Reading details:
The Hobbit 27 min The Racketeer 45 min
Beowulf 34 min LOTF 35 min Literary Analysis 10 min
(I may be forgetting some)
The Racketeer
The Enchantress
The Hobbit
Beowulf The Ring of Sky
The Last Guardian
Naruto
Something that I realized is a big part of my reading is the fact that I pretty much exclusively read fiction. Specifically science fiction and fantasy mostly. I guess I do this because, to me, fiction can become infinitely more interesting than non-fiction, simply because it is not limited by things such as truth or reality. Also, I like to reread things that I haven't read in a while. For instance, The Hobbit and Beowulf are both re-reads from 4th and 5th grade, respectively. I find that it's nice to revisit things that I might not remember, then be like "Oh yeah! I remember this now!" It feels good to do that.
One goal that I am going to set for myself is to read at least one non-fiction book next semester. I don't care what it's about, but it has to be non-fiction. I am going to try really hard to fulfill this goal, because traditionally, I've liked few non-fiction books that I start. But, I'll at least make a hard attempt.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Reading Focus Update
Well... things haven't been looking good for Piggy for a while. I mean, aside from the whole "dying" thing.
For one thing, his glasses got stolen. His distress is apparent on page 168: "I know. They didn't come for the conch. They came for something else. Ralph - what am I going to do?" His glasses were, really, the only thing that made him useful, in a practical sense. Also, he comes across as being kind of a jerk after Simon dies, on page 157: "...he hadn't no business crawling like that out of the dark. He was batty. He asked for it." I know he was trying to make Ralph feel better, but... jeez.
Then, there's the "falling-off-a-cliff" thing. It happens on page 181: "The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee... Piggy fell forty feet and landed on his back across the square red rock in the sea. His head opened and stuff came out and turned red." He was basically thrown off a small mountain, with his brain matter oozing everywhere as he lay in a crumpled heap on the edge of the ocean. It's a pretty gruesome death if you ask me.
For one thing, his glasses got stolen. His distress is apparent on page 168: "I know. They didn't come for the conch. They came for something else. Ralph - what am I going to do?" His glasses were, really, the only thing that made him useful, in a practical sense. Also, he comes across as being kind of a jerk after Simon dies, on page 157: "...he hadn't no business crawling like that out of the dark. He was batty. He asked for it." I know he was trying to make Ralph feel better, but... jeez.
Then, there's the "falling-off-a-cliff" thing. It happens on page 181: "The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee... Piggy fell forty feet and landed on his back across the square red rock in the sea. His head opened and stuff came out and turned red." He was basically thrown off a small mountain, with his brain matter oozing everywhere as he lay in a crumpled heap on the edge of the ocean. It's a pretty gruesome death if you ask me.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Reading Times
The Hobbit 11/29/12 28 min
LOTF 11/27/12 30 min --- 11/30/12 30 min --- 12/1/12 30 min
The Racketeer 11/28/12 30 min
Naruto 11/28/12 7 min
LOTF 11/27/12 30 min --- 11/30/12 30 min --- 12/1/12 30 min
The Racketeer 11/28/12 30 min
Naruto 11/28/12 7 min
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Reading Focus -- Piggy
During LOTF, I have been following the activities of Piggy, one of the main characters of the story. Where we are the story, almost everyone hates Piggy because he is overweight, has curly hair and that somehow makes him an outcast. The only person who has shown compassion towards Piggy recently are Ralph and Simon. Ralph stood up for Piggy when Jack was tormenting him and Simon gave him some of the pig to eat.
I do not know why everyone shuts out Piggy. He is the smartest one out of the group and is by far their best chance for figuring out how to survive. The way that Piggy's situation appears is that everyone makes fun of him and otherwise doesn't talk to him. Nothing has really changed over the course of the book thus far except for the previously mentioned kindness shown by Ralph and Simon.
It could that Piggy was put in the story by the author to show that people, left to their own devices, will cause harm to themselves and others. Piggy is the primary victim of all of this. All high school students feel like this at one point or another.
I do not know why everyone shuts out Piggy. He is the smartest one out of the group and is by far their best chance for figuring out how to survive. The way that Piggy's situation appears is that everyone makes fun of him and otherwise doesn't talk to him. Nothing has really changed over the course of the book thus far except for the previously mentioned kindness shown by Ralph and Simon.
