More Than This by: Patrick Ness

     A boy drowns, very desperate, and lonely during his final moments of life. He dies being crushed by the rocks of the sea. Then, he wakes up disoriented, naked, thirsty, bruised, and alive in his old home in England. Is this end for Seth Wearings, or is there more to it all? In the book More Than This by Patrick Ness, Seth, like many others in the world, dares to hope as he finds his way around in this new life.     After Seth's awakening, he experiences painfully vivid memory relapses. He slowly begins to remember what life use to be, all the horrible times in his past, and good times which would sometimes end up being more painful for him to experience. Most importantly, Seth remembers his boyfriend, Gudmund, and his brother, Owen, and begins to miss them. Seth becomes lonely, depressed, and desperate for there to be anything good in what he thinks is some sort of hell. When he finally starts to give out, he finds food, water, decent clothes, and later actual people.     After Seth meets Regine and Tomasz, they seem to show somewhat of an understanding of the world. One theory was that everyone was hooked up to the internet, and “permanently” logged-on because their actual lives were horrible, or some other reason. They also thought that there were other people like them, from the area, still logged-on inside the big prison. But, Seth doesn't believe any of this, and just thinks it's all in his head which is why good things only happened when he really hoped for it. This idea ends up being proven wrong after he foolishly tries to put an end to the Driver, a deadly thing that patrols the prison.     Towards the ending of the book, Seth sets out for the prison to try and possibly develop a better understanding of everything, and to also see if there are others in the prison. He awfully finds people still online, and his parents, but no Owen. The Driver ends up being killed later on by Tomasz, and Seth is also later able to remember well enough the missing truth. The Driver was their caretaker, and the memories that they thought they had were actually from the simulation of the real world, which they made because they thought it would be a better life than their initial one. Owen wasn't hooked up to the Internet because he really died, and existed in the simulation. After seeing that Regine could go back to the fake world that she had died in, it becomes obvious that all the simulations are connected as one whole other world, and that they can alert others stuck online by also going back online. Seth then takes the privilege of entering the other world to try and help everyone find their way back to reality.     In conclusion, whenever Seth did dare to hope in the story, things got more better for him than when he would give up. Something many people tend to lack is the urge to hope, because they lack optimism. Dreams never end, but are only abandoned, and Seth really dwells on his dreams of finding the truth. Hope is something that is never truly lost, but found; something Seth truly demonstrates.

Why We Should Get GMO's Labeled

             We have been using GMO's (genetically modified organisms) in our everyday foods since the turn of the century. It is used to make goods such as eggs, meat, dairy, various packaged goods, and even fruits and vegetables; in short, just about all goods sold to the public. But, something we have failed to acknowledge is that we have only been using GMO's for such a relatively short time, as a matter of fact since the 1990’s, and have yet justified whether they are truly safe or hazardous. Hence why, GMO's should then be labeled on all products for the clarity and reassurance of the consumer, in which they have the right to know.

            Something that is very alarming is the fact that GMO’s were introduced to the world with the primary aim of addressing the global food issues, because we were at a time when food production in even the largest of food industries could not meet up with the demands of their consumers. But, rather than making their primary aim the well being of the consumers who were to be exposed to their plans, they continued on in creating the first genetically modified foods as quickly as possible. According to “Why We Should Accept GMO Labeling” by Dan Fagin “"GMO products... were introduced not because they were the best way to employ genetic engineering to address critical global food issues, but because they were thought to be the fastest, most reliable route to profits for... producers." GMO’s can and need to be considered a hazard to the public which we have yet to discover. Many things could have gone wrong due to the hasty decision’s lack of testing. Although we haven’t found that flaw yet, the chances become more likely as more time passes with us using these GMO’s. Moreover, what could possibly happen now or in the near future with GMO products, can and should be considered a great possibility because of this information. According to “Should GMO’s Be Labeled” by Amir Khan “‘When GMO’s are grown out in the environment, contamination happens and it's not possible to control it,’ Megan Westgate, executive director of the Non-GMO Project, said in a statement. ‘That’s a real liability to our food supply because these are experimental organisms [and] we don't know what the long-term impact is to human health or the environment.’” We are having too much faith in the people who make these foods to do the right things when it comes to the consumer and/or business ethics. We cannot assume that the food that we eat is absolutely safe just by the word of the major producers. The proper labeling of these genetically modified organisms and even genetically engineered crops is an appropriate precaution to take to properly inform customers what they are buying before they actually make the purchase.

