Virus
Monday, December 15th, 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Virus
Today technology is a huge part of people’s lives. Most of the population on the earth is dependent on technology and uses it. People need it every day for transportation, communication or simply to make life easier. Young or old, it doesn’t matter everybody gets to touch to it. One of the things most people can’t live without is the internet. Many will agree that internet is the most popular, helpful, and fun technology invention, yet it is very addicting. It makes life easy and light but it also can have negative effects. Most of the users of the online world are teenagers and they are the most affected by it.
Teenagers from the ages 12 to 17 years old are the most regular users of internet. About 87% of them go online daily (Pew Internet and American Life, “Teens and Technology,” July 27, 2005.). The reasons for the high number of teenage users are different and many: research, communication, media, games or just for fun. The virtual world gives entertainment and freedom that the youth likes. During the past year the age of the users had dropped dramatically and today we have many seventh graders surfing online daily (Pew Internet and American Life, “Teens and Technology,” July 27, 2005.). The games, chats, videos and other are attracting more and more younger users. Going online becomes a habit and every day, sometimes hourly long, activity. The virtual world often becomes an obsession or addiction that is not supervised by adult. The unlimited online use affects young people by taking away physical activities, communicational skills and it increases the risks of becoming an introvert. Effective is also the freedom and availability of accessing improper information.
The virtual world freedom is one of the factors that attracts and affects teenagers the most. Online, people can research any topic; view every image, video or file posted. Teenagers appear to be the most affected of that virtual unlimited freedom. Chat rooms, forums and blogs can be very fun but also very dangerous and inappropriate. Online, people can be who they want to be, not who they really are. Teenagers have the opportunity to make up their own fake personality and physical description over the net. That is not all that bad but it leads to problems like stealing identification. When giving personal information online to a stranger teens are risking their identification to be stolen and sold. “Right now these Internet hackers are here in real time buying and selling your personal information,” said Elisabeth Leamy and Brian Hartman in their article Thieves May Be Stealing and Selling Your ID.
Youths participate in chats and networks where their personal information is not well protected. MySpace and Facebook are the most popular examples of social networks providing peoples personal info to the world. This websites have millions of users from all over the world and most of them are teenagers. Pictures, videos and any kind of posts in the profiles are describing user’s personalities and hobbies. “In fact; more than one observer has compared MySpace pages to a teenager’s bedroom walls.” writes Roman Espejo, the editor of Should Social Networking Web Sites Be Banned. Most teenagers do not think about possible consequences and post real information about themselves and their interests. They actually transform their real life into the virtual world. Looks simple and innocent but when the teens are on it they never think about the possible danger behind the virtual personalities they are exchanging information with. The online freedom has many different ways of hurting people and their lives. Teenagers and kids are the most affected of virtual world because they are most capable of addicting. By having access to the whole wide web youths gain confidence and they feel safe to be doing whatever they want to, this ability attracts them to the computer every day and many teens today are “addicted” to the online surfing and chatting.
Many young people of today’s society have addiction to the online world and are influenced by it. In the book America’s Youth, Jamuna Carroll (Book Editor) states that the average teenager uses technology like: TV, internet, video games, and cell phones minimum 72 hours per week. “Teens are plugged in.” she says. Most of their spare time adolescents spend on their computers. For school work, communication or just to hang out with friends in the chat room, teens spend enormous amount of time online and they don’t even realize it. Checking e-mail, networking profile or surfing music and videos has turned into daily habit that feels as normal as brushing teeth in the morning.
The addiction to the online activities comes from the popularity of the social networks and the ability of participating in them as who you want to be not who you actually are. Jamuna Carroll (the editor of the book America’s Youth) also states that 68% of the youth are visiting their profiles in social networks like: MySpace, Facebook, and Zanga. Current internet facts from WebWiseKids.com are confirming that most of the users have their own pictures and videos posted together with personal information like: name, age, interests, e-mail, IM address, state/town, and school attending. Being able to have a personal conversation with a friend or a complete stranger seems to be very fun and interesting for the teens. Many state that it is easier to be honest, mean/nice over the chat than in person. Some think that it is fun and exciting to flirt and have a relationship with somebody online, even if you don’t really know them. Younger kids
are also very much involved in chatting and surfing in the web, but the online and video games and one of the most addicting factors for elementary and junior high students. Kids and teenagers are letting the virtual world to become such a big part of their lives that it gets to the point where it’s something they need. This addiction has it effects and influences youths social life, school work and it lowers the physical activities young people enjoy. Because most online youth users don’t realize the problem they might have, somebody that is more aware of the dangers and risks of it should help and control the use of it.
