Nicole (Best of Week: Diogenes)
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She talks about Diogenes, a guy who inspires her. She goes on further to talk about how he believes everyone should be able to be happy without money or material things.
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I have never heard of this guy before. After reading your blog, I went and looked him up. I found I enjoyed him as well, he's definitely someone I'll have to further look into. I totally agree with you. Materialism does seem to be something common among people that is stereotyped as something required to be happy. I will openly admit that I am, sadly, one of those people. I believe that it's the environment you grow up in is what makes you how you act. Living in the Northshore for a majority of my life, its hard not to want nice things when everyone else has them and you see how happy they are. I just want the same happiness that they have. I think the man living in the barrel should be an example of how everyone should view life. Wouldn't that be nice.
Dede (Captured Thought: Driving Without Direction)
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She explains how she wishes she was able to be alone and get away some place. Just driving and not having to worry about anything.
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I can 100% relate to what you are describing in your blog. I think a lot of teenagers feel that way. Life just gets too stressful and you want to get away. Numerous times have I found myself driving everywhere, even if it's 4 hours away. Nobody else wants to drive. Sometimes I hate it and sometimes I don't mind. When I got my first car I was the same way. Always wanted to drive, but gas prices have also slowed me down. I hate spending money. Especially when my car doesn't get any gas. I'm sure one day in the next 5 years you'll drive off somewhere. Maybe not even with a destination in mind. It's the best when your mind leads you to some place you would have never thought of on your own.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
A Tribute to Aristotle: Get Organized
I woke up for school one morning and noticed how I was out of clothes to wear. I was digging through my dirty laundry piles to find the cleanest shirt. I did the smell check on three shirts that I picked out. I found a winner that I was about to put on, but I noticed a huge coffee stain on the side. When I looked at a couple more shirts they were either too wrinkly or stained.
It dawned on me that I should probably wash my clothes. I didn't have time before school, so I grabbed a sweatshirt and decided it had to wait until after school. Later that day when I got back home from school, it was laundry time!
I picked up all my clothes from the floor and threw them all into a basket. I brought the basket down to my laundry room and separated my white clothes and my dark clothes. After I put the first load in the washing machine I waited 50 minutes, switched the first load into the dryer, then put the second load into the washing machine. When both loads were done I brought the basket of clothes up to my room and started folding my laundry.
Instead of throwing all my clothes randomly into my drawers I decided to organize how my clothes are put away. Normally I would have clothes hanging off my chair and thrown in my closet, but I had the determination to organize each drawer. I took out a piece of paper and wrote down what each drawer should be and tapped it to my dresser. If I didn't do this I would easily forget where everything would be.
After everything had a drawer, I organized my clothes into piles. I put each pile into their corresponding drawer and felt accomplished because my room was clean and now everything had a place.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Best of Week: True Knowledge
In class this week we have gone into in-depth analysis about the book Sophie's World. One of the ideas we discussed was the idea of true knowledge. The philosopher Plato believed "we can never have true knowledge of anything that is in a constant state of change" (Gaarder 86-87). We can only have opinions about things, or what are senses perceive. Plato also states "we can only have true knowledge of things that can be understood with our reason" (87). Reasoning would be something not defined by your senses.
At first I thought that the idea of true knowledge that Plato had was contradictory. I feel like every idea or object starts out as something that is in a constant state of change, and then becomes something understood with reasoning. In the book they use the examples of Math and a rainbow as comparison for reason. The simple math of 2+2=4 is considered reasoning, but there had to been several different states of change that the idea of math even went through to get where it is today. I am unsure if I agree with Plato, though he is a great philosopher, I believe that our senses and being in a constant state of change is what brings about creativity in the mind to have the ability to make an idea reasonable.
On the flip side, I can see where this philosophy of Plato's comes from. He has given me a different perspective for knowledge. I always viewed knowledge is a measure of how much you know in general. In my definition of knowledge senses were included. I think back to all the times I have argued with my brother about an item. Every time we fight, he always thinks he is right because he's the more knowledgeable person. For example,we were fighting about cars. He was telling me that our mom's black Acura was classier than our neighbors white Acura. My brother started spewing facts about how white becomes dirty easily and owners are less likely to take care of the car. I disagreed strongly, but fighting with him was useless. At the time I thought that since he did know about cars more than I did, maybe he was more knowledgeable about the whole situation overall. Looking back on it now, his opinions and his senses are what drove his argument for what was better on a car. He wasn't exemplifying knowledge, although he tried to make it seem like that by giving me "facts."
