Mosaic Reflection

 

 Upon completion of your mosaic, explain the meaning of your symbol, reflect on the process of making a mosaic, and imagine what it would have been like to create a large scale mosaic in a church over 1500 years ago.

For this assignment, I decided to create the Calvary cross. This is a Latin cross on top of three steps.  Calvaria is the name of a small mound outside of Jerusalem’s gate and means ‘the place of the skull’ because it was the place of suffering. The Calvaria cross can sometimes be called the Graded Cross, which is designed as a Latin cross raised on a pedestal made out of three steps (each getting smaller and smaller than the others). The reason this type of cross has three steps is because tradition explains that the steps stand for Faith, Hope, and Love (3). Calvary was the location where Jesus Christ was crucified.
Before I even started making this mosaic, I thought it would be a piece of cake- since it looks so easy to do. But as I started creating it, I realized I had to be extremely patient and calm in order to fulfill my expectations. I found making this mosaic extremely frustrating and easy-going at the same time. It was frustrating because I was scared of the consequences of gluing a piece in the wrong place- which I thought would ruin my art! But making this was also easygoing because I had to do the same thing over again without needing to think of new things at the same time. (From my perspective, making a mosaic is less baffling than creating an essay). As you can see, I have a variety of colors on my piece. The colors don’t have anything to do with the Calvary cross; it was of my own choice. When I finished creating this wonderful piece of art, I noticed that my Calvary cross was not in the middle, instead it was on the side- this wasn’t purposefully done, but I think it looks way better than what I had originally planned, it looks different and more intriguing- it can leave the viewer wondering why it’s done that way. Creating my mosaic took me over 3 classes to finish; and throughout my designing, I realized a very important thing. 1500 years ago it took artists WAY longer, they had to have WAY more experience, have WAY more patience to complete a REAL mosaic!! Also, they didn’t make mosaics out of paper; they made it out of glass, which is even harder!  Overall, creating an almost real mosaic has been an amazing experience! In the future, not only do I need to create symbols of religion, but I can also make other creative things of my choice in my free time.

Source: http://www.seiyaku.com/customs/crosses/calvary.html

Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton

 Hillary Clinton is a very strong, abrupt leader with sharp knowledge and intelligence. She was nominated to be President Obama's Secretary of the State. Clinton was born on October 26th, 1947 in Chicago, illionis. She has two younger siblings (both being brothers) Hugh and Tony. Her parents are Dorothy Rodham and Hugh Rodham. Hillary was a very smart, bright student and her family encouraged her to study any career she wanted. She went to public school in Park Ridge Chicago. In her High School, she was class president and a member of the student council. Hillary was  very outgoing- she was profound in sports such as tennis, volleyball, softball, and swimming.
Before her marriage, Hillary worked as a babysitter during her vacation breaks and after school. She wanted to be a member of NASA, but she found out that girls were not allowed to go there. She worked in various jobs during her summer vacation as a college student. The next summer after that, she came to Washington DC to work on health and education, housing, and sanitation. She then got married when she was 27 years old on October 11th, 1975. Bill Clinton, her husband, was a professor of law before he got married to Hillary. A year after her marriage, she joined the Rose Law Firm in Arkansas. She was very successful there- she was considered "The 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America."
On January 1st, 2001, she became a Senator, but remained 'First Lady' (Given proper respect as a functionary, representing her husband in social situations) until January 20th of that same year.
I chose Hillary Clinton because she was the first American Reporter and was the most important First Lady since the 1980s. She also plays an essential role to serve her nation as a senator from 2001 - 2009. Hillary is the 67th secretary of the state, which is incredibly amazing, in my opinion. Overall, I think she's a great inspiration to those who want to become political leaders in the near future.

The Fall of Rome

 Summarize the reasons for the fall of Rome. In your opinion, which reason(s) was the most important and why?

