Walden

               

         Thoreau is an author who calls out ‘simplicity’ when he himself is a complex man.  Going to the woods to rethink about the facts of life, the virtues, and the genuine meanness of it is a hard decision not made by many common, average men. He suggests, “In that case did Thoreau actually have one meal in the woods? Did he take action in his words? Later he changes his mind to jump back to the troubles of life. He realizes he has Before that, did he grasp all the values he sought in the beginning when he first decided to go to the woods? It certainly says he has “wished to live deliberately…see if I could not learn what [life] had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived”, yet it only took him a week to figure it out or run away from it. Despite all the conflicts, Thoreau’s experience with Walden teaches a lesson: Everything comes easy if you take an easier perspective of life. Nature is kept simple, therefore the world should be less complex.

King Still King?

If Martin Luther King Jr. returned back to life in this modern day, he would be overwhelmed by the great change over the years. It is true how time cures everything, after all, even if it may not be complete. However, since the problem with racism isn’t as extreme as it was back than in the 60’s, King Jr.’s campaign towards equality probably wouldn’t take much effect nowadays. If so, the change would be so little, since people learned to adapt better with one another. Nonetheless, his leading role in history can relate to us in other ways than just racial discrimination. He is a king of different crowns who can influence the people in various ways.

 Martin Luther King Jr.’s peaceful mentality along with his morals is something to take as we live our lives. His idea of a “non-violent campaign” should be considered as the basic step to fight for justice. Violence can never be just; therefore his work with peace is probably what changed the minds of many people. At the same time, Martin Luther’s accomplishments through his great deeds were what touched people’s hearts more than they should. On the other hand, there are many other organizations and protestant groups using force to get their ways, breaking the law of their own. They not only achieve, but end up losing their main focus of what they wanted from the beginning. In that matter, the admired Martin Luther King Jr. remains in our textbooks, articles, documents, and history. As much as he is remembered, he influences the education and society still today.

 Besides Martin Luther’s passion toward equality among race, his determination in his faith is something we can all take. His strong belief towards Christianity and his will to spread the message like St. Paul despite the struggles was an inspiration to many believers. We learn something new from him every day; his courage to dream and achieve his goals even if it occurred after his life tells all that he can never be forgotten.

I believe that when Rosa Parks reunited with Martin Luther few years ago in heaven, they held their own amazing celebration along with the people who sacrificed their lives for the racial movement. Martin Luther King Jr. was probably overjoyed with a slight self-satisfaction of himself completing his purpose to the world. As much as people’s view towards race has improved over the 50 years, I strongly believe it is possible for the equality of America in the future.

Response to This Sacred Soil

                The reading of Chief Seattle’s words has blown my heart. Feeling of sympathy and anger gushed over me as I read the short yet deep pages of This Sacred Soil. Many quotes stood out in my heart, but most importantly, “Your God is not our God. Your God loves your people and hates mine” (Seattle, p100).

As I learned about European history and their wars between religion, a question stuck to my head ever since: If Europeans were devoted Christians, why did they cause wars, killing men which is the biggest sin you could possibly commit? Then I scold myself, as a believer of Christianity, I commit sin continuously as well. However the matter is different, I have never killed a man. So how could the Christians, who probably were more passionate, defy against God’s law?

I felt great shame as Chief Seattle stated the words, “Your God loves your people and hates mine”. Not only I was ashamed of the people who committed wrong acts to the Natives but I felt shame since they showed an unrighteous image of  God to them.  God is holy, loving, and affectionate no matter what. God doesn’t differentiate among people but loves us all equally. How could the white people, the so called “Christians”, represent a false impression of God that way? Chief Seattle continues, “The white man’s God cannot love our people or he would protect them”.  It is sad that is how God was portrayed in the Native Americans’ eyes. If I could go back in history, I would want to stop the wrong doings of these Christians and ask my question, “Why kill a man if God forbade you to do so?”

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.