Doublespeak by William Lutz

Doublespeak by William Lutz

Doublespeak is a kind of writing technique wherein words are replaced with better sounding ones. It makes writing seem more For example, people use "passed away" instead of "died." See? Doesn't that sound better? There are 4 types of doublespeak: euphemism, jargon, gobbledygook and inflated language. 

Personally, I seem to be interested in jargon because I can relate to it. I think that every age group has their own jargon and sometimes it is quite funny! Euphemism and inflated language is sort of the same in meaning. Gobbledygook is quite interesting as well. It is what I could call "nosebleed."

Overall, I think that doublespeak is an "okay" style or writing. I absolutely have nothing against it. It just needs to fit in the right kind of writing or the right topic. 

Time Savers

Time Savers

Time Savers is a type of propaganda that well.. saves one time. It is usually seen in fast food advertisements where the tag line is "Save yourself time by..."  or "In just 5 minutes..." or "You just have to drive-thru!" 

Most people are swayed by this type of propaganda because nowadays, as people say, "Time is gold." It is something even more valuable than money, I believe. People need more time to do more important things, that is why most prefer the not so important things to be done quick. This is why fast food is becoming such a fad. Another example could be quick and easy workouts or diets that leave one not feeling good. 

Everybody should watch out for time savers. All that everybody needs to gain some time is to practice time management and prioritizing. That way, everybody wins. 

Propaganda Techniques in Today's Advertising by Ann McClintock

Propaganda Techniques in Today's Advertising by Ann McClintock

After reading this essay.. I was amazed. Everything in this essay is very, very, very true. Ann McClintock says that people, of all ages and races, are swayed by propaganda at least 500 times a day. How? Through advertisements. It is true that all of us are amazed somehow even over the most useless thing being advertised - then we buy that item.


She also describes the seven types of ads: Name Calling, Glittering Generalities, Transfer, Testimonial, and Bandwagon. Most of these types apply to ads or campaigning in the political world. Here are some examples for each type:

1. Name Calling
When I was in the States a few years back, I was able to catch a TV commercial for Claritin, an allergy medicine. It was frankly compared to Benadryl, another allergy medicine. I remember this commercial so much because comparing brands in a commercial is quite odd since they don't do that here in the Philippines.

2. Glittering Generalities
Now that it is campaigning season here in UP, I'm sure every runner uses this propaganda tactic. I have heard it all, that the candidate cares, that he will make the school better and that, overall, he is the best candidate out there.

3. Transfer
I think an example for Transfer would be events that coordinate with big names. For example, UP JMA's ADHOC event collaborates with big brands like McDonald's and Nokia. How can people say no to that?

4. Testimonial
I always see this commercial of ProActiv acne remover. In it are huge celebrities like Justin Bieber and Katy Perry. I actually have no idea if they really use this product but in the commercial, they say they do and that it works.. that it really works.

5. Plain Folks
Usually, politicians use this propaganda tactic. For example, Manny Villar's slogan during the 2010 election was "Ako ang tunay na mahirap." He relates himself to the masses and says that he is like the masses in order to obtain their vote.

6. Card Stacking
Usually, shampoo and toothpaste commercials use this tactic. For example, Head and Shoulders says that it removes 99.9% of dandruff when in fact when I use their product, I get more dandruff.

7. Bandwagon
Most ads use this technique and people are easily swayed by this. For example, McDonald's usually features people of all ages in their commercials and they usually have 5 or more commercials on air or on TV simultaneously. This tells people that you are "not cool" if you don't eat at their fast food joint.

Overall, I think that people should be more careful and think twice when encountering a propaganda or simply and ad or someone campaigning to them. One should always watch out and never be swayed by the 7 propaganda tactics.

Am I Blue by Alice Walker

Am I Blue by Alice Walker

First of all, this short story has a very good title. Its title is clever as it summarizes the whole story. The word "Blue" can mean a lot of things. It can mean sadness, or coldness or the color itself - but in this story, it is the name of a horse.

The author describes how she has been watching and feeding Blue ever since she moved to that neighborhood where Blue stays. She had been feeding Blue apples, specifically. One day, Blue meets another horse whom Blue creates a good friendship with. Sadly, that other horse dies. In the end, the author is also sad for Blue and she can not stand to eat any more apples.

This story is quite beautiful in a way that the author describes how even animals can feel. How she relates the apple at the end is also very clever. I liked this story a lot because we, humans, can feel what Blue is feeling... which is in fact, being Blue. We all have experiences in life which makes us Blue.

Overall, I recommend this story for everybody to read because it has a lot of morals and it will make on realize a lot of things about life - all from a horse named Blue. 

