MUSIC REVIEWWWWWW!

Let me start off this blog by saying, Damn. This was a hard decision. Out of the bajillions of artists and cd’s there are in the world, I only got to pick ONE? How was I ever going to do this? I decided to put on my iPod and just listen to what I had, maybe an idea would come to me. Originally, I was thinking of writing about some unknown artist and expose them to all my peers. However, on my iPod shuffle a certain song from a cd I hadn’t heard in a while came on. I set my iPod on only that cd and just listened to it. That is how I came to the conclusion on what cd to write about. It may not be the most current or unknown artist/cd. It’s actually sorta the opposite, kinda, in a way. But this cd, it just makes me feel good.  Enough though, let’s get started with the cd. I present to you…Waking Up-OneRepublic.

                Imagine the pressure of being OneRepublic. Your producer works with megastars like Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, and Missy Elliot. You’ve already made a slight mark on the Billboard charts with the overplayed sing Apologize. Your first cd “Dreaming Out Loud” sold over 1 million copies worldwide and you play at sold out concerts. Wow. I can’t imagine that.

                Ryan Tedder is the chief songwriter of the band. He definitely has a way with words.  I think his approach to this cd (Waking Up, in case you’ve forgotten) is sort of like telling a story. However, you don’t always catch the real meaning the first time you listen to the cd. Just like a book, sometimes you have to read it a few times before being able to appreciate it entirely. That’s exactly like this cd. The first time you listen to it, sure, pretty music, nice lyrics, blah blah blah. But listen to it again, and maybe one more time. There’s a story behind each song that links it in a way to the next.

                The songs that got the most “airtime” were All the Right Moves, Everybody Loves Me, Good Life, and recently, Secrets. These are all amazing songs. They’re a little bit…eh. Predictable. BUT. Listen to the less obvious songs on the album. These are the real treasures.  All this Time is a beautiful love song that just hits me straight to the heart (yes. I’m a hopeless romantic, but I’ve asked guys and they’ve said they like this song too!) The last song on the album is Lullaby…and boy is it a closer. Its haunting sound really makes you want more. 

                I love this cd, It just makes me feel calm. The dynamic instruments and sound gives each song its own separate personality. When I listen to music, my dad accuses me of having ADD. After  15 seconds of a song…it’s on to the next one! Let me just say though, I never skip a song on this cd. That’s saying a lot.

(This picture just makes me laugh. I want to know what they're staring at!)

Mr.Gatsby and...Mr.Gatsby's new friend!

Jay and Nick. Nick and Jay. Seems like a nice duo, huh? Both smart men, going somewhere with their lives. Jay seems like a good guy. He's the kind of "upper-class guy" that you'd want to be associated with. He knows what he's doing, he knows how to act and what to say. He's educated and likes to show it. But, like any other person, he has his weakness...which happens to be Daisy. He gets nervous around her and doesn't even have the ability to invite her over, he asks Nick too.
Now, ask yourself. Is this a good relationship as of now? Jay is sorta asking Nick to do his dirty work for him. Nick invites Daisy over, Jay gets to see Daisy, bada-bing bada-bang, Jay gets what he wants. This may seem like sneaky word, but honestly, i think Jay is just a scared man. He doesn't know what to do, so he asks for help, and now he's stuck with the guy he asked for help from. Sure, Nick may have been "used" but there's something else there. I personally can see a real connection between these two people. Nick see's who Gatsby actually as. Past the bookshelves of unread books and the war stories. Nick sees a man, a personable man, that he may have a friendship with in the future. These two are both very unique people, two one of a kind people. What do you get when you combine two different, yet very similar people? I don't know...we'll soon find out...

Winter Poem

"Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look what they do when they stick together.”

Verna M. Kelly

---

Slowly falling down

Peacefully, gently

Landing on the cool ground

Cold, alone

No two are alike or so it’s been said

Unique, individual

Blown away, this way and that

Dizzy, Wild

Stay in one place, Please, stay in one place

Consistency, Need

The question of tomorrow

Mystery, Suspense

Sticking for a Moment

Calm, Secure

Melting Away as a memory

The past, goodbye

Starting all over again

The future, hello

A blog dedicated to the most beautiful, incredible, amazing, perfect person I know....Alaina.

