I have faculty members (mentors) reading this blog. They're all talking about it. PLEASE keep it up. Just share you connections, epiphanies, observations and questions. Respond to the comments of others. That's it! : )
Yes Nathan!!!! I just want to say that I'm really happy, and that I am starting to love world history, I think I'm starting to come out out that period when I just wanted to quit. And thank you Dr. Groft, and thank you all mentors for the "The Light At The End of the Tunnel Is Not A Train" lecture, it was awesome!
now that I am outlining HoH I am FINALLY GETTING IT!!!!! I have always loved world history but when I read HoH for some reason it just went in one ear and out the other but having to go in one ear and out the fingers is better, it all clicks! you notice connections between all the different time periods
Hey everyone! I just thought I would say hi! I'm Heather, one of the students of the recorded classes :) I'm a few weeks behind because I had to start late because a few trips I went on, but i'm on my way to being completely cought up. I just wnat to say that I love all of you guy's comments on the classes, and I think you guys are all amazing and will do great things in the future! Thanks you guys :) <3 Heather
I find that the best time for me to work on school is when I cannot sleep at night. This time, I was reading in Heros of History, and in chapter 13, page 164, Durant was talking about Christ, and how he was in the spiritual sense, "the greatest revolutionist in history." Durant then goes on to say that "His achievement lay not in ushering in a new state, but in outlining a new morality." This idea really stood out to me, because all of the sudden, the idea of a utopia popped into my head. Was that what Christ was working towards, a utopia? In world lit. a while back they talked about how a utopia is when people WANT to share what they have and such, not when they HAVE to share what they have. I believe that Christ didn't work towards "ushering in a new state" but rather towards influencing the mindset of the people then and now. But is a utopia really what we want? Or do we just want a world that isn't as evil as it is now? I've been thinking about this for a while now, but haven't been able to come up with any good answers. Whether it's because I'm partially asleep, or I'm just not asking myself the right questions, I don't know. But what are your opinions on this?
I've been reading the Bridge at Andau and its just plain crazy how horrible the Russians treated people and the way they slaughtered everyone in budapest
Kelsea, I believe that Christ was working towards Zion which is basically a utopia but in order to have a Utopia you have to have people who are willing to do that...
Hey, just wanted to say that I absolutely love Williamsburg! The mentors and the students are so talented and amazing! I only wish I could have done the live classes this year but, unfortunately, my pay check wouldn't cut it, hey I'm still here!:D Last year’s classes were great, but this year is AWESOME!!:D
I am simply loving the Aeneid it literally brought me to tears today I was finishing up the last bit of book two. It really touched me how devoted he was to his wife and father and son. When he went to go and find his lost wife I could not help but cry. This is a truly an awesome book!!
For a poem do we have to do anything special or specific?
yea, i am just as lost as the rest of you about the short story/poem. As I was reading the HoH, especially the section about christ, it was really interesting to read about what i believe form an atheists point of view. I also realized that the jews thought and acted the same way and had the same thoughts as the author! i dont know if it was just because it was from his point of view, but i felt like i got an idea on the perspective of the other side of the story of christ. and there were some things i didn't agree with.
I hope you have your creative work done and ready to let other people see. Whether it is a poem, a short story, a song, a one act play, etc.... Some of you have asked what the topic is. If I don't give you a topic, that means it is open for your discretion. Yes, it is nice when you can do something that ties in to the books and ideas and themes that we have been reading and discussing, but if I don't specify, then it is open, and the only criteria are QUALITY and CREATIVITY.
In addition, I explained what "Publish" means, but here it is again. You need to post it on facebook, or post it to a blog that is read by at least ten or so people, or email it to at least ten people. In other words, you need to get it out there. You can even present it on video and then upload it to Youtube, but you need to get it out there.
Keep posting, commenting and shouting out on the blog!
Nate the Absolutely Unquestionably Emphatically Bodaciously Great: Amen to YOUr comment about outling
Heather from the WH recorded classes: Hello!!! We're really glad to have you with us!!! And I concur with Nathan, wow -you're almost caught up? great job!! I could never catch up like that.
Kelsea: I need some time to think about what you said, but for now, I agree with Nathan's comment.
sassafrass721: Hello! We're really glad to have you, if not in the live classes at least in the recorded ones! What is your name? and are you in World History?
Megan (punky): I totally agree with what you said in your comment about Christ.
Alexander: thank you for the encouragement, I need it :)
My own quote from HoH: "I believe that most of the miracles ascribed to him were the natural result of suggestion--of the influence of a strong and confident spirit upon impressionable souls; similar phenomena may be observed any week at Lourdes. His presence and his faith were themselves a tonic: at his optimistic touch the weak grew strong and the sick were made well. We connot set any certain limit to the powers that lie in the thought and will of a strong and believing woman or man." -Heroes of History, pages 162-163 Connecting to this, I think it is a scripture that goes: "As a man thinketh, so is he." but I couldn't find the reference:(
You guys are so awesome! all for one and one for all!
so who had GOOSEBUMPS in class!! please post your stuff here too. i want to read them again!
and here is mine:
Tossing, turning, sleepless. I watch the stars glitter, teasing me through my window. I sit up; sleep is too elusive. I stare at the pale white beauty of the moon. Clouds skid across the sky; One moment she is there, the next, gone, Her veil of night blown by the wind. She’s stolen my dreams. Bats flit about, Clicking, chattering. Trees creak and moan, The wind rustling the leaves. The only sounds. Tears come unbidden, Too many unfamiliar sounds. Eyes close. I can’t watch anymore. Under the rush of the wind, The thunder of waves seems hidden. Tears fall faster, So homesick. Eyes opened, the moon is still there. She smiles, And the waves grow louder. For a moment, I see the ocean and the waves, Foam crested and sparkling, Blue, green, and black in the white light. I lay down, Tears still fall, but I smile, Sleep.
I did Meg I feel so blest to be in this class with all of you and to be able to learn from each of you. Thanks every one for being your selves! haha did that make sence?
