Thought Bubbles

Assignment 7

2011-08-14T21:57:00.000-07:00

Chapter 25 - Don't Read with Your Eyes

In this chapter Foster suggest that in order to truly appritiate a work of literature it may be necessary to " try to find a reading perspective that allows for sympathy with the historical moment of the story, that understands the text as having been written against its own social, historical, cultural, and personal background." In other words, take into consideration the social, political, and everyday aspects of the setting of the story. I have found this to be true a number of times. Like when reading the bible. The story of a woman touching the cloak of Jesus for healing from a bleeding problem didn't really strike me as an intense miracle, until I learned that women of that time would have to call out that they were "unclean" during their menstrual period. So not only was the woman suffering from an extremely painful condition, but also an extremely humiliating one. How horrible would that be? Knowing that bit of historical background made the intensity of that story in the book of Matthew really stand out to me, and bring new light that part of Jesus' ministry.

Chapter 26 - Is He Serious? And Other Ironies

Dear Mr. Foster, so you mean, despite showing us all kind of symbolism, and cool tricks of figuring out literature, that sometimes, it just happens because it happens, and irony is the only reason behind it? I could have guessed that myself. Irony can be used to keep a reader on his or her toes, or just because its fun. I like irony. I find the fact that both Romeo and Juliet both died to be quite entertaining, and, I'll admit, kind of satisfactory. That's what you get for being all dramatic, and falling in love long before you should. Ha! And the irony of their deaths does in fact add a richness to the tale, and although it could symbolize something deep and meaningful and life-changing, allowing the irony to be the only ingredient to the tragic, miserable ends to such vivacious youth, is exhilarating on its own. Bravo Shakespeare, Bravo.

Reading Assignment 6

2011-08-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

Chapter 19 - Geography Matters

I love geography in literature. And indeed it does have a lot to do with the plot, the emotional feel, and lots of other stuff. In Gone with the Wind, Tara is nestled in a beautiful river valley in Georgia, and is described as being "Savagely red land, blood-colored after rains, brick dust in droughts... " and having "sluggish yellow rivers... [the] brightest sun glare and densest shade." Margaret Mitchell continues to describe mysterious forests that try to creep back into the fields, as well as beautiful curving hills. In this brief description the feel of Scarlett's home is spelled out, as well as her character. Savage, but beautiful. Known to have the most intense emotions, but mysterious. Scarlett is still unknown to herself. LOVE IT!!!!

Chapter 20 - So Does Season

Alrighty! I think we'll apply this to Lord of the Rings, what'da'ya say? Specifically the first one, The Fellowship of the Ring. Towards the end of the book, the fellowship, minus old Gandalf, find themselves in an Elvish forest. In the fall. The tree trunks are silver, and the leaves are golden. Although this is just the beginning of the adventure, its nearly the end of the Fellowship. Gandalf is gone, Boromir soon to follow. Then Merry and Pippin get kidnapped, Frodo and Sam take off, Gandalf gets reunited with Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas, and ... well you get the idea. The fellowship ends, but the adventure continues into the dark damp of winter... and the creepiness of Mordor, complete with our favorite little creeper, Gollum.

Interlude! - One Story

An archetype is a format, or easy to follow guideline for story plots. Although archetypes are not always intentional, they happen a lot. Girl finds herself confronted with monster... then proceeds to fall in love with said monster. Lots and lots of books follow that archetype. And gosh is that one popular right now. (But don't be confused, archetypes aren't necessarily fads)

Chapter 21 - Marked for Greatness

I'm not a big fan of Harry Potter, in fact, I'm not a fan of him at all, so I'm gonna go with Quasimodo. 'Cause I like him. I haven't yet read Victor Hugo's Hunchback of Notre Dame. But I plan to. And I love the story. As much as Quasi's deformity effects the plot, and his character, and how he was raised, I think it also represents the deformity of the society at the time. Because Hugo just has a thing for that, plus, the rules of society, and the law of the land were both pretty messed up. Quasi has been told all his life that because of his back problems that he isn't good enough for the real world, that he's ugly, that he cant do much at all. And that being the case, his freedom, and his rebellion, have such a bigger impact, than, say, a kid who got a piercing just to tick of his mom. He stands up for all who are a little abnormal, like nerds, or weirdos, or anyone with a different set of beliefs. Yay Quasi!

Reading Assignment 5

2011-08-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

Chapter 16 - It's All About Sex

First off, I'd like to say that I am deeply disturbed. DEEPLY DISTURBED. Thank you Mrs. Weygandt. Ewwww.... When we read Brave New World last year, rhythmic beats, and odd dancing in circles took place of graphic, nasty, scenes. Ick. And there were also erotic movies, and yucky stuff like that. Oh, and small children being very much... robbed of their innocence. I strongly dislike that book, and this chapter, and I'm moving on now. Blah!

Chapter 18 - If She Comes Up, It's Baptism

The only literary work I could think of, besides the Bible, in which a person nearly drowned, or was dumped into the water, or whatever, was Anne of Green Gables (LOVE THAT BOOOK) and poor Anne was reenacting a scene from her favorite story, where she is to float down the river in a boat, as a beautiful dead maiden. Oh, dramatic Anne, how I do love you. And then, much to her displeasure, the boat springs a leak. Oh, no. She quickly grabs hold of a passing bridge, and waits to be rescued, only to discover her rescuer turns out to be none other then (gasp!) her arch enemy Gilbert Blyth (the rascal!). Anne enters into the water as an overly dramatic teenager, and reemerges a much wetter overly dramatic teenager with a new sense of humility. She's also opened her mind to the idea that Gilbert could maybe, possibly, however unlikely, but perhaps be... a good guy? Yeah. He is. And he's not too bad to look at either. But Anne is still determined to beat him academically, and that's NOT negotiable.

