Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Project V

The big day! After an amazing day of track {I'm going to Championships :)} I came home to start making my torte with Dad!





It took us 4 hours to make it and finish my power point.





The filling was was extremely easy to make, but the crust proved to be the hardest part! It was too flaky then to soft. It refused to stay together! So we waited for mom to get home to help. Eventually we got the whole thing to work and baked it! I hope it turns out well tomorrow.





The Stats

Time~ 10 hours 40 minutes
money~ $30.15

Monday, May 5, 2008

Project IV

Shopping Day with DAD!!!! Ah! Mom is the one who usually the one who helps me with school projects involving food, but she is on 3-11's this week. Making this dish will be interesting!



We spent three+ hours shopping at Wally-World and Giant Eagle. One hour of travel to Robinson and back, one hour finding all ingredients, and one hour trying to find Parmigiano Reggiano. We spent a total of $30.14.



The Parmigiano Reggiano cheese proved to be the most difficult thing to find! We spent most of our time in Wal-Mart but could not find this cheese! We asked the people working the Deli but they had no idea what we were asking for. So Dad and I drove to Giant Eagle in hope to find it. When we found it, I almost screamed! For one pound of two year old cheese it was 10 dollars! The stuff is imported from Italy and naturally aged for 24 months! It is ridiculous!

So moral of the story is know what your going to make (or at least the ingredients used) and how much its going to coast you!!

Sunday, May 4, 2008

"We create our fate every day we live" ~Henry Miller

What role has FATE played in William Shakespeare's tragedy, Romeo and Juliet?





Fate- n. the supposed force, principle, or power that predetermines events;





Fate is a huge role in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Under the circumstances that Romeo and Juliet met, fell in love, and died proves something, such as fate, caused it. Some people do not believe in fate, but if they read this play, they cannot believe this any more!





Romeo sneaks into the Capulet's masquerade ball. Tybalt knows that Romeo, a hate Montague, was at this party and tells Lord Capulet. Due to the earlier events of Prince Escalus telling both lords of the houses that they will be killed if there was another occurrence, Lord Capulet allowed Romeo to stay. Romeo was looking for his love, Rosaline, but finds a new love-interest, Juliet. They both fall in love at first sight, share one conversation, and kiss. Only a power such as FATE could cause this astonishing meeting!





Fate does not always work in our favor. Fate is the only thing that could drive the Montague's and Capulet's further apart. Tybalt hunts down Romeo to fight him. Romeo becomes angry at Tybalt after he killed Mercutio. Romeo forgets his love for Juliet and murders Tybalt. When Romeo killed Tybalt, he killed any chance of having a life with his wife, Juliet. FATE caused this downfall in the 'perfect' romance.





Fate caused something much worse for the two young lovers. Fate built up to cause the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Fate caused the message to not get to Romeo, causing him to run to Juliet's grave, and caused him to take his own life. By Romeo doing this, Juliet took her own life. They both said they would kill to be together and end up doing so. FATE caused Romeo and Juliet to die. Their death caused the two families to come together, forgive their pasts, and get over the feud.





Fate causes many drastic things in our lives. In Romeo and Juliet's case, it caused them to meet, falling love, and die. Fate can be such a great thing, but can also be horrible. Fate is a huge part of Romeo and Juliet!

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Project III

Today I worked on my project after track play-offs and my concert for one hour.


I added a history section and a few more pictures. I still need to make it more interesting and fun. Also I need to add notes for me for the presentation! I hope I can finish it this weekend even though I have my basketball tournament and invitational.


One episode of BOSTON LEGAL listened to during tonights work on the project.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Project II

Today I worked for two hours. I accomplish a good deal of my power point presentation. I have the basic ideas in on the kitchen, food, and other details. I plan to add more details and make it more interesting tomorrow. It was very difficult to find information, but the website I found has A LOT of information on it.


Also today during 5th period I did not have a place to work, so I asked to stay in Mrs. Knight's room. I observed three presentations (one food, one act, and one art). I figured out some new things I might add to how I would normal present. Observing different people helps get ideas of what to do and what not to do! If you ever get the opportunity take it!


