What did you get?

            The class sits silent, pools of sweat gather from nervous students. The light foot steps of a middle aged man echo as he repeats, “Like I said before these tests were for the most part well done. However, a small group of students seem to have confused themselves. Retests are ready.” He grins and stands at his desk, as the students reflect ghost like faces, white in fear. “Adrian,” he calls and puts the test softly down on his desk, “well done.” And the process repeats until a dissatisfied look bolts across the teachers face, “Brian…Brain…Brian?” A zombie like figure stands up and takes his test without looking upwards. He sits like a scared goat, falling paralyzed. The students gather around him with one common question.

 “What did you get?”

What did you get? There can only be three possible reasons for such a great question. One, they did better then you so therefore they must tell you so that they can prove there is no one smarter then them in the world. Two, they did just as bad, so now they have become just as smart as you. And three, they are only asking to start conversation where then they can tell you exactly how the teacher has punished them for no reason what so ever.

“ I got 49%”

“Oh no!” A classmate replies as his face morphs into a laughing Hyena’s. “That’s too bad, you see I got 95% except I didn’t have much time to study!” Well isn’t that just the worst. You only had 1 week to study yet you somehow lucked out and did so well your own parents will think you cheated! I welcome you to stand beside me as I mourn the loss of my grade as it is lowered into its grave while you do the same with a grade that would satisfy university students. Please explain to me where it all went wrong, your simple mistakes might somehow teach me how to solve world hunger. But in the mean time let’s both celebrate how well you did, I can struggle and get help later. You really are the smartest student in the world and I am truly honoured that you can reflect wisdom on me.

            “I got 49%”

            “Me two! Maybe the fourth time is the charm, you know I took me a couple years of this class but now I’m just as smart as you!” Yes, my intellect is reflected in this single test and therefore you are now as smart as I am. It’s true that my one test in which I did not do well on is now revealing that you, the horrendously underestimated child with 4 years of life experience over me has finally blossomed and now you are as smart as me. My work ethic is now mirrored on your lack of and we share a space in the world of grades. We should just be partners for the rest of the year now that we know that you and I will forever be the exact same intellectually.

            “I got-“

            “Oh my! That’s so good! But now look at this, I know right? Like such a rip off, you know I think he always does this,” and on, and on. The teacher was once part of the German political party of the 1930’s and has lived to come and find any way to legally punish you through the process of marking everyone’s paper right except for yours. They live to make you fail. Every action of the day is dedicated to making sure you do not earn a single mark unless you slave over it. You didn’t even make a mistake, like really one plus one is only two if you look at it that way. It could equal (and is more correctly) 3. The teacher is so wrong it truly is a crime that he is even eligible to teach! He should be fired immediately so that you can get your “well deserved” marks back.

            Yes it’s a cruel world. Your problems are my utmost concern and must be addressed. Your test can make you smarter than Einstein with red bull. I am deeply glad that you have come to me with the simple question of, “what did you get?” so we can analyze your paper, and live happily ever after.

teen

Daniel F.                                                                                                                 Dec 6^th/12

Who’s to Blame?

            The cheerleading captain, a straight A student, sits in her room and grimaces in pain as she slowly cuts her own skin to reveal crimson red blood. A situation that seems unrealistic has become the more then likely scenario. Dr. Leonard Sax becomes entangled in the article “Inside the Dangerously Empty Lives of Teenage Girls” as he tries to explain the change in young women and what the result has become. Teenage girls with new technologies and mentalities are changing, not necessarily for the better, including becoming more prone to “cyber bullying” which sometimes can result in inflicting pain on themselves. Followed by an explanation of how parents must adapt to the new teenage girl. This informative paragraph brings both valid and non valid arguments to the ever changing mind of a girl.

            Dr. Leonard Sax gives his perspective on cyber bullying and the dangers of social networking. He focuses mainly on the “photoshopping” and branding that is accompanied with the internet, which can stand as a problem however the bigger culprit is more likely the viral attacks on social networking sites such as facebook. A larger reason for personal dissatisfaction is through hurtful comments brought on by peers as apposed to the images of miscellaneous women on the internet. Part of the pain inflicted by peers is usually related to appearance which then amplifies any need to change into unrealistic body types. The more important problem is how to create positive communication so that girls realize the importance being happy with who they are.

