Second Say, Mean, Matter Post, Sept. 13th

9/9/2013

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.

Benjamin Trinh., Period 2

9/9/2013 01:53:44 pm

Bruce Shreiner, in $250M gift to Ky. college withdrawn, wrote, "A $250 million donation that would have been among the largest gifts to higher education in U.S. history has been withdrawn from a small Kentucky liberal arts college, officials said Monday."

Say: This says that the money that has been given as donations to a liberal art school has finally been withdrawn. It is the largest in U.S. history of donations to higher education.

Mean: I think this means that many people are starting to look up to higher education. The impact that it has is much higher now and will influence many to to look into higher education. This donation will change the perception that higher education has on the world.

Matter: This passage matters because this is the world's largest donation to a college. This will clearly change education for many people. I believe that this will change the perception of many. I am extremely grateful that this has happened and I hope this I will influence many Americans to become more educated.

Cindy Tran Period 2

9/10/2013 02:36:37 am

"The Joy of Reading" by Daniel Born

"To lose such intellectual capability would constitute a vast cultural impoverishment."

Say: This passage is talking about what would happen if we stopped reading as much as we used to. Our use of vocabulary and sentence gathering becomes weaker and weaker and our intellectual capability decreases as well as our reading habits.

Mean: This may come off as a surprise, but even though I am growing up in a generation that no longer cares about books or even reads them I do enjoy books. I think this is really sad because I feel like more people should read a lot more and honestly reading can be really captivating. It's like a movie in your head and you really can get carried away in a book.

Matter: This passage really should open people's eyes and help them realize what they're missing out on. All the books can not only entertain you, but they can educate you in ways you could have never imagined. This really matters to me because I have been reading and people think I'm weird for doing that which shouldn't be seen as weird but more normal.

Cindy M., Per6

9/10/2013 11:01:48 am

Patricia McCormick, in SOLD, wrote,“Trying to remember, I have learned, is like trying to clutch a handful of fog. Trying to forget, like trying to hold back the monsoon”(124).

Say:

This says that when you try to very hard to remember something, you will lose the memory quickly instead. In addition, when you try to forget something, it will stay in your mind permanently. We don’t have the power to control the mind of our brains, so we just need to follow our hearts.

Mean:

I thinks this means that we always make up our mind to wipe out the bad memories , and make great efforts to hold the wonderful moments. However, none of us have the control to manage our brains. Every event in our lives has its value to us. If it is significant enough, it will certainly stagnate in our mind. On the other hand, if it does not bring any affection to us, it will be just one of the millions of flashes in our memory, flying away without hesitation.

Matter:

This quotation matters because many people are like the main character, Lakshmi, who always recalls her wonderful past while she is confronting a quandary. It give us a life lesson that it is useless to stop our moving feet and ponder about the past. Instead, we should be optimistic and try to make our future life better.

Jiayuan (Amy) Z. Period 6

9/11/2013 05:13:38 pm

We all tend to try hard to do one thing, but fail to achieve, especially on managing our emotion.

Jiayuan Z. (Amy) Period 6

9/10/2013 11:12:07 am

Cartoonist, Lynda Barry, says: “In the digital age, don’t forget to use your digits!”

Say
Our hands are the original digital devices. We should use them.

Mean
Nowadays, people use computers, or rather Internet, for all needs in this digital age. People almost forget how to do things by hands. Computers have robbed us of the feeling that we are actually making things. Instead, we are just tying keys and clicking mouse button. We never really get to touch or feel anything that we are doing unless we print it out. This makes knowledge work seems so abstract.

Matter
People who sit in front of their computer are so still and immobile. We need to move, to feel like we are making something with our bodies, not just our minds. So we need to find a way to bring our body into our work. We need to let the body work together with the brain to create art. Art that only comes from the head isn't any good.

Cindy M., Period 6

9/16/2013 01:15:01 pm

Living in the digital age which technology development is skyrocketing, we rely on our eletronic devices so much that we actually ignore the more signifcant parts of our lives.

Yela M., Period 5

9/10/2013 01:19:03 pm

Nic Sheff from Tweak said, “And though I have done many shameful things, I am not ashamed of who I am. I am not ashamed of who I am because I know who I am. I have tried to rip myself open and expose everything inside - accepting my weaknesses and strengths - not trying to be anyone else. 'Cause that never works, does it?"

Say: You should never be ashamed of who you are. Whatever choice you choose to do, is your own doing. Being someone else does not define your individuality; and just learn to accept all goods and flaws because that is what makes you, you.

Mean: I think this means that everyone is born in this world to become one person, themselves. No one is born to impress anyone else, BUT themselves. There's no time to become someone else, or try to replicate their lives, because in the long run, the one who's trying to change themselves won't be happy.

Matter: This passage matters because it involves everyone. At one point in their life, they would want to be someone else because they have something better. It is important for everyone to understand that you can't be a better you, either than yourself. If life is at rock bottom, there's always a way to improve, and work their way up.

Chris (Jae) Eom., Period 5

9/10/2013 02:04:23 pm

The Muslim teen worker was fired from Abercrombie & Fitch for refusing to take off her hijab at work. She scored a legal victory in an anti-discrimination suit against Abercrombie & Fitch.

Say: Majority of the Muslims choose to wear hijabs which are practically face scarves for some people, but resemblance of the religious authenticity to Muslims. The teenager worker at Abercrombie & Fitch was fired for wearing a hijab at work because they said that her hijab violated their "looks" policy, which states their marketing strategy.

Mean: In my opinion, this clearly means that Abercrombie & Fitch are greedy for money and overestimates that a single worker with a hijab will affect their marketing.

Matter: Nowadays, people have turned into evils for money. Money basically turns some people to become indecent, vulgar, and obscene. This situation of discrimination can affect the world because they involve religions and shows disrespect and judgments towards people who dress certain ways.

Lewen M., Period 6

9/10/2013 03:25:37 pm

Mark Twain wrote, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.”

Say:
This quote says that twenty years from now, you will not remember the things you did whether it had a positive or negative outcome. However, twenty years from now, you will be disappointed by the things that you did not do.

Mean:
My interpretation of this sentence is that it means that if you want to do something, then do it. You will regret later that you did not do it when you had the chance to. In the long run, you will wish that you had done it, but it will be too late.

Matter:
This phrase matters because it is telling us to take risks. It is also implying that we should live life to the fullest because we may not know what tomorrow brings. Later on in life, we will regret all the things that we wanted to do but never accomplished. This motivational quote is urging people to take action and do the things that they love best before it is too late.

Sandy Nhan Period 1

9/11/2013 01:26:34 am

Horwitz said, "Their bodies take in nutrition and all, right through the goddamn seaweed and crap that's in the ice. They got their pores open the whole time. That's their nature, for Chrissake. See what I mean?"

Say: Fishes can survive in the winter even when the water freezes.

Mean: There are fishes in the winter whether the water is frozen or not.

