaining. Actually, there are so many other styles and aspects to write in, but simply because they are different from each other, means that the writer has to experience the skills to write in that certain style, if the writer wants to be good.

Human Nature…as explained above, is a topic that has actually been with us all year, following us, discretely. At least, that’s what I believe. Now, Lord of the Flies is very interesting, because it’s almost an experiment. Putting young kids on an island, inexperienced, let’s see what they do…Surprisingly, a scenario of, “automatic war” occurs. The kids just start fighting, almost like animals, just to gain power and territory. Regardless if they were friends before, the story is here to say that humans are inherently bad. Now, Anne Frank is completely different. She lives in her small house, near a streaming river, packed together with her family, but where does she get the will to live on? She seems to have mood swings from her diary, just like any teenage girl, but she isn’t put in the same circumstances as a normal adolescent. Still, through the misery, she loves her family, and will stay alive to be with them, even if in the end, she will die. This proves, that amidst the war, and invasion, there were good people everywhere. Finally, taking a look at Shakespeare. His play was written so long ago, that his “lenses”, as mentioned earlier were definitely different than ours, because of his environment, and basically everything around him that could influence him. This brings me to the point, that maybe, we figure out messages today in his play, which were not at all intended. Maybe Shakespeare was a huge supporter of the slave trade, or was extremely racist. Who knows? I would like to point out though, that in the Tempest, Caliban, is weak, and by design turned into a slave because of his physical traits, or simply because he lives on the island, a local. This is complicated, as Caliban did try to rape Miranda a long time ago, and being a slave is maybe his punishment, or consequence. Still, Prospero is definitely a huge role that takes the weaker being, Caliban, and uses him as a slave. This could possibly mean, that humans naturally have no mercy. From what I’ve seen, and done, I believe humans are inherently good, because they can do horrid things, but there will always be good people. I think people are just brought up, and have done bad things, and, every time they do something bad again, it makes them numb, and feels normal.

This year was exceptionally. Studying such mature and deep topics still amazes me to this day. Hopefully, in other schools books will not be just some lecture like they used to be, and actually represent, and mean something to our lives more important than words, and pages to flip through like this year. Those in-class discussions are just mind-blowing sometimes, and I truly feel, that they are just as important as worksheets, because education comes in many ways.

Switching Lenses

Films are a massive influence on the build of people’s lenses. The structures of movies are based on their date of production, and their style. For example, James Bonds, interpret women, as props, that are essential to spice up the film, and are even treated that way by jokes and remarks that James makes throughout the movie. Of course, these jokes aren’t offensive or rude, but a film such as those that shown today, people would call it sexist. Another aspect is how today, sexy women are still a necessity in most movies. Sometimes, a movie cannot even make any success without having some forms of nudity, to attract, (or repel, depending on the country) the audience. Although off topic, music videos today are a perfect example of using “hotness” to attract the audience. Most music videos are based on this principle. The music can be terrible, but the singer will have a great success.

            Today, films usually have token black or Asian characters, purposely, but it is so overdone in ways that people are starting to find it offensive. Back in the past, such as films produced in the 40s-50s, races are discriminated. Of course, this depends on the films cultural level and budget. Still, many movies portray, without the audience knowing, different races and persecute or discriminate them. For example, all evil characters these days, in general, are middle-eastern terrorists. When younger generations view these films, they will be influenced to believe most of what they see. Jews are also an example widely used. Maybe one movie features a greedy and arrogant Jew, while an other shows them being constantly persecuted. What is he to think of this? Movies are a major influence.

            Different classes means differences in education. A movie done by an uneducated director might result in children watching lies. Today, films also represent who is wealthy, and who isn’t. For example, one who has seen the newest film, compare to a kid who has never seen that film, will feel as if he isn’t up to date, and therefore, unaware, and will try to persuade his parents to buy it, just for to give off an impression. Also, in movies themselves, a poor African watching a film, in which a rich white kid is driving around in a limo around New York, looking at bums sweep the streets, could refer to himself as those bums. This could possibly result in a depression or loss of hope, of the child. Another common example is a black man in jail, or robbing a bank. This influences people of that race to feel as if they should follow that path. This also stands for races. Even here, in Kuala Lumpur, a young Muslim girl sees everyone in movies wearing miniskirts, and then sees herself wearing a silk-full body cloth. This might influence and change peoples minds about their life 

Switching Lenses

Films are a massive influence on the build of people’s lenses. The structures of movies are based on their date of production, and their style. For example, James Bonds, interpret women, as props, that are essential to spice up the film, and are even treated that way by jokes and remarks that James makes throughout the movie. Of course, these jokes aren’t offensive or rude, but a film such as those that shown today, people would call it sexist. Another aspect is how today, sexy women are still a necessity in most movies. Sometimes, a movie cannot even make any success without having some forms of nudity, to attract, (or repel, depending on the country) the audience. Although off topic, music videos today are a perfect example of using “hotness” to attract the audience. Most music videos are based on this principle. The music can be terrible, but the singer will have a great success.

