Ughh I'm terrible at this. I have been polishing up my final OPs for you guys and it's been very difficult and I must say, I didn't think it would be. I thought by now I was inured to all of the super sap, but as it turns out--not so much. Sap is practically dripping from my darn OP--I'm going to need a super-absorbent sponge to edit the stupid thing.
So, in the interests of keeping this blog all about my babies, I would like you to think back on our year together, compile your best memories, anecdotes, lessons, words of wisdom and final requests and say farewell to our Lang class, in any way you would like.
Odds are, you may all have each other in classes again next year, and if I'm very lucky, perhaps I will be blessed enough to see you gracing 204 for Debate and Discussion or just during your free time. It will be my sincere pleasure, indeed. If not, though, please know that it has been a humbling and enlightening experience to meet you all--and one I'll not soon forget.
Thank you all for an amazing year. You have been a gift, truly.
Love always,
Bunj
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Your Destiny...
Today in class we talked a bit about choosing your path; how you choose, what motivates those choices etc. We did this in a rather stressful way--by talking about college and your futures. So, let's take a step back and return to the basics of our blog--that is, to allow us the freedom and the courage to roam through our mind.
One of the most important things, I think, about the notion of choices and decisions and such is the fact that, through each choice we make, we, albeit unconsciously, undergo a process of education. We learn something. Whether it be about ourselves, our friends, our loved ones etc, we learn. Sometimes, the paths we choose take us somewhere dark and foreboding; in which case we learn we never want to return there. Other times, our choices transport us to a place of whimsy and euphoria and bliss. When that happens, we want to take meticulous notes on how we may someday return to that same place. (I am speaking metaphorically, here)
Either way, there is both direct and indirect knowledge gained from the decisions we make about the paths we follow. And, as with every bit of education, there is always a test. Again with the tests!
This week, I would like you to think about a time in your life where you were forced to undergo a test of your character due to a choice you made. Or, if you are poised on the precarious precipice of decision now, you can make a prediction about what you are about to experience. What do you think this choice, this path said, says or will say about you? What did you or will you learn? What do you want to learn?
One of the most important things, I think, about the notion of choices and decisions and such is the fact that, through each choice we make, we, albeit unconsciously, undergo a process of education. We learn something. Whether it be about ourselves, our friends, our loved ones etc, we learn. Sometimes, the paths we choose take us somewhere dark and foreboding; in which case we learn we never want to return there. Other times, our choices transport us to a place of whimsy and euphoria and bliss. When that happens, we want to take meticulous notes on how we may someday return to that same place. (I am speaking metaphorically, here)
Either way, there is both direct and indirect knowledge gained from the decisions we make about the paths we follow. And, as with every bit of education, there is always a test. Again with the tests!
This week, I would like you to think about a time in your life where you were forced to undergo a test of your character due to a choice you made. Or, if you are poised on the precarious precipice of decision now, you can make a prediction about what you are about to experience. What do you think this choice, this path said, says or will say about you? What did you or will you learn? What do you want to learn?
Monday, April 30, 2012
The Dark Side Revisited...
Let me take you back....back...to that fun little diddy we did in class called The Last Word. Remember it?
We didn't have a chance to do a post-mortem on that, I can't remember why, but I never really got a chance to hear what you all gained from that experience.
I am not sure if you remember the reading--I hope you do and if not, I hope you have it because you may have to refresh yourselves on the context in order to answer this blog.
First things first, what did you think of the piece? It was called The Dark Side (It was, right?--Sometimes I use another one called In Praise of the Bad Guy)
Sidebar: As you know, I love love love Robert Greene and if any of you are interested, I have all ofhis books including the one referenced in the article, The Art of Seduction.
After reading the books, I sort of stumbled upon his blog (which is where The Dark Side the originated) called Power, Seduction and War.
What you read the day of The Last Word exercise was an older post that I read a couple years back and STILL has me musing over the contents all this time later.
I posit that the theme of this post is that we are drawn to what we perceive is the dark side of human nature, and presumably, the dark side of ourselves. He cites certain examples of classic "villains" both real and fictional and in those we are not talking about ritualistic serial killers or people who harm animals or children per se. From virtually every standpoint, that type of "dark side" is reviled, as of course it should be.
However, there exists, in all of us, an unmistakable desire to do "the wrong" thing (his assertion), and the more we call those people who act on that desire out on it, the stronger the pull is either to the person or to the act. In his exact words: "The strength of their denunciation equals the strength of their attraction."
He goes on to say, in what may be the most controversial opinion in the entire piece, that we are drawn to certain villainous characters such as the pimp, the seducer, the hustler etc because they are more GENUINE than we are. They recognize their dark side and rather than try to hide it or deny it completely, they act on it.
