How does Outliers connect to MY life?

     In the book Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, it talks about many different topics such as how the month someone is born in affects their maturity. It talks about how the year someone was born in can allow them new options, like Bill Joy. It talks about plane crashes, and the power-distance index of people. It talks about rice paddies and a few other things. As completely random and sometimes unrelated these things seem, a few of the topics connect to my life.
     In the first chapter of the book Malcolm Gladwell talks about how the month you are born in can affect your education. He talks about how "parents with a child born at the end of the calendar year often think about holding their child back before the start of kindergarten."(pg. 28). I have a younger brother that is named Caden, who just turned five on December 20th. My mom had decided she would have him go to school next, and I was find with it at first. But since I read the book I found out that whatever disadvantages a kid has in kindergarten doesn't go away. "The small disadvantage that the child born in the early part of the year has over the child born at the end of the year persists."(pg. 28). I don't my brother should have a disadvantage just because he's born near the end of the year. But, if my mom had decided to put him in school this year then "the teachers are confusing maturity with ablility," so that the older kids born earliest are put in advanced classes (pg. 29). Since Caden was born in December, he likely wouldn't be chosen since he is less mature than a kid that was born in, say, January. I think that we should be more like Denmark because they "have a national policy where they have no ability grouping until the age of ten (pg. 29)." That way, decisions are made after the "maturity differences by age have evened out," (pg. 29). And maybe, we could test out Malcolm Gladwell's idea to divide the kids into groups so they have equal chances of doing "advanced" things.
     In the second chapter of the book it talks about how a man named K. Anders Ericsson, who was a psychologist, did research on violinists. He divided the students into three groups: Stars, people that were good, and "students who were unlikely to ever play professionally and who intended to be music teachers in the public school system," (pg. 38). All three of the groups were asked how many hours they had practiced. By the time they were twenty, the stars "had each totaled ten thousand hours of practice," (pg. 39). The students that were just good "had totaled eight thousand hours, and the future music teachers had totaled just over four thousand hours," (pg. 39). The study showed that "once a musician has enough ability to get into a top music school, the thing that distinguishes one performer from another is how hard he or she works," (pg. 39). It has been found that ten thousand hours is the "magical number for true expertise," (pg. 40). Since I want to become better at things like writing and dance I have to practice at it more until I have practiced and worked at it enough to have enough hours to be equal to at least the lowest group of violinists. It also helped me figure out that the key to becoming skilled at anything is to practice.
     In chapter seven, the book talks about "Power Distance Index", which is "concerned with attitudes to hierarchy, specifically with how much a particular culture values and respects authority," (pg. 204-205). The book also talks a little bit about the United States. Since America has a lower PDI (number fifteen out of nineteen), that means they are less intimidated by authority and are more likely to show disagreement with their boss or manager. This connects to me because I live in the United States, and I think that it's comforting to know that people in America are able to openly disagree with someone that has a higher status or is in the position of being in control. I am also glad to live in the United States because the book states that "our ability to suceed at what we do is powerfully bound up with where we're from," and because sometimes places that have a high-power distance culture can have speech barriers since they have high respect for authority and could only hint and make suggestions in the hopes that their boss, or whoever is higher than that person, would pick up on those suggestions and listen to them (pg. 209).
    Overall, the book suprised me with how many connections to my life I could find. I think this book has taught me quite a few things that will be helpful to know.

Perspective Poetry Prompt

Bruised and Battered

I walk down the row of apple trees,

When something bright catches my eye.

I walk towards the item,

And discover that it is an apple,

Glimmering when the light hits it.

I bend over and gently pick up the apple,

Staring at its strong bright red color.

Its body is speckled with various bruises from the bumps on the way down,

But still the apple remained whole.

I notice a few holes in the apple,

They remind me of puncture wounds left by needles.

But still the apple stays strong,

 Even as it was battered and bruised on its way down.