Two Views of the Mississippi by Mark Twain

Two Views of the Mississippi by Mark Twain 

Of course, everybody knows or at least has heard of Mark Twain. He is an author famous for his books like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Prince and the Pauper. From reading this excerpt, I also learned that he was once a boat pilot at some point in his life.

In all honestly, I did not quite understand this short story right away. His story writing sort of gave me the dragging vibe. I had to read it again before I understood what he was writing about. It is literally about the two views of the Mississippi River but I believe that there is a deeper meaning to it.

This short story actually talked about humans and how we are with nature. Mark Twain implies that we take and use nature all the time, yet we do not give back to nature. Look at the world now, since we haven't taken care of our world, Global Warming and melting ice caps are what are taking over. Also, just like Mark Twain appreciates the beauty of the river, humans appreciate the beauty of nature.

This is a good read, one for a person ready to reflect on his or her life. 

My favorite movie genre

RomComs

"Rom Com", a colloquial term, is short for Romantic Comedy. This is my favorite movie genre because it is both Romance and Comedy; love and laughter. Love and laughter are my two favorite feelings, probably the two best feelings in the world. When it comes to romance movies, I like tear-jerkers because somehow, they make me feel good. That feeling deep down in my heart as I watch Mandy Moore receive a telescope from Shane West in  A Walk To Remember is a great one. On the other hand, comedy balances out the dramatic plot of a romance. After all, who doesn't like to laugh? Put these two together and the best genre of movie is created. 

Sexism and Language by Alleen Pace Nilsen

Sexism and Language by Alleen Pace Nilsen

Sexism and Language is a very true essay. It tells us of the realities of the battle between the sexes. It describes this battle in ways that make the reader realize how sexism is present in our world, even in the most simplest ways. For example, names of people are sexist. Girls have "shallow" meanings to their names; girls are named after flowers. On the other hand boys have "deeper" meanings to their names; boys are named after such things like bravery and strength.

I believe that in this world, we should fight for equality and fight against sexism. Although it is likely impossible for this to happen since this situation has been present ever since, one can simply be a good example by not being so quick to judge a person. After all, we are all equals, nobody is better than the other.

Again, I liked this essay because it made me realize the reality of this world when it comes to the attitude of the world; how people are judgmental and how people see other people based on their gender or even race.

Happy Feet: The pleasures of teen dance movies

Happy Feetl  The pleasures of teen dance movies by Joan Acocella

"Happy Feet" is an essay about teen dance movies. It tells us what teen dance movies are basically about. I liked this essay because I am, of course, into dance movies. It made me realize that they actually send deeper messages than just dancing. They are social, racial, and feminist. This essay also tells us about the beauty of dance and that a teen dance movie greatly represents that.

Personally, I do secretly like to dance, maybe in the shower or in my own bedroom. This essay made me realize the joys of dancing and how it can create a whole different and new experience and meaning to a person. 

Overall, I liked this essay very much also because of the way it was written. It gave a lot of examples so that the reader could understand the essay more or could relate to it more. 

The Ngong Farm

The Ngong Farm

This short story is Chapter 1 of a whole book. Judging from the well written first chapter, this is a story of a great adventure in Africa. In this first chapter, the author describes his farm in Africa. In his farm, he grows coffee. He tells is a lot of details about his farm.

In the second part, he describes more of the surroundings and Natives. Soon, he begins to develop a special love for Africa - something he never expected. The whole part is written with many adjectives. This helps me

Imagine the text more vividly in my head.

One lesson I learned from this excerpt is to learn to love something unfamiliar or new. Maybe these things will bring the greatest and most unexpected journeys in our lives. 

Photographs of my Parents by Maxine Hong Kingston

Photographs of my Parents by Maxine Hong Kingston 

Taken up in English 1 class on January 25, 2012

The story of Photographs of my Parents is probably a story to which everybody can relate. At least once in one's lifetime, he or she peeks through those old boxes in the attic. These boxes contain precious memories, most of them photographs. Here, one can flashback to what it was like during their parents' era. Personally, whenever I peek through these boxes, I feel happy. It's like my parents were so happy during their teenage years. Even now though, they are still very happy. They looked so young and fresh. For some reason, what people looked like before looked way better than what teenagers look like now. 

Maxine Hong Kingston's story tells us about her Chinese mother and American dad. This story is more of a comparison between the Western and Asian world. The Asian world is more reserved and serene. They don't like looking at cameras. They are more simple and quiet. Usually these people just keep to themselves. They are also very traditional. This is pretty evident during the time of her mother's graduation and the students did not know where to pin the flower on their dress. Asians can also be portrayed as the intelligent ones, based on the numerous mentions her mother was given.  Western people, on the other hand, are more outgoing and fun. According to the story, they like going on beach trips and the like. They smile and pose for the camera too. 

