Hey guys!!
So its almost been a week since grad & i just remembered that Mrs. Witt wanted us to post one last time :] This last year has been so much fun! Mrs. Witt you are an amazing person! All the younger kids are definitely going to miss out on taking your class next year. It has been a blast taking your class. Not only did we have a good time you taught us all so much. You are a fantastic teacher. Thank you so much for everything!! & good luck back in Iowa!!

oh. and to everyone else, if you even get back on here, it has been quite the ride with all of you throughout high school. Thanks for sharing the last 18 years of my life with me :] good luck with all your future plans and maybe we'll run into eachother sometime!? CYA!!! Have a great summer! Love you guys :]

-Syd-

Good-bye

I know this isn't an assignment, but I just wanted to say bye to everyone in my 2nd hour class. I will more than likely never see you guys again. It's been a fun and interesting year! Mrs. Witt, I'm gonna miss you a lot. I only have you for one hour, five days a week, but your an amazing teacher and person. I'm glad I had the chance to meet you.

Bedtime Fright

This is a poem i wrote about being scared of the dark during bedtime when i was little :]

Bedtime Fright

Night arrives,

The darkness takes over,

Time for bed.

Its close.

Shut off the light,

Run to the bed,

Covers over head,

Lay there in silence.

Don't move a muscle.

I know i'm not alone.

Say your prayers,

ask for protection,

tell them to go away.

A sliver of light shines through the window,

Tension is relieved.

Light defeats darkness.

Now i can sleep in peace.

Memory Book Letter

Letter to my dear friend Sydni. :)

Dear Sydni Rae-

...remember when we went camping!? How long we took to get our campfire going, five girls setting up a tent, our endless pit of snacks the guys stole & the mysterious something-or-other on Hanahs shorts are just some of the amazing memories of that night. Our attempt to steal Trae's car left a permanent dent in my forehead when his alarm went off & scared the crap out of both of us. Resulting inn slamming into each other, hence, dent in forehead. HA! Oh my...

4th paragraph of introduction

Brooke Richardson used to be one of my best friends when I was about fifteen. The fifth chapter is about her. She was in a horrible car accident on my sixteenth birthday and I found out at my party. Her sister, Courtney, was the driver and Courtney was messing around and was driving on the wrong side of the road. Brooke asked Courtney what she would do if another car was coming and Courtney said "This!" and then swerved. When she swerved she hit a pothole and it made her lose control of the vehicle and it ended up rolling down a hill and catching fire. It was the worst birthday I've had yet.

What Lurks In The Dark

The most memorable moment of my life was when Grant Weldin Lightbeer came over, and we turned the circuit breaker off on my brother while he was in the middle of a game. Needless to say we got the biggest wamping of our lives.

It all started when Grant came over to play some video games. Dragon Ball Z to be exact. As we walked into the room we see that my brother is already playing. We asked him to please let us play. He said he would let us as soon as he was finished. So me and Grant decided we would watch some t.v. in the time being.

After a good thirty minutes or more we decided to go check the game situation. We went back to the room, and no shock to us he was still playing. We asked him to let us play, and he said no he was there first. After about an hour or so of begging we would not budge.

The Small Things

I am in my room, thinking
It wasn't a big deal
I'll cover it up with something
And keep my lips sealed

Now I'm sitting in my chair
And broken glass is everywhere
I anxiously start playing with my hair
Thinking I'll just have to hide it somewhere

Now I see how polish remover on the floor
And Grandma's broken figurine
Seemed to be a bad scene
But are truly just the small things

Room Remembrance

I awake,
Silent silhouettes of dust float in the beam of light,
Warm and waiting in my bunk I listen to the sounds of the house,
Creaking and cracking of walls,
The hollow humming of the heater,
The sizzling sound of bacon.

I move,
The bed bellows as my weight shifts,
The floor thumps as feet fall to it.
I tear to the kitchen for breakfast.

I smell,
The brittle bacon
and brown biscuits,
The yellow yolk of eggs pours down my plate,
I excitedly eat, and rapidly return to my room.

I play,
With lincoln logs,
and plastic people,
of all shapes and sizes,
A red racer,
and a sharp sword.

I lay,
In my bed bunk,
after a day of play,
I cuddle closely to my pillow
and sleep soundly again.

Once I…..

Once I wrote my name on the porch
White and Wooden
Not just once I blamed my brother
Made to erase but never did
Had an obsession with my name
With a newly poured concrete basement
Dropping my white tom cat at 12 feet
Making sure he landed on his feet
Walking of with a limp
My heart sank, and never saw him again.

Once I took my dads hatchet
Borrowed it for a day
Building a tree house with older brother
Weren’t aloud to use tools without permission
Felt guilty and told dad
Never got in trouble, but told “never again”
Sharing candy with older brother
Always wanting it all
Ate some then split the rest
In the end I always had more
I never got caught

Diary of a six year old

Sept 10, 1996
Dear diary,

It was my birthday three days ago. I just turned six! I got a lot of Hunchback of Notre Dame stuff. I don't even like that movie. I'm really sick of it because I have to watch it every day at Nai Nai's house. (She's my crazy old asian babysitter.) The movie is stuck in the VCR and it onlly comes out if you use a butter knife. I don't know how to do it although I have tried. I got Hunchback dolls and coloring books, t-shirts and underwear.

I wrote a letter to Jim Carey because I like him. I told him how much I liked his movies and how funny he was. Maybe he will write back! I haven't mailed it yet because I don't know his address. I hid it under the chair in my bedroom. I don't think Robert knows about it. My favorite movie, more than Hunchback, is Dumb and Dumber! I let my friends Crystal and Andrew borrow it, but they lost it. It made me mad! I also like Ace Ventura.

There's another paragraph, but I'm not going to type it because I need to get ready for school.

Memory Book par dos

Disciplinary Report

Student Nicholas Palmquist

Teacher Theresa Bottles

Incident:

All year I have tried my very hardest to exist in a cordial environment and stature toward said student, choosing to ignore such ostentatious remarks as: “good morning,” or “how are you today Mrs. Bottles?” I have worked extremely hard in constant opposition to both the student and this school district to create a world-renowned music program. Earlier this week, in preparation for our American Pop sensation to be unveiled to the world, Nicholas Palmquist had the gall to ask me if he could borrow the shirts I expertly designed to be showcased along with the students. His exact words were: “Mrs. Bottles, I don’t think I would probably wear that shirt after the performance, and I’d rather not ask my parents for the money if I can help it, so can I just borrow one for the performance and give it back, please?” As I’m sure you can imagine, I was extremely, and with good reason upset. In a spectacle of dramatic and theatric melodrama, I kicked over my music podium and raced from the room in a fit of hysterics. Only to return later in a tearful state I had hoped would induce remorse and regret in the robot of a student. To my horror and surprise, Nick seemed to be resolute in his wishes to not purchase my incredibly trendy shirt that only half of the class had misspelled names on, a pretty promising percentage if I may say so myself.
I have since employed Zach Lawrence, thug/ex-student to keep the students in check. I have informed the student in question that he no longer exists to me and have further ignored him as of late. I am petitioning he be thrown unceremoniously from my class so I may continue my quest for the most talented students in the world.

Week 11 - Memory Book Part II

Task: I really enjoyed seeing your chapters posted along with the helpful comments. This week I would like you to post another chapter (or at least a section of a chapter) from your memory book. Let us know if you want just kind comments (bless) or if there are any areas you would need direction (address.) Please continue to spend some time responding to one another's writing. Complete this by Thursday, May 7.

The Simple Pleasures Of Trae Henderson

This recipe is significant because it is the first snack i remember having at my grandmothers house. I remember i had just finished dusting, and i could smell the sweet smell of peanut butter creeping through the house. I ran into the kitchen to see what the delicious smell was. What she pulled out of the oven was a surprise to me. They were golden brown, smelled of peanut butter, and circular shaped. They looked, and smelled delicious, but i was still nerbous about trying them. She managed to coax me into trying one, and I'm glad she did. The golden dessert melted into my mouth; leaving me asking for more.

Epilogue

This is the begining of my epilogue.

Looking back on my life so far I realize how truely blessed I've been. There's been many times that i have thought to myself how horrible or unfair my life is, but when I look back I realize that its not true. I have been blessed with a wonderful life and there are people out there who have it worse off than me.

