8 phrases to live by

1) Prepare for tomorrow by doing your best today: This shows the dangers of procrastination, and how working ahead can give you more opportunities later on.
2) I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to keep going: This shows how important it is to be able to adapt.
3) If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door: You have to make your own solutions, and take matters into your own hands
4) The best way out is through: It is better to confront something directly than to avoid it and procrastinate
5) Memories of our lives, of our works and deeds will continue in others: What we do today will be carried on by the generations after
6) The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have: Use the means at your disposal, and don't always desire something you don't have.
7) Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around: Do all you can to make your beliefs known, and try to change the world for the better
8) I believe in living today, not in yesterday or tomorrow: Make the most out of where you are, not where you want to be.

Night Final Essay Intro Paragraph

Indeed, this life is a test. It is a test of many things - of our convictions and priorities, our faith and our faithfulness, our patience and our resilience, and in the end, our ultimate desires (Sherie L. Dew). Resilience is what drives us in our everyday life, allowing us to overcome the challenges that life throws at us. Many examples of resilience can be seen in literature, as the various characters overcome the trials set before them, Particularly in Fallen Angles by Walter Dean Myers, Glory Field by Walter Dean Meyers, and Night by Elie Wiesel. As seen in Perry’s, Muhammed’s, and Elie’s stories, resilience can help change the world for the better.

5 stages of writing an essay
1) Procrastination
2) Realization
3) Intimidation
4) Improvisation
5) Liquidation

Innovation

I think that the ability to harness electricity, and make it a part of everyday life is one of man kind's greatest achievements. It has allowed us to reach an age of innovation, where nothing is truly impossible. Anything from a reliable light source to the stove on which we make our food is powered by electricity. It also decreases the amount of manpower necessary to complete different tasks, such as the production of goods, or construction of buildings.  This makes it possible for more people to seek an intellectual way of life, allowing for innovation on a much grander scale. To conclude, without electricity, not much of what we today see as the norm would be possible, and mankind would not be nearly as advanced as it is now.

Progressive Era

I think that equal rights for everyone, both women and African Americans, is one of the most pressing issues facing our society today. To be able to have a stable community, no one can feel that they are being discriminated against. This will eventually lead to some form of revolt, after which those groups would only alienate themselves further. If we ensure that everyone has equal opportunities, both economically and socially, we will have a much more well-functioning society. There is no good reason that certain groups, whether those groups are based on gender, religion, race, etc. should not have the same opportunities as everyone else. Naturally, there are certain cases in which one group is naturally more disposed to a certain occupation, but in general, it should be equal for all.

What I hope to transform in the world

I think that I would like to address the issue of terrorism that is so prominent in today's world. It would definitely be for the best to try and remove extremist terrorist acts from the face of the earth. Be this through war or through politics, I do not know, but, either way, I would like to participate in this battle, be it metaphorical or physical. Extremist terrorists act only serve to alienate the different religions that have clashed throughout the centuries. It is necessary for people to learn to coexist, be they Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, or any of the other many religions. One small group of people that insists on violently opposing other religions causes all the people that follow their religion to become potential dangers in the eyes of the religion that they had attacked.

Bravest Person

The bravest person that I know has to be Anna Alldredge. The way that she manages to control a group of poorly behaved hooligans like me is truly astounding. I think that being able to keep a cool head while under pressure from multiple classes is a very impressive feat. She just seems like such a heroic person, with immense control over the awesome power of language. With an adjective thrown to the left, and an idiom cast mightily to the right, she smites her enemies down with the blinding ability of the rare English teacher. She manages to merge the different components, such as adjectives, nouns, interjections, verbs, idioms, and metaphors into a great source of pure energy. Aye, Anna Alldredge is the bravest person I have every known. 

R.A.F.T.

Dear President Davis,

As you know, our differences have caused a violent conflict, which is slowly creating an end for this great nation. It is in the interest of both our parties that we find a way to end this conflict, for the good of the nation and its people. Although differences may divide us, I believe that it is a very real possibility that we may find a way to split our differences. If you think that this eventuality is possible, as well as agreeable, would you agree to meet in Congress to discuss what will happen to our nation under god, with both parties agreeing to a temporary truce? If this seems agreeable to you, please respond as quickly as possible, so that we may stop this bloodshed.

