How does Outliers connect to MY life?

Outliers is a composition of examples on how some people have become "outliers" or simply someone or something that stands out. People like Billl Gates, Joe Flom, Korena Air, and others. Outliers is not about simply looking at sucess its about seeing how the person got there not by their own ambition, but by their surroundings like who their family is, where they grew up, even their birth date. Outliers connects to my life but pointing out reaccurances that caused success that I could even apply to my own life.

One the first things I notticed that I could easily slip into my life would be the 10,000 hour rule. "In fact, researchers have settled on what the believe is the magic number for true enterprise: ten thousand hours." (40) This past fall I played on the varsity field hokcey team and if I put more hours into practicing maybe at home I know it would be a stretch to reach ten thousand but the more the better. So I'm going to practice more now and maybe I'll improve some more this year.

Anoher way I found Outliers connected to my life was through the chapter about how chinese people are advanced compared to americans because their language allows them to learn the number system more quickly than americans do in english, "Chinese number words are remarkably brief. Most of them can be uttered in less than one-quarter of a second (for instance, 4 is 's' and 7 'qi'). Their English equivalents - "four," "seven"- are longer: pronouncing them take about one-third of a second."(228) This sounds pretty realistic and its backed up as being the reason for that asians are often smarter than many americans. The memory gap between English and chinese aparently is entirely due to this difference in length." (228) I'm in a few "advacned classes" in our school. I took algebra in eigther grade along with earth science and I'm AP European History. I find that a majority of those classes have asian students in them. A huge american stereotype for asians is that they're smart and they truly are. I often find myselfstruggling while other asian counterparts are swiftly moving to the next probelm. If I focused more or put in more effort than I could porbably get close to matching up to them.

Another chapter in this book that I felt connected to my life was the chapter on the family feuds. The feuds were all about honor. " The consensus appears to be that of what sociologists call a 'culture of honor'" (166) In highschool there are a lot of fights and some of them the people who weren't even having the argument are the ones throwing the punches. this is because of their"honor". It also stated that if you were from the south your anger and aggressiveness would go up faster than someone from the north. "Call a southerner an asshole and he's itching for a fight" (173). My mothers family comes from the north and my fathers family comes from the south, but to me there are certain words that if I get called I wouldn't just sit there and take them.

Outliers overall was an intersting book but I wouldn't recomd it to anybody who's into ready all about facts and studies and statistics. If you're more into imaginations stimulation this isn't the type of book for you. Besides that it was an okay book and there are plenty of ways to use the information in your life and see how some of the stories connect.

Ugly Poetry Prompt

Unattractive
Gross
Loathsome
Yucky

Microfiction:It had to be done

It had to be done. Just like how everybody says sometimes the easiest way isn't the best way. You've proabably heard that so many times, no? It's true though, Its ten p.m. on a sunday night, your huge chemistry project is due the next morning and you have 3 sentences down. The easy way: Go to bed and just forget about it, or work through the night and finish it. But that ones simple this ones a bit more difficult. Let me split this one up for you, the easy way; Not tell her what happened to her family,not tell her why shes alone everynight now, not tell her why her life is in ruins. But that would the easy way and its not the best way. I had to tell her, it had to be done.

TU Tuesday

http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/PRO-CON-VIEW-Should-all-driver-use-of-cell-2400663.php

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

I agree with NOT banning the use of cell phones or other electronic devices while driving because the points made are very valid. I like how the speaker used both points of view to examine the situation. The points on electronic devices not being banned caught me better. "No question about it, dialing or answering a cell phone (or texting on one!) can distract drivers with deadly consequences. But so can fiddling with the radio dial or scratching your back." Its true there are many other distractions and trying to ban a hands free device would be like trying to run a marathon with a blind fold on. This is too drastic of a step.

My T-Shirt Vote

Chocolate chip pweasee

Creative Contest I Blog

N=Norwegian Buhunds

http://www.dogguide.net/norwegian-buhund.php
http://www.pgaa.com/canine/general/norwegianbuhund.html
Breed Description -  "Cheerful, active, untiring, vigilant, attentive, and intelligent – these words are generally used to describe Norwegian Buhunds. They are very affectionate dogs who enjoy being embraced and kissed. However, they require constant and consistent training because they have the tendency to be out of control. They like learning new things and they are fast learners. Norwegian Buhunds are vocal and brave but not aggressive."
Appearance/Size -  "They have short, compact bodies and are lightly built. Their tail curves over the back and their erect, pointed ears easily identify them. Their undercoat is soft and wooly. However, their outer coat is smooth and harsh. They also have small, oval shaped and webbed feet. "
Diet - Normal dogfood, peanut butter  
Temperament - They often make good guard dogs because they are very vocal, but they are affenctionate and not quite agressive. 
Shedding - They are seasonal shedders.  
Health/Allergies/Vaccines – they often get hip and eye problems

