Unus Pro Omnibus, Omnes Pro Ono.

We were often called the three musketeers, because we were practically inseparable and accomplished most things with perseverance. Our only and very apparent downfall was that we thought we were invincible and never approached situations with caution. However, we were lucky enough to escape most situations unharmed. From the first time Brett set his foot on a skateboard and tried to Ollie a ten-set weathered with broken glass, to the time when Logan couldn't find his paint ball mask and decided that he would be alright to play. We escaped the majority of our risky scenarios unharmed. It should be noted that Brett bailed and scraped his once frail elbows and Logan received a paint ball travelling at three-hundred feet per second on his left upper cheek. None-the-less, we seemed to have inherited horseshoes and rabbit feet upon friendship.

In retrospect, even leprechauns know that luck will only take you so far, and eventually your choices will catch up to you in the future. Irresponsibly, our choices were usually not the best to make. And inevitably, they would grasp onto our backs as soon as the opportunity struck. This opportunity struck on blistering day in Spring. We had all been caught in our latest mischievous and  inconsiderate activity, ingesting Marijuana. We were brought together by our parents to discuss the matter and what kind of consequences would be enforced. I scanned the unsettling environment with my remorseful hazel eyes and took a look at my partners in crime. Brett had a blank stare on his face and looked as though he was in other state, while Logan seemed to be wearing the same face as mine, guilty and regretting his actions. After the discussion with our parents, we conversed with each other and picked at our perspectives on the matter. Being that I had only been involved with the drug for about two months, I made the compliant decision to follow my parents advice. Above all, the disappointment  lingering on my mother's face was enough to resist any urge I had. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about my two best friends. When I asked them if they planned on quitting, Logan could only give an imprudent shrug as he looked towards the clouds forming and Brett impulsively stated that he would willingly accept if someone offered. Although my only wish of them was to have the same attitude as my own, it was not my place to demand this of them. The only thing I could do was
keep my willpower intact and to suggest the concept to them without being over-baring.

Many people with hold the belief that Marijuana is not an addictive substance. This is partially truthful, because there is no physical withdrawal of coming off the substance. However, it is one of the most difficult drugs to quit, because where it cannot control you physically, it can can control you mentally. The mental addiction had begun to pull Logan and Brett further into the drug. In the beginning, they would go out to smoke during lunch, soon they were skipping classes to partake in their favourite hobby, then they started to miss entire days of school to blaze. I saw less and less of my comrades as each day passed. Although I missed them insurmountably, I didn't cave into the pressure to see them. I only hoped that they would be able to comprehend that they were losing out on long-term memories for short-term satisfaction.

Despite my hopes, wishes and propositions I had for them, the outcome only worsened. One month later, they were both expelled from school for the possession of Marijuana. I was later divulge of their situation by an acquaintance from school. As the words shot out and punctured my ears, tears began to swell in my eyes. I left school that day with a feeling of overwhelming emptiness. Logan was able to bounce back and have a successful year at another school, but Brett hasn't been back to school since. Although it saddens me to say this, I am glad I was able to make the decision to separate myself from my friends during their adventures, because it made me the independent person I am today. We are still friends to this day, but we are not the three musketeers that we once were.

The Technology of Simplicity

Everyone has a different history, and our memories enable us to learn life lessons, in different ways; none of which are incorrect. In the short story, "The Technology of Simplicity" by, Mark A. Burch, the narrator reflects on his metamorphosis from an impatient young boy into an adult with a intricate mind brimming with cogitations. Some very significant lessons he learned are the ability of being insurmountably patient, and the strength to remain considerate and focussed in a materialistic environment.

While on hunting trips with his father, he is able to become exceedingly patient in anxious situations. His father taught him the technique of "still hunting" where they would sit "silently, motionless and endlessly patient,waiting for deer to come down the paths"(2). In order to counter-act becoming bored, his father enforces that he stays attentive and engaged in his surroundings. Soon he starts to appreciate the forest and "feel[s] less like a hunter invading the bush to get something from it, and more like a part of the forest

itself"(4). He spends hours and hours lying in the forest, motionless, yet still engaged in the life of the forest.  He even begins "to resent the occasional noisy intrusions of other hunters."(4) When he becomes an adult, he realizes the hunting trips gave him an insight into the world of meditation.

Being that he gained ability of intense patience at a young age, he has an advantage in remaining level-headed and thoughtful in a consumptive society. He believes that in our environment we are not even given the chance to enjoy or experience the things we have, but rather to receive them and ask for more. For example, on Christmas morning, the joy of opening a gift and exploring it transformed into a competition of quantity and "it was necessary to get on with the next thing, to stay in motion, to consume"(7). He believes that even a celebration of family and life has become a consumerist and commercial holiday. Not one in which we feel, and experience, but one carry on the cycle of quantification. However, through all of this he does not fall victim to his consumerist nation and still hopes for us to experience once again.

