The novel Angels and Demons by Dan Brown is finally a movie. Tom Hanks stars in Angels and Demons. Tom Hanks plays the role of a symbologist in Harvard University, Robert Langdon. Robert works to solve a murder and prevent a terrorist act against the Vatican.
The movie is exciting from beginning to end and it never loses its energy. It is really interesting as it talks about symbols and organizations of the past.
Just when you think that everything is solved, a new, exciting problem comes up and it connects you to the screen.
It is a great movie and everyone should see it.
Quotes from the movie:
"Religion is flawed because man is flawed."
"If we are still in peril at 11.45, remove the cardinals, but in a dignified manner. I want peoples' last memory of this church to be of them walking out with their heads held high, not of some old men sneaking out the back door."
"Our church is at war. We are under attack from an old enemy. The Illuminati. They have struck us from within and threatening us all with destruction from their new god Science."
"Open the doors, and tell the world the truth. "
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Ramfest
Yesterday, on 28th of April, the annual "Ramfest" event happened in our school. Except for the first two periods, there weren't any classes. Students from many schools came to dance and sing in our school. The school set up a stage in the "piramit". Students from other schools sang rock and jazz songs on the stage. There were pillow seats spread near the stage. The students sat there watched the concert. I was there most of the time it was really fun. The music was great. In the auditorium there were dance and classical music performances which were also great. Especially the dances were amazing. There were pizza and waffle sales in the school which were also great; but I have to say that waffle was way too expensive and not that good. Also there was free food stands in the school. Everything was sooooo great. Everyone had so much fun!!!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Slumdog Millionaire (column)
Have you ever gone out to the Bosphorus Coast on new years and celebrated the New Year at 0:00 a.m. with fireworks? It’s an unforgettable sight. The fireworks in different and powerful colors right on the Bosphorus create a spectacular view. The lights are so alive that they make you feel like you are the star in a rock concert. For a while you just forget everything and live that moment.
The movie “Slumdog Millionaire” is exactly like celebrating the New Year on the Bosphorus Coast. It is definitely an unforgettable sight. Such powerful colors, such spectacular scenes…You actually forget everything for a while and live the movie without thinking about anything else. If we put aside the perfect cinematography and directing we can see that this movie gives us the culture of India in many ways, creating an interest in the audience about the social life and cultural events in India. As Jamal, an eighteen year old boy from the slums of Mumbai, answers the questions in the competition “Who wants to be a Millionaire”, we learn about both the poverty in India and India’s unbelievably rich culture which attracts all of us.
This movie is great in the sense that it shows the insights of India and gives us information about the Indian traditions and life. This is probably the only way to attract the public’s interest. Before this movie how many of us knew anything more than curry about India? How many of us were interested when we heard the word "India"? Now, people talk about India’s different culture and they are interested in learning more. This is definitely the greatest accomplishment of this movie.
Movies like this should be produced more often because it's a glamorous way to show the culture of a country and to attract the publics attention. However, this can not be done just by anyone. It has to be strictly professional. It has to be powerful and colorful to attract the publics attention; or else the exact opposite of what is intended could happen. The movie has to things that the world doesn't already know about that country. It has to be different to be attractive. The government can definitely support such an event because what better way is there to promote the country and advertise it's culture? In the case of Slumdog Millionaire there is no better way!
As I finish this column, I have to say that there should be more of these movies produced because personally I would like to see those fireworks not only at new years, but every day. I would like to just forget everything and live the moment! Wouldn't you?
The movie “Slumdog Millionaire” is exactly like celebrating the New Year on the Bosphorus Coast. It is definitely an unforgettable sight. Such powerful colors, such spectacular scenes…You actually forget everything for a while and live the movie without thinking about anything else. If we put aside the perfect cinematography and directing we can see that this movie gives us the culture of India in many ways, creating an interest in the audience about the social life and cultural events in India. As Jamal, an eighteen year old boy from the slums of Mumbai, answers the questions in the competition “Who wants to be a Millionaire”, we learn about both the poverty in India and India’s unbelievably rich culture which attracts all of us.
This movie is great in the sense that it shows the insights of India and gives us information about the Indian traditions and life. This is probably the only way to attract the public’s interest. Before this movie how many of us knew anything more than curry about India? How many of us were interested when we heard the word "India"? Now, people talk about India’s different culture and they are interested in learning more. This is definitely the greatest accomplishment of this movie.
