GT 20% Passion Project Update

In my second Passion project, I have decided to make a short film.  This idea did not come suddenly, as I always had a desire to make a short movie.  Currently I am making a script for the movie.  The movie will consist of several actors, and will be a comedic movie.  On my Fridays, I read scripts from different movies so i can use those examples to make mine better.  I also brought a book, "the complete screenwriter's manual,"  so I can tweak my script into something better.   I have made good progress into the script.  I am left with filming and editing which i plan to do within the next to months.  To me, the biggest obstacle will be editing and terrible acting.  Editing will be an obstacle because I don't know which one is the best.  I am currently thinking about using final cut, which in my experience is the best one.  Acting will be an obstacle because if the actors don't act well, the movie will seem unrealistic.  However, these problems will be solved with the right choices.

127 Hours Blog Post

There is no force more powerful than the will to live."  This quote is an essential part of the movie 127 hours, as well as the will of being able to survive.  This quote is very true.  We may not think  that the will to survive is the most powerful until we are presented with a life threatening situation.  Then we realize that we will do anything to survive,  as represented by the movie 127 Hours.  Aron Ralston had to cut of his arm to survive.  

The quote, "when something happens , it's a trauma, but we decide if its going to be a tragedy or a triumph."  It an essential part of the movie because Aron Ralston did not give up and as painful as it is, he cut his arm off to keep himself alive.  In his case the trauma became a triumph. It also reminds me of how no matter what, at the end, your destiny is in your own hands.   

The movie 127 hours, was very good in providing the suspense needed in a survival drama.  I felt that it kept me bound till the end, and it made me feel the pain that Aron felt during his fight for survival.  I find it amazing that some people can get out of such situations.  It makes me wonder if Aron Ralston was a case of bad or good luck.   It was bad luck, because he got stuck in the place, and good luck  because he survived and got out.  I also wonder if I have the will to do the same thing he did by cutting off his arm.  


I have learned that I will never go exploring alone in the desert.  

Dasani-the Invisible Child

Dasani-the Invisible Child Blog Post


1-The questions this piece raises for me is how these people will ever get out of poverty.  There is a question of will they ever get out of poverty and how.  It shows how once you are in poverty, it is hard to get out.  After reading this article, I was wondering to what happened to Dasani after the article was published.  I was wondering about their present financial situation.  Regarding her financial situation, all I can say is that this world runs on capitalism.  Thus, one of the drawbacks of capitalism is that some people will be poor and some will be rich.  It is just how capitalism works.   However, I feel that there is some way to reduce poverty without hurting the economic system.   This article made me realize on the way things work in society.  Money can get you anywhere.  However, I realized that money cant by happiness because even Dasani can have happy moments.

2.  Dasani's life and my life can be similar in many ways.  No matter who you are, we all share the same basic problems.  Dasani is a person who is hopeful of herself, and she wants to rise out of poverty.  She is also blundered by daily stresses.  I also am hopeful of my future, but I am bound to daily stresses like doing well in school, etc.  Even though, it is not of the same magnitude, they are still similar problems.

3.  If I had an opportunity to tell something to Dasani, I would tell her to save all her money.  I would tell her that it is hard, but it would be of great use in the long-run.  Also, I would tell her that to never let anybody tell you what you cant do, and to chase after your dreams.  And to never let anybody take that away from you.

Humanity and Beasts of The Southern Wild

The beasts of the southern wild, may seem to have many philosophical undertones to it, I feel that the film's ideology is more strait-forward and concrete.   When the Director,  Benh Zeitlin, explained the themes of his film to Oprah, I realized that the message was a lot simpler than the philosophical, thought-provoking  discussions we had in class.  As my opinion on the movie, I felt that it was a great way of describing the devastating natural disasters, and how it effects human relations.  I really liked how the director portrayed how the character(s)' will was unaffected by the storm.   In fact, It even showed how the characters grew stronger after the storm.  One of my favorite parts of the movie is when the Director portrays Hush Puppie's mother as a small blinking light at the end of the horizon.   It got me thinking deeply about the symbolism associated with that light.  One other thing I liked is Ben Richardson's natural cinematography,  which I felt captured the essence of the Bathtub.