It could that Piggy was put in the story by the author to show that people, left to their own devices, will cause harm to themselves and others. Piggy is the primary victim of all of this. All high school students feel like this at one point or another.
Midterm Thoughts
I understand the short stories pretty well. I don't really have a problem with those. The things I need the most help on would be the literary elements and the summer reading stuff.
I'd like to go over the summer reading in class, just because a good chunk of time has passed since anyone has looked over any of that stuff. As for the literary elements, I just want to make sure that I know everything about all the different topics and elements that we have gone over. I have a problem with remembering the different plot zones, or plot levels, or whatever they're called. I just want to make sure that I don't end up forgetting that stuff when the midterm rolls around.
Reading times: LOTF 11/13 30 min 11/16 40 min The Racketeer 11/13 25 min 11/17 64 min
I'd like to go over the summer reading in class, just because a good chunk of time has passed since anyone has looked over any of that stuff. As for the literary elements, I just want to make sure that I know everything about all the different topics and elements that we have gone over. I have a problem with remembering the different plot zones, or plot levels, or whatever they're called. I just want to make sure that I don't end up forgetting that stuff when the midterm rolls around.
Reading times: LOTF 11/13 30 min 11/16 40 min The Racketeer 11/13 25 min 11/17 64 min
Reading Post for 11/5
Well, I finally finished The Last Guardian. I don't know what took me so long. It wasn't like it was a big book or anything. I don't really know... Anyway, it was a good ending to one of my top 10 favorite book series. Artemis Fowl saved the world (again), only this time, he died. The book spent a few chapters talking about how he was going to sacrifice himself, but I didn't think it would actually happen. The main character hardly ever dies. However, he ended up coming back to life. Basically, they cloned him, and used magic to transport the soul of the real Artemis into the clone. The catch is, he doesn't remember anything. So, on the last page, one of the other main characters, starts to tell him something about Artemis Fowl and China.
It sounded familiar to me, so I started to check up on it. Sure enough, it was the opening paragraph of the very first book in the series, Artemis Fowl. This led me to believe that this character was the narrator all along, and that the whole series was just her recounting the various adventures to Artemis. I probably would have been disappointed, if I hadn't experienced something similar before. In the "Prince of Persia" video game series, the main character ends up having to explain the events of all the previous games to someone, which shows that all the games have just been him telling her the story. Also, he does the same thing, and uses the opening phrase of the first game to begin his story, just like the character in The Last Guardian.
It sounded familiar to me, so I started to check up on it. Sure enough, it was the opening paragraph of the very first book in the series, Artemis Fowl. This led me to believe that this character was the narrator all along, and that the whole series was just her recounting the various adventures to Artemis. I probably would have been disappointed, if I hadn't experienced something similar before. In the "Prince of Persia" video game series, the main character ends up having to explain the events of all the previous games to someone, which shows that all the games have just been him telling her the story. Also, he does the same thing, and uses the opening phrase of the first game to begin his story, just like the character in The Last Guardian.
Short Story post for 10/29
This one is kinda late --- sorry about that.
The three short stories I read were "The Sniper", "The Return", and "Hills Like White Elephants".
There were several things in the short stories that could have been the basis of a thesis statement. "The Sniper" gives you a good bit of background information while feeding the reader the thoughts and actions of the main character. This could be helpful in drawing conclusions about the story, based on the information given to me. In "The Return", the author uses descriptive language as a way for the reader to construct the scene with more emotional content. It could also have ground for a strong thesis.
The last one I read was "Hills Like White Elephants". It talks about a situation that the characters have, but it never really explains what it is. It's some sort of medical operation that the man thinks the woman should get, but the woman isn't sure about it. The stuff they talk about led me to believe they are talking about an abortion... but then I asked myself, "Why is she drinking beer if she is pregnant?'" The answer is simple: medical professionals wouldn't have known about the dangerous situation she would have put her baby in at the time of this story, because Ernest Hemingway lived back in the mid 20th century.
The three short stories I read were "The Sniper", "The Return", and "Hills Like White Elephants".
