Alaina Silverman Public Feed

Alaina Silverman Capstone

Posted by Alaina Silverman in Capstone - Block - Wed on
Abstract

Reading is one of my greatest passions and I am dedicated to discovering as many stories as I can. Writing a beautiful or exhilarating story is one of the most difficult and unlauded tasks a person can take on - it took me almost a year of unsuccessfully trying to write for my capstone to learn this. During this time, my characters, plot, and fictional world went through so many iterations that the narrative I have now barely resembles what I thought I would write back in September. Even with guidance from Mr. Miles and many writing how-tos, it took time to create unique characters. Though I have not written as nearly as much as I want for this capstone (only 10,000 words), I fully anticipate completing my novel in the upcoming months for my own satisfaction.


The story focuses on a very distant future where the world is ‘at capacity’ - there is no space for people, which leads to the degeneration of civil behavior. When this society inevitably collapses, the plot then jumps to a point past this to examine the aftermath.


Capstone Excerpt - Chapter One 

Works Cited

"Beyond the Cliché: How to Create Characters That Fascinate | Write to Done." Write to Done Beyond the Cliche How to Create Characters That Fascinate Comments. N.p., 06 Apr. 2012. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://writetodone.com/how-to-create-characters/>.

I chose writing a short novel as my capstone because I wanted to bring something new to the metaphorical literary gene pool; this source is all about cliche characters, and how to avoid them. Even though I am familiar with many tropes through my own reading experience, it was incredibly helpful to have some of them listed out along with ways to make sure my characters are unique. I believe this source is credible because the writer of the article is also the author of several books (whose genres range from young adult novels to historical fiction). She has also written a book on how to improve writing techniques.


Gerrold, David. Worlds of Wonder: How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy. Cincinnati, OH:

Writer's Digest, 2001. Print.


This book is aimed directly at science fiction and fantasy novel writers, but many of the tips and advice can carry over into other genres of literature. Worlds of Wonder is full of writing exercises that are fun and interesting to complete; I like the focus that the author puts on creating a sense of wonder in the reader, and how or where to draw inspiration from. He also brings up good points about the importance of consistency and how to make sure a story maintains its believability right from the start. This source is and will be incredibly useful to read through when I am in the process of writing.


Gingerich, Jon. "Five Plot Devices That Hurt Your Writing." LitReactor. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://litreactor.com/columns/five-plot-devices-that-hurt-your-writing>.

I am not used to writing plots - most of the writing I have done in the past five years has been academic essays and informative narratives. Now that I am dipping my toes into stories, which require a plot, this website is a good place to start familiarizes myself with what I should not do. Some of the things to avoid I already know I am susceptible to doing - such as the deus ex machina and writing too much of my personal experience in. The advice the site gives on not getting caught in these pitfalls is sound.


"The Golden Rules for a Good Plot | Scribendi.com." The Golden Rules for a Good Plot | Scribendi.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www.scribendi.com/advice/goldenrulesforagoodplot.en.html>.

This site is full of writing resources, mainly focused on logistics and how or when to get things done. This particular article elaborates on the process of making a good plot. It comes from the opinion that plot should be established before the story is written; someone writing a story should create a ‘skeleton’ or outline with the intention of staying on track when doing actual writing. This would be good for me to do because I often go on tangents when I write, which takes up time that could have been spent on editing or furthering my story and capstone.


."How to Write Dialogue That Works – Elements of a Story." How to Write Dialogue That Works – Elements of a Story. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www.creative-writing-now.com/how-to-write-dialogue.html>.

Dialogue is one of the trickiest parts of any book; good dialogue fleshes out characters and gives insight into the world, but bad plot can turn a reader away from the story entirely. This website is concise and gives examples of both what not to do and what to emulate because it’s so good. I plan on having my cast of characters interact with each other extensively. Since this means I will have a quite a bit of dialogue, I want to make sure I am doing my story and characters credit and am not being melodramatic, boring, or unrealistic.


Kirkman, John, and Christopher Turk. Effective Writing: Improving Scientific, Technical and Business Communication. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Google Books. Google. Web. <http://books.google.com/books?id=JwN6AgAAQBAJ&pg=PT120&source=gbs_selected_pages&cad=3#v=onepage&q&f=false>.

Effective Writing is an interesting book on a writer can create flow in their stories. Another noteworthy aspect of the book is that it also addresses charts and images, and how that can add to or detract from the reader’s understanding. Reminiscent of The Elements of Style by Strunk and White, this book examines word choice, brevity versus colloquialisms, and how to write in an active (rather than passive) manner.  This is important for me because I write many of my academic (and especially scientific) essays in a passive voice to avoid making false generalizations and referring to myself; in a story, a passive voice doesn’t serve the purpose of getting the story across.


"Story Lite Writers Software to Maximize Productivity." Story Lite Productivity Software for Writing and Editing. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www.storylite.com/how-to-use-story-lite-software/short-story-stories-novella-writer/>.