Matter: Fishes are not alone. They may seem alone but they are not. They can survive when their pores are open and when there are seaweeds.

Jimmy Nguyen,Period 1

9/11/2013 01:26:47 am

“Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer.”
― Joseph Campbell

Say: This quote says that life is meaningless unless you make it meaningful.
Mean: This means that life is nothing unless you make something
out of it.
Matter:This matters because some people don't live life to the fullest and doesn't have a real good reason to keep trying in life.

Steven W. P5.

9/11/2013 02:58:01 am

"Imagination is more important than knowledge..."
-Albert Einstein

Say: This quote says that having imagination is something that will get you anywhere in life.
Mean: This means that knowledge wont get you anywhere in life without having imagination to be creative.
Matter: This matters because without having creativity, you will just be a dull pointed needle in a stack of pointy needles in a haystack.

Yongmin M., Period 6

9/11/2013 04:25:36 am

Zora Neale Hurston, in Their Eyes Were Watching God, wrote, "That is the life of men. Now, women forget all those things they don’t want to remember, and remember everything they don’t want to forget. The dream is the truth. Then they act and do things accordingly"(2).

Say:

This says that women usually remember what they want to remember and try to ignore what they don't want. Women always want to pursue for their dreams. They consider their dreams as reality, and they act according to their dreams.

Mean:

My interpretation of this passage is that it means that men and women need certain things from each other. Men usually give up their dreams and prefer reality when troubles come to block their paths. However, women are more persistent. They seem to be born for pursuing dreams. They will like to spend their whole lives on dreams.

Matter:

This passage matters because it offers an explanation that women is proud and defiant, saying that while men never really reach for their dreams, women can control their wills and chase their dreams. This quote reveals that women are eager to battle and struggle in the direction of their dreams.

Kevin T., Period 5

9/11/2013 04:49:27 am

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Say: This quote says we should not always follow a given path and should explore new ones.

Mean: This encourages us to try new things and experiment with things that no one has ever done before.

Matter: If we live by this quote, we will discover things that no one has ever known about before. We will also be creative and brave.

Jenn X. Period 1

9/18/2013 02:56:38 am

This quote is very inspiring because people tend to always follow other people instead of making their own choices and risks.

Dolores R. period 1

9/11/2013 06:33:11 am

“We pray for the memory of all those taken from us -- nearly 3,000 innocent souls,” Obama said at the Pentagon.

“Our hearts still ache for the futures snatched away, the lives that might have been -- the parents who would have known the joy of being grandparents, the fathers and mothers who would have known the pride of a child’s graduation, the sons and daughters who would have grown, maybe married and been blessed with children of their own," the president said. "Those beautiful boys and girls just beginning to find their way who today would have been teenagers and young men and women looking ahead, imagining the mark they’d make on the world." ( LA TIMES)

Say:
President obama says that we lost many souls November 11th and the lives that were taken would have had a great impact on the world and the families are still suffering from this great lost. many of the people that passed that day would have had many things in their lives , but that was taken from them.

Mean:
the meaning of this is that we shouldn't take life got granted , we have a lot ahead of us, and its something that we must enjoy. we have the privillage to still be here, to see your loved ones and be with them.

Matter:
its matters because , some people don't see life as a gift , they take their life for granted and never do anything they want to. they fall into addition and waste their life. the terrorist attack of 9/11 was something that should have opened all of out eyes and we have to believe life is precious because it is.

Vivian Lam Period 5

9/11/2013 09:04:37 am

Albert Camus wrote, "I would rather not have upset him, but I couldn't see any reason to change my life. Looking back on it, I wasn't unhappy. When I was a student, I had lots of ambitions like that. But when I had to give up my studies I learned very quickly that none of it really mattered."

Says:
The quote says that when he was a student, he would have loved to change his life and do all of those wonderful things but now that he has grown up, he doesn't see the point of changing his life or doing his studies.

Means:
This means that as he matured, he realized a lot and that he wasn't really happy in his past and doesn't want to go back to that spot.

Matters:
This matters because it shows us why we should learn from our past and try not to repeat the same mistakes and more on.

Jiamin Li, period 1

9/11/2013 10:03:50 am

Jeannette Walls, in The Glass Castle, wrote, "Mom was all the time hugging her students and letting them know how wonderful and special she thought they were. She'd tell the Mexican kids never to let anyone say they weren't as good as white kids. She'd tell the Navaho and Apache kids they should be proud of their noble Indian heritage. Students who were considered problem kids or mentally slow started doing well."

Say:
This says that students from different countries, cultures were started getting well in the school since Jeannette's mom have encouraged them a lot.

Mean:
I thinks this means that no matter what race you are, we need to being encouraged or approved by your family, friend or teacher in order to push yourself toward a better life.

Matter:
This phrase matters because it is telling us not to look down on whoever didn't smarter than you. I was a immigrant who came from china, and I want someone like Jeannette's mom who often supported her students. It is also implying that we should acclaim
someone even thought you don't know about them.

Mindy S., Period 6

9/11/2013 10:12:24 am

In The Help, by Kathryn Stockett, Minny said ' I have five kids and I take pride that I taught them yes ma'am and please before they could even say cookie.'

Say - Minny taught her kids how to behave when they are working for the white people.

Mean - They had to learned the proper manner while working for white people.

Matter - Even though they did not want to work for them, they can not change anything because it is what their parents taught them since they were born.

Marissa C., Period 6

9/11/2013 10:50:37 am

"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

"You is kind, you is smart, and you is important."

Say: Aibileen repeats this quote to Mae Mobley in order to cheer her up after she is scolded by Mrs. Leefolt.

Mean: This quote is more than just words of affirmation. Although the saying is meant to cheer up the little girl, its meaning runs deeper. These words of affirmation are meant to instill the idea of equality. Although some people might treat others meanly or unkindly, it does not mean that one is better than another, or that one is undeserving of love and affection.

Matter: The saying matters because it is used to instill confidence and elevate the little girl's self-esteem. It also matters because it helps to broaden the young child's mind and opinion as to what really counts and matters. The saying also helps to spread warmth, kindness and love, nurturing the soul and mind.

kelly c. period 2

9/11/2013 11:07:21 am

SAY: In Sold by Patricia McCormick Mumtaz says to Lakshmi "But if you try to run away...I will grind hot chillies and put them in your private parts."
MEAN: Since Lakshmi is sold into prostitution,she has to deal with her mistress whom is very cruel to her. This passage comes to show how this young girl cant escape from prostitution and how she is forced to do things she doesnt want to.
MATTER: Although this story isnt true,many young girls are victims of prostitution. Things like what Mumtaz said to Lakshmi is what many girls live through everyday. We may not see it or hear much of it but this book really helps us understand at least a bit of what sex slaves go through and their struggles for survival.

Adam Diaz P.1

9/11/2013 11:53:49 am

"As we serve and remember, we reaffirm our ties to one another. On September 11, 2001, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family. May the same be said of us today, and always."
- President Barack Obama, Presidential Proclamation (Sept. 10, 2013)

Say-- As we go on with our lives, we must remember the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001. On that day no matter what differences the U.S had, the population came together as one.