Ideas for project: Pros: Cons:
Poster: Easy, quick; Bland, to easy!
Power Point: easy to see, more info faster; Time consuming, possible wrong

Movie Maker: Fun, interesting; Hard to put info in, extremely time consuming!
Lecture: Fast, easiest (for me); BORING!


It's clear the best way to present will be a power point!

I went through 52 songs on my i-pod (okay I skipped a few) while working on my project today!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Project I

Sunday night, after a long weekend of basketball, my dad helped me research. We searched google for food in Italy in the 13th and 14th century for around 40 minutes. The site we found (http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodfaq3.html#romeo) is extremely helpful, and full of useful information. I plan on making the Neapolitan Rustic Torte. It looks fun and delicious. Here is the recipe:

Neapolitan Rustic TorteMaestro Martino's white torte calls to mind this Neapolitan torta rustica and many other southern Italian tortes. In Naples, salami or prosciutto is added to the filling for seasoning, but in this recipe only sweet spices are useds to evoke the flavors of medieval cuisine.Serves 6For the crust:2 1/2 cups flour, plus extra for dusting3/4 cup sugar1 teaspoon freshly grated gingerSalt8 tablespoons butter, softened, plus extra for greasing the pan3 egg yolks
For the filling1 1/2 pounds ricotta4 eggs3/4 cup freshly grated parmigiano Reggiano1/3 pound mozzarella, diced1/3 pound smoked provola, diced1 tablespoon finely chopped Italian parsley1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 teaspoon grated nutmegSalt and freshly ground black pepperMake the crust by combining the flour, sugar, ginger, adn salt in a well on a well-dusted surface; place the butter and egg yolks in the center of the well, and then use a fork to beat the eggs; slowly incorporate the flour, beginning with the inside (without breaking the wall of the well); when you have obtained a firm mixture, begin to work it with the tips of your fingers and continue until all of the ingredients are combined (short crusts like this one should be worked as little as possible so that they do not lose their flakiness); shape dough into a ball, and let it rest for 30 minutes, covered, in a cool place. Preheat the ovent o 400 degrees F. In the meantime, make the filling. In a mixing bowl, crust the ricotta with as fork, and then add the eggs and mix until you obtain a creamy consistency; add the Parmigiano, mozzerella, provola, parsley, cinnamon, adn nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper to tastet. next assemble the torte. Grease with butter a 9-inch tart or quiche pan with 2-inch walls; divide the dough in half and roll out each half into disks with a diameter of about 11 inches; place on the of disks in the pan, add the filling, top with the remaining disk, remove the excess dough, and pinch to seal around the edges; season the crust with salt. Bake the torte in teh preheated oven for about an hour or until the crust has become golden brown. This torte can be served hot, but it is best served at room temperature." ---(p. 172)[NOTE: Period feasts did not include appetizers, as we know them today. If your assignent is to bring an appetizer, tortes may be your best bet. They are easily transported, do not required immediate consumption, and can be cut into individual servings. The result will be quite similar to fancy appetizers served in modern banquets. If you want to really *period correct* do not give your guests forks. Small portions are readily managed finger foods.]

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Verona- The city of Romeo and Juliet. The capital of love.

The tragic play written by William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, took place in Verona Italy. So you can only imagine the reasons why William Shakespeare choose this city. Here are a few details about Verona during Romeo and Juliet's time!





Basic: Verona is an Italian city located in northern Italy along Adige River near Lake Garda. Resulting from this location, the city is prone to flooding. The small city is only 80 square miles.


Rule: Romeo and Juliet took place while Scaligeri were in reign. Mastino I della Scala founded this powerful dynasty. The Scaligeri's where not among the nobles. They belonged to the upper-middle class as lawyers and high government officials. Mastino I della Scala was never a lord of Verona. nor His son's never held authoritative positions either. Scala had strong characteristics. He is the one that set up and began the powerful dynasty of Scaligeri. The family were very into the arts but complete tyrants. Their power began in 1260, and their dynasty fell in 1405. Despite being know as cruel and harsh, the family brought peace. Verona grew into a wonderful trading place. The family supported and protected the arts in many ways! After the dynasty the city joined Venice's Empire.


