Freshman Composition
Critical and Argumentative Writing
Blogging in the Blogosphere
English 100 and 103
FORMAT:
When you blog, in the Title, write your first and last name as you would as if you are turning in a paper to me. Then you do not have to write my name because I know you are in my class. Write what English class you are in whether it is English 52, 60, 100 and what College.
For example, one would write:
Yue Hayes
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #1
Homelessness
Font size
In addition, for the title, pick the topic of discussion, grammar/organization, content, current events, pop culture or literature as a TITLE that we have discussed in class. Write the posts like this: write #1 Post or #2 Post or Post #50, so I can easily keep track of them and how many you write.
Of course, you are welcome to write more than several posts, and in doing so is another form of participation and does count in the participation grade. Perhaps, in class, you may not participate all that much but in the realm of the blogosphere, you can from the comfort of your own home,
* reflect on the day's class discussion or offer up an insight that you found particularly interesting, etc., etc.
*
* How does it change the way you think or thought before on the subject?
*
* What actions might you take in the future? Anything is open to interpretation.
Of course, I need not go on and on about being respectful towards your peers' opinions and beliefs. If you disagree with another student's views be discreet about it: Do not say so and so is completely wrong because of this and that. Instead, say, I disagree with so and so and here are the reasons why I do. Go after their evidence and support and do not, I repeat do not attack someone else personally. This is supposed to be a forum for everyone to share their ideas and views.
*I will enforce the blogosphere by either deleting your hard work, making an example out of you here in the realm of the blogosphere or in class* . . .
3,403 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 2801 – 3000 of 3403 Newer› Newest»esmealda orozco
english100
cc
post????
Recitatif
when i first looked at the story i was like wow thats a lot of reading but i was surprised that i went faster then i thought i was really into the story beacuse it made sence lol i mean ithey were to friends left at a school and slowly there friendship grew but later when they grew up and went there seperate ways they reconnected and things seemed different they were not the girls they use to be i though it was a nice story. two froends who finally got along many years later. the flashback through me of a little beacuse i did not understand what we really going on so they got got of the school and found each other in a restaurant. then later again in different places but i did not understand why there were fighting with one onother. i dont think they liked each other but they were the only people who they had for one another. i think it was still like that when they grew up. i likedd the story tho it was soething that im sure people will be able to relate to. my favorite part was when they were on strick and they were throwing inderect comments . it was funny how no one knew what she was trying to say.
Andy Murphy
Eng103
CC
Post#24?25?
Recitatif
This was a very interesting read. I really like how this story can be completely different each time I read it or a differetn interpretation when someone else reads it. The whole race-in-the-dark thing was unique. The first time I read it I put races with each character in this story. The next time I read it all the characters races were different. I guess it is how the reader relates to one character and puts themselves in their position. But, being as this seems to be taking place in the mid/late60's until early/mid 80's (my guess formulated by references to Hendrix, IBM,etc). I don't have really much to say now on this article. I probably need to hear the consensus of what people say in class to see what others took from it.
Brittany Williams
English 110
GWC
Post 47 (?)
Recitatif by Toni Morrison
The theme of racial difference was very apparent to me throughout this reading. In the beginning, race didn't matter. The two girls grew up together and were roommates. They did everything together, and although race was evident (salt and pepper), they never allowed it to effect their personal relationship. It was years later, however, that racial differentiation began to change the dynamic of their relationship. This became clear in the Howard Johnson's meeting when Roberta ignored Twila. It was also reaffirmed in their third encounter when Roberta told Twila, "... You know how it was in those days: black-white."
Another example on the issue of race was the fact that they could not remember whether Bozo was black or white. Throughout the last half of the text, it deals with this subject matter. I believe that this issue truly portrays the innocents of being young. Racism is something we are taught, not something that is inherited.
Steven Cordova
English 100
Cerritos
Post #9
Recatif
To me this story has a clear message that it seeks to be spread. It is saying that it is inevitable that conflicts of reace will occur no matter what the sittuation. However at the end of the day, the line between black and white is so blured that there is no use trying to find it. It sends this message by confusing the reader and keeping Twyla and Roberta's race unclear. And if that was not enough, than the argument they had over Bozo should do that job. Because at the end of the day the difference between black and white (played by Bozo) is not important enough to remember.
Brian Jimenez
English 100
CC
POSt # 47
Recitatif
It seems from the beginning of the story two young girls named Roberta and Twyla were sent to a shelter because of their mothers dumping them. I am not sure if the mothers cared much about them or just did not want them. Both girls are in the period in which the blacks were trying to get there civil right. Twyla never understood that or so we think. Roberta and Twyla relationship was a hate and love sort of thing. They got along on day and other day they did not see eye to eye. Time pasts by the Twyla and Roberta meet up were Twyla works they say hi and exchange numbers and Roberta tell her to call her but in the back of Twyla mind she never did. Twyla never calls her because supposedly Roberta reminded her of bad memories from the shelter. Again time pasts by and Twyla see Roberta picketing which Twyla did not understand why is was doing that but in reality she was fighting for her right in this nation. It seemed like if Twyla really did not like the black. She did or she did not. Maybe she was discrimating but just did not want to be label as an oppressor. During the picketing Twyla car just being pushed around like a toy and Roberta did not help her. I just think in the story the blacks were fighting for their rights and it saying the whites saw them as less as humans.
Christina Arredondo
English 103
C.C
Post:?
This week's reading called Recitatif by Toni Morrison was very interesting and I enjoyed reading it. It grasped my attention from the start because I was trying to see if I can figure out who comes from what ethnic group. However, the author never once gives specification of where they come from. The girls roles would change back and forth. I believe that the author did a great job on doing this because no reader can determine who is who. By doing this, it shows how no matter what ethnic background a person comes from, we are all the same. We all go through our difficulties and struggles just the same way. Even if they were to come from a different race, they are still capable of living the life opposed to what someone thought. Also, I think that the reader itself is stereotyping the minute that they thought one character was from a specific race for whatever reason. Because they are already assuming who comes from where when they do not know at all. All we just be focused on is the life that these two girls had and how did their lives changesd as time progressed.
Ana Cervantes
Ebglish 100
Cerritos Collage
Post#??
Recitatif
I will have to agree with Esme when i first saw how many pages one had to read it i was not excited about it. And what made it more less exciting was the title i dont even think i can even pronounce the name right. However, after reading it is pretty clear to understand and even has its funny part/moments. I think evryone has gone through what the girls went through. And not i am not talking about being put in a shleter but starting of a person and then becoming " friends" and then not talking again. I know i did, I think it has to do how we are influnce by others and the different directions one goes in life. Since they first met roberta and Twyla did not seem to get along well and that gave like a prediction of was to become of them and the troubles they would have within each other
Belinda Reed
English 100
Cerritos College
Recitatif,
Sounds like the two girls befriended each other at this point in each others life when they both needed somebody. So Twyla seems to be telling this story as to how and why they both ended up in a shelter for youthes. I thoutht it to be kind of funny at times. But not a funny situation to be in by no means. I even found it hard to understand. So my own assumption was that the two girls ended up in the shelter talking about their families and how they came to be there. Twylas' mother was a dancer as a profession, and Robertas mother was very ill. Neither of their moms could care for them in the manor that they needed careing for.
so it was a shelter for both. Not sure that I understood the ending.
Maria Ascencio
English 100
C.C.
Post #26?
Reitatif
"My mother danced all night and Roberta’s was sick. That’s why we were taken to St. Bonny’s." Thus begins Twyla’s narrative of her long-term, intermittent relationship with Roberta, another eight-year-old who shares her failing grades and "not real orphan" status at St. Bonaventure’s, the shelter where they live for a few months.The two girls become fast friends despite the discomfort occasioned by the situation, their problematic mothers, and their racial differences. The girls meet by accident four more times; as young adults in a Howard Johnson’s, where Twyla works and Roberta stops in with two young men on the way to the coast for "an appointment with Hendrix"; in a grocery store in Newburgh, the blue-collar town on the Hudson river where Twyla lives (Roberta lives in white-collar Annandale); at a picket line against a busing plan; and finally in a place before Christmas. Each time they met, they pieced together what has happened in their lives.
Gabriela Tovar
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #31
Recitatif by Toni Morrison
I really like this story because it shows that even now-day friends from different race can have differenct point of views and at the end of the day, still be friends. Everyone has a friend from a different race, and i just think is it up to each and one of us to value that friendship and respect it. I do have to agree with Twyla that "everything is easy for them. They think they own the world", whites actually have a greater chance to get what "they" want easily. It sucks for the rest of the world but deep inside, one has to admit. Apart from the differences both friends had, at the end of the story, not only did Roberta wanted to smooth things out, she wanted to leave the relationship clean and without any grudge. At the end, i believe, Roberta learned a true valuable lesson and the meaning of a true friend, even if it is from a different race...
Janice Silva
English 103
Cerritos College
Post 23?
Recitatif
First of all, i liked this story and it kept me intuned the whole time. I could never figure out who was black and who was white, twyla and roberta. Both of them had experiences in which one thought they figured out thier race, but something else to counter that thought. I was trying to figure out what their parents were like. When it meant that mary-twylas mother- went dancing, it meant that she was a prostitute, and roberta's mother was a hypocrite. Both mother didn't like to meet each other because of thier race. Kids do not automatically grow up and start being racist, they need a person to show them; that's why roberta and twyla got over that thought. The last time they saw each other as kids was the day thier mothers came to visit. How ironic that the other kids did not play with roberta and twyla because they were not true orphans, interesting, because usually it is the opposite way. They would randomly see each other in the future, by coincidence, and went in this good and bad pattern. The first time they saw each other was in a resturant, and roberta was the one that did not want to talk to twyla. The second time it was good, they both forgot about the bad times and focused on their friendship. The third time, roberta was pickiting for her son, for mothers rights so he wouldn't leave the school; they both said some regreatful and hurtful words and eventually it became about the signs towards each other. The last time they saw each other was around josephs graduation, when they found each other; they both exchanged apologizes and rememberd about Bozo, and ending the story, with them wondering what happened to her.
This story was good, not only we could not figure which race they were, but how later race interfered with thier frienship. They fell into the race issue, but eventually over came it.
Tien Tran
English 110
GWC
Post # ???
Poetry Reading.
Props to all the brave poets who came up center stage to show their artwork! I don’t think I can ever go up there and read any of my poems, that’s if I have any great ones. But anywho, the event was quite wonderful. I arrived and was happy that it was a more intimate setting as opposed to a large auditorium. Sometimes, things are meant for big, spectacular shows but for me, poetry reading is not that. It’s actually the opposite from the whole shibang. I think the energy and vibe oozes out more calm pizaz if it was in a small, discreet, and vintage classroom. So of course, I walked in and was happy at where I was sitting. The light was dimmed, the atmosphere was calm and peaceful … so everything was just right. Just right you know?
The poets came out and each and everyone had their own unique story to share. From relationship problems, or lack thereof, to an open view on status, the topics were wide. I was actually surprised that the audience was … Mr. Hsiao’s English class. So when Mr. Hsiao came up, you can kinda tell he had a bigger fan base than anyone out there. The other poets also shined when they donned their poems. There’s something about poetry that just hits you right in the soul that another outlet can’t. So when the poets came up, you can sense a certain feeling, a certain arrow shooting at a certain emotion, a certain something. You know? Well, poetry has a soft spot in my heart so maybe I can be biased. Overall, it was a good ending to my Friday night.
Samantha Shepherd
CC
English 103
Recitatif
Upon reading this story, I really liked that you couldn't tell which was which race. It really makes you think. I like how they both find themselves in each other even through the differences in race. It just brings to mind all the stereotypes that we have and the many children that are orphaned whether it's by "real beautiful dead parents" or if it's because they're unwell or "dancing all night". We need to remember them and try and do the little we can for them, especially during the holidays when sometimes it may be hard for them to be thankful for what they have.
Jon Croft
English 110
Golden West College
Post #32
Recitatif by Toni Morrison
The story, on the surface, seems to be a heart wrenching chronicle of two girls divided by their race and upbringing, who overcome it initially but fall back into the old ways once more.
The true purpose of the story, however, is to tell the plight of clowns. Yes, clowns. Those scary things with paint on their faces, big shoes, and probably the most ergonomic cars the mind of man has ever created. Poor Bozo is long past her (yes, Bozo was a woman originally) glory days of the Big Top Circus, and now manages a shelter for all dem chilluns who ain't got no home. She does her best to entertain the children with her once promising tricks, but to no avail. The author rudely skips ahead in the story some 80 years to protesting, where Bozo is brought back to save the story once more. The two of them, despite their differences, realize how insufferably cruel they were to the poor clown. Too bad Bozo went and offed herself shortly after they said mean things to her.
Jasmine Cano
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #idk
Recitatif by Toni Morrison
Reading this story for the second time I still really am confused at who is "white" and who is "black".
This is a very confusing/well written story with many stereotypes in it. What I like about it is the fact that it really confuses me. lol...it really shows how although it is a stereotype that would tell you what someones race is it really does not. It is just how people act not necessarly tells what they are.
Jessica Vasquez
English 100
CC
Post #: ??
Recitatif by Toni Morrison
Upon reading this story I see the obvious, children are not racist. Children do not care if their friends are black, white, or even blue. Children are taught to be racist by their parents or peers. It is sad to say this, but its the ignorance of the racist person either it being a parent or just peers that bring negative influences in the child's life. I remember reading before about white kids who were not able to play with black kids simply because of their skin color. Excuse me, but kids are kids and by teaching a kid to be racist and thinking its okay is the most ignorant thing anyone can do. I liked the fact that you could not tell in the story with girl was black and which was white, that goes to show that no matter what race they were, as kids (and girls ) they still have many things in common. One of those things being abandoned by their mothers. But in the long run, We see that one of the girls (Twyla) feels different when she refuses to call the other (Roberta) years later since it only brought horrible memories. Maybe the whole "color" thing did get to her after all, sad but true.
Arcelia Swarr
English 100
Cerritos
Post #not sure
Reading Recitatif is a bit challenging, but is very enjoyable. I like how it is not written in any way that would tell you which of the girls is black and which is white. Reading the story my mind kept going back and forth with who was black and who was white, but it made me also aware of the stereotypes given to different races and how commonly everyone uses these stereotypes. I like how it starts with the girls as children. It shows how children are not racist, it is something that is learned. I like how they portray the innocence of childhood at the beginning of the story and how their innocence is changed throughout the course of their lives. As we get older things happen that make us turn towards or away from certain people or ideas. Recitatif is a well written story about two girls who, despite being of different races, became friends and how their friendship was challenged through the years.
Michael Swisher
English 100
Cerritos College
Post#47
Recitatif
This short story was a strongly worded, and sneakingly influential tale of racism, and even friendship. Twyla (the African American figure) and Roberta (the Anglo figure) were wish wash friends of different culture. I have A LOT of mixed ethnicity friends and family so I am very privy to the environment and issue of racial providence. Racism is something that is both learned and inherent in human beings. We fear that which we do not fully understand, and we judge based on what we are not harsher than what we are. The story illustrates how Roberta both had racist implications, and acceptance when she was young and older. As a child Roberta befriended Twyla, and there was less of an issue, but stick the same “friend” around other people of the same delineation with a few posters and “old ideas” and watch how quickly a friend just might turn on you. There is another issue at play here. Peer pressure, along with fear of acceptance, is a very powerful motivator. If all of my family, friends, co workers, and teachers and policemen and so on were hateful bigots, who called my allegiance into question (where there was constant threat of violence and banishment) I cannot say I would hold true to my beliefs, nor can I say they would remain intact. Racism is no easy question, and definitely has no easy answers.
Tess Elizondo
English 100
CC
Post 19
Recitatif
I remember reading this story last semester, and getting frustrated because I did not know which girl was what race. Reading it over again, I am still not sure who is who. I love how these too girl became friends even though they are of different races. This story correlates to my groups debate topic. This story proves how two people from two different races can become such great friends. I do not like how friends can just go their seperate ways. It is understandle because I am sure it has happened to me as well as many other people. For example, I had a best friend in elementary school, and we stopped talking because I moved, but a few years later we reconnected though myspace.
Adrian Moreira
Cerritos College
English 100
Post # 30
Recitatif - Toni Morrison
This was a really cool story. I was interested the whole way through. I am a little upset that it ended. "What the hell happened to Bozo?" Well what the hell DID happen to Bozo?
I liked how Morrison described Twyla and Roberta's time at the children's shelter. Just two kids, friends regardless of race. It reminds me of when I grew up and went to grade school, no one cared about race. We just wanted to play kickball and handball. It was not until I got to junior high when it became apparent that there was still a hint of racial separation. My favorite line in the beginning of the story was Twyla's answer to Roberta about her mother, "She likes to dance all night." That made me laugh because only a child can be that drastically honest and it make perfect sense.
As the story progressed I found myself wondering when and what would happen the next time these two ladies would meet. Like I said before, I was interested the whole way through.
Priscilla Daza
Cerritos College
English 100
post 27
JUST TO CLEAR THINGS OUT...IM WRITING UNDER TESS'S ACCOUNT BUT IM REALLY MYSELF: PRISCILLA :D
okay so reading the story...i would read a paragraph and i would say "okay well that makes roberta black" but i will continue to read on and i will be like "what the heck man...okay so its twyla thats black" overall its a good piece in the sense of how it relates to real life. like it seems like a journal entry that covered the entire meeting of how a girl runs into an old friend. i can relate running into an old friend the way they did in the story and act the way they did like "dude is that you? what have you been up too? oh my goodness whats your number we should hang out and catch up" kind of thing...i also liked how it kept me guessing on what was wrong with robertas mom like what was she sick from and what type of dancing twylas mother would do like was she a stripper or did she really like dancing in clubs...i also liked how you cant tell if the writer is black or not.
esmeralda orozco
english 100
cc
post???
MY WEEKEND
SO I HAD A NICE WEEKEND I WENT OUT WIT MIKE AND LULU SAT MORNING. SO MUCH FUN BOTH LULU AND MIKE ARE SOOO MUCH FUN. MY FRIEND FROM RIVERSIDE (WHO I HAVE BEEN MAD AT) CAME TO TAKE ME TO A SOCCER GAME. LATER THAT DAY WE WENT TO SOME PARTY WHO KNOWS WERE AND I DRANK OMG LOL NAW BUT I DID NOT GET FUCKED UP I DRANK 1 AND A HALF CORONA AND I WAS ALREADY BUZZED (I KNO I KNO IM A WEAK DRININKER) BUT AI I TRY MY BEST JAJAJA WELL AT THE WEDDING( IT WAS A WEEDING) THEY HAVE TO GO AROUNG THE HALL AND I FELL I KNO I KNO I TURNED RED IT WAS JUST GONNA FINISH WHEN MY HEEL TWISTED AND I LANDED ON SOME GUYS LAPS LOL GOOD THING I DID NOT WEAR A DRESS IMAGINE LOL WELL AFTER THAT I WAS NOT SURE HOW TO KEEP MY HEAD UP BUT I DID JAJAJA AFTER FINDING NO GOOD PARTIES WE WENT BAK HOME REALLY EARLY (SUX) BUT AT LEAST I MADE UP WIT MY FRIEND
SUNDAY
I WENT TO SEE MY UNCLE AND HIS TEAM PLAY SOCCER 3-2 THEY WON AND I DID NOT GET TO GO TO CHURCH WE WERE LOOKING AT SOME COUCH WE WANT TO GET MY MOM 4 X-MAS THE PLAN IS TO DECORATE THE WHOLE LIVINGROOM SINCE THAT IS SOMETHING SHE HAS BEEN WANTING
Sarai Vazquez
English 100
Cerritos College
Post ...
Recitatif By: Toni Marrison
This story starts off with two young girls that are sent to this istitute because they are orpahaned. I though it was so sad what one of the girls said to the other about how her mother would not like her. I though about how sad it is when parents are so racist that it gets passed on to their children. It just goes to show that even when you think that your child is not listening or they do not understand what you are saying, that they are very aware and know what is going on around them. It is sad to see how their racial differences did not go away with time or even though they spen time with eachother for a while. They went through so much together but in the end that bond did not last
Martha Vazquez
English 100
CC
Post 27
Recitatif
This story was about two people's lives. It talks about them as children; how they met, and befriended the other. They were all the other had for a long time. They were stuck in a home, and not because thier parents had died. They were quick to become the others playmate. The story does flashforwards into the girls lives. They all tend to be a little awkward and strained. I honestly do not understand the role that Bozo played in thier later lives. Its a piece that left me with a lot of questions, and I am curious to hear the answers.
Edilu Medina
English 100
CC
Post # Who knows?
Recitatif
This story is very symbolic to know that it was a period of time when the african american were fighting their rights. During time there was a friend ship between a caucasian and african american little girls.They grew up in an orphanage being "dumped" by their mothers and disliked by the other orphans because their parents werent in the sky. These 2 little grew up living different lives, but yet managed to encounter themselves as Twyla that was portrayed as the caucasian girl never understood why Roberta felt an anger, and as every moment they ran into eachother it was more intense to view eachothers life or what it seemed to be an artificial conversation. In the end I am confused to believe who was really who, but I think to them to all it mattered was how they were just children and had a grudge of how they were left behind..
Antonio Acosta
English 100
Cerritos College
Post#?
Recitatif
When I saw the story I said to myself that it was a lot of reading .I read it any way and it was an interesting story. The story was about two friends left at a school and slowly their friendship grew. Later when they grew up and went there separate ways they reconnected and things seemed different. They were not the girls they use to be. The flashback confused me because I did not understand what we really going on. The story was real good except for the flashback.
Katherine Nguyen
English 110
GWC
Sunflower Sutra
I thought this was a wonderful poem. It talks about locomotives and then talks about a sunflower. A locomotive is a railway vehicle that provides the energy motive power for a train. He describes many things in negative ways, like the “rusty iron pole”, “dead baby carriages”, and “artificial worse than dirt”. He seems to bag on this rusted machinery, the locomotive. He thinks that the world/nature has been harmed by this industrialization when he says, “those bear thoughts of death and dusty loveless eyes and ends and withered roots below, in the home-pile of sand and sawdust, rubber dollar bills”. he doesn’t seem to like this new technology and describes it in a negative manner. He later then talks about the sunflower, calling it a “perfect excellent lovely sunflower existence”. This sunflower seems to represent the naturalness of the world. It can be all the organic things, unlike the locomotives. He then says that we are not a locomotive and will always be a sunflower inside, a beautiful golden sunflower. I really enjoyed reading this because of all the symbols he uses. He is very descriptive in his words, like when he uses the repetition of the “s” in: “the smut and smog and smoke of olden locomotives”. The title is even interesting to me because it does have that “s” sound to it, and it could just mean a happy life with the “sunflower”.
Katherine Nguyen
English 110
GWC
Poetry Reading
It was a Friday night, and I attended the poetry reading. My friends couldn’t believe that I chose to attend this poetry reading rather than go hang out with them. But in the end, it was all worth it. I enjoyed every minute of it and I would do it again if their was another opportunity. This poetry reading was different than I had thought it would be. I thought it was just a class getting together in a classroom and going around in a circle reading poetry. But instead, it was much more than that! The tables were set up all pretty. The dim lighting made it more formal, and the spotlight on the reader was very nice. There was a podium for the reader and they had an opportunity to share their poetry with all of us. The sponsor for this poetry reading was Tebot Bach. They are a non profit sponsor dedicated to publish and celebrate poetry. I was amazed of all their accomplishments, some of which includes: providing 824 hours of writing workshops for the homeless, producing public reading events and public workshops, and donating books to schools, libraries, and other institutions. They also were a part of setting this whole poetry reading together, which I thought was amazing. The first poetry reader was Prof Hsiao. He read many poems that were inspiring. I could relate to some of his readings. My favorite was about the community. The other one I enjoyed was the “3rd Meaning”. Another poetry reader was Cambria, who I thought was great at writing poetry. She wrote about self identity and love, which almost any girl can relate to. But my favorite poem from the whole night would have been “Almost 27” by Mrs. Cosand. She did a wonderful job reading her poetry. She made eye contact with us for every sentence she read, and I just thought she was amazing overall.