Mean-- This quote from President Barack Obama means that the events the took place on 9/11 brought us together as a country, he also wishes that the togetherness we shared on that day will remain with the U.S always.

Matter-- This matters because it is coming from the leader of the greatest country on earth. If he did not say anything on the matter of 9/11 then the population would think he doesn't care about that day, and the closeness he is advocating for, will diminish.

Karishma Bhakta period 2

9/11/2013 11:54:25 am

"Once expanded to the dimensions of a larger idea, the mind never returns to its original size."- Oliver Wendell Holmes

Say: When one learns more knowledge we are able to learn more things. One cannot go back to the way we thought with the knowledge.

Mean: When we are young we think plants grow with magic but as we learn we find out plants grow through photosynthesis not magic. So as we learn and change our thought.

Matter: This tells us that we grow and can never change.We will stick with some thoughts the way we learned it. This proves the idea that education makes us wiser.

Chanel L., Period 6

9/11/2013 01:16:12 pm

A San Diego elementary school principal has been put on leave after being arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs, authorities said Wednesday. Rachel Escobedo, 45, principal of Lee Elementary School in the Paradise Hills neighborhood, was arrested Saturday while sitting in a car with a male companion. Police found a small amount of marijuana and also a white substance that is being tested, officials said.

Say: This says Rachel Escobedo the principal of Lee Elementary School was in a car with a male companion. Police searched the car and found drugs such as marijuana and other substances.

Mean: This means a principal name Rachel Escobedo of Lee Elementary School was caught and arrested for having drugs.

Matter: This matters because adults are suppose to be telling kids and teens to not have drugs.
- Things like drugs should not be seen or found on school campus.
- If parents found out there are drugs located on campus that would not be a safe environment for kids to be attending. Therefore students will apply to another school.
- It is illegal
- Kids might get influence by the principal.

Derrick L. Period 1

9/11/2013 01:24:43 pm

"In some ways, Miller, the aspiring doctor, is doing better than other Corinthian alumni. She landed a job as a surgical technician shortly after graduating but says she got it only with the help of a friend's mother and can't advance unless she starts college all over."
-Walter Hamilton, Los Angeles Times

Say: This talks about a doctor that got a job as a surgical technician through connections. She is doing better than most people that graduated at the same school because of the job she got through her mother's friend.

Mean:To me this means that even after graduating with a bachelor's degree it would barely help with find a place in the workforce. I believe that the only way to get a good job is through some sort of connection from a friend.

Matter: This matters because employer's are starting to look at degrees like a blank piece of paper. A referral from somebody they know would be better. This is important because master and doctorate degrees are becoming the common degree. Also it is becoming very hard for new graduates to find a job.

Caitlin Lian Eckvahl, Period 2

9/11/2013 02:29:07 pm

Beth Greenfield, Yahoo Shine staff for fall beauty, wrote an article on Theresa Vail, Miss Kansas, who is breaking taboo this week in the 92nd annual Miss America Pageant by revealing her tattoos on stage. "Now, many still believe that Miss America is apple pie and pearls...However, in the job description of Miss America it clearly states that ‘she must represent contemporary women between the ages of 17-24.’ The operative word here is ‘contemporary,’ synonymous with modern! 1 in 5 Americans have at least 1 tattoo.” says Vail.

Greenfield, Beth. "Miss America Contestant Reveals Tattoos, Breaks Taboo." Yahoo.11 September 2013. Web. 11 September. 2013. <http://shine.yahoo.com/fall-beauty/miss-america-contestant-reveals-tattoos--breaks-taboo-211627459.html>.

Say: This article says that Theresa Vail, Miss Kansas, is breaking tradition, which is a major thing in the pageant world, by showing her tattoos while on stage.

Mean: What this means is that Vail is breaking new ground for both pageant contestants and women across the nation. She is bringing a new and more modern image to the stereotypical prim and poised 'Barbie-esque' pageant queen. She is not just revealing her tattoos, but she is revealing a more confident, strong, and empowering image to young girls who believe that the secret to being beautiful lies behind apple pies and pearls.

Matter: This matters because many people assume that Miss America contestants are the definition of perfection, but Vail is changing that. She is an inspiration to all women who are afraid to break away from the norm and rebel against the tight constraints that a gender differentiating society places on women, by putting her career on the line and changing the standard image of a beauty queen. According to the article, when she's not a pageant queen, she is an inked-up boxer, mechanic, bow hunter, and a U.S. Army sergeant. If this doesn't depict a change representing women between the ages of 17-24, then I don't know what does.

Chapman L., Period 6

9/11/2013 03:16:26 pm

Dylan Stableford wrote for Yahoo! News in his article: AT&T, Marriott, others apologize for tacky and outrageous 9/11 tie-ins, “Sept. 11 has become an annual day of reflection, as people around the world pause to remember the 9/11 terror attacks. It's also become a perennial day of apology for ill-conceived attempts to honor the victims. And Wednesday was no different.” (1)

Say:
Today is the twelfth anniversary of the tragic event that stunned the country and drove it into terror, the 9/11 terror attacks. Many people take a moment to remember and reflect on the sad moments, but there are those (large companies and corporations) who get the wrong message across.

Matter:
The tragedy that occurred twelve years ago struck a large blow to the American image of strength and dominance. Not only that, but a major loss of innocent people to the acts of terrorism. Some companies take this opportunity to make a comforting message but also use this day of remembrance as part of a marketing strategy.

Mean:
Using a tragic event as part of advertisement is a huge dishonor to one of the things that we Americans value highly: respect. Those who lost their lives, whether on the planes, buildings, or streets, did not deserve to be killed in such a manner. To make matters worse, fellow Americans use their life not of remembrance, but to promote themselves (or their business). This is severely disappointing because as such are large world power, our own people can’t even find enough shame in exploit this event for their own selfish cause.

Michelle Z. Period 5

9/11/2013 03:28:43 pm

The Tampa Bay Times reports that "John Andrew Welden pleaded guilty Monday to federal charges of product tampering and mail fraud, admitting in court, as he had to detectives, that he slipped his ex-girlfriend an abortion drug."

Say: A Florida man is being charged with intentionally causing his ex-girlfriend to miscarry a baby that he did not want by secretly giving her an abortion drug.

Mean: My interpretation of quote is that a man who cannot deal with the fact that he is going to be a father caused his ex-girlfriend to abort is going to get away with his crimes because he is only being charged with lesser crimes. He is not being punished with the charges he should be facing, murder.

Matter: Since this man did what he did without feeling regretful that he killed an unborn child just because he did not want a kid, many other unwilling parents in the world are also doing what he did, aborting the babies. This is affecting us now because there is still a lot of controversies over the ethical facts of abortiong

Janet, F. per.5

9/11/2013 04:32:40 pm

Larry Gordon, in "Stanford's historic maps of California as an island are online." wrote, "The online repository is expected to attract viewers interested in early California history, or at least the imaginations of European explorers of the region."

