No Man is an Island

John Donne~ Meditation 17

No man is an island entire of itself; every man

is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;

if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe

is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as

well as any manner of thy friends or of thine

own were; any man's death diminishes me,

because I am involved in mankind.

And therefore never send to know for whom

the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

Jason Van Gederen~ Mankind is no Island (visual)

Armin Greder~ The Island

How do these texts explore similar themes?

The themes in Meditation 17 are: all men are mortal (therefore death will come) and all of mankind's lives are intertwined. In the long run, we all depend on each other and need to give support and care to others.

The theme in Mankind is no Island is: Empathy. When they show the homeless man they say that people tend to look away. This is true. It is easier to look away than to see tragedy. This is one example of people in our society that need our help the most.

The themes in The Island are: Fear, compassion, xenophobia and prejudice. We must never judge a book by it's cover and always treat others with respect. As a society we must be welcoming and show compassion through a persons rough time. Most importantly, we must never turn our backs on people who need it the most.

The themes all relate to the fact that, we as mankind, live amongst each other equally. No man is an island all by himself, rather a part of a city/country. All of mankind deserves to be treated with respect, because we all have hearts and souls and underneath the surface we all look the same.

How do the texts provide insights into prejudice and "otherness"?

The insights on hate and otherness are provided by the themes of the text. The major themes in all texts are: Equality and prejudice(racism). Meditation 17 explains that we are all one as mankind, therefore no prejudice should arise. Mankind is no Island explains that otherness plays a big part in our world today and that if we stop to listen to others stories and open our eyes, empathy will take over and conquer all hate/indifference. The Island features xenophobia and lack of human rights, this is a form of prejudice and otherness. The people from the island keep the stranger far away because he is not one of them and therefore has no part in their life. In the end, their fear and lack of humanity get the better of them. Whilst the first two texts show the cause, effect and solution, The Island only focuses on the cause and effect, therefore ending in a bad why causing a self taught lesson. The lesson is that you should speak up for what you believe in and treat everyone equally no matter beliefs, attitude or physical appearances.

Why do people make distinctions between "us" and "them"?

"Us" refers to people that are like-minded, whilst "them" refers to people that have different physical appearances, beliefs and attitudes. People make distinctions between "us" and "them" because it gives them a sense of security to knew that the people they surrounded themselves with are exactly like them. This is a boring life to live in many other peoples perspective. You should never judge a book by its cover and live life adventurously, by meeting new people and surrounding yourself with different cultures, beliefs, race and ages.

Images:

- inismagazine.ie

- cur3es.tumblr.com

The Beauty of Nature

Over the Winter Break Mr.Peavy gave my class a Long Term Project. This homework had two possible ways in which it could be completed. Task A: Visit a natural area and document your trip with a video and/or photos. Then, create an iMovie or PowerPoint documentary about your trip. You can focus on one or more of the following topics: The ecosystem and it's unique plants or animals, certain organisms and how they adapt to their environment, the impact of humans on the environment, relationships or interactions that you observe amongst the organisms in the ecosystem. Task B: Choose five appropriate and relevant tasks from this website and document how you complete them (i.e. photos, nature journal, PPT, Blog, iMovie etc.).

I decided on 'Task B'. The five tasks I chose were:

- In a garden flower, find the different parts

- Find the scientific name of a plant or animal

- Become a frogwatcher

- Find a streetlight or a backyard light and watch for insects who flutter into it

- Understand your local weather

Garden flower parts:

Parts of a sunflower

Scientific name of a plant:

Bougainvillea Spectabilis

(This is the scientific name of the Bougainvillea)

Become a frogwatcher:

I went to a local lake and sat down. I looked around and heard nothing. No wind. No bugs. No frogs. Suddenly movement. A frog jumps three feet in front of me. Almost like a shadow, another one appears. They both stare at a leaf in the pond and jump. They land elegantly. They turn to each other and croak. They continue this for 5 minutes. Finally they glance at me and then jump into the lake, and swim away.

Were they afraid of me? I hope not. I didn't move when observing them, because I wanted to make them feel comfortable. I have never really been a big fan of frogs, mainly because their way of communicating is hard to understand. Jane Goodall went into jungle and observed apes. It took her ages to understand their interpretation on life. I'm sure it will take me years to understand frogs point of view on life, whether I end up understanding or not, frogs are frogs and they will continue to interest me.... even if it means conquering a fear.

Insects around a light:

When observing a streetlight at night with insects around it, I noticed they all ran into the light. There are many theories as to why insects are attracted to light and occasionally run into the light.

A popular theory is that insects are attracted to light because of navigational purposes. Insects that fly during the night use the moon as a source of navigation. They keep the moons reflected light on a certain angle. This allows them to maintain a straight path and course. When artificial lights are turned on they interfere with the insects ability to keep constant track of the moon. When an insect flies close enough to an artificial light they attempt to navigate by using this light instead of the moonlight. Insects tend to run into the light because unlike the moon, the artificial light radiates in all directions. This makes it hard for insects to keep a straight path and lose direction at the last minute.

