My theme word for 2011 would have to be anticipation. Because at this point in the year there is so many things to be excited about! There's the prom, Valentine's Day, the beginning of summer, and my birthday. Who wouldn't be anticipating this year?
With prom you get to buy a dress, be pampered, and become a princess for one night of your life. Not to mention the cute boys that girls will be shepherding onto the dance floor. As for the seniors, this is the last prom of their lives, at least for most, so they'll be wanting to savor every moment of the dance and the afterparty. Boys will be anticipating it because of the stress of getting a tuxedo and the chance of meeting the girl of their dreams.
Lastly, there is my seventeenth birthday! Almost every one anticipates the celebration of their birth. But for my birthday we usually go to a theme park and go eat, i love food, so it is a day that I need to be excited about.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Jaguar Stones: Middleworld
Jon Voelkel's Jaguar Stones: Middleworld excited me to the core. From even the title of this story one can tell it will have an ancient them.
Theme is kind of blunt. The theme is about Max Murphy, the main character, going from a spoiled brat to an understanding, kinder boy. He is a selfish boy who only thinks of himself and what he can get out of a situation. But as we dig deeper we see him as he understands the errors he's done in his life. Uncle Tim, a minor major character, is his uncle. Uncle Tim acts as if he hates Max and pays him barely any attention and tries to keep Max out of his hair. But in the true reality, he loves Max like the son he never had. He'd do anything to keep him safe.
A book it reminds me of is First Boy. Because both are about a boy longing for their parents. As for current events, the destruction and tourism of the rain forests.
The characters are very believable. I fell in love with each of them, even the ones I hated, by the end of the story. Max is the arrogant, spoiled brat who feels like the world owes him everything. The boy who always plays the victim in the situation, but becomes a hero in the end. Uncle Tim is by far my favorite. He has an aristocratic air about him. Through all his poor fortune, he is one of the richest men in the country the story takes place. He is also a caring uncle, deep deep deep deep deep down and go a little farther.
The story was excellent, even if Max got terribly on my nerves. The plot was excellent though.
Pages: 400
Theme is kind of blunt. The theme is about Max Murphy, the main character, going from a spoiled brat to an understanding, kinder boy. He is a selfish boy who only thinks of himself and what he can get out of a situation. But as we dig deeper we see him as he understands the errors he's done in his life. Uncle Tim, a minor major character, is his uncle. Uncle Tim acts as if he hates Max and pays him barely any attention and tries to keep Max out of his hair. But in the true reality, he loves Max like the son he never had. He'd do anything to keep him safe.
A book it reminds me of is First Boy. Because both are about a boy longing for their parents. As for current events, the destruction and tourism of the rain forests.
The characters are very believable. I fell in love with each of them, even the ones I hated, by the end of the story. Max is the arrogant, spoiled brat who feels like the world owes him everything. The boy who always plays the victim in the situation, but becomes a hero in the end. Uncle Tim is by far my favorite. He has an aristocratic air about him. Through all his poor fortune, he is one of the richest men in the country the story takes place. He is also a caring uncle, deep deep deep deep deep down and go a little farther.
The story was excellent, even if Max got terribly on my nerves. The plot was excellent though.
Pages: 400
Friday, January 7, 2011
Blog #1: Facebook Peeves
Facebook is one of the focle points of a teen's life. We learn more about friends and keep in touch with old flames. Not to mention old classmates you have not seen in years. But as I log on each afternoon to check what is up with my friends, my stomach churns as I read the feed. I see my facebook peeves. Usually feel my eye twitch half-way through reading. These are a few of my facebook peeves. I know at least everyone who reads this can find at least one peeve they relate with.
Ah, lovebirds on facebook, aren't they so deeply in love? One can only guess when you see their gushy messages to each other on your feed. I do not care if you're thinking of "him", missing "him", can't wait to see "him". Go message the guy, call him, or go visit him. Friends can do nothing about it. That may sound a bit harsh. But it is ok to write this once in a while on your profile. But the tenth time in one day is unforgivable.