Microfiction: The Sound of Breaking Glass Stopped Her

She was focused intently on her work when the sound of breaking glass stopped her. The sound made her cringe, and she slowly stood up to go see the damage that had been done. "I swear, if that cat breaks one more thing..." She shook her head as she wandered towards the kitchen where the noise had come from. She walked into the kitchen and looked around to see what her cat had broken. But there was no plate lying on the floor, no flower vase spattered in pieces on the ground. Instead there was a giant hole in her window, and shards of glass littering the floor. She bent over to begin cleaning up the glass and noticed a rock, laying near the dining table. Someone must have used the rock to break my window, she thought, but why? In her head she ran through all the people that would have done this to her but came up with no one. She finished cleaning up the glass and went upstairs to find something to cover the hole in her window. She decided to go into her room and grab a blanket to throw over the opening, plus she needed to grab her cell phone and call the cops. She opened her door to find a man in all black rummaging through her jewelery box. She jumped back in shock. "Who are you?! And why are you in my jewelery?!" Of course she already knew what he was doing with her jewelry, he was stealing it. The man looked up at her, pulled out a gun, and fired. It suddenly became harder to breath. Her room began to swirl around her, and when she reached to her side, the feeling of gooey warmth trickled down her fingers. The man looked at her once, before running down the stairs and out the door. She was on the ground now, a pool of red surrounding her. She tried to reach for her phone on her nightstand, but everything in her body was screaming at her to give in and sleep. She had attempted to slow the bleeding by pressing down on the spot where she had been hit, but the blood still oozed out, and as it did her grip got weaker and weaker, until she finally gave in to the fuzziness in her head, and decided to sleep. She closed her eyes as everything faded away.

TU Tuesday

Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, identifying any fallacious reasoning or exaggerated or distorted evidence.

http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/An-apology-that-should-have-been-to-readers-2400310.php

I agree with the speaker that the "'War on Christmas'" is being lengthened by people that follow "liberal ideology". When I think about it, Christmas seems to be the only holiday (that I know of) that has people that are willing to discard traditional values. It also seems to be a major holiday that isn't really even mentioned much in school. I mean, I get that there's people that don't celebrate Christmas, but "it's estimated that 80 percent of the world's population is Christian and believe that Christmas is one of the holiest days of the year". I also don't get why there are people that "want to rename a Christmas Tree a Holiday tree". People who celebrate other holidays don't get people trying to change the way they celebrate their holiday, so why should we? I remember thinking how weird it was in elementary school that we got to sing songs about Hanukah, other holidays, and some winter songs, but not a single song about Christmas. I remember my class had someone come in and teach us about Hanukah. Why not Christmas as well?

My T-Shirt Vote

I vote for the one that says "the world is but a canvas to the imagination."

Cookie choice: chocolate chip

Creative Contest I Blog

V=Vizsla

Breed Description - "The breed originates from Hungary".

Appearance/Size - "The Vizsla is a medium-sized, short-coated hunting dog that is essentially Pointer in type". The Vizsla is 'an attractive golden rust in color".

Diet - The Vizsla should be given "food that is a blend of poultry, wheat, barley, and rye mixed with a small amount of 50/50 - pork/beef and oats".
Temperament -  The Vizsla is very affectionate and will "follow you wherever you want to go." It is "an ideal companion for a very active person with a very active lifestyle" and the Vizsla "is very bright". They don't like being left alone and "are great with well-behaved, respectful children, though are often not fond of toddlers". Also, a Vizsla will "act like he is a puppy until he is about four years old".

Shedding -  "The Vizsla sheds a fair amount of hair. You'll find hair stuck to your couch, carpets, clothes and everything else in your home."

Health/Allergies/Vaccines – "Health conditions seen in a Vizsla include Epilepsy, CHD, and Lymphosarcoma. Conditions of a rare nature include Dwarfism, Hypothyroidism, Tricuspid, PRA, Persistent Right Aortic Arch, and Tricuspid Value Dysplasia. Vets recommend that this breed is checked for thyroid and potential hip problems."
websites used-
http://www.justdogbreeds.com/vizsla.html
http://www.atozdogbreeds.com/vizsla_breed_information.htm
http://www.akc.org/breeds/vizsla/
http://www.wdcusick.com/Vizsla.html

Creativity Breeds Creativity

Small Poetry Prompt - Write a poem about a very small object.

A single snowflake,

Falls from it's fluffy white home,

And slowly spirals down,

As a small breeze whisks it away.

Carried by cool winter air,

It flies along with the current.