            Today, films usually have token black or Asian characters, purposely, but it is so overdone in ways that people are starting to find it offensive. Back in the past, such as films produced in the 40s-50s, races are discriminated. Of course, this depends on the films cultural level and budget. Still, many movies portray, without the audience knowing, different races and persecute or discriminate them. For example, all evil characters these days, in general, are middle-eastern terrorists. When younger generations view these films, they will be influenced to believe most of what they see. Jews are also an example widely used. Maybe one movie features a greedy and arrogant Jew, while an other shows them being constantly persecuted. What is he to think of this? Movies are a major influence.

            Different classes means differences in education. A movie done by an uneducated director might result in children watching lies. Today, films also represent who is wealthy, and who isn’t. For example, one who has seen the newest film, compare to a kid who has never seen that film, will feel as if he isn’t up to date, and therefore, unaware, and will try to persuade his parents to buy it, just for to give off an impression. Also, in movies themselves, a poor African watching a film, in which a rich white kid is driving around in a limo around New York, looking at bums sweep the streets, could refer to himself as those bums. This could possibly result in a depression or loss of hope, of the child. Another common example is a black man in jail, or robbing a bank. This influences people of that race to feel as if they should follow that path. This also stands for races. Even here, in Kuala Lumpur, a young Muslim girl sees everyone in movies wearing miniskirts, and then sees herself wearing a silk-full body cloth. This might influence and change peoples minds about their life

Act 1 Scene 2

Here are two lines that I can understand and write down what they mean;

“Who was so firm, so constant, that his coil would not infect his reason” line 244/245, this line means-who is so steady that a disturbance couldn’t affect him.

 “But a felt a fever of mad, and played some trick of desperation” line 257. This line means that some people there became mad, and took desperate actions

Here are two lines that I think are hard to figure out;

But that the sea, mounting to th’ welkin’s cheek

The very minute bids thee ope thine ear

Also, I have a few questions regarding this book;

Why does Shakespeare believe so much in magic?

What is Prospero planning to do with Ariel?

How is Prospero magical?

Act 1 Scene 2

Here are two lines that I can understand and write down what they mean;

“Who was so firm, so constant, that his coil would not infect his reason” line 244/245, this line means-who is so steady that a disturbance couldn’t affect him.

 “But a felt a fever of mad, and played some trick of desperation” line 257. This line means that some people there became mad, and took desperate actions

Here are two lines that I think are hard to figure out;

But that the sea, mounting to th’ welkin’s cheek

The very minute bids thee ope thine ear

Also, I have a few questions regarding this book;

Why does Shakespeare believe so much in magic?

What is Prospero planning to do with Ariel?

How is Prospero magical?

Alzheimer’s is spreading! 
“Why? Ironically, in fighting heart disease, cancer and other diseases, “we’re keeping people alive so they can live long enough to get Alzheimer’s disease,” explains association vice president Steve McConnell.

Indeed, when the baby boomers start to turn 65, in 2011, hope will fade. Already 5 million Americans suffer from this mind losing disease, but now, as the elder population is increasing, Alzheimer’s will become more than common. This is a 10 percent increase compare to five years ago, when the Alzheimer’s Association estimated numbers. As known, age is the biggest factor in this disease, and when the baby boomers turn 65, Alzheimer’s will, as others say, sky rocket. This is obviously a crisis because this is showing that in contrary to all of our technological advances, Alzheimer’s is getting worse. Although this article is not shown in a worldwide aspect, Alzheimer’s is a major disease, which no one knows the cure to. Alzheimer’s simply robs the victim’s memory and abilities to care for themselves and then eventually kills them. This is a crisis, as it is getting much worse and the expenses for the medical care are depriving money for other, curable illnesses. It is hard to find reasons why this progressive growth is occurring so rapidly, but people must begin to act.