            Concurrently, in being a consumer there is moral rights and laws in which you are entitled to as a person. Equally important, the consumer’s opinion is very important, and is what makes businesses successful. In the situation with GMO labeling, it is the consumers who are giving a reason to debate over this. According to an ABC News poll (06/19/15) “Nearly everyone --- 93 percent --- says the federal government should require labels on food saying whether it’s been genetically modified, or ‘bio-engineered’ (this poll uses both phrases). Such unanimity in public opinion is rare.” Speaking for a majority of us customers, we have been waiting and trying to encourage the crackdown on food labeling, mainly focusing on whether or not they are genetically modified or engineered. Why is it that it is taking so long for a law to be passed or for the producers and big businesses to give into this new demand by consumer? According to “Consumer Rights - Consumer Protection Laws” by www.hg.org "Consumer rights and consumer protection law provides a way for individuals to fight back against abusive business practices. These laws are designed to hold sellers of goods and services accountable when they seek to profit by taking advantage of a consumer’s lack of information or bargaining power." If GMO's aren't labeled in our foods, it is essentially an inaccuracy on the part of the producer, and in some cases can be a possibly active marketing strategy due to the lack of information. We should be able to extend our rights in order to prevent this unethical loophole violating the rights of customers. It is the best, being of our concerns, to get GMO's labeled on all food products as an extension and strengthening of our rights as customers.

            The main problem with GMO’s and the fight to get them labeled is the fact that neither side (buyers and sellers) can come to an agreement on what to do. If GMO's are "safe", why is it that we cannot still have products labeled properly? Assuming there is absolutely nothing to hide, why hide this important information from the people who are being sold these products? According to "American Medical Association: GMO Labeling Not Necessary" by the Huffington Post "The American Medical Association announced in a statement this week that they saw no health purpose for labeling genetically modified foods -- those made with GMO's (or genetically modified organisms) -- as such...'There is no scientific justification for special labeling of bioengineered foods, as a class, and that voluntary labeling is without value unless it is accompanied by focused consumer education,' the statement read in part." Consumers in the U.S are not uneducated; according to “The U.S. Education System Is Not Failing” by the National Association of State Boards of Education “The American education system — inasmuch as it's actually a system — is not failing.” But, a possible reason for the withholding of the information rightfully deserved by us all might be hidden in the possible dangers there are in genetically engineered foods which would become a concern because of our well educated consumers. According to "Assessment of the food safety issues related to genetically modified foods" by Harry A. Kuiper, Gjis A. Kleter, Hub P.J.M. Noteborn, and Esther J. Kok (Figure 2) "Safety issues of GM foods: (i) Genetic modification process, (ii) Safety of new proteins, (iii) Occurrence and implications of unintended effects, (iv) Gene transfer of microflora, (v) Allergenicity of new proteins, (vi) Role of new food in the diet, and (vii) Influence of food processing." Such various possible safety concerns could ruin the market strategy that some businesses are using in leaving out information, and would benefit the consumers if the labeling of these foods were made mandatory. This must occur for the enlightenment of the customers on what they are eating every day, which must be made know. We have to label these products to reveal what the food we eat everyday is really made from, and it is only ethical if the 93% of people were to have this information.

            In conclusion, the labeling of GMO food products is a necessity for all. We have a right to know what is in the food that we must eat, not only just because of the potential dangers and it degrading consumer rights with its insufficient facts, but mainly because a majority of consumers agree and should not be denied of their opinions and demands. All that's needed is a compromise, for the producers to give into the labeling, and laws to be made, as well as a change in policies. Our safety should no longer lie in the hands of businesses, but in our own by knowingly purchasing these foods.

The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

     Although there are no evident traces of intelligent lifeforms in our solar system and our parts of the galaxy so far, we do know that the cosmos is infinitely vast and that we are not the only ones here. The novel The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells introduces an important quote by a friend of the protagonist, Ogilvy, which greatly contributes the start of the story; "'The chances against anything man-like on Mars are a million to one,' he said." This quote not only symbolizes but foreshadows the main start of the climax in the novel.
     The protagonist, prior to the quote, observes Mars through a telescope. He later reveals his great fascination for Mars, and ideas concerning life and civilization. This foreshadows that if there just so happens to be life on Mars, or any trace else where for that matter, he would be destined to get involved. This is probably one of the major reasons for the climax of the story, the character is placing himself in a possibly dangerous position.
     The protagonist, after observing Mars, recalls seeing very fine projectiles hurdling towards his direction very near the red planet. He hadn't even taken any notice of it until having retold it in the novel, and assumed the projectiles were passing meteorites. The meteorites are a symbol that something of epic proportions is either happening on Mars, and/or coming to Earth. This also foreshadows the possibility that those "meteorites" may contain intelligent life or some trace of them, from Mars or even other places in the galaxy.
     The statement that Ogilvy had made, is much like what NASA would say today. Essentially he is saying that there is "no" chance that there is any life on other planets, even Mars which is strikingly similar to Earth. Seeing that the book is titled The War of the Worlds, the ideas that people have, like Ogilvy's, represents those who are in denial or unable to comprehend the actual reality of it all, what is "blocking the bridge". It foreshadows that there must be life on the red planet, that would force those on Earth, in the story, to see the other world, the "unblocking of the bridge". This is most likely to create conflict between humans and the martians in the novel, and develop into what could be considered a war.