The small little snowflake,

Unnoticeable to the naked eye.

It drifts past trees,

Their leaves dead and gone,

And weaves around their branches,

Not yet ready to settle down.

Then the snowflake finally makes its landing,

Settling on the cool, frosty ground,

Allowing its silvery-white edges,

To be seen by anyone,

 Before it disappears.

TU Tuesday

Poise: I think that the speaker gave the audience the impression that she was comfortable speaking to the group by talking loudly and clearly so she sounded confident. Also if/when she messed up a word she just continued on without making it a big deal, and if she messed up a sentence she would just go back and fix it, like when someone asked her a question about her "obsession" with cows and she went back and corrected herself. I also think she connected with the audience, like when she talked about how she thought cows were interesting creatures, because she gave the audience eye contact.

Clarity: I think that the speaker talked very clearly and she didn't really use any really big words that were unnecessary. An example would be when she talked about how she wanted to find out who Caroline really was, because you could understand everything she said.

Volume: I think that her volume was loud enough. You could hear and understand every word she said, so when she talked about how she liked her job because she's not always sitting at a desk and how she gets to go to different places to cover stories you could hear it.

Information: I think she did have something useful to say because she talked about the resistance and how it pushed her and how at first all the people that left rude comments and emails made her cry but now it doesn't bother her what other people think of her and her writing as long as they read what she writes.

Organization: I think that her organization was pretty good. I think that she stayed on topic with all the questions she got asked and helped us understand what she was saying, like when she said how she wanted to find out who Caroline was she actually told who she meant.

     I think that I should have talked more and asked more questions, but I did pay attention. I think that other people did good with the questions, like when they asked the speaker what her favorite story she covered was, and what her worst moment was. I also thing they had some really good questions, like the one that asked dwhen she decided she wanted to be a journalist. I also think that I would recommend the speaker to be asked back because I thought her stories were interesting, she answered all the questions well and with some detail without being boring, and she was even funny at times.

TU Tuesday

link: http://www.timesunion.com/living/article/Playing-dairy-queen-for-a-day-2229727.php

• Are the milking platforms adjustable?
• If they aren't adjustable, why doesn't someone create an adjustable platform so that they don't have to hire people of a specific size?
• I don't think I'd be able to milk a cow; I'd be too nervous.
• I think cows are adorable, sweet animals, and I think it'd be interesting to be able to see how milk is gathered.

link: https://secure.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?newsdate=11/6/2011&navigation=nextprior&category=LIFE&storyID=1093432

• Did you ever have a point where you just wanted to give up, and if so what kept you going?
• Do you think you still would have been as determined if there wasn't as much resistance?
• I think that the resistance would have made me want to prove myself even more than if there was none.
• I don't think I'd like it much if someone ripped up my work in front of me, and then told me what was wrong with it and how to improve it. I'd probably understand it better if I was told what I did that could be improved, and then I ripped it up instead.

link:  http://www.timesunion.com/living/article/Ringers-in-the-extreme-2263911.php

• If I knew that my ring could cause injuries to myself, I'd take it off, because I'd rather be safe than sorry.
• I think it would be pretty gross if you never removed your wedding ring. Considering if you cook or garden it would get really dirty, then you'd end up having to take it off just to clean off all the gunk on it.
• How could a ring cause an injury like a loss of a limb?
• Why (if you played a sport where the ring could injure you) would someone keep their ring on if they know it could hurt them?

Thankful Four

Opinion Prompt # 1

I don't think that only a select few are born to be cheerleaders. Some people may do things like gymnastics that can help them to perform the stunts in cheerleading, but that doesn't mean they were born to be a cheerleader. People get good at sports, playing an instrument, art and other things by practicing. I think it's the same with cheerleading. No one is amazing at something right away, or at least not as amazing as they could be. It takes practice to develop that person's skills more. I think that with enough practice and encouragement, anyone could become a cheerleader if they really wanted too.