Tess Elizondo
English 100
CC
Post 20
OMG!!! I was watching the news and heard about the mom who SOLD her daughter to a pimp. The police said that they have identified her body which was found on the side of the road. Who in their right mind would sell their daughter.
Can anybody please let me know what the hw was i didnt write it down.
Kevin Santamaria
English 110
GWC
Post #20
Poetry Reading's
So I went to the Poetry reading on Friday night. I sort of ditched my friend to go, but just met up with them after for dinner. I did not know what to expect. I came alone and eager to see how it was going to turn out. What was waiting for me, bongos? hippies? No I kid, but it was a great experience. The ambiance was set right as well as the mood. Everyone was so respectful and there was too much food for us. There was quite a bit of us from our class though I was one of the first even though I had parked on the opposite side of campus. It was open mic night I guess you could call it, and four people read including the author. We got to hear some personal work from Mr. Hsiao, another gentleman, Cambria, and Mrs. Cosand. They all had different stories and styles. Something I was never really introduced to before, it was unique. What Mr. H had said about poetry reaching some emotion was true. I was telling Tien and Andy how I regret not bringing in the poem I wrote earlier because I thought it was that good haha. The poem I had written meant a lot to me, I have read it so much and it definitely strikes a major cord. Poetry is such a great expression and gives such great messages; it also poses many questions as to who you are and how you think. I definitely have much much more respect and interest in poetry. It was interesting to see this form of art and expression personally for the first time. I am really glad I went. I know they do it every last Friday of the month. I even got some friends interested who I did not think would to want to go. I again thank you Mr. H for this kind opportunity that I could have missed entirely.
Penelope Bwalya
Enlish 110
Reflection Paper
GWC
When Professor Hsiao asked, “who was going to attend poetry reading?” I raised my hand thinking only of extra credit which I really need and not thinking everythings through. On the way to school I thought about how difficult it has been for me understanding the readings in class, and if going to a poetry reading would be any different. I have never been in the midst of Poetry Readers before. A big thanks to Professor Hsiao for opening this door for me. I really had a very insightful and inspiring experience tonight. I used to think that poetry was for people who smoked weed and had no job. But that changed tonight when I saw Professor Hsiao read a handful of his poems which were based on different topics and issues that are going on around him. Other poems were read by some students and I also got to hear Professor Cosand’s poems. What I really liked about poetry reading was hearing of what inspired them to write the poems and how each poem had a different tone to it. Now that I am inspired I am looking forward to the next reading.
Kevin Santamaria
English 110
GWC
Post #21
Recitatif
This read was definitely most interesting. I noticed many consistent patterns in the story of this women and her childhood friend. How she addressed people by their names, her first and last impressions, on and off relationships. Twyla was quit the character, but I understood her. I understood her and her friend Roberta. They both start off abandoned. Twyla's mom just is a terrible mother and Roberta's mother is just too sick. They start as opposites because of skin color then grow together under the circumstances. Then the two of their mother meet and creates tension. They rejoin later in life with Twyla working at the Howard Johnson and Roberta being a groupie. Roberta completely ignores Twyla's presence and that is where it all goes downhill. I guess Twyla takes her best friend giving her the shoulder as what her mother did to her, dance instead of take care of her. Roberta was living in the moment and as a groupie she probably took all other women as a threat. Also they both had crap lives still so they had nothing to talk about anyways. They then meet later in life again where Twyla finds Roberta a successful wife. She gets jealous because she doesn’t think it’s fair for Roberta to have so much and her so little, when they grew from the same shelter. That’s when I think she returns her state of mind when they first met and play a colors game; at least Twyla does. She batter Roberta's beliefs in their future meeting and have standoff's. Twyla seems to be fighting her own fight, hiding behind the race card. When they meet again, Roberta is drunk and she apologizes/explains her statements which she knew infuriated Twyla. Twyla never really forgives her, but they both return to little girls again when they wonder about "Bozo." Twyla is a woman that is upset because she feels like injustice was done to her. She feels as though her friend which her terrible mother left her with is now a mirror reflection of her mother. She tries to live her life but let’s unresolved issues take over. They two women both see each other's lives differently and therefore I think do not resolve anything, mostly due in part to Twyla.
Raufiel Matias
GWC
English 110
Post #25? 24?
Recitatif
This story was about two little girls at the age of eight was left behind by their mothers at an orphanage and had two different, separate lives when they grew-up. I did not quite understand who was what. If Roberta was the white one and Twyla was the African American. When they grew-up they had two different lives. Twyla worked as a waitress at Howard Johnson's but, I wasn't quite sure what kind of job Roberta had if she were a part of Jimi Hendrix's band as management or groupie or whatnot. Also, as each part of the flash forward progresses when they meet somewhere their treatment with each other went down hill when an issue was brought up until that last day they saw each other at the protest. Towards the end they met again when Twyla was buying Christmas tree and Roberta showed up with her friends I think and the whole issue of hurting or kicking bozo was all cleared up because of the whole racial issue thing. I think no matter what they've been through they still became friends in the end when all their issues were resolved.
Eric Monreal
English 110
GWC
Post #8-9?
Sunflower Sutra
This reminded me of "Environmental Statement". The author goes to watch the sunset by a locomotive and the sights make him cry. He goes into great detail throughout the writing giving us descriptions of how rundown and polluted the environment is. Out of this is a sunflower, whithering amidst the decay "poised against the sunset". The author alludes to America's industrialization and seems to me that he is saying that if we keep polluting the earth it will become a wasteland where nothing will flourish. Ginsberg says "we're all beautiful golden sunflowers inside.." which leads me to believe that according to him, we can still prosper.
There is a lot of "colorful", (to say the least) descriptive, language throughout the reading. Definitely an interesting read.
Samantha Sullivan
English 110
GWC
Post #??
Poetry Night
Prior to poetry night I was really stoked on attending because last semester my English 100 professor had us attend a few and I really enjoyed them. First off the one that we attended for Mr. Hsiao’s class was sort of late but VERY dark and scary. (not safe to be walking through the campus looking for the tiny room) I was accompanied by the wonderful and lovely Whitney and big and strong Andy and Archie (made it safer than walking by myself). We did not find that the room was all that hard to find, but without Andy we would have been walking in circles in the DARK. Just to mention the previous poetry reading I’ve attended were in forums, very big and not cold. The class that this poetry reading was in was quite small and the tables were closely places so that the audience (Mr. Hsiao’s class) could experience the readings together. Let me say hats off to those who read their poems and to the speaker of the house, Mr. Hsiao. There were not too many readers and so professor Hsiao held a majority of the spotlight. The other poems that were read were about love, problems, issues in society, status and the rest I’m still pondering. Oh and there was one about a spotted dog and growing fingerlike flower at night. They started off the night with the head of the event giving a sort speech about how everything is everything because of poetry and that it is the basis of all. It made a lot of sense but none at all. Well anyways, professor Hsiao started off the night, no, not with his essay of poems, but short and right to the point. He bashed on Archie for a second and then stepped down to let the next reader take the stand. There was another professor present and she read a few poems. There was an open call too, where if anyone else wanted to recite or read a poem. The night was sweet and the mood was clam and content. There were a few laughs and a few sighs, but all in all I had fun. At the end we had to take a picture, of course.
Celina Rivera
English 100
Cerritos College
Post 80
MY DAY STARTING FROM 5PM TILL NOW.....
Debates when great, minus my nerves. I would have rather stood than sat. I had so many statistics, but my nerves won. When I was stating things time went by so fast. I wanted more time. I even would rather have been the attacker or moderator just to covey point. I loved my group and would not have trade them. We all just had so much information. Good Luck to those on Wednesday.
On to a new topic, I had the worst evening after English class. I still had to go to Psychology which was right after, but that I was fine with. It was then when my phone rang about 8 to 10 times with texts and calls from family. I was concerned so I stepped out to answer which i never should have. My brother loves to just cause problems with the family and I. My brother and his girl friend were making assumptions and you know what they about assumptions. It really ended up bigger than it needed to which led me to tears. I was really not happy about.
Tien Tran
English 110
GWC
Post # ____
Recitatif by Toni Morrison
Tony Morrison does a great job depicting an issue that needs to be written about: racial issues. The progression of the story and the timeline is a big factor to the message of the story. In the beginning, as kids who were raised free from parents and any set “rules” and “beliefs” influenced by the people around them, both Twlya and Roberta were innocent. They were close, carefree, and did not question each other or their skin color. As time passed by and as the girls went their separate ways meeting new people in a different environment, as the reader, you can visually see how they have changed. Race has now affected their relationship. And ironically, as you grow older, you should be wiser and more knowledgeable about what is good and bad. Morally you should be progressing, but ironically, when it comes to race, one actually is going backwards. Both Twyla and Roberta have physically grown, but morally, they have receded back in time. Race has skewed their relationship into what society is during that time. When thinking about this, a thought came to my mind. It is so hard to be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else. To be different is actually not welcomed sometimes… Continuing on to my analysis … as adults now, you would think both of the girls would be smart about this issue, but no. I guess the skin color really got underneath their skin this time.
Morrison further showed us the innocence of our childhood years through Twyla’s forgotten memory of Bozo’s race. This kind of depicts how race really did not matter in our early years as seen by Twyla lack of remembering. Usually, when you meet someone, you would think you’d remember, or at least jistly remember their physical appearance. And for sure you would not forget their race.
On to my ending note. As a child, you basically are a clean slate. As you grow older, you become yourself through your interactions and environment (people, media, ideas, etc.) So racial discrimination is not something you have in your genes. It is something that develops in you as you are either taught that way, learned that way, or influenced that way. Both Twyla and Roberta arrived at St. Bonivature as a clean slate. Twenty something years later, they become ‘tainted. So something, someone influenced or taught the girls about the negativities of people’s skin color in the twenty something years they were apart.
Samantha Sullivan
English 110
GWC
Post #?
Recitatif
This reading was an interesting one. The relationship between, at first, two young girls and how their friendship would endure time was tested. I liked how it did not actually reveal the race of the two girls. It was a question of who was African American and who was white. This story is very true in the sense that everyone has or has had a friend of another race. These relationships are like any other and have their ups and downs, but they can still be cohesive with one another. This shows that you can find a friend in anybody and that you should not let judgments or race stereotypes stand in the way of a relationship.
Whitney Young
Golden West College
English 110
Post #26
Recitatif by Toni Morrison
I really liked the way this was written. Throughout the whole story, Toni Morrison never tells the race of either girl. I believe that she was trying to make a point by not telling weather each girl was black or white. I think the reason she does this is so the reader realizes that everyone is the same and the only difference is their skin color. She wants everyone to be in the dark about race. The only thing about race is the difference in skin color. She wanted to prove that everyone had their own hidden prejudices, and e are being brainwashed about how to judge people. She wants people to realize that it is wrong to judge people based on traits instead of personality. It is wrong to judge and criticize others because we are all human beings.
Eric Torrs
English 110
Golden West College
Post #22
Recitatif by Toni Morrison
I was debating on whether I should go to sleep and save an hour of sleep or stay up and read this story. Obviously I decided to read the story because I am posting on it. Haha. Well for the sake of reading the story, it was really good. I do not regret staying up however, it is not the morning yet and I havent woken up. Haha. I will most likely find out tomorrow whether it was worth staying up reading or not.
This story really caught my attention. First of all, it was hard to read for the grammar was bad. Besides that fact, it really caught my attention. I enjoyed reading how the relationship between Twyla and Roberta changed between each flashforward. They started out as innocent little girls in the world who had a lot in relation with each other, it being their purpose in being in the orphanage not because of their lost parents but because of their parents not being able to take care of them. Now that I think about it, things were much more simple being kids because at that age everyone is innocent and is in pretty much the same situation as each other. It is when one grows older when he or she changes and each person separates whether it is because of their ethnicity, religious, or even racial backgrounds. This story really opened up my mind and let me think. We'll see if it was worth staying up to read later. Goodnight everyone. Actually it is good morning.
Thomas Rios
GWC
English 110
Recitatif by Toni Morrison
This story had a confusing ending, although I think its just a matter of the text being cut off. If not, it was confusing. It pretty runs along the same lines as many friendships in life. You see someone you haven't seen in years, and for one reason or another, each person decides not to make a move to talk, or the talk is limited, with yes and no answers and such. The funny thing is, both parties are relieved. It saves the stress of having to come up with BS to spew. Then a while down the line, you see this person again. For some reason, one person makes contact. It seems awkward at first, but the common ground is the lack of effort on both parties to communicate and conversation is light. The difference is that this apparently was happening during tense racial integration. That could put a strain on efforts. I found it amusing that they were competing agaist each other with the signs. It seems like Roberta was hurt by Twla when her sign asked about her mom. Roberta had told her last time that she was not doing better than last time. Maybe she thought it was a low blow or something. I don't know.
Jessica Atthowe
English 110
GWC
post #?
Recitatif
I enjoyed this piece. Although as i began to get into the story, it just ended. At the beginning it was almost out of the ordinary at those times for a black girl, and white girl to be so close as friends. As they got older and left the shelter their parents had left them in, their lives took off. In a sense, they kind of left each other behind and did not keep in tough like good friends tend to do. Each time they saw each other after, years later, Roberta would always seem to have the better life. Roberta never gave Twyla the time of day at first. It's too bad that because our society at one point in time did not accept black and white interaction, people were forced to give up friends. As the years began to pass by, the women ran into each other. Every time they either got along or didn't. Roberta started to make it seem like she was too good for Twyla, because she is white, and that Twyla is less than her. We shouldn't base our liking or disliking for people based on their skin color. We are all equals.
Beatrice Fisher
Engl ish 110
GWC
Post 22?
Recitatif
I have actually read a novel by Toni Morrison, I think it was Song of Solomon. I love the way she writes. And this, just like the other grabbed me. Initially I saw its length and thought it was long. With all the rest of the work I wasn’t looking forward to it. Anyway, I read it and it got me hooked. I was only disappointed with where you chose to end it. I was so into the story by that point that it left me hanging. The only part I really didn’t get was the whole Bozo part. I mean, was she black? Was she not? Did they kick her and beat her or didn’t they? I had some trouble with the dialogue as well. I had to almost write the speakers down so I didn’t get confused. I think if I had been reading the actual book it might have been easier to follow. What I liked was often what Twyla liked….the unsaid. I like that Roberta didn’t question her when she said her mother liked to dance all night. I thought of how sad it must be to be a child orphan whose parents are still living. My parents did foster care for many years, and even ended up adopting two of the foster kids. It was amazing how many kids came into our home just wanting to be loved. They would end up calling my parents mom and dad within days. I don’t understand why Twyla’s character was so accepting of almost all circumstance until the picketing came along, at which point she went over the top. I think I may just read the book over winter break. :)
Erica Lloyd
English 110
GWC
Post #26
Recitatif
I think this piece is showing us how racism is learned. When Twyla and Roberta are young and staying together at St. Bonny's, the only clue they have to racism is their mothers. Later, at Howard Johnson's, Twyla is an employee and Roberta is a customer. To me, it highlighted the differences in them. Roberta subtly lets Twyla know that she cannot be seen with her. In their next meeting, Roberta scoffs it off by telling Twyla, "You know how it was in those days: black-white. You know how everything was." Again in this scene, Twyla is a simple wife to a simple man, but Roberta married a rich widower. There is again a sense that Roberta is higher than Twyla. They connect in this scene and almost return to their past, but Twyla cannot forget how Roberta treated her in the restaurant. This story comes to a head in the next scene as Roberta protests integration in schools. Twyla is offended by the position that Roberta has taken, and so she joins the other side of the protesters, but Twyla is protesting directly to Roberta. Her signs were only meant for Roberta and they finally cause Roberta to leave the protest. In the final scene, I think that Twyla and Roberta are finally equals. They don't completely reconnect and regain the friendship of their youth, but I think they come to understand each other.
Heidi Martinez
English 110
gwc
Post #9
In Separation-Encounter-Return it seemed that no matter the religion or the story or legend the story line of the hero is always the same. The struggle is the same for the hero’s. The battle of fight is the same. The reward of a lady in many stories is the same. The fact that all of them return home in the end to share their experience is the same. If the story lines are all pretty much the same I do not see why there are such huge controversies over whose religion is better. In the beginning of the story he was talking a lot about Christianity and it was kind of like I was in bible study from when I was younger because everything he was saying about sin and re-birth was like being in church. While reading it was almost like something that would be read to someone before their baptized is what it reminded me of. The story was a reflection that seemed to be his views on religions. In Separation-Encounter-Return, Richard Rohr says, “We have grown very cynical about the possibility of true heroes”(6). I really like this quote because it is so true in today’s society. Sometimes a lot of us forget what makes up a hero. We start to idolize those who have money or nice things and want to be them, but what have they really done to earn the position of being idolized. Hero’s are often forgot because they do not brag consistently or feel a need to show off when they have accomplished things like much of the celebrities that are claiming hero positions in people’s minds now days. It just shows us that we worship the wrong things many times and forget those who really do deserve to be remembered.
Heidi Martinez
English 110
gwc
post #10
I really liked reading Pebble in Your Pocket, it was almost like a how to guide for when you get angry or how to love others. Reading the story I was reminded that we have a lack of communication with people in general. We forget sometimes how to communicate with others completely. It may be because we are scared or because we just do not know how. This lack of communication will then lead to more anger and more fighting that will not be a benefit to anyone. I like the idea of having a stone in your pocket it is almost as if each time the stone is touched it pulls you back to reality. Sometimes we get too caught up in our emotions that we forget to just stop and think for a moment. We forget that life is not ending and that the small things are sometimes not worth getting angry over. The stone pulls one back into reality to see more clearly. In Thich Nhat Hanh’s, Pebble in your Pocket, he says, “If we practiced watering the positive seeds in him every days, he would not be the way he is today”(3). This quote is extremely true. When a person is beat down by everyone around them they no longer have a reason to be positive to others. They have learned nothing but how to be mean. When someone gives someone positive vibes or messages that really does take effect to a person and makes them a better person whether the person telling them a nice message realizes it or not.
Penelope Bwalya
English 110
GWC
Pebbles in Your Pocket and Other
Musings…
This story the author is teaching us how to deal with anger especially if one is in a relationship or when one is dealing with people around him. According to the author always believe in something and use that to help make right decisions when angry. Be calm, breath in and out and smile while doing this. Acknowledge that one is angry, let the other person know by telling them or writing to them within twenty-four hours and make sure they get it. Express how hurt one is and tell ask for help. Take into consideration that the other person is hurting too. So be gentle.
Penelope Bwalya
English 110
GWC
SUNFLOWER SUTRA
This is a story about a man and the Southern Pacific locomotives. He had seen it all and he had lived it. Life on the locomotive, but then everything had died all that was left was steel. He had lost a friend and now all he had befriended a bottle of liquor. There was not much for him to look forward but for him to drink to a sad reality. He reminiscent of years gone by, He had a friend named Blake whom he cared for dearly who had since past on. There used to be children, women, drugs and cars in the past, all that was left was the face of death. In the story he uses the sunflower, which is a symbol of radiant warmth, happiness, loyalty and longevity to express how he felt for the locomotive. Pebbles in Your Pocket and Other Musings….
Liza Heacox
Eng 110
GWC
Post #9
Sunflower Sutra
In a desolate, cold, grime covered land a sunflower is spotted. An image of a sunflower representing all things beautiful and alive is smashed by the description of this sunflower being “dead and gray…sitting dry on top of a pile of ancient sawdust.” The sunflower reminds me of a young girl, once so pure and full of innocence, now affected by the “crackly bleak and dusty” life that surrounds her. Still standing tall and proud amongst the “dead baby carriages, black treadles tires forgotten and unretreaded, the poem of the riverbank, condoms and pots, steel knives, nothing stainless, only the dank muck and the razor-sharp artifacts passing into the past.” The sunflower has been changed by the life she has sustained. She is spotted by the one man that truly loved her. He sees past “that veil of darkened railroad skin, that smog of cheek, that eyelid of black mis’ry…all that civilization spotting your crazy golden crown.” He loves her even though she has been tarnished. He holds her in high esteem as a “perfect beauty of a sunflower.” The man speaks to her asking when she forgot how beautiful she was, and when she decided to be no more than a machine to serve the will of other men. “You were never no locomotive, Sunflower, you were a sunflower!” The man proclaims loudly that even though she has been living as a “bleak dusty imageless locomotive,” she is a “beautiful golden sunflower” in his eyes.
Liza Heacox
Eng 110
GWC
Post #10
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings
Carrying a pebble in your pocket, tying a string around your finger, or putting sticky notes everywhere are all ways to help one remember a task. Whether it be to maintain a positive attitude, not have seconds at every meal, or to remember to offer kind words to those in one’s presence. While a good idea it is not always practical. In those instances it is up to the individual to practice self discipline and remember the task without being reminded. The second part deals with expressing anger to one’s loved one. It is written that one should not let the sun go down on one’s anger. Being able to acknowledge anger, without letting anger take over, and express to the person who caused the anger that it is being worked out is most difficult and requires a life time of practice. Thich Nhat Hanh was wise when they wrote that by following these actions one will help the person they love act in the same manner. A feeling of respect and compassion for one another will grow in turn causing the relationship to grow. One of the most difficult aspects of relationships is learning to deal with one’s anger. The reasons may vary, but the solution is the same. Acknowledge the anger calmly, express emotion, and offer compassion.
Belinda Avila
English 110
Goldenwest College
Post #9
Sunflower Sutra
A man and his friend, Jack, seem to be simply existing in a depressing world. Jack points out a dead sunflower amongst sawdust and almost immediately the man's attitude changes, "I rushed up enchanted--it was my first sunflower, memories of Blake--my visions--Harlem and Hells of the Eastern rivers, bridges clanking Joes Greasy Sandwiches..." (4-5). It seems that this man is tired of his daily routine and even more so tired with his life. The man sees himself as the sunflower. Though it is dead, it once use to be beautiful, have purpose, and not blend into the ugly atmosphere. He wonders when the sunflower forgot it was a sunflower. The man wonders when he forgot he was more than the life he leads. It makes me question what my purpose is and that people I choose to associate with influence me to a path less successful than the one I am capable of. Just this past weekend I thought over my life. I went to CSUMB, my first college, and decided that I had way better opportunities out there, including surrounding myself with people that do not want to live pay check to pay check. I am going to register for next fall.
Belinda Avila
English 110
Goldenwest College
Post#10
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings
This seems to be a piece based on relationships. It focuses greatly on love and anger. I think the overall messagae is if one loves someone than one should do all they can to take care of that love because it is as precious as "the pebble" Thich Nhat Hanh refers to at the beginning of the reading. He says, "We practice mindful breathing, and we feel very peaceful. When anger arises, the pebble becomes the dharma," (2). This means to me that love conquers all especially anger. When one is feeling angry their significant other should take care of one and vice versa. The couple should tell each other how they feel if they are upset and that they are suffering and do not mean to be angry. It also says to take care of anger before it gets worse so it is not the seed that gets watered over years! This relates to myself because over the past year I have been seeing my now boyfriend and he has done some things that have caused me real anger. I did not know it was bottled up so much until this past weekend when I went to visit my sorority sisters. We had a social with the fraternity Omega Delta Phi, eating pizza and singing kareoke. I had a blast to say the least. I ended up recognizing one of the brothers, whom I met a party two years ago. I was attracted to him then and still attracted to him now. I liked the attention I got from him and when my boyfriend would text me, I felt no excitement to talk to him. I have never cheated in a relationship but I was finding it hard to resist this past weekend. I did the right thing but I feel that I would not have even considered it if I had not let my anger and resentment bottle up for so long.
