Survey

I am conducting a survey for personal amusement. The person with the most original response wins 10 cools points. Once you have accumulated 100 cool points, you earn a congratulatory hand shake. Thus, let it begin!
Dream Job:
Most underrated superhero:
Most overrrated superhero:
Kindergarten Fear:
Favorite movie:
Advice for adults:
Gadget that needs inventing:
Favorite place to be or thing to do:
Answers with explanations are strongly encouraged
This is meant to be fun and a means of occupying time when tired of christmas wrapping, caroling, and other mindless holiday traditions.
Enjoy

Abortion

NIHONG NO NANAKO

The ACCENTuation of Commercialism

For reasons beyond my understanding, I find myself as of late,unable to resist the allure of blogging. Despite the fact that my proverbial plate is more than full and regardless of my acknowledging the fact that I am a chronic procrastinator (admitting it is the first step), I continue to return to the warmth and familiarity that is the blogosphere.
Earlier today whilst watching tv, I noticed something that I hadn't before: the use of accents in commercials. Geico and their infamous biaccentual gecko, Orbitz gum and their vibrantly youthful spokeswoman, and Kahlua and their flavorfully Hispanic representative are among only a number that come to mind. (Not to mention the countless cosmetic related commercials that pronounce mascara as mascARa)
Perhaps, because the advertisement is spoken in an accent unlike that of the consumer, it will have a more memorable impression, and will thus increase the likelihood of purchase.
Perhaps, because the particular accent used is consistent with the connotations associated with the commercial's message, it further reiterates the theme.
Perhaps, because it is a known fact that accents are perceived as awesome, it is only logical to include them.
However, perhaps not.
Although accents are in many ways, "pretty cool"; when used excessively, they become what I would like to refer to as "dialectically invasive". After flipping through the channels unable to find a commercial in my own dialect, I am left with a foreign taste in my mouth and an unpleasant one at that. America is America and it is in all honesty, absolutely absurd that we continue to rely on foreign accents in order to appeal to an American audience.
Truthfully, I find the preceding nothing more than mildly annoying, however, in order to emphasize and entertain, dramatization is necessary. Feel free to comment and for a lack of better sign off words........."Live long and prosper".

AmBUSHed

In light of President Bush's 34th anniversary and as a result of my rekindled interest in the man, I will write what many have not dared before: a commemorative commentary celebrating his eight years worth of servitude.
 In Hawaii, as in many other parts of the country, it is by now a consensus that the reign of President George W. Bush as the forty-third leader of our nation has been a dismal failure.  Indeed, it is because this view is so widely held that Republican officials in general have found themselves and their party in dire straits as of late (or at least presumably). One wonders, however, whether it is possible to cast his past eight years in a somewhat more positive light.  Is it at all possible that the president has perhaps received too much of the blame for what has gone wrong, and not enough credit for what has gone right?
In order to make such a case, it is first necessary to isolate the main issues for which he has suffered a tarnished reputation.  By far, the most common of the grievances leveled at his feet concern various aspects of the war in Iraq.  The most serious of the charges, arguably, is that which claims the very start of the conflict to have been illegal and in violation of international law.  Support for this accusation is allegedly gained from the Charter of the United Nations, which specifies that no member may violate the territorial integrity of another nation without prior approval of the UN Security Council. 

However, it seems that a plausible argument can be given to show that our current dealings in Iraq are no more than a justified (and legal) continuation of the first Gulf War, approved by the UN Security Council in 1990.  As part of the ceasefire agreement reached at the end of the war, the Iraqi government agreed to halt development of its chemical and biological weapons programs.  The refusal to comply with the agreement would thus constitute a “material breach” of the ceasefire, and would allow the United States to once again resume the use of force in Iraq.  In the years that followed it is clear that this is precisely what occurred, as President Clinton and others repeatedly condemned Saddam Hussein for his utter disregard for and violation of previous agreements.  Therefore the decision by President Bush to commence with military action in Iraq already possessed the United Nations’ stamp of approval, whether they realized it or not.