Overall, I enjoyed the reading on true knowledge as well as learning about it more in class. Ever since learning about it, I have been more aware of Plato's philosophy and trying to see if other people are also confused by the definition of knowledge. In general just the short reading in the book has opened by mind up a little bit and has me questioning things or conversations I have had, trying to find connections in my everyday life. Plato has guided me (sort of) to a new way of divergent thinking and really asking questions and analyzing what is really important.
At first I thought that the idea of true knowledge that Plato had was contradictory. I feel like every idea or object starts out as something that is in a constant state of change, and then becomes something understood with reasoning. In the book they use the examples of Math and a rainbow as comparison for reason. The simple math of 2+2=4 is considered reasoning, but there had to been several different states of change that the idea of math even went through to get where it is today. I am unsure if I agree with Plato, though he is a great philosopher, I believe that our senses and being in a constant state of change is what brings about creativity in the mind to have the ability to make an idea reasonable.
On the flip side, I can see where this philosophy of Plato's comes from. He has given me a different perspective for knowledge. I always viewed knowledge is a measure of how much you know in general. In my definition of knowledge senses were included. I think back to all the times I have argued with my brother about an item. Every time we fight, he always thinks he is right because he's the more knowledgeable person. For example,we were fighting about cars. He was telling me that our mom's black Acura was classier than our neighbors white Acura. My brother started spewing facts about how white becomes dirty easily and owners are less likely to take care of the car. I disagreed strongly, but fighting with him was useless. At the time I thought that since he did know about cars more than I did, maybe he was more knowledgeable about the whole situation overall. Looking back on it now, his opinions and his senses are what drove his argument for what was better on a car. He wasn't exemplifying knowledge, although he tried to make it seem like that by giving me "facts."
Overall, I enjoyed the reading on true knowledge as well as learning about it more in class. Ever since learning about it, I have been more aware of Plato's philosophy and trying to see if other people are also confused by the definition of knowledge. In general just the short reading in the book has opened by mind up a little bit and has me questioning things or conversations I have had, trying to find connections in my everyday life. Plato has guided me (sort of) to a new way of divergent thinking and really asking questions and analyzing what is really important.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Metacognition: "Creativity, Please" Essay
In class we had to write an essay about a class we felt needed more creativity. When I first heard the assignment, I thought it would be hard and I wasn't 100% sure what I wanted to write about. The more I thought about it, I realized my Math class was the class that lacked the most creativity. The main thing that stuck out to me about Pre-Calculus was that we didn't do anything outside of checking homework and taking notes about the lesson. I think the class lacks originality.
Writing my essay, I did not have a particular plan in mind. I wasn't sure how I would even go about beginning writing this. I'm not used to classes giving me a good amount of freedom when it comes to writing. Up until this point, all my English paper assignments have been so structured. Planning has always been something I've wanted to work on in my writing. I kind of feel like its almost a fault and I manage to go on all kinds of tangents and rants that don't necessarily have anything to do with what I am trying to say.
Though my planning is something I don't like, I enjoy being able to freely type without a specific plan in mind. What I should do after freely writing is creating a plan from that and revising to make my paper better. Writing freely is relaxing to me and does not make me feel as stressed about writing an essay or a report. I like writing for the most part and I hate how stressful school makes writing.
The one thing that surprises me about my thought process for essays is how quickly time flies when I am working on something. Sitting and thinking about writing makes time go by so slow, but when I actually start typing words onto a word document, it is like I'm typing at a page a second. Once something clicks in my head, I love how I can just go off with thoughts and figure out what I want to say. It is even better when I'm in a mood to write, then time goes even faster.
Writing my essay, I did not have a particular plan in mind. I wasn't sure how I would even go about beginning writing this. I'm not used to classes giving me a good amount of freedom when it comes to writing. Up until this point, all my English paper assignments have been so structured. Planning has always been something I've wanted to work on in my writing. I kind of feel like its almost a fault and I manage to go on all kinds of tangents and rants that don't necessarily have anything to do with what I am trying to say.