The Mad Man

     There he sat, at the corner of the empty room. Motionlessly, he stared at the other end of the room, expressionless and cold. What was on his mind, if there were anything, I did not know. I found it incomprehensible.

     "Hello, Mr. Fidelis," I said softly.

     He did not respond.

     "Mr. Fidelis, sir, what is it that you've done to the place?"

     The old man did not budge.

     "Mr. Fidelis!" I shouted worriedly.

     I immediately left the stone cold man, and started pacing. What has happened to the poor man? What am I going to do? What should I do?, I thought.

     "Ahhh!!!" the man screamed waking from his slumber.

     "Ahhh!!!" I shouted back, stumbling in fear.

     "Oh, it's just you George, old chap. You startled me," he replied relieved.

     "I 'startled' you? You scared my heart out of my chest. Anyway, what have you been up to?"

     "I was thinking."

     "What--Where's the furniture?"

     "I needed to stay focused. What are you even doing here?"

     "I was dropping of your medication, sir. Here."

     "I won't be needing it, that is if my experiment's results are permanent."

     "What experiment, might I ask?"

     "Um..."

     Mr. Fidelis paused. Then he jumped up like a cat, and ran out of the room and scrambled for paper and his quilt.

     "Imagine this piece of paper represents all life, and all reality," he said holding up the sheet of paper.

     Then, he took his quilt and made a fine dot on the page.

     "Now imagine this represents one life, and how much of reality we can potentially control. It is infinitely small, yet infinitely large like this paper," he said, slowly making the dot into a larger circle, that was much easier to perceive.

     "So, does that mean that we can potentially control a 'larger' amount of reality at will?" he asked making the circle larger and larger until it touched the edges of the page.

     "What does this mean, and how can we channel it? I'm not even yet completely sure whether or not such a principle is even true. I figured that channeling it would involve the basic elements of the mind, thinking or not thinking."

     I took a moment to process this. At first I thought he was insane, but then I took his thinking into consideration.

     "What do you mean by 'thinking or not thinking'?" I asked intrigued.

     "It's complicated," he replied.

     "What do you mean by that?" I inquired.

     "Did I not say it was very complicated?"

     "I dismissed my ideas, and stopped trying. Why is it that I even bother with this? I'm becoming a mad man. No, I'm becoming Fidelis! I must stop this now.

     "You're a lunatic, you know that? Now just take your medication for your bad leg," I said handing him the paper bag.

     He snatched the bag from my hand and through it straight into chimney fire. He grabbed a poker, and then picked up the bag to extinguish its flames in the kitchen sink.

     "Do you have the nearest idea how much that costs? You should be lucky to have even had it in your possession. It would help fix your useless leg of yours," I spoke loudly.

     "I told you, I don't need it anymore. Have you not noticed?" he asked and then walked away.

     It was peculiar how I had missed this before, but he was healed. Mr. Fidelis was walking upright, boldly, and swiftly, something I hadn't seen in a long time. Perhaps he is right this time. I couldn't help but laugh under my breathe at the thought. Highly unlikely. 

A Person's Role In Life

     A child's perspective of life changes as he/she grows and develops, usually considered their coming of age. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the author shares with us Jean Louise "Scout" Finch's life in Maycomb, a suburban county with many racists, and her coming of age. The character, Arthur "Boo" Radley, appears to be a villain; a childish fear of Scout and her brother, Jem, throughout a majority of the book. Although the author victimizes Boo, as the story nears its end, he is no longer seen as a villain by Scout, but as a hero once they finally meet him. Boo Radley's role in Scout and Jem's life was very important to their development; as children they had committed acts of bravery to try and satisfy their curiosities.

     Initially, the portrayal of Boo Radley is made unclear by the many myths of his violence and pure wickedness. Using the rumors that had spread from Stephanie Crawford, the author successfully attempts to portray him as nothing far less than a monster through the eyes of the protagonist, Scout. The novel states "...Jem received most of his information from Stephanie Crawford, a neighborhood scold, who said she knew the whole thing. According to Miss Stephanie, Boo was sitting in the living room, cutting items from the Maycomb Tribune to paste in his scrapbook. His father entered the room. As Mr.Radley passed by, Boo drove the scissors into his parent's leg, pulled them out, wiped them on his pants, and resumed his activities."  Such examples of unrealistic stories created based on Boo, are used to give a horrid first impression, this being the first story about him in the novel. The author makes his character appear far worse throughout the story until the very end of the story. According to the novel "Nobody knew what form of intimidation Mr.Radley employed to keep Boo out of sight, but Jem figured that Mr.Radley kept him chained to the bed most of the time." Jem's own response to the rumor was another one of his own liking. For him to be thinking of such nightmarish ideas about Boo Radley, shows how influential Boo becomes in Jem and Scout's lives. Although his character is given an antagonistic affect, because he wasn't the only Radley in the family it foreshadows a possible good in Boo, which people overlook and fail to realize. Harper Lee "attacks" Boo during the early parts of the story through our protagonist's point of view, and other characters that appear as well.