With the utmost respect,

Abraham Lincoln, President

Justice

I think that human nature both aids and impedes justice. Humans have a natural desire for fairness, but personal gain can often come in the way of justice being carried out. Take a trial for example. A third party witness, who had nothing to do with the conflict that is being examined, is likely to give an honest opinion, for the sake of fairness. However, if one of the people who is directly involved gives a testament, it is likely to be tainted by what the person wants to achieve. Something else that affects justice is capitalism. People have a tendency to twist stories, to fit their own desires. This links back to the previous statement because it is an element of human nature to search for a solution that is beneficial to yourself. Something that could be beneficial to justice is the personal morals of most people. Typically, honesty is a typical trait in most people. This aids justice because it is a vital component of giving someone a fair chance, to either be convicted or deemed free of all charges. 

Museum Trip

I think that being a witness means acknowledging and recognizing that a particular event happened, even if you weren't necessarily at the scene of whatever happened. If you heard what happened from someone else, then you are a witness. I don't think that I was particularly transformed by the experience we all had in LA, although it was a very meaningful experience. It was definitely a learning experience, and I was impacted by what we saw, but I don't think I was transformed by it.

Outside Reading Q2

The protagonist Lee Waite in "Sixty Acres" by Raymond Carver is faced with making two important decisions. He has to decide whether he will brave the danger, and go confront the hunters who are invading his property, or just let them go and avoid the danger. After he decides to face the hunters, he needs to choose whether he will simply chase them off, or report them to the local authorities.

Waite proves to be a kind hearted, peace loving person, but with a streak of courage in him. He goes out to face the hunters, even though he knows that he is placing his personal safety at risk, to protect his property. Once he meets the hunters, and sees that they are no more than boys, his kindheartedness comes to light, as he simply asks them to leave his property, and doesn't report them to the police. One of the bigger decisions I've made, that could possibly compromise my own safety, was in the fourth grade in Denmark. A bunch of bigger kids were bullying my friends, wiping snow in our faces and such. The easiest thing to do would be to just accept the uncomfortable experience, and then move on. However, I got angry and decided to tackle one of the bigger boys and give him a faceful of snow to. I definitely made the right decision, and gained respect both among my peers, but also with the older kids.

Time Capsule

1) For family and childhood, I would put a hammer in the time capsule, because for as long as I can remember I have been working or playing with tools.
2) For heritage, I would leave a knife, to symbolize the Vikings
3) For accomplishments and achievements, I would put some woodwork that I have made
4) I don't have anything particular to leave behind for a legacy, other than the nordic symbol for persistence

Child of the West

I definitely do identify as a child of the west, seeing as how all my ancestors have been firmly rooted in Scandinavia. I also believe in the western point of view: that everyone should have a fair chance at a life of peace and prosperity. I have a strong connection to the nature and location of the west, particularly Denmark, where I am born. I identify as a child of the west, but I do not in any way discriminate other cultures. I think I have a gift in my ability to integrate into other cultures and countries.

Ice and Fire

On the front of the mask, there is a dividing line in the center, separating the colors of blue and red. The blue represents the tranquil side of my consciousness, full of peace and quiet, while the red represents fury, and the will to keep fighting. On each side of the mask, there is a symbol on the brow. On the tranquil side, there is the nordic symbol for peace, representing my desire for peace and quiet. On the red side, there is the nordic symbol for warrior and strength, representing my temper, readiness to defend the honor of me and my family, as well as my decisiveness. Underneath the eye on the blue side is a reversed arch, symbolising the smile lines of the face. On the red side, there is a regular arch, indicating the facial expressions of a frown. On the flip side of the mask, there is the symbol for Shotokan karate, one of my favorite pastimes. It represents skill, precision, and strength. Also, there is a symbol for the business that resides a few yards away from my house in Denmark, which shows where I'm from. My home's garden goes directly down to the banks of the fjord, and I see much of myself in the deceptively calm waters. One day, the water may be choppy and rough, unnavigable and unfriendly. However, on another day, the water is calm and reflective, the icy water helpful and peaceful. This represents how I am very well, and the way my mood can swing from the red to the blue in a short amount of time.

Legacy

What do you want people to remember you for in the future?