The Other Me
Where am I the me I used to know so well Lost forgotten taken hidden in a shell. What happened to the me what made me fail Something whispers it was a choice that started that ship to sail. What to do, where to go how to find my way. Whose is that face staring back at me eyes lonely and far away No smile plays on those lonely lips but quiver as they try. One slow tear after the other as if they are to shy Slowly down down they go on rosy cheeks of shame Slowly trying to cool that face of deep regret and pain. How to feel at peace again how to find a way How to escape the one I see looking at me that way. I want to find that strength again, I want to be free A thought comes to my heart and slowly I react Onto my knees I go but that other me says we have no time for that. No I say to that unknown me I need to do this I don't car about all that I open my mouth and say, God I am sorry I know I have done wrong And disappointed you in this long hard road I have traveled on. Please God if you have any mercy left spare me some Help me get back to the me I used to know back when I was really a someone. Back when I controlled myself and was yours in heart and mind.
those are amazing poems brooklyn & megan Alexander that quote is a good one even though I do believe that Christ used divine power to heal and comfort but with out the faith and belief none of that could ever had happened there was this place I don't remember where it was but they had this ritual thing where they would give each person a coin and say that they were healed and even though there was no divine power there more often then not the people there would actually come out healed...
EEKK!! Midterms are coming up!! The time has gone by wayy too quickly. I've learned a ton so far, and I know for a fact that I'm going to learn a ton more. I just want to say thank you for everything I've learned from you all! You're all AMAZING and WONDERFUL!!!!
We go through life not knowing what’s next Although trials may come along, we try our very best Once in a while we might come to a wall Something, for us, too hard or too tall But as we remember and look into years before We will learn lessons that will help us break free and soar The trial or problem that was blocking our view Was learned back in history by someone just like you Though the circumstance and time may, between us, differ The lesson learned will be true, forever and ever So as we go on through our happiness, strife and sorrow Let us look upon the walls conquered by our fathers so we can have a better tomorrow
yes we are doing orals midterms have changed a bit this year but basically it is a test or essay or something and you cans study all you want until you start doing it then you have to do it closed book
I feel like I'm coming out of a trance or something. Just a quick update on me. I've been sick for the last week or so (ever since the light at the end of the tunnel meeting) and I have done nothing on my world lit and world history classes. As I was already behind this thought is slightly discouraging, but I'm back at work now, so I'll just have to see if I can't catch up to you guys.
Here's something I learned from HoH as I was reading chapter 8...
Plato
Plato was a good guy with good intensions. In his early years he dreamed of a Utopia guided by virtuous philosophers (which could never exist, it must be governed by God and his way, not man’s, for men are imperfect). However in his latter years his view changed to a government by dictators where state religion was strictly enforced and the arts were banned. He realized the importance of a religion and that men, without God, cannot be virtuous, however he totally missed the point.
He strongly disliked democracy, or at least that practiced in Athens, not only because it was corrupt (as eventually all governments by man become), but I think he envisioned something better. However he did not know how to bring it about, he did not know God. He surely saw the problem by the apparent results, but didn’t necessarily know the cause (pride, lack of virtue and humility) or the solution (obviously).
For in the end did he not resort to Satan’s plan? He knew not and could not see the purpose of life (just like Satan) and although possessed with good intentions did not know the way to happiness, and didn’t understand the way to beat pride, (which was Satan’s down fall as well). Unfortunately, he was a lost wanderer.
After presenting his “plan” for a perfect society, Plato concludes; “Until Philosophers are kings, or the kings and princes of this world have the spirit and power of philosophy,...cities will never cease from ill, nor the human race.” And he is so wrong, just because he attributes perfection to philosophers (which he is) and not God!
Men are imperfect but because Plato idolized philosophers, we see he has pride, its that simple; he put men (himself) over God. If he but knew, and switched just one word, one thing in his way of thinking he would have been right! “Until God is King, or the kings and princes of this world have the spirit and power of God,...cities will never cease from ill, nor the human race!”
(Haha, I almost wrote, “and that is my quote!” how ironically prideful of me, lol.)
Hey guys, This is Andrew Smith. I was having computer problems all yesterday so I couldn't get on here. But I'm on now, and Just wanted to publish my short story for you guys....
I've been forced to split it up into two separate posts.
"Julius walked through the city of Rome, his thoughts weighed down with woe. “Beware the ides of March” the soothsayer had said to him. The 15th of March. Today. Should he have stayed at home? No, the thought of staying home for fear of the unknown was preposterous. He was Julius CAESAR! He had the whole might and strength of the Roman Empire at his disposal. Surely nothing could get past his security. As he continued to ponder, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small ornamental wooden horse. While on his campaigning throughout Europe, a small child he had saved from death and execution had made the horse and given it to him as a gift. The child had handed to him with his small hands, he must have been no more than six years old. The child had said “Here sir, take this, it will shelter and protect you, but only as long as you shelter and protect your people." The child had spoken beyond his years. It had been almost unnerving having that said to him by such a small boy. But the words had always stuck with him, and he carried the horse around with him everywhere. It was small, perhaps three inches long, and simply carved, with the horses eyes simply notches in the wood. Yet it meant a lot to Julius. Lately he wondered if he’d been fulfilling his half of the bargain.. Finally, he seemed to reach his destination. He was in a building set aside for the meeting of him and his counselors. He entered the room, still lost in thought and fingering the horse and froze as he looked up. Everyone was there. Everyone of importance anyway. There was Cassius, Marc Antony, and his friend Brutus. What gave him pause was the way they looked to the floor and did not meet his eye. “How now Marc? He said. But the man only lowered his eyes and said nothing. Eventually, Cassius stepped forward. His words sounded rote, and he trembled as he spoke. 'Tis a common proof, That lowliness is young ambition's ladder, Whereto the climber-upward turns his face; But when he once attains the upmost round, He then unto the ladder turns his back, Looks in the clouds, scorning the base degrees By which he did ascend.. Julius shoved the horse back into his pocket, outraged. “You think I have forgotten you men? You all must know I look to you in the highest respect! What mean you by this? To depose me? If so I must refuse. The people of Rome need me!” “The People of Rome need leaders! Not a single dictator!” Came a voice from nowhere in particular.
