Final Persuasive Essay

                English class has always been pretty easy for me, but just when I thought there was no more that I could be taught, I found out otherwise. As an effort to keep up, I have tried even harder than ever to improve my writing skills. Now, I think I’m at least a “B+” student, if not an “A.” I think that my improved poetry, as well as my knowledge of how to blog, have contributed to that grade.

                Maybe some people in the class think I don’t deserve that grade, because I don’t contribute much in class discussions. Maybe they think I don’t deserve it because I rush my work, getting it done quickly. However, I try to make sure my contributions are more thought out, so fewer people misunderstand, and though I finish my work quickly, it still somehow turns out well written.

                Something that could contribute to me getting a “B+” or “A” would be my progress in poetry. Before, I wasn’t really clever enough to come up with rhymes that actually sounded right. I wasn’t even much of a fan of poetry before. Now, I can think of a word with several simple, usable rhymes and just plow right through the writing of a poem. With poems that only require certain amounts of syllables, no rhyme needed, that still works out for me, and I can write them very easily. With an improvement in poem writing, I can take any poem and write it now.

                Another thing that could give me an “A” or a “B+” is my knowledge of blogging. I had never used a blog before, but I soon found out they were quite simple. It’s really not too different from creating a website. All you need is a knowledge of how to write well, and how to upload documents- both of which I have. I have done similar things in the past, and an understanding of using them has helped me now. I have also gotten the Post of the Week at least once before. I… also went a little overboard with one of the blog posts by creating a video for the sonnet and putting it at the end of the post, though there was no need to have made the video. If this doesn’t get me the grade I’d hoped for, I don’t know what will.

                I should at least get a “B+” or an “A” with my better poetry writing and knowledge of blog posts. I have really progressed (and gone a little overboard) in those areas. That said, I really hope I get the grade I hope for.

Immortal

I made this with Windows Movie Maker instead of Photostory. I think it turned out well.

My Life Stretched Out Before (Villanelle)

Advancing through my life stretched out before
Doing all the things I had hoped I would
Through these things my life will not be a bore

Cherishing my young frog at my heart's core
To raise it until it hits adulthood
Advancing through my life stretched out before

Then working on my drawing a bit more
For a job as an artist would be good
Through these things my life will not be a bore

Creating games online that aren't in stores
Living the life fictional people should
Advancing through my life stretched out before

Taking a career as a zookeeper
Caring for animals as many would
Through these things my life will not be a bore

Then finally becoming an author
Writing stories I didn't know I could
Advancing through my life stretched out before
Through these things my life will not be a bore

Sonnet to Riku

You did not choose the path to dark nor light
Yet chose the middle road: the Way to Dawn
Against your inner darkness you did fight
Did not give in until the battle won
And though your hair is silver you're not old
And your agility is very great
You can see through the brightest light so gold
And will not feed the darkness with your hate
Through all your trails your strength has now grown
You do what must be done to help your friend
The darkness in your heart is now your own
And now your journey has come to an end
And since you're now a Wielder of the Key
I hope you pass the Mark of Mastery

I also made a video out of the sonnet. Yes, I know I went a bit overboard...

Outside Reading: Immortal

My new book that I am reading is titled Immortal. I have finished the book rather quickly, but the end leaves a whole lot unsaid. Although it seems that Sebastian is the main romantic interest, it is quickly revealed that he is also the main antagonist, although he does not want to be. He also appears to have dissapeared but it is really unclear as to how or where to. Could he have finally faded away and become a demon, or did he leave so he could protect Evie? I'm really confused about that...

I wonder if Mrs. Hartle or the other Dark Sisters are still alive. They were swept up in the giant wave Evie created and went missing, but they may still be alive. If they are, Evie and her friends are in huge trouble. I also wonder if Evie will get to see Sebastian again. Personally, I think they are really good together, although they are enemies.