Movies like this should be produced more often because it's a glamorous way to show the culture of a country and to attract the publics attention. However, this can not be done just by anyone. It has to be strictly professional. It has to be powerful and colorful to attract the publics attention; or else the exact opposite of what is intended could happen. The movie has to things that the world doesn't already know about that country. It has to be different to be attractive. The government can definitely support such an event because what better way is there to promote the country and advertise it's culture? In the case of Slumdog Millionaire there is no better way!
As I finish this column, I have to say that there should be more of these movies produced because personally I would like to see those fireworks not only at new years, but every day. I would like to just forget everything and live the moment! Wouldn't you?
Monday, April 13, 2009
What Would You Like To Be Famous For?
I definetely would like to be an actor because first of all I love acting. It's a job that gives you freedom. You can express your feelings. You become perminent and people always remember you with your movies. If you are a good actor, you get very rich. You get to act with and meet a lot of celebrities. You have loyal fans. If you are an actor you can really enjoy life.
Of course being an actor has it's negative sides like being followed by the media and not having a chance to be completely alone. However when you look at all of the positive sides of being an actor, the negative sides seem really insignificant.
I love watching movies. I think that being able to play in them would be great. You can show your true talent in those movies. It's a wonderful feeling to experience acting. It's so different from anthing else.
If I'm going to be famous for something I would want to be for acting because if you are famous it means that you are actually a good actor. If you are a good actor, playing in those movies is the best thing to experience. Also the money is great !!!
Of course being an actor has it's negative sides like being followed by the media and not having a chance to be completely alone. However when you look at all of the positive sides of being an actor, the negative sides seem really insignificant.
I love watching movies. I think that being able to play in them would be great. You can show your true talent in those movies. It's a wonderful feeling to experience acting. It's so different from anthing else.
If I'm going to be famous for something I would want to be for acting because if you are famous it means that you are actually a good actor. If you are a good actor, playing in those movies is the best thing to experience. Also the money is great !!!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sevgi Gönül Art Night
On Friday, 27th of March, the annual Sevgi Gönül Art Night took place in our school. This night is a tradition of Koc School to celebrate all the wonderful things Sevgi Gönül contributed to development of art throughout her life. It was in fact a wonderful night. The Koc Family and guests arrived around 6. First of all there was the art exhibition of Koc students. There were lots of magnificant photographs and paintings. At 7:30 the show in the auditorium started. Many students sang, danced and performed different shows. They were really great. Especially dances were breath taking. The shows make you feel like you are watching proffessional dancers and listening to professional singers. The night ended around 11. It was definetely a huge success. I'm hoping that everyone gets to be a part of this wonderful event.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Movies
DuplicityThe movie Duplicity is about two corporate spies (Julia Roberts and Clive Owen) who have a past relationship getting together to deceive their bosses and get rich.
Since the leading actor and actress are very famous the movie is a big hit. It's a good movie, but i was expecting something better.
It's generally fun to watch; however because of going back and forth in time, things get really confused at some point. I was expecting it to be funnier and less complicated.
Even though I didn't like the movie very much, it can be a great way to kill time if you don't have anything to do. It's a good chance to relax and enjoy for a while.
Seven Pounds
The movie Seven Pounds is about an IRS agent who tries to pay his atonement by changing the lives of seven strangers.
First of all, I must say it's a real "drama", so if you are going to the movies to relax, don't see this movie.
Even though it's a "drama", I enjoyed the movie. First of all Will Smith is the leading actor. I really enjoy his acting. Secondly, it is an unusual story. It has a surprising ending. It is very interesting.
I recommend you to go if you are looking for something little different.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Heavy Backpacks
In my last post, I talked about the heavy backpacks that we have to carry around in the school. Here is a research at University of California in Riverside that shows how serious this problem is:
"Shouldering a hefty load can cause back pain, according to a study by researchers at the University of California in Riverside.
The study was led by David Siambanes, DO, of the Inland Empire Spine Center in Riverside, Calif. Participants were 3,500 students aged 11 to 15 at four middle schools in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Researchers weighed the children's backpacks and asked the kids how often they used their backpacks and how much pain, if any, they felt as a result.
Most students said they hurt, at least a bit, from their backpacks; 64% reported having back pain at some time. Two of every five children said they felt pain while wearing their backpacks. In students reporting pain, about 12% said it was "not bad," while almost 90% said their back pain was "bad" or "very bad."
