The Wild Trees Nature Writing

Nature writing:
Wild Trees

Wild Trees. “The outer limit of biology” says Preston. Through love, danger, and discovery of these massive trees, you can see they really are “on the edge of possible.”

Steve Sillett once said you need to love trees to climb them. Well, there were many examples of this in The wild trees. One would be the literal verb-to love. Marie Antoinette and Steve Sillett “got it on” in the trees (pg. 199); after falling in love with the help of lichens, a type of organism that grows on trees. Also at the beginning of the book, young Sillett said “I’m lusting for this tree.” (pg.12) about Nameless, a gentle giant that Steve climbed while he was in his early 20’s. He climbed it without safety equipment and free climbed the whole way. But with love-there’s always break-ups. Steve had married Amanda Lebrun, but when she though his love for trees was getting in the way of his love for her. She broke his heart and got a divorce. (pg 155) These show, trees can have a hold on people. Good or bad-there’s always love. Death. Sillett has both knocked at the door and seen a friend knock as well. Luckily him nor Kevin Hillary; who fell over 100 feet out of a redwood, takes this lightly (pg 105-110) And for those not as lucky, like Truman Jones who fell to his death. (pg 103 + 104)

Into the Wild Nature Writing

Q: Do I see something admirable or noble in his struggles and adventures?

I find Chris McCandless’ struggles and adventures to be extremely noble and admirable. He died doing what he loved. Through life choices, money struggles, and going off seemingly unprepared, “Alex” led a life he literally lived and died for.

After Chris (a.k.a. Alex Supertramp) dropped off the radar he drove his beat-up car west and started his new life. Meeting many different people wasn’t what he aimed for-he aimed for his love of freedom and nature. After he donated $25,000 dollars to charity he dumped his car and burned the money he had-Alex Supertramp hit the scene. When he did need new supplies he reluctantly got jobs and created few relationships with people. But the relationships he did make-some grew strong such a s with one of his bosses Wayne Westerberg. Westerberg grew fond of young McCandless and his endeavors. The choices he made in life were his. He did what he wanted when he wanted. That might of sped up his death, but he loved every minute of it.

Money, one thing Chris never prioritized. He worked when he needed to, but other then that he ran free. Without money he still thrived. He could “live forever on rice”. People call him crazy for going out in Alaska under prepared and under schooled about everything. He ate by using a book to determine what berries were good. That played a role in his death but he loved ever minute of it.

Christopher Johnson McCandless, Alex Supertramp, either name I use still makes him my hero. He died doing what he wanted. He loved his life for the simplicity of it. You might say he’s crazy-but to me- he lived out his full American Dream. That alone makes him nobler and admirable then say you or me because not only did he dream it but he lived it. Through life choices good and bad, money, be it a lot or next to none, and unpreparedness makes McCandless a noble man. For not only having the guts to do what he loved but for not letting anyone stop him from achieving it.

Blog#25

"So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back carelessly in the past." Jay Gatsby was stuck in the past. He wanted back what he had, and that was Daisy. He tried to get to her through money, and everything he knew she loved. Though–it didnt work.

"So we beat on.." represents how they kept going. How Gatsby kept at what he wanted, up until he was killed. He kept rowing in the boat to get to Daisy until the day he died for her. He pushed from the past to get to the future.

"...boats against the current.." This talks about the struggle. Throughout the whole book, the struggle of Gatsby, and even Nick. The struggle of gaining ones true love back. Times had changed and Daisy was married. Tom Buchanan was the current, Gatsby was the boat and Daisy was the land the boat was trying to get to. Putting those labels in, we see how hard Gatsby had to work to get to what he wanted.

"..borne back carelessly in the past." No matter how hard he tried, he couldnt get what he wanted, so Gatsby was left in the past with himself.

The whole line all together, states everything. No matter where you start, past or present-(in this case past) if you try to push for the opposite, try to bring it to where you are now, it wont work.

MSB Optional Assignment

I chose to look at Evan Lotts article from last year:

"...Water quality is one of the most important issues that we should take care of, why? Because it affects everything. If San Diego has dirty beaches, that can lead to a vast variety of problems with wildlife and humans. If the water is too toxic, then the fish will die off, and that just starts a chain reaction of issues with wildlife in the ocean such as loss of population. And if the water is too polluted for humans

then that can lead to illnesses such as throat, and ear infections. So water quality is an ever evolving issue that we must get under control now, before our beaches are too toxic to swim in..."