There were several things in the short stories that could have been the basis of a thesis statement. "The Sniper" gives you a good bit of background information while feeding the reader the thoughts and actions of the main character. This could be helpful in drawing conclusions about the story, based on the information given to me. In "The Return", the author uses descriptive language as a way for the reader to construct the scene with more emotional content. It could also have ground for a strong thesis.
The last one I read was "Hills Like White Elephants". It talks about a situation that the characters have, but it never really explains what it is. It's some sort of medical operation that the man thinks the woman should get, but the woman isn't sure about it. The stuff they talk about led me to believe they are talking about an abortion... but then I asked myself, "Why is she drinking beer if she is pregnant?'" The answer is simple: medical professionals wouldn't have known about the dangerous situation she would have put her baby in at the time of this story, because Ernest Hemingway lived back in the mid 20th century.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Reading Times
The Last Guardian 30 min
LOTF 30 min
Naruto 5 min
The Bible 30 min
The Cases That Haunt Us 60 min
LOTF 30 min
Naruto 5 min
The Bible 30 min
The Cases That Haunt Us 60 min
LOTF Class Activity
It wasn't that chaotic in our classroom, but it wasn't that orderly, either. The way I saw it, the class was divided into thirds: One third was trying to decide how we were going to do things, one third skipped that step entirely and started declaring themselves the supreme overlords of the island, and one third simply didn't care about anything that was happening. We didn't really have a definitive plan about what was going to happen.
Also, we skipped over the crucial points and went straight to the little details of our so-called "government". Instead of figuring out how we were going to survive, we were busy deciding what the official sport of our nation was going to be (by the way, its fantasy football). We were all just... milling around like a bunch of pigeons. It was quite a sight, let me tell you.
Also, we skipped over the crucial points and went straight to the little details of our so-called "government". Instead of figuring out how we were going to survive, we were busy deciding what the official sport of our nation was going to be (by the way, its fantasy football). We were all just... milling around like a bunch of pigeons. It was quite a sight, let me tell you.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Reading Posts
10/17/12 Rise of the Guardians 33 min
10/19/12 Rise of the Guardians 26 min
10/20/12 Rise of the Guardians 30 min
10/21/12 Rise of the Guardians 62 min
10/19/12 Rise of the Guardians 26 min
10/20/12 Rise of the Guardians 30 min
10/21/12 Rise of the Guardians 62 min
Monday, October 15, 2012
POV Clay Story
This story was probably one of the most confusing stories I've ever read, when it comes to point of view.
At the beginning of the story, the point of view is 3rd person. However, it then changes into 1st person for a while, and then back into 3rd person. That goes on for a while, until, at the end of the story, the point of view suddenly switches to 2nd person, and you realize that the narrator has been talking to her partner this whole time, telling him the story of what happened. It's like she is on the outside looking in, when it comes to the man, who used to love her so dearly, and is now just a shell of his former self.
I think my observation is important because it shows that there is no reason that a story can't switch between points of view during it's go through. In terms of the story, it shows that what happened left the man so absorbed in sadness and remorse that he's just in an eternal state of lamentation. He continues to watch footage of the crisis, completely oblivious to the person who, arguably, cares for him most in this world. It's really quite sad.
At the beginning of the story, the point of view is 3rd person. However, it then changes into 1st person for a while, and then back into 3rd person. That goes on for a while, until, at the end of the story, the point of view suddenly switches to 2nd person, and you realize that the narrator has been talking to her partner this whole time, telling him the story of what happened. It's like she is on the outside looking in, when it comes to the man, who used to love her so dearly, and is now just a shell of his former self.
I think my observation is important because it shows that there is no reason that a story can't switch between points of view during it's go through. In terms of the story, it shows that what happened left the man so absorbed in sadness and remorse that he's just in an eternal state of lamentation. He continues to watch footage of the crisis, completely oblivious to the person who, arguably, cares for him most in this world. It's really quite sad.
Participation Evaluation
I think that I did a good job about paying attention in class and not being disruptive - most of the time, anyway. There may have been some instances when I was not exactly on the given topic, but, for the most part, I feel that I stayed on topic and presented relevant information to the class on whatever subject we were discussing at the time.
I feel like I could focus more during individual working processes more than group processes, only because my group may not have been going towards the most academic goals at the time of said discussions.