Mem book chapter

The whole towns gathered in unison
To watch us take the field

We enter the field as a band of brothers
Preparing for physical war

Before we embark on the fight of our lives
We take a moment to pray for guidence

Will all heads bowed we take a knee
Hand in hand we count our blessings

When the prayer is over the crowd erupts
And our opponent enters our turf

Now it's became so much more than a game, its personal
They've invaded our turf and now must pay

It's man against man, team against team
The success of the team is determined by the success of the individual

In the end a victor will rise
Despite his blood stained jersey, he smiles

Our turf has been protected
This is still our house

So i wrote my obituary, depressing i know, but i found a poem that i really liked to put at the beginning of it... here it is:

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.

I'm following the path God has laid you see.

I took His hand when i heard him call

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss

Oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I savored much

Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up you hearts and peace to thee

God wanted me now; He set me free.

Chapter of Memory Book

Grant Lanphier: 18 years old
Hobbies: Playing basketball....hanging with friends
Interests: Duke Basketball....LSU Football.....Kansas City Chiefs Football
Future Plans: MSSU for college

Once upon a time in a village far far away there lived a young boy by the name of Howie. Howie lived with his father, Tom-Brunson, and his mother, Cynthia. They were a very wealthy family and had alot of money. When I used to go on vacation with my family there were always fights breaking out between my sister and I. My mom and dad would both get involved and put in their two cents. Although we used to fight alot, we still got along in the long run!

By the right hand of Abraham.....I commend this piece of writing!

Song chapter. :)

Not so sure what chapter this could be (or if one at all) but here's what i have so far.

It's a song from a friend of mine. Just a lil fyi. :) I'd love to know what you think about it. What i can do to improve it...if anything. ???

--Of Dusk & Summer--
Let's go back in time
When we swore nothing
Would ever change.
Between you and I, tell me
Tell me if I can,
And i'll stay with you tonight.

Let's go back in time
When our eyes would first meet.
Would it be okay
If I caught you
When I sweep you off your feet
Cuz you swept me off my feet.

When I sleep and dream
Of you, I know
When you look into my eyes
When I sleep and dream
Of you being by my side,
I know you're dreaming
Of being by mine.

So darling will you
Wait for me.
Taking me hand, you'll never know
Close your eyes
To sleep and dream
Of all the places we would go.

Chaper 5 of my memory book

Here is the beggining of one of my memory book chapters. Please give constructive critisism.

Hey Kids! Do you need something to spice up your summer? Then why not try the iSummer? the iSummer is the number one way to create your perfect summer. The iSummer comes with a complete guide to making your summer the best you have ever had. Call now and recive the iSummer absolutly free! That's right, a summer filled of fun for free. Hurry and don't miss out on this special offer. iSummer...... Do you?
**side effects may include extreme fun, high doeses of laughter, and fun filled memories. EAS Company Inc is not responsible for
overdoses on birthday cake, sunscreen, sand, or obsession of outdoor activites.

Memory book section

This is a very small section of my one of my chapters in my memory book due to the fact I don't
like to show a lot of my work in progress.
a chapter written form my Grandmothers point of view:
I never thought that I might regret that I told my family that I do not want to see more than one or two people at a time, I don't like taking up time people were not willing to give me, or being the center of a large crowd. This grandson was different, he cared about the people around, and he didn't just joke around. Tonight I plan on making dinner for my guests, even though I am 87, doesn't change the fact I enjoy cooking for company.
That was the last night Euince Grout talked with her company and family, and at 7 a.m. (about 36 hours later) she pasted from this life. I don't know what she thought but I do this interpretation to pretty accurate.
Glenn

A Letter from a long time ago.

Alexis Cook,
Why didnt you play with me on the play ground yesterday? You are my best friend. I had fun at your house playing. I had a lot of fun when we jumped on the trampolein. I cant believe that you really thought i was hurt when i fell on my head. Next time you come over to my house we are going to have to ride scooters again. That was so much fun, we went all over my neighborhood. Remember when we went to my Nana's and ate a whole bag of Lay's potato chips and would guess what each one looked like before we ate it. When you get out to recess tomorrow you need to meet me at the club house so we can play together.......

I Spy

So, for one of my chapters I'm doing an I Spy page.
No, I'm not posting the photo, but here's the rhyme.

I spy a dollar, a sailor, a stegosaurus
three hands, a hamster, two flowers from the florist.

A birthday tiara, two perfumes, a Big Adventure from Pee Wee
a string of pearls, three Justins, and Micheal Connelly.

I Would Not Change Anything About My Life!!

EPILOGUE

I Would Not Change Anything About My Life

Close Bonded Family
With Encouragement and Love
Grew Up in the Church
Strong Faith and Foundation
I would not change anything about my life

Good Grades in School
Hard work and Friends
Decently Athletic in everything
Commitment and Determination
I would not change anything about my life

Stand Strong for what I Believe
Shy and timid
Know what I want in life
Family, Career, Love and Happiness
I would not change anything about my life

All the Things that Make up My Life
Laughs and Cries
Making Me Stronger
Faults and Learning
I would not change anything about my life

Making a Positive Outcome
Good and Bad
Not Giving Up On Anything
Having Faith and Hope
I would not change anything about my life

My Life Isn’t Perfect
Given Advice and Wisdom
I’m Not Perfect
Being Myself and Learning From Mistakes
I would not change anything about my life

Life's Seasons

Young like a spring flower,
Curious as a bee to the flower,
bright as the yellow on the bee,
New Life.

Mature as the summer breeze,
Prime as the swift sparrow through the breeze,
Full and bold as the feathers on the sparrow,
The Prime of Life.

Aged as the Fall Oak,
Stern as the falling leaves,
Wise to the upcoming ground as it approaches,
Mid-Life.

Cold and pale as the winter snow,
Patient and slow as it melts,
Prepared for the end as water trickles down each crystal,
The End of Life.

Love is Stronger

Love is stronger than a river,
Love is deeper than an ocean.
Love is always in our hearts,
Love is always in motion.

Love can change a picture,
Love can make us stronger.
Love can take away the pain,
Love can stay much longer.

Love has the power to make us hope,
Love has been in everybody's life.
Love has every right to make us want,
Love has made some of us wise.

To live with love,
To laugh with love.
To see with love,
To be with love.

That's what makes the world go 'round.

Memory Book

What if You Knew

What If You Knew
What if you knew,
Knew that all these words are true?
Then maybe you could see,
It is your death that makes me blue.

What if you knew,
Knew that every breath I take,
Comes with a decision,
One you help me make?

What if you knew,
Knew that with every song I hear,
Reminds me of a memory,
A thought that brings a tear?

What if you knew,
Knew that I loved you with all my heart?
You would then truly know,
Nothing can tear us apart.

What if you knew,
Knew that you truly are my twin,
That no matter what happens next,
With me you always win?

What if you knew,
Knew that even though you’ve past away,
I can’t wait to join you,
Join you again in Heaven someday?

Dedicated to Aayla Redfern.

Memory book chapter

When I am old and gray, my kids will say one day
Dad, how did you live each day?
I will tell of loss and love, both entwined like hands in a glove
to protect your brother, and thank your mother, these are the things I would say

When I am old and gray, my wife will one day say
Amore, how did we live each day?
in peals of laughter, fits of joy
in quiet strength, and Devil’s coy
the fullest love, in the surest way, these are the things I would say

When I am old and gray, to myself I’ll say each day
Lucky was I to live this way.
to see the world in shades of gray
neon streams and realized dreams, puzzle piece memories with undefined edges
a palace would do, but so would the dredges

I may be old, I may be gray
an elder, a geezer, a fuddy per say
but stop a second
a moment
a dayand listen to all of the things I can say

Week 10: Memory Book

Task: Post one chapter (or at least a section of a chapter) from your memory book. Let us know if you want just kind comments (bless) or if there are any areas you would need direction (address.) Then spend some time responding to one another's writing. This will be very helpful as you enter the revision stage of this chapter. Complete this by Wednesday, April 29.

King Murdered During Sleep

King Duncan was murdered at Macbeth's house. It happened late last night. The question of who did this inhumane act is in the air. Some say it's one of his sons, Malcolm and/or Donalbain, because they fled. Malcolm went to England. Donalbain went to Ireland. The facts point to the guards. The guards were apparently drunk and had the King's blood all over them with the daggers in hand. More details to follow as they come.

Ghost of Banquo

The tragic death of the Sir Banquo certainly came as a shock to the kingdom. Because the murder of Banquo was done in such a mysterious way there has been a lot of different stories surrounding it. Everyone knows how we wouldn't want anybody to get the wrong story so we decided to do a little investigating of our own. There have been many reports saying that people have spotted the ghost of Banquo, including the new king Macbeth. The eerie figure has been reported being spotted around the castle and around Duncan's grave. The figure almost seems to be trying to tell us something. After our research we have decided that the figure is Banquo's ghost and is communicating to us through signs. He's trying to say that Duncan's murder was done by a person of nobility, someone benefiting from it. Perhaps the murderers will remain a mystery.