Reading Assignment 4

2011-08-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

Chapter 14 - Yes, She's a Christ Figure, Too

Aaaand we're back to Leota's Garden. The main character, Anne, seems to be a Christ figure, to a certain extent. Of course, Leota's Garden is a christian novel, therefore Christ is the ultimate Christ figure in it, but as far as the human character goes, Annie gets the award on this one.

1) Crucified... Well not exactly, although you could say she was emotionally crucified. And by her own mother, someone she cares about, and wants the best for. Nora, Annie's mother, continued to push her to be someone other then herself, and... well you'll have to read it. Basically, Nora treated Annie like dirt.

2) In agony... Emotional agony, you betcha. Annie is a burden bearer throughout the novel. She so wishes that the family would be reunited, that her mother would accept her as who she is, that her grandmother would be loved by the rest of the family again, that Sam would stop being so... romantic? The list goes on and on.

3) Self - Sacrificing... Well, she did give up schooling, her social life, and just about all freedom to take care of her grandmother, when she needed in-home-care that was too expensive to afford.

4) Good with children ... Yes, yes, and yes. The neighborhood kids are invited to a Halloween party at Leota's house, generously hosted by Annie, who tells them the story of Adam and Eve, as a horror story. How evil came into the world, what's more horrifying then that?

5) Good with loaves, fishes, water, wine... What about turkey? Annie makes a mean Thanksgiving Turkey. And Jesus was known for nurturing the body and the spirit through food, drink, and ministry. Thanksgiving meals are pretty nurturing, if you ask me.

6) 33 years of age... Nope, Annie is just 18. Surprising, right?

7) Employed as a carpenter... Nope, but Annie is an artist, and I think just about anyone who creates, or builds things falls into the artist category, so its similar, in a way.

8) Humble modes of transportation... Afraid not. Annie's dad bought her a Lexis, at least I think it was a Lexis. Not quite sure.

9) Walked on water... Nope.

10) Arms outstretched... Annie is very caring and open minded towards everyone, and is sure to welcome anyone. Outstretched.

11) Alone in the wilderness... Not really, no. She likes to garden though. Does that count?

12) Tempted by Devil... Anne was tempted by a great, but slightly miss lead fellow by the name of Sam. Poor Sam was shot down. Rejected.

13) In the company of thieves... Annie has befriended the residents of a bad neighborhood, its a stretch, but I think it counts.

14) Creator of parables... Not really, no.

15) Buried, but arose... Nope

16) Has disciples... Uhhh, not yet?

17) Very forgiving... EXTREMELY.

18) Came to redeem and unworthy world... Well she is set on reuniting her family, and helping them to become redeemed. And I don't think they deserve a bit of redemption. It's a good thing I'm not God.

Eleven out of Eighteen. Not bad, Annie, Not bad.

Reading Assignment 3

2011-08-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

Chapter 10 - It's More than Just Rain or Snow

In this chapter Foster talks a whole lot about Rain and how it can be interpreted differently, it can be used for sadness and misery. You know, the whole gloom and doom bit. It can also be restorative. Spring time, April showers, May flowers, baby animals, and fresh grass. He also covered the mystery of fog, and the cold bitterness of snow. He even covered rainbows. Yay! But he didn't exactly express the effect of sunshine, and the sunrise. This is weather too, is it not? At the very end of one of my favorite books, Leoat's Garden, the day is very sunny, warm, but not hot, with a slight breeze. At this point in the book things are looking hopeful, not perfect, but hopeful. Uncle George is still acting like an a - (ehem) butt. And Nora still has issues, but she's starting to see them now. Corban has realized there's more to life then money and success. Yes, the sun is shining, and life goes on. Despite that sadness and grief that has transpired over the past months. Another one of my favorites is Gone with the Wind. Shortly after arriving home to Tara from Atlanta, to find no food, sick sisters, a dead mother, and a deranged father, Scarlett summons up her inner strength as the sun rises, declaring that she will never be hungry again! How's that for drama? But all is hopeful because Scarlett is home, and is sure to put things to rights once again. Hurrah!

Reading Assignment 2

2011-08-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

In Chapter Five of How To Read Literature Like A Professor, the author reveals a new concept: Intertextuality, or, in my own words, the ever growing and changing relationship that exists between all works of literature, that creates a foundation for new works of literature to be built upon. This concept is apparent in many works of literature which allude to The Bible, often with Christ figures, and also fairy tales, using Prince Charmings, Damsels in Distress, and Evil Step Relations.

Chapter Six, Seven, and Eight reflect upon the various stories that book often allude to. Shakespearean tales, especially Romeo and Juliet are often Referenced. Biblical allusions find themselves in all kinds of books, and fairy tales are an easy reference for any kind of audience to grasp, not to mention fun, to use as building blocks. One book that I find has fairy tale reference is one of my personal favorites: Gone with the Wind. Our main character, Scarlett, can easily be turned into both a damsel in distress, as well as a princess. And our fetching Rhett, well he's obviously a Prince Charming, Knight in Shining Armor, Rescuer type. And indeed he does rescue Scarlett, from the horrible dragon known as the Union Army in a well known tower that we'll call Atlanta, Georgia. Or, perhaps, Rhett saves her from widowhood, the rules of society, and all other forms of propriety, and whisks her away to his Kingdom of wealth, finery, and... (gasp) scandal. And as much fun as that allusion is, I prefer to think of Scarlett as a Cinderella type. Although much braver, and with a lot more spunk. I haven't figured out exactly what her shoe is, but she's got a godmother, although not one of human form. In fact, its her own charm and quick thinking. Said wittiness was the reason behind her quick snatching of Mr. Frank Kennedy, entering her into the ball of Atlanta, rescuing her from the horrible taxation facing her back at Tara. Besides, I think Southern Belles of the era just had that Princess attitude, don't you?

