7th Say, Mean, Matter Entry!

11/4/2013

Say, Mean, Matter Discussion Forum—You will contribute one Say, Mean, Matter post online each week. You may choose the content of your post. Consider the following possibilities:

a.     Important newspaper articles, which you can find online or in a print newspaper

b.     Textual quotes from the literature you are reading

c.     Any contemporary issue that intrigues you

You will then analyze the content in terms of “What does it (whatever you chose) SAY?” This is a summary, so put the content into your own words.

The next section will be titled, “What does it MEAN?” This is an interpretation. This is where you determine what the content means. This is YOUR interpretation based on your background knowledge and your knowledge of the subject matter, etc.

The final section is the “What does it MATTER?” This is the implication piece. What are the possible outcomes? How will this content impact you, the community, the nation, the world? See columns below. There will be a sample SAY, MEAN, MATTER post online for you to consider while you compose your own. Your SMM post is due online each Friday at midnight.

Please use your first name and last initial and YOUR CLASS PERIOD. You will NOT receive credit if there is no class period listed.

Example: Shelia S., period 1

SEE MODEL SAY, MEAN, MATTER POST BELOW!

Gregory Boyle, in TATTOOS ON THE HEART, wrote, "You stand with the belligerent, the surly, and the badly behaved until bad behavior is recognized for the language it is: the vocabulary of the deeply wounded and of those whose burdens are more than they can bear"(179). (This is cited in MLA format.)

Say:

This says that bad behavior is a way of communicating one's pain and that standing with the badly behaved is necessary until the pain is revealed and understood.

Mean:

My interpretation of this passage is that it means that when people act out and misbehave that they are doing so because they are in tremendous pain. Either they've been neglected and their own needs are not being met, or they have been abused or hurt in some way, or perhaps they've suffered a loss that is too big for them to bear. Instead of using their words about how much pain they're in, they act out by doing things that are inappropriate and often illegal (This is a book about gangs.)

Matter:

This passage matters because it offers an explanation for bad behavior and challenges us to see beyond the behavior to the heart of the matter. If we can do that, then we may feel more empathy, and as a result, be able to stick it out with those who are acting badly rather than quickly dismiss, judge and abandon them.

Kristi L. Period 5

11/4/2013 05:27:30 am

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.”
― Bernard M. Baruch

SAY
You should express how you feel and be able to be yourself because only those who matter to you wont judge you.

MEAN
Those important to you are the ones who wont judge you and accept you for who you are while those who do judge you are the ones who shouldnt be important in your life. Those are the people you shouldn't care for or be friends with.

MATTER
People nowadays feel insecure to say what they truly feel or act a certain way. They feel judged and uncomfortable causing them to act like others or act less like themselves. This eventually changes them all because they want to fit in. People should realize that there are people out there who accept you for who you are. They dont care about what you wear, what you say, what you have, etc. Those are true friends and people should be more aware of who is only using them.

Dylan N., Period 5

11/4/2013 05:32:24 am

Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear. –George Addair

Say: This quote saying to get over your fear, you have to find the bright side of it

Mean: This means that you have to find what you always wanted by conquering your fears.

Matter: This matters because some of the greatest leaders in history got over their fears and accomplish their greatest goals. People nowadays should stand up to what they fear the most and achieve their long term goals.

Susan C.; Period 6.

11/4/2013 06:27:11 am

"You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,love like you'll never be hurt, sing like there's nobody listening, and live like it's heaven on earth" -William W. Purkey.

Say: This quote is saying that you've got to feel free to do whatever you love. It is like being in an unrealistic world.

Mean: Don't worry about what other people think about you. Do what you love and try not to let the judging of others hurt you.

Matter: Lots of people don't want to do the things they love because they are affraid of what might others would think about them.

Ronald H. Period 6

11/4/2013 06:27:51 am

"Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great." - John D. Rockefeller

Say: We have to give up something to be able to reach something greater.

Mean: There is always an opportunity cost because we cannot do 2 things at once. One must be better than the other, so we have to give up the good to go for the great. That is the choice we have to consider.

Matter: As humans, we never stop asking for more, so everyone wants to better than one another. However, there is always a risk that we have to take to pursue for the best. What's holding us back is our fear to become better. Once we overcome that fear, it's possible to have a brighter future.

Alex K. Period 6

11/4/2013 06:32:52 am

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." John Quincy Adams

Say: To be a good leader, you have to inspire.

Mean: This means if you want to be a good leader, you have to inspire them from the inside and give them a personal interest to improve themselves.

Matter: We have to be able to inspire people to do better and strive for a bigger goal. This quote is showing that good leaders need to be able to understand their group members to inspire them to do better.

Qinfu G, Period 6

11/4/2013 06:34:03 am

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.”
― Albert Einstein

Say: The universe is infinite, and so does stupid peoples.

Mean: There are stupid people everywhere.

Matter: The universe is infinite and expanding, and so is humans. The more humans there is the more stupid people there are.

Amanda Cheng, Period 2

11/4/2013 09:23:58 am

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
― Albert Einstein

Say: There are two ways to live life. One is that nothing is a miracle and another is that everything is a miracle.

Mean: It means that we can view our life and the things that happen in them is a miracle or we can just view it as if it wasn't a miracle.

Matter: It matters because there are people out there who views their life as if it wasn't a miracle. There are also others who view it as if it was a miracle. Also, there are those who are unhealthy who still view their lives as a miracle.

Vivian L., Per 5

11/4/2013 10:06:34 am

"It seems to me that if you or I must choose between two courses of thought or action, we should remember our dying and try so to live that our death brings no pleasure on the world."
-John Steinbeck

Say: There's a thought of action and a choice to follow that action. If the thought is to harm yourself it's best to not commit to that action.

