Earliest Childhood Memory - Portfolio

   My earliest childhood memory. I have many early memories throughout my childhood years. My earliest memory is when I watched my brother break his arm. This really stuck with me because it was such an intense situation that I was witnessing at such a young age. I vividly remember the whole situation. My younger brother was sitting on the slide, he fell backwards and shattered his elbow off one of the steel steps on the ladder. I remember my younger brother who was about two or three at the time, crying like I have never heard before. His arm would dangle down by the elbow because it was shattered and he held it like back until we got to the emergency room. At first the doctors didn't believe it was broken, so they sent him home. My family went back to the doctors the next day. To their surprise his arm was broken. They gave him a cast and his elbow healed perfectly. This was one of my most earliest and vivid memories. A very intense situation for a young child.

Formal Letter - Portfolio

Dillon McRae
dillon_mcrae@hotmail.com
289-929-1321

June 22, 2015
Mr. Pierce
Fiction Editor
Literal Enterprises
4602 Simcoe St
Niagara Falls, Ontario

Dear. Chris Pierce

I am greatly pleased to submit a piece of my upcoming novel. The novel entitled "A Place Beyond the Grapevine". I am a new and upcoming writer. I have previous experiences in published articles. As well as laying out and editing various novels.

"A Place Beyond the Grapevine" tells the story of a sixteen year old and New Mexico resident Matthew. Matthew comes from a very rich family with a dark past. A dark past young Matthew is not aware about. Matthew a very rebellious teenager, who has constant run ins with the principle and a poor relationship with his family. Every night Matthew awakens in a very mysterious garden. Every time Matthew awakens he is  in another parallel universe. Something Matthew is only aware of. Matthew must try and find the relationship between his family's dark history and the constant changing of universes.

I believe this book will appeal to the teenage crowd. I believe this because the novel's theme is greatly centered around the struggles of a teenager. As well as the rebellious nature between adults and teenagers.

I would be deeply appreciative in your reply. As well as any questions or comments regarding my novel or concerns you have. Thank you for your consideration.

Yours truly

Dillon McRae

Reflective essay - Portfolio

-    I have learned a few things during my time with Mr. Pearce in his Writer's Craft class.

     It seems hard to believe that I could have learned a thing or two.

     Over my unmotivated self and god awful attendance.

     The truth is I have learned some little but vital information from this class and the teacher alike.

       I have learned the use of the Standard Manuscript Format. Something I was not aware about

beforehand.
   
      I also learned the importance of the term "easy to read on the eyes".  Something that goes hand

      in hand with my new knowledge of the Standard Manuscript Format.
     
      This will also help me further down the road and my future writing plans.


-    Throughout my time within your class, Mr Pearce.

    A similar comment would continuously show up on my work. Comment would be that basically my paragraphs were hard to read, or not "easy on the eyes".

      This was a huge weakness in my writing ability. The fact that my paragraphs were not "easy on

the eyes" whatsoever and could seriously hinder me further down the road.

 This is very important because if I want to continue with my career as a writer.

        My work must be extremely easy to read on the eyes, this could mean weather or not my work is even read!

       Also by making my paragraphs easier to read.

       It will help me further down the road in college or university.

  I have also learned the use of the Standard Manuscript.

          Standard Manuscript is very important tool to learn. Standard Manuscript is essential to all forms of writing.
     
Publishers even use the Standard Manuscript to assess whether a piece of writing is even worth their time in evaluating.

        Standard Manuscript form is also essential for me to  learn if I plan on doing any sort of manuscript writing further down the road.

        I believe that the Standard Manuscript Form will greatly assist me down the road on my

writing endeavors and I thank you for teaching me this.

-      I have yet to decide on pursuing a future in writing. If I did, I would pursue a career in journalism.

        I have always been fascinated by writing and I have always enjoyed it.

       There are many things I enjoy writing about. The most enjoyable for me is to write about MMA and or foreign affairs.

       These two subjects or topics would be the writing career I pursue if I do plan on pursuing one in that particular field.