How to Read Literature Like a Professor Reading Response Chapter 1 - 4

2011-08-04T19:54:00.000-07:00

Chapter 1 - Every Trip is a Quest (Except When It's Not)

Foster explains how a simple trip to fetch milk or bread from the market can be a metaphorical adventure of epic proportions, turning a simple errand into a quest to destroy the Ring of Power, or to discover the force. Which, although it seems far-fetched, does make sense to at least a small extent. Everything in life is a learning experience. I recently went to Wal-Mart for a very simple thing: food. At the end of my journey I had realized several things about myself. 1) Modern fashion scares the living daylights out of me. Why do we wear this junk? 2) I tend to talk to various goods when I don't feel they are placed in a convenient enough location for me. And 3) I'm really not the scariest person in the world, or even in Batesville. Kind of shocking. Although I must say, my favorite example of a quest, as portrayed by Foster, is that of Star Wars.

Quester: A classic youngling, adventurous, curious, and completely over his head with the whole force thing: Mr. Luke Skywalker.

A place to go: Well we're actually just going to drop of old Ben here at Ancorhead, so he can get a transport to wherever he's going. Become a Jedi? Pssh. Like that'll happen.

A stated reason to go there: Well Ben's been asked by this princess person to safely transport blue prints to Alderaan through a message in Uncle's R2 unit. Who knew?

Challenges and Trials: Well lets see: Storm troopers kill his Aunt and Uncle, Han Solo is being... well Han Solo. Chewy's in the Way. Darth Vadar wants to kill everybody. The Emperor builds a second Death Star, and the darned bounty hunter hired by Jabba wont go away! How's that for trials?

The Real Reason to Go: To discover the ways of the force, reunite the family, continue on the jedi tradition, and ultimately save the universe. Not too bad for a mushroom farmer, huh?

Good job, Luke old buddy.

Chapter 2 - Nice to Eat with You: Acts of Communion

In this chapter, Foster covers the importance of communion, or the act of eating with another/others. And how these meals really take place because of an ulterior motive of either a main character, or the author. In one of my favorite books of all time, Leota's Garden, there are a lot of meals eaten as a group event. Anne and Leota eat together to show that despite nearly a lifetime of separation, they love and hope to build a closer relationship. Sam treats Anne to take out as his way of saying "I love you! Give me a chance!" Of course, Anne is a smart girl and rejects Sam's attempted advancements. Poor Sam. Foster also covers how these meals can easily go awry. As the thanksgiving meal Anne put together as an attempt to reconcile her broken family... however, Anne's mother, Nora, secretly throws away the leftovers when she does the dishes. Ohhhhh the evil! These meals can also be a device used by the author to invite the reader into the story, possibly by describing delicious, scrumptious, mouth-watering, and over-all yummy food. In Redwall the author also uses said descriptions to give an air of joy and festivity to the Abby.

Chapter 3 - Nice to Eat You: Acts of Vampires

First I'd like to point out the extreme enjoyment I received from the word doppelgängers. What a fun word! The use of vampires as metaphoric social monsters makes extreme sense to me. Also the idea that anybody and anything that drains energy and lifeblood out of someone is a vampire or ghost or whatever also makes a lot of sense. My mom has a book called Spiritual Vampires... about people who drain you spiritual and emotionally. These people show up in real life as well as literature. In Leota's Garden, Anne's mother Nora goes above and beyond the qualifications necessary to be qualified as vampire. Geesh. I personally think we face vampires in disguise everyday. Vampires in disguise include (but are not limited to) manipulators, over-protectors, and credit card debt. They are EVERYWHERE!!!

Chapter 4 - If It's Square, It's a Sonnet

...And if it's poetry, its likely to be confusing. I loved the poem Foster used as a reference, and I'm so very glad he broke it down for me, I would've taken forever to figure all that out, despite the fact that it's really quite simple. Poetry is such a beautiful art. And I'd really like some help with mine. Yep.

The Status of Teachers

2011-04-01T06:26:00.000-07:00

One of the main reasons that teachers are so low on the social ladder, is because they're aren't viewed as accomplished. The improvement of the education necessary to become a teacher will lead to the improvement of teacher status. According to Kati Haycock, the president of the Education Trust program, a considerable amount of research has revealed that "college teacher education programs do not, on average, produce graduates who are any more effective than teachers who have had only a few weeks of pre-service training." The fact that college training for teachers is at equal value of that of a program meant to quickly prepare someone to be able to basic duties. In previous years, teaching was held to so high a degree, that people seeking a career in teaching could go to a school designed specifically for them, where they could learned with like minded individuals... A teaching school. My grandmother graduated from one of these, UCA to be exact, which along with Lyon College, and a couple of others, started out as colleges for the career of teaching. Currently, a teaching certificate is just another thing you can add on to your major as a back up plan. You might ask if a college created for a specific purpose such as teaching is actually more adequate for the job then a program within a multi-major college. Although many multi-major colleges, are specialists in more then one career field, it may be more beneficial to spend a large amount of time on the improvement of schooling for teachers rather then splitting efforts among many projects. In order for the teaching to be considered an actual career, and for the status of teachers to be respected, the education of teachers must be enhanced. But there are those who say

The Great Gatsby: Last Page Review - Rough Draft

2011-03-16T06:40:00.000-07:00

Scott Fitzgerald's melancholy lamentations portray his captious view of the human race in their struggle for improvement, or advancement in society. In the passage he is "brooding" over the past, during the bone-chilling winter during "obscurity" of night. His diction paints his surroundings as gloomy, and so lonely that its almost overwhelming. The houses begin "to melt away" and everything around him is "shadowy," making it the perfect place to allow hopelessness to consume the soul. He describes the discovery of the New World, long island a "fresh, green breast," a beautiful part of the female nation as he saw it. She is "fresh", and "green", untainted and unsoiled, pure and nonsexual. A great contrast to the sexuality of the 1920's. In contrast the future that Gatsby struggles so hard to reach is "orgastic," a sexual beast: A sinful creature that should be avoided at all costs. Fitzgerald's extended metaphor continues, as he creates a river of time, one that the human race struggles against "ceaselessly" and to no purpose. Humans become "boats against the current," as time drags them back into the past of simple joys, pure pleasures, and happiness in relationship. The bliss we seek in alcohol, and new fads has "eluded" the human race, and faded into the darkness, just as "the inessential houses began to melt away" into the night. Still, as Fitzgerald has so profoundly noted, "we beat on... borne back ceaselessly into the past."