GHOSTLY TIMES TEN

THE PAPER OF ALL PAPERS: GHOSTLY TIMES
The feast went according to plan, but there was something very strange going on with our King Macbeth. He seemed uneasy all night and even was heard talking to someone who wasn't even there. Some people were very worried about him, and some prayed long and hard that he would be okay. We have our hunches on what could have been going on. Some say it could be a ghostly phenom or something of the supernatural state. Lady Macbeth came out and told everyone that he had had this illness since he was a young child. This is very suspicious indeed, but we will keep our eyes open and our ears listening.

Banquo Dead? I think Not

It has come to our attention that the great warrior that faught along Macbeth has been slayn.. He was stabbed several times in the chest, and it is believed that his son fleance might be suspected of foul play. We here at the National Reporter believe this great man has not truly bit the big one. How could a great warrior such as this man be murdered by his lowelly son? He could not. That's why we believe just like elvis in the future who we know not about Banquo is not dead; he is just hidding waiting for the right time to show himself.

Extra, Extra, Read All About It!

Just in from the press, fellow King Macbeth is heard to be going crazy. Reporters say that while at a feast with his wife lady Macbeth and other mixed company, Macbeth began hallucinating-- Rambling on to someone who wasn't even present. Lady Macbeth tried to convince the company that it was normal behavior for her husbad. She claims that he has some sort of illness that causes him to ramble aimlessly. One guest whom wishes to remain annonomuous described his feelings to the reporters. "I just didn't understand... it was like he really saw something there. We just didn't know how to respond or how to act around such strange behavior." Now we have it, the story of a wacky King. What will happen next? Will this behavior continue? Will it cause Macbeth to loose the throne? It makes us wonder.

Duncan Found Dead

King Duncan was found dead last night in his castle. Duncan was found with multiple stab wounds all over his body and the bloody daggers left next to him. No one is sure about who is responsible for this but witnesses say there was suspicous behavior on the of the murder. Other sources have reported that Macbeth was seen at the castle late last night. We contacted Macbeth for an interview or a statement on the situation but he ignored our attempts. We will keep you posted on the latest information and evidence on the Duncan case.

Glamis Enquirer

Our own thane Macbeth, has saved the country from falling into unrest after the King was ed. He killed the grooms that did it out anger of what they did. It is very odd that the two sons of King fled the country, one to England and the other to Scotland. But even worse the animals acted weird, and even more suspicious was the fact that Macbeth's best friend was assassinated on his was to a banquet and his son fled the nation. So we should make a fief holiday in Macbeth's sake that he is the king. And worse there is rumors going around of unnatural things happening and sightings of three witches. So we must be carful in this day and age.
Glenn

Casting Macbeth

I would have no clue to who would be a good choice for the roles of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, just as long as Humphrey Bogart doesn't play Macbeth(because he died in 1957).
As to what they should be like, the actor playing Macbeth needs to be someone that can be caring but have the ability to harden his heart. And Lady Macbeth needs to be very strong willed and have the ability to deceive people.
Glenn

Cawdor Enquirer

Three witches were spotted last weekend during a cloudy day. People passing by assumed it was a ritualistic dance performed by crossdressing witches. "They had beards. I thought it was an old mage I used to know," said a local. Thankfully he didn't stop and talk to them, because it could have been dangerous. The witches have been known to control the weather and make insinuating prophesies with (or without) the help of Hecate. As a fair warning to all the local villagers and people of the castle, stay away from them. THEY ONLY BRING MISERY.

late saturday morning the King was found laying in his own blood. Later that afternoon the guards were also killed, but by Macbeth because he was upset that the King had been killed. But who would do such a thing, killing a king a great wonderful king. The Princes fled one t oireland the other to england, It was suspicious when the princes fled after the death of their father. was it because they were scared they were next? or because they did it? Whos next in line to the throne now? possibly Macbeth!?

The Princes Kill Their Father!!

King Malcom was found dead. The whole thing looked like a set up by who ever did it. They tried to make it look like the guards were responsible for the murder of the king. When he was found this upset Macbeth so much that he murdered the two guards that they thought were responsible. Come to find out the princes have fled the country. Why would they do this unless they were responsible for it. I cant believe that they would murder their own father just to to become king.

Love Tryst

The murder of King Duncan is old news. Yes, the King was found slain at the castle of Macbeth, but the real news is concerning the lesser known Lady Macbeth and Duncans creepy little cretin children. A source very close to both families revealed shocking evidence concerning a love tryst betwix the beloved Lady and the royalty brats. Some say, and with just cause, that the boys murdered their own father in hopes that they would become King and the fair lady could not reject a proposal from the almighty ruler of the land. This twisted abuse of the throne will not go unnoticed, and Macbeth would do wise to watch his back before he finds a knife stuck into it.

something up in castle macbeth

Murder! The Guards!? The Princes?! Or The Hostesses themselves?! The King Duncan has been slain in his sleep, and not a soul has a clue to whats going on. Sources say King Duncan was to drunk to stand at Macbeth's red carpet party. Lady Macbeth was seen taking Duncan to his room and not seen for a couple of hours. Some would say Macbeth took to jealousy and killed Duncan but know one can say for sure. The guards could not be questioned because of some duty in a far off region as told to us by Banquo himself. A string of lies shadows the truth from the eyes of the country, but stay tuned because we're sure to get to the bottom of this.

George Clooney is man for the job

George Clooney for macbeth is a sensational matchup, because even with a heart wrenching drama like this he can give it a little humor (Example:Oceans movies). put jennifer love hewitt as lady macbeth and you got a hit on your hands

The Hunkiest Man I Know

If i had to choose an actor to play the courageous Macbeth; i would choose the hunk brad Pitt. Not only is he drop dead dreamy; he is also a very talented actor. I feel he could capture the the emotional struggle that Macbeth goes through better than any other actor out there.

If i had to choose a actress to play Lady Macbeth i would probably have to pick meg griffen. I know she's not an actual actress but i still really like her. She has a wide range of emotion, and can play just about any role out there.

No Way!

King Duncan was found dead at the Macbeth house early this morning. Sources tell us that his own guards have been convicted of the murder. His sons have fled the country, therefore making Macbeth our new King.

(Dagger used to murder King)>>>>

Don't worry, all of us here at The National Enquirer find this story kind of out there too. We decided to send a reporter into the field to see if there was any evidence that it wasn't the guards. Low and behold, it wasn't them! In fact, it was our precious new King-to-be Macbeth! Yes, Macbeth has framed the guards to make it look like he was the hero, when really he is our villan.

It appears that Macbeth was told by unreliable sources that he would be King. He took this as a message to do something about it. So, instead of waiting his turn, which we all know wouldn't have ever came around, he murdered the King and posed as the hero.

Now, we must search for our missing Kings and have them return home at once. We are in dire need of a King so that we are not running around here like chickens wit our heads chopped off. Let's hope they come home soon.

<<<<(Scene of the crime)

:)

Nicolas Cage (Macbeth)-- He is a very adventerous actor. he is always the good guy in the movies ive watched and never wants to do anything bad! and he is very good at playing in the action packed filled suspensful movies!! Like for the play he is always the innocent good guy, and doesnt want to do anything bad.
Kate Hudson?(Lady Macbeth)...lol.. idk.. --The movie i watched she gives the attitude and role of i get what i want when i want it, and ill do anything to make it happen!! Like for the play she wants Duncan dead so she does everything she can to get Macbeth to do it, then she finishes the dirty work.

Week 9: "Enquiring minds want to know..."

Your task: In the style of The National Enquirer (check it out here), write a tabloid article describing one of the events from Act I, II, or III of Macbeth. We have read about some pretty sensational acts. Now write about one of them in the same sensational style found in the tabloids. Keep in mind that I'm sure that not everything in The National Enquirer is 100% fact. It is completely acceptable (desired!) to embellish the truth. Just be sure that the initial frame of the story remains the same. If you really want to get crazy, add a picture to your post. I will give extra credit for extra effort here. Have fun with this! Create your post and comment on another post by Wednesday, April 22.

actor and actress

Macbeth: I would choose Nicolas Caige. I would choose him because he seems to play serious roles really well. I can also seeing him being some kind of really good solider kind of like how Macbeth is in the play. I also think that he could handle the scenes good where Macbeth is regreting what he did to King Malcom.
Lady Macbeth: I would choose Ashley Scott. I would choose her because i havent seen her in a bunch of movies but the ones I have she seems to be a rough around the edges kind of girl and that what Lady Macbeth remindes me of.