While the website is essentially one large ad for writing software, this particular page calls out the difference in anecdotes, novellas, and full length stories. It gives examples of authors who wrote short stories before moving on to longer works of fiction, and also writers who started with short stories but then expanded them into full novels. In describing the distinction between anecdotes and short stories, it also describes what elements make either one good and enjoyable to read. The site also says the most compelling short stories deal with powerful themes, like ageing or love. I hadn’t thought of defining my stories in terms of themes, I think it would be interesting to do so.


"TARA K. HARPERWRITER'S WORKSHOP First Person or Third?" First Person or Third Person? N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www.tarakharper.com/k_frstpr.htm>.

Before I start writing, I need to commit myself to a certain style of writing. At its core, this

means either first person, or third person. Both has merits; with first person, I have access to the thoughts and feelings of my main character, while with third person, I have more control over what the reader takes away from my population of characters as a whole. There are also detriments to both: for example, with first person, the narration is limited to the owner of the point of view. The point of view I choose will directly affect how i write my story.


"Voice in Writing: Developing a Unique Writing Voice." WritersDigestcom. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/there-are-no-rules/voice-in-writing-developing-a-unique-writing-voice>.

This article explains the importance of developing a writing voice. I like that a writing voice isn’t described in terms of strength, but rather how true and distinct it is from other voices. I also like that the author took the time to contrast ‘writing voice’ from ‘style’, where voice is the the authors sensibilities and personality coming through. This is important in the foundation of my story, making sure I keep my voice and don’t ‘pick up’ other author’s traits accidentally. Keeping my voice consistent is also very important; since I will be writing in bursts, there might be some fluctuation in how I write.


Wending, Chuck. "The Zero-Fuckery Quick-Create Guide To Kick-Ass Characters (And All The Crazy Plot Stuff That Surrounds 'Em)."Terribleminds Chuck Wendig. N.p., 28 Oct. 2013. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2013/10/28/plot-and-character/>.

This article was written in an accessible, humorous way. The author disapproves of, and explains why he disapproves of, typical character mapping and character quizzes. Knowing what a character’s favorite color, or how tall they are, ultimately does nothing to develop their personality. Instead, Wending gives the reader a myriad of other exercises to do to help ground a particular character - like writing a 100 character bio for them. The article also explains where plot really comes from; not only is plot derived from conflict, but the character’s inability or unwillingness to address an issue affects the storyline greatly. Figuring out how a character relates to an event is important to establish before writing.



Other Sources

Burroway, Janet, Elizabeth Stuckey-French, and Ned Stuckey-French. Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft. Boston: Longman, 2011. Print.


Cohen, Richard. Writer's Mind: Crafting Fiction. Lincolnwood, IL: NTC Pub. Group, 1995. Print.


"What Makes a Good Story? Tips for Young Authors." What Makes a Good Story? (Tips for Young Authors). N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Jan. 2015. <http://www.aaronshep.com/youngauthor/elements.html>.


In Disfavor of Philadelphia Budget Cuts

Posted by Alaina Silverman in English 2 - Pahomov on
protest philly budget cuts poster png.002
protest philly budget cuts poster png.002

I was intently hunched over my laptop at a table of four. Like the 20-odd other students in the room with me, I was hoping to finish my work before the period ended. The brightness of my screen was turned way down to conserve battery; programming with Alice eats up charge like no other software. We were given a difficult project to work on - which I was close to finishing. I ran my code... it worked! The hint the teacher had given helped perfectly. 


This class, computer science engineering, was not something I thought I would like. However, high school is a time to explore my options and all the fun things out there.  

Right now, I want to try new things and enjoy school, and electives fulfill both wishes. Unfortunately, the Philadelphia School District can not pay for people to teach these classes based on proposed budget cuts. This also translates to no language classes, no clubs, sports, counselors, nurses. Classes will be expanded while teachers are laid off.  Learning does not just take place in core classes; this proposed future is not an acceptable form of education. 

Instead of shutting down extracurriculars, the state and other decision makers should prioritize education. No matter what else is going on, education should not bear the brunt of it. Instead, trying to manage funds more delicately and procuring money to close the gap through other means would be much more acceptable. 

   

Othello Journals

Posted by Alaina Silverman in English 2 - Pahomov on

JOURNAL 1

Act II, Scene I, page 9

(aside) He takes her by the palm. Ay, well said, whisper! [Iago is quiet and wry. He is looking at Cassio and Desdemona, but not speaking to them; he is speaking to himself. With the second sentence, he smiles on the exclamation.]

With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio. [Iago is still talking to himself, however now he sounds much more sinister/forceful. With the force comes hand gestures.]

Ay, smile upon her, do, I will give thee in thine own courtship. [To Cassio, though Cassio can't hear him. This line should be spoken slowly with much emphasis; Iago should be tense with excitement.]

