Hey everyone, so, if you couldn't tell from the title, this is my final blog post! The reason it is my final post is because my blogging class (run by Jen) is ending because our school just got out! So it's been fun writing to you guys and I hope you enjoy this last post.
For our final, we have to invent a class (like Jen did) that involves technology, reading, writing and just basic overall skills in any of the school course categories. With this class we have to explain how it would be run, what tools are needed, if it would be popular by the students and what are students would learn from the class. So this is what I'll be writing about.
So as many of you Linworth friends of mine may know, Linworth is a very artistic place. Although, we don't have our own individual music program, there are many kids that are very interested in music and learning about music. So, my class would be a Music History and Composition Class. This class would teach the history and sounds of all types of music that has developed over the centuries. Then after learning the history and the sounds of the specific type of music they would then have to write or compose a musical piece of their own that would fit with the concept of that music's era and style.
We would meet once a week in the classroom. (Times would be determined based on students schedules.) At the classroom, we would establish what style of music they would research for that week as well as some of the basic history of that type of music. Then they would receive an assignment to find and site a source on the web that they found, that talked about the history of the certain style of music that we would be studying. Then, they would summarize what they learned in a paragraph or two. In additional to the site on the web, the students would also be given the book, Haydn String Quartets, written by Rosemary Hughes. This book talks about Haydn and his string quartets and how he changed the way music was seen back in the eighteenth century. Also this book talks about the ingenious ways Haydn wrote his music and the tricks he used that helped him become so successful. This would be vital to a student's general understanding of how to write and compose a quality, understandable piece of music.
The next step of the assignment would be for them to find a piece of music from that era and style that speaks to them or that they feel has a special meaning to them. Then to tell again in a writing summarized form, what that particular piece of music meant to them. The last part of the assignment for the students would be, to write a piece of music (no shorter than 30 seconds with no limit on how long it could be) that would fit the instrumentation of that time period, the style of music from that time period and the correct use of notation from that era. And this is where the technology aspect of the class kicks in. Each student of the class would receive a music notation (composition) program that will help the student write out their desired piece of music. What I would suggest to the students is the Sibelius Student Music Notation Program. I believe it would best fit the class and probably best fit the students music composition ability. It is also a great learning tool and stepping stone to a more advanced notation program. Also for each summary that I would have the kids write (as I mentioned earlier) I would have them write it through a blog program, such as this blogger.com, that Jen introduced me to. I believe this would be probably the best place for an online classroom/in school classroom environment to be held. All of the summaries would be due each week, once a week and that would be as well with the compositions. Then we would meet back at the classroom and discuss some of the things the students learned about (music wise) over the last week.
All in all, what I would want for my students to gain out of this class and experience, would be overall to have more respect for all types of music. Also, many kids at Linworth such as Aaron improv all day on their guitars and such, and many of these songs that they improv are actually quite excellent. If I could just give these students the tools and the steps to actually WRITE the music they play everyday, I as well as many of my students, I'm sure, would feel very happy and accomplished of what they've achieved.
So, after this whole blog class experience, thanks Jen for sticking in there with the blog class, I know it must be really hard, but I appreciate what you've done. So, thanks!
And to all of my readers, well thanks for reading.
And finally to everyone, HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!!!!
--KP
Friday, June 6, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
OC:Music and Films
Since I'm on a little movie roll lately I thought I would bring up the less appreciated part of films. The music. Much of the music these film composers compose has a huge effect on the film and the character of the film. I mean honestly do you think most movies would be as inspiring as exciting if there was no music involved? Music builds anticipation in films, it brings characters personalities and feelings to life and has many other great contributions.
I really wish that people would find more respect for film music and how much it contributes to the film and everything about it. Film composing is also much more difficult than people think. It might be even more difficult than an actors or a directors job. So next time you see a movie or film, really think about the music in the film and the effect it has to the film's mood and hopefully many more people will start to have more appreciation or as much appreciation for film composers and film music and scoring as I do.
Keep in tuned for next week's blogs.
--KP
I really wish that people would find more respect for film music and how much it contributes to the film and everything about it. Film composing is also much more difficult than people think. It might be even more difficult than an actors or a directors job. So next time you see a movie or film, really think about the music in the film and the effect it has to the film's mood and hopefully many more people will start to have more appreciation or as much appreciation for film composers and film music and scoring as I do.
Keep in tuned for next week's blogs.
--KP
OC:Indiana Jones
If you haven't heard, the latest Indiana Jones movie is coming out. In the past Jones has participated in adventures for finding the lost covenant, sacred stones, as well as the holy grail. And his latest adventure is for the Crystal Skulls. In fact, today after watching Indiana Jones the holy grail movie, I watched the history channel special called the Ultimate Quest of Indiana. This special talked about the actual non-fictional history of Indiana Jones adventures. And it also in addition to the research gave a sneek peak preview of the next film, the Crystal Skulls. It was said that there are 13 of these skulls scattered over the earth in which 4 or 5 of them have already been found. These skulls are based off the Mayan culture and teachings. It is said that if these skulls were to be reunited into one area it could repel such a thing as armeggedon which according to the Mayan calendar is supposed to occur in the winter of 2012.
Watching these stories were thrilling, suspenseful and inspirational, and I truly can't wait for the next Indiana Jones movie it should be great.
Talk to you later,
--KP
Watching these stories were thrilling, suspenseful and inspirational, and I truly can't wait for the next Indiana Jones movie it should be great.
Talk to you later,
--KP
Pirates III
Hey, so the next chapter Im going to tell you about, that is in the Pirates book I have been reading, is Chapter 3 titled, Captiva, Once an Isle of Captive Women. This chapter takes place in the time period of 1800 to 1821 on the Island of Captiva.
Captiva is a sister island of Sanibel (which I'm sure many of you have heard of.) Captiva is based off the spanish word cautiva, which means female slave. It is said that in times past Gasparilla quarter his specific valuable female captives here on this island for safety until their money could be paid. Back in the day, travel by sea was dangerous and with women aboard it was thought to be even more dangerous and quite unlucky. (Sticking true to that of Mr.Gibbs comments on Pirates of the Carribean.) Women actually usually only traveled by sea when reaching new lands or territories, not for the pleasure reason as pirates ruled these waters centuries ago. Pirates also learned that capturing wives or daughters of high Spanish officials meant lots of gold in trade in the long run.
After a raid near Boca Grande, Gasparilla captured many women of high rank and value and sent them off to an island where women captives awaiting the payment of ransom could be safe. Gasparilla then took some of his older, trustworthy friends to act as guards. This island soon became known as The Island of the Captives.
The Pirates on this island built thatched huts for the captives. This became known as the camp of captiva. Unfortunately knowone now knows where the camp originally was. After many years without Gasparilla ever returning to the island, the captives as well as the "guards" started to develop their own culture and civilization and their own way of living.
Hope you tune in next week for chapter 4.
--KP
Captiva is a sister island of Sanibel (which I'm sure many of you have heard of.) Captiva is based off the spanish word cautiva, which means female slave. It is said that in times past Gasparilla quarter his specific valuable female captives here on this island for safety until their money could be paid. Back in the day, travel by sea was dangerous and with women aboard it was thought to be even more dangerous and quite unlucky. (Sticking true to that of Mr.Gibbs comments on Pirates of the Carribean.) Women actually usually only traveled by sea when reaching new lands or territories, not for the pleasure reason as pirates ruled these waters centuries ago. Pirates also learned that capturing wives or daughters of high Spanish officials meant lots of gold in trade in the long run.
After a raid near Boca Grande, Gasparilla captured many women of high rank and value and sent them off to an island where women captives awaiting the payment of ransom could be safe. Gasparilla then took some of his older, trustworthy friends to act as guards. This island soon became known as The Island of the Captives.
The Pirates on this island built thatched huts for the captives. This became known as the camp of captiva. Unfortunately knowone now knows where the camp originally was. After many years without Gasparilla ever returning to the island, the captives as well as the "guards" started to develop their own culture and civilization and their own way of living.
Hope you tune in next week for chapter 4.
--KP
Sunday, May 11, 2008
OC:Wrongfully accused
My teacher also told us of stories of innocent people who were wrongly accused of murder then exonerated because of precise evidence. Recently NPR wrote a great story about a man in Dallas who his pretty much a head of the police department who has for the most part dedicated his life to proving wrongly convicted citizens innocent of their charge. In this country their is a lot of people who are wrongly convicted for soing something they really didn't do and it's amazing the ways they are now coming up with to help accuse the truly guilty and free the wrongly convicted. Including such of what this man in Dallas is doing. What he is doing is now using DNA evidence to help prove those that were wrongly accused innocent. Additional steps still need to be taken to help become more precise with convicting the truly guilty people in the future. Also to not wrongfully accuse prisoners of certain things they didn't do in the future.
Thanks for reading.
--KP
Thanks for reading.
--KP
OC:CNN T-shirts
My teacher was talking about how CNN recently has been making t-shirts of their weekly headlines and newsreels. And she was asking my class do we have to make money out of everything in this world? And this is my answer.
Currently with our economic issue. Or the word of us being in a recession. More "buy's and sell's" within our country can only help because we are increasing circulation which helps our economy. So I don't see the bad in all of these buy and sells as long as their within our country. Trading with other countries with our current economic solution is not a great idea. So as long as CNN is paying for those t-shirts to be made in the US and not a foreign country I am ok with these buy and sells. I know some of you think CNN is greedy but is this really that bad of thing? I mean they can try to sell t-shirts of CNN headlines but that doesn't necessarily mean people are going to buy them.
That's my opinion.
--KP
Currently with our economic issue. Or the word of us being in a recession. More "buy's and sell's" within our country can only help because we are increasing circulation which helps our economy. So I don't see the bad in all of these buy and sells as long as their within our country. Trading with other countries with our current economic solution is not a great idea. So as long as CNN is paying for those t-shirts to be made in the US and not a foreign country I am ok with these buy and sells. I know some of you think CNN is greedy but is this really that bad of thing? I mean they can try to sell t-shirts of CNN headlines but that doesn't necessarily mean people are going to buy them.
That's my opinion.
--KP
RR:Pirates II
So I am still continually reading this pirates book about the infamous REAL pirates of the carribean. Last week I talked about Gasparilla who was considered one of the most ruthless if not THE most ruthless pirate of his time period. This week though I'm going to talk about the next chapter which reads: "Juan Gomez-the Pirate of Panther Key."
Juan Gomez first stories start at the age of 12 in 1790 when after moving to Portugal with his parents he quickly ran away after the move to France. He soon joined a crew as a cabin boy on part a french vessel. But soon on that journey he ended up betraying the crew and in result being deserted on a West Indies island. (Jack-like for sure.) Then Gomez was picked up by a Spanish merchantman and soon joined his crew. The spanish ship Gomez was on was in fact one of the last Spanish galleons.
While heading toward the Americas with his crew Gomez was raided on the Florida Gulf Coast by Gasparilla (whom we talked about last week) while trying to avoid a hurricane. The whole crew was killed except for the life of Juan Gomez whose life was spared by Gasparilla by the means of personal intervention. Later Gasparilla soon treated Gomez as a son and Gomez ended up swearing into a life of piracy. Then Gasparilla gave Gomez his final and most superior task to assassinate the Spanish prime minister, Manuel de Godoy.
Gomez reached Spain rather quickly but while trying to get to Madrid to carry out Gasparilla's plan he was caught and made into a member of the Black Dragoons. He then was personally appointed as an assistant to Napoleon Bonaparte. After being encouraged to become a good friend and a officer under Napoleon. Juan Gomez after this talk, split and ran away on a vessel towards Charleston, USA in the Carolinas. Gomez then was caught by Spaniards and put upon a slave ship from Northern Africa toward the Americas. But then the ship was again raided by Gasparilla who then recognized Gomez and took him back with him to Boca Grande, near the Florida keys. Gomez soon went his own ways after Gasparilla died and raided the "Panther Key" for quite a long time. Gomez then appointed himself ruler or dictator if you wish to put it, of the Panther Key. He then became extremely wealthy and actually created his image of a ruthless pirate if not as ruthless as Gasparilla.
Juan Gomez also became known as the oldest living pirate which he lived to be 112 and did not end up dying of old age but of a fishing accident that led to his drowning and death.
Pretty interesting stuff. Ill will continue to update you on the next chapter, next week.
--KP
Juan Gomez first stories start at the age of 12 in 1790 when after moving to Portugal with his parents he quickly ran away after the move to France. He soon joined a crew as a cabin boy on part a french vessel. But soon on that journey he ended up betraying the crew and in result being deserted on a West Indies island. (Jack-like for sure.) Then Gomez was picked up by a Spanish merchantman and soon joined his crew. The spanish ship Gomez was on was in fact one of the last Spanish galleons.
While heading toward the Americas with his crew Gomez was raided on the Florida Gulf Coast by Gasparilla (whom we talked about last week) while trying to avoid a hurricane. The whole crew was killed except for the life of Juan Gomez whose life was spared by Gasparilla by the means of personal intervention. Later Gasparilla soon treated Gomez as a son and Gomez ended up swearing into a life of piracy. Then Gasparilla gave Gomez his final and most superior task to assassinate the Spanish prime minister, Manuel de Godoy.
