imitation....

Just one inch taller, then the grass is out of the soil. Every energy within the tiny grass is releasing to get to the point. The light green tip appears above the soil; the sand and stones are pushed aside. The grass extend the tip and used up more energy than it ever did. The street walkers are traveling in a perpetual rhythm. The grass keeps stretching, and pushing, at the same moment, a huge foot step steps on it. The grass bend itself weakly; the tip swaying on the surface of the soil with a tiny crack on it. The grass needs sunlight, but it's blocked bu the busy crowd above. The grass wish for a light breeze to help him up, but the atmosphere is muggy. The grass lift the tip laboriously a little, and suddenly there comes the gentle breeze. And all of sudden, the grass is standing straight up again. The crowd is not dismissed yet, but the grass trengthen its stem with it's full power to prevent from falling down again.

A letter to Mr. John Steinbeck

Dear John,

Sorry to reply you so so late. It has been 47 years that I have received you letter. Today, I decide to pick up my pen and write again. Never thought that you will be a famous writer today. It is a pleasure to have you in my writing class back in Stanford. As I always tell you, a writer always needs to know what he wants to say, in short, what he is talking about. To write a good piece of story is to have a good story to write about. And the meaning needs to be able to transport to the readers' mind. Over these years, you have written a great many stories and they are all very useful to many people as they have been through the very hard time back in the days. As I taught you before, the most important thing is to convey your feelings and thoughts clearly through your words, which can be more convincing. A good short story is not for pleasing the readers, but grabing their attention and lure them sympathize. It is a very hard and long road ahead, don't you ever feel shame anymore. After the long journey America had been through, no one is going to tease about the poor. Be as a writer, you are ready to be starve. But the most valuable thing is the pieces been done after a lot of effort and struggle. Like you say, every time, when you start a short story, the topic freaks you out. Yes, that is why every time you got a piece done, you will feel so proud of yourself. There is a long long road ahead, stay strong and contribute more to the world.

Edith Mirrielees
May 7, 2009

Travel with John... (from the perspective of Charley)

As John brought me into the Park, the bears were staring me straight in my eyes. I felt something very odd inside of me. I have never seen those creatures living in earth. I felt them harmful to John, so I bark furiously. Even though they didn't talk to me and they didn't reply me a word, their eyes looked through my body. Not only I felt I am naked at the moment, but also I felt threats. No one can do no harm to John. My lips flared, showing wicked teeth to them, trying to scare them off. I stared at them, each of them; I raved and ranted beside John, telling him to drive away these danger. I can indeed put them onto the ground if John wasn't there, I was just concerning about John's safety that I didn't raise toward those creatures. They didn't have friendly posture and facial expression that's why I think they are totally different from the cute caterpillar. I almost barked my lungs out and bleed to death. It was a nightmare at night. My body was sore and I sweat like a dog, which I am actually a dog. I would never want to see those bears again, and no one is gonna harm John.

The Photo essay response!

Photos are the most direct way to impress the readers!!! The photos show the visions of the time during the Dust bowl. Meanwhile, I do think that John Steibeck did a great job to describe the details of the migration. Also, vivid pictures may help explain and convey full image to the writing.
Picture # 1
The couple in the photo is going through a hard time. Not only the environment behind them says so, but the description of John Steibeck tells us so: "[...] I'm gonna die pretty soon now. I wish he didn't feel so bad about it." The couples are holding hands, which shows even though the conditions around them are bad, they still sick together. In the photo, they stay in a tiny tent, which is hard for two adults because it may be too crowded for them and it might not be clean enough to live in.
Picture #2
The whole family is living on the car, cooking with dirty water and mud all over the place. Yet, they seemed happy staying together. Even though the conditions are harsh to them, as long as they can stay together, hard work is nothing. They are very happy to get work from where they are staying: "We just got in. Gonna work in the peas. Got a han'bill that says they's good wages pickin' peas." This picture transfer the meaning from the writing to the reader.
Picture #3
The kids are playing outside the tent. In the middle of nowhere, the family set their tent on the dry gound and they live and eat there. However, the kids seemed happy and enjoying. Even though they are in bad condition, they think that they are actually very lucky to stay with their family. The tent was set up by weak tree stems and the cooking equipments were left outside the tent. In addition, the toy of the kids may be the abundant sand. This picture gives us a direct image of the live of the people during the dust bowl. And the feeling of sympathy come right to the reader when they look at the picture.

Flood~

The Flood is one of the passages in John Steinbeck's famous literature work- The Grapes of Wrath. Most part of the article is describing the flood; however, it is implying the difficulties for the people migrating from Texas to west California in order to seek for fertile land. The description of flood is the actual fluctuation of feelings of the migrating people just like "The Turtle". The reason why John Steinbeck's work is famous is because that he can use the word choice precisely and directly lead the mood of the readers. The Flood conveys the living conditions of the people at that time: "They splashed along, carrying the children, carrying the very old, in their arms. And if a barn stood on high ground, it was filled with people, shivering and hopeless" (924). As reading this passage, the reader will feel like they are in the picture.

