Keep a Design Notebook

          It was easy finding things that I liked, but it was rather hard for me to find things that I thought had bad design. I really had to be picky to find them. Doing this experiment taught me that although it is important, it is not all about looks. The product must work well and as effortlessly as possible in order for it to be bought. Of course, that is obvious, but I thought that this experiment made it clearer why this is so important.

Good designs: 

It is small but not too small, fitted to your hand, and pink!

The lid that comes with this is screwed on, so it will never fall off.

The spiral makes it easy to flip pages, and the folded one at the bottom lessens the likelihood of the pages getting caught in an unfinished spiral. 

Twisty eyeliner (I have no idea what it's actually called) instead of a pencil. So much easier to twist the end than having to sharpen it when it gets dull.

A headband is useless (to me atleast) if it does not have teeth. When you use it, you can not see them so it is not any less attractive than one without.

Bad designs:

This is a creative cover and I like it, but the cutout makes it too easy to rip the cover.

I think all doorknobs are ugly. Elaborate or not, I think they are weird looking..

Hard cover books are much sturdier and last longer, but they are harder to read (for me anyways) and when ure trying to pack for something, it is more convenient if the book could move a little.

Real pencils are classic. They will be used for a very long time. But you always have to sharpen them, which really is not a problem, but compared to mechanical pencils, it makes real ones seem like a burden.

Mirrors are life savers. But they are horrible for picture taking. It is irritating. It's a group picture for a reason. If I wanted a picture of only myself, I would take one, but I don't. Maybe they could invent an anti-flash mirror or something. :D

Faith and Reason

Some say Earth was created,

Some say formed.

From what I know of faith,

I hold with those who favor creation.

But if I was to think twice,

I think I’ve heard enough of reason

To say that formation

Is reasonable

And would meet ends.

Memories

What happens to memories?

Do they fade
like a balloon released?
Or hide like a child --
Then reappear?
Do they run like a dream abandoned?
Or stay nearby --
Like a treasure?

Maybe they just rot
Like a fruit in the sun.

Or do they bloom?

Creon's Character Analysis

            Sophocles’s Antigone is a play about love, loyalty, and respect. It takes place in Ancient Greece, increasing the importance of certain morals emphasized in the play. Most of the characters in Antigone are true to their beliefs. However, there are, of course, characters that do not portray these beliefs in an appropriate manner, such as Creon. He is a stubborn, ignorant, ruler who believes that he can do no wrong.

            Creon, symbolically meaning “heir to the throne”, is a stereotypical ancient ruler. He believes that he is always right, and other peoples’ ideas seem foolish to him. In this play, he is the main antagonist. He goes against the laws of the gods, feeling that he is protecting his country. Although he was told many times that this was wrong, he did not falter, for he truly believed that he was doing the right thing.

However, nearing the end of the play, he heard a prophecy from Tiresias, his fortune-teller, saying that he would pay the consequences, “a corpse for corpses, in exchange for those [he has] sent from above the earth to below it”. (lines 1074 -1076) This caused him to drastically change his mind. Although Creon does change his ways, attempting to recuperate his mistakes, it has no effect, for his destiny was set. Death took the lives of Antigone, his son Haemon, and his wife.

This sudden change, however, reveals that he is, in reality, insecure. Creon is seemingly strong and powerful, but he is actually uncertain of this power. He feels the need to enforce unreasonable laws to feel the control that he has. This uncertainty is revealed when he is frightened and jumps on the bandwagon. He completely alters his ideas and does anything that his advisors say.

Rulers should have many strengths, but Creon has only one. This strength is his love. He loves his country, and admires his son. Nevertheless, he has several weaknesses, primarily his pride, along with his lack of wisdom.

When his country is calm and without turmoil, he makes decisions easily, with no hesitation. However, when he is pressured or depended upon, he turns to others opinions. This is also a sign of weakness, for he cannot execute rational decisions when it is essential.

            He is a typical ruler, feeling as if he is doing right. Unfortunately, he does not have the leadership skills needed for his title. Creon is a stubborn, ignorant, ruler who believes that he can do no wrong.