Gomez reached Spain rather quickly but while trying to get to Madrid to carry out Gasparilla's plan he was caught and made into a member of the Black Dragoons. He then was personally appointed as an assistant to Napoleon Bonaparte. After being encouraged to become a good friend and a officer under Napoleon. Juan Gomez after this talk, split and ran away on a vessel towards Charleston, USA in the Carolinas. Gomez then was caught by Spaniards and put upon a slave ship from Northern Africa toward the Americas. But then the ship was again raided by Gasparilla who then recognized Gomez and took him back with him to Boca Grande, near the Florida keys. Gomez soon went his own ways after Gasparilla died and raided the "Panther Key" for quite a long time. Gomez then appointed himself ruler or dictator if you wish to put it, of the Panther Key. He then became extremely wealthy and actually created his image of a ruthless pirate if not as ruthless as Gasparilla.
Juan Gomez also became known as the oldest living pirate which he lived to be 112 and did not end up dying of old age but of a fishing accident that led to his drowning and death.
Pretty interesting stuff. Ill will continue to update you on the next chapter, next week.
--KP
Sunday, May 4, 2008
OC#2: Graduation
As some of you may know, my sister, Stephanie is gruaduating this year. Earlier today I woke up and really realized it for the first time that it wouldn't be to long until I graduate. And that's pretty scary. I mean, it seems like yesterday that Stephanie was a sophomore like myself and the span of time between her sophomore years to her senior year has gone by with the blink of an eye. I already am starting to wonder to myself (just as a sophomore) what colleges I want to go to and what I want to do with my life. Also what I want to do with Walkabout in a couple years and how I should be really starting to prepare for Walkabout as soon as possible because before you know it, I will be a senior.
Things are really going quick.
--KP
Things are really going quick.
--KP
OC#1:Hey Linworth people, vote for Steve and I, president and vice president
Hey you Linworth kids, so in case you were wondering, Steve and I are running for president and vice president and you should definetly vote for us.
Last Wednesday we watched Steve lead town meeting and did a great job. When he led, Town Meeting ended up being very productive and most likely the most successful Town Meeting this whole year.
I understand some of you believe that Steve was very intense when he was leading, but that's his job, that's what he should be doing. Before Steve led town meeting, people (many students and even some teachers) had taken town meeting as a joke and dismissed it's values for discussing the serious issues involving our Linworth community. But as you saw last week, Steve will return the value and importance of Town Meeting. Steve's intensity and productivity demonstrates that we won't be wasting classtime that teachers give to us every Wednesday to DISCUSS issues. I believe we need this change so teachers like Larry who hasn't been to town meeting because kids are taking it as a joke will be encouraged to participate in Town Meeting again.
Your soon to be VP,
--KP
Last Wednesday we watched Steve lead town meeting and did a great job. When he led, Town Meeting ended up being very productive and most likely the most successful Town Meeting this whole year.
I understand some of you believe that Steve was very intense when he was leading, but that's his job, that's what he should be doing. Before Steve led town meeting, people (many students and even some teachers) had taken town meeting as a joke and dismissed it's values for discussing the serious issues involving our Linworth community. But as you saw last week, Steve will return the value and importance of Town Meeting. Steve's intensity and productivity demonstrates that we won't be wasting classtime that teachers give to us every Wednesday to DISCUSS issues. I believe we need this change so teachers like Larry who hasn't been to town meeting because kids are taking it as a joke will be encouraged to participate in Town Meeting again.
Your soon to be VP,
--KP
R&L: Fischoff!!!
So this upcoming Thursday I am going to South Bend, Indiana to watch my sister, Stephanie and her string trio compete in the 2008 International Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. It is going to be really exciting and I can't wait. She is competing against 23 other groups and the competition is always EXTREMELY amazing and very, very talented.
Also I thought I would update you about the recent String Quartet competition I was in with my string quartet, Accelerando. The competition is called the St. Paul National String Quartet Competition and it features arguably the best 6 (under 18 years old) string quartets in the country. My group ended up doing really well and we were really proud on how we did. My sister and her quartet, Viaggio, were also in the competition and they ended up winning the gold prize with their oustanding performances of the Hadyn and Shostakovich, both very difficult pieces. My group also played two very difficult pieces including Shulhoff and Haydn "Rider." Anyway, to find more out about these two extremely competitive competitions you can go to their websites at http://www.fischoff.org and http://spsqc.artaria.us.
--KP
Also I thought I would update you about the recent String Quartet competition I was in with my string quartet, Accelerando. The competition is called the St. Paul National String Quartet Competition and it features arguably the best 6 (under 18 years old) string quartets in the country. My group ended up doing really well and we were really proud on how we did. My sister and her quartet, Viaggio, were also in the competition and they ended up winning the gold prize with their oustanding performances of the Hadyn and Shostakovich, both very difficult pieces. My group also played two very difficult pieces including Shulhoff and Haydn "Rider." Anyway, to find more out about these two extremely competitive competitions you can go to their websites at http://www.fischoff.org and http://spsqc.artaria.us.
--KP
R&R: Pirates.
So, I am assuming that most of my blog readers have seen the Pirates of the Carribean film. While watching the movie you've probably wondered about what some of the real carribean pirate stories there were, that were really true and that really happened and really did exist. Well, sping break's ago when I was down in Florida at Sebastian Beach I bought this book at the beach's gift shop, it is called Pirates and Buried Treasures on Florida Islands by Jack Beater (a native and long time resident of the southern florida coast.
In this book Jack explains the stories told to him about some of the most infamous and ruthless pirates ever to acutally exist in the Carribean and the Florida coast. So since I am just starting the book, in the first chapter Jack Beater presents to us (the reader) the story of arguably the most famous pirate in Floridian/Carribean pirate history, Gasparilla.
In this chapter Jack explains to us the life and treasures of Jose Gaspar or also known as Gasparilla. Born in Spain, Gasparilla was nice to his friends, ruthless to his enemies and always very precise and true to his word. (Sounds a little bit like Barbossa eh?) It is claimed that Jose Gaspar actually helped Florida become part of the Union. Jack states:
"It is highly possible that Jose' Gaspar had much to do with Florida becoming a thorn in the side of Spanish commerce with Cuba and Mexico, Spain might not have been willing to sell Florida to the U.S."
It is also said that Gasparilla had a very tiny sailboat in which he used to island hop and attempt to steal gigantic vessels, he also listened to tales of slave ships, pirates, gold and especially women. And many claim that he only had one ultimate goal to become the most powerful pirate in the Floridian keys and the Carribean Sea. (Also, sounds a lot like Jack Sparrow, huh?)
Also it is said that when Gaspar was 12 and still living in Spain he entered into the Spanish Navy and was sent on exploration trips to the Americas. By the age of 16 Gasparilla was namd admiral of his vessel and his sector of the Spanish Navy. Until later him and some members of his Naval crew rebelled and became pirates. (Also sounds a lt like Lord Norrington.) In the end Gasparilla was taken down finally by the American vessel the "Enterprise," when realizing that his life would end he voluntarily ended his life by tying himself to his ship's anchor and throwing himself overboard. But his legend status remains to this day as arguably the greates pirate in Floridian/Carribean history.
After reading this chapter it really is interesting how much the movie Pirates of the Carribean got a lot of their ideas from this book and also how much the characters in the movie are based off the infamous Jose' Gaspar.
(so Jen just in case you were wondering I am going to read this instead of Blink.)
Next up is Juan Gomez-the Pirate of Panther Key, I'll update you on Mr.Gomez's life as a pirate next week.
--KP
In this book Jack explains the stories told to him about some of the most infamous and ruthless pirates ever to acutally exist in the Carribean and the Florida coast. So since I am just starting the book, in the first chapter Jack Beater presents to us (the reader) the story of arguably the most famous pirate in Floridian/Carribean pirate history, Gasparilla.
In this chapter Jack explains to us the life and treasures of Jose Gaspar or also known as Gasparilla. Born in Spain, Gasparilla was nice to his friends, ruthless to his enemies and always very precise and true to his word. (Sounds a little bit like Barbossa eh?) It is claimed that Jose Gaspar actually helped Florida become part of the Union. Jack states:
"It is highly possible that Jose' Gaspar had much to do with Florida becoming a thorn in the side of Spanish commerce with Cuba and Mexico, Spain might not have been willing to sell Florida to the U.S."
It is also said that Gasparilla had a very tiny sailboat in which he used to island hop and attempt to steal gigantic vessels, he also listened to tales of slave ships, pirates, gold and especially women. And many claim that he only had one ultimate goal to become the most powerful pirate in the Floridian keys and the Carribean Sea. (Also, sounds a lot like Jack Sparrow, huh?)
Also it is said that when Gaspar was 12 and still living in Spain he entered into the Spanish Navy and was sent on exploration trips to the Americas. By the age of 16 Gasparilla was namd admiral of his vessel and his sector of the Spanish Navy. Until later him and some members of his Naval crew rebelled and became pirates. (Also sounds a lt like Lord Norrington.) In the end Gasparilla was taken down finally by the American vessel the "Enterprise," when realizing that his life would end he voluntarily ended his life by tying himself to his ship's anchor and throwing himself overboard. But his legend status remains to this day as arguably the greates pirate in Floridian/Carribean history.
After reading this chapter it really is interesting how much the movie Pirates of the Carribean got a lot of their ideas from this book and also how much the characters in the movie are based off the infamous Jose' Gaspar.
(so Jen just in case you were wondering I am going to read this instead of Blink.)
Next up is Juan Gomez-the Pirate of Panther Key, I'll update you on Mr.Gomez's life as a pirate next week.
--KP
Sunday, April 20, 2008
OC#2: My Position on our next book situation
First of all everyone the Tipping Point is finished and now the debate is what we should read next: another book of his called "Blink," or a book of our choice. Personally I believe I would rather read a book of my choice but then the problem is for Jen who somehow will have to grade 18-20 or so different books which would make things very difficult in consideration to class organization.
So my solution to the debate is that Jen should list 8-10 books that she thinks are good and would fit the class well and then from there we would then decide individually the specific book from Jen's list that we would like to read. And no, we wouldn't have to read the same books, we could choose the different books of our choice. So this way there is more choice involved while keeping everything organized and easy for both the students and the teacher. This way everyone is happy!:) That's just my thought though. So what do yaa think?
--KP
So my solution to the debate is that Jen should list 8-10 books that she thinks are good and would fit the class well and then from there we would then decide individually the specific book from Jen's list that we would like to read. And no, we wouldn't have to read the same books, we could choose the different books of our choice. So this way there is more choice involved while keeping everything organized and easy for both the students and the teacher. This way everyone is happy!:) That's just my thought though. So what do yaa think?
--KP
Comment on Allies blog Linworth computers
In her recent blog Allie talked about the Linworth computer situation and the deal with going on Facebook and MySpace during school ON the school computers. So I just want to tell Allie that the problem isn't that you guys are taking up the computer room, what the real problem is, is that people going on Facebook or MySpace are "cookie-ing" up the schools computers and the internet, which then ends up slowing connections between websites and creates a greater risk of a harmful virus that could ruin the computer.
Also in your blog, you said that we had nothing else to do. And that is a blatently false statement. You can always finish your homework ahead of time before you check MySpace or Facebook :). Then if you get your homework all done, you should still go to teachers for help on assignments and topics that you are studying in school and I mean it is called school, you should do SCHOOL stuff. And I'm sure Larry would tell you the same thing.
So don't go on MySpace during school!
--KP
Also in your blog, you said that we had nothing else to do. And that is a blatently false statement. You can always finish your homework ahead of time before you check MySpace or Facebook :). Then if you get your homework all done, you should still go to teachers for help on assignments and topics that you are studying in school and I mean it is called school, you should do SCHOOL stuff. And I'm sure Larry would tell you the same thing.
So don't go on MySpace during school!
--KP
Thursday, April 17, 2008
R&R: Athletic commitments in the paper.Why not music?
Hey guys, so recently, I have been reading the newspaper, more specifically my local newspaper, and as my usual routine I turn to the sports section. Each week I read about friends of mine who have commited to play collegiate athletics at a number of different prestigious colleges around the country. I usually show this to my mom and sister showing where all of these people are going to school to play sports. So one day when I was showing my mom the article about one of my friends who is actually going to Pittsburgh for Track and Field, she told me why can't they put college commitments for music in the paper because overall the process of recruiting and signing is quite similar to sports. For example my sister, who has been given a number of different great offers by some of the best music schools in the nation, to play viola, has been constantly sent letters from these schools encouraging her to come play music for such a pristine university since her Junior year and sometimes some of these schools have even sent her gift packages (which includes school pride attire) and also using many other sport like recruiting tactics to pull her into commiting to "play music" for that school. Just recently my sister recieved a cell phone call from one of the best viola teachers in the country if not even one of the best viola teachers in the world Mrs. Katz who personally was persuading Stephanie to come to her school. And this was huge because Mrs. Katz in the viola world is like getting a cell phone call from Jim Tressel in the football world, it is extremely rare.