            “Cutting” and “burning” are two of the discussed ways to inflict self harm. His explanations to the reasons why are well addressed with thoughtful evidence. It has become more frequent. It is more predominant in females. It still surprises society as to why. The surprise comes as he explains that now the popular girls are beginning to do this more then before. The pain and damage inflicted is real according to teenage girls who feel they are performing as compared to living a fulfilled life. A topic of concern that should be further explored. Dr Sax has also informed the reader that doing this actually can give teenage girls a high, just another reason why it has increased.

            The article is concluded with how parenting can be changed to accompany the ever changing mind of young women. However these reasons do not follow the same new outlook on society. He explains parents must become more controlling in regulating use of the internet. This is the wrong way to approach parenting. It has been proven that this often times causes the child to rebel and could cause more negative effects. The more rewarding alternative that is often harder is creating a relationship with your child where they feel closer and safe with the parent. This allows them to convey their concerns which then can be addressed in a safe way. As well as giving a higher chance of teenage girls listening to their parents explain their best interests. With the busy lives of parents this may seem near impossible but it is a sacrifice that must be made “to keep your child safe, that’s number one.”

            In reality this article well explains the change of teenage girls and lets the reader become more aware of these ever going issues. While observations are easy to make, Dr. Sax makes the common error of parents in giving the general, easier, answer to how to better parent your child, instead of the harder more successful way in dealing with the future women of tomorrow.

Mall Walk

My eyes are imprisoned. My heavy eyelids keep them locked away from the light. Another morning has come as my life’s routine continues. I can picture myself leaping out of bed, as though I was 25 years younger. The cold tile biting at my feet. Excited for the day and everything it promises. But now, I take a deep breath just to collect all my energy to pull myself up. The struggle that is holding breath within my lungs. To overthink everything to the point where I sit motionless as time continually escapes me. Maybe I should create some errands for myself. I begin to stand up before I realize that a simple trip to the mall will consume my day. It will devour my energy. Regardless I move what feels like a rustic body, every muscles pulling me towards my bed as gravity pulls you towards the ground.   

“Does everyone get wrinkles here?” I giggle to myself as I touch my face.  My skin worn.  Then I hear my floor slowly creek reflecting ever growing age.  As my mutt approaches me slowly I converse, “you too eh? I guess it’s just one of those days.” A bark is forced as my instruction to feed him, my true companion.

After having done 5 minutes worth of daily chores in 60 minutes I gently grab the keys to my car as I head out the door, “I’ll be back in a bit buddy” I say in a rehearsed voice. Before I readjust my glasses I rub my dull blue eyes, once so vibrant, now they attract sympathy of aging adults. My grey hair fixes itself along my balding head. Suddenly a whisper or breath pushes me as the intense cold air races through the halls of my apartment. My thick plaid jacket unable to protect me.  “Hello” my raspy voice sounds as my neighbor quickly passes me. Constantly in a rush, that is no way to live your life.

A white Chevy Tahoe sits in the parking lot. A white pearl. My white pearl.  Sitting down in the seat shaped to fit me I turn the ignition and the car starts without fail. 300,000 KM mark its age just does the veteran plate marks mine, a sign of respect that others use as an explanation for their own driving mistakes.  As I cautiously make my way to the mall I find the world has once again grown and become more congested. I remember when people were few. I remember when I could drive empty streets. I remember when the cost of gas was nothing more than a brief thought. But to remember is to live in the past, and therefore forget the precious seconds that I solemnly grasp.  After the adventure that is parking my car I gingerly open the door and am once again punched in the gut by the cold air. The refreshing air. I walk to the other end of the mall before entering. This would be my daily walk outdoors.  The chatter of young folks echoes off every object as I enter through computer automated doors. As I pass a store to my left with a trendy name an argyle sweater attracts my eyes. Without thinking I walk towards it until I can barely reach it to feel its texture. Some petite woman working sees me and quickly turns around to avoid offering me help. I walk out. No one notices me as I walk alone with my hands shoved deep within my khaki’s pockets.

After seconds of wandering I find myself at the cold exit. Three o’clock approaches and my body warns me. I walk faster with strides that exercise my legs. Hunger knocks on my body and I’m forced to retreat home where I will eat grey food before falling asleep as part of my bodies recovery over the day’s events. I can see my dog wage his tail in my presence. It’s time to go home once more.

Dialogue

"I can't believe you," she snarled. "Of all the stupid things you’ve done this is dumbest of them all."

"Let's not point fingers here Emma," he subconsciously replied.

“Emma?!” her voice growing.

