Reaction To "Game" and "Song of Myself #52"

"Game" by Donald Barthelme is perhaps my favorite short story of all time. Although, I haven't read many short stories. Nonetheless, "Game" does a fine job of capturing my attention. I enjoyed the eerie repitions that the narrator made. It really gave the two characters in the story psychotic attributes. For some reason I enjoy these types of stories because they are so unique. Not many writers are creative enough to write something like "Game".
"Song of Myself" is by Walt Whitman, a poet, and is a compilation of Walt Whitman's poems. The one that particularly stood out to me was #52. I interpreted the poem as one to be about nature and how one should learn to be a part of nature. However, there is apparently a deeper meaning to this particular poem. It has something to do with Whitman's poems in general. The poem gave no indication as to how descriptions of nature can linked to Whitman's poems. I thought that analysis of the poem was ridiculous. But then I thought about it and I asked, "Is there really an answer?" Much these poems are open to opinions and so there is no one true answer. Perhaps the only answer would be Walt Whitman's view and that is no longer attainable since he is dead. Therefore when reading a poem, one should keep an open mind and create their own opinions instead of looking for answers.

Science Fair @ GCA

I can hardly remember the last time I participated in a science fair. I think my last one was in 4th grade and now being in 11th, I have completely forgotten what I did. Even though it has been this long since my last science fair project, it does not mean I do not know how to perform an experiment. Last year, in my chemistry honors class, I did experiments every week throughout the whole school year. So, performing experiments were not the problem. Rather, I felt nervous about my presentation of my project. Most of the time, I a poor job on decorations and presentation in general, not just on science fair. But I would have to say that this year was a success. My project was the effect of CO2 on temperature in a closed container. I did a great job executing the project as well as presentation of it. I know that most people don't like the idea of a science fair but this year I actually enjoyed it.

Reaction To The Crisis & Dr. Heidegger's Experiment

I first read The Crisis by Thomas Paine and basically Paine was promoting war against Britain during the American Revolution. I found that Paine used specific techniques that made his pamphlet more interesting than others. I particularly noticed that he touched upon the emotions of the audience. Personally, these types of pieces of writing do not interest me much because I see no fun in something that has no connection to me. I understand that if Thomas Paine had not been so influential, that America would not exist therefore I would not exist. But quite frankly, I do not care.

The second story I read was Dr. Heidegger's Experiment by Nathan Hawthorne. This explored the archetype of longevity and the Fountain of Youth. Basically, a researcher named Dr. Heidegger observed four other old people and how they would interact with each other. I liked this story much better than The Crisis because throughout history people wrestle with the idea of becoming young. Old people tend to want to go back to there "Golden Years." But this story tells us that we need to live on with life. We were made to grow old therefore we should accept it and grow old. I was able to connect to this story more because I don't want to grow old. Life as an elderly person seems so boring however, I know I must face the truth soon. This story has taught me a little about that acceptance.