So I figure if these processes are so similar why not put musical commitments in the paper, I mean its sometimes as big a deal or even a bigger deal to some people than athletic commitments. So why not?
Go music!
--KP
So I figure if these processes are so similar why not put musical commitments in the paper, I mean its sometimes as big a deal or even a bigger deal to some people than athletic commitments. So why not?
Go music!
--KP
OC#1: Child Stars
As you may know recently on Vh1, I believe, there is a new show called I know my kids a star. It involves kids that have dreams of making it big in Hollywood, and there moms which seem to be there to make their own fame then enhance the kid into a star. But while watching this show what I realized is that how crazy these moms really are about the whole Hollywood scene and how much stress and pressure they put on their kids. I mean it almost seems, once again, just like almost every child star, like the parents are there just for their greedy money desires other than what they should be there for, to help the kid relax and have a good time while on the job. While watching the show it was also a big eye opener to see how selfish and childish some of these parents can be,in trying to turn their child into a star even if the child doesnt want to become an actor or a star and doesnt have the desire to do so. But then again it is reality tv and since when is anything on reality tv, nice or giving or even mature. But also that's what encourages people to watch these kind of reality shows, just to see how crazy a kajillion people in one household can get.
Thanks Real World, you created a tv monster!
--KP
Thanks Real World, you created a tv monster!
--KP
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Iraq: How I Feel...
The situation in Iraq is a not a complete blur to me, but close to one. Unfortunately, I have to say that I am not as knowledgeable about Iraq as I would like. And a lot of times people that I meet will ask me, 'so how do you feel about the situation in Iraq?' and my response is usually ,'I don't know.' What I do know though is that there are many pro's and con's to both arguments and to both sides of the issue on whether to keep troops in Iraq or not. I feel that the response of 'I don't know' is the best response, for me at least, because first of all, it's the truth and if I were to really say anything else I would by lying. Second of all, I believe it's not my responsibility to know what to do in Iraq because i'm only 15 and even though I may like having my opinion out there so everyone can hear it in some cases, though this case is not one of those cases.
My french teacher once said to me, that the one thing to definetly avoid in a conversation is politics, because it can turn the nicest people into the meanest and depending on your views it can ruin any kind of realtionship you once had with another person. And I believe full-heartedly in that statement.
Also, it really bothers me when people ask each other about upcoming presidiential candidates and whether we should believe in the democratic system or the republican system. The reason why this bothers me is because people constantly are just voting for the pres. candidate that is in the republican party or in the democratic party just because they are listed as a democrat or republican. And I believe that democratic or republican, the right thing to do in respect to voting for presidential candidates, is to vote for the candidate that is the best. Democratic or Republican.
I also believe that all political parties has done to this country is split us in half, which in result gets rid of the meaning of "unity" that our forefathers had thrived upon. And believe it or not, what some consider the greatest man in the history of our country, George Washington, was seriously opposed to the idea of political parties and what they would eventually do to our country and unfortuantely with the things going on currently among our political parties, I believe that his thought of what political parties would do to this country is quickly coming true.
--KP
My french teacher once said to me, that the one thing to definetly avoid in a conversation is politics, because it can turn the nicest people into the meanest and depending on your views it can ruin any kind of realtionship you once had with another person. And I believe full-heartedly in that statement.
Also, it really bothers me when people ask each other about upcoming presidiential candidates and whether we should believe in the democratic system or the republican system. The reason why this bothers me is because people constantly are just voting for the pres. candidate that is in the republican party or in the democratic party just because they are listed as a democrat or republican. And I believe that democratic or republican, the right thing to do in respect to voting for presidential candidates, is to vote for the candidate that is the best. Democratic or Republican.
I also believe that all political parties has done to this country is split us in half, which in result gets rid of the meaning of "unity" that our forefathers had thrived upon. And believe it or not, what some consider the greatest man in the history of our country, George Washington, was seriously opposed to the idea of political parties and what they would eventually do to our country and unfortuantely with the things going on currently among our political parties, I believe that his thought of what political parties would do to this country is quickly coming true.
--KP
The Tipping Point
I finally finished the Tipping Point!!! Overall I thought the book was well written and had great theories, but it was a bit of a bore sometimes. I liked and didn't like the book in the end of it. The reason I didn't like the book so much is because I realized out of all these theories Malcolm Gladwell had, what were so world changing about them or what made them breaking news theories. You know, recently on my way down to Florida, I created a new theory on my own called the boom n' bust theory. When I explained the theory to my dad, he asked me "so what is so big or special about this theory that will change life as we know it," and then I realized that all my theory was, was just a simple observation that I made that knowone else that I know of has made. But when he said that, I started to immediately think about the Tipping Point and Malcolm Gladwell's different theories that he stated in the book. I wondered, what was so amazing or life-changing about these theories, and I came to the conclusion that none of the theories in the book could change life as we know it, so what was so special about them? I guess these theories were just simple observations that wouldn't really be life-changing. So after thinking about it I did not enjoy the book and the impressive "observations" made by Gladwell as much as I would've liked.
But I still believe it is a great book and I would recommend reading, for the great writing and for just the knowledge that these theories give you but they may no be life-changing in a physical sense but they do have an impact on how you see the world around you as well as what you think about the people around it.
--KP
But I still believe it is a great book and I would recommend reading, for the great writing and for just the knowledge that these theories give you but they may no be life-changing in a physical sense but they do have an impact on how you see the world around you as well as what you think about the people around it.
--KP
Comments on Allie's blog entry WAL-MART
I think Allie made great points in her argument to why Wal-Mart made a mistake resulting in the Wal-Mart controversy. Especially, Allie made the great point stating that they already have 90 billion dollars so why did they try to take some money away from this poor woman. Well I believe it is because if they make the exception to Debbie's situation then many more people with similar situations as Debbie Shank will be demanding a similar exception to the rules as Debbie was demanding. And even though Wal-Mart has tons of money, if they were to make many more similar exceptions to people with similar situations to Debbie Shank, Wal-Mart could go into debt.
Now, I am for Debbie Shank keeping her money but I believe this reason as well as other reasons that corresponds to Wal-Mart's "rules",Wal-Mart probably could not make the exception to Debbie Shank's situation.
--KP
Now, I am for Debbie Shank keeping her money but I believe this reason as well as other reasons that corresponds to Wal-Mart's "rules",Wal-Mart probably could not make the exception to Debbie Shank's situation.
--KP
OC#2: Interim Week
As you may know I go to Linworth Alternative Program. At Linworth, grades 9-11 get to experience something that not many kids at other schools do: A interim week. Interim is a one week internship, doing something you enjoy and doing something you normally couldn't do in regular school. In other words, it is a week in a exterior learning environment that interests you and inspires you to do big things in the future.
This year I am going to participate in Wes Craven's new film 25/8. If you haven't heard of Wes Craven before he is a famous director of horror films such as the well known film The Hills have Eyes and many others. During my experience I am also going to shadow Casting Director Sophia Costas for a little bit and learn what her job in the filming process is and what it takes to become a Casting Director in the future.
During this "pre-interim" process I have learned a lot including how to work with people, what it takes to work things out before interim and the great importance of doing as many things ahead of time as you can, so that you don't have to crunch extra things in at the last minute.
I am so excited to go and experience things that I believe I will enjoy. I am also so happy and thankful that Linworth gives students like me, the oppurtunity to experience these kind of things that we (the students) will most likely remember for a long time or even remember for the rest of our lives.
Can't wait!
--KP
This year I am going to participate in Wes Craven's new film 25/8. If you haven't heard of Wes Craven before he is a famous director of horror films such as the well known film The Hills have Eyes and many others. During my experience I am also going to shadow Casting Director Sophia Costas for a little bit and learn what her job in the filming process is and what it takes to become a Casting Director in the future.
During this "pre-interim" process I have learned a lot including how to work with people, what it takes to work things out before interim and the great importance of doing as many things ahead of time as you can, so that you don't have to crunch extra things in at the last minute.
I am so excited to go and experience things that I believe I will enjoy. I am also so happy and thankful that Linworth gives students like me, the oppurtunity to experience these kind of things that we (the students) will most likely remember for a long time or even remember for the rest of our lives.
Can't wait!
--KP
Sunday, March 16, 2008
R&R:Rule of 150 and Case Studies from the Tipping Point
Hey, so I'm still readin' away on Gladwell's novel The Tipping Point. Most lately though, I have read about the Rule of 150 and the Case Studies. Now I'll explain first what the Rule of 150 is.
The Rule of 150 first is explained by how humans are seperated from all other mammals by having the largest brain and are the only mammals to have a specific of the brain known as the neocortex. This deals with the ability to have the power to have complex thoughts and reasoning. Dunbar (creater of this Rule of 150) prediction to why we recieved the neocortex is that of course as the brain evolved to having the neocortex. And it got bigger because of the increase in large complex groups. Dunbar explained that if you belong to a group of 5 you end up keeping track of 10 different relationships inside of the entire group. But if you have19 people involving yourself there are 171 relationships. This is a sense of what it means to know people inside your circle. Humans socialize in the largest group of all primates and according to studies the Rule of 150 comes into effect because there is an approximate maximum of 150 individuals in which you can have a social relationship with. People say though, that when the 150th relationship occurs, something special within the group happens.
Now later in the book they talk about the Case Studies. These studies talk about the epidemic of rumors, sneakers and the power of translation. Then it talks about the Airwalk and when it's tipping point occured. How the airwalk tip came was by what sociologists call the diffusion model which is "a detailed, academic way of looking at how a contagious idea or innovation moves through a population." One of the most sophisticated analysis of this comes from studies of the rumor which are known as the most contagious of all messages. Psychologists said they have found that the process of distortion which is explained in the book is "univeral in the spread of rumors."
Give you updates on the end of the book later.
--KP
The Rule of 150 first is explained by how humans are seperated from all other mammals by having the largest brain and are the only mammals to have a specific of the brain known as the neocortex. This deals with the ability to have the power to have complex thoughts and reasoning. Dunbar (creater of this Rule of 150) prediction to why we recieved the neocortex is that of course as the brain evolved to having the neocortex. And it got bigger because of the increase in large complex groups. Dunbar explained that if you belong to a group of 5 you end up keeping track of 10 different relationships inside of the entire group. But if you have19 people involving yourself there are 171 relationships. This is a sense of what it means to know people inside your circle. Humans socialize in the largest group of all primates and according to studies the Rule of 150 comes into effect because there is an approximate maximum of 150 individuals in which you can have a social relationship with. People say though, that when the 150th relationship occurs, something special within the group happens.
Now later in the book they talk about the Case Studies. These studies talk about the epidemic of rumors, sneakers and the power of translation. Then it talks about the Airwalk and when it's tipping point occured. How the airwalk tip came was by what sociologists call the diffusion model which is "a detailed, academic way of looking at how a contagious idea or innovation moves through a population." One of the most sophisticated analysis of this comes from studies of the rumor which are known as the most contagious of all messages. Psychologists said they have found that the process of distortion which is explained in the book is "univeral in the spread of rumors."
Give you updates on the end of the book later.
--KP
OC#2: Selection Sunday, Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!
As you may or may not know today is Selection Sunday in the world of College Basketball. It is a day in which the NCAA Selection Committee selects (wouldn't you figure) 64 teams from the Division 1 College Basketball Field to come play in a tournament that decides that National Champion of the College Basketball World. For college sports fans this could be considered the biggest Sunday of the year.
Tomorrow, millions of brackets will be printed out and filled, and millions of Tournament Pools among businesses, families and friends as well as many others will be made to serve the winner of the pool bragging rights for the whole year as the headmind in the sport of College Basketball. In fact, I'm sure that billions of dollars among the U.S. lies on these pools.
Being an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan I woke up early this morning to see what the ESPN "Bracketologist's" word on their opinion on where the Buckeyes fate may be. Will they make the field of 64 or not?
Currently the Buckeyes are on what they call the "bubble, where they truly don't know where their fate lies until the selection committee announces the field later today. Right now the bracketologists (in their opinion) has put the Buckeyes as one of the last 4 teams IN the tournament, but even the ESPN bracketologists dont really know for sure if the Buckeyes "bubble will be bursted" or not.
So if you are interested,tune into CBS later today to see if the Buckeyes make it in or not and who the rest of the field is.
To see more info on the tournament or to test your smarts in College Basketball visit http://espn.com/.
Talk to you later.
--KP
Tomorrow, millions of brackets will be printed out and filled, and millions of Tournament Pools among businesses, families and friends as well as many others will be made to serve the winner of the pool bragging rights for the whole year as the headmind in the sport of College Basketball. In fact, I'm sure that billions of dollars among the U.S. lies on these pools.
Being an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan I woke up early this morning to see what the ESPN "Bracketologist's" word on their opinion on where the Buckeyes fate may be. Will they make the field of 64 or not?
Currently the Buckeyes are on what they call the "bubble, where they truly don't know where their fate lies until the selection committee announces the field later today. Right now the bracketologists (in their opinion) has put the Buckeyes as one of the last 4 teams IN the tournament, but even the ESPN bracketologists dont really know for sure if the Buckeyes "bubble will be bursted" or not.