Creativity Breeds Creativity

Un-See-Able

Seran Wrap
So Fun
So Frustrating
So Clear
So Sticky
So Preservnig
So Smooth

Glass
I walk into it too much
I put tape and
Stickers on my doors
to hopefully remind my eyes
That as open as the
Walkway looks
Theres a barrier between
Where I need to get

Air
Such a concept
It truly is like
Nothing there
But travel to space
And you will find
What seems just like Earth
Is nothing like it
And living in what seems like nothing
May be much harder
When gasping
In clear space

TU Tuesday Geust Speaker

On Tuesday Paul Grondahl came and talked with our class about his works. He seemed comfortable sitting right up in the front. His hands didn't seem to be shaking and no other signs of nervousness were really present. He connected with us by having us talk the most and even asked us questions. He also talked about our reading choices to connect with us. Although I was sitting in the front it seemed he could really preject his voice to the back and he truly enunciated his words while getting his point across quickly. Like when he was talking about what makes good writing different. He speaked loudly even when other people were asking him questions in almost a whisper. He seemed to talk about just the right amount of information. It never seemed like he was rambling on but he wasn't gibing one word anwers. Like when he was talking about the internet versus the newspaper, He didnt ramble on but he supported his oppinion. Although he seemed to jump around at some parts he managed to keep his information mostly organized. It wasn't hard to follow but it also wasnt in any particular order, like how in hte beginning he talked about how he got into writing and brought up Poppy and Angel and then went back to waht makes good writing.  As a class I thnk we did very good at having the hour long discussion. Although I didnt get the chance to ask a question I believe I did a good job at still focusinng on the discussion and I managed to stay with and understand all the questions and looked like I actually was paying attention. Some people participated more than others like when Andrew went back and forth with him. I enjoyed having a geust speaker it was nice to see how writing could be put into a career and how we could learn about all these interesting things. I wouldn't mind having another speaker.

Paul Grondahl

Poppy's Story:
It seems like it's going to be relaly tough during the wintermonths with im living outside. I wonder if he'll ever see his kids again. Why did Poppy agree fairly quickly to work with him. What did Mr.Grondahl learn the most after working with Poppy
http://web.timesunion.com/specialreports/poppy/

Everyman voice Rooney dies at 92:
It's interseting timing how he died a few weeks after retiring. He always seemed so mean on TV its hard to believe he had a nice side. Did he know he would be dying soon? Did he get  to say goodbye?
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Everyman-voice-Rooney-dies-at-92-2253697.php

Despite operation to cut her in half, Angel laughs on:
What an uplifting story, It's great to hear how she could overcome this. I can't believe she survived it all. How did she originally becaome a parapalegic? Is there any way she could exercise?
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Despite-operation-to-cut-her-in-half-Angel-2227298.php

Thankful Four

♥

Opinion Prompt #3

Caffeine is a drug that should be monitored in teens: Personally I dislike coffee but I do love energy drinks. Caffeine shouldnt be treated like an illegal drug, because its not. Caffeine can be helpful for some and monitering it just seems like a joke. No one I know or heard of ever "overdosed" on caffeine. It's your stupid fault if you do.

I Want To Write About #96.

 An important lesson or piece of wisdom I've learned in life is that half of life is making mistakes the other half is deal with them. We're human we make mistakes, what makes or breaks us is how we fix those mistakes and how we try to make things right. It's the real jerk inside who makes a mistake and leaves it be to just let it get worse. It takes a real human being to fix things and make things right again