Mean:If you feel like hurting yourself, you shouldn't do it because it will only bring more pain to others around you.

Matter: Everyone matters. You shouldn't hurt yourself no matter how hard life can be. Leaving this world can only bring pain to everyone that's in our lives.

Lewen M., Period 6

11/4/2013 12:36:46 pm

Elise Sole wrote, “It’s no secret that little girls today are hitting puberty earlier than ever before, but new research published Monday in the medical journal Pediatrics has identified a new reason for the surge: obesity” on Yahoo News.

Say: This quote says that girls are reaching puberty at an earlier age than before. The reason for this new surge may be because of obesity.

Mean: The mean age for Caucasian girls to hit puberty is 9.6, African American girls at 8.8 years, Hispanic girls at 9.3 years, and Asian girls at 9.7 years. One reason for the increase stems from how food affects the body. It may because children are eating more than children before; therefore, all the energy boosts the maturation process.

Matter: This study shows that children don’t just contend with physical changes. It can also evoke complex, emotional problems. The market is exploding with products that cater specifically to girls in early development. Retailers are making push-up bikinis and other “adult” clothing for younger girls. These types of clothing make less developed girls look down on themselves which creates self-esteem issues. These mature clothing for young girls also evoke more sexual predators that have become a large problem for our society.

Eman Al-alami, Per.6

11/4/2013 12:44:44 pm

"Thy soft heart refused to discover, The faults which so many could find;Though thy soul with my grief was acquainted, It shrunk not to share it with me, And the love which my spirit hath painted, It never hath found but in thee." Stanzas to Augusta by Lord Byron

Say: People can be sensitive to refuse to sense their flaws which others see, despite how much they love something and what their spirit tells them to do, society just doesn't understand.

Mean: I feel like it means that when it comes to your own dreams, visions and how you see yourself and heart, others who aren't close easily can crush your ambitions so that means you have to be even more protective over what you say.

Matter: This matters because everyone has their own personal stories, ideas, passions and etc, that despite how wonderful we are at them. People from the outside who don't see the perfection or their correct form of doing something, they end up criticizing the person. This needs to change! People need to be more watchful of their own words, so others suffering don't have to bottle it all up.

Sandy N. Period 1

11/4/2013 01:03:02 pm

"Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses."

Say: Excuses causes failure.
Mean:Once you have a habit of making excuses, you will fail in life.
Matter: It matters because in order to be successful, you need to stop making excuses. Making excuses won't take you anywhere but downhill.

Jia L.

11/5/2013 01:08:24 am

"Avoid the crowd. Do your own thinking independently. Be the chess player, not the chess piece."
-Ralph Charell
Say: Stand out, be yourself, don't be controlled.

Mean: One should not be controlled or told what to do, one should always stand up for themselves.

Matter: It matters because it can help us be ourselves. We will not be controlled and that is what makes us unique. Everyone is different, but this is only shown when each one of us are to act independent and not be controlled by others.

Kalvin L Period 2 link

11/5/2013 01:13:08 am

You may need $2.5 million to retire.

Say: You may need $2.5 million to retire.

Mean: With people living longer and the rising inflation people will need to start saving for retirement earlier or put aside more money for their retirement.

Matter: As I start to work I will need to put aside money for my retirement.

Rico L.

11/5/2013 01:13:43 am

"I don't believe that if you do good, good things will happen. Everything is completely accidental and random. Sometimes bad things happen to very good people and sometimes good things happen to bad people. But at least if you try to do good things, then you're spending your time doing something worthwhile."Helen Mirren

Say: Good and bad things happen at random.

Mean: People should do good anyway even though events are random to do something worthwhile.

Matter: This matters because it tells us that even though we cannot influence the good or bad things that happen to us, we can still feel we are doing something worthwhile by being good anyway.

Karishma Bhakta P.2

11/5/2013 01:14:03 am

"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."
Michael Jordan

Say: Michael Jordan says we will fail but it does not hurt to try.
Mean: You should try to accomplish something you cannot do and if you for sure cannot do it. You know you cannot do everything.
Matters: This allows us to feel as if everyone has a weakness and everyone has a strength.

Ramon Casillas p5

11/5/2013 03:24:19 am

I don't even know how to speak up for myself, because I don't really have a father who would give me the confidence or advice.

Say: This person didn't grow up with a father that is suppose to teach him and give him the confidence to speak up for himself

Mean: Someone needs to teach you to speak up and give you the confidence.

Matter: this matters because there are a lot of kids that are growing up without a dad to teach them how to speak up and they stay quiet.

Steven Coto per 6

11/5/2013 03:26:22 am

Say:You can't stop loving or wanting to love because when its right it's the best thing in the world. When you're in a relationship and its good, even if nothing else in your life is right, you feel like your whole world is COMPLETE.
MEAN: IT MEANS THAT IF YOUR WORLD IS CORRUPTED BUT U HAVE A PERSON IN YOUR LIFE TO MAKE U HAPPY UR IS FULL OF LIGHT.

MATTER: IT MATTERS BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE HAVE SHITTY ASS LIFES BUT TO MAKE THEM EXIST THEY HAVE A SPECIAL SOMEONE TO MAKE THEM SMILE, LAUGH AND TO TELL THEM THEY LOVE THEM AND SAY EVERYTHING IS OK AND THEM FEEL SAFE AND LOVED. :)

MATTER:

Jeny Chavez, Per.5

11/5/2013 04:51:03 am

“It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it.” -Maurize Switzer

Say: It is better to stay quiet, then to make a fool out of yourself.

Mean: In order to avoid looking like a fool, it would behoove you if you stayed quiet. This way it would eliminate the possibility of saying something stupid.

Matter:Many people speak without thinking, causing them to look like fools. However, it is easily avoidable if one is conscious of what one is saying.

Yela M., Period 5

11/5/2013 04:53:18 am

"Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present."

