The Almighty Screen and the Adrenaline Rush by Joe D.

Everyone values different things in various ways. Some people prefer to show off their bling bling, or their sweet rides. While others prefer to get that rush when you catch a huge bass, or to feel that special way on Christmas morning with your family. But the real question is how do you calculate or discern how valuable something is beyond prices and votes?

***

The Red Sox came back to beat the Yankees in the 8^th inning 5 to 4, that is music to my ears. Finally, I finished my 800 word essay for Ms. Veins on the Tudor Monarchy. So that’s how Alexander Hamilton died, in a duel with Aaron Burr, what a funky way to die. I am sitting at my Samsung Sync Master 906 Widescreen computer looking up things that I am curious about and typing up my homework.

I use my computer practically everyday of my life. There is always something I need to find out or a school related project to complete. My computer is the only place I go for research on specific topics. I love to “Google” things and surf the net searching for intriguing new ideas. Some people might call me a nerd for doing this, but I love it. Lately I have been looking into the history and politics of our country and deciding if I am a Republican or Democrat. I could write a 2,000 word essay on this topic but there are plenty of other activities that I do on my computer that I would like to tell you about. I also like researching topics on the present day era, like sports. ESPN.com is my best friend when it comes knowing my fair share of sports statistics. I need to keep up with my three major sports teams, which are the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics. The computer is one of the few sources that I can access 24/7 and it is always accurate. The computer is also an extremely valuable item because I can do my homework on it. I have horrible penmanship and I do not have a good use vocabulary. On Microsoft Word I can take the information I just learned on Google and type it into my homework assignment. Without my computer a huge part of my life would be taken away from me.

***

The point guard dribbles up to half court I get into my defensive position and contain the little midget. He has nowhere to go and no pass options. I close in on him like a tiger hunting his prey and swipe the ball away from him when it is bouncing back up to his hand. The ball bounces once and I take one stride to it and begin my fast break down court. I don’t need to look back to know that he is right on my tail. I see the free throw line beneath my foot and I realize it is time for me to take my leap. I jump off one foot holding the rock in my right hand using my left to shield off any remaining defenders. I begin my ascent up to the hoop, the little punk behind me jumps up and tries to pull me down in an effort to draw the flagrant foul. But I keep on going up, up, up, until my hand reaches the rim and I slam that sphere into the hoop so hard that the backboard shakes and let myself hang for a few seconds. The crowd goes absolutely wild.

These are the moments I live for. The times when I do inhuman feats because the adrenaline in my body pushes me to the limit and I get that feeling and that rush. I slip into my jersey and shorts which I have done time after time. I close the door to my room and pretend that I am in a massive arena. Thousands of eyes are on me and I throw my hands into the air to get the crowd roaring. I picture myself doing the impossible like breaking all five defenders and doing a between the legs 360 over a kid and then dunking it in his face. But in my head I know that this probably won’t happen so I open the door and walk downstairs. Tip-off begins in 1 hour so my dad and I get into the car and drive to where the game will be played. Once there I shoot around picturing those impossible feats over and over again. There is nothing like feeling that rush go through my body.

***

I value both my widescreen computer and the feeling I get before a basketball game for various reasons. My computer provides me with information that I am curious about, to the score of the Patriot’s game, to being able to type up my homework. But before a basketball game I get that adrenaline rush flowing through my blood stream that gets me pumped. While a computer has a price around $1,200, you can’t put a price on the incredible feeling you receive before a sporting event.

The problem in society today is that people usually only focus on materialistic items while they take priceless things for granted. It would be very hard for me go through a day of my life without my almighty screen, but I would be missing a huge part of my life if I didn’t play basketball. I don’t think anyone can calculate or discern if one item is more valuable then another feeling, I know I sure can’t.

Value Essay by Corey C.

Million dollar weddings and expensive cars blur our minds everyday diverting us from what really matters. What’s more important, living the good, luxurious expensive life of celebrities, or having a couple minutes to your self to read a book, take a hot shower in the morning, or just sleeping in on the week end. Personal time, or all the money in the world is nice, but I don’t know which is better? Who’s to decide?