Star Actor and Actress

For Macbeth, I would choose Denzelle Washington because he is a high profile actor from the twenty-first century. He is someone who could pull off the requirements of Macbeth.

As for Lady Macbeth, I would choose Hallie Barry. She is a young popular actress, and could cover a variety of roles. She can be confident and in control but able to act Innocent and "puppet-like." Meaning, she can play the role of a woman follower.

Casting

For Macbeth....I would have Mathew McCounaughey. I would choose him because he is really cute, plus in all his movies he seems to play to innocent part pretty well. To play Macbeth, you need someone who can look innocent, but at the same time, play the villan. Mathew can definately play this part.

For Lady Macbeth...I'm not quite sure, but probably either Angelina Jolie or Halle Berry. They are both attractive and can be fierce too. For this part you would need a woman who can play elegant, but very dangerous at the same time.

Roles

Macbeth would be played by Sean Connery. A little bit younger Sean Connery. Because he has an odd accent and I can imagine him in an old timey king's clothes. I could also see him being able to be kind and evil at the same time. Lady Macbeth would be played by Scarlet Johanson. She's pretty enough to be a queen and has the feminism of a lady. I think she could also seem manipulative.

Casting

As for Macbeth I would choose Burt Reynolds to play his role. Burt Reynolds is an american badass and has portrayed such roles many times. He takes crap from no one and is respected everywhere he goes. The relentless behavior he portrayed in Smokey and the Bandit is just the thing this play needs.

As for Lady Macbeth I would choose...Jennifer Aniston. She's smoking hot and I could see her being just a little bit nutty. Plus with her brains and good looks she could persuade any man into doing what ever she wanted.

Casting

For Macbeth I think a younger version of Mel Gibson. That dude is the archetypal warrior, from the patriot to Braveheart, he masacres any and everything. He's also a really good actor so the character conflict roiling inside Macbeth would be expertly portrayed.

As for Lady Macbeth, I think Angelina Jolie. She's incredibly hot, the aesthetic is very important when you're developing a perception of a character. She has a harsh, severe, kind of beauty that I think compliments the personality of Lady Macbeth in the play. She would be able to "unsex" the character of Lady Macbeth harshly and smartly.

Casting by Me

Macbeth: Sean Murray
I chose him because he is a suitable actor for this position. He portrays Timothy McGee very well and I think he would be good at the internal debate in act 1.

Lady Macbeth: Sharon Stone
Sharon Stone is an amazing actress and she can handle the heat. If she had to kill somebody or talk someone in to killing somebody she would. As an actress, of course.

Week 8 - Casting Director

Task: If you were to make a movie of Macbeth, what modern-day actors would you cast to play Macbeth and Lady Macbeth? Name the actors and give a thorough explanation, and then post a comment to another post. If you really want to get fancy, you can even include photos in your post. Are you tech-savvy enough to figure that out???

Witch Video

Yes this video clip does portray the witches as i have imagined. As I read the book i thought that the witches would really look something like they did in the clip. One thing that i didnt think about the witches was that there was one young one and the other two were old i kinda of pictured them all to be old for some reason. The witches to me seem kind of scary.

Witch Image

My image of the witches weren't as old. I thought they would be old, but 2 of them were too old in my head. I pictured their clothes as being almost fancy dresses. They were totally different than what I pictured.

Statement Responses

Statement 1: I believe we are the makers of our own destiny. We are the ones that make the choices in our lives. God just gives us the choices and hopes we make the right ones. Ultimately, it's us that makes our lives the way they are.

Statement 2: Getting to the goal doesn't justify the means of getting there. If you cheat to win, do you win? I don't believe that you win if you have to cheat to do so. It just shows how insecure you are about losing.

Your ideal Witch?

The witches were very similar to what I had pictured. Three women with a mission of evil planned out before them. They looked the part as well, ugly with long fingernails and ragged clothing. I thought the witches were just as they should be however, the setting seemed a little off. I imagined them in a forest or in a secret place around cauldrons and smoking pots of boiling, bubbling brew.

Fair is foul

The video clip was different than what I thought the three witches should look like, let me rephrase that the witches them selves looked okay it was what they were doing that was different. When I read act 1 I expected them to be circling a big black cauldron, and not digging a hole in the sand, but then that is just my personal opinion.
Glenn

On The Ship Of Life You're The Captain

Statement 1: You are the maker of your own destiny.Statement 2: If you reach your goal, the end always justifies the means.

I believe in this statment with my full being. I firmly believe that in any situation there are two paths that one may take. It's up to you to decide which of these paths will lead you to your ultimate goal.

I also agree with the second statement. Where you end up in life ultimately depends on the route you took on reaching this goal.

Little Ms. Muppet

The witches in this video were not quite what i had pictured. When i read the description of the witches in act 1; I imagined three slightly hunched, bearded creatons. In the video they were just three some-what hunched elderly, slightly actrative old women. To me the physical appearance of these mystical beings really set the stage for the whole story.

Little Witches.

The clip doesn't portray them exactly like I saw them. I imagined the witches to look a little weirder. Like the one's on Hercules (The Fates). A little older, a little more beard. I thought they would be short and sort of gray skinned. The one with the white hood is most similar to what I envisioned. silly witches.

Macbeth

Statement 1: I think that this is right in some ways and wrong in some ways. I think that you make decisions that will effect your future and what you do in life will direct you to your destiny. But I also think that God already knows your destiny and the decisions that you are going to make to help you get to that destiny.
Statement 2: I agree with this statement as well. I think that if you make these goals and you work hard to reach them then you are going to be happy with it and get what you deserve. If you make the wrong kind of goals then you might not be but if its truly something that you want then i think it does justify the means

Macbeth Video

The video wouldn't show up, but when I read about the witches, I picture them the way most people do. Three hunchback, hideous women with a greensh tinge to their skin, moles and crooked hooked noses. All the same age, dressed in deep black robes with a pointy cone hat laughing over a cauldron of some sorts

Three Blind Mice: Hocus Pocus

There once was a man from Peru, who dreamed of eating his shoe....you know the story.....and how the man awoke to find that he was really eating his shoe....this is a disgusting story of agony and pain....much like the story of Macbeth...the witches are the ones who create and accomplish destiny and form the path that people are going to walk on. These witches are the ones who make this story possible and they are the ones who make Macbeth the strong man that he already is.

Hocus Pocus

The three witches in this clip aren't really what i had pictured. The way i pictured them was actually like the one with the white rap on her head. The young one seemed too young for me and the other one was just weird and way too old. The one i said was like i pictured seems perfect. She's isn't too old or young, and she is dressed just as i pictured them to be dressed.

Week 7 - Fair is foul and foul is fair...

Your task: Watch this short clip of Act I, scene i from Macbeth. (There are actually lots of great Macbeth video clips on YouTube. Some are even school projects by other high school students.) Does this video clip portray the witches as you had imagined them? Is there another video that does a better job? Or had you pictured something entirely different as you read about the witches in the beginning of the play? Watch the video, create your own post about your idea for the witches, and comment on another post by Monday, April 6. Have fun! Fair is foul and foul is fair....

Macbeth Blog

Destiny,to me, parallels Faith. I was granted free will, and the ability to voice and follow it, this doesn't mean I have the exclusive rights to my future, or Destiny if you must, but that God has given me the power to make my own decisions, even though he already knows what they will be. Because I am a human, with inherant flaws, I will make mistakes and the wrong decisions. So to say that the means ALWAYS justifies the end is arrogant. We all stumble and slip up and with the privelage that is free will, comes the responsiblity to admit when we are wrong and accept the consequences to it.

Character analysis

Willy- I think that he was kind of a selfesh man. Really all that he wanted was the best for his family but tried making it happen in all the wrong ways. All he seemed to care about was money and being well known and it ended up mkaing him have a major downfall.
Biff- Biff in high school seemed to be the all american boy. He was a good athlete, good looking, and well liked. He seemed kind of careless though about the things in life that really mattered. He just wanted to be in the country.
Hap- He seemed to be the peacemaker. He would always try to tell everyone what they wanted to hear to make all the problems go away.
Linda-She was happy with what she had and how things were and she seemed to just want Willy to be happy with everything. She really loved Willy too. She just wanted everyone to get along.

Destiny?