I feel that this film fits in well with our humanity unit because this film portrayed the problems of humans very well.   One example was the refusal of Hush Puppy and Wink to leave their homes.   It was a sort of natural emotional connection they had with their home place.  That was an example of being human.   Similarly, the death of Wink showed the Human quality of rising from tragedies and being stronger.  In conclusion, I feel that this Movie tied in with our humanity unit very well.   

Passion Project Progress

While working on my passion project, I rather surprisingly, realized that I had come a long way in my passion project.   But, I am still on my research stages and I still have a lot to do.  As of now, I am still compiling information.    I did a lot of research on the history behind important, yet unrecognized inventions.  I have found several interesting items, such as an explanation to why products such as the Internet and touch screens are given no importance.  My obstacles I face are the lack of research info from websites.   However, Some sites such as online encyclopedias will help me out.  In conclusion, I would have to say that I made some significant process in the research area, but I still have a lot to go in terms of organizing and presenting the information I have compiled.  I will eradicate this obstacle by investing more time on weekends for this project.        

My Personality Type.

My personality type was a ENFP.

These are the traits of a ENFP:


Warmly enthusiastic and imaginative. See life as full of possibilities. Make connections between events and information very quickly, and confidently proceed based on the patterns they see. Want a lot of affirmation from others, and readily give appreciation and support. Spontaneous and flexible, often rely on their ability to improvise and their verbal fluency.


When I first looked at this description, I thought that this does not match very well with me.  I was really confused.  However, now that I looked at it, It really does match me.   I feel that I am very enthusiastic and imaginative.  It may not seem that way to others, but I truly feel this way.   I also seek a lot of affirmation from others. I will ask a lot of people before proceeding.  I can also improvise a lot.

This Knowledge of personality types helps me understand others because I will stop Judging people.  I realized that different people have different approaches to doing things, and I will not criticize their approach.
I learned that our differences, not similarities bring us together.

This information can help us tackle our question "What does it mean to be Human?"  I learned that being human means being different.  These differences allow us to be ourselves, and develop our own personalities.  These personalities bring different emotions. I have concluded that Being human means, being yourself.       

Joyas Voladoras is a rather mysterious piece of writing.  the reason I think it is mysterious is because there is a philosiphical, and deeper meaning to it than the imagery.  In the piece, the author describes the different sizes of hearts and compares the two sizes and relates it to being human.  My favorite line is "so much held in a heart in a lifetime."   This touched me because the human heart really does a lot more than pump blood.  It can hold and many emotions and memories.  It means that even though animals have different heart sizes, it still holds many emotions and memories.  This gives an explanation of what it means to be human because being human has a lot more than having a heart.   It means to hold memories and emotions together in that heart.  It tells us that being human cannot be described by physical characteristics, but can be explained by memories and emotions.  Memories and Emotions to me are the most important thing that makes up a human being.  This is because emotions are what sets us apart from trees and bacteria, emotions make us feel ourselves and be ourselves.  We can express character.  We are humans.

What does it mean to be human?

Humans are special beings.   It is definitely far more than having a brain and having organs.  To me, the thing that makes us the most human is being able to convey emotions.  It is the ability to be happy,  sad, and mad over something.  While animals do have the ability to have emotions, they are rather primitive when compared to human emotions.  Another thing that makes us human is to have complex relationships with others.   The way we our bonded with our parents, friends, etc.  The human bonds make us human because we share a tight relationship.  The way we communicate with others also makes us humans.  We talk with great intelligence, making language on of the greatest engineering feats of all time.   High levels of intelligence are are characteristics of humans.    In conclusion, Humans are are composed of something far more than DNA.   These things are non-physical, they cannot be touched.   Only humans can understand these things.  