Eric Monreal
English 110
GWC
Post #10?
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings...
Pebble in Your Pocket tries to help one deal with anger and expressing it without blowing up on your significant other. Hanh says that communication is very important, but advises us against speaking out when one is angry. This is true because speaking in an angry tone can escalate a situation in a heartbeat. I've gotten in arguments with my girlfriend where words were said when one of us was angry and it escalated the situation when it didn't need to be. We ended up saying things we regret and even forgot what was the reason for the argument in the first place. So both parties end up feeling angry and then eventually embarrassed. So next time something angers me I'll have something to remember to calm me down. I'll tell the other party I'm suffering from anger and that I'm doing my best to take care of my anger.
I also found the Selective Watering portion to be very insightful. I've heard that saying before where one waters the seeds of anger so much that it leads to one being more irritable and easily angered. I think it's good to water the seeds that promote the person, not put them down or upset them.
Gabriela Tovar
English 103
Cerritos College
Hello everyone...
Have you ever had a song that truly felt it was dedicated to you, or that it was so you???
Heather Brown
GWC
English 110
Post# ..yea..
The Way and it's Power
This story was very deep and filled with many hidden meanings. I decided I'm going to post what I had scribbled on the side because that's what I believe I "understood".
When the mind takes over the soul, when one forgets how important and unique the soul is, fear,pettiness, and meaness begin to "pollute the 'temple of the mind'. Essentially, the mind and body overrides the soul and the individual becomes materialistic.
The emotions are what makes and defines the mind from the heart. The heart is the mind, but with feelings attached, and not jsut logic.
If one sets aside the emotions from the heart, and the needs of the mind peace will come. Harmony will settle in. It may seem unattainable, but harmony is always within reach and readily available.
Once one learns to respect the laws of the universe and moves with it. Good things will come. The more we fight against the natural flow of events the further we remove ourselves from the chance of peace.
The act of flowing with the universe is Tao. Following the way of Tao will allow a soul to become youthful, at peace and innocent and most of all, in the right.
The most profound statement I had gathered was Tao is like water. Tao is the "dissadvantaged" person simply living to live. Another way I see it, Tao is like letting a loved one go (in death, or leaving a relationship).
Thuy-Anh Angela Nguyen
English 110
GWC
Post #10
Poetry Reading
It was already 7:00 pm, and I was barely closing up for work. By the time I walked to my car, it was already 7:15. That was when was I became a bit nervous, because I know how Professor Hsaio hates it when students arrive late. I decided to call Gina a couple of times, to check if the poetry reading has started yet or not. Before I even knew it, I think I barely made it on time and met up with Gina in the parking lot on Gothard street. When I walked inside, it was just as dark as I imagined a poetry reading would be. Most of the people there were Professor Hsaio's students! Before the readings began, the host mentioned something about nurturing creativity, and how it is vital to everyone's life. Unfortunately, I cannot quote what she said, but luckily, I was able to hold onto the word, creativity, in my mind for the rest of the night. Creativity creates that bridge between logic and mystery. It enables people to think outside of the box, to take risks, to express themselves in an artistic way. Professor Hsaio was the first to read, and I liked how he gave some background of his poems prior to reading them. I forgot the title of the poem, but I recall him saying something along the lines of "...in order to live, you must die." It reminded me of a reading from the A reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the bible where it speaks of how there is a time for everything. There is life and death, war and peace, time to seek and time to lose, and the list keeps going. There is this ying and yang relationship within our lives where good and evil exists at the time. Opposite factors help people to understand the true value of things. In order to fully understand the meaning of life, one must face death. In order for one to understand love, one must be heart-brokened at some point in their lives. When one loses something, one values the moment one finds it. These extremes brings awareness to each other.
Markel Hathcock
English 110
GWC
Post #6
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings
When I first started to read this story the pebble in the pocket resembled something else in my life. For me, when I was little, my parents had given me a baby blanket when I was born. Everytime that they would put me down to sleep, they would place my baby blanket in my crib. As I grew older, it was more of a comfort thing. When I went to my first sleep over, I took my blanket for comfort. When I went to Europe for a vacation with my grandma, I took my blanket to remind me of home. To this day it keeps me calm and has helped me through my roughest patches. My blanket is Hanh’s pebble. He goes on to talk about how communication is very important and that there are three things that we should always say when we are angry so we do not “water our seed”. I agree with these three things that are to be said. Now that I look back on arguments that I have had, if I were to just say these things the problem would dissolve into not anything at all.
Sunflower Sutra
At first, when reading this story I didn’t really understand it so I had to read it a couple times. To me, I believe that the sunflower in this story represent warmth and comfort. The narrator in the story is so saddened and depressed by his past and his friend dying that really the only comfort and bright thing he has is this sunflower. Then as I read on, I almost thought that the sunflower represent the narrator himself. He reminisces on how he use to be. “When did you forget you were a flower? When did you look at your skin and decide you were an impotent locomotive?” He is looking into his soul and talking to himself. Or I mean, that is what I saw it as. However, I may be completely off base hah.
Brett Hoxie
English 110
GWC
Post #7
Beyond Good and Evil
From what Ive learned in history classes, Friedrich Nietzche is the founder of modern philosophy. His essay Beyond Good and Evil was an intense read! In sociology Nietzche is also the one who promotes the conflict theory of human suffering which he talks about in this essay. According to his conflict theory, Nietzche states that carnage, violence, and suffering are essential to society. Without these elements, society does not have deviance and therefore can not provide control over itself. Without control the society becomes chaotic and is thrown into anarchy. He uses repetition with his statement of "free-spirit" which can be attributed two things. First it can mean people being free to be good and evil allowing an equilibrium to society. It can also be himself casting down others who do not believe in his ways basically calling them "non free spirits."
Thuy-Anh Angela Nguyen
English 110
GWC
Post #11
Sunflower Sutra
Allen Ginsberg put a lot of illustrations into his poem. The first is the symbolism of the sunflower which he speaks about throughout the entire reading. The sunflower was his inner soul or inner beauty, maybe even life itself. Perhaps, it might even mean one's creativity. Ginsberg speaks about this dead sunflower he sees as "... a dead gray shadow against the sky... sitting dry on top of a pile of ancient sawdust"(3). This is where he begins to bring up the issue of pollution, and the destruction of industrialization. The illustration he used were the "...greasy sandwiches, dead baby carriages, black treadless tires, condoms and pots, steel knives..." (4). These are the things we use on a daily basis, and the little things we have grown dependent on. He continued on with the railroads and all the smog and soot that has damaged his sunflower. Towards the end in paragraph 12, he starts talking about his beautiful his sunflower is, disregarding its death. When he says "Poor dead flower? When did you forget you were a flower? When did you look at your skin and decide you were an impotent dirty old locomotive" (13), I related to how people lose their creativity, inner beauty, and souls with all the impurities of the world. His sutra, teaching, was to remind all of us that, no matter withered our sunflowers are, we are still beautiful inside. We are living things, not lifeless machinery.
Heather Brown
GWC
Eng 110
Seperation-Encounter-Return
Richard Rohr simplifies all religions down to a logical level. He explains the steps through which heros from all religions are made.
By listening to the calling you will need a protective figure to help guide you. The act of this figure comming down to aide will break all previous thresholds.
Once the threshold is broken a new reality or life will have to be made to live. In order to make this new life, the task of venturing out on a quest to achieve something bigger than life needs to be completed.
As the quest progresses we have to face our own personal demons. It's easy to complete the quest by not facing the demons but it would make a superficial victory. THe ones that not only completed the quest, but faced their demons will recieve great rewards.
On a side note, many people no longer know what to do with their rewards and that's what stops making heroes in this day and time.
What makes true heros are those that wish to return home, and do. Once they are home they share their "rewards" with the ones they love, which is usually knowledge.
Sharing what is learned through previous hard trials without hesitation and only love is the true act of becoming a hero.
Heather Brown
GWC
Eng 110
Seperation-Encounter-Return
Richard Rohr simplifies all religions down to a logical level. He explains the steps through which heros from all religions are made.
By listening to the calling you will need a protective figure to help guide you. The act of this figure comming down to aide will break all previous thresholds.
Once the threshold is broken a new reality or life will have to be made to live. In order to make this new life, the task of venturing out on a quest to achieve something bigger than life needs to be completed.
As the quest progresses we have to face our own personal demons. It's easy to complete the quest by not facing the demons but it would make a superficial victory. THe ones that not only completed the quest, but faced their demons will recieve great rewards.
On a side note, many people no longer know what to do with their rewards and that's what stops making heroes in this day and time.
What makes true heros are those that wish to return home, and do. Once they are home they share their "rewards" with the ones they love, which is usually knowledge.
Sharing what is learned through previous hard trials without hesitation and only love is the true act of becoming a hero.
Heather Brown
GWC
Eng 110
Seperation-Encounter-Return
Richard Rohr simplifies all religions down to a logical level. He explains the steps through which heros from all religions are made.
By listening to the calling you will need a protective figure to help guide you. The act of this figure comming down to aide will break all previous thresholds.
Once the threshold is broken a new reality or life will have to be made to live. In order to make this new life, the task of venturing out on a quest to achieve something bigger than life needs to be completed.
As the quest progresses we have to face our own personal demons. It's easy to complete the quest by not facing the demons but it would make a superficial victory. THe ones that not only completed the quest, but faced their demons will recieve great rewards.
On a side note, many people no longer know what to do with their rewards and that's what stops making heroes in this day and time.
What makes true heros are those that wish to return home, and do. Once they are home they share their "rewards" with the ones they love, which is usually knowledge.
Sharing what is learned through previous hard trials without hesitation and only love is the true act of becoming a hero.
Danh Ta
GWC
English 110
Sunflower Sutra
i really liked how the writer used something usually beautiful and happy(the sunflower) made it sound ugly and depressing but still managed to have this symbol change the narrators feelings and thoughts. the narrator starts off being sad with him and his friend on top of a train both being depressed and after he see's the sunflower and thinks about it his tone changes and it becomes much more uplifting and optimistic. i also feel as though the narrator is kind of describing himself through the sunflower as well. when the author wrote about the narrator grabbing the sunflower and holding it beside him like a scepter, i got the image of a silhouette of a warrior in my mind holding a sword staring off into the sunset. i appreciated this reading very much because it connects to this part of my life right now.
pebble in your pocket and other musings
i am not too religious. i do not know much about christianity, and i do not know much about buddhism or confuscism. what i do know is what my mother and grandma have taught me growing up. my grandma is very ... buddhist? and my mom is very influenced by confuscists sayings. throughout the entire reading i was just nodding to myself. it was like as though my mother was talking to me. the way thich nhat hanh talks about anger, understanding, and compassion. i dont know if you guys have noticed but my mom and grandma are very large parts of my life. they taught me a lot and still teach me so much to this day. reading this paper only justifies that what they have taught me is right. im not saying that i do everything that thich nhat hanh and my mom and grandma have talked about or taught me, but i do strive very hard to achieve this.
poetry reading response
Poetry Reading
I never would have gone to a poetry reading in my entire life before this class. After being a part of this class and experiencing the discussions we have in class, as well as reading all of these different texts, I really was curious to see what it was about. I really enjoyed myself at the poetry reading. It was short but sweet. I write music in my pastime. I enjoy letting my thoughts escape from my mind through pad and pen. I don’t want to be famous or make it big or anything. It is just an outlet for me to release my thoughts and free myself from the emotions bottled up inside. It keeps me sane. Mr. Hsiao’s poems were pretty good. I didn’t cry or anything. The one line that really struck me was in order to live one must die. I couldn’t keep up with Mr. Hsiao’s poems. The words were big and the lines complex and Mr. Hsiao delivers as though he’s racing a quarter mile against Vin Diesel or something. The one poem that I really enjoyed was(I think her name was Keisha) almost 27. “Gone Baby Gone”, her words were so beautiful. The way she wrote each line, the flow, you could really feel what she was going through. It felt sincere and it felt genuine. It wasn’t too pretty nor was it too bland. It was perfect. I have been very busy so I don’t remember much of the other poems so I figured I would share something that I wrote. Hope you don’t mind and doc me points Mr. Hsiao lol.
no title
this was just in my notebook
i just write ito a collection of beats that i have at home. dont be too judgemental :)
Sitting contemplating
Transforming thoughts into words
Information slash feelings
Just racing straight through my nerves
As my hand receives the signals
My heart im pouring out
On these little sheets of paper
My mind just wants to shout
I start to get emotional
My hands begin to shake
You can hear my voice tremble
As my chest begins to ache
My lungs so near collapse
My veins so filled with fear
I recollect my thoughts
Rewinding through the years
Page after page
I flip through the memory book
Pain and devastation
My mom consistently took
A flush of anger seized control
Fell into a pit of sorrow
Heart so low
Im afraid
Please don’t let me see tomorrow
From within the deep depths
Beyond the crying darkness
A champion arises
With strengths of a thousand armies
Determined to succeed
Not a single chance of losing
So noble and so righteous
Spark the legendary movement
With truth as his mighty sword
And knowledge as his shield
He’ll charge into battle
And wreck some havoc on the field
Crush the nemesis of ignorance
Malevolence
Belligerence
Incompetence
Im heaven sent
Just trust me mom
Ill handle it
Thuy-Anh Angela Nguyen
English 110
GWC
Post #12
Separation-- Encounter-- Return
I recall Professor Hsaio speaking of epics tales of heroes and how they all have a pattern at the poetry reading last Friday. Who would have thought that this reading by Richard Rohr would speak of it. While reading this story, an image of a labyrinth kept showing up in my mind. A circular labyrinth is a meditative maze with one entrance, which later becomes the exit. There are three parts to the labyrinth: the inner path, the center, and the outer path. From my own personal experience, the inner path is where one carries all their struggles and searches for meaning, or responds to a calling, similar to the call which Rohr mentions as "... the form of longing, lonliness, desire, the knowledge, that there more be more..." (3). When one reaches the center, they find meaning, in my case it was God. At this center, this is where one is enlightened and gains the threshold experience of finding truth. The final part is the outer path, which is where one brings what they have learned, and shares the gifts they have gained to others, the community. This is the "return" that was mentioned within the reading. In a way, we're all called to become our personal heroes through our own journeys. I love how towards the end of the reading, Rohr brings up a modern issue our society feeds on. It is the idea of idolizing our celebrities and the wrong images of heroes we have created. True heroes are often forgotten.
Oscar Padilla
English 110
GWC
Separation – Encounter – Return
I think this story kind of goes back with the story of Happy Endings except Happy Endings in this story the author doesn’t talk about God, or any other religions. To me it seems like the author is an atheist. He talks about heroes getting something in return and that heroes give something much more than their lives. And I ask, what is bigger than our own lives? The problem with today’s society is that most people turn to the religion that is best convenient for them. Some of them feel the need to believe in something without having to stop to fulfill their selfish needs. People who don’t believe in anything it’s probably because come from rich families who are always able to afford almost anything without much problem. Therefore they don’t feel the necessity to believe in anything because they feel they have everything, but the truth is that it’s them who are the most unhappy because they always what to have more, get more and know more than anyone else and because of it they are not happy with what they already have. Nobody can assure which theories are true and which ones are not, but if we don’t believe in something, if we don’t have faith, then, who do we live for and what would be our purpose in life? Life is like a career, we need to straggle in order to get to the end. Life is composed of suffering, happiness and mysteries. And that’s the reason we live for. We are born and we die in order to know and understand the mysteries of life, but in order to do that we need to give the best of us so that we can have a happy ending. And no matter what waits for us when we die, our good deeds it’s what’s going to save us from the suffering. How can he talk about freedom, when he doesn’t respect religions? There’s an old saying in Spanish that says something like this, “Respect for others’ rights brings us peace” by Benito Juarez. This means that by respecting others people’s decisions we are creating peace already among us. He talks about us following our own journey, but the thing is that we need a guide, someone who provides values, ethics and morals for us in order to live well. The arrogant ones, the ones who believe to know everything are the most ignorant ones because they think, rather than do. There is one thing that we should all know regardless of our religion, one of the main purposes that most people live in the entire world is for world peace, at least so that we can enjoy our lifetime and make it less complicated.
Katherine Nguyen
English 110
GWC
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings
When the author was talking about holding the pebble in your pocket, I thought it was a good idea. He thinks that it is a kind of rosary, “a reminder that one’s teacher is always with one”. This could be like a good luck charm for someone. I know that some people have these two big metal balls, and when they stress, they would hold on to that ball to relieve stress. I guess this pebble could be very similar. He talks about how we should not say anything when you are angry, and I agree with this. When one is angry, they tend to talk in a loud, mean voice. They should wait until they cool down to talk with others. The kind of relationship where they don’t share their anger with each other seems to be really helpful, and I would love to take his advice. I do agree that one should not be angry for over 24 hours. Its not healthy to hold grudges. But sometimes, if one is too nice and let things go so easily, they might be pushed around. I used to be very nice and not get mad so easily, but this made my friends walk all over me. So now I learned to stand up for myself and let them know every time I am irritated by them. I think his whole philosophy on anger is brilliant and true. Whenever I get into arguments with my sister, we always cut each other off and never really get to express ourselves fully. But in his writing, he says that we should let one express all their feelings without any interruption, and they next day add any corrections to their perceptions. I enjoyed his writing greatly because I could use his advice to become healthier and less angry all the time. I can also learn how to be there for others.
Oscar Padilla
English 110
GWC
Sunflower Sutra
I couldn’t understand this poem very well, but after reading it a few times I was able to understand a little. I think that the author and his friends are on top of a train and he is describing the beauty of a sunflower. And according to my understanding he is describing the sunflower’s life cycle. Also, I think that the beauty of the sunflower inspires him with its beauty because he describes the sunflower with such poetic words.
Andy Murphy
Eng103
CC
Post26ish
Pebble in yo Pocket & Other Musings
Dealing with how to curb anger I think this connects with everyone. The author shows what is his way of dealing with an outburst of anger and how he is able to control it like how so many of us can't. We are all emotional beings whether you like to think you are the most closed off person or not. It justs comes down to how one deals with their anger/passion. The author states what he thinks should be said at these times. yaaaaa. Out of all the readings, to be honest, this was one of the least enticing ones. I was not able to fully get involved and see the authors points. I also believe his way of expressing his point is horrid. It almost at times (such as paragraphs 1-4 under heading "With Compassion You Dont Make Mistakes") seems he is trying to be a perfectionist is his grammar and loses the attention of the reader (me). He keeps overplaying the word (formation) of "one" and "one's self". Starts to sound very preachy towards the end. For this style of writing he needs a soapbox to stand on and recite rather than in black and white. Good beginning, but my already short attention span meandered towards the end. Maybe it's because I'm too focused on the debate? hmmm
Matt Wilkins
English 110
GWC
Post 6ish
Sunflower Sutra
I ask myself as I read Sunflower Sutra whether Mr. Ginsberg was out of his mind on psychotropics when he wrote it, or if he was actually out of his mind. It is an eerily beautiful piece. I feel for the narrator as he sits in his train yard pondering the meaning of life. It brings to mind an image of a couple of hobos with their legs hanging off of an old boxcar musing as they pass around a can of cold beans and a fifth of cheap scotch. I think that what Allen Ginsberg is trying to say is how difficult it is to live in urban society, or even modern society. When he talks about the sunflower having it’s “ bleary spikes pushed down and broken… and [it’s] seeds fallen out of its face” he’s telling the reader just how tough it is for this natural sunflower in the face of these monstrous steel locomotives. The flower is still beautiful; in spite of its battle for sunlight and clean air it has survived and grown. If only we all can be so lucky.
Brett Hoxie
English 110
GWC
Post #8
Introduction to Buddhism
I love the spirituality and oneness both Buddhism and Hinduism offer. Gautama's story is amazing in his sacrifice and attainment of nirvana. One book that really brought me onto the teachings of Buddha and Sri Krsna was Siddhartha by Hermanm Hesse. It tells the story of a boy who takes on his own journey for his own reasons like Gautama's and speaks the quest to figure out ones own existence. I very strongly believe in Buddha's four noble paths. I can only dream of one day discovering my own meaning of existence and achieve my own state of nirvana.
The Way and Its Power
I have not learned much about Taoism but The Way and Its Power was wonderfully insightful. Growing up in a protestant baptist family i learned what the soul was from a christian aspect. Being agnostic today allows me to really think about what the soul is or is not without fear of heresy. Lao Tzu idea of chi to me seems like a perception of the soul and a wonderful insightful depiction at that. 老子's teachings on Chi are both inspiring and enlightening and very much remind me of soul but add new power and movement to it. I look forward to learning more about Taoism. I enjoy learning about other religious, spiritual, and philosophical ideas of existence.
Matt Wilkins
English 110
GWC
Post 7ish?
Seperation-Encounter-Return
Is it not an interesting coincidence how similar the different religions are? As we learned from Introduction to Buddhism both the tales of Buddha and those of Jesus Christ were never written down until centuries after their deaths. How much can a legend grow in a span of just five hundred years? Today we muse at the idea that George Washington chopped down a cherry tree, and that he never once told a lie. But in reality, he was a poorly educated playboy from Virginia who happened to be in the right place at the right time. We have placed him on an undeserved pedestal of majesty, and it has only been two hundred years. I have often pondered on the possibility that every one of the major religions is based off of one thing, or one person, and over the years when someone wants a change they go their separate way. Before you know it the first, the second, and then the third crusades have killed millions and no one remembers why it was really started in the first place. The important aspect is in the teachings. As Richard Rohr states it in “Seperation-Encounter-Return” it is not necessarily the person that matters, but rather it is the lessons that they teach “to keep love, to find humor, to maintain freedom, to discover joy, [and] to expand [ones] vision in the process” (7). No matter what religion one may or may not follow, if they live their lives in a loving, humble, free, and joyous manner in which they are always seeking to better themselves, than they have truly found the meaning of life.
Feross Khouraki
English 110
GWC
Post #8
Sunflower Sutra
While I don’t particularly like poetry unless it rhymes, I did find meaning in Allen Ginsberg’s poem about the sunflower. The sunflower is tattered and dirty, covered with dirt and soot from the railroad yard. What I found to be so profound about this poem is that the sunflower is damaged, yet it’s still a beautiful thing. Ginsberg uses all kinds of descriptions to use the sunflower as a metaphor for life and how humanity shows a lack of humanity to itself. The graphic images of machinery are pretty saddening. It does make you think about what kind of world we’re creating, and how technology is as destructive as it is constructive. And as low as the sunflower has sunk, after all the garbage that has sat upon it, it stands upright, which is Ginsberg’s way inspiring mankind to look for beauty in the small things and not get caught up in all the cacophony of technology and all the things we think provide us with happiness.
Danh, no joke, I really liked that poem/song you wrote.
Brett Hoxie
English 110
GWC
Post #9
Seperation-Encounter-Return
This piece by Richard Rohr was wonderfully inspiring. The message i got from this essay was that instead of following doctrine we must live doctrine. As a christian preacher, Richard blatantly states at the end "There is no alternative, no other way to understand, than to go on the whole journey ourselves." You can almost say he is an atheistic christian believing in the message and not the religion. I can see how this story ties in with the last couple of stories. Buddha's journey to nirvana, Krsna to oneness, Taoism to understanding Chi are all journeys of understanding but instead of taking the journey ourselves, humanity instead likes to sit back and worship those who did.
Matt Wilkins
English 110
GWC
Post 8ish?
Even When I Close My Eyes and Open My Ears, I Still Don’t Understand.