Parents of teenagers and younger youths need to be communicating with their kids and helping them to have safe online use. They should be aware of all the inappropriate information available online and the risks the wide web has. WebWiseKids.Org statistics are informing that about 57% of teenager’s parents are not aware of what their kids do while on the computer and can’t even read their short coded language in the chat. Teenagers need to be informed and educated by their parents about what information is appropriate and safe to post online. NSTeens.org is a website providing helpful information about parents and young users by actual interviews with teenagers sharing what is safe and why. Most of the students are sharing that their parents are aware of what they do while surfing online, but don’t realize the negative outcome of too much. Adolescents need their privacy and freedom of choosing their online activities but there have to be some limits and regulations. Parents must be familiar of the discretion their kids have on the net and the troubles it contains. Conversations and discussions with the young virtual world users can help them control their profiles and web pages smarter and safer. It is important that the youth understands why there has to be limits so they don’t feel limited or controlled. Teens that have good friendly relationship with their parents are more confident in their safety and have less personal information posted online.
Being attracted by the freedom and wide choice of activities the online world provides youths are the most affected by it and most of the time without even realizing it. Exposing too much personal information and fake personalities in networking sites are the most common mistakes teenagers have. Youths are also very capable of getting addicted to internet and that is why parents should be more informed and protective. Every teenage parent need to have a comfortable relationship with their kids so they are open and share more about their online activities. If youngsters understand what is appropriate and enough they will be less affected and still has their online freedom.
Bibliography:
Source 1
Carroll, Jamuna. America’s Youth. New York: Greenhaven P, Incorporated, 2007. 47-53.
The book America’s Youth is about 230 pages long and it’s very interesting and easy to read. Jamuna Carroll is the editor and Christine Nasso is the publisher. The terminology and the friendly language used are making the book helpful but also very easy and attractive to read.
The book was a valuable source because it has a chapter about teens and networking. It is useful because it deeply describes the way youths are influenced and affected by the virtual world. The book is mostly about youths and not so much about online affection, but that one chapter was inspiring and it brought many ideas to rite and think about.
Source 2
“Current Internet Facts from WebWiseKids.Org.” Security Software Systems. SSSI. Nov. 2008 <http://http://www.securitysoft.com/internet_facts.asp?pageid=92>.
The article from WebWisekids.Org is valuable source because it contains actual facts and statistics. It is about a page long and it is supported by many institutions and authors. The language used is simple description of facts. The writing is very easy to comprehend and information is interesting.
The source is helpful because it gives exact data that I needed for one of my statements. I found it useful because it worked well in my essay by supporting my ideas and points of view with actual facts.
Source 3
ELISABETH LEAMY and BRIAN HARTMAN. “Thieves May Be Stealing and Selling Your I.D.” ABC News. 30 Apr. 2008. Nov. 2008 <http://http://abcnews.go.com/technology/story?id=4756890&page=1>.
This source is a news article that is about a page long and the authors are Elisabeth Leamy and Brian Hartman, reporters and writers for the ABC News. The language they use is official and there is an image supporting the article.
I find this source valuable because it is on the news and the information is new and true. The source is useful because it gives me information about the dangers in the online world. It is not much connected to teenagers specifically but it does talks about possible affection over them.
Source 4
Espejo, Roman. Should Social Networking Web Sites Be Banned? New York: Greenhaven P, Incorporated, 2008. 30-34.
Should Social Networking Web Sites Be Banned? is a book that debates over the negatives and positives of social networking. The book is about 100 pages and Roman Espejo is the editor. There are many facts and statistics included in the chapters that give additional information over each problem discussed.
This source is valuable to me because it has explains well many of the ideas and points of view that I am trying to prove in my research. It is useful because the information is creditable and the facts are interesting.
