Welcome to the K pop World.

My all-time favorite artist right off the bat: Big Bang.
A korean hiphop band that created an evolution in South Korean fashion/music/hiphop era.
Ever since their debut in 2006, they've been racing toward success non stop.
Whether performing or resting, their popularity never seems to decrease as they dominate the whole Asian billboard chart everytime they make a comeback.

The song -- How Gee, was released in their first Japanese debut album.

Entirely made up of English lyrics attracted many fans from different countries.

This song, strongly showing the band's color and style created a hit throughout Japan and S. Korea, along with other Asian countries.

A fancy beat, something like what you would hear in an 80's musical is transformed to a modern, hip hop beat overflowing with rap. The tune is absolutely catchy and addicting as it gets stuck in your ears before you know it.

Jay and Nick

          If Jay were to approach Nick for Daisy, I truly understand. I've been there too.

Hasn't everyone?

I most likely think the possibilty of Jay reaching Nick for his benefit is very high. Why would a person like Jay, one who cares less about other people's businesses, (besides Daisy) talk to Nick? Even in his parties he stays alone most of the time, not being much of a social person. We all have the doubt Gatsby is looking for something behind Nick's relationshiop with him.

             In my case, I have approached people as well when they were mutual friends or distant relatives with the person I was interested in. Although I have not liked them or really had a legit conversation, I started to for information. (No it is not shallow, because this is another way to gain friends. I know at least one of you has done the same too.) In the similar way, Jay and Nick will become amigos later on the more they have bonding time with each other. I support Gatsby and Nick, as long as Jay doesn't cross the border lines. If he goes too far as to "using" Nick, it will lead to a serious problem. Using people isn't an option, so I hope in reading the book, Gatsby stays mutual in his right mind.

Winter Poem

When winter comes
Mammals prepare for protection


When first snow appears
Animals start to disappear one by one


Rabbits change into white fur
As squirrels lie asleep


Chipmunks gather their nuts
Hidden in pure white snow


The birds spread their wings to fly
The bats hurry inside the caves to rest


As female skunks huddle together for sleep
Male skunks hibernate alone


Foxes grow extra fur for warmth
Weasels grow white fur for safety


Sadly the fate of these animals are in doom;
As humans cover themselves with fur as well


Authentic coats, hats, scarves
Made off of other mammals
Gives no rest but panic
to them all;

Thankful for a Classmate

        I dedicate this blog to the following classmates mentioned:

I am thankful for Serina Lane, for she is my American Lit. Assignment notebook. Every time I am lost with the homework assignment, she clears it up, explaining it thoroughly. I appreciate her time in answering my daily questions, “What exactly was our American Lit homework?”

I am thankful for Tony Padilla, specifically his neck. When in boredom, I used to occupy myself by using Tony’s back neck as a doodle-book. Only then I realized I should open a small tattoo shop as a side job.

Although he may have been exposed to skin cancer due to my dark-black ink, I appreciate his patience in sitting dead-still for the rest of the time.

I am thankful for Anna Greenberg and her delicious chocolates. They were a great satisfaction to my craving appetite. That caramel chocolate was very much devoured by me and Sadiq that one time.

I am thankful for Sadiq, my partner. Just for his presence and his cool, laid-back-ness. I believe we had a great bonding time together as we saw the colors of the locker change.

I am a Plow.

plow

  /plaʊ/ [plou]  

–noun most important agricultural implement since the beginning of history, used to turn and break up soil, to bury crop residues, and to help control weeds.

      Why, must this topic sound negative, as an adjective-noun mocking our human character? (It is a noun that describes us; therefore I called it, “adj. noun”) By its definition, I am only interpreting it in a way that we humans, from the beginning, from history, used to (or still do) ruin relationships and later moved on, putting them in memory. Then we made new ones, or recovered with the old, balancing the “evil” or “weeds” as they define it. This way, we are definitely plows. At least, I am a plow. Sometime in life we eventually screw up the bonds we have with one another. A friend, family, or lover, we will end up failing each other and break the relationship for they can’t last forever. These bitter memories will have to be covered up with new bonds somehow, going back to happiness. The cycle has repeated itself from the beginning of history.
         This inevitable plow cannot be stopped. As much as it is an important equipment in farming, it is an important process in human relationships. Whatever the cause is, a quarrel, argument, accident or death, all feelings come to an end. But the social bonding will continue as long as there are humans and interaction.

A Direction the Class Needs

If I had to pick one thing that bothers me the most, it would be the vague journal topics. I mentioned in my previous journal entries that I preferred to have straightforward statements or questions. It helps me to build on my thoughts and ideas more, providing generous information. However, when a random quote from a novel comes up, my brain takes a long time to process the given quote. When everything clicks, I begin to ramble. It doesn’t even click. Sometimes this 'rambling' makes me wonder if I’m even going the right path but Mr.McCarthy's words remind me once more: There is no right or wrong in journals. Still, I’d like to be directed  in where I’m supposed to go.