Say: Happiness is not a decision to make out of ordinary, and certainly in my opinion, Happiness can't be planned for something in the future.

Mean: Happiness either happens at the moment of time, because it's not reasonable to plan it for something in the future. It will make more sense if something is planned that will lead to happiness, and be satisfied in the long run.

Matter: Happiness matters because it is a form of survival to live through life without having second thoughts. It's an easier way to just be happy every day.

John H. Per. 5

11/5/2013 04:54:32 am

When you are courting a nice girl an hour seems like a second. When you sit on a red-hot cinder a second seems like an hour. That's relativity. -- Albert Einstein.

Say:
When trying to get a girl to fall for you, time seems to fly by. When sitting on a hot cinder, time slows down.

Mean:
This means that when you do something you like, time passes by quickly, but when you do something you don't like, time seems to come to a stop.

Matter:
This matters because if you do the things you like, you will enjoy it and you will in turn enjoy life for all the good that it is.

Lisa D., period 5

11/5/2013 04:55:51 am

"Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action." -Benjamin Disraeli

SAY: Your actions might not always make you happy, but you can never get happiness if you don't do anything.

MEAN: Your actions have to happen for you to be happy at all; being passive will not bring you happiness.

MATTER: Too many people are afraid that what they do will bring them sadness, so they don't do anything at all. Once you overcome your fears, you learn that your actions won't always end as you hope, but it's okay. It is better than sitting around thinking "What if...."

Steven W. P5.

11/5/2013 04:57:05 am

It takes a lot of things to prove you are smart, but only one thing to prove you are ignorant.
Don Herold
Say: it says that you can be the smartest person, but after one big mistake you are considered "ignorant and stupid"
Mean: it means that the world is cruel
Matter: it matters because life is full of suprises

Clara L. Per 5

11/5/2013 05:10:57 am

" No one will love you, if you dont love yourself " - Tyga

Say : What this quote say is that no one will ever love you if you dont love yourself first.

Mean: What this quote mean is that love exist if you love yourself, Love who you are, what you are, and love yourself first. Because if you dont love yourself, you wont be able to love anyone else. You need to love yourself and stop criticizing yourself and be proud of who you are. Live up to your own expectation, not anyone else's. No one will love you, if they see that you have such hatred in yourself.

Matter: This matter to me because i've witnessed people in relationships having trouble. Not only that the other person struggle to love their partner, but mainly there was never love involved in their relationship. She continuously lay a burden towards herself, and always think negative. and therefore, she had trouble to find love, Until the counselor came and talked things out with her and she shared what she has learned, and now i see her happy all the time, and mostly because she learned to love herself.

Clarissa H, period 5

11/5/2013 02:05:00 pm

“People aren't born good or bad. Maybe they're born with tendencies either way, but it's the way you live your life that matters." - Cassandra Clare, "City of Glass"

SAY: People are not born a certain way. How they live their life is what they become.

MEAN: You cannot excuse any bad actions by saying oh...i was born bad or whatever. People are a product of their own actions so take notice of what you do and make a positive influence.

MATTER: Your actions starting from the time you are young will shape the type of person you become so make good choices.

Leodarwin L. Period 1

11/5/2013 11:57:15 pm

"Push yourself again and again. Don't give an inch until the final buzzer sounds" -Larry Bird.

Say: Strive for the best in everything you do.

Mean: Don't give up easily, keep on trying and trying.

Matter: it helps people to not give up easily and motivate them to strive for the best. #striveforgreatness

Gabriel H. Period 1

11/5/2013 11:57:35 pm

"We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone." - Ronald Reagan.
Say: We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone.

Mean: Although most of us can't do everything and help everyone, we all can make a difference in some way.

Matter: If we all do the small things we can to help people, the world will be a better place. Many small good deeds around the world will have a chain effect of joy.

Zhi D., Period 1

11/6/2013 12:02:10 am

"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment." -Buddha

Say: This quote says that people should not think or stays in the past and people should also not think or dream about the future. The only thing that people should do is to stay on the present time.

Mean: This quote says that people often think about the past, which is something that they should left behind. People often dream about their future, where they have a big dream about it. The right thing to do is to stay on present and the moment where people were.

Matter: This quote matters because it teaches us that not to think about what happens in the past or dream about the future where everything do not even happen yet. People should focus on the moment where they were and care about what was happening right now.

Jorge Sanchez Period 1

11/6/2013 12:03:13 am

“At some point in our lifetime, gay marriage won't be an issue, and everyone who stood against this civil right will look as outdated as George Wallace standing on the school steps keeping James Hood from entering the University of Alabama because he was black.” George Clooney on Gay Rights

Say: What George is saying is that discrimination against gays is old and people should not care and evolve like how racial diversity did in the 1960s.

Mean: What I think it means is that people need to start living in the present, and not the past in which discriminating against gays was not frowned upon. Now in the present people now realize that gay people deserve the same rights as we do.

Matter: It matters because Gay Rights is still a huge public issue, and in our think tank group that is one our topics.

Jiamin Li period 1

11/6/2013 12:04:11 am

"Live like it's your last day, work like you don't need the money, love like you’ve never been hurt, and dance like nobody's watching." -Mark Twain

SAY: This says that don't worry about the future, do something that you don't have to care about others opinions.

MEAN: It means that people need to live their own life for the correct reasons and not do things because they feel like they have to.

MATTER: Try to treat everyday is your last day, enjoy the power and beauty of your youth because we usually do things that others told we to do it.

Kami T. Period 1

11/6/2013 12:04:42 am

"A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same." -Elbert Hubbard

SAY: Friends understand/know you the best. They will always love you and be there for you.

MEAN:You know who your true friends are, they are the one's who except you for who you are and they don't judge you. They love you for just being yourself.