"Just Say No"

One of the most prominent issues in today's society is teenage drug abuse. Every teenager is repeatedly lectured about the dangers of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, etc.. We are constantly told that it will, at its own pace, tear our lives apart. They warn us that one time is enough to get you hooked, but people seem to feel a need to learn the hard way.

Everyone knows, but no one cares. The natural response to that would be, “Of course we care, Marie, why would you say such a thing?” Well, being born and raised in Memphis, I have seen first-hand how drugs and alcohol can drastically affect one’s life. Several friends of mine were sent to juvenile detention centers as young as the seventh and eighth grade – where was this so called “care” then?

All blame cannot be placed on parents, but who is aware of a child more than Mom and Dad? Our teenage years are our most vulnerable; we want to fit in, and we are easily stressed. Parents of teenagers should be much more observant of their child’s behavior during these years, because they affect the rest of our lives.

When parents become aware of their teenager falling victim to drugs, they do not know how to handle it. It is not the end of the world. Like any other issue, the solution is not the most obvious – one must get to the source of the problem. Once the root is uncovered, certain actions can be followed. On this discussion forum , teenagers shared their views of leading causes of teen drug use.

“IT IS A RELEASE FROM THE STRESSES OF LIFE.” (C) – As previously mentioned, teenagers are easily stressed. Aside from grades, students should not have much to be stressed about. Unfortunately, life is not as simple as that. We stress over girlfriend/boyfriend “drama”, fights, and even other people’s “drama”. Many people who claim to be stressed out are bringing it upon themselves.

“THEY WANT TO FIT IN WITH THE CROWD.” (Watson) – Peer pressure. Even among adults, this is a regular part of life. However, everyone must learn how to be strong enough to make decisions for themselves, rather than jumping on the bandwagon.

“Teens today are getting [drawn] in by the drug trend very strongly because of the celebrities they see and love.” (Russell) – I must admit that this never occurred to me. Nonetheless, it is a viable motivation for a teenager to not only use drugs, but to commit any other type of crime. Growing up, we are strongly influenced by our role models. Regrettably, celebrities are starting to replace parents and teachers as role models.

“TEENS [THESE] DAYS USE DRUGS BECAUSE [THEY DO] NOT [HAVE] ENOUGH SUPPORT FROM THEIR PARENTS.” (Jenny) – This quote contradicts my initial notion that parents could dcrease the drug use rate among teenagers. Instead of preventing it, they may occasionally be the source of it.
Based on the various motivations of teen drug abuse, it is apparent that one individual cannot be put to blame. It may not be the simplest solution, but it is evident that rather than restricting drug use, certain actions should be taken to eliminate any reasons behind it.

--Marie

C, . "Why do teens use drugs?." 22 Mar 2007. Online Posting to National Issues Forums
            Online Discussions. Web. 9 Feb 2011.

Jenny, . "Why do teens use drugs?." 27 Apr 2007. Online Posting to National Issues Forums
            Online Discussions. Web. 9 Feb 2011.

Johnson, . "Why do teens use drugs?." 22 Mar 2007. Online Posting to National Issues
            Forums Online Discussions. Web. 9 Feb 2011.

Russell, Casey. "Why do teens use drugs?." 27 Apr 2007. Online Posting to National Issues
            Forums Online Discussions. Web. 9 Feb 2011.

Watson, Shaniqua . "Why do teens use drugs?." 22 Mar 2007. Online Posting to National
            Issues Forums Online Discussions. Web. 9 Feb 2011.

Taken for Granted

When someone is asked, "What do you do for fun?" The most common replies are watching movies, reading, listening to music, singing, dancing, eating, playing football, basketball, baseball, etc. Completely ordinary. Well, it is completely ordinary to us, but what about people who are not as fortunate?

There is a rather popular question that people of all ages like to ask each other: If you had to lose any one of your senses, which would it be? I have never met anyone who could answer quickly. Even when an answer is given, there is always something that can change their mind.

