(Written September 26th, 3:09 AM)
On Perceptions and People
One of the most prevalent flaws in humanity is a person’s tendency to judge others by their appearance. It is impossible to truly know someone by mere observation. Assuming that someone is unrespectable or uneducated because of appearance or behavior is unfair. Most people, upon seeing a man dumpster diving, would consider him a vagrant or uneducated bum. Lars Eighner spent many years dumpster diving, and upon closer investigation of him, one would discover that underneath his rough exterior lies a person who has come to realize his place in the world. Lars Eighner’s writing of his experiences dumpster diving recorded in “On Dumpster Diving” paint a picture of a man who is insightful about the objects he finds in dumpsters and understands the significance behind their presence in the trash. Lars Eighner is an ethical man, who has standards and practices that reflect his respect for others and their property. People who would judge Lars by his appearance will most likely never see the humble, reflective, and ethical person who lies underneath. Judging people by their appearances can rob someone from meeting a person who could enrich their life with wisdom and insightful worldviews.
Lars Eighner is a man who has come to accept his position in life. Lars preferred to call himself a “scavenger” rather than a “dumpster diver.” Lars acknowledged the fact that he lived off of other’s waste, as depicted in his writing when he said, “I live from the refuse of others. I am a scavenger. I think it a sound and honorable niche…” A man uncomfortable with his actions would be ashamed of dumpster diving and perhaps refrain from discussing his lifestyle in detail. Lars Eighner felt that he filled a necessary position in society by using the refuse of others. Lars accepted the fact that it would be difficult for him to live a normal lifestyle after scavenging for so long because he had become accustomed to living in a prudent manner, “…Although if I could I would naturally prefer to live the comfortable consumer life, perhaps… as a slightly less wasteful consumer, owing to what I have learned as a scavenger.” Rather than be ashamed of his status as a scavenger, Eighner embraced his lifestyle and became a man richer in knowledge because of it.
While other scavengers may find an item useful to them and think no further than it’s immediate use to them, Lars Eighner couldn’t help but attempt to understand the significance of the object and its origins during his time as a dumpster diver. Upon discovering a paper bag containing items of a sexual nature, Eighner imagined the reasoning behind the bag’s placement in the dumpster, “Occasionally a find tells a story… a partially used compact of birth-control pills, and the torn pieces of a picture of a young man. Clearly she was through with him and planning to give up sex altogether.” Reading about Eighner’s insights in regard to his discoveries helps to establish that Eighner is a contemplating individual. Without these insights into the origins of the items he discovers, Eighner would come across as a less intelligent person. The act of thinking about why something is rather than just accepting its existence reveals an intelligence and insightfulness heretofore unseen in most scavengers.
One way scavengers can obtain food is by making bogus orders to pizza delivery shops and then retrieving the discarded pizza from the shop’s dumpster. Lars Eighner chose to never do such an act, “I never place a bogus order…” Lars ethics are such that he would rather go hungry than defraud a shop of revenue. On the subject of scavenging through a household’s trashcans, “… my strongest reservation about going through individual garbage cans is that this seems to me a very personal kind of invasion to which I would object if I were a householder.” Eighner believes in a person’s right to privacy, even in regards to their garbage. Eighner also tried to avoid drawing conclusions about the people who dump their garbage in the dumpsters he frequents, “I think it would be unethical to do so.” It would be hard to tell that Eighner is an ethical person just by his appearance because appearances cannot tell all that is important about a person.
Thus it is clear that appearances can be deceiving and that making assumptions based on nothing but appearance can lead to a flawed perception of reality. Without reading about Lars Eighner, it becomes difficult to learn about the intricacies of this insightful, ethical, and humble man based on just his appearance. If the people of the world are lacking the knowledge of intelligent people like Lars Eighner, just imagine what else is being ignored due to appearance.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Thoughts on Literacy.
(Written Sep 12th, 2008 4:21am)
While not as pressing as world hunger or nuclear warfare, illiteracy is an issue affecting many Americans and people all over the world. Illiteracy can result in poor lifestyle choices, lack of a sustainable income, and difficulties in achieving success. The ability to read develops from an early age, and if not properly developed, it can become difficult to gain later. Some might say that a person’s entire life can be determined by the way they are raised, and that humans are shaped by their environment. If a child is raised in a harmful or un-supporting manner, it can result in learning or behavioral problems to develop. Without positive nurturing and education, a person’s ability to succeed in the modern world becomes less than that of someone who was raised in an environment more conducive to their needs. One of the most fundamental aspects of childhood development is learning how to read. Literacy is an essential skill in today’s modern society, and America’s children are falling behind the rest of the world. It is the responsibility of the American school systems and parents to ensure that the future of their children has the proper foundation. Literacy rates can be improved by developing new programs designed to focus on ensuring that children read often and have a wide variety of opportunities available to them to do so. Alternative forms of literature, such as comic books, video games, and the Internet, should be utilized to help establish a strong desire for children to read on their own time and of their own free will.
In modern America, the ability to read and interpret language is absolutely necessary on a daily basis. Children who struggle with reading may have a difficult time in developing the skills needed for employment and survival in their futures. All but the most menial of jobs requires the ability to understand and read. There are few occupations that do not require at least a minimal amount of reading, and many that require constant use of the ability to read. If children are unable to acquire jobs as they reach maturity, their future prospects dim ever so quickly. It would be possible to show that there is a correlation between illiteracy and juvenile delinquency, as the inability to succeed in their education can lead to young adults to drop out of schooling and focus on less law-abiding endeavors. It would also be possible to show a relationship between children who grew up with a strong sense of literary experience and success in business and life, by today’s standards. By establishing the proper cornerstone for literacy in children’s lives, the opportunities and future developments available increase greatly.