(http://students.hthma.hightechhigh.org/~elott/11th%20Grade/Humanities/water%20project%20indesign%20FINAL.pdf)

I believe his piece of writing is professional for a couple of reasons. First, he went through a ton of drafts to get his final project. Its also related to my topic of pollution and trash on the beach. I think I could use his style of writing to even start off with a question because it intrigues the readers to want to know more. I can also go the route he did throughout his writing, even though he had an article and I'm doing an art piece.

The Roaring 20's

The 1920's, also known as the Roaring 20's built the America as we know it today through Jazz, art and alcohol.

Jazz was an unheard on sensation that rippled through the 20's. Its beats and sound were completely different from other music that was around, and even the musicians making the music were different, mostly from minorities. Jazz was a release from the way the government had banned alcohol, and this was basically the push-back from the American public. People who listened to Jazz would be people like Jay Gatsby (from "The Great Gatsby") who typically had a lot of money and partied with tons of alcohol.

Surrealism and art also made its appearance in the roaring 20's. It expressed rebellion and though. Through metaphors, surrealist artists showed many meanings behind things such as the cover of "The Great Gatsby".

Alcohol was illegal in the 1920's. Banned by the government, people began to fight and act out against this law. People began to illegally import alcohol and throw huge parties in protest. The mob was involved, and many of the West Eggs were involved in this illegal importing of alcohol.

The Roaring 20's was the first rebellious period in history where the public did what they wanted, including illegal importing of alcohol. Before, life was very classic. With classical music and classy actions. As the twenties pushed through, Jazz, Surrealism and Alcohol led America into a completely different life.

Blog#23

Environmental Current Event

1.In this article, activists with the 'Hold onto your butt' campaign, stood at places throughout San Diego, reminding motorists and people alike to Hold onto their butts and not litter.

2.That people dont care about littering and throw their cigarette butts on the ground at the beaches and it ends up polluting and harming the environment.

3. What has happened due to the trash and litter from cigarette butts.

4. I changed my question towards trash and pollution, so this plays a role because so many people just dispose of trash on the ground at beaches, and they dont care what affect that could have on the environment.

Blog#22

1. City Council District 5

2. "I pledge to bring people's voice into city government and dedicate my time on the City Council to four key priorities: fiscal responsibility, open and honest government, clean and safe neighborhoods and quality jobs."

Pick two of the following:

3a. DeMaio to Unveil Reform Package to "Make City Government Work Again"

http://www.sandiego.gov/citycouncil/cd5/pdf/news/news090721.pdf

3b. Couldnt Find.

3c. Couldnt Find.

Blog#21

Nick Carraway is the narrator, and right of he says, 'hey im honest trust me!' Also, hes in many different scenes and he copes with each differently. Most of the time, he just detaches and slinks into the corner, and becomes a loner, and observer. But when he is called to fit in, he does. Such as when he went to Toms other house with Myrtle.

Jay Gatsby throws thousands of huge parties, yet he isnt much of a partier. He just would make parties s hopefully he could find daisy, the love of his life. Instead of partying along with them, he overlooks eveyrthing, and watches everyone else have a good time

Blog#21

Blog#20

1. Who is the narrator? Describe his perspective, biases, character traits, etc.

Nick Carroway is the narrator. Right off the bat he tried to say, hey look you can trust me. Im fair, and Ill tell this story in the correct manner, and truthfully.

2. What do you think F. Scott Fiitzgerald accomplishes by chooses this specific narrator versus another choice, such as a different character or 3rd person?

I believe that he chose Nick to be the narrator because he is not biased to one side. He is trying to become new money, and since he isnt old money, he wont be prejudiced and make one of the eggers sound better.

Blog#19

1. What is the most successful element of this work sample? Why do you believe this?
I believe that the best part of this art piece is that its all put together, its clean, and exactly how the artist wanted it.

2. What is the message of the work? How do you know?
I honestly dont know the message. The artist just goes with the flow, and a lot of his work represents his own struggles in life.

3. Who or what is the intended audience for this work? How do you know?
The audience is for everyone. There is no one specific person. Obviously if you like this art you will look at more of this type.