The men all nodded, and began to encircle Julius, so he had to turn to see them all. They began to narrow the circle, looking ashamed but determined. And then, to his horror, Julius saw them all pull out long thin daggers from beneath their robes. He looked towards the door to call the guards, but saw that they had been closed tight, and no sound could come through. A Man stepped forward from the circle. “You too Brutus?” Julius said, feeling more weary than angry. “It is the only way my friend.” He said apologetically. And then they pounced. He felt pain, nothing but pain, searing through his chest, now his arms, his legs! He stumbled and fell beneath the cloud of men as they stabbed at him with their weapons of destruction. He felt a dagger pierce his heart, and knew he would die. The dagger withdrew, but was replaced by another ,and another. Suddenly the pain stopped. He was floating in a hazy blackness. He saw as if through milked over glass, his counselors; his FRIENDS begin to walk away. Only Brutus remained, looking down on him with what he hoped were sorrowful eyes. Julius Managed to utter three last words before the haziness overcame him. “You…. Too…. Brutus?..” His last thoughts came in the form of a young boy speaking softly to him. “It will shelter and protect you, but only as long as you shelter and protect your people.” He had failed. He had forgotten his people. The horse rolled from his limp hand and hit the floor with a soft “clunk,” And Caesar parted company with this world. Never to return again."
Comments? feedback? critisism? I LOVE being critiqued, so Whatever you guys have to say I want to hear it. :)
Jeremy. It's totally possible to get caught up, I just recently finished like a month of classes I was behind on. I know that if I can do it, anyone can. But good luck! Hopefully you'll get caught up really quickly (:
Andrew!!! your poem stinks!!!! no just kidding I loved it :D I love Caesar well, not really let me explain I love reading or listening to stories of Caesar but I disagree with the way he governed Rome
but sometimes, only sometimes, I think to my self "wouldn't it be nice to have an awesome person just rule?" but then I of course think "yes, it would, but then the person after them would be bad or the person after the person after them..." or I think like Plato, "it would be awesome if when grown up the students from wiliamsburg controlled the government in an aristocracy..." only sometimes but it is funny the battle in ones head over all power or no power...
i have those same thoughts nate. it would maybe be easier to have one good man rule, but what happens if his children are not good at all? what protection do you have then? everyone (including recorded) keep putting your stories etc. on here! they are so good and we want to read them!
so, I did the color code test out of the book it was intiresting, I had guessed that I was red but was not sure if I was any other colors... turns out that I am red, yellow like 60% red and 30% yellow sort of cool :D
There are so many letters in our alphabet today Letters such as W, R, L, H, and J Because the amount of letters isn’t few Choosing a favorite is very hard to do
But I have a favorite. Yes, it is true My favorite letter is not N, M, or Q My favorite letter is wonderful and this you shall see When you find out that my favorite letter is Z!
Z is beautiful! Z is profound! On Z’s many qualities I will expound Z is amazing! Z is grand! Z is the greatest in all the land!
Zany, and Zone, Zygodactylous Zivolo, Zibet, and Zinkiferous Zodiac, Zebra, Zoophytology There are so many words that start with a Z!
There are many more words that are like this Such as Zuffolo, Zumate, Zircon, and Zealous But the real reason that I like Z I’ll tell you Z is a zigzag! (That starts with Z too.)
How Z zigzags is remarkable! It is truly great! There’s almost nothing about Z that I hate There is only one problem with the letter Z The problem is in the back of your dictionary
While so many pages are devoted to Y, P, or C There are only a couple of pages for Z How mean! How bad! How cruel of them! There should be millions of pages for him!
Everyone is always so mean to that guy And you can’t be mean to him! I’ll tell you why The word “as” for instance, it ends with an S you see But the way we pronounce it, the S is a Z!
They took Z out of that word, I know it! (And if you think I’m not a good poet Just tell me so, I won’t be upset Because the next day I’ll just probably forget)
Well, back to Z, and why you can’t be mean They took Z out of so many words, I just want to scream! There’s treez and beez and ragz and ladderz! There’s fleaz and cheez and flagz and tatterz!
The list keeps going, who knows for how long There are enough words there to make up a song And that’s why Z needs kindness and care Replacing him with an S is just so unfair!
But if you want you can kick him when he’s down! Or laugh at him! Make him seem like a clown! You can make Z seem as low down as X! (And that, my friend, is as low as it gets)
But I’ll be Z’s friend, through and through! He’s never had a comrade more kind or more true! Yes Z! I’ll stay with you until the end! Oh Z! You have never had a better friend!
(I’m actually just lamenting for a dramatic effect For drama in poetry is a necessary supplement And poetry without drama is as a mouse without cheese (And for some fun here are parenthesized parentheses))
(And also there is something I need to tell you But please don’t reveal it to you-know-who* For he would write me a pretty nasty letter If he knew that I actually think A is better)
WOW!! so i totally lost another thread until the end of the week.... Holy fazoli! What is my dealio?? grar! lol! So I know I have stuff to do, but nothing feels pressing or really stressed so I don't know how much I really need to do... But I gotta say I am loving these v-rooms! I love the name too, "vrooms" :D
OK, I was late with my creative writing piece, but I decided i would be very disappointed in myself if I didn't finish one idea after trying out about 14 different ones. SO I ended up finishing my first idea today, and I know I'm late but I figured I'd post it anyway and see what thoughts I got from it. Any ideas for a better title?
True Happiness:
Walking among both rich and poor, Have you ever wondered “Is there more?” More than mansions, clothes and cars. Do they who have such things pause to see the stars? The poor have no such worldly things, no fine array nor shiny rings. Though might they have that little something? That which you cannot physically bring? Now you and I, what do we wish? Do we wish for what is not within our walls? Or do we want for what should be within our halls? Perchance even wishing is not where happiness lies, maybe thanking and sharing will bring that light to the eyes. Seeing those who are gloomy and sad, do you reach out, offer your hand? Do you know true joy? Are you TRULY happy?