Here is the actual article from cnn

http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/conditions/03/19/alzheimers.ap/index.html

Although there were many poems I felt were the one to choose, I felt this showed his sentimental attachment to nature, as he mentioned in his biography. It’s amazing how his poem, Fern Hill, creates a whole set of imagery for me, and does that completely subconsciously. I really like his figurative language, for example: And fire green as grass. This is an example of a metaphor

FERN HILL
Dylan Thomas

Now as I was young and easy under the apple boughs
About the lilting house and happy as the grass was green,
The night above the dingle starry,
Time let me hail and climb
Golden in the heydays of his eyes,
And honoured among wagons I was prince of the apple towns
And once below a time I lordly had the trees and leaves
Trail with daisies and barley
Down the rivers of the windfall light.

And as I was green and carefree, famous among the barns
About the happy yard and singing as the farm was home,
In the sun that is young once only,
Time let me play and be
Golden in the mercy of his means,
And green and golden I was huntsman and herdsman, the calves
Sang to my horn, the foxes on the hills barked clear and cold,
And the sabbath rang slowly
In the pebbles of the holy streams.

All the sun long it was running, it was lovely, the hay
Fields high as the house, the tunes from the chimneys, it was air
And playing, lovely and watery
And fire green as grass.
And nightly under the simple stars
As I rode to sleep the owls were bearing the farm away,
All the moon long I heard, blessed among stables, the nightjars
Flying with the ricks, and the horses
Flashing into the dark.

And then to awake, and the farm, like a wanderer white
With the dew, come back, the cock on his shoulder: it was all
Shining, it was Adam and maiden,
The sky gathered again
And the sun grew round that very day.
So it must have been after the birth of the simple light
In the first, spinning place, the spellbound horses walking warm
Out of the whinnying green stable
On to the fields of praise.

And honoured among foxes and pheasants by the gay house
Under the new made clouds and happy as the heart was long,
In the sun born over and over,
I ran my heedless ways,
My wishes raced through the house high hay
And nothing I cared, at my sky blue trades, that time allows
In all his tuneful turning so few and such morning songs
Before the children green and golden
Follow him out of grace,

Nothing I cared, in the lamb white days, that time would take me
Up to the swallow thronged loft by the shadow of my hand,
In the moon that is always rising,
Nor that riding to sleep
I should hear him fly with the high fields
And wake to the farm forever fled from the childless land.
Oh as I was young and easy in the mercy of his means,
Time held me green and dying
Though I sang in my chains like the sea.

Although I don’t specialize in this domain, I try my best to stay open to all topics and keep a positive attitude. Usually, I write whatever pops up in my head and don’t really respect any strict structure for my poetry. Actually, this quarter, our English class has focused on poetry. (Probably why I’m writing this)

I used to practice my violin whenever I had any spare time, but these days I’ve slacked off a little. Luckily, in return, I’m learning two other instruments, drums and guitar, (just started though). I also love playing in an orchestra. When I lived in
China, I used to play violin in a massive orchestra, including brass, percussion, woodwinds… Today, although the orchestra is not so big, it has all the necessary needs for the formidable sensation of playing in a group. Sports wise, I’ve kept up and practice wherever I can, especially that my school offers a good variety after-school sports.

Although I do not own a plane, I do have a simulation program which requires similar skills to pilot a real-life aircraft. This passion, (I assume) began where I used to go during holidays, which is
Toulouse, an area in the South of France. As this was during my childhood, I vaguely remember the sight of planes taking off into the sunrise when I woke up. (There was a small local flying school nearby).

My favorite types of music are really all types of music. I must admit I have a preference for metal oriented music or instrumental music. (Liquid Tension experiment, Dream Theater). I also spend much time searching for bands that might not be as recognized as others but still very good. Recently, I’ve tried listening to blues, and alternative music (
Bluegrass), even musicians such as the Wooten brothers.

Finally, living in an international community is definitely different from a local lifestyle. Sometimes, I almost feel isolated because our community is so artificial and small. Of course, I do enjoy living their as I still have the ability to be with friends form around the globe. I think that ability is really great, as in the future, we will be dealing with issues worldwide and be responsible to socialize, and tolerate with different people from diffrent cultures. All together, I hope this “project” between our schools goes smoothly, and I’m really excited about it as well.

These days, most of my issues revolve around of my friends. Of course, my grades are a huge priority, but I treasure my social life just as much.Today, a big topic is global warming. Since I’m moslty interested in current, or developing issues I think global warming is a very interseting topic. At start, only from reading bits from the newspaper, I was not aware of the magnitude of this issue, but now, after researching on my own, I have grown more concious of environmental problems. If any of you are intersted in this, you should see this film/documnetary by Al Gore, called An Inconvenient Truth.