While getting a child to read may be a difficult task, there is a more pressing problem to address afterwards. If a child only reads when he is directed to, the probability of that child failing to establish good reading habits is increased. Getting children to read is simply not enough, a child must learn to enjoy reading and desire to read when not directly told to do so. The use of alternative forms of literature, such as comic books and video games, can be a helpful tool in establishing positive reading experiences. Having children move away from standard books and texts is good for establishing diversity in a child’s reading habits. Comic books and video games can be used to help a child to have fun while at the same time learn and develop confidence in their skills. Reading regularly is necessary for not just children, but all people, and should be done accordingly.
While some would argue that illiteracy is not a pressing issue in today’s modern world, many of the problems that we face today can be linked back to how people spent their childhoods. The homeless and poor, who were unable to achieve success, may have had a better chance at doing well in life had they an educational structure to rely on. Not all problems can be solved through literacy, but it’s a step in the right direction. With focus on establishing positive reading habits early on in a child’s development, and reinforcing those habits with diverse forms of literature, the United States has the proper cornerstone to addressing illiteracy.
While not as pressing as world hunger or nuclear warfare, illiteracy is an issue affecting many Americans and people all over the world. Illiteracy can result in poor lifestyle choices, lack of a sustainable income, and difficulties in achieving success. The ability to read develops from an early age, and if not properly developed, it can become difficult to gain later. Some might say that a person’s entire life can be determined by the way they are raised, and that humans are shaped by their environment. If a child is raised in a harmful or un-supporting manner, it can result in learning or behavioral problems to develop. Without positive nurturing and education, a person’s ability to succeed in the modern world becomes less than that of someone who was raised in an environment more conducive to their needs. One of the most fundamental aspects of childhood development is learning how to read. Literacy is an essential skill in today’s modern society, and America’s children are falling behind the rest of the world. It is the responsibility of the American school systems and parents to ensure that the future of their children has the proper foundation. Literacy rates can be improved by developing new programs designed to focus on ensuring that children read often and have a wide variety of opportunities available to them to do so. Alternative forms of literature, such as comic books, video games, and the Internet, should be utilized to help establish a strong desire for children to read on their own time and of their own free will.
In modern America, the ability to read and interpret language is absolutely necessary on a daily basis. Children who struggle with reading may have a difficult time in developing the skills needed for employment and survival in their futures. All but the most menial of jobs requires the ability to understand and read. There are few occupations that do not require at least a minimal amount of reading, and many that require constant use of the ability to read. If children are unable to acquire jobs as they reach maturity, their future prospects dim ever so quickly. It would be possible to show that there is a correlation between illiteracy and juvenile delinquency, as the inability to succeed in their education can lead to young adults to drop out of schooling and focus on less law-abiding endeavors. It would also be possible to show a relationship between children who grew up with a strong sense of literary experience and success in business and life, by today’s standards. By establishing the proper cornerstone for literacy in children’s lives, the opportunities and future developments available increase greatly.
While getting a child to read may be a difficult task, there is a more pressing problem to address afterwards. If a child only reads when he is directed to, the probability of that child failing to establish good reading habits is increased. Getting children to read is simply not enough, a child must learn to enjoy reading and desire to read when not directly told to do so. The use of alternative forms of literature, such as comic books and video games, can be a helpful tool in establishing positive reading experiences. Having children move away from standard books and texts is good for establishing diversity in a child’s reading habits. Comic books and video games can be used to help a child to have fun while at the same time learn and develop confidence in their skills. Reading regularly is necessary for not just children, but all people, and should be done accordingly.
While some would argue that illiteracy is not a pressing issue in today’s modern world, many of the problems that we face today can be linked back to how people spent their childhoods. The homeless and poor, who were unable to achieve success, may have had a better chance at doing well in life had they an educational structure to rely on. Not all problems can be solved through literacy, but it’s a step in the right direction. With focus on establishing positive reading habits early on in a child’s development, and reinforcing those habits with diverse forms of literature, the United States has the proper cornerstone to addressing illiteracy.
Absolutely everything that was on my mind at 5:04 AM.
(Written Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 5:47am)
It's late in the night, morning. As I feel the stress that is evident in my back by the raised bumps of testosterone, the screaming punk rocker in my ears cries about living a lie. I've come to realize that only recently have I stopped doing so, and truly started living. No longer am I stuck, burning in water. No, I find myself afloat in the mostmagnificent ocean of bliss in recent memory. These feelings aren't transitory, they aren't fictitious and I truly believe they are of a supernatural quality. The coincidences and events that have been instilled upon my existence lately are either some grand cosmic joke or merely as I put it, coincidence. I'm not one to question the decisions that are made or the paths that I find myself put upon, but I find myself curious. I find myself with just one question, and I know it won't be answered by who you're thinking of, as the universe does not speak to me in plain English. The question I find myself asking is thus;
What the hell took so long?
I'm looking over the last paragraph that I wrote and I'm seriously wondering what drugs I was on, or what I was trying to come across as. Was I trying to be deep and intellectual, or was it just so I would be able to put my thoughts to text? I feel like a fucking tool when I read back this post, and I'm sure there are a few of you who feel the same way. If you don't, please respond and tell me why not. Should I continue writing this type of stuff? I'm not going to write those typical posts which are only about mudslinging, as it's almost never worth it. Throwing my innermost thoughts on theInternet in an attempt to do, what? Feel better about myself? Garner attention from people who don't give a shit about me, because if they did, they would respond to more than just my notes?