Sight. Then you can’t watch movies or TV, read, or play sports…

Sound. Then you can’t listen to music, sing, or even talk!

Smell. Then you wouldn’t be able to taste food as well or smell flowers and candles…

Taste. Then you definitely wouldn’t be able to enjoy food!

Touch. Then you wouldn’t notice when you hit something. That could be harmful…

            At this point, most people have given up, and say that they cannot decide. Besides, it does not matter; they have all five senses so they do not have to worry about it.
            Ignorance. That is what this is. Pure ignorance. There are countless numbers of people in this world that have lost a sense. They did not have a choice, and they must learn to compensate for what they have lost.
           
            The most famous person to lose her senses is Helen Keller. When she was merely 19 months old, she was struck with scarlet fever and lost not one, but two of her senses: sight and sound. Amazingly, with the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, she mastered her disabilities, and triumphed in the strict, complex world of education. This article gives an account of her struggles as well as successes.
            “She really wanted to go Harvard, which would not consider her.” – She was not even considered. If she did not have her disabilities, she would have at least had a chance! “A few years earlier, Keller had discovered that she could write effectively and she pursued that calling, undaunted by an early incident in which her powerful memory entangled her in involuntary plagiarism.” – Helen was obviously incredibly gifted, but because she was simply unaware, she committed a crime.
            Unfortunately, there are not many people as talented as Helen Keller. There are not many who would be able to survive in a world of “blank solitude.” Most people would, in fact, be completely helpless. We are unquestionably blessed to have what we have, and this is something that should never be forgotten.

--Marie

A Moment Too Late

February 9, 1934

“Welcome back to Q107.5! Before we get back to today’s top hits, we have Jay with the weather. Take it away.”

“Thanks Johnny. We seem to have hit a record low temperature of -7°F. Write this on your calendars people! February 9, 1934…”

“How ya doin’?” said my husband quietly. He peered over at me, driving with one hand, reaching for my hand with the other.

“Charles, keep your eyes on the road!” I scolded him, “You don’t want an accident with the baby in the backseat!” I looked over my shoulder at our beautiful baby boy, sound asleep. He has his father’s blond hair, and my mother’s honey brown eyes. We named him John, after Charles’s favorite actor, John Wayne. He has only been our child for about an hour since I was cleared from the hospital, but the love flowing through every pore of my body towards him is overwhelming, suggesting the love of an eternity.

I turn back around and face the front, my head leaned against the window, eyelids drooping. It is 11:00 p.m., but the streets are surprisingly bare for New York City, reminding me of my teenage years down in Tennessee.

*          *          *

Ahh. Home sweet home. Charles opened the humble oak doors, and a warm gust of air swooped over us. He helped me carry my bags inside, limping slightly under the weight, while I held John.

“Thanks, Char,” I said, smiling at his old nickname.

“Sure thing, Carrie,” he winked, smiling at mine.

I laughed at our memories, so childish yet wonderful.

“Should I feed John before we go to bed? I don’t want him to wake up hungry or something tonight.”

“He will be fine. Look at him, he’s dead asleep, he wouldn’t wake up if an automobile came crashing through that wall right there,” he said, pointing at the living room wall.

“I guess so…”

“You’ve had a rough night, get some sleep. You deserve and need some rest.”

“Okay, thanks Charles. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

*          *          *

Beep! Beep! Beep!

“Aaargh!”

It is 8:00 a.m. I forgot to turn my alarm off. Again. My hands search aimlessly across the bedside table for the alarm; aggravated, I hit the off button.

I look over at Charles, looking so peaceful and relaxed, completely undisturbed by the alarm, and I remember – John!

I go to his nursery and find him sound asleep, just as I left him the night before. Exactly how I left him. Shouldn’t he have moved in his sleep, even just if it was just a little bit? He hasn’t cried at all either. Don’t most babies cry? He hasn’t woken up since last night. Dr. Reed said he should wake up every six hours or so. It’s been nine.

