The ABC's of Books

This is a list of advice geared toward books.

A: Always read a variety of different authors.
B: Buy books from smaller, independent bookstores.
C: Carry a minimum of two books with you at all times.
D: Don't disregard a book until you've at least read the first chapter.
E: Expect cliches.
F: Find out which genres you prefer.
G:
H: Having bookcases is pretty helpful (as long as they don't collapse on you).
I: It is okay to judge a book by it's cover - as long as you follow the first chapter rule.
J: Just maintain a small TBR list.
K: Keep books by the same author together.
L: Little children are a hazard to books (and in general).
M: Main characters tend to die multiple times nowadays.
N: Never keep a book near any liquids.
O:
P: Paperbacks are easily harmed.
Q:
R:  Reading does not make you better than someone who doesn't.
S:
T: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a brilliant book.
U: Use bookmarks just in case you forget your page number.
V: Vocabulary is critical when writing any form of literature.
W: Weather is typically not a book's friend.
X:
Y:
Z:

This is really all the advice I could think up. I'll most likely update this list later. I hope this list is at least a tiny bit helpful.

The Copy List

If you had ten copies of yourself...what would you have them do? Keep in mind all their memories are downloaded into your mind at the end of the day. Anyway, here is my list.

1.) One to attend all my core classes.
     If I were to have one copy attend all my core classes, then I would have time to take (and learn about) classes that pertain to more interesting subjects. Also, given that I would know what they learned this would give me an advantage in academics.

2-3.) Two to study all my core subjects.
     One to study science and geometry, the other to study history and English. This is very time-saving, given I could be attending to other important matters while the copies study for me.

4.) One to read all the classic novels I do not have the time to read.
     This is also another time-saving thing. As much as I love classics, I really do not have the same motivation to read them as I do more modern novels. Technically it would be me reading them anyway.

5.) One to run my blogs.
      This copy would run both this blog and my other blogs. I would become an excellent blogger this way.

6-7.) Two to watch all my siblings.
     Seriously, this would be a major help. You have no idea, really.

The other three copies I am unsure of what I would have them do. Perhaps I would allow them to do whatever it is they would want, just to see what they would do (although I feel I already know, obviously).

The New Rule

I disagree with the new rule pertaining to the use of cell phones - that is, the fact that we cannot use them in any buildings or hallways. I understand why they would be banned in the classrooms, since that is a time to learn; however, certain situations may arise when one may need to use them in between classes. For example, given that we are on a college campus and many of us do not live near the campus, our parents may need to contact us if transportation changes. Sometimes they need to contact us with personal things as well. This is a difficult situation, and hopefully we are able to find common ground.

The Neighbors Don't Like It

     Today marks the two month anniversary of your son becoming one of them - one of the zombies. It's October fifth, 2014. You venture into the kitchen and pour yourself a tall glass of ice tea before going into the compact living room. You take a seat on your beloved red leather couch. After a few sips of your tea you begin to reflect on the day that changed everything for the worst.
     Two months ago, August fifth 2014, was just a normal day. Your son used to make a joke about no day being normal since the outbreak, and he was right. Given that he was turning sixteen in December, you decided to was time took him with you to get supplies. After all, he was old enough and two people are always better than one. So you drove out to what used to be the local grocery store with him in the passenger seat. Usually, there was only one or two zombies around, but that day...
     Once they got inside, you realized too late your mistake: you didn't check first. You got trapped, surrounded by two many zombies. It was a miracle you two got out at all. However, when he began changing you couldn't bring yourself to end it. Instead, you locked him up in the basement, kept him safe.
     News spread like a wildfire of what had happened. Your neighbors - well, they were nowhere near understanding. To this day, they feel his death is overdue. He's a risk, they tell you. He's already gone. But he's your son, and what kind of father would you be if you let him die?
     You sigh, noticing your glass is now empty. You suppose you can lie - say he's gone. You fear what they might try to do if they find out he's still there. You go back into the kitchen and began to put a small meal together for you son. Whatever are you going to do?

The Comfort List

When things get rough, what do you turn to?
Well, in this post I will present to you some of the things I take comfort in.

     1.) "August Rush."
This is an incredible movie from 2007 directed by Kirstein Sherdian. It's about an orphan who uses his musical talents in order to find his parents. It is quite unknown and I recommend it to everyone (even if it is not your style). Seriously, it is better than it sounds.
     2.) Sweaters
They are just really comforting and always a go-to item.
     3.) Bastille, John Mayer, Lana Del Rey, Sam Smith, and Johnny Cash music.
This list of musicians are (as expected) my favorites. In every case, I'll listen to one of them since they tend to level out with whatever emotion I have at the time.
     4.) Any book.
Whatever book I choose in a situation usually depends on my mood - or rather, what I'm in the mood to read. Reading provides an escape from reality for a short time (thus why I take comfort in it).
     5.) "Rebel Without a Cause."
This is a classic movie. It is a must-watch whether you like classics or not. I am going to be very disappointed if you have not at least heard of it. It stars James Dean and is an excellent movie.

Anyway, what are some things on your Comfort List?

Poetic Devices Used in my Last Poem

As poems go, poetic devices are required.

I used four. I divided my poem into two halves. Each consist of three stanzas. The first half ("Where I'm From") is about past circumstances and fragments of memories from my childhood. The second half ("Where I'm Going") is about current circumstances and where I hope to go. I used an alternating rhyme scheme - along with some similes and metaphors.

Where I'm From

First Stanza: This talks about how I was born in winter in a city that has never been considered "good" (thus why I described the city as sort of ramshackle). "A family with no reason" comes from the point that I was not well-planned for.

Second Stanza: This is just about how I was constantly moving between apartments and houses with my mom. I constantly had nightmares when I was little, thus the last line.

Third Stanza: The "bittersweet  parade" is a metaphor for life.

Where I'm Going

Fourth Stanza:"Casting lots" stands for luck and fate (symbolism).

Fifth Stanza: "Rosin and string" is talking about playing the violin and how I hope maybe one day I can do more than just play it quietly in my room.

Sixth Stanza: "Hazel eyes like a ghost" is a simile. Life's cadets are the queens and pawns (as is stated in the poem). They're a metaphor for anyone. You, me, a stranger - anyone. We're all looking for what we love most (and in this case I was generally talking about happiness).

I hope this provided some insight.

Where I'm From (Isn't Where I'm Going)

 Where I'm from - 

a ramshackle of a city,
in the midst of a frozen-over season,
to a house ever so gritty
and a family with no reason.

a childhood of mismatched streets,
apartments, swings, and video games
leading up to long naps under worn sheets
and nightmares full of flames.

mornings came, and seasons fade
all leading up to this day.
still yet we walk to that bittersweet parade,
never to reflect on the past with naivete.

Where I'm Going -

now summer nights are filled with heavy thoughts,
paperback novels, and my sister's sigh.
it's all a matter of casting lots
while my brothers are on standby.

memories remain evermore,
but dreams of rosin and string cast a flight
where others question whatever for
and those lights have never shined so bright. 

words left unsaid cast silhouettes
of hazel eyes like a ghost.
only to be spared by hopes of life's cadets,
queens and pawns searching for what they love most.