Top Ten Fails of Twenty-Twelve

Nothing makes me laugh more than sports bloopers. Since we are starting a new year, I have decided to make a Top Ten Sports Fails of 2012. Enjoy.

10. Kent State Wrong Direction: Kent St LB Andre Parker picked up a fumble during a game and ran in the wrong direction. Even sadder, the other team tackled him.

9. Replacement Refs Touchdown Call: During Week 3 of the NFL, the referees determined that Golden Tate caught a touchdown pass as time expired. However, Greg Jennings caught the ball and Golden Tate hugged him... apparently it still counted.

8. Mark Sanchez Butt Fumble: Jets QB Mark Sanchez fumbled after running into the rear of his own player. The ball was returned for a touchdown by the defense.

7. Fake Basketball Flop: Faking an Injury has become a new fad in sports. However, it must be reasonable for referees to believe it. This guy's was not.

6. Nick Young Lay-Up Towards... Nothing: NBA Player Nick Young had a fast break opportunity during a game. He attempted to make a lay-up and... well... he did not.

5. Javale McGee Confused: Wizards player Javale McGee was caught not paying attention and accidentally ran to the wrong end of the court. McGee is often criticized for his bonehead plays during games. I can't blame his critics.

4.  Appalachian State Free Throw: Appalachian State basketball player Brian Okem was shooting the second of his two free throw attempts. So close, Brian.

3. U.S. Open Birdman Appearance: Golf is usually a game of gentlemen and respect. Not for this fellow. He thought the U.S. Open Trophy Presentation would be the best time to practice his game calls.

2. Atlanta Fan Dunk Fail: It is safe to say that I'm not surprised this happened. I wonder why the Atlanta Organization chose him to participate. I applaud him, though. He believed he could dunk that ball. Gravity had other plans.

1. Javale McGee Missed Dunk: Mr. McGee has made another appearance on my list. I think this is the funniest sport fail of 2012 because McGee did not come close to the basketball while looking like a buffoon.

Halftime Speech: Part II

I wrote my halftime speech last week for my blog post. Coincidentally, it was to the exact same prompt that was given for this week’s blog. I am either lucky or a mind-reader, which has yet to be determined. Just a recap from last week: my expectations of more quantity and more complex reading have been fulfilled, and I believe to be a better critic and writer from it. Since I already reflected on this semester’s impact on me, I shall reveal the adjustments I would like to make for next semester:

-Let’s do a group project. I feel like besides the sparse group activity, I have not been able to interact with my classmates very much (official interaction... not counting the talking during class). I don’t know what units are next semester, but a reasonable-sized group project would be fun to do next semester. 

-I want to act something out. I know we have already completed the drama unit, but I was hoping we would act out scenes or something like that. I think that a large class participatory activity would be great learning and lots of fun.

-Lastly, let’s have a party. I’m serious. This is our last semester of high school ever (hopefully). I think that after the AP test we should have a large party to finish out the year. These are what I hope. What about you? I want to hear your recommendations.

My Halftime Speech

I am feeling a tad reflective today, and considering the end of the first semester is approaching, I thought I would take a look back at the past 16 weeks that was semester 1 of AP Senior English. The main difference (and challenge) I had expected from this course was the amount of reading. This class has not disappointed, with a regular reading pace throughout the semester. Along with the amount of reading, I had anticipated a much higher reading level than advanced english classes of the past. Again, my expectations were correct. The literature we have read this semester has been the higest of any I have read-- and rightfully so. However, I really appreciate the variety of literature we read. We have read short stories, dramas, and novels (independent reading). Also, we have read modern texts, older literature, serious stories, and humorous passages. I have been able to relate to most of them (not all) which has allowed to stay interested in the class, something which concerned me at the start. Writing has also been a large part of this semester. I have expanded my writing skills by regularly doing several types of writing. I have practiced timed writing, reflective writing, interpretive writing and personal writing. I feel like I am a much more refined writer and reader because of this course. What about you guys? How has this semester of AP Senior English shaped you? Was it all that you had anticipated? 

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster: Useful Satire

Wednesday we learned about satire, the use of irony to ridicule human folly. After discussing satirical headlines of The Onion and reading Mark Twain’s speech, I asked myself: How could satire by useful? Interested, I searched the web for an answer. Several minutes later, I found one. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Niko Alm.