     
-     In conclusion, I have learned very little but the "little" I did learn is very valueable and vital information to me.

       I have learned about the use of the manuscript.

        I also learned the term "easy on the eyes".  The importance of your work being easy to read on the eyes.

        My future in writing. My future in writing has yet to be decided, if I do pursue such a career.

         It definitely would be in journalism.

         I would like to thank you for teaching these vitals pieces of information.

         They will be extremely helpful down the road. I also found my love for journalism within your class.

          I thank you for this.      

       



     

     
 
     

Crashing Airliner, 3 characters. - Fiction Writing - Portfolio

    Harold is awaken by a burning sensation. When Harold awaken he is overwhelmed by a burning smell. Harold looks down to see that his crotch is engulfed in flames. Harold screams out and extinguishes the fire quickly. Harold doesn't realize that this is only the beginning of his problems. Harold looks around to notice that he is on a crashing airliner. "Oh no!". Harold shouts. Harold looks around to spot that there is two other sleeping people on the airliner. A hulking monster by the name Zolton and a little old lady with many of her cats sleeping with her. Harold confused decides to awaken the old Cat Lady. The Cat Lady is frightened and begins to chucking her cats at Harold. Harold the distressed war veteran he is, leaps into full soldier mode and begins to find cover from the flying cats. Zolton is awakened by the noise and catches a glimpse of Sherry chucking these cats at Harold the War Vet. Zolton takes the matter into his own hands and tries to calm the situation. Zolton crushes Sherry's spine leaving her lifeless. "Enough" Zolton shouts.
    The Airliner is nearing destruction and only Harold knows of it. Harold tries to explain to Zolton that the airliner will crash and kill them both. Zolton just smirks and says. "I'm immortal". The airliner hits the ground killing Harold instantly. As Zolton said he is "immortal". Zolton walks away without a scratch continuing his quest to enslave mankind and take over the world.

Character 3: Sharry the Cat Lady

      Sherry the Cat Lady. Sherry the Cat Lady is the crazy old lady who lives down the street in the old mansion. Sherry has many many cats. That's why the townsfolk have began calling her Sherry the Cat Lady. Sherry has had a rough life with her husband dying in the war. Sherry lives alone without children as well and no family members. Besides her beloved cats of course. Sherry is a very kind old lady but sometimes she freaks out for no reason at all. The police have been called to Sherry's house many times because Sherry would throw her cats at many of the children that would rummage around on her property. Sherry enjoys her books, cats and crime television shows. Sherry has over 30 cats in her house. She loves each and every single one the same.

Journal 12: Should Jones title be stripped?

  Yesterday afternoon UFC Light heavyweight Champion. Jon "Bones" Jones was involved in a hit-and-run accident. Earlier today Jones was arrested on a felony account due to the driver being a pregnant female. The pregnant broke her arm in the accident. When Police searched the vehicle they found marijuana and a pipe. Jones also fed the scene. This begs the question should the UFC strip Jon Jones of his title?
   This is not the first time Jones has put himself in the the midst of controversy. Failing a drug test for cocaine just 6 months prior. As well as having a history of driving under the influence.
    With Jones prior history of controversy it seems to be the only right decision is to strip Jon Jones. UFC has dished out a lot of damage control for Jones and his personal problems. But this time may be to much for the UFC. It is a do or die for the UFC. Either keep Jones as a champion and garner some very bad press that could possibly ruin the UFC and label themselves as a corrupt company. Strip Jones and dish out damage control on the UFC's part saving face for the company as well. Stripping Jones is the only logical idea. It's a very big disappointment that we won't see such a good fighter progress any further and this setbacks the GOAT talk for Jones for many years. But Jones has gone to far and must be punished for his behavior to save face for the UFC. Either Jones takes the repercussions or the UFC takes it.