There is nothing in this world that is gross as hearing of one's "intimate" life. Every. Little. Detail. No one wants to know it!!!! Keep it to themselves is the best option. There's not much else I can say about this subject without sounding vulgar. The point is that the subject of which I speak is despicable.
Last but not my least hated peeve is whining and desperate status'. From this I mean people who write status' and beg for people to respond or act like their life is crumbling for attention. I will not lie, it's worse than pathetic. No one with real problems pours all of it on Facebook looking for help. They would tell a friend, parent, or teacher in person. Well, a person with common sense. Also, the hate of people whining they did not get what they wanted.
These are my peeves and I seem like a jerk. But it's how many people feel on these peeves. Be respectful of your "friends" and give these peeves alone for a day or two.....or forever.
Ah, lovebirds on facebook, aren't they so deeply in love? One can only guess when you see their gushy messages to each other on your feed. I do not care if you're thinking of "him", missing "him", can't wait to see "him". Go message the guy, call him, or go visit him. Friends can do nothing about it. That may sound a bit harsh. But it is ok to write this once in a while on your profile. But the tenth time in one day is unforgivable.
There is nothing in this world that is gross as hearing of one's "intimate" life. Every. Little. Detail. No one wants to know it!!!! Keep it to themselves is the best option. There's not much else I can say about this subject without sounding vulgar. The point is that the subject of which I speak is despicable.
Last but not my least hated peeve is whining and desperate status'. From this I mean people who write status' and beg for people to respond or act like their life is crumbling for attention. I will not lie, it's worse than pathetic. No one with real problems pours all of it on Facebook looking for help. They would tell a friend, parent, or teacher in person. Well, a person with common sense. Also, the hate of people whining they did not get what they wanted.
These are my peeves and I seem like a jerk. But it's how many people feel on these peeves. Be respectful of your "friends" and give these peeves alone for a day or two.....or forever.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Book Review: The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp
Rick Yancey's The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp made my heart sink in the character's despair. From the title you know it's about Alfred Kropp but do you know the terrors he carries on his shoulders?
The theme is pretty obvious. About a boy who must pay for his sins and becomes a man out of it. But it is much more intense than just simple, coming of age. Alfred Kropp is the main character, as you may know. He is seen as a bumbling, giant idiot by his peers and the adults in his short life. But when his uncle needs his help, his decisions lead to the massacre of beloved sons and fathers. To him he can not do anything right. Bennacio, another major character, becomes a father figure to Alfred even though he is the reason all of his friends are dead. He helps the boy become a respectable man who does not ponder on his own faults. Another example of coming of age. Uncle Farrell is a minor character at the beginning. He is Alfred's uncle and caretaker. If it wasn't for him, Alfred would never have been in this horrible predicament. But his decisions led Alfred to become more than he ever thought.
I can not think of a book that reminds me of this one. As for current events, nothing rings a bell either.
The characters are sometimes very unbelievable. But I loved them either way! They made me hungry to gnaw at this book. Alfred, is the clumsy hero that stumbles his way to greatness. Bennacio is the mentor you always crave in a book. Dependable, strong, and a strong father figure to a lost teen. Who else would be so cool-headed when he has a poison tipped dagger to his throat and just stares the guy down?
This book was great but terribly depressing. It was so depressing I nearly wanted to just put it up and never look at it again.
Pages: 339
The theme is pretty obvious. About a boy who must pay for his sins and becomes a man out of it. But it is much more intense than just simple, coming of age. Alfred Kropp is the main character, as you may know. He is seen as a bumbling, giant idiot by his peers and the adults in his short life. But when his uncle needs his help, his decisions lead to the massacre of beloved sons and fathers. To him he can not do anything right. Bennacio, another major character, becomes a father figure to Alfred even though he is the reason all of his friends are dead. He helps the boy become a respectable man who does not ponder on his own faults. Another example of coming of age. Uncle Farrell is a minor character at the beginning. He is Alfred's uncle and caretaker. If it wasn't for him, Alfred would never have been in this horrible predicament. But his decisions led Alfred to become more than he ever thought.