The Turtle..

"Very descriptive" is my very first reaction to this article. "The turtle" is a small chapter form John Steinbeck's famous book Grapes of Wrath. "The turtle"is written under the background of the natural disaster the dust bowl, which people have to move away from the area to California. The interesting things about John Steinbeck is that he never directly introduce the difficulties to the reader, instead, he uses analogy to create a vivid image to impress the readers. Some may say that his description is a little too heavy to understand, however, as you read close enough, the image is clear and interesting. For example in the article: "For a moment he stopped, his head held high. He blinked and looked up and down [...] The head upraised and peered over the wall to the broad smooth plain of cement." The whole paragraph is describing the obstacles that the turtle meet when it is crawling across the road. At time point, John Steinbeck is actually implying the difficulties that the people meet during the move from the dust bowl. Even this is a heart breaking historical event, in John Steinbeck's writing, we can find it humorous and enjoyable.

Book review- Hotel Babylon

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A awesome book for the people who are thinking of diving into hotel business. Hotel Babylon is a famous BBC series that is now written into a book. The TV series is now up to season 4, but the book is only 300 pages long, it is because that the author has compacted almost 10years experience into 24 hours in the hotel, which is really creative way to me.

As I am going to major Hotel Management, I think this book is a little tip, and almost I can say it is a pre-entre to Hotel Management. The book has many surprising incidents in it and I think the way how the characters (hotel manager, reception, concierge...) deal with the problem is very different from other services. There are many amazing stuff in the book that are interesting to read. So I recommend people who are interested in Hotel or people who want to know more about hotel's affairs can absolutly read Hotel Babylon.

Book review- The Kite Runner

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An excellent book!!! Especially the inner conflict of the main character, Amir. The story happens in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, and then later in America, and after a while, back to Kabul.

The storyline: Amir is born in a rich family, and he has a little servant called Hassan, who serve Amir and also is a playmate with him. They are always good friend, but sometimes Amir couldn't hide his arrogant that he fool Hassan about his illiteracy. In a word, Amir is still above Hassan all the time. The two boys like to fly kites, once there was a kite flying race, and Amir wins the first place (his kite stays in the air the longest). To their tradition, the winner has to trace the kite back, that time, Hassan as a servent help Amir to get back the kite. There is a very bad kid in town that is as rich as Amir's family, treats Hassan badly. He raped Hassan, which the whole process is seens by Amir, but he doesn't come up to help Hassan, he only sees the tears in Hassan's eyes. After all that, Amir starts to feel guilty about it, but he doesn't know what to do, for a kid, he starts to avoid Hassan, and even sets him up and ask his father to fire him. And here is the turning point, everything has changed, the wealth of the family is ruined by war. Amir moves to America, and the story goes on. It has a happy and good ending at last.

The story is moving and tear driving in my opinion. If people wants to seek for some spirit cleansing, this book is the one.

Book review- Rosie Dunne

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This is an interesting book that has a interesting format.

The book is not like normal book that is told by a narrator or something like that, for this book, it is perfromed by e-mails and letters, which in this book, the "narrator" is actually telling her story by showing all the e-mails.

The book Rosie Dunne will keep the readers laughing and guessing until the last page. The very interesting part is that this book started when the "narrator" is five years old till she is sixty-five, which means that this book is about her entire life. And the impressive thing is that the author of this book is also the author of the famous book P.S I love you. Rosie Dunne is as romantic as P.S I love you, and it is almost impossible to put down the book.

The main idea of this book is to show the story of two people, which are meant to be together but just can't seem to get it right. The plot fluctuated perfectly that it's not too disappointing, but not to satisfying. And it is a good book to read, not to learn anything but just have fun!!

OMG!! Betrayers...

A white lie is considered acceptable, but not definetly not betrayal. And I think betrayers are never ok to people. Personally, I think betrayal has two differnt kinds, one is the betrayal of strangers or just random people, another is the betrayal of whom you care, which is also the most unacceptable one. In many situations we can see betrayal occurs, for example like in business, in order to seek for personal benefits, businessman does do something under the table, and a lot to tell you the true. I'm sure whether betrayal equals to selling people out, but somehow they are as bad. How am I going to react to betrayers? Actually, I've never met one, but I think if it's in business, it's reasonable, unless violence involved. However, the second betrayal is the most heart-breaking kind. Take Medea as an example, her husband betrayed her and roll comfortablly in the royal bed, this is totally rediculous. Moreover, the most rediculous thing is that Jason, still thinks that he is right for self-securing. Yes, even though men are not reliable, I think Medea's way to solve problem is also too extreme. Neogotiate is one of the most important step. First, talk to him, but if it doesn't work, let's go with the justice, law. I can understand that back in 400BC it is absolutly different from now that we have the role of law now but they don't. Justice is the best way to deal with affairs outside of marrige. But if it is not about marrige and it doesn't matter the law, I still think that talk or ignorance is a good way to deal with betrayers. Many times thinking of revenge is not a good idea, because one revenge after another, when is this going to end?

