Bleh.

I love the whole concept of using a blog in our class, and being put in these groups, and I feel that it has so far been a lot of fun, and also been a great tool and way of getting criticism, but sometimes I really do hate this damned thing. I dread it sometimes.....GAH.

Right now, I really can't think of anything to write about it. I feel like I need write something beautiful, thats going to garner excellent criticism and some bullshit like that. I feel to need to appeal to you guys, as if the only reason I'm writing an entry is to impress/entertain our tiny group.

This frustrates me because by doing so, i completely miss the point of this whole blog....but seriously, I'm sure you guys can relate at least a little bit. Sometimes it's so difficult to figure out something to write about, especially if you live a boring life like myself. It's like, come the end of the week, it's time to force some creative topic and put it on display for criticism YAY. There are times where I just don't want to do it at all, and I seriously get angry, no joke, it's funny to watch. I mutter random vulgarities and type something up.

This is actually so boring right now, I hate writing this post, I can tell you right now that what you're reading is unbelievably forced, it's torturous. At least i'm being honest.

I don't mean to seem so negative. I'll make this lighter by telling you guys I've had a great weekend so far! You want to know why? Well Tom, my computer, his hard drive was quite full, but I've freed up about 100 gigs of space on Tom. Tom's a lot happier now, I can tell, he's not as loud, and runs smoother.


Way to be Tom!

Limp

Hello everyone, i trust you are having an enjoyable week end, this was my original beat poem, it isn't long enough to be the piece i hand in. Keep in mind that this is unchanged from when i wrote it and it should not be left on any kitchen table.
So i hope you don't enjoy it, because this is a very angry, discriminator piece.
I apologize to the people who have already read it. Sorry.

Collapsed in a pool of spit and blood
bags of coke scatter
molded floors of crack dens
to get the next fix
half the body limp
of suffocation and self incrimination

Willing to sleep anywhere to escape
frozen nights on cement floors and broken windows
scattered minds and needles
Loneliness
Heartache

Murderous vision
Capital punishment
Voodoo craving
Loathing
Withdrawal
Poverty

fags in drags
fuck to the beat of self deprivation
fiends
kicked out by the men
of cars and masturbation
improvement of the same
fucking low some creature
We all are.

If tomorrow were my last day.
what would you tell me today?
Would you tell me you weren't lying,
When you said you loved me, all those times?
Or would you tell me it was all lies.

Your soft kisses, you gentle hugs.
Are you a lie?
If I died tomorrow, would you regret all our fights?
Would you even care?
Or would you think it was just another suicide?

That it didn't matter.
What would you do?
If I came back to you in a dream.
And said it was your fault.
You drove me to it.
What would you do then?
Feel guilty?
Or just shrug it off, like you have so many times before.
Are you a lie?
Or am I just scaring myself?
If I died tomorrow, would you tell me today?

My Ode

Alright, so here is my problem with my ode!
I really like the first stanza and the second stanza... but the 3rd is just complete shit.
How can I change it up to make the third... better? I just need a stronger ending that sounds less forced (IN PARTICULAR the last 2 lines are dreadful!!!)
so I figured I'd turn to you guys for help!

Here is my ode:

Locked inside the human heart; it’s there,
In the darkness seeds of evil lie;
Sinful; Vain, Sloth, Envy, Avarice
Wrath, Lust, Gluttony implant
The desire of a beauty fair
Contempt oozing from each tired sigh
Desiring to abolish peace
Captured in each lingering glance

Envy fuels a motivation strong
Lust invokes a passion burning bright
Wrath a viewpoint reinforces well
Sloth it’s entertainment full adores
Vain; respect and beauty come along
Gluttony indulges in delights
Avarice success’s, they do swell
Intriguing, even if some do abhor

Enrapturing, these tools are nestled deep
If mastered, advantageous they can be
The greed, sloth, envy, vanity
The lazy, gluttonous and mad
This corruption dost our lives keep
Sinful people rule the world, you see
The darker side of humanity
can do you good, if you do some bad.

________________________________

So can you guys help me with the ending?

warning

OK, i started out with a clear vision of what i wanted this piece to sound like but it got lost along the way, i think somewhere in the middle of the third stanza, and i think the end shout have a bigger punch to it. tell me what you think

you will never wash away
a guilt that runs so deep
that gnawing,
aching,
knowing.