MATTER: Your friends matter a lot, choose them wisely because they will be the one's who stay by your side and love you for who you are. Don't make mistakes and try to make friends with others who aren't really your friends. Just be yourself and you will have the friends that matter the most.

Joanna L link

11/6/2013 12:08:08 am

"you're born an original, don't die a copy."
say: This quote means that your an original, not someone else. Don't try to be someone else, you should be happy to be yourself.
mean: this quote means that a lot of us try to be people were not. That's not right. You should be happy to be you, and you shouldn't have to change yourself to be pleasing someone else.
matter: there is only one of you. you shouldn't have to or want to change yourself to please someone. You are you, make yourself stand out in the world

Rex Yang Per 1

11/6/2013 12:14:30 am

“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.”
― Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Say: Be alive in this world needs courage.

Mean: Live can be cruel, its full of despair, sadness, pain and hatred. So to live up to the expectations that ones facing probably takes unlimited amount of courage to do so.

Matter: A thought of disappear in this world is easy, but to think about the ones who love you, you hesitated. Living with pressures, pains and all kinds of torture aren't easy to digest throughout ones life.

Rainie X., Per 1

11/6/2013 12:17:23 am

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.”
― Bernard M. Baruch

SAY: You should feel free to be who you are and say what you feel. People who minds what you say don't matter; people who matter to you wouldn't mind what you say.

MEAN: This quote means that people should say what they are really thinking instead of saying what others want to hear, because people who think you are important would not care what you say. The quote also means that we should feel free to be who we are, instead of being a person that others want to see.

MATTER: This matters because people are less likely to be a real person now. They follow what most people do instead of doing what they really want to do. People lose the real them, because they are afraid of being different. However, they forget one important point: people who trust you do not mind who you are and what you say, because they only care about you.

Henry G., Per 5

11/6/2013 03:31:06 am

"Writing free verse is like playing tennis with the net down." -Robert Frost

Say: When one writes a free verse, they can write it in any way they want without being stopped.

Mean: This means that a free verse writer may not be tied down by anything when they write compared to other poets that do not free verse. When the quote mentioned playing tennis with the net down, it means that there will be no net to stop the ball if it hits that area. This relates to how free verse writers are flexible in their work with nothing stopping them.

Matter: This matters because a free verse writer can write whatever they feel without a person or rule to prevent them from writing it.

Tatiana C.Period 5

11/6/2013 03:54:56 am

I know where I'm going and I know the truth, and I don't have to be what you want me to be. I'm free to be what I want by Muhammad Ali.

Say: It' saying that he knows where he's going, and knows the truth, and he doesn't have to be the person you want to be.

Mean: That he knows exactly what he wants to be, and he's free to decide how he wants to be.

Matter: Its matter because sometimes you try to be someone that you aren't just because someone else told you to be like. I mean you can be the person you want to be. You're the owner of your life. you get to decide what personality you like.

Chanel L., Period 6

11/6/2013 04:59:52 am

The purpose of our lives is to be happy.
Dalai Lama

Say: Our lives are suppose to be good and full of happiness

Mean: Our lives are suppose to be good. We are suppose to enjoy life and everything around us.

Matter: If we don't enjoy life its like a waste. There is so much people around us to make us happy. The only reason why we continue living is to seek for happiness.

Stacie L Period 1

11/6/2013 10:40:55 am

"If you can accept losing, you can't win."
Vince Lombardi

Say: We have to accept losing and winning.

Mean: Not one person can always just continuously win. There has to be a lose somewhere, and when there is, we must accept it.

Matter: If we simply take pleasure in winning all the time, we have to accept losing as well.

Mindy S., Period 6

11/6/2013 10:57:55 am

"A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool."
-William Shakespeare

Say :
A fool thinks he is wise,but a wise man thinks he is a fool.

Mean :
Fools will say that they are wise while wise people will say that they are fools.

Matter :
Wise people will say that they are fools because they want to learn more and they know that it is impossible for a person know everything.

Jimmy N period 1

11/7/2013 12:01:33 am

“When you need something to believe in, start with yourself.”

Say- This says that you should always believe in yourself.

Mean- This means that if you want to believe in something, you should always believe in yourself first.

Matter- This matters because some people don't believe in their self.

Fandi Wang P.1

11/7/2013 12:03:20 am

“Just know, when you truly want success, you’ll never give up on it. No matter how bad the situation may get.” - Unknown

Say: If you want to succeed, you shouldn't give up.

Mean: When you want to succeed really badly, nothing can stop you from achieving something.

Matter: Everyone should reach their goals, don't quit half way, if you really want it, you can achieve it!

Rosakon C., Period 1

11/7/2013 12:03:29 am

“Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.”
― Mark Twain

SAY:
This quote says that all you need in life is a good book, good friends, and to be half awake. :)

MEAN:
This quote means that sometimes the things you need most in life to be happy are simple. A simple book that makes you smile, a single good friend that makes you laugh, and to not think too much.

MATTER:
It matters because it reminds us to seek happiness in simpler things. Often we are too busy worrying and stressing that we forget how relaxing reading a book or talking to a good friend is.

Kara L.

11/7/2013 12:03:47 am

"It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light"-
Aristotle Onassis

Say: It says that we see the light when we face hard times.

Mean: It means that people will only succeed if we face the hard times and fight through our difficulties.

Matter: It matters because everyone cant get what they want. They must face a hard task or time in order to succeed.

Jenn X. P.1

11/7/2013 12:04:38 am

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant."
Robert Louis Stevenson

Say: Don't criticize each day by the harvest you gain, but by the seeds that you plant.

Mean: Don't judge your days by how much you received by but how you tried your best.

Matter: A lot of people look at their success a day from what they've achieved but effort matters too.