'My Wood' Response

2011-03-14T07:26:00.000-07:00

I agree with the author of My Wood, although I do feel that he does seem to exaggerate the impact of consumerism. Sure, consummerism is a growing problem, but I don't feel that people who buy a lot of... well stuff, will be thrown into the pits of hell. Yes, consummerism does need to be addressed, but lets not be so judgemental.

Slaves To Our Stuff

2011-02-28T07:08:00.000-08:00

In many places around the world, but mainly, or course, America, consumerism is at an all time high (even with the recession, we still be more then most other countries in the world) and it has begun to take a tole on society. Ivan Illich says that "in a consumer society there are inevitably two kinds of slaves: the prisoners of addiction and the prisoners of envy." I personally agree with him. If we are not addicted to shopping, and buying, and owning....stuff, then we are constantly comparing our stuff to the stuff of others. Their shoes, their coats, their hair and how they've died it, their fake nails, and their backpacks. We fail in comparison to "they" and shoot out hatred and jealousy from every pore, aiming our discontent toward the "they"s that have more then us. Our stuff has consumed us, and has motivated us, to the point that we have become brainwashed, slaves to the stuff that rules society.

Twelve-Sentence Short Story : The Power Struggle

2010-12-16T08:05:00.000-08:00

Ping perched upon the speaker, his orange fur glistening in the light, his tail flicking contentedly, his green eyes glowing with his mischievous plot. He was a young cat: only two years old. But he was spoiled, pampered by a four year old girl who had a love for kitties. He heard footsteps, from the hall, through the room, below his tall sanctuary. He was there. Perfect.

He had that scowl on his brow, and there was that grimace in his step, oh, that throbbing in his veins, and there, there was that anger in his eyes. He wasn't happy, he was upset; he wasn't upset, he was angry; he wasn't angry, he was furious.

From Dad's speakers, the cat smiled down at him. Why so annoyed, Shawn?

He had payed for those speakers, so they were his speakers, so they shouldn't be climbed on, so they shouldn't have claw marks all over them, so he shouldn't have to pay to get them repaired.

With all his sneaky intentions, and all his acrobatic abilities, just to torture poor Shawn, in order to provoke him to color changing wrath, for the amusement caused by this particular human's ill-temper, the cat had intentionally climbed the stereo speakers.

thINK # 2: The classics, evolved?

2010-12-10T05:54:00.000-08:00

Let's face it. It's gotten out of hand. The wonderful stories of Dracula and Frankenstein have evolved to glittery vampires, and evil mutts (Hunger-games). What happened to the misunderstood science experiment? This comic made by Humon expresses how the evolution of such stories has effected the mindset of girls and women. The original stories seemed to have some moral to them, even if it was just that 'If you play with fire, you're going to get burned.' The newer novels involving mythological creatures, such as the twilight series, tell girls to give in to idiotic desires, and not to think about the consequences. They've been robbed of their logic, not just their money and time. In recent years the trend has gone from vampires, to Greek gods, and now to zombies. Don't get me wrong, I love zombies - mindless, emotionless disease spreading, rotting corpses with a preference to human brains... what's not to love? - but really, whats next? unicorns? The classic books filled with morals have no morals left, and make an even bigger impact on young girls and teenagers. I too was a victim of the twilight series, and read 3 of the books before realizing the stupidity of the plot, and the lack of self control, and inner strength within the main character. The characteristics that I value so much have been poisoned, and mutated into characteristics I find appalling.

America Needs its Nerds by Leonid Fridman

2010-11-20T08:25:00.000-08:00

In America Needs its Nerds, Leonid Fridman uses vivid diction and powerful syntax, to express his disgust with the injustice of the treatment of "the intellectually curious and academically serious." His essay is a call to all of America: to it's typical anti-intellectualists, and to its humiliated nerds, calling them both to change their ways.

At the beginning of his essay, Fridman uses words that enforce the contrast of the nerds of reality, and how nerds are viewed in America. He explains that nerds are "ostracized" and are called "derogatory terms." According to Fridman, nerds have been treated as "social outcasts" for so long that they have become "ashamed" and "deprived" and even in the midst of encouragement, like the "prestigious academic institution" of Harvard, few feel comfortable to "pursue knowledge." Then, Fridman shifts. "Enough is enough." Before the shift, the author is simply analyzing the injustice of American culture almost scientifically, and bringing in a definition from Webster's New World Dictionary as a form of ethos. After the shift, his emotions begin to appear. He first calls to the nerds themselves, asking ordering them with the word "must" and telling them to "stop being ashamed." His words become inspiring to them, like a motivational speech from a coach before a game, or a general to his troops before a battle. He summarizes the other army. They are " persecutors" who have "haunted" them, and "pervade our society." He then attacks America itself, by comparing it to other countries. He then assaults the reader, by asking them how they can reasonably "expect" to be great when we shame our nerds and "emphasize social skills and physical prowess over academic achievement." In his last sentences, the author forces us to take a side in the war for nerds.

