On quiet days in shows and books. one will often hear the phrase, "No news is good news!" Is it true that one day there really was no news on the BBC Radio?
On the Brink In the 1930's, the world was still shaken up from World War I, a catastrophic event meant to end all wars. Some worried they were on the brink of another. These interwar years were filled with tension. There were some people who were alert and expecting the worst. On a Good Friday, the eighteenth day of April, in the year 1930, the radio announcer's voice blared into homes across Britain like it had the day before. However, there was no headline but that of there being no news. Piano music followed and played for the rest of the radio show. Importances and Differences During a time where people were that worried, it was almost relaxing to have no news and music. It was a mark of innocence, respect, and hope. Nowadays, the news is always updating, pinging, and such. We always hear of shootings, or trials, or natural disasters. One day, one can wish, we can have a no news day. No news really is good news sometimes. Sources: http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2015/04/21/i-finished-bloodborne-and-i-still-dont-know-how-to-feel/ One of my friends always tells me when I'm having a bad day to put a big smile on because it will make me feel better. Another friend will always hug me every time they see me. Yet another wishes for me to keep talking about how I'm feeling. Even another believes that distracting oneself will chase away the blues. Finally, my uncle always tries to make me laugh by telling me terrible puns while daring me not too, because laughter is the best medicine. I truly believe in the validity of this statement, but why does this happen? And is it true that we laugh less today than they did half a century ago?
Why You Should LOL, For Real Laughing releases chemicals in the brain that have lasting health benefits. It has even been proven that if a person fakes a laugh and continues, it will soon grow into being a real one. Laughing several times a day, sometimes for a long period can help boost the immune system, reduce headaches, and alleviate general chronic body pains as a result of the highly increased flow of oxygen particles to the brain and throughout the body. As these benefits have become clear to those studying it, they have realized that a good laugh that lasts a full 60 seconds can be equivalent to the benefits of rowing for 10 minutes. The study has even reached prestigious universities such as Stanford, with all facts being proved true. In fact, some gyms have now opened laughing classes because of its surreal results. However, the study also brought to everyone's attention that the number of times we laugh daily has truly dropped throughout the decades. If we know it is good for us, shouldn't we try to laugh more often? Why We Don't Always Mean It Despite the improvement in the average life status, the amount that the average person laughs has dropped very significantly in the past 60 years. Some suggest that an increase in technology use has decreased the duration and frequency of face-to-face communication. Others believe that technology has brought way to the use of lol's and lmao's, thus letting things we used to find hilarious not as much anymore. (In fact, most of the laughing tracks we hear on our favorite sitcoms was recorded in the 1950's. Perhaps their laughs sounded much more sincere and natural than those recorded today might.) A Conclusion In a world of memes, Rick Rolling, and using lol to keep a conversation going while on social media, it seems like many people have forgotten what a real laugh is like. If people begin to communicate face-to-face more often, maybe our society as a whole can begin to become healthier, more light-hearted, and beat that amazing 1950's statistic. Sources: http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/349872/No-joke-Life-was-more-fun-in-the-1950s http://www.enn.com/enn_original_news/article/20942 http://oluwoman.com/2011/11/was-the-best-decade-the-laughing-1950s-not-the-swinging-60s-psychadelic-70s-boxy-80s-grungy-90s-or-the-naughties/ In the first of my multiple blog series I will be starting, I will be finding interesting fun facts on the internet and using research prove (or disprove when necessary) them.