I Want To Write About # 95

Something I am responsible for would be my cats. The oldest one's name is Putsy, who is a female calico and is 13 or 14 years old. She is the smallest of all my cats and loves to play with a laser or light. Fidget is around seven or eight and is the "wimp" out of all the cats. He has white paws along with a white belly. Along his back there are some streaks of black fur, and he also has spots on him. Buddy is around five or six and is a giant of a cat, but that's more than likely because of all his fur. He is a white cat with a couple gray-black spots on him, and his favorite thing to do is to sleep under a blanket. Squirt is the youngest and is only a little over a year old. He is an all grey cat with a few faint, darker grey stripes on his tail. Squirt is the type of cat that will chase anything that moves and will attack his own tail. Each of my cats are different and entertaining, and I don't think my home would be quite the same without them all.

Magnetic Poetry

U=Utah

1) Arches National Park has the "world's largest concentration of natural stone arches." It's a red desert that has sandstone that has been eroded to make arches, fins, spires, and other rock forms. There are over 2,000
of the rock forms on the 73,000 acre area.
2) Cedar city is where the "extravagant Shakespearean Festival" occurs. People go each summer to participate in the event, as well as touring Cedar Breaks National Monument. Some people also come to mountain bike at Brian Head, which is also a ski resort in the winter.
3) Antelope Island is north of Salt Lake City. Antelope island has "some of northern Utah's most popular attractions" like the Lagoon Amusement Park, the Great Salt Lake, and Cherry Hill Campground and Waterpark.
4) The Flaming Gorge is in northeastern Utah and gives people "some of Utah's best boating, fishing, camping, backpacking." Things included in it are the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, along with the Ashley National Forest and parts of the Uinta Mountains.
5) Just south of the town of Kanab in Utah is the Grand Canyon National Park. It is one of the seven wonders of the world, and ninety minutes away is the North Rim of the park. The North Rim "offers a serene and enthralling Grand Canyon experience." Since many western movies were filmed in Kanab it is known as "'Little Hollywood'".
6) Delicate arch is a famous icon of Utah and is located in Arches National Park. The arch is large and seems to tower over one's head, and when you reach it you can see the  La Sal Mountains. The delicate arch is said to be "a spectacular sight."
7) A center for adventure sports and skiing is the Ogden. It was important in the development of the Transcontinental Railroad and is "gateway to Snowbasin, Wolf Mountain, and Powder Mountain ski resorts. Snowbasin, Salomon Center, and Historic 25th Street are the top three things around Ogden.

Sites used:
http://www.utah.com/destinations/

Two heads are better than one

I've heard the proverb "Two heads are better than one" many times, and I think it is true. I have used the proverb before when I've had to partner up with someone for a project, or I have haad to work with someone during class. I agree with it because sometimes, like on the vocab quizzes, what someone forgets the other person might remember. After all, two people have more "brain power" than one person. I think that the proverb just refers to how combining two people's knowledge can allow those people to build off of each other's ideas, and gaps in each other's memory of facts and information. Also, if the two people are very different, they might have different ideas, that, when combined, can create a new idea that neither could have thought of by themselves.

Sparrows Poetry Prompt

Soft, feathered wings flap in the breeze,

As the sparrow glides along.

High above the ground it can be seen,

As it swiflty passes above you.

Tiny little birds,

Fly with great big wings,

That seem as if they are too big for their body,

But suit them well.

Majestically they soar,

Around and around,

They're autumn colored wings,

Helping to bring in the new season.

Halloween

The black cat twitched its tail twice. It hissed. I jumped at the sound, having not noticed the cat until it had appeared in front of me making that awful noise. Now it just sat there, mockingly staring at me with its amber eyes, as if it were laughing at me. "What? Do you think that was funny?" I glared at the cat, and then turned around to start walking away. The sound of overgrown claws clicking against the pavement made me turn back around. The cat was following me. I shrugged it off and kept walking a little faster than before. Although I never liked cats, I didn't mind them but, this one was starting to really creep me out. I could see my house now, I had walked a few blocks and thought it safe to check to see if I was still being followed. I glanced back over my shoulder to see those amber eyes staring back at me, telling me they weren't going anywhere anytime soon. I sighed, "What do you want? I don't have any food, ya' know." I knew I'd get no response, so I just opened the front door. The cat just sat in front of me and stared. "Well, come on," I motioned towards inside, and the cat jumped up the steps as I walked in.

