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Showing posts from December, 2015

A Modest Proposal

A Modest Proposal for Preventing the Continuation of Political Dynasties in the Philippines, and for Ensuring That Members of Other, Less Influential Families May Win the Elections It is a melancholy object to those, who know the great and long history of our beloved country, or to those who are even vaguely familiar with Philippine politics, to see a yellow ribbon. Once the symbol of the epic yet peaceful revolution inspired by the death of an influential leader and the grieving of his wife, it became a symbol of democracy. These yellow ribbons are often seen during the commemoration of this same event, or during Ninoy Aquino’s death anniversary. However, its most memorable recent reappearance was when Aquino’s son ran for president – and thus, the yellow ribbon became a symbol for the Aquino family and their reign in the field of politics. Time and time again, other families have begun to follow this staple: if they were politicians, then so would their children. It is not unco

The Catcher In The Rye and The Concept of Communication

"If you really want to hear about it," protagonist Holden Caulfield opens, with his signature drawl, "the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born . . . and all that David Copperfield kind of crap (Salinger, 1)." Already, his voice is distinct and unbearably sarcastic, showing incredible disdain in so few words. A first-time reader of the classic novel may be surprised at his crassness and tone, and undoubtedly this was the general reaction when the famed Catcher In The Rye was first published in 1951. However, over time, the infamous novel by the reclusive J.D. Salinger has garnered almost universal praise, and is now one of the most widely taught novels in the United States (Aubry, n.p.). The story concerns Holden Caulfield, a smart but troubled kid who, after being expelled from his boarding school in December 1949, spends his time wandering New York City, mourning for the loss of innocence in children, and failing to understand th