I digress, the point of this post was, I believe, just to write. I haven't written in a long time, since before I graduated from High School. I still can't believe that I actually did that. It seems like just yesterday that I was filling out F.I.G.T.E.S.P.I.N.S., and being sent to the office for misbehaving. I still clearly remember the time where I made my fourth grade teacher cry for no reason at all, just because I was a fucking brat who thrived on causing misery. Looking back, I can say with a firm state of mind that I was a fucking maniac. I caused a mutiny in my kindergarten class, caused dozens of people to cry over the course of 13 years of schooling, talked back to dozens of teachers/administrators/counselors/aides/lunch ladies/faculty. I've gotten into at least five physical altercations, given countless purple-nurples, tripped hundreds of people, insulted the way people smelled, dressed, acted, talked, spelled, danced, walked, ran. I've put a thumbtack on a teacher's stool and had him sit upon it, I've skipped assignments and classes for no reason at all, and I had the time of my life.
Senior Year was an amazing time for me, and I'm seriously regretting that I didn't participate in more activities while I was in High School. Writing for the school newspaper, The Fling. Participating in One-Acts or Drama classes, and preforming on stage. These are the things that I wish I had paid more attention to while I was still in school, and it's a shame that I didn't take advantage of the opportunities I had.
Seeing my name in the paper was one of the coolest feelings, and the fact that I wrote perhaps three articles in the 8 months that I was writing for the paper is pathetic. Whether it was a lack of motivation or just sheer laziness, it was unfortunate for myself and everyone else that I was not more involved with the Fling. The few articles that actually made it into the newspaper weren't even that good in my opinion. They were hackwork that I shit out the night before a deadline, and I think it shows. Perhaps I'm just jaded, (and I do mean to gloat here, I think I found the actual point of this article. It's talking about myself. I guessing I'm writing an article now, as that is what I've referred to it as. An article for what? The comic book review website that I have neglected for months? The school newspaper that I can no longer write for? This isn't even the point, I'm still in the parenthesis. I should probably stop soon, or I will have an entire paragraph in between two sentences.) but people have told me that my work is amazing. Thanks for the praise, but I don't really see it.
When I participated in the Senior Auction and Mr. Highland Park, I never felt more comfortable. Being on stage, being in front of hundreds dozens of people, and just being myself (in the case of Mr. Highland Park, I was myself as well as several other people.) was almost an intoxicating experience. The only feelings of nervousness that I felt were before and after the performances. The butterflies and twitching all but disappeared when I went up on stage. For a person who hasn't always been proud of his body, for that person to go up on stage and tear off his clothing, that is truly something. Being able to go up and do my thing at Mr. Highland Park, being able to actually BE MYSELF, and still get applause and admiration was absolutely incredible. Even though I didn't win, ( I refuse to say that I lost. I lost nothing. I gained plenty of things that night.) I came away from that experience feeling like a brand new person. If I had known how comfortable I was on stage when I was just entering High School, perhaps things would have been seriously different. Seeing the performances of 'Crazy For You' made me seriously regret my decisions of not joining Drama in High School.
It's not important now, though. The past is past and the future is now, and the future is looking fucking sweet. I've got a girlfriend who I am crazy about, I'm attending college in the fall, I am on summer vacation and there are almost endless possibilities in front of me. Despite what I said earlier, about regretting my decisions in the past, it's not a big deal at all. I kicked Highland Park High School in its ass, and I'm a better person for coming out of that place. I just need to keep my head up, keep writing, and keep living.
When I started writing this piece, I had no idea it would turn into a giant introspective analysis of my recent life. I never even touched upon the events that I mentioned in the first paragraph. I guess that's a good thing, the fact that my writing can get away from me so quickly. I feel a lot better after having written this, despite the pain in my back (that still remains from the first paragraph.) and the sleep that I will be sorely missing in the morrow.
It's late in the night, morning. As I feel the stress that is evident in my back by the raised bumps of testosterone, the screaming punk rocker in my ears cries about living a lie. I've come to realize that only recently have I stopped doing so, and truly started living. No longer am I stuck, burning in water. No, I find myself afloat in the mostmagnificent ocean of bliss in recent memory. These feelings aren't transitory, they aren't fictitious and I truly believe they are of a supernatural quality. The coincidences and events that have been instilled upon my existence lately are either some grand cosmic joke or merely as I put it, coincidence. I'm not one to question the decisions that are made or the paths that I find myself put upon, but I find myself curious. I find myself with just one question, and I know it won't be answered by who you're thinking of, as the universe does not speak to me in plain English. The question I find myself asking is thus;
What the hell took so long?
I'm looking over the last paragraph that I wrote and I'm seriously wondering what drugs I was on, or what I was trying to come across as. Was I trying to be deep and intellectual, or was it just so I would be able to put my thoughts to text? I feel like a fucking tool when I read back this post, and I'm sure there are a few of you who feel the same way. If you don't, please respond and tell me why not. Should I continue writing this type of stuff? I'm not going to write those typical posts which are only about mudslinging, as it's almost never worth it. Throwing my innermost thoughts on theInternet in an attempt to do, what? Feel better about myself? Garner attention from people who don't give a shit about me, because if they did, they would respond to more than just my notes?