An Introduction to The World of Color A few years back, I remember seeing a post online that talked about things that are impossible. One revolved around the idea of seeing a new color, discovering a new hue. For a very long time, I did not thing that it was possible until I saw this fact. Upon further research, this fact is indeed true. The condition is known as Tertachromacy, and although more rare in people, can be found in birds and many other animals. The fourth cone allows eyes to see light of the ultraviolet spectrum. In normal eyes, these colors and wavelengths are simply invisible and indescribable to those who only possess the three normal cones. In addition, having the fourth cone also allows better night vision because of improved light recognition. Tetrachromacy And Its Subjects In tetrachromatic subjects, which can be estimated to be up to 12% of women, the world is described as a mosaic of color. The added receptors in the eye help the brain transmit more wavelengths. It is assumed that most tetrachromats are unknown because they have either never picked up on the fact that they see more colors, or they have been diagnosed as quite the opposite: colorblind. The subject's brain must become "trained" to see these colors and process it all. One well known tetrachromatic is a female artist by the name of Concetta Antico. She is one of the lucky ones whose tetrachromacy was diagnosed earlier in her life. Antico plans to find a way for other patients to figure out if they are colorblind or tetrachromatic. Maybe one day all of us three-coners can understand what it is like to have literal kaleidoscope eyes. (In other news, if you would like to test your color acuity, you can visit the link here! I scored a 14. What did you get?) Sources: http://www.popsci.com/article/science/woman-sees-100-times-more-colors-average-person http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrachromacy http://discovermagazine.com/2012/jul-aug/06-humans-with-super-human-vision Quarter 3 exited stage left as quickly as it entered. It was an extremely busy nine weeks, so it is good to look back and reflect on what occurred during it.
Biggest Challenge The biggest challenge that I face this quarter was that my anxiety, hyperactivity, and mood disorder was pushed over the edge. I lost my ability to concentrate in class and my motivation to work at home. At the same time, I was stressed about that situation and everything else happening around me. I've scraped by this quarter, saw a doctor, and I'm getting better, but I wish things did not happen this way. Being Proud Perhaps I am most proud of the fact that I was brave enough to have conquered my issues this quarter. In English, I was able to easily maintain the load of schoolwork, and in everything else I maintained good grades and continued to participate in circulars. I am extremely proud of my essays and analysis paragraphs this quarter and feel like I should also be proud of my growth in this area. Looking Forward To Quarter 4 Next quarter, into next year I will continue to get better. If I need help, I will ask for it. I will give myself me-time when I need it and not be as stressed. Looking forward to IB HL English, I will also work on my group work skills and annotation agendas throughout the next few months. If I do this and much more, the next quarter will be excellent and lead into a wonderful next two years. My last blog series revolved around my favorite things. From New York City, to photography, to music, to books, there are some things that just bring a smile to my face and make even the worst days just a bit better. It is on that note that I now point out the importance and influence of finding things you enjoy, and the impact my favorite things have had on my life.
WHY? Everyone, at one point or another, has either had the desire to feel special or to fit in. There is a lucky population that has found a passion. It can be anything: a sport, a game, even a class. Sometimes it is something as simple as having lunch with a best friend. Having something that one enjoys is essential to living. Not only because it makes one happy, but the will to continue on each day and give life some pizzaz. ME My brain is unbalanced, which means that most of my emotions are as well. This is especially true with my anxiety and my temper. However, whenever I am indulging in one of my favorite things, my world can be a little brighter and move just a bit slower. When I go to New York, I find a new sense of hope that can be hard for a person like me to discover. When I take pictures and video, I can take my mind off of my problems and concentrate on one thing being perfect, all while seeing the world from a different angle. Music gives me an outlet to express myself and understand others more. Books take me to a new world, and sometimes give me the support I desire when I feel alone. Best of all, even without my issues, they are simply fun, happy things to me and I know I could not live without them. In the pursuit of happiness, I am going to continue to search for people, places, hobbies, and other stuff that brings a smile to my face. What will be next? Knitting? Running? A new television show? I may not know yet, but I can't wait to find out! Starting It All