Source 5
“Profile Penalty.” NS Teens. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Nov. 2008 <http://http://www.nsteens.org/videos/offline-consequences/>.
I find this website as a valuable source because it has helpful information and it is for safe online use. There are many formats used in the website: video, photos and text. The language that is used is simple and comforting.
I think the source is useful because it gives information about teenager’s interests and knowledge about the internet use. The site provides also some info for parents and guardians.
Source 6
“Teen Internet Safety Study.” Netsmartz. 2006. Cox Communications and NCMEC2. Nov. 2008 <http://www.netsmartz.org/safety/statistics.htm>.
Netsmartz website is a valuable source because it contains many facts and statistic information about teenagers and kids use of internet. The site is easy to look trough and collect information needed.
The site is a useful source because the data available there is based on interviews and surveys, also people’s personal opinion. The source is supporting my ideas and it’s helping me prove my pints.
Soldier’s Stories
Tuesday, November 25th, 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Soldier’s Blogs
History can be defined in many different ways and categories. Some people think that every moment that has passed already is history; others say that history is only events that have influenced lives and led to a change. However, history is a combination of both the past and influential change. History is significant because we need to know where we are coming from, who we are, and where we are going. Therefore I think that the most effective form of history is blog. We need to understand that today could be in the history books that our grandchildren will be reading one day. We need to open our eyes and see that the change can happen here, now and be remembered forever.
Blogs are writings that describe or explain a significant event. I am most interested in the soldier’s blogs for the following reasons: they are true, emotional and significant. Blogs are usually written by people who were on the right spot at the right time. They are people that went through something everybody is interested in and wants to know about. Blogs are the beginning of history and a main source for it. They are written by those that saw, heard, felt or were where something significant happened. The soldier’s blogs are the most influential and interesting type of history because they are very easy to read and understand and at the same time very emotional and hard to believe. The blogs tell a story that will lead to history with great importance and influence on us. While reading the blogs, different feelings rise in me and make me think about humans and their actions, goals and thoughts. Only real history can make somebody feel and think so deeply. The soldier’s stories are also making me realize that while living my normal college student life, others like me, my age or only a little older, are risking their lives to make a change, to make my life better and safer.
Soldiers stories are true, sad and emotional stories that build history and make it last forever. They give the feeling of sadness and can bring back memories. Very strong, emotional blogs usually make readers proud and thankful that there are people out there fighting for their country. The brave women and men telling these stories are the history writers. They are the ones that go through everything our kids will be reading about one day. Soldiers are the ones out there making history and then writing it down. If fighters don’t share their experiences, we would never know what, where, when and how it happened. Soldiers’ stories have a great value because they make and share history, giving people feelings and emotions.
Soldiers are one of us but out there fighting for what they believe is right. They are brave, proud and very capable people. People who believe in united power and good change. Soldiers fight for the good, fair, faith and for us. They fight for their families, country and themselves. Soldiers cry, scream, fear, run and pray just like everybody else. They have qualities of love, appreciation and needs. Fighters like this are out there changing the future and possibly lives. The history soldiers write for their families, friends and the nation to read. Wanting everybody to know what it is like to be out there fighting, hoping that everybody will help, support and pray for the fighters and their cause. They want everybody to realize that each day there is something, somewhere happening to one of them, something that might change history forever. By writing letters and blogs, soldiers want to express their own feelings and needs. “Of course you miss your family and friends and all the important parts of your life, but the little things can also add up and cause you to long for home even more.” says Capt. Will Smith in his blog The Little Inconveniences of Army Life. Soldiers live without their favorite people, food, home necessities, clothing, shoes and other objects. They go through each day thankful that they are alive and there is tomorrow to forward to.
Behind the word soldiers there are fathers, brothers, husbands, sons and friends respected and loved. They gained that respect by risking not only their lives but also the happiness of their families. That is why it is very important that people know that these people are not just fighting out there, but they are possibly changing our own lives and history by being there. It is important that everybody understands that soldiers need the support and respect before, after and during missions. Those men and women go through things that nobody deserves to endure. Having to share bad news with families of their friends and they have to see their friends and partners die and save themselves. In his blog Life Never Ends, Warrant Officer, Michael D. Fay shares: “Mr. Ciccone generously shared with me the circumstances around discovering the existence of his dead son’s image.” Soldiers have hard and sad conversations like that day to day, it must be horrible to be there telling somebody that their son, dad, husband, brother, cousin or friend has died.