I pick him up from his crib, panicking at the sight of his small, unmoving body. I can hear him breathing; his breath is shallow, but undoubtedly there. That’s good. Quickly, I go back to the bedroom.

           “Charles,” I whispered urgently, “Charles, wake up!”
           “Mmm, Carrie? What’s wrong?” he said groggily.
           “I think something’s wrong with John. He hasn’t woken up at all. Shouldn’t he have woken up by now?”
           “Caroline, he’s fine,” he assured me, “He’s a baby – babies sleep a lot. It’s okay, he’ll wake up when he wants to wake up.”
           “Yeah, I guess you’re right..”
           “Sweetie, haven’t you learned anything over the past four years? I’m always right.” He teased.
           Still uneasy but less tense by his jokes, I lay John down on the bed between me and Charles. He leaned over John, looking at his son like the proudest father in the world.
           “Hey there baby. It’s your daddy. And there’s your mama. Now I know you can’t understand me but you listen here, I will always love you and do everything I can to make your life as good as it can be. That’s a promise. And don’t you every forget that.”
           He looked up at me, and his eyes widened, bewildered.
           “What’s wrong?!”
           “That was beautiful,” I replied, tears of joy streaming down my face. My two favorite boys are here with me, a part of this perfect moment.

*          *          *

           “Something smells good!” said Charles, walking through the front door.
           “Just a hotdog and potato chips for lunch today,” I said curtly, “Sorry.”
           “Uhh.. it’s alright?”
           “Okay.”
           “Is there something wrong..?”
           “Charles, John still hasn’t woken up. It’s noon!”
           “I’m telling you, the baby is fine.”
           “Okay, whatever you say.”
           “Don’t worry about it,” he insisted, “but I have to go back to work now – I’ll try to come home a little early.”

*          *          *

           It’s 3:00 p.m. Okay, that’s enough. I don’t care what Charles says, I’m taking him to the hospital. I should call him though.
           Ring, ring, ring!
           “Edward Jones, this is Charles speaking, how may I help you?”
           “Charles. It’s me. I’m taking John to the hospital. I think you should come.”

*          *          *

           John is in intensive care, and all I can do is sit here and wait! Where is Charles? He should be here by now! Gahh, how is John doing?
           “Caroline! Where’s John? How is he?”
           “He’s in intensive care, Charles. I told you something was wrong. I just hope he’s okay.”
           When he didn’t respond, I look over at him. He had gone to the chairs lined against the wall and sat down. I tried to read his expression – nothing.
           “Charles..? Are you–”

The door opened and Dr. Reed came out with a resigned look on his face.

“I’m afraid we have some bad news. Caroline, you might want to sit down as well.”

I did as I was told.

He slowly exhaled, “He didn’t make it. I’m so sorry. He had a severe case of jaundice. If he had been brought to us sooner, we might have been able to save him, but.. I’m sorry. We tried everything. There was nothing else we could do.”

Dumbstruck, we simply stared back at the doctor.

“Well I will leave you two alone, you can see John if you would like. If there is anything we can do for you, let us know.” And Dr. Reed disappeared through the doors.

We sat in silence for a moment, when I looked up at him. I could read his expression now – an expression that clearly said, “I should have listened.”

I stood up, took him in my arms, and we mourned for our lost son.

*          *          *

ONE YEAR LATER – February 9, 1935

           “Charles! Can you come help me? I dropped the blanket and if I go down I’m not coming back up!”
           He came through the door, and handed me the dropped blanket.
           “Thanks. I forgot how hard it is to have a stomach this big around!” I laughed. It feels good to laugh. This past year has been hard, and a year ago from today, John was born. I still cry myself to sleep often for our loss.
           “Well, it’ll be over soon. She’s ready to get out of there!” he said, touching my stomach.
           Ouch! What was that? Probably just the baby kicking. Ouch! Nope, I don’t think that’s it.
           Charles was there in an instant keeping me steady, sensing that something was wrong.
           “The baby’s coming!”


--Marie

February 9, 1934