20% Project

When I grow up, I want to be a director.  I want to make good movies and hilarious movies.  So I decided for my 20% Project I will direct a short film.  My film will be a comedy that will appeal to the teenage audience.   The possible obstacles I foresee is glitches in the screenplay of the film and budget problems. 

I want to experiment with different camera angles and comedy.   Right now I have no one I can consult about.  I am determined to be a director when I grow up and I will definitely make good movies with an innovative story.  

Saketh Narahari,

Cricket is my Religion

Terri Schiavo Case

I believe that the decision to disconnect Terri Schiavo was right because of several reasons.  First we will discuss about this issue.  This issue has sparked many debates over the last few years.  Her husband wanted her to be dead while her family wanted her to be kept alive.  During this time, the Democrats were in favor of  "pulling the plug" and the Republicans were in favor of keeping her alive.  George Bush favored keeping Terri Schiavo alive.  This debate has been with a national topic for a couple of days.  The debate is still a widely discussed matter today.

In my personal opinion, the plug should have been pulled by Terri Schiavo.  This is because of several reasons.  The first reason is because Terri Schiavo was not in a state of response to external stimuli.  Other-words, she could not respond to everything.   This would be a bad condition because she is just a constant depression to everybody.   One other reason is because she is a constantly taking money away from her family members. When I say this, I do not mean that money is more precious than life.  What is the point of living anymore if you are not "living life to the fullest?"  Also another reason to "pull the plug" is because there is no way she will get back to a normal state.  If you know that there is no way to bring her original form back, why not pull the plug?


To me, Terri Schiavo is still a person.  But she is not the same person.  Her heart is beating, but her brain is not working.   In class we had a debate in which most people agreed that DNA is what makes us a person.   I personally disagree with this.  This is because DNA is basically information.  If we just had information inputted into us, there would be no difference between a robot and a human.   This is what makes humans so special.  They have emotions.  And emotions are not written in DNA.   It is what makes us special.  It is what distinguishes us from robots and plants.

Sources
http://www.wnd.com/2005/03/29516/
http://www.nndb.com/people/435/000026357/
http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/03/25/schiavo.qa/index.html?_s=PM:LAW

Saketh Narahari,
Cricket is my Religion

DNA Dilemma

The time article we read in class was both interesting and thought-provoking.    I felt that this was a great ethical dilemma.  It tested my opinion because I was not sure which side i should be on.  If I supported DNA  testing, it would feel immoral.  If I did not, I would feel weird.

In the end though, I made a decision to support DNA Testing.  I feel that it may lead to more benefits in the future.

If one gets DNA testing early, many diseases can be spotted and treated early.  The one trade-off to this is that there might not be treatment for all diseases found and this might ruin the mood of life.  But technology and medicine are improving and there will be a cure to most diseases in sometime in the future.

Another opinion of mine is that since there is no treatment to all diseases, DNA testing should be held off into the future.

If a genetic trait runs through the family, genetic testing may be beneficial to figure out if the person has that trait.  

If I was a doctor, I would tell the patients everything. If I don't this would be considered lying.  As a patient, I would want to know everything.  As the geneticist/genetic counselor, I would tell everything the patient wants to know. As the parent, I would want to know everything.  As the child, I would want to learn only things that I wanted to know.

In conclusion, I support DNA Testing.

2012

In 2012 I learned about my true religion.  (I made the right decision by converting.)  I learned that the world is much better off with liberals and I learned that English Spin bowlers can bowl better than Indian Spin bowlers on Indian Pitches.  I learned from the India vs Eng series that anything is possible and with West Indies clinching the T20 Final in Colombo to never underestimate anybody, especially the West Indies bowling attack.  (Of course, beside Sunil Narine.)

This year I  resolve to play in a cricket team or Start one here at Northern. I also  I resolve never to betray my religion by watching Manipreet Gony bowl.

Interesting Documentary on American Cricket!

Cricket In America, A document from ESPN Cricinfo.


Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Why isnt Cricket the most popular sport in the world?

Cricket is a sport which is a true balance of skill and stamina.   It tests the inner soul of teamwork and sportsmanship.