Statement 1: I totally agree with it. Everyday we face choices about our lives whether they be big ones that will effect our lives as a whole, or little ones that just effect the present. You have the opportunity to choose your own path. Your destiny is set by you.

Statement 2: I also agree with this statement. I think that if you reach your goals, then the result will be what you wanted. You will get a sort of reward at the end of the journey.

Macbeth

In answer to the two statments that were posted:
Statement 1: You are the maker of your own destiny.
Statement 2: If you reach your goal, the end always justifies the means.
I believe that we are free to make our own chocies but we can't choose the consequences to our actions.
In response to statment 2, I believe we should not go against our moral standing to get to the end, for if we do then I believe we never really got to the end.
Glenn

Master of you Own Domain

I believe we are the makers of our own destinies to an extent. The choices we make ultimatley affect our position in life. There is a higher force than us that has set the path for us to make the choices that will lead us to our destinies. I also believe that if you achieve your ultimate goal in life you will be completely happy with all the costs it took to achieve it. The feeling of confidence and achievement is on that is not earned easily. We all must make sacrafices in order to achieve our goals in life.

Whats Between The Lines In Destiny?

The Statement that we make our own destiny is for the most ways true...we can't choose our birth right but our future is ours to mold into what we find comfortable and interesting. With hard work your dreams and ambitions seem to fall into place. The statement that the means is justified is somewhat true in my mind. Everyday people compete for jobs in this strickened economy and the loser goes home. This is a natural way that business grows and thrives. We must push others to survive. Although we as a species have grown to be more intelligent the rules of nature still apply. "kill" or be "killed" if you will. This world isn't always fair so the means rule can be bent a little in my opinion.

Macbeth

1 - Yes, I believe we are the makers of our own destinys. The things that happen in our lives are the results of the actions and choices that we made. I think every thing we do has an effect on someone else.
2 - The end doesn't always justify the means. I think if you have a goal and attain it, then you have done well. But what kind of path did you take to get there? Did you have to step on several others, and push people out of your way to get there? Or did you reach your goal because you worked hard and good at what you do? I believe the path to the end is just as important is the end itself.

Death of a Salesman

I know this is late.
I thought that the whole problem this the Loman family is that they live in their own world thinking: that they will make it big because they are Loman, they can keep secrets from each other and when they are together they lie to each other. I think that Willy didn't realize all he had going for him until it is to late and it is all falling apart before his eyes. Happy it seems does exactly what his name states if things turn out wrong he lies to make it better and keep you happy in your ignorance. Biff is the only one of the Loman men that really is finally tired of the lies and tries to come clean, and pick up the pieces and start again. Linda is the one I think that is tired of all the lies, but doesn't have the courage to make things right. I thouhgt that "The Crucible" was better.
Glenn

Week 6 - Macbeth

We'll soon be reading one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies, Macbeth. Before we start reading, I want to hear your ideas on some of the themes found in Macbeth. In this week's post, please respond to the following two statements. Tell us if you agree or disagree and explain why. Also, don't forget to comment on a classmate's post as well. This needs to be finished by Monday, March 30 at 8 a.m.

Statement 1: You are the maker of your own destiny.
Statement 2: If you reach your goal, the end always justifies the means.

Character Analysis

Willy Loman:
He is sort of an intelligent man, but he's been through some hard times in his life. He even kills himself in the end of the movie. I believe it's safe to say that he was starting to go crazy.

Biff:
Biff thinks that he's always going to be a disappointment to his dad. Biff doesn't even really try, in my eyes, to please his dad.

Happy:
Just as his nickname, Happy is always happy. He's kind of the glue that holds the family together. He cares deeply for his family and wants his family to stay together.

Linda:
I'm not fond of her character. I think she is too much of a hypochondriac. Everything that Biff does is wrong to her. Either way you look at it Biff is still her son. Linda is always yelling at Biff to be nice to his father and try to fulfill his dream.

Willy!?!? Is That You Out There In The Prairie Grass?

Mr Willy Loman....author of the heavens....creator of the fantasy world known as "Death of a Salesman." The characters in this story are so detailed down to the smallest of details. Happy, Biff, Linda, Willy, and Porkchop all are very emotional characters and have something to say about anything. Willy is a very depressed man with alot of stuff going on inside his head. Biff is a misunderstood young man, who is plagued by what his father said to him once. Linda loves her family and just wants everything to be fine. Happy is just trying to stay out of everything and keep the peace. Willy has so much going on in his head about biff being unsuccessful that he eventually drives himself crazy. Porkchop lives in an igloo right by the Lomans house. Doug, who his best friends with Skeeter are very adventurous and like to have alot of fun. Rodger is always trying to find ways to embarrass these two in any way he can. To be honest, i didn't like Willy any because of the way he acted. He was kind of a drama queen! He was a turd Ferguson, a real chicken dinner, a scrumdidilyumpcious! In my opinion, i think that Willy would have been better off staying with the girl he cheated with. She was a fox, plus she wasn't prude by any means! GO WILLY!!
:)
GO TEAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

BEN? IS THAT YOU?!

Willy is an odd character. I feel bad for him. He tried for over thirty years to build up a dream. A dream that included money and having friends in all parts of the country. Everyone could look up and laugh and love him because he is so great. But that didn't happen. In the end, he sort of went senile and suicidal because his dreams failed him. He wanted to be like his brother Ben, who came out of the jungle rich (a real jungle or a metaphorical one?). I liked Willy, he tried his hardest, but a sad fact is that sometimes dreams don't come true, no matter how hard you try.

Death of a Salesman

I really think the bottom line, underlying problem of the Loman family is that not one single family member is willing to accept their plot in life. Willy wants to be loved and remembered, the only way to become immortal is to be remembered. He isn't as obsessed with money as most antithesis' concerning the American Dream are. He will accept unearned money from his neighbor if it means he can continue to work at a non-paying job that leads to interactions with people and having them love and respect him, even if it means mooching. His wife enables Willy's problems and insecurities because she feels it's a reflection of her own failure as a loving wife. She blames her son's and her husbands ungrateful company for his unhappiness and silently plays the dutiful wife to keep her hands clean. All the while, Biff wants nothing more than to simply be seen. Either as a success, a failure, neither--he just wants to be loved for who he is, but his father loves important success stories so he accepts that he doesn't deserve to be loved and ops for staying away. I think it's an extremely relatable example of both kids and parents putting their hopes and dreams in the other and assuming the responsiblity and consequence when it surely fails.

Week 5 - Death of a Salesman

For your next post, I want to read your thoughts about the characters in Death of a Salesman. What do you think of Willy Loman? What about the rest of his family? Do you think they are sympathetic characters? Likable? Really, I'm just asking for your supported opinions about the characters. Also, be sure to COMMENT on someone else's post. This is due by Monday, March 23, at 8:00 a.m. Have fun!

YOUR Dreams

My dream is to attend college for a year, after which I plan on going on a two year church mission. When I get back from my mission I want to pursue a career in either engineering, the agricultural field, or in the medical field. During my that time I want to get married and have a family. Also be successful in what ever I plan on doing, or at least learn from my mistakes and never repeat them.
Glenn

Some Day

I have many dreams. At the beginning of my senior year, my goal was to experience as many new things as I possibly could. Fortunately for me, I have been able to do that. New experiences are given to us every day. It's just a matter of whether we take or leave them. I feel like a new person this year. I've grown out my shell and grown as a person. I'm ready to begin a life as more than a highschooler. I dream of going to college and becoming successful, whether it's through art or something else along the way. I dream of one day getting married and having kids of my own. I dream of being able to influence others' lives, the way that so many have positively influenced me. I dream of exploring new things while remembering the old. "Make new friends, and keep the old--one is silver and the other gold."

My Big Dream

First of all, I just want to make it through to graduation. After high school, I'm going to the University of Central Missouri and am entered in the Honors College there. I'm majoring in secondary education with a minor in mathematics. So yeah, I want to be a middle school math teacher. I know, I know. Everyone calls me crazy and gives me a funny look when I say that, but it's what I really want to do with my life. After I get my Bachelor's degree I plan on getting married, and pursuing my Master's. Other than that, I just plan on going with the flow of life. :)

dreams, but not really, but seriously

My dream is probably like everyone elses, finish college, get a job that I love, and just do whatever it is I want to do. I know I want to travel and see new places, meet my family that lives in the Phillippines (because I haven't ever). And being an artistic person I'd like to sell some art work and perhaps write a book. I'd also like to be a Guitar Hero.

lolz~

My Dream

Talking about my personal dreams on a public blog in Mt. Vernon MO is kind of hard for me to do. I've never been an athlete, or had a publicly assimilated family with any semblance of immunity from it. I've had the same aspirations for ten years, and for ten years they've been misunderstood or frowned upon. I'm not gay, and I don't want to be a ballerina dancer. All I want is to choreograph and be successful in my own eyes. I've realized that the terms regarding a successful life in small town MO aren't going to work for. I've had to dance in spite of a community instead of for them and with their support, making me more determined, and the end result that much more rewarding.