Victoria L., Period 5

11/7/2013 12:18:35 am

"There are three methods to gaining wisdom. The first is reflection, which is the highest. The second is limitation, which is the easiest. The third is experience, which is the bitterest." -Confucious

Say: The quote is saying, in order to gain wisom, you must go through reflection, limitation, and experience. These three strategy will give you more widom.

Mean: Through reflection, you can see your own act, and change the way how you treat people. Limitation will limit you to do something. Experience will give you the necessary skills to do something.

Victoria L., Period 5

11/7/2013 12:24:25 am

Matter: This matters because wisdom is very important. It's better off being wise than grumpy.

Jacqueline W., Period 1

11/7/2013 12:24:39 am

"Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it."
Ralph Marston
Say: This quote is saying that people should always appreciate everything that they have in life by taking time out of their day and thanking their family and friends.
Mean: People tend to forget about how many people actually have an affect on their lives. It also makes a person's day when they receive a random act of gratitude from another person. To know that your life actually matters to someone else can give that person a day of optimism and in turn, that person will spread it around. Once we realize what we have, we can see that our life is full of people who care.
Matter: It's important to be appreciative of everything you have because life is too short to dwell on the past and constantly being negative. When someone makes it a habit to thank their loved ones and friends everyday, it not only shows appreciation, but it can also open up a bond or relationship.

Shirley Ho, Period 2

11/7/2013 01:20:23 am

“If they don’t appreciate you, they don’t deserve you.”

Say: If someone doesn't appreciate you, then they don't deserve you.

Mean: If you aren't appreciated by someone then they don't deserve your attention or concern. If they believe that constantly insulting you and bringing you down is fun, then let them feel how fun it is when you stop caring about them and ignore their words. They don't deserve all the times you've cared about them and tried to help them.

Matter: In this world, there are probably plenty of people in unhealthy relationships whether it's romantic or not. When people are in this type of relationship, it can break them down mentally and physically. Sometimes they don't realize this pain till way later into the relationship or they may be denying it. The worst part has to be when they've gotten used to such abuse. It's sad isn't it? When someone has hurt you so much, that you can actually say that you're used to it. Well to Hell with that (Pardon my language) but enough is enough. If they can't appreciate you when you're around, then let them figure out what they've lost after you've left for good.

Anita Z., Period 06

11/7/2013 04:01:59 am

The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart. -- Helen Keller

SAY:
Whats best and beautiful doesn't neccessary need for your eyes and ears, but rather your heart.
MEAN:
The best and most beautiful can be felt with only your heart. Seeing or hearing things doesn't all mean it's true (rumors). But in other words, what you believe and feel inside would be that counts.
MATTER:
This quote written by Helen Keller is inspiration, personally to her because she wasn't able to speak or see. People should see that Helen Keller wasn't even given the chance of seeing or hearing. She was able to feel it within her.

Michelle Z. Period 5

11/7/2013 05:11:11 am

"Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less."- C.S. Lewis
Say: In order to be humble, you don't have to look down on yourself but you have to think of yourself less often.

Mean: This quote means that humility does not mean to demean yourself and think of yourself as being less, but it means that you should think of yourself less often.

Matter: This quote matters because it states that we don't need to look down on ourselves in order to be more humble; we just need to think of ourself less often. Some people mistake being humble with being less proud of their accomplishments, so knowing that just thinking of themselves less will be humble.

Judy U period 5

11/7/2013 05:11:42 am

"The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up"
-Paul Valery

Say: In order to make you dreams come true, you must take the first initial step.

Mean: This quote means that dreams will only be dreams unless you take action.

Matter: This quote matters because many people have dreams/ goals to fulfill, but they are afraid to take the first step towards reaching their goals.

Sharon T, Period 1

11/7/2013 08:45:25 am

Twitter is finally up for grabs on the stock market. Goldman Sachs' Anthony Noto, one of Twitter's bankers, priced shares of $26 each on Wednesday. Since then, the value of the stock has soared 73%.

Say: Twitter is a smash hit in the stock market in its debut. There is much support for it, as investors scrambled for shares as soon as it opened.

Mean: Right now, the technology sector is all the rage. Netflix, Facebook, and Google, just to name a few, have all done exponentially well in the last year. Their values are at the highest they've ever been. This is because these corporations are exponentially innovative, always coming out with the latest and greatest. It excites the public. We all want a stake in it.

Matter: As demonstrated in the stock market and more evident parts of our lives, technology is extremely pertinent in our lives. It is one of the most lucrative industries now, also the most expensive to get into. In my Economics class, we had a stock portfolio project, where we were given $10,000 to spend on stocks of our choice. The highest-performing stocks were in the technology and metal sectors. This is a strong indicator of what is coveted, well-supported, and pertinent in the U.S.

Ryan H., Period 6

11/7/2013 12:17:29 pm

In "FDA Moves To Phase Out Remaining Trans Fats In Food Supply," Dan Charles writes, "If the Food and Drug Administration has its way, an era of food technology will soon end. The agency announced Thursday it is aiming to ban partially hydrogenated vegetable oils from all food products."

Say: This quote says that the FDA will try to ban trans fats from all of our foods.

Mean: Removing trans fats will result in healthier food options for people to choose from. It also means that there are many food companies and distributors that can possibly be hurt by this ban, and it may anger people who have certain food preferences that do contain these trans fats.

Matter: This tackles an important issue in America. There are so many unhealthy foods and lifestyles that people have in America. By banning these trans fats, we can promote a healthier diet for people to follow.

Dolores Resendiz Period 1

11/7/2013 12:25:48 pm

"Success is only meaningful and enjoyable if it feels like your own."
-Michelle Obama

Say: This quote is saying that success is only truly satisfying when its ones own success.

Mean: This means that throughout ones life of success it only means something extremely important when you got there on your own.