I hit the button, and the fan starts roaring on my dell desktop. The monitor buzzes as the electronics come to life. The light on the monitor turns green, and the screen lights up, and goes to the black loading screen. Moments later the screen turns blue, and the computer has come to life. I click on my login name, and enter my password. I wait for my desktop to load, and I’m off. I use my computer for a lot of things. I do my weekly homework on it, making it neater, and helping my grade. Keeping up with friends these days are hard, but I make it easier by talking to them with AOL Instant Messenger and looking at their face books, to know what the latest news is. I also use my desktop to play games, watch movies, all for personal entertainment. Instead of going down to the library, I can just go on to the Internet, go to Google, and look for the information I need. When I’m bored I just click the Internet icon go to a gaming website, and I have a whole website of fun right in front of me. When I’m bored, there’s always something for me to do.

The alarm clock buzzes at 5:30 a.m., and I slap the snooze button. 10 minutes later it goes off again, and I slowly get out from under my down throw micro fiber comforter. I look for my glasses, and slowly put them on my face. I get some clothes, and go upstairs. I walk into the bathroom and the cold floor freezes my feet, I turn on the lights, and then the fan. The fan starts spinning and I turn the shower knob and hear the frigid water splash against the bottom of the tub. I wait for the water to warm up, and I slip into the shower. The hot water wakes me up, and recharges me for the day. It feels so nice to wake up in my cool basement, and then walk up stairs and get in the shower. For the first couple minutes I just let the water spill down my back, and I feel relaxed. This is the start of my day everyday of the year except for weekends, and vacation days.

What’s more important, a computer worth a thousand dollars, or ten minutes of relaxation and peace to myself in the morning? How can one decide what is more valuable? I love my computer, and I am on it most of the day, but I love taking hot showers early in the morning. I can get pleasure fro both of them, and I get something useful out of each of them. On the other hand, the computer costs a lot more money, and uses a lot more power. The computer allows me to have fun, and get work done, and the shower relaxes me, and wakes me up early in the morning.

So what is more valuable? I don’t know what to choose. I guess I like them about the same, but the 10-minute shower, I think I value more. I define value as being worth something, and both items are of value, but I would take the shower one more. I don’t really know how to decide. Do you know how too? It’s hard to tell what is worth more with all the advertisements of high tech toys, activities, and products that supposedly make life easier. But who wants to deal with all the hassle, and who has the money for some of these items seen regularly on TV. The world is monopolized by money, but in the end, and good old shower can get me through.

My Values by Connor A.

How can you really tell if you value something? Is it the way that object or moment makes you feel? Is it the anticipation for that moment to come or the magic that object creates? For me it’s the anticipation for the moment I go to Maine for vacation and the feeling I get when I dive into the cool water in my pool.

Some of the best times I’ve had have happened it Maine. Every year, for the past 3 years, I have gone to Ogunquit, Maine and spent a week there with my family and my best friend, Nolan Clark, and his family. I have been going to Maine my entire life but this past summer was only my 3^rd year in Ogunquit. We have a house that’s about a 10 minute walk from the beach and has an awesome view of the ocean. The house is pretty big. Each year we have an average of 10 people staying at our house. What also makes going to Maine one of my most favorite things ever is all the people from South Hadley that go there. Every year at least 15 families go up to Maine on the first Saturday in August and begin a week of fun filled beach going and relaxing. Aside from the families that go, there are usually a group of about 20 high school kids from South Hadley and some college kids who camp at the campgrounds near the beach. Another reason why I love Ogunquit is because the town is quite small and we live right near the center of town, at night, my friends and I can walk into town and go hang out there or at the beach and not be bothered. When I’m in Maine it’s impossible to be bored. Every day, if the weather is nice, we’re at the beach and on days that it’s not we have some friends come over to our house and play cards or just hang out. At the beach all the kids have big football games, as well as play horse shoes and volleyball. The water there is usually a little cold but you can’t go to the beach and now go in the water at least once. Maine gives me the greatest feeling, I get to go away from everything happening here and just have an awesome time with great people and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else in the world.