TU Tuesday

Inexorably- Not capable of being persuaded by request.
This word gives the piece the idea that "Hair" is "essentially a useless play" and that it always will be useless.
Transcend- To go beyond the limits of, or to be superior to.
In the article the word gives the idea that the "statements about love and war" are superior to the 60's but that that's really the only part that is, besides the music.
Prevalent- Widely or commonly occurring, existing, accepted, or practiced.
This word helps give the idea that the themes in the play are very common.
Lampooning- A written attack ridiculing a person, group, or institution.
This helps the reader get the idea that people ridiculed the cast because "none were born when the show first hit".
Ersatz- Substitute, usually and inferior one.
This word helps the reader get the idea that "Zach Bissell makes a charming" substitute. Overall all these words help give the idea that the only things that keep the play alive are the cast and the music.


link: http://www.timesunion.com/entertainment/article/A-well-parted-version-of-Hair-2231845.php

T = Tennessee State University

    I would want to attend Tennessee State University because they have an arts and science school of study, which interests me. I also like how there is a writting program, because I think writing is fun to do, and I also love coming up with possible story ideas.  I think that the campus looks nice and neat as well. I also like how there's a student recreation centeer, which will be fun to use with friends when I'd have free time. I also think it's cool that the university has an art gallery where you can go and see displayed work done by the students and the faculty.
    One thing I don't like is that the average tuition is expensive. Another thing I don't like is that Tennessee is pretty far away from New York, so I wouldn't be able to see my family too often. Another thing I don't like is that the on campus housing seems somewhat expensive to me.

Websites used: http://www.campusexplorer.com/colleges/3C144249/Tennessee/Nashville/Tennessee-State-University/
http://www.tnstate.edu/

Vintage Photo

This picture is named "Oasis in the Badlands" and is by Edward S. Curtis. This picture gives off the idea to me that the man is an Indian chief of sorts and is traveling to somewhere of importance where he is needed. They way he is dressed with his headdress makes me think he may be traveling to a spot to go to war. The way the picture looks black and white makes me think the man is powerful, along with how he is sitting straight up on his horse. I think the man looks either serious or deep in thought, and the horse doesn't look worn out and old (to me) which makes me think that the man is towards the beginning of his traveling.

Website used: http://blackboard.neric.org/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2fwebapps%2fblackboard%2fexecute%2flauncher%3ftype%3dCourse%26id%3d_2263_1%26url%3d

Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

"It was inevitable."

She couldn't help herself but laugh as her friend told the story of what had happened earlier in the day. "Hey, hey! Stop laughing! It was not funny!"
"Oh, but it was Lea." Her friend scowled at her, the seriousness of her expression making her laugh even harder. "I mean, I can't believe that actually happened and I missed it! Where was I, anyways?"
"I think you were buying lunch, Summer. Which is good for me, because if you had actually been there you probably would have flipped." Summer grinned, because she knew she would have probably fallen on the floor from laughing so hard had she seen it. "You're right, I would have. But ya' know, it sounded like it was inevitable. I mean, after all, you are just a bit accident prone." Lea snorted in protest.
"I am not!" They both sat there for a moment and stared at each other, before bursting out in laughter. "Okay, so maybe I am... But only a little bit!" They both grinned as they continued walking down the street.

TU Tuesday

Link: http://blog.timesunion.com/healthylife/craving-junk-blame-your-brain/9679/#more-9679

Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning.

In the article I read, it claimed that the brain affects how hungry you are by saying that when the "participants’ whose glucose levels dropped below normal craved photos of the high-calorie foods than those whose glucose levels were normal." But, I don't think that the brain affects it strongly enough to make people actually eat it, it just makes people "desire" it so they'll want to "reach for the junkfood". It's the person's decision, and they get to decide whether they want to eat healthy or head for the junkfood.

Haiku

The wind speaks to me,

As I move up the mountain,

Sharing its wisdom.

Time is Worth Much More Than Money

I agree that time is worth much more than money for a few reasons. One reason is that money just allows you to buy things, which to me isn't really a big deal (since people buy stuff all the time), while time allows you to create memories. Time allows you to live, if there wasn't time, the world would be frozen in the same spot and nothing would ever happen. Time allows you to work, have fun, do what you want in life. In a way, the more time you have in life, the longer you live. Every second in life counts, and adds up. When I spend money, I don't really think about it that much, but when I think about time I remember memories and wonder how much time I have all the time. Time, for me, is worth much more than money because I'd never want to lose all the memories I have.