I was intrigued as I drove to the poetry reading on Friday. I had never been to one before, and only knew what I had seen in the media, or heard second hand. I imagined that we would all sit around sipping our coffee, and rather than clap at the end of each recitation we would snap our fingers in approval. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised though. While I would have much preferred if there had been a larger turn out of readers, what we were able to witness were for the most part quite beautiful. I feel for the lone student who braved to read her two poems to the group. I thought her especially courageous when she told us how one was her first attempted at an actually rhyming piece. I am almost ashamed to admit it, but the piece that I was most touched by was the one about the incessant cleaning and the dog. I have two dogs of my own, and I am very well versed on the constant detriment that they have to a clean home. Occasionally I will come home from work or school and I will find that the whole house has been cleaned impeccably. She will look at me with a crazy eye and complain about how many times she had to empty out the vacuum cleaner before the job was done. My own self conscious would always hold me back from participating in such an event. While I may be able to get over the stage fright, I don’t know if I could ever manage to open up my locked emotional vault enough to get and minimal amount of beauty out on the page.
Arturo Lopez
English 103
CC
Post #idk
A Pebble in Ones Pocket, and Other Musings
"Suffer, I suffer beneath The surface."- Mother of Mercy
This essay is pretty much a hand book on how to control your anger and how to cleanse yourself of suffering. When i get angry and i feel pain or suffering i tend to keep it inside me and never let anyone see me break. I feel if i show emotion to others, that it is a sign of weakness. According to this essay that is the completely wrong thing to do when you have those feelings. They say that the longest one should go about being angry, upset,or any other negative feelings is no more then a day. Anything longer then that can be harmul. I must be really unhealthy because i hold all my emotions within. When i do finally let go its of flurry of words and emotions that erupt at the worst times. In order to make sure that does not happen one has to communicate their feelings with their loved ones. They say that communication is key in any type of relationship. The essay says to pretty much let out your emotions to the person who made you angry, or to let someone know that you are suffering or else it can lead to your demise.
Jaime Valadez
English 100
CC
Post #27
Pebble in your pocket and other Mustings...
This story talk about anger and how we can manage it better. It also talks about a pebble or something else you look can look at when you need to come back to "reality". Personally for me i have my rosary. This rosary has been with me for years. It was given to me by my grandma and always wear it. When i feel like im in need of something this rosary reminds me what really is important in life. Its not anything material or arguing over things that dont have any meaning. At the end of the day the most important thing you have is your family. life is short so why live life being mad at someone when you can use that time to learn to know them better.
Jenny Guzman
English 100
Cerritos College
Post Homework
Pebbles in your Pocket and Other Meaning…by Thich Nhat Hanh
This story is about me and my boyfriend. When me and John argue we will stay angry for about a day. We will tell each other that we need help and need to talk. When I get angry and I have one of my episodes John is there to just listen to what I say and understands that I am not being mean on purpose. He knows when I cry and say it is his fault he knows it’s just my episode. Sometimes I think John is saint like because he can handle my crazy moods. He doesn’t get angry, he just tells me that I need space, and to take a breather. I am landmine waiting to explode, but for John it takes a while to get him mad. We have been together for about 3 years and we maybe had 3 real bad fights. I think that is pretty good considering I am crazy. I keep a pebble in my pocket but it is John love. He keeps me sane and reminds me to breath.
Monique Gutierrez
English 100
Cerritos College
Post # 68
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings…
Anger…ha-ha. I can definitely relate to this writing on so many levels. We all deal with anger in many different ways. Me? I mostly keep my anger pent up inside. I admit, I end up taking it out on the WRONG people and I am sorry. But, I am only human. Being angry all the time drains so much of your energy. Basically anger is a waste. The only good that can come out of being angry is coming to the realization that you are angry and that you have to fix the problem at hand. I believe anger is a strong emotion that can bring out your greatest weaknesses. Anger can make you do something stupid that you will soon later regret. I have done lots of stupid things in my life due to the losing control of my anger. The only feeling I felt afterwards was sorrow and regret. Instead of being angry just think about what is really making you feel this way and how can you overcome it? Holding in too much anger can drive a person mad. Believe me I know! I’ve screamed and yelled into my pillow numerous amounts of time. Honestly I feel better when I do so and I occasionally shed a tear or two. Before it would make me feel weak to cry, but I’d rather cry than be like this monster that is angry all the time. We as humans take the good with the bad and the bad with the good. We are not alone when it comes to anger and we should not feel superior when it comes to dealing with anger either. Also, by helping out other people with their anger issues can benefit both you and the other person. Having a good friend or strong family support system can help you. Because when you are alone and do not make the time to accept new people into your life, it can only bring you down more. Hanh states, “If we had practiced watering the positive seeds in him every day, he would not be the way he is today” (2). I believe what the writer is trying to say is that we as caring individuals need to take the time to help out a fellow person. We need to have lots of patience, be more assertive and have an open-mind. Do not belittle the person that is crying out for a helping hand. If you go against this rule this must mean you do not care about this person.
In the beginning of the paper, the writer uses a pebble as a symbolic meaning of support. The pebble serves as sort of like a good luck pendant. I remember when I was a young girl and my friend went to Laughlin. She brought me back something I would have never thought of. My friend brought me a worry rock. A worry rock is a rock that has a place where you can place your thumb and rub every time you worry about something that is bothering you. I was a worry wart even back then. She told me to use this when I felt very nervous about things. I do not know what ever happened to this rock, but it came in handy from time to time. I appreciate my friend for that and I am glad to have her in my life to this day. She is a positive role model in my life. By being a good positive role model in one’s life, you will begin to see the beauties of life; because life can be beautiful if you really think about it.
Monique Gutierrez
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #69
A Message To My Group
"You can do it!" I would just like to say that I am going to give it my all manana for our debate. If I mess up, don't fret. This is a good learning experience for us all and I know we will do well. Until then, have a good night everybody!
Celina Rivera
English 100
Cerritos College
Post # 81
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings... by Thich Nhat Hahn
I read this story and could not help to relate to it. The way the introduction just brought me into the story. The introduction begun with talking about a pebble and how we sometimes use them to find our calmer side when upset. the first thing I thought of when before I continued to read was the cross necklace that I have in my car. This necklace use to be my grandfather's until he passed. I use it to calm myself, talk to, and for guidance. Once I continued to read it begun to talk about rosary's as an example which was exactly what I was thinking. The cross that once was my grandfather is my out sometimes, I know that I can look at it and find a better me. This cross has helped me through tough times and will continue to serve that purpose. I can also say that I not one of those people who fan write down those these three sentences and give them to someone. I am a person who keeps things in and I know people say it is not healthy, but to me it is for the time being. The ironic part is I want to be a psychologist and start a non profit organization as well as take over my father's practice one day. How is one to be a psychologist, if one does not open up themselves? Good question!! I have always been a person that can just listen and not give my thoughts or opinions until asked for. This person at that moment is vulnerable and all they need is just a hear. I love helping people in any way possible and just being there for them too. This story just put my hopes and dreams into a better perspective of why I want to help people so. The story also taught me to watch what I say before i say it to not hurt peoples feeling.
Brenda Flores
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #?
Pebble in your pocket and other musings...
So this reading is very helpful because it talks about feelings and how people can express them to others and how others can help them get over the negative feelings. I enjoyed reading this because I got tips on how I can improve the communication in my relationship. Writing letters and knowing what words to say to someone makes a huge difference when trying to express feelings or thoughts. Not only will this help improve relationships but it can also help improve a persons emotional state because it can relieve a lot of stress build up. The steps to take are not complicated one just has to be willing to work. Using the correct terminology will make a big difference in the way the converstaion will go. I personally will try these startegies and see how well they work on my relationship.
today i found out someone i have known since i was about six or seven years old has passed away. she was 21 yrs old. amazing at soccer and basketball. she had a wonderful smile and a beautiful personality. she was there for me when i needed her during basketball season in high school and she had such high spirits to make me keep going. she battled with anorexia. she died in her sleep. stories were told that she committed suicide and i said there is no way she would have done that. teachers at FVHS were saying she was suicide. that made me so mad! why would teachers be telling their students that when they have no idea what really happened. That's how rumors spread, and that is how people get hurt.
she was a happy go lukcy person i could never see her taking her own life. she was such an amazing young woman. She and her family are amazing people. I can't even explain all my feelings.
All I can say is if you love someone as a friend or a lover never lose contact with that person because you never know when the end will come.
This morning I found out.. thus being why i was so talkative in class- i didn't have to think about it, if I talked I'd be distracted. Laying down in my bed right now all i can think about was when we were little and my dad and her parents would play on a softball team every friday night. we would go to mile square park and play on the playground and chew bubble gum and be kids. after the games we would go to lamp post and play video games.
once my dad had a knee injury he stopped playing on friday nights. and we lost touch. in high school I met up with her during basketball. she remembered me and i remembered her. we'd always ask how each others family were and have fun.
i just can't believe God takes the good ones. I guess he feels as if he needs them more than we do.
Rest In Peace Lisa C. You will be missed.
Jessica Lara
English 110
Professor Hsiao
Poetry Reading
On Friday I attended the poetry reading at GWC. Overall I enjoyed myself. I honestly wasn’t in the mood to do anything because the license plates got stolen off my car earlier that day. In addition to that, all DMV’s were closed so I could not do anything about it. Needless to say I was frustrated by the time I had to leave, but when I got there it was pretty alright. Mr. Hsiao was the first to present. His readings were nice, short, and some were very pretty. One of the student presenters read a poem that was pretty sad. It was about not being a perfect girl and always giving way more than she gets back. She said she got the idea from her friends’ relationships. I have more than a friend or two that it reminded me of as well. What is sad is that it makes you wish the poem was about your friend having a backbone, or even better, about dumping the boy that made her feel like garbage and winning the lottery. That would be nice. I liked her poems. She was brave to go up there and talk about personal, relationship, feelings stuff. I don’t like talking about things like that. I have to be in the mood. I also like the other professor that read. She had one about obsessively cleaning the house and the dog. I totally related to that. I’m so grateful for hardwood floors, especially since I have a dog. I no longer think about invisible germs embedded in the carpet. She was really good.
Janice Silva
English 103
Cerritos College
Post#24
Pebble in Your Pocket and other Mussings
This story applied to me alot today. In the begining of the story it talked about a pebble and i believe the pebble is an analogy for someone or something that always brings peace in to your life. Everytime you look at that person you get this sence of relief, you know that even in bad times they will bring you up. I love my girl friend, i love her for who she is, how she supports me, understands, how we kid around, and the way we love each other. She is also my best friend and the one that knocked down my pride, so i can cry without feeling weak because she looks after me and comforts me through everything and I for her. We talk about everything and anything, when I read this story all i could think about was her. Her Father and her had no connnection towards each other, nothing; he would put her down for every little thing and never trust her, with alot of other situations i cannot explain. It got to a point it was all she thought about and decided to write him a long letter. He read the letter and started being calm towards her and talking to her normally and step by step taking interest for the person she is. There was compasion, a change, understanding the opposite side. When we see another we get many past thoughts that hit us in a present moment, loosing the effectifness of what is happening at the moment, not getting past those thoughts. A letter is different, no anxiety from the person, just the true words from the soul. There needs to be compasion to result to change. My girl friend was relieved to write the letter beacuse she wrote down everything she felt toward him, even though she did not speak to him at that moment, relief came from her expressing her feelings in a certain way. Expresssing is a sign to show that there is a reaction with ones emotion, but compassion towards the opposition will create peace between one another. I just pray that my girl friend and her father are on a path to connect and catch up for time they never spent togther, for the loss of time they never had.
Sarika Vaswani
English 103
CC
Post #idk
Pebble in Your Pocket & Other Musings...
If we were to take a look around, it's apparent that love is an underlying theme to pretty much everything. However, with love travels anger/hate. They go hand in hand. Anger and hate have the ability to blind us and make us act in very irrational ways. Thich Nhat Hanh presents us with different ways to cope when we find ourselves consumed with anger. For me, it really depends on the situation. Sometimes I'll get angry on the spot and show my true feelings... or like most I keep it pent up, and it surfaces at the most awkwardest times. Hanh explains that one must try to remain calm, breathe, and smile. One has to recognize & accept" this feeling, and take care of it. Especially when it comes to relationships, it's very crucial we do not take out our emotions on others. We all do it. We all get "caught up in the heat of the moment" and say and do things we don't usually mean. Little do we realize that our actions have consequences.. they make others suffer and we ourselves suffer. It is best to try to "embrace anger, take good care of our anger, and obtain relief". The key solution to anger is compassion. With compassion comes understanding, and with understanding comes love.
I figured this story had to do with inner peace because when I think of pebbles.. I think of how they are used for fountains.. and when I think of fountains I totally think of something that's soothing.. and calming.
Andy Tran
English 100
Cerritos
Post
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings
The reading is very helpful to those who continue with inner battles of frustration and anger. Buddhism is really useful in a way that it revolves around the mind, body, and soul. By seeking peace within, it promotes a healthy lifestyle. Specifically meditation in which it helps one reach enlightenment. A quote by Swami Dhyan Giten, "The deepest pain in our heart is that we are disconnected from our inner being, we are separated from life." Having peace at mind will help one become connected with one's inner self; thus being connected with life. If one is struggling with anger and frustration, give Buddhism a try. There are various types of meditations that help with all sorts of problems but the most important thing to do is to talk to someone. Having someone listen and understand one's problems is a great way to exert the negative emotions.
Rayray J
English 103
cc
post: 8 million
Pebble in your pocket and other musings
Anger is a quintessential human emotion. Held in check and used positively, anger can be used to create. Let one be consumed by it, anger can destroy. It is vital that we learn how to accept this emotion and learn how to cope with it. Sadly, this skill is something about 95% of the humans obtain.
Thich Nhat Hanh offers a very creative solution to this problem. Instead of letting anger destroy one, he states to that one needs to accept this anger and it needs to be attented to. Moreover, the way that he says that anger should be attented to is with understanding and compassion for one's self and the person who has done the offense.
Sad to say that we are often quick to jump the gun and act on impulse when it comes to anger. I believe this is the chief reason why marriages fail in the first place.
Either we run away from the problem or deal with it in a completely detrimental manner.
Thich Nhat implies that anger is something inevitable so why not use it to one's advantage. I believe given the right circumstances, motivation, and coping methods, anger can be quite constructive.
Whats life without love
whats love without hate
what good is your heart if it doesnt break.
well maybe hate is a stretch here but the concept applies
Jonathan Aguilar
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #31
Pebble in your Pocket & Other Musings
This was about teaching one's self to be cool and relaxed when angry. Us as human beings we like to act right away. We blow things up and react on impulse. We give into the adrenaline rush. We do not care if it makes us look dumb or if it hurts anyone else. We are selfish and only care about our own feelings. Everyone has acted this way a few times in their lives i am sure. In this essay the author talks about how we can change all that. It says to step back take a breather and mellow out.
It also talks about being a good listener and letting your feelings out in a positive way. The whole pebble in your pocket thing is kind of a symbol to me. I believe its a stress reliever. It will not talk back to you when you think of your problems. You can squeeze it and do whatever you want to it. Instead of doing harmful things to others. It helps you get to your mellow place.
Gabriela Tovar
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #31
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings... by Thich Nhat Hanh
I did not understand this "story" much, but i liked the fact that it was talking that when one has a problem or anger, the other "significant other" should listen. This relates a lot to me and my boyfriend. I wish he can just listen and hear me out when i need help. He hears me when i have a problem but does not really listen becuase two days later, it is like i never told him anything. When we have an argument, oh god, i tell him i react this one way because of what he did previously, and you know what he responds, "It does not matter because i told you this and that, and you should not do that, and i did that because you did that, are you listening to anything". Whenever he goes off and says something like that, i want to slap the biggigies out of him. Then he wonders why i do stuff.... I trully do believe i do try my best to listen when he has a problem or when he is angry at me, but it makes me wonder: WHY SHOULD I EVEN TRY IF IT IS GOING TO BITE ME IN THE ASS LATER ON...
Christina Arredondo
English 103
C.C
Post??
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings... by Thich Nhat Hanh brought many flashbacks of situations that I was in before. The passage is about accepting when a person is angry and know how to cope with it. The author gives advice to the readers on the best ways to control and resolve his or her anger. It is stated that an individual shoul not be mad more than 24 hours. If by any chance the deadline is getting close and a person is still angry, the best way is to write out their problem and give it to the person who it is towards to. It is very unhealthy for a person to be angry passed 24 hours. I believe that the overall message is to basically communication whether it is with a parent, friend, co-worker, boy/girlfriend, etc. We all need to learn how to control and resolve our problems without having anger to take over us, especially when we really care about them. However, being open with ones feelings especially when it comes to anger, is a task that majority of us have trouble with. Usually it is because they do not want portray themselves as being weak, they do not like showing their feelings, or simply they just do not know how to resolve it. Personally, it depends on the situation that I am that determines what I do. I either come clean in the beginning or just hold my feelings inside till I really get ticked off. In many cases, when I just bottle it up inside, I usually end up letting out at wrong time and when things are very intensed. I know that isn't good at all.
My mother, throughout her whole life, she would hold her feelings inside, it lead to having burdens and grudges. For over about 25 years, she would not control her anger and would blow up for the little things. It got up to the point where my mother couldn't handle it and let it all out. She was crying for weeks hysterically telling my Godparents and myself about all her past troubles. A couple of days after she let it all out she ended up in the hospital because she receive a heart attack. Luckily, she survived and she calmed down compared to before. However, she still has a long way to go in controlling herself. When she starts yelling or getting angry, my sisters or I, tell her to calm down but she ends up getting more mad so we don't know whether to tell her that or not. At times I laugh because we are over here trying to help her out, yet she takes it the wrong way. Once, she isn't feeling good that is when she tries to calm down regrets getting mad. It's like a routing with her...
Nevertheless, if a person doesn't want the same thing happening to them as it did with my mother I do suggest they find an appropiate to let their angry out and control it...
Veronica Vasquez
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #32?
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings
This reading has a lot of good tips to help our anger management, anxiety issues, and becoming better communicators with the world.
The first Tip is to have some sort of object, like a little pebble, that acts as our inner selves. It helps reminds us of who we are, and may even help us in anxiety situations. It can help us meditate, become calm, or even make better decisions.
Expressing anger in general is looked down upon, but there is a healthy way to do it. Telling people 3 simple sentences can easily let them know if your suffering in a peaceful matter: Let them know you are angry and suffering. Let them know you are trying your best to work on your anger. Let them know you need and want their help in the process of healing. This will let the other person know, and feel, they are a big part of your life.
Managing anger can be seen as a seed, and whenever we get angry, that seed is watered because we allow it to be watered. After years, the fuse is shortened, and we must step away and analyze why we are truly angry, revise our perceptions if we are angry with someone else, and then talk to them about it in a calm matter. Also, when we are attacked personally by someone else, it is important that their perceptions are distorted because they are also suffering.
Probably the most important thing people can do to relieve any kinds of stress is to vent. We all need to be the open box someone can just fill their ideas and thoughts into every once in a while. It is important to not interrupt the other person while they are venting, as they might not want to release their thoughts ever again. Great read.
christina arredondo
English 103
c.c
My team goes up today for the debates in two hours... aaahhhh! haha I'm sorta ready. I just need to not calm down my nervousness. Good luck team and Ray's group too. You guys are going to need it. lol
Alyssa Wall
English 103
Cerritos
Post: ?
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings
hmmm...what to say about this story. I am confused to be totally honest. Anyways, what I did get out of it is that communication is important. She seems to talk a lot about channeling your anger, and making sure others understand where you are coming from. This story did make me think about the relationship that I have with my mother. We are always at eachothers throats, and I just cannot seem to get my feelings across to her. We both bottle up things, and i feel like this story is telling me to do the exact opposite. I think she is saying that anger needs to be expressed, but we also need to listen when others are angry with us.
Cathrina Afusia
Cerritos College
English 100
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings
Ahh, this reading was so cute to me. It reminded me of the many of arguements me and James have had throughout our relationship. I can admit at first our arguements would get ugly at times, but over time we have learned to do what I call "fight fairly". I believe communication is the #1 factor in any successful realtionship. If you can positively express what you are feeling, then you can progress further into your partner/another person's heart. We all may not physically hold a pebble in our pocket to remind us of peace, but emotionally you can look to something to keep you grounded. In particular with my relationship I focus in on our future. I have to remember that what you build in the future all depends on the foundation it stands on today. That is why I try not to let the simplist things fly, because I believe smaller issues can easily turn into larger ones. I also have to remember that I am more emotional than my boyfriend, and at times he does not "fight fairly" I have to be the bigger person and set my emotions aside and gather his. Some believe "well he cursed me out, so I will do the same". This is not the case, you have to be the strength for your partner when they are weak. It is a tough task, but is worth it in the end.
Diana Amezcua
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #????
Pebbles in Your Pocket and Other Musings…. By Thich Nhat Hanh
This reading was a bit confusing but I think I understood part of it. When the author is explaining a wiser way to deal with our anger. This might be hard for some people, including myself, but it is doable. Like the author mentions in the reading, “When anger manifests in us, we must recognize and accept that anger is there and it needs to be tended to.” Indeed, we should acknowledge that something or someone made us feel upset and that we must do something about it and work on it. The author then goes on explaining that we should not do anything out of anger. I totally agree because when we are angry we tend to do things we later on regret doing. I also like the way he talks about letting the other person know that they are making something that is making you angry and therefore suffer. I like this idea because you are expressing your anger to the person that is at fault for making you suffer. Indeed, by talking it through you may see the others points of views and then clarify any misunderstanding you might have. This can then give you a sense of relief because your anger might diminish by talking about it with someone and seeing your mistakes. I can relate with this reading because I have a really short temper and tend to get mad out very easily. After talking with the person that has made me mad I realize that I was either overreacting or it was a misunderstanding from my part. Indeed, I sometime make the other person that they are doing something that is truly hurting me. By recognizing that I was suffering because of my anger I now try to calm myself down and don’t take things so personal. I am still working on how to control my anger because even though I don’t physically harm other, I do harm myself by letting the problem get to me. These are some very good tips on how to deal with our anger and can be very helpful for me. Indeed, dealing with our anger is extremely hard in some parts but it can be done, if we put the enough effort.
Romero, George
English 103
CC
Peppble in you pocket
A story that is basically anger therapy for some, but at the same time a great form of meditation for even the calm. I really enjoy reading this considering i have been on both sides of the pond, and have yet to find the middle ground for where i may rest my head.on many occasions rather than one let out ones anger one will hold in ones anger. one must come to an understanding that now matter whom one may be one has the right be angry for whatever reason, but it is how once rids it that one must handle.
Samantha Navarro
English 103
Cerritos College
Post # …..
Pebble in Your Pocket- Thich Nhat Hanh
Carrying a pebble in one’s pocket is having an affirmation to take a deep breath when anger gets the best of us. This essay is that same affirmation, reminding us to not let our anger get bottled up inside of us because anything that stays bottled up will eventually surface. But sometimes we forget what we already know, and this is why we need this affirmation always with us and within us. As humans we are entitled to feel anger, but it is how we voice this anger that affects our surroundings and ourselves. It is hard for many of us to express in the appropriate manner how we really feel, especially anger. Affirmations of this type really do work to remind ourselves to take a step back and figure out the best way to go about solving any situation. This reminds me not only of romantic and family relationships, but also of the interactions we have with strangers everyday. Every single day, we pass by people that we never see again, and sometimes they might do something that angers us, like cut us off on the freeway or drive too slow, or bump into us without saying “excuse me” or “I’m sorry.” When we get angry at these interactions we either burst out with our anger or we bottle it in for the next person who had nothing to do with our anger get the end of the stick. Like Thich Nhat Hanh says, we must remember that the other person has feelings, there must be something that has nothing to do with our actions for the reason as to why the action that angered us was done. And vice versa, if someone’s action angered us so much, in reality it has nothing to do with the action or the person itself, but with an outside source. Like the author writes, “The seed of anger in us has grown a little too big, and it is the main cause of our misery. As we begin to see this fact, we realize that the other person is only a secondary cause. The other person is not the main cause of our anger” (2). In order to know why we are angry, we must look figure out what that primary source of anger is, and in this way eliminate secondary responses to anger.