Character 2: Harold The War Vet

Harold The War Vet is the nickname of the crazy war veteran named Harold Wright. Harold was a grunt in the Vietnam War. He suffers from PTSD. Harold is also very paranoid of Zombies. Harold believes Zombies are eventually going to take over the world. In response to this Harold is constantly prepared for a Zombie outbreak. Harold tries to spread the word but no one will listen to him. Harold believes the fate of Humanity rests on his shoulders and his Zombie killing ability. Harold lives alone and is well into his 60;s. Harold lives in a house given to him by his deceased parents. Harold eventually built a bunker beneath the house with knowledge from his grunt days. Harold occasionally wakes up in the middle of the night due to nightmares. Harold is viewed as harmless amongst the towns people of Pepper Bay.

Journal 10: Movie Review; City of God

   City of God is an astounding movie. A very entertaining drama. City of God is 2002 Brazilian Crime Drama. The movie is fully scripted in Portuguese and read in English subtitles. A foreign movie that went mainstream in North America. A great feat in itself. I really enjoyed this movie. At first I was very weary of watching this movie due to the English barrier. I will tell you right now that is not a problem at all. The film is very entertaining. I have a hard hard paying attention to movies. This movie caught my eye right from the beginning and I never looked away.
     The movie is based around the worlds most notorious slums of Rio De Janeiro. It tells the story of two childhood who grow up to be the complete opposite. One becomes a photographer and the other a drug kingpin. The movie follows each friend throughout their youth and teenage lives.
     I give City of God. 4 out of 4 stars, I really enjoyed this movie. I enjoyed the crime aspect of the movie. I also enjoyed the inside look of the Slums of Rio. The movie itself really showcases the sick and twisted nature of crime as well as corruption within the Rio police force. I really enjoyed the way they protrayed both of these themes. Yes, I recommend this movie. The subtitles may be a bit of a turn off but if you can overcome that this is a very great movie. As well as being very entertaining. So I say guess go see this movie as soon as possible.

Journal 11: Mayweather vs Pacquiao Summary - Portfolio

   May 2nd, 2015. The biggest boxing fight of our generation took place. WBC and WBA Welterweight Champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr. Took on the WBO Challenger Manny "PacMan" Pacquiao. A fight 10 years in the making. When finally the dust settled, Mayweather stood atop the throne in dominating fashion.
    The dismantling of Pacquiao was beautiful to watch if you knew what to watch for. The first opening minutes it was very clear who was in control of the fight. Mayweather used his stiffling jab to keep Pacquiao at bay for the first couple of rounds using his speed and stellar defence to negate most of the damage. That's the story for the entire fight. Mayweather was near sublime in his approach to the fight. On offence he would pump lighting fast jabs at Pacman. When Pacman would corner the undefeated fighter. Mayweather would either angle cut out to Manny's lead leg or slip underneath the left straight and angle cut back out to Manny's lead side. When Manny was able to land on Mayweather. Mayweather's defensive shell would cushion many of the blows. Pacquiao was completely outclassed. Pacquiao was the much slower fighter contrary to popular belief that Pacquiao would be nearly as fast as Mayweather. Mayweather won close to 10 rounds on the majority of the scorecards. Mayweather also noted that he will be returning in September for another fight before retiring. Possible opponents include Amir Khan or Gennedy Golovkin.

Character 1 - Portfolio

Zoltron the Marauder.


Zoltron is a hulking 6'7 behemoth of a man. A figure draped in scales with bat like wings. A creature only spoken about in horror stories. Zolton is extremely strong and quite agile for his hulking size. Equipped with a cunning mindset and a professor of the tactics of war. Zolton only has one plan in his immortal life. Build a master race and eliminate the inferior human race as he describes them as. Zolton is a very aggressive and violent being. A being possessed with large amounts of raw power and has been locked away for centuries until recently.