Matter: It matters because if we succeed and we do it by cheating out way there or not learning how to be on out own we never truly know how to succeed on your own. When you succeed its a joyful feeling but only when its done alone.

Derrick Lam, Period 1

11/7/2013 01:17:42 pm

"Sometimes Me think, 'What is Friend? 'and then me say, 'Friend is someone to share the last cookie with.'''
-Cookie Monster

Say: What are friends? People to share with.

Mean: Friends are people to share things with.

Matter: A lot of people are very selfish towards their friends which is not a good relationship. People should care for their friends, share things and be very compassionate.

Brandon Fujii, Period 1

11/7/2013 01:25:41 pm

"It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness."
Eleanor Roosevelt
SAY: It is better to find a solution to a problem than to complain about it.
MEAN: The candle and the darkness represent a problem and an individual's willingness to solve the problem. It is better to work toward a solution than to complain about it, which is counterintuitive.

MATTER: I feel that many people have a large opinion on ongoing issues but do little to work toward a solution.

Stephany F., period 2

11/7/2013 05:44:30 pm

“Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not in what they say. Just in what they are.” –Markus Zusak

SAY: In this quote, Markus Zusak is trying to put across that sometimes people don't always look the best, or talk the best, but they are beautiful inside, as in their personality.

MEAN: This quote means that a person’s personality, how they think, and how they act is what truly makes them who they are personally, not physically. One can’t be too quick to judge, because there is so much more to appearances. It all goes back to not judging a book by its cover.

MATTER: This quote matters, because the true person that you are inside, regardless of outward appearance, can be beautiful. Maybe we are all capable of more than we think we are. We often limit ourselves and others by what we perceive.

Kyrstin N. Period 1

11/8/2013 12:06:11 am

"Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain." -Joseph Campbell

This quotes says that you need to surround yourself with things that make you happy and be around people that lift you up when you're not at your strongest.

This means that everybody has there hardships in life and that when bad things happen to you, you can't be around people that are going to say or do things that are gonna make you feel worse. You need to be around people that are gonna help you up when you fall and make you smile when you cry. That you need to do things that you love and really live in the moment and feel the joy that these things and people give you in life.

This matters because everyone needs joy in their life. you just have to find the right people and do the right things.
In this quote this means that when you are going through rough times

Victoria Y. Period 1

11/8/2013 12:07:28 am

“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth.”
― William W. Purkey

Say: Dance like nobody's watching you
Love like you'll never get hurt
Sing like nobody's listening
Live like you're in heaven

Mean: Live your life to the full extent without having to hide who you really are. Don't hide your true self because you're scared of what others are going to think about you.

Matter: No ones opinion of you should make you change who you are. Everyone is unique through your own circumstances. Be true to yourself and only yourself.

Joey Cao

11/8/2013 12:37:18 am

"Without struggle, there is no progress"-Frederick Douglass?
Say: if you don't work hard, then you don't get what you want
Mean: It could also mean that without hardship we would have no reason to change. If humans weren't faced with cold we would never have invented coats. If we weren't threatened with starvation we would never have learned to hunt. Essentially all our progress came about as a way to lessen our struggle.
Matter: everything have to go through a process

Luwei T., Per. 6

11/8/2013 08:35:15 am

Even though Chris Christie is a Republican, he still believes in a stronger mental health policy. Take a look: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/11/05/21312204-christie-nj-mall-shooting-shows-need-for-stronger-mental-health-treatment. This article is titled "Christie: N.J. mall shooting shows need for stronger mental health treatment" and it details Chris Christie's response to a recent mall shooting.

Say: Basically what started it all was a man who came to the mall to end his life and endanger other people. His motives are inscrutable. Why he brought a gun, why he went to the mall... this may forever remain a mystery. Either way, he did bring a gun to a mall -not that anyone knows why- and fired off a few rounds. Most hit storefronts harmlessly. The only life he took was himself which he took in a section of the mall under construction after causing panic.

He was wearing black and a helmet and there are other details that make you think it could have been recognized but it wasn't. The gun was stolen. It was also a bother for people at the mall immediately which was placed in a state of emergency and had people holed up or evacuated. The mall is one of the busiest in the U.S. and is visited by about 20 million people a year. An eyewitness account had someone pretty scared when she saw him walking around. The police officers had to clean up the mess which took up some time. The mall was furthermore closed the Tuesday after.

The article is titled around Chris Christie's response to it, which makes it significant, and is what I wrote about in the paragraphs following this although there is not much said about it. (His words themselves would take a paragraph though.) The article is not so long or detailed on its topic's repercussions. He says that it is a case to strengthen mental health treatment and it about ends there. He also says that next time the man with the gun at the mall might not end only his own life. He also "chastened the legislature" or something. It appears he favors strengthening mental health as an alternative to gun control, which is a Republican thing to do.

Chris Christie himself is up for reelection as New Jersey's governor and is favored as a potential candidate for the presidency.

Later his brother said that he was not there to hurt anyone else and fired out of "self-indulgence." He had only a drug dependency and no other reason to shoot and cause panic although from the "self-indulgence" thing it could have been done to get people's attention.

The end has an obligatory note on other, more deadly, mall shootings.

Mean: Chris Christie has long been known as a famous leading government official in the Republican party (and being rather overweight, but that's another story. There's a lot of jokes about it; see: http://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/politicsnow/la-pn-chris-christie-elephant-cruelty-20131107,0,2860187.story#axzz2k0icVSsm). Republicans are not known for being progressive or supporting government intervention in any form. As of right now, they do not support any broadening of the powers of government. Chris Christie seems to think that mental health is important enough to warrant increased government interference though. This is a divergence from accepted Republican banter. I think he means to make a statement. If he really believes in better mental health through the government that is a novel stand by someone in the Republican party.