The Role Of Government back then and now

They used to have all ears and eyes on the ruler. That is totally dictatorship regarding to the modern terms. King Creon claims that his words are laws, and he is the head of all the commoners and even Gods. Creon is way too arrogant that he thinks no one can ever ever break the laws and rules that he makes. I think it is hilarious that how people nowadays see Creon back then. Creon insists that his rules are the best and within his own power, he is able to succeed. It is irony that he thinks he can speak laws but nowadays people vote for rules, leaders...I know it is not appropriate to compare the governing system from back then with nowadays', but the main point is that Creon shouldn't be so arrogant that doesn't even listen to any other advices. He still claims that he always listen: "I am not aware that I have every failed to listen" (Antigone. Scene 5). But actually there are people around that are lack of awarness, just like Antigone and her brother. If Creon would have listen to what their reasons are, the tragedy will not happen. And also his son Haemon has tried to persude Creon to be more reasonable and courtesy. Maybe the commoners are just afraid to stand out and speak their mind, maybe the commoners just need a leader to represent them or else, Creon might be overthrown.
Comparing the regime from the ancient time and now, there are actually some similarities, but also lots of diversities. First of all, the commoners all have to follow the rules no matter it's before or now. Secondly, there's always people to make laws and enforce law. Lastly, commoners will get punishment if they break the law. These above are the similarity of role of government before and then. And the differences are: people get to vote for the leader in democracy; laws are not set by individuals but a group of legislators; death penalty is not made by individuals but over many courts and judiciary. The government system today are from the basis of ancient system. Thus, it is reasonable that the former systems are not perfect and moral.

The Suicidal Play- Antigone

In this play, basically half of the characters are suicides, that they can totally prevent them. The origin of the suicide is because of the stubbornness of Creon. Antigone always thinks that she did the right thing to bury her brother, she thinks that it is the God's will. After all, she believes in Gods more than Creon- the kings words. In the play, we can tell that Creon is a choleric king that everyone in Thebes should listen to his words, he has once said that: "My words are laws." (Antigone scene 3). He is very arrogant and snooty, that when Antigone refuse to admit her fault, he gets outrages and condemn her to death. Here comes Creon's son, Antigone's fiance, Haemon. When he first talk to his father, he is all polite and obedience, but after he wait for his father make the statement that he speaks the laws, Haemon turns against his father. He doesn' t agree with Creon's stubbornness and his failure of being a king. Haemon asserts that the commoners have been pointing behind Creon's back, some of them think that Antigone is free from guilt and they think that burying own siblings isn't any sin. But finaly, Creon has already make his decision to let Antigone die, he insists it. Haemon then says: "But her death will cause another." (Antigone scene 3).
The story has already going on a downfall because of Creon's stubbornness. Antigone, has been locked in the chamber by herself. She still believes in herself that she did the right thing for her brother and also, she accomplishes the God's will. Antigone wants to kill herself not because of Creon's threats, but her self esteem and honor. She doesn't want anyone to sympathize her and doesn't want Creon to think that he wins the dispute between them two. Thus, due to her honor she kill herself.
Haemon once knows that Antigone has killed herself, he couldn't bear the pain of losing her, he also suicide. As he has claimed earlier to his father, Creon. When the news pass on to Creon, he can not believe that both of them have suicide. With this tragedy, Creon finally realize his own mistake, its all about his stubbornness. If it wasn't his stubbornness, Thebes might have still remain and everyone could live happlily ever after. Creon is so regret that at last, he suicide too. And he ends up as a tragic hero in this play.
I think this suicidal plot is similar to Romeo and Juilet, even though there's no tragic hero dies, the who idea about suicide is the same.

What I think about Shakespare...

Shakespare is no doubt a well known and dramatic play writter. His writing and plays feel so alive, whenever you read them, it seems like you are right there in the scene. I think the best thing that Shakespare did is writing tragedies, for example Romeo and Juliet. The plot was dramatic and emotional, which is what Shakespare is famous of. Even though the language is hard to understand and articulate, the main theme is strong and outstanding. The creativty is what make Shakespare last for so long of a time.

Movie?? No. Play?? Yes.

Comparing movies and plays, I prefer plays better. Even though in the same story, the main story plot line is basically the same, but the way how movies and plays convey is extremly different. For example in Ceasar, the play discribe every characters' emotions and actions detailly. Readers are able to use their imaginations to create their own characters images, and every character can vary depend on different readers. But for the movie, every single character is shown, nothing could actually change because the movie has already fit the actors in. Readers can either agree with the actors but can also dislike them. This is why plays are sometimes better than movies because they leave readers some space to expand their imaginary.