Overall, I liked the comparison of this story. I also liked the way it was written. It wasn't too dragging. 

Pet

It all begins with an egg. This kind of egg is not one's ordinary kitchen egg. It is a tiny egg, even smaller than a pebble. It brings a beautiful life into the vast blue world. The life span that this newborn creature is bound to experience is a short, but meaningful one. 

A creature that is free is the happiest creature. It is free to roam around the blue world. It can go wherever it wants and do whatever it is that it wants to do. As it roams, it glides and slides along the smooth waves. Its gold skin is as smooth as a feather, perfect for flowing against the delicate water. It lives simply, finding happiness from exploring and going on adventures. All it needs are food and shelter. Its friends and family, moreover, are among the best of the best. They all keep each other company and make each other happy. But, not all creatures live this way. 

Sometimes, this creature is given a different home. This home is far different from the blue world. It is in an enclosed artificial box. In this box, it encounters new species and new things. When it is not used to the world outside, it becomes lonely and agitated. Just like everybody else, it needs to get used to how things are. Soon enough, this creature starts to become relaxed and happy in its small little box. It is given enough food and attention anyways. Soon, the box becomes its true home. This kind of living is not so bad after all.

Either lifestyle is suitable for the lifespan this creature is given. This creature's lifespan is usually very short. Despite this, it uses this short time to do whatever it pleases. Even in a trapped condition, it still moves freely and is given what it needs to sustain itself. When the dark time comes, its magnificent golden skin begins to fade. Its death comes fast, almost in an instant. Then, it is seen floating, as if it has reached inner peace and true serenity.

Either lifestyle, this creature definitely makes everybody happy. This creature tells the story of life - how it begins from a tiny little egg until it reaches peace through death. It reminds man of how he can live his life being strong, free, wise and golden all at the same time.

My Favorite Place

             After a long and tiring day, I can’t wait to go home. A few steps after my bedroom door lies my favorite place. It is always there to catch me when I fall and to keep me safe when I am scared. It keeps me happy at night and relaxed during the day. More than that, it keeps me away from the real world, as if it has a firewall surrounding it.        

As I feel the soft material touch my skin, I sink into the unknown. I can smell the fresh flowery scent of the newly washed cloth brushing against my skin.  As I drift into a deep slumber, a soft and silky cloth keeps me warm. I can hear the soft air moving around me. If not, I hear nothing at all. My head is supported by something that is as delicate and soft as cotton. As I begin to close my eyes, I feel that I am in the best place, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

In my favorite place, I am silent. I am one with myself when I am in my favorite place. There is nobody else there but me. In my favorite place, I think the deepest thoughts, let out the most boisterous laughter and even shed some tears. In my favorite place, I feel happy, light and stress free. In my favorite place, I am home. 

I am free and strong

Swimming in the sea

Simple things can make me happy

Simple things that I see

As I glide and slide across the water

And breathe in the air

I cannot live a life

I cannot live a life so bare

I want to explore what is out there

I want to jump out of the box

The need to try something different

Like wearing socks

But my body is not made for that 

For I am Golden and proud, I am strong 

But sometimes I also fall like a splat

What am I?

Strong, happy and free

What am I?

A life lived short filled with glee

I am content with what I have

Food, shelter and company

What am I?

I'm your pet goldfishy. 

The Death of the Moth by Virginia Woolf

The Death of the Moth by Virginia Woolf

Taken up in English 1 class on January 18, 2012

The Death of the Moth is a dramatic description of how a moth.. well, dies. Virginia Woolf painstakingly provided a detailed encounter with a moth. She tells a story as if in poetic form because maybe she feels very emotional about the death of the moth. In this short story, she somehow relates the death of the moth to life.

Life is (after reading the short story) definitely beautiful - every part of it. How will live it is extraordinary but how we leave it is even more extraordinary. Every word Virginia Woolf has used to describe the death of the moth is actually describing life. 

The moth's flying in the start can symbolize birth. Birth is a simple yet breath taking event. It's the start of something new and the start of an incredible journey called life. Next, the moth's releasing of energy can symbolize the body of our lifetime. In this part, we dance, sing and just basically enjoy life - its ups and downs. Then, the settling of the moth on the window simply symbolizes how us men and women settle late in life. This time can be when we get married or just simply reach old age. Sometimes, settling in life can even lead to a new adventure. Lastly, the death of the moth obviously symbolizes death. Virginia Woolf describes death as simple and serene. I believe that she is right, because death will someday bring us true peace. 

One thing I learned from this short piece is to simply enjoy life and all it has to offer. Maybe some day, hopefully not soon, I will experience true peace in death. But, while I am still dancing around like the moth, I am here to make the most out of life.