It feeds on your bones
and slashes you inside
leaving you hollow,
empty,
nothing.


the blood inches further up
your crimson hands a blaze
deprivation and guilt
will follow you great lady


wash and wash
as much as you please
but the mess will still be there
because blood never fades

its obvs. friday...

hey beloved blog group!

would one of you be so kind as to write out the requirements for the ode?!
or, you know, you could all do it..
thank youuuuu!


notes for me to remember about the summary, just ignore! :P

-why this piece
tryign to accomplish
the requirements:
theme, syntax, punctuation/mechanics rhyme scheme

I think I can...I think I can

"I think I can. I think I can."

Ah, "the Little Engine that Could". A children's story that I'm sure most of us know fairly well. When I was little, and reading all these stories, I never would have thought that I'd be able to apply them to my life now.

It looks as though that positive and optimistic attitude in which you believe in yourself has come in to play this year, more substantially than I would have thought.

We all know that grade 12 is stressful. We've had our rants and our complaints, even in this very blog. But while I've struggled through my endeavors it seems as though that little engine has had a presence in my mind, encouraging me on the way.

It seems that I, too, have chugged my way up a mountain and overcome obstacles. I set on a course believing in myself and that I could succeed this year. And I think that it is actually working. With the dreaded Social Issues Report (place dun dun dun music here) finally completed, I feel as though the worst is over. That I have made it to the peak of my mountain, and can begin the less stressful decline.

That does not mean that I don't have any major assignments anymore, but I do feel as though a major weight has been lifted off my shoulders. After all I dreaded and stressed over it is apparent that 'things are never really as bad as they seem' reigns true .

I hate it when cliches are right. Nonetheless, the things I stressed over weren't nearly as frightening when I got around to them. Just like the mountain. It looks ominous from the base of it, but once you begin the climb, its not nearly as bad as it looked. Each step you take brings you closer to that peak.

Anyways, sorry for the rant. But my point is that you have to set goals for yourself, and most importantly believe that you can achieve them. So hang in there everyone. We're nearly half way there.

:)

freeeeeeeee falling form

attempt numero uno:

The world is a blanket,
The roads and streetlights, manicured lawns –
The blades of grass, and dew and raindrops –
Threads that remain undiscovered;
twiddling thumbs can’t wait forever.

A rush of wind, streetcar passers-by,
Beneath the lifelike machinery, twinkling.
Blinking heartbeat, weave in and out of the city
Past reflective walls, mirrors to the soul -
Pathways to no way home.


How the heart does ache!
(its elegance tempered by pain);
Breath turns cold
(oh, but you want it to);
the sidewalk cracks
(don’t fall…)

don't surrender to dust and ashes, nor
fall prey to the 'what could have been's.

because freedom,
Well,
It can call, and it does
It can speak, dream, (dis or) satisfy –
And yet you enclose yourself,
Flee within yourself,
Close your eyes
And hold your breath...

Hiding beneath the folds.
Your casket is waiting.




***
So this is something i've never really done before - and i'm as mesmerized by it as i am uncertain. I feel like the theme needs to be more clear (which i will revise if i end up trying to hand this in for the protfolio.. but i still have three other poems to write! :P). maybe the subject matter is too vague as well?
if you have any suggestions about where to be more clear or where i could change punctuation (which i played around with a lot) that would be great!

Ode to the first snowfall.

Ode to the first snowfall

New fallen snow, a beauty scarce appreciated.
A white so pure it shines brighter than the sun.
A pristine blanket preserving the earth below.
The wonder of a million snowflakes becoming one.

A picture perfect landscape in immaculate white.
Its glistening rays of light illuminate the gray winter sky.
Left undisturbed, it engulfs all in a diamond-laden sheath.
A seamless bed where crystals lie.

The world embraced by calm serenity.
Tranquility only nature can achieve.
The triumph of the winter skies rests upon the earth.
A majestic harmony that reminds you to believe.

-------------------------------------------------------
So here is my ode for writers craft. Clearly, I decided to write it on the beauty of fresh snow. I had a lot of difficulty writing this. I think snow is absolutely beautiful but I had struggles immersing myself in it and writing an entire poem solely on how I think it is beautiful. Do you think that this ode is effective? Did I portray the snows beauty adequately?