Another issue I’m highly intersted in is the exponential economical growth of China. To me, the shift of power seems to be gowing towards China, and leaving the U.S. Speaking of the U.S, I love the controversial news that go on in the Middle East about the production of nuclear weapons…

Well, with all this going, I hope we’ll have things to talk about and i can’t wait to read your intros

We want our audience to leave this memorial with the idea that, as Ann is positioned, that she represents the humanity in all of us, and the horror and marvels humans are capable of. The contrast, from the deafening tracks to hell and the infernal moaning of pain, to Ann. Simply Ann. She represents the light, and hope struggling to shine within this dark and terrifying time. My group’s intentions are that Ann’s diary will spread the voice of so many others that suffered. A light from the dome will spotlight Ann’ desk, (diary). This represents the hope and nature as we will have birds chirping from that opening. The chimneys will also play a big role in the symbolism. On the Concentration camp side, a chimney will be located near the center, a black fearful and miserable one. On the opposite side, the chimney will be centered, (like the other), and be bursting with light and made of red warm bricks, (and bring out the family atmosphere.)  A railroad track will circle the desk, to guide the audience around. This track will symbolize the painful journey the Jews were forced to take, only to lead them to their deaths. One side of the wall will be packed with the most meaningful quotes my team and I could find, while the other side will be loaded with the ugly and true facts about the Holocaust. Simultaneously, a PowerPoint will be centered on Ann’s personal life and siblings. This will probably the only piece of technology used, but it will repeat over and over, smoothly. In the alley, one wall will be illustrated with handprints, desperate to leave, and the other, (separated by the showers), will demonstrate a happy warm family. The most powerful symbol within this memorial is most likely to be the diary. Although it is small and innocent, it is at the same time the simplicity of the diary that spreads the power. I truly hope this is the way Ann would have liked her memorial to be, as she grew from her self-centered, princes-like character, to the most supporting and meaningful figure that stood out, shined amongst all others to bring peace to the way she conceived the world. Unfortunately, terror again reins our world, but maybe, another light will shine.

Pictures of our project:

Annes desk that is in the memorial.

This is the railway tracks that people walk on in the memorial.

One of the walls in the memorial. This wall has facts about the war on it.

Another wall in the memorial. This wall has quotes from Annes diary.

This is the entrance of the memorial. It is ment to be like the gas chambers with the shower heads.

this is a top view of the memorial.

Eslrs that we achieved while doing the project on Anne Frank.

Effective communicator

Collaborate with others in appropriate learning situations to achieve group goal.Example:We all worked together to get all work done in school, in class, and out side of school. We did this for English but we made the model to improve our model building skills.Evaluation:Excellent

Demonstrate the skills of effective collaborationExample:We communicated after school to get more work done and reach our goal. We talked about our ideas, and got what we had to get done, done!Evaluation: Good

Self directed learner.

Demonstrate competency in goal setting, time management, and organizational skills.Example:We planned out a Blue print, and we organized a time to meet after school so we could get things done. We made sure t that we had a majority of the project done by Monday. We also organized who would do what when, so we new what every one had to do.Evaluation:Good

Academic achiever

Demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaborativelyExample:We all took on our own responsibilities with the writing work, but we all worked together on the visual, and putting it together. Evaluation:Excellent

Critical thinker

Solve problems using a variety of strategiesExample:The Silver paint pen sank into the styrofoam, so then we decided to say that it was engraved like the Vietnam war memorial in
Washington D.C. Then for the other wall we changed pens. We had to do what we could!Evaluation:Good

We all worked together very well from the very beginning. We all pitched in ideas for our memorial, and we all helped assemble it in and out of school hours. Mitchell and Taylor brought all the things to make the model, and Laurent and brought the lap top and assembled the model with Taylor and Mitchell. We all put our heads together to get the model figured out. We had many ideas and great ones at that, so it was hard to know what to do. In the end we finally got some ideas down and all agreed on them. It was the little things that we all came up with, like
Taylor suggested we put down train tracks as you walk through the memorial. Laurent gave us all the idea to put in the gas chambers (showers) in as you walked in. Mitchell came up with the brilliant thing of putting in the desk, and actually making it stay up. Every one wrote something for the written part as well. We all had about 2 things to write about, so it was fair and no one person did all the work, because sometimes that does happen.We all worked really well and we all feel that as a team we were exceptionally strong.