American Dream poetry...sorry it took so long

Poems of the american dream are everywhere. They mean much more than the individual words that compose them. Apart the words mean little, but together they can describe a persons goals for their one and only life. I read the Poem " A dream within a dream", and although there were parts i did not understand the poem as a whole made sense. Poe was just longing to keep hold of the things that fade from life for just one more moment. I think we all wish we could have just one more moment with something that has faded from our lives, but in the end all things fade and become mearly dust in the wind. So we should not focus on what we did not get accomplished, rather we should focus on accomplishing much more with the opprotunites to come.

Future plans

Well let's see..... If i have learned anything from the past week of my life, it is that although your sure you know what your life is going to turn out like you never really know. Expect the unexpected and some of the greatest blessings in life seem like mistakes at first. My future plans are somewhat undecided. I know that I am going to college at Evangel to play football and that im going to most likely major in Enviromental biology. I hope to take that degree into some type of outdoor oriented job. My dream is to just be happy with what i have done with my life. For right now though, i am just enjoying being a teenager while I still can. We have our whole lives to be grown ups so we might as well be kids for a while.

My Personal Dream

My Dream after i graduate highschool is to go to OTC (Pretty lame.. lol) for 1 year and then transfer to St. Johns Radiology School. which is a 2 year program in radiology Techincian and then i want to specialize in sonography.. which is Ultra sound! :D im really excited!! Also at some point in time i want to settle down and have a family!! Oh.. and after i work for forever.. lol. when i get close to retiring or after working for awhile and get good hours.. i plan to own my own bakery/mini cafe-resturant type place!! Im really looking forward to that!! Its really cool though when you look at it, because other people (americans) are going to be incooperated into my american dream!! like i would be interacting with them in my jobs, and people coming to my resturant and supporting it, and so on!! thats my dream as an american!!!

My dreams and goals...

One of my main goals for the rest of my high school career is to just enjoy it. I dont want to slack off and completly be lazy i just want to enjoy myself. I want to be able to look back at high school and know that i participated in everything that i wanted to and just enjoyed my life. Next year my dream is to keep my GPA at atleast a 3.0. I hope i have enough drive and will power to stay deticated to my school work and do all that i am capable of doing. After college i just hope that i go into a career that is going to make me happy and not do it for the money but just because i love it.

My Dream: Living for myself

My dream is to become something in music; whether it's being part of Celtic Woman or becoming a professional singer. I know these dreams are far beyond my life right now but someday they will be within reach. Living my life as I want to live it is my American Dream. I don't want anybody to tell me how to live it. I want to make my own mistakes and learn from them. It may take a while, but in the end it's worth it.

Freedom Fighters

American girls and american guysWell always stand up and saluteWell always recognizeWhen we see old glory flyingTheres a lot of men deadSo we can sleep in peace at nightWhen we lay down our headMy daddy served in the armyWhere he lost his right eyeBut he flew a flag out in our yardUntil the day that he diedHe wanted my mother, my brother, my sister and meTo grow up and live happyIn the land of the free.Now this nation that I loveHas fallen under attackA mighty sucker punch came flyin inFrom somewhere in the backSoon as we could see clearlyThrough our big black eyeMan, we lit up your worldLike the 4th of julyHey uncle samPut your name at the top of his listAnd the statue of libertyStarted shakin her fistAnd the eagle will flyMan, its gonna be hellWhen you hear mother freedomStart ringin her bellAnd it feels like the whole wide world is raining down on youBrought to you courtesy of the red white and blue. "Toby Keith" Freedom Fighter for the American Dream


I also choose this selection because it truly speaks to me as an American. I feel like the Amercan dream is to have true patriotism. To have a pure and honest love for this country is what all Americans should strive for. They should be willing to put themselves on the front line for their country, and of course put a boot in the backside of anyone that is not.

My own A.D. :)

It's probably cliche to say my dream is to become successful & live my life to the fullest, but honestly thats the simpliest way to explain what i want in life. It's always been a dream to go far in softball. I push myself to become the best i can be. With loads of practice, dedication and hard work, its only the start of achieving my American Dream. :]
On the other side of things, with the future plans of college, realizing there is more to the world than the controlled enviroment during high school, and (farther down the road) starting a family, its my dream to achieve the goals i've set for my future. :]

My Dreams: The Carousel of Progress

In my life i wish to achieve immortality. Once achieved, I think I will be happy with my life and I will be able to go to sleep at night and realize that no one can hurt me. It will take many months and years of hardships and overcoming goals to reach this state of living. Before all of this i am going to go 4 years at MSSU in Joplin and pursue a Biology major and see where that takes me too. Physical Therapy? or something like that. After all of this I will try to round up all 7 of the dragon balls and summon Shenron to grant me the wish of immortality. Vegeta will probably try to stop me but I will stun him with my tazer rifle. After all of this i plan on starting a family and then hiring Bulma to look for the dragon balls for me again
GL

Who Knows What They Want?

At this age in life, I find myself choosing my path: school, occupation, salaries, taxes BBBBLLLAAHHH! I know we are human and it's our nature to be logical beings but I don't understand the need for constant planning and organization. Can't success come from our own observation and experience? This belief following the beaten path is the best bet. Why as a species cant was just simply exist. My dream is for enlightment for mankind. It's time to slow down and enjoy day to day beauty. Be successful without letting the idea of success own you. My path should be successful just because I chose it. let's "live" a little.

America=Eqaulity

This poem symbolizes the black discrimination as a whole and the black communities want for equality, We as a new generation have never seen the elements of ineqaulity and I believe that that is a blessing in itself. From my perspective, my relationship with my bestfriend would be looked down upon. The poem shows the contradictions of slavery to the exact thing amercia stands for, and thats freedom and eqaulity.

Week 4 - YOUR Dreams

So we've spent lots of time writing and talking about the American Dream in the context of history and of literature. Now I want you to spend some time reflecting your own personal dreams. As we near the last quarter of your senior year, what are YOUR dreams? For the next few months? For life after high school?

Who knows? Someday we might be reading your short stories or talking about your historical speeches!

Your task: Create your post about your own dream and comment on at least one other post by Monday, March 9. Have fun!

Mrs. W

I really liked the particular poem by Langston Hughes because i think it really showed what these people thought of America back then. Their idea of the American dream seemed so simple to ours today. They simply wanted to be free and have the same rights as everyone else while in todays society you have to have money and fame to be living the American dream. I really liked the part in the poem wher it says, "O, let America be America again".

American Poetry

I read two poems about Americans (provided by Mrs. Witt) that talked about singing freely. In Walt Whitman's "I Hear America Singing" he writes about several different American lives, how each one is similar because they sing together in freedom, and how they're different because each sings a song of their own. Langston Hugh's "I, Too, Sing America" sounds like a response to Whitman's poem. He too sings a song about freedom, and how one day blacks will be able to be free to sing and laugh in the same kitchen as white people.

+1 vote dumbledore

American Dream Poetry

I think that the poem I, Too, Sing America by Langston Hughes reminds me the most of what we have been talking about in class concerning the American Dream. The most important line in the whole poem I think is the last line, "I, too, am America." To me that statement recognizes that all of us make up America and the American dream. The ability to have the freedom to dream.
Glenn

America

by James Monroe Whitfield

America, it is to thee,
Thou boasted land of liberty,—
It is to thee I raise my song,
Thou land of blood, and crime, and wrong.
It is to thee, my native land,
From whence has issued many a band
To tear the black man from his soil,
And force him here to delve and toil;
Chained on your blood-bemoistened sod,
Cringing beneath a tyrant's rod.....
(It keeps goig)



This poem i think has to do with the american dream because i believe everyone should have the chance to pursue their individual american dream. and as it says "to tear black man from his soil, and force him here to delve and toil." They were not given the chance to pursue their american dream like everyone should. So i believe they were robbed from that chance. but as of today tho, everyone should have that equal chance and they should take advantage of it.