Matter: While Chris Christie is not to be underestimated. he is not so powerful that it probably will effect any kind of change. It might make others more likely to accept more government interference in that one field however. Another famous person supporting it tends to make a position more popular. In addition, it might mean policy change under him in the space he oversees on this topic. I would not be surprised if this change gets pushed through under his government. This might mean better mental health care, but I would not make a position on this if I were a Republican. I tend to agree that government interference is in fact helpful, but Republicans might disagree, if only based on their blind, partisan positioning. Other solutions to the issue of mental health cannot be found anywhere else, however.

Whether this is an appropriate response to another shooting is another issue, which leans toward the governor's support on this one.

Of course, he may be merely trying to moderate his image ahead of his election but that probably would not be the way to do it in front of Republicans -or yes considering his support is immutable at this point but I dunno politics.

Xinyi C. Per 5

11/8/2013 12:46:06 pm

The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.---Albert Einstein

Say: The world is danger is not because of the bad people, it's because the people who don't do anything about it.

Mean: What makes the world dangerous is not the bad people, it's because of the people that didn't do anything about bad people.

Matter: We need to make the bad people into good people by spreading our loves, so that way, the world will be better and safe for us.

Kaiqiang L Per.5

11/9/2013 12:12:12 pm

"Things do not happen. Things are made to happen."-John F. Kennedy

Say: Things are not happen naturally, things are happen because of someone made it happen.

Mean: Things happened because someone made, not because just a thing, you'll never know how many people are behind somethings.

Matter: We are live in a very convenience world, and lots of kids like us are not understand how things are made, just like a pen, it is not you say pen, and then pen will appear. because of lots people are behind us, they made these convenience for us. Somehow, we have to thanks these people who behind us.

My T. Period 2

11/10/2013 09:18:12 am

"Bad habits are like a comfortable bed, easy to get into, but hard to get out of." -Unknown

Say: Bad habits are easy to get into, but difficult to overcome.

Mean: This quote means that when you get into a bad habit, it is very difficult to get out of it.

Matter: It matters because many of us have bad habits. For instance, for many students, one of their bad habits is procrastination. We all know that it is bad, and we should not do it. However, in spite of knowing that, we continue to do it. It takes a lot of determination and preservation to overcome procrastination. And once, we have succeeded, we must continue to avoid procrastinating, and make it a good habit to do.

Yongmin M., Period 6

11/10/2013 11:57:57 am

Buddha, wrote, "Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned."

Say:This says that if you you keep angry, you are like throwing a hot coal to someone else. However, you also hurt yourself since the hot coal is in your hand. Although you are trying to hurt someone, you are the first one to be hurt.

Mean:My interpretation of this passage is that it means that people are angry at everything which does not go well under their expectation. Therefore, they are very stubborn about the events. However, maybe the one who gets angry is the only one who cares about the event. When one is still angry at that, someone else has already forgotten and enjoy to his or her own life. There is no need to get angry if no one else cares.

Matter: This passage matters because it offers an explanation for those people who always focus on their own world. No one is the center of the world. Therefore, not everyone is living around you. We have to learn how to deal with other people. Angry has no meaning under such a fast-moving society.

kelly cuadra per 2

11/11/2013 05:11:33 am

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. Aristotle Onassis
say: this says that whenever we go through problems in our lives we should focus on the good things
means: It means that even when we have alot of problems and it brings us down that the best thing to do is to try to focus on the great things that we have or focus on the future.
matter: this matters because many people are affected greatly of their problems and a way to ease that pain or try to forget about whats going on the best thing to do is look for the good things in life.

Allissa S., Period 1

11/11/2013 07:08:06 am

"Who are you to judge the life I live? I am not perfect and I don't have to be! Before you start pointing fingers, make sure your hands are clean." - Bob Marley

Say: This quote is saying you should judge other peoples lives when yours isn't perfect either.

Mean: I think it means no one is perfect and nobody's life is perfect. You shouldn't judge someone for what they do or how they live their life if your not perfect either.

Matter: This matters because a lot of people talk about the flaws people have and how imperfect a persons life is when their life isn't so perfect either. No one is perfect and neither are their lives.

Stanley Yang (Youwei Yang) Period 6

11/11/2013 07:12:32 am

“A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” By Colin Powell

Say: A dream doesn't come true through magic, hard works are needed

Mean: Hard works are what made your dreams come true.

Matter: Many people doesn't act on their dream, but still believe that they will come true, even though they done nothing to get closer to their dream.

Stephanie W., Period 06

11/11/2013 10:43:29 am

“I am thankful for all of those who said NO to me. Its because of them I’m doing it myself.” – Albert Einstein

Say: I am thankful for people who rejected me because I now have to do it myself.

Mean: This quote means that people who once said "no" to me are actually helping me, because thanks to them, I have to do it myself.

Matter: People need to learn how to do things on their own because in this world, no one will treat you like a king or queen and do everything for you. This is why taking matters in your own hands is always the best thing to do.

Chapman L., Period 6

11/11/2013 02:09:39 pm

You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist. - Indira Gandhi

Say: Shaking hands is impossible with a clenched fist.

Mean: Closing yourself off to change and peaceful solutions will not get you far.

Matter: Gandhi is saying that progress will not happen without being open to it. Many people tend to fight for their principles but never work to make it happen. Another interpretation could be that when people are not open to social interaction, they miss out on the many benefits that the other can give them.

Brian Kaw Per. 6

11/11/2013 02:13:53 pm

"Where there is love there is life."
Mahatma Gandhi

Say: For the existence of life to possible, there must be love. With the existence of love there is life.
Mean: Love is essential for life to be possible. We must love each other and respect each other in order for life to be possible.
Matter: The words "I love you" are exchanged so easily now that we must take the time once in a while to truly express the words "I love you." For life to be possible, there must be love or else life wouldn't be life.

