Alice in Wonderland

Like Alice found herself wandering around in the confusing world of Wonderland, after reading the summer assignment for AP English class, I was whisked away into the wonderland of the blog world. I found myself intrigued by some people’s thoughts and ideas but also repelled by others. Page after page, blog after blog, I delved into the minds of more experienced bloggers and reveled in their opinions.

One of the most fascinating blogs I came across was entitled, “I Think I Have Restless Mind Syndrome.” It belonged to a former student of Mrs. Huff’s and has been in existence since January of this year. Approximately twice a month for three months, the author blessed the internet with her refreshing opinions. She touched on topics such as hypochondriatic self diagnosis influenced by commercials for drugs and how advertising companies take advantage of humanity’s tendency to flock to a miracle product no matter how bogus the results actually are. While a majority of people concentrate on a very narrow view of issues in the world, this blogger discussed subjects that while important, are often overlooked when other problems are amplified by the press such as “The War on Terrorism” and other stories. This author focuses mostly on what interests her and not necessarily the general public.

“I Think I Have Restless Mind Syndrome” is laid out in a very mannerly fashion that allows me to easily find the various articles she has written without any hassle or confusion. Her blog is both practical and visually pleasing with a black background and artistic photography in the header that ties into her opinionative writing on a simple layout that even the most blog-illiterate can understand. It was enjoyable and invigorating to read her posts and hope that she continues to bless the internet with her intelligent, refreshing comments on the world.

A blog by the name of “The American Patriot” caught my eye as I researched for this assignment. As one could imagine, all the posts and comments had to do with the United States and it’s government, history, and future. Although I am usually drawn to more abstract ideas than this authors practical opinions, I found that he was extremely well read and an excellent writer. This person wrote about the problems in the United States and brought to light proposals to boost the economy and allow prosperity through out our fine nation. A lot of these proposals I haven’t even heard of such as the adoption of the “Amero”, the American equivalent to the European “Euro”, which would allow easier trade between countries and supply us with a more stable currency. I haven’t heard of any of this on the news, yet this amazing author provides legitimate sources with every article he writes.

The blog has a very simple, practical, almost boring layout that lets you know the author means business. It gives the impression that he has no want, need, or time for silly embellishments that would only distract from the topic at hand. It is not displeasing to the eye, but does not stand out either, like a brief case or a well kempt office giving the impression of hard work and intelligence like a well dressed executive at a wealthy company. For six months, “The American Patriot” has brought the world of blogging insight on politics, history, economics and pure patriotism that I hope to enjoy in future articles.

“I Lived Through The End of the World and All I Got Was This Lousy T-shirt” is the title of an intriguing blog that most other people would glance at it and say that it is mediocre, haphazardly thrown together, and perhaps it was, but the beauty of it is in its mediocrity. This blog appears to have been written by a well learned under-achiever, doing only what he feels is necessary to achieve and acceptable grade. While the topic he wrote about on his blog has much controversy, the battle between Creationism and Evolution, that storm has lost its thunder on me. I have heard arguments from one side and the other and some that come from nowhere in particular a hundred times over praying that the opponents will figure out that humanity cannot give precise details of how and when the vast and mighty universe came into existence, but I digress.

The author chose an eye-catching title for his blog and a simplistic yet pleasing format to post his work on. He only posted for three months, September, October, and Novermber of 2007. These months, I assume, are when he had assignments due, like myself. I praise this author for his simplicity and proud mediocrity in his lack of drive in his assignment and I feel that I will be likely to follow in his footsteps, doing only what I am obligated to.

So like Alice in Wonderland, I found very interesting specimens in my exploration, but also like Alice, I have come to dislike this world that I am in, because while these authors have mastered the way to live in this world, I still have not tamed my blog, but perhaps someday, other students will be reading and praising my work as I have done today.