American girls and american guysWell always stand up and saluteWell always recognizeWhen we see old glory flyingTheres a lot of men deadSo we can sleep in peace at nightWhen we lay down our headMy daddy served in the armyWhere he lost his right eyeBut he flew a flag out in our yardUntil the day that he diedHe wanted my mother, my brother, my sister and meTo grow up and live happyIn the land of the free.Now this nation that I loveHas fallen under attackA mighty sucker punch came flyin inFrom somewhere in the backSoon as we could see clearlyThrough our big black eyeMan, we lit up your worldLike the 4th of julyHey uncle samPut your name at the top of his listAnd the statue of libertyStarted shakin her fistAnd the eagle will flyMan, its gonna be hellWhen you hear mother freedomStart ringin her bellAnd it feels like the whole wide world is raining down on youBrought to you courtesy of the red white and blue. "Toby Keith" Freedom Fighter for the American Dream

The lyrics to this song really strengthen the thoughts and ideas of the american dream. Toby Keith is freedom fighter for the american people and his songs help those who lose hope regain confidence in the overall american dream.

The American Dream poem. :]

THE AMERICAN DREAM

America America
The land of the brave
I love you so dearly
But they treat you so bad
The politicians and business men
Treat you like mad

What we once loved is suddenly fading
Our dreams won't come true
Our lives broken for you

We need to preserve the great nation
And turn it from bad
For you are our hope
And everything for we stand

By: Gary R. Hess


I think this poem is on the complete opposite spectrum of what i usually blog about. I'm more positive & all about the "life's what you make it" train of thought. I feel as if this poem expresses what most students opinions are based on. More of the "work hard, do what you can, it's your problem if you don't succeed" thought. Which, all in all, is true. I tend to lean more to the positive side of things & avoid the negative. This poem points out the negative things America has become, will become & will continue to become if we, Americans, don't make a stand to change it. It's more of a summary of whats happening, or has happened instead of a "get at what you want to accomplish & achieve that American Dream."

:)

Dream Big....

Dreams
by Langston Hughes


Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.



I know this doesn't necessarily say anything about the "AMERICAN Dream" but i still think it fits. This poem tells me that if no one pursued their dreams then we would have no America. I think it means that life would be pretty dang close to pointless if nobody had a dream that they wished to accomplish one day.

THE AMERICAN DREAM
By: Sergeant Aaron M. Gilbert
Through all the fires,Through all the pain,The Marines stand tall,To fight once again. Always on call,The Presidents own.Always fighting,To protect our home.My life for our freedom,My freedom to you,These are gifts that we give,For the Red White and Blue. We die for you,We die for them,We do not complain,About where or when. For this is our job,To fight around the worldAnd give the gift of our freedomTo every boy and every girl.And yes peaceful solutions,Can not always be found,To free a trapped people,From the terror around. So we fought in this war,With resolve in our hearts,To help Iraq's peopleHave a new and free start. So speak of your "Peace,"And how war is so wrong,But shut your face when we're calledTo give out the freedom we've won. For you did not fight,And you did not bleed.And you did not die,For the American dream.

This is a poem I found on the internet. To me it speaks a great deal about the American Dream. We speak of how wrong it is to be in Iraq or how wrong it is to be gay. Who are we to say what is right or wrong. The only thing that we should talk about is how lucky we are to be able to express and achieve our own dreams in America.

Week3: American Dream Poetry

Here are some links to a few poems I think show a strong connection to the American Dream. Read any or all, and post your thoughts, please. :) If you would like, you could also locate and post a poem or song you think fits our discussion of the American Dream.

I Hear America Singing by Walt Whitman

I, Too, Sing America by Langston Hughes (What kind of connection do you see between those two poems?)

Let America be America Again by Langston Hughes (This one is a little bit longer, but it is WELL worth the read, especially in connection with our discussion of King's "I Have a Dream Speech.")

A Dream Within a Dream by Edgar Allan Poe (Thanks to Wilson for bringing this one to our attention. What kind of dream do you think Poe was describing?)

Create your own post and comment on at least one post by next Monday, March 2.

The Great Gatsby

I thought that it was confusing at first but after a while before I finally got to know who was who. Then from that point I made some opinions of the characters that were invovled particularly, Tom and Daisy. Tom was just mean, and that was wrong that he went off with another woman, which lead to three people getting killed, and Daisy was careless to teh point of not caring about some of the more important things in life, she said "women are just to be happy little fools in life, but I think she was using that as an excuse for her behavior. Then all the other characters were reasonable to a degree and I think that Nick Caraway was one of the only ones to truly know most of the facts about Jay Gatsby. Those were the most noticeable characters that I could think about when I was writing this post.
Glenn

Charicter Analysis

I thought the movie was intresting. I definatly realized some things about the American Dream that I had never really thought about before. My opinions about the different charicters from the movie are:
Jay: Seems like a pretty good guy. I think he enjoyed being rich but wouldn't have minded giving it up in necessary. He was more concerned with his relations with other people than his own fortune and fame.
Daisy: I didn't really like her personally. I think that she was rich and snobby and that got in the way of who she was and who she could have been.
Tom: I thought he was absolutely disgusting. For starters, why would you cheat on your wife? And then kill the guy who accompanied the death of his girlfriend. Shouldn't his wife be more important to him? People like that are just kind of like scum to me.

The Great Gatsby

At first I thought that Daisy and Tom were a nice couple that enjoyed each others company. I quickly realized that I was wrong. I think that they married each other mostly just for show. I think that they felt like they had to marry for money and power. They had to please other people, and felt they couldn't marry the people that they loved.
To me Jay Gatsby was one of the few people in the movie that seemed real (maybe due to bad acting). Jay didn't act fake to please other people, like so many other people in the movie. Even though he could have been with girls a lot better than daisy, in my opinion, he never moved on because he loved her. He is the only one that has a chance of being truly happy.
Daisy didn't know what she wanted. She loved Jay but didn't want to continue in her relation ship with him because of his financial hardship. I really don't know how to describe her. Her character confused me through out the movie.

The Price of Love

My initial impression of the characters in The Great Gatsby was that they all had very intricate, and unique personalities. I thought Jay Gatsby was a very well spoken, and some what mysterious man. I really did not care for Daisy. She seemed to be very naive, and just went along with whatever anyone told her. To me tom seemed like a very likeable guy. Although, as the story progressed i became more and more displeased with him. How can one man tear apart the life of the two women that loved him?

The Great Gatsby

My impression of Jay Gatsby was that he seemed to be a really good guy. Even though he had lots of money and probly could of had any girl that he wanted he didnt care about that because he loved Daisy. This was really unlike most of the other men in the movie. He waited for Daisy and liked her for her and not for what she had. My impression on Daisy was that she didnt really think of anyone except herself. She loved Jay but even said herself that rich girls dont marry poor boys. This kind of showed me that she cared to much about what other people thought and she thought that money was going to make her happy. I didnt think that any one in the movie really seemed to be happy in their life except Nick, and Nick was the one that wasnt extremely rich. I think this movie is a really good example that money cant bring you happiness.

Gatsby

Upon first impression Daisy and Tom are a rich couple just enjoying life. They go to parties as a careless, free couple. I think Jay Gatsby was an optimist. He hoped for so long that he could love Daisy. He held parties hoping she would arrive, cut out newspaper clippings trying to find where she is, and bought her clothes from London (the most beautiful things she's ever seen, so I hear). Daisy is a likable character until later in the movie, she didn't even go to Gatsby's funeral. She and Tom acted as if nothing happened at all. It's her fault that he died (and the one guy Mrytle was with - I hate him).

Jay Gatsby seemed to be one of the nicer guys in the movie as i seen (i missed a day) . It seemed like he appreciated love more than others ever would in the movie. He was a respectful man and was very successful in almost anything and everything he did. But he wasn't stuck up about it. Daisy and Tom having affairs behind each others back. not believing in divorce, but they cant be satisfied with each other and they have to turn and find love from somewhere else. i think it would be better to get a divorce. but anyways. Daisy seemed about herself sometimes, I believe she could be a likeable person if you knew were she was coming from. Tom was a jerk and personally i didn't like him. He wasn't respectful and he was very selfish. Hitting a girl... not cool. He definitly has a lot of maturing to do. he doesn't really know what he wants, He wants two loves but thats not really how it works.

The Great Gatsby...Weird

The movie, to me, was absolutely hilarious. I found many things funny. The characters were very...well I'm not sure. Jay seemed like a pretty good person to me. On the other hand, Tom was a horrible person. If I were Daisy, I would have divorced him a long time ago. (Even if it wasn't approved of by my religion.) Daisy was a likable person at first. As the movie progressed I thought she turned into somewhat of a shady person.