Also, I had some difficulty comprehending the structure of the meditative ode. I tried to base the first stanza on the description Then the second was the extended meditation. This is the part I had the most difficulty with, did I convey this part properly? Lastly, the final stanza was supposed to be a realization or insight but I don't think I was able to fully achieve this.

So what are your suggestions? How can I improve on the 'Ode' structure? Is the theme clear? Any other likes or dislikes or improvements?

Also I think it needs a better title. One that connects to the theme and has meaning. Any ideas?

Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Week 10

Lost of great variety everyone! Just a reminder that as of this week, posting both posts on Sunday will lose you marks. (Remember it's harder for others to comment!)

V for Vendetta film review (grade 11 ENG)

Turn out your pockets for the old guy – V for Vendetta is veritably vindictive

By Diana Hall

“Artists use lies to tell the truth”. It is for this reason that the futuristic and political thriller V for Vendetta provokes quite the controversy not only among the characters within its story, but amid viewers at home as well. Cinematography is, after all, a form of art, and thus begs a question; what truth lies within the artistic production of the compelling 2005 film? It is this enthralling provocation that lingers over audience members as they watch the masterpiece of accompanying music and James McTeigue’s directing compliment the gracefully powerful acting of Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman as V and Evey Hammond.

Set in a futuristic, totalitarian Great Britain, there are a few primary locations that allow for intriguing plot and character development. This includes the mysterious home of V and the memory of the Larkhill Detention Center. After Evey saves V’s life, she wakes up in his secluded and extravagant home: floors are covered proudly in red carpet, and stone walls provide a sense of grandeur along with the vast array of valuable, stolen props and pieces of art.

It is in this inviting and mysterious atmosphere that Evey evolves into an unlikely ally in V’s mission to bring justice back to Britain. It is also in this atmosphere that Evey and V begin a surprising and uncertain friendship, a relationship that changes Evey’s life forever and provides V with a freedom and love he has long forgotten.

Viewers are taken into the memory of V as they are thrust into a world of torture and injustice at the Larkhill Detention Centre, the prison that held V captive for so many years for government benefit and human experimentation. V’s experience in Larkhill serves as the reason for V’s outrage and his plans for revenge against Britain. The white walls, bright lights and seemingly sterile facilities offer the illusion of a medical centre, as the structured, secretive penitentiary is overlooked by the eyes of the law. The centre represents the hopelessness, fear and sadness that V endured in his past life, and is clearly recognized by the audience.

Before V, Evey Hammond worked for a government sanctioned television station. However, once she witnessed the demolition of the Old Bailey, Evey was forever changed. An attractively slim and tall woman with dark blonde curly hair and warm, knowing brown eyes, Evey was forced to face injustice in her own life. V’s vision brought with it painful memories of her parents’ imprisonment. The struggle that Evey faces, however, does not revolve around her past; it is rather the recognition of good and evil, and the shades of grey that lie in between, unnoticed. Actress Natalie Portman delivers a passionately riveting performance as she portrays the development of a curious and torn Evey. Despite the difficulty of truly understanding Evey’s mood and reason due to repetitive facial expressions, this sense of lost desperation also fit the character’s changes quite well. Portman’s soft and yet eloquent speech accompany an accent that rarely falters, and her emotions on-screen provide a realistic, captivating and powerful presence.

V, played by Hugo Weaving, is a man of mystery, known only to Evey by the Roman numeral that marked his cell number at the detention center. The mask he wears, however, does not disguise V, but rather presents his true character – the character frighteningly similar to Guy Fawkes, the man whose gunpowder plot to destroy the Parliament buildings failed in 1606. Throughout the film, V is not seen without his smiling, rosy-cheeked Guy Fawkes mask or his elegant black cloak and gloves. Weaving’s swift, strong and purposeful movements perfectly portray the insightful and driven character of V, whose only form of expression has been limited to his voice and his actions. It is for this reason that the deep, eloquent and intellectual voice of V is so riveting. What lacked a bit in V’s character was that change he felt when he met Evey, and later when he told her that he fell in love with her. There is no emotion, no true expression or variation in V’s speech and it is for this reason that a connection with V is so difficult to make by viewers.