Alonso Llamas
Cerritos College
English 103
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings
Anger is essecially a natural emotion that every being feels at sometime or another. Hanh is basically stating that anger is a powerful emotion must be kept under controll. In the reading, she only gives suggestions of how one may controll this emotion. Instead of lashing out at others when one is expressing anger one must try to use a different method of expression. Much like Hanh states in the reading, one must express ones feelings in a calm manner expressing to the other person how one feels. This will stop the feeling of anger without creating animosity in the other individual. In the excerpt Hanh also covers what is called Selective Watering. This is something that I personally found interesting. Hanh is stating how many people get agry very quickly and often. As a result, the individual is always very angry and distraught often times. Instead of becoming angry all the time, one must try to controll ones anger and not water ones anger. Therefore, the person practicing selective watering will become a much happier individual. In the excerpt Hanh is ultimatly trying to state how if one is and agry person, one may live a misserable life. For people must not be cynical in their judgements, one must try to find the bright side of life in everything. And when one does become angry, one must try to use some technique to try to resolve that anger, so it does not cosume ones life.
Priscilla Daza
Cerritos College
English 100
post #28
Pebbles in your Pocket and Other Musings
right off the bat i was interested in this story. i was almost late to my 9am class because i lost track of time while reading it in my car. as i was going through the text and highlighting what i thought was the thesis or something interesting to remember, i couldnt help but to relate to it. and i mean relate to in the the sense of my date having anger issues. he is a very prideful guy and can be incredibly headstrong. no one likes to be disrespected but one knows how to walk away...this guy...my date...although is getting better at this...has to have the last word and represent by some violence either verbally or unfortunately physically...the thing is i dont worry as much because he has found his pebble in his pocket, his dharma (1) on and manifest mindfulness. and i would like to think that i had some little to do with that because i feel like i am his compassionate listener who will listen to his judgmental, blaming and punishing story (2) wait off a couple of days and correct his perception or at least make him open minded toward it. overtime he has succeeded in this because he tells me through silent translation "Darling, i suffer. i am angry, and i want you to know it" (2) i revere the fact that he is trying to do away with his over watered angry seed. dang i feel im not wording much of the story...the thing is...i enjoyed the story very much...i enjoyed reading his comparisons a rock to a rosary my favorite though was the watering the seed...where on paragraph one it says "if one gets angry very easily, it is because ones seed of anger has been watered frequently over many years. One has not signed a contract with the people around, agreeing to water only the good seeds" i think its great...i fathom what the message the writer was trying to express there. i especially highlighted the part on paragraph 4 where we can only be angry for 24 hours because "the buddah said that a monk has the right to be angry, but not for more than one night" i think its awesome that Buddahs go by that. i actually have been practicing that these past couple of years not knowing it had anything to do with monks or buddah. crazy! overall, i understand the story, well i have my perspective on it, and i agree with it because i think its real writing.
Priscilla Daza
Cerritos College
English 100
post #29
ATTENTION! ATTENTION!
ENGLISH 100 FROM CERRITOS COLLEGE!
MY DEBATE GROUP AND I, ALONG WITH SOME OTHER FRIENDS, ARE GOING TO BLACK ANGUS IN LAKEWOOD FOR HAPPY HOUR AFTER CLASS TONIGHT! EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO COME AND BRING FRIENDS! HAPPY HOUR IS UNTIL CLOSING WHICH IS 11PM I THINK. AGAIN IT IS THE BLACK ANGUS IN LAKEWOOD ON CANDLEWOOD AND CLARKE BY THE LAKEWOOD MALL.
HOPE TO SEE YA THERE! :D
Jessica Vasquez
Eng 100
CC
Post #: ??
Good Luck to all of the debate teams going up tonight!!! I know some of you might be a little nervous, but its not that bad once your in the moment!! I had a blast doing my debate on Monday with my group! Great job to all of the teams that went up on Monday!!
I must say I had a great experience working with everyone in my team! I actually miss our little research gatherings even though half of the time we were slacking off or on a complete different subject. lol.. Any who, since tonight is our last night on our debates I say we all head down to Happy Hour at Black Angus (Lakewood) after class.. Since with all that researching & studying we deserve a break!
HAPPY HOUR AT BLACK ANGUS TONIGHT!!!! (after class that is)
Woot-woot!
Brian Jimenez
English 100
CC
Post#49
Pebble in your pocket and musings
Damn this was a very wonderful and well written story. I can very much relate to the author Thich Nhat Hanh. Well first I will explain what the story is about and then how this story is related to me. It seems that the author explain that love can handle everything and anything by using that same love and compassion from another or for that person to suppress ANGRY. The author states, when anger manifests us, we must recognize and accept that anger is there and it needs to be tended to” and that statement is very true. During this state of mind one should not say anything or do anything out of anger. The reason being is that during this period one tends to say or do things out of anger. When that anger takes control one tends to basically lose it, not knowing what one is saying or doing. One tends to say things that they do not mean during this state. The author talks about how one can use that energy and use it in a positive way. By using three short sentences, Darling, I suffer. I am angry, and I want you to know it. That’s the first one. I am doing my best to take care of my angry and lastly ‘Please, do help me”. But it seems these statements are more for a married couple but the statement is universal in how he is trying to get his point across. The author is trying to explain how angry must be control by varies ways. Some use a pebble to relax, others use a rosary but the fact is that one must control angry and not be control by it. Through compassion and understanding will one be helped? If not according to Pebble in Your Pocket and other Musings, he states, someone who suffers a lot always makes the people around him or her suffer”.
Now that I got that out of the way, let’s now begin how this story relates to me. Good old Brian Jimenez. Now I do find myself to be a good person but let’s go back a few years back when I had my girlfriend. Back then I had this very beautiful girlfriend named Emma Levya. Back then I always let my angry control me. Yes indeed I was a very angry person. I let jealousy create my angry so every time I would get angry I would let it out on her. We were together for One year and two months. During these angry shout outs I would tend to say very mean and horrible insults. I never saw the damage I did to her self steam. Back then I would only care about myself and always let angry cloud my mind. Making a long short I only caused her pain because I was not able to recognize and accept that anger was there and that it needed to be tended to. I ended up losing her but learned from my mistakes and learned that she was also suffer and not just me………………….
Michael Swisher
English 100
Cerritos College
Post#50
Pebble In Your Pocket
This excerpt by a Buddhist follower is a nice reminder of how important insignificance can be. The pebble, or any pebble for that matter, represents the most simple and subtle of aspects within an individual’s life. Pebbles make up the sands of our beaches, the foundations of our homes, and the mountains we climb. I loved the idolatry of the pebble. Catholics use rosaries, Christians the cross, and Muslims guns (just kidding). This is stark in contrast compared to the religiously significant objects of other faiths. Buddhism teaches simplicity, and center. That is a very appealing concept to me. To find solace within one’s self is a very spiritual, and enlightening thing. I know that Christianity also teaches these ways, but the poetics and the direct nature of the Buddhist faith is powerful. I cant agree with the whole “nothingness”, and “re-incarnation” ideas of it, but the method of living for Buddhist monks calls my attention firmly. I also agreed deeply with the author’s description and illustration of compassion. To be compassionate is a not so well understood verbiage. It takes patience, comfort, understanding and many other positive qualities to really know what compassion calls for in a person. Compassion is not just sympathy, and it isn’t just empathy. It is seeing all people of this earth as a unified familial symbiotic congress of individuals. It is feeling another’s pain, hunger, sorry, frustration, and emptiness.
Belinda Reed
English 100
Cerritos College
Pebble in Your Pocket
This reminds my of gift that my eldess son once made me. It was a little cross that he had carved from a stone. A stone in a sense is like a pebble. They are both little tiny rocks. He made this for me when he was about ten years old. He is now thirty nine. I believe it may have been a mothers day gift. Anyway I once carried it all the time, until I lost it for about 5 years. I found it under the seat in my car. I then put it in a safe place for keeping. I carried it in my pocket for years. I felt that it was always a nice thought. My uncle carries a lent ball in his pocket.For good luck,
Tess Elizondo
English 100
CC
Post 21
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings
The first couple of sentences in this story caught my attention. When Thich Nhat Hanh says," Love can handle anything" (1),and only those first four letters can be so important to a person. I do believe love can handle anything, but I also believe it can break a person down. Anything can be a symbol of love. In this story the symbol was a pebble. The pebble signified the presence of the other person when that significant other was not there physically but menatlly and emotionally they were. This pebble can bring love, but can also bring anger. In my opinion the pebble became more than it's actual meaning. The pebble became a friend, a companion, a spiritual light, and most importantly the other half of that person. This was a really nice story to read, and it made me think about my other half.
Edilu Medina
English 100
CC
Post on pebbles
Pebble un your pockets and other Musings by Thich Nhat Hanh
This story contains a pebble of our true daily life issues, we are exposed to un reasoned anger sometimes because we are watered through the years. I like how this view can tie into a job site when you get those cranky bosses who are just upset about anything you do its not perfect, and it never will be in their eyes. They will make you angry and sometimes ruin your day. " Someone who suffers a lot always makes the people around him or her suffer" (3). As it may be on a job, relationship, family or friend I think its always a key to understand what makes them angry. What is the suffer throught that mindset? All it is to be your own pebble and sometimes let someone else carry you to protect you.
Sarai Vazquez
English 100
Cerritos College
Post ....
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings
In the beginning of this reading it talks about how he carries a pebble to help him calm them. Whenever he is mad,sad, or anxious that pebble helps him. It is funny to think that people have random little things like that that help them when they are going through those emotions. We all have different ways of dealing with these emotions. Many people lean on their religion when they feel stressed or angry or any other emotions and that is good. It is good to have these small things to help us control ourselves. I think that morep people should have this because some just do not know how to control themselves.
Esmeralda Orozco
english 100
cc
post???
Pebbles in your Pocket and Other Meaning…by Thich Nhat Hanh
as i was reading the story i was thinkin how helpfull it would have been wen i was in a relationship. i think it is true wen we are mad we interup the other person and do not listen to what they have to say we are sinto not paying attention. if i would have just had the information i think we would have both have a different ending to the fights. it is soo true that when one is mad we should give them time to relax and leter when thay are come we go back and calmly address the issue. i loved this story beacuse we can all identify with it. i am sure we all have been in an arrgument with our other half and beacuse of the lack of communication we make things worst. i am gonna take the information in the story and addapt it into my love life well at lest when i get one
MarthaVazquez
English 100
CC
Post 30
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings...
This is an awesome piece about forgiveness, anger, and compassion. It talks about how we should recognize our anger, treat it properly, and get rid of it. I like the idea of only allowing yourself to be angry for one day. Anger should not consume your life. This piece also speaks on selective watering. It says that we should nourish only positive seeds. We should encourage and practice kindness, love and compassion. I think compassion plays a big role in letting the anger go. If you are concerned with someone besides yourself, and are compassionate towards them, all your preoccupations about yourself seem to diminish. We should be more proactive in nurturing people's good seeds, rather than feeding the negative ones.The author talks about having a pebble in your pocket to remind you of all these things. I really like that. Sometimes we need a physical reminder of what we set out to do in our minds. So, rub the little pebble, and remember: love, forgiveness and compassion.
Adrian Moreira
Cerritos College
English 100
Post #31
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings... - Thich Nah Hanh
I totally forgot that we had to post before this evenings class. Luckily I woke up from my afternoon nap with enough time to read and post.
This was a great story for me. It completely hit home for me. Not because I am one who is quick to anger or selectively water seeds of anger or am not compassionate because let's face it, I am awesome. Just kidding. I am not awesome but I have learned, like Thich writes, to try and do these things when angered. I am thinking that these are things I learned from my mom because my dad is quicker to anger than Chris Paul is to fast break after a steal. I am not the type of person who likes to get angry. I feel that I look stupid when I am mad so I would rather just relax than blow up. But if you are the type of person that has a short fuse, "Expressing Anger Wisely" is the perfect paragraph for you. Maybe I will read it to my dad!
I am also not the type of person that likes to carry my past around or someone else's past around as ammunition for some current problem. I have seen how "selective watering" can ruin relationships. If you cannot let go of the past and you keep anger and old bad situations in your mind and heart, you can never truly move forward. For me, the past is in the past for a reason. The future seems nicer than the past anyway because it is full of opportunities.
As far as the "Are You Sure You're Right?" part, I am always right so I just skipped it. Ha! I actually read it a few times because I like to be right and am always up for learning ways to make sure I am right.
The read ends with four paragraphs about compassion and how important it is. I know that without compassion from my God, my family, and any one whom I love, my life would suck. Hanh writes, "Compassion is possible only when understanding is there." (3) Written perfectly. It is hard compassionate and understanding sometimes but without both, perceptions never get better.
Arcelia Swarr
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #i have to count... idk
Pebble In Your Pocket and Other Musings was a great story to read. I can really relate to many different parts of the story. For me, my "pebble" is my necklace. It was a gift from my fiancee and it is what keeps me calm, reminds me to relax, and helps me focus. I hold onto it when I am stressed, I rub the back of it with my thumb when I am mad and need to calm down, and I hold onto it when I feel like I am completely lost.
Another part of the story I can relate to is expressing anger. Since My fiancee Jeremy is in Kuwait, we only have communication through phone and email, and that is limited since his days are my nights. When things happen that upset me, they usually happen during the day, and it is hard to not have someone I can talk to right away. Those times that I am mad are the times when I will write Jeremy and email to let him know what's going on so when he talks to me later that night he already knows what's going on and he's always ready to help me. Sometimes it's hard to talk to him and tell him exactly how i'm feeling because I have a hard time sometimes when it comes to expressing my feelings with him. As long as Jeremy and I continue to be completely honest with each other we have few problems, and we are one heck of a team!
The last part of the story was another part I could really relate to. When my uncle was looking at the beinning of his divorce earlier this year, he was hopeful that things would change for the better and that he wouldn't be getting a divorce. I pretty much knew he would be disappointed with his hopes, but I was there for him without any negative thoughts. I listened to him, listened to his concerns, and I even listened to him tell me to my face "I won't get a divorce. It's happened too much in this family and I'm not going to be another statistic." I was a little hurt, I mean, hello! Who did he think he was talking to? I am the most recent divorce in my family, a family that definitely looks down on divorce, and his comment felt a little like a personal attack, but I still just listened. I was optimistic with my advice and full of compassion because I knew where he was headed. Eventually he came to the realization that he was indeed becoming yet another divorce within the family, and at that time I was still there listening with compassion and full of hope for him and a better life.
Monique Gutierrez
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #70
AHHHHHHHHHH!!!
I would just like to give a shout out to my debate team. Great job ladies! This was a wonderful learning experience and I am glad to have done it with all of you. Also, great job to the other debate teams! I wish I could have come to Black Angus, but I had a class afterwards. I could've used a margarita especially after tonight...lol
ESMERALDA OROZCO
ENGLISH 100
CC
POST 100
TO MY DEBATE TEAM!!!!!
OMG I LOVE MY TEAM WE WORKED TOGETHER SO GOOD ALTHOUGH I WAS NERVOUS MY TEAM MADE ME FEEL GOOD ABOUT MYSELF AND I SURE WAS ACARED OF RAUL LOL I THOUGHT HE WAS GONNA THROUGH SOMETHING BAD ABOUT ME LOL IN THE END I LOVED HOW THINGS WORKED OUT IF WE WON OR NOT I AM GLAD MIKE PICKED LULU AND ME TO BE IN HIS TEAM!!!! HE IS A GREAT LEADER AND MAKES SURE HIS GIRLS(LULU AND ME) UNDERSTAND THE WORK. LULU WAS GREAT!!!! SHE IS SO FUNNY AND PUT HARD WORK INTO THE DEBATE
GOOD LUCK TO THE OTHER TEAM BECAUSE I KNO THEY ALSO PUT HARD WORK INTO IT AND NO MATTER WHO WINS I THINK BOTH OUR TEAMS ARE WINNERS!!!!!!
I HAD SOOO MUCH FUN
(INSIDE JOKE)
WHAT HAPPEND TO THE MUD OR JELLO???
Jessica Vasquez
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #: ??
Jessica & chocolate do not mix well... I apologize to my classmates & Mr.Hsiao for making a fool out of my hyped little/ tall self yesterday...
The debates were all good, and I'm pretty sure everyone felt a bit more relieved for those 5 min after they where over, then Mr.Hsiao mentioned the research paper... lol.. Any who, Thanks to everyone that came to Black Angus yesterday! We all had a great time & I found my new favorite drink (dang! I forgot the name already)... Hopefully we can have another Happy Hour soon! everyone have a great & safe weekend!! Oh and I'll see you guys at the field trips this weekend. If anyone wants to carpool on Sunday e-mail me, I have room in my car for 3 other people..
On a side note: Has anyone noticed the streets already decorated for the holidays?? I was driving to the Cerritos Mall the other day and noticed the decorations. That reminds me of how much I love the holidays.. Everyone is friendlier during these times, and just the thought of sitting by the fireplace with my hot Mexican chocolate or champurado makes me feel all warm & toasty inside.
Gabriela Tovar
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #32
The Way and Its Power by Lao zu
First of all, i am reading while blogging, what is ch'I???
"Store it within; make of it a well-spring, flood-like, even and level. Make fo it a very store-pool of ch'i"...
I see it as do not never try to be above what you are becoming e.g. if you make a lot of money, don't ever think you are beyond and do not be an ass and not help your famly, charity, friends, etc. if you do, you are being balanced. You are managing your money wise. For example, my uncle was doing great at his job, good money to even start remodeling the house and extending it. He never saw the need that my family at least needed some money, his brothers, his sisters, neighbors, he never lend a hand to no one. He bought a navigation of the year, a nice truck, etc. but he never learned the value to balanced the money wise and share to those that really needed it. Now my uncle is getting into a nasty divorced, total ass, and where did all that power he had and the big bucks he was getting went? To the trash... To me, that is call KARMA... What goes around comes back around... Do not ever think that with the big bucks one makes, do not ever think you are superior then your own family, friends, because at the end it is worth NOTHING...
"Be so small that nothing could go inside it; so large that nothing exist beyond it..."
LIke i said before, have a great heart and helps those in need. Yes, do think of your self frist, but think of the others while you are at it, if not, you are not going to end up being alone. Who wants that?
That is all really stuck out to me the most... My advied to me, and to students, do not ever change because of money. Stay at the same water level and you wil find your self balancing through life, soul, and heart, well...
Antonio Acosta
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #?
The Getty Center
It was the fifth tme going to the Getty Center. Like allways I had fun. I do not know that much about art but like every painting that I saw. There was a sculpture that got my eye. It was bull being bitten by a snake. The snake was around the bulls belly and bitting his neck. There were new works of art in the center since last time I came. Hanging out in the after waking around the whole center was relaxing and fun.
Monique Gutierrez
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #71
Random Mumbo Jumbo
I’m sitting here listening to U2’s Stay (Far Away So Close!) a song from their Zooropa album. I forgot how much I really loved this song. I looked up the video on Youtube. God I love Youtube! Anyway, Bono is so beautiful in this video. If you have seen the video, he singing along with this blonde girl and I think that is the most romantic thing ever. You see, he is the blonde girls’ guardian angel. I don’t know if I believe in guardian angels, but I know our conscience teaches us from right and wrong. Maybe that’s our angel whispering in our ear his/her guidance. If I had a guardian angel, I wonder who it would be?
I finally went out last night! My friend Blanca invited me to go to a concert at the Anaheim House of Blues. Wow! I loved it there. I’ve been there before but this time I was hanging out on the balcony with the groupies and band mates. I felt like VIP lol! The bands I saw were Tomorrow’s Bad Seeds, B-Foundation and the main act which was Iration. I’m not a huge reggae fan, but I agreed to go. And I’m glad I did! If I could go to a concert every week I so would. The experience is exhilarating. I had a couple drinks (yum!) and enjoyed the show. I also enjoyed watching people mosh in the pit below us. Ah, I remember those days; I can’t do that now I’ll break something! When the show was done the bands were doing a meet and greet. There were lots of trashy girls hanging about so I stood on the sidelines waiting for my friends to get their items signed. All of a sudden I turned and bumped into the lead singer of one of the bands. We both smiled and went our separate ways, but that was enough for me. He was hot! I don’t even think I could get a word out if we chatted. But, all and all I had a good time and that is all that counts.
Monique Gutierrez
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #72
HW Question
I lost the paper that had the homework written on it in our last class. I know we have to bring in something that symbolizes who we are, then bring in what we have so far with our papers. Then we have to post on The Way and Its Power by Lao Zu, but was that it?
Monique Gutierrez
English 100
Cerritos College
Post # 73
The Way and Its Power by Lao Tzu
Reading this I learned a few things. I learned that fear and anger are only polluting my mind. I have been polluting my “temple” my whole life and that has got to stop! I cannot let my fear; anxiety and anger get the best of me. For it can only bring me down and I have got to learn to express myself. All these negative ways of thinking is just wasted energy. It is not good for the heart and it is most definitely not good for the soul. I gathered from this reading that Tzu wants us to keep an open mind and think more about things in a more positive way. For example, the “life-breath” kept “within the mind” it can “come and go where it will” (3). I took this as you can do anything you put your mind to. “Be so small that nothing could go inside it” meaning nothing will cause it harm (3). Also, “so large that nothing exists beyond it” meaning nothing will be far greater than it (3). As I kept reading, I learned that we as humans serve a purpose and even if we are not aware of it we are capable of just about anything.
I also liked the saying in paragraph 6. “To be perfect is to invite diminution; to climb is to invite a fall” (6). Basically, I believe Tzu is saying that there are some selfish people in this world. There are people who think of themselves as the high and mighty. Mostly, the people who think that nothing can touch them, that they are invincible. But, what they do not know is what goes up is sure to come down. If you build your life up way to high, you may just fall on your ass. Nobody likes an overachiever! Know your limits! Do not belittle people on the way up either. Not everyone is perfect and the people who claim to be are only asking for it. That is my opinion.
In conclusion, we should not let anger get the best of us. It just makes us more vulnerable to others and they can use our feelings to their advantage. We must respond in a more positive way and think clearly when it comes to our lives. Do not let negative vibes get you down. Never give up, be strong!
Zachary Duke
Eng 103
CC
Post !!!
Way and it's power
Ill be honest. after all these semesters reading this, i still don't completely get it. but what i do get is that one must not let fear overcome them.I being the bad boy i am (joke to 100 class) I am still afraid of things. not only in this story but also in the Tow witch states that "fear is as empty as hope". To me, this is waht the whole story is about.
something for all
I have a little game for you all
here are the rules
RULE 1:
You are playing The Game.
RULE 2:
Every time you think about The Game, you lose.
RULE 3:
Loss must be announced
The objective of The Game is to forget that it exists. There by winning the game
Good luck *evil laugh*
Diana Amezcua
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #???
The Way and It’s Power by Lao Tzu (1934)
This reading was really confusing and I had to re-read it a few times to kind of get it. Well what I got out of it is that, the ch’I that Tzu is referring to is ones state of mind. Indeed, we are the only ones in charge of feeling a certain way. With this I mean that we are the ones to blame if we are in negative or positive state of mind. It is really up to us to feel more in peace with ourselves and others. Tzu also refers to ch’I as ‘the life-spirit’ which is almost the same as ones state of mind because it strengthens our inner self. “Fear, pettiness, meanness-all those qualities that pollute the ‘temple of the mind’-are due to shrinkage of the life-spirit.” (1) Indeed, when thinking negatively we pollute our mind and spirit to a point that we feel a tremendous weakness from within. I do agree with this because when we think in a negative way, we tend to attract all the negative vibes and everything seems to work against us. Therefore, when surrounded by positive vibes and mind set, we tend to feel more in peace with ourselves and can experience positive energy around us. In fact, when one is in this mind set, one can get a sense of satisfaction and power from within. As Tzu explains when being in peace with yourselves you feel a special power that can not be perturbed by anything, “For it can come and go where it will. Be so small that nothing could go inside it; so large that nothing exists beyond it.” (3) Ones immense tranquility sets you free because you don’t have to depend on others to make you happy. Ones positive state of mind helps with anything that might come ones way; because it will not only diminish the problem but it will make you see it on a different way.
