Questions for the Final

1. The word dichotomy is a(n): A) adjective B) adverb C) verb D) noun (Ashanti Marshall)
2. As seen in The Joy Luck Club, hulihudu means: A) brave B) clever C) adventurous D) confused  (Ashanti Marshall)
3. In Fences, Bono got to drive the truck at work: True / False (Ashanti Marshall)
4. Where did we encounter existentialism? A) Fences B) Like Water for Chocolate C) No Exit D) The Color Purple (Ashanti Marshall)
5. The word inherent is a noun. True / False (Ashanti Marshall)

Thoughts on Steve Jobs's Stanford Commencement Speech

Steve Jobs's speech provided a small glimpse into the life philosophy of the Apple co-founder. He spoke about "connecting the dots", loving your work, mortality and having the courage to follow your heart. I resonanted with Jobs when he said your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. I interpreted this as don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. Your inner voice is guide you to make the best decision for you.

Thoughts on David Blaine's TEDTalk "How to hold your breath for 17 minutes"

Create the illusion of success until it becomes a reality. Everything is possible, David Blaine proves that as long as work towards your goal with a plan, you can and will achieve it. Blaine explored different avenues of research, trial and error invention for all his feats. Each method had two things in will and innovation.

Thoughts on Tony Robbins' TEDTalk: "Why we do what we do"

This TEDTalk was very moving and made me question a few things. What is your motive for action? Emotion is the force of life, your inner drive drives you. We as people need to understand human need. Decision is the ultimate power. The choice of decision dictates your destiny. When you give something attention, emotion becomes associated with it and you decide to work towards that goal or not to.

"Fences" Questions

1. What is Troy and Bono's Friday night ritual? A) smoke B) play cards C) talk trash D) talk and drink
2. Who is Troy married to? A) Rose B) Alberta C) Lucille D) None of the above
3. Who recruited Troy? A) the Army B) the Navy C) the Coast Guard D) a college football team
4. Who said "Death ain't nothing but a football on the outside corner." A) Bono B) Troy C) Rose D) Cory
5. True or False: The only time Troy sees Lyons is when he wants something.
6. What will Troy be eating for the rest of the week if he gives Lyons ten dollars? A) rice B) beans C) rice and beans D) steak
7. Who plays the lottery? A) Rose and Troy B) Troy and Bono C) Alberta and Lyons D) Rose and Lyons
8. Why couldn't Cory help Troy with the fence? A) He didn't want to. B) He went to the grocery store. C) He went to football practice. D) He left the house.
9. True or False: Troy's brother, Gabriel, wasn't injured in World War II.
10. What does Cory want Troy to buy? A) radio B) TV C) camera D) car

Thoughts on Raghava KK's TEDTalk "Shake up your story"

Artist Raghava KK has developed an app of a children's book that effectively eliminates propaganda. The innocence that children possess don't recognize social constructs like race, sexual orientation and religious affiliation. Life is all about perspective, separating fact from bias. Teaching perspectives is the best way to teach creativity. Bias your child with multiple perspectives, as a result your child will be truly well-rounded. Raghava KK has shown me that art comes with a responsibility to aspire to inspire.

Updated TeenTED Talk Script

Good morning, Kings and Queens. My name is Ashanti and I’m a passionate Lover of Love. It thrills me to please people and to be pleased in return. I have a few things to ask all of you. Is that okay with everyone? (waits for response) Okay, here we go. Everyone close your eyes and relax your mind from your head to your feet. Take a few deep breaths.

1. Raise your hand if you’ve had your first kiss. (Take a mental or physical tally.)
2. Keep your eyes closed, raise your hand if you’ve engaged in any sexual activity. (Take a mental or physical tally.)

The survey is over, you all can open your eyes now. How do you feel? (Wait for response.) It’s totally normal as you journey through life, you will encounter both intimacy and sex. The two are NOT synanomous at all. Sex resided in the physical realm of your Being, it is detached genital contact void of all emotion. On the other hand, intimacy transcends into the Spiritual realm greeting your partner’s aura will an intense level of understanding and appreciation of your desires. The energy emanating between you two will raise the vibrations of the space as the sound of Love ricochets off the wall. The vibrations will return to you and rehydrate the lust that passion extracts from you like a honeybee extracting nectar from a sunflower in the summertime.