So if you are interested,tune into CBS later today to see if the Buckeyes make it in or not and who the rest of the field is.
To see more info on the tournament or to test your smarts in College Basketball visit http://espn.com/.
Talk to you later.
--KP
OC#1: Reservation Road, the movie
Hey guys whats up, so I just wrote to tell you that the movie I'm in has come out on DVD. It was in theatres for a short period of time. It is called Reservation Road, which many of my Linworth friends have probably read in Jen's class first semester. The movie is directed by Terry George whom also directed the infamous Hotel Rwanda. Big name actors in the film are Jen Connelly, Joaquin Pheonix, Mark Ruffalo, Elle Fanning (Dakota's little sister,) Mira Sorvino and Sean Curley. While I was acting on the set of Reservation Road, I was able to meet all of these great people and get to know them a little bit.
In the movie, I was in three scenes, all with the main characters involved in the scene. I played the role of the buddy of the main kid in the movie, Josh Learner played by Sean Curley (aka Pablo the Penquin in Nickelodeon's Backyardigans.)
It was truly a great experience where I made great connections. And it is definetly a experience I will remember for the rest of my life.
I encourage you to check out the trailer on YouTube by going to YouTube and searching Reservation Road. I hope you enjoy it. And if you do enjoy it, I also encourage you to buy the DVD.
Thanks!
--KP
In the movie, I was in three scenes, all with the main characters involved in the scene. I played the role of the buddy of the main kid in the movie, Josh Learner played by Sean Curley (aka Pablo the Penquin in Nickelodeon's Backyardigans.)
It was truly a great experience where I made great connections. And it is definetly a experience I will remember for the rest of my life.
I encourage you to check out the trailer on YouTube by going to YouTube and searching Reservation Road. I hope you enjoy it. And if you do enjoy it, I also encourage you to buy the DVD.
Thanks!
--KP
My thoughts on Umang's Collegephobia
My friend Umang whom is a junior at my school, the Linworth Alternative Program recently wrote a blog he called Collegephobia which you can read at http://umangp.blogspot.com/. The blog talked about how college admissions way of choosing students into their college is very, i'll just say "messed up," and that the way most colleges require SAT and ACT scores and take these scores into huge consideration in deciding who gets in or not, in my opinion is not an accurate way to decide whom the best students in the applicant pool are.
I mean yesterday I was watching a Fresh Prince of BelAir episode on NickatNite and they showed an episode of how Will and Carleton both individually (at different times) were being interviewed by Princeton. Now, anyone who has seen Fresh Prince knows that Carleton was always the one with good test scores and excellent grades, while Will on the other hand is the "slacker" who is a fresh breath of air from the rough areas of Philly and is a kid who likes to party. But during the interview with the Princeton man, Will was just himself. He told the Princeton man what he liked to do, who he was and just about his life in general and the Princeton man ended up liking him and offered him a spot at Princeton the following year. Carleton on the other hand, with great scores came in to the interview, not acting like himself as he would normally, but as Will (who he had heard was accepted into Princeton.) Carleton dressed oddly and talked funny and even made a threat to the Princeton man himself, who ended up calling Carleton a psycho.
The reason I brought this up is, I think the best way of getting to a good college and a college you might enjoy is not all about great test scores, but having a great personality and being a good people person and most importantly just be who you are and if they deny you from the college that you've dreamt of, well dreams change so dont be discouraged because there will be a college out there that fits you entirely in every sense.
Also I wanted to make a point to people who decide who gets in a college or denied from a college, that maybe looking into people's personalities a little more rather than just deciding there acceptees mainly from test scores, you may get the truly better person as well as student into your college. Because as Umang said, really anyone can train enough for SAT's or ACT's to do very well on it.
Also maybe if you would look more into people's personalities, like I said previously, you might be able to avoid accepting violent individuals, like Carleton during his interview with the Princeton man or like the students who started all of these shootings at colleges like NIU, UNC and VT. Because I wonder if they scored very highly on their test scores and if they did that was probably a good reason to why they were accepted into these schools, but now look what happened in result, many unfortunate deaths of innocent students.
--KP
I mean yesterday I was watching a Fresh Prince of BelAir episode on NickatNite and they showed an episode of how Will and Carleton both individually (at different times) were being interviewed by Princeton. Now, anyone who has seen Fresh Prince knows that Carleton was always the one with good test scores and excellent grades, while Will on the other hand is the "slacker" who is a fresh breath of air from the rough areas of Philly and is a kid who likes to party. But during the interview with the Princeton man, Will was just himself. He told the Princeton man what he liked to do, who he was and just about his life in general and the Princeton man ended up liking him and offered him a spot at Princeton the following year. Carleton on the other hand, with great scores came in to the interview, not acting like himself as he would normally, but as Will (who he had heard was accepted into Princeton.) Carleton dressed oddly and talked funny and even made a threat to the Princeton man himself, who ended up calling Carleton a psycho.
The reason I brought this up is, I think the best way of getting to a good college and a college you might enjoy is not all about great test scores, but having a great personality and being a good people person and most importantly just be who you are and if they deny you from the college that you've dreamt of, well dreams change so dont be discouraged because there will be a college out there that fits you entirely in every sense.
Also I wanted to make a point to people who decide who gets in a college or denied from a college, that maybe looking into people's personalities a little more rather than just deciding there acceptees mainly from test scores, you may get the truly better person as well as student into your college. Because as Umang said, really anyone can train enough for SAT's or ACT's to do very well on it.
Also maybe if you would look more into people's personalities, like I said previously, you might be able to avoid accepting violent individuals, like Carleton during his interview with the Princeton man or like the students who started all of these shootings at colleges like NIU, UNC and VT. Because I wonder if they scored very highly on their test scores and if they did that was probably a good reason to why they were accepted into these schools, but now look what happened in result, many unfortunate deaths of innocent students.
--KP
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Comment Post: View on Kathryn's blog post Shwarzfahrer
While reading and watching Kathryn's post (which you can find at http://classickk.blogspot.com/) on a movie dealing with racism and it's evil it reminded me of a movie I recently saw in my US History Class called Sakko and Vanzetti. This movie dealt with the cruel and unfair trial the anarchist immigrants from Italy Sakko and Vanzetti had to deal with after being charged with robbery and murder at a shoe factory in a place called South Braintree (a suburb outside of Boston) during the period of the Palmer raids.
The one thing about these raids that outraged me that they were cruel unconstitutional acts that I believe were unecessary and just caused more conflict among people in our country. The other thing that outraged me about the movie Sakko and Vanzetti was how the anti-immigrant, racist, anti- anything other than belief in democracy America had at the time and more accurately the northeast of the country had at the time was just extremely outrageous. The thing was how Americans were being anti-immigrant and saying bad things about immigrants when themselves and their ancestors were once immigrants to the USA.
This deals with Katryn's blog I believe because it shows how people who are accused just because of their heritage, race or something they really can't control are truly innocent.
Always remember the golden rule! Treat others the way you want to be treated!
--KP
The one thing about these raids that outraged me that they were cruel unconstitutional acts that I believe were unecessary and just caused more conflict among people in our country. The other thing that outraged me about the movie Sakko and Vanzetti was how the anti-immigrant, racist, anti- anything other than belief in democracy America had at the time and more accurately the northeast of the country had at the time was just extremely outrageous. The thing was how Americans were being anti-immigrant and saying bad things about immigrants when themselves and their ancestors were once immigrants to the USA.
This deals with Katryn's blog I believe because it shows how people who are accused just because of their heritage, race or something they really can't control are truly innocent.
Always remember the golden rule! Treat others the way you want to be treated!
--KP
OC2: OGT are they necessary?
Hey so since I'm a sophomore in high school I have to take the Ohio Graduation Tests tomorrow through next Friday and I know they're suppose to be easy but I wonder should these tests alone really determine whether we graduate high school or not. I mean my thought is that some kids don't do well on tests but get good grades in school because they work hard on their homework and do the little things in order to get a good grade my other thought is they should determine whether you graduate high school or not, not by a graduation test but whether you pass or fail your classes. It's truly simple if you dont fail your classes through your 4 years, you graduate but if you fail your classes over the course of 4 years you don't graduate. That's my thought, but I'd like to hear your take on what you think about the OGT.
For more infor about the OGT for all of you Freshmen and Sophomores you can got to http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDefaultPage.aspx?page=1 for more info.
--KP
For more infor about the OGT for all of you Freshmen and Sophomores you can got to http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDefaultPage.aspx?page=1 for more info.
--KP
OC1: Terrelle Pryor and OSU football, will he come or will he go?
As an avid sports fan and a big Ohio State Buckeyes fan I have been following or you could say "observing" there football recruiting class for next year as well as the prospects they would like to have on the team for next year. Among these prospects is the seem to be indecisive Terrelle Pryor a quaterback and two sport blue-chipper from Pennsylvania. Recently a website by the URL adress of http://www.buckeyecommentary.com/ said that Pryor had been recently considering Memphis, not for just football but for mainly basketball which Pryor is very good at Memphis is one of the best teams in the nation. Now the reason why this is such big news is because Pryor is known to have the ability of Troy Smith whom you may know led the Buckeyes to a national championship and a couple big ten titles and won himself a heisman trophy also Pryor didn't even have Memphis on his list previously according to many recruiting websites, they had reported that he had narrowed his decision down to Michigan, OSU, PSU or Oregon and with the added basketball powerhouse of Memphis competing with these football teams could enhance Terelle's decision immensely. So Terrelle if your looking at this blog for some reason, please come to Ohio State bring us back to #1 where the city of Columbus and Ohio State football belong.
Go Bucks!
--KP
Go Bucks!
--KP
R&R: Chapter 5 of "The Tipping Point"
Hey guys, haven't talked to you in a while so anyway lately I have been still reading the book the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell and I figure I would tell you about the chapter I had just read, Chapter 5.
In Chapter 5 of the Tipping Point Gladwell explains the second part of what he calls the Power of Context. In the first sector of the chapter it talks about how the epidemic of this practically unknown author's book called Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood turned into a bestseller what was the process of it reaching the bestseller status? Gladwell in this sector finds that the explanation for the epidemic was simple, Gladwell says "the book was heartwarming and beautifully written," and it also did so well because it spoke to the common person. There was also the fact that Wells was a once-in-a while actress that helped sells. Wells was what they called a classic salesman and as I enjoy watching salesmen try to sell it's a lot of how you present your product. The success of this book is truly a great example of how the Power of Context works. Also Gladwell explains how if a popular person thinks the book is great they spread the word about the book then connectors connect people to the book and the cycle is repeated many many times til the book reaches it's tipping point.
In sector two of the chapter Gladwell talks about the channel capacity concept. This refers to the amount of space in our brain for certain kinds of info. For example he explains why some have perfect pitch and other do not. Not surprisingly human beings can't handle a lot of info at once, I know that at some of my family reunions I have ten people talking to me at once but I can't process what each and everyone is saying if they're saying it at the same time. But the concept of
channel capacity is what seperates humans from the rest, because we have the power to break down and understand complex information.
Finally in the last part of the chapter it talks about the changes in the environment that is external from us and how it extremely effects how we behave personally and how it shapes our personality. Gladwell also talks about in this sector the process of memory and how must of us really only remember a small fraction of the day, from day-to-day. But the Power of Context really does play a huge effect on our life and how our life is run.
Coming to the end of the book, hope it keeps getting better and better.
--KP
In Chapter 5 of the Tipping Point Gladwell explains the second part of what he calls the Power of Context. In the first sector of the chapter it talks about how the epidemic of this practically unknown author's book called Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood turned into a bestseller what was the process of it reaching the bestseller status? Gladwell in this sector finds that the explanation for the epidemic was simple, Gladwell says "the book was heartwarming and beautifully written," and it also did so well because it spoke to the common person. There was also the fact that Wells was a once-in-a while actress that helped sells. Wells was what they called a classic salesman and as I enjoy watching salesmen try to sell it's a lot of how you present your product. The success of this book is truly a great example of how the Power of Context works. Also Gladwell explains how if a popular person thinks the book is great they spread the word about the book then connectors connect people to the book and the cycle is repeated many many times til the book reaches it's tipping point.
In sector two of the chapter Gladwell talks about the channel capacity concept. This refers to the amount of space in our brain for certain kinds of info. For example he explains why some have perfect pitch and other do not. Not surprisingly human beings can't handle a lot of info at once, I know that at some of my family reunions I have ten people talking to me at once but I can't process what each and everyone is saying if they're saying it at the same time. But the concept of
channel capacity is what seperates humans from the rest, because we have the power to break down and understand complex information.
Finally in the last part of the chapter it talks about the changes in the environment that is external from us and how it extremely effects how we behave personally and how it shapes our personality. Gladwell also talks about in this sector the process of memory and how must of us really only remember a small fraction of the day, from day-to-day. But the Power of Context really does play a huge effect on our life and how our life is run.
Coming to the end of the book, hope it keeps getting better and better.