If I were Evie, I'd try to find Sebastian in any way I can. I wouldn't want for him to fade into the shadows, no matter what. I'd also ask Sarah and Helen to join me, so that the circle would all be there. I wouldn't have to ask Agnes, because she would always be with me anyways. I could count on her to guide me to him, and Helen's ability to use the wind to teleport would come in handy as well.

I realized near the end of the story that Evie's water, upon licking over Sebastian by mistake, seemed to revive him a little. Maybe Evie's water is all he needs to stay alive for some time, not Agnes' fire. If that's true, then there really is some hope left for these two to be together. But if that's true, then why would Sebastian have left? Wouldn't he have realized this?

I'm not sure if the boarding school really would be mostly the same after everything that happened. With Mrs. Hartle missing, wouldn't Mrs. Scratton want to change some of the rules? She seemed to know what was going on, but she's really going to keep all the same rules? I would expect her to be a bit more lenient. Then again, she was one of the more strict teachers in the story.

I'm surprised by how little significance Laura, a girl who was mentioned several times earlier on in the story, had to the overall plot. I admit I really did half expect her ghost to appear in the story, but not with a vengeance like Celeste claimed. I thought that she would be Evie's dream self, but it turns out that Agnes got that role instead.

Concrete Poem

Riddle

You have seen me a hundred times
Yet these days I am obsolete
I guide people through the dark
So in blackened castle halls they can meet

I can feel the sweat of the hands
Of the person carrying me
As well as the burning toungues of flame
Which lick up and down my body

The only thing that I fear
Is falling on the cold wet ground
Or water being thrown upon me
For if so, my light is doused

Acrostic Poem

Reads alot
Animal lover
Creative
Happy
Ever hopeful
Lover of all things Japanese

Parent Letter

Rachel White
20819 94th street
Lenexa, Kansas
March 31, 2011





Kerry and Karen White
20819 94th street
Lenexa, Kansas
Dear Mom and Dad:
I’m sure you have heard of the new Nintendo 3DS. Well, I’m really interested in getting one for myself, especially since a new Kingdom Hearts game is being made for it. Besides, just think! If I do get the Nintendo 3DS, there will be less fighting over who gets the Nintendo DS, and less complaining over the many malfunctions of the Nintendo DS.

I know that Dad keeps saying that it is expensive. He also says that it can cause eye damage in small children. Well, I’m not a little kid, and I could keep it away from Zack. It could also be a main Birthday or Christmas present, so the money spent would be worthwhile.

With the Nintendo 3DS, we will then have two Nintendo DS systems in our house. That way, the old one can go to Zack. I wouldn’t need it anymore with the 3DS. All the old games can be played on the 3DS. Besides, Heather and Zack could share the old one. Zack doesn’t play his games all the time, and Heather has a game she enjoys. I’m sure the two wouldn’t mind sharing. I think it would be fair to all of us this way.

Another benefit of getting a Nintendo 3DS is that there will be less complaints about the Nintendo DS. Since the 3DS will be new, it will likely have all the functions that either stopped working or didn’t exist on the old DS. On the old DS, part of the touch screen doesn’t work anymore, and the L button broke. A new Nintendo means working parts. The old Nintendo DS also had limited Wi-Fi. I would complain about that, I know. However, the 3DS has almost the same Wi-Fi as on my PSP. That way, I won’t have to wander the house trying to get someone else’s Wi-Fi.

I really think this would be good for not only me, but for the whole family. With a new Nintendo 3DS, you won’t have to hear as many complaints about everyone else hogging the DS, or complaints about something not working. Please, take this into consideration.

With love,
Rachel White

P.S. Zack can have the Flexi-stylus if I get the 3DS.

Glogster

Journal 26: Caesar's Ghost

Rachel White

Mr. Allam

English II

11 March 2011  

People of Rome! I, the ghost of the late Julius Caesar, am amongst you once again, but only briefly, to tell you of what I, in death, have learned.  Many of you believe that a friend is always one whom you are always able to trust. This, I have learned, is not true. You see, my former people, not everyone is as much of a friend as they claim to be, for a true friend will not turn against you as Brutus did me, and a true friend will also defend you even after death, even like Antony.