One thing I enjoy a lot is swimming. I love diving into the cool water after a long hot day or after a rough sports game. Sometimes when it’s hot or humid in the morning the first thing I do when I get up is jump in my pool and then sit in the sun to dry off. I have had my pool for about 6 years and each year that goes by I enjoy swimming in it more and more. Another thing is that i sweat a lot during sports and the pool is the perfect thing when I come home and don’t want to take a hot shower. When we’re on summer vacation and I’m home alone, bored, I can always go in my pool and enjoy having time to myself. Usually my friends come over to hang out and we go swimming. My pool is also useful for is killing small pesky animals. Every once in a while we find a mouse or a mole and sometimes even a squirrel floating in the water. On the other hand my pool is great for entertaining when there isn’t a dead animal in it. Whenever my parents have family over my cousins don’t get out of the pool the whole time they’re here. I also have a cool little water fall on the side of my pool that I like to stick my head under. Lastly my favorite thing about my pool is flying off the diving board into the water. Doing a dive after jumping 10 feet in the air and slicing in the water is an awesome feeling.

I value these two things very much because they both make me feel relaxed. When I go to Maine I’m away from everything else that’s going on and diving in my pool makes me feel revived and refreshed. I main reason I value my yearly vacation to Maine is because I get to be with great people and not worry about things no matter how stressful it might be here I can go to Maine and its totally different. My pool is special because I can be with my friends in it and its peaceful listening to the waterfall when there’s no one else out there but me.

There are so many things in this world that can be valuable to someone. It could be something of money value or something that is very special to you that no one else could understand. I think it is very important for people to realize what they really value and need in their life because once you find out what that is I believe you can be truly happy. Value to me is not how much something cost but the sensational feeling I get from it.

What Means More to Me by Anna R.

What is wrong with today’s people? All they care about is money, money, money. What happen to just sitting down, and telling our most memorable stories? Instead all we tell people are what we want, and what we THINK we need. It is so bad. I mean, I know it is cool to have a cell phone and iPod, but come on do we really need decorations and accessories for these things? I don’t think so.

Probably, my most valuable financial item would have to be my Patriots jersey. I remember I got it for one of my birthdays. Then, that same year they were in the Superbowl. We got to go to my aunt’s house for a Superbowl party. Before we left I pulled on my jersey. I look at myself in the mirror and think, “we are going to win this.” I wore my jersey for good luck and no other reason. I leave my house and enter the car to leave for the party. I had so much fun at the party. I talked to all my cousins and friends. We had so much fun watching the game. We even did this betting thing. Everybody was saying, “great shirt” or, “where did you get that?” We stayed the whole night, and when the game was done, the Patriots had actually won. My first year with my jersey, and they win the Superbowl. I was amazed. This thing was good luck. I felt, for some reason, like I was on top of the world with this jersey.

For my priceless moment, I chose one of my softball games. The score was 6-6. It was the seventh inning. Abbey was on third waiting to score the run to win the game. I’m up at bat, and I am ready for anything. She throws two balls, but then she throws a strike, I am ready now. The next pitch, I foul it off. The count is 3-2. I nervously wait for the pitch to come. She winds up and throws the pitch. I swing and make contact. The ball goes flying, but I have know clue where. I just put my head down and run. I finally get to first and turn around to home plate. I see, to my happiness, Abbey safely touch the plate. Our team starts cheering. We had won the game 7-6 by my hit. I walk from first to home, and there is my team saying “good job,” and “great hit.” It was a wonderful moment in my life that I would probably remember for a long time.

How can I compare two moments that have given each a wonderful day? They are both valuable to me, because both of these moments have given me great memories. I will probably always remember what has happened those days in my life. The difference is that I will always have the jersey to easily remember what memories I have spent with it. The softball game, on the other hand, I have to remember. I have nothing to remember it by, so I will have to make sure it stays in my mind, and that will make me remember it easier. I think the softball game really gave me hope that I was really good at softball, and I should keep on playing. The jersey is just an object to help support my football team, the Patriots. I will probably, when I get older, just value the jersey as an object. The game I will value more, because it really affected my life. That is the difference between a financial worth moment, and a priceless moment.