4. How do specific elements of the work sample come together to deliver the message?

They create an abstract vision of the artists struggles in life. It delivers its message by being clear and easy to view.

5. Describe one technique the creator of this work used. Why do you think this technique was used for this specific piece of work?
He would carefully put it together and not just go at it in one shot like many amateurs do.

6. Why did you choose this work sample?

Because I enjoy this guys art, I really like it, and I know it is extremely professional.

Blog#18

I learned how to better use the writing techniques and to create even better articles.

I didnt have much of an "experience" during the newspaper, but I will use all of the skills I have before to create a better project.

Blog#13

"Solana Beach has kept about 160,000 plastic bags out of landfills through a recycling program the city started 14 months ago in partnership with a manufacturer.

The city originally had three drop-off points, but has since expanded to nine.

“It has been more of a success than we initially envisioned,” said Dan King, management analyst for Solana Beach, who coordinates the program."

1.In Solana Beach, there is a new program going about that has to do with getting plastic bags off the street, and polluting the water. Controversy is that is it wasting money, and is it really working.

2.There isnt much at all missing from the story. It touches base with everything.

3.Probably to say how it is now, and what the program has done to help.

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/oct/10/bagging-successful-recycling-program/?&zIndex=180400

Blog#11

1. Why did the state cut water testing workers?

If we swim in the water, why would they take away workers who made sure it was safe enough to swim in. That makes no sense. Especially after it rains, or there is a sewage spill, its important to let people know that they could be putting themselves in liquid toxins.

2. Which beaches are cleanest/dirtiest?

I find this important, because if there is a dirty beach, you wont want to go to it. That makes no sense. So if I knew which beaches were better, then I would go to those, and make sure I do my part not to pollute water.

3. Why are certain beaches cleaner then others?

Is it because of locations? Workers? Why are certain places cleaner and some are disgusting? I want to know what affects conditions and what helps them.

Honors History Writing#1

And Then Came Modern America

The Civil War changed history; not just because of the bloody battles, but also because of the way it contributed to Modern America, and the way America is today.

Though slavery is over, racism looms in life not only in the South, but all over the nation as well. At the end of the Civil War with slavery abolished, the South fumed with the loss of their old fashioned America. With their Confederacy in shambles, the South turned to ulterior methods such as the KKK, the White League, and the Red Shirts to intimidate and prove that white is the supreme race. From cross “lightings” to lynching and riots, the KKK and other paramilitary groups instilled fear in other races.

Modern America is thought to be a place with all equal rights and a fair life with no intimidation from hardcore groups. After the civil war ended, three amendments were put on paper­—the thirteenth (abolishment of slavery), fourteenth (definition of citizenship) and fifteenth (freedom to vote) amendments—to help create “equality for all”.

Then came the Civil Rights Acts in 1964 and 1968. The laws that have been passed in our history have made it so that our modern America could become equal for everyone. Though it took a long time, through the struggle, we have made it pretty far. During the Civil War, blacks did not have any rights at all. They had nothing. Now there are no segregated schools, interracial marriages, mixed classes, biracial babies, and neighbors of every race.

In American history there has not been a good track record of equal rights between different races. Technically everyone had legal rights, but some still looked down on others. Equality is a high goal that America has yet to fully reach.

Even though equality came 150 years ago at the end of the Civil War, it is still a struggle. We can go days or years pretending everything is perfect, and everyone is equally treated, but that isn’t the truth. There’s a place in many people’s hearts where the Civil War is still raging. Not only southerners, but also many people nationwide, still think degradingly due to race and color of skin. Modern society has changed old ways and made opportunities for people equal, but we are still not quite there yet.

Everyone is always entitled to his or her own opinion, but with that right, equality is pushed into the distance. Though, if the Civil War didn’t happen, there would be a huge group of people directly affected with that.

With Barack Obama as our first black president, we have reached a milestone we would have never dreamed of 150 years ago, let alone only 50.

There is still violence and stereotypical remarks coming from both the South and the North. Newer generations are less thick-skinned, and may lash out to hurtful things instead of just walking away. In Dying for Dixie, a woman says, “Kids today, they’re weaker and wiser.” Which shows that they are more affected by words, but smarter as well.