I want to be remembered as a kind person, who had a strong sense of right and wrong. I hope that my grandkids and great grandkids will know me as someone who always likes to have fun, but is also ready to take a serious note when the situation dictates. I want the ideals and beliefs that I have now to be passed down to the next generation, and the generations after, creating a strong legacy. Personally, I believe that one should be both lighthearted and serious, whatever you feel is right.

Ingredients for Well-done Vincent

- 2 tablespoons of creativity
- A sprinkle of humor
- Pinch of seriousness
- Healthy dollop of confidence
- 2 Cups of sociality
- 1 oz of independence
- 1/2 Kg of friendliness
- A decent amount of awesomeness (depends on personal preference)

First take Friendliness, confidence, and sociality and mix together throughly. Then take friendliness, and gradually add it to the mix, stirring the whole time. Knead the mixture until it begins to thicken, leaving you with a veritable dough. Flatten with rolling pin, then take creativity and smear it over the sheet of dough. Add humor and seriousness, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly spread around the dough. Cut the sheet into around ten pieces, then roll the individual pieces into cylinders. Garnish with a light coat of awesomeness. Heat the oven to around 150º Celsius, and let the cylinders bake for around an hour.

Serve with salad and fries, creates perfect meal for a light casual atmosphere. Personally I like to serve this when I am among friends, but really, any informal situation is perfectly suited to Well-done Vincent

(ง ͠° ͟ل͜ ͡°)ง

Outside Reading Q1

Vincent Vestergaard
Mrs. Nordgaarden
English 8 Period F
3 November 2015

"The Waxwork": The power of imagination

In "The Waxwork" by A.M. Burrage, the Protagonist, Raymond Hewson, is on a quest to become a well known freelance journalist, and make enough money to take care of his family. He has an idea that he will spend a night in the infamous Murderers Den, a small room in which waxworks of the most twisten criminals reside. As he settles down for the night, he is confronted with one of the most brutal criminals, whose effigy resides in the room. He is killed by the criminal, after which we find out that he has been dreaming all along, and that the night has passed.

The curator of the museum gives him a brief description of each criminal that is depicted, going more in depth with a man called Dr. Bourdette, who was apparently never caught. As he settles down for the night, he is wary of all the statues, but the depiction of Dr. Bourdette gives him an exceptional amount of discomfort. After an hour or so, he hears movement behind him, and sees the statue of Bourdette moving, for he is not a statue at all. I would say that this is the most difficult situation Hewson faces, because of the sheer terror he must be feeling. I would undoubtedly be in a similar state of shock, but i do not think, or hope, that I would simply let the person kill me if I was in this situation. I believe that all people have a basic instinct for survival, and that no matter how traumatized one might be, you will always choose to fight for your life, instead of simply giving up.

• How would you want to change the world, if you could? Not all revolutions are violent wars; they are often social movements that change people’s thoughts and approaches to life.
• The revolutionaries in colonial America sought to change something...what is it you would change about our world, if you could be a part of a revolution during your lifetime?

If I could initiate a revolution, I would make a move to exterminate the Islamic State terrorists, also known as ISIS/ISIL. We would start a major military operation, with a large body of troops moving in to take key locations. As major ISIS strongholds are located, long distance tracking missiles will quickly be fired, taking out their leaders. If the Islamic State is dissolved, communications and political relations will undoubtedly improve in the middle east. 

  

Vincentopia (ง ͠° ͟ل͜ ͡°)ง

1) An intergalactic empire
2) We are constantly trying to expand, discovering new technology, and preventing crowding on any one planet
3) Everyone is welcome, but harsh punishment follows if they break the laws we have set down
4) Kids would be educated in a similar way to how they are educated today
5) There are many different religions
6) The layout of the buildings would be specifically designed for the planet they are on, using the resources available on that planet.
7) Each planet has its own ruling government, but there is one overarching rule situated on the "Alpha Planet"
8) Leisure, enterainment, and the arts would differ depending which planet you are on, as each planet has its own options and limitations
9) Science and technology would be constantly developing, allowing humans to live in rugged and harsh environments, letting humans live wherever they want.
10) Food and healthcare would depend which planet you are on
11) Conflict would be resolved through harsh punishment for wrongdoers, with a planet designed specifically to contain criminals