Otherwise, I think I did pretty well in that department.
As for improvement, I think my writing as a whole still has some kinks to work out, and I could work on making deeper, more specific annotations on stories and whatnot, but other than that... I can't think of anything else.
I feel like I could focus more during individual working processes more than group processes, only because my group may not have been going towards the most academic goals at the time of said discussions.
Otherwise, I think I did pretty well in that department.
As for improvement, I think my writing as a whole still has some kinks to work out, and I could work on making deeper, more specific annotations on stories and whatnot, but other than that... I can't think of anything else.
Monday, October 1, 2012
I am a writer who...
I am a writer who likes to write with my own topics. Whenever I write for things on tests or essays, I get through it because I have to. Occasionally, I enjoy the given topics, but I prefer writing with my own imagination. It's just more fun when I use my own thoughts. I feel so much more free. The process of coming up with my own ideas is much more... liberating than having to conform to ideas put in front of me.
I am also a writer who likes to think a lot. Some people like to just write what they feel, when they feel it. For me, it's different. I need time to actually think about what I'm going to write, so that I have a good idea of what my goal is. Writing just happens for me differently than for some of the other people I know.
I am also a writer who likes to think a lot. Some people like to just write what they feel, when they feel it. For me, it's different. I need time to actually think about what I'm going to write, so that I have a good idea of what my goal is. Writing just happens for me differently than for some of the other people I know.
Plot Response
9/26 Ring of Sky 63 min 9/27 To Build a Fire 30 min 9/27 32 min 9/28 The Last Guardian 27 min
I recently finished reading The Ring of Sky. What would typically happen with the plot is that it would build up a little bit of suspense, and then interject with some comedic relief. Then do the same thing for a while, and then something would happen to release the tension, usually something really exciting or important to the story. That goes on for a while, until the climax gets nearer. Then, the tension would build, but nothing would happen to release it. Then, right as the action was getting to the point where the suspense was killing me, the climax came. After that, it was pretty quick to fall from there to the conclusion. It was pretty much like that for every book in the series, but it really tends to grow on you. The Young Samurai is a pretty fun series.
I recently finished reading The Ring of Sky. What would typically happen with the plot is that it would build up a little bit of suspense, and then interject with some comedic relief. Then do the same thing for a while, and then something would happen to release the tension, usually something really exciting or important to the story. That goes on for a while, until the climax gets nearer. Then, the tension would build, but nothing would happen to release it. Then, right as the action was getting to the point where the suspense was killing me, the climax came. After that, it was pretty quick to fall from there to the conclusion. It was pretty much like that for every book in the series, but it really tends to grow on you. The Young Samurai is a pretty fun series.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Reading Response 4
9/14/12 35 min 9/15/12 65 min 9/16/12 52 min
This week, I started back up on my other book, The Last Guardian. There's something that is puzzling to me about the main story across the entire series: how have fairies, gnomes, and other mythical creatures managed to keep their existence a secret by living underground for the past 10,000 years, and how are they so much more technologically advanced than us?
Alright. I would buy if they had some invisible base in the middle of space between the Earth and the Moon, or if their habitat was, say, the Bermuda Triangle, but... underground? I just feel like that's the most overused of the hiding places for secret organizations, let alone magical beings. And as for being technologically advanced? Well... they can use magic, I guess they could create new elements, and then, being underground, use the energy from the planet to superheat them to create, like, SUPER elements, or something like that. So, I guess, if they had 10,000 years to do all this, they could be pretty far ahead of us. But, that's only if they weren't found by curious human entrepreneurs spelunking in their free time. I don't know... I guess I could believe the whole "way more tech savvy fairies" part, but not the "mystical beings have been living underneath us for several millennia" part.
This week, I started back up on my other book, The Last Guardian. There's something that is puzzling to me about the main story across the entire series: how have fairies, gnomes, and other mythical creatures managed to keep their existence a secret by living underground for the past 10,000 years, and how are they so much more technologically advanced than us?
