Focus 11

In Chapter 11, Ralph has to be fully trusted by Piggy because of Piggy's loss of sight. He proves his ultimate devotion and loyalty to Piggy as he says, "you kneel down and wait till I come back."  This promise to Piggy shows Ralph self imposed responsibility to him, as well as his confidence that he can get himself and Piggy out of this situation alive.  In telling Piggy this white lie; Ralph shows that he still has a heart and a connection to friendship and loyalty, two very civil ideas. 

In my favorite part of the chapter, personally, when Ralph and Jack fight; Ralph demonstrates that he actually has some grit and can get dirty.  As Ralph screams at Jack and charges him, "You're a beast and a swine and a bloody, bloody thief!" The battle cry solidifies that the tribe can't be reunited as it was before. The two sides are done with each other. Ralph was trying to make the visit become a reunion and trying to keep some form of connection with Jack's group.   But, he ends losing all his tribe members to Jack and is now fending for himself. 

Breaks

I decided to use my two free posts from doing the book chaton the blog posts due yesterday.


Reading Times
11-12/LOTF/pg.32-57/47mins
11-14/LOTF/pg.58-75/39mins
11-20/LOTF/pg.76-94/42mins
11-21/LOTF/pg.95-108/29mins

We're All Gonna Die!

The thing I got from doing the plane crash activity is; that when it boils down to it we can't cooperate together. As the activity started, we developed an efficient way of communication or what I thought was an efficient way of communication. All was well until someone came under opinion that another person’s idea was mediocre. Then, people openly voiced their thoughts, but meanwhile someone else was still trying to speak their idea. So, the person who cut begins to vociferous tirade. The situation only gets worst when someone tries to stop the absolute chaos. Three people trying to talk at one time, not a good idea.

            My inference into what is going happen to the boys is much like what happened in our activity in class. In chapter on e they start off well, and came together as a group. Eventually their continuity will crumble and their ideas will fly every which way. Maybe somehow they could beat the odds, and maybe but just maybe, they’ll survive. One sore thumb leading the group to their demise, is a possibly. A multitude of negative outcomes could be the fate of these unfortunate young men, but there are a few favorable endings that are looming way in the back.

Reading Response

The week jetted by me. I completed all my reading requirements as far as time goes, but I feel like I haven’t read enough. My reading felt slow, the usual rapidness wasn’t there. It ended up that I was finding myself going back and rereading things over and over again. If I stayed in this pattern and  continued to read in this way; it wouldn’t be something that I would necessarily have to  change. There is opportunity for me to be a better reader by reading slow and noticing everything, rather than speed reading through any literature I read. Maybe it could be a positive turn for me as a reader and English student.

               In reading this week I started almost all the stories n the book but, I only found two interesting enough to finish. Also, as I read these stories I said to myself, Seriously, what are you thinking?, and yet I still found them interesting. This is what propelled them over the rest. I read The Kugelmass Episode and The Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge in class. These stories both used intense foreshadowing; that was easy to pick up on as you read. The Kugelmass episode was arranged chronologically, but the Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge’s order threw me for a loop at first, then when I got comfortable and thought I understood how it was going there was another shift in time. These shifts made the story more enticing and it gave weird twist at the end.

Mon-10/29-10 min-The Kugelmass Episode- 1-4

Tues-10/30-10 min-The Kugelmass Episode- 4-8

                    -5 min- The Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge- 21-23

Wed-10/31-10 min-The Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge- 23-27

Thurs-11/1-10 min- A Worn Path-217-222

                   -5 min- A Worn Path-222-224

Fri-11/2-52 min- The Boulevard (EHS Magazine)- 1-30

Sat-11/3-20 min- The Advocate (LSU vs Alabama Pre-game spread)-2D-5D

  

Free Post

The American family goes through many conflicts large and minute; which are unhealthy and should be terminated immediately. Family shares personality traits, by way of inheritance, that naturally butt up against each other. Most of these conflicts start as a confusion of role, status, or freedom within the family's bond. These could be ranging from a child not taking out the garbage to another complaining about favoritism. Even if the problem is near irrelevance, it could escalate and drive the family apart. The central reason why the disputes can’t be resolved: they can’t be fixed if they are indentified by the whole family.