                Brutus may tell you otherwise. Brutus may say that if it is for the greater good of the people, you can take down even those who care most for you. Brutus may also say that a friend will help you accomplish your goals. Yet Brutus, Brutus who I once loved so, is not a friend. He does not understand what true friendship means.

One point of true friendship is that betrayal is never an option. Yet Brutus felt the need to dispose of what he wrongly saw as a threat. One such as him is blind to the truth. He was blind to how much I cared for him. As I died I said “Et tu, Brutѐ?”(III.i.77) Oh, how my heart ached to see him as one of my assassins. I could not understand how one of my most trusted could turn around and allow me perish at his hands. Truly, betrayal by your friend is far worse than betrayal by any other ally.

Another part of true friendship, I should add, is that they will protect and defend you even after death. Antony is a fine example of such, for as he spoke to you he defended me against Brutus, saying “Did this in Caesar seem ambitious? …Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, and Brutus is an honorable man.”(III.ii.92, 95-96) In this saying did Antony disprove what lies he believed Brutus was spreading about me. Now, my friends, do you not want for your own friends to protect you even when you are not around? Many times have people had the chance to, hearing others disrespect their friends, and yet pass up such a chance. Yet Antony, true friend that he is, did not. He took that chance to defend me when others would have forgotten all I had done for them.

Truly, in friendship, betrayal is not an option. Rather instead, the better choice is to defend them, even when you are not in their presence. I hope, my people, that you will take these sayings to heart, and live by them through all eternity. With that, I bid you all farewell.

POW#4: Does the opposite sex ever tick you off?

Calphurnia,

I've just about had it with Brutus! Its almost like he doesn't care about me any more except to sleep with him! Something has been on his mind, but he refuses to tell me. Its not fair! I'm his wife! He should be able to tell me these things! But no. He refuses to tell me anything that is going on. He said that he would later, but I feel he is hiding something.