Alright. I would buy if they had some invisible base in the middle of space between the Earth and the Moon, or if their habitat was, say, the Bermuda Triangle, but... underground? I just feel like that's the most overused of the hiding places for secret organizations, let alone magical beings. And as for being technologically advanced? Well... they can use magic, I guess they could create new elements, and then, being underground, use the energy from the planet to superheat them to create, like, SUPER elements, or something like that. So, I guess, if they had 10,000 years to do all this, they could be pretty far ahead of us. But, that's only if they weren't found by curious human entrepreneurs spelunking in their free time. I don't know... I guess I could believe the whole "way more tech savvy fairies" part, but not the "mystical beings have been living underneath us for several millennia" part.
Literacy Narrative
So, I have an idea for my literacy narrative. It's the fact that reading Harry Potter changed my perspective on reading. First, though, a question or two: are we writing this from the point of view of a reader or writer? I only ask because, even though I'm pretty sure you said both, I'm not 100% on that.
Another thing: reading that series changed the way I've read everything after it. There are details in abundance in Harry Potter, so it taught me to look more carefully at books from then on, to try and fully understand them. Also, this was one of the first REAL books I'd ever read. Because of this, I've enjoyed sci-fi and fantasy books far more than any other genre. This is due to the fact that, because of my experience, I feel more connected to this type of book than any other. Finally, the writing in Harry Potter is a little more complex than your run-of-the-mill kindergarten-1st grade book. As I've mentioned, the details are more prevalent, and the ideas are more developed. So, having grown on the genre of sci-fi and fantasy, I've taken a liking to creative writing more than any other kind (like, say, literacy narratives).
I know that I want to write about how Harry Potter changed my perspective on reading.
Another thing: reading that series changed the way I've read everything after it. There are details in abundance in Harry Potter, so it taught me to look more carefully at books from then on, to try and fully understand them. Also, this was one of the first REAL books I'd ever read. Because of this, I've enjoyed sci-fi and fantasy books far more than any other genre. This is due to the fact that, because of my experience, I feel more connected to this type of book than any other. Finally, the writing in Harry Potter is a little more complex than your run-of-the-mill kindergarten-1st grade book. As I've mentioned, the details are more prevalent, and the ideas are more developed. So, having grown on the genre of sci-fi and fantasy, I've taken a liking to creative writing more than any other kind (like, say, literacy narratives).
I know that I want to write about how Harry Potter changed my perspective on reading.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Readin Response 3
9/11/12 172 min
One thing that happened toward the middle of my book is that the main character, Jack, met up with one of his old teachers. The teacher was working for the Emperor, though, which surprised Jack at first. Then, he began to think that his old sensei was going to spring a trap on the enemy, and flee with Jack. Turns out, he just ends up cutting the tip of Jack's pinkie finger off. When asked why, the sensei replied that, in capturing Jack, he would restore his honor, which he lost in a previous book.
What I was thinking about when I read this was how most people can be bought off to do just about anything. I mean, here's a guy who just cut off a former pupil's finger. Granted, he used to take pride in beating said pupil up during training, but still... he used to look after this kid. It doesn't get much more extreme than that.
One thing that happened toward the middle of my book is that the main character, Jack, met up with one of his old teachers. The teacher was working for the Emperor, though, which surprised Jack at first. Then, he began to think that his old sensei was going to spring a trap on the enemy, and flee with Jack. Turns out, he just ends up cutting the tip of Jack's pinkie finger off. When asked why, the sensei replied that, in capturing Jack, he would restore his honor, which he lost in a previous book.
What I was thinking about when I read this was how most people can be bought off to do just about anything. I mean, here's a guy who just cut off a former pupil's finger. Granted, he used to take pride in beating said pupil up during training, but still... he used to look after this kid. It doesn't get much more extreme than that.
Comment Response
"I kind of love that feeling of being caught between two books you desperately
want to read, and I do love getting those lovely packages in the mail. But I
want to know more about what makes you want to read them so much..." -Dr. D in response to my first reading response
What makes me want to read The Ring of Sky and The Last Guardian... well, there are two reasons. The first is closure. They are both the final installments in their respective series', so it would be wrong to just quit here, and not know what happens. It's like leaving Star Wars Episode V without finding out that *SPOILER ALERT* Darth Vader is Luke's father. It just doesn't make sense to me.