I digress, the point of this post was, I believe, just to write. I haven't written in a long time, since before I graduated from High School. I still can't believe that I actually did that. It seems like just yesterday that I was filling out F.I.G.T.E.S.P.I.N.S., and being sent to the office for misbehaving. I still clearly remember the time where I made my fourth grade teacher cry for no reason at all, just because I was a fucking brat who thrived on causing misery. Looking back, I can say with a firm state of mind that I was a fucking maniac. I caused a mutiny in my kindergarten class, caused dozens of people to cry over the course of 13 years of schooling, talked back to dozens of teachers/administrators/counselors/aides/lunch ladies/faculty. I've gotten into at least five physical altercations, given countless purple-nurples, tripped hundreds of people, insulted the way people smelled, dressed, acted, talked, spelled, danced, walked, ran. I've put a thumbtack on a teacher's stool and had him sit upon it, I've skipped assignments and classes for no reason at all, and I had the time of my life.
Senior Year was an amazing time for me, and I'm seriously regretting that I didn't participate in more activities while I was in High School. Writing for the school newspaper, The Fling. Participating in One-Acts or Drama classes, and preforming on stage. These are the things that I wish I had paid more attention to while I was still in school, and it's a shame that I didn't take advantage of the opportunities I had.
Seeing my name in the paper was one of the coolest feelings, and the fact that I wrote perhaps three articles in the 8 months that I was writing for the paper is pathetic. Whether it was a lack of motivation or just sheer laziness, it was unfortunate for myself and everyone else that I was not more involved with the Fling. The few articles that actually made it into the newspaper weren't even that good in my opinion. They were hackwork that I shit out the night before a deadline, and I think it shows. Perhaps I'm just jaded, (and I do mean to gloat here, I think I found the actual point of this article. It's talking about myself. I guessing I'm writing an article now, as that is what I've referred to it as. An article for what? The comic book review website that I have neglected for months? The school newspaper that I can no longer write for? This isn't even the point, I'm still in the parenthesis. I should probably stop soon, or I will have an entire paragraph in between two sentences.) but people have told me that my work is amazing. Thanks for the praise, but I don't really see it.
When I participated in the Senior Auction and Mr. Highland Park, I never felt more comfortable. Being on stage, being in front of hundreds dozens of people, and just being myself (in the case of Mr. Highland Park, I was myself as well as several other people.) was almost an intoxicating experience. The only feelings of nervousness that I felt were before and after the performances. The butterflies and twitching all but disappeared when I went up on stage. For a person who hasn't always been proud of his body, for that person to go up on stage and tear off his clothing, that is truly something. Being able to go up and do my thing at Mr. Highland Park, being able to actually BE MYSELF, and still get applause and admiration was absolutely incredible. Even though I didn't win, ( I refuse to say that I lost. I lost nothing. I gained plenty of things that night.) I came away from that experience feeling like a brand new person. If I had known how comfortable I was on stage when I was just entering High School, perhaps things would have been seriously different. Seeing the performances of 'Crazy For You' made me seriously regret my decisions of not joining Drama in High School.
It's not important now, though. The past is past and the future is now, and the future is looking fucking sweet. I've got a girlfriend who I am crazy about, I'm attending college in the fall, I am on summer vacation and there are almost endless possibilities in front of me. Despite what I said earlier, about regretting my decisions in the past, it's not a big deal at all. I kicked Highland Park High School in its ass, and I'm a better person for coming out of that place. I just need to keep my head up, keep writing, and keep living.
When I started writing this piece, I had no idea it would turn into a giant introspective analysis of my recent life. I never even touched upon the events that I mentioned in the first paragraph. I guess that's a good thing, the fact that my writing can get away from me so quickly. I feel a lot better after having written this, despite the pain in my back (that still remains from the first paragraph.) and the sleep that I will be sorely missing in the morrow.
The Revised Mid-Term Schedule, or "The Biggest Waste of My Time Since Study Hall"
(Written Friday, March 14, 2008 at 3:19pm for The Highland Fling)
The Revised Mid-Term Schedule, or "The Biggest Waste of My Time Since Study Hall"
An introspective analysis by Ronnie Cacace
In another brilliant decision by the Powers That Be, Highland Park High School's Midterm Exams would keep students in school for the entire day. In former years, the time after the exams was free, with the school day ending early. Students were free to go home and sleep, study, relax, spend time with friends, and basically just unwind after spending over two hours taking exams. Teachers also benefited from this schedule, as it allowed them the time to grade and mark tests, which would otherwise take up their free time. Some people looked forward to Midterms, just for the half-days and opportunities to sleep from noon to midnight.
All these things sound wonderful, don't they? They sound like things that you would enjoy partaking in, perhaps even feel happy about. Would you like to experience these events?
Too bad.
The revised Midterm schedule kept students in class for the full seven hours of the day, (oh hey, we got out ten minutes early! I forgot about that. So it was more like six hours and forty-five minutes.) There were two midterms each day, with two "classes", two "breaks", and a designated lunchtime to complete the schedule. How did this all fare? How did our magnificent school manage to deal with this new schedule?
Quite poorly.
None of the exams that I took required more than half the time allotted, except for one. In almost all of exams, people were left with a good half-hour to forty-five minutes to sleep or study for their next test. I never study, as I find studying is detrimental to my grades. I know that there are some people out there, who do study, and you have my apologies. I can't possibly imagine what it's like to live like that. For the "classes" that students had between exams, absolutely nothing was accomplished. I'm not even trying to be funny, nothing got done in any of these classes. Teachers were busy trying to keep the restless students quiet, while trying to grade stacks of papers. Students were either exhausted from having to get up early to take exams or hyper from the lack of activity. I haven't even gotten to the best part yet, just wait for it, you're going to love this.
During the second fifteen-minute "break", students were told that snacks would be served in the cafeteria. Apparently, someone forgot to carry the two in one of the equations they used that created this excuse of a schedule, because the entire Middle School was using the lunchroom. Do you remember those guys? The same Middle School students who were supposed to have their own lunchroom?