Soldiers are strong heroes for trying to make a huge change so dramatically. They are strong because they fight even when they are scared. They are heroes because they run tired, sleep while hungry and cold and stay together no matter the consequences. Heroes deserving respect and support because they made a choice to help the country and fight for a good cause. They left their families and dreams behind them at home for what they believe is right. With no personal life or time for themselves, they go through each day hoping for better days and praying that it will be over soon so they can go home. Soldiers need to know that we care, think and pray, that is why they write these blogs to let all people know how hard a soldier’s life is. Sharing their everyday life, needs and difficulties in these blogs is the most valuable thing we can have in our history, specifically because of their personal experience. Soldiers see and live through things that not everybody can handle. They have to kill, save and see murder and death. “We shot a man with his hands up, we even shot women and children” says a soldier in an interview online. The experience in the army is not for everybody because the mental and emotional difficulties are a big challenge. That is why soldiers have to be respected and supported. They are heroes and they need to be honored. They are ready to die for their country with pride. “My main purpose in life, for 12 years, was to meet the enemy on the battlefield and destroy him, when I left to go to Iraq I didn’t care whether or not I died. If you die in combat, that’s an honor” said another soldier in online interview. Boys, men and women go there and change their lives forever.
Soldier’s blogs are the beginning of history. They are the first piece of the puzzle of history. Soldiers write and tell about what they saw and felt and that is how history is recorded. If they don’t tell us, we could never know what happened. Proud and honored they go and change lives and our future. Everything starts where they are and everything ends there. The Soldier’s blogs are the most emotional, true, and influential writings. They give the beginning of history and build up from there. Soldiers are honored, proud and strong people who start their days thinking: “I’m glad to be in the sun.”(From soldier’s online interview)
Bibliography:
Fay, Michael D. “Life Never Ends.” Life Never Ends.
MUÑOZ, Natalia. “Soldiers tell stories about Iraq.” Information Clearing House. 26 July 2004. 22 Oct. 2008 <http://http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article6556.htm>.
Sina, Ali. “Shocking Pictures From Iraq Illustrate How Bad Our Soldiers Really Are.” Teapot Tantrums. 12 July 2007. Oct. 2008 <http://http://teapottantrums.typepad.com/index/2006/12/shocking_pictut.html>.
Smith, Will. “The Little Inconveniences of Army Life.” The Little Inconveniences of Army Life.
Canaanite God El
Friday, November 14th, 2008 | Art History | No Comments
Figure of the Canaanite God El -Data Sheet
God El was one of the Canaanite religion gods during the Late Bronze Age II (period in human cultural development where metalworking was used for art), which was during 1400 -1200 BC. He was very important and respected Chief God of the religion. Canaanite religion is a polytheistic (believe in many gods), influential and much like the Egyptian and Mesopotamian religions. He was the father of all the other Canaanite gods, about seventy, Hadad, Yam, and Mot are one of the most popular. Not only that God El was the supreme god of Canaanite but he also was known as the creator of humanity and physical universe. He was also sometimes called the father of human kind and all creatures.
The name El comes from Eli, a Northwest Semitic word that translated is into English as “God” but it also might mean “strength” or “power”. The name is now a part of many modern names as an ending part; Israel, Samuel, and Gabriel. Myths say that once God El was a desert god, ancient, gray-bearded one. He had two wives and he met them both by the sea shores. He was obsessed with their beauty so after the first dinner he went to sleep with them. Both women gave birth of two beautiful, healthy girls. People called his daughters “children of the sea’. God El never had sons and that is why he considered the gods lower than him sons. He often organized banquets where he celebrated and drank with his sons until he passed out.