            “Becky. Sorry. When was the last time you read the paper?” he once again replied as though he was a robot.  Becky stood up and yelled,

 “No more!” before stomping away. The man quickly realized what had happen, stood up, and sped quickly to the door,

“Becky listen. I made a mistake; I can only do so much about it now.”

She looked at him intensely and before arguing stood concentrated on the man,

            “You said my name wrong. What’s your excuse for that? Besides the panda-”

            “Don’t bring her into this! I bought a panda, let it go already.” He argued.

            “That oversized cat is probably the reason you seem to so easily forget my name!” she stated as she sat down on an old discolored sofa bed. “We have no money. Then you go out and import a panda! Normal people don’t do that.”

            He sat beside her and gently reassured her, “Some people have cats, some people have dogs, and some people even have birds. It just so happens we have our very own panda. Emma is no different from any other animal.”

            Again she stood up but this time with anger she stated, “Stop giving it a name, we need to take him back before-” she was cut off by a loud growl that echoed from the kitchen. “We will discuss this after I go feed her!”

Legend of Daniel

 I am rich in humor. I am intelligent in every field. I am legend.

           

Born deep within an active volcano I was born with the ability to breath fire, however due to a passion for petite pink popsicles the wrath of my fire has been subdued. Raised along side the monks of Tibet my muscles have panther like quickness. So quick indeed that I have wrestled with a half bear half shark hybrid, my own creation. I won. I have jumped off the Eiffel tower using a spoon as a parachute. But these small feats only begin to explain my pure extravagance. It was I who created the chair. It was I who owned the first toaster. It was I that invented the first roller coaster! My idea of world peace would have succeeded if I had not wanted to bake mint cupcakes. Did you know I invented all 356 flavors of ice cream? Did you know Elton John’s song “Daniel” was written on my birthday for me? Did you know I enjoy apples? I did all these while knitting my grandmother a scarf. As well as I won the 2009 knitting world championships in Germany. Twice. Clocks originally had 13 numbers, until I changed them. When in India I rode a polar bear. I had a full career in movies and theater until I taught Tom Cruise how to act, and then I gave him the spotlight. Both Edward and Jacob are on my team. I can play the flute. I can swim. Because of my accomplishments monkeys can read books. Because I defused a bomb hidden in the pentagon the U.S.A can sleep at night. Because I was their to help give birth to superman he decided to save the world, with my permission and not past curfew of course. The world was flat until I sculpted it. My first sculpture was October 5^th 1657, a porringer. Later called the bowl. Before the man there was me. Before water was found I infused two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom in my front yard to give to world a drink. Before paper was invented I used computers. I named F.D.R. My accomplishments cannot be counted. I have done all while wearing an eye patch. Others cannot comprehend my wit. Others cannot talk to me without blushing. Others cannot simply stand in front of me without wobbly knees. I have done all this, scaled dragons and ate pumpkin. Done things no man or woman could dream of. However I have not yet attended university.  

Elements of Fiction

Throughout the short story Identities the author W.D. Valgardson uses various elements of fiction to emphasize important qualities of the story as well as interest the reader. The story follows a man who begins driving and when he must stop to inform his wife of his absence is shot by a nervous, inexperienced police officer. Very many elements are unraveled in this anecdote. However, 3 important pieces of writing that are used include juxtaposition, foreshadowing and irony. With these powerful tools the story carries a theme while giving the reader suspense in their reading.

            Juxtaposition, comparing opposites to emphasize the contrast, is evident from the first paragraph. The author describes the flat characters flashback of childhood memories before reintroducing him as an adult which represent how he has aged and his knowledge. While driving amidst a poor part of a city the reader learns “Although he has on blue jeans-matching pants and jacket made in Paris-he is driving a grey Mercedes Benz.” This large contrast is a possible symbol for how wealth does not always equal happiness and the reader gains a deeper understanding of the character being very wealthy but not necessarily happy.

            Foreshadowing is found in numerous parts of the story. It can be directly found in the comparison of surroundings. When looking at the wealthy man in a rundown neighborhood is can foreshadow that he will not leave without a predicament occurring. More obvious foreshadowing is present when the reader views the protagonists mind and observes his intention to call his family because he “knows that, at first, they have blamed his absence on a neighbor’s hospitality and gin. However, by the time he can return, annoyance will have blossomed into alarm.” and we learn what would happen when he does not return. This begins to bring the reader to the conclusion he may not return.