--KP
Sunday, February 24, 2008
R&R: Personal Opinion Ch.4 of the Tipping Point
Personally the story of Goetz I feel can be seen in very many similar consistent situations. For example many people at Linworth have been the "geeks" of their class (no offense linworth kids) or just someone who didn't follow the popular norm of their grade and had been picked on every grade til they got to the awesome environment of Linworth. And many of these kids have purposely gone to Linworth first to express themselves in a way they won't be judged but also to go against the popular norm of the world as well as Linworth. Now I'm not saying Linworth kids are psycho like Goetz but their are similar situations between Goetz and some Linworth kids in the way they've been raised and so far gone through their academic careers. But I suppose Goetz is very similar (mentally wise) to a lot of people anywhere you go in this world.
Secondly, the Stanford prison experiment was very interesting as I read through the book. I was thinking about why prison is so bad and than I thought about it and I said "o yah, cause their filled with psychos!" I can't imagine though the physical and mental drama these inmates go through. Being in a scmall cell isolated away from all civilization and even being tortured by their jail guards.
My dad always told me that if you think anything is scary, like for example a haunted house, he told me, go visit a jail and then you'll see what the definition of scary and real-life scary is.
Thirdly, in this chapter it talks about schools and how there are cheaters that also make lies but all I could think about during this section was how in 5th grade I remember taking a almost identical test to the one they talk about the teacher giving to her students in the book. I wondered at that time (in 5th grade) what was the point of the test what were we suppose to learn, but now I think I know what the purpose of the test really was.
Finally in the fourth section it talks about the good samaritan and personallt I believe that i'm a good samaritan about 98% of the time and I really do care about other people and will help them any possible.
I don't want to act like a brag but many kids at the "home" schools don't know what a good samaritan really is. Linworth on the other hand has great kids who will help eachother out, which is nice but still there is the kids who are what I call the jerks of the grade (really it's the Slicers of the grade, justkidding Adam) who act like there all that and act like snobs to other kids and don't really help anyone out. They just cause more chaos, and that would be nice if these jerks could be less of a jerk and more of a good samaritan and treat kids the way they should be treated. I mean you can still pull jokes, pranks and have fun but you got to know (if you are a jerk.....or a Slicer jk) to realize there's a time for jokes and then there's a time too be nice, help and act as a caring friend.
So remember the golden rule, treat people the way you would want to be treated.
--KP
Secondly, the Stanford prison experiment was very interesting as I read through the book. I was thinking about why prison is so bad and than I thought about it and I said "o yah, cause their filled with psychos!" I can't imagine though the physical and mental drama these inmates go through. Being in a scmall cell isolated away from all civilization and even being tortured by their jail guards.
My dad always told me that if you think anything is scary, like for example a haunted house, he told me, go visit a jail and then you'll see what the definition of scary and real-life scary is.
Thirdly, in this chapter it talks about schools and how there are cheaters that also make lies but all I could think about during this section was how in 5th grade I remember taking a almost identical test to the one they talk about the teacher giving to her students in the book. I wondered at that time (in 5th grade) what was the point of the test what were we suppose to learn, but now I think I know what the purpose of the test really was.
Finally in the fourth section it talks about the good samaritan and personallt I believe that i'm a good samaritan about 98% of the time and I really do care about other people and will help them any possible.
I don't want to act like a brag but many kids at the "home" schools don't know what a good samaritan really is. Linworth on the other hand has great kids who will help eachother out, which is nice but still there is the kids who are what I call the jerks of the grade (really it's the Slicers of the grade, justkidding Adam) who act like there all that and act like snobs to other kids and don't really help anyone out. They just cause more chaos, and that would be nice if these jerks could be less of a jerk and more of a good samaritan and treat kids the way they should be treated. I mean you can still pull jokes, pranks and have fun but you got to know (if you are a jerk.....or a Slicer jk) to realize there's a time for jokes and then there's a time too be nice, help and act as a caring friend.
So remember the golden rule, treat people the way you would want to be treated.
--KP
R&R: Summary Chapter 4 of the Tipping Point
Chapter 4 of Malcolm Gladwell's the Tipping Point explains and describes the "Power of Context." First off in chapter 4 they talk about the "Broken Window Theory." This theory explains that the criminal" far from being someone who acts for fundamental, intrinsic reasons and who lives in his own world is actually someone acutely sensitive to his environment-who is alert to all cues, and who is prompted to commit crimes based on his perception of the world around him.
Later in the chapter Gladwell mentions the Prison expeiment that was done at Stanford University. A man part of the psychology department at the University created a mock prison in hopes to explain how prisons really work and the reason to why they are so nasty. The experiment proved to be a success they found how prison is just mentally cruel and after a while turns people's psychological ways of thinking to making these inmates even more crazy.
Next in the chapter Gladwell describes if cheating and lying are similar. Gladwell observes this situation in which there were a certain amount of tests to help prove whether many kids are cheating in schools now a days, and the numbers were staggering. With these tests they could come to the conclusion that there isn't any specific groups in school that lie and cheat and there is another group who doesn't many of the cheaters are spread out among different clicks of students throughout the schools. They also concluded that honesty isn't a fundamental trait but is what they call a "unified" trait.
Finally at the "part 5." of the chapter Gladwell talks about the story of the good samaritan and how people at Princeton University studied the bibles story of the good samaritan and how much it occurs in our society today and how it works.
Half way through the book now and starting to come down the homestretch of it.
--KP
Later in the chapter Gladwell mentions the Prison expeiment that was done at Stanford University. A man part of the psychology department at the University created a mock prison in hopes to explain how prisons really work and the reason to why they are so nasty. The experiment proved to be a success they found how prison is just mentally cruel and after a while turns people's psychological ways of thinking to making these inmates even more crazy.
Next in the chapter Gladwell describes if cheating and lying are similar. Gladwell observes this situation in which there were a certain amount of tests to help prove whether many kids are cheating in schools now a days, and the numbers were staggering. With these tests they could come to the conclusion that there isn't any specific groups in school that lie and cheat and there is another group who doesn't many of the cheaters are spread out among different clicks of students throughout the schools. They also concluded that honesty isn't a fundamental trait but is what they call a "unified" trait.
Finally at the "part 5." of the chapter Gladwell talks about the story of the good samaritan and how people at Princeton University studied the bibles story of the good samaritan and how much it occurs in our society today and how it works.
Half way through the book now and starting to come down the homestretch of it.
--KP
Saturday, February 23, 2008
R&L:Classicool Music?
Recently I have done some research about classical music and the "dwindling popularity" of the type of music in the West (the U.S.) Classical music used to be the "rap" of our time hundred to thousands of years ago. But suddenly this music that was once played so much is now not being played much at all.
As you may have known I am a classical musician as well as a classical music composer. And many of my good friends are classical musicians and as I can tell there is a lot of interest in classical music, R&B and other music is taking over. Since classical music has dimmed in popularity in the U.S. many kids of this generation view classical music as boring, slow music. But many of these kids are just ignorant to what is out there in the means of today exciting classical music.
The other thing that bothers me with kids false thoughts of classical music is how many kids think classical music is stupid and pointless, but actually without classical music there would be no R&B, jazz, hip-hop or yes linworth kids there would be no ROCK! O my gosh! All of these types of music came from influences of different composers for example Rock mainly came from the ideas and compositions of Richard Wagner who composed dark, fast and exciting symphonies.
One other pet peeve I have about people's perception of classical music (well more specifically orchestra) is how people at school will ask me "are you in band?" and I'll say "no, i'm in orchestra" and then they say "ooo so you are in the band." I mean orchestra came to the Earth before the band ever came, that is just really annoying.
So next time you think classical music is stupid, pointless or boring. Raise your conscienseness, as Larry would say, and expand your boundaries by searching what you think may be exciting classicool music like for example maybe you like Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture or just look more into classical music and how it really plays such a big role in music in our world. My suggestions if your looking for exciting classical music is Brahms quartets, Shostakovich quartet or just pretty much anything that you like, there's a lot of classical music out there and you'll probably find something that you'll find exciting. Alright talk to you guys later.
To learn more about present classical music and it's popularity status look at this article for more info. http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iA4L1NlFZ-xtoY-KQZETQUOawOyw
--KP
As you may have known I am a classical musician as well as a classical music composer. And many of my good friends are classical musicians and as I can tell there is a lot of interest in classical music, R&B and other music is taking over. Since classical music has dimmed in popularity in the U.S. many kids of this generation view classical music as boring, slow music. But many of these kids are just ignorant to what is out there in the means of today exciting classical music.
The other thing that bothers me with kids false thoughts of classical music is how many kids think classical music is stupid and pointless, but actually without classical music there would be no R&B, jazz, hip-hop or yes linworth kids there would be no ROCK! O my gosh! All of these types of music came from influences of different composers for example Rock mainly came from the ideas and compositions of Richard Wagner who composed dark, fast and exciting symphonies.
One other pet peeve I have about people's perception of classical music (well more specifically orchestra) is how people at school will ask me "are you in band?" and I'll say "no, i'm in orchestra" and then they say "ooo so you are in the band." I mean orchestra came to the Earth before the band ever came, that is just really annoying.
So next time you think classical music is stupid, pointless or boring. Raise your conscienseness, as Larry would say, and expand your boundaries by searching what you think may be exciting classicool music like for example maybe you like Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture or just look more into classical music and how it really plays such a big role in music in our world. My suggestions if your looking for exciting classical music is Brahms quartets, Shostakovich quartet or just pretty much anything that you like, there's a lot of classical music out there and you'll probably find something that you'll find exciting. Alright talk to you guys later.
To learn more about present classical music and it's popularity status look at this article for more info. http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iA4L1NlFZ-xtoY-KQZETQUOawOyw
--KP
OC2: School Shootings. Do I as a student feel safe?
Recently as you may have heard their was yet again another school shooting. This time at the Northern Illinois University. These shootings make me wonder what brings these kids to do such things, do they have something mentally wrong with them or do they have a conscience but are so angered about something they use violence at school for their answer. The more and more I hear about these shootings I start to be more worried about what could possibly happen at my very own schools.
But what scares me the most is how these shootings are happening in a college environment where students don't have their parents to watch over them, keep them safe, or give advice to the kids on how to deal with their issues. If you think about it, college campuses really aren't that safe, you have roomates (if you live in a dorm) whom are usually total strangers when you first get to the college. You also have classrooms, open campuses and personal life issues to deal with and without proper guidance of how to defend yourself as well as the guidance to work through your problems and feel like your a safe environment at your school things can go terribly wrong. I also wonder if the admissions of these colleges researches enough information on each person applying to their college in order to make sure that the applicant and possibly future student of the univerity is mentally stable and a very good and kind person.
The sad thing about these college shootings is that college is suppose to be the time of your life, where you grow the most as a person and a student, but for something to happen that would ruin that experience, would be dreadful and turn that great experience into a terrible experience.
To learn more about the NIU school shooting you can go to http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23200851/ for more info.
Also in another article which can be found at http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/02/15/university.shooting/index.html?iref=newssearch the writer says that the Virginia Tech shooter and the NIU shooter were both supported by this same website. Sorta creepy huh? Well sometimes the online world really does scare me and sometimes I wonder if we as people would be better off if the internet never existed. Yes we would not have as easy of access to everything but more crimes and controversies then ever before have been caused just because of the internet.
--KP
But what scares me the most is how these shootings are happening in a college environment where students don't have their parents to watch over them, keep them safe, or give advice to the kids on how to deal with their issues. If you think about it, college campuses really aren't that safe, you have roomates (if you live in a dorm) whom are usually total strangers when you first get to the college. You also have classrooms, open campuses and personal life issues to deal with and without proper guidance of how to defend yourself as well as the guidance to work through your problems and feel like your a safe environment at your school things can go terribly wrong. I also wonder if the admissions of these colleges researches enough information on each person applying to their college in order to make sure that the applicant and possibly future student of the univerity is mentally stable and a very good and kind person.
The sad thing about these college shootings is that college is suppose to be the time of your life, where you grow the most as a person and a student, but for something to happen that would ruin that experience, would be dreadful and turn that great experience into a terrible experience.
To learn more about the NIU school shooting you can go to http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23200851/ for more info.
Also in another article which can be found at http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/02/15/university.shooting/index.html?iref=newssearch the writer says that the Virginia Tech shooter and the NIU shooter were both supported by this same website. Sorta creepy huh? Well sometimes the online world really does scare me and sometimes I wonder if we as people would be better off if the internet never existed. Yes we would not have as easy of access to everything but more crimes and controversies then ever before have been caused just because of the internet.
--KP
OC1: My English Blog Class
If you haven't already known, I am part of an English blog class offered at my high school. Recently my teacher has told us to offer our opinion on how we think the class is going. At the beginning of this experience (my first online class) I thought it would be very hard to communicate homework assignments between the student and teacher as well as very hard to find a good blogging website that would be organized and operate well but Jen (my teacher) has done a great job so far of making this class organized and may I dare say, fun. So far I like things the way they are, maybe the only thing I would change is making only one post for the reading and reflection and making two posts for the research and linking I think that would be a lot more enjoyable for me personally but I don't know what the rest of the class would think about that. As I do enjoy Gladwell's book, I find it a little much to do two posts over one single chapter.