Arts: Thanks to the Scaligeri dynasty during the 13th and 14th centuries, the arts and culture reached its peak! Castelvecchio is a castle built in the 14th century. To day it is used as a museum of the arts from the Renaissance time period. The tallest tower built in Verona, Torre Lamberti, was built in the time frame. The clock towers over Piazza delle Erbe. Perhaps the most famous building constructed in the 13th century is the Casa di Giulietta, or Juliet's house. It was restored in the 1930's, but still carries the same ideas. This is wear we believe the balcony scene took place in the play. Questions of whether or not Romeo and Juliet where actually real people do not stop hundred of people of visiting the historic piece of art!



Fashion: Now for my favorite subject: CLOTHING! During the 13th and 14th centuries, clothing also underwent drastic changes. The peoples of the time did away with straight seems and invented curved seems. A need for tailoring also grew. Clothing began to fit better and look better, because it was now made for human form! To avoid extra bulky fabric the use of buttons became popular. Wool was the popular choice for fabric. To embroider clothing, they usually chose wool, silks, or gold thread. For the upper-class, silk was a fine luxury! Women wore smocks and breast bands (bra) for underwear, and kirtles (loose fitting gowns). Unlike most countries, in Italy, women left the heads uncovered. They twisted their hair with cords or ribbons, and then twisted it around their heads. Men wore loose underwear held up with a belt, under shirt, bright wool chausses (leg coverings), doublet (hip length jacket), a gown covered by a hooded cloak, and a fashionable hat. Both sexes wore a leather shoe that had a leather sole. They were not water-proof.

Music: Trecento (Italian for 14th century) period left major changes in the music world! There is not a lot of music left from this time period but the accomplishments made greatly affect today's music. Conducts ( comosition for one or more voices; sacred) are the closes styles related to Trecento music. At its peak, the form of writing a ballata was created. Its popularity greatly expanded over Europe. Francesco Landini is the most famous composer of this generation! He wrote 155 pieces consisting mostly of ballate. He mastered many instruments, but excelled in organ playing. He also wrote many poems.



Check out these sweet links!
http://www.veronafor2.com/verona.html

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Insanity- Doing something the same way over and over again and expecting different results.

Insanity best describes everything about me! I get in trouble for repetitively doing something wrong and it drives my parents insane! I go crazy when i get the same horrible out come with school when I don't change anything with my study habits! I go insane after tons of practicing on my flute or in sports and the following day I can no longer do what I practiced! Every aspect of my life has at least a little bit of insanity in it!
The thing that makes me crazy the most is my brother Brent! We fight all the time and we never learn! I expect yelling at him will work to get what I want, but it never does! Once we fight we get in trouble with our parents and it makes me more crazy! You would think after 15 years I would know better!
Insanity is good for a person. It helps keep life in balance and let you know its okay for things to go wrong! Hopefully we can learn from our big mistakes, but crazy is good!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Where is a guy as fine as a flower?

Act 1. Scene 3. A room in Capulet's house.



Lady Capulet. Nurse, Where is my daughter? Call her for me.



Nurse. I swear by my virginity by age 12, i told her to come. Come on where is she? What is she doing? What Juliet?



Juliet. What? Who is calling me?



Nurse. Your mom



Juliet. Madam, I am here. What do you want?



Lady Capulet. I'll tell you what is the matter! Nurse, leave us be for a while please. We need to speak alone. Nurse come back! I forgot you can listen to our secret conversation. You know how young my daughter is.



Nurse. Yes! I know her age, even the hours she's been alive.



Lady Capulet. She isn't 14



Nurse. I'd bet 14 teeth of my own, but sorry to say I only have 4 of my own, she's not 14. How long until August 1st and harvest?



Lady Capulet. 2 weeks and a few days.