Dio Cassius, who was a senator, believed that bad times were ahead for the Roman Empire. First of all, there was the end of the Pax Romana. In the Pax Romana, there were emperors and rulers who believed they were going to be better rulers. By the time Emperor Marcus Aurelius died in AD. 180, Rome had political problems. After Marcus’ death, Septimus Severus, a strong ruler, held the empire together by his tough military leadership. Then there was the last emperor of the dynasty: Severus Alexander. However, he was killed by his own men in AD 235. In the next 50 years, 25 different emperors ruled Rome. Some ruled only for a few months,  and all but one were killed. But what happened after these emperors? Political upset was only one of the many problems troubling the empire. The economy was a disaster. Prices were out of control. The empire was under attack from outside forces. Tribes from Northern Europe overran the borders. Also, to pay for the empire’s defense, the government raised taxes. Many people left their farms and jobs because they could no longer pay the high taxes that Rome demanded. Warfare left much of the empire in ruins- which was bad because they didn’t have any places to live in. There wasn’t enough food to go around for everyone- which led some people to die. Trade was disrupted, and poverty + unemployment increased. Romans believed the empire stretched across too many lands to be well managed. In addition to, with unrest inside and threats from the outside, the empire badly needed strong leadership. This was a huge problem. In my opinion, the most important reason would be the loss of trade. This is because trade leads to more equipment, which leads to food and drinks (Olive oil + wine, wheat), which leads to people buying less stuff for a living and waste no more money than they would if there was no trade. In addition to, trade was one of the main principle reasons for building roads. Trade was also encouraged by many years of piece within the Empire, it was basically vital to the success of the Empire. Therefore, as trade collapsed, so did the Empire. Romans also needed the material to build new things with trade- tin, gold, and lead was imported from Brittania. Silk, papyrus and perfume were imported from many different countries as well. As a result, trade, and many other important factors that unite the Roman Empire were extremely important in order to keep the empire safe and stable- but because these things weren’t successful, they lead to the fall of Rome.

Jesus Christ Superstar - Movie Review

Jesus Christ Superstar

Did you know that old, well known Bible stories can be re-told in new, contemporary ways? “Jesus Christ Superstar” proves that it is possible. A movie such as this one opens your mind and leads you to a new world of rock opera. Throughout the movie, you will begin to realize that it is made in a special and intriguing way that will be appealing to watch and make you want to learn more about Jesus Christ. In this case, you will fully understand what they are singing about and you will certainly discover advanced facts about well known Jesus Christ.

In 1973 Norman Jewison directed the “Jesus Christ Superstar” movie, which is based on rock opera created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Time Rice. The main roles were given to Ted Neely (Jesus), Carl Anderson (Judas Iscariot), and Yvonne Elliman (Mary Magdalene). The movie was distributed by Universal Studios. “Jesus Christ Superstar” shows the last days of Jesus Christ and, at first sight, it follows the Bible story, but it appears that the approach to the story is completely different.

Based on the concept of a rock opera, the movie treats Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, Pontius Pilot and the other Bible Characters in quite a shocking way. Their human nature is stressed, and they are imperfect and full of doubts. Especially Mary Magdalene, who is sensitive and emotional, she sings to Jesus to make him fall asleep. In this version of the movie, God stays away from the story, which affects the way it ends.

One of the best fragments of this movie is it’s extraordinary soundtrack. Modern rock songs, performed in brilliant ways, are used to express something that is traditional and bizarre at the same time. But the most admirable thing about the movie is the idea. “Jesus Christ Superstar” encourages us to think critically about the world around us. Showing modern weapons in the events that take place in ancient Rome (which is an anachronism) the author wants to warn us that the story about Christ has been misused too many times and that many abominable things have been made in the name of God.

If you are ready to think critically and independently, and if you don’t like to be told what to think and do, and above all, if you like pleasant rock music, I recommend you to watch this movie. However, if you want to stick to the accustomed concepts of the story, try something like Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ”. I personally find this movie compelling and unusual, especially because it’s one of the first rock opera movies I’ve watched. Overall, this would be a satisfactory movie for teenagers and young adults.