The main themes of control and authority, injustice, persecution and the fight for freedom provide the idyllic opportunity to introduce controversial and dangerous subjects such as terrorism, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and homosexuality. As is demonstrated in the futuristic society depicted in V for Vendetta, the control and authority that the government and secretive corporations have over society has corrupted its people. The “Finger-Men” patrol the streets, enforcing their rules and breaking others, as they monitor and contemplate the proceedings in society. The “Finger-Men”, a dangerous, government organized corporation, represent the overlooked and misguided control that has dictated the lives of Great Britain’s people. This immense level of power and authority has greatly diminished the freedom of others.

Injustice is primarily introduced to the viewer through learning of V’s past life in the detention center. Viewers learn about V’s torture, the deaths of Evey’s parents and the troubled life of a woman known to Evey as Valerie. Each of these occurrences were brought on by the government; people were forced to become scientific guinea pigs and most lost their lives in the process; acceptance of those who were deemed “different”, such as Valerie and her female partner, was not only absent but also not tolerated. It was for these reasons that V decided to fight for the rights of Britain’s people.

V for Vendetta’s main conflict is realized by the audience as Evey Hammond struggles to gain a perspective of what is right and what is wrong. She watches, at first reluctantly and in shock, while V takes over the city himself. The primary conflict within the film lies with the victims of V’s vengeful and planned murders of well-known and respected people in the city. He continues to thrust the city into chaos and blood. As viewers follow the story of V, they begin to learn the reason behind V’s actions as well as the internal battle that Evey struggles to overcome. It is for this reason that the fate of the Parliament buildings lingered in minds of the audience throughout the film, as viewers were forced to reflect upon their own perspectives of right and wrong just like the innocent civilians in Britain.

The mesmerizing climax ends the tale quite brilliantly, accompanied by a frightening and familiar Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture and fireworks in the late night skies. This scene generates a sense of awe and disbelief from the audience, as well as a strange and unlikely sense of acceptance. While the music in the demolition scenes provokes a mood of dread, horror and captivation with its upbeat melody of mainly brass and percussion, the music in other scenes is also of a classical, instrumental style. The use of crescendos is especially important in V for Vendetta, as they are used to emphasize major events in the plot and to give viewers a hint about what is soon to greet them on-screen. This choice of music is very effective for quite a few reasons, one of the most important and clever being that V’s mission in Britain had to do with the past. His mission revolved around the wrong doings of the past that have led to the disguised corruption of society today. It seems, therefore, only fitting that the accompanying music also be a homage to great and classical music of the past that has not, like the torture V endured, been swept under the rug.

There were three types of camera shots that greatly added to the personal and frightening mood of the film, one of which was a headsheet. This chin-up shot was reserved mostly for Chancellor Adam Sutler, who appeared only on a large television screen until near the end of the film. This shot was perfect for generating a sense of Sutler’s power, and, therefore, fear of it as well. The most memorable confrontation between the Chancellor and his council took place during his last remaining hours, when he shouted frantically, “I want everyone to remember why they need us!” This was the last time he appeared on the television screen, his power and control over society quickly diminishing. A medium shot was used most memorably to emphasize the demolition of the Old Bailey; this shot was meant to give viewers the vision seen by London that fateful night, a full vision of the destruction and a whole sense of determination and truth. An extraordinarily awe-inspiring camera angle was used at the end of the film, as row upon row of London civilians took off their Guy Fawkes masks to stare in wonder at the terrifying sight before their eyes, the camera moved swiftly through the crowd using a high angle shot, looking down at upturned, open-mouthed faces.

Two recurring symbols within V for Vendetta are extremely important to the personal and historical aspects of the film. The first, of course, is the letter V, otherwise recognized as the Roman numeral for the number 5 that had marked V’s cell door. The letter V reinforced the idea of justice, and rebellion against such brutal and unrighteous power. It stood as a monument of the past, a will to remember not only the fifth of November, but of the terrible crimes against Great Britain that have been so unceremoniously ignored.

Another important symbol that flashed on-screen at every given opportunity was an engraved red cross, the sign of the “Finger-Men” and their so-called government. This, of course, makes reference to the battle between Catholics and Protestants in the time of Guy Fawkes, and the battle for power under these separate churches. Much like the on-going struggle and injustice in the world in Fawkes’ time, torture and betrayals were still happening, reminiscent of the torture and murders in the combat for religious power.