Journal: Movie Review - Full Metal Jacket

   Full Metal Jacket is a war movie highlighting the brutality of the Vietnam War through the eyes of a newly trained Marine Platoon. Sectioned in two different scenario. We follow the Marine group through brutal basic training all the way through to the Tet Offensive. Full Metal Jacket brings to the table is the psychological part of being a grunt, The movie itself is very entertaining and catches the psychological horror of the war very well. Grunts who are thrown off the deep end are considered "Section 8's" The first section 8 we met throughout the movie is a low IQ marine trainee. Who eventually is thrown off the edge by a psychotic drill sergeant and the struggle of basic training.
    The movie highlights the struggle of being a soldier in the Vietnam War very well. By the end of the movie it showcases how much of a deep struggle the soldiers had endured through out the movie. How much the human mind can endure throughout wartime.

Found Poem - Portfolio

Todays Paper just came out
A valuable man was shot
Country in chaos
In the desert
The identity of the man who was shot
Is not important
A land of the Free
Only to die for

Journal Free Write: Kurdistan needs more Military Support.

  The Middle East is in utter turmoil as I write this. Once a civil war between The Free Syrian Army and Assad's Regime has broken out into a full blown war between many opposing factions that has spilled into various other countries surrounding Syria. When much of the dust settled, the Regime was pushed back. The Free Syrian Army has fallen off the radar. Islamic extremist faction has grown into a massive juggernaut. Eventually this juggernaut faction seized control of over 50% of the Middle East including taking over a large portion of Iraq. The newly formed Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant has been causing terror all across the Middle Eastern. Even involving the small nation of Kurdistan. The area of Kurdistan is a Westernized Region. A westernized state in the Middle of Islamic Middle East. The Kurds have been fighting off ISIS for many months with support of US airstrikes. If Kurdistan had the support of fellow nations, with many backing ground forces of multiple nations, training and arms. The Kurds could very well take over the Middle East.
     The US has struggled inside the Middle East. Trying to reform and rebuild the country. I believe the US has been given a very good break here with the Kurds. The Kurds take over may very well be what the US is looking for to restore order to the Middle East. US is missing a huge break in accomplishing peace in a country that hasn't seen it in over a 100 years. The US and multiple other nations should join the fight with the Kurds to push out ISIS and collapse Assad's Regime. If the US doesn't act faster Assad's Regime could regain control of Syria. ISIS could keep the control or another radical terror group will replace them. The push to crumple ISIS is growing heavier. This could be the US's golden ticket to peace within the Middle East. Kurdistan government taking over.          On top of that the Middle East will be westernized. The US needs to act fast and began pushing troops over to Kurdistan to help push ISIS back further. Kurdistan is located near many valuable regions that could be vital to a Peaceful Middle East.

Journal Free Write: Should the US back Ukraine?

   November, 23. 2013 marked the beginning of Euromaidan. A 2,000 strong rally protesting the government suspension of integration into the European Union. Fast forward to March 5th, 2015. A full blown war has erupted between the Ukrainian Government and newly formed Pro Russian Rebel Government in Donetsk, dubbed "Dontesk People's Republic". Pro-Russian Rebellion is firmly backed by the Russians, even though they deny any sort of involvement in the civil war. Rebels are being trained and armed by the Russians as well as possibly fighting beside Russian troops. This reveals the question, should the US send aid to Ukraine to fight off the advancing rebels?
   US should send direct aid to Ukraine. US sending direct aid to Ukraine has many positive pros to it. The U.S currently sending aid to the Kurds in the Middle East I don't see why the US can't shift some of that aid into Ukraine. Ukraine soldiers need many basics that the US can provide. It's very promising on the US's side. Aid sent to Ukrainian forces such as basic US training and weaponry could very well push the rebels back. The US sending aid to Ukraine sends a direct message to the Russian Government that events like this will be not tolerated. As of now, the Russians are blatantly pushing into Ukraine without consequence. If this continues Russia will eventually engulf Ukraine.