After reading it and taken what I've said here into consideration, do you agree with Greene or disagree? Also to be considered of course is: Do you have a dark side?
Naturally, you must support what you are saying with thoughtful and relevant examples.(450 words/65pts)
We didn't have a chance to do a post-mortem on that, I can't remember why, but I never really got a chance to hear what you all gained from that experience.
I am not sure if you remember the reading--I hope you do and if not, I hope you have it because you may have to refresh yourselves on the context in order to answer this blog.
First things first, what did you think of the piece? It was called The Dark Side (It was, right?--Sometimes I use another one called In Praise of the Bad Guy)
Sidebar: As you know, I love love love Robert Greene and if any of you are interested, I have all ofhis books including the one referenced in the article, The Art of Seduction.
After reading the books, I sort of stumbled upon his blog (which is where The Dark Side the originated) called Power, Seduction and War.
What you read the day of The Last Word exercise was an older post that I read a couple years back and STILL has me musing over the contents all this time later.
I posit that the theme of this post is that we are drawn to what we perceive is the dark side of human nature, and presumably, the dark side of ourselves. He cites certain examples of classic "villains" both real and fictional and in those we are not talking about ritualistic serial killers or people who harm animals or children per se. From virtually every standpoint, that type of "dark side" is reviled, as of course it should be.
However, there exists, in all of us, an unmistakable desire to do "the wrong" thing (his assertion), and the more we call those people who act on that desire out on it, the stronger the pull is either to the person or to the act. In his exact words: "The strength of their denunciation equals the strength of their attraction."
He goes on to say, in what may be the most controversial opinion in the entire piece, that we are drawn to certain villainous characters such as the pimp, the seducer, the hustler etc because they are more GENUINE than we are. They recognize their dark side and rather than try to hide it or deny it completely, they act on it.
After reading it and taken what I've said here into consideration, do you agree with Greene or disagree? Also to be considered of course is: Do you have a dark side?
Naturally, you must support what you are saying with thoughtful and relevant examples.(450 words/65pts)
Monday, April 23, 2012
Mental Floss
I was perusing the internet over this fine weekend and I came across a blog I used to follow quite regularly. It says things like "practical tips for productive living." And then it goes on to list things that would be good to think about during the daily grind. It's written by an annoyingly cute couple who obviously sit around thinking philosophically on the regular. I must say, I'm a tad jealous because, frankly, I don't have the energy.
Anyway, if you're interested in the site itself, I will give you the link or post it here--it's worth a read.
Soo, as I was browsing around the archives, I found some cool, thought-provoking questions that left me lost inside my own head for a good 2 hours or so. There were 50 of them and I am not going to list them all here, but I am going to post some of the more provocative ones. Obviously, you don't need to write volumes on each question--but expound on the ones that really resonate with you and allow your mind to roam at will. Take your time and have some fun on the mental playground that these questions construct sort of naturally.
I did--and I will answer them for you too because that is something, after much speculation, I realized that I don't do nearly enough.
1.How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are? (I love this one!)
2.Which is worse, failing or never trying?
3.If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?
5.What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?
6.If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
8.If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
9.To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?
10.Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
12.If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
13.Would you break the law to save a loved one?
17.What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?
18.Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
23.Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?
26.Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
34.Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?
36.Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?
41.If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?
46.What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
Anyway, if you're interested in the site itself, I will give you the link or post it here--it's worth a read.
Soo, as I was browsing around the archives, I found some cool, thought-provoking questions that left me lost inside my own head for a good 2 hours or so. There were 50 of them and I am not going to list them all here, but I am going to post some of the more provocative ones. Obviously, you don't need to write volumes on each question--but expound on the ones that really resonate with you and allow your mind to roam at will. Take your time and have some fun on the mental playground that these questions construct sort of naturally.
I did--and I will answer them for you too because that is something, after much speculation, I realized that I don't do nearly enough.
1.How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are? (I love this one!)
2.Which is worse, failing or never trying?
3.If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?
5.What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?
6.If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
8.If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
9.To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?
10.Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
12.If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
13.Would you break the law to save a loved one?
17.What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?
18.Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
23.Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?
26.Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
34.Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?
36.Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?
41.If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?
46.What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Breathe In...Breathe Out
From time to time, when tensions are high or I can sense a pervading uneasy energy, I do a little meditative exercise. Usually, it is a visualization or relaxation ritual; something easy to refocus my mind.
As exam time draws near, I will begin to show you some more advanced techniques for meditation and you can use it however you see fit.
So, in preparation for that, this week's blog will have you contemplating your "happy place" either real or metaphorical or imaginary. Please answer the following questions.
Where do you like to go to escape from the pressures of your life? (It doesn't have to be a real place).