Andy Murphy
Eng103
Cerritos college
pPost#27
Way&Its Power
Again. This like the past 2 readings I haven't been able to fully wrap my head around. My mind is elsewhere at the moment with dealings with school and without. I guess can play into some parts that stuck out to me. For example, "My mind, my wellbeing, my goal" it is blurry, hazy. Almost hard for me to decipher what has to be done at this moment. Now all these complications or as Lao Tzu referred "perturbations" or agitations delude my harmony in my Ch'I or also Tao. So all I can really hope for is that after this semester concludes the fog thins out and I am able to be at "peace and stillness" (para4)
Re:Re- these remaining excerpts deal with faith, spirituality,etc. Hard for me to comprehend (probably others too) who have lost their clarity of faith. I can infer the literal meaning of the context while someone who has faith can really pick up on the truth of it.
back to other homework now.
Samantha Navarro
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #.....
The Way and Its Power by Lao Tzu
This essay teaches us that “grief and joy, delight and anger, desire and greed for gain” causes us to pollute the Ch’I (4). Opposite aspects of reality are actually not opposites, according to Taoism, but identical. The purpose for understanding that these characteristics are actually the same is to achieve balance between the two. With joy comes grief, with desire comes greed, with love comes hate. We must just let nature take its course, because nature is already perfect. It’s like standing still and letting all the negativity pass us, it is action through non-action (the art of wu wei). Here’s a quote from Lao Tzu :
“The Tao abides in non-action,
Yet nothing is left undone.
If kings and lords observed this,
The ten thousand things [everything that exists] would develop naturally.
If they still desired to act,
They would return to the simplicity of formless substance.
Without form there is no desire.
Without desire there is tranquility.
In this way all things would be at peace.
The Taoist sage has no ambitions so he cannot fail.
Those who never fail always succeed.
And those who succeed are all-powerful” (The Everything World’s Religions Book, pg 159).
The desire and ambition to gain something from life causes us to keep looking forward to something, keep looking toward the future, instead of living for the present. If we live simply for the present and follow the rules of kindness toward others, then we have already succeeded according to Lao Tzu’s teachings.
Archie Kaaua
Professor Hsiao
English 110
Golden West College
November 22, 2009
Post 36
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings by Thich Nhat Hanh
This author is teaching the reader that one can handle anger by keeping love, tending to anger, and respecting one’s self. He teaches one to tend to one’s anger by not remaining angry for more than 24 hours. He tells us to write that we are angry, that we suffer and that we need the person who made us angry to help us with our anger. These are the three sentences that one needs to write down and put it in one’s pocket. One can also use a pebble as a reminder not to blow up at someone in place of a note with three sentences written on it. One hour a day of practice can help one’s self control. I agree that we can inflict a lot of pain in the spur of the moment. It has been my experience that my worst behavior was when I spoke my mind before carefully thinking about why I was in so much pain. I can tell one that if one waits a day before saying something that might hurt someone, one will find a better way to express one’s pain. It is always better to wait. As one waits, one has compassion for the other person. If one says something that one wishes one did not one can never turn back time to take it back.
Alonso Llamas
English 103
Cerritos College
Post: ??
The Way and Its Power by Lao Tzu
The believe of Tao is something I have come to except, and have a deep trust in. The “life-spirit”, as Lao put it, is something that I have come to believe in. I believe in much of the same concepts that are explained in this excerpt. The whole concept of having a life spirit is something powerful that can bind a person with the physical and metaphysical. The concept of the mind being the ultimate source of life for an individual is evident in everyday life. From the mind is where all Chi emanates from, and will in turn support the body until the mind has diminished. “Never till that pool runs dry shall the Four Limbs fail; Nor till the well is exhausted shall the traffic of the Nine Apertures cease” (2). Until the day one might physically leave this world shall the chi of one be released from one’s body. In the meantime one must always try to nourish and increase ones chi to reach a certain clarity and serenity, or nirvana. To reach this state of paradise one must not dwell in the inconsequential parts of life, nor reside in a state of turbulence and anxiety. One must life a pure as one can, and goes with the current of life. Do not resist the path of life, kind of like how Lao explains the way and to the concept of water.
Well that’s how I took the meaning of this passage. Whether it is right or wrong I do not know.
Jaime Valadez
English 100
CC
Post#?
The Way and its Power by Lao Tzu
After reading this story two times i was still having a very difficult time trying to understand what the Lao Tzu was trying to get across. In my opinion he is talking about how our mind works and how we have a mind within a mind. As long as we have life we have our mind. He talks about how we can have our mind be pure again. He says that if we can put grief and joy,delight and anger,desire and greed for gain away we will have a much purer mind which i guess equals a much better outlook on life.
Andy Tran
English 100
Cerritos
Post #
The Way and its Power by Lao-Tzu
Many Asian cultures, specifically the Chinese, practice various techniques to keep the power of ch'i flowing. Ch'i or qi is like the energy of life and is found within. A famous and well known technique to help aid in the flow of ch'i is Tai Chi. Tai Chi is also known as a form of internal martial arts but also serves as a technique to balancing the yin and yang as well as incorporating ch'i. By controlling the flow of ch'i, one will improve their overall health and well-being. Ch'i is an important key to sustaining life. I loved the saying by Lao-Tzu, "To be perfect is to invite diminution; to climb is to invite a fall. Tao, like water, 'takes the low ground.'" I believe Tzu is saying by taking the low ground, like water, one is humble and nurturing. Water helps sustain all life on this planet. Water is patient but can also be a force to be reckoned with. There is basically nothing water cannot overcome. Water is similar to ch'i. Ch'i flows within like water flows in a river. Without it, one cannot live.
Priscilla Daza
Cerritos College
English 100
post #30
the way and its power
the name of the story already gives you an idea what it is going to be about. a way (to take) and its power(that presents with it). it specifies that chi art of mind goes hand in hand. it describes the positives of practicing chi. what is saying that the true valiant keeps the chi with their entire body with energy running through the toes and fingertips. it generally explains with this practice what one will be able to experience. in the story i especially enjoyed the line on paragraph 3, "Be so small that nothing could go inside it, so large that nothing exists beyond it". i just enjoy the idea of it. it goes on breaking down the Tao system being able to achieve with purity and without doing as much. one without the system of Tao fails and one with it will undoubtedly succeed. the sixth paragraph completely lost me. i suppose the story is directing us to keep our mind in "a way" towards peacefulness "and" to experience "its power" with one resulting as a valiant success.
the poetry reading
okay so let me start of with my day. i had to work at 1230 and was not sure what time i was going to get out from work. samanthat sheperd surprised me by showing up to my work and was actually my first table of the say. needless to say that work was a slow start. so we planned depending if i get our by 3pm that we would go watch new moon at 4pm with our boys and right after go the poetry reading. done deal...i get off around 315...i would have got out earlier but i ran into carmina who was my best friend in middle school who is now married to her boyfriend since middle school ray as if two months ago and i would just like to mention that i was the one who hooked them up! ahaha yes!...anyway so sam sam tells me around 4ish that she has to work at 5pm and will not be able to go out SO i went home and ate and texted gilligan to be ready by 6pm because jessica was going to meet me at school at 610pm to carpool. i was going to pick gilligan up at his friends house when i asked him what he was wearing...hes all "shorts and a tee" i was like what the heck!? theres NO way i was going to take him like that so i made his friend take him home to change...by that time it was a quarter to sixth and i text gilligan that i was on my way to pick him up...on my way there jessica calls me and ask if wearing a dress was too much and i told her well theres not going to be a lot of dressy people there but if ya want wear the dress she also mentioned that she hasnt got a hold of brian...THEN i pick gilligan up and drive to school i get there like at 615-620 (i wasnt running late because i wasnt with sam sam) where i text jessica and she said that they're running late...jessica and bryan get there about 20 minutes to 7pm and they dont know where they're going. luckily i put down the address of the place in my phone so we used the GPS system and went off...we get their on time and enjoyed the exciting hour and twelve minutes of the glorious poetry reading of our lives...standing up! i had to take a break after 50 minutes of standing straight, leaning my head to one side, slouching on either sides and back again to straightening my posture. i had two favorites...one was from this dude who read a poem about his fathers belly button which i thought was pretty neat and the other was from this rad chick name virginia wolf i think...i recall seeing her last time...her style is pretty unique to remember: green loose pants, whatever black oversize shirt, black reading sunglasses and to complete the outfit a plain black baseball cap to control the faded red fluffy shoulder length hair. after the reading we all risked to cross the street to have a pleasant late snake in the heated patio where both colleges a total of 20 odd students expressing their feelings openly to mister hsiao...i was first comfortable then extremely nervous i was shaking a little and my voice cracked but i paused and collected myself quickly :D what a true actor! all in all, the experience was great.
Priscilla Daza
Cerritos College
English 100
post #31
it was nice to go again for the second time this year. i saw a lot more art that i enjoyed staring at. last time seemed that we were rushed. i did not have the opportunity to linger at sculptures or paintings. i was more worried over where my team leader went and why my sister was not in my sight. this time around we were placed in groups. i volunteered to be in the swisher family group. i thought it would have been nice to be around a family whose two kids are undeniably adorable. their gravity has no shame attracting their attention and pulling people to them. it was great to see michael have his kids do flips and taking naps on him as oppose to the ample seat next to him. it reminds me of the wonderful times i spent with my daddy as a kid. before the museum we ate at this dianas place where i couldnt help but stare at sandras stunning child who was discovering the pleasure of walking. i really wanted to hold her for a while but the same reason why i didnt stay with the swisher family, kids do not tend to like me so i did not want to get in their way of family time either. it was nice though spending time with Gilligan though. he asked me to be his girlfriend afterward once he was home...you would htink he would ask at the nicest garden in california right? nope he had to do it after the fact. he almost asked me in the bus in front of everyone...boarding on the bus to go home i sit down noticing he was still standing by his seat i look up at him "i have something to ask you" he says...i immediately knew what he was going to ask and i didnt want him to be emabarressed or me get embarressed. hes not one to speak in front of crowds. at first i tempted and said "you wouldnt dare" as he was i instantly said "dont do it...sit down!" and he did...a little disappointed on the bus ride i was curious to ask him if he really was ampted in asking in the bus he admitted to the fact...i regret it a little...it would have been cute to witness that. it was after the discussion that he WAS going to ask me when he really did ask me. not in a romantic way like the garden at the getty or the cute way i wouldve loved in the bus in front of strangers but in his way, personally and just in my presence.
Sarika Vaswani
English 103
CC
Post #to infinity and beyond!
The Getty Center
It was a great day well spent! I think this was by far one of the most funnest field trips, more because of the company than anything else. It was about time the AP group finally reconnected! Seeing all of them together once again just painted a grand smile across my face. Everything from breakfast to the bus ride there was enjoyable. It is always pleasant to see Claudia hating on Art. She teaches me well =P The intensity she brings to the group is AMAZING. Oh! I must say, Alyssa and her adorable niece were probably the highlight of the trip. She kept us all on our toes and entertained the whole time! Everything from her picking up all the leaves she saw for Claudia to playing duck duck goose... there was never a dull moment with her. We roamed the museum, checking out all the art pieces. I think I enjoy Van Gogh's art the most. We ended the trip by relaxing at the beautiful garden. A memorable trip, it was :D
The Way and its Power by Lao Tzu
I still find this reading quite difficult to comprehend. Basically, I think Lao Tzu is trying to say that the ch'I... the life-spirit/inner-spirit, in order to thrive... needs to be nurtured and balanced out. Stability from within must be intact. Rid yourself from all the negativity that surround you, and you are left with a pure "heart". Something along those lines..
....so about that research paper. mhmmm
Veronica Vasquez
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #33
The Way and Its Power
Lao Tzu
I guess I can attempt to decode this by stripping each paragraph with what I understood.
First paragraph I feel the author is speaking of this inner spirituality in all of us, this power called ch'i that will never go out if we maintain it well. Certain feelings, like fear, pattiness, and meanness can pollute this "fountain".
The second paragraph talks about how when one does give up, or the "well" dries up, then the body and mind gives up as a whole. But if one surpasses this, they will experience a sort of inner peace.
It later speaks of common worldly sins, such as greed and desire. This also pollutes the mind, and when we set these aside, we regain our purity. This purity is described as something right in front of us, very close and tangible, but not so easily attained. And it is true, we know what is right from wrong, what our morals have taught us, and very easily can someone just start doing good, but our lust for objects and ideas that please our 5 senses inhibits us from making the change.
Towards the end it speaks of the "morally great man" that achieved it by keeping his "infant heart". I believe the author feels everyone at birth is perfectly pure at heart and spirit, and it is up to them to retain that purity to help them reach inner peace throughout life. By maintaining ourselves at peace, we achieve the entire world also being at peace.
Brian Jimenez
English 100
CC
POst # 49
Poetry Reading
The poetry reading was really cool. We were running late but it seems that the reading was also late as well. So we made it on time. A pond arriving I saw a similar site which was boards, it is a place that I liked to come and think about my life in general or when I just want alone time as well. Well during the readings many poets stood in front and talked about their works and read them to the audience. It consisted of love, hate, and some where even funny. Regardless of the theme each one expressed themselves in their own way. During a small part of the reading I ended up walking down stairs to buy two books that I had wanted to buy. Those were Water for elephants and the book named Crank. Later after buying the books I ended up going back up stairs to hear the rest of the readings. After every poet finished, us as a class took a group picture which I think came out pretty cool. After, Mr. Hsiao announced if anyone that wanted to come to dinner which many agreed. Making our way, in the cool brisk night, across the street to arrive at the place which looked pretty nice, after entering the class took their sits. I like always talked to whoever was around and interacted with the group and made people feel comfortable. I ordered a Cesar salad which tasted great but it seems that I was the only one eating greens which I found pretty funny I would say. Everyone else consisted of chicken strips and fries. Later on the night Mr. Hsiao made everyone get up and speaker their mind. Many opened up great and others were a bit shy but overall but it does not matter. What mattered is that everyone shared something personally about themselves or about our professor Mr. Hsiao.
Michael Swisher
English 100
Cerritos College
Post#52
Way and It’s Power
I sat here reading this excerpt by Lao and upon completion I had this nagging feeling that I had heard or read this somewhere before. I did not have to ponder long before realizing that I had heard it many times on Dragonball Z. Dragonball is an old cartoon featuring super-power endowed characters who are constantly in struggle with an evil entity of some kind, and are usually fighting with each other also. Chi, centering, enlightenment, and all of these metaphysical concepts run rampant throughout the series of Dragonball. The only difference with Dragonball and the words I have just read is that in Dragonball you can shoot fire and electricity out of your hands, and occasionally became a huge monkey (don’t ask). I know that eastern philosophy is a common and major aspect in the lives of many Asian peoples. I like the methodology of finding peace within the eastern philosophies. I do not agree with any of the explanations for existence, or process by which we evolve (or do not actually), but the theory of oneness and tranquility always appealed to me concerning Taoism, and the other forms of religious influence. There isn’t a whole lot more for me to say concerning this issue, but I would have to acknowledge that it takes a unique individual to strictly adhere to the social guidelines of these faiths. Of course, this could be said for nearly all religions, or practices, but Taoism, Buddhism, and the lot in particular, call for a spirituality, and understanding of faith and grace that very very few people have within themselves.
Samantha Shepherd
E-103
CC
post# infinity
Way and its power
To be honest, when I was reading this, I had to read it over a few times. I just couldn't concentrate on it. I love the message it sends across, especially including all of those who are disabled, such as cripples, etc., but I guess that since it is the "Holiday Season" & I work in retail at Aeropostale (what joy), I can say that I am probably looking for an article that is a little more fiery than "Peace, love, harmony." Which isn't bad, really, to say, but I am tired of smiling politely at every customer trample upon my folded stacks after having spent an hour working on it. An hour's work is gone within seconds because a customer is looking for an XL at the top of the stack. THE CLOTHES ARE IN SIZE ORDER, PEOPLE. Haha, but nonetheless, stories like these really rein me in and show me the importance of keeping calm during the crazy season and keeping peace. I will definitely try not to become a Mr. Scrooge during this Christmas and as hard as it is, maybe reading these extremely sympathetic peace stories are good for my soul.
Rayray Jovellanos
E-103
CC
Post #infinity
Way and its power-
The axe falls first on the tallest tree. Tao, like water, takes the low ground.
These words encapsulate what about 90% of western civilization fail to grasp. I think this is why philosphical pieces are so appealing to me. They connect me back to my ancient roots of ninja butt spanking skills. Jokes aside, this does bring a sense of peace in me that nothing else can achieve. Perhaps because the central theme is not focused on the grandure and illicit excess that our western culture is so morbidly obssessed about.
I don't know what else to say.
freddy Villalobos
english 103
C.C
post #?
the way and its powers
well we humans must understand that we are not perfect. we can only choose to perfect what were good at and nothimg more. we cannot perfect the things that we suck at the most. balance must be achieve and maintain the universe. the only way we can be complete if we perfect the mind, body and spirit. with out the 1 we are nothing more than empty vessels to live in this word. he explains that in order to live in a happy life, harmony must be obtain.
Brittany Williams
English 110
GWC
Post 48
Pebble in Your Pocket
In lieu of the story Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings and with the Christmas season right around the corner, I am reminded of an incident that happened a few years back around this time of year. This unfortunate happenstance took place in a parking lot at the only mall in the Victor Valley (yes, this, unfortunately, is where I grew up). The combination of both Christmas and this shopping oasis being the only mall for 35 miles was the key for a perfect storm: lots of people, not enough parking. Such was the case in my situation. I had been driving around with my younger siblings in the back seat for almost a half hour trying to find parking. Finally, in a moment of pure bliss, I saw tired shoppers returning to their car after an obviously long day. I had been lucky enough to be right behind the car they were retreating to, so I immediately turned on my left blinker to signal my soon-to-be ownership of the parking spot. While waiting, many cars had pulled up behind me and simply drove past my left side when they realized that I was not moving. This happened multiple times during my wait until a massive Ford F150 pulled up behind me. It was obvious that he could not pull through the narrow space between me and the other parked cars. I waited anxiously as the shoppers continued to load their car. There was no way I was leaving this spot, and so I stayed. About a minute had past and the massive truck behind me started to get impatient. He began honking his horn and blurting out expletives out of his shinny tinted windows. I continued to wait. Finally, the man got so enraged that he stepped out of his truck and continued forth to the window of my car. CRAP, I was in trouble. He began to express his anger with his middle finger while raising his voice in a furry of rage. I, in an attempt to reconcile, rolled down my window and apologized to the man. This, unfortunately, was not what he was looking for. He continued in his fit of rage. Finally, the moment of relief came! The parked car’s taillights came on. They were finally backing out! As they did so, I rolled up my window and continued to stake my claim in that parking spot.
As I was reading Pebble in Your Pocket, I was reminded of the above story. Imagine what a difference it would have made if the man in the truck took the advice of the author in dealing with his anger. “When anger manifests in us, we must recognize and accept that anger is there and that it needs to be tended to. At this moment, we are advised not to say anything, not to do anything out of anger” (1). Anger is an unpleasant emotion that we all deal with. We should all take note of the techniques in dealing with such emotion. It would make life so much more enjoyable.
Janice Silva
English 103
Cerritos College
Post#23?
The way and its power
Anything that is negative pollutes our mind. It destroys us because all we can think about is that incident. It destroys us causing are mind to loose peace. Our mind is whole with who we are, it contols all that we do and when we loose that peace, it is caous. Do not close the mind, open it and experiece life for what it is and not having this negativity before it is exprienced. This weekened i lost my mind and regained it, feeling confident. My girlfriend and I are not supposed to see each other because her father will not let her, he wants my parents to know. I am willing to do anything for her even if it means telling my parents, but she tells me countless times not to because she does not want me to go through what she is going through and it will be harder to see each other since my parents would know, not just hers. This weekened we went to the movies with her sister and her friends, but we decided to be with each other rather then go see a movie-a waste of time to go watch a movie since we hardley see each other- and it was nice just to be with one another. After her sister and her sister's friends got out we went to starbucks, and then a few moments after it was heart breaking. Her father walked in and saw us standing there. I didn't see him but her sister came up to her and said that " my dad is here" my girlfriend told me to go, so i went out side. The father did not tell me anything because he did not want to make a scene. It hurts, knowing that she is scared and not knowing what he is going to say or do. I cried because they were making progess as father and daughter and this incident just ruined it. I cried with so much pain behind my tears because i love her and i do not want anything to happen to her. I called a good friend of hers to let her know, she was calming me down, but also she was crying as well. My girlfriend called me letting me know what happened, she was crying because she lost everything- she did not care about materialistic things but the oppertunity to see me, and the progress she made with her father- and the thought of not being able to see me. We cried for awhile. I told her that i can't loose her and if her father wants me to tell my parents then so be it, i'll do it. She cried while she was telling me not to because she does not want me to suffer. After that i was in pain and i couldn't show my tears because i had to keep it within, only my brother knows. Her friend and i talked, saying that i have to be strong for her cause she needs me. I let that thought manifest something within me and there i regained my strength, to be strong for her. I don't know what's going to happen but i wrote my parents a after letter, for when that time comes. I asked these questions to myself, Why am i scared? what am i scared of? the storm will calm, but i am going to have to go through it in order to see the light that we've been waiting for. I am her strength, i am prepping for that moment, i won't budge with the way i feel, it's going to be hard, but i have her and she is the one i want to be with, and her with me. This ties in to the story, my mind was polluted with negativity causing my body to collapse, but when i found a light in the tunnel i concentrated on it and begin to find peace within me. Even though we must go through the dark to understand the light, i will be strong through it all.
Jonathan Aguilar
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #32
The Way and its Power
i read this story a few times and it was and still is really confusing to me. He talks about finding your chi and how we need to be peaceful. How we need to find harmony in our lives to be truely happy. But that is pretty much all i got from it. I can't wait to hear what it's all about in class. =)
Alyssa Wall
English 103
Cerritos
Post 47
The Way and Its Power
I like this story. Everytime I read it I am reminded of peace, and how peace brings happiness. Everyone wants to be happy, so that means everyone needs to find peace. The more peaceful we are, the happier our future is. I guess this story really reminds me that it is important to remeber others, and to not get so frustrated with the little things. Let the little things go, and find peace within yourself.
Ibeth Rodriguez
English 100
Cerritos College
Racitatif
Ok so Ive been having a hard week I am finally starting to catch up with my class work and my paper. This story was so confusing. I never understood who was the white girl or who was the black girl. Maybe it was meant that way. Maybe it was meant for the reader to be confused about their race. Growing up together in the same house around the same people they grew up with diffrent beleives. Once they grew up and went out to the real world they their personalities changed completly and they both thought in a very diffrent way. Not knowing from what ethinicity each girl is, it makes it much more intresting. They are both going through struggles in life, just like us. It does not matter what race we are we all go through the same thing. We all fight for our belive it does not matter what our ethnicity is we all have our own belives that some are willing to fight for just like Twyla did fighting for what she belived in. This story made me stereotype a little because of the names. I was already assuming that Twyla was the african american child and Roberta was a white or hispanic girl. At the end I could not understand why they were so upset when they starting talking about hitting the lady. Why did they get so upset? Overall the story was interesting and i got the meaning of it, but in all honesty i was a little confusing.
Romero, George
Professor Hsiao
Post#....
The Way and its Power
such a powerful story that describes one soul and the requirements that are demanded of an individual. the chi of ones soul is the endless fountain in all of us. one must merely learn to let this fountain run free rather than conceal it. the childs heart is the most pure and un touched of al hearts, yet we never cease to carve away at it. overall the point of the story is to maximise ones potential to be a great person but at the same time still grow.