Figure of the Canaanite God El –Visual Overview
The Canaanite God El statue is hold in the Oriental Institute Museum in Chicago. It is standing in a small glass display case with full description of it hanged next to it. The statue is vertically oriented, small, made of bronze, probably very light. The small figure is about 7 inches tall, so it is easy to carry around. I think that it was made small so people were able to have it in their homes. It is made of bronze mostly except for the gold leaf God El is holding in his left hand. The bronze was new material during the time the sculpture was made so that made it special and interesting. The use of gold also brings interest to it. The leaf must be really special, maybe magical or ceremonial. The overall shape of the figure is small, light and it looks weak and exhausted. God El was very old and not really athletic but he had magical power. His tiny figure looks very relaxed and calm because of its size. His left arm (the one that holds the leaf) is bended forward. The right arm is in the same position but the hand is chopped off. Both arms seem to be bended the same way in symmetry that adds perfection. In most of the God El sculptures he is presented sitting in his throne just like in this one. He looks comfortable, but stiff and frozen. The focal point is his hat which is tall and it shows that he is the Chief God. Then the viewers eye slowly follows down to the leaf which definitely symbolizes power. Powerful are also the colors of the figure. Dark and light gold colors are giving powerful feeling and make El look special and it gives him importance. The texture of the small sculpture is rough and kind of choppy which gives it sense of movement and brings it to life. This texture allows the light to add shadows and colors to the piece. It makes the lines more natural and humankind looking. Last but not least is God Els face. Darker than the rest of the figure his expression has worm and peaceful feeling. His eyes are cut deeply in and they seem dark and mysterious. The eyes give the coldness, but overall the feeling of God El is very calm and relaxed.
Figure of Canaanite God El –Contribution to its Stage Presence
The Canaanite God El was the most powerful, beautiful and respected Canaanite God during the Bronze Age. He was one of the most important figures and that is why he is presented as one. The bronze figure of God El is located in the Oriental Institute Museum in Chicago. As an important Idol he gets his own glass display in the museum. The figure is rested on a small white podium, the background is white also and he is surrounded with light. The sources of light are giving the figure more importance because they make it shine and attract the eye of the viewer. El is presented sitting on a wood chair or most likely his throne. The color of the wood is natural dark and it matches very well with the color of the bronze. I like the contrast between the figure and the stand because El is made of bronze and he is choppy and very organic while the wood is smooth and perfectly geometrical.
I think that the figure of God El is presented in a separate glass display because he was a very important figure. The colors that are chosen to be around him and the light sources are also very carefully selected to be bright and clean. As walking through the museum he pops out and grabs attention right away. The light sources also are helping to see some details like his deep eyes and the golden feather.
Canaanite God El was presented relaxed and caring. His arms are stretched forward to show that he is there for humans and gods. His position and facial expression were very well planned to make him look strong, magical and at the same time very much human like.
Figure of the Canaanite God El –Greater Than Human
God El is greater than human just by being a god but there are many other reasons that make him a big figure during the Bronze Age. He was the Chief Canaanite God, father of all the other gods. He was bigger, stronger and more important than them. He had all the powers they had, he knew everything they do. He was the most powerful god during that period. God El was also considered the creator of mankind and all creatures which makes him the father all human kind. If he is the creature of all humans then of course he is greater than them. He was respected from humans and gods for what he had done. People believed that he is the greatest of all.
Power is always associated with physical features, but when we talk about greater than human we have to go way beyond this line. Intelligence, intellect and magic are things that people didn’t but gods did have. El was very old and not physically active but the one to create humanity and physical universe. He was the supreme ancient one that knew how humans thought and how their bodies worked. God El was old and that means that he was very experienced one. He had been through a lot, seen a lot and felt a lot.
God El was greater than human because he had magical and intellectual power. He was in charge for Canaanite religion and its gods. He was the one to create the humans which means that he knew them better than anyone. He knew their weaknesses, fears and negatives. El was the god that all Canaanite people admired and respected. Of course the supreme Chief Canaanite God El is greater than human and even than most of the gods.
Figure of Canaanite God El –Beauty
The figure of the Canaanite God El is beautiful in many different ways. It is very well designed, it has beautiful forms, it represents calm feelings and it’s very meaningful. The beauty does not always mean physical features; it can be many other things just like symbols, meaning, messages and feelings. Beauty can be seen in every little part of the statue of El.