For the Civil War being the beginning of modern America—of course it is! So many changes went on in these last 150 years to turn this country into a loving, almost completely racism-less place to live, laugh and love with family, and neighbors of all different races.

American history, especially the Civil War, will always play a huge role in the new generations of modern America as time goes on. As racism slowly goes away, and equality is fully here, our nation, once torn in two, will be united as one, for the complete United States of America.

Blog#10 Reconstruction

Reconstruction was when the south was "put back together" or "redesigned". (1860's to 1870's)

The idea behind reconstruction was

a great idea because the US government was trying to help freed slaves

, and trying to not let the confederates come back. Also, they began to try to make everyone have equal rights. Which didnt really work out too well for awhile. In the reconstruction e

ra that it was finally illegal to have slaves.

The main problem was that after Lincoln was assassinated, Andrew

Johnson became the new president and was not equal, and was racially insensitive a lot of the time. He actually allowed laws to pass going against former slaves and their families. Ulysses Grant, the

following President, wanted to help, but he didnt feel like giving an effort to change the wrong doings. He watched southern democrats take over the south and abolish all of the reforms everyone had tried to make.

It is extremely relevant to todays time because even now there is racial tension in almost every single society. If the Civil War had not happened, slavery could possibly still be around.

The KKK (Ku Klux Klan) is still around. The groups of people who would burn crosses and lynch people, the intimidating white robes still loom over the south, and the US. Though, they

are a little bit different.

Source:

http://www.life.com/image/85938998/in-gallery/25151/life-goes-inside-todays-kkk

(unknown author)

"I guess I prefer stories with a little edge to them. I find it extremely interesting to document a controversial belief system -- to capture people when they're in a vulnerable state, running on raw emotion. It's about being allowed into someone's personal space, respecting that trust, being grateful for the chance to see something that most don't get to see."

Blog#9

The article i read about was one about the controversy with the la jolla's childrens pool. i think its really important to our project, because seals could have illnesses, or bacteria on them that arent safe to humans, or they could contaminate the water. It relates because our water samples could show that the seals should either leave, or be left completely alone.

This article, and many other can be found anywhere. There are thousands of articles and things about this, because it is so controversial.

http://www.amwest-travel.com/awt_sdseal.html

"A controversy has developed over the purpose of the beach. Harbor seal advocates want it to be treated as a marine mammal sanctuary, while Children's Pool advocates want to preserve it for recreational swimming.

The presence of the seals has become a tourist draw, with many visitors coming to Children's Pool Beach just to see the seals. Lifeguards and seal advocates monitor the beach to prevent interactions between visitors and the seals. Swimming is allowed but not recommended due high fecal coliform counts. To return Children's Pool to its 1931 conditions would require the City to dredge and remove 75% of the sand which has built up in the pool over the past 78 years..."

Media Saves the Beach

I think I want to do something revolving around the pollution of the water, or something with all the seals in la jolla. I dont quite know what I want to do yet, Im still pondering the many decisions, I want to do something original. I think eveyrthing about the beach interests me. There isnt much that doesnt.

I want to make a video, or talk some pictures. I want it to be riviting. I want to be proud of it.

Techni-Color Talk-Shows

Comedian. Actress. Talk Show host. Squished into one word—Ellen. My icon from before I knew gay wasn’t just happy. I love to watch, laugh and tell stories about Ellen’s show. Her strength, knowledge and openness to everyone influences me in everyday life.

 The Ellen DeGeneres show was launched in 2003. What seemed like a peppy gay woman talking to celebrities and people turned into something completely different to me. The strong, successful woman in techni-color mesmerized me. She showed me that being strong and being gay is fine. Ellen showed me that being gay isn’t something I should be ashamed about; its something I should be proud of, not something to let other people bring me down about. She keeps a smile on my face and a laugh in my heart. 

“…That I'm on this planet doing some good and making people happy. That’s to me the most important thing, that my hour of television is positive and upbeat and an antidote for all the negative stuff going on in life." I went days, weeks and months struggling with self-confidence, being gay, and not knowing who I was. Ellen's crazy show turned that around for me. Not so much the show, but her. Ellen did. She showed me you can be successful and be gay at the same time. It showed me, I can be me and I can be gay. I don't have to struggle—I can take hold of it and turn it towards making my life better. 