Today cricket is the second most popular sport in the world.  It is played in over a hundred countries. It's following is over 1.5 billion.

I have a question to answer,  why isn't cricket the most popular sport?  What makes soccer the superior?

After all, in my opinion, soccer is very boring to watch.   It shows players kicking the ball around forever and ever.   There is no action in soccer until someone scores.   Typical Soccer scores are 4-3.  

In cricket, however with the flick of the wrist a ball smashes over the boundaries for six runs.  This can happen a lot, and typical t20 scores range from 100 runs to 205 runs.    So, in cricket there is crazy action.

But the number one reason why soccer is superior to cricket is because of its simplicity.  In cricket there are over 200 rules, whilst in soccer players are trying to simply kick the ball in the goal.  

In Soccer, all you need it two sticks for the goalposts and the ball.  In cricket you need a bat, a seamed ball, stumps, and protection.  

But Someday that day will come where Cricket will be the number one sport.  It is expanding slowly and steadily...

This is great video for the introduction of cricket.

This is a great video that shows the velocity of cricket.

Watch this highlights from 4:54 to 5:58 for full intense cricket action.

This match was between the West Indies and the Australians. 

What happens to our online Personality after we die?

In my opinion, Social Media can be a good thing.  It can also be a bad thing.  It can be related to a t20 cricket match, because the social web is what you make of it, just like bowling in a 20 over match.  

Our online personality should live on after death, like a monument and remembrance to those deceased.  It could live on, with correct and ethical posts from family members.

In my opinion, the decision of whether it should live on or not is up to the family of the deceased person.
To me this is not defeating the purpose of death in anyway.  Social Media should live on  in a positive way after death.   As long as people don't take it too far.

If a celebrity dies, its up to the fans and followers to update the social media.    
But it is ultimately up to the person to decide what happens to their social media after they die.

Is Chris Langan Successful?

In GT class, we had a discussion that talked about if Chris Langan the "smartest" man in America is truly successful. 

In my opinion, success is something that you decide for yourself.   Its not what the society thinks of you.  If you have the self-satisfaction, you have success.  It is not about what others think of you. 

In my opinion, Chris Langan is successful.  He is living a happy life.    

This reminds me of the case of the cricketer Zaheer Khan, who used to bowl like a pro.  Now his form is decaying.   People consider him a fail, but he has his personal satisfaction.  It is basically up to him to decide if he is a success or not.  

20 percent project

Cricket is a diverse sport; it is not like any other sport. In cricket there is no off-season.

Basically, There is a match every day.  

There are many formats in cricket and I will See which one tests the player the best .
The three formats are tests, Odis and t2o. 

Traditionaly, tests were the best format to test a player because it tests cricketing stamina.
Recently, t20s grew in popularity and they test strategy.  This is because every over counts as 5% of the entire game. 

T20 also tests players under pressure.  
This is why I want to find the truth.   Experienced, old cricket players and pundits prefer the test match.  One the other hand t20 is growing In popularity.

The materials I need is a device which has access to the internet and   Espncricinfo's statsguru.
The barriers I face is a simple question. What if every player has a preferred format which he excels in?   

I can consult pundits Like Satish Acharya, Harsha Bhogle, Ian Chappell, Ed Smith.
(I have a .000000000000000000001% chance of contacting these people. 

If I want to talk to a pro cricket player I have a .000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001%. Chance.



Cricket is my religion!!!!!!!!
Wish to be the owner of the Deccan Chargers!!!!!!!


Wish to start a cricket club at school!!!!
NBCCC
(NBC Cricket Club)

The Kindergarden debate

In this large and competitive world, there is huge unbalance as the rules promote advantages and disadvantages.  I disagree with the NY Times Post about starting Kindergarden early.  I think that if you wait to put your child into the next class, it will prove to be a advantage.  

As Malcolm Gladwell argues, the mind is more mature and developed compared to other minds of the same class if you delay school.   He also argues that this advantage builds up to success because of this.  If you delay Kindergarden,  the mind will be more advanced then those of your peers.  This is true because, a mind that is 5 months older is always more mature than a mind that is 5 months younger.