Though one may well be prepared to acknowledge the legality of the war, it remains that its principle reason had to do with Iraq’s possession of Weapons of Mass Destruction.  As the years passed, it became gradually apparent that such weapons were nowhere to be found.  Eventually, the conventional wisdom became that the Bush Administration either was positively deceptive to the American public, or grossly negligent in its assessment of the evidence.  Somehow, these two opinions seemed to become fused together, and lead to skepticism over both the President’s honesty and competence.

In response, it may be pointed out first of all that the original resolution authorizing war in Iraq passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 296 to 133, and the Senate by a vote of 77 to 23.  It should be noted as well that among those approving the war were Senators Clinton, Edwards, Biden.  Public support for the war at its beginning reflected the judgment of those in Washington, at 72% according to the Pew Research Center.  In light of this, it seems quite likely that the media (and the public soon thereafter) would not have turned against the war had our forces not eventually run into considerable difficulty.

When one adds to all the above a story from the Associated Press detailing the removal of 550 tons of “yellowcake” (the seed material for higher-grade nuclear enrichment) out of Iraq by U. S. forces, the knee-jerk judgment of President Bush as an inept bumbler seem hasty at best.

Of course, a balanced view of the President’s tenure must also take note of his many accomplishments, of which the following can be listed:

Signing a ban on partial birth abortion, a barbaric practice described as “infanticide” by former U. S. Senator Democrat Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

Masterfully guiding the country through its darkest days after 9/11, as seen by his 95% approval rating in the month that followed (the highest for any president in history)

Freeing Afghanistan and Iraq, overseeing the establishment of democratic elections in which women were permitted to vote (unheard of in Islamic countries).

Improving Prescription Drug Coverage for senior citizens (Medicare Act of 2003)

Capturing Saddam Hussein and turning him over to the Iraqis, along with killing his two sons as well as Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

Signing into law the No Child Left Behind Act, after which the nation’s students performed significantly better on state math and science exams (according to The Washington Post, June 6, 2007)

Keeping the country safe from attack since September 11, 2001.

Though there can be no doubt that President Bush has made many missteps, it seems history will remember him much more warmly than one might at first suppose (or at least let's hope so).

   

The Chronicles of an Unforseen All-Nighter



As of late (no pun intended), I have found myself unable to sleep, and although routinely so, every Sunday night catches me by surprise as it had one week prior. The reason as of why I cannot sleep is beyond me and even more perplexing, is the fact that my temporary insomnia falls on a Sunday night, each and every dreadful week. I feel as if though my mind is swimming in thought, however, without direction. In any case, I am determined to productively occupy the time I would have otherwise spent unproductively sleeping.
Without further adieu, I humbly present to you the first (and hopefully the last) entry of the "Chronicles of an Unforseen All-Nighter".
Because this is of course my first entry of a new segment with yet another catchy (but meaningless) title, I feel somewhat compelled to provide you with entertaining reading material. However, in light of (or lack there of, lol) the late hour and my tiresome mind, I am struggling to do so. The truth is, the hours between the time in which we fall asleep and wake, are meant to be unshared because they are ridiculously uneventful. If in the event the world operated differently or at least in accordance with the way in which I operate (nocturnally), perhaps this wouldn't be the case. However and unfortunately, it is.
If one (as I presume most do) hopes to accomplish all that they had intended on accomplishing in a given day, all-nighters are simply inevitable. There aren't enough hours in the day in order to achieve all that which one would have hoped to. Of course, one could simply say that my prejudice against the amount of hours in a day are a result of my own poor planning and insufficient time management, and perhaps they would be right, however, I believe I speak for the majority when I say that life would be much easier if given more time. Sadly, it is of the essence.
My incessant babbling of the wee hours has in all likelihood, put most to sleep. I only wish it would do the same for me. As always, feel free to comment. Until next time...........