Poetry Prompt

Prompt: Write a poem  about someone waiting for something.

I sit and stare out the window,

Scanning the scene,

My fingers gently tapping on my leg,

As I wait.

Drops hit the window,

Blurring the image of outside,

As they race each other,

Towards the cold, wet ground.

As I wait.

The gray clouds loom overhead,

Laughing at the sadness they bring,

As I sit inside and glare up at them,

Willing them to go away.

Then just as I fear it will never end,

The clouds slowly move away,

Revealing an old friend who grins down at me.

My wait is over.

Creative writing prompt

#7: Think of 12 things to do when there's no power.

1) Play a board game with friends
2) Read (by candle light)
3) Wait for it to come back on
4) Talk with someone
5) Sleep
6) Play on I-Pod
7) Draw (by candle light)
8) Find a flashlight
9) Light candles
10) Make sure everyone is okay
11) Take a bath
12) Text someone, if possible

Your deeds speak so much louder than another's words (88 words).

I think that "Your deeds speak so much louder than another's words." means that your actions can show how you feel towards something stronger than someone else talking about the same thing. Like instead of saying how much you want to help find a cure for cancer, you could go on a walk for cancer to show your support. When I’m angry at someone I could yell at them and show them I was mad at them, or I could ignore them and silently protest until they understand.

S,S, What begins with S?

Spring is my favorite season. So many different flowers bloom and the trees come alive again. Sunny, warm days begin and my trampoline gets set up in May as the outdoor activities start. Swimming season gets closer and my birthday occurs. School edges closer and closer to an end as everyone anticipates the summer. Spring is spent planning my birthday and enjoying the new found heat. Sitting outside, I get the chance to enjoy the weather, soak up some sun, and read a book on my nook. Spring is when my friends and I start to go for walks together and when my family goes to the drive-ins. Summer might be for some people, but Spring is for me.

Assign Each Letter A Value

 

Assign each letter a value,

Greater than it's own.

Give it hope that it may be,

Something larger than life.

Assign each letter a value,

Greater than it's own.

Give it a secret to keep hidden,

Or a story to share.

Assign each letter a value,

Greater than it's own.

Give it a feeling of pride,

A feeling of sorrow.

So that when it is joined with others to form a word,

It may still stand tall,

For it stands alone with it's own meaning.

Assign each letter a value,

Greater than it's own.

Hide pieces of memories behind each one.

That only the writer will know.

Assign each letter a value,

Greater than it's own.

The L stands tall with a locket winding around it,

Showing love for others.

The S is always smiling,

Happy to be with friends.

The B is the first to take a risk,

Being bold comes naturally to it.

The E is always bouncing around,

Whether excited or energetic,

No one is sure.

The I can sometimes have an icey chill towards the other letters when upset,

But has a very vivid imagination.

And the H is helpful to it's friends when needed,

Always willing to lend a hand.

10 Things You Didn't Know About Shelbie

1) I love animals and have four cats. My favorite animal is the tiger.
2) I am the oldest out of three and I have a younger sister and brother.
3) I love to read whenever I can, and my favorite book is The Host by Stephanie Meyers.
4) I like to bake, and love eating cookie dough icecream.
5) My favorite movie is Titanic
6) I like puzzles and shows like NCIS where you try to piece together who committed the crime.
7) I don't mind being short, but I love any shoes that can give me a little added height.
8) Remixes of songs on the radio can make me feel dizzy and give me a headache.
9) I got my first cat that was a calico kitten when I was two and I named her Putsy. She is still alive now and is 13 years old.
10) I absolutely love strawberries, exspecially when they're covered in chocolate.

Summer Book List

A list of the books I read over the summer:
Throwaway by Heather Huffman
Save My Soul by Zoe Winters
Too Close to Home by Lynette Easton
Warriors by Erin Hunter
The Finding by Nicky Charles
Jailbird by Heather Huffman
Ties That Bind by Heather Huffman
A Turn of Curses by Melanie Nilles
The  Guardians of Rhea by Jose Rodriguez