If we could unplug all the TV sets in America, our children would grow up to be healthier, better educated, and more independent human beings.

I think that the statement is very true. If you go outside on a summer day you don’t really see any kids out playing much, you would find them inside on the couch doing nothing. When I was younger my parents would only let me watch TV for one hour then I had to find something else to do. Mostly I would go outside and play with my older sister or read a book. I also have a younger sister who doesn’t have this rule, my  parents are busy and aren’t there to enforce these types of rules even if she had them. What happens is she will sit there from when she gets home from school until when my parents get home and then she might do something else, but most of the time she just stays there. I told you all of this because she isn’t as healthy as she could be and her school work suffers because she doesn’t always do her homework. I’m not saying that she isn’t a good kid because she is, what I am saying is that she doesn’t have discipline. I think that if she would do something instead of sit in front of the television she would be more active. That is just my own personal experience, but I also have family friends that I used to babysit for that had the same problem. It was like trying to pull teeth to get the kids outside to play. Some of the best memories from when I was younger are me and my sister outside playing, and I want for my little sister to have the same experiences.

Basin Street - Palmer Hayden

I chose this painting because of the era it was painted mostly. This time period has always made me feel good about having fun, being free, and just hanging out with the people that matter to me. When I look at this painting I see two people dancing and falling in love with each other. These two people look like they are lost in each other’s embrace while in a large group of people. Listening to the jazz in the background, dancing, and spending time with each other is what they live for. The main focus of the painting is the two people in the front but there are also others in the painting each seem to have a story to tell. The musicians all look like they are pouring their soul into the music while others listen; they are playing for themselves and making it come alive with their feelings. The people in the background of the painting seem to be having the time of their lives or at the least they are happy in this time and place. These people look like they relish in their lives and being with their friends having fun. They are all enjoying the drinks, music, and gambling and the party is at the most fun part. That is why I chose this painting because of all the happiness and excitement that this piece of art expresses to me.