In the first several weeks of American Literature, I was very confused about the classroom procedures. It was pretty hard to follow, especially because I wasn’t sure what exactly was important that came out of Mr. McCarthy’s mouth. We would be moving from topic to topic, and with unclear transitions I often found myself lost. The homework, blogs, and other assignments had to be re-asked among my friends after class because they weren’t sure.

I’ve become used to the class however, and I tend to enjoy it. Mr. McCarthy’s unique way of teaching, exposing our thoughts and making our imagination grow through his open discussions, can be beneficial. Now I’m able to understand and evaluate on his intention of making us think and develop without limit; our paths are not blocked by teacher’s directions but we should go and write as we please. This freedom is a valuable opportunity that is rarely given by other teachers and classes. I should learn more to take it in advantage!  

Modern Slavery

Slavery, although it sounds so distant which happened in history, is not so far from our current society. Even if it may not be considered as physical house worker, it can involve the on-going sex trade, people being sold or being asked for ransom. Females are sold and turned into prostitutes, being slaves of those who seek satisfaction.  Men can be easily pulled into doing hard work and labor in factories. Those who are uneducated do everything to earn money but end up working in an unknown place with no pay. Children in other countries are being kidnapped to be sold to a far away island or so, being trained to do anonymous things or crimes.

Slavery is existent throughout the world everywhere. In society, even those who rule others can be considered slaves. Singers or celebrities are slaves to their busy schedules without gaining any of their own time. Some industries restrict the profit of the people, putting incomes directly into their pockets. Therefore the ones who work under them receive nothing for themselves, just exhaust and pain.  Also the government officials are influenced by the people, being pulled into other unjust crimes for money.

Even we can be considered slaves. Aren’t we, as students and teenagers, slaves to school and homework? We must complete and do all work and assignments that are asked of, for no money (although it’s for the benefit of education). Aren’t modern-day people, slaves to the media, seeking rumors or gossip going around other people’s businesses, or finding social interactions through internet? The term ‘slave’ can be implied in various ways from general to specific. Everyone can all be slaves to something.

Existence of Puritans in America

Isn’t America, the country of freedom, life, and various cultures? Don’t cultures contain just race, but religion? Don’t the Puritans, belong in the category of culture with a strong, more as extreme, faith? I think Puritans are a definite part of America as they are recognized for their important presence in American history. They say the current moralities of the American people are very similar to the Puritans’ characteristics.  After they have arrived to United States in want of freedom of their faith. In addition, they have contributed greatly to the expansion of American colonies. In these colonies, schools, education, economy, and government were developed, although it was ruled under theocracy. 
         Since we the people have been living on the base through now, we have beared those certain moralities of Puritans in our lives. For instance, Puritans have been seeking for their pleasant after-lives through their committed faith. We, present-day Americans, are seeking reward and praise through our every-day work. What now, is the biggest difference between them, and us? I don't think we are so far from them than we think we are. The Puritan roots are still remained, although not full.

Korean-American.

       I was only eight years old when I stepped into the land not realizing this will be my home. It was the turning point of my life where I had to leave all my childhood memories behind and start new in a different environment. The first few years I struggled. The lack of communication, unfamiliar dialect, strange people and culture, etc. I did not feel like I was home until I finished junior high. But it came soon after that, hitting me like a brick wall recognizing this was where I belong.
　

I lived exactly half of my life in my home country, and half in United States. The year that balanced out the two, I felt that I wasn’t fully involved in one or the other culture. I knew by then the best of both worlds, what it’s like to be as a Korean or an American.
　

       The main thing that helped me to realize I was an American was the lack of understanding with my parents. The two different cultures were a struggle and still is now, the biggest problem I endure. It is hard to make them understand my position as an American teenager since they still accept me as a Korean.  I don’t specifically prefer one or the other but I’d like to be loved for who I am, wherever I am.

Us vs. Them

            It’s quiet easy for the third person to think over things and say, “Why can’t we all just make up”. When we ourselves become the subject or the target, things are taken differently, at a much furious and enraging state. We can’t think logical or straight, believing what we want to believe. Closing our eyes, ears, and mouth is the biggest problem when an unfavorable situation comes before us in an argument.  

            Humans are selfish. We were always selfish. Although it may be a little, we tend to turn things around toward our side just for our benefit and pleasure. It’s funny however, how we smile at those people and cover up our true intentions and act as hypocrites. In arguments, these hidden feelings rise up to the surface. We become more honest, and reveal our deepest darkest sides that we potentially stored in our minds. Depending on the seriousness of the cause, some people aren’t able to control their temper and end up spilling everything, leading to a serious trauma. This can be taken out by profanity, violence, or through the worst, murder.