V for Vendetta is a powerful film, whose controversial ideas and events in the plot established a dark and strong foundation for the movie. Its legacy is simply the idea of right and wrong, of good versus evil and fighting back for freedom. The main strengths of the film were engaging the audience in a thought-provoking and brain-activating thriller while audience members developed connections with the main characters of V and Evey. The quality of acting by the entire cast was astounding and believable, as viewers of the film were forced to “Remember, remember the fifth of November…” just as V willed the citizens of London to do. One weakness of the film was that the slow development and change in Evey’s character made it difficult for audience members to adapt to and follow the fast-paced and vocally detailed scenes. The character of Mr. Creedy was also not nearly as developed as it could have been. Although hints were dropped a few times throughout the film, not much was understood about him. His final confrontation with V failed to enlighten audiences about his drive and character. However, this film is a must-see for those to enjoy a more complex plot line and diving for deeper meaning and hidden messages. The few weaknesses of V for Vendetta are but minute blemishes that merely make the film what it is meant to be – an imperfect, intriguing and veracious tale of V’s vendetta.

The Unsolved Myster

ALEXIS WHITAKER: This 25 year old brunette has wavy, long, dark brown hair with dark brown eyes to match. She usually adorns herself with elaborate up-dos and glitzy jewelry and dinner wear. She is doing her best to break into the fashion industry as a model and a fashion designer. However, very two-faced and pretentious, ALEXIS holds herself with great poise to the point of being snooty and condescending to others. She looks down upon all of her younger siblings, having a particularly strong sibling rivalry with MARIA. Overall, ALEXIS embodies vanity and materialism, and puts herself ahead of everyone else.

JOSHUA WHITAKER: JOSHUA is 23 years old with dark eyes and a thin scraggly build. He is never dressed or put together very well, almost always having stubble and unkempt hair. He made it through high school successfully, but never went further than that, deciding to pursue a life as an ‘inventor and entrepreneur’. He always pursues his wealthy father for money to support his crazy and perpetually floundering ideas. He’s always talking like a salesman, trying to lure people into his latest scheme to rope him in some more money. Aside from his ridiculous spending of his father’s money on things like a house with a large pool, he also has a drinking problem. He drinks away half the money to his name, only to return to his father for more. His family see’s him, unsurprisingly, as nothing but a leech, while he only sees them as a means to get what he wants.

MARIA WHITAKER: Acting young for her age, MARIA, although 21 is very moody. Although her personality is often very ‘in-your-face’ obnoxious and sometimes energetic, she has a very catty and underhanded side as well. Her style is bold and bright, and she has black hair that is cut in a short bob. She is heavier than any of her sisters and this is one of the main reasons spurring MARIA’s intense jealousy of ALEXIS. MARIA too desires to go into the industry of fashion as a model, having gone to the same post-secondary school as ALEXIS. However, everyone views ALEXIS as being more successful and MARIA as just being the jealous copy-cat trying desperately to get the same amount of attention – which is partially true.

ELECTRA WHITAKER: ELECTRA is an old soul for her young age of 20, being the youngest sibling. She is reserved and polite, always dressed modestly and is very observant. She has long, incredibly curly red hair, and is very tall and thin. ELECTRA was always teased as a child for being a red-head by all of her siblings, and no one can pull her buttons like they do. While she is reserved and calm, when pushed to the limit her wrath is unmatched. It takes a fair bit to provoke her temper, but once it’s set free she’s a force to be reckoned with. She was always daddy’s girl, the closest to their father in the group, and she is currently in post-secondary school for law.

***************************

These were my character descriptions for my play.
Do you think the characters are vivid enough?
What could I do to make the characters more clear?

The Dark Side of The Fame

During Lady GaGa's first tour around the world - 'The Fame Ball' - GaGa gave us a glimpse into the world of the glitz, the glitter, the glamour and the flashing lights. On her more recent tour 'The Monster Ball' (in which she showcases her newest work 'The Fame Monster') We see that all of these things come at a great cost.

The glitz can ensnare, the glitter can consume, the glamour can decay and the flashing lights may just take your life!