So far I do find this class enjoyable and a definite future learning experience, considering in the future online classes and technology will increase.
Got to go, so i'll talk to you guys later.
--KP
So far I do find this class enjoyable and a definite future learning experience, considering in the future online classes and technology will increase.
Got to go, so i'll talk to you guys later.
--KP
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Pesonal Opinion of Tipping Point Ch.3
Personally I remember vividly the times I would wake up early in the morning to watch Sesame Street or Blue's Clues or even Barney when I was real little. And I remember wondering when I was little why I liked one show better than the others and what was it about that show that kept making me want to watch the show. And in Chapter 3 of the Tipping Point that is what Gladwell talks about, the educational "virus", how it starts and spreads.
But honestly the grown-ups talk about how these shows are very educational to the children and how children enjoy learning things from the show. But when I was little I remember learning rarely anything except for the Barney song from educational shows, so I do believe that these educational shows don't make as much as an impact when we're little because also half the time when you turn on a show for some toddler to watch, they pay attention for maybe the first minute or so, but then totally forget about the show and think about other things or start to do other things.
What I do find amazing is how recently there have been very many epidemics over many new learning tools that companies like Fisher-Price for example make and how parents currently will do anything and will buy anything if it makes their kid smarter or happier, which don't get me wrong isn't a bad thing, but honestly I don't believe these learning toys and games really teach kids as much as the parents think it teaches their kids. But I can be wrong. That's just my opinion.
I do think Gladwell does bring up great points to why these shows create a "stickiness factor" that makes us become glued or in a sense become addicted to certain shows for specific reasons.
So far I really like this book.
--KP
But honestly the grown-ups talk about how these shows are very educational to the children and how children enjoy learning things from the show. But when I was little I remember learning rarely anything except for the Barney song from educational shows, so I do believe that these educational shows don't make as much as an impact when we're little because also half the time when you turn on a show for some toddler to watch, they pay attention for maybe the first minute or so, but then totally forget about the show and think about other things or start to do other things.
What I do find amazing is how recently there have been very many epidemics over many new learning tools that companies like Fisher-Price for example make and how parents currently will do anything and will buy anything if it makes their kid smarter or happier, which don't get me wrong isn't a bad thing, but honestly I don't believe these learning toys and games really teach kids as much as the parents think it teaches their kids. But I can be wrong. That's just my opinion.
I do think Gladwell does bring up great points to why these shows create a "stickiness factor" that makes us become glued or in a sense become addicted to certain shows for specific reasons.
So far I really like this book.
--KP
Tipping Point Ch.3 Summary
In the Tipping Point's Ch.3 Malcolm Gladwell talks about what he calls the "stickiness factor," this chapter explains the epidemic of the educational "virus." Shows that have experienced this epidemic include Sesame Street and Blue's Clues, two child educational television shows.
To get things to "stick" they are shown repeatedly, (in this chapter's case, on the television) and take many word-to-mouth epidemics to become popular.
Unfortunately the process of getting a "stickiness factor" takes a generally very long time to develop. And if you happen to be interested in a maybe considered "shortcut" is the field of direct marketing.
This chapter lets you think about why certain shows become popular and why others become huge failures.
--KP
To get things to "stick" they are shown repeatedly, (in this chapter's case, on the television) and take many word-to-mouth epidemics to become popular.
Unfortunately the process of getting a "stickiness factor" takes a generally very long time to develop. And if you happen to be interested in a maybe considered "shortcut" is the field of direct marketing.
This chapter lets you think about why certain shows become popular and why others become huge failures.
--KP
R&L: Too Cool for School? Well not anymore.
This morning I was researching two high schools that I thought were cool. Now I know what your thinking, school isn't cool. But after looking up these schools I want to go too school.
The first school that I found to fit my personality was the Dreyfoos School of the Arts. This school is dedicated to academics including art, music, film and literature as well as having successful athletic teams including boys basketball and golf and many others. This school has classes of music theory, orchestra, individual music performance, film and literature which is what I dream of a high school to be. But they are not only cool for their awesome academic courses and athletics they are also the 14th ranked high school in the nation according to NY Times.
The school gives numerous amounts of scholarship and aid and has a very successful staff. But on top of all this the school resides in West Palm Beach, Florida and the nice thing about their is that their is the ocean and it's warm how can you get much better to my opinion. To look more into this school just go to their website at http://awdsoa.org/.
The first school that I found to fit my personality was the Dreyfoos School of the Arts. This school is dedicated to academics including art, music, film and literature as well as having successful athletic teams including boys basketball and golf and many others. This school has classes of music theory, orchestra, individual music performance, film and literature which is what I dream of a high school to be. But they are not only cool for their awesome academic courses and athletics they are also the 14th ranked high school in the nation according to NY Times.
The school gives numerous amounts of scholarship and aid and has a very successful staff. But on top of all this the school resides in West Palm Beach, Florida and the nice thing about their is that their is the ocean and it's warm how can you get much better to my opinion. To look more into this school just go to their website at http://awdsoa.org/.
Even though this next school would probably be a little wierd or just interesting is the "Walden Project" this school's main learning is about ecology. The school has 2 staff members. The school also is out in the woods and lives by themselves. They mainly teach students the lessons of Henry David Thoreau and what Mr.Thoreau created and thought about out by the Walden pond which can be found on the schools large campus area. I thought this school was very interesting but probably not too my liking, but i'm sure to someone who is interested in ecology this would be their "cool" school. Recently there was an article published about the Walden Project. You can find the article online at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18164469.
--KP
Links
To find more info on the penny situation you can visit http://retirethepenny.org.
And to find out more about the Big Ten Network, Time Warner Cable dispute you can go to http://bigtennetwork.com and http://timewarnercable.com for their sides of the story.
--KP
And to find out more about the Big Ten Network, Time Warner Cable dispute you can go to http://bigtennetwork.com and http://timewarnercable.com for their sides of the story.
--KP
OC2: Penny for your thoughts? Well, my thoughts are with the Nickel
Recently in my debate class I created a proposition and debated affirmative for the proposition that we retire the penny from production.
Recently the NY Times published the statistic that it now costs almost 2 cents to make a penny that you can spend for a whopping 1 cent. According to sources I have read there are 70 billion pennies made each year, this totals to an amount of $70,000,000 but now since it costs just about two cents to make a penny it costs the government $140,000,000 to yearly produce the penny, a net loss of $70,000,000 that we could use to support a different child health care bill instead of the current one.
And also recently data from the National Association of Convenience Stores and Walgreens estimates that handeling pennies costs the country more than $15,000,000,000 anually. Why is this? Well, every cash transaction involves the exchange of pennies, the estimated that handeling pennies adds 2 to 2.5 seconds for every cash transaction. This may not seem like a lot but it actually translates into 4 hours per person per year. They also arrive to the conclusion that each person is losing about $60 per year from the penny at the cost of the government $15,000,000,000 (like what I mentioned earlier.) How important is $15,000,000,000 to our economy and government, well it's roughly the amount the government spends per year on welfare.
Beyond the common "cents" issue, the penny I find to be an incredible annoyance. 58% of Americans stash or hold pennies instead of spending them.
Arizona Congressman Jim Kolbe states "at some point you'll find a business of people melting the pennies back down to zinc and then selling the zinc back to the government therefore putting the government more in debt.
Retiring the penny is a financially smart move for the U.S. We have eliminated currency in the past with no problems, for example the half penny we eliminated sometime in the late 19th century and countries like Australia have already eliminated their penny with no problems. And since we are the United States if they can do it, we can do it.
And to those who think, well eliminating the penny would lead to higher prices that is not true, since we live in a free market society it is up to the owner of the businesses to round up or down.
And to those who think, eliminating the penny will hurt charities, I find that ridiculous because if we were to eliminate the penny people would just start donating nickels instead of pennies and that will end up profiting the charities.
So raise your conscienceness people! Eliminate the penny!
--KP
Recently the NY Times published the statistic that it now costs almost 2 cents to make a penny that you can spend for a whopping 1 cent. According to sources I have read there are 70 billion pennies made each year, this totals to an amount of $70,000,000 but now since it costs just about two cents to make a penny it costs the government $140,000,000 to yearly produce the penny, a net loss of $70,000,000 that we could use to support a different child health care bill instead of the current one.
And also recently data from the National Association of Convenience Stores and Walgreens estimates that handeling pennies costs the country more than $15,000,000,000 anually. Why is this? Well, every cash transaction involves the exchange of pennies, the estimated that handeling pennies adds 2 to 2.5 seconds for every cash transaction. This may not seem like a lot but it actually translates into 4 hours per person per year. They also arrive to the conclusion that each person is losing about $60 per year from the penny at the cost of the government $15,000,000,000 (like what I mentioned earlier.) How important is $15,000,000,000 to our economy and government, well it's roughly the amount the government spends per year on welfare.
Beyond the common "cents" issue, the penny I find to be an incredible annoyance. 58% of Americans stash or hold pennies instead of spending them.
Arizona Congressman Jim Kolbe states "at some point you'll find a business of people melting the pennies back down to zinc and then selling the zinc back to the government therefore putting the government more in debt.
Retiring the penny is a financially smart move for the U.S. We have eliminated currency in the past with no problems, for example the half penny we eliminated sometime in the late 19th century and countries like Australia have already eliminated their penny with no problems. And since we are the United States if they can do it, we can do it.
And to those who think, well eliminating the penny would lead to higher prices that is not true, since we live in a free market society it is up to the owner of the businesses to round up or down.
And to those who think, eliminating the penny will hurt charities, I find that ridiculous because if we were to eliminate the penny people would just start donating nickels instead of pennies and that will end up profiting the charities.
So raise your conscienceness people! Eliminate the penny!
--KP
OC #1: Big Ten Network, How I hate it.
As you may or may not know, Time Warner Cable and the Big Ten Network have been in a disagreement for about a year now. The situation is that the two can't come into agreement concerning their contracts. Why should we care about this?
Well, the Ohio State University sports teams are in the Big Ten Conference and now their games are shown 90% of the time on the Big Ten Network and not on the Time Warner Cable. This is also a big deal because most Ohioans can't watch the Buckeye games anymore because about 2/3 of Ohioans have Time Warner Cable and not other cable networks that get the Big Ten Network.
Honestly I find it ridiculous that people in California, Missouri and maybe even Alaska and Hawaii recieve the Big Ten Network on their regular cable but people in central Ohio, right in the city where the Ohio State University is, can't recieve the Buckeye games because of this little dispute.
Now, I know that both networks have their reasonings of why their disputing, but they are now taking away the average person rights, who maybe doesn't have the money to go see the game in person but now he doesn't have the money to even see the game on TV, it's crazy!
This dispute has also prevented us (during the football season) of seeing one of the greatest games of all time, the upset that underdog Appalachian State made over the (at the time) 5th ranked Michigan.
So I just hope they can settle this so that the poor or wealthy central Ohioan can watch their team play without making the extra pay.
--GO BUCKS!
--KP
Well, the Ohio State University sports teams are in the Big Ten Conference and now their games are shown 90% of the time on the Big Ten Network and not on the Time Warner Cable. This is also a big deal because most Ohioans can't watch the Buckeye games anymore because about 2/3 of Ohioans have Time Warner Cable and not other cable networks that get the Big Ten Network.
Honestly I find it ridiculous that people in California, Missouri and maybe even Alaska and Hawaii recieve the Big Ten Network on their regular cable but people in central Ohio, right in the city where the Ohio State University is, can't recieve the Buckeye games because of this little dispute.
Now, I know that both networks have their reasonings of why their disputing, but they are now taking away the average person rights, who maybe doesn't have the money to go see the game in person but now he doesn't have the money to even see the game on TV, it's crazy!
This dispute has also prevented us (during the football season) of seeing one of the greatest games of all time, the upset that underdog Appalachian State made over the (at the time) 5th ranked Michigan.
So I just hope they can settle this so that the poor or wealthy central Ohioan can watch their team play without making the extra pay.
--GO BUCKS!
--KP
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Reflection and Personal View on Ch.2 of the Tipping Point
In the second chapter of Malcolm Gladwell's novel The Tipping Point, Gladwell gives a Paul Revere example of a social epidemic and proposes the "law of the few."
Though, as I was reading, the thing that really caught me in this chapter was the point of Gladwell making about why should Paul Revere get all the attention for warning the colonists that the British were coming when William Dawes (another colonist of the time) did the same thing Paul did but if I went up to someone on the street and ask them who William Dawes is they would have no idea. I find this also the case how Paul Revere's close friend Joseph Warren whom didn't get credited or rewarded for his contribution to his country. It makes me think of the under appreciated people of our world who are not noticed by society for doing the same stuff that the hero of the society had achieved.
Watching Sportscenter almost daily I always here about the crazy ocho-cinco of Chad Johnson or the wild of the Terrell Owens story and how great of players these guys are, but I find players such as Steve Smith, Wes Welker and many others that are under-rated and just as good or even better than these big stars. In my life I especially find this happening most often to me. The quote big stars of my team just make a lot of noise when they make a good play or just make sure that everyone notices them, while I do my job and do the same things they do but dont make such a big deal of it because I know it is expected from me. Yet the louder ones seem to get more attention and playing time from the coaches. I wonder why this happens?