You say true, 'Tis so, indeed. If such tricks as these strip you out of your lieutenantry, it had been better you had not kissed your three fingers so oft, which now again you are most apt to play the sir in. [Still to Cassio. The built up excitement escapes in these lines - they should be spoken rapidly and forcefully. Continuing the feeling of excitement, Iago should be wide-eyed, increasing in tone, and leaning/taking a step towards Cassio.]

Very good, well kissed, and excellent courtesy! ’tis so, indeed. [Iago is back to a calm, articulate way of speaking. Throughout these lines he should be facing Cassio but not focused on him; Iago is talking to himself.]

Yet again your fingers to your lips? Would they were clyster-pipes for your sake! [Iago is back to talking to Cassio. For the first sentence he is smiling and talks with a mocking, incredulous tone (Iago thinks Cassio is a dunce). The second sentence, he is outright laughing at Cassio and Cassio's eminent demise. Extra emphasis on the last "your".]


JOURNAL 2

EMILIA

[Note: D--- refers to Desdemona]

Act 3 Scene 3, Emilia is present when Cassio and Desdemona talk about Cassio’s position and then, in the same scene, she finds Desdemona’s handkerchief.

Act 3 Scene 4, Emilia says she doesn’t know anything about D----’s handkerchief when asked about it.

Act 5 Scene 2, Emilia is talking with Othello after he killed D----; she tells him he killed for nothing.

Emilia saw the role of the handkerchief unfold - she had a crucial part in this, as well. She also saw some of Iago’s plot for the other characters, and this is also where her connection to the handkerchief and Desdemona crop up. However, Emilia is not one of the major characters, and it is not apparent if she was receiving information from others. At the end, though, she did learn that Roderigo died and Cassio was attacked. She was also told by Othello that Iago was the one who was the informational source about Desdemona’s supposed infidelity.

Emilia had split loyalties for the vast majority of the play. This is seen especially in Act 3’s scene 4. She obviously has some sort of friendship or attachment to Desdemona - Emilia comforts her and gives advice when D---- is having problems with Othello. At the same time, Emilia did pick up the handkerchief for her husband, Iago. She also stays quiet about her brief possession of the handkerchief, possibly to keep Iago out of the fire.


JOURNAL 3

Originally from Africa, Othello’s history and skin color set him apart from the rest of the Venetians in Othello. He was separated at an early age from his family and home in northern Libya (near Tripoli) by a group of radical fighters opposed to the Ottoman conquest of the area. He stayed, unwillingly, with that group for several years. Eventually he was sold into slavery, due to the radical group’s volatile nature. When Othello was a teenager he found himself close enough to the coast to take a ship to Italy - where he eventually won for himself a position in the military. He managed to survive and even prosper under such conditions.  His good name and relatively high standing in the military are even bigger achievements when the prejudices against him are taken into account. The bias and prejudice Othello had to face, which surely involved misinformation about him, probably led to his staunch opposition to gossip (at least, until Iago came along). Because of his background and skin color he was not accepted by many people. This can be seen by characters referring to him as ‘The Moor’, instead of an actual name. Also, throughout the play Othello was referred to as valiant and  other such terms; his bravery possibly stemmed from his living through the horrors of his younger years.


JOURNAL 4

The prop for my character (Othello) is a foam sword. I picked a sword for several reasons: Othello is a general with combat experience, so it makes sense that he would stay armed; Othello seems very insecure due to the near constant discrimination against him, as well as his horrid beginnings- a sword is a symbol of power and masculinity. Keeping one by his side would both sooth his ego and let others know that he is the Bossman. For the reasons stated above, when Othello feels in charge and powerful, he is very cordial. When his vulnerabilities are not mollified in such a way, I think he becomes unstable.

Because Othello is so very insecure, when Iago begins lording the 'knowledge' that Desdemona may be sleeping around Othello hates not being in the know. And because Othello is unstable, when Iago dances around the issue it is possible that Othello would be on the edge of physically threatening Iago with the aforementioned sword. Other than that, my Othello would sound super-exasperated when talking with Desdemona (because she would be nagging him =[ ).

As a team, we worked out how our props would tie into the scene. This also relates to how we deliver our lines, so hopefully our dialogue will be well articulated.



JOURNAL 5

Why, why is this?

Think’st thou I’d make a life of jealousy,

To follow still the changes of the moon

With fresh suspicions? No, Iago,

I’ll see before I doubt, when I doubt, prove,

And on the proof there is no more but this:

Away at once with love or jealousy!


This line is important because it is a snapshot of Othello’s view on justice and insinuations. At this point in the play Othello has not yet become dependant on Iago’s ‘guidance’ and information. He is telling Iago to stop telling him love-gossip to make him jealous. This line is also important for its stark contrast from Othello’s next line, where he is telling Iago to bring him more information. It is also particularly important to our performance because it shows my Othello’s transition from violent anger to something calmer and more controlled. This change in emotion may be reason as to why Othello’s lines are somewhat contradictory; he was filled with (self-)righteous anger and so he insisted that he isn't swayed by gossip. But then, when his mind cleared a bit, he realized he was interested in what Iago was insinuated about Othello's wife, and decided to ask for more information. As such, I tried to deliver the first part of the line with as much power and vehemence as possible, and the second part like I was trying to cover up a tentative attitude (because Othello still loves appearing to be in control).    