Of those reporting back pain, 21% said their pain lasted more than six months. About 16% said they had missed school, gym class, or after-school sports because of the pain, and almost 17% said they had seen a doctor for their back pain. Most students with back pain said the pain was recurrent."
Source: http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/news/20040813/heavy-backpacks-can-hurt-student-backs
This research shows that students face a lot of physical problems caused by the weight of their backpacks. We might not understand the importance of the situation and say that the bags are "not that heavy"; however they cause us a lot of pain eventually.
This problem started as the amount of books that the students have to carry increased enormously. We have at least a notebook, a folder and a very thick book for every class. As we carry the materials of more than one lesson in our bags because there is no time to go to our lockers, our backpacks become very heavy. We have to understand that this is a serious situation and we have to carry less weight in our backpacks for our own health even if it means that we will be late for a class...
"Shouldering a hefty load can cause back pain, according to a study by researchers at the University of California in Riverside.
The study was led by David Siambanes, DO, of the Inland Empire Spine Center in Riverside, Calif. Participants were 3,500 students aged 11 to 15 at four middle schools in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Researchers weighed the children's backpacks and asked the kids how often they used their backpacks and how much pain, if any, they felt as a result.
Most students said they hurt, at least a bit, from their backpacks; 64% reported having back pain at some time. Two of every five children said they felt pain while wearing their backpacks. In students reporting pain, about 12% said it was "not bad," while almost 90% said their back pain was "bad" or "very bad."
Of those reporting back pain, 21% said their pain lasted more than six months. About 16% said they had missed school, gym class, or after-school sports because of the pain, and almost 17% said they had seen a doctor for their back pain. Most students with back pain said the pain was recurrent."
Source: http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/news/20040813/heavy-backpacks-can-hurt-student-backs
This research shows that students face a lot of physical problems caused by the weight of their backpacks. We might not understand the importance of the situation and say that the bags are "not that heavy"; however they cause us a lot of pain eventually.
This problem started as the amount of books that the students have to carry increased enormously. We have at least a notebook, a folder and a very thick book for every class. As we carry the materials of more than one lesson in our bags because there is no time to go to our lockers, our backpacks become very heavy. We have to understand that this is a serious situation and we have to carry less weight in our backpacks for our own health even if it means that we will be late for a class...
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Current Events In Our School (continued)
EXAMS
The common exams start next week. My problem with the common exams is that all of the "important" exams are in the same week. For example two weeks from now, on monday we have history and physics exams, on tuesday biology and on thursday german exam. These are the hardest exams for many students in our school including me. It doesn't make any sense to put them all in the same week. First of all he biology exam always has to be on a monday because it takes the most time to study. Secondly, physics and history should never be on the same day because they also take up a lot of time study for. The exams should be spread out into three or four weeks so that we can study for them properly.
LATES
There is a 5 minute break between most of the lessons. The distance between the classrooms is huge. There are A,B,E and F blocks. Each block has 3 floors. So I'm not going to say impossible, but it's really really hard to get from one classroom to another. That is why we are late for classes many many times. However it's not like we are 10 minutes late or anything. It's mostly less than one minute, but our teachers write us as late anyway. It's not our fault that we are late. So either the breaks should be longer, or the late system should be changed. I will give an example. On fridays our first two lessons are math. Then, we have a 10 minute break. Third and fourth lessons are English. Math lesson is on A block 3rd floor. English is on E block 2nd floor. Our math book weighs like 10kg, so it's impossible to carry both math and english materials at the same time without fainting. Also since I get hungry by the third lesson, I have to buy a toast from the canteen. So in ten minutes I have to go down 3 floors, go to my locker, put back by math materials and take english my stuff, go to the canteen, wait in the line, pay the money for the toast, buy the toast, go up 2 floors and make it in time for the english lesson. Can somebody please tell me how is that possible!!!
The common exams start next week. My problem with the common exams is that all of the "important" exams are in the same week. For example two weeks from now, on monday we have history and physics exams, on tuesday biology and on thursday german exam. These are the hardest exams for many students in our school including me. It doesn't make any sense to put them all in the same week. First of all he biology exam always has to be on a monday because it takes the most time to study. Secondly, physics and history should never be on the same day because they also take up a lot of time study for. The exams should be spread out into three or four weeks so that we can study for them properly.
