Lily Tikijian
August 28, 2009
Great Books Period 5
Mr. Priest
Which is more important - freedom or survival?
Freedom and survival are two extremely different things. Freedom is the ability to act freely or it could mean to be released from captivity or slavery. Freedom is a huge part of being an American; we have freedom of speech, free will, and freedom of press. As Americans we fought long and hard for our freedom. During the American Revolution, we fought for our freedom against the British. We wanted to have our own laws and rule our own nation. We also fought against each other in the Civil War. One half fought for the freedom of slaves and the other fought for the right to own slaves. Americans have been through a lot of fighting and wars to try and keep our country’s freedom, and I believe this to be very important, but not as important as survival.
Survival is more important then freedom because it is the act of staying alive and in some cases, fighting to stay alive. We have to survive in order to live and exist on this planet. Without survival, there wouldn’t even be such a thing as freedom. Mankind has survived through numerous of natural disasters, countless wars, and endless diseases. If men didn’t have such a will to live and survive we might not be in the place we are today. As we have learned from Sigmund Freud’s writing, we have a natural instinct to fight; we also have a natural instinct to survive, For example, if for some reason you are stranded on an Island out in the middle of nowhere with another person and there is only one piece of food left and without eating that food you will die. What would be our natural instinct? It would be to survive and if that meant killing the other person, that’s probably what we would all do. We have such a strong will to live that it would overcome our of our other instincts and believes. I believe survival is more important then freedom because survival is the key to what has been keeping mankind alive for this long. Without survival we wouldn’t have freedom.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Is war ever a good thing?
Lily Tikijian
August 19, 2009
Great Books Period 5
Mr. Priest
Is war ever a good thing? Is there any cause for which you would go to war?
Is war ever a good thing? If I had to immediately respond to that question, I would say of course not. I do believe there is alternatives to a conflict other then war. The world would be such a peaceful place if we could settle our disputes with talking rather then just heading straight to war. I do know that in some cases most countries aren’t willing to talk about the situation or problem, in that case, I believe in war. I think wars need to have more goals and purposes, like take the Iraq war for example. It has been going on for years now and we barely know what were fighting for. We went in with a goal and we are coming out with less people and having not achieved the goal. We should focus on one goal and set our minds to it.
War should have more then one meaning. Of course, it means armed fighting between groups and periods of armed fighting but I think it should mean more then that. I think war could mean a non-violent dispute. War happens because of conflicts and both groups want to put in serious effort to end something. Serious effort doesn’t have to mean killing people; it could mean serious talking or just some kind of non-violent way to handle things. This probably won’t ever happen but this is what I want to happen so that less people suffer and die. Already in Iraq over 4,000 Americans have died and the conflict still isn’t solved.
When you turn on the NBC news at night or any other news cast and they are talking about the Iraq War, we usually hear about all of the civilian causalities. I believe that United States, in particular, needs to focus on less and less civilian casualties. I do know that we try not to purposely hurt anyone but we do need to be more careful. Many people say, “Make love, not war.” I would say I mostly agree with that statement, until I really thought about it. War can be a good thing if it has a purpose and the countries that are fighting are smart about the way they are fighting. By smart, I mean, less civilian casualties and not going over the countries budgets. War might not be the best option in some cases, but mostly, I think war is a good thing.
August 19, 2009
Great Books Period 5
Mr. Priest
Is war ever a good thing? Is there any cause for which you would go to war?
Is war ever a good thing? If I had to immediately respond to that question, I would say of course not. I do believe there is alternatives to a conflict other then war. The world would be such a peaceful place if we could settle our disputes with talking rather then just heading straight to war. I do know that in some cases most countries aren’t willing to talk about the situation or problem, in that case, I believe in war. I think wars need to have more goals and purposes, like take the Iraq war for example. It has been going on for years now and we barely know what were fighting for. We went in with a goal and we are coming out with less people and having not achieved the goal. We should focus on one goal and set our minds to it.
War should have more then one meaning. Of course, it means armed fighting between groups and periods of armed fighting but I think it should mean more then that. I think war could mean a non-violent dispute. War happens because of conflicts and both groups want to put in serious effort to end something. Serious effort doesn’t have to mean killing people; it could mean serious talking or just some kind of non-violent way to handle things. This probably won’t ever happen but this is what I want to happen so that less people suffer and die. Already in Iraq over 4,000 Americans have died and the conflict still isn’t solved.
When you turn on the NBC news at night or any other news cast and they are talking about the Iraq War, we usually hear about all of the civilian causalities. I believe that United States, in particular, needs to focus on less and less civilian casualties. I do know that we try not to purposely hurt anyone but we do need to be more careful. Many people say, “Make love, not war.” I would say I mostly agree with that statement, until I really thought about it. War can be a good thing if it has a purpose and the countries that are fighting are smart about the way they are fighting. By smart, I mean, less civilian casualties and not going over the countries budgets. War might not be the best option in some cases, but mostly, I think war is a good thing.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Where I Belong.
