The Poet's Lament

Upon the paper the weary man’s eyes were fixed, pen poised above the surface, prepared to skate gracefully across the new page. A single tear wafted slowly to his lips, its sisters hovering gently on soft lashes. Pen to paper he did lay, flying across the leaf on wings of ink.

Here me now, o precious son of Adam, o blessed daughter of Eve. The tribe that long ago rejuvenated this land has all but disappeared to naught. Hear me now, o brother of the earth, o sister of the sea. Our jewels brought life unto the people, lifting them on clouds of bliss and wrapping them in shadows of tomorrow. Leave me now, o father of the wind, o mother of the fiery souls. For only the others of my dying race understand the inner torment of an unshared rhyme. Only they know the life and death given in slavery to the written word. The blood of the soul spread in rhythmic meter for all the world to see. With each recurring heart beat, a mind goes blank; with each intake of breath, this earth loses a maker. Goodbye o beautiful realm of verse and thought, goodbye my lady land.

And here his hand sat resting, an end put to his work. And here his eyes sat reading; his thoughts now come to life. He sighed and set his pen down upon his oaken shelf, and turned never to look again. And there the ink and tears alike, dried by the whisper of a memory.

Global Shame

When I was in Europe, I experienced first hand the globalization that we discussed in Human Geography two weeks ago. For an American visiting foreign countries it was rather embarrassing to see so many American companies influencing the cultures and everyday lives of those other countries. I knew that McDonald's was an international company, but it was still amazing, in an unfortunate way, to see so many of them. However, the most blush-worthy example of globalization that I saw was a GameStop in a small town in rural Ireland. When I saw it I simply stared becuase I couldn't believe my eyes. I can't believe how far the tentacles of American capitalism reach. I was rather looking forward to visiting Paris, the fashion capital of the world, so that I could see all the different French styles and not have to look at Abercrombie, Hollister, Aeropostle, etc. I was rather disappointed when I saw people wearing Hollister sweatshirts and Abercrombie t-shirts. It was embarrassing! Why should other countries have to deal with such blatant expressions of American egotism?

Moo

Today in Human Geography we watched a documentary called King Corn. In the program, two Bostonian college students go to Iowa to plant an acre of corn. They're goal is to follow the corn's route from the field to diets and lives of Americans; they're working to see how corn impacts us. At one point the documentary touches on the subject of feedlots and corn-fed beef. They actually had footage of feedlots that they visited in Colorado. Feedlots are plots of ground on which livestock are fattened for market. On these feedlots thousands and thousands of cattle are confined on what are essentially muddy plains and only fed corn products. They are situated thus in and effort to increase productivity. The corn products that they are fed and the fact that they are not able to really move around make the cattle grow fatter faster for market. A hundred years ago, all cattle raised her grass-fed, today we know it as free-range. Now though, the majority of cattle "farmers" give their cows corn or other grain products. Recent studies have shown that the grain products actually harm the cows; they were meant to graze and eat grass, their bodies are not designed to digest such high levels of starch. Most all meat products that we consume today are made from corn-fed beef because corn is the largest commodity in the mid-west, especially the all-American hamburger. Although the cattle are being raised to be slaughtered, why should they suffer through what little life they have? It's like when someone is dying of cancer and nothing can be done to stop the cancer, the doctors focus on making the remainder of the patient's days of the best quality as is possible; quality over quantity. Why should the cows have to eat corn products that make them sick just so that they'll fatten up sooner so that the obese American population can get its hands on a juicy burger? The same thing goes for the horrible feedlots that the cattle are condemned to. Why should they have to live in mud holes continuously eating without the chance to develop muscle? Americans want their food fast and cheap. Americans seem to have this idea that they are superior. The feel that it is okay to treat sub-human intelligent creatures like dirt, even if it is other humans who are being treated badly; the characterization of "sub-human intelligence" is dictated by the beliefs and egos of the leaders of the general population. For example, in the nineteenth century Native Americans were forced onto minuscule pieces of the worst land in the nation. Americans, in the latter example the Europeans who ran the country, needed a reality check and they still do. Cows may be boring and not as amazing as a lion or a panda, but they are living creatures who, if you choose to believe so, were created by God to reside on this earth with humans in harmony. I am not a vegetarian, but simply an animal lover who hates to see them suffering. MOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Slán go fóill