The Great Gatspy

I think that romanitcism is the most prevelant theme shared among the characters in this movie/book. While Jay has convinced himself that the beautiful, exuberant Daisy is the women of his dreams and will wait for him till the end of time; Daisy is in lust with the nostalgic idea of a man in uniform and the romance of anticipation. Their month of new relationship bliss obviously didn't translate over eight years of silence, especially since they didn't know much about each other to begin with. Afterall, "rich girls don't marry poor boys." Myrtle and her husband seemed to have at one time loved each other, but Myrtle longed for the lavish life every girl dreamed of. Her husband's love wasn't enough to buy her a happiness deemed politically correct in a roaring, larger than life society. Tom wanted to live vicariosly through the important people around him, his trophy wife by his side, catapolting the pair into the limelight of 1920 culture. The ironic part about Jay's deep and surreal obssesion with Daisy, and the money that would surely bring her back to him is that he couldn't have cared less about his immense wealth. The parties and money created a facade that brought about the realiztion that he didn't actually know Daisy. Nick's idea of himself is comprised of the friendships around him, finding that money doesn't always mean happiness, and love is very rarely unconditional.

Great Gatsby, The

My opinion on Jay Gatsby:
He seemed like the kind of man who really seeked for what he wanted in life. Someone who strived to be the best he could be, & appreciated what he had. He came off as someone who treated others with respect, no matter what they'd done to him. He was sincere with others (Daisy, included), & wanted nothing but success for others. He "role-modeled" his life in a way that showed others that he could succeed.

Opinion--About Daisy:
If she wasn't stuck on herself as much as she came off to be, she'd be likeable. She seemed to be clueless & ditzy about almost everything. Once she realized Jay Gatsby loved her--always had--she came to a quick conclusion that she really didn't love her husband, Tom. ?? Okay? Good call, Daisy.
About Tom:
I'm not a fan of someone who claims they love someone, cheats, & once their 'love' brings it up that she loves someone else, they get all sorts of worked up & defensive. Tom wants both Daisy & Myrtle. The best of both worlds. He can't get it. Darn the luck.
It was difficult for me to follow the story lines of everyone. Hope this made sense. :)

American Dream

In my opinion, which matters most to me but least to most, the american dream is just the pursuit of happiness and good fortune. The achievment of these goals is the completed dream. When i hear the phrase "American Dream", I think of the people that come to this country to achieve happiness and great wealth. I think that once these people arrive here they realize that it's not what it's cracked up to be. Yes we are the all mighty nation of fame and good forutne, but on the other hand we, the people of the united states, are a very unhappy bunch. It sometimes seems that the most is never enough. If we just took a step back and looked at what we have, then we might realize that we are living the american dream. We are prosperous and the opprotunities to further that prosperity are at our finger tips. We are the sculpters of our own master piece that is our life.

The Greatest Gatsby of All Time

The Great Gatsby is a story in which the world has never seen. Romance, love, and affairs tarnish this great American story with black stains of coffee. Up in the high clouds of Mordor sits the great Gatsby himself, all alone, covered in a blanket of stars. The love of his life, Daisy May (Adam Curl's yorkie dog, sister of Angie), did not marry him because of his low social order, alas, now the great Gatsby is one of the richest men in all the country of Elden. I think the true love that is occuring between them is perfectly normal for anyone who is in love, but is it possible to fall out of love? Gatsby rides at midnight, all the way to the land of Mirkwood the slate of time spoke: "Ride you hard to Erkenbrand!"A spear was pressed to boyish hand;"We'll hold 'til aid returns - now fly, be gone! "Withawill the colt was named, and to the ways of men untrained, but now he bore the only hope they had.

American Dream

The American dream is to live a life that's free. To me this expression means living a life where you're free to do waht you want, and to make your own choices in life. An example I can think of of someone pursuing the American dream is a person from another country trying to get into the United States. For them life is so unbareable where they are that they're willing to do whatever it takes to get out. It takes a great deal of pain to acheive this dream. It takes blood and sweat, tears and hardwork.

The Great Gatsby is a perfect example of how much some people have to have certian social class. Gatsby and Daisy love each other, Jay knows how many years it's been since their last encounter and, keeps scrapbooks of her life. Yet Daisy did not marry him because of his low social standings. Its ironic though how Gatsby ends up having more money than Daisy could dream of having. Daisy is to materialistic and it comes back to haunt her. Tom is arrogant, always making sure those who have less than him know it, such as Daisy's cousin. I think Gatsby is honest and lonely. I mean he hosts party's at his house just to watch them occur. So I think Tom and Daisy deserve the hand they have been delt. If they would have married for love and not for a social standards they would both have love and happiness, instead they are living with people the don't like and having love affairs with people that will never be theirs.

Gatsby's Appreciation for Love

The Great Gatsby, so far in my mind is a web of lies and deceit. Tom and Daisy are prime examples of the unethical behavior that is in pretty much every scene of this movie. Both hold love affairs behind there marriage. there wealth and arrogance show that marriage should not be based on riches alone. Jay although is pure at heart and has loved daisy for quite along time. Gatsy, not always being of wealth, would have at sometime appreciated such things as the love of another.

Week2: The Great Gatsby

I've really enjoyed reading your posts. Thanks for sharing. :) If you haven't already posted and commented on the first prompt ("Welcome"), please do so still for partial credit. We want to hear your thoughts! Just be sure to title your blog accordingly so we know if you're writing about the American Dream or The Great Gatsby. I also appreciate everyone being so flexible while I'm gone for my grandma's funeral. You're the greatest!

Task #2: For your next post, I want to hear your initial impressions of the characters in The Great Gatsby. What do you think of Jay Gatsby? Do you think Daisy is a likable character? Why or why not? What about Daisy's husband Tom? Really, I'm just asking for your supported opinions about the characters. Also, be sure to COMMENT on someone else's post. This is due by Monday, Feb. 23, at 8:00 a.m.

American Dream

To me the american dream is different for everyone. Everyone has different dreams and desires to achieve in their life. I do think that the media has a big impact on what they betray as the american dream and alot of people try to achieve that dream instead of their own personal dreams. So the american dream to me is how america allows everyone to have their own dreams. People in America have the freedom to become and succeed in anyting that they want to do in their life. Even though the media says the american dream is one thing, there are still people out there that are achieving thier own american dreams.This is why i think that the american dream is different for everyone.

Achieve & Succeed.

To me, I believe the American Dream is more than the 'lifestyles of the rich & famous'. I think if you've set you're mind to a specific goal, dream, achievement--& succeed--& making that your American Dream, it is what it is. It's more than making it the best of the best by what others have set it to be. Or whatever standards have been put on it. I think if it's something you strive for, and it be the best for you--it's the American Dream. :)

I think the American Dream is different for everyone. Some people may define it as success while others might define it as happiness and contentment with their life. I dont think we should judge someone elses dreams or define their success. Everyone has their own measure of success and happiness and whats right for them.

Defining the American Dream

I think that my view of the American dream has changed at least a small part since the beginning of our class discussion last week. The American Dream to me is achieving your goals but it is also a dream for the whole nation. MLK's dream was that everyone could live in peace and without segregation no matter what the color of their skin was. I believe that the American Dream can be based on just about anything as long as it results in happiness. That includes happiness for yourself and the nation both. I think that it is wrong to judge others opinions of the American Dream. Just because it may be different than yours doesn't mean it's completely wrong. I feel that since we haven't been taught a true definition of the American Dream, then we should be open to multiple ideas that come along.
-Elizabeth S.

Our American Dream

This whole discussion has really made me think about what the "American Dream" really is. I believe that it is a dream of money and happiness. When you look at the big picture, it comes down to how much money you have, but look at the smaller, more individual picture, and you see all the many different kinds of happiness there is. Everyone has their own meaning of this "American dream" and that's what is so cool about it.
About the judging part, i would definately say that is it very wrong to judge people off what their dream is. Just because some one's dream is different than yours doesn't mean they should be judged for it. Everyone has a right to their own views and opinions, and a dream is one of those things that is a right.

American Dream

To me, the American Dream is having the opportunity to be able to pursue your own dream without being discriminated against. Just being able to go after whatever it is you want in life would be unthinkable in many countries. While living in America, men and woman are given an equal opportunity to accomplish their life goals. I think that the American Dream has pretty much the same base for everyone. Even though everyone may have their own individual dreams that they wish to accomplish i believe that they are all based around finding happiness in life. People shouldn't be judge for their dreams but there will always be some people who will pass judgement no matter what. Whether or not you accomplish your dream is completely up to you.