Lily Tikijian
April 22, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
“Where I Belong”
My whole life, I have felt like I have belonged everywhere I have been. I felt like I belonged at my middle school, in my family, and with my friends, and in Zionsville. I was very worried about choosing a high school cause I was worried about not feeling like that’s where I belonged. I had to choose between University or Brebeuf and it was probably the hardest decision I have ever made. I was so nervous about not fitting in somewhere or having no friends. I was worried about going to high school where I wasn’t with all of the people I grew up with. I picked University because lots of my friends were going here and because when I walked into the building, I felt like I belonged. It felt like Orchard and that’s exactly where I belonged and felt comfortable. People ask me if I think I belong in my family because I am adopted and I really do. Maybe, if my brother and sister weren’t adopted then I would feel differently but I do feel like I belong. Feeling like I belong is a common feeling for me. I don’t go new places or try new things because I am afraid that feeling won’t be there. It’s a constant feeling in my life and maybe I need to try some risks to get out of my comfort zone but right now, I am happy where I am.
April 22, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
“Where I Belong”
My whole life, I have felt like I have belonged everywhere I have been. I felt like I belonged at my middle school, in my family, and with my friends, and in Zionsville. I was very worried about choosing a high school cause I was worried about not feeling like that’s where I belonged. I had to choose between University or Brebeuf and it was probably the hardest decision I have ever made. I was so nervous about not fitting in somewhere or having no friends. I was worried about going to high school where I wasn’t with all of the people I grew up with. I picked University because lots of my friends were going here and because when I walked into the building, I felt like I belonged. It felt like Orchard and that’s exactly where I belonged and felt comfortable. People ask me if I think I belong in my family because I am adopted and I really do. Maybe, if my brother and sister weren’t adopted then I would feel differently but I do feel like I belong. Feeling like I belong is a common feeling for me. I don’t go new places or try new things because I am afraid that feeling won’t be there. It’s a constant feeling in my life and maybe I need to try some risks to get out of my comfort zone but right now, I am happy where I am.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Of Mice and Men Character
Lily Tikijian
April 8, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Favorite Character in Of Mice and Men
My favorite character in Of Mice and Men would have to be George. I consider George to be the hero in the book. He is the most admirable and talked about character. I admire George for the way that he takes care of Lennie. George could have easily left Lennie on his own when his Aunt Clara died but he didn’t, he took over full responsibility for Lennie. Without Lennie, Georges life would be a whole lot easier. He could keep a job, have a stable income, and not have to worry about if Lennie is getting into trouble or worry about what Lennie is going to next. Yet, George makes it his job to protect Lennie and take care of him. I also think George is the most realistic character, this makes him very relatable. George might tell Lennie about their “future” or owning the little farm where he can tend the rabbits but George knows that it is never going to happen. He accepts reality and tries to live with it. Since he is the most real character it makes him more likable then some of the others. Lastly George is my favorite character because he takes matters into his own hands with Lennie. He knows that when Curley gets his hands on Lennie he is going to make him pay for what he did to his wife. George tries to make everything easier for Lennie by telling him a story and comforting him then killing him. It was a much less painful way to go and even though it was hard for George, it was the right thing to do for Lennie.
April 8, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Favorite Character in Of Mice and Men
My favorite character in Of Mice and Men would have to be George. I consider George to be the hero in the book. He is the most admirable and talked about character. I admire George for the way that he takes care of Lennie. George could have easily left Lennie on his own when his Aunt Clara died but he didn’t, he took over full responsibility for Lennie. Without Lennie, Georges life would be a whole lot easier. He could keep a job, have a stable income, and not have to worry about if Lennie is getting into trouble or worry about what Lennie is going to next. Yet, George makes it his job to protect Lennie and take care of him. I also think George is the most realistic character, this makes him very relatable. George might tell Lennie about their “future” or owning the little farm where he can tend the rabbits but George knows that it is never going to happen. He accepts reality and tries to live with it. Since he is the most real character it makes him more likable then some of the others. Lastly George is my favorite character because he takes matters into his own hands with Lennie. He knows that when Curley gets his hands on Lennie he is going to make him pay for what he did to his wife. George tries to make everything easier for Lennie by telling him a story and comforting him then killing him. It was a much less painful way to go and even though it was hard for George, it was the right thing to do for Lennie.