Jorge C., Period 1

11/12/2013 09:37:37 am

“It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.”
― André Gide, Autumn Leaves

Say: This quote is saying its better to be hated for something you are than to be loved for something you aren't.

Mean: I think this quote means its better to be who you are and be hated than to be loved by someone your pretending to be. You should be proud of who you are even if people don't like you. Its better to be real than fake so people will like you.

Matter: This quote matters because now a days people are fake and they pretend to be someone they aren't just to make friends. You should never try to act like someone your not so people will like you. Be yourself and if people don't like you then its their loss.

Kevin T., Period 5

11/13/2013 05:13:29 am

"If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone. A man should keep his friendships in constant repair." - Samuel Johnson

Say: He believes that we must meet new people or else we will be alone in the long run.

Mean: He thinks friendships need constant maintenance to continue.

Matter: This is a great advice for us teenagers. We should keep in contact with all our old friends yet meet new people at the same time. Or else, we may end up being very lonely.

Jiayuan Z., Period 6

11/13/2013 05:55:06 am

"Things change. And friends leave. Life doesn’t stop for anybody.”

Say
Things change not necessary in the way we wanted it to be. Life keeps going regardless to what one person thinks.
Mean
This quote means that life is something that keeps going even though you are having problems. You shouldn’t think too much about things in a pensive way but accept them and move on.
Matter
We shouldn't stress too much about the leaving of friends. Instead, we should have a positive attitude toward life. We should pay more attention to what we have rather than what we lose. That way, we can be happier in life.

Kayleigh Hennerty., Period 6

11/13/2013 06:35:33 am

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happend."- Dr. Seuss

Say: He's saying that you shouldn't cry when things are over but be lucky that they even happend.

Mean: I think he means that you should be thankful for things that happen instead of crying over them when they end.

Matter: I think this quote matters in life because it teaches you to be appreciative of what you've had in your life. Nothing lasts forever and that's a good thing to know. Be happy to have gotten it for the amount of time you did.

Natasha Nix p.6

11/13/2013 06:36:26 am

"A sad soul can kill you quicker, far quicker, than a germ." -John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In search of America

Say: Being sad and depressed can do far more damage to you than any germ can. Psychological overrides physiological.

Mean: Germs are nasty things that have the ability to leave bad results in people. In some cases, worst cases really, they can kill you. But having a heavy heart and not having any hope for anything better to come can kill you much quicker. It can do that in several ways, I think, but two are quite simple. The first being you have absolutely no hope or faith or anything left for you to hold on to and everything seems like it's hell and all you feel is pain. Mix that all together and no one would want to suffer through that. Not even the strongest man. This can lead to a person taking their life. The second is roughly the same as the first, but instead it causes you to fall very ill. It's not impossible. Grieving and heart-break. depression and sadness. It al adds to decreasing your health. And in some cases, it'll kill someone faster than any germ can.

Matter: It may be hard at times, but keeping your faith and having hope will benefit in the long run. It's good for your health and it's good for your over all well-being. Being sad has never helped anyone. It drains you and takes all you have; time and energy. So even thought times may seem bad, and this may sound cliche, there is always a light at the end of the long, black tunnel. So keep your head up and take time to help yourself. Don't wallow in your bad times, acknowledge them and carry on. It sounds hard but just try.

Yongshan Mai., Period 6

11/18/2013 01:38:59 am

“Things change. And friends leave. Life doesn't stop for anybody.” -Stephen Chbosk "The Perks of Being a Wallflower"

Say: Everything will change including friends. However, life will not know your feelings and care about you.

Mean: We should not complain about every difficulty we face since no one will care about your situation. In order to sustain yourself, you should stand up every time when you fall.

Matter: Survival of the fitness is the principle we should remember throughout of our lives.

Garin L. Period 1

11/18/2013 01:54:39 am

"I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work." - Thomas A. Edison

Say:
What Thomas Edison is trying to say is that you shouldn't consider something failed, but instead think of it as something that just doesn't work no matter what you try.

Mean:
This means that people should stop saying they or things have failed, but instead think of it as something that just can't work.

Matter:
This matters because many people often think of failure, but we should think of it as just not working instead.

Helen Trang Period 2

11/18/2013 02:22:15 am

"Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself."
-Harvey Fierstein

Say: This quote is saying that you should not be silent when you see something you don't like and to speak up for yourself and to make your own life imprints.

Mean: This quote means that you have to speak up for what you believe even if people try to put you down because it defines you.

Matter: This quote matters because if you don't speak up for yourself then people will step all over you and you wouldn't really want to say anything about it when you actually should.

Daniel Do

11/18/2013 06:09:29 am

"To fear death is to limit life"

Say: It means by fearing life, we limit ourselves to things we can or cannot do.

Mean: To me it means i have to live my life to the fullest, not worrying if i get hurt and if i do, thats life for ya.

Matter: To me it matters because i like to live life on the edge, i cant be tied down like that.

Nicole G., Period 6

11/18/2013 06:11:08 am

“I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.”
― Marilyn Monroe

Say: No matter who you are, everybody is ultimately a human being. Human beings all have flaws and that is an inevitable fact. And with those flaws come days where a person may seem intolerable, but if another person judges you based on those days, then they don't deserve to play a significant part of your life.

Mean: Only the people who truly matter are those who accept you for who you are and let you vent when you need to. Only the ones who matter should be able to enjoy your company when you're feeling good, and comfort you when you're feeling bad.

Matter: People need to understand that everybody experiences up days as well as down days. But nobody deserves to feel undermined because of things they might have said or done when they weren't feeling their best. If everybody was sympathetic or even empathetic, then our world would be a happier place and nobody would be judged the way they are.

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Say, Mean, Matter Forum

7th Say, Mean, Matter Entry!

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