Brittany Williams
English 110
GWC
Post 49
The Getty
I am not one who appreciates art. I hate saying it, but it’s true. I’ve tried numerous times to find meaning in obscure paintings, but I have always been unenthusiastic about my findings. I simply cannot sit and stare at a painting for hours like some people do. It bores me. This is the honest truth, and because of this truth, I was as equally unenthusiastic about the field trip to The Getty. I had been there before, so I knew what to expect – a bunch of random art pieces that hung neatly on the walls of the overabundant white that the building seems to exude. This was all I could think about at 7:00am when my alarm went off and awoke me from my sleep. Nevertheless, I got up and hoped for a good day.
When the morning started off with Mexican food, I had higher hopes for the day than I had originally anticipated. Nothing can cure a sour morning like Mexican food. It was delicious! From there, we departed on our 45min bus ride to The Getty. Once we arrived, we were broken up into groups. Immediately, I looked to my watch and found that we had about 3-4 hours to kill before we were told to meet up with the rest of the group. 3-4 hours?!?! What was I going to do?? Sluggishly, I followed my group around to the various art rooms and attempted to make the best of this trip. I began by picking out only a few paintings per room to examine. In the past, I had attempted to fit everything into one day, thus resulted in my skipping through the explanation of the painting itself. This time I wanted to really get a sense of what was going on in each painting. I figured that it was my best shot of enjoying the hours were given at The Getty. I was right. Allowing myself some time for each painting really helped me to appreciate the piece of work in front of me. It better helped me to understand what was going on at the time, which gave the painting more meaning.
In addition to this, it was also nice to get to know my classmates. It’s a different experience to talk with them outside of the classroom, and I had fun with all of them!
Adrian Moreira
English 100
Cerritos College
Post # 31
The Way and Its Power - Lao Tzu
I did not really like this story. It is not that I did not understand it (or maybe it is) but it was not as interesting to me as it was to some of my fellow classmates. Maybe I am not one who is too worried about his "mind within the mind" or "achieving without doing". This story reminds me of that movie "Mystery Men" with Ben Stiller and there is that one character who says a saying then repeats is backwards. That is what paragraph 4 reminds me of when it says, "It goes, yet has not departed. It comes, yet is not here."
I guess I cannot say that I do not like the whole story. I did like the part in paragraph 6 which talks about, "the 'morally great' man is one who has kept through later years his 'infant heart'." As children we are innocent and hopeful, without any true worries. This is definitely something I hope I can achieve. It is like when JC says, "...for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these [children]." Children have a pure, faithful heart. Give me a heart like that anytime.
Cathrina Afusia
Cerritos College
English 100
The Way and Its Power
This reading sort of reminded me of some of the other readings we have had this semester. I believe majority of our readings have been on inner peace, as well as peace within the society. I always believed that you get from the world what you put into it. I to believe this world is a mess at this point in time, and I believe alot has to do with the people that are in it! We need to all start working as one to develop a place where we can raise our children. The peace has to start from within. This reading talks alot about your inner self, and that is where it all begins. If you do not have control over yourself, what do you have control over? I believe the ch'I is that little thing inside of us that we look to when we are not at our best. It is sort of our comfort zone, and I believe everyone has one. Sometimes it is harder for a particular person to find that comfort within themselves.
Jon Croft
English 110
Golden West College
Post #33
The Way and Its Power by Lao Tzu
I remember reading this last year, and posting about how it emphasized laziness through its lack of desire for any worldly possessions. Well now, I'm another year older and another year....
The main gist of Taoism is internal harmony with the natural world. Ones desires and materialistic trappings are not needed, because the nature that has been can provide so much more than our own temporary creations. In this light, it shares similarities with Buddhism. Namely, the emphasis on the lack of material goods or possessions, and a greater focus on inner well-being.
It does seem that the two philosophies are directed at those without, as opposed to the rich and powerful. I can only assume the rich and powerful were too busy living absurdly luxurious lives to concern themselves with inner harmony.
Jenny Guzman
Cerritos collage
English 100
Post AAHH
When it rains it pours.
Well I have had hell of a weekend. Ok Thursday I was so (what do the kids call it these days) STOKE to go watch New moon. Before I could go to the movies I had to go to the dentist (boo dentist). While going home I got into a little fender bender. The chick had 3 little holes in her bumper, so that sucked. Before we went to the movies we played a bit a beer pong. That was fun. We get to the movies 2 hours early so we can get good seats. We had to fight with twihard fans but we got our seats. New Moon was not that good. Bella’s character is a bit to whinny for my liking. I do not think the movie was worth me getting sick. Friday comes around and I got sick for being out late. Saturday was ok because I slept till 2pm. Haha I love my fiancé for taking care of Janelle. Well Sunday Janelle woke up with a bad cough, and wheezing breathing. I called her doctors and she said to take her to the E.R. we where there for 5 hours!! Aahh. Well Janelle has form bronchitis, so now I am sad. Theses are the joys of motherhood.
Jenny Guzman
Cerritos collage
English 100
Post HW
The Way and Its Power by Lao Tzu
This story is about how one can clears one mind, and heart. The chi is a pool of emotions. That is where our feeling come from. This pool should not dry out or then one feelings or body would fail. The story is also about we teach our children to be better humans. How we teach our kids to kind to other people and thing. Tzu wants us to keep our “infant heart” because we have no hate when we are kids, so keep a pure heart to teach your kids can be good.
Ibeth Rodriguez
English 100
Cerritos College
Pebble in your Pocket and other Musings
It is hard to live life without ever being angry. At some points in our lives we are just going to lose control of our anger and let it all out. It has not happened to me yet but I have seen even the nicest person lose control of the anger she had inside of her and let it all out. It is not the wisest thing to do but many do it anyways. It is true about sharing our emotions to the people we are upset with. Sometimes we get angry at someone and other people end up being victims of our anger. I never get angry and when I do which is very rare, I just talk to people that make me happy. In this case my best friend. I am very patient with people and nice, and sometimes I feel that they take advantage of that. I have noticed that the nicer you are to people they take advantage of you. Not everyone of course, being nice to everyone all the time does have its benefits most whenever I need a favor they are always there for me. Getting angry at people is not cool. A friend of mine is always mad for every little reason. It is sad to see someone angry all the time; it is like if they have not found happiness. Being happy with life is what makes anger go away. Whenever one is angry just look at all the great things that make you happy. I learned how to share my emotions with others and it is wonderful. I was the type of person who kept everything to myself, but not anymore. I am not comfortable enough to tell my boyfriend everything I feel. If I am angry or upset with him I will tell him everything. It is the best way to resolve everything. Not just expressing our feelings but also listening. We learn a lot through listening. It is another great way to clear any conflict. When we listen we get to understand how the other person feels. Just listening, not saying anything back and once the person is done with everything he or she had to say we can finally say how we feel. There are many ways how we can let anger out, but the smartest way of doing it is talking about it and listening.
Jon Croft
English 110
Golden West College
Post #34
The Getty
So this Getty place, it has lots of art and sculptures and fish. They have some inscrapulous greenery there as well.
I would say more, but you should go see the place your own damn self.
Poetry Reading
The one thing that surprised me about the entire night was the lack of chairs. Just that, really.
The poetry that was read, along with the short stories, gave me an actual means of measuring my own creations against those of published professionals. For that much, I was glad to have shown up.
The grammar on the final that will be conspicuously absent was a good lure to draw out those who normally would not appear in public. Kudos on the baiting, Hsiao-shank Redemption.
The dinner was entertaining, especially convincing the husband of Lady Fisher that she was, in fact, constantly complaining about him in class. I can only assume he took this as congenial heckling, but if he did, I offer my sincerest sincerity, which is to say, none. The food was welcome because I forgot to eat lunch (I think I forgot breakfast as well), and nothing sat out of place.
I found the impromptu speeches at the end of our meal not only immensely entertaining, but also gregariously entertaining. What was said, however, shall remain unwritten. Maybe spoken of, but never written. Rest assured that Mr. Hsiao was given the thanks he will continue to deserve.
P.S.
Brandon, where in the name of every statue, painting, book, and baked good associated with religion were you?
Ibeth Rodriguez
English 100
Cerritos College
The way and its Power by Lao Tzu
It is always a great feeling to live in peace and harmony with one self. The mind is a powerful thing; it can make you think outrageous things as well as doing things. The mind sometimes is hard to control, for example thinking negatively about a person or having bad thoughts about someone you do not like. Sometimes we do not want to think that way about someone else but our mind. Our soul is different; whenever we do the right thing we feel so good with ourselves. Knowing that every day we have been nice to others and have done the right things our soul tends to be happy. Knowing that our soul is happy our mind tends to be clear from negative thoughts. So in order to for our mind and soul to be happy we need to do the right things. For example many people think that people who have lots of money are happy that is not true. Maybe it does make you happy but it does not make the soul happy. Happiness does not always mean we are happy with ourselves. In my opinion being happy is being happy with one self, happy to others, happy with the world. Happiness is being able to go to sleep at night knowing that your soul is at peace because you have not have done anything wrong or hurt someone’s feelings. Happiness is having peace in your heart and be able to share that peace with people that you love.
Belinda Avila
English 110
Goldenwest College
Ex. Cr. Post
The Getty
Saturday morning I went to the Los Angeles Getty with my classmates from Goldenwest. We were accompanied by Mr. Hsiao's other students. It was truly a great experience! I have been to the Getty before, about seven years ago. My favorite part of museum is the garden. In the center of the garden is a flower maze that winds around a body of water. The garden also contains many different trees embellished with a variety of fruits and flowers. I enjoyed bonding with fellow classmates. I feel that I can consider them friends. I feel more comfortable talking to them. I also enjoyed taking pictures at the museum. It was very humorous. I was slightly disappointed with the photo gallery. It was interesting, but it just seemed as though the museum had run out of ideas for the gallery. Occupations of the 1950's in New York, Paris, and London? Snore! Last time I went, it was based on the Holocaust. I guess the Holocaust theme is hard to top in my mind.
The story that I read was interesting. I the way the story talks about phi what it does. I love to be relaxed.
Sarai Vazquez
Cerritos College
English 100
Post ....
The Way and Its Power by Lao Tzu
This reading was very difficult for me. I had to read it a couple times to kind of understnd it. What I got from the reading was that we should not let small things get to us. We should not let the small things that go on in our lives effect us so much. It says "mind within the mind" and that to me means that if we think about things a little too much we will over think it. Whenever we think of things too much in our minds we make them bigger than they really are. We think about something so much and as we think of it more and more we start adding things to it and before you know it you have created in a way a monster. We need to keep our thoughts positive and that will help us get through the toughest times.
Belinda Avila
English 110
Goldenwest College
Ex. Cr. Post
Poetry Reading
On Sunday evening I attended the "poetry reading" at Borders. No offense to anyone, but It was so boring I was falling asleep. I love poetry, but the readings I heard there, I could not tell whether they were short stories or poetry. It was very irritating that there were not enough seats for everyone and I happened to be wearing a skirt. If I had to pick a favorite poem/reading of the night, I would say that the Go-Go piece or the Star Trek piece were my favorites. When the poetry reading was finally over, we had the opportunity to eat dinner at Hoff's. Hoff's was a lot of fun because, again, it was an opportunity to bond with my classmates. Towards the end of dinner we each stood up to say what we learned this semester. Everyone basically said they same thing. Mr. Hsiao's class has been a memorable and irreplaceable experience.
Brian Jimenez
English 100
Cc
Post #50
The Way and Its Power by Lao Tzu
From what I got out of this story I believe it is based on the human mind. Also I feel the author called it the Ch’I system which I read this three times and sadly still confused. The author talks about how the mind is a very strong tool in the human body. According to The Way and Its Power by Lao Tzu, he states, “all this is the work of the life-breath that is within the mind. For it can come and go where it will. Be so small that nothing could go inside it; so large that nothing exists beyond it. He alone loses it who harms it by perturbation. The mind can be used without the person even knowing and can be used at will. I feel that the mind if not used basically is small that nothing could go inside it. By that I mean if someone is close minded then nothing is going to get through that person. Unlike a person who thinks outside the box is opened minded. And someone who loses their mind is a victim by perturbation. By definition and according to The Way and Its Power by Lao Tzu, its means, “grief and joy, delight and anger, desire and greed for gain. This is the part I do not understand. The author states that by putting all these away that your mind will return to its purity. “For such is the mind that only peace and stillness are good for it. This story kind of reminds me of what I read in Satyagraha: Civil Disobedience, Passive Resistance, Non-co-operation by Monhandas K. Gandhi. Maybe they are similar in some ways.
Celina Rivera
English 100
Cerritios College
Post #83
My experience on Saturday began with me calling my mom and waking her up. I was really excited to have my mom be there with me. When I got on the road I still had some errands to run. The next step was heading off to school. I made a phone call while driving asking Brian if he would be attending the field trip. Brian while barely waking said no because he had to work. I later got a text from Brian asking what I was talking about. So I looked at my phone once again and realized I called the wrong Brian. I felt so dumb. I met up with everyone at school and we went to eat. The food was good and I would recommend it to others. We rode the bus to the museum and our driver was a great driver unlike the one on the last trip. We all arrived at the Getty Centre and all teamed up. This time was different because my mom was attending. Professor Hsaio put us in our groups and we proceeded to enter the building to the museum. I loved how all the paintings had so much detail. The women once again were showing there bodies just like the Getty Villa. I loved seeing the Iris painting. The area with the furniture was amazing, I wonder why we dont still have furniture like that anymore. After looking at most of the exhibit we went to the garden to hang out. I could not believe my mom knew as much as she did on all the art. Over all the trip was good and I enjoyed meeting the people in my group and their families.
Martha Vazquez
English 100
CC
Post 30
The Way and Its Power
This piece talks about the way we should live life. It goes on to describe certain ways to nurture ch'I, which is the life spirit. It says for us to be peaceful and still, and that is how we can have power over the outside world. With this power, we can learn no to worry about small things that we have no control over. We can also feed this power by being one with the universe. Accepting things that cannot be helped and fixing things which can. He says "to yield is to conquer, wheras to grasp is to lose" This is an awesome way to view life. It releases so much tension about what we need to do, or what we need to achieve. It says that we should live our lives like flowing water: low on the ground, not exalted, always moving, and never runs dry. This is what will greatly feed our ch'I, and will change our lives.
Celina Rivera
English 100
Cerritos College
Post# 84
The Way and Its Power by Lao Tzu
When I read this story I really wondered if the mind could exist without the body. In Philosophy class I learned that people are like computers we input and output data. The interesting part is that our minds can not exist with out our bodies I think. It was interesting that I read how we as people get made at the small things that we are unable to fix. I also think that we should be careful on the things we get upset about and the time period because we still can not change the outcome. The story to tells me to let myself go to the relaxing place father that let yourself get worked up with all the small thing.
Janelle Rodriguez
Cerritos college
post#??
The Way it is Power
his story was kind of diffucult for me to understand. well most of all the stories we need to read are kind of hard to understand...:) well what i got out of this story was that it talks about the mind and how some things the mind tathinks of are powerful. i think that if we are constantly trying to think of something to make it perfect as much as we think it over and over it will just end up not being the way we want to things to end up. sometime things need to just happen and by thinking to hard of them they soon end up happingin dufferent then what we wanted.
Esmeralda Orozco
english 100
cc
post???
The Way and Its Power by Lao Tzu
when i was reading the story i really did not understand it. i tried to read it over and over but it just did not make sence to me. as much as i tried to focus the words did not make sence.i hope it is talkining about you have to have a peacful soul in order to live a peaceful life beacuse that is what i got out of it. you must also know who to hange out with beacuse negativity is bad for the soul. i really did not understand this story but i kno it had to do soething with the soul and how it affects us
Antonio Acosta
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #?
The Way and Its Power by Lao Tzu
When I read this story it was hard to understand. I read it 4 times until I finally realize what the story was saying. It is about the way we should live life. It says for us to be peaceful and still, and that is how we can have power over the outside world. With this power, we can learn not to worry about small things that we have no control over. We need to accept things that cannot be fixed and fix things which can. We should live our lives like flowing water: low on the ground, not exalted, always moving, and never runs dry. The part of the story that I liked is when it says, “To be perfect is to invite diminution; to climb is to invite fall.” If you work hard to be perfect; you work hard to fail.
Joshua Greenroyd
English 110
GWC
The Getty Museum
This semester I was able to travel with the class, and go on the field trip to the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. I remember everyone in my class last year raving about how much fun the trip was, so I could not miss out on the trip this time around. My mom watches a television show called Project Runway. In one of the episodes the designers actually were able to go to the Getty Museum to be inspired for a piece in their collection. When my mother heard about Mr. Hsiao taking his classes to the Getty Museum, she immediately wanted to come along. Yes, I took my mom on the field trip to the Getty Museum with me. To my surprise there were only three other Golden West College students on this field trip. I believed there would be more. The one main point I want to hit on is the breakfast that we were able to enjoy. The bus driver took us to a diner named Diana’s. It was a Hispanic diner. I was sitting on a table with the other Golden West College students, and we begin to talk. I brought up how strange Hispanic television could be. As if time was destined to happen this way, the television began to become strange. There was a program for children on the television. Of course this program was in Spanish. Every fixated themselves on the television. It was a strange sight to see. At one point in the show, there was a hamster in a cage. The shot began to pan across the cage. The hamster was talking, and in the corner of the cage was a toilet! There was an actual toilet sitting there. It was a porcelain Honda. This to me was very strange. It completely proved my point on how weird television could be, especially when you least expect it. After breakfast the group ventured over to the Getty Museum. I had a great time.
Joshua Greenroyd
English 110
GWC
The Way and its Power by Lao Tzu
This piece talks a lot about the mind and how it works. It also talks about humbleness. I believe the main point to be that we need to take this humbleness and get our mind to grasp the idea of it. We as people need our mind to be humble to the things around it. We need not to be proud, arrogant, self righteous or any of that. We just need to be humble. If something good happens something good happens. If something bad happens, something bad happens. We can move on from these things. A good example of this is in my martial arts studio. During my training I have been taught a lot. One thing that I stick with me is to leave my emotions at the door. Leave whatever has happened outside the studio outside the studio. If I want to pick it back up on the way out, I am more than welcomed to. Just do not bring it into the studio. this advice has made my training a lot more focused. Time seems to fly by. The second I walk into my studio I clear my mind. I begin to focus on the now, and not the past or future. I believe that is what Lao Tzu is talking about and Taoism is about. As a person you get to choose what you go through, not the people around you. If you feel fear or pain, you can choose whether to keep feeling it, or to move away from it.
Jasmyne Young
English 110
GWC
Post#19?20?
Pebble in Your Pocket
I like the way this reading goes from love to anger to listening and understanding to love again. It just shows that if one first has love, then everything else will go smoothly. Even if one is upset, which is a natural and healthy emotion, with love they can get over it peacefully. With love one becomes compassionate and is able to listen and understand someone else's point of view. Love is a poweful thing. It comes in many forms. It brings peace to those in turmoil. It brings happiness to those who are sad. Love is love, there is no way to define or explain it. It is a beautiful thing that brings joy and light unto one's heart. I love love and all that it does and can do. Thank goodness for love.
I am just confused on one thing about this reading though... what are the three sentences this guy is talking about???
Dalene Kolb
English 110
Golden West College
Post# idk (too many to count)
The Way and Its Power by Lao Tzu
ch'I is everything. it is what keeps us in harmony. to notice everything around is an ideal quality that hardly any of us have.
short but simple.
~dalene
Oscar Padilla
English 110
John Hsiao
GWC
Reflection
My experience at the Getty Center was fabulous. It was so exiting because I got the chance to go with friends and share my experience with them. Last semester I went to the Getty Center with Mr. Hsiao; of course it was great that I went with him, but the problem was that I only knew him and no one else. Not that that was bad though, it’s just that since he is the instructor he needs to be at all places and therefore he could not be with me at all times. In comparison with this time, it was even better; I walked around with people to whom I was able to share my knowledge about the paintings and the style of most of them to the people that accompanied me through the halls. We got the chance to see the paintings and appreciate the together. Now, that was my social experience, as far as my personal experience at the Getty it’s something that’s very hard to express with words. Personally, this is what really communicates to me in the sense of personal interests. Just looking at those paintings makes me feel like I belong to that place. Every time I look at a painting that good, I always imagine myself being as great as them and therefore I dream that one day I will be able to expose my own paintings at a museum. Art is contagious, art is all about beauty. It’s something that comes from inside, so that one can reveal our emotions, thoughts, feelings and ideas. Art it’s something that needs to be done with inspiration and effort. Most people might be able to draw, or they might be able to learn to draw, but not everyone can be an artist. An artist can create art with anything; one can create art with anything that our imagination tells us to. There are no limits to create art and it can be found anywhere imagination is required to get it done. When one is able to do something really good to a point it’s almost perfect if not perfect, then it becomes art. The overall experience of this trip was amazing, I shared my knowledge with my classmates, I got the opportunity to see new friends once again and most important, I was able to see and admire most of the masterpieces in the Getty Center.
Ronald Cabiltes
English 110
GWC
Post #21
Pebble in Your Pocket
I think everybody can relate to this piece in a way. I know I can. There have been a few times where I have gotten angry and ended up hurting someone I loved. Long story short, it was high school and my girlfriend became my ex. But that's life though. You learn from your mistakes. I used to be very hot headed and basically anything little would tick me off. After that incident though it was like a wake up call. Being angry at something doesn't solve anything. You can shout, yell, ignore, or act harshly all you want but in the end it just makes both you and whoever you love suffer. Love is way better than anger. The Beatles got the right idea, "All You Need is Love"
Macey Lindsay-Clinton
English 110
Golden West College
Post #24
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings by Thich Nhat Hanh
I enjoyed this piece. It is basically describing anger and how anger should be dealt with. Everyone feels anger. I know that I personally have anger issues. Anger is an extremely strong emotion; when it is uncontrolled, it takes over reason. The author depicts anger as a seed, and when you get angry you are watering the seed. Anger is very tricky to deal with because it sneaks in unnoticed. One may be upset about one thing, but their pent up anger creates a sort of volcanic eruption. For days, months, and possibly years, one's volcano may be inactive. The boiling lava stays low and refuses to show itself. Eventually, something happens to make the volcano erupt. The bad thing about volcanos, and subsequently anger, is the toll it takes on those around it. With out trying, your volcanic eruption burns your loved ones. Thus, anger is an important thing to keep track of. One must look at your reactions to certain situations and ask if you are mad about what is happening now or in the past. In order to avoid hurting the people you love, you must make sure your anger is not directed at them.
Beatrice Fisher
English 110
GWC
Post 23ish
Pebble in your pocket
I really enjoyed this piece. So much that I read it to Josh. It’s an interesting thing when you are in a relationship and two disagree. For us, we have completely different styles of arguing. And while I think my way is of course better, in all reality…they are both NOT good. Josh gets real excited and wants to shout. For me, the moment his voice raises even a bit I shut down. I have the idea that if you are going to yell, then I am not going to talk to you. I did mention that neither are good, right? And as far as apologizing goes, he is GREAT! Me, I am horrible. I have never been good at it. I asked my parents about this and it appears that although they tried to teach me at a young age, I never quite took to it. Apparently even as a young child I would have rather been put in a corner or have any other punishment over apologizing. I become, as the reading describes, bitter and cynical. Sarcasm is an art I have mastered. So…I read this and realize that Josh’s seed of anger was watered frequently over the years and I am for once going to try to be more compassionate. I think this all goes back to the way we were raised I guess. My family was always blunt with everything. There was no sugar coating any topic. Josh on the other hand loves everything sugar-coated and this has been super hard to adjust to. But when I take a step back and review his perception…I come to think that his way may actually be the better way. I mean, I still wish I didn’t have to sweeten everything up, but when all is said and done it does just that…sweetens everything up. Don’t get me wrong, the very thought of saying, “Darling, I am angry. I suffer. I want you to know it,” it makes me cringe. I think it is a pride thing though. It goes back to the cynicism and sarcasm. It is years of building up that wall of strength that no one would be able to get to me. I am strong and because of this your words cannot hurt me. In the recent years, I have been working hard on that wall. So, the next time the need comes….I am going to try this one. I read a book called The Five Languages of Apology and it mentioned that people who don’t apologize don’t because they view it as showing weakness. I had never thought about it like this before but I think there is some truth there. Anyway, I will try the whole Darling thing and see how it works. I think I might be better at the note writing to begin with. :)
Eric Torres
English 110
Golden West College
Post #24?