The second reason is that they are so different from my life. To my knowledge, I am not a reformed evil genius who has billions of dollars and works with fairies and other magical creatures to protect the planet Earth. Also, this is obviously not 17th century Japan, and, while I DO have samurai swords, I haven't traversed the countryside as a wanted fugitive, killing any samurai who get in my way. These things are what make these books interesting to me.
Another thing: the characters in these books are close to my age, so I feel like I can relate more closely to them than, say, Curious George. Then again, that might have to do with the fact that he's a monkey. Anyhow, I just feel a connection because of the similarity in age.
What makes me want to read The Ring of Sky and The Last Guardian... well, there are two reasons. The first is closure. They are both the final installments in their respective series', so it would be wrong to just quit here, and not know what happens. It's like leaving Star Wars Episode V without finding out that *SPOILER ALERT* Darth Vader is Luke's father. It just doesn't make sense to me.
The second reason is that they are so different from my life. To my knowledge, I am not a reformed evil genius who has billions of dollars and works with fairies and other magical creatures to protect the planet Earth. Also, this is obviously not 17th century Japan, and, while I DO have samurai swords, I haven't traversed the countryside as a wanted fugitive, killing any samurai who get in my way. These things are what make these books interesting to me.
Another thing: the characters in these books are close to my age, so I feel like I can relate more closely to them than, say, Curious George. Then again, that might have to do with the fact that he's a monkey. Anyhow, I just feel a connection because of the similarity in age.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Reading Response 2
In the book I am reading, The Ring of Sky, there is a boy named Benkei who is helping Jack and his group to Nagasaki. Since Jack is a fugitive, this is a big deal. If they are caught, Benkei would almost certainly be killed along with the group. Here's my point: the only original fugitive was Jack. His friends got into trouble by HELPING him. It seems like, in almost every book in this series, there is someone like Benkei who is willing to help a complete stranger, who also happens to be an outlaw.
I think that in the real world, there are far fewer people like Benkei than we think. We all want to be able to say that if one of our friends was in trouble, we would be brave and courageous and help them get along to safety. They might not even have to be a friend. Well, I have a second-degree black belt in Tae-Kwon-Doe, and access to a samurai sword, but that doesn't mean that I'll aid and abed fugitives, whoever they are, when DEATH is the punishment for getting caught. Did I mention that the Emperor has pretty much the entire army out looking for these people? So there's a pretty high chance of that. What I'm trying to say is that the likely-hood of Jack running into someone like this, who is willing to risk life and limb, in almost every book, is just unrealistic.
I think that in the real world, there are far fewer people like Benkei than we think. We all want to be able to say that if one of our friends was in trouble, we would be brave and courageous and help them get along to safety. They might not even have to be a friend. Well, I have a second-degree black belt in Tae-Kwon-Doe, and access to a samurai sword, but that doesn't mean that I'll aid and abed fugitives, whoever they are, when DEATH is the punishment for getting caught. Did I mention that the Emperor has pretty much the entire army out looking for these people? So there's a pretty high chance of that. What I'm trying to say is that the likely-hood of Jack running into someone like this, who is willing to risk life and limb, in almost every book, is just unrealistic.
Hurricane Moment
During Hurricane Isaac, I got a chance to really get into my newest video game, Sleeping Dogs. In short, you play as an undercover cop of the Hong Kong Police Department trying to infiltrate the local Triad organization. So, I was playing this one mission where you have to evade members of a rival gang in a street chase. It didn't seem hard at first, but as I progressed, the number of enemies I encountered didn't decrease: it increased. There was just no end to them. However, I glanced over at my mini-map and saw that I was about to leave their territory, thus completing the mission. So, I paused the game to go get a soda. Then, as I was reaching into the refrigerator, the unthinkable happened: my house lost power.
I rushed back into the living room, hoping against hope that, by some miracle, my xbox had remained on. Alas, it had not. Then, just as quickly as it had left, the power returned. I was annoyed for a minute or two, but, as the game started up again, I thought, "Hey, it was only one mission. I can easily make it up." After the game finished loading, I restarted the mission. This time, though, it seemed like every character other than mine was an enemy gang member. I mean, they were popping out of every nook and cranny there was. Eventually, the end was finally in sight. And then, when I was in almost the exact same place on the mini-map as before, my power went out again. This time, I didn't even bother turning my xbox back on. I just walked into my room and read my book.