Julius Caesar or Augustus?

Who do you think was a more important leader, Caesar or Augustus? Explain your
answer using details and relevant facts to support your opinion.

Both Julius Caesar and Augustus were important leaders. However, there had to be one leader who was more important, which was Augustus, in my opinion. Firstly, I thought about how they died- did one of them die because they were too old, or was one of them murdered? Julius Caesar died because he was murdered by the Senate. Augustus lived for a long time. This already tells us who might have been better. Julius Caesar was a military man, he preferred to ignore the Senate, but rule them. He was powerful, but not so political, in contrast to Augustus Octavian. Augustus was astonishing. He refused to gain power, because he gave the Senators the power they needed. Augustus controlled the Senate, but he didn’t show it, he had rather help them. He also kept the military business busy from Italy, other rulers who didn’t do this were overthrown. They both knew that the Roman Empire no longer existed. Augustus tried to retain it, to bring it back and to build another one, while Julius Caesar didn’t care and moved on to ruling the Senate.
As a result, Caesar was selfish and only wanted his life to be great, he wanted to be the ruler of the Senate and other military businesses, in contrast to Augustus, who was caring and tried his best to help the Senate and other political businesses.

Julius Caesar: A Reformer or a Dictator?

                                                              

                                                               JULIUS CAESAR: REFORMER
I am a poor Plebian man who doesn't own a farm like the rich ones do, the Patricians. I find this quite unfair and I hope to have a better future with my wife, five kids and an uncle who has two sons. Some say our future will be better, some say it won’t, but who knows, I guess I’ll just have to find out. One day, I was surprised. The great Julius Caesar arrived! At first I didn’t know who he was, or what he did, or even what he was meant to do. So, this is what I found out. Julius Caesar is a famous writer, speaker, politic and philosopher now-a-days. He was born in 100 BCE and loves sport. A few days later, I found out some local news. I was fascinated. This is my thought of him: Caesar is a legend. He started public job programs to aid us! Also, instead of being against the Patricians and other citizens, he granted the Roman citizenship to people from many other foreign countries and city-sates. I am very grateful for the Reformer Caesar. People say that he became an enemy when he refused to follow the Senate's order to return to Rome, and he also increased the number of senators to add up to his supporters list. I do not believe this, at all! This is why I have absolute right to vote on Caesar as a reformer! He helped us more than ever! Caesar was also very ambitious and always wished for the best for himself- fame and power, of course. He has finally led us, the poorer, farm our own farms and set free from slavery to the Patricians. I am so happy! My family and friends are finally able to do whatever we want.

The Legend of Rome

                                                           THE LEGEND OF ROME

There are two legends that describe the foundation of Rome. The two legends include twin brothers, Romulus and Remus. The twins grew up in Tiber River. If it wasn’t for the female wolf that saved them from their death there, they would have died. Romulus and Remus decided to build a city when they grew slitely a bit older. However, they were selfish and greedy and worked on it in two different sites. They argued over who’s vultures were better and bigger, one had 6 and the other had 12. Once Remus made fun of Romulus’s city, he snapped and decided to kill his twin brother. At last, Remulus took over and became the king/leader of Rome. He also named Rome after his own name. In reality, no historians or archaeologists know the exact date of when Rome was founded because it dated back a long time ago, but some say it was found in 753 BC.  As time went by, everything has improved in Rome. A form of government; republic and monarchy was formed, isolated settlements on seven hills united together to establish Rome, and the city was extended and agricultural & trade industries were developed. However, the Latins were also part of something. The Latins were local people, and they became Legions- in order to protect themselves from invaders. This is where real Rome has started as a political country. All in all, there were many, many, myths that tell who founded Rome, and how it was founded, but this one is one of the most reliable legend of the two twin brothers.