I realize this is my third post in the same day... First of all, I watched all of you guys give your stories and poetry pieces and they were great! Some really made me laugh, some gave me goosebumps. Great job!
second, In my poem, (I really do not find myself creative in that area AT ALL) I am told I sound like I'm totally anti materialistic, I'm not against rich people, my family knows some really amazing people who are multimillionaires, that was not my point. I meant enjoy the simple things as well, be grateful no matter where you are. By all means, better your life financially, that's awesome! Just don't lose yourself on that expedition. Be happily humble whether financially rich or not. That was what I meant. Again, I'm not really proud of this poem in the slightest, I just had to finish one.
Hey everbody. I havent posted anything for awhile but I decided to post the poem I said today in Wolrd Lit. Feel free to bash it, praise it, ignore it, or just read and not think about it again.:)
Beware of the Ides of March
“Beware of the Ides of March For they shall be your doom” Said the Soothsayer to Caesar The Noble Victorious Caesar Caesar with out a passing thought Pushed it out of his head and forgot Those dreaded words until that day Had come so peaceful, so still
“The Ides of March have come” Said Caesar said to the soothsayer Who returned with a wise reply “Ay, but the sun hasn’t set Upon this day and much can Happen between now and then.
Without a concerned thought To the soothsayer’s voice, Urged bu the voice of Brutus, whom he loved Went Caesar into that senate hall Where almost everyman fell upon him And thrust their daggers into his flesh
Caesar, strangely calm, resented like A summer breeze playing among the fields Until at last Brutus, whom he loved Thrust his blade in Caesars body With a calm sad E tu Brute, He sank down to the ground, thinking In his last thoughts, “Beware of the Ides of March.”
have you ever felt that you wish you could split into two seperate beings and so you could do two seperate beings and still remember everthing that each being does? Or do you feel like that you are treading water in a wave pool that never stops? That is happening to me right now and it is driving me crazy with midterms coming on i wish i had more time and i could add more hours in the day for my self.
Sort of!!!!! I have wished many times that I could freeze time and study for a week then unfreeze time 100%caught up and even ahead!!!
on an unrelated note... I have been having a bit of troubles keeping all of my goals but I noticed that when I (finally) started exercising and I could see notable results it was really cool how your motivation increases by a ton!
I really liked your poem, crystal. I personally have a strong belief that the greatest happines doesn't come from outside, but from within. There are some people i know and they are not well off at all, and they are sad. That might not have been where you expected me to go, but its true. They are sad a lot. But,in the end, when they get those moments of happiness and take the time to give thanks and count their blessings, there is no one happier on the planet. And for my family, we are like our friends. We get TIRED, we get the crud Beat out of us, we shake our fists at the sky, and we ask why (and yes, that does rhyme:)), but there are times when my family is the happiest group of people on the planet, and that makes up for all the hard times.
So, to anyone out there struggling, i would like to quote from a song that makes me laugh. (warning, use of ONE bad word. if its a problem, please let me know) "If your going through hell, keep one going don't slow down if your scared don't show it you might get out before the devil even knows your there...."
Genius Realized by Jonathan Peterson On a stunningly bright day in the middle of September, Ralph lay prostrate on his HARDY’S double caramel chocolate swirl candy wrapper. Since life was spectacular for Ralph he didn’t care about the next-door neighbors, who had just moved in with a WHOPPERS box and eight DOUBLE BUBBLE gum wrappers! Now it was a law in Mouseville that any mouse living in the city had to have a gum wrapper for each mouse to sleep in. Franticly Ralph realized what he now was facing, little mice screeching, obnoxious scurrying, and loud scouting parties searching for food. Realizing this he flew to the mayor and implored him to move the family or ‘do something,’ but his plea was fruitless. Searching frantically through laws of the town… he finally found it and it goes as follows. ‘Any occupants living within the premises of Mouseville,’ or as we might refer to it as ‘the junk yard,’ ‘will be required by law to fill out the exact diameter their ‘housing’ consumes,’ which if not completed will lead to vacating of person[s].’Feeling himself rather smart, Ralph swaggered to the mayor’s office and laid it out to him. Boy was it about to get hot! The mayor, always seeking re-election agreed profoundly and nodded vigorously to Ralphs genius plot. Instantly the mayor sent a legal tissue to the family telling them to vacate with in the week, which if not heeded, ‘would lead to a forcible removal!’ Obedient, the family moved. Ralph was content, but not for long. Coming back to the mayor with praise and admiration for a job well done, Ralph was shocked to learn that a prominent business man, a good food thief, had been given permission to place his Daylight Donut box home right where he was living! When the moving was complete, the ‘genius’ mouse realized that in his thoughtlessness he had received what he had dished.
Welcome to the new week guys!!!!!
ReplyDeleteset some goals catch up and enjoy learning!
Yes Nathan!!!!
ReplyDeleteI just want to say that I'm really happy, and that I am starting to love world history, I think I'm starting to come out out that period when I just wanted to quit. And thank you Dr. Groft, and thank you all mentors for the "The Light At The End of the Tunnel Is Not A Train" lecture, it was awesome!
Have Fun Everyone!
And Thank you to All fellow students as mentors in our class, You guys are the BOMB!!!
ReplyDeleteAmen to Andrew Blake's last comment!
ReplyDeleteamen the the amen of Andrews comment!!!! ;)
ReplyDeletenow that I am outlining HoH I am FINALLY GETTING IT!!!!!
I have always loved world history but when I read HoH for some reason it just went in one ear and out the other but having to go in one ear and out the fingers is better, it all clicks! you notice connections between all the different time periods
Aeneas visited the harpies and the walls where scylla and charybdis were! that is cool!
ReplyDeleteHey everyone!
ReplyDeleteI just thought I would say hi! I'm Heather, one of the students of the recorded classes :) I'm a few weeks behind because I had to start late because a few trips I went on, but i'm on my way to being completely cought up. I just wnat to say that I love all of you guy's comments on the classes, and I think you guys are all amazing and will do great things in the future!