I can not think of a book that reminds me of this one. As for current events, nothing rings a bell either.
The characters are sometimes very unbelievable. But I loved them either way! They made me hungry to gnaw at this book. Alfred, is the clumsy hero that stumbles his way to greatness. Bennacio is the mentor you always crave in a book. Dependable, strong, and a strong father figure to a lost teen. Who else would be so cool-headed when he has a poison tipped dagger to his throat and just stares the guy down?
This book was great but terribly depressing. It was so depressing I nearly wanted to just put it up and never look at it again.
Pages: 339
Monday, December 6, 2010
Poem: Nightime and Morning
Whenever I go to bed,
After the sun has gone down,
Before the clock strikes midnight,
As I slip into my dreams,
I hope tomorrow will be as wonderful as today.
When I wake up,
As I rub my sleepy eyes,
Before the sun has risen,
While I long to slumber once more,
I know today has begun.
After the sun has gone down,
Before the clock strikes midnight,
As I slip into my dreams,
I hope tomorrow will be as wonderful as today.
When I wake up,
As I rub my sleepy eyes,
Before the sun has risen,
While I long to slumber once more,
I know today has begun.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Book Review: The Invisible Man
H.G. Wells' The Invisible Man excited me. The title instantly gives the story away. It is about an invisible man. But what burdens does this man carry when his mental health begins to leave him?
The theme is hidden even if it seems obvious. Yes, it is about this invisible man. But what is the deep underlying theme to it, the meaning? Perhaps it's man lust for wanting to be known, to be noticed by society as a normal person. TIM, the invisible man for short, is the main character. He is seen as a gentleman and a scientist. He wears clothes so people think he is visible but gives the impression of a scarred, disfigured man since he wears bandages on his face and never removes his clothing. He wants people to know he's there. Mr. Marvel, a minor character toward the middle, is a sort of hermit and is very average. But it changes when TIM decides to use him for his own gain. Though Mr. Marvel wants people to know that this invisible man is holding him hostage, another wish to be noticed. Kemp, a professor, lives a boring, mundane life. Everything is always average until TIM begs him for help. Now he wants to be apart of a bigger picture.
A book that it reminds me of is, "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". Because both of these men are met with ill fortune by their experiments. As for current events, I can think of nothing. But it did get to me on a personal level. TIM just wishes to be normal and noticed.
I feel like I can believe in these characters, because they act the way I'd expect them to if they met an invisible man. But I did very much enjoy the characters. They made the story very enjoyable. TIM acts like a gentleman but if angered he gets very destructive and temperamental. Though he does it in a gentleman fashion with cool wit. Mr. Marvel is a sniveling coward who is terrified by TIM, but does as he says. But I like him because his cowardly humor is funny when TIM is around to make fun of it. Lastly, Kemp thinks he's crazy because he's helping TIM. So he argues with himself.
I have to say I loved this book. It's underlying was very funny, if caught. But it is for the older generations who understand Old English, so they may better enjoy it. Either way, this was a great read!
Pages: 200
The theme is hidden even if it seems obvious. Yes, it is about this invisible man. But what is the deep underlying theme to it, the meaning? Perhaps it's man lust for wanting to be known, to be noticed by society as a normal person. TIM, the invisible man for short, is the main character. He is seen as a gentleman and a scientist. He wears clothes so people think he is visible but gives the impression of a scarred, disfigured man since he wears bandages on his face and never removes his clothing. He wants people to know he's there. Mr. Marvel, a minor character toward the middle, is a sort of hermit and is very average. But it changes when TIM decides to use him for his own gain. Though Mr. Marvel wants people to know that this invisible man is holding him hostage, another wish to be noticed. Kemp, a professor, lives a boring, mundane life. Everything is always average until TIM begs him for help. Now he wants to be apart of a bigger picture.
A book that it reminds me of is, "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". Because both of these men are met with ill fortune by their experiments. As for current events, I can think of nothing. But it did get to me on a personal level. TIM just wishes to be normal and noticed.