SAY: people might show their interests to this historical map because the mainland drew as two parts, even it not some people might interest about the imagination's European at the time. And Glen McLaughlin posted it on online

MEAN: the historical map is great but why did Glen posted it on online?

MATTER: the historical map is very interesting because the mainland of the United State is split in two parts, it should be a part. So the map show how European explorers were thinking about the mainland of the United State.

MATTER:

Luwei T., Per. 6

9/12/2013 08:51:19 am

My article is “Google faces Streetview wi-fi snooping action” on BBC News. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24047235) Ironically, I found it through Google News.

Say: The happening the title describes is a lawsuit against Google for prying into people's wifi data. Google, using the famous street view vans as a proxy, took the opportunity to scoop up people's unsecured wi-fi information. This was discovered by a German regulatory agency and rightfully taken to court.
Google claimed in its defense that the data was recovered accidentally through a mistaken inclusion of code. It also defended itself by arguing that data was available to anyone. It became evident, however, that a senior manager was aware the data was being collected.
“Google collected data from unsecured wi-fi networks in 30 countries... including usernames, passwords, images and documents.”
Needless to say, the data was ordered destroyed and the company fined.
Mean: Much as how companies continually seek new data from consumers and less privacy Google sought to take data questionably. The other parties involved then sought to punish them for it and as a consequence defined the terms of privacy laws in new ways.
Matter: This is important because it shows that companies understand the power of information and seek to collect data at all costs, sometimes illegitimately. This case also had an effect on the interpretation of laws protecting people's privacy, which is a significant development. Ultimately people's privacy came ahead in the contest between Google and the consumer, which is a very good thing.

Henry, G. Period 5

9/12/2013 11:06:01 am

President Obama said,"It's important for us to recognize that when over 1,000 people are killed, including hundreds of innocent children, through the use of a weapon that 98 or 99 percent of humanity says should not be used even in war, and there is no action, then we're sending a signal that that international norm doesn't mean much. And that is a danger to our national security"

SAY: This is a response by President Obama regarding the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

MEAN: The use of chemical warfare is disapproved by everyone yet one group continues to use it. This violates all previous agreements on the ban on the use of chemical weapons during war. This not only violates the agreements, but it also threatens the national security.

MATTER:This matters because not only is Syria using chemical weapons during war, but it can also use it on civilians causing wide-spread fear and panic to all. Obama strongly disapproves of its use and sends this response to stop it's continuous use in the war and on Syria's own citizens.

Rosakon C., Period 1

9/12/2013 11:17:36 am

“Books are the ultimate Dumpees: put them down and they’ll wait for you forever; pay attention to them and they always love you back.”
― John Green, An Abundance of Katherines

SAY:
This quote says that books are always waiting to be read and appreciated, no matter how much time passes by.

MEAN:
Whether one reads a book for knowledge or entertainment, there is always a book waiting to be opened and read and appreciated. Books are like a person's most loyal friends.

MATTER:
As I read "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green, I related to that quote. I knew that if I set that book down at that moment, it would wait with its page corner folded, wait until I picked it up once again. However, I decided against that. I chose to continue to read the book and pay attention to it. In return, I received a sense of satisfaction that can only come from reading the last word in the last sentence of the last page of the book.

My T. Period 2

9/12/2013 12:00:12 pm

Tatiana De Rosnay wrote "Every month Andre Tezac had his bank send money to the Dufaures, for Sarah. A generous sum, I noticed. This had gone on for ten years. For ten years, Edouard's father had tried to help Sarah, in his own way. I could not help thinking of Edouard's immense relief when he had discovered all this locked away in the safe. I imagined him reading these very letters, and making this discovery. Here was his father's redemption at long last." in Sarah's Key.

Say: Andre Tezac, Edouard's father, helps Sarah by sending her money every month for 10 years.

Mean: After many years of tremendous disappointment in his father, Edouard is finally relieved to discover that his father has been helping Sarah all along.

Matter: This passage matters because it shows how we sometimes misunderstand our parents' intentions. We often forget to look at their perspective, especially when they are nagging or yelling at us, However, our parents simply want what is best for us, and want us to succeed in life.

Xin Yi. Chen

9/12/2013 12:28:42 pm

“Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”― George Bernard Shaw

Say: Life is not finding out who you are, but make people know who you are.

Mean: Life is a process that you look forward to who you want to be and reach it. It's not following other people's steps.

Matter: As we move on in our life, we need to know what kind of people we want to become, not people telling you what kind of person you are. We don't live under people's eyes. We live for ourselves.

Mindy S., Period 6

9/16/2013 09:08:06 am

People have the right to become who they wanted to be.
The best way for this is to express yourself. :)

Rainie X. (Period 1)

9/12/2013 12:53:40 pm

"Dad kept telling me that he loved me, that he never would have let me drown, but you can't cling to the side your whole life, that one lesson every parent needs to teach a child is 'if you don't want to sink, you better figure out how to swim.'"--The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

Say
This passage tells how Jeannette's Dad teaches her to swim when they live in Battle Mountain. Jeannette's Dad keeps letting Jeannette sink into the water again and again. He tries to tell Jeannette that she should start learning to be independent because parents can not always be by your side.

Mean
I think this means that it is important for kids to be independent, because we can not always rely on our parents. Jeannette's father tells Jeannette that she should defeat her fear, instead of avoiding it.

Matter
This matters because it is a life lesson from a father, and it shows that a father's love is great. He does not want you to sink, but he has to teach you how to swim as well as teach you how to face your trouble and difficulty in the future. Every parent needs to teach their kids, because it is a lesson for them to know how to solve their problems when they get into trouble.

Jasmine K. Period 6

9/12/2013 01:12:10 pm

Orson Scott Card, in Ender's Game, wrote “If you try and lose then it isn't your fault. But if you don't try and we lose, then it's all your fault.” (Ch 13).

Say:
This quote is saying how a person is at fault because they didn't put any effort and how if they did put effort, they wouldn't be blamed because they tried.

Mean:
My interpretation of this quote is that a person who is trying to achieve something, for example, a good grade in math or winning a sports game, that person should give it their all. No matter how hard is to for that person to achieve their goals, at least they tried and that's the best a person can do.

Matter:
This quote matters because it can encourage many other people to try their best in anything. Many people can begin to feel discouraged when they can't accomplish their goals and so they start giving up. People need to put more effort into what they really want to accomplish if they want to have a successful outcome.

Kathy F. Period 1

9/12/2013 01:55:44 pm

I chose a quote from "The Standover Man" [in The Book Thief] by Max Vandenburg : " It makes me understand that the best standover man I’ve ever known is not a man at all…"

Say: Max Vandenburg has been afraid of men standing over him all his life. However, when he lives in the basement, he awakens to Liesel standing over him. After they get to know each other a little better, it makes him realize that the best standover man was not a man at all...but a girl.