Journal Free Write 2: Aldo should be P4P Best

      Jon Jones. Promoted by media outlets and the UFC itself as the Number 1# Pound 4 Pound fighter on the planet. In reality Jon Jones may have the best possible resume but he is not the most skilled fighter on the planet. I truly believe Jose Aldo is the most technically skilled MMA fighter on the Planet. I think this because Aldo's game is much more advanced and because Jon Jones being a bigger draw really sways the media towards him.
       Aldo is the most well rounded fighter on the planet. Aldo is the 145 Pound featherweight Champion of the UFC. A title he has held for 9 years, going on 10. With a unseen record of 25-1. Aldo is a kickboxing machine with World Class Brazilian Jit Jitsu to fall back on. Which is a rare combination of skills. Equipped with hair trigger head movement, explosive combinations and advanced angle cuts. Jones is not far behind in terms of skill. Near perfection as a fighter. Lacks one single element that really hinders him. Fundamental boxing. Aldo has the best boxing in MMA. Jon Jones lacks a strong fundamental boxing game including poor footwork, poor head movement and poor hand speed. The strongest parts of Aldo's game are these and it shows.
        The final reason why Aldo should be P4P Best is because of the media. Jose Aldo is not a very popular champion in North America. The fighter doesn't even speak English. Aldo Paper-view Buys always do poorly. This is not marketable. The UFC is seen as a business before sport company. Jon Jones born in the U.S.A, In a much heavier weight class as well. Jones is the obvious choice as a more marketable fighter. That is it, the UFC is reluctant to boost Aldo as the P4P best because he is not a marketable fighter.

Journal. Free Write. McGregor vs Aldo - Portfolio

           
           


    There is a storm brewing in the MMA Community. A historical fight is months away between two featherweight combatants. The brighter than life brash cocky Irish man, Conor McGregor; the challenger. The reigning featherweight champion, A fighter who hasn't lost for nine years, a fighter bred from the streets. Jose Aldo. There is a lot riding on this fight if you're an MMA fan. A lot of bragging rights.
      A clash of fan bases have already begun even though the fight is close to six months away. Either you're a part of the brash fan base of Conor McGregor. The same fan base who has dubbed their fighter the "GOAT", he is praised as the almighty and the second coming of Ali within the MMA community. The opposing fan base stands behind Jose Aldo. Aldo is the greatest featherweight in MMA history, and will soon be the greatest MMA fighter of our time.  In the end whichever fighter comes out on top. The fan base of the losing fighter will never hear the end of it.
      The match up, Aldo is a cunning extremely fast and explosive tactician. The most technically sound fighter on the planet. With stellar head movement and angle cuts equipped with hands as fast as lighting. Conor McGregor is massive featherweight with extremely accurate shots adding to his insane amount of stopping power. In the end I believe Aldo will have his hand raised. A quick run down of why I believe so.
        Aldo is an undefeated fighter of nine years, McGregor is just beginning his fighting career. Aldo in his Prime of it. Conor has never fought someone with angle cuts and hair trigger headmovement.  I believe when Conor realizes he can't back Aldo up against the cage to do his best work, Conor is going to look very vulnerable. Aldo's head movement, explosive 1+2 leg kick combo and foot work will eventually bring the giant featherweight down with his fan base.
     



   

Lyric Poem - Portfolio

                                               

I am a Wrestler
I train very hard
For what it seems as little gain
When my feet hit the mat
They cut through the air like a bird


A roaring crowd
But only silence
Only one can emerge
I am that one

The pace is pushed
Cutting through my opponent like dust
Breaking whatever will remains
I stand atop the throne
With my hand in Victory

Journal 7 - Childhood

   I believe children are being  overly protected and isolated from the outside world. Society Social agenda has shifted rapidly from 40-50 years ago. A rapid change doesn't mean necessarily "good". The rapid change goes hand and hand with children being overly protected. Society and the world has become a very dangerous place. Caregivers are paranoid of this. With the fact that children are treated as extremely innocent creatures. In turn caregivers are overly protecting their kin. Children need social lives growing up, it is a must. A child needs to be exposed to the outside world, but they must be educated about the world. We should stop overly protecting our children but instead educate our children about the world outside. Overly protecting them only has negative effects. Every child needs to have a social life. Social aspect of society is one of the largest parts of developing. If not the most important. It shapes a developing person. I believe protecting children from that can only hurt a child growing up.