Students were told they had to report to the auditorium, (Let me take a minute here to just say that I could not have made this stuff up. I'm a funny guy, but this is just way beyond even my capabilities. This is million-dollar comedy material, right here.) Upon arriving to the auditorium, students were told once again that the Middle School was occupying the area and that they would have to leave. With nowhere to go, and no one to tell them what to do, the students did exactly what any other teenager with free time would do. Loiter in the hallways, create blockades, form embargoes on communist countries, and start drum circles. The best part about this wasn't the fact that students had nowhere to go, or that the Powers That Be failed to remember that we share our illustrious building with a large amount of preteens. The best part was that I had to go to the main office and inform the people working about what was going on. The administration had no idea, as they were in a meeting and unreachable at the time. I will forever remember these fifteen minutes as the funniest fifteen minutes of my life, even better than that time I got suspended in my freshman year. The next day, students were again left to wander in the hallways, only with supervision this time. Things gradually return to whatever passes for "normal" around Highland Park, and everyone seems to have forgotten about those fifteen minutes. I haven't, and I doubt I ever will.
The Revised Mid-Term Schedule, or "The Biggest Waste of My Time Since Study Hall"
An introspective analysis by Ronnie Cacace
In another brilliant decision by the Powers That Be, Highland Park High School's Midterm Exams would keep students in school for the entire day. In former years, the time after the exams was free, with the school day ending early. Students were free to go home and sleep, study, relax, spend time with friends, and basically just unwind after spending over two hours taking exams. Teachers also benefited from this schedule, as it allowed them the time to grade and mark tests, which would otherwise take up their free time. Some people looked forward to Midterms, just for the half-days and opportunities to sleep from noon to midnight.
All these things sound wonderful, don't they? They sound like things that you would enjoy partaking in, perhaps even feel happy about. Would you like to experience these events?
Too bad.
The revised Midterm schedule kept students in class for the full seven hours of the day, (oh hey, we got out ten minutes early! I forgot about that. So it was more like six hours and forty-five minutes.) There were two midterms each day, with two "classes", two "breaks", and a designated lunchtime to complete the schedule. How did this all fare? How did our magnificent school manage to deal with this new schedule?
Quite poorly.
None of the exams that I took required more than half the time allotted, except for one. In almost all of exams, people were left with a good half-hour to forty-five minutes to sleep or study for their next test. I never study, as I find studying is detrimental to my grades. I know that there are some people out there, who do study, and you have my apologies. I can't possibly imagine what it's like to live like that. For the "classes" that students had between exams, absolutely nothing was accomplished. I'm not even trying to be funny, nothing got done in any of these classes. Teachers were busy trying to keep the restless students quiet, while trying to grade stacks of papers. Students were either exhausted from having to get up early to take exams or hyper from the lack of activity. I haven't even gotten to the best part yet, just wait for it, you're going to love this.
During the second fifteen-minute "break", students were told that snacks would be served in the cafeteria. Apparently, someone forgot to carry the two in one of the equations they used that created this excuse of a schedule, because the entire Middle School was using the lunchroom. Do you remember those guys? The same Middle School students who were supposed to have their own lunchroom?
Students were told they had to report to the auditorium, (Let me take a minute here to just say that I could not have made this stuff up. I'm a funny guy, but this is just way beyond even my capabilities. This is million-dollar comedy material, right here.) Upon arriving to the auditorium, students were told once again that the Middle School was occupying the area and that they would have to leave. With nowhere to go, and no one to tell them what to do, the students did exactly what any other teenager with free time would do. Loiter in the hallways, create blockades, form embargoes on communist countries, and start drum circles. The best part about this wasn't the fact that students had nowhere to go, or that the Powers That Be failed to remember that we share our illustrious building with a large amount of preteens. The best part was that I had to go to the main office and inform the people working about what was going on. The administration had no idea, as they were in a meeting and unreachable at the time. I will forever remember these fifteen minutes as the funniest fifteen minutes of my life, even better than that time I got suspended in my freshman year. The next day, students were again left to wander in the hallways, only with supervision this time. Things gradually return to whatever passes for "normal" around Highland Park, and everyone seems to have forgotten about those fifteen minutes. I haven't, and I doubt I ever will.
Study Hall
(Written Saturday, February 2, 2008 at 6:56pm for the Highland Fling)
One of the more irritating of changes in recent years was the replacement of Free Periods with Study Halls. Study Halls are just another way for the administration to control every movement and act of the students, and just another way to eliminate any illusion of choice or freedom. Gone are the days of signing out for a forty-five minute nap in your car, and gone are the days of talking with friends in the lunchroom. Welcome to the days where you are kept in one room, with nothing to do and restricted from even the most basic of privileges.
Students are not allowed to put their heads down, sleep, listen to music or anything else that might result in a little bit of relaxation. Who benefits from preventing students to listen to a little music while they sit? If it helps them to concentrate, and perhaps even do a little work, where is the problem? If it doesn't bother anyone, and it's not causing a disruption, where is the harm? I ask again, who benefits?
If I may, I'd like to talk a little about what I've accomplished this year in Study Hall. I reached a high score of 10867 in Jetman, which I'm proud to say is the highest in the Highland Park High School network. I've read over twenty-five graphic novels that I received for Christmas, and I wrote five freestyles. As you can clearly see, I've accomplished much in the time given to me.
I'm sure there are some of you out there who actually spend their Study Hall time doing work. That's great, but I'm sure that, given the opportunity, you would do that same work during a free period. But I digress, the chances of this article or anything anyone says actually affecting policy are about equal to any one of you beating my Jetman score. Slim to none.