            When I usually get in a fight with someone no matter how big or little they are, I try to understand from their point of view. 100% of the time this definitely works on calming me down. All we have to do is look at a different perspective, for no one person is solely guilty in a conflict.  For most people this is a difficult action, especially for the ignorant. They are too caught up in worrying about their own feelings and stories, thinking they’re the poorest people in the world. If people actually tried to open up their eyes, ears, and heart, things wouldn’t flow to the extreme. Step outside the box for once, and we’ll be on a whole new different point of view, ready to forgive everything and everyone.

John Proctor - Hero or a Stooge

    John Proctor in my opinion was definitely not a hero. He couldn’t help but to choose the decision to  ‘admit’ his fake confession. The whole time he very much sacrificed himself by committing white lies but he screws up in the end. He was on the verge of saving himself but it still confuses me on why he exactly acted so stubborn upon the document. He signed the previous paper of the testimony, so why was it so hard to sign the second one?

   Having an excellent reputation known as the “goodly” man as a dedicated Christian all came down to nothing as it is revealed that he has been having an affair with Abigail Williams. Unfortunately for his wife's sake he had to spill out the truth to everyone in court. However, the wife Elizabeth had also wished for John's good, not mentioning lechery to the judge, leading John to a deeper pit (as a liar). John chose to then lie about dealing with witchcraft, but later fails to sign the document regarding his testimony. The townspeople such as Hale and Rebecca Nurse may remember his name after his death but he doesn’t deserve to be called a “hero”, for the situation did not end with him.
      In a way he is certainly described as a stooge due to his faults and the wrong conclusions he obtained, by considering the situation would all end through him. He should have solved the problem until the end by just signing his name onto the paper. This leads to the loss of the purpose to sacrifice himself in the first place, lying about his confession. At the end he earned no benefit, and personally I don’t think a hero should be called a hero when they can't even save themselves.

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God

    In the back the hands of God are drawn; it is holding back the sin and impurity from the people shown through the fire. The waves of anger are portrayed and the image of "bow of God's wrath, arrow made ready in the string...Justice bends and strains the bow.." was illustrated. Behind the floodgate in the background symbolizes the unpredictable future that will lead the sinners once God lets his hands go.

There Goes the Neighborhood

       I feel that Christopher Columbus had disrupted the peace and property the Native Americans originally had. He was an uninvited guest who suddenly stepped into their land and acted as if he was the boss. The kind and generous Native Americans have never been ruled or sabatoged under a leader (besides the chief); they easily gave what Christopher Columbus wanted in the beginning. Christopher Columbus, however, could not get enough from the land he thought was "India" and his "Indians". Basically his greed grew to the point he decides to take over.
       From the Native American's point of view, they simply welcomed Columbus at first. They were awed by different colors of eyes, skin and hair, until what they brought was their doom. Diseases were spread around such as pneumonia, measels, and cholera from the foreigns. Later they were kicked out of their homes and lands, losing hunting grounds and source of food. This lead to malnutrition and death among many Native Americans.
       Based upon my knowledge, Christopher Columbus obviously didn't deserve to be treated as a 'welcomer'. He was certainly not a good example of a 'friendly neighbor' but an evil villain that acted upon the idea of taking over, dictating the people. He certainly wanted to earn fame and fulfill his goal to find the shortest route to the western coast and please the Queen. For Native Americans, they had lost their family and culture as well as traditions from an 'unfriendly' visitor who lead them to tragedy.

Introduction

Deuk Hyun Kim. "What? Huh? How do you say that?"
"You seem like you got taller!"
"Are you Chinese? Oh, my bad, Japanese."

The most common things I hear when I am first introduced to people.
The most common phrases I can't bear to hear.

I am South Korean. I've never seen or been to North Korea ever in my life, just like most South Koreans.  I am tall for an Asian, I admit but I don't accept. I have a long, hard Korean name that I have to live with since my grandparents and parents assumed I was a boy. I actually named myself Amy, when I came to America in 1st grade. I am bilingual. I hate writing, but I write alot. I am happy, but I'm not gay. I love pets, but I hate fur. I am loud, but I am timid. I don't like nice people, because they scare me. I don't know how to act around them. I like interesting people. I am uptight, but I like to be free. Whitney wasn't my option, but I never regret. I am Christian, but I want to be a Christian. I remember to pray every night yet I forget to give grace. I was the first Asian girl to be the Student Council President in 8th grade. B's aren't accepted in my mother's dictionary. Only straight A's exist. I've never got into or heard of 'trouble' during my whole life I went to school, but I broke that rule on my first day of Sophomore year. A big one, too. I am scared and excited to start my 2nd year of highschool at Whitney Young. :D. Nice to meet you.