     If I ever had to argue with someone on whether or not there is such thing as perfection, I would win without a doubt. If I ever had to argue with someone about whether or not there is such thing as an incredible friend, I would win. If I ever had to argue with someone on whether or not the sweetest person in the world exists, I would win that there was. All I had to do was mention one name...and that name is...Alaina.
     Now, I probably sound crazy or obsessed, but the moment you meet Alaina you can't help but just fall in love with her. She is such an incredible friend. If I never need someone to turn to, I know I can turn to her. She helps me think of things in class that otherwise I would have never thought of! She's such a positive contribution to the classroom and to my life! In the morning, when i'm half-dying and not looking forward to the day ahead, Alaina makes it so much more bearable. She always puts a smile on my face. And HER smile just lights up.
      Billy, Casey and I depend on her so much. She is the rock that keeps us up. She SAVES us. American Literature without Alaina? I would feel like there was an emptiness in my soul. Whenever she is absent, the class doesnt feel complete. But alas, we know she's doing something crazy like delivering a baby, so its all okay.
     Now that Alaina is in my life, I can't imagine a life without her. Our laughs, Harry Potter Jokes, sweet comments, everything. It means so much to me. Alaina, you are a real best friend. I love you(: <3

Plow

I try to be different
I try to be me
But its never been easy
Being a teen in society
Wear this and wear that, who knows what to do
Watch everything you say
It can come back to haunt you
I don't wear the lastest fashions
I don't spend billions when I shop
I may not know everyone
I'm not on the social mountaintop
The crazy party last night?
Sounds like fun, I can see!
But losing control?
Nah, thats not my cup of tea
I like giving my opinion
It can be social suicide today
I'm sorry I let my imagination go wild
It sometimes runs away
Who decided what to look like?
How to talk and what to wear?
The sad thing is though
That deep down we all really care
We want to fit in, you as well as I
But what are we fitting in to?
Is it something concrete? Or is it just a lie?
I know who I am
You know who you are
With a little self-confidence
We can both go far
We only have one life to live
But the question is how?
Don't be a follower...
YOU be the plow.

There's Modern Slavery? What?

       Slavery is a system in which people are the property of others. Slaves can be held against their will from the time of their capture, purchase or birth, and deprived of the right to leave, to refuse to work, or to demand compensation.  In some societies it was legal for an owner to kill a slave. In others it was a crime to kill a slave.
        The number of slaves today remains as high as 12 to 27 million,  though this is probably the smallest proportion of the world's population in history. Most are debt slaves, largely in South Asia,  who are under debt bondage to lenders, sometimes even for generations. Human Trafficking is primarily for prostituting women and children into sex industries. It is the fastest growing criminal industry and is predicted to eventually outgrow drug trafficking.

        The slave trade in Africa was officially banned in the early 1880s, but forced labor continues to be practiced in West and Central Africa today. UNICEF estimates that 200,000 children from this region are sold into slavery each year. Many of these children are from Benin and Togo, and are sold into the domestic, agricultural, and sex industries of wealthier, neighboring countries such as Nigeria and Gabon.
   This is just one example of slavery today. Though we may not give it much attention, its happening. To be honest, before this blog, I had really given modern slavery a second thought. I knew that it was happening, but i didn't know it was this severe. There are kids being mutilated in Sudan so that they don't run away. Making carpets in India for little to no pay. People are being shackled together. Many AMERICANS think that slavery was abolished when the Emancipation Proclamation came around, but the scary truth is that the horrors of slavery still flourishes today.

What Happens in the Classroom...Stays in the Classroom?

class·room

[klas-room, -room, klahs-]

–noun

1.

a room, as in a school or college, in which classes are held.

2.

any place where one learns or gains experience.

 

     The Classroom, I spend about...7.5 or 8 hours in a classroom. Class Discussions, taking tests, quizzes, etc. To be completely honest, I don't even mind being in a classroom! I love listening to what other people have to say and I love learning. There are so many things in the world that we have yet to even think about, and the classroom helps us think about that.