Her one-hour every day slowly built me up. Ellen’s quirkiness, ridiculous dances and jokes made me laugh, made me smile. The next day I would hold my head higher. I want to be like her. I want to be successful and to love every minute of it. Being gay shouldn’t get me down. I want to live life constantly being there for other people, as Ellen was there for me. I want to go home at the end of the day knowing I helped a kid smile, or made a friend laugh on a bad day. Just like Ellen DeGeneres.

Citations

"Ellen DeGeneres Bio | The Ellen DeGeneres Show." The Ellen DeGeneres Show: The place for Ellen tickets, celebrity photos, videos, games, giveaways and more.. 14 Sep. 2009 .

 "GLBT History Month." GLBT History Month 2009. 14 Sep. 2009 .

"GLBT History Month." GLBT History Month 2009. 14 Sep. 2009 .

Blog#6

1. What did you discover about your writing during this project?

So far with this one project, I have learned many different tools, to aid in improving my writing. I found out that when I write, I am really good at just making a draft in one sitting, then if I try to add on later, I end up not being able to make them connect.

2. Identify and describe (at least) one specific writing technique that you used. How did you use it? What effect did it have on your writing?

One technique I used was 'Avoid "-ings"'. It helped me make my artist statement that much better. I also focused on making sure my punctuation was correct, so that my writing made sense, and had the correct pace that I wanted it at. Both of these tools made my writing improve and it made my writing to the point where I was proud.

3. If you had time for one more draft, what would you do?

I would try to make it longer, and maybe tie in a more personal story to strengthen the relationship I made with the readers of my writing. And I would probably try to incorporate all of the different tools to make my writing super fantastic!

4. Copy one sentence that you believe is well-written and/or important to your overall piece. What makes it stand out to you?

"The strong, successful woman in techni-color mesmerized me."

"She keeps a smile on my face and a laugh in my heart."

I really like both of these lines. I think theyre almost little gems in my paragraph. I think they stand out because theyre really beautifully written and Im proud of myself for writing them.

American Icons Final Picture

Blog#5 Photography Techniques

Rule of Thirds

I personally like rule of thirds because you can get really neat images up in a corner and such. I think it looks really artistic. I think it enhances the image because it draws a different perspective to it, and it catches your eye when you walk by it. 

Unique Perspective

I think this enhances the photo by really making you question why the artist decided to use this angle, or perspective in the picture. Using it in different ways, an artist can really create an edge with this, depending on the angle, and the props or background in this picture.

Posed Portrait

I personally love portraits. They can show a persons personality, or they can grab you with an artistic edge. I would take portraits for the rest of my life, but I couldnt handle saying, "Think sexy! Feel Sexy! Feel that breeze ladies! Gorgeous hun!" If you get my drift. But I think that you can make a portrait really unique, and off the wall.

Blog#4 Artist Statement

Techni-Color Talk Shows

Comedian. Actress. Talk Show host. Squished into one word is Ellen. My icon from before I knew gay wasnt just happy. The woman whos show I love to watch, laugh at, and tell stories about. The strength, knowledge and openess of Ellen DeGeneres makes her my American Icon.

2003 launched the start of the Ellen DeGeneres show. What seemed like a peppy gay woman talking to celebrities and people, turned into something completely different to me. The strong, successful woman in techni-color mesmerized me. She showed me that being strong, being gay is fine. That you should take advantage of it, to not let it get you down. She keeps a smile on my face and a laugh in my heart. 

Being gay, struggling with self confidence, and not knowing who I really was was hard. I went day after day, week after week,  month after month not being happy. Ellen's crazy show turned that around for me. Not so much the show, but her. She did. She showed me you can be successful and be gay at the same time. It showed me, I can be me, I can be gay. I don't have to struggle, I can take hold of it and turn it towards making my life better. 

Her one hour every day slowly built me up. Made me laugh, made me smile. The next day I would hold my head higher. I want to be like her. I want to be successful, and love every minute of it. I want to not let being gay get me down. I want to live life helping others. I want to go home at the end of the day knowing I helped out. Just like Ellen DeGeneres.