From
Portia
~~~
Portia

I can completely understand how you are feeling. Caesar and I are having troubles too. I may not belive in prophecies, but now... I just had a dream that I was certain is telling of the future. I fear it means that Caesar is going to be killed... but he will not listen when I beg him to stay home! That Descius is saying I interpreted my dream wrong and that it tells of a more glorious future. He's wrong. It was my dream; I know what it had to have meant. Is Caesar going to Listen to that man above me? His own wife? Men's stupidity often leads to their downfall, and I'm afraid that it is the same here. I just hope this is all resolved soon.

From
Calphurnia

Letter to Dr. Berry

Dr. Berry,

There have been six snow days this school year when there should only have been four. What are the consequences? None yet, but it has been rumored that there will be two days added to the school year. While it may seem okay at first, it is not something that the students of this school will stand for. I, too, do not think two extra days at school should be added to the school year, because near the end of the year, students buzz with too much energy anyways, and some people might need those two extra days away from school for vacation purposes.

What good would come of two extra days of school? Perhaps a student could make up for a lost day or school of work, or they might have friends at school that they cannot see otherwise. This is understandable, yet there are still downsides.

Towards the end of the school year, Students are buzzing with so much excitement that they are unable to focus. This excitement may prevent them from concentrating on assignments the teacher may give to them. Why add two extra days when it would just add to their anxiety? The assignments may just be turned in incomplete or not even touched. Excited students also mean chatty students. When a teacher is trying to talk or give a lecture, anxious students in the room will undoubtedly be whispering about their summer plans. This could interrupt the class and frustrate the teacher. Believe me when I say that we are better off without this type of anxiety.

Some people just need to get away for a little bit as well, and will plan months in advance. What if a student was planning on a vacation already when they were informed of these new school days? It is very likely that it could infringe on their plans. This would be especially irritating if they were planning on going out of state or country. If they were having other people coming to visit them, this would be even more annoying. When those people hear that they are coming at a bad time, they may change their plans, which could interfere with other plans. It could just start a domino effect, but I’d rather not go into detail. Don’t add those extra days for the sake of the people with plans.

While some early aspects of adding extra days to the school year may seem appealing, there are some major downsides to doing so. Please, for our community, don’t do this.

Outside Reading #1

The book I am reading for this project is Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins.

It is the third and final book in the series The Hunger Games and is really widely popular. After the book Catching Fire, Katniss Everdeen was taken to the underground District 13, where they want her to become their political figure: the Mockingjay. At the same time, Everyone is preparing for an upcoming war, Capitol versus District 13.

My rating sastem is really unique. Its going to be on a scale of 1-15, 1 being the worst, and 15 being the best. On top of that, I will be using the pictures of all 14 members of Organization 13 from the video game Kingdom Hearts, (plus Riku as 15)

The book is kind of slow in the first few chapters. Its a good read but... the only action so far is Katniss finding her shackled prep team in room Three-Nine-Oh-Eight, half naked and everything, at the end of the part I read. (I about finished the book already, I'm just splitting up what parts I use for my posts.) I find it interesting to know what exactly District 13 is like. It kinda makes me wonder what it would be like to live underground... Its also very touching to see that Cinna, the former head of her prep team, still has some sketches for clothes for her to use as the Mockingjay. One of my favorite things is the Mockingjay pin, under which is written "I'm still betting on you." The fact that he wrote that however... it almost makes me think he already knew he was going to die.

If I were to ask the author anything, I would ask why she writes the book in the present tense, instead of the past tense. I also wonder what significance Buttercup the Cat has in the story. I don't see any reason for the author to bring him back...

POW #2

It would be difficult to pick my favorite snapshot, or my least favorite, but I would have to say the picture of my brother, Zack, with my mom when he was just barely born. Whenever I see that photo, I can't help but say "aww" like most girls when they see something cute. (I suppose he's more cute to me since he's my brother.)

I actually remember where I was when the photo was taken at the hospital... I was at home, looking at the Pokemon cards I had gotten for 25 cents. its pretty sad, but it was a good deal, considering there were at least five hundred... But I digress. Because I was too young at the time, I wasn't allowed in the room to see my brother, although one of the nurses carried him to the dorrway and held him up, before waving his hand at my sister and me. That moment will stay with me forever, and the previously mentioned photo is the closest I have to it.

AOW #1

I understand that Byrnes has been expelled from her nursing school, but for what? A simple mistake in which there was no warning of the consequences? To my understanding, when Byrnes asked her teacher if she was in trouble, the teacher herself said that she was not. Now, going against her previous statement, her teacher has had her expelled. I find this quite deplorable.

Perhaps Byrnes acted a small bit imatture, but to my understanding, she is serious about what she belives to be her calling and her studies. Her teacher never said she could not take a photo with the placenta, nor was there anything in the school's code of conduct against it. If you ask me, I believe she should be readmitted into the school. Its really the school's fault, after all, since if they had given her fair warning, she would not have acted in this manner.

POW #1: Hello! My name is...

Hey there. My name is Rachel, but some people call me Kasai. I know they sound nthing alike, but there is reasoning behind it. In every school I've been to, there has always been at least three people named Rachel. Whenever somebody said "Rachel" I would look, even if they never talked to me.

Eventually, my friend decided that if I could control an element, it would be fire. Being a Japanese fanatic, I wanted to find out how to say fire in Japanese. I found the words Kasai and Kagi, and ultimately decided to make up a character named Kasai. On another forum, people didn't know my name and just started calling me "Leader," but I didn't want that, and suggested they call me Kasai, after my character. Now, even in the real world, I am known as Kasai. Only my close friends and the people in church call me that, however. To everyone else, I'm still Rachel.