LATES
There is a 5 minute break between most of the lessons. The distance between the classrooms is huge. There are A,B,E and F blocks. Each block has 3 floors. So I'm not going to say impossible, but it's really really hard to get from one classroom to another. That is why we are late for classes many many times. However it's not like we are 10 minutes late or anything. It's mostly less than one minute, but our teachers write us as late anyway. It's not our fault that we are late. So either the breaks should be longer, or the late system should be changed. I will give an example. On fridays our first two lessons are math. Then, we have a 10 minute break. Third and fourth lessons are English. Math lesson is on A block 3rd floor. English is on E block 2nd floor. Our math book weighs like 10kg, so it's impossible to carry both math and english materials at the same time without fainting. Also since I get hungry by the third lesson, I have to buy a toast from the canteen. So in ten minutes I have to go down 3 floors, go to my locker, put back by math materials and take english my stuff, go to the canteen, wait in the line, pay the money for the toast, buy the toast, go up 2 floors and make it in time for the english lesson. Can somebody please tell me how is that possible!!!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Current Events In Our School
First of all, I want to begin my post by writing about the fact that I guessed only one of the Academy Award winners correctly; the best picture: Slumdog Millionaire. So congratulations to Slumdog Millionaire for both being my only correct guess and also winning 8 Oscars.
Anyway, I have been writing about global issues for a while, so this time I decided to write about current events in our school.
HOMEWORK
Since the start of the Second Semester, all of the teachers are giving so much homework that even though the exams haven't started yet, everyone is in a huge stress. I don't know why, but this is how our school system works: At certain periods of time teachers all together decide to not give homework at all and at certain periods of time all of the teachers come together and make an evil plan to burden students with so much homework that they finally become suicidal. This is one of those evil times. So I'm saying this to all of the teachers: Please stop giving so much homework!!!
AUDITORIUM
I'm guessing that our auditorium has the capacity of at least 800 people. During a ceremony there are at least 700 students in that auditorium. It is IMPOSSIBLE for 700 teenage students to be dead silent through a whole ceremony. It is inevitable that there will be some talk and that doesn't mean that no one is listening to the speaker. Our school administration tries to stop this talking by using different methods. What I'm trying to say is that these methods not only do not work, but they also makes students criticize the administration in a terrible way. Interrupting a speaker because people are talking or threatening the students with not having a Talent Show are not options to prevent people from talking in the auditorium. In my opinion the administration should try other ways to solve this problem, or they will just be fooling themselves.
(to be continued...)
Anyway, I have been writing about global issues for a while, so this time I decided to write about current events in our school.
HOMEWORK
Since the start of the Second Semester, all of the teachers are giving so much homework that even though the exams haven't started yet, everyone is in a huge stress. I don't know why, but this is how our school system works: At certain periods of time teachers all together decide to not give homework at all and at certain periods of time all of the teachers come together and make an evil plan to burden students with so much homework that they finally become suicidal. This is one of those evil times. So I'm saying this to all of the teachers: Please stop giving so much homework!!!
AUDITORIUM
I'm guessing that our auditorium has the capacity of at least 800 people. During a ceremony there are at least 700 students in that auditorium. It is IMPOSSIBLE for 700 teenage students to be dead silent through a whole ceremony. It is inevitable that there will be some talk and that doesn't mean that no one is listening to the speaker. Our school administration tries to stop this talking by using different methods. What I'm trying to say is that these methods not only do not work, but they also makes students criticize the administration in a terrible way. Interrupting a speaker because people are talking or threatening the students with not having a Talent Show are not options to prevent people from talking in the auditorium. In my opinion the administration should try other ways to solve this problem, or they will just be fooling themselves.
(to be continued...)
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Oscars
In my last few posts I have been talking about current political events. I have mentioned that I will write about not only politics but any current event that affects our lives. So right now I will be talking about an annual cultural event which the whole world is going crazy about: THE OSCARS. 81st annual academy awards will be held tonight, February 22nd in Hollywood, Los Angles. Since there is a 9 hours of time difference between Los Angles and Turkey, here The Oscars will be broadcasted in the morning. The host for 2009 Oscars will be Hugh Jackman.
I think it's great that Oscars are such a big deal because it shows cultural development. We have reached a point where we can enjoy and criticize art. That is a huge success. In the Oscars there is no place for stupid celebrities going into a fight or doing something unnecessary to get attention. This is the most important movie event of the year.