The size of the figure is beautiful, because it shows sensitivity, even though the god is stronger than all, El can be breakable and that makes him beautiful. His face is so relaxed and calm, his eyes are deep in though and maybe sad. His face brings emotions in the viewer and there is nothing more beautiful in the world than the feelings something can bring to you. He looks concerned and caring; the most important thing everybody wants to know is that somebody cares. Beautiful are his arm, stretched forward to the viewer. The way he is sitting proud but yet very human like in his throne is beautiful too. El’s feet barely touching the floor are very lightly falling down; he looks light as the feather he is holding. The feather. Gold, small, beautiful feather and the god is holding it up so gently and softly. It is beautiful how a powerful god like El is represented so sensitive and caring. The figure is so peaceful and the beauty is exactly in the feelings it contains. Those feelings make me look at El as more human like, one with emotions and a heart. El looks like one that knows about love, hurt, happiness and pain.
The most beautiful thing about the figure of God El is all the feelings it contains. The caring expressed in his eyes. His helpful arms stretched forward. His relaxed body and light feet. The beautiful feather he is gently holding. The way he is being soft and calm gives the most worm and safe feeling in the world. What is more beautiful than that?
Figure of Canaanite God El –Power
Canaanite God El was a very powerful figure during the Bronze Age. Father of all the other Canaanite gods and the creator of human kind, he had all the power to control it all. He knew everything and how it works. He was respected and admired, which automatically gives him power. He was popular and known for all he had done.
The power of god El comes from his actions. He was powerful enough to control his sons (the Canaanite gods) and be the biggest, most important one. He was so powerful and major that the king of the Canaanite religion, King David, was considered to be El’s servant. The king was a small, unimportant figure compared to El. Myths are saying that El’s court, where he was the head judge, was the most fair one. Everybody trusted and believed in everything he said. He was the creator of the universe so people believed that he knows best and gave him absolute control over everything. Some people thought that there is something special and mysterious about him because he never had sons. All the wives he ever had (we don’t know for sure how many) gave birth of girls only. Some people believed he had the power to control the gender of the babies. He was very big because of all the things around him that people had no explanations for. He was in total control and nobody was able to change that. Nobody knew what his next step could be and nobody cared because everybody trusted him.
Canaanite God El was creator, protector and fair leader of all gods and humans. He was powerful because of all his magical creatures and actions. El was gods and people’s favorite and that gave him popularity and power.
Sources:
“El (god).” Wikipedia. Oct. 2008 <http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%c4%92l>.
“Highlights from the Collection: Deities.” The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago. 19 Feb. 2007. Oct. 2008 <http://http://oi.uchicago.edu/>.
Mariottini, Claude. “Canaan in Patriarchal Times - Part 2.” Dr. Claude Mariottini - Professor of Old Testament. 10 Nov. 2006. Oct. 2008 <http://http://www.claudemariottini.com/blog/2006/11/canaan-in-patriarchal-times-part-2.html>.
My Grandma is My Best Friend
Tuesday, October 14th, 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments
When I think about my childhood I remember things that make me smile and I will never forget. I grew up in a great, loving family that gave me all I needed to become a responsible, independent and loving young lady. My parents were and are always there when I need them, taking care of me and helping when I’m in need. They were and are also working hard to make sure that I and my brother grow up in a decent home. My mom and dad both had full time jobs. Eight hours per day, five days per week, hardly affording the vacations that were always too short.
I remember that my grandma used to take care of me and my brother when my parents were not at home. Because we lived in the same house, but different apartments, she was always there when we needed her. I used to hate her coming over and watching over us even though I loved when she cooked for us. Everything grandma ever made was the best I’ve tried. My grandma is not old fashioned or annoying as usually grandmas are described. She is always interested in learning new things such as new technologies and I liked to help her. I loved to talk to her, because she always listened to me with heart and soul, not ears. She is understanding, loving, caring and easy going. That’s why in my early teenage years grandma became my best friend, the one that I always went to when I need to share, cry or ask for advice. Every time I had problem in school or with my friends I went to her and asked what I should do. She always listened and most important, shared opinion. I can’t believe I am going to say this now, even though I used to say that it’s not so, she was always right about everything. She had an amazing influence on me. She motivated me to be who I wanted to be. She pushed me to my limits and made me try harder in everything I did. Every day, before school, after school, on my way out, on my way in the house, she was there around the house, annoying me with her questions about my day at school and homework I had to do. Back then, I never realized how important she was for me and how much I needed her to be right there for me.