Nurse. No matter the days, On Lammas eve, she will be 14. Juliet and my daughter, Susan, are the same age. Susan passed and is with God, and was too good for me. But as I mentioned she will be 14 on Lammas eve. I remember it well, since the earthquake eleven years ago. She stopped nursing from me that day. I will never forget putting the bitter wormwood on my breast. I sat in the sun under the dovehouse. You with Lord Capulet where in Mantua. Dang I have a good memory! My child didn't like the taste of the wormwood and that is when the earthquake happened. I knew to get out of there! Eleven years ago she could stand on her own, and i swear could run and waddle around. I remember because she cut her forehead the previous day. My husband, rest his soul, picked her up and asked "Did you fall or your face? It would be smarted to fall backwards!" If I lived for ever, I'd never forget! He asked her to stop crying and she said yes and did.



Lady Capulet. Enough! Please be quiet.



Nurse. Yes madam, I think it is funny, the child stopped and said yes! I swear a huge bump on her head! She was crying bitterly. "Did you fall or your face? It would be smarted to fall backwards!" She said yes.



Juliet. Now stop Nurse please.



Nurse. Peace! I'm done. May good give you his grace. You where the prettiest baby I have nursed. My biggest wish is to see you married.



Juliet. An honor I don't dream of!



Nurse. "Honor?" If you didn't suck wisdom from my breast, of that I fed you.



Lady Capulet. Thinking about marriage now. Girls younger than you have been married, and those of nobler families, have children of their own. I had a child at your age and your still a virgin. I say this fast! Paris wants you to be his bride.



Nurse. What a catch young lady! He is great as any in the whole world. He is a model man!



Lady Capulet. There is not a flower in Verona finner than him!



Nurse. No he is a very fine flower!



Lady Capulet. What do you think, can you love this man? Tonight you will meet him at our dinner. Look at him close and find the beauty in his face. See how each feature enhances the other. If you get lost, look into his eyes! Only a bride would make him perfect! As fish have the right to live in the sea, he has the right to a beautiful bride such as yourself! Many adore him, and his bride would be admired. You would lose nothing!



Nurse. No less? You get bigger! Men make women pregnant to grow.



Lady Capulet. Talk fast, will you take Paris' love?



Juliet. I will try to love him. I'll look at him in a way to like him.I will not look harder than you will permit.



Servingman. Madam, guests have arrived, dinner is served, people are asking for you, Juliet has been asked for, and the Nurse is being cursed by people in the pantry. Nothing is in order! I must return and please follow me!



Lady Capulet. We will follow! Juliet the County awaits you.



Nurse. Go girl, seek happy nights and days!

Sunday, March 9, 2008

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet"

http://www.william-shakespeare.info/shakespeare-play-romeo-and-juliet.htm

This website has a lot of information and interesting facts on William Shakespeare and Romeo and Juliet.

The overview offers brief information on the play. There are sections devoted to summaries, histories of the play and its performance, characters and actors, and information on Shakespeare's ideas and inspirations for the play. You can also read the play for free on this site.
On this site, you can find information about William Shakespeare himself! You can read a biography about his life and family. You can find fact, time lines, history, and so much more by
exploring this site.

It not only offers information on Romeo and Juliet itself, but Shakespeare's other works of literature. There are lists of his other plays and poems. There are quotes and "Most Famous..." lists. Quizzes and dictionary links are found easily! Information on the Globe theater can be found as well! This site offers anything you would want to know about Shakespeare or any of his literature.

The site is in dark colors so it comes of hard to keep your attention, and pretty bland. Once you overcome that, you will find the information useful and interesting. There are quotes, summaries, history of the play, and random facts found throughout the website. Of all the sites I found, this one has the most useful information.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Fort Cherry cannot prepare us for college!

At Fort Cherry there are not enough opportunities for us to do well. The classes offered at other schools out-number our choices! I learn so much more from my parents and other books I read outside of school. If I wasn't in advanced classes thanks to STRIVE, I would be so bored in regular classes. Fort Cherry cannot give us the same education as other larger schools. There are also not enough diversity in this school compared to the real world. We are limited to the knowledge of other life styles and cultures. We have only two languages classes, while my friends can pick 3 times more! We also start learning Spanish or German in 9th grade while some people have been taking languages through out elementary school! Fort Cherry limits us and could not prepare us for college, like any other school.