Thanks you guys :)
<3 Heather
you are almost caught up??? and you missed a few weeks?!?! holy cow I missed NOTHING and I am not quite caught up
ReplyDeleteI find that the best time for me to work on school is when I cannot sleep at night. This time, I was reading in Heros of History, and in chapter 13, page 164, Durant was talking about Christ, and how he was in the spiritual sense, "the greatest revolutionist in history." Durant then goes on to say that "His achievement lay not in ushering in a new state, but in outlining a new morality." This idea really stood out to me, because all of the sudden, the idea of a utopia popped into my head. Was that what Christ was working towards, a utopia? In world lit. a while back they talked about how a utopia is when people WANT to share what they have and such, not when they HAVE to share what they have. I believe that Christ didn't work towards "ushering in a new state" but rather towards influencing the mindset of the people then and now. But is a utopia really what we want? Or do we just want a world that isn't as evil as it is now? I've been thinking about this for a while now, but haven't been able to come up with any good answers. Whether it's because I'm partially asleep, or I'm just not asking myself the right questions, I don't know. But what are your opinions on this?
ReplyDeleteI've been reading the Bridge at Andau and its just plain crazy how horrible the Russians treated people and the way they slaughtered everyone in budapest
ReplyDeleteKelsea, I believe that Christ was working towards Zion which is basically a utopia but in order to have a Utopia you have to have people who are willing to do that...
ReplyDeleteI have a question!!!
ReplyDeletewhat time period is the short story supposed to be in?!?!?!!?! I can not write it till I have an answer
well, I COULD but yeah
ReplyDeleteHey, just wanted to say that I absolutely love Williamsburg! The mentors and the students are so talented and amazing! I only wish I could have done the live classes this year but, unfortunately, my pay check wouldn't cut it, hey I'm still here!:D
ReplyDeleteLast year’s classes were great, but this year is AWESOME!!:D
Nathan, I was wondering the same thing...
ReplyDeleteI am simply loving the Aeneid it literally brought me to tears today I was finishing up the last bit of book two. It really touched me how devoted he was to his wife and father and son. When he went to go and find his lost wife I could not help but cry. This is a truly an awesome book!!
ReplyDeleteFor a poem do we have to do anything special or specific?
when they say to publish your story or poem how do we do that?
ReplyDeleteyea, i am just as lost as the rest of you about the short story/poem. As I was reading the HoH, especially the section about christ, it was really interesting to read about what i believe form an atheists point of view. I also realized that the jews thought and acted the same way and had the same thoughts as the author! i dont know if it was just because it was from his point of view, but i felt like i got an idea on the perspective of the other side of the story of christ. and there were some things i didn't agree with.
ReplyDeleteDear World Lit Students,
ReplyDeleteI hope you have your creative work done and ready to let other people see. Whether it is a poem, a short story, a song, a one act play, etc.... Some of you have asked what the topic is. If I don't give you a topic, that means it is open for your discretion. Yes, it is nice when you can do something that ties in to the books and ideas and themes that we have been reading and discussing, but if I don't specify, then it is open, and the only criteria are QUALITY and CREATIVITY.
In addition, I explained what "Publish" means, but here it is again. You need to post it on facebook, or post it to a blog that is read by at least ten or so people, or email it to at least ten people. In other words, you need to get it out there. You can even present it on video and then upload it to Youtube, but you need to get it out there.
Keep posting, commenting and shouting out on the blog!
Dr. Groft
I just had a awesome Triad expirience with Joe and Crystal yesterday!!! Let's do those guys. THEY WORK :)
ReplyDeleteNate the Absolutely Unquestionably Emphatically Bodaciously Great: Amen to YOUr comment about outling
ReplyDeleteHeather from the WH recorded classes: Hello!!! We're really glad to have you with us!!! And I concur with Nathan, wow -you're almost caught up? great job!! I could never catch up like that.
Kelsea: I need some time to think about what you said, but for now, I agree with Nathan's comment.
sassafrass721: Hello! We're really glad to have you, if not in the live classes at least in the recorded ones! What is your name? and are you in World History?
Megan (punky): I totally agree with what you said in your comment about Christ.
Alexander: thank you for the encouragement, I need it :)
My own quote from HoH: "I believe that most of the miracles ascribed to him were the natural result of suggestion--of the influence of a strong and confident spirit upon impressionable souls; similar phenomena may be observed any week at Lourdes. His presence and his faith were themselves a tonic: at his optimistic touch the weak grew strong and the sick were made well. We connot set any certain limit to the powers that lie in the thought and will of a strong and believing woman or man."
-Heroes of History, pages 162-163
Connecting to this, I think it is a scripture that goes: "As a man thinketh, so is he." but I couldn't find the reference:(
You guys are so awesome! all for one and one for all!
so who had GOOSEBUMPS in class!!
ReplyDeleteplease post your stuff here too. i want to read them again!
and here is mine:
Tossing, turning, sleepless.
I watch the stars glitter, teasing me through my window.
I sit up; sleep is too elusive.
I stare at the pale white beauty of the moon.
Clouds skid across the sky;
One moment she is there, the next, gone,
Her veil of night blown by the wind.
She’s stolen my dreams.
Bats flit about,
Clicking, chattering.
Trees creak and moan,
The wind rustling the leaves.
The only sounds.
Tears come unbidden,
Too many unfamiliar sounds.
Eyes close.
I can’t watch anymore.
Under the rush of the wind,
The thunder of waves seems hidden.
Tears fall faster,
So homesick.
Eyes opened, the moon is still there.
She smiles,
And the waves grow louder.
For a moment,
I see the ocean and the waves,
Foam crested and sparkling,
Blue, green, and black in the white light.
I lay down,
Tears still fall, but I smile,
Sleep.
I did Meg I feel so blest to be in this class with all of you and to be able to learn from each of you. Thanks every one for being your selves! haha did that make sence?
ReplyDeleteThe Other Me
Where am I the me I used to know so well
Lost forgotten taken hidden in a shell.
What happened to the me what made me fail
Something whispers it was a choice that started that ship to sail.
What to do, where to go how to find my way.
Whose is that face staring back at me eyes lonely and far away
No smile plays on those lonely lips but quiver as they try.