What I am now thinking is how I define value. That is a very interesting question, because everyone has a different answer. My answer would have to be, some object or feeling that changes your life. The object or feeling really means something, like you would do anything in the world to have it or remember it. That is how I define value. I guess what I value is a memory that inspires my life, or makes me happy. If it were an object it would have to be either an object that someone gives me, because they think of me, or I value an object that I got somewhere that has some memory attached to it. In the end I have decided what I value in my life, have you?

Value Essay by Alex Massa

In America today, it is hard to know what is more important. Material possessions or moments in your life that you will always remember are very important. An example of this would be a birthday party, a funeral, or something like that. It isn't worth any money, but it is worth a lot to the person who experienced these events. This has become increasingly true in modern times. Because children (and adults as well) has so many material possessions, sacred things such as religion lose value because they would rather play with their new toy. In this essay I will pick an item of financial worth and then something that is priceless to me. I will compare and contrast them and then decide which one is more important.

***

My item of financial worth is my television. I watch it at certain times of the day. This television is located in my room. I usually watch it at night, and usually I watch the FOX News Channel. This is because I am a conservative Republican and believe that CNN is biased. I usually watch the O’Reilly Factor and Hannity and Colmes. I am a big fan of Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly. However, I do not like Alan Colmes so I try to not let his blatant liberalism bother me.

***

My item of priceless value is going to Church with my grandmother. My grandmother lives in Springfield and goes to Holy Cross Church on Plumtree Avenue in Springfield. On some occasions, like Christmas or Easter, I go to her house with the rest of my family, have something to eat (usually a large feast), and then my grandmother and I go to Church and pray. No one else comes with us because we are Catholics and they are Protestants.

We dress up nicely, I am in a suit and tie, and she is in a dress. We open the doors of her car and sit down in her excellent leather seats. She turns the key and the car roars to life. We open the garage door and head for the Church on Plumtree Avenue. We arrive at the unusually large parking lot and park in a space near the heavy wooden doors of the Church.

We get out of the car and walk up to the heavy wooden doors of the Church. We are usually early, and she is allowed to come in early to help the Priest get ready for the Mass. We go into the back room and set up all the things that need to be set up. We open the golden box that contains the bread which is said to be the body of Jesus Christ himself. We take the golden key and open the heavy door. We take out just enough bread for the Mass and then shut the door and lock it.

Then we go sit down in the front row of pews and the Mass commences. There is usually a song being played by organ. The last of the stragglers from outside come in and sit down with us. Once the song is over the Priest comes out and sits on his chair (which looks more like a throne). He greets us and talks for a few moments. Then, a man comes out of the back room bringing with him a Bible. He stands at the podium with the Bible. He opens it and reads whatever verse is scheduled for that day.

After the verse is read and we pray, the Eucharist is received by everyone present in the Church. There is usually a long line, and it takes about 15 minutes for everyone to receive the bread and wine. The church I am talking about is in Springfield, and is much larger than any church in South Hadley or Holyoke. After the Mass is over, we usually stay for a couple minutes after and pray in solitude. Then, we go home and eat lunch, which is always served at 12 o’clock noon. This is because my family is Italian (both of my grandparents were born in Italy) and my grandfather thinks it is wrong to have lunch any later or earlier than noon. He says that they always eat at noon in his town in Italy, although I am not sure if that is true.

***

Which is better? How do you decide? Would you rather take something that is of monetary value, or something that is worth no money, but is worth a lot in a different way? Well, if I had to decide which of these two I'd want more, it would be going to Church with my grandmother. You see, I can watch television anytime I want to, but I can't always go to Church with my grandmother. She will not live forever, so I'd better do things with her while she is alive. Also, I believe in an afterlife, and I believe that going to Church and praying will help you gain entry to Heaven. So I would pick Church over the television.

This was an easy decision for me to make. I have found that although many Americans would choose the material possession, I would not. This is a good thing. I believe that you are a better person if you choose the priceless event. It shows that you are not stupid and that you value what really matters. I just wish other Americans would realize what I've just realized. Possessions aren't everything, and more often that not, they cause unrest and fighting (like in The Pearl) instead of happiness. Everyone knows the old quote, "Money can't buy you happiness." That is still true today.