Mean: I think this means that Max trusts Liesel and he hopes that they can be better friends. The standover man stood for things that he possibly feared because they always looked down on him, but Liesel was different and she looked at him eye to eye, as a human.

Matter: Max was able to show his fears and his past and background through " The Standover Man". Not only was this a generous gesture from Max, but also a start of a new friendship. Through the book, he is able to show Liesel how much he cares for her.

Tyler F. Period 6

9/12/2013 02:05:27 pm

Recently, a man named Scott Mackintosh said, "I will look like an idiot any day if that point gets across." This was on an article written by Beth Greenfield.

http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/dad-wears-short-shorts-to-teach-daughter-a-lesson--becomes-online-celeb-171218029.html

Say- If you have something to say, just say it no matter how you look becasue its important to you.

Mean- I think this means that no matter what your morals are and no matter who you are, as long as you want to get your point across, there are no bondaries on how to get the point across.

Matter- In today's society, many of the youth are doing inapropriote things that many parents don't like. However, when the kids don't listen to the parents, many just give up. This father though knew he had to do something to get his point across to his daughter. So he made himself a pair of short shorts to get his point across to his daughter that she wasn't that cute. This is how more people should act when they need to get their points across to other people. By acting like an idiot, I think the father totally taught his daughter something.

Ryan H. (Period 6)

9/12/2013 02:06:06 pm

New York Times columnist Nicholas D. Kristof wrote, "I find the surge in intermarriage to be one of the most positive fronts in American race relations today, building bridges and empathy. But it's still in its infancy" (1).

SAY: In "Love and Race," Kristof states that interracial marriages are becoming more common, and that this sparks an improvement in breaking down racial barriers that are present in today's society.

MEAN: I see Kristof's statement as a hope for the future. Certainly, there is much animosity towards different races in the present, and intermarriage between them does not make things better. However, as time passes and more racially-mixed generations form, race will not be considered a battleground for people to fight on. I am hopeful that we can fully accept people for the color of their skin and see what people are inside.

MATTER: This issue that is tackled matters because it is both a reflective piece about our society in the past and in the present. Drawing parallels and converging them together, Kristof bring the race conflict into full attention. People need to stop thinking certain races are better than others. With race being such a colossal issue that seems to appear every day, the full acceptance of it from all people will bring a lot more peace to the world.

Garin L. Period 1

9/12/2013 02:32:06 pm

New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie, told reporters "I said to my staff, I feel like I want to throw up" after seeing the scene of a rollercoaster crash in Seaside Park, NJ.

Say:
Governor Chris Christie is telling us that he could'nt handle the sight of the roller coaster crash and that it made him want to throw up. There must have been alot of bodies that were burnt and deceased.

Mean:
Chris Christie's meaning of wanting to throw up was from the scene of the crash. The scene was probably gory and full of charcoal bodies.

Matter:
This matters because this roller coaster accident was a freak accident that killed many people. It turned a fun day by the beach into a horrible nightmare for many.

Clara L . Per 5

9/12/2013 02:34:33 pm

Nic Sheff, on " Tweak ": mentioned that " I have tried to rip myself open and expose everything inside - accepting my weaknesses and strengths - not trying to be anyone else. 'Cause that never works, does it?"

Say: This saying meant that you should never try to be anyone else because you are who you are. You should never try to be something you're not. Not only that you are wasting your time, but you are trying too hard. Just be yourself, and accept yourself the way you are. Life is too short to be worrying about being someone you're not.

Mean: This mean that you should always stick to who you are. Never let anything or anyone change who you are, Because no matter how hard you try, you will never get to that point. Not only it is a waste of time, but you will never be happy or satisfied. You should always accept who you are as you come, and be thankful and grateful for your own individuality.

Matter : This matter because it connects to everyone. It connects to the people you are always with, or even strangers. They may at some point gone through the point where they hate who they are, and try to be someone else. Little did they know, they can't change reality. You should stop worrying about changing who you are and start accepting and be grateful . After all , life such a blessing. Why make it complicated?

Natasha Nix p.6

9/12/2013 03:05:05 pm

Tom Hiddleston said: Never stop. Never stop fighting. Never stop dreaming.

Say: You can't stop going on in life. You can't stop even if something happens.

Mean: Things are always bound to happen. Whether they be good things or bad things. No one really knows. But we can't let those things drag us down. At least not the bad things. We have to keep going, we have to look straight ahead into that bright horizon, where the sky meets the water and images dance in the waves and in the blue above us. We have to see that what is now is not forever. It will change and get better and we have to recognize that and once we do, we can start to accept things and change and get better. We have to fight those demons that chase us and the darkness that gropes to take hold of us in the dark and the monsters that seek to terrorize us. We have to keep going and keep dreaming of a better today and a better tomorrow. We have to take hold of those dreams and never, ever let go. We tie them to ourselves to they can't escape and we make those dreams come true. To prove everyone wrong and do what we want to do and to be free and alive.

Matter: This matters because so many people are hurting in so many different ways. People are giving up on everything because they feel that nothing will ever get better and their dreams won't come true. But they have to know that it will get better and their dreams will come true. And yes, maybe a lot of people have said the same thing before. Maybe in different ways, but they have. But hearing it just once more might give that one person that final push over the line of doubt. And heck, hearing your favorite actor, singer, musician, anyone say it will mean that much more that just maybe some random person. And maybe that favorite person will finally convince, totally without knowing, that things will get better.

Kayleigh Hennerty., Period 6

9/12/2013 03:34:43 pm

Nicholas D. Kristof in "Love and Race" wrote, "I find the surge in intermarriage to be one of the most positive front in American race relations today, building bridges and empathy. But it's still in its infancy."

Say: Kristof is saying that he finds that intermarriage shows that people are slowly breaking away from old traditions. It is now acceptable to marry and date out of your race, although, it is still something people are getting used to.

Mean: I think that it shows that more people are now accepting others for who they are rather than what race or color they are. I believe that everyone should be seen as just a person rather than classified as a certain race, color, or religion.

Matter: I think this issue matters because it's a step into the future. Back in the days, you couldn't see a black man with a white woman because it was just unacceptable. Now, people are able to marry and date whom they please. I feel like it's helping people realize that we truly are the same and that color is just a characteristic, it does not define who we are as a person.

Stacie L; Period 1

9/12/2013 03:35:41 pm

Lakshmi from the book "Sold" by Patricia McCormick says, “Inside my head I carry:
my baby goat,
my baby brother,
my ama's face,
our family's future.
My bundle is light.
My burden is heavy.”

Say: This quote is from the character Lakshmi. She says of things that she is thinking off, of things and people she misses back home. One of the thing that stood out to me was that she misses Ama's face. Ama is her caretaker, the one that keeps her fast. She also says the negative - the burden. She has nothing, which is why the bundle is light.