            The most reoccurring element used by the author is irony. Irony adds to the effectiveness of the story by surprising the reader. After realizing how much his family will worry “he decides to call the next time he sees a store or phone booth”. Only when he does this the innocent man does not know has been followed by a cop. When he finally stops to finish his objective he finds “relief. Instinctively relaxing, certain of his safety.” as a police officer approaches however as the officer sees the “unshaven man in blue jeans as a potential thief” he proceeds to kill him with no hesitation. The irony of him being killed by an officer before telling his wife of his safety is very powerful. All these elements as well as others give this short story depth and are all important in conveying the author’s messages and ideas.

Of Mice and Men - The hidden chapter

George looked up from shoeing the horse to see the outline of Curley's wife in the doorway of the barn. They were alone. "what you doin' George?" she quietly said. almost in a wisper.
"working!" said George in a harsh tone "i work night and day,im working to the death uh me! Here is' all work n' no play!"
"oh hush i know, i know. I'm just lonely. The lights are on but no ones home" she said as she sat down so quickly it looked like she had fallen. 
"well don't come here lookin' for a friend! You're nothin' but trouble!" he argued. "take a hike!" he finished and went back to work furiously.
Then Curley's wife paused and locked her eyes on to George. With a very soft tone she asked George "Don't you ever get lonely? Cause Lennie can't be all that great to be with, you need a real companion, a gal like me" and with that George stopped and stood up straight. As he opened his mouth to dismiss Curley's wife he paused. Of all the things to try and converse about she chose to put down Lennie.
"I ain't trying to frustrate you. I don't wanna make you as mad as a wet hen or anything. You just ain't that bad when next to him, an helpin' him and all that. You're cute as a button" That was it. George would go tell Slim or someone before she did anything more to add to the already tense conversation. Without saying anything more for Curley's wife to feed on he began to stomp out. Just then she took hold of his hand "Where are you going?! Whenever i talk things go to hell in a hand basket. It's like someone let loose the dogs of war!" then she suddenly pulled him close and kissed him. "There! Now what will you go say? I could have you fired! They won't hesitate to leave you out in the cold! Better just fold up and leave now!" 
"Get away from me you witch!" George finally burst out. "They were right, when all is said and done you're nothin' but a tramp!"
"Don't you talk to a woman like me in that voice. Never underestimate the power of a woman. Tonight i'm gonna tell Curley bout all the things you did to me and tomorrow you be lucky if you see the sun rise!" and without anymore she fled. George sat down barely able to take in the events that had just unfolded. He would go tell Slim in detail everything that had just happen then go round up Lennie who was probably still playing with his new pup.

Grade 12

Finally. After 3 long years of stinky sweat, kissing the gym floor and countless balls to the face its time to be the best, to finally lead the team to a win. It's time for senior boys volleyball as a vicious grade 12 student. Practice starts and you put on the shoes you've put on so many times before, still wet from "hard work". To most the smell would be paralyzing, but no, not to you. The short shorts present the vampire like skin hiding above 2 months of summer tan. As the sleeve-less shirt exposes magnificent biceps made to crush grade nines. First you walk out of the change room and into the war zone. After years and years of running scared as 8 foot tall giants hammer missiles into the ground its your turn now. Run, Jump and watch as all others dive out of the way when your hand connects with the ball. Others serve lollipops that seem to pass themselves. Each set comes off your fingers and is carried by the angels to the next player that pounds the ball. The girls sit on the bleachers with jaws along the hardwood signaling time for a jump serve.Stand behind the line and take a breath and let all pressure escape you. The toss is perfect and you jump higher then a puma. With a perfect hit the ball arches the senior net and takes out kids like bowling pins. A gratifying nod is given by the coach and you know it's time for the game.

ME

If you were to look up Daniel Ford in the dictionary you would not find anything. Which is stupid because Dan the man is not someone to be overlooked. Born of a half Mexican, half Canadian heritage he has the speed of a cheetah and the heart of a hero. Trained to play volleyball with no mercy and do math faster then a TI - 84 + graphics Calculator. Some may say Daniel is exceptional in all areas. As a man of such fine tastes it's no surprise he enjoys the simpler parts of life, watching sunsets and long walks on the beach. Only to go home to race through the virtual streets of Los Angeles in adrenaline packed video games! He is a man so complex that not even Ernó Rubik the inventor or rubiks cubes can figure him out. His very scent attracts women from miles away like sharks smelling blood. Destined to become rich he plans to buy a crimson red 1997 Toyota Supra and drive off into the sunset where he will never be found again.