     Along with classwork there comes **queue the horror music** the homework. Oh the Homework. The crazy **or sometimes invisible** amount of outside classroom work that takes over what I like to call my social life. Now, don't get me wrong, sometimes I enjoy doing homework. There's a feeling of success and pride when you finish a 15 step proof or complete a science fair paper. Homework is necessary, though many of my peers would challenge me on that. Homework is here to reinforce what we've learned and prove that we understand it...but what if we don't?

      I think that teacher should set aside maybe once or twice a weeks to spend fifteen minutes or so doing homework IN class. If a student doesn't completely grasp a concept, then goes off and does the homework, then they're just reinforcing the wrong things. If time is set aside to do homework in class and thoroughly go over homework, I think people will understand the ideas better. And plus, if you understand a concept, isn't it so much better doing the homework because you ACTUALLY know what you're doing?

     Also, I think that every once in a while, taking a break from the typical classroom surrounding will benefit the students. If you look at the definition (above) you will notice that a classroom is ANY PLACE where one learns or gains experience. Teenagers get tired and bored easily, especially of the same things all the time. If teachers maybe tried to spice up class a bit, take us to another classroom, the tech center, ANYWHERE, it will keep us interested.

     I have a bittersweet relationship with the classroom. But then again, can I really blame the classROOM on what I think is wrong or should be change...or should I blame the class itself?

 

Uh...Thanks Puritans?

Ahh the Puritans. They lived quite a lifestyle, didn’t they?  And they made sure that their lifestyle was passed down from generation to generation. Children were born at nearly twice the rate in Maryland and Virginia than in the Southern Colonies. It is often said that New England invented grandparents, for it was here that people in great numbers first grew old enough to see their children bear children. Everyone wanted to have boys. Boys, Boys, Boys.  It was believed that women who were pregnant with a male child had a rosy complexion and that women carrying a female child were pale. Names of women found in census reports of Massachusetts Bay include Patience, Silence, Fear, Prudence, Comfort, Hopestill, and Be Fruitful. I would not be able to live with a name like “Be Fruitful.”

For their wonderful children, they wanted the best education.  The puritans are said to have started the first American Public Schools. Now, going to a public school now, I have respect for that. They promoted education and believed that everyone has the right to an education.  The Puritans also formed the First American College. Guess what that was? Harvard. Now THAT’S an impact on society. Harvard is one of the most prestigious Universities and people work their whole lives just to get in.

I can’t imagine being a child growing up in Puritan society. There would be no room for fun or games. Any show of emotion, such as excitement, fear, or anger, was discouraged, and disobedience was severely punished, especially for boys.  In many cultures now, its frowned upon when boys show emotion, for it shows weakness.  Boys were allowed to go out and become carpenters or hunt and just be open in the world. Girls on the other hand, had to stay at home, cooking, cleaning, you know, the “women’s work.” Now, if you were to refer to that as women’s work, you’d get a slap right across the face.  Some “macho men” think that it’s still the “women’s work,” but hey, times have changed. Thank GOODNES.

So, the Puritans. They lived a harsh lifestyle. And a lot of their lifestyle has either withered away or developed in something not as intense. As a teenager and a student, I can’t really say I’m ENTIRELY thankful for the existence of school. But to the Puritans, Thank you. Now I at least have the OPPORTUNITY to have an education(:

The Moment I knew I was an American...

    America. The country of opportunity. The country of hopes and dreams. The country of equality. But what makes an American?

  This week, we were asked to write about when we knew we were an American. I never really gave a second thought about this. Ever since I was little, I considered myself an American. Now, let me clear some things up. I wasn't BORN in the United States. I was born in Panama, the home country of my mother. When we came to the United States with my father (who was born here) I was just a couple of months old. The United States is my home, yet to some people, I am still an Immigrant. I was born with automatic American Citizenship because my father was born here.

 I've had incidents with people who consider my mom and me of "lesser" standard, because we weren't born here. One case in particular always stands out in my mind. When I was a little girl, my mom would walk me to school every day. While we were walking, there would always be a man standing near a corner and every day he would say things to us. They weren't nice things. He would tell my mom to go back to her country and to take me with her. He would say that America doesn't want us and we're corrupting the pure blood of "American Society." My mom would always walk right past him, holding my hand, not giving the man a second glance.
 
