Tools That Change the Way We Think

             Internet/media/technology use changes the way we think by restricting us to only certain opinions. With the filter bubbles and the algorithms used to predict the outcomes we "want" to see, our resources are limited. No person is going to specify their Google search precisely to what they are looking for each and every time. Granted, the filter bubbles are an extreme help to me in most cases; but I am a very open minded person and it would be nice if sometimes I could choose whether or not I am able to get the same results as everyone else. With the use of all of this extremely convienient technology it seems as though technology is yet again making laziness an art. Everything is getting easier and easier these days, and it makes me feel as though i'm not exactly the one doing the work anymore. Sometimes it feels way too easy. I like it, but a lot of times I question whether or not i'm learning as effectively as I would without the technology and having to find it on my own.

In Search Of

1. I learned exactly what a filter bubble was and how exactly it restricts the amount of things I have access to according to my interests. I also didn't know that the filter bubble took into account where I was located as well.
2. This just makes me wonder what I am not seeing. By knowing that everyone gets different results, it makes me wonder how different my results are compared to others.
3. This raises a question to me about how many of these sites that I am directed to actually have legitimate facts.
4. I think that I can make my searches more effective by making my searches just a little bit more specific based on what I am searching for.

Who Was Shakespeare?

             When I typed into Google, "Who was Shakespeare?" my results varied; whether it was articles on de Vere with accusations of Shakespeare being a fraud, or Wikipedia (and other websites) talking about William Shakespeare's writing styles and life stories.The sites acting as biographies said  that Shakespeare's birth date was unknown, but we do know that he was baptised Apri 26, 1564. He lived and died in Warwickshire, England. Shakespeare was married to a woman named Anne Hathaway with three children. He died in 1616. His early plays were mostly comedies and histories. Throughout time they turned into tragedies and later, tragicomedies. He was a respected poet and playwright in his day, but his reputation did not rise to its present heights until the 19th century. In all honesty, students really respect his work, but when we have to study a different work of Shakespeare each school  year, we begin to dread the work of someone with a very powerful message. We understand that he wrote several masterpieces; but as we continue to study each work, we do progress in our ability to perceive what he is saying... but, it is often said by our generation that this type of literature is irrelevant to our futures. I understand now that it might take me a few times reading a passage to understand Shakespeare's message but I do admit that I (among several others) still struggle with all of that old English that has completely different meanings for things than what we are used to.

To Facebook or Not to Facebook

             My initial impressions of Facebook were mostly positive. Facebook to me, seemed exciting because you can keep up with your friends' lives and pictures. Facebook made photo sharing and activities like that much easier and accessible. When I first started using Facebook, I was unaware of the risks associated with the website. After reading the article online, I became more aware of the privacy risks. I know that since I have read the article, I have changed the settings on my Facebook that are in control of your "current locations." (The function on Facebook that shows exactly where you are at when you upload a picture or write a post.) By doing so, you become vulnerable to the random strangers that could be viewing your profile. I  am now more informed and have the knowledge to protect my own privacy.

Notes On Hamlet

             Once Hamlet decided to get revenge on Claudius for killing is father, I became pretty interested in the plot of the story and sort of supported Hamlet's actions to do so. But as the scenes went on, Hamlet's emotions kind of went haywire and he became extremely unpredictable. Shakespeare is known for having tragic plays so it makes me wonder if there is going to be a massive death scene where basically everyone dies- that's my main prediction for the end of the story. I think Hamlet will go completely mad and that there will be a blood bath.

(Don't) Be Hamlet

Topic: Now that you have mastered the text of "To be, or not to be..." reflect on Hamlet's dilemma and help him make up his mind. Use the text of the play and your own logic to support your own opinion.


             In Hamlet's soliloquy he ponders the differences and consequences in suicide versus killing Claudius to get revenge. In my opinion, suicide should never be worth it. Every single person in the entire world has issues. And somehow, most of those people figure out how to overcome those issues. Whether it is related to relationships, mental problems, physical problems, social problems, etc... People need to actually have some self worth. Hamlet is only thinking of these two options because that is what he feels are his only options. Hamlet could have simply asked Claudius what his reason could have possibly been for killing his father, and quite possibly found it in his heart of stone to forgive him. As for Hamlet's option to kill himself- seriously, what is the point? If Hamlet were to kill himself, it would be the cowardly way out and he will have to go to Hell for something he could have easily tried to fix while still alive. Hamlet seems to be an extremely complicated man of many thoughts. If he were to want my advice on his entire situation, I'd tell him to ditch the girl who causes drama, call out the step-dad on his sins, fix his relationship with Claudius, and then get over it and move on.