Four years ago my family won the Green Card Lottery none of us could believe it. We were one out of five winning families to have the chance to get visas for the United States. My parents, brother and I were going to move to the USA and we were the happiest and most excited people in the world. Not my grandma. She was going to stay all alone in the big house and she knew it. Every day she was asking if it’s true, if it’s really happening and why to her. “I never thought that you would actually go!” she says now. The process of buying our visas and documents was really long; it took us about a year and a half. That made her think that maybe there was a chance for us to stay there with her. She knew that moving to the USA would give us a chance to have better life and more career opportunities and that is why she never tried to stop us from following that dream. She also knew that her life would never be the same without us next to her but she never made us feel bad about it.
Now it has been two years and a half since we live in the USA. My parents are working, my brother and I studying, my grandma crying. She is not alone; I am not worried because my uncle visits her once or twice a week. She must be really lonely though because she used to live in a full, busy house that is empty and quiet now. She used be around her grandsons all the time, hearing their laughter and crying, helping and taking care of them. We use to be one big happy family. We are happy now and she is happy for us but it is not the same when we are so far away from each other. The saddest thing about my story is that I haven’t even talked to her in a year. I used to write letters and talk on the phone, but not anymore. It is so hard to have a conversation on the phone because I don’t even know how to start it. There is so much to say and at the same time nothing. We missed too much from our lives; it is too late to catch up on the phone. Every weekend when my dad talks to her I think that maybe I should say at least “hi”, but I never did. I don’t even know why. Maybe I’m scared that if I hear her voice I’ll miss her even more or I’ll wish to see her again but I can’t. Maybe I’m scared of not knowing what to say. Maybe I’m scared because I am a different person now, grown up, responsible, not who I used to be. Maybe I’m scared of hearing her cry. Maybe we just lost whatever we had.
Family love stays forever no matter what. I do love my grandma and she loves me. We both want to have everything back, but we’re both scared of the changes in our lives and ourselves. We missed too much and there is so much to share that we just don’t know where to start. I wish I could see her for a day or two so we can tell each other everything we missed and then phone talks won’t be so hard. I wish to let her know how I feel, but I never do. It is so hard for me to keep in touch with people I love and miss. I would rather live day by day without thinking about her so much. It hurts when I do because I wish she was next to me. I wish she could feel what I feel. I wish she knew why I never called.
My dad always tells me that grandma says hi and loves me and I always send love and kisses back. She asks about me all the time but never wants me on the phone. I think she feels the same way I do. I think she is scared too and I feel so bad because I know I can change that but I never try hard enough. I don’t want it strong enough. I now that even if we talk it will never am the same. I am disappointed of myself not being brave enough to talk with the person I trust and miss the most. Sometimes I think that is for good. I am not going to live there again, maybe just visit but not for long. I knew that since the day I came and I was ready for it. I needed to learn to live without her advice and friendship. I needed to solve problems myself and I think that helped me to grow as a person and made me stronger. Now I make my own decisions and feel confident about them. All this I learned from her and I appreciate the help and love she gave me. One day I will thank her and when she sees what I’ve become she’ll know that I heard everything she said.
Now I think about grandma and see that I was blind back then. I didn’t realize how close to me she was until I went away. I never thought of her as a friend and she was a good one. Now when I am a grownup and understand that family is not just blood relationship but way more. Family is friends that you make without even realizing. Once that are always there for you no meter what. Friends whom you call mom, dad, grandpa, grandma, sister or brother. Family gives love, honesty, help, trust and support to each member but in our busy days we never pay attention to what we have until we lose it. I believe that the relationship I had with my grandma will live forever because we didn’t change it. We just left it the way it was and didn’t turn it into a once a week, ten minute phone call conversation about gas prices and homework. We kept it untouched in our hearts forever. Grandma says we learned a great lesson “You always realize what you had, when you lose it”.
Sources:
Maramska, Iordanka K. “My Grandma is my best friend.” Telephone interview. Aug. 2008.