 One day, I asked my mom what the man meant and why didn't it hurt her. She looked at me and said, "America is my country. And it is your country as well. There is no such thing as "Pure Blood" because America is about diversity. That's what makes this country beautiful. Don't let anybody tell you that you are lesser than them. We all came here for the same reason; equality."

I guess you could say that from that moment, there was no doubt I was an American. But the real question is; What IS an American? And what makes one person more American than the next?

Us vs Them? Us and Them? Us? Them?

    Individuality. Everyone posses it but not everyone is comfortable with expressing it. Society nowadays has gotten more accepting of differences, however, there will never be complete acceptance. People try too hard to fit into the "norm" but what is the "norm?" Being a teenager is no easy task. There's always the question of whether or not to do "this" or "that." The reprecussions and social damage that can precede a choice would bring any teenager into a state of complete panic. So, in an attempt to avoid harassment or dissaproving thoughts/looks, many of us just follow the crowd. Listen to what our friends listen to, wear whats "popular", talk the way we're "supposed" to talk, act the way we're "supposed to act" etc. What happens when we get too sucked into that molded persona though?

 

    On the other hand, people take it to extremes, completely boycotting pop culture all together. Now, I'm not saying this is right either. Life is all about balance. Life is about knowing when to stick with your beliefs and accept the beliefs of others. Once people start being able to live a life of balance, there will no longer be a "Us vs. Them" or an "Us and Them" it will be....Us WITH Them.

                                                

 

John Proctor: Hero or Stooge?

John Proctor, the definition of a strong-minded man for sure. His beliefs go against the majority of the towns and he makes sure that everyone knows where he stands. Living in a puritan society is no easy task, honestly, I don't think I could handle it. Strict lifestyles and using fear as a tactic for religion? Thats not the way I roll, and its obviously not how John Proctor rolls either. Everyone in the town of Salem is forced to believe the same things, and John Proctor doesn't agree with that. He tends to blame Reverend Parris for what's going on in the town and openly shows his distate for the Reverends decisions. He isn't a shy man when it comes to opinions and sharing them.

  I honestly think that John Proctor is a hero that has the upper hand in that society.  He's realistic and doesn' get sucked onto the bandwagon of beliefs that circle the town. Many people believe in witchcraft and that it is the cause for the weird behavior of the girls. John Proctor is more realistic and thinks there may be more reason behind the odd behavior. Also, many people don't stand up to Reverend Parris and just smile and agree with everything the Reverend says. John, however, always challenges what the Reverend has to say. He doesn't believe that the Reverend is doing a good job and is just manipulating and tricking the townspeople into believing things that aren't true. Living in a Puritan society, it must be hard attempting to have your own thoughts, but that never stopped John Proctor. John Proctor is realistic and doesn't give into the ignorant beliefs that the other people do. If more people were like John Proctor, maybe they wouldn't be as easily manipulated and could make their own decisions.

Sinners at the hands of an angry....who?

          For centuries, religion has played a big part in the every day lives of people. Religion influences them in their decisions and how they live out their lives. Johnathan Edwards "Sinners at the hands of an Angry God" emphasizes the punishments that follow making the wrong choice. As he preaches the words describing a God that is full of anger, he manipulates the so called "followers" using fear as a tactic. What kind of God would do that to His people though? That's what I wondered.
           In my opinion, "God" should not be used as a fear tactic for making the right decisions. The consequences for the decisions we make our because of us, not because a supreme being decides to punish us. We are the reason for the way things turn out the way they do. God (or gods) are supposed to be a sense of hope for the people. They should be able to feel comfortable in their lives and God is a sense of support during a hard time. God isn't supposed to be full of anger and hatred. What does that teach the people? Is it okay to be filled with anger? Is it okay to let out the anger on others? God is a role model for the every day people. But when God is a model for retaliation and consequence, what does that teach the people?

There goes the neighborhood....to Panama!