Euthanasia
Lily Tikijian
April 8, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Euthanasia
Euthanasia is the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma. There are two kinds of euthanasia, human and animal euthanasia. Personally, I don’t think that this practice should be illegal in most countries. Of course though, it should be illegal if it is not done properly and under the right circumstances. For one, before a doctor pulls the plug on a coma patient, he or she must have contacted a family member or guardian to get permission. The doctor can’t legally just pull the plug. This is why I think it should be legal because the people have signed off on it. In lots of people’s will or before they are submitted to a hospital they are required to sign something about their opinions on artificial life (being fed oxygen through a tube.) They give you a certain time frame and ask if you would want to die or stay a vegetable. Another reason why it should be legal, they ask your opinions. I don’t think animal euthanasia should be legal but that’s mostly because I can’t stand to think of an animal dying. In all honesty, it is up to the owners. But I do think euthanasia should be legal because for the most part it is your decision.
April 8, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Euthanasia
Euthanasia is the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma. There are two kinds of euthanasia, human and animal euthanasia. Personally, I don’t think that this practice should be illegal in most countries. Of course though, it should be illegal if it is not done properly and under the right circumstances. For one, before a doctor pulls the plug on a coma patient, he or she must have contacted a family member or guardian to get permission. The doctor can’t legally just pull the plug. This is why I think it should be legal because the people have signed off on it. In lots of people’s will or before they are submitted to a hospital they are required to sign something about their opinions on artificial life (being fed oxygen through a tube.) They give you a certain time frame and ask if you would want to die or stay a vegetable. Another reason why it should be legal, they ask your opinions. I don’t think animal euthanasia should be legal but that’s mostly because I can’t stand to think of an animal dying. In all honesty, it is up to the owners. But I do think euthanasia should be legal because for the most part it is your decision.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Why do dreams sometimes fail?
Lily Tikijian
March 25, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Why do dreams sometimes fail?
Dreams can be anything from ideas, to thoughts, to a sequence of mental imagines when you sleep. Dreams can be what you dream of doing or becoming in the future or they can be little things like hoping you get a good dream on a test. Of course all dreams fail, if they all came true we would have many more millionaires or everyone would be president. I think Lennie’s and George’s dream is the easiest to use as an example of failing. I think there dream is one that could easily fail. There dream is to own a farm, this could fail in many ways. Maybe they can’t save enough money, someone could possibly get sick or die and they can’t do it, anything could happen. I believe dreams fail because some have too. There is no way they can all come true. If you work hard enough and really spend a lot of effort on making the dream come due, I believe it can come true. For example, if I really wanted to become a doctor. I would have to work my butt off to do it but if I did I could do it. If I just dreamed it and didn’t really work towards it might or might not come true. I think we are in control of our dreams and if they come true or not.
March 25, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Why do dreams sometimes fail?
Dreams can be anything from ideas, to thoughts, to a sequence of mental imagines when you sleep. Dreams can be what you dream of doing or becoming in the future or they can be little things like hoping you get a good dream on a test. Of course all dreams fail, if they all came true we would have many more millionaires or everyone would be president. I think Lennie’s and George’s dream is the easiest to use as an example of failing. I think there dream is one that could easily fail. There dream is to own a farm, this could fail in many ways. Maybe they can’t save enough money, someone could possibly get sick or die and they can’t do it, anything could happen. I believe dreams fail because some have too. There is no way they can all come true. If you work hard enough and really spend a lot of effort on making the dream come due, I believe it can come true. For example, if I really wanted to become a doctor. I would have to work my butt off to do it but if I did I could do it. If I just dreamed it and didn’t really work towards it might or might not come true. I think we are in control of our dreams and if they come true or not.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
"Belonging.."
Lily Tikijian
March 18, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Is it Important for Humans to have a place where they “belong?”
Human beings are generally very structured people. They want to be in a place where they feel like they fit in and where they belong. They want to have people around them who know them and love them. I believe this is human nature. People want to people who they know and feel comfortable all of the time, this especially apply to girls who are in high school. Probably more then half the time you don’t see girls going to the bathroom alone, walking in the hall ways without anyone, and going anywhere without a someone with them. I feel like girls feel more comfortable and normal in an environment they know and around people they know. Also I think it is more important to girl then it is for guys for girls to have a place where they feel like they belong. All together though I feel like it is very important for human beings to have a place where they “belong.” Whether this place is home, school, or work, everyone needs and deserves that sense of security.
March 18, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Is it Important for Humans to have a place where they “belong?”
Human beings are generally very structured people. They want to be in a place where they feel like they fit in and where they belong. They want to have people around them who know them and love them. I believe this is human nature. People want to people who they know and feel comfortable all of the time, this especially apply to girls who are in high school. Probably more then half the time you don’t see girls going to the bathroom alone, walking in the hall ways without anyone, and going anywhere without a someone with them. I feel like girls feel more comfortable and normal in an environment they know and around people they know. Also I think it is more important to girl then it is for guys for girls to have a place where they feel like they belong. All together though I feel like it is very important for human beings to have a place where they “belong.” Whether this place is home, school, or work, everyone needs and deserves that sense of security.
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