Though my planning is something I don't like, I enjoy being able to freely type without a specific plan in mind. What I should do after freely writing is creating a plan from that and revising to make my paper better. Writing freely is relaxing to me and does not make me feel as stressed about writing an essay or a report. I like writing for the most part and I hate how stressful school makes writing.
The one thing that surprises me about my thought process for essays is how quickly time flies when I am working on something. Sitting and thinking about writing makes time go by so slow, but when I actually start typing words onto a word document, it is like I'm typing at a page a second. Once something clicks in my head, I love how I can just go off with thoughts and figure out what I want to say. It is even better when I'm in a mood to write, then time goes even faster.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Blogging Around
Bianca's Blog: It Matters/Born Into Brothels
She talked about the sex trade as well as the spread of HIV throughout India. She also mentioned a group that was working to give protection to prostitutes to prevent an HIV epidemic.
I agree with everything you are saying. The movie was very sad to watch and it makes you start to wonder what you could do, or makes you want to find out more information about it. Although it's an issue that should be eliminated from the world, it probably won't. It's a sad but realistic truth. There are too many screwed up people on our planet and actually enjoy harming girls and prostitutes. No matter what a person has done in their life no one should have to be treated badly. HIV is serious and the group you talked about has good intentions but what makes the group believe protection will actually be used? I also agree that is messed up that they don't tell them they are HIV positive. I think anybody and everybody has a right to know about their health.
Ashley's Blog: It Matters/Divergent Thinking for the Upcoming Election of 2012
In this blog she talks about the upcoming presidential election and the lack of knowledge the candidates have for linear thinking and divergent thinking. She also goes into wanting schools to be more convergent in teaching kids.
I believe both Obama and Romney know linear thinking and divergent thinking. They are too great of men to not realize these ideas and are far too intelligent to not think that far ahead. You brought up good points. Neither president has mentioned changing the way schools are taught in America and I, along with you, agree that education needs to be less convergent. At this point in the election the candidates only care about who they can convince that they will make the schools better. I don't think either candidate has a very specific plan for changing how children are taught in America. It's not on the forefront of their minds, which is ok, because there are worse things to worry about in our economy.
She talked about the sex trade as well as the spread of HIV throughout India. She also mentioned a group that was working to give protection to prostitutes to prevent an HIV epidemic.
I agree with everything you are saying. The movie was very sad to watch and it makes you start to wonder what you could do, or makes you want to find out more information about it. Although it's an issue that should be eliminated from the world, it probably won't. It's a sad but realistic truth. There are too many screwed up people on our planet and actually enjoy harming girls and prostitutes. No matter what a person has done in their life no one should have to be treated badly. HIV is serious and the group you talked about has good intentions but what makes the group believe protection will actually be used? I also agree that is messed up that they don't tell them they are HIV positive. I think anybody and everybody has a right to know about their health.
Ashley's Blog: It Matters/Divergent Thinking for the Upcoming Election of 2012
In this blog she talks about the upcoming presidential election and the lack of knowledge the candidates have for linear thinking and divergent thinking. She also goes into wanting schools to be more convergent in teaching kids.
I believe both Obama and Romney know linear thinking and divergent thinking. They are too great of men to not realize these ideas and are far too intelligent to not think that far ahead. You brought up good points. Neither president has mentioned changing the way schools are taught in America and I, along with you, agree that education needs to be less convergent. At this point in the election the candidates only care about who they can convince that they will make the schools better. I don't think either candidate has a very specific plan for changing how children are taught in America. It's not on the forefront of their minds, which is ok, because there are worse things to worry about in our economy.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Connection: Creative Personality and Art
In class we are learning about being creative and learning about the creative mind as a whole. At the beginning of the year we were handed an article called "The Creative Personality" by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. The article was about how Mihaly believed were 10 characteristics of a creative personality. One of the traits that the authors lists is "most creative people are very passionate about their work, yet they can be extremely objective about it as well" (Csikszentmihalyi 40). I feel like I can relate to this trait the most as someone who has a creative mind.
A hobby of mine that has developed over the past year is drawing. I've found that it was a hidden talent that I never bothered to investigate, and I just figured I was no good at it. In relation to what Mihaly talks about, I feel like I am objective when it comes to my art. If I draw something I am always so hard on myself and am always looking ways to improve it. I hardly ever am 100% satisfied with what I do. I used to view that as a flaw, but I have found that it actually benefits me more and allows my creative mind to expand.
