Sunscreen

Just the other day, while on the way to Palm Springs, I flipped through an old People magazine. When I turned the pages I saw the usual ads for products like Pringles and shampoo but then I saw an ad for sunblock. I proceeded to read about its features when I was reminded about the effects of skin damage. "UVA rays can cause skin damage and skin aging, but the UVA protection in many sunscreens can begin to breakdown the moment your skin is exposed to the sun." When I was young my aunt was diagnosed with skin cancer (luckily she survived). After this my family has always been mindful of putting on sunscreen, but now I hear that it doesn't work? If the ad is truthful than it means that companies like Banana Boat are putting our lives in justice. How can this be approved by scientists. Anyway, the whole sunscreen thing has a lot to do with me being in Palm Springs. Alright, thats my ranting.

 "And I charge them. I knock two breathless and run a third through the body. One lets off of me: Paf! and I retort..."

There is no significant reason why I chose this portion of the dialogue except for that I like it. I love the way that Cyrano speaks because of the wit that he possesses. Anyone who could read this play would realize that Cyrano speaks in eloquent language that is hardly heard today. Where did that language go? Over centuries, English has changed quite a bit. For instance, the use of "tis, doth,  twas" was very common in the seventeenth century, but  now if someone was saying those words we would assume he/she is a part a role playing game club. I wonder what would happen if, for a day, we all spoke in 1400's English; tis a good question.

Cyrano de Bergerac

"Of garlic and of grease. I leap forward , head lowered..."

There is no particular thing that validates this quote for a reading journal, but it just struck me. What does it mean? I am thinking that it has something to do with standing up for himself but I'm not sure. I believe that by saying "of garlic and of grease" he is hinting about his nose because of its unattractiveness. Well I am off with soap and water!

Cyrano de Bergerac

"Enormous, my nose!... Contemptible stutterer, snub-nosed and flat-headed, be it known to you that I am proud of such an appendage!"- Cyrano de Bergerac

After reading the first act of Edmond Rostand's, Cyrano de Bergerac I have noticed the wittiness and cleverness of the way he speaks. Although he might lack in facial beauty he makes up in rhetoric; but I ask how is "pretty" determined? The perspective of beauty has changed over the years, from the muscular sculptures in Ancient Greece to the "plump" shape of the renaissance women. Cyrano is very smooth with words yet he still is self-conscious about his nose, even though he might not have been if there were different standards in France. Cyrano refuses to go after his love because of this and risks not being able to marry her.

march 15th reading journal

“It was true that lots of kids at school were competitive about grades and class standing.” I know a little something about being competitive, possibly because I am one of the most competitive persons in the world. I do question though, what makes people competitive? I don’t know what it could be. Why do professional athletes have the tenacity to win and the drive to succeed when others simply could care less? For me everything is a competition, even the classroom. From the beginning of elementary till now I’ve found that I have to be at the top. It may be a blessing or a curse but it is true. I feel that if I weren’t so aggressive I would not have half the things I have now. I don’t think I could live without being competitive, although losing sucks!

Early Morning Reading Journals

"Welcome to the Wave-or Else"Who was first to threaten? I know that a few men kidnapped King John in the 12th century and forced him to sign the Magna Carta, or else. And yet just a few days ago I heard my mom say "clean your room, or else." Although not quite of the same magnitude, both were valid threats. I guess you could say that threats are forced motivation because the Magna Carta was signed and my room, was cleaned.

Trashy

"David stood motionlessly as Robert practiced the move again." 

Lets talk about routines. What is a routine? What makes a routine routine-y? I believe a routine is a habit; a physical habit though. Not whether you show compassion or perseverance but whether you take the trash out every Monday. I'm not so great with routines. In fact I rarely follow the routine of taking the trash out every Wednesday. I seem to be capable of following a habit, but rarely a routine (besides brushing my teeth and homework). I need to work on routines because it is not enjoyable to be lectured about what day the trash truck comes. Well, tomorrow is Monday, time to take out the trash.