Fridman uses three extremely effective forms of syntax. He often balances out his sentences, which is great for the many comparisons he makes. In the first paragraph he uses conjunctions and words that balance each other to enforce his descriptions of smarter people in society. and on each side of the conjunctions, the words balance each other out. "nerd and geek" and "intellectually curious and academically serious." He uses this technique numerous times throughout the passage: "learn adequate social skills and acquire good communication tools," "of their daughter studying mathematics instead of going dancing, or of their son reading Weber while his friends play baseball." Even the most important sentence in the entire passage is balanced: "Enough is enough." His use of chiasmus, greatly strengthens the impact of the entire essay. The sentence "Enough is enough." is more then just an addition to the chiasmus in the essay. It is also one of the only simple sentence structures in the entire passage. It is also it's own paragraph. It is to the point, and foreshadows the main point: that it is time to stand against the social views of modern America. The third importance in syntax of the essay, is the paragraph consisting of questions. The last paragraph contains only rhetorical questions, made to make the reader think, and come to a conclusion, a side in the war for nerds. All of the chiasmus, and rhetorical questions, as well as the lone sentence in the middle of the passage, are meant to recruit soldiers to fight for intellectualism.

Leonid Fridman recognizes the social order relating to nerds as a enemy of battle, and uses intense words, and intriguing sentences to express this belief. But even more so, he uses these to recruit warriors for his war. He recognizes nerds as the future of America, and uses all his literary resources to protect them.

thINK: Helen Keller

2010-11-14T15:13:00.000-08:00

Helen Keller is one of my personal role models, and while surfing the web, I found one of her quotes:

"Death is no more then passing from one room to another. But there's a difference for me, you

know. Because in that other room I shall be able to see."

I think this quote says a lot about Helen Keller as a person. She wasn't afraid of death, or even worried about it. She almost seems to welcome it, because she believes that she will regain her sight in the after life. Helen Keller was an extremely influential person. She was blind, and deaf, but also one of the first women activists. Despite her disabilities, she was able to reach out to the world, and express her beliefs. And more then anything else, Keller represented hope, as shown in another on of her quotes:

"All the world is full of suffering. It is also full of overcoming."

Regardless of all of her sufferings, Keller was the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Art's Degree, and wrote several different books and essays, including The Frost King, The Story of My Life, Out of the Dark, The World I Live In, and My Religion, which was reissued as Light In My Darkness. Keller spoke out for political issues, such as Women's Rights, and Socialism. Although I do not agree with all of Keller's political views, I am amazed that she could accomplish so much in her life, and never gave up. Her courage, and spirit will forever be inspiring for me.

Books, books, and more books.

2010-10-21T16:27:00.001-07:00

This previous nine weeks I've read Gone with the Wind, The Hunter Games Trilogy, and of course, Brave New World. But this next nine weeks I'd really like to read Jesus Freaks, which is about the lives of some seriously dedicated Christians, and should be extremely inspirational. I'd also like to read the Lord of the Ring series, because the movies were awesome, and it is also based on Christianity. It was suggested that I read the Wrinkle in Time series, and I remember reading it a really long time ago, and thinking it was pretty good. My friend Emily says there are some Christian themes apparent in that series as well. Picking up on a pattern? I'd also like to read The Hunt for Red October, partially because the movie was amazing, and also because it covers an important part in America's history. I'm currently reading Seabuscuit, and if I can find a book on Secretariat, I'd like to read that as well. I probably wont be able to read all of these books this nine-weeks, but stretch it out over the rest of the year. And if I get the chance, I'd like to reread Mark of the Lion Trilogy by Francine Rivers.

Independent Reading Reflection

2010-10-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

The first nine weeks I didn't read as regularly as I should have, and read three of the books (The Hunger Game Trilogy) in one week, and read Gone with the Wind over 2 weeks during the last part of the summer. I plan on improving on reading regularly by reading each night, for about 30 minutes, before I go to sleep each night. I read often, during short periods of time. I try to read into the text, and ussually make connections to modern day political issues. Although, I didn't use my Reading Journal helped me to organize my thoughts, and connections, but didn't help me to think more deeply. Next nine weeks I plan on reading Seabiscuit, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, and if I can find a book on Secretariat, I plan on reading that too. I would also like to read Jesus Freak, if I can get my hands on it. If I have time I would like to reread The Mark of the Lion Trilogy by Francine Rivers.

2nd Quarter Annotated Reading List...

2010-10-19T06:13:00.000-07:00

L'Engle, Madeleine. A Swiftly Tilting Planet. New York: Square Fish/Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1978. Print. (320 pages)

"It's the end of the world as we know it!" In this Wrinkle In Time book, Charles Wallace is put up against an impossible enemy: Nuclear War. In order to prevent nuclear war, Charles must travel back in time to change a "might have been" and ultimately change the fate of the world. Charles learns that we are placed where we are meant to be, and not necessarily where we think we should be, or where we want to be. And beyond that he finds that there is so much more to a situation then meets the eye. With the help of a time-traveling unicorn, his sister Meg, and even the wind, Charles unlocks the secret to saving the day.

More then anything, L'Engle captures how the impact of small decisions can spread far and wide and effect not only all of earth, but all of the universe as well. In A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Charles is sent back in time to see how the family line of a foreign leader can change the world, and the choice between two brothers can effect the universe. The author was able to create a diverse and complex family tree, and weave the plot throughout it, with surprising twists. Although slightly confusing, this intense family tree make the book even more interesting then imagined.

L'Engle, Madeleine. A Wind in the Door. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1973. Print. (256 pages)

In A Wind in the Door, the previously large scale of A Wrinkle In Time was so large that it was almost unfathomable is reversed. Our main characters find themselves with in Mitochondria, microscopic organisms within Charles Wallace. In order to save him Meg, Clavin, and a cherubim named Proginoskis, and even with Meg's hated elementary school Principle, Mr. Jenkins. Meg discovers that love is not limited to the people we like, and that it's important to love everyone, even if it's hard.