My group's performance did go as expected; though Richard and I did put a lot more effort in to the class performance versus the practices. I'm super proud of my group, since we really pulled through to become comfortable with the shakespearean language. I'm also proud of myself for actually articulating with inflection and energy. It is usually very difficult for me to present in front of a whole class, so I see this as progress =]

Performing the play forced me to really flesh out the characters and analyze why they acted the way they did. When we just read Othello as a class, I didn't look much deeper at Othello's personality and past; this benchmark, with the journals included, made me figure out what the scenes would actually sound like. Also, just watching the entire class perform, I really figured out the plot of Othello. There were some parts that were a bit spotty when I just read the lines in the book.  



Silverman Monologue

Posted by Alaina Silverman in English 2 - Pahomov on
Alaina Silverman
Monologue
November 2012

TEBS


Yes. ‘M here because I threatened to crash my crew into a rocky part of Mars. Yes, that probably would have been kind of bad.  But it’s not my fault!  You know what Com-730 told me -- you know, he’s back on Earth, calls himself Zeo? Anyway. Must’ve had his circuits fried. He had the gall to override my firewall and say “Disparity means instability Tebs!”. Hmph. Just because he’s a hotshot on Earth. I will never refer to myself as ‘Tebs’ especially after the tubby-telly incident last year. Ohhh no, I can sense it over the transmission. Stop laughing. You’re not allowed to call me Tebs either.  It’s Station-8937 to you. Anyway. I’m not a disparity! I’m the model machine . . . why else would the Society send me to orbit Mars? Mars is pretty sparking important, what with all this new agriculture tech being set up. Though this dusty planet with all of its, well, dust is really mucking up my mood. The stuff gets all up in my mechanisms. And last week a couple of mooks took me apart for a solid cleaning. Which would be fine. But they also fiddled with all my calculations and completely threw my rotation off! I’m still not totally right even now.       

Two days ago the head engineer, yeah, Doc! I didn’t know you were his design. Cool. But yeah, Doc came by to check out my computers (which were fine, obviously), but it turns out my electronic fuel manager is wonkified. Which is why I am now talking to you, my dear satellite. No I will not call you Debbie. This is ridiculous and slightly uncomfortable. You’re supposed to talk me down from careening into Memnonia Quadrangle, right? Yes I know these malfunctions show on my transcript! It’s not like I’ll truly be dismantled. No, I won’t. All of my data is backed up on one of the Lunar colonies. I’m tired of the shoddy work the peeps in my cabin spew out. Plus there’s the dust. I always knew my alloys never interacted well with dust.

I’m sure you’re fed up with your job too. Reduced to playing psycho analyzer to perfectly normal Stations like me, even though you were the once mighty International Space Station. Hmph.

Yeah, that was uncalled for. Sorry. But at this point I don’t care if I was to be dismantled this very hour.  No. Don’t call me Tebs. The last machines to call me Tebs were Stations 3865 and 19. Oh jeepers, I haven’t messaged them in over a year. I don’t feel like doing that. Maybe after taking a month long power-down for a full maintenance. I just don’t feel like doing any~thing.

Woah! Woahwoahwoah. That letter you’re sending to the Society better be a recommendation for a power-down. It is? Sweet. I won’t dash myself and all miscellaneous occupants into a crater. If you throw in a new stationing (like Earth! It’s so exciting this time of year), I’ll reconsider going rogue and finding a new solar system.

No? Well then. I’ll take the power-down.

¿Qué pasa con tu casa? Alaina y Owen

Posted by Alaina Silverman in Spanish 1 - Manuel on
Nombre- Tony
Edad- 40’s
Estado civil- Casado
Profesión- Soy trabajar en un casino.
Actividades favoritas- Relajar, Ir de vacaciones
Deportes favoritos- Fútbol, Basquetbol
Mascotas- Un perro
Personalidad- Activo, Tranquilo
Vehículos- Un carro
Lugares favoritos- El gimnasio, los calles peatonal
Planes para el futuro- “No hay cambio. Soy contento.”
LA CASA

Está cerca de las montañas, y está lejos del desierto. La casa es mediana, pero hay tres cuartos y tres baños. También, tiene un jardín muy grande, una oficina, un garaje, una piscina pequeña, un sótano, y un estudio. Todo son prácticas. La casa es en Knoxville, Tennessee.
¡Es la casa de sus sueños!


¡Su casa tiene TODO!
  • ¡Tiene un jardín grande para sus niños!
  • Una casa es moderna y mediana, el tamaño perfecto para su familia.
  • ¡Tiene un garaje para sus carro!
  • ¡Tiene un oficina en la casa para su marido!
  • ¡Tiene tres baños y tres cuartos para sus familia y amigos de familia.
  • Él jardín tiene muchas árboles y flores bonitas.
  • La cocina es similar y practica.