"For me, its that I contributed. That I'm on this planet doing some good and making people happy. Thats to me the most important thing, that my hour of television is positive and upbeat and an antidote for all the negative stuff going on in life"

-Ellen DeGeneres

*I had a tiny bit of writers block, and I really would love some feedback so I can make this even better!*

Blog#3 American Icons

Ellen Degeneres

"For me, it's that I contributed . . . that I'm on this planet doing some good and making people happy. That's to me the most important thing, that my hour of television is positive and upbeat and an antidote for all the negative stuff going on in life."

A website I am using her bio from is :http://ellen.warnerbros.com/about/bio.php

Why I am using her biography is because that is who she is, which in turn influenced me in my life and decisions. It talks about her accomplishments, which I also want to take after. I want to be successful just like her. (awww)

And a video from the GLBT history week page: http://www.glbthistorymonth.com/glbthistorymonth/2006/video.cfm?LeaderID=3 

and also the learn more about Ellen link:

 http://www.glbthistorymonth.com/glbthistorymonth/2006/bio.cfm?LeaderID=3

Why I'm using this is because she is openly gay, and is fine with it. She respectively tells her side to the story and such. I want to be like her in the way that I want to be openly gay, and fine with it. Yeah, people might get me down about it, but why let those people affect me, its pointless. 

Angelina Jolie

& 

Adam Lambert:

After researching more about both of these two, I decided that I really dont relate to the that much. I'm not trying to get out of more work, I just dont feel I have the connection to get an amazing piece from either of them.

American Icons

The first person who I call my icon, is Ellen DeGeneres.

I believe she represents me because she is a successful woman, which I hope to be one day. She is also openly gay, and totally fine with it. She is strong and forward about it, and she wont let anyone get her down about it. She is funny and I like to think I am funny, and I help lighten the mood in tense situations. 

She is my icon because I want to strive to be like her. I want to be strong and successful. I want to not let peoples remarks about being gay get me down. I want to be better then that. And with her as my icon I believe I will be able to be who I want to be, without worrying.

She started out working her way through stand-up comedy. As she moved up the ladder she began to show her face on T.V. in different shows like Open House. Then her comical material was the spotlight in the sitcom, Ellen. Without boring you with every single thing she has done, or been in; the one most-known show she is recognized with is her television show The Ellen DeGeneres Show. 

Overall she is one of my most favorite American Icons.

My next icon is Angelina Jolie. And no, not because she is gorgeous and has amazing lips. Not because of her a**kicking power in Laura Croft, Tomb Raider. 

I chose to use her because of the knowledge, and experience she has with humanitarian work. Her iconship comes to color with me because of what she has done for other third-world countries. Originally she became personally aware of issues when  she traveled to Cambodia to film Tomb Raider. She then turned to UNHCR to really make a difference. In the following months she visited many different places so that she could help out and make a difference.

 That was basically how she became an icon to me. I love helping out those who are in need. I personally know that if I was in the position of Angelina Jolie, and if I had the money she does, I would do everything in my power to help out other countries, and do my best to make them happy, make them smile and forget the infinite issues they have every day.

She makes me want to help when I become older. Right now all I can really do is help out at shelters or with animals. I hope that when I become older, I will have more resources and I will really be able to help out. She inspires me.

My last icon is Adam Lambert. You probably know him from being the crazy gay rocker on American Idol with those super good vocals, even though he came in second.

Why I choose him you ask? Well, not because he can sing. But because he followed his passion. By doing something he loves, he became the huuuuuge star he is today. Thats one reason. Because he tried so hard to do what he loves. He stuck with it, and it payed off...big time!

America definitely got to know Adam through American Idol, where his vocals rocked the show all season long, up to the season finale where he lost to Kris Allen, another excellent singer.

To me, he represents strength and passion. He does what he loves, and he didnt let the struggle to get to the top let him down. He kept pushing and pushing, and finally it payed off for him. I want to be like him in the fact that I want to do what I love, and I wont let someone tell me no for an answer. He inspires me to try my best all the time.

RE: Back to School

This year, being a junior I hope to expand my knowledge greatly, and strengthen my skills in English, as it is one of my favorite subjects. I want to go more in depth into history as well, because I have always found our history to be intriguing.

I hope to bring to light many topics through research during such things as exhibitions. I want to excel more in the art of essay writing, because I have yet to be happy with how I write my essays.

Obviously, I wont want to turn in late work, or struggle with procrastination as tempting as it is. I want to stay organized and I dont want to fall behind on anything.