One of the amazing things about this book in the Wrinkle In Time Series is that the author acknowledges the super natural abilities of animals. The twins, Sandy and Dennys, have a pet snake who is able to tell the evil demon-creatures known as echthroi, from the real people. The doctor that the snake is named after also admits to having a snake that could determine whether or not a person was trustworthy. This theme is also represented in A Swiftly Tilting Planet, when a golden retriever mix helps Meg to Kythe (a form of communication similar to telepathy) with Charles Wallace as he travels through time.

L'Engle, Madeleine. A Wrinkle in Time. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1962. Print. (211 pages)

The first book to the Time Quintet, this book opens the way for all the other books as Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, and a new friend, Calvin, travel the galaxy with three mysterious... beings to save their father. Meg's father had previously being experimenting with something called a tesseract, a form of transportation that skips through space and time. The three moral characters begin to tesser with the three imortal characters: Mrs. Who, Mrs. Which, and Mrs. Whatsit. First they find themselves in a strange land to see what they're up against, a dark evil shadow, that transforms planets into dark, joyless rocks, where the inhabits are often brain washed or controlled by evil. When they finally reach the evil planet where thier father is being held captive, the are forced to loose Charles Wallace, while saving Meg's father. In the end, it's all up to Meg, and she only has one weapon left... If she can discover what it is.

Most book series seem to begin smaller and gradually grow bigger in scale as they come closer to the grand finale. L'Engle has reversed this usual practice and began in the biggest way she can, transporting characters through space and time, across galaxies, and through impossible feats. One of the main characters, Mrs. Whatsit, is a former star, who was forced to give up her life to save her system, and become a new form. What the reader can barely struggle to comprehend is described beautifully by the author. Charles Wallace, a small for his age, and seemingly dumb child, reveals himself as intelligent beyond human intellect, with possession of a knowing beyond scientific recognition. The scale of almost every aspect of the book is enormous beyond human imagination.

Socratic Seminar Reflection

2010-10-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

During our class's Socratic Seminar, I had question 2, which reflected upon the conversation between John the savage, and Mr. Mond, and question 7 which reflected on the reality of Huxley's Brave New World, based on how society is now.

One of the things that interested me is that I learned a lot from listening to others Socratic Seminar, as well as my own. The group from question 3, brought in to account how Huxley felt about Henry Ford, and questioned whether he looked up to Ford, or blamed Ford for many of societies problems. This was something I had never thought about, before listening to this groups conversation. By talking with others about the book, and the ideas behind it, I was able to better understand the human element behind the book, and how Aldous Huxley presented his ideas through it.

I thoroughly enjoyed question 7, because I could relate Brave New World to present day circumstances, and was able to bring in a lot of outside sources, such as a communique from BRIC, and an article on stem-cell research. I felt I did considerably well. Question 2 I felt was slightly more difficult, because I was forced to step into two different characters shoes, in attempt to understand their brain and subconscious. If I could do the Socratic seminar differently, I would have studied the passage for question 2 more, and would've brought in more examples from the text for question 7. I discovered that I enjoy talking, and can communicate ideas with relative ease, and use my hands a lot during conversation. I really enjoyed how the Socratic Seminar was set up, but I think that have a conversation consisting of me and just someone else, would make it much easier to communicate, and wouldn't leave anyone without anything to say.

Annotated Reading List for Independent Reading

2010-10-10T18:54:00.000-07:00

Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. New York: Scholastic, 2008. Print. (374 pgs)

In The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins portrays and teenage girl named Katniss Everdeen, who is sent into a corrupt government's way of controlling the nation's districts. She is meant to fend for herself against Mother Nature's wilderness, engineered and twisted by gamemakers to be twice as deadly, and, to top it off, protect herself from other teenagers, who were forced to represent the other eleven districts. Not only does Katniss face death, but also emotional upheaval, caused by the male participant from her district: Peeta. Peeta is what all girls dread: That guy who claims to love you, who you can't help liking yourself. Although the plot was good, and fairly original, the mushy side of the story made the actions sequences seem sadly watered-down. Peeta is an extremely simple character, who, while adding to the plot, added little to the imagination.

Collins, Suzanne. Catching Fire. New York: Scholastic, 2009. Print. (391pgs)

Katniss is back, and after having won the hunger games, and saving her co-winner Peeta. Unknowingly, Katniss has stirred up some pretty rebellious feelings around the districts. Now she must prove her non-existent love for Peeta, in order to survive. To top it all off, she is forced to return to the arena. Again her wits and will to survive are tested. And so are her emotions.This time, the arena she's thrown into is completely unlike her home. She is forced to survive in a beech like environment, with tropical woods, booby-trapped with all forms of deadly snares. Collin does a relatively good job of explaining Katniss's surrounding, although she does not paint them as well as many authors are able to.

Collins, Suzanne. Mockingjay. New York: Scholastic, 2010. Print. (288pgs)

Katniss is FINALLY out of the arena for good... But life is still extremely difficult. Especially when she finds out that her home, District 12, has been almost completely destroyed. She is rescued, and then recruited to be the face of a rebellion she barely knew existed. Everything she stands for is tested, and she finds herself questioning the values that have held her together. She faces enemies who, can not only kill her with violence, but also with politics and words. For the first half of Mockingjay, the Collins' style is energetic, and pumped, rebellious, and encouraging. Toward the end of the novel, the town shifts into a much more serene quality. Everything has changed, and life itself seems to have fallen apart. There is a quietness, almost a fragile silence. The town becomes almost depressing, despite the changes that should seem positive. The book ends with a solemn view on life.