I rushed back into the living room, hoping against hope that, by some miracle, my xbox had remained on. Alas, it had not. Then, just as quickly as it had left, the power returned. I was annoyed for a minute or two, but, as the game started up again, I thought, "Hey, it was only one mission. I can easily make it up." After the game finished loading, I restarted the mission. This time, though, it seemed like every character other than mine was an enemy gang member. I mean, they were popping out of every nook and cranny there was. Eventually, the end was finally in sight. And then, when I was in almost the exact same place on the mini-map as before, my power went out again. This time, I didn't even bother turning my xbox back on. I just walked into my room and read my book.
Monday, August 27, 2012
In Defense of Electronics: A Nerd's Manifesto
I feel like since the obesity rate of this country has skyrocketed in the past few decades, electronics have come under fire as a main contributor. Some people seem to think that electronics are at fault for creating the situation we're in today, because they have restricted us from being active. Well, I'm here to tell you that that is TOTALLY not true.
OK. Granted, electronic devices can be enticing in several different ways. However, the main culprits are definitely the people who abuse them. I agree that if someone were to sit at home and do nothing but watch TV, play video games, and eat for the rest of their life, well... their life wouldn't last much longer. With that said, its the person's fault for choosing to be less active, not the electronics.
I feel like this topic needs to be defended because this is just one of those basic arguments parents love to give. "Oh, we shouldn't get you this or that because then you'll disappear into your room, and we'll never see you again." That's a little bit of an exaggeration, wouldn't you think? I think the average parent hasn't really done much research into the subject, if any. That being the case, they will jump to the scenario with the most severe outcome: their children being absorbed into video games. I just think parents should give their kids a chance to be responsible about the situation, to let THEM decide when enough is enough. If it starts to reflect poorly in their schoolwork or physical health, I fully condone the suspension or revocation of said activities. However, if they are able to keeps the grades up, and still get time in for exercise, I see no issue at all with the use of electronics on a daily basis.
OK. Granted, electronic devices can be enticing in several different ways. However, the main culprits are definitely the people who abuse them. I agree that if someone were to sit at home and do nothing but watch TV, play video games, and eat for the rest of their life, well... their life wouldn't last much longer. With that said, its the person's fault for choosing to be less active, not the electronics.
I feel like this topic needs to be defended because this is just one of those basic arguments parents love to give. "Oh, we shouldn't get you this or that because then you'll disappear into your room, and we'll never see you again." That's a little bit of an exaggeration, wouldn't you think? I think the average parent hasn't really done much research into the subject, if any. That being the case, they will jump to the scenario with the most severe outcome: their children being absorbed into video games. I just think parents should give their kids a chance to be responsible about the situation, to let THEM decide when enough is enough. If it starts to reflect poorly in their schoolwork or physical health, I fully condone the suspension or revocation of said activities. However, if they are able to keeps the grades up, and still get time in for exercise, I see no issue at all with the use of electronics on a daily basis.
Reading Response
8/23 20 min 8/24 40 min 8/25 90 min
When school began, I had one book that I really wanted to get into: The Last Guardian, the final installment in the Artemis Fowl series. I had waited for the book to come in from Amazon.com, and now I could finally finish the series. It involves the teenage criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl trying to halt the plans of a scheming pixie, with the help of his fairy, centaur, and human friends. However, on August 24, 2012, everything changed. That's the day that The Ring of Sky came in the mail.
The Ring of Sky is part of the Young Samurai series, and is the last installment in its series as well. It chronicles the story of British teenager Jack Shepard and his adventures in Japan, utilizing both samurai and ninja training to elude his would-be captors. You see, he is on the run, having been declared a fugitive by the Shogun. I tried as hard as i could to stay way from it, but... it turns out I wanted to read it more than The Last Guardian.
They are both excellent reads, and I cant wait to see what happens next.
When school began, I had one book that I really wanted to get into: The Last Guardian, the final installment in the Artemis Fowl series. I had waited for the book to come in from Amazon.com, and now I could finally finish the series. It involves the teenage criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl trying to halt the plans of a scheming pixie, with the help of his fairy, centaur, and human friends. However, on August 24, 2012, everything changed. That's the day that The Ring of Sky came in the mail.