We sit there in the jam-packed ACC with our camera's out and our freshly bought CD's and tour t-shirts in hand, waiting with the hundreds and hundreds of people around us in anticipation. We're all waiting (rather impatiently) for the moment GaGa graces the stage! (Or 'Gay Gay' as the 'I <3 Lady Gay Gay' t-shirts proclaim)

After watching shrieky glam-rock group 'Semi-Precious Weapons' change in the middle of a song and enjoying Kid Cudi's creative electronic set design the moment finally comes...

A video flashes up on a large screen... We see green grid with a figure slowly appearing in the centre. This digital video introduction with images of a dark GaGa in strange positions starts the count down for when she appears. When we hit 0, there she appears behind the screen, as she kicks off the show with a song from her new release entitled 'Dance In The Dark'.

"She looks good but her boyfriend says shes a mess... now the girl is stressed.
Baby likes to dance in the dark, cause when he's looking she falls apart"

This piece has a very heavy, industrial sound with an 80's vibe. The theme of this powerful song is women's rights - it contains shout outs to influential females killed by 'The Fame' such as Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, Sylvia Plath and even Princess Diana.

This song launced right into 'Just Dance' and from there we moved into a flurry of costume changes. To keep us entertained when she isn't on stage we see strange but beautiful video and musical accompaniment. Her performances mixed with these videos piece together the story of a tragic sort of fame in a captivating multimedia collage.

The first major highlight of the show was when Lady GaGa came out in a strange feathered outfit and began singing another release off of her new album: 'Monster'. Her large flurry of black feathers was backed by striking images (of black trees, a red sky and smooth silky crow wings) making for an interesting and spooky performance.

"He's a wolf in disguise... but I can't stop staring in those evil eyes!"

My next highlight of the show was when the chanteuse delicately perched herself onto the piano stool, telling the story of how her father refused to get heart surgery. She thought she'd have to stop touring and making music all together... and so she wrote the song 'Speechless' as a means to convince him. This little piece of background information made the song so much more meaningful and emotional for everyone watching, particularly as her father was in the audience that day. Everyone in the ACC sung along to this ballad at her request, fearing she wouldn't be able to get through all the words without breaking into tears.

"Would you give it all up if I promise boy to you;
I'll never talk again. I'll never love again.
I'll never write a song, won't even sing along

No, I'll never love again."

After that tender moment however, she got everyone up dancing and singing again with GaGa classics like 'Love Game' and 'Fashion' in which she adorned a particularly magnificent egyptian/Cleopatra-esque outfit.

Although we had to leave a couple of songs early so as to catch the last train back to Whitby, this multimedia extravaganza was more than just a concert; it was an experience. She ended strong with songs Paparazzi and Bad Romance, using her now iconic oribital setpiece and leaving off on a strong note. This electro-pop-opera captivated everyone in the room, and was successful at selling out the entire ACC within the first day of sales. With new songs like 'Bad Romance' and others from 'The Fame Monster' working their way up the charts, GaGa has proven she is here to stay.

But still, her show cautions all her 'little monsters' that danger lurks behind every corner in Hollywood; in money, extravagence and self indulgence.

So don't fall victim to The Fame - it's a monster.

Tha Futuh!

Ah!
It's already almost Christmas, which means it's already almost 2010, which means we're already almost done highschool!AHUNIVERSITY

Isn't it odd how quick things come and go. I swear it feels like yesterday I was walking through Sinclair for the first time, and now we'll be walking through the halls for our last time (hopefully) in a few months. 2009 alone has gone by so fast, it's ridiculous, it's kind of bad, everything sort of seems like a blur. I'm afraid the rest of my life is going to be like this, and before I know it, BAM my youth is gone! :(


As for the near future, I really am quite excited for Christmas, i'm decorating my house tomorrow which for the first time i'll do so willingly. The past two years Christmas has crept up on me, and I haven't quite enjoyed it, I'm hoping that if i get into that Christmas might be more exciting. I really don't care about the gifts, just more so the wonder and tradition of it all.

It was until recently did I actually realize how important tradition is. It gives you something to look forward to, and just get excited about. Without traditions, our society would be very boring!

Anyways, I keep jumping from topic to topic, thats when I know I need to stop writing.

I hope you all are getting excited for the holidays, eggnog/candycanes/nutcrackers/garland ftw. :3