And sorry to bring up another sports example, but for those of you who watch football, the William Dawes, Paul Revere comparison can be similar to a way lineman are to their quarterback. The lineman protects the quarterback and without the lineman the quarterback would be worthless. But because of these laws that they mention in chapter 2 that we as people use in our lives we recognize the quarterback as the big stuff and the best thing ever when it's really all thanks to the lineman. And that's a good reason why Tom Brady is so famous and gets all the glory because his lineman protect him and support him, but most people don't even recognize that.
The main point i'm trying to make and say is that what I personally get out of this chapter is that everyone is interconnected in trying to do a specific job and I quite frankly, do not like it when one person gets credit for something a lot of people put effort into, I find it very selfish.
And I believe William Dawes deserves as much credit to help saving our country as Paul Revere did.
Personally I can definetly say that i'm a fan for the underdogs, not the favorites.
--KP
Though, as I was reading, the thing that really caught me in this chapter was the point of Gladwell making about why should Paul Revere get all the attention for warning the colonists that the British were coming when William Dawes (another colonist of the time) did the same thing Paul did but if I went up to someone on the street and ask them who William Dawes is they would have no idea. I find this also the case how Paul Revere's close friend Joseph Warren whom didn't get credited or rewarded for his contribution to his country. It makes me think of the under appreciated people of our world who are not noticed by society for doing the same stuff that the hero of the society had achieved.
Watching Sportscenter almost daily I always here about the crazy ocho-cinco of Chad Johnson or the wild of the Terrell Owens story and how great of players these guys are, but I find players such as Steve Smith, Wes Welker and many others that are under-rated and just as good or even better than these big stars. In my life I especially find this happening most often to me. The quote big stars of my team just make a lot of noise when they make a good play or just make sure that everyone notices them, while I do my job and do the same things they do but dont make such a big deal of it because I know it is expected from me. Yet the louder ones seem to get more attention and playing time from the coaches. I wonder why this happens?
And sorry to bring up another sports example, but for those of you who watch football, the William Dawes, Paul Revere comparison can be similar to a way lineman are to their quarterback. The lineman protects the quarterback and without the lineman the quarterback would be worthless. But because of these laws that they mention in chapter 2 that we as people use in our lives we recognize the quarterback as the big stuff and the best thing ever when it's really all thanks to the lineman. And that's a good reason why Tom Brady is so famous and gets all the glory because his lineman protect him and support him, but most people don't even recognize that.
The main point i'm trying to make and say is that what I personally get out of this chapter is that everyone is interconnected in trying to do a specific job and I quite frankly, do not like it when one person gets credit for something a lot of people put effort into, I find it very selfish.
And I believe William Dawes deserves as much credit to help saving our country as Paul Revere did.
Personally I can definetly say that i'm a fan for the underdogs, not the favorites.
--KP
Summary:Chapter 2 "The Tipping Point"
In chapter 2 of The Tipping Point a novel by Malcolm Gladwell it explains the law of the few. The law of the few deals with connectors, mavens and salesmen.
At the beginning of the chapter it explains the word-to-mouth epidemic that happened when Paul Revere shouted to the colonists that the British were coming. It also talked about how another colonial William Dawes did the same thing with the same message, that same night just at different areas than Paul Revere. So what the law of the few explains is why did Paul Revere becoming so famous and Dawes didn't?
In part I. of the second chapter Mr. Gladwell explains how the epidemic travels through a population. Gladwell used the test of sending packets out to aprroximately 160 people in Omaha and tell them the packet is supposed to go to someone around the Boston area. So for example I would send it to my aunt whom lives in Boston and she would send it to the next closest person and so on and so on til it reached the "packet keeper", the testers cam to a conclusion that it took 5-6 steps to get the packets to the right person in Boston. And this now brings up the step term of communication called "six degrees of seperation."
In part 2. of the chapter Gladwell explains what the connectors job is. Connectors, he points out, know a lot of people and these are the kind of people who spread or "connect" the news to others. In part 2. it also explains why Les Mis and the Phantom of the Opera became so big as well as the Gershwin play Crazy for You and it explains how the news that these operas are great get spread. As well as other Gershwin compositions like Rhapsody in Blue which became a big success very early after it was released. Gladwell points out that the best way to describe the connector's job is that a connector is simply an impulse, just another personality trait of our kind.
In part 3. of the chapter it desribes the eight degrees of Kevin Bacon which is quite funny as well as the steps that O.J. Simpson's trial took and why that became so big. In part 4. It continues to explain the events of Paul Revere and connectors such as Lois Weisberg and Roger Horchow. In part 5 Gladwell talks and explains what would of happened to Paul Revere and William Dawes if we had put them through the tests that they explain earlier in the chapter.
Finally, in part 6. it explains how connectors are not the most important or only important role in creating a social epidemic, there are plenty of other things that a quite frankly just as important. These parts include the ones of mavens (which are people whom accumulate knowledge) and salesmen. In part 9. it explains that Maven's should not be seen as persuaders because they aren't. But they should be known as people who educate and help others. Salesmen are the ones who persuade til people believe them they can be also known as lobbyists.
In the later parts of the chapter it describes examples of the salesmen role of a social epidemic which can be a newscaster like for example Tom Brokaw or in the book they use Peter Jennings.
And in the very last part of the chapter, part 12. Gladwell explains to us that without the process of the maven connector and salesmen in the Paul Revere case we would be living a totally different life and it might turn for the worse for us.
So I say thanks to William Dawes and the close friend of Paul Revere whom helped save our independence as well as our country as we know it today.
--KP
At the beginning of the chapter it explains the word-to-mouth epidemic that happened when Paul Revere shouted to the colonists that the British were coming. It also talked about how another colonial William Dawes did the same thing with the same message, that same night just at different areas than Paul Revere. So what the law of the few explains is why did Paul Revere becoming so famous and Dawes didn't?
In part I. of the second chapter Mr. Gladwell explains how the epidemic travels through a population. Gladwell used the test of sending packets out to aprroximately 160 people in Omaha and tell them the packet is supposed to go to someone around the Boston area. So for example I would send it to my aunt whom lives in Boston and she would send it to the next closest person and so on and so on til it reached the "packet keeper", the testers cam to a conclusion that it took 5-6 steps to get the packets to the right person in Boston. And this now brings up the step term of communication called "six degrees of seperation."
In part 2. of the chapter Gladwell explains what the connectors job is. Connectors, he points out, know a lot of people and these are the kind of people who spread or "connect" the news to others. In part 2. it also explains why Les Mis and the Phantom of the Opera became so big as well as the Gershwin play Crazy for You and it explains how the news that these operas are great get spread. As well as other Gershwin compositions like Rhapsody in Blue which became a big success very early after it was released. Gladwell points out that the best way to describe the connector's job is that a connector is simply an impulse, just another personality trait of our kind.
In part 3. of the chapter it desribes the eight degrees of Kevin Bacon which is quite funny as well as the steps that O.J. Simpson's trial took and why that became so big. In part 4. It continues to explain the events of Paul Revere and connectors such as Lois Weisberg and Roger Horchow. In part 5 Gladwell talks and explains what would of happened to Paul Revere and William Dawes if we had put them through the tests that they explain earlier in the chapter.
Finally, in part 6. it explains how connectors are not the most important or only important role in creating a social epidemic, there are plenty of other things that a quite frankly just as important. These parts include the ones of mavens (which are people whom accumulate knowledge) and salesmen. In part 9. it explains that Maven's should not be seen as persuaders because they aren't. But they should be known as people who educate and help others. Salesmen are the ones who persuade til people believe them they can be also known as lobbyists.
In the later parts of the chapter it describes examples of the salesmen role of a social epidemic which can be a newscaster like for example Tom Brokaw or in the book they use Peter Jennings.
And in the very last part of the chapter, part 12. Gladwell explains to us that without the process of the maven connector and salesmen in the Paul Revere case we would be living a totally different life and it might turn for the worse for us.
So I say thanks to William Dawes and the close friend of Paul Revere whom helped save our independence as well as our country as we know it today.
--KP
Sunday, February 10, 2008
R&L 2: Barack Obama meets Mr.Robinson
As I am not a huge fan of Barack, I do find things that I like about him. The way he is youthful and outgoing are two examples. Recently Barack Obama helped start a program that a guy buy the name of Mr. Robinson has been thinking about for years. It is a basketball program that helps introduce and develop the game of basketball in parts of the U.S. to people who want to learn to play or just love to play. And this program helps give people the almost impossible dream of playing basketball for the big leagues. But I believe we all need that one dream that even though it might seem impossible, it really can be reached with the most will and desire to love what you do and work at it.
To find this article and "semi-blog" of Barack Obama you can go to http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/hqblog for more info.
Basketball is the best!
--KP
To find this article and "semi-blog" of Barack Obama you can go to http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/hqblog for more info.
Basketball is the best!
--KP
R&L: Ron Paul, still fighting.
I was just recently reading a political blog of Ron Paul who is not very well known by many and probably a large percentage of the United States forget he's even running for the President of our country. In this blog (which you can find at http://unofficial-ronpaul2008blog.blogspot.com) Ron Paul talks to the bloggers of the country on blogspot about how even though his chances are very slim of becoming President let alone the Republican candidate for President he will keep fighting and keep speaking his opinions of how he feels about where this country is and where he thinks it needs to go.
I believe Ron Paul is an economic genious and that many of his plans that he would like to put into effect if he were to be President are phenomenal but they are unfortunately only phenomonal if it was put into effect over a long period of time. Ron Paul is also a man who truly believes that the people run the government and that the government should not run the people and I believe that is something that this country has lost and we need to gain back.
After recently Republican Mitt Romney dropped out of the presidential race, I realized that I have so much more appreciation for Ron Paul than I do for Mr.Romney because this race has showed me that Ron Paul isn't afraid of maybe losing and he will not quit just because things are looking bad. He will to speak his mind to the people of this country until someone forces him to stop.
(keep fighting Ron!)
--KP
I believe Ron Paul is an economic genious and that many of his plans that he would like to put into effect if he were to be President are phenomenal but they are unfortunately only phenomonal if it was put into effect over a long period of time. Ron Paul is also a man who truly believes that the people run the government and that the government should not run the people and I believe that is something that this country has lost and we need to gain back.
After recently Republican Mitt Romney dropped out of the presidential race, I realized that I have so much more appreciation for Ron Paul than I do for Mr.Romney because this race has showed me that Ron Paul isn't afraid of maybe losing and he will not quit just because things are looking bad. He will to speak his mind to the people of this country until someone forces him to stop.
(keep fighting Ron!)
--KP
Saturday, February 9, 2008
What the F David Blaine. Wow this is so funny!
So for part of our homework for my English blog class we had to do some observing and commenting on something that makes us laugh or smile and this YouTube video definetly did the trick for me.
I had heard of this takeoff of the David Blaine show (a street magician) that was on YouTube and people lately have told me to take a look at it because it is absolutely hilarious. And they were right! I was dying laughing for the two whole videos. It is probably even more hilarious if you have seen the actual show on TV. But I love this knockoff of the show.
These videos definetly are the prime of YouTube. And I think YouTube was one of the best internet ideas anyone has ever came up with. I mean who doesnt want to show there hilarious home videos with the world or become the new talk on MTV. It is definetly any average person's way from the life as an average joe to a big celeb. So hear check out these YouTube videos and I hope they can give as much of a laugh as it gave me. Youi can find the videos at http://http://youtube.com/watch?v=AYxu_MQSTTY and the sequel athttp://http://youtube.com/watch?v=PGrTvNzGCZE
--KP
I had heard of this takeoff of the David Blaine show (a street magician) that was on YouTube and people lately have told me to take a look at it because it is absolutely hilarious. And they were right! I was dying laughing for the two whole videos. It is probably even more hilarious if you have seen the actual show on TV. But I love this knockoff of the show.
These videos definetly are the prime of YouTube. And I think YouTube was one of the best internet ideas anyone has ever came up with. I mean who doesnt want to show there hilarious home videos with the world or become the new talk on MTV. It is definetly any average person's way from the life as an average joe to a big celeb. So hear check out these YouTube videos and I hope they can give as much of a laugh as it gave me. Youi can find the videos at http://http://youtube.com/watch?v=AYxu_MQSTTY and the sequel athttp://http://youtube.com/watch?v=PGrTvNzGCZE
--KP
Target has been reached and hit!
A recent article by the NY Times, (you can find this article at http://http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/28/business/media/28target.html?_r=2&ex=1359176400&en=f66406c7732b555d&ei=50&oref=slogin) explains complaints by parents on a "Target" ad that showed (lets just say) a woman's certain spot at the center of the bullseye.Truthfully I didn't even notice it in the target ad picture until I read this article. First of all, I don't think Target had even noticed anything that was wrong in this picture til someone pointed it out. I also believe that people overthink and get "overmad" about these kinds of things I mean if you look at the picture there's no other way the photographer who was in charge could of really taken the picture differently. Really all the setup of the picture had to do with was what the photographer thought looked good and complete, so he probably thought "mmmmmmmm......lets have her stretch out to be the length of the target", not," oooo...I'm going to take a risque picture with her "spot" on the bullseye and then get myself fired because that would be the smartest thing to do." I mean it's sort of like those pictures that paparazzi's take of celebrities and people look at the picture so hard they notice a stain on the celebrities shirt and get so into why and how she may have gotten that stain. I mean they wouldn't be doing that if I walked out of restaurant with a stain.