Peace
B

Let Them In or Kick 'Em Out

Today in geography we read a n article about immigration and its effect on the US population. The article mentioned the ongoing debate over immigration; the two opposing sides being "No Immigrants" and "No Borders". The "No Immigrants" side obviously wishes to refuse all foreigners entrance into the country whereas the "No Borders" side wishes to do away with all restrictions on immigration. As part of the assignment that went along with the article, we were asked which side we mostly agreed with which got me thinking. how can they ask us to decide between such severe measures? Although I didn't think that the question was necessarily fair, I said that I leaned toward the side "No Immigrants". I am truly more in the middle, although right now I think that it would be better for America to greatly decrease the amount of immigrants that they allow into the country. Right now the economy in the U.S. is terrible, even though it is slowly getting better. America needs to get back on its feet before more people move here. American citizens need the chance to try and put their lives back together. Many people who come to the United States are searching for a better life. However, the U.S. needs to nurse itself back to health in order to provide the new opportunities that immigrants are looking for. Also, right now there are millions of American citizens are out of a job; the bad economy is the main reason for this, but another contributing factor is the fact that immigrants also take many of the jobs that are available. Everyone deserves a chance for a new and better life, but America needs to take care of Americans before it can offer hospitality to strangers.

I'll say again that I have nothing against immigrants, not even against illegal immigrants, I just think that while America is recuperating it would be best if the government limited the number of newcomers.

The Immortal Two

The two eyes of life, day and night, light and dark.
Individual symmetry.
Ethereal talent, awed silence.
Ink, flowing like blood,
inspiring mind-numbing brilliance.
Erratic shades of gray, molded into masterpieces
of shadow.
Different tools to work the craft,
but love of the art;
the same.
Sensitivity to the plight of life,
forgotten Old Souls born anew.
Blessed by the Muses, skilled in remembrance.
Removed in the clouds, lounging atop
Olympus's summit.
White light surrounding,
two born as one.

Slán go fóill

<3 B

Danaans vs. Tuatha de Danann

As I was sitting here clutching gratefully at the warmth of my tea, floating in the sweet caress of its dreamy aroma, I thought back over the last few days and of our crash course in the Odyssey. Several times while we were reading in class, I got the distinct feeling of remembrance with each lyrical phrase. Something about this story tugged gently yet insistently on the edges of a memory.
The steam from the mug in my hands warmed my face inspiring illumination. I suddenly remembered what it was that seemed so familiar. Today, as the shadows of evening tint the horizon, I realize that it is the perfect day for literary comparison.
What I remembered: The Fabulous Deeds of the Sons of Tuireann.

Whoa, hold on, what in the world is that?

That, my friends, is my favorite Irish myth.

Summary:
This myth is about three brothers (the sons of Tiureann) who are sent on a quest as punishment for a crime they committed. The fine for there crime was:

1. three apples
2. a skin of a pig
3. a spear
4. two horses and a chariot
5. seven pigs
6. a dog's whelp
7. a cooking-spit
   
8. and three shouts on a hill

However they were tricked and they were told that in fact, they needed to find:

• the three golden apples of the Garden of Hesperides which can cure all wounds
• the magic pigskin belonging to the King of Greece which can cure all diseases
• the spear belonging to the King of Persia that can "destroy anyone or anything"(MAC Uistin 32)
• the horses and chariot that can fly over land and water from Sicily
• the seven piglets that can be eaten at night and are alive the next morning
• the pup that makes all animals who look at him weak which belonged to the King of Norway
• the cooking spit from the Isle of the Fine Hair
• three shouts from the Hill of Miochaoin

The main story is how (and if) they accomplish each task.

I'm not exactly sure why the Odyssey reminded me of this. Maybe becuase it's about a quest that encompasses little tasks which are almost tiny stories within themselves; maybe it's because the brothers run into a cyclops at one point in the story. It could even be that they are so alike because they have similar endings.