My love for books probably started when I was fueled with the wish to prove someone wrong. In preschool, I was reading a chapter book from one of the second grade classrooms when the principal came into the room. He decided to crush my little dreams and tell me I could not read these chapter books because they were too hard. Although I was already able to comprehend what the book was saying, I decided to keep reading and reading until my teacher would make a comment to the man about my superb reading skills, thus proving him wrong. When I was a child, my parents would get annoyed when we would go to the mall. This is on account of my purchasing of around two or three books, and for all of them already being read by the time we got home that evening. Unfortunately today, like any high schooler with an anxiety disorder, I'm so stressed and/or involved with things that I don't have enough time to read as much as I would like to. However, I consume reading as much as I can because I still, still, still love it so much. More On Me and My Books I love to read because it takes me away to other lands, just like Emily Dickinson said in one of her poems. In addition, writing also gives me an escape. The thing that is so wonderful about books, whether one reads them or writes them, is that it seems like the possibilities or endless. Even if two novels seem similar, they are often very unexpected and unique. It's endless! My favorite books are ones I will never forget. From JK Rowling, to John Green, to Ray Bradbury, and to Harper Lee, these authors feel like my friends. They've opened up a part of their imagination to me. One day I want to do the same. By the time I was in 8th grade, I officially decided I wanted to be an English major in college. My love of books had grown perpetually and formed me into the person I am today. My Google Drive is currently countless working stories, from just a few sentences of inspiration to 60,000 words of a young girl's dreams. Today, I am still planning to pursue that major. In fact, with broadened interests in both politics and entertainment, I believe that my love of books will take me further than all the bullies (especially that preschool principal) would have imagined. I will reach the true pinnacle of my happiness once my name is on the front of a successful script, a bestselling book, or behind a presidential address. Introduction
I love to see the world through a lens. It makes the world seem much different than it is. One of my favorite things is to make films, music, and broadcast videos and take photos. Perspective The most wonderful thing about photography is how it can change your perspective on things. The tallest of buildings can turn into ever-majestic creations that can appear to be the size of a pen. The small details of leaves become crisper and bigger. In addition, it's just so wonderful how lighting, focus, and angles can change the appearance of a scene! And for those who are not as involved with the lens, photos and videos are an amazing way to see a different, unique side of things and discover all the details. What It Does For Me I always set my camera on the manual setting. That way, I can adjust everything to the perfect condition I want it to be at. It also gives me the opportunity to feel better about everything that is happening around me. Firstly, I know I can help people around me either be informed or entertained. I also love the creative rush I get from being behind the lens. By using manual and setting everything up myself, I'm given something else. I get taken away from all my stress and anxieties as I attempt to make everything as I wish for it to be. Instead of worrying about if my friends will ever leave me, if my parents will ever get sick, if I'll get into my dream college, I get to think about the now, adjusting the settings so that at least one thing in life is beautiful and balanced. For The Love of the Camera Filming is something I enjoy because of the benefits it brings about for both others and for myself. I've been lucky enough to find it as an outlet and now consider pursuing it as a side thing when I am older. In all honesty, I have no clue where I would be if I did not have the experience of working with cameras! If music be the food of love, play on;
Give me excess of it; that, surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die. ~ Shakespeare, Twelfth Night Another Favorite Thing The first time I recall singing, I was a little girl, a toddler really, listening to the Mass parts at church. All of a sudden, I remember some words, even if I did not know what they meant. I started to sing. For some reason, even as I grew older, I hated the way my voice sounded when I talked. Yet when I sang, I loved it. I sounded happier, sweeter, and stronger. When I was a little girl, I realized that when I sang, I felt different too. It made me feel invincible and loving. By the time I was in third grade, I was in two choirs. From singing harmonies, to solos, I was told by my teachers that not only did I like my singing, but others did too. During the period of time I was homeschooled, I felt a little lost sometimes. Not to many people liked me much. I was worried about where I would go after 8th grade. I wondered if I would ever leave the ugly little hick town where I grew up, let alone Florida. The words and the sound of music got me through the times where I felt like I was alone. Now, I still sing. I'm even part of the best little jazz group a singer could ever hope to be in. (We're pictured above, me in my favorite leather jacket and snazzy little hat!) And The Reasons Why I love to sing for many reasons. Although it is admittedly very nice to have something that I am not only good at, but that I enjoy, there are more reasons to love music. When I sing, play the piano, or have my headphones in, I can escape the normal world. There is no longer a place where there is hate, lousy expectations, and misunderstandings. Instead, there is a place where emotions are open and understandable and anything can happen. Music is also very powerful. It is a universal language that anyone can understand. With a few simple chords, things that cannot be accurately conveyed in words can be said. Even in people with Alzheimer's, such as Glen Campbell, can forget everything essential like their loved ones and can still play the guitar and remember lyrics. If I were to no longer have music in my life, I would no longer be able to function. I think that the chalk art I found on the campus of NYU is a simple reason enough to justify my obsession with music. (Images credit to my dance teacher and myself)