After reading the article and realizing that my criticism on myself actually expanded my mind, I developed a new insight on my art. I decided to go back and look at previous works of art to see if I could see any improvements to be made. It was a pattern in all of my drawings/paintings that something else could be added, but it wasn't until I went back and looked back at the art that I realized that. As a result of my objective thinking now I was able to fix the things that were wrong with drawings originally, or create a whole new piece.
In addition to reviewing my previous works, I allowed myself to let others tell me what could be fixed about my pieces. Sometimes other people would give me an idea that I hadn't even thought of. Without allowing myself to be objective and open minded, I would not have ever realized all the potential everything my art or my creative mind possessed.
A hobby of mine that has developed over the past year is drawing. I've found that it was a hidden talent that I never bothered to investigate, and I just figured I was no good at it. In relation to what Mihaly talks about, I feel like I am objective when it comes to my art. If I draw something I am always so hard on myself and am always looking ways to improve it. I hardly ever am 100% satisfied with what I do. I used to view that as a flaw, but I have found that it actually benefits me more and allows my creative mind to expand.
After reading the article and realizing that my criticism on myself actually expanded my mind, I developed a new insight on my art. I decided to go back and look at previous works of art to see if I could see any improvements to be made. It was a pattern in all of my drawings/paintings that something else could be added, but it wasn't until I went back and looked back at the art that I realized that. As a result of my objective thinking now I was able to fix the things that were wrong with drawings originally, or create a whole new piece.
In addition to reviewing my previous works, I allowed myself to let others tell me what could be fixed about my pieces. Sometimes other people would give me an idea that I hadn't even thought of. Without allowing myself to be objective and open minded, I would not have ever realized all the potential everything my art or my creative mind possessed.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Captured Thought: New Car
Back in December of 2010, I was a sophomore with a driving permit and only months away from getting my license. My mom and I had gone to the Ford dealership and just felt that it was time to for me to get my first car. The one car I've wanted since I was 6 years old was a Mustang. 9 years later, I found myself looking at several different ones to purchase. White, silver, black, navy and light blue colored Mustangs. It was a moment I'll never forget when I finally saw and drove in the car I have now. A white 2010 Mustang with light Beige interior. The dashboard/lights changed colors and it was my dream car right in front of me.
I've loved my car since the day I bought it. There wasn't any other car that I wanted (within my price range). I had to wait until April before I could drive it alone, but I still enjoyed it in the 4 months I didn't have my license. When I did get my license even the guy at the DMV was impressed by my car. He asked me if it was my Dad's car, I just laughed and told him it was mine. Everybody was so impressed with my car, my Mom had found herself liking it as well. I thought my car was pretty cool, but I didn't feel like it was as good as everyone was making it out to be.
The coolness of my car did die down after awhile, and by that time my own opinion of my Mustang had changed as well. The new 2013 Mustangs had been released and I couldn't get over how cool the new ones looked. My car just didn't seem as special as it did the day I got it. It had awful gas mileage, and it wasn't technological enough for me either. Everything about my car had become so frustrating to me. I wanted the new 2013 Mustang, but in a navy blue. The look of the '13s was smoother and had a little bit of an edge at the same time. It was then that I really wanted the new Mustang, really, really bad.
I felt determined to attempt to get the new car, even if I had to break my leg to do it. I noticed that there was a 2013 Roush RS Mustang that Ford had come out with. It was new to the "Roush" branded Mustangs. The car was virtually the same car that I had, but with the new sleeker look and a special grill to go along with it. I did my research to find out more about the new RS and found that it was more fuel efficient then the car I had by a lot! The Roush RS is the same price that I got my Mustang at, even more of a selling point to get another new car only 2 years later.
I realized after thinking about it for a few days, that there was a lot more to just buying another car. I had to tell my insurance and my cost for insurance would be even more expensive then it is now, and that was a real downer for me. The only way I could get a new car is to pay for insurance and the car payments myself, and that's not possible with me going away to college in the next year. So my one captured thought and dream of having a new Roush RS Mustang had pretty much disappeared, but I still find myself thinking about it every now and then.
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