The Ultimate Comparative

In light of my inability to think of anything I have so proudly (and yet regrettably) coined "blogosperically noteworthy", I will simply post an English assignment I have written. It is an comparative essay between Like Water for Chocolate and This Earth of Mankind with reference to the significance of names and how they may in fact, enhance the thematic significance of the story. For those with an appreciation for literature, I feel the following may make for an interesting read, however, for those without, I apologize and promise future content, considered uniformly awesome. Enjoy and feel more than free to comment . =) 

Regardless of one’s culture and ethnicity, names are representative, names are indicative, and names are suggestive. Whether right or wrong, society interprets and perceives an individual in accordance with the way in which they are addressed, and often times the way in which one is addressed may evoke either positive or negative connotations. The significance of names is not only evident in reality but is often reflected in literature. Authors often intentionally select names for their characters in order to illustrate the significance a name can have on one’s life.  In the novels, “Like Water for Chocolate” and “This Earth of Mankind”, names hold vested importance pertinent to character development as well as ultimately, the novel’s thematic furtherance.

Although a very well educated individual and an exceptional writer, Minke, the protagonist in “This Earth of Mankind”, changes his name to Max Tollenaar in order to get his work both read and published. Because Minke is without a last name and thus unacknowledged by his father, society considers him second class. Minke’s name indicates someone of society deemed low social standing; and he therefore adopts a more socially accepting name, Max Tollenaar. In so doing, he demonstrates both comprehension and cooperation. He understands the world is more than subject to discrimination, segregation, and degradation, however, he accepts this undeniable fact and leaves behind his name in order to earn the social acceptance necessary to further progress in the world. In order for Minke to have a voice of his own, he leaves behind his identity and therefore accepts the fact that society is unfair. In so doing, he escapes an oppressive fate and instead finds himself treated fairly amongst society.

In “Like Water for Chocolate”, names are significant as well and the importance of which directly affects and determines the characters role within the story. As the youngest daughter and a member of the De La Garza family, Esperanza is destined for a most unpleasant life. Traditionally and culturally, the youngest daughter of the family mustn’t marry, and must care for the mother during her old age. Esperanza, however, denies fate and marries Dr. Brown’s son, Alex. “How proud she felt to see Esperanza so self-confident, so intelligent, so perfectly prepared, so happy, so capable, and at the same time, so feminine and womanly, in the fullest sense of the word” (Pg. 240.) The preceding quote describes and explains the protagonist’s (Tita’s) feelings toward Esperanza once having accomplished everything she hadn’t. Due to family tradition, Tita was unable to marry her love, Pedro, and instead cared for her mother, Mama Elena. Although technically the main character, the author writes first of the underprivileged and misfortunate life of Tita in order to further enhance the significance of Esperanza’s both privileged and fortunate life. The distinction between the two characters emphasizes the importance of Esperanza’s self liberation and the discontinuance of the family tradition. The name Esperanza, as intended by the author, translates to “hope” and thus it is more than evident that it is in fact her name and character that provide her with what’s necessary to rise above destiny and forge a life anew. Furthermore, her discontinuing of the family tradition gave “hope” to future generations. The author uses her name to free those victimized by the family tradition and a life unfulfilled.

Each of the novels are alike in the sense that names hold vested importance that would more times than not, be overlooked. Minke, because one may associate his name as one unacknowledged by their father and of low status, changes his name in order to publish his writing. Esperanza, because she was born into a family in which traditionally, the youngest daughter is to care for the mother and forgo personal happiness, found the strength within and rose above that which so many generations before her were unable to do and married her love, Alex. It would seem as though each author uses the characters and their names similarly; by abandoning his own name and essentially his own identity, Minke uncovers the emphasis society places on personal status, history, and education, and thus ultimately reveals the underlying message of the story: the determination of one’s place in society is not dependent upon their family name and what it may or may not divulge, however, ones character and what lies within determines how far one may go. Esperanza (hope) breaks free from the De La Garza family tradition and in so doing instills hope for future generations and thus ultimately uncovers the insight into the way in which women are restricted and oppressed by standards of societal propriety perpetuated by other women. In essence, the names Minke and Esperanza were used by the authors when unearthing the story’s thematic focus. Whether adopting a new name entirely or embracing a name whole heartedly, it does not necessarily define one; it can, however, affect one’s life and may in fact affect the lives of others.

