Talk of the Town

When the planes from the September 11 attacks of 2001 crashed into the hearts, minds, safety, and security of millions, I was almost five years old.  Although it is difficult to remember much of what happened in my life at that time and age, I can honestly say that I do remember the occurrence of 9/11.  I can still see myself standing in the narrow hallway of my home that led to my parents bedroom, wondering why my mother locked herself away in her room to ensure privacy as she talked on the phone.  She was trying to protect me and my sister from the hurt and pain that everyone else was experiencing.  I could sense that something was very wrong, but I was too young to fathom and understand an event as tragic as this.  The atmosphere in the air from that very moment and that very day was frantic and trying.  Authors John Updike and Susan Sontag would attest to this statement.  Both have written about their experience and thoughts in regards to the events that took place on 9/11, and they have expressed them in a way that contradict one another; the opinions are almost polar opposites.

On the northern side, there is the story by John Updike.  Throughout his essay he explained his own personal experience and story about what he had seen that day.  The event seemed so unreal that Updike describes it as if he were watching "the false intimacy of television."  He provides the reader with such clear images that one could almost say he or she was witnessing the moment and memory with him.  Updike personifies the attack, which makes it more visible and descriptive.  Statements such as "ballooning flame," "tinkling shiver," and "a groan of concussion" are perfect examples of the style he used.  Although it seems as if this day would never end, and the United States would be left in ruins, Updike says something that could leave a reader with a sense of hope.  When Updike states, "the ruins were still sending out smoke, but New York looked glorious," it sends out a message that says sure, we may have been hurt, but this act of terrorism isn't going to hold our country back. 

On the southern hemisphere, Susan Sontag throws down her ideas in a much more rigid and opinionated fashion.  Sontag picks apart, scrutinizes, and criticizes whether or not the United States truly "is O.K." like the government leaders had stated.  She argues her disgust with the fact that although many of America's leaders disagree with what "robotic President" George W. Bush has to say, they go along with it anyway. Because of this, Sontag argues that this country is "unworthy of a mature democracy" because decisions aren't being made in everyone's best interests; it is simply a game of follow the leader.  What a reader can take out of this essay is that even though many view the United States as a number one power, courageous, strong, and on the top, it is not okay to rely on these thoughts to believe that nothing bad could ever happen. Sontag agrees to this statement when she says, ""Our country is strong," we are told again and again.  I for one don't find this entirely consoling."  9/11 goes to show that America is not invincible; there is always vulnerability present.

Simply by reading the two articles from "Talk of the Town," it is easy to recognize that there are a number of different opinions following the attacks on 9/11.  Like Updike, some see it as a moment to remember and prosper from, and like Sontag, some people question the morals of our government and how the United States should continue forward.  However, there is a platform of middle ground.  As each calendar year ticks by, it always comes back to September 11, where we remember those who we have lost. 

 

Chloe Howery in a Nutshell

I just wanted to give a shout-out to my fellow Compquistadors!

Welcome to my blog "Woohoo!  AP Comp!" which is sure to describe my excitement for this quest we are all about to take together.  To start off with, I believe it is my duty to tell each of you a little bit about myself. My name is Chloe Howery, and I will be starting off this upcoming school year as a senior, and I will hopefully end the school year this way, too.  There's no way I want to become a "Super Senior!"  My reputation would surely take a dig from that one.  With that said, let's get down to it.  You may think you know me pretty well, but you're in for a show!

1. Many refer to me as pretty nutty, which one could assume to be true because I do eat a lot of nuts.  My personality definitely displays this act that I take on.  Whether they're cashews, almonds, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, you name it, I've tried it.  It would be a dream come true if someone created some sort of "nut bar," which I would imagine to be similar to Orange Leaf, Cherry Berry, or Salad Creations for example. Could you imagine?  It would be absolutely insane!

2. Some of the most common pet peeves some people might have may be when someone says "like" or "umm" too frequently in a conversation, when someone reads your text messages over your shoulder, when people think that it's okay to take your food off of your plate, or when people don't use correct grammar when it comes to "your vs. you're" (which shouldn't happen because we are AP Comp students).  For me however, one of my greatest pet peeves is when clothes fall off of their hanger.  Talk about irritating!  Why can't hangers just do their job?

3. I don't particularly enjoy reading, which makes me question why I took American Novels last year. Obviously I wasn't thinking quite right when I registered for my classes.  I don't understand why we can't read entertaining novels in school (no offense Mr. Kunkle).  When it comes to a magazine with all of the hot gossip though, I'm all for that.  It's a must to stay up to date on what's going on with the top celebrities.

4. When I was younger I had this amazing fish, Bucky, that could do sick tricks.  I could hold the food above the tank, out of the water, and he would leap out, grab the food, and dive back into the water.  How crazy is that?!  It was quite the sight.  Too bad he didn't do some sort of flip, but either way, it was insane. Basically, what I'm trying to get at here is that I'm an amazing pet owner.  It might be important for you to take into consideration though that I have only owned fish before you go letting me take care of your pets.

5. In today's day and age, there are so many technologies and inventions that have taken over much of what we do, but my favorite "invention" of all time would have to be babies.  I know that they aren't really an invention per-say , or at least shouldn't be labeled as so, but I think they're pretty darn awesome if you ask me.  How can people say they hate kids and babies when they're just so stinkin' adorable?  This is why when I graduate high school I plan on continuing my schooling to college and medical school in order to become an obstetrician.

6. The phrase "everything happens for a reason" has a lot of truth behind it.  Whenever I am going through a hard time or am trying to understand why things happen, I remind myself that there is a reason for everything. For me, it is one of the most inspirational and inspiring quotes out there.  It simply makes a lot of sense. There are so many things in our world that have unanswered meanings for why they are the way they are, so this saying helps me come back to middle ground and realize that there isn't always a straight answer for everything.

7. I think that it is very important that everyone live life to the fullest.  Like it is always stated, life is short (although in reality it is the longest thing we will ever do...take that thought for a spin!), so why not get out there and do everything you can to make it worth while?  I was able to recognize how important this is because of my past medical scares.  Things can sneak up on you in the blink of an eye.  It is important to maintain a high quality of life and realize that a strong focus should be on yourself and your own happiness.

8. Another cool thing about myself is that I just so happen to have a heart shaped birthmark on my right hand.  Obviously my big heart radiates throughout my body because it just can't contain itself.  It symbolizes how willing I am to allow people into my life and truly care for them.

I hope these facts about "Chloe Howery in a Nutshell" were able to show many of you that there is more to me than what you already know.  By the way, there is definitely more where that came from!  I'm sure I could whip up a few more if you are interested.  Stay tuned; you won't want to miss everything else I have to say!