One of the more irritating of changes in recent years was the replacement of Free Periods with Study Halls. Study Halls are just another way for the administration to control every movement and act of the students, and just another way to eliminate any illusion of choice or freedom. Gone are the days of signing out for a forty-five minute nap in your car, and gone are the days of talking with friends in the lunchroom. Welcome to the days where you are kept in one room, with nothing to do and restricted from even the most basic of privileges.
Students are not allowed to put their heads down, sleep, listen to music or anything else that might result in a little bit of relaxation. Who benefits from preventing students to listen to a little music while they sit? If it helps them to concentrate, and perhaps even do a little work, where is the problem? If it doesn't bother anyone, and it's not causing a disruption, where is the harm? I ask again, who benefits?
If I may, I'd like to talk a little about what I've accomplished this year in Study Hall. I reached a high score of 10867 in Jetman, which I'm proud to say is the highest in the Highland Park High School network. I've read over twenty-five graphic novels that I received for Christmas, and I wrote five freestyles. As you can clearly see, I've accomplished much in the time given to me.
I'm sure there are some of you out there who actually spend their Study Hall time doing work. That's great, but I'm sure that, given the opportunity, you would do that same work during a free period. But I digress, the chances of this article or anything anyone says actually affecting policy are about equal to any one of you beating my Jetman score. Slim to none.
You Know What Really Grinds My Gears?
(Written Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 3:16am)
You know what really grinds my gears?
When people IGNORE you. That really grinds my gears. I'm sure everyone has had something like this happen to them; when you try and talk to someone and they just IGNORE you.
Forget that.
I spent thirty dollars on that gift and if you aren't gonna respond to my messages, I might as well give it to someone who actually deserves my attention.
Now, I could understand if it's a matter of just not receiving the messages at said time of being sent, but if your computer is on for days at a time, you should still see it.
Maybe you're just being a woman and you're playing hard to get. OK. Maybe you're just angry because I forgot your birthday. OK.
But if it's for any reason other than that, forget you, and forget your dog too.
You know what else really grinds my gears?
Sebaceous Cysts.
For those of you who don't know what a Sebaceous Cyst is, allow me to inform you.
It's basically a large cluster of cells that all of a sudden want to stop moving around in your body and decide to start joining together.
Imagine a condo being somewhere on your body. Now imagine that the guy renting the condo is an illegal immigrant. He's gonna invite all of his family and friends to come stay for free, to the misfortune of the guy who owns the land the condo is on. The condo fills up with people and things, and they really don't belong there in the first place, and shit starts to get serious.
(I have nothing against illegal immigrants, I just thought the analogy would prove to be both humorous and yet touch an important part of current events in the world.)
I had to get one removed today, and while the procedure didn't hurt at all, the novicane wore off and now I can't bend my knee. I'm not gonna post a picture, just to spare you all the pain, but basically I've got about a two inch incision on the back of my leg covered with four stitches. That basically killed my whole Friday.
Another thing that grinds my gears?
When UPS crushes my packages.
I spent $171 dollars on the stuff inside the box and you send it to me crushed, with the tape broken and the side open? What am I paying $20 shipping for? So the guys delivering packages can pretend to be Barry Bonds and try and kick field goals? (That was a sports joke, for you ladies reading this.) Not to mention the fact that nobody rang the doorbell, and the package was left on my front step for anybody to just waltz up to and take. By the way, for clarity's sake, said picture is not actual box. The actual box has been sunk to serve as a habitat for sea life and felines.
The final thing that's grinding my gears tonight?
Spider-Man.
More specifically, the latest issue of Amazing Spider-Man.
SPOILER ALERT FROM HERE ON OUT FOLKS, IF YOU READ COMIC BOOKS AND YOU DO NOT WANT AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #545 SPOILED FOR YOU, STOP HERE
Joe Quesada, the Editor-In-Chief over at Marvel Comics, has made no secret of his disdain for Spider-Man's marriage. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Spider-Man character, or current events unfolding in the Marvel Universe, allow me to give a little insight.
Peter Parker married Mary-Jane Watson many moons ago. Joe Quesada views the marriage as a scar on the character, preventing Spider-Man (and Peter Parker), from appealing to readers of all ages. Joe wants the Spider-Man he grew up with, the single, lives with his aging-aunt, can't afford a nice suit, twenty-something Peter Parker.
Recent developments in the Marvel Universe involving Peter Parker include his identity as Spider-Man being made public, new powers being gained after going through an evolutionary process, and his status as a fugitive for disobeying the Super-Human Registration Act.
As a result of being a fugitive from justice, and his identity being publicly known, his elderly Aunt May (who's like, 90, or something) is shot by a sniper's bullet. Peter does everything he can to save her, short of making a deal with the devil.
Oh wait, that's exactly what he does.
Yes, that's right. The devil, otherwise known in the Marvel Universe as Mephisto.
Does that look like a trust-worthy individual?
Peter can't deal with the guilt that would result if his aunt (who's like, 90, or something) were to die from a bullet intended for himself. Despite everyone in the entire Marvel Universe telling him that "It's her time.", Peter ignores them because the guilt would, "tear him apart."
YOUR AUNT IS LIKE, 90, OR SOMETHING. SHE'S ALREADY DIED ONCE, WHAT'S ONE MORE TIME?
Mephisto tells Peter that he can save his aunt, but there's a catch. Mephisto wants their Peter and MJ's marriage. Yes, that's right, the devil wants their love. What reason? FUCK YOUR REASON, that's why. The excuse given in the book is that "a love so pure, like yours, is unique. It would please me greatly to be in possession of such a love, rather than him."
I'm paraphrasing, of course, because I really don't want to get up and read that piece of crap again.