The Ring of Sky is part of the Young Samurai series, and is the last installment in its series as well. It chronicles the story of British teenager Jack Shepard and his adventures in Japan, utilizing both samurai and ninja training to elude his would-be captors. You see, he is on the run, having been declared a fugitive by the Shogun. I tried as hard as i could to stay way from it, but... it turns out I wanted to read it more than The Last Guardian.
They are both excellent reads, and I cant wait to see what happens next.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
The Enchantress
My free choice book for this summer was The Enchantress by Michael Scott. It is a fantasy novel, and the sixth and final installment in the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series. It tells the story of two twins: one boy and one girl. Essentially, they have to save the Earth from being destroyed by a bunch of mythological entities and hordes of monsters.
This is definitely one of the best books I have read in a while. The writing is clear and descriptive, yet the details don't take away from the story. Also, almost every person or being that the twins meet is some sort of important historical or mythological figure. So, in a way, the series is also educational.
The way the chapters are set up, they switch between the different points of view of the twins, along with those of other important characters in the series. Right when it gets to a very crucial or dramatic point in the story involved with the chapter, it changes perspectives in the next. The worst part is, there are about five different perspectives in the book. It makes for five times the action, but also five times the suspense.
The reason I started reading this series is because one day, about two years ago, I saw my mom reading the second book of the series. I asked her about it, and she referred me to the first book, entitled The Alchemyst. I was so hooked on the series, I soon caught up to my mom and had to begin borrowing the book she was on so that I could read it as well. Now, here I am, finished with the series, and I have a feeling of satisfaction within me, because I enjoyed the books very much, and the ending was spectacular. However, I am also a little sad to see the series go. However, finishing the series clears the way for new books to grab my attention. That being said, The Enchantress will always herald a special place in my heart.
The Enchantress is an outstanding book, and I would recommend it to anyone, provided they read the first five books of the series.
This is definitely one of the best books I have read in a while. The writing is clear and descriptive, yet the details don't take away from the story. Also, almost every person or being that the twins meet is some sort of important historical or mythological figure. So, in a way, the series is also educational.
The way the chapters are set up, they switch between the different points of view of the twins, along with those of other important characters in the series. Right when it gets to a very crucial or dramatic point in the story involved with the chapter, it changes perspectives in the next. The worst part is, there are about five different perspectives in the book. It makes for five times the action, but also five times the suspense.
The reason I started reading this series is because one day, about two years ago, I saw my mom reading the second book of the series. I asked her about it, and she referred me to the first book, entitled The Alchemyst. I was so hooked on the series, I soon caught up to my mom and had to begin borrowing the book she was on so that I could read it as well. Now, here I am, finished with the series, and I have a feeling of satisfaction within me, because I enjoyed the books very much, and the ending was spectacular. However, I am also a little sad to see the series go. However, finishing the series clears the way for new books to grab my attention. That being said, The Enchantress will always herald a special place in my heart.
The Enchantress is an outstanding book, and I would recommend it to anyone, provided they read the first five books of the series.
Goals and Expectations
My expectations for this class are pretty straight forward. First, I expect to have a lot of fun in this class over the course of the year. English has always been one of my favorite classes, and I don't see any reason why this year would be any different. I've always enjoyed reading. I'll read just about anything and I will see it as a worthwhile experience. When I read, I imagine the chapters like scenes of a movie. It's my own personal theater in my head. That's what makes reading so enjoyable for me. I'm especially looking forward to reading Lord of the Flies. I've been told by several people that it is an amazing book. However, where I am enthusiastic about reading, the same can't be said for writing. That is something I hope to address with my goals.
I've already accomplished my first goal: try something new as a writer. I've never had a blog before, so this is a new experience for me. My second goal: make writing more enjoyable. I've almost always looked at writing as a somewhat boring activity. This year, I hope to change my mind in regards to that subject. I'm confident this class will give me the opportunity to do just that.
I've already accomplished my first goal: try something new as a writer. I've never had a blog before, so this is a new experience for me. My second goal: make writing more enjoyable. I've almost always looked at writing as a somewhat boring activity. This year, I hope to change my mind in regards to that subject. I'm confident this class will give me the opportunity to do just that.
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