Mitchell, Margaret. Gone with the Wind. [New York]: Avon, 1973. Print. (1037 pgs.)

Scarlett O'Hara is a sly, and foxy young lady who reaches adulthood just as the civil war begins. Foolish and lovestruck, she chases after Ashely Wilkes, who is betrothed to Melany Hamilton, and makes many idiotic choices concerning the two. The Civil War takes hold of Scarlett's home, stealing places, people, and things she loves. In an effort to survive Scarlett becomes a strong, determined woman who handles the world in a unique, and sometimes immoral way. She continues to battle for what she finds important, while running from fears, until forced to confront what has been eating away at her subconscious for years.

In her novel, Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell expresses ideas in a way that captures the reader, and holds there attention. Her style is unbiased, yet sarcastic to the foolishness of society in general. Mitchell had an extraordinary way of understanding what truly makes people tick, and how the differences in people can cause truly interesting reactions to the situations life gives us. Enforced by tons of research and facts of the civil war, Mitchell reminds us of basic human nature, in a touching, and intriguing story of a girl changing into a woman. Gone with the Wind expresses determination and victory despite all odds.

A Whole New Mind: Abundance

2010-09-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

Dan Pink's sarcastic reply to the wastefulness of Americans in the passage "Abundance" from his book, A Whole New Mind, thoroughly explains how the abundance created by our great-grandparents has caused Americans to search for purpose and meaning through aesthetic and spiritual means. Pink reveals a new light to this country's wastefulness by using captivating statistics that shame stuff-loving teenagers, like myself. To top it off, Pink uses diction that truthfully describes the surprising size of aesthetic industry.

Pink reveals the extent of greed in America by explaining how "Self-storage - a business devoted to providing people a place to house their extra stuff - has become a $17 billion annual industry," a larger industry then the movie business. Now think about how many times you head out to the movie theater a month, how many movies are stacked next to your TV, how much you spend on your entertainment. A lot. The fact that Americans spend more money on storage containers proves that Americans have more abundance then we know what to do with, and how we've become so accustomed to it that it holds no personal value to us.

In a "shopping excursion" Pink and his wife were able to choose from "Mossimo designer tops and sweaters, Merona blazers, Isacc Mizrahi jackets, and Liz Lange designer maternity wear." His kids had about the same. Pink emphasizes the fact that almost everything you buy at the local store is a designer product. He again emphasizes this by saying that world famous designers such as "titans" Karim Rashid and Philippe Starck, "design all manner of goods." The word titans paints a vivid picture of famous Greek heroes, and undefeatable large mythological creatures, whose impact is more far reaching then can be described. The abundance of stuff, led to a thirst for aesthetically pleasing stuff. And the abundance of aesthetically pleasing stuff, has led to a search for purpose in things like yoga, and meditation.

"The pursuit of purpose and meaning has become an integral part of our lives" just about sums up the reason for the passage "Abundance." We, Americans, have become so accustomed to abundance that we can no longer be happy with what we have. Dan Pink carefully explains this through humorous diction, literary devices, and astonishing statistics.

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos...

2010-08-26T17:46:00.000-07:00

The add to the right most definitely has all three of Aristotle's three persuasive appeals. This includes ethos, the appeal to ethics, and credibility; pathos, the appeal to emotion; and logos, the appeal to logic, by using statistics and facts.

This Peta Save The Seals add uses ethos by using a celebrity. Steve-O is a very well known celebrity who is usually laid back and easy-going. But his hard expression screams that he has something worth fighting for. If even Steve-O is angry about this, then it must be something for me to be angry about too, right?

Steve-O also shows pathos in this add. Obviously his hard expression shows that it's time to go into battle for the unfortunate baby seals, and his macho pose contrasts with the adorable drawing of a baby seal on his shirt, as well as his personality. And for someone who didn't know, or recognize Steve-O, would get the impression of him being a tough guy, with tattoos, muscles, and an almost heroic facial expression. Which goes to show that you can be a tough guy and still care for the baby seals. All at once, this add stirs anger, as well as pity, and the inevitable reaction of "Awwwwww!" Pathos is also apparent in the writing in the top left corner. Words like "babies", "massacre", "cruel", and "slaughter" stir up some pretty impressive emotions.

Although logos doesn't make nearly as much of an appearance as pathos, it still gets it's five minutes of fame. In the top left corner it states that, "Each year, tens of thousands of seals, many of whom are still babies, are massacred." The terms "each year" and "tens of thousands" appeal to logos. Wow. That many seals in so little time. Logically speaking, if something isn't done now, we'll loose all our seals. And nobody wants that.

With these three persuasive techniques, this add makes reader ready to take arms against the cruel Canadian sport. Just as Aristotle said, ethos, pathos, and logos, all put together, can make a really convincing argument.

thINK Journal #3: Bull Shark

2010-08-05T12:32:00.001-07:00

For my third, shark-inspired journal entry, I give you the Bull Shark. The Bull shark is considered the third most dangerous shark, behind the Great White (first place), and the Tiger Shark (second place), for a number of reasons.

According to HowStuffWorks.com, Bull Sharks can adapt to fresh water and have even been known to swim up the Mississippi River. One was even reported as far up the Mississippi as Illinois. It has also been found 2,200 miles up the Amazon River. Bulls often found in lakes as well as rivers, so be careful where you swim. The Bull Shark is one of the two species of shark that can swim in the fresh water, the other being the River Shark.

According to the Florida Museum of Natural History: Ichthyology Department, Bull Sharks prefer to live in shallow, coastal waters. But they are found in warm waters all over the world. Although they are often found in fresh waters, it is very unlikely that their entire life cycle would take place in such an environment, although scientists believe Bull Sharks can breed in fresh water.