Austrian Niko Alm became frustrated with a double standard in his country, that Muslims were allowed to wear turbans in drivers license pictures while the rest of the population wasn’t. The Austrian government argued that turbans were allowed to be worn because of their religious importance. To point out how foolish this was, Alm created a perfectly satirical plan to make his point. Alm created ‘The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster’ which practices the religion of ‘Pastafarianism.’ These are the beliefs of Pastafarianism:

-Pirates were peacekeeping explorers and the original Pastafarians.

-Every Friday is a religious holiday.

-All global epidemics can be linked to the declining Pirate population

-All Pastafarians must wear pasta strainers on their heads at all times.

Alm showed up for his drivers license picture wearing his pasta strainer. He argued that because of the beliefs of Pastafarianism, he should be allowed to remain wearing it. Three years later and one court battle later, Alm had won his right to wear the pasta strainer, sparking a reform of Austrian government policies. Alm’s satirical actions furthered equal rights in Austria. 

Jake's Take on Pride and Prejudice

For my second independent reading book I choose Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I had heard from several people that this was a gossipy chick flick type book. I hadn’t concidered reading it, until it conveniently appeared on the reading extravaganza as well. My indolent (gold star for Jake!) ways decided it would be better to read two books instead of one. I prove to be a creature of habit and again read the entire book in the five days before the dealine. Pride and Prejudice was considerably shorter than my first book, which was a big plus. I cannot say that I was disappointed in Pride and Prejudice. The book had many unique characteristics that I have not come across in all the books I have read. Its central topic is marriage, written from a woman’s perspective. Austen described how vastly different the culture of England during the Elizabethan era was compared to today, with marriage mainly focused on social status and class. Another unique thing about the book was the way Austen wrote it. Never have I seen so many long, several claused sentences. Some paragraphs were composed of one or two sentences. If you have never read Pride and Prejudice, I would recommend reading it. It is very unique and differs from all books I have read recently.

My 9 Most Beautiful Words

Phil Cousineau wrote an article last week which he described the art of language in the simplest form. He discusses how an individual word without any context can be beautiful, and continues to list the 9 most beautiful words in his opinion. Cousineau states that words, both short and long, can leave you with a “shiver down your spine.” Now I do not think that words are that powerful, but there are some pronounciations that have an exceptional flow. In judging words on beauty, I picked the words that best roll off my tongue and make me smile while saying them. I do not think that extra long words hold higher beauty (if you want my reasoning, take a look at the back of your shampoo bottle). In no particular order, here are my 9 most beautiful words: 

-Anemone: For anyone who has seen Finding Nemo, this needs no explanation

-Anesthetize: I enjoy saying the middle of the word. Feels odd. Makes me feel like a snake.

-Awl: It’s a simple word and sounds like it is from the South (the greatest country on Earth)

-Hippopotamus: The consecutive p’s are what make this word fun to say for me

-Mirror: This word makes me smile especially when squashing it into one syllable. Meerrrrrrr

-Poop: Try saying poop with a straight face. You can’t. Or atleast I can’t. Argh the 5 year old in me...

-Schladt (as in Becca Schladt): The 4 consecutive consanants makes this word enjoyable to say. It's a mouthful

-Staphylococcus: I know I said I wasn’t a fan of long words, but who doesn’t enjoy saying this?

-Squib: This word refers to a type of kick in football. This word is beautiful because it’s short and gives you that warm feeling inside of you. Or something like that.

Don't be so Dramatic

I was anticipating an overbearing drama unit, but we have already read one play and it has not been so bad yet. Was I the only one worried about this drama unit? I mean this is big, bad, AP Senior English. Given we have not gotten to the Shakespeare yet, I still anticipated trying to translate Old English for hours and envisioned humiliating myself trying to role play in front the entire class. I guess I still had incorrect fears about the AP class after taking advanced last year. Also, this literary analysis stuff seems to be getting a tad easier (credit Mr. Mullins for his teaching skills). All my English reservations have been put to rest. So how bout that play, Salem: A Play with Puppets? I found it to be interesting, drawing parallels between it and The Crucible while watching it. Both conflicts were introduced by a young girl making accusations against an authority figure, and the rumors spreading throughout all the characters. They also both had a supernatural element- witchcraft in The Crucible and the vortex in Salem (though I never fully understood what it represented, any thoughts?). Both plays were also centered arounf a social conflict during that time, the red scare and civil rights. I realize my blog is a hodgepodge of thoughts so comment on whatever you feel like. Also, if you were to second guess yourself about making an appointment to tour a Native American homeland, you would be having a reservation reservation reservation (credit Brian Regan).