Saeed Composition II - Commonplace book by Saad

Death by Happiness?

sadiqsaeed — 2014-06-16 03:38:21 UTC

After reading the story "Story of an Hour", I was curious if it was possible undergo cardiac arrest from intense emotions. Though it makes great sense that the adrenaline could cause the plaques to tear, happiness generally leads to a healthier heart.

"Jamaica Kincaid Hates Happy Endings"

sadiqsaeed — 2014-06-16 03:41:28 UTC

A discussion lead me to search for more information on the author Jamaica Kincaid. Upon the results, I did find an old, off-topic article that was interesting. It made me reorient my perspective of the author's point of view in "Girl". I originally felt the story was monotone, but it may have purposely been somewhat pessimisstic.

Trifles

sadiqsaeed — 2014-06-16 03:46:29 UTC

Sometimes we can't keep glancing at words, and we need more visual stimulation. In case you aren't in the mood to read the play I suggest, go buy/rent/download this short episode. Surprising to find a modern adaptation of such an old play.

Probability that a first marriage will survive 10 years: 6.7%

sadiqsaeed — 2014-06-16 04:02:38 UTC

The play "A Doll's House" peaked my curiousity and once I get I headed to the internet to find some numbers. I found some interesting statistics. What is even more interesting is seeing so many people getting married for the first time nowadays.

PubMed

sadiqsaeed — 2014-06-16 04:08:15 UTC

I have used this website many times in the past. I was using it again for my "The Yellow Wallpaper" essay to find relevant articles that could be related to Jane and her disorder. Stop here if you ever need relevant and valid information for any medical information. Very Useful reference.

I think it's crucial for the "bad" side of history to be evident to prevent repition

sadiqsaeed — 2014-07-02 04:46:09 UTC

Recently I've also been dealing with a History class, and I am dumbfounded by the censorship and euphemism within our textbooks. Reading Hughes' "Let America be America Again," I was reminded of the lines omitted from Oklahoma's own Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" due to the controversy behind mentioning the "poor." Check out the hyper-link if you want to see them.

Honorable mention for Charles Ramsey

sadiqsaeed — 2014-07-02 05:42:14 UTC

In the ending of ZZ Packer's "Brownies," Laurel recalls her father mentioning the only time a white man would be on his knees for a black man. This line reminded me of an interview of the heroic Charles Ramsey who rescued a trapped little girl and two others. He felt something was wrong immediately "a little pretty white girl run to a black man" He performed a courageous deed and provided some laughs. Check out his interview!

Looking forward to transferring?!

sadiqsaeed — 2014-07-02 05:50:33 UTC

I am quite anxious to graduate with my associates and transfer. Reading many of Langston Hughes' poems, I was reminded of Oklahoma's very own black historical college, Langston University. Though the names are merely coincidence, I'm sure you'd encounter more of Hughes' material there. In case you're interested and haven't thought of where you'll transfer, check it out! I still have my options open.

Enjoyed Ralph Ellison's "Battle Royal"?

sadiqsaeed — 2014-07-02 05:53:27 UTC

"Battle Royal" is only a section of his entire "Invisible Man" novel. If you enjoyed the reading, you can access the entire book with the followed link. Courtesy of the Penn State University. The prologue is quite an eerie yet luring intro.

Knowledge for "Everyday Use"

sadiqsaeed — 2014-07-02 05:57:05 UTC

While reading "Everyday Use," I was surprised to see an Islamic greeting. Considering the time period and era in which the story took place, I am unsure whether Hakim is an orthodox Muslim or from the Nation of Islam, which gained great popularity among African Americans during the era of segregation in the 1950s. Being a Muslim, I'd just like to clarify the difference between the two to prevent any further misinformation about Muslims. Personally, I do not agree with the teachings of the Nation of Islam, and worry they hurt the reputation of orthodox Islam.

FAO Schwarz?

sadiqsaeed — 2014-07-02 06:05:00 UTC

Reading "The Lesson," I became curious with the constant mention of FAO Schwarz. In case you're curious too, here is some information regarding the oldest toy store in the United States.

Movie time?

sadiqsaeed — 2014-07-17 05:39:04 UTC

Arthur Miller's "Death of a Sales" debuted on the big screen in 1985. If the story interested you like me, you ought to watch the movie. You gotta admit, It's rated 8.4/10 with 100% on the tomato mater. Click here to get to Netflix.

Did you know?

sadiqsaeed — 2014-07-17 06:41:14 UTC

Apparently, there was a movie adaptation of the "Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong" from Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried" that was released in 1998. If you want to see it, too bad because it was only released on VHS, though there is a petition for rerelease on DVD.