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings... by Thich Nhat Hanh
I have heard this saying many times throughout my life. "The number one key to any relationship is communication". Without actually saying it, the author expresses this thought throughout this piece of writing. Anger happens in pretty much every relationship. Knowing how to handle and harness that anger is the trick. Hanh shows a couple ways to handle that anger. Whether it is recognizing and accepting the anger, saying the three sentences to one's partner, or simply listening and understanding the suffering of one's partner through compassion, there are ways to relieve anger. Hanh writes in first paragraph in the last section that "one will say and do mean and crual things when one believes that one is the only one that suffers and that the other person does not suffer at all". I believe this is true because I can recall many times where my ex expressed her feelings to me as if I had no idea how she felt when in reality I had already gone through or was going through the same exact thing. I remember it being very hard to deal with that anger and help her deal with her anger when she did not realize I was suffering as well. Communication is the key. I agree with Hanh. Understanding and compassion does help deal with anger.
Kevin Santamaria
English 110
GWC
Post #21
Pebble in your Pocket & Other Musings...
I agree with the writing. I honestly do not think it is that complex to understand. In its layout it seems like steps, but if you practice "not getting angry" it becomes second nature. I wish I could say I handle anger and misunderstanding like this every day, but I do not. I do recognize the steps and depending on how bad the situation is I can enact this sort of system. I am able to recognize anger for what it is get to the root of the meaning, understand pretenses on my side and the oppositions. As I said though, when I get overwhelmed with frustration I know what I should do but I ignore it. In an argument I am like my mother. I will say and do anything to make the opposition hurt twice as much as me and I will not stop until I can physically see it. This is really really rare though, I like to consider myself as a very predominantly content person. When you do yell back, you water the seed and anger grows and builds. The worst part is when you don’t cut the plant at the root within the first twenty four hours, the stem thickens. I was raised in a family that never said sorry, they always just forgot about it. Of course it would always arise in a different argument. When in anger or talking we need to recognize what is we are angry about, address it, and understand it pretense from both sides. I think the key is understanding. It is so easy for people to take two words from an essay and ignite a fury of anger. The part I would take most from the reading is listening. That is an aspect of problems I haven’t recognized as a solution. To listen and then adjourned after the temper has cooled for some time, is the right thing to do. It is the time when you can put into play all the things before hand in the reading and kill the roots of anger on both sides.
Thomas Rios
GWC
English 110
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings
I really enjoyed reading this. There are definitely times where I need to take a step back, analyze the situation, and logically deduce my decisions. Sometimes, I act on emotion rather than reason. I am sure that many students can identify with that feeling. I also agree with the view that people who suffer make others around them suffer. Sadness and depression is somewhat contagious I believe. If you are around someone that is sad, and you care for that person, then you somewhat feel their pain, if not feel bad that they feel bad. If they are continually sad, it drags one down. You cannot make others suffer around you because you feel bad. I am a compassionate person, so this makes complete sense to me. Advice is timely. You must choose the correct time to approach one with advice, as it may be taken in the wrong way if delivered incorrectly.
(Andy) Nam Pham
English 110
GWC
Post #29
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings
This reading was like food for the soul. The explanation of anger and hatred all dig deep into our hearts. In return, we express this anger on others and ourselves. It makes complete sense that anger comes from within. If we look deep, we first see the issue. If we look deeper, we realize what the issue is and connect it back to ourselves, and realize why it makes us angry. Therefore, we can solve such problems. If we look at other people, and see nothing but anger and cynicism, we realize that like Hanh explains in Selective Watering, they just needed the positive attention in order for a correction. If one may have been hurt, then that one may speak from hurt.
Hanh describes compassion so passionately, and explains it as the ultimate cure for anger. It is amazing of what advice he gives. Being so understanding gives a person the "other" perspective, in this case, would be the hurt and angered. The hurt and angered would feel comfortable again after explaining the situation. It is like how talking things out makes a person feel better. If there were someone to listen, which is the compassionate one, then the hurt and angry would feel much better. Only later on can advice be given to the hurt and angry, because the person is still "intimate." This is really great advice for anybody. This author, instead of telling the person to avoid anger, tells us to embrace it. For us humans, it is common for us to get angry, and it is in our nature and blood. We must embrace such a thing because it is going to happen, and it exists everywhere we go. Telling a person those three sentences would give the person that compassion and understanding so that the person would eventually be neutral again. It is foolish to believe that people actually want others to suffer. Deep down, we are all truly good and pure.
(Andy) Nam Pham
English 110
GWC
Post 30!
Poetry Night and Hof's Hut.
WOW THAT WAS FUN.
I went to Kevin's house right after I got off work. If he wouldn't have taken me there, I probably would have ended up going home and passing out on such a great night. Much appreciation to him. When I got there, it was really weird because I was still wearing my smog. I didn't want to take it off because I think my dress shirt was dirty. Anyways, during the poetry readings, what surprised me was that everybody was still so young! The professor looked like she was at most 35. It was amazing how they were so good at poetry, and didn't look like a day over 25. They were around our age (at least that's what they look like). Most of the poets I have ever read or heard about would be, excluding Hsiao, Shakespeare or some other old timer. It really surprised me to actually see such great works by people in our generation. Plus, the senior poets were really good at their readings too.
Onto Hof's Hut...
As soon as I stepped the door, it was FREEZING. Ever since I had pneumonia, I seem to have a weakness against the cold weather nowadays. Anyways, Kevin drove Tien and me and parked in front of Hof's. At first, I thought the conversation was awkward because I barely even talked to Tien during class or anything like that. Moments later, she was making fun of me for eating crackers, telling me what to order for dressing, looking out for my refills, "suggesting" food for me to order, all in that order while having a good laugh. It was really great, you don't meet too many people who really skip your "awkward" introduction stage. She pretty much drew all the attention from everybody around here.
It was also great that we were all in one table. We were talking to each other about Thanks Giving, shopping, sports, whatever, life in general. It felt like we were developing a bond with each other. And it was amazing because it was all outside of class. People outside of class are entirely different people, and its so fascinating when you find out.
When Hsiao told everyone to come and speak, I got really nervous. I was thinking to myself "oh sh*t, really? What am I going to say?" Everyone started speaking and when it was my turn to get up, the words just fell right out of my mouth. I never felt so comfortable speaking in front of so many people before. The words just came naturally, and it felt great just saying it.
Everyone in this class is going through, or already has went through the Hsiao experience, and it's really nice to relate to everyone else and see that they're going through the same thing. Best field trip ever.
LongKim Luong
GWC
Ingles 110 <=lolz
Pebble in Your Pocket and Other Musings by Thich Nhat Hanh
Woah, i know this writer.yes,he is Vietnamese. i used to see him everyday because my grandmother has his picture in the living room. So, Bravos for the first vietnamese reading inMr H's class. i am so of proud my ... ok, ok . back to the reading.
Well, i think this the first religious essay that i can easily understand with 1-time reading it. We have other pieces like : Mother Teresa, Sahtyhara...these are harder to understand because their concepts probably contain deeper meaning inside.Unlike the "mother Teresa", this essay is very peaceful, no pain, no hell or suffering at all. i can imagine myself doing Yo-ga while listen to someone reading this out loud and meditate at the same time. So, this essay tells us how to handle our anger Wisely. it is very detail, the steps are simple and i think this might help a lot if an angry person read this. i like the selective watering part, he wrote " if one gets angry .. it is because the anger seed has been watered over years" i like the way he compares anger as our personal seeds, which can grow into a big tree silently and eventually damage our stomach tissue, and at the end, kill us like the patient in the last stage of cancer (the seed has to be stuck the stomach because there is not place else we can keep it in the body )so, our anger that hurt us someday because we can not convey that feeling to others and we just end up hurting ourselves alone.
Whitney Young
Golden West College
English 110
Post #27
The Way and Its Power by Lao Tzu
This piece makes me thing of humbleness. I think the main reason of this story is for Lao Tzu to teach us of how the mind works. I think the mind is such a powerful tool. It can play tricks on us and it can make us feel certain emotions at different times. It is important for us to manage the reactions we have towards the good and the bad things.
Whitney Young
Golden West College
English 110
Post #28
Poetry Reading
This was probably the best extra credit opportunity thing ever! I am so very glad that I decided to go. It was super last minute and rushed, but it was totally worth it. I remember seeing some of the same writers from the poetry reading. It is always nice to see what else they have written about. My favorite one was probably the guy that read that 6 page story. Even though it was long a little difficult to follow, I loved the way he used his detail. The dinner afterwards was so much fun. I loved being able to bond with classmates and talk about completely random stuff. It was such an amazing experience.
Stephanie Farano
GWC
English 110
The pebble in your pocket!!
In the Pebble in your Pocket and Other Musing by Thich Nhat Hanh, we learn about the many dynamics of a relationship. The writer refers to true love as work, a compromise that takes effort from both people in the relationship. I have been in a relationship for four years, and I couldn’t agree with this more. No matter where you are or what you are doing you carry this person with you, I am constantly thinking about the other persons well being, whether I am at the grocery store, making life choices, or scheduling out my day. It is so true that once you are in a relationship you must work together as one in order to make the other person happy. When attempting to join two lives, there is much effort and compromise that must be made. I think that the pebble is in reference to not just the love of a partner, but family and friends, and all things that you hold dear to your heart. It is a constant reminder of the things that one cares about
Raufiel Matias
GWC
ENglish 110
Post #26?
Pebbles in Your Pocket and Other Musings...
After reading this peace, I went back on those bad days and reflect how I reacted in that situations in which my anger was taking over my emotions. When I was reading the first part, I thought that it was going to be some advice and comparing it to keeping a pebble in your pocket telling you what to do in a certain situation. As I realized it was about anger and controlling it, I became more interested in it and started reflecting it to my self. I agree with the author when he/she says, "If one wants to help correct the other's wrong perception, one has to wait until the moment is right" (3). This statement in my view is true because in situations where our anger flows throughout our veins all we could think about is just talk back to who ever we're arguing with, spill out the bad stuff regarding that person and we don't even think about whether we're going to hurt that person as soon as we say that harsh word. It is true that when you want to let that person know about his/her mistakes that we should say it on the right time where everything cools down and that person is ready to accept the mistakes he/she did in order for the argument to be done. I also agree that in order for anger not to take over our emotions in an argument situation we should wait and listen until that person finishes saying his/her side before we present our side. It's because if we talk back and cut-off while that person is presenting his/her side the argument is just going to get worst and it may lead to an unexpected event. Overall, it was a good reading and will definitely read it again to remind my self how to control anger.
Jessica Atthowe
English 110
GWC
Post # ?
Pebble in Your Pocket
I enjoyed reading this piece because I felt it was relatable. I believe everyone could relate to this topic of anger. Everyone gets angry, and some people deal with it better than others. I personally, keep all my anger bottle up inside. I vent to those people i trust and are close to me, but i never take my anger out on people. I also do not like confrontation. So, if someone were to make me angry i would either keep my distance from them and eventually get over the issue, or just pretend like nothing's wrong. I think those people who blow up at people when they are angry and those who keep everything inside need to find a middle ground. Communication solves a lot of problems and issues can be easily taken care of that way.
Jessica Atthowe
English 110
GWC
post #?
Poetry Reading
I showed up late to the poetry reading because i had volleyball practice. To my surprise, when i walked up the stairs at the bookstore, there were so many people. I guess they weren't expecting much of a crowd because more than half of the crowd was standing. I was in the very back and had to go on my tip toes, and look to either side of people to see the reader. I don't remember many of the readings but one of the ones i do remember was the Belly Lint poem. When the author said in the beginning, "you wouldn't think it was gross if it happened to you," so i was interested to see where he would go with his poem. He described picking the belly lint from his father's belly button. If that did happen to me i would still think it was gross. After the poetry readings, we had the opportunity to go to dinner. i unfortunately did not go because i felt gross and wanted to go home and shower since i didn't get the chance to after practice. Not going to dinner, i feel i missed out on the best part of the field trip.
Tien Tran
English 110
GWC
Post #
The Way and Its Power
Lao Tzu writes about cultivating our life-spirit so that our own self does not get tainted along the way. It’s interesting how he illustrates the chi and its constant idea of reaching purity within the soul. Rarely do I think about the Chi but from reading the passage, I feel like I need to focus on it so that I can feel the purity of it. His vivid descriptions of the nature and the reality of it really make one try to walk down the same path. As a reader, I feel like I need to find “the way and its power” so that “my fountain never dries.” His calm mannerisms also poured out through his writing. It is definitely something to look back at and ponder about.
Tien Tran
English 110
GWC
Post #
Poetry Reading
On Sunday, I arrived late to the Poetry reading since I had to take my nephews around town the entire day. As I got to Borders, I expected a small and quite turnout but to my surprise, there were a lot of people in the audience. You can distinctly tell someone was walking by the constant creaks on the floor. Every little detail added a nice touch to the readings. Since I came late, I stood in the back and could not physically see the poets. But because of that, it made me focus more on the power of the words than the image of it. The poetry readings were good and some were quite interesting. I was surprised because there were actually a plethora of readers (ok maybe not plethora, but there was a lot …) compared to the last poetry reading event.
After the reading was over, we headed over to Hof’s Hut for some bonding time. Since the environment was different, everyone felt relaxed and more like themselves. I had a blast just talking and catching up with my fellow classmates as friends, not as fellow students. Because of this, I got to know some people at a deeper level. Yay for fun times! Toward the end, everyone spoke a few words about our respective classes and Mr. Hsaio. It was nice to see how passionate everyone is about our English class. It makes everything that much better knowing the feelings are mutual. Overall, it was the best ending to my Sunday!
Samantha Sullivan
English 110
GWC
Post# 26?
The Way and Its Power
By Lao Tzu
This reading took me back in time to a place in my life that I got to enjoy the peacefulness of art and letting go. The reading encourages humbleness. It also speaks about over coming yourself and your mind. You feel and do only what you want to do and you must let go of the things that block you. It provokes letting go of the bad and letting whatever comes at you come with acceptance. It seems to me to be very freeing. We have things to remind us of the real life and we should never let that go but live life without distractions.
Gina Huynh
English 110
Golden West College
Post #12
The Things They Carried
This raw and touching story reminds us that war is never a beautiful thing. It reveals how soldiers who fight in wars are every day human beings like the rest of us, not machines to be disposed of. The news often times discusses the latest number of casualties from the war in Iraq but never really take the time to acknowledge the faces of these soldiers and the stories behind their lives. These heroic soldiers were not just casualties of war; they were somebody’s dads, husbands, boyfriends, brothers, and sons. They had their own experiences of drama in life and future dreams. They all shared the commonality in that they came into war with the hopes of returning home alive or in one piece. They were afraid to die, just like the rest of us. In regards to this story, the way Ted Lavender died shook me. He had just finished responding to nature and was zipping his pants when he was shot in the head. This reminded me of the story from the war in Iraq where some US soldiers were handing out candies to Iraqi children when they were killed by bombs. It just shows that there are no justices to war. Innocent people had to die, period. Another scene that haunted me was when these soldiers came across the corpse of that Vietcong young boy, with flies and insects feasting at his flesh. After cutting off his thumb, one of these soldiers kicked the boy’s head. It saddened me, even though I know that he was part of the Communist. Regardless of his political affiliation, he was still a human being and was somebody’s son or brother. To be treated like so reflected the evilness that inhabits our world, such as the evil that came to form the existence of Hitler and his desecration of the bodies of those whom he deemed inferior. Reading this story, I was also reminded of how young and human these soldiers of war usually are, specifically with the description that some carry “M&M’s for especially bad wounds.” Being big boys, they still wanted their comfort food. This was like that recent iconic photograph of the young soldier wearing pink boxers being under attack at his base. It shows just how vulnerable these supposedly macho soldiers are. Furthermore, I felt so heartbroken for Lieutenant Jimmy Cross’s unrequited love for Martha. It was a tough position to be in, to be in love with somebody during the midst of a life and death situation, like most soldiers in war. The person at home is suffering too. That made him more human than ever. In addition, there was the section when they discussed about soldiers “cheating” their way out of the war by shooting off a toe or finger and being airlifted into the safe comfort of a warm hospital with “cute geisha nurses.” I found myself questioning what I would do had I been in the same position; it seemed so easy to just blow off a toe and being given the chance to go back home. However, the guilt of knowing one’s buddies had sacrificed their lives honorably would hurt me for a lifetime. All in all, war is not something anybody should experience, and, like the saying goes, “war really is old men talking and young men dying.”
Heidi Martinez
English 110
GWC
Post 12
I thought The Things they Carried was a really sad story. It was sad to see all the burdens these men carried along with trying to fight a war. To me trying to fight a war would be hard enough as it is, but having to worry about all their fears and the things they had to leave behind at home was a lot of stress for the men. When I was reading I could not believe the amount of weight that they actually have to carry. I was trying to add it all up in my head and it seemed to be the weight of a small child. That plus the weight of their subconscious minds seemed to be enough to kill a man alone. It almost seemed like Martha was Lieutenant Jimmy Cross’s one piece of hope for making it through long days. Everyone needs something to look forward to Martha was his one piece of hope. In The Things they Carried, Tim O’ Brien says, “on the morning after Ted Lavender died, first Lieutenant Jimmy Cross crouched at the bottom of his foxhole and burned Martha’s letters. Then he burned the two photographs.” He just destroyed his hope and what he looked forward to the most. It was sad to see a man blame himself and his love on the death of a friend. When in reality it had nothing to do with the death itself. One can see when they are about to die in war. I think burning the letters and the photos was an easier way to deal with the pain then going through all the emotions. He blamed himself when there was nothing he could have done even if he was not thinking about Martha. I think death is one of the hardest things to overcome and the men that are surrounded by it in war have to try to find ways to deal with or it eats them alive. Burning the memories of Martha was an easy way to deal with the pain and it gave him someone to hate when in reality he was just hurting over losing a friend.
Yue Hayes
English 110
Golden West College
The Way and its Power
I remember reading this last year, loving it, then seeing it at Barne's and Noble. Too bad it was during the Christmas season, because I definitely would've picked it up without hesitation. Other people couldn't understand why I was so excited about seeing this book.
Like other readings, we are taught in this piece that importance of inner-self and inner-spirituality. However, this excerpt also teaches us how emotions and outside influences are unimportant. We tend to focus on these things in our lives, but taking care of one's spirituality is much more important.
Also, finding BALANCE is very important, just like everything else. I think the best way to live is to respect what is already around us, and living together with them.
Danielle St. Onge
English 110
GWC
Post #20
Pebble in Your Pocket
At first, the essay talks about love. Through love one can handle anything and like a pebble we found we take good care of it. Then the essay turns to anger and how through anger one suffers. It then turns to how we need to take this anger and suffering and find our and search where this anger started and how to bring peace and love back into one's life. This essay did not really "click" with me I guess because I just don't do well with philosophical pieces with many metaphors. Oh and p.s. GW Women's (and Men's) water polo won State Champions this past weekend :)
Yesterday's show and tell was nice! :) I liked hearing all the different stories. I wanted to go to the poetry reading, but I realistically couldn't, and I guess I have a good excuse! I have been struggling to get work here and there (I'm on call at a salon) all year. Then I went to Isaiah House, worked my butt off cutting and styling. And it's a little hard to believe, but that same day I got called in to work, and have been working at least twice a week ever since. It's been extremely hard to catch up with homework, but I'm glad I'm getting the little work I have. It could be that around this time, our salon is a little busier (the economy has really affected us) and they need me more, or some might say I'm being payed back for donating a little of my time to Isaiah House. I like the second explanation better :) So anyway this is the reason why I couldn't go to the poetry reading, I had to do some much needed catch up on homework.
Now for Wednesday's homework... time to shop for supplies to bake some delicious cookies!
Kyle Umbarger
English 110
GW
Post #9
Pebble In Your Pocket and Other Musings
"Pebble In Your Pocket and Other Musings" is a list of ways to depress suffering. Thich Nhat Hanh first talks about how an keeping an item of something you love, from somebody you love is a great way to remember the emotional attachment you feel for that something. Hanh uses a pebble that he has in his front yard. He puts the pebble in his pocket, and rubs it every time he needs to be calm. Hanh also talks about doing things in threes. For example, if you write three sentences down for somebody you love, that somebody can pull those sentences out to remind them of your emotional attachment. Hanh also talks about using the right language towards people. Language is the way other people perceive somebody. It is the final say on whether this is a good person or not. Having good language shows a lot about a person. This list of ways to prevent suffering is very important to the everyday person. If you try to live by what Hanh is saying then your in for a more stress free life.
Jessica Lara
English 110
GWC
Heart of Darkness
Disturbing. Stories written like this are always scary to me, mostly because the narrator is in his own head a lot. War obviously makes people crazy and desensitized to the world around them. The dying man, Kurtz, chose not to live anymore, and that poor guy, the narrator had to watch him die. What is horrible is that he knows the guy is not crazy. Either the things he saw or the things he had to do made him not want to live anymore. It was like he saw no future after that for himself. That just added to the narrator’s own craziness because he survived. He had to go back to the regular world and try to act normal, and not hate everyone. It’s just a terrible thing to go through. He says when he came back his aunt tried to nurse up his strength but “it was my imagination that wanted soothing.” That will never happen. I know a lot of vets. Most of my family served in the military in some way and any of them who have ever been in a real combat situation are all changed forever.
The Things They Carried
I liked reading this story more than the other one, even though it was very sad. Vietnam stories are always the worst because the guys are so young and there seems to be no confirmed purpose in what their doing. I’m sure that most people in wars feel like that but the US wouldn’t even call it war so many of the vets didn’t get the respect they deserved. I like how the story described the mind state of the men through what they carried with them. It shows how they try to hold on to pieces of the life they left behind while trying to survive in a situation that makes no sense. Some people try to cope by becoming disconnected, like Lieutenant Cross, who after Lavender dies burns the pictures of the girl, and decides “his obligation was not to be loved but to lead”, as if not caring would make things easier. Others just let go like Lavender. His way of coping was to be high the whole time. The soldiers do these things to not think about the inevitable, which is death.
Jessica Lara
English 110
GWC
The Getty
The field trip to the Getty was pretty cool, but I always enjoy myself when I go. This was the first time I actually walked around and talked to the person I was with though. Oscar and I are bff now. I really don’t know how I made it because I slept for only two hours before showing up at the school, but I was glad I did. I was nice that the people in my group were interested in art so we could talk about the paintings, and I didn’t feel rushed to hurry up and look at something. I really liked the clocks. There wasn’t a clock exhibit or anything, but the decorated rooms all had clocks in them and I have always liked large clocks. I also liked the photography exhibit. The last time I went, which was a long time ago, the photos followed LA from its beginning to present day. That was interesting because it showed the rapid development of the city. This time they showed blue collar workers, and other occupations in three different cities in the same year. That was really interesting. I love pictures of normal people. I wish I could take really great, meaningful pictures but I don’t have an “eye” for things like that. I was grateful for the comfortable bus because most communal transportation makes me nauseated. Everything worked out though. I got to eat, sleep on the way there and back, see some art, and then pass out as soon as I got home. It was fabulous.
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