One slow tear after the other as if they are to shy
Slowly down down they go on rosy cheeks of shame
Slowly trying to cool that face of deep regret and pain.
How to feel at peace again how to find a way
How to escape the one I see looking at me that way.
I want to find that strength again, I want to be free
A thought comes to my heart and slowly I react
Onto my knees I go but that other me says we have no time for that.
No I say to that unknown me I need to do this I don't car about all that
I open my mouth and say, God I am sorry I know I have done wrong
And disappointed you in this long hard road I have traveled on.
Please God if you have any mercy left spare me some
Help me get back to the me I used to know back when I was really a someone.
Back when I controlled myself and was yours in heart and mind.
those are amazing poems brooklyn & megan
ReplyDeleteAlexander that quote is a good one even though I do believe that Christ used divine power to heal and comfort but with out the faith and belief none of that could ever had happened
there was this place I don't remember where it was but they had this ritual thing where they would give each person a coin and say that they were healed and even though there was no divine power there more often then not the people there would actually come out healed...
EEKK!! Midterms are coming up!! The time has gone by wayy too quickly. I've learned a ton so far, and I know for a fact that I'm going to learn a ton more. I just want to say thank you for everything I've learned from you all! You're all AMAZING and WONDERFUL!!!!
ReplyDeleteSarah H. World Lit. Creative work #1 :D
ReplyDeleteConquering Walls
We go through life not knowing what’s next
Although trials may come along, we try our very best
Once in a while we might come to a wall
Something, for us, too hard or too tall
But as we remember and look into years before
We will learn lessons that will help us break free and soar
The trial or problem that was blocking our view
Was learned back in history by someone just like you
Though the circumstance and time may, between us, differ
The lesson learned will be true, forever and ever
So as we go on through our happiness, strife and sorrow
Let us look upon the walls conquered by our fathers so we can have a better tomorrow
This is my first year so some one help me out, what do midterms involve exactly are we going to do orals?
ReplyDeleteyes we are doing orals
ReplyDeletemidterms have changed a bit this year but basically it is a test or essay or something and you cans study all you want until you start doing it then you have to do it closed book
Jeremy
ReplyDeleteAhh.... -STRETCH-
I feel like I'm coming out of a trance or something. Just a quick update on me. I've been sick for the last week or so (ever since the light at the end of the tunnel meeting) and I have done nothing on my world lit and world history classes. As I was already behind this thought is slightly discouraging, but I'm back at work now, so I'll just have to see if I can't catch up to you guys.
You'll catch up Jeremy, just keep chuggin :)
ReplyDeleteHere's something I learned from HoH as I was reading chapter 8...
Plato
Plato was a good guy with good intensions. In his early years he dreamed of a Utopia guided by virtuous philosophers (which could never exist, it must be governed by God and his way, not man’s, for men are imperfect). However in his latter years his view changed to a government by dictators where state religion was strictly enforced and the arts were banned. He realized the importance of a religion and that men, without God, cannot be virtuous, however he totally missed the point.
He strongly disliked democracy, or at least that practiced in Athens, not only because it was corrupt (as eventually all governments by man become), but I think he envisioned something better. However he did not know how to bring it about, he did not know God. He surely saw the problem by the apparent results, but didn’t necessarily know the cause (pride, lack of virtue and humility) or the solution (obviously).
For in the end did he not resort to Satan’s plan? He knew not and could not see the purpose of life (just like Satan) and although possessed with good intentions did not know the way to happiness, and didn’t understand the way to beat pride, (which was Satan’s down fall as well). Unfortunately, he was a lost wanderer.
After presenting his “plan” for a perfect society, Plato concludes; “Until Philosophers are kings, or the kings and princes of this world have the spirit and power of philosophy,...cities will never cease from ill, nor the human race.” And he is so wrong, just because he attributes perfection to philosophers (which he is) and not God!
Men are imperfect but because Plato idolized philosophers, we see he has pride, its that simple; he put men (himself) over God. If he but knew, and switched just one word, one thing in his way of thinking he would have been right! “Until God is King, or the kings and princes of this world have the spirit and power of God,...cities will never cease from ill, nor the human race!”
(Haha, I almost wrote, “and that is my quote!” how ironically prideful of me, lol.)
Hey guys, This is Andrew Smith. I was having computer problems all yesterday so I couldn't get on here. But I'm on now, and Just wanted to publish my short story for you guys....
ReplyDeleteI've been forced to split it up into two separate posts.
"Julius walked through the city of Rome, his thoughts weighed down with woe. “Beware the ides of March” the soothsayer had said to him. The 15th of March. Today. Should he have stayed at home? No, the thought of staying home for fear of the unknown was preposterous. He was Julius CAESAR! He had the whole might and strength of the Roman Empire at his disposal. Surely nothing could get past his security.
As he continued to ponder, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small ornamental wooden horse. While on his campaigning throughout Europe, a small child he had saved from death and execution had made the horse and given it to him as a gift. The child had handed to him with his small hands, he must have been no more than six years old. The child had said “Here sir, take this, it will shelter and protect you, but only as long as you shelter and protect your people." The child had spoken beyond his years. It had been almost unnerving having that said to him by such a small boy. But the words had always stuck with him, and he carried the horse around with him everywhere. It was small, perhaps three inches long, and simply carved, with the horses eyes simply notches in the wood. Yet it meant a lot to Julius. Lately he wondered if he’d been fulfilling his half of the bargain..
Finally, he seemed to reach his destination. He was in a building set aside for the meeting of him and his counselors. He entered the room, still lost in thought and fingering the horse and froze as he looked up. Everyone was there. Everyone of importance anyway. There was Cassius, Marc Antony, and his friend Brutus. What gave him pause was the way they looked to the floor and did not meet his eye.
“How now Marc? He said. But the man only lowered his eyes and said nothing. Eventually, Cassius stepped forward. His words sounded rote, and he trembled as he spoke.
'Tis a common proof,
That lowliness is young ambition's ladder,
Whereto the climber-upward turns his face;
But when he once attains the upmost round,
He then unto the ladder turns his back,
Looks in the clouds, scorning the base degrees
By which he did ascend..