Journal 6

The Myth of Technology.




I believe technology has improved many peoples lives while also hindering lives. I believe the same for me. This applies to all, even governments and nations alike. From a personal stand-point I believe my life has been improved from technology. I know this because the internet has helped me wonders through out school. I put a lot into the internet for my success in school. I also believe that technology has hindered me. I say this because I cannot live without my cellphone. This goes for many other people in the world. I use my cellphone daily and it's probably my most used item. I believe it has hindered me socially as many others. With the fast improvement of everyday technology also means the fast improvement of weaponry. Nations and government has used the technological advances to build very destructive weapons. A huge portion of Middle Eastern terror groups weaponry tactics are due to improved technology. With I.E.D's being the number one leading factor of death among US soldiers in the Iraq-Afghanistan War. Cell Phones have also been a significant factor in terror attacks. Including 9/11. But that doesn't mean technology is not saving as much lives as it's ending. Many technological advancements in the medical field is saving many lives that probably could not be saved 50 years ago. The improvement of technology has it's Pros and Cons associated with it. I believe technology has greatly benefited only a modern day civilian rather than someone who lives in a third world. Advancement in technology only truly benefits a certain demographic of people, people that live in advanced countries such as Canada or the USA.

Journal 1 - Interim Titles in the UFC

The first rule of writing

The first rule of writing is to "write what you know". What topic do you feel confident taking on? List some experiences you might draw on in your writing. Which genres do you know best? Which settings could you do convincingly? What topics, genres, and settings do you think you should avoid? Why? What research are you prepared to do in order to write better.




The use of Interim Belts in the UFC. An interim belt is a belt used when the current champion of that particular division is unable to compete for a period of time. The belt is used as an alternative. The belt is basically a guaranteed title shot when the true champion come backs. I believe Interim belts are pointless. If an interim belt must be given out I believe the current champion of that division should be stripped and guaranteed a title shot upon return. I think this because it's a title "interim champion" that holds no weight. Also the title itself is just an advertising gimmick. Something not good for the image of the company as well as MMA in a whole. Interim title is an absolute identical copy of the current UFC belts. Complete pointless procedure. If the UFC has to give out a "fake" belt to keep the division progressing there is no reason why they shouldn't just strip the current champion. Also, interim title holders are not given the weight of defending the interim title. If the UFC is naming an interim title holder, shouldn't the interim title holder defend his "belt". Seeing as they are the new champion of that division until the current champion returns from his or her absence. Ultimately because of this it completely deadlocks a division. The current interim title holder will not defend their belt and the true champion is on leave. The division becomes a mess with multiple fighters taking fights that have no progress for them. It ultimately wastes many fighters "Prime Years" because of the use of an interim title.

Journal 2

       "Your Legacy"


Why wait? It's time to think about what you will leave behind after your time on the "third rock from the sun"  is finished. Some people manage to leave a great deal of wealth or a legacy of public service. Others are long remembered for their monumental works of art. A lucky few are long cherished by adoring family and friends. How do you want to be remembered? What will your reason for being?




The legacy I will leave behind. I have a certain visual dream of how my legacy will be viewed after I pass away. When I wither away I want to be remembered for what I accomplished. I want to be listed among the names of Ali, Tyson, Badr Hari, Schilt, Silva, Karelin. Among these men stand one common accomplishment. They were once viewed or still are viewed as the baddest men on the planet. I want to be listed among these World Champions. I want people to remember my name. Everything I do is a step further towards cementing my legacy among the greats. My dream is to cement my legacy and this is only the beginning. A dream that has lingered since I was a young child. The reason I began competing is because I have a vision for the future that I must complete. I plan to leave a legacy of accomplishments behind. A Champion finally put to rest to be remembered. I hope my legacy and accomplishments will further another person's legacy down the road.