A Bull Shark primarily eats fish, and smaller sharks, and humans rarely enter their diet. Like the Hammerhead Shark, the Bull enjoys the occasional Sting Ray, and has also been known to eat young sharks of their own species. Oddly enough Bull Sharks also enjoy Sea Turtles, Sea Gulls, Dolphins, and Squid. The Bull Shark will appear slow, and rather clumsy, but appearances can be deceiving. When hunting the Bull Shark will turn quick and extremely agile.

The Bull Shark is similar to the Hammerhead in more ways then one. The Bull Shark also gives birth to live young, but doesn't have near as many pups as the Hammerhead. Bulls can give birth to about 13 pups, who stay with their mother for 10-11 months after they're born.

At birth the Bull Shark is little more then 2 feet long, but they soon grow, and can get up to 11 feet long, weighing 500 lbs.

Although the Bull Shark isn't as dangerous as the Great White, or Tiger Shark, it's important to watch out for them, even in local rivers. In order to avoid them try not to swim where rivers open up into gulfs or oceans, because they are very common there. Don't swim near schools of fish, because the attract larger predators. And obviously, don't try to be Steve Irwin.

thINK Journal #2: Hammerheads.

2010-08-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

As a continuation of my last post, I give you an oddly shaped shark: The Hammerhead. Unlike the Great White, who is implicated in 32.7% of all shark attacks, and the Tiger Shark, who is implicated in 14% of all shark attacks, the Hammerhead Shark is implicated in 0.7% of all shark attacks, according to the International Shark Attack File.

Hammerhead Sharks are commonly known because of their appearance. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as "any of a family (sphyrnidae) of active voracious medium-sized sharks that have eyes at the ends of lateral extension of the flattened head" This means that they are a shark that eats a lot, and who's eyes are placed in a rather intriguing position. Check out this Hammerhead on the right. Ugly isn't he?

Hammerheads eat smaller fish, octopus, squid, crustaceans, and even sting rays, which it pins to the ocean floor using its wide head. According to National Geographic, The Great Hammerhead Shark can grow to be 20 ft in length, and weigh over 1,000 lbs. Although most Hammerheads are rather small, the Great Hammerhead is among the top nine largest identified species of shark. Unlike a pet goldfish, who's lucky to live two weeks, the Hammerhead can live to be 30 years old, and spend their lives in both temperate and tropical waters, traveling in large groups, or schools.

Although the Hammerhead is a fish, babies are fed placenta, and are born, rather then hatched. Hammerheads are viviparous, which means that the eggs hatch inside the female's body, and that Hammerheads give birth to live young. Hammerheads can have anywhere from 13 to 42 babies, or pups, per litter. But despite the fact that Hammerheads have many pups, their population is declining. According to the MarineBio organization, "hammerheads are a bycatch species of tropical longline and drift net fisheries with highly valued fins". Hammerhead meat is also sold for human consumption, and can be bough fresh, frozen, dried, or smoked.

According to the Shark Foundation, Sharks existed 400 million years ago and have sense evolved into the species they are now. Hammerhead Sharks have evolved to have their current head structure which allows them 360° vision and greater stereo vision, or depth perception.

Hammerheads aren't rare, but are always interesting, and cool to see. Have fun watching SHARK WEEK, and remember: Fish are friends. Not food.

thINK Journal #1: HAPPY SHARK WEEK!!!!

2010-08-03T18:45:00.000-07:00

Yup, its that time of year again: Shark Week.

Shark week premiered August 1st, on Discovery Channel.

After watching a couple of shows on Shark Attacks, I began to wonder what causes shark attacks.

According to the Australian Shark Attack Files, there have only been 53 shark attacks off the coast of Australia in the last 50 years.

Here's a look at the number of shark attacks in the United States over the past decade according to the International Shark Attack File:

In 1999 there were 37 shark attacks, none of them fatal.

In 2000 there were 53 shark attacks, only 1 of them fatal. In 2001, there were 50 shark attacks, 3 of them fatal.

In 2002 there were 47 attacks, none of them fatal.

In 2003 there were 40 shark attacks, with 1 fatality.

In 2004, there were 30 attacks, 2 fatal.

In 2005 there were 40 shark attacks with 1 fatality.

In 2006 there were 39 attacks, with no fatalities,

And in 2007 there were 50 shark attacks, again with no fatalities.

In 2008 there were 41 attacks, one fatal,

And finally in 2009 there were only 28 attacks with no fatalities.

According to the Florida Museum of Natural History: Ichthyology Department, You are more likely to be struck by lightning then to be attacked by a shark. The average number per year of deaths by lightning strikes is 38.6, where as the average shark attack per year is only 18.7. And the average death by shark attack is even lower: o.5 per year.

The primary reason sharks attack humans is because they mistake us for their prey. Our splashing around on the surface looks like panicked fish, and surfers floating on the surface on their boards resemble sea lions, part of the diet of a shark.

The two sharks that most commonly attack are the Great White: Shown in the picture above, and the Tiger Shark, to the left.

The Great White terrorises the temperate waters while the Tiger Shark hunts in the tropical waters. Despite how dangerous they seem to us, we are so much more dangerous to them. According to National Geographic 38 million sharks are killed per year.

If you can't tune in to Shark Week on your TV, you can check out all the bloody fun at Discovery Channel.com. So go get some popcorn, and prepare for the JAWS theme song. And remember: Fish are Friends. Not Food!

My Six-Word Stories

2010-06-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody!!!

My first assignment of the year: Create 3 six-word stories, and take pictures to accompany them. One must describe you as a reader:

Wormy left her apple. For a book.

One must describe you as a writer:

Essay... How long is this thing?

And one must describe you:

Painting a self-portrait entitled "Crazy Me."

Tah Dah!!!

Because it's a new school year, with a new teacher, and a new classroom, with new things to learn, I decided it'd be a good idea to give the blog a new look, what-a-ya think?