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Value Essay Comment Instructions

I would like your Value Essay comments to answer the following four questions:

I - What does the author seem to be saying about what is valuable, and what he or she most strongly values?

II - Which of the two objects/priceless moments described in this essay did you find were most vividly and clearly described? Reference one specific part, anecdote, scene, or description that you thought was particularly well done.

III - In general, what is one of this essay's overall strengths? It could be its organization, word choice, writing style, introduction, conclusion, etc.

IV - What is one piece of advice that the author might consider for future writing assignments? This should be phrased constructively (try doing ------- next time, consider --------) or inquisitively (what do you think would happen if you -------------?)

Comments should be about two paragraphs (6 to 10 well-written, informative sentences). Your comments should appear below the story you are responding to. When asked to choose an identity, click "other," then sign your comment with your first name and last initial. Comments not posted according to these instructions will be deleted.

I would like you to respond to a minimum of two essays per class (6 total). The essays will be up by the end of school on Monday, Oct. 15th.

* Please bring a printed copy of your comments to class on Tuesday, Oct. 16th, as I will check them then. Your classmates and I thank you for your valuable feedback.

Six comments = a "check"

Nine comments = a "check plus"

For general information about posting blog comments, please click here.

Poor Kitty by Brynna S.

Nora likes to wear pots on her head
And jump up and down and scream till she’s red
She jumped on the cat’s tail
Hurt so bad, kitty wailed
Laughing Nora kicked poor kitty’s head.

Ode to Brynna by Nora M.

Brynna is my friend
She’s a funny chick.
She promised to be there until the end
She’s always wearing cool kicks.

She’s pretty smart, when she tries
Otherwise she’s dead.
Brynna even tends to cry
But I just smack her on the head.

She’s the prettiest girl in school
Many people hate
But they’re only jealous because they’re not cool
For Brynna it was just fate.

She’s really, really nice and sweet
She’s is one girl you should totally meet.

Boston's Run to Take Game 7 by Adam B.

In game one the yanks had some fun
But the series was not yet done
Game three, runs mores than eleven
Boston’s run to take game seven

In game four, Papi’s blast closed the door
Even heard Yanks pitchers swore
In game five our team was revving
Boston’s run to take game seven

Game six we took em for a ride
Three apiece and now we’re both tied
Game seven we were in heaven

My Great Grandmother by Erika J.

You are my angel shining bright
I love you with all of my might
I miss you more and more each day
I wish you didn’t fade away!

I miss and love you very much
We have some memories and such
My days are very dark and gray
I wish you didn’t fade away!

I can’t wait to see you again
It is just a matter of where n’ when
And maybe this time you will stay
I wish you didn’t fade away!

There Ain’t Another Place I’d Rather Be by David W.

The streets are full with city life
Even though some people are in times of strife.
People here are happy to say
I am a Yankee and that’s still true today.
From good hot dogs on the street
To podiatrist taking care of people’s feet.
They say this place is where dreams come true
That phrase alone should keep you from getting blue.
So no matter if your business is up or down
There is no reason to wear a frown.
Because from Times Square
To every man who dreams to dare
There ain’t another place I’d rather be
Than good old NYC.

Ode to Rock and Roll by Adam B.

In AC/DC’s eyes
Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution
And I don’t think so either
But tell you what
Rap Ain’t No Rock and Roll
Rap is noise pollution
Rock and roll will never die
But rap will leave with a big sigh

For now rock still has the right away
But rap could be a Rock and Roll Damnation
So For Those About To Rock and all you Rock and Roll Singers
I would be a little worried
But Let Be Rock
And let’s start a rap damnation
So Rock Out
And Rock Your Heart Out

Roaster by Rachel L.

My friend Marian’s birthday was coming up
I wanted to get her something sweet
I finally decided on a beautiful roaster
On which she could cook her favorite kinds of meat

I looked all over for this roaster
I looked at ones of plastic, glass, and clay
I looked at ever store in town
And even broke down and looked on e-bay

At this point I was getting quite frustrated
For the perfect roaster I could not find
Visions of them danced in my head
(Which is another word for my mind)

I finally took a plane trip out
To the best roaster-maker in the U.S.A.
He said that he could personalize me a roaster
And that he could do it right away

The roaster came out gorgeous
I couldn’t wait to show Marian!
But when I gave it to her she told me
She’d recently become vegetarian

End is Near by Derek P.