Wherever people go, they see cultural differences. Whether it is different from their own cultures or different cultures within the area. My life as a whole is one big cultural combination. I was born in Panama City, Panama, a country in central America, but I grew up in the United States. I go to Panama every year and get to experience living two different kinds of lifestyles. Certain aspects of daily life are similar and some are polar opposites.
When I go to Panama, I usually stay in a few days in the city and the remainder of the time in the rural mountaneous country side where my mother grew up. The city life of Panama is the same as any big metropolitan area. Cars zoom around and pedestrians attempt to get by. Buses honk there horns and the streets are filled with business. However, one reason that makes Panama City unique is that it is right next to a rain forest. Also, this city is right in between two different oceans, the atlantic and pacific. Living in a tropical area is a culture difference in itself. Growing up in Chicago, I am used to the extreme cold and hot, but in Panama its either hot, humid, or hot and humid all year round. The different cultures that exist in Panama City alone is crazy in itself! There are native indians with different traditions and people from all over the country and even other countries that come together, despite their different cultures. For such a small country, Panama is abundant with cultural "clashes".
The country side of Panama, for me, is the biggest cultural difference. The lifestyle I live when I visit the country and the lifestyle I live in Chicago are almost complete opposites. First off, technology doesn't play as big of a part in my every day life. There are computers with internet, but its an hour walk/10 min drive from my grandmothers house. The tv's work, but there isn't cable. The cellphone usage isn't nearly as much as it is in the United States, its pretty much only used when really necessary. The houses are made out of mud and/or concrete and the kitchen is a mud hut with a small table, shelves with plates and silverware, as well as a traditional "stove" (an elevated area where wood and kindling is used to light fires to cook). Chickens run around, pecking at the ground. Foliage is everywhere and the sunset is absolutely beautiful. At night I stare at the sky, spotted with stars and planets. There are no noises from cars, buses, or trains. I often find myself just sitting in a hammock, listening to the sounds of bugs and birds in the surroundings.
I believe I'm truly lucky to be able to experience such different lifestyles and cultures. I appreciate how every culture around the world is different and I love learning about them.

About me(:

Ahhh, the beginning of a new school year. Bittersweet emotions filter through the halls of Whitney M. Young Magnet School. Freshmen and ackies everywhere,running to their classrooms or attempting to look completely cool and in control. Seniors excited to take over the school and the Juniors already taking their position as part of the "upperclassmen." Then, there are the sophmores. Girls sqealing in the hallways greeting each other and boys happily accepting hugs from them. Alas, I found myself being one of these sophmore girls running here and there saying hi to everyone I possibly could. "Who is she?" you may be asking to yourself. "Is she a stereotypical teenage girl?" The answer to that is simple: no. I am a unique person with ideas and goals, but before we get to that, lets start with the basics.
My name is Monica Michelle Hamada-Pena (thats quite a mouth-full!) I am a quarter Japanese, half Panamanian and quarter Polish-American-Jewish (among others). I was born in Rio Abajo, Panama, but i've lived practically my whole life in the U.S. I visit Panama every year with my family for Christmas. I feel that being exposed to, along with actually being a part of, two completely different cultural lifestyles has really helped me become the person I am today and I have my family to thank for that.
My family consists of my mom, Maria, my dad, Matthew, two sisters, Mimi and Marisol, and of course (the most important member of our family): our pet Shih Tzu, Nicky. My family has supported me through everything and are always there for me. Ever since I was little, my mom has made sure that I stay true to my Panamanian roots. I am bi-lingual, speaking both spanish and english. My dad always helps me with my work and because of him, I am a proud White Sox fan! My sisters, as much as they may annoy me and drive me off the wall, tend to always put a smile on my face (..well...sometimes).
Music is my passion. Ever since I was little i've been involved with music. Whether it be listening to music from all over the world (thanks to my parents), being exposed to theory/technique, or making my own music. Two people that really helped me evolve into who I am musically are my paternal grandmother and a close family friend, Rodney Stapleton. They've supported me, helped me, and encouraged me to pursue music. I have been playing guitar for three years and am currently in the Whitney Young Concert Choir.
I also enjoy writing. I feel like writing is the perfect way to express feelings. To improve my writing, I love to read. I read all sorts of books, from fantasy to biographies. Reading is one of the best ways to expose yourself to other viewpoints and worlds. Getting lost in a completely different world through reading helps me stay sane (especially with my sisters!)
I may not be athletic and i've found that I can be somewhat of a klutz, but I am completely content with who I am. I have incredible family and friends. I have goals I hope to pursue and memories that will last me a lifetime. So yes, I CAN at times act like a teenage girl, everybody does. When you look much deeper than outer appearance though, I am something more and so is everybody else.