Magnetic Poetry

Untitled

M=Monaco

I chose Monaco because it's right near france and I speak french os it's prettg convienent and here are the things I would do
http://insurance.essentialtravel.co.uk/tg-europe/france/monaco-key-attractions.asp
1)  "The Prince Of Monacos Private Collection Of Cars-If you are a fan of cars, then you must visit this amazing museum. One can only imagine the extent of the prince’s personal collection of rare and exotic automobiles, and you will not be disappointed. There are over 100 rare and vintage motorcars on display, all of which are in immaculent condition. A 1929 Bugatti, 1903 De Dion Bouton and 1952 Rolls Royce are just a few of the beauties on hand."
2) "Wax Museum of the Princes of Monaco-This strange but interesting museum is on the rue Basse, one of the most picturesque streets in the old part of town. Historical events from the Grimaldi dynasty and the people who were involved in them are presented in life-size wax wearing authentic period costumes.  "
3)"Exotic Garden-Also known as the ‘Magic Garden’, this massive collection of thousands of succulent plants was started in 1933. Dramatically perched among the rocks of the cliff, these types of plants thrive in Monaco’s microclimate. With hundreds of different styles of subtropical plants, the mosaic of colour and shape against the backdrop of the blue sea is breathtaking. Visitors can walk along footbridges high above the cliff and admire both the gardens and the city."
4)"Japanese Garden-This truly enchanting garden is a work of art, which unites stone, water and vegetation in a perfect balance, as only the Japanese can manage. Designed by the legendary landscape architect Yasuo Beppu, the large gardens blend the natural world with the urban structures of man, which border around it. Everything about this garden oozes a quiet Japanese Zen feeling."
5) "Fontvielle Park-A pleasant little oasis filled with shrubs and plants from all over the world that covers nearly four hectares. At the centre of the park is a small fresh water pond with ducks and swans. Accompanying the park is the Princess Grace Rose Garden, which is always a quiet and wonderfully fragrant spot. More than 4,000 rose bushes are made up of 150 varieties. "
6) Old Town Monaco: "The ancient heart of this country has been lovingly preserved in the narrow streets of the Old Town. Connected by a maze of vaulted passageways, these streets are lined with medieval houses which are centuries old. Many fantastic attractions lie within the Old Town including the Place Bosio and Place Saint Nicolas, the Chapelle de la Paix and the façade of the Law Courts. The Saint Martin Gardens, which face the sea, are the perfect place to stop and rest during your wanderings. This little park has fountains, pine trees, a pergola and bronze statues to complete the ambiance."
7)"Princes Palace- No trip to Monaco would be complete without a visit to the Royal Palace. Located in a dramatic setting overlooking the principality and the sea, the palace began life as a fortress built by the Genoese in 1215. This stunning structure has many outstanding features which can be toured including the Italian-style gallery along the south façade and the throne room, which has been hosting important ceremonies since the 16th century. You can also admire the beautiful salons, the Palatine Chapel and the Saint Marie Tower. It’s the main courtyard, paved with three million coloured pebbles forming massive geometrical patterns, that draws the most attention. Monaco’s famous summer concerts are held outdoors in this impressive area. Every day at 11:55 sharp, visitors can enjoy the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard, performed by the Carabiniers in full uniform at the palace’s main entrance. The palace is open daily from 09:30 to 18:00, June to September, and from 10:00 to 17:00 in October. It’s closed to the public from November to May."
Monaco seems like such a cool exotic place and the fact that there are beaches and its got a summery vibe to it makes it seem like an amazing place.

A leopard cannot change its spots

A leopard cannot change its spots- Be who you are and dont judge other people. If you try to judge someone its like you're asking people to judge you back. It creates a domino effect of judgemental people and you were the reason it all happened. I remember in Middle School how many times my friends turned out to be someone diffferent than who I thought they were and I tried to hcange with them because I didnt want to be left behind, but it's more clear to me now that that was pointless.

A Letter You’ll Never See

A Letter You’ll Never See
 I miss you beyond belief and I would do anything for you even take that bullet that you took. Its not fair how you left and although its been almost two years I dont walk those streets like we used to. Of course I've moved on, came to turns with the fact you weren't coming back but it doesnt change that day that I lost my best friend to something as stupid as a gang that you werent even affiliated with. Now when I look up at the same old stars we would lay under the stoplight and watch I still see the constilations you showed me and you would tell me thier stories I tell myself the stories still in my head. And I hope you know I've gotten better too... moved on from that jerk whom youve hated so. I remember the way you used to say I was crazy that I would be with someone who really didnt care about me and I wish you could still be here to say I told you so. I would take every word you say and breathe it in like that dusty smell we were familiar with on that abandoned floor. I miss you with all my heart boo RIP Kerry.

Halloween

Hauntings
Apples
Lanterns
Laughter
Owls
Witches
Evil
Eerie
Nightmares

TU Tuesday

http://blog.timesunion.com/realestate/ualbany-offer-for-land-was-rejected/10156/
Ualbany placed a bid for a piece of land by their north campus and didn't get it. UAlbany is a place I was thinkging of going because of their division one field hockey. The school is so pretty and seems safe. Although they already have tons of land and lots of parking spots to prove it they dont exactly need this land. Their money should go to different things.