Mean: Lakshmi is sold to strangers that simply use her for their own pleasure. She has to stay to pay her debt, and everyday drags by, and she waits for her debt to be over. She waits for the day she can go back home. She keeps in mind that she is working ... to benefit her family's future. That's her goal. She wants to give Ama a nice reliable roof, and less of a burden. She works toward this. She continues to have to work, despite her strong unwillingness too, she continues to hold onto this burden of finishing her job.

Matter: This matters because this describes part of trafficking so well. One shouldnt have to miss seeing their Ama's face, or their brother. However, Lakshmi has to since she is trafficked. This ongoing practice of human trafficking, still occuring today, is la large problem. Lakshmi, like most children, have done nothing wrong, simply wanting to help their families out, but they have been treated unlawfully and unrightfully.

Lisa D., Period 5

9/12/2013 03:48:28 pm

"And This Too Shall Pass"
- Abraham Lincoln (1859)

SAY: Everything that happens is temporary,whether it is positive or negative, will be left in the past.

MEAN: Every thought, emotion, and situation you encounter, whether it is good or bad, will eventually pass you by. It won't last forever.

MATTER: Whatever you are going through, it will eventually 'pass' in some time. If it is good, this quote is a reminder to live in the moment before it is over and cherish the good things going on. Usually, this phrase is said when someone is going through a tough time, because it encourages them to go on living, as those bad times will be history along with every other event. It helps people realize that change is inevitible and they should look to the future instead of getting stuck in the glory of their youth.

Jean M., Period 2

9/12/2013 04:01:37 pm

"Biology determines our sex, but our culture sets up expectations about what it means to be male or female." Psychology Eight Edition.

Say:
Even though male and female have biological differences but culture is the factor that set up and shaped our behaviors.

Mean:
Males and females have many differences according to our society and culture that shaped our behaviors, however, they are biologically and physiologically much more similar than different.

Matter:
This quote matters because it showed that everyone should be treated equally regardless of your race and gender because we are all human. The differences between each race and gender are mostly set up by our culture and society.

Marjorie L., Period 5

9/12/2013 04:41:51 pm

“How we love they kids when they little . . .” she says and I see Aibileen’s lip tremble a little. “And then they turn out just like they mamas.” - THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett

Say: Aibileen tells Minny the hardships they have to endure as a help.

Mean: Aibileen, Minny, and other maids are nothing more than black maids doing chores and taking care of little children. It is hard for them to love these children and then having to let go of them because they are taught to see them differently.

Matter: The parental influence of racism has a big impact on children's views as they grow from adolescents to adults.

Briab Kaw Per. 6

9/13/2013 05:13:11 am

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller

Say: The finest beauty is not physically capable to be touched.

Mean: The finest things in life are not physical but rather mental. Things such emotions and experiences aren't touched, but felt.

Matter: In this materialistic world of today, things that are felt are taken for granted. This reminds us that experience and emotions are worth more than things that are materialistic.

Tatiana C. Period 5

9/13/2013 08:56:24 am

President Obama's Sep. 10th speech " The situation profoundly change, though on August 21st, when Assad's government to death over thousand people, including hundreds of people.

Say: The president is saying that the actions that Assad's government took turned the U.S Government's thoughts or actions.

Mean: Its mean that the U.S government will get involve with a more serious action against Assad's government.

Matter: It matter because if the U.S. government get involved in the Syria's affair, it could be the start to WWIII, because Syria's allies would protect Syria. And The U.S. for sure it would be in a more depression.

Nicole G., Period 6

9/13/2013 12:18:38 pm

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”
― Leo Tolstoy

Say:
When looking at all the wrongs in the world, everybody is quick to point and judge; never once do they look back at themselves and think, "hey, maybe I can do something about it."

Mean:
People will be people. It is in human nature to defend ourselves. Therefore, when things get tough, we like to shy away and put the blame on others. If we were to change these habits, then perhaps our world would be much different than it is today. All it takes is one small action, one spark, to cause a chain reaction that would create something bigger than all of us.

Matter:
If people managed to get out of their little box of comfort and find ways to change themselves, either for better or for worse, then other people would follow suit. Our society (and world) isn't going to change itself; it takes the inhabitants to determine how things are going to end up. For every action there is a reaction, and if we never do anything to make a significant change, then there never will be. It is up to the people to augment our world.

Lin T., Per: 2

9/13/2013 02:46:40 pm

In the “Brief Overview of Non Western Art”, the quote: “atomic power, the increasing pace of technological inventions, and the electronic age further expanded and changed the realm of art in the twentieth century,” matters to me.

SAY:

The quote tells that our concepts of art extend and become different when new inventions and technology show up.

MEAN:

It means that the art is changing overtime and so does the world. Things we valuing today may be ignored in the future; things, that we don’t pay attention to, may be significant in the future.

MATTER:

It implies that we should be in the same pace of our environment to accept new ideas. Also, we need to look ahead to apply what we found will be valuable to our lives right now.

John H. Per. 5

9/13/2013 07:03:51 pm

Say:
Aristotle Onassis once said "It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light"

Mean:
This means that when we are at the most unhappiest of times or when the world seems like its against you, we must go through this suffering with determination and willpower to help us reach the greener side.

Matter:
This matters a lot because in this day an age you hear a lot about teenage suicides. Teenagers are still young and are prone to suffer more than adults when it comes to the experiences of love and life. Adults have been through these pains and understand that there are better times to come. However teenagers are still inexperienced but this quote would remind us to keep on going until we find happiness.

Jacqueline W., Period 1

9/14/2013 09:15:03 am

(Late)
“This ache in my chest is a relentless thing, worse than any fever.
A fever is gone with a few of Mumtaz's white pills. But this illness has had me in its grip for a week now.
This affliction-hope-is so cruel and stubborn, I believe it will kill me.” - Patricia McCormick, Sold

Say: What Lakshmi is saying in SOLD, is that her wait for an American man to rescue her out of the Happiness House, is long overdue.

Mean: What the quote means to say is that not only is Lakshmi feeling pain physically in her body, but she is also feeling pain emotionally because what she had hoped for may never come true. Not even the pills that Mumtaz gives to Lakshmi to take can alleviate the pain in Lakshmi's soul.

Matter: This issue matters because as humans, we naturally hope for things to happen. If we are in a rotten situation, we hope that things will get better and if help is needed, it will come. And while we wait, we have other ways to cope with our pain, but sometimes, life gives us a different pathway to take and our waiting becomes too long, so eventually, we waste our time for "hope" to come and we're left with nothing but an emotional pain in our body that almost seems to kill us.

Judy U. period 5

9/14/2013 04:01:56 pm

After the fire at the New Jersey boardwalk, governor Chris Christie said, "We had two days to feel sad about this, and it is legitimately a sad thing. But we've got work to do now. A couple days to mourn, now we've got to move on and get back to work".

Say: This says that Christie is willing to use the $15M in aid to help rebuild the New Jersey boardwalk. He says that we (the citizens of New Jersey) needs to get back on the feet and rebuild New Jersey to its original state.