I feel like I can believe in these characters, because they act the way I'd expect them to if they met an invisible man. But I did very much enjoy the characters. They made the story very enjoyable. TIM acts like a gentleman but if angered he gets very destructive and temperamental. Though he does it in a gentleman fashion with cool wit. Mr. Marvel is a sniveling coward who is terrified by TIM, but does as he says. But I like him because his cowardly humor is funny when TIM is around to make fun of it. Lastly, Kemp thinks he's crazy because he's helping TIM. So he argues with himself.
I have to say I loved this book. It's underlying was very funny, if caught. But it is for the older generations who understand Old English, so they may better enjoy it. Either way, this was a great read!
Pages: 200
Monday, November 15, 2010
Argument: No Homework
Assertion/Claim (Topic Sentence)
Commentary 2- To me, it is only an unnecessary practice meant for children that need it. If a student makes good grades they should have the option of no homework. But if the student struggles homework would be good for grasping the concept.
Evidence (Concrete Details)
That with no homework, children had a better attitude with school and were more willing to attend.
Commentary 1- With the extra time reserved from the lack of homework, a child could spend it having family time with parents and siblings. This would benefit the relationship between children and their parents.
Commentary 2- Lack of attendance has been often linked to children forgetting homework or an assignment that was due that day. But if they had no worries about this problem then they would be more willing to attend.
Opposing Claims:
We should not have homework. It is proven that, in some cases, homework has no impact on grades or test scores. That with no homework, children had a better attitude with school and were more willing to attend. Also, parents reported that they had less conflict with their children without homework. Having no homework would help children learn more, because without the stress of homework they're minds would be more focused. Also, home life would improve because there would be no conflict over, "Have you done your homework?" Within my school, I know many students that hardly even do there homework and still make good grades. To me, it is only an unnecessary practice meant for children that need it. If a student makes good grades they should have the option of no homework. With the extra time reserved from the lack of homework, a child could spend it having family time with parents and siblings. This would benefit the relationship between children and their parents.
Some claim that without homework, children will start to fail their classes and lose their drive. They argue that homework has been fundamental for teaching children for generations. Why change a good thing? Though I concede that homework can be useful, I still insist it should only be used for children that need the extra help and practice.
My thinking: This paragraph is mainly deductive because I did it mostly from my own reasoning.
Source: The Pros of No Homework
- We should not have homework.
- It is proven that, in some cases, homework has no impact on grades or test scores.
Commentary 2- To me, it is only an unnecessary practice meant for children that need it. If a student makes good grades they should have the option of no homework. But if the student struggles homework would be good for grasping the concept.
Evidence (Concrete Details)
Commentary 1- With the extra time reserved from the lack of homework, a child could spend it having family time with parents and siblings. This would benefit the relationship between children and their parents.
Commentary 2- Lack of attendance has been often linked to children forgetting homework or an assignment that was due that day. But if they had no worries about this problem then they would be more willing to attend.
Opposing Claims:
- Some claim that without homework, children will start to fail their classes and lose their drive.
- They argue that homework has been fundamental for teaching children for generations. Why change a good thing?
- Though I concede that homework can be useful, I still insist it should only be used for children that need the extra help and practice.
We should not have homework. It is proven that, in some cases, homework has no impact on grades or test scores. That with no homework, children had a better attitude with school and were more willing to attend. Also, parents reported that they had less conflict with their children without homework. Having no homework would help children learn more, because without the stress of homework they're minds would be more focused. Also, home life would improve because there would be no conflict over, "Have you done your homework?" Within my school, I know many students that hardly even do there homework and still make good grades. To me, it is only an unnecessary practice meant for children that need it. If a student makes good grades they should have the option of no homework. With the extra time reserved from the lack of homework, a child could spend it having family time with parents and siblings. This would benefit the relationship between children and their parents.
Some claim that without homework, children will start to fail their classes and lose their drive. They argue that homework has been fundamental for teaching children for generations. Why change a good thing? Though I concede that homework can be useful, I still insist it should only be used for children that need the extra help and practice.
My thinking: This paragraph is mainly deductive because I did it mostly from my own reasoning.
Source: The Pros of No Homework
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