“One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.” ~ Tom Wolfe “New York is an ugly city, a dirty city. Its climate is a scandal, its politics are used to frighten children, its traffic is madness, its competition is murderous. But there is one thing about it - once you have lived in New York and it has become your home, no place else is good enough.” ~ John Steinbeck Introduction One of my favorite things to do is simply exist, at least when it comes to existing in the greatest city in the world. I love everything from the food, the people, the schools, the opportunities, and yes: even the subway. I may have only been a few times, but I call New York City home and pray that one day I’ll return to stay for awhile as an English major at NYU. The Little Things… As a Jersey Girl, I grew up spoiled by great food, even when I was in Florida. Of course, returning to New York, the first thing I do is grab a wonderful bagel. Later on, you can’t beat pizza with thin crust and amazing cheese. You’ve hardly got to have any worries about your food not being clean, and in most places you can find food that is at least somewhat good for you and 100% delicious. (And Manhattan tap water beats Florida tap water any day. Four for you, Governor Cuomo. You go, Governor Cuomo. Sorry Mickey Mouse.) I may sound crazy, but I also love the subway so much. Traveling through the historic underground tunnels with a variety of people, and holding on for dear life because it feels like you’re going to fly off the track if you don’t, it’s… magical in a way. I can’t even describe what it is that is so amazing, but its energy never scares me. All it makes me want to do is ride again, baring the crowds, attempting to figure out lines and jumping out the 8-second door opening. Ride the subway, and you’ll live a little. (I still use hand sanitizer afterwards, however. Love hath no form strong enough to make me NOT a tad germaphobic.) In New York, there’s also a sense of unity amongst everyone, from natives, locals, returning visitors, to the first time explorers. Those who do live in New York almost always defy the rude Manhattan stereotype. They can be welcoming, helpful, and determined, even if a little salty. The city is strong and beautiful, having been through so much, that all of the people bustling in and out of it are connected through the lights, the noise, the smells so unique to New York. All hearts beat together. (Even if palpated at times.) The Big Things... New York University is my dream school. Its reputation and quality of education, combined with such an open and involved campus with so many opportunities. I will be trying my best in the next two years to be able to attend NYU with some aid. As someone who wishes to study not only English, but music, history, and law, I cannot imagine a more wonderful school, nor a location alone. (Washington Square Park. Can’t beat that.) I also love all of the city’s numerous opportunities. From Broadway shows, to parks, to shopping in Times Square, there is a very low chance that a girl like me will ever get bored. Sometimes, there are things that can only be done when you’re in the greatest city in the world, and I’m proud to say that I’ve already crossed some off the To-Do List. (Many no reside on my To-Do-Again List.) And The Even Bigger Things It is a little ironic, and I still don’t understand how it works. I’m terrified of elevators and heights occasionally give me the heebeejeebees. Yet my favorite thing about New York might just be the tall buildings. I’ve been up high, but never to an observation deck. I’d like my first to be One World Observatory over downtown. I’m still like a child whenever I pass by a skyscraper. I crane my neck to attempt to see the top and I still get either extremely awed or tear up when I realize that the building is so majestic that I can’t see the top. To me, tall buildings are iconically New York. They’re the stuff of my best, most magical dreams. I’m the kid with the Chrysler Building desktop wallpaper, the pictures of the GE Building flooding her phone, and the Empire State Building widget on my Mac dashboard. I’m the generation of Freedom Tower. Loving New York hasn’t just made me spoiled or adventurous. It’s made me a stronger person, a girl who believes in miraculous street food, never really sleeping, the bright lights illuminating night (or dark times, more metaphorically) and most importantly: unbreakable, unbelievable will that’s 1,776 feet tall. When one visits New York, they don’t just try something new, they begin to live. (And that’s why I love it.) |
AuthorJust a sassy, smiley, soprano-singing sophomore dancing and writing her way through high school Archives
April 2015
Categories
All
|