     In addition, due to the many false portrayals of Boo, he becomes a victim of horrifying rumors in Maycomb, but his status by the people of the county changes as the story progresses. Killing a Mockingbird is considered a sin because they are thought to be innocent, doing no wrong. Boo is given a "Mockingbird" type of role, being victimized by the people of Maycomb although he hadn't done anything to provoke them into doing so. However, the children begin to take notice that he isn't as bad as they had initially thought as they conduct several brave experiments/feats near the Radley house, losing some of their fears of Boo. Also, when it becomes implied that he has been delivering them gifts through the use of the knot-hole in a tree, it informs the readers of Boo's kindness, although Scout and Jem did not know it at this point. The author includes this part in the novel to be used as a turning point in our thoughts, and later Scout and Jem's thoughts about Boo.

    The mental development of our protagonists and her brother throughout the story is greatly influenced by Boo Radley. In the beginning of the novel, when Jem and Scout were young with innocence, they believed the cruel stories they had heard about Boo. One belief about Boo was that he "was about six and a half feet tall," and "feasted on raw squirrels and any cats he could catch." During the large house fire at Miss Maudie's, although the two hadn't seen Boo, Jem was quick to defend him from his father, pouring out their secrets "left and right" about the knot-hole and his restitched pants, which were kind acts of Boo. Jem was the first to lose his childhood innocence and also the first to understand Boo as well. Jem knew that it was Boo Radley who had done those small noble deeds for him and Scout; patching his ripped pants and leaving it at the fence, and giving gifts in the knot-hole tree until Nathan Radley filled it. This made him think deeply and more differently about Boo, as he "stayed silent and moody for a week." This also helped Scout, having witnessed her brother under this state, to reevaluate her thoughts about Boo later in the novel. only after Boo saved her and Jem's life one night, did she believe then that Boo was her neighbor, and that he gave to them in return, but she never put anything back in the knot-hole, which made her feel selfish. The novel states "we [Jem and Scout] considered everything we found in the knot-hole our property." It was only until then, had she seen the bright light.

     In the end, after the house fire at Miss Maudie's, Boo was barely mentioned by the author, putting most of the emphasis on the court case between the Ewell's and Tom Robinson. In latter parts of the novel, Boo's role is now clearly seen. The author treats Boo as a hero when he saved Jem and Scout from a likely death, and by killing the killer of a "Mockingbird," the one who had endangered them, Bob Ewell. The novel states "He gave us two soap dolls, a broken watch and chain, a pair of good-luck pennies, and our [Scout and Jem's] lives." Mr.Ewell had wanted revenge on the Finch family because Scout and Jem's father, Atticus, had defended Tom Robinson (being his lawyer) until Mr.Ewell was proven guilty in the court case. It was proven that Boo had been watching over the children, from their behavior to their actions, from his room, readied to protect them during their time in need. It was also later revealed that Boo's timidness was the reason why not many people had ever seen him, because he also didn't leave his home or his room. Boo was not at all locked in, but in fact "did not want to come out." Harper Lee made Boo Radley conscious about what happens in the county and his guardianship over Jem and Scout.

     In conclusion, the author's treatment and portrayal of Arthur "Boo" Radley changes drastically throughout the novel. Boo was thought to be an inhumane beast/monster at first, but during and after the medial scenes in the story, he progressively begins to reveal his true identity. He was a very shy and timid man. The children, Scout and Jem, being curious of Boo's true identity, underwent multiple incidents which helped their development into adulthood. Not until the final chapters, does Boo finally expose his true self to Scout and Jem, and is deemed as a hero. One person is enough to make all the difference in the life of a child, adolescent, or adult.

My Reading Life

  Hello, my name is Jason, and I love reading! I am an eclectic reader, but I mostly prefer classical literature and science fiction novels. I usually look for books that have very complex and offbeat plots, and that are very interesting when it comes to the author's writing style. I usually find many of those books in classics and sci-fi novels, but occasionally I see ones of different genres. A lot of the books I read usually encourage quixotic yet sagacious thoughts in people, including myself. Such thoughts are why I like reading, it helps to look at the world from different perspectives at different times, situations, and abstract events. Opening a book is like opening your mind to people and things, unable to comprehend reality from your state of consciousness.