When the class was first assigned this book, I was excited to finally be able to relate to the dozens of allusions made to the novel in television shows - like in Glee, when the love triangle between Rachel Berry, Puck, and Finn was coined "Puckleberry Finn." As I started reading the book, though, (out loud, in a surprisingly terrible Southern accent) I stopped relating the story to the copious number of TV shows I am emotionally invested in, and started developing connections and sympathy towards the characters in the novel.
The character I admired most was Jim. Throughout the novel, his intentions were questioned by those around him, his actions were restricted by racism, and his loved ones repeatedly took advantage of him. But during all his highs and lows, Jim managed to stay optimistic and appreciative towards every near-death experience. I also found it surprising that even with society pushing everyone to believe one thing in a certain way, Jim was able to have faith in his own beliefs and morals. His ability to refute Huck's opinions and stay true to his superstitious mindset was inspiring.
I appreciated the wild escapades Huck pulled me through. His uncanny ability to morph into a new personality so often was flabbergasting (I was more envious than amazed, though, due to my complete lack of the ability to lie). I was impressed that he, too, was able to stick to his morals, or rather change the morals he was taught to have to fit his. I adored numerous times when Huck covered for Jim's running away and showed affection towards the slave, but my hooray feelings of love were always taken back with the instances of Huck's ignorance.
Mark Twain's relentless use of humor and adventure to convey his feelings towards racism made this book enjoyable - which is surprising, given it was a class assignment. His is one of the few novels I would be able to reread numerous times in the future.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
TED Talks - Keith Barry Does Brain Magic
I have a strange obsession with all things magical, and by that I am not referring to a Harry Potter kind of mystical, but rather the magic show kind. I always thought it made me seem childish, but Keith Barry's presentation on deceiving the mind using just concentration was raw enough to draw even my pessimistic, realist father in. He watched it twice.
Keith Barry spent 20 minutes proving to his audience the infinite power of the mind. Before beginning his show, Keith presented a gripping clip in which he drove through a foreign path, blindfolded and lead through the mind of a girl in the passenger seat. Yes, her mind. "Surely, it's rigged." That's what the audience thought. That's what my dad told me incessantly throughout the showing ("Technology these days... We are able to trick anyone."). It's not what I thought though because I'm gullible and easily fascinated. But to confirm his sorcery to his less amused watchers, Keith performed the magic on randomly chosen members of his audience. The participants were brought to the stage (which was void of a scantily-clad assistant or ostentatious decorations, making it more realistic), and their arm movements were controlled entirely by Keith's mind. To further prove his method, the participants were instructed to try the wizardry on each other without his help. At this point, it was difficult to leave the tab or even pull my eyes away from the video. My dad, though, was almost audibly rolling his eyes.
If all else fails, a leader finds loyalty in fear. Four cups covered small, wooden stands- one with a cuspidate stick on it. Keith Barry called on a new volunteer to guess at a cup to crush down, and maybe into, his palm. By implementing the potential consequence of pain if the volunteer guessed incorrectly, the magician proved that the mind is capable of doing almost all on its own. My father's distressed gasps after every guess ensured Keith's successful show.
Keith remained serious throughout a majority of his presentation to strengthen his logos. His solemnity allowed his show to steer away from being a potential video to entertain a kindergarten class with. The apprehension expressed in his volunteers posed as some comedic relief to show pathos. Barry's soothing tone used towards the anxious participants had butterflies infesting my tummy during every presentation. Keith Barry successfully and realistically proved to me that we live in a magical world!
I suppose Barry's argument is better shown than told: http://www.ted.com/talks/keith_barry_does_brain_magic.html
Keith Barry spent 20 minutes proving to his audience the infinite power of the mind. Before beginning his show, Keith presented a gripping clip in which he drove through a foreign path, blindfolded and lead through the mind of a girl in the passenger seat. Yes, her mind. "Surely, it's rigged." That's what the audience thought. That's what my dad told me incessantly throughout the showing ("Technology these days... We are able to trick anyone."). It's not what I thought though because I'm gullible and easily fascinated. But to confirm his sorcery to his less amused watchers, Keith performed the magic on randomly chosen members of his audience. The participants were brought to the stage (which was void of a scantily-clad assistant or ostentatious decorations, making it more realistic), and their arm movements were controlled entirely by Keith's mind. To further prove his method, the participants were instructed to try the wizardry on each other without his help. At this point, it was difficult to leave the tab or even pull my eyes away from the video. My dad, though, was almost audibly rolling his eyes.
If all else fails, a leader finds loyalty in fear. Four cups covered small, wooden stands- one with a cuspidate stick on it. Keith Barry called on a new volunteer to guess at a cup to crush down, and maybe into, his palm. By implementing the potential consequence of pain if the volunteer guessed incorrectly, the magician proved that the mind is capable of doing almost all on its own. My father's distressed gasps after every guess ensured Keith's successful show.
Keith remained serious throughout a majority of his presentation to strengthen his logos. His solemnity allowed his show to steer away from being a potential video to entertain a kindergarten class with. The apprehension expressed in his volunteers posed as some comedic relief to show pathos. Barry's soothing tone used towards the anxious participants had butterflies infesting my tummy during every presentation. Keith Barry successfully and realistically proved to me that we live in a magical world!
I suppose Barry's argument is better shown than told: http://www.ted.com/talks/keith_barry_does_brain_magic.html
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