The woods were darker then usual
I walked faster than ever
I began to hear weird sounds
Fear took over my mind
Looking for a path
Light was in sight
Few more steps
So close
FREE!

Nice & Hot by Rachel V.

Summertime is around the corner
I’m excited for the weather
To go swimming in the pool.
To lay out in the sun
And to have some fun,
Summer is the best
I don’t get rest
It’s so great
Nice and
Hot.

Funeral for a Soldier by Victoria R.

I can’t move, have to stand still
Try to hold tears against my will
Silence hovers over the crowd
We are the ones who are so proud.

Surrounded by soldiers who cared
Can’t help but think, were you scared?
Guns up, ready...set...fire! Loud.
We are the ones who are so proud.

The flag that covered over you
Is folded and taps begin too
Tears roll down faces of the crowd
We are the ones who are so proud.

My Brother Sam by Abbey L.

I have a brother his name is Sam
He likes to eat some green eggs and ham.
He is eight-teen years old
He is smelly like mold
Sam has a best friend that he calls lam.

A Pirates' Pleasant Ballad for a Daring Day at Sea By Mic B.

When the tide is high
And the sails are set
And the Scurvy Dogs be wake’n
The Captain roars, “We sail ashore!
The loot be ours for the take’n”
But Scallywag Dan nervously raises a hand
And asks, “When we’re done can we have some rum?”
The captain baffled with a look to bewilder
Says, “Scallywag Dan come hither!”
Limping to the stern, Peg leg not fit to size
The Captain squinting one of two eyes—
The other replaced with a patch—
“Boy we be pirates and that’s what we do,
We pillage and plunder then drink!”
“And when there’s no rum?” asks Dan staring at the deck floor.
“We pillage and plunder some more!”
“Aye-Aye!” shout the crew putting their hands to their heads—
All except for a matey named Frank—
“Frank you have no arms and you smell rancid and rank,
For that you shall walk the plank!”

Goodnight Sweetheart by Christy M.

He sits; ink pen poised and waiting

He sees her; iridescence glowing, she's captivating.

Perfect; she seems so unreal.

He attempts to write; of her beauty, how he feels.

Words can't describe her, though he tries

Paralyzed by her

One look into her eyes.

He takes a step toward her; she backs away

Hurt; confused, he begs her to stay

Tension rises; unmistakable fear.

He's worried... as down slides a single black tear.

He doesn't understand: parts his lips to ask

She trembles, slowly removing the mask.

He blinks; feels sick, the world around him a whirl

Looking up, he sees only

an Ordinary girl.

In place of beauty and perfection

Unexplainable grace, her eyes soft in the light

Satisfied with imperfection

He begins to write.

Life by Jeff M.

Summer rain cleanses

Utopia of season

Bask in the essence

Soldier by Meg M.

There is someone who gives his life
Though pain and strife
Are what he lives
For what he gives.

He has people waiting at home
For him to come
Or wait and see
Where he will be.

His days and nights filled with violence
Waits for silence
For love and peace
For war to cease.

Acidental Friends by Nicholina W.

I would like to start by saying
Not all friends come from good
Some come when your faults are exposed

Forgetting homework is an unlikely place,
To find space,
In your heart.
To create an everlasting friendship.

But in my life
I proved this to be wrong,
And
Created a friendship that
Will forever live on.

9/11 by Sean G.

On their way to work they went that Monday,
Oblivious to what they would become,
The most infamous event, some say—
Something we wanted to stay away from.

Time seemed to stand still for an hour or so,
Our economic metropolis,
Stood frozen, as if crafted by Van Gogh,
retaining an unfamiliar darkness.

This tragedy affected us greatly,
We now seem to be a brand new nation,
with old ways only remembered faintly,
and a new feeling of trepidation.

This one day will never be forgotten,
But this was the lowest point we have been.

Wrong Occupation by Sean M.

There was a woman at the dentist
Art asked, “Hey please be my apprentice”
She had quickly said yes
Art found she was a mess
She told him she was a hygienist