Julius shoved the horse back into his pocket, outraged. “You think I have forgotten you men? You all must know I look to you in the highest respect! What mean you by this? To depose me? If so I must refuse. The people of Rome need me!”
“The People of Rome need leaders! Not a single dictator!” Came a voice from nowhere in particular.
The men all nodded, and began to encircle Julius, so he had to turn to see them all. They began to narrow the circle, looking ashamed but determined. And then, to his horror, Julius saw them all pull out long thin daggers from beneath their robes. He looked towards the door to call the guards, but saw that they had been closed tight, and no sound could come through.
ReplyDeleteA Man stepped forward from the circle.
“You too Brutus?” Julius said, feeling more weary than angry.
“It is the only way my friend.” He said apologetically. And then they pounced.
He felt pain, nothing but pain, searing through his chest, now his arms, his legs! He stumbled and fell beneath the cloud of men as they stabbed at him with their weapons of destruction. He felt a dagger pierce his heart, and knew he would die. The dagger withdrew, but was replaced by another ,and another.
Suddenly the pain stopped. He was floating in a hazy blackness. He saw as if through milked over glass, his counselors; his FRIENDS begin to walk away. Only Brutus remained, looking down on him with what he hoped were sorrowful eyes. Julius Managed to utter three last words before the haziness overcame him. “You…. Too…. Brutus?..”
His last thoughts came in the form of a young boy speaking softly to him. “It will shelter and protect you, but only as long as you shelter and protect your people.” He had failed. He had forgotten his people. The horse rolled from his limp hand and hit the floor with a soft “clunk,” And Caesar parted company with this world. Never to return again."
Comments? feedback? critisism? I LOVE being critiqued, so Whatever you guys have to say I want to hear it. :)
Jeremy. It's totally possible to get caught up, I just recently finished like a month of classes I was behind on. I know that if I can do it, anyone can. But good luck! Hopefully you'll get caught up really quickly (:
ReplyDeleteWhat exactly are we supposed to write our mid-term essay's on in literature?
ReplyDeleteJohn, World Literature
Andrew!!! your poem stinks!!!!
ReplyDeleteno just kidding I loved it :D
I love Caesar well, not really let me explain
I love reading or listening to stories of Caesar but I disagree with the way he governed Rome
but sometimes, only sometimes, I think to my self "wouldn't it be nice to have an awesome person just rule?" but then I of course think "yes, it would, but then the person after them would be bad or the person after the person after them..."
or I think like Plato, "it would be awesome if when grown up the students from wiliamsburg controlled the government in an aristocracy..."
only sometimes but it is funny the battle in ones head over all power or no power...
i have those same thoughts nate. it would maybe be easier to have one good man rule, but what happens if his children are not good at all? what protection do you have then?
ReplyDeleteeveryone (including recorded) keep putting your stories etc. on here! they are so good and we want to read them!
and P.S.
ReplyDeletesmithy, i am still your biggest fan!;)
so, I did the color code test out of the book it was intiresting, I had guessed that I was red but was not sure if I was any other colors...
ReplyDeleteturns out that I am red, yellow
like 60% red and 30% yellow
sort of cool :D
My ode to z poem... :)
ReplyDeleteOde to Z
There are so many letters in our alphabet today
Letters such as W, R, L, H, and J
Because the amount of letters isn’t few
Choosing a favorite is very hard to do
But I have a favorite. Yes, it is true
My favorite letter is not N, M, or Q
My favorite letter is wonderful and this you shall see
When you find out that my favorite letter is Z!
Z is beautiful! Z is profound!
On Z’s many qualities I will expound
Z is amazing! Z is grand!
Z is the greatest in all the land!
Zany, and Zone, Zygodactylous
Zivolo, Zibet, and Zinkiferous
Zodiac, Zebra, Zoophytology
There are so many words that start with a Z!
There are many more words that are like this
Such as Zuffolo, Zumate, Zircon, and Zealous
But the real reason that I like Z I’ll tell you
Z is a zigzag! (That starts with Z too.)
How Z zigzags is remarkable! It is truly great!
There’s almost nothing about Z that I hate
There is only one problem with the letter Z
The problem is in the back of your dictionary
While so many pages are devoted to Y, P, or C
There are only a couple of pages for Z
How mean! How bad! How cruel of them!
There should be millions of pages for him!
Everyone is always so mean to that guy
And you can’t be mean to him! I’ll tell you why
The word “as” for instance, it ends with an S you see
But the way we pronounce it, the S is a Z!
They took Z out of that word, I know it!
(And if you think I’m not a good poet
Just tell me so, I won’t be upset
Because the next day I’ll just probably forget)
Well, back to Z, and why you can’t be mean
They took Z out of so many words, I just want to scream!
There’s treez and beez and ragz and ladderz!
There’s fleaz and cheez and flagz and tatterz!
The list keeps going, who knows for how long
There are enough words there to make up a song
And that’s why Z needs kindness and care
Replacing him with an S is just so unfair!
But if you want you can kick him when he’s down!
Or laugh at him! Make him seem like a clown!
You can make Z seem as low down as X!
(And that, my friend, is as low as it gets)
But I’ll be Z’s friend, through and through!
He’s never had a comrade more kind or more true!
Yes Z! I’ll stay with you until the end!
Oh Z! You have never had a better friend!
(I’m actually just lamenting for a dramatic effect
For drama in poetry is a necessary supplement
And poetry without drama is as a mouse without cheese
(And for some fun here are parenthesized parentheses))
(And also there is something I need to tell you
But please don’t reveal it to you-know-who*
For he would write me a pretty nasty letter
If he knew that I actually think A is better)
oh and all those really long words that start with z are real...i got them in the dictionary.
ReplyDeleteHAHAHA that is AWESOME!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that...
WOW!! so i totally lost another thread until the end of the week.... Holy fazoli! What is my dealio?? grar! lol!