When sitting on the gravel observing this, I thought navigational purposes was a great theory as to why insects are attracted to the light and occasionally bump into it. For example, when people get lost in the jungle they attempt to find freedom by following the sun or keeping the sun on the right/left of their body. This is probably the same for insects. Since they are 'lost' in the darkness they use the moons light to guide them in the right direction.

Local weather:

Where I live the air is very humid. During the day, humidity is around 80%. The temperature is in the 30 degree range during the day and in the mid 20's at night. When the clouds cover the sun the sky looks beautiful, but the heat is still powerful. Fog is common during certain months. Thunder storms are present often after lunch or late in the evening. Monsoon season is from March-April. The drier months start from May and end in July.

Thank you Mr.Peavy.... for inspiring me

Credits:

- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Starr_030418-0058_Bougainvillea_spectabilis.jpg

- theknockerboys.blogspot.com

- freefishcaretips.com

- http://www.vplants.org/plants/glossary/asteraceae.html

Profile... again :)

Last year we did the same tests in order to figure out your profile. I got Profile C which meant that my right hand, leg and ear were dominant, my left eye was dominant and that I was a logically sequentially person. This year we had the same series of tests to figure out what profile we were. A lot of people's profiles has changed... mine didn't. I am still a Profile C.

I don't think it's a bad thing my profile hasn't changed. I believe I am quite lucky because that means that I learn in the exact same way. I learn through auditory descriptions (only when they are good... no stuttering etc.). I can also learn through visual step-by-step demonstrations. Here is my blog from last year (along with some extra details and facts) on my profile. Enjoy:

Profile C

I learn best when I sit a few rows back on the left side so it is easier for me to access my right ear (my dominant ear). We know this because we did a cool experiment were we had to imagine your parents were in the next room discussing what surprise present to give you and you really want to know. In order to find out what the present was, you had to press your ear up against the wall to eavesdrop and which ever ear you use to find out your "surprise" present was your dominant ear. My profile says that I learn best when I concentrate all my eye muscles on something like by drawing or blinking. A suggested activity for me during class is Lazy 8's from Brian Gym. I learn best when people explain things to me through speaking (audio), because I pay attention to the detail in the auditory explanation.

I need to try and look at the big picture more often. "...Understand and synthesize information from a whole perspective..." This is what my learning profile piece of paper told me. And I completely agree. Sometimes I only look at a fraction of the picture but I click into place somewhere along the line (thankfully). I think I need to try and take more notes, I know on the piece of paper we were given it did not mention this but I feel that I can understand people when they read out a list in great detail. I can also "...follow step-by-step visual instructions." I think that my note taking skill could be improved and that I need to try and improve these things.


The strategies that will aid my learning are activities such as:
- art
- music
- freeform movement
- interpersonal/intrapersonal skills with cognitive endeavors


There is also a list of skills that help me relax:
- Lazy 8's from Brain Gym
- three dimensional art
- blinking whilst looking around an object
These are all strategies that will help me learn.


I would like my teachers to know that I prefer to sit in the back with my right ear facing the teacher or speaker. And that even though I think logically I can become creative and I don't mind what sort of project I get because I guaranty that I will put 150% into it. I need an outline or rubric to follow when writing in order to guide me and set a higher standard. I also like to choose the groups I work in. I dont mind assigned seating but I like sitting with people that are the same level as me (or higher in order to push myself). That's basically all I would like my teachers to take note of. :)

Me in Three Objects :)

A shelf of sunglasses, soccer trophies and medals. Lastly, a letter from my sister. This is me in three objects.

A shelf of sunglasses. How do sunglasses represent me? Its because I buy a pair of sunglasses every time I go to a beach. Each set of sunglasses has a story behind them. For example, my black and white checkered sunglasses were purchased in Phuket. It was my first time being in Phuket. I was sitting on the beach watching the sunset with my family when suddenly this old man came up to me with these interesting glasses. “Please! I need money! No money since tsunami hit!”. Without hesitating I pulled out 10 baht and gave it to him. That night I watched a documentary on the tsunami and the interviews with the victims. I saw the man and heard his story. I am glad that I helped that man out even a little. This memory and pair of sunglasses will stay with me forever.

A letter from my sister. Even though this letter is only about a week old it is already very special to me. Pria just recently left to go to college. She took a whole day to write the letter. She shared some life lessons, sisterly advice and some meaningful lyrics. The lyrics are “And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance. I hope you dance.” The lyrics mean, never be afraid of any obstacle no matter how impossible or scary they may seem and never take the easy option. Always take chances and never lose the sensation of wonder. I wish I could frame the letter, but sadly, I can’t because its double sided. I will read this letter once a week or whenever I miss her. This letter is an item I will treasure for my whole life.