Furthermore, the following two examples provide additional evidence when proving that names do hold significance pertinent to character development and thematic furtherance.  In “This Earth of Mankind”, a woman becomes a concubine against her will and as a result, society refers to her as Nyai (a native concubine of a Dutch or European man in the Indies). In spite of her disadvantage and most unfortunate of circumstances, Nyai works independently, is self sufficient and more than accustomed with the social graces and subtleties associated with the Dutch. However, in spite of all she has so surprisingly accomplished, Nyai refuses to be referred to as anything other than Nyai. “I’m sorry, miss, I’m not used to being called ma’am and indeed I’m not a Mrs. It’s not an appropriate way to refer to me, not my right. Call me Nyai as other people do, because that’s what I am, miss”. (Pg. 228) Nyai continues when explaining herself to Ms. Magda Peters; she states that because she is without a husband and yet has a master, it contradicts reality. Nyai has accepted her identity as Nyai and the connotations associated with that of a Nyai, however, she remains forever in protest against humanity and their scornful glares. Nyai has not only embraced her name and identity, but uses it as a form of empowerment. Little is expected of her as a lowly concubine and the connotations associated with her name are of lowly regard, accomplishing what many consider unattainable instills her with presumably, a sense of pride and joy. She is able to simply laugh at society because she knows that her identity as a Nyai has absolutely nothing to do with her character, potential, or worth as a person. Names are comparable to book titles; although they in many ways present a first impression and may or may not convince one to read the text within the binding, it is in fact what lies behind the title and what lies behind one’s name that determines the worth of both the book and the individual.

In “Like Water for Chocolate”, Dr. John Brown finds himself in love with the protagonist, Tita, and once having consoled her during her moment of weakness, proposes marriage. Although Tita agrees and cares deeply for John, she returns his ring and chooses Pedro. “I can’t answer that, I don’t know. When you aren’t here, I think he is the one I love, but when I see you, everything changes. Near you I feel calm, settled, at peace….. But I don’t know……Forgive me for telling you all this”. (Pg. 223) The preceding quote in many ways reveals Tita’s true feelings; she knows John is the most logical choice; however, her heart belongs to Pedro. Consistent with John’s name, he is simply commonplace, conventional, and above all else lacks the necessary passion Tita finds so alluring. The author uses John Brown’s name and builds a character around it consistent with the way in which one may assume a John Brown may behave. Even though he proposes a life of stability, he lacks the excitement a more flavorful Pedro has to offer.

Because of the connotations associated with the names Nyai and John Brown, each character and their role within their individual story is affected greatly. Nyai, although well educated, well mannered, and well adapted, keeps her name and accepts what one may associate with the name Nyai. In “Like Water for Chocolate” the author uses John Brown’s name to construct a character considered by most, normal, standard, and unremarkable. The name John Brown in itself is very average and therefore one may assume his personality is average as well. In each book, the characters and their names act as tools for the author when further developing storyline.

It has become most evident that names certainly hold vested importance when referring to literature and particularly the novels at hand. In “This Earth of Mankind”, the author’s usage of names ultimately uncovers the central message that, it is truly one’s character and not societal standing that determines one’s worth. Comparatively, the authors usage of names in “Like Water for Chocolate” uncovers the life of one constricted by the standards of societal accord. Both novels illustrate that names can in fact further develop characters as well as theme.