Still with me? Let's recap.
An old lady is dying, and everyone says that it's her time. The only way to save her is to make a deal with the devil and give up your hot wife and your marriage, and your memories of said marriage. Sounds gravy, right?
Peter and MJ eventually reach the decision that the old hag (who's like, 90, or something) is worth saving, and they decide to go through with the deal. Oh, one more thing, because they are giving up their marriage, they'll never be able to have their future child. Thanks, Mephisto. Mephisto does his magic thing, and reality changes.
Peter awakes in his bed, goes downstairs to find his old Aunt May cooking wheatcakes, and rushes off to a surprise party.
The surprise party is being held for Harry Osborn, son of Norman, college roommate of Peter. Dead for 15 years (our time).
Everything is as it was in 1975.
Fuck that.
I'm done.
You know what really grinds my gears?
When people IGNORE you. That really grinds my gears. I'm sure everyone has had something like this happen to them; when you try and talk to someone and they just IGNORE you.
Forget that.
I spent thirty dollars on that gift and if you aren't gonna respond to my messages, I might as well give it to someone who actually deserves my attention.
Now, I could understand if it's a matter of just not receiving the messages at said time of being sent, but if your computer is on for days at a time, you should still see it.
Maybe you're just being a woman and you're playing hard to get. OK. Maybe you're just angry because I forgot your birthday. OK.
But if it's for any reason other than that, forget you, and forget your dog too.
You know what else really grinds my gears?
Sebaceous Cysts.
For those of you who don't know what a Sebaceous Cyst is, allow me to inform you.
It's basically a large cluster of cells that all of a sudden want to stop moving around in your body and decide to start joining together.
Imagine a condo being somewhere on your body. Now imagine that the guy renting the condo is an illegal immigrant. He's gonna invite all of his family and friends to come stay for free, to the misfortune of the guy who owns the land the condo is on. The condo fills up with people and things, and they really don't belong there in the first place, and shit starts to get serious.
(I have nothing against illegal immigrants, I just thought the analogy would prove to be both humorous and yet touch an important part of current events in the world.)
I had to get one removed today, and while the procedure didn't hurt at all, the novicane wore off and now I can't bend my knee. I'm not gonna post a picture, just to spare you all the pain, but basically I've got about a two inch incision on the back of my leg covered with four stitches. That basically killed my whole Friday.
Another thing that grinds my gears?
When UPS crushes my packages.
I spent $171 dollars on the stuff inside the box and you send it to me crushed, with the tape broken and the side open? What am I paying $20 shipping for? So the guys delivering packages can pretend to be Barry Bonds and try and kick field goals? (That was a sports joke, for you ladies reading this.) Not to mention the fact that nobody rang the doorbell, and the package was left on my front step for anybody to just waltz up to and take. By the way, for clarity's sake, said picture is not actual box. The actual box has been sunk to serve as a habitat for sea life and felines.
The final thing that's grinding my gears tonight?
Spider-Man.
More specifically, the latest issue of Amazing Spider-Man.
SPOILER ALERT FROM HERE ON OUT FOLKS, IF YOU READ COMIC BOOKS AND YOU DO NOT WANT AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #545 SPOILED FOR YOU, STOP HERE
Joe Quesada, the Editor-In-Chief over at Marvel Comics, has made no secret of his disdain for Spider-Man's marriage. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Spider-Man character, or current events unfolding in the Marvel Universe, allow me to give a little insight.
Peter Parker married Mary-Jane Watson many moons ago. Joe Quesada views the marriage as a scar on the character, preventing Spider-Man (and Peter Parker), from appealing to readers of all ages. Joe wants the Spider-Man he grew up with, the single, lives with his aging-aunt, can't afford a nice suit, twenty-something Peter Parker.
Recent developments in the Marvel Universe involving Peter Parker include his identity as Spider-Man being made public, new powers being gained after going through an evolutionary process, and his status as a fugitive for disobeying the Super-Human Registration Act.
As a result of being a fugitive from justice, and his identity being publicly known, his elderly Aunt May (who's like, 90, or something) is shot by a sniper's bullet. Peter does everything he can to save her, short of making a deal with the devil.
Oh wait, that's exactly what he does.
Yes, that's right. The devil, otherwise known in the Marvel Universe as Mephisto.
Does that look like a trust-worthy individual?
Peter can't deal with the guilt that would result if his aunt (who's like, 90, or something) were to die from a bullet intended for himself. Despite everyone in the entire Marvel Universe telling him that "It's her time.", Peter ignores them because the guilt would, "tear him apart."
YOUR AUNT IS LIKE, 90, OR SOMETHING. SHE'S ALREADY DIED ONCE, WHAT'S ONE MORE TIME?
Mephisto tells Peter that he can save his aunt, but there's a catch. Mephisto wants their Peter and MJ's marriage. Yes, that's right, the devil wants their love. What reason? FUCK YOUR REASON, that's why. The excuse given in the book is that "a love so pure, like yours, is unique. It would please me greatly to be in possession of such a love, rather than him."
I'm paraphrasing, of course, because I really don't want to get up and read that piece of crap again.
Still with me? Let's recap.
An old lady is dying, and everyone says that it's her time. The only way to save her is to make a deal with the devil and give up your hot wife and your marriage, and your memories of said marriage. Sounds gravy, right?
Peter and MJ eventually reach the decision that the old hag (who's like, 90, or something) is worth saving, and they decide to go through with the deal. Oh, one more thing, because they are giving up their marriage, they'll never be able to have their future child. Thanks, Mephisto. Mephisto does his magic thing, and reality changes.