What is your best childhood memory? Describe it in detail.
Where and when do you feel your absolute best? Why?
What is the most soothing sound you can imagine?
Which colors affect your mood the most? How do those colors affect it?
When during the day do you feel the most at ease? Why? What is it about that time of day that provides comfort?
As exam time draws near, I will begin to show you some more advanced techniques for meditation and you can use it however you see fit.
So, in preparation for that, this week's blog will have you contemplating your "happy place" either real or metaphorical or imaginary. Please answer the following questions.
Where do you like to go to escape from the pressures of your life? (It doesn't have to be a real place).
What is your best childhood memory? Describe it in detail.
Where and when do you feel your absolute best? Why?
What is the most soothing sound you can imagine?
Which colors affect your mood the most? How do those colors affect it?
When during the day do you feel the most at ease? Why? What is it about that time of day that provides comfort?
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
The Winds of Change
Welcome back, my poppets! I hope Spring pause was good to and for you, and that, for the brief moment in time, you were able to relax your mind and channel your energies into having some well-deserved "you" time. I tried to do the same, but alas--it was not to be. Darn dogs. In any case, we are back on track now and hopefully you are rested and revived enough to take on what has "affectionately" been named DEATH MONTH. Opening day for this annual holiday is different from year to year--this year, it's April 10, 2012. We hit the ground running and we don't stop until that AP exam is bruised and bleeding and begging for mercy after you have all stomped all over it and p@wned the sweet bejeebies out of it.
So, during my time off, I had some rare opportunities of solitude, which translated to me going back into our blog and re-reading all of your previous posts. I find it amazing that this blog offers such insight into the various personalities, and more so that I can learn a great deal about each of you both from what you say, and lots of times, what you don't say--or even what you almost-but-not-quite don't say. That coupled with the gale-force winds of yesterday and how they were able to transform my yard from a sweet and neat little haven to a ransacked train-wreck IN AN INSTANT began me thinking....and you know what that means.
Reading over previous postings and thinking about what I know about each of you individually offered me a rare glimpse into a collective psyche.
Most, if not all, of you have two fundamental fears: 1, the idea of change and/or 2, the possibility of making the "wrong" choice.
Now, I know that there are plenty of people who will tell me that the idea of change, especially if it includes a change of scenery from sunny Mays Landing/Mullica/Laureldale to just about anywhere else would be welcomed with open arms and a huge, block-lettered sign. But, despite the wanderlust or pre-"senioritis" that you have all felt creeping in on you, you have to admit that, at its core, change is a scary proposition. After all, the intrinsic nature of change is that of the unknown, the unchartered, the unfamiliar and the unrevealed.
So, if you are one of the restless souls who yearns for change--what is it about it that is so appealing to you? What do you hope the changes you want to seek out, to undergo or to witness will mean for you, your future, your life? On the other hand, if you are one who double locks the door when change comes a-knockin', tell me what it is about the prospect of it that fightens you. What do you think might happen?
We're not done...oh no...onward...
Now, one of Change's many dance partners is Choice. Right/wrong, smart/stupid, bad/ good..choice exists and you are confronted with the notion of it every single day. Sometimes, these are choices of epic proportions--break-up or stay together; cut class to get that paper done or suck it up and take a zero; confront the back-stabbing friend or let it go; get high just this once or walk away never knowing; and sometimes it can be as inconsequential as chicken patty or PB&J. Either way, your mind has a process it undergoes when you have to make a choice. Tell me about it. Do your weigh all your options and consider possible outcomes, or do you dive in and hope the water isn't too cold? I think I am mix-metaphoring myself into a corner here--but I know you know what I mean. When you are confronted with a choice--how do you make it? And, more importantly, why? A lot to think about, I know...but, you asked for it! :)
So, during my time off, I had some rare opportunities of solitude, which translated to me going back into our blog and re-reading all of your previous posts. I find it amazing that this blog offers such insight into the various personalities, and more so that I can learn a great deal about each of you both from what you say, and lots of times, what you don't say--or even what you almost-but-not-quite don't say. That coupled with the gale-force winds of yesterday and how they were able to transform my yard from a sweet and neat little haven to a ransacked train-wreck IN AN INSTANT began me thinking....and you know what that means.
Reading over previous postings and thinking about what I know about each of you individually offered me a rare glimpse into a collective psyche.
Most, if not all, of you have two fundamental fears: 1, the idea of change and/or 2, the possibility of making the "wrong" choice.
Now, I know that there are plenty of people who will tell me that the idea of change, especially if it includes a change of scenery from sunny Mays Landing/Mullica/Laureldale to just about anywhere else would be welcomed with open arms and a huge, block-lettered sign. But, despite the wanderlust or pre-"senioritis" that you have all felt creeping in on you, you have to admit that, at its core, change is a scary proposition. After all, the intrinsic nature of change is that of the unknown, the unchartered, the unfamiliar and the unrevealed.