In life, people are learning lessons on various occasions, in various situations. The narrator of the story reflects on lessons that he learnt in his history that have made him the intellectual man he is today. He is able to become patient to the extent of being entranced, and the ability to remain composed and mindful in the consumptive and fast-paced society we live in.

English 11

In the heart of every movement, there is a concept that drives everything and everyone forward on the pursuit of change. However, most crusades in the world are not accepted on a global scale. There is almost always a minority who disagrees and/or is faced with the consequences of the majorities actions. This being the circumstance we live in, history repeats itself with irreversible acts of segregation, extreme accounts of violence, and our astounding ability to remain ignorant of these injustices.

Between the period of 1948 and 1994, South Africa was governed by the National Party. Under the party, Apartheid was introduced as a form of racial segregation towards non-caucasion citizens. Rights of non-caucasion inhabitants were restricted greatly, while the minority rights of white people was upheld. Although white residents were the minority populous wise, they were much more educated than residents of different race. Soon a legislation was implemented that South Africa's citizens would be separated into racial groups; residential areas were segregated, often by means of force. Black people were removed of their citizenships and placed into self-governing homelands. They were also striped of their right to vote. Although, the National Party was replaced by majority rule and the African National Congress came into power 1994, the actions of this apartheid will echo throughout history and will always be conversed when mentioning South Africa as a country.

It is apparent as segregation heightens in societies, acts of extreme oppression become the next step. On April 13th, 1919, thousands of men, women and small children gathered in Amritsar's Jallianwala Bagh, India to contribute in the Baisakhi Spring Festival. Keep in mind that no one in the crowd was armed and any form of violence opposes Hindu beliefs. Shortly after everyone had gathered, British Indian officer Reginald Dyer ordered fifty soldiers to unload two thousand rounds of ammunition in the square. Once the crackling of the rifles quit, over four-hundred protesters were left dead. In comparison to other events in history, the death toll is miniscule; however, a life is a life and shouldn't be measured in significance. Occurrences of great calamity seem to reoccur frequently due to different beliefs, moral structures and our blind ambition to guide ourselves forward without considering the repercussions.

Conspicuously, as extreme brutality is a result of segregation, our own ignorance and inaction to counter-act these injustices becomes more destructive than the two combined. We believe that operations such as the Holocaust will never even be conspired again. On the contrary, there has been a holocaust in motion since fast food services were introduced globally in the 1940's. Large-scale corporations took advantage of this fast-paced and endlessly profitable business because, people have always been hungry and didn't always have the time to cook. Not to mention fast food is questionably in-expensive. The ethical treatment of animals has decreased rapidly over the years since corporations took control of produce. Since there is an excessive demand for the produce, time cannot be wasted by being humane and money cannot be lost by using proper instruments. In all of this cruelty, only few step forward to expose these corporations, while the majority decide to turn a blind eye.

As acts of segregation, intense violence and negligence of those in need become engraved in our society, our situation is not as hopeless as it sounds. If you know of the events I spoke of, you recognize that great leaders rise above in times of great distress. People like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi took action when many wouldn't and they are the ones who shape our history. With the state the world is in currently, it is desperately seeking for leaders; However, "When it is darkest, men see the stars"-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Color Poem

In the powdered white snow
Where we became silhouette's next to  the lavender sky
My canine counterpart was weeping for mama
This is the last withstanding jovial memory I have of my pup
Although this may not seem joyful
Her words were quite literal
As we stood just away from her
This may be the most valued moment I have with her
And even it seems to be an icy haze.

She's gone now
I waited beside her, holding her soft white paw
As she slowly passed
following as cloud nine guided her
I could feel her spirit breeze away from her body
Her chile toned tongue slipped out of her mouth
And a glass tear made it's way down my autumn burnt cheek
Landing softly on her pure white coat

On this tranquil blue day
 I was reminded that a dog can be a man's best friend
But like a best friend,
their lives are also a short palm breeze in the continuous wind.

And Summer Is Gone

Sometimes, friendships slowly drift apart as each day passes, while both people grow into themselves and realize their differences. In the adapted short story "And Summer Is Gone" by Susie Kretschmer, two somewhat inseparable friends, Amy and David, become autonomous as they grow from adolescents into young adults. Both characters have very established personalities right from the beginning; Amy is very intrepid and a extroverted young girl, and David is an artistic and poetic boy with introverted attributes. Although, these two characters are opposite in nature, that is partly why they were able to become such great friends.

The confidence and sociability Amy holds as a young girl  in the summer is outstanding. In Amy and David's first encounter, Amy is able to jump "agilely over the exposed water meter and [look] right into [David's] face"(2). She shows this sense of audacity through the means of exploring the creek, being able to gain the adoration of the young David and by knowing who she is and being comfortable with it. As Amy grows, she seems to lose her confidence and replace it with her insecurities, but throughout the entire story, she still carries her extroverted qualities. Even as Amy and David drift apart as school begins and  become more mature, Amy still has a group a friends "Kelli, Lori, Shelli, Tammi, Lani, Terri- and Ami"(3).