ReplyDeleteSo I know I have stuff to do, but nothing feels pressing or really stressed so I don't know how much I really need to do... But I gotta say I am loving these v-rooms! I love the name too, "vrooms" :D
OK, I was late with my creative writing piece, but I decided i would be very disappointed in myself if I didn't finish one idea after trying out about 14 different ones. SO I ended up finishing my first idea today, and I know I'm late but I figured I'd post it anyway and see what thoughts I got from it. Any ideas for a better title?
ReplyDeleteTrue Happiness:
Walking among both rich and poor,
Have you ever wondered “Is there more?”
More than mansions, clothes and cars.
Do they who have such things pause to see the stars?
The poor have no such worldly things,
no fine array nor shiny rings.
Though might they have that little something?
That which you cannot physically bring?
Now you and I, what do we wish?
Do we wish for what is not within our walls?
Or do we want for what should be within our halls?
Perchance even wishing is not where happiness lies,
maybe thanking and sharing will bring that light to the eyes.
Seeing those who are gloomy and sad, do you reach out, offer your hand?
Do you know true joy?
Are you TRULY happy?
I realize this is my third post in the same day...
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I watched all of you guys give your stories and poetry pieces and they were great! Some really made me laugh, some gave me goosebumps. Great job!
second, In my poem, (I really do not find myself creative in that area AT ALL) I am told I sound like I'm totally anti materialistic, I'm not against rich people, my family knows some really amazing people who are multimillionaires, that was not my point.
I meant enjoy the simple things as well, be grateful no matter where you are. By all means, better your life financially, that's awesome! Just don't lose yourself on that expedition. Be happily humble whether financially rich or not. That was what I meant.
Again, I'm not really proud of this poem in the slightest, I just had to finish one.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHey everbody. I havent posted anything for awhile but I decided to post the poem I said today in Wolrd Lit. Feel free to bash it, praise it, ignore it, or just read and not think about it again.:)
ReplyDeleteBeware of the Ides of March
“Beware of the Ides of March
For they shall be your doom”
Said the Soothsayer to Caesar
The Noble Victorious Caesar
Caesar with out a passing thought
Pushed it out of his head and forgot
Those dreaded words until that day
Had come so peaceful, so still
“The Ides of March have come”
Said Caesar said to the soothsayer
Who returned with a wise reply
“Ay, but the sun hasn’t set
Upon this day and much can
Happen between now and then.
Without a concerned thought
To the soothsayer’s voice,
Urged bu the voice of Brutus, whom he loved
Went Caesar into that senate hall
Where almost everyman fell upon him
And thrust their daggers into his flesh
Caesar, strangely calm, resented like
A summer breeze playing among the fields
Until at last Brutus, whom he loved
Thrust his blade in Caesars body
With a calm sad E tu Brute,
He sank down to the ground, thinking
In his last thoughts, “Beware of the Ides of March.”
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletethe poem was AWESOME crystal!!!
ReplyDeleteI loved it
(I need to befriend some multimillionaires...)
Tyler, the poem is awesome!!!!
ReplyDeletegoosebumps!
have you ever felt that you wish you could split into two seperate beings and so you could do two seperate beings and still remember everthing that each being does? Or do you feel like that you are treading water in a wave pool that never stops? That is happening to me right now and it is driving me crazy with midterms coming on i wish i had more time and i could add more hours in the day for my self.
ReplyDeleteSort of!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have wished many times that I could freeze time and study for a week then unfreeze time 100%caught up and even ahead!!!
on an unrelated note...
I have been having a bit of troubles keeping all of my goals but I noticed that when I (finally) started exercising and I could see notable results it was really cool how your motivation increases by a ton!
I really liked your poem, crystal. I personally have a strong belief that the greatest happines doesn't come from outside, but from within. There are some people i know and they are not well off at all, and they are sad. That might not have been where you expected me to go, but its true. They are sad a lot. But,in the end, when they get those moments of happiness and take the time to give thanks and count their blessings, there is no one happier on the planet. And for my family, we are like our friends. We get TIRED, we get the crud Beat out of us, we shake our fists at the sky, and we ask why (and yes, that does rhyme:)), but there are times when my family is the happiest group of people on the planet, and that makes up for all the hard times.
ReplyDeleteSo, to anyone out there struggling, i would like to quote from a song that makes me laugh. (warning, use of ONE bad word. if its a problem, please let me know)
"If your going through hell, keep one going don't slow down if your scared don't show it you might get out before the devil even knows your there...."
:)
this is my creative piece for world lit.
ReplyDeleteGenius Realized
by
Jonathan Peterson
On a stunningly bright day in the middle of September, Ralph lay prostrate on his HARDY’S double caramel chocolate swirl candy wrapper. Since life was spectacular for Ralph he didn’t care about the next-door neighbors, who had just moved in with a WHOPPERS box and eight DOUBLE BUBBLE gum wrappers! Now it was a law in Mouseville that any mouse living in the city had to have a gum wrapper for each mouse to sleep in. Franticly Ralph realized what he now was facing, little mice screeching, obnoxious scurrying, and loud scouting parties searching for food. Realizing this he flew to the mayor and implored him to move the family or ‘do something,’ but his plea was fruitless. Searching frantically through laws of the town… he finally found it and it goes as follows. ‘Any occupants living within the premises of Mouseville,’ or as we might refer to it as ‘the junk yard,’ ‘will be required by law to fill out the exact diameter their ‘housing’ consumes,’ which if not completed will lead to vacating of person[s].’Feeling himself rather smart, Ralph swaggered to the mayor’s office and laid it out to him. Boy was it about to get hot! The mayor, always seeking re-election agreed profoundly and nodded vigorously to Ralphs genius plot. Instantly the mayor sent a legal tissue to the family telling them to vacate with in the week, which if not heeded, ‘would lead to a forcible removal!’ Obedient, the family moved. Ralph was content, but not for long. Coming back to the mayor with praise and admiration for a job well done, Ralph was shocked to learn that a prominent business man, a good food thief, had been given permission to place his Daylight Donut box home right where he was living! When the moving was complete, the ‘genius’ mouse realized that in his thoughtlessness he had received what he had dished.