Mean: This means that the $15M that Christie is using is going towards rebuilding the boardwalk. Governor Christie is doing what he can to help the people of New Jersey to rebuild their business again.

Matter: In my opinion, I think the $15M aid for rebuilding New Jersey's boardwalk is a good idea because the destruction from both Superstorm Sandy and the fire caused a lot of businesses to close down and had torn the people of New Jersey a lot.

Tommy C., Period 5

9/14/2013 04:52:33 pm

Tony Abbott, in KRINGLE, wrote, "Dream, if you like, of the sound of a bell jingling - kringling! - in the night, for it is mainly in dreams that you hear that sound." (317)

Say:
This passage tells readers that the power of imagination will help them visualize what the story that the author was trying to tell, the story of upbringing Kringle.

Mean:
This passage means that with the help of a little imagination, readers can fully understand and actually believe the events that were outlined in the story. The life of the renowned Kringle can easily become realistic in readers' minds as they visualize and experience the story as they read.

Matter:
People need to have a some sense of imagination because fantasies can actually become realities. Though often perceived as implausible, fantasies actually encourage one to persevere as it sets goals to be achieved. If one truly is confident about his or her potential to successfully achieve what he or she wants, then fantasies, no matter how absurd at first, can definitely become reality.

Yang Stanley (Youwei) Period 6

9/14/2013 05:50:26 pm

“Love and Race” p. 11 by Nicholas B. Kristof
“Scientists who study the human genome say that race is mostly a bogus distinction reflecting very little genetic difference, perhaps one-hundredth of 1 percent of our DNA”
Say: Scientists say that race have no really difference. It shows very little difference in DNA.
Mean: It doesn't matter what race you are, they all have very similar DNA, not enough to make real difference.
Matter: Even till now a day, some people are still racist, and still think that their race is better than other race. With this result, it can really show people that they are no different compare to others.

Stephanie Wong, Period 06

9/15/2013 08:18:08 am

“The power of “can’t”: The word “can’t” makes strong people weak, blinds people who can see, saddens happy people, turns brave people into cowards, robs a genius of their brilliance, causes rich people to think poorly, and limits the achievements of that great person living inside us all.” - Robert T. Kiyosaki

Say: This quote is saying that the word, can't, makes even the strongest people feeble, blinds people can originally see, makes people sad, turns people into cowards, and limits our capabilities.

Mean: In my opinion, Robert Kiyosaki is saying that "can't" is a powerful word because it can take people's good qualities and characteristics and turn them into something completely opposite.

Matter: This quote matters because it is a very good example of what people nowadays use as an excuse to not do something. I "can't" eat dinner with you tonight mom, I'm busy. But in reality are they really that busy they can't squeeze just a few hours to spend some time with their family?

Anita Z., Period 06

9/15/2013 11:09:47 am

"SOLD" –Patricia McCormick
"Simply to endure is to triumph." (Page17)

Say:
Enduring through hard times leads to winning. Never giving up.

Mean:
While in life, we all face difficult and hard situations that we are forced to face and overcome. During those times, we must gain confidence and surpass them, not giving up.

Matter:
This quote matters because when facing something challenging, we all given an opportunity to face them. We have to try, try again. We never give up on life or ourselves. Lakshmi (the main character of SOLD) has to endure life in the “Happiness House” until she has earned enough to pay for her freedom. She continues to survive and simply lives by her mother’s words, “Simply to endure is to triumph”.

Zhi Yu Deng，Period 1

9/15/2013 01:43:46 pm

"The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege."-- Charles Kuralt

Say: This says that family and friends are the most important things in life. The important of the love from family and friends are more valuable than wealth which is money and privilege which is power.

Mean:This means that family and friends are the most important part in a person's life. The love and admiration from family and friends will have more meaning than money and power because with love and admiration you will have everything that makes a person a real happy person, but with only wealth and privilege you will not have love and friends that will make you became happy.

Matter: This matters because it teach people a lesson about life. It tell people that money and power will not became the most important things in life for people because there was things (family and friends) that was more valuable. Every body will learn this life lesson because thats a choice that every body will be chose from and sometimes people will chose the wrong way and regret it later.

Amanda Cheng, Period 2

9/15/2013 02:10:14 pm

Robert Frost said, "In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."

Say: Life goes on.

Mean: No matter what, life will go on whether we like it or not. Those three words can summarize what life is like.

Matter: In life, we can't stop time and redo things. Time will always go by and we have to live with it. Things can be tough, but we can put up with it and move on.

Stephany F., period 2

9/15/2013 02:33:45 pm

"I'll come back for you later. I promise." – Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

SAY: This is the last thing that the protagonist of the book, Sarah, says to her little brother. She promises to come back and save four-year-old brother Michel, whom she locks in a secret cupboard. Sarah was being arrested with her parents by the French police; this day was later known as the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup. She then pocketed the key, and told him to stay hidden, thinking that she would return shortly.

MEAN: This quote has a deep meaning that comes to define Sarah’s life in a way. She was naive to think that she would be able to return in a few hours to free him, but since she was only ten, I completely understand that she was only trying to protect Michel as best as she could. This promise pushes her to escape from the detention camp, and I admire her for doing this. After all, she is still a kid, and for her to go through what she did is just unbelievable. Her wits, courage, and love for her little brother is what I think helped her find her way back to Paris in one piece.

MATTER: This quote matters, because it has to be the most important one in the story. This line is basically the reason as of why Sarah did what she did in order to find her way back to her sibling. This is the very last thing that she said to Michel right before she was taken away along with her parents by the police. This promise is the whole reason that motivates Sarah to escape from the concentration camp and get back to Paris to save her little brother. If it were not for this promise, there would really be no story, and Sarah would have had no will to endure the sufferings brought upon by the Nazis.

Jackie G. Period 2

9/15/2013 03:03:48 pm

“Incidentally, did you know that the whole eight glasses a day thing is complete bulls**t and has no scientific basis? So many things are like that. Everyone just assumes they're true, because people are basically lazy and incurious....”
― John Green

Say: People will believe anything that is told to them if it sounds like it could be true because they're too lazy to question it.

Mean: People are losing their sense of question and curiosity and replacing it with laziness and indifference. They are willing to believe a random claim that has no evidence to support it only because other people believe its true. Everyone believes the same false claims and therefore everyone is forming a giant group of believers that believe in, and live their lives by, fake claims without ever questioning why they listen to them or where they even came from.

Matter: If no one ever questions anything, everyone lives their lives by all these fake claims without real meaning. No one ever knows why they do the things they do anymore, they only do them because they've been told to.

Brandon F. , Period 1

9/15/2013 04:07:51 pm

"Life is a dream for the wise, a game for the fool, a comedy for the rich, and a tragedy for the poor." -Sholom Aleichem
Say : This quote explains how certain people perceive the world and how all people differ in perspective.

Mean: It means that each individual views the world based on their social situations. A rich man would enjoy the gift of life better than a man of a humble beginning. A wise man can better appreciate life than a fool.