These kind of people who take everything so literally for what they see, drive me crazy. I think that Target didn't even realize what was bad about the picture at first. (I mean heck I didn't even know that there logo was a target until probably a year ago.)
As for what effect these kind of ads have on the kids. It has none what so ever! The kids could care less about the picture and what's going on in the picture and I bet if you put the picture in front of a kindergartener he or she couldn't tell you one bad thing that was going on in that picture.
Just leave Target alone!
--KP
These kind of people who take everything so literally for what they see, drive me crazy. I think that Target didn't even realize what was bad about the picture at first. (I mean heck I didn't even know that there logo was a target until probably a year ago.)
As for what effect these kind of ads have on the kids. It has none what so ever! The kids could care less about the picture and what's going on in the picture and I bet if you put the picture in front of a kindergartener he or she couldn't tell you one bad thing that was going on in that picture.
Just leave Target alone!
--KP
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Tipping Point by: Malcolm Gladwell Chap.1
In Chapter 1 of the Tipping Point Gladwell gives a description of the three rules of epidemics. First, he starts out with the epidemic of syphilis which he explains tipped when the drug crack cocaine became big because he explains that crack cocaine because if the recipient of crack were to have a baby they would increase the babies chance as well as theirself a chance at getting syphilis. Next he explains of the Hush puppie epidemic that came back into style starting with East village kids. He also explained the rule of 80/20 which meant 80 percent of the work would be done by 20 percent of the participants which in many cases is absolutely true. For example I've heard that this was the case in the inventing of gatorade which a lot of people took the credit for inventing it while probably 20 percent of the inventors actually invented it. Gladwell also explains how the connector works and how most epidemics are strongly influenced by their situation.
Now, on a personal note, so far in the Tipping Point I have a hard time connecting with the author's topics. But, two things that do intriuge me (random but interesting) in this book is the setup he uses for each chapter by dividing it into 4 main parts. And also how the 4th part of the chapter was the exact same as the 4th part of the intro. I wonder why? hmmmmm?
--KP
Now, on a personal note, so far in the Tipping Point I have a hard time connecting with the author's topics. But, two things that do intriuge me (random but interesting) in this book is the setup he uses for each chapter by dividing it into 4 main parts. And also how the 4th part of the chapter was the exact same as the 4th part of the intro. I wonder why? hmmmmm?
--KP
Intro to Tipping Point
So far the Tipping Point seems to be a very interesting book. As I might not been able to make a connection with his example of hush puppies, I did make a connection with another example, NYC's crime rate ( as I am a big fan of the famous show Cops.)
I find it interesting how Malcom Gladwell uses these examples to introduce his book. But what I find most interesting in the opening is in part "4." In "4." it explains the three rules of the Tipping Point including the Law of Few, Sickness Factor and the power of context. And these laws help explain the reason of certain epidemics. The Tipping Point also helps explain why these epidemics like hush puppies, smoking, crime or books/movies become in style or popular or how they lose popularity.
I find it interesting how Malcom Gladwell uses these examples to introduce his book. But what I find most interesting in the opening is in part "4." In "4." it explains the three rules of the Tipping Point including the Law of Few, Sickness Factor and the power of context. And these laws help explain the reason of certain epidemics. The Tipping Point also helps explain why these epidemics like hush puppies, smoking, crime or books/movies become in style or popular or how they lose popularity.
Please wash, Thankyou!
A recent article published by msnbc brought up the issue of doctor's and nurses having worse hygiene habits than their clients. After reading this article (which you can find at http://msnbc.msn.com/id/22827499/) I now feel that many people's consiusness has been raised including myself that in the future to not always feel that your doctors have washed their hands before operating on you and there is truly no harm in asking the doctors to wash their hands. Because some research shows that today hospital hygiene grows by almost 30% when asking your doctors to wash.
Frankly, I found this article also very disturbing. For example, many infant infections come from soon after birth actually come from the doctors at the time of birth because they either didnt change gloves or didnt wash their hands after working with a previous client. Also, I don't think doctors even think about their hygiene half the time because they are always worried about their clients hygiene. But after this article, I think many things will change with how hospital's regulate their doctor's and their hygiene. Because it really only takes one person to possibly sue the hospital if their daughter, son or relative were to catch an infection from their doctor or nurse because he/she (the doctor) didnt wash their hands.
--KP
Frankly, I found this article also very disturbing. For example, many infant infections come from soon after birth actually come from the doctors at the time of birth because they either didnt change gloves or didnt wash their hands after working with a previous client. Also, I don't think doctors even think about their hygiene half the time because they are always worried about their clients hygiene. But after this article, I think many things will change with how hospital's regulate their doctor's and their hygiene. Because it really only takes one person to possibly sue the hospital if their daughter, son or relative were to catch an infection from their doctor or nurse because he/she (the doctor) didnt wash their hands.
--KP
Celebs in the News. Do I Care about Heath Ledger or Kanye's Mom death?
After 2007 was deemed the year of Britney's collapse, and once again the harassment of the paparazzi over the biggest stars and what their up to, 2008 doesnt look to be much more promising for these celebrities. Already in 2008, Celebs have been making headlines from it being Britney Spears (for the billionth time) eating ice cream with her children an being criticized for not raising them in good health, to Heath Ledger and Kanye West mom's death. Personally I feel that Britney giving her children ice cream is just the worse thing that has ever happened (NOT!) but Heath Ledger's situation is a little more understandable for making front page news.
As many people may/may not know Heath Ledger passed away about a week or two ago, Heath was a young and very successful actor, I knew him for his role as Gabriel in the Patriot. Any young death in our society is tragic, and as much as I feel bad for Heath's loved ones and close friends I personally don't feel attached to his death because frankly I never knew him. I mean its sort of like me getting upset about some random person dying in Colorado. I mean you could say there's more of a personal attachment to Heath because he was an american icon but I still find that his death had no affect on my life.
So I believe that as I do worry sometimes about these celebrities and their status and health, these celebs still don't have a major affect on my life because I have no connection in knowing them and I believe they definetly shouldn't be our headline news unless what happened was truly serious like Heath's death. Maybe put something on the NY Times that really is going to make a difference in our lives.
--KP
As many people may/may not know Heath Ledger passed away about a week or two ago, Heath was a young and very successful actor, I knew him for his role as Gabriel in the Patriot. Any young death in our society is tragic, and as much as I feel bad for Heath's loved ones and close friends I personally don't feel attached to his death because frankly I never knew him. I mean its sort of like me getting upset about some random person dying in Colorado. I mean you could say there's more of a personal attachment to Heath because he was an american icon but I still find that his death had no affect on my life.
So I believe that as I do worry sometimes about these celebrities and their status and health, these celebs still don't have a major affect on my life because I have no connection in knowing them and I believe they definetly shouldn't be our headline news unless what happened was truly serious like Heath's death. Maybe put something on the NY Times that really is going to make a difference in our lives.
--KP
Friday, February 1, 2008
Coach Miller's 500th win!
Coach Miller about a week ago earned his 500th career victory as a high school basketball head coach. He is the current coach of Thomas Worthington High School's basketball team and is actually my current coach (along with the JV coaches.) Coach Miller earned his 500th victory at Delaware Hayes in a blowout.
While many of Thomas Worthington students know Mr. Miller as Coach Miller, my Linworth friends and teachers know of him as Bob, their loud, energizing and fun health teacher. Either way Coach Miller is oustanding too work with. And I feel honored just to know him and learn from him. While some believe that "Coach" is thinking about retiring, I really hope that Coach Miller stays around for many many more years so he can continue to help kids and make differences in their lives. Like he has made a difference in my life.
So, personally I would just like to say thanks Coach and congratulations on your 500th win and lets pull off a championship in the OCC!!!
-To learn more about Coach Miller, Thomas Worthington Basketball and other things you can go to http://thomasworthingtonbasketball.com for info.
--KP
While many of Thomas Worthington students know Mr. Miller as Coach Miller, my Linworth friends and teachers know of him as Bob, their loud, energizing and fun health teacher. Either way Coach Miller is oustanding too work with. And I feel honored just to know him and learn from him. While some believe that "Coach" is thinking about retiring, I really hope that Coach Miller stays around for many many more years so he can continue to help kids and make differences in their lives. Like he has made a difference in my life.
So, personally I would just like to say thanks Coach and congratulations on your 500th win and lets pull off a championship in the OCC!!!
-To learn more about Coach Miller, Thomas Worthington Basketball and other things you can go to http://thomasworthingtonbasketball.com for info.
--KP
Da Super Bowl! PATS VS. the G MEN
I dont know how many of you guys are sports fans. But I am a HUGE sports fan. (Im especially a big college sports fan.)
This weekend (if you didnt already know) there is an especially big sport's event this weekend. It is the Worldwide phenomenon called the Super Bowl! Now, with the Super Bowl coming up this Sunday I decided to research and link a blog that is previewing the Super Bowl and see what their thoughts on it was. This blog is called the Boston Brat and it can be found at http://bostonbrat.net.
This New England based website is literally counting the days, hours and minutes til kickoff for the Super Bowl. The blog states what the Patriots need to do to win and how the matchup between the Patriots and Giants will be even better this time than the last time they met, which was Week 17 of the NFL's regular season. With a win today the Patriots would make history with the biggest undefeated season in NFL History and eclipse an incredible season mark of 19 wins.
The Giants on the other hand who barely made it into the playoffs are hoping for a miracle to end their season with a victory over the debatebly best football team to ever walk foot on a field.
Personally, I am hoping the Giants can pull off the upset over the Patriots so that the next morning when I wake up and turn on my TV to ESPN I wont have to listen to how perfect the team is and how sports in the New England area are dominating professional sports. (Plus i'm a Browns fan and a semi-Giants fan and I just can't stand the Patriots.) My personal prediction for the game is a win by the Giants over the Patriots by 1 to 3 points. (Praying that the tactics of the Giants fans, holding up masks of Tom Brady's girl will distract him and also this game just reminds me so much of the Buckeyes game against Florida in the same dome two years ago.)
And one other thing hopefully during the Super Bowl broadcast the game will take up more time than the commercials do.
Browns still are the best!
--KP
This weekend (if you didnt already know) there is an especially big sport's event this weekend. It is the Worldwide phenomenon called the Super Bowl! Now, with the Super Bowl coming up this Sunday I decided to research and link a blog that is previewing the Super Bowl and see what their thoughts on it was. This blog is called the Boston Brat and it can be found at http://bostonbrat.net.
This New England based website is literally counting the days, hours and minutes til kickoff for the Super Bowl. The blog states what the Patriots need to do to win and how the matchup between the Patriots and Giants will be even better this time than the last time they met, which was Week 17 of the NFL's regular season. With a win today the Patriots would make history with the biggest undefeated season in NFL History and eclipse an incredible season mark of 19 wins.
The Giants on the other hand who barely made it into the playoffs are hoping for a miracle to end their season with a victory over the debatebly best football team to ever walk foot on a field.
Personally, I am hoping the Giants can pull off the upset over the Patriots so that the next morning when I wake up and turn on my TV to ESPN I wont have to listen to how perfect the team is and how sports in the New England area are dominating professional sports. (Plus i'm a Browns fan and a semi-Giants fan and I just can't stand the Patriots.) My personal prediction for the game is a win by the Giants over the Patriots by 1 to 3 points. (Praying that the tactics of the Giants fans, holding up masks of Tom Brady's girl will distract him and also this game just reminds me so much of the Buckeyes game against Florida in the same dome two years ago.)
And one other thing hopefully during the Super Bowl broadcast the game will take up more time than the commercials do.
Browns still are the best!
--KP
Hey, whats up everyone. Since blogger doesn't give much room for personal info I thought I would tell you a little about myself.
I'm 15 years old and a sophmore at the Linworth Alternative Program and Thomas Worthington High School. At TWHS I play three sports: baseball, basketball and golf. I also play two instruments: cello and piano. And I am also a member of a group Accelerando String Quartet who competes nationally at chamber music competitions. I also have done a little bit of acting including being a "buddy" of the main character in the focus features film Reservation Road.
So, I got to go but I hope you tune in to see my opinion on some books, movies, celebrity news, sports and just a lot of other stuff.
--KP
I'm 15 years old and a sophmore at the Linworth Alternative Program and Thomas Worthington High School. At TWHS I play three sports: baseball, basketball and golf. I also play two instruments: cello and piano. And I am also a member of a group Accelerando String Quartet who competes nationally at chamber music competitions. I also have done a little bit of acting including being a "buddy" of the main character in the focus features film Reservation Road.
So, I got to go but I hope you tune in to see my opinion on some books, movies, celebrity news, sports and just a lot of other stuff.
--KP
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