Maramski, Bozhidar S. “My Grandma is my best friend.” Online interview. 22 Sept. 2008.
Human-Headed Bull
Sunday, September 28th, 2008 | Art | No Comments
Winged human-headed bull from Khorsabad
Mesopotamian culture was very different than the ones before it. It was all about organization, civilization and community. During the Mesopotamian period cities, empires, laws, rules and great art were created. During this period of time people still believed in their gods. Most of the Mesopotamian gods were connected or related to the nature and its forces. Even though people believed in their gods more than in anything ales, they made sure that life does not revolve only around them. Mesopotamians were the very first organized culture in the world. They created written rules called laws. They organized small villages and cities. Rulers were crating empires and armies. People believed that those rulers are agents of god.
All this factors and more somehow influenced artists and they created great art pieces that we appreciate and admire today. During Mesopotamian time period the urban life started and from there metal and wood working.”Though but the Chalcolithic, or Stone-Copper, period the metal was used sparingly and, what is far more important, was treated in much the same way as stone” as said in National Geographic Magazine (Jan. 1951; pg.65). It took big part of sculpture and other kinds of art. Many pieces were made of metal like gold and silver. Most of the art during this period was made based on research people made about nature, meaning of death, destiny and purpose of human kind. Also the gods were a main subject of interest. National Geographic Magazine (Jan. 1951; pg.74) writes: “The ancient Mesopotamian made his gods much in his own image”. Mesopotamians pretty much created their own gods by describing them the way they see and understand their powers.
Winged human-headed bull from Khorsabad is a great Mesopotamian sculpture that in my opinion describes gods and their powers. There are few reasons that make me think so and they are: power, pride, magic and strength shown by different nature elements. I will start with the statues size. It is 13ft. 10in. tall which is a massive, huge and heavy piece of rock. It is made of strong, long-lasting rock, I assume, because Mesopotamians, also like the Egyptian people, were making their sculptures to last forever. From the Egyptian culture we know that larger size means importance. Basically the sculpture is a human headed bull, but not so simple because there are many decorative details that have meanings. The body is standing tall and strong and that shows power and strength. Very interesting is that the bull has five legs, each strong and muscular. I think that this is to show stability and security. As I look up the statue’s body I see many different decorations and they are nature connected. Most of the bull’s body is covered with feathers in different sizes. On his chest there are small feathers, organized vertically. They are all the same size and shape so it looks very clean, organized and well planned. Right after the columns of small feathers there are lines of larger ones. The big, beautiful feathers are forming a large wing going almost as high as the statues head. I think that the feathers are fancy and symbolize freedom. In the back part of the strong animal’s body there are some tiny circular decorations that might have many purposes. I believe they form a heavy cardigan that symbolizes safety and protection. In the farthest part is the tail which doesn’t seem to take a big, important part in the meaning of the sculpture because it is hidden in the back and it doesn’t show a lot. Probably the most important part of the sculpture is the head. It is a human head with long beard, hair and tall crown. The face looks very confident, the eyes are open big but he looks relaxed at the same time. The beard is made very long and its decorations are small and made very carefully to show manliness and power. Then he wears earrings which symbolizes wealth and rank. Finally on the top of his head he has beautiful crown. It seems to be very heavy because it’s very tall. The bottom part of it is made of curved horns reminding of the power of wild bull. It defiantly adds strength and pride to the piece. On the top of the crown there are once again decorations of feathers that make the crown look even taller. All this details make me think that this sculpture is about all the gods of nature, their strength, pride, magical power and protection.
After my research and the readings I did about Mesopotamian culture and the Winged human-headed bull from Khorsabad, I now know its purpose and use. It is not what I was assuming it is, but its close enough. The sculpture and more of the same kind were standing at doorways to protect from supernatural forces. Sometimes called “guardians” the statues were usually put at the cities or villages doorways to scare the evil and bad away. That’s why they are made of huge rocks and they are so tall.
Bibliography
Castor, Marie-Jose. “Winged human-headed bull.” Louvre. <http://www.louvre.fr>.
Kempt, Barry J. Ancient Egypt: anatomy of a civilizations.
National Geographic Magazine Jan. 1951: 65-74.