So, if you are one of the restless souls who yearns for change--what is it about it that is so appealing to you? What do you hope the changes you want to seek out, to undergo or to witness will mean for you, your future, your life? On the other hand, if you are one who double locks the door when change comes a-knockin', tell me what it is about the prospect of it that fightens you. What do you think might happen?
We're not done...oh no...onward...
Now, one of Change's many dance partners is Choice. Right/wrong, smart/stupid, bad/ good..choice exists and you are confronted with the notion of it every single day. Sometimes, these are choices of epic proportions--break-up or stay together; cut class to get that paper done or suck it up and take a zero; confront the back-stabbing friend or let it go; get high just this once or walk away never knowing; and sometimes it can be as inconsequential as chicken patty or PB&J. Either way, your mind has a process it undergoes when you have to make a choice. Tell me about it. Do your weigh all your options and consider possible outcomes, or do you dive in and hope the water isn't too cold? I think I am mix-metaphoring myself into a corner here--but I know you know what I mean. When you are confronted with a choice--how do you make it? And, more importantly, why? A lot to think about, I know...but, you asked for it! :)
Monday, March 26, 2012
A Special Announcement and Unclever Blog Title
OK--slight change of plans due to the NHS walking rehearsal that confounds me still. SInce 2nd period was taken from me today, thereby ruining my entire morning I might add, having the BIBLE TEST seemed like a not-so-great idea for today. 12th period will be doing a mini-review in the form of a little I HAVE/WHO HAS, and 2nd period will not enjoy that advantage, therefore, I will post here the words you should know for tomorrow's test. Again, this is cumulative and all bets are off when it comes to what words COULD be on there, but these are ones you should MOST ASSUREDLY know.
ZEUGMA SYNECHDOCHE METONYMY BOMBAST APHORISM MALAPROPISM APOSTROPHE CHIASMUS HYPERBOLE PARALIPSIS APOSIOPESIS ALLUSION PERIODIC, CUMULATIVE AND INVERTED SYNTAX, AD HOMINEM ARGUMENT ANAPHORA ANTITHESIS MOTIF ELEGY NON-SEQUITUR ETHOS PATHOS LOGOS ASSONANCE PERIPHRASIS EUPHEMISM INVECTIVE.
Study hard.
Now, onward and upward.
Please read this blog carefully and consider your thoughts and your responses for a bit before answering.
Passion. Courage. Conviction. These words are largely subjective, completely abstract and open to interpretation; therefore, indefinable in traditional senses. I would like you to look them up before you answer this week's blog question. Once you do that, consider the following:
What is it in your own life, this life that you have been given, that you think you would die for? Do the three words play into your answer in any way? If you need a more solid jumping-off point, ask yourself this: given the denotation of the words passion, courage and conviction what is it in your life that can inspire these seemingly esoteric concepts? What is your passion; what gives you courage; about what do you hold an unshakeable conviction? Once you answer those questions, go back to the original--what would you die for? Do your answers to the second set of questions fall in line with the first? Do you think there should be things you would die for? Why or why not? Be true to yourself and answer these questions in the best way you know how.
ZEUGMA SYNECHDOCHE METONYMY BOMBAST APHORISM MALAPROPISM APOSTROPHE CHIASMUS HYPERBOLE PARALIPSIS APOSIOPESIS ALLUSION PERIODIC, CUMULATIVE AND INVERTED SYNTAX, AD HOMINEM ARGUMENT ANAPHORA ANTITHESIS MOTIF ELEGY NON-SEQUITUR ETHOS PATHOS LOGOS ASSONANCE PERIPHRASIS EUPHEMISM INVECTIVE.
Study hard.
Now, onward and upward.
Please read this blog carefully and consider your thoughts and your responses for a bit before answering.
Passion. Courage. Conviction. These words are largely subjective, completely abstract and open to interpretation; therefore, indefinable in traditional senses. I would like you to look them up before you answer this week's blog question. Once you do that, consider the following:
What is it in your own life, this life that you have been given, that you think you would die for? Do the three words play into your answer in any way? If you need a more solid jumping-off point, ask yourself this: given the denotation of the words passion, courage and conviction what is it in your life that can inspire these seemingly esoteric concepts? What is your passion; what gives you courage; about what do you hold an unshakeable conviction? Once you answer those questions, go back to the original--what would you die for? Do your answers to the second set of questions fall in line with the first? Do you think there should be things you would die for? Why or why not? Be true to yourself and answer these questions in the best way you know how.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)