If you don't delay Kindergarden, the younger children will feel weaker physically, emotionally, and mentally because of the age advantage.  And the advantage you gain in Kindergarden is much more beneficial beacause it will build up. If you have this "accumalative advantage" , you might be better off in life than other people.

Dr. Wang argues that this advantage dissapears.  I don't agree with this because a older mind will always be an advantage because you will have a head start.   So theoretically, this advantage won't dissapear.  School may make children smarter, but for some it may not help emotionally. 


In conclusion, the Outlier's argument is more complete.  It is a better arguement because, realistically it is true.  Your mind is more developed if you delay Kindergarden, and that is why I agree with Malcom Gladwell.   

Being Gifted

Being gifted is being unique. It is being yourself. In this post I will discuss the ups and downs of being gifted as well as the myths and truths.

There are many myths about being gifted. One myth is that the gifted students do not need help.  This myth comes from the National Association for Gifted Children.  I ask questions and I ask somebody for help if I need it.   This is especially true because nobody in the world is self-sufficient.  Another myth is that Gifted students always get good grades.  This is not true because gifted students get bad grades.  I often have grade slips at times.

There are also lots of truths about being gifted.   One truth is that gifted students can have disability.  Many people have disabilities, but can be truly gifted.  One example is Stephen Hawking; his has a disability but is gifted in many ways.  One the other truth is that gifted students need help like normal students because they are humans too.  In fact, everybody asks questions and everybody needs help once in awhile.

In the next section I will talk about ups and downs of being gifted. ( The ups and downs are all based on my opinion.)

The ups of being gifted are great.   One up is that you are treated more maturely. Being treated as an adult gives you more freedom.    Another up is that is that you feel more smarter just because you are called gifted.     When I passed the NNAT to get into this program I felt very accomplished because now I was part of a new gifted group.

On the other hand, there are also downs to being gifted.   Being treated maturely can also be a bad thing.  It gives people more responsibilities.  This is very annoying because you already have a ton of responsibilities and being gifted adds more.  Another down is that you have higher expectations when you are gifted.  Higher expectations lead to more stress.  In my case, if I do not reach such expectations, I am frowned upon.

In conclusion, being gifted can be related to a game of cricket.  There are ups, downs, myths, and truths, but it is up to you if you want play to win.

Works Cited

"Common Myths in Gifted Education." NAGC -. National Association for Gifted Children, n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2012. <http://www.nagc.org/commonmyths.aspx>.

Family Staff, Education. "Myths and Truths About Gifted Kids." - FamilyEducation.com. Pearson Education, n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2012. <http://school.familyeducation.com/gifted-education/parenting/38662.html>.                   

GT Seminar 1 First Post

Saketh Narahari (Grade 8)

Hi Hello my name is Saketh Narahari (aka Mr. Cricket) and this is my first year in this program.
This is a short and brief introduction about myself.  If you know about me, I tend to be a little funny in some different and slightly odd ways.  I consider myself a good debater; I could argue a lot.  For those of you that don't know me, Cricket is my religion. I take the quote,  "cricket is my religion and Sachin Tendulkar is by God"  very seriously. I like to live by Buddhist Philosophies; I think that the teachings of the Buddha are invaluable.   The highlight of my summer is going to India and playing cricket with my cousins.    For those of you don't know who Sachin is, here is two links. Ultimately, when I grow up I want to be a director.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/35320.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar

10 likes and dislikes

LIKES
1. Cricket
2.The Deccan Chargers Cricket Team
3. Doughnuts
4. Indian Food
5. Cars
6.Movies
7. India
8. Music
9. Philosophy
10. Basketball

Dislikes:
1. People who insult/dislike any of my likes.
2.People who are hateful
3. Too much work in school
4. Bugs
5. Tests
6.Bad Food
7. People who are politically Conservative
8.Things that are annoying
9.People who are negative
10. Snakes


I am looking forward to the Ethics unit in GT.