Soccer trophies/medals. Why are these so important? I touched my first soccer ball when I was two. I received my first soccer trophy during Saturday Soccer, at ISKL, when I was five. At five I didn’t know much about soccer, all I knew was that you had to control the ball and kick it into the goal. I was surprised that I got a trophy but slowly realised that everyone else got one as well. I thought it was a good idea to give everyone a trophy because everyone worked super hard and put in a 100% effort. I obtained my first soccer medal when I was seven. This time it was outside of school, it was at a small weekend gathering for small soccer players. There were only three teams so each of the teams got medals. I have never been a sore loser, so I didn’t really mind if my team came last, but we came first! What made this moment so awesome, apart from successfully communicating with people I had never met, was getting my first medal! This medal was presented to me by a Malaysian soccer player! I still have every trophy or medal I have gotten to date. I intend to keep them evermore.

I am curious to find out what other objects will come to be significant in my life. Will they mean more to me and express me better than the ones I have talked about? Possibly... but for now, this is me, aged, in three objects.

Abhi

People's fates are simplified by their names.

- Elias Canetti

Abhi. Short, sweet, shows my heritage, but don’t even get me started on how many times I have seen my name spelt or pronounced wrong. If only I had a nickel for every time...

When I imagine my name I think of the colour purple. Imagine a meadow. Filled with red and blue, only one purple flower in the middle, dancing with the breeze. Elegant, yet staying upright. The envy of the red flowers and the friendliness of the blue. This is the picture I want people to get whilst hearing name. Whether for the first time or the hundredth time. The purple flower so unique, like my name. Purple: The mix of red and blue. Red, the colour of envy and war. Blue, the colour of the ocean and the sky. Very different colours, with different meanings. Yet, when put together so beautiful. “Like most babies you were wrapped in a pink blanket. What made you stand out was the enormous purple stuffed toy that your sister had placed at the bottom of the crib called Barney. This was her gift to you.” My mum used to tell me this as a child. To be specific the colour of the toy was purple, royal purple. Elegant and strong at the same time.

I like the fact that my name is rare. I have only met one person with the same name. This makes me feel unique. When my parents heard that they were going to have another child, they were curious to find out if it was a girl or a boy. When my parents discovered they were having a girl, they were ecstatic! They started researching names right away. Both of them absolutely wanted a name that illustrated my heritage, Indian and Australian/Irish/English. After procrastinating for about a month my dad proposed a middle name, Alexandra, meaning ‘The protector’. It was the perfect name to represent half of my heritage. As for the first name, they compromised and agreed to spend a week making their own “name lists”. At the end of the week they sat down and shared their lists. My parents had both picked short, sweet, simple, Indian names. What was apparent was they had both picked names beginning with the letter ‘A’. They pored over each others list and eliminated any names that would lose their charm when said by a Non-Indian. They could only agree upon one name that was timeless and charming no matter how you said it, Abhi, meaning ‘Fathers joy’. I have also heard that my name means ‘Fearless’ and ‘Now’. I would like to think that I am fearless, I am not afraid of taking risks. I don’t enjoy dwelling on the past or figuring out the future. I like to live in the now. My name is short, sweet and simple, like me.

Take a Stand

A room without books is like a body without a soul.

- Cicero

Do governments have a duty of care to their citizens and as such should they provide free access to books in the form of libraries? In the United Kingdom libraries are being shut down due to the lack of use. This is the reason the government decided to shut the libraries down, because they feel it is a waste of space. A lot of people are protesting in many parts of the UK, causing the government to rethink actions.

A good book on your shelf is a friend that turns its back on you and remains a friend.

~Author Unknown

I strongly believe that even if the budget is suffering, there is no need to tear down libraries. A library is a place where regardless of your bank account, race, age, or past, you can learn. You can gain knowledge from the internet or books that are completely free. People that don't have computers go to libraries for school projects or to interact with others, such as on Facebook. People that can't afford books might go to libraries in order to look up information or read for pleasure.

Im convinced reading is one of the most important things in the world. It allows you to escape reality. To learn about the past. To be someone else in the present. To look into the future. Reading inspires you. A book can let you live out your dreams. But most importantly, makes you wiser. The government has no right to take this away.

"A librarian is the thin red line between barbarism and civilization." Neil Gaiman once said this. I agree. Without libraries where would we be? We wouldn't be well educated. We wouldn't speak the languages we do. Libraries make us who we are, civilized.

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers.

- Charles W. Eliot

My new blog name!

"To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest."- Monhandas Gandhi

The reason this quote stood out to me, out of all the quotes on the page, was because of the words; Believe, live and dishonest. I love this quote because Gandhi is saying everyone believes in something and if you dont live it, there is not point to believe in it. For example, when I want to grow up I would like to become a vet. I believe in it and I intend to do my best to live it.

Gandhi stood up for what he believed in. And he lived it. Gandhi didn't think about the future, he thought about the present. He didn't think of the worst possible outcome. He thought of the best. Its like someone with cancer. If they believe in the worst, the worst seems closer to becoming true. If they believe in the best possible outcome, there will always be a light in your life, whether its in the present or the future.

This quote will always inspire me and stay with me forever. Always strive to believe and never be afraid to.