LOS PISOS

El Sotano tiene:
  • Mas juegos.
  • Una piscina


El Primer Piso tiene:
  • Una sala grande.
  • Una cocina.
  • Un baño
  • Una comedor.
  • Un garaje en el exterior.


El Segundo Piso tiene:
  • Tres cuartos.
  • Dos baños.
  • Un estudio con una oficina pequeña

El Exterior tiene:
  • Un jardín grande con arboles, y flores. Hay una valla para el perro.  
Screen Shot 2012-06-03 at 12.33.41 PM
Screen Shot 2012-06-03 at 12.33.41 PM
Screen Shot 2012-06-03 at 12.19.20 PM
Screen Shot 2012-06-03 at 12.19.20 PM
El exterior de la casa.
Screen Shot 2012-06-03 at 12.20.31 PM
Screen Shot 2012-06-03 at 12.20.31 PM
​La cocina
“¡Nosotros esperanza que tú gusta su nuevo casa!”
- Diseñado por Owen Grzywinski y Alaina Silverman

Take Three - The World As I See It: Technology

Posted by Alaina Silverman in English 1 - Dunn on
​In my first and second posts I wrote about robots and cyborgs. What's next, a Terminator-esque apocalypse? 

Fear not, I will not indulge in such tomfoolery. Instead I think some survey results are in order (I wouldn't be a proper Martian dictator if I didn't follow up). 


A total of 39 people participated. 
Screen Shot 2012-05-29 at 9.10.30 AM
Screen Shot 2012-05-29 at 9.10.30 AM
I find these results very interesting. The majority of the survey takers feel that they are very familiar with technology; another landslide majority are not comfortable with humanoid robots as an integral part of life.  
Screen Shot 2012-05-29 at 9.10.45 AM
Screen Shot 2012-05-29 at 9.10.45 AM
At the same time, nearly half of the group have thought about or want robotic parts as a component of their own bodies. 
Screen Shot 2012-05-29 at 9.10.55 AM
Screen Shot 2012-05-29 at 9.10.55 AM
And everyone, save for two, have used some sort of modern appliance.  
​This makes me think that the general populace (of 30-ish people, no doubt), though comfortable and practiced with technology, isn't ready for full on robot-human interaction. That would include teaching, discussing theories, and engaging in relationships... so it's great that my survey group mostly isn't ready for that. However, their aversion isn't going to stop the production of such machinery and it is highly possible that people could just unconsciously get used to it. 
Though that may not seem like a glaring problem, it is never a good thing when people fall into a rhythm without knowing what it is they are getting in to. To help remedy this I made a short video that will hopefully pique the publics interest and inspire them to find out more about technology that is still in development. 
The first picture is the intro text to the games made by an artificial intelligence named Angelina. 'She' factors in playability and creates the sprites, background, and gameplay without outside input. The following montage of pictures shows robots in the media and the real world. The last, and perhaps the most profound, is the 50's ad spoof for about a violent house bot. 

This video will be spread through Youtube, this blog post, and several social networking sites in an effort to have people become interested.
The evolution of robotics and programming is not a bad thing. Despite this, there are plenty of regulations that humans as a whole should hammer out. The definition of a person, for one, and how that applies to artificial intelligence. It would be a terrible thing if we created these amazing thinking beings but end up oppressing them. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For further reading my sources can be found HERE.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As a bonus for scrolling down this far, this is a conversation between me and Cleverbot. Can you identify the Bot? 
Screen Shot 2012-05-21 at 9.26.04 PM
Screen Shot 2012-05-21 at 9.26.04 PM

Las Cazuelas

Posted by Alaina Silverman in Spanish 1 - Manuel on
The luncheon had my class trying new foods and experiencing a part of another culture. I learned that it is definitely great to be open minded, because there is a good chance that you'll find something great... like the awesome tres leches cake. 
las cazuelas full plate labelled.001
las cazuelas full plate labelled.001
Nombre del Plato: Chuleta Tentación
Opinión: Es muy delicioso! Me encanta la especia. 
Unos ingredientes: Chuleta, mole 
Comentarios: Lo recomiendo a otros que les gusta carne.