Matter - This is relevant because all people decide to live life a particular way based on how advantageous their backgrounds were or the wisdom and experience they've acquired overtime.

Christine Lee Period 6

9/15/2013 04:41:53 pm

"If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything." -Mark Twain

Say: Mark Twain is trying to tell us that the truth always wins. Telling the truth won't make you remember it because you won't feel guilty if you lied.
Mean: Twain is telling us that we need to be honest people. If you tell lies, you're most likely going to remember those lies that may haunt you in the future. You remember lies because you can guilty. So, honesty is the best policy.
Matters: People in this age need to follow the honesty code which will allow people to gain success. Lies will get you nowhere. For example, students applying college who are honest in their applications will avoid trouble if their lies are caught from the schools they're applying to. So, people need to tell the truth because that is what will get you far in life.

Victoria L., Period 5

9/15/2013 04:43:24 pm

"Shintaro Tsuji, the 85-year-old founder and CEO of Sanrio, was just revealed to be worth more than a billion dollars by the crew over at Bloomberg Billionaires. Soaring sales of Hello Kitty products helped the company stock price double this year. Shintaro controls 1.8 million shares of the stock directly, and even more through his wife Yasuko. Sales for Sanrio were $899 million in the last fiscal year."-Yahoo!
Say:
This paragraph is talking about the CEO of Sanrio is a billionaire. Shinataro Tsuji owns a lot of stocks and Sanrio is worth a lot of money.
Mean:
I think this means that if you have a dream, you should achieve it no matter how old you are. If you follow your dreams, you will become rich one day.
Matter:
This passage matters because a lot of people give up on their dreams, but the CEO of Sanrio shows that you follow your dreams, one day you will succeed.

Christine L., Period 6

9/16/2013 11:04:27 am

I did not know that the owner of Sanrio was gaining this much money. It's great that Shintaro has gained this much money and popularity! He is definitely an inspiring role model for everyone. People should be passionate about their dreams and never give up. Follow your dreams, that is what's important.

Daphne L., Period 6

9/15/2013 05:08:07 pm

John Green, in THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, wrote, "There will come a time when all of us are dead. All of us. There will come a time when there are no human beings left to remember that anyone ever existed or that our species ever did anything. there will be no one left to remember Aristotle or Cleopatra, let alone you. Everything that we did and built and wrote and thought and discovered will be forgotten and all of this will have been for naught. Maybe that time is coming soon and maybe it's millions of years away, but even if we survive the collapse of our sun, we will not survive forever.There was time before organisms experienced consciousness, and there will be time after. And if the inevitability of human oblivion worries you, I encourage you to ignore it" (13).

Say:
Some time in the untold future, everything will come to an end (like a book) and that what we've done will not be remembered or stored. Blatantly said, there is no meaning in the meaning we put into life.

Mean:
This would lead us all to feel hopeless and meaningless. People would want to give up with life if we know that all the effort we put into something is now actually nothing. We're all too trained to believe that everything has a meaning and making meaning out of things (like what I'm doing with this quote). I would like to offer a more positive thinking/interpretation of this quote. Despite the truth of life and its meaninglessness, we human beings are still working towards nothing and making something out of it (purposeful ambiguous antecedent). That alone should motivate us to not give up.

Matter:
This questions our existence, our intentions, and our purpose. This reminds us to be skeptic of ourselves. Overall, yes, it is depressing.

Kami T. Period 1

9/16/2013 10:22:48 am

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." - John Wooden

Say: You should not care what others think of you. Everyone should just be themselves instead of being concerned about fitting in and having a good reputation. Being who you are is better than having to continuously impress others by acting like someone you aren't.

Mean: This means that everyone should not try to always fit in with the crowd and be a follower. Being yourself does not mean people would not like you. In my opinion, i think it is better to be yourself and "real" instead of pretending to be someone you are not. Your character is who you really are, while your reputation is based off what others think of you.

Matter: This matters because many teenagers care more about their reputation. Everyone tries to fit in with the "cool" crowd, even though it means acting like a different person. Not many people can see past people because they are not looking at their true character, but merely just basing things off of their reputation that they hear. The best thing to do is be yourself because that is all that really matters.

Leanne Q., P. 2

9/16/2013 11:10:42 am

“Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement.”- Lord of the rings

Say: There are people that are alive that deserve death and there are those dead that should have lived. People should not decide on a whim that someone should die.

Mean: people should be punished for what they did like harm others or kill and the ones that die for no reason should have lived.

Matter: there are bad people in the world that go around killing the innocents and we see how kid loss their love ones. Deciding whether someone deserves death or not is a huge matter and that it shouldn't be decided easily.

Victor H. Period 5

9/16/2013 02:46:35 pm

My coach said to me a quote that John Wooden once said: "Be quick but don't hurry."

Say:
John Wooden is saying that we must be swift when playing ball but we can't rush what we do. For example, when stealing the ball or fighting for it, we have to swiftly take it away, but not sloppily slap it away.

Mean:
We have to control our swift actions, it is dexterity rather than urgency. It is urgency under control. If we rush or hurry, we will be sloppy.

Matter:
This relates to water polo especially when we are fighting as defense for the ball. When we steal the ball, we must do it swiftly and cleanly. If we hack and rush at the ball, it would usually be a foul called by the referee and it will be a shot or pass by the enemy team.

Ryan T., Period 2

9/16/2013 04:23:53 pm

“And though I have done many shameful things, I am not ashamed of who I am. I am not ashamed of who I am because I know who I am. I have tried to rip myself open and expose everything inside - accepting my weaknesses and strengths - not trying to be anyone else. 'Cause that never works, does it?

So my challenge is to be authentic. An I believe I am today. I believe I am.”

― Nic Sheff, Tweak: Growing Up On Methamphetamines

Say: He says that he is not in shame for what he has done in his life so far because it shows who he really is. There is no need to be in shame for what you have done, because it has shaped what you are now.

Mean: This passage shows that there is no point in being in shame for what you have done so far in your life. All the things that have been done are in the past and they make up what you are today. They resemble you and what kind of person you really are. No one should be in shame of what they have done because it is you and you should like yourself.

Matter: This shows that we should like ourself and not be in shame for what we have done wrong.

Kristyn G per2

9/19/2013 02:14:07 am

'Today when I ask what she learn, Mae Mobley just say,"Nothing" and stick her lip out..."How come you're colored Aibileen?"..."Miss Taylor says kids that are colored can't go to my school cause they're not smart enough" - The Help

Say: The little girl is learning about the difference between colored kids and white kids in school. She learns that she is supposedly smarter than colored kids

Mean: School is changing the way the child perceive colored people even when she was raised by one. The school gives her a negative view of colored people and how she is superior to them.

Matter: In school people such as our teachers can strongly influence students and it may not always be a good thing

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Say, Mean, Matter Forum

Second Say, Mean, Matter Post, Sept. 13th

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