#2 Free-write: Jump

     The first thing that comes to mind when I think of the word "jump" is the times that I used to spend with my close family friends jump roping at their house.  Our families would often get together when we were younger and one of our favorite games to play was jump-rope.  Using the jump-rope in different ways, we would jump on our own, hold it from two ends while someone jumped in the middle, play snake, and sing songs.  I remember the memories so vividly and often wish we would do it again sometime.  My sister and I don't see those family friends as frequently as we used to.  I almost don't know them anymore actually; the only impression I have of them now is what I see on Facebook.  I do like change, but I wish things could stay the same sometimes.

MP3 #1 I just love it when...

I try on a few shirts at a store and find that one shirt that I love and have to buy.

#10 New Year's Resolution

It's not like I'm not a strong believer of New Year's Resolutions, but they never seem to work out for me.  I think I either forget about my plans or don't care enough to make an effort.  Seems like my problem with everything.  So that's why my new year's resolution this year is to put a little more effort into every thing that I do.  From my school work to cleaning up my house more often, I want to change the way I do things.  In order for me to change my habits for good, I want to improve the way I do things from this new year forward.

#9 Response to Plagiarism Article

Although it is a reliable source for the most part, I feel that Turnitin is somewhat unfair because it finds information that covers the entire internet.  Especially with a research paper, there is so much information quoted and cited.  I think Serpico cited improperly on her paper; she did not plan on intentionally plagiarizing on her paper, however, she was not aware she was doing so.  I think the school was fed up with plagiarizing cases and did not take enough time to figure out what she really did wrong.  They took action in finding her guilty too quickly.

#8 Thanksgiving Weekend

         Although I was sick with a fever and cold all Thanksgiving weekend, I did manage to have a good time on Thanksgiving with all of my relatives.  We went to my aunt's house in Queens, NY, and for most of the night we played a game on the XBOX Kinect called "Dance Central."  Dancing the mirror steps of the dancer on the screen, we all enthusiastically embarrassed ourselves in front of one another; I thought it was a lot of fun, which was surprising, especially because I was sick.

#7 News Log: Arts and Entertainment

       A memorable moment at the Boston's Museum of Fine Arts exhibits, which owns Degas' famous bronze sculpture of a young ballerina in a tutu, posed with her hands behind her back, is told by journalist Lloyd Schwartz. With the dancer, Leslie Caron, as they looked at one of his sculptures, they realized that many of Degas' art works of the human body are incorrect.  Caron asked Schwartz if he realized this, but he had never thought of it.  It seems as though Degas intentionally created the body awkwardly and incorrectly. She pointed out the subtle creases in the young dancer's tights, which Schwartz had also never noticed. As she kicked off her shoes, she then displayed what the body should really look like in that ballet position.  In his artwork, these women always have their backs to us, so their faces, their identities, remain mysterious and private, often in contorted and bending positions.  After this exhibit, Schwartz was really moved by Degas' artwork.
    Since I am interested in art, I thought that this was fascinating.  After reading this, I wonder if Degas did this on purpose with his artwork--if he really did mean to contort these women's bodies.  In art, many artists create different styles of artwork, therefore, I don't see a wrong in what Caron realized.  I think he created these pieces, inspired by women's bodies, he didn't mean to make it exact.

Source:  Degas' Boston Exhibit Article

#6 Animal

If I could be any type of animal, I would want to be a bird.  I think they are incredible animals.  Flying is such an extraordinary ability; getting place-to-place, hovering over trees and buildings is such a cool thought!