When we first got the choice of the two different projects, our group thought almost straight away that we should do a memorial. In this spectacular memorial we have put many things all with different meanings that all just happen to have something to do with Anne Frank. To be able to create such an extravagant display we have used many things including tooth picks, Styrofoam, paint, paper, and even a laptop. After we had all the materials, it was time to get building. First we got the (already painted) floor and glued the (already painted) walls on it, next we made train tracks with toothpicks, then we made a desk, and finally we put shower heads up to represent the gas chambers.After all the craftsmanship was finished we decided to designate who would write what and who would do certain things over the weekend, for a paradigm we told Taylor to do the ESLR’s, Laurent to do the symbols, and Mitchell to do the summary/grade write up.Since we all (Taylor, Laurent and Mitchell) put such hard work in to this we would definitely give ourselves a good grade. We believe this because we did all the ESLR’s (at least one bullet from each) and put our hearts and souls into completing it. Overall on this project, because of the above reasons, we as a group definitely deserve an A- if not an A.

What it says on the walls:

Black wall:

Who would ever think that so much can go on in the soul of a young girl? I don’t think my opinions are stupid and others do; so it is better to keep them to myself.

I wonder whether you can tell me why it is important that people always try so hard to hide their real feelings?

White wall:

Approximately Six Million Jews were killed.About 220,000 Roma were murdered

Holocaust victims at 9 to 11 million, are just a rough approximate of the number killed

It is estimated that is
Berlin alone, 1600 Jews killed themselves rather then face the feared camps.

1.5 million Children were exterminated in the holocaust.

Step 2:
The Aztecs ended up in the middle of a lake and built their new capital Tenochtitlan. What were the pros and cons of settling in the middle of a lake? Cons were: snake infested lakes, Pros: they could crop all year using irrigation. The chinampas were substitutes for farms. The canals were even used y defense. Describe the lay of the land and chose an image for your exhibit.

Step 3:
Which gods were worshiped? The pyramids were built for what purpose? Aztecs used the powers of nature to represent their gods. The most important of their gods was of war and of the sun. Named Huitzilopochtli. The pyramids were built for sacrificial purpose to please the gods.
Step 4:
Who are the different members of Aztec society? Slaves, commoners, and nobility were the 3 classes of the Aztec society. What are their roles? Slaves could by their freedom, but parents sold them at a young age. Commoners, (macehualtin) were engaged in agriculture. They were the majority of Aztecs. They were given full ownership of their land for their lifetime. Finally, the nobility were the people born rich, such as priests and those who earned their rank. Pipiltin was the family occupying the very high social group. The tlatoani was the chosen supreme leader of the nobles. (Choose an artifact that represents the social order of Aztec society.

Step 5:
The Aztecs have a spoken language. What was it called? There are only about 30 phonetic sounds in the Maya language. They used Pictographs, small pictures, (glyphs) to communicate. It was called Nahuatl. Did they use any other forms of communication? Include an example of either written or visual language of the Aztecs.

Step 6:
How did the Aztecs grow food and what was their main crop? The Aztecs made terraces that went down a hall to control the water flow. (This stopped flooding of the farming). They also used “Slash and Burn” method. They could extend their crops using Chinampas. These anchored islands helped the Aztecs grow corn, chili peppers, squash, tomatoes, beans, and other kinds of foods. They mainly ate a tlaxcalli, a thin cornmeal pancake, (tortilla). Their meat included dear, rabbit, duck, and geese. Did they trade and with whom? They traded with other countries like Belize, Honduras …they used cotton, rubber, golden ornaments, woven clothing, salt, jaguar skin, for trade. Did they have a currency (money)? Their currency-included cacao beans. Find an image for your exhibit about making a living Aztec style.

Step 7:
Discuss the Impact of Spanish Contact 1519 from both the Aztec point of view and the Spanish point of view. Hernan Cortes went to South American country with the intention of steeling the gold and bringing it to Spain. With 500 soldiers and small boats, he arrived in the eastern coast of Mexico. It was unfair because the Spanish had guns and the Aztecs did not have any. Find an image depicting this event.

Step 8:
Discuss La Malinche or Dona Marina. She was the first “Mexican” mother. Debate her positive/negative impact on Mexico past and present. What does the term Mestizo refer to? A Mestizo is a person of mixed racial ancestry, especially of mixed European and Native American ancestry. What influences remain today from Aztec