That is one thing I like about mythology, there isn't always a happy ending. Of course I always hope for a happy ending....doesn't everybody? However I like how the good doesn't always win, and even if they do triumph over evil, it comes at high cost. I think it's almost like a life lesson.

-You're not always going to win against the evils in your life. Even if you do, the damage or price could be monstrous. Life is not a cushy, luxury car ride....even if you get that ride in the limo, you still have got to pay for the gas.

Ok, well I'm tired of being Yoda, so as usual:
Peace
Slán go fóill
Bridget

"Where to Miss?" "To the stars!"

ok, I know that this isn't going to be the most intelligent post that I publish, but this is so important that I believe it deserves a place here. So, you know how I mentioned that I've never been to Ireland? Well, as of last night, I am officially going to Ireland in November! My dad and I are going to spend five days in Ireland and then five days in Paris! I'm so excited! Anyway, I just wanted to share the news.

Slán go fóill
Bridget
<3

Essence of Me

Hey Dudes!
Ok, so this is one of my blogs. I thought since almost none of you know me, I might as well introduce myself. I'm Bridget. have you ever noticed how some names just seem like adult names and others just seem like their for kids? I cannot imagine Bridget as an adult name, but I guess I'll have to believe it in a few years. :) My middle name is Rose after my grandmother. I am 25% German, 25% Irish, 25% Puerto Rican, (yes, I really am Puerto Rican, my mom is half), and a whole lot of other little percentages. This is my second year at Central and I think that it's awesome! Before that I went to a tiny little Catholic school. It was small, but I really got to know the people in my grade over the nine years that we were together. One of my favorite subjects is English, (honestly, I'm not trying to be a kiss-up) and I LOVE to read. I like reading fantasy books as well as European classics. My favorite book really is "Pride and Prejudice", but there are many, many runners-up. Along with reading books, I love writing them. I have several novels in the works, although most of them are merely a few pages. My primary however has almost nine chapters to its name. I also enjoy writing poetry. Writing in any form is fun, but poetry my release. I can pour all my hectic, over-powering emotion into my words. Most of the time I startle myself with what I write. (I'm not bragging, some of my work is quite amazing.) I might add some of my work here, I've heard that there are some other writers in the class that might appreciate it, but I haven't decided. Anyway, onward on our field trip learning about.....me!

One of my favorite lines from a poem of mine is:
"I am a wanderer living in the past and fighting the future."-Moi
It describes me precisely. I hate change and I love the past. I love the 60s and 70s, if you ask my friends and family they will tell you that I am actually rather crazy about both decades. I am a self-declared hippie and I hate war...which is kind of a no-brainer anyway. Since it was TWO WEEKS old, I have been doing Victorian Era and Civil War reenacting with my family. I absolutely love it! In fact that hobby is actually where my fascination with fashion stemmed from. I have been dressing up in the clothing for over fifteen years and you start picking up some of the characteristics of different decades over the years, I have recently become intensely interested in the fashions of the 1940s as well as the 60s and 70s. I especially love shoes! My parents will attest to the fact that I threw a huge fit when I learned that they gave away all of my granmother's vintage shoes from the 40s and 50s. My favorite music is from the 60s and the 70s although some music today is pretty good. In general it music is rock, I'll like it. I am a genuine rock'n'roll sweetheart. My favorite artist is Neil Diamond, I grew up listening to him and seeing him in concert (2007) was a HUGE deal for me. :) I also love the Beatles, my favorite Beatle being George Harrison.
I'm almost done, I promise.
You know how before I said that I am Irish? Well, to be honest, I am in love with Ireland. I love the music, the land, the folklore, everything. The terrible and slightly unbelieveable thing is, I have NEVER been there! Ever since I can remember I have wanted to go. When I was younger, the reason was mostly becuase my dad loved it and his enthusiasm was infectious. No however, all the yearning is purely individual. Since I can't have Ireland though, I listen to lots and lots of Celtic music. My favorite artist is Enya. My favorite song of hers is actually what is playing in the background. I often listen to her music while writing becuase the haunting strains fuel my inspiration. Well, I think that's all for now. I know that you are probably bored and I just wanted to thank you for sticking out until the end!

Peace
Slán go fóill
B