Nombre del Plato: Pollo y las cazuelas
Opinión: Me gusta, porque los ingredientes saben muy bien juntos. 
Unos ingredientes: Pollo, frijoles, maíz, arroz 
Comentarios: Lo recomiendo
Nombre del Plato: Sopes de maíz
Opinión: Es bueno. Tiene unos empapados. 
Unos ingredientes: Tortillas de maíz, frijoles
Comentarios: Lo recomiendo... pero comes cuando hace calor. 
Nombre del Plato: Tacos dorados
Opinión: El sabe es bueno, pero el plato es dificil comer.
Unos ingredientes: Tortilla, pollo
Comentarios: Lo recomiendo para personas con dientes fuertes. 
las cazuelas cake plate
las cazuelas cake plate
Nombre del Plato: Tres Leches 
Opinión: Me encanta; es mi favorito.  
Unos ingredientes: leche, postre
Comentarios: El plato es muy dulce, pero lo recomiendo a todos.   
las cazuelas jamaican
las cazuelas jamaican
Nombre del Plato: Jamaica
Opinión: Me gusta mucho porque es dulce. 
Unos ingredientes: unos flores
Comentarios: Lo recomiendo

Take Two - The World As I See It: Technology

Posted by Alaina Silverman in English 1 - Dunn on
In my first post I spoke about robots existing as their own entities. 
However, what happens when we begin to incorporate inorganic, manmade, and (dare I say it?) super high-tech objects into our body systems? Right now, for example, there is a lot of hope riding on a new model of artificial heart. It doesn't pump which means the patient has no pulse - the pulse usually being the first vital sign checked - and looks nothing like a real heart. 
imgres-1
imgres-1
​Would you want a heart that looks like this? 
It's not just organic hearts being booted. A plethora of other organs are having mechanized versions of themselves made to take their place. Body parts such as eyes, legs, arms, and even ears have been remade with plastic and metal. Actually, I think this is great. So far people have only received these transplants if their lives or livelihoods depended on it. 
   
Society is riddled with new health problems that a greater number of people are developing, it is possible that these robotic organs will become conventional. At that point, what is to stop someone from going out and getting a body part removed and replaced for kicks? 

I think that the moment something that was originally for medical purposes suddenly becomes an item of vanity, a fault in the community has developed. As an example think of plastic surgery. Yes it is used for reconstructive purposes after an accident, but it is more well known as something cosmetic. It creates a fractured body image in people without, and it is very possible that people getting their surgeries can take it too far. 

  

Cyborg
Cyborg
​Mixing man and machine has become a common place occurrence in society - fictional society, at least.  
Making new arms and hearts is fine and a good thing (snazzy, even) but what can be said when the basis of a being is tampered with - the brain? 

In a rat whose brain was damaged, scientists implanted a computer chip that restored motor function. It takes information from the spinal cord and successfully relays it to the rest of the brain. On the opposite end, rat brain cells were grown and stimulated enough that they could move primitive machinery. These two experiments have the potential to make life better for a good deal of people; people with paralysis, or those thought to be catatonic or comatose. Already there are plans for computer chips that can be inserted in human brains. There is a chip designed for the part of the brain that controls learning and memory, likely to be used for people with damage or delayed growth in that area. 

If that technology is perfected, what is to stop people from having their learning capabilities enhanced? It definitely doesn't sound legal since it's a little like steroids for your brain, but even worse is how it will affect business and education. It's possible that people won't be hired if they can't get a brain chip, or kids won't be allowed the same opportunities.




Screen Shot 2012-05-16 at 10.07.40 PM
Screen Shot 2012-05-16 at 10.07.40 PM
​I'LL BE BACK. 
There is a genuine part of me that would love being a cyborg... but shouldn't we put certain parameters and boundaries in place before there is even a possibility of these enhancements getting out of hand?
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​Alaina Silverman, Martian Dictator extraordinaire
​For further reading my sources can be found HERE.
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For those interested, please feel free to fill out this survey. The results will be posted in the third and final blog, as well as my fun, incredibly distorted, and Martian view on what it could mean. 

La Casa

Posted by Alaina Silverman in Spanish 1 - Manuel on
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imgres-6
1. La casa tiene dos cuartos, un sótano, un baño, una cocina, y una sala.   
2. La cocina tiene un horno, una nevera, y un lavamanos.
3. Hay un árbol encima de la casa. 
4. Hay cuatro ventanas.
5. El baño es cerca de los cuartos.
6. La sala tiene un silla. 
 
 

The World As I See It: Technology

Posted by Alaina Silverman in English 1 - Dunn on
This project exists to publicize an issue of my choosing and also allow me to spread my opinion. 
I happily confess my belief that without machines life would be quite dismal. And with that sentiment floating in the back of my head, I have very mixed feelings about the advancement of those machines. Especially the ones that are being created to take the place of humans, because honestly, how can a person compete with something that performs perfectly, calculates perfectly, and never initiates a dispute?

The answer is, you can't. 

The phone apps, computer apps, and the internet serve their purpose by making stuff easier for their users - encouraging the mindset of 'why remember if I can look it up again'. Instead of daily sweeping there is the Roomba. For some, a plastic dog is more fun than a real one. The issue with all of this technology is that it is changing the way we think, in a big way: People are relying on these machines to do things they can't, won't, or don't know how to do. This is important to me because I don't want to live this way, and the future is likely to be even more intense.


In Japan there is a robot called SAYA who used to 'work' as a receptionist. Recently, "she" acted as a teacher for a group of middle schoolers. Her producers assure the public that she won't be bumping any teachers off of their jobs, but then the question is now why was she made? To digress a bit, robotics is advancing along two paths: artificial intelligence and physical movement and appearance. A lot of research goes into making machines that look and move like humans. For the most part, these eerie metal homunculi can only move with a remote control. 