Oh The Places You'll Go

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0679847367?ie=UTF8&tag=top.100-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0679847367

This was one of the only books my gandpapa had in his house and whenever I was there I would read this over and over and ovrer again. When they moved I was given the book and whenever I look back at it I remember sitting on the old red tacky couch. the ocean shag carpet that would tickle your feet. the sialor lamp that lit the pages and I remember trying to make out every word which I sooned leanred by heart. "You have brains in your head, feet in your shoes and you can steer yourself in any direction you chose."

L = Lawerence University

Although it seemed like a nice college, It wouldn't be a place that I would send my college essay and here's why:
1) Location: Its in Wisconsin. Home of cheese and the Packers, Cold winters and normal summers. It's got the same climate as New York almost but the fact that its in Wisconsin and that I've never heard of before just doesn't make it appealing. For me to tell my friends I'm going to Lawrence University I would have to explain to them where it is, and that's too much. 
2) People: The campus doesn't seem very diverse. 75% of the students are white and seems like there's not very many students who attend there. I'm more on bigger colleges and meeting new people. I like being able to meet someone new everyday.
3)Size: The campus seems to be as large as one district in Cornell. I recently visited Cornell university over summer and the campus is huge compared to here. Although Cornell is Ivy league and could expand that far it seems to contained at Lawrence.
4) Athletic Opportunities: Personally I'm areal stickler for staying active and on the campus map there's only two athletic locations. That seems unreal and awful because they are almost right next to each other. I have to stay active and lack of opportunities to stay active drives me away.
5) Cost: $46,371 a year. For a pretty unmentioned college and one that is so small $46,371 seems too much for you're getting
Why i might consider it: 
1) Location: I love to swim and half the college is right on a river. Spending my summers on the St. Lawrence river in New York really has me in a summery swimy vibe all the time. 
2)Financial Aid: Although the price seems steep there appears to be a lot of financial aid opportunities which is a big plus
3)Housing: The housing seems nice with group homes that are co-ed and some strict to one gender 
http://www.lawrence.edu/

Vintage Photo

This photo is called men on gallows. the people who are hanging are the ones tried for licolns assassination. I thought when they were given the death penalty that simply shot them, gallows seem too old fashioned for this time. On the platform of the gallows it looks like thsoe were closest to him were watching the alleged die. Did the bodies get to be buried someplace special or did they just put them in a normal spot. Does it really bring that much comfort to you to watch the killer of a close friend be hung, I understand that could relieve some tension towards it but I feel like it would give me a worse image.

The Body by Stephen King

The most important things are the hardest things to say. If you love someone with all your heart it seems impossible to put that in words. How can you tell someone something is wrong with them when it could ruin their life. If it was important how could it be easy to say. Imagine tellng someone they have cancer, or that thier brother or son has just died in Afghanistan. Imagine telling someonethat thier bestfriend was just shot on the corner of the street walking home from hanging out with her.

TU Tuesdays

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.
http://blog.timesunion.com/college/this-just-in-netflix-is-bipolar/5288/

"This just in netflix is bipolar" is about how netflix once again promoted a new idea of theirs and then took it back after further thought and feed back. "I do agree that one company makes more sense then splitting their fanbase between two companys", splitting your company into two would just turn yourself on your own company, would people have to pay twice the rates? Thank god netflix didnt split although I'm not a user of the company it seems foolish to make yourself a new competitor and if you wanted you users opinion instead of making announcements you should do an online pole or something instead annoying your users with apology email after apology email.

Haiku

A bird dives deeply
Fish dodge shadows in  water
Which one moves slowly

TU Tuesdays

http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Police-want-to-know-How-was-your-arrest-2204060.php

This articale is about going back to people who have been arrested and finding out how they believe they were treated. If you were arrested you'd probably feel like you were treated badly but this is more about if you understood what was going on during the arrest and if you were treated with dignity, respect, and if you feel you were being listened to. I feel like if you weren't cooperating and the police department called you asking how you felt while being arrested you wouldnt give them a very positive response unless you actually really understood what they were saying. The department is getting the money for this through a grant and they're naming it after a passed officer. These surveys are said to help prove procedural fairness assists with the public cooperating more.