David, on the other hand is a very abstract boy who has few friends, but holds the ones he has very closely and is okay with not having many. His artistic abilities shine through in various situations where he creates images depicting the Aztec style with Amy. Also at the art museum where his painting of "a great Aztec pyramid under oily black storm clouds"(4) is presented and awarded for the second consecutive year. David is an introvert as well who is able to admit this himself. Further on in the story he reflects on both Amy and his conflicting personalities by saying "I hid alone- she went to every party"(4). This is substantial evidence that David is an introvert and knows he is. 

Although David and Amy's personalities are somewhat mismatched, they are able to look past their differences and have great amounts of fun together. Creating, learning and sharing things together during the hot summer days down at the creek, it seems as though their friendship would last forever. However, as they both mature, David becomes more confident with himself and Amy seems to become diffident due to the pressure of high school. Amy doesn't want to be seen around David, and although this may crush his heart, he realizes that he can't change this and moves on.

The Lottery

Although traditions are closely related to human history, some traditions are completely irrational  and defy the laws of evolution, because as humans evolve, learn and create, traditional acts can often delay this process. In the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, a small town maintain an annual tradition that some fear, but are required to take part in. Although the tradition has remained intact over countless years and will continue for some time, it is apparent that as each year passes, a few people have become very resentful towards the lottery.

There is evidence that shows the tradition will continue on, regardless of how some people feel towards it. One of the most significant pieces of evidence supporting this belief is the fact that the tradition has been instilled into the next generation of participants who have not acquired the brain capacity to reject this concept. A few children even went to the extent of making a "pile of stones in one corner of the square"(147) to prepare for the annual event. Also, many people have learnt to accept the tradition, and it has become a source of entertainment for them, and although many of the towns people have forgotten the original ritual and black box, "they still remembered to use stones"(154). This being said, the heart of the tradition weather it be entertainment, brutality or self sacrifice, is still alive.

Indubitably, the Lottery will continue for many years to come, it is noticeable that an end will eventually come to the tradition. Some of the towns people have become disinterested in the tradition and other towns "have already quit lotteries"(152). This being the case, people may become influenced by others and consider  the idea of change and abolish the tradition all together. Furthermore, as some people feel the need to change things, the some of the people keeping the tradition established have completely forgotten about "the original paraphernalia for the lottery"(148).

The lottery will be held annually for now, but there may come a day when the tradition is turned away by it's participants. This is because as each generation passes, there might be one that disregards this practice and views it differently from the rest. It is already apparent that some of the villagers feel animosity towards the lottery. Just like the creators of this tradition, it will inevitably come to an end.

Literary Essay-The Painted Door

Marriage in itself, is an act of devotion and passion to another being, and if this doesn't remain constant in matrimony, it's foundation is destined collapse upon itself. In "The Painted Door" ; a short story by Sinclair Ross, a dispirited and stagnant married couple faces their fate on an isolated farm in which they struggle to make their living with. John's wife, Ann, finds herself deeply attracted to John's friend Steven. Although Ann is at first deemed responsible for her husbands death, John is also partly responsible for his own tragic end.

Ann is partly responsible for John's death. Throughout the story, you learn that Ann isn't happy with John, doesn't truly love John, and is married to him just for the sake of being married. Due to the fact that she is much younger than John, she finds him to be " a slow unambitious man, content with his farm and cattle"(367). For this reason alone Ann should have never married John in the first place. Ann knows all along where a card game with the young and attractive Steven is leading, because as Steven carried out the daily chores, "she changed into another dress, [with her] hair rearranged, [and] a little flush of colour in her face"(367). It is apparent that she is trying to look enticing to Steven and willing to explore the boundaries of her obsolete marriage. 

John is also responsible for his own tragic ending. He is a very simple farmer, who put's all of his effort into his crops to satisfy the needs and wants of Ann, while simultaneously forgetting to enjoy life with Ann. He often finds himself over worked to show his dedication to his wife, even when the most dedication you can show to your partner is by giving your full attention and communicating with them. Ann often feels isolated and questions"why sit trying to talk with a man who never talked?"(368). John either forgot or never realized,  that in order to have a healthy marriage, strong communication must be a significant aspect in your relationship. John also says to Ann "You haven't seen anybody but me for the last two weeks"(388) and this shows that Ann is situated in a very isolated environment due to John's persistent and stubborn behaviour in trying to create a something extravagant for Ann in an area where it was almost impossible to do so.

As the redundant process of John driving the "horses in the field"(367) as Ann "milked the cows and hoed potatoes"(367) continued, Ann would inevitably rebel and finally search for life in an isolated environment. As she took action to discover something new, John proves his loyalty to come back home and experiences what he felt is the ultimate betrayal, while his hands were pressed against the painted door.