Peter awakes in his bed, goes downstairs to find his old Aunt May cooking wheatcakes, and rushes off to a surprise party.
The surprise party is being held for Harry Osborn, son of Norman, college roommate of Peter. Dead for 15 years (our time).
Everything is as it was in 1975.
Fuck that.
I'm done.
What Happened Today.
(Written Thursday, September 20, 2007 at 7:07pm)
I'm a senior at Highland Park High School, and here is my account of the events that transpired at the school today. At around 12:22 PM, all high school students were brought to the auditorium for an assembly about the new security systems installed in our school. The systems are comprised of cameras, magnetic locks on all doors, alarms that sound if the doors are opened, and other 'necessary precautions.'
I asked a question about what was being done to protect the kids INSIDE the school from people INSIDE the school. He told me that they have the buttons that open the doors in case of emergency, and that they would be used for that. There was discussion about what would happen if someone had a gun in the school and what would happen, a lockdown.
After the assembly, (about 1:00), all high school students were taken out to the football field to sit on the bleachers and watch the football game. At around 2:40 (normal dismissal time), students got up and proceeded to head towards the back of the school, in order to get their belongings and exit through the school. Before students could enter the cafeteria, they were being turned back by several students and faculty, telling them it was 'for their safety' and that 'it was serious.'
I went back towards the bleachers, all the while listening in to the paranoia and hysteria, and admittedly, contributing to it myself. There was a rumor spreading about someone being in the building with a gun, about someone shooting inside the school, but nothing was really known at the time. The faculty continued to push students back towards the bleachers, while the football game continued to play. Police vehicles and officers started entering the back parking lot from fifth avenue, the presence of police officers was steadily increasing.
Having not eaten since 9 AM that morning due to the faculty's poor foresight on scheduling shorter classes and an 'event', I was hungry and tired. I've been going to Highland Park High School for five years now (middle school for 2 years, high school for 3 years so far), and I know the layout of the building and the property well. Myself and two others decided to head home early by exiting towards the back of the football field, through a fence, and onto fourth avenue. While walking home, I noticed a police vehicle blocking off a side entrance to the school on 4th avenue.
After checking the news at home, my friend and I went back to the school to retrieve his vehicle, which he had left there in our hurry to leave. On the way back, we walked pass the middle school (connected to the high school), where parents where waiting across the street and in their cars. There were 5 police cars in the area in front of the high school entrance, and a 6th police car in front of the public library across the street.
I met up with a few of my friends, who informed me the high schoolers had been let go through an exit on fourth avenue, that the middle school was in lock down, and that there were also several high schoolers and staff that were locked down in the high school as well. They had not been told anything by the police, and they had heard the same rumor as I had (that someone had a gun in the school.)
The mayor soon arrived, and began talking with parents and the police. Reporters and photographers arrived, asking questions and taking down information. My friends and I were in contact with people who were inside the school at the time, via cellular telephone. The people inside the school did not have any idea of what was going on at the time. Eventually, the students were released, and no information as to the WHY or WHAT had happened.
Any questions?
I'm a senior at Highland Park High School, and here is my account of the events that transpired at the school today. At around 12:22 PM, all high school students were brought to the auditorium for an assembly about the new security systems installed in our school. The systems are comprised of cameras, magnetic locks on all doors, alarms that sound if the doors are opened, and other 'necessary precautions.'
I asked a question about what was being done to protect the kids INSIDE the school from people INSIDE the school. He told me that they have the buttons that open the doors in case of emergency, and that they would be used for that. There was discussion about what would happen if someone had a gun in the school and what would happen, a lockdown.
After the assembly, (about 1:00), all high school students were taken out to the football field to sit on the bleachers and watch the football game. At around 2:40 (normal dismissal time), students got up and proceeded to head towards the back of the school, in order to get their belongings and exit through the school. Before students could enter the cafeteria, they were being turned back by several students and faculty, telling them it was 'for their safety' and that 'it was serious.'
I went back towards the bleachers, all the while listening in to the paranoia and hysteria, and admittedly, contributing to it myself. There was a rumor spreading about someone being in the building with a gun, about someone shooting inside the school, but nothing was really known at the time. The faculty continued to push students back towards the bleachers, while the football game continued to play. Police vehicles and officers started entering the back parking lot from fifth avenue, the presence of police officers was steadily increasing.
Having not eaten since 9 AM that morning due to the faculty's poor foresight on scheduling shorter classes and an 'event', I was hungry and tired. I've been going to Highland Park High School for five years now (middle school for 2 years, high school for 3 years so far), and I know the layout of the building and the property well. Myself and two others decided to head home early by exiting towards the back of the football field, through a fence, and onto fourth avenue. While walking home, I noticed a police vehicle blocking off a side entrance to the school on 4th avenue.
After checking the news at home, my friend and I went back to the school to retrieve his vehicle, which he had left there in our hurry to leave. On the way back, we walked pass the middle school (connected to the high school), where parents where waiting across the street and in their cars. There were 5 police cars in the area in front of the high school entrance, and a 6th police car in front of the public library across the street.
I met up with a few of my friends, who informed me the high schoolers had been let go through an exit on fourth avenue, that the middle school was in lock down, and that there were also several high schoolers and staff that were locked down in the high school as well. They had not been told anything by the police, and they had heard the same rumor as I had (that someone had a gun in the school.)
The mayor soon arrived, and began talking with parents and the police. Reporters and photographers arrived, asking questions and taking down information. My friends and I were in contact with people who were inside the school at the time, via cellular telephone. The people inside the school did not have any idea of what was going on at the time. Eventually, the students were released, and no information as to the WHY or WHAT had happened.
Any questions?
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