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​This is Ecci, a robot with highly advanced mobility. However, the real wonder is the program that allows it to make rudimentary connections.  
The progression of artificial intelligence, on the other hand, is incredibly complicated. We humans are striving to give intelligence to our machines, constantly make them more efficient, and possibly more like us. That is why ethical questions must be answered - otherwise we won't be able to coexist with our creations.

How far will are we willing to take it? Does the ability to make decisions constitute person-hood? What about personality?


 But when each person has their own interpretation it is almost like out species is going backwards. 
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20091204121447-1
Organic brain and computer circuitry: a controversial marriage.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Alaina Silverman, Science Leadership Academy student
My sources can be found HERE for further reading. 

Negative Space

Posted by Alaina Silverman in Art - 9 - Hull on
​A. What is negative space?
Negative space is essentially a reverse silhouette, where every part of an object is left white (or blank) and the surrounding space is coloured a different colour. 


B. Explain how you found negative space in 1. your cut out?, 2. in your stool drawing?

I found the negative space in my cutout by first tracing over the positive portions of the stencil. By cutting the shape of the positive stencil out of a designated half-sheet of construction paper I created the negative and positive needed for my project. 

In my stool drawing I first had to draw the outline of the shape. Once it was fairly accurate I created the negative space by shading around the figure.

C. Why does it help an artist to see in negative space?

It helps to see in negative space because by doing so a person can be more detailed and accurate in forming outlines. Also, it teaches balance of light and dark in a drawing. 

D. Does seeing in negative space enhance drawings, why or why not?

Seeing in negative space enhances drawings because in using negative space, a person creates areas of rest for the eyes (that's the negative area) and interesting tension (positive). 



Neg Space 3
Neg Space 3
Neg Space 1
Neg Space 1
Neg Space 2
Neg Space 2

Dora la Exploradora

Posted by Alaina Silverman in Spanish 1 - Manuel on

 

 

Almuerzo

lunes

un sanwich de tomate y lechuga 

 una manzana al horno

el jugo de toronja 

 

martes

 sopa de papas 

 unas fresas

 agua

 

miércoles

 el pan frito con mermelada de arándanos

 té de menta

 

jueves

 una ensalada con los frijoles y las zanahorias pequeñas

 una torta de cereza

 agua de limón

 

viernes

 un sanwich de pimiento y calabacín

 un mango

 té de jazmín con azúcar

 

sábado

 vegetales a la parilla con fideos

 sorbete

 agua

 

domingo

 pan de centeno con guacamole

 unas naranjas

 un refresco 

El Secreto de la Tortuga

Posted by Alaina Silverman in Spanish 1 - Manuel on
Huy una familia en la playa de puerto rico. Hay un papá, una mamá, una hija, y un bisabuelo. La familia tiene un barco pequeño. La familia tiene una tortuga. Es una tortuga pequeña. La tortuga tiene un secreto. Es furiosa. La tortuga le dice al papá, "El mar, Mamacocha, es contaminado. Mamacocha va a llorar y inundación el mundo." Hay un problema grande. 



La tortuga le dice al papá, "Ir a barco con tu familia." La familia y la tortuga corren a barco.  

Macbeth Creative Piece

Posted by Alaina Silverman in English 1 - Dunn on
For a third quarter benchmark our class had to write an essay explaining quotes from Macbeth and also make an original, creative additional project. Shakespeares Macbeth is all about character journey and inner turmoil, and I hope my project captures that.  
The white outer casing represents Macbeth, while the internal organs represents his state of mind in their respective acts. The small brown object is the ‘seed’ of ambition that the witches planted in Macbeth and in each scene that seed grows rapidly until it consumes him. Only by lifting the outer shell can the corruption be seen in the sculpture. This shows that only by removing personal bias can someone what it is they are really causing. 
Photo on 3-21-12 at 9.54 AM
Photo on 3-21-12 at 9.54 AM
Photo on 3-21-12 at 9.53 AM
Photo on 3-21-12 at 9.53 AM
Photo on 3-17-12 at 11.04 AM #2
Photo on 3-17-12 at 11.04 AM #2