1)Do they really believe people arent going to be mad about getting arrested
2)Why make an entire program out of this experiment
3)Shouldnt they be focusing on more important stuff
4)Why train people off of information that might not be very accurate
5)How many people would actually let the polie departmenrt give them a survey

The private life of celebrities should remain private

If they're no different than everyone else than why are their lives broadcasted out to the world. Its ok to gossip about whos dating who but skeletons that are in the closet are in there for a reason and if you're a recovering addict the press adds on that much more pressure to everything you do. Soon enouigh they corrupt innocent lives like Lindsay Lohan and Brittany Spears. Each reporter takes it too far and it ends up ruining the lives of people who are "Just like everybody else"

How To Break My Heart

Step 1 of how to break my heart
start off with feelings
tell me everything that you think
I'll let your words sink into me
but thats just on the brink

Step 2 of how to break my heart
start off with moving forward
Look for me more
lets hnag out more often too
Its lie were in a relationship
And we havent got a clue

Step 3 of how to break my heart
start off with stop talking to me
even though I still care
Stop caring about me
and act like nothing happened
and thats just how to break my heart in one two three

106- What would you do with three wishes

Wish #1- I wish that I could be rich, not just for the money but that way my parents could have an easier time paying for my sisters rent and her college funds so that way everything might be easier.
Wish#2- I wish I would get a full scholarship to Cornell. I love it there but its so expensive that I might not be able to go. If I had a scholarship I would be able to go to the place I love and n ot have any reason not to.
Wish #3 I wish that I had more time in the day to see my friends and be able to talk to them. I barely see them nowadays and I miss being able to talk to them 24/7

Web Gallery Of Art

This says to me frustration. I picked this piece because of the artist Donatello. I waned a turtle instead of fish for my fish tank because  the fish always seem to die. After searching around NewYork for a pet store that sells painted turtles someone kindly pointed out to us that it is illegal for a pet store to sell painted turtles because they are a natural animal in New York. With spring break less than a week away my family and I had a trip planned to south carolina. We picked up a baby turtle in a shop there and I named him after a Teenage Mutant Turtle, Donatello. This piece spoke to me because the artist Donatello and I like all the details put into the sculpture like the lines on the clothing and how it amazes me that this could all be done with a hammer and chisel.

Find a Peaceful Place Where You Can Make Clear Plans (153)

A peaceful place can be anywhere from your bedroom to a field to the middle of the forest. My peaceful place is on the shoreline near a field by my camp on the St. Lawrence River. It’s peaceful because of the way that water just tickles the rocks that separate you from the water. In the evening you can sit and watch the sunset and the oranges and reds engulf the skies for almost an hour after the initial setting. On a calm day when the water is smooth as glass the suns reflection feels almost as though its reaching you, stretched out from the horizon. The noises you hear vary from the call of a bird to the splashing water from the jump of a fish. Almost like a movie scene it can seem unreal at times. The calmness and peace clears your mind and makes it so much easier to think.

the letter K.

Kayaking, something I do every weekend at my camp. Keenly aware of my surroundings, or else you could flip. Khakis arent the best thing to wear, the hem tends to get wet so shorts are a better idea. Kids could kayak really easily. Knees should be bent when you're kayaking,  it helps you balance. Knifes can be helpful if you have line with you and it gets caught on something. Knoweldge of the water and where you are is what you need. Kylee my firend kayaks with me, she tends to kayak more in the ocean. Krabs crawl over her paddles she says when shes leaving her paddle in the water.

Day After Day Face Upon Nameless Face...

Day after day face upon nameless face

 You'll walk these streets impassively

Stuck in this world you call your own

You'll walk so solemn you're the new drone

Day after day face upon nameless face

You'll continue your life

As if youre the same

But we both know all you need is that small flame

Day after day face upon nameless face

You're all alone in this world

Looking for a someone to reach

On your own little beach

Day after day face upon nameless face

I know you're lost just like me

And then maybe you'll have a face with a name

And life for you wont be so lame

10 Things You Didn't Know About Me

1) Cows are my favorite animal
2) I LOVE playing field hockey
3) I have a camp on the St. Lawerence River
4) I live on a farm in Altamont
5) My favorite music artist are; Mac Miller, Sam Adams, and Wale
6) I like writing raps
7) My mom used to work as staff developer in Guidlerland
8) My favorite UFC fighter is Randy Couture
9) I want to be a doctor when I grow up
10) I have a pet peeve most of the time when it comes to puncuation

Books I read Over summer

The Year I Turned 16; Diane Schwamm