Also events like these help us to forget about our problems for a moment and be a part of a greater thing. It gives us the opportunity to be excited for a while. So even though the Academy Awards Ceremony doesn't necessarily affect our lives, it gives us a great show to watch.
THE NOMINATIONS
Best Picture
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - Frost / Nixon - Milk - The Reader - Slumdog Millionaire
Actor in a Leading Role
Richard Jenkins - Frank Langella - Sean Penn - Brad Pitt - Mickey Rourke
Actor in a Supporting Role
Josh Brolin - Robert Downey Jr. - Philip Seymour Hoffman - Heath Ledger - Michael Shannon
Actress in a Leading Role
Anne Hathaway - Angelina Jolie - Melissa Leo - Meryl Streep - Kate Winslet
Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Adams - Penelope Cruz - Viola Davis - Taraji P. Henson - Marisa Tomei
MY WINNING GUESSES
Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
Actor in a Leading Role: Brad Pitt
Actor in a Supporting Role: Philip Seymour Hoffman
Actress in a Leading Role: Meryl Streep
Actress in a Supporting Role: Amy Adams
I think it's great that Oscars are such a big deal because it shows cultural development. We have reached a point where we can enjoy and criticize art. That is a huge success. In the Oscars there is no place for stupid celebrities going into a fight or doing something unnecessary to get attention. This is the most important movie event of the year.
Also events like these help us to forget about our problems for a moment and be a part of a greater thing. It gives us the opportunity to be excited for a while. So even though the Academy Awards Ceremony doesn't necessarily affect our lives, it gives us a great show to watch.
THE NOMINATIONS
Best Picture
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - Frost / Nixon - Milk - The Reader - Slumdog Millionaire
Actor in a Leading Role
Richard Jenkins - Frank Langella - Sean Penn - Brad Pitt - Mickey Rourke
Actor in a Supporting Role
Josh Brolin - Robert Downey Jr. - Philip Seymour Hoffman - Heath Ledger - Michael Shannon
Actress in a Leading Role
Anne Hathaway - Angelina Jolie - Melissa Leo - Meryl Streep - Kate Winslet
Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Adams - Penelope Cruz - Viola Davis - Taraji P. Henson - Marisa Tomei
MY WINNING GUESSES
Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
Actor in a Leading Role: Brad Pitt
Actor in a Supporting Role: Philip Seymour Hoffman
Actress in a Leading Role: Meryl Streep
Actress in a Supporting Role: Amy Adams
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Elections in Israel
As we all know the tension between Israel and Palestine took a new and horrible turn as Israel bombed the Gaza (Gazze) area in Palestine last month. It was told by many analysts that one of the reasons for this attack was that the people who wanted for the war to keep on going tried to gain power for the upcoming elections. Israel is divided into two sides; people who want to have a settlement with Palestine and people who don’t. Last week the elections were made in Israel. The results of the elections in Israel, which is with Turkey one of the the only two countries in the Middle East that have democracy, affected and will effect the whole area and even the whole world. Some of the 34 political parties that were in the election in Israel want to have an agrement with Palestine, however some wants the war to go on. In the result of the elections non of the two groups overcame the other group’s power. Thus a coalition must be formed. We don’t and can't know what would be best for both of these countries. However it would be good if innocent people stopped dying for a change.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The New American President
Today, George Bush who directed the United States for eight years finally said goodbye to the White House and the very first American African leader Barrack Hussein Obama took office as the fourtyfourth president of the United States. Obama represented the big slogan of "CHANGE". We all hope that he brings change to the world. The elections in the United States affect the whole world because America plays a huge role in every country's economy and many other things. Right now the whole world is in the middle of a crisis situation. Thousands of people lost their jobs and houses. There are major problems with education and health. The economy has never been worse. These problems are not just in one country. They occur throughout the whole world. Throughout the whole world people started to lose their hope. So I think it's the correct time for a "CHANGE" in order to bring back hope because if we lose hope we lose everything.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Welcome To My Blog
Our lives keep getting more interesting each day as we survive through new situations. We experience new things in our school, city, country and in the world. School life, relationships with our friends and teachers, grades and exams, as well as elections, wars, relationship between countries, politicians and economics are only some of these subjects. These current issues affect us greatly in different ways. In this blog I'll discuss the events that are happening currently which play an important role in our lives. I hope you enjoy and participate in these discussions.
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