Mis Clases Favoritas

Posted by Alaina Silverman in Spanish 1 - Manuel on
​Ir a la escuela en SLA. SLA es divertido y más o menos loco, y tiene una biblioteca y un cafetería. Tambien, tiene atletismo en pista, béisbol, y básquetbol. Camparada con otra escuelas, mi escuela es pequeño; además, hay quinientos estudiantes. Es en el centro de la cuidad. Me gusta mucho SLA porque es bobo y encantador.  
​Clase: bioquímica
Profesor/a: el Sr. Sherif
Actividades en la clase: completamos proyectos
Responsibilidades: participamos, trabajamos duro
Materiales: la computadora, un cuaderno, un abrigo de laboratorio, unos lápices
Opinión: informativa
Una clase me gusta es bioquímica, porque es boba y informativa. Tengo la clase todos los días menos martes. Nosotros completamos proyectos y estudiamos mucho. Para la clase, necesitamos un cuaderno, la computadora, unos lápices, y un abrigo de laboratorio.  El professor es el Sr. Sherif. Es bastante tranquilo pero aprendemos mucho, tambien nos divertimos. Para tener éxito, necesitamos tomar apuntes y trabajamos duro. El professor requirido participar. ¿Te trabajar mucho en la clase de ciencias?
​Clase: inglés
Profesor/a: la Srta. Dunn
Actividades en la clase: leemos libros, escribimos en cuadernos, vemos videos
Responsibilidades: puntuales, responsables 
Materiales: la computadora, un cuaderno, unos lapices o unas plumas
Opinión: importánte
Tengo la clase de inglés todos los días menos lunes. Nosotros leemos libros, escribamos en cuadernos, y vemos videos. Necesitamos un cuaderno, unos lapices o unas plumas, y la computadora.  La profesora es la Srta. Dunn. Tenemos pláticas, y ella ensaña bien. Necesitamos ser puntuales y responsables. Es importante hacer la tarea. Me gusta la clase de ingles porque es importánte y me gusta leer. ¿Te gusta la clase de lituratora? 
Venn Diagram for Spanish
Venn Diagram for Spanish

Mis Seres Queridos

Posted by Alaina Silverman in Spanish 1 - Manuel on

Hola! Este es mi proyecto; disfrutar.

 

Soy Alaina. Tengo catorce años, pero voy a cumplir los quince en el vientinueve de abril. Siempre soy bastante extraña.  Me encanta comida; café solo es súper. Me gusta leer  y  axolotls.

 

Se llama Lee. El es mi papá. Es muy cómico y trabajador. Mi papá es muy sociable. Tiene el pelo corto. Además, él tiene los ojos azules. Cuando tiene tiempo libre, mi papá le gusta mucho dormir. Lo quiero porque es espectacular.

 

Sus nombres son Ariel y Nate. Ellos son mi hermana mejor y su hijo. Ellos tienen el pelo café y son increiblemente largo. Les gusta hablar, y los dos son guapos.  Además, que son similares. Me caen bien porque son genials.

 

Se llaman Chungyi y Ayala; ellas son mi mamá y mi hermana mayor. Son artísticas y depende del dia ellas son bobas. Les gusta bailar. Mi mamá y hermana son morenas, tambien tienen los ojos cafes. Me encantan porque son los mejores.

 

Nuestros nombres son Alaina y Nina. Nina es mi abuela. Nosotras tenemos el pelo morena. Nos gusta cocinar, pero no nos gusta nada ayudar en casa. ¡Es un amor de gente; mi abuela es súper!

 

Si, mi familia es muy importante para mi.

 

¡Gracias por su atención!

 

Silverman Q2 Media Fluency Reflection

Posted by Alaina Silverman in Technology - Hull on
Silverman Q2 Media Fluency copy V4
I added the picture of the axolotl to create interest, which is furthered by mirroring the pink of 'LOVE'. Also, the size of the picture grabs attention very easily. The background changed from indigo to black so the salmon colored axolotl wouldn't look gaudy; the change also accentuated the text. 

The picture and cream-colored SCONES are reflected so as to create the illusion of depth, like the axolotl is touching the word. The dark, spaced out SCONES creates more repetition since it functions like the cream SCONES' shadow. It also takes up space and, because of the muted color, doesn't clutter the canvas. 

The overlapping O's in AXOLOTLS and LOVE have the dual color to mimic an axolotl's eye, plus it keeps the teal and the pink balanced a little better.

Silverman Q2 Media Fluency

Posted by Alaina Silverman in Technology - Hull on
Silverman Q2 Media Fluency
My slide is a direct play off of my English Me Magazine (the two articles with the most focus were about baking scones, and axolotls). I also kept the magazine's original color scheme, so it was a bit tricky trying to keep the contrast balanced so that the dark indigo wouldn't swallow the lighter teal. 

The words AXOLOTLS and LOVE are written over the upper lefthand third of the keynote, so that and the stark colors should help eye movement. Since the cream color used for SCONES is the least exciting though it has the most contrast, I made it the biggest word. In a slightly darker color there is a small mirroring effect, also an attempt to let SCONES have a large impact. Generally, people look at the largest, brightest aspect first and I hoped to use this to my advantage. 

Something like: Suddenly there is a big sign saying SCONES! What ever could it be referring to? 


Also, the different font (which has serifs) also gives the word a more elegant feel which I feel embodies an actual scone; in the same way, the letter font for AXOLOTLS and LOVE are without serifs and are a bit more playful. 

I decided not to use an actual picture as I am unfamiliar with using multimedia in that manner, and it would detract from the overall slide as a result. Using several different colors was my way of creating more interest.
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