            An almost lost practice that could help is to have a family meeting. The interesting thing about these is that it’s not just somewhere the family to, “duke it out,” so to say over conflicts. It is also an outlet for good things and acknowledgement of progress from something that was a problem. Charts and other devices that organize: responsibilities, family’s schedule as it pertains to others, and even feelings anonymously, are another thing that I think could help minimize the head-butting that happens in American households.
            I picked this topic randomly. So, there is no reason to worry that I’m having trouble at home. Yet, some of my ideas apply to all of us in some way, shape, or form. Plus, I think it would be fun for families to have meetings with a no pressure mood, it would bring a fresh new tone to all of our family lives.

Short Stories

In reading three short stories other than the ones we read together as a class; I have noticed some interesting things about each short story. The three short stories I read were The Sniper, The Return, and The Kugelmass Episode. While reading The Sniper I indentified a few things.  I noticed that the sniper  is very courageous but, also surprisingly unpunctual. Another observation I made was that the author was using the opposing sniper, the protagonist's brother, dying by the protagonist's hands possibly as a symbol for something. Some thesises that I could start with.  

Liam O'Flaherty conveys the protagonists as a eager and courageous soldier, but ironically he is unpunctual and mistake-ridden. The protagonist represents war as a whole and how nations enter wars eagerly without thinking it through then, moving haphazardly. which leads to them hurting or destroying something that they didn't intend to. O'Flaherty shows us the protagonist's fatal mistake as a

A rocky road in English is what it has been. As far as general procedures are concerned I have been some what diligent in my ways. I have almost consistently brought all my usual materials, with the occasional slip-ups that are expected due to some circumstances. Overall, I'm patient when it came to be dimissed since there was no real reason for a rush. My dilligence in checking the world-wide web for info about class wasn't as great as my focus in other procedure. A belief I keep and uphold is always being willing to do things in class and have a nice attitude.

In accordance with all the expectations for paying attenetion, my focus has been centered on Dr. D trying to catch every snippet I could to help myself. Although, I have veered into alternate conversations during class, something nearly inevitable. Finding enjoyment in intense discussions, was very intriguing to me. The comment I contributed in class were never really irrelevant and class discussions were fun so I was always engaged. The same applies to the group work I completed. There were no moments where I felt like our group working haphazard, only to complete the minimal.

Plot? What Plot?

    I'm still reading When Knights Were Bold by Eva March Tappan; and i'm still engrossed, learning facts about the daily life medieval people. The language Olde English language kind of throwing me for loop with words like: fancy, whereupon, tankard, and tapestry to name just a few. Despite my lack of knowledge when comes to the language the book is giving me a growing knowledge base of different aspects of medieval life. The author uses creative ways to describe things that in some sorts resembles listing. In this technique she, Tappan, will speak of let's say the living quarters of the noble of a castle. Then, she will continue to list everything in the room, creating a cool image.
     As for the usual plot organization found in novels, there is none in this work. There is no story being told throughout the book. It is just composed if facts being portrayed in a less formal way than most nonfiction novels would organize them. There is an opportunity to apply the plot map to some parts of the book. For instance, when the book describes the transformation a male from being a page, to being a squire and from being squire to a knight.

I Am A Writer Who

i am a writier who...
is confused on what to do,
 in the beginning at least.
 as i go my poise begins to increase,
and any anxiety ceases.
The butterfly's flight in my stomach gradually decreases.

I am a writer who...
Has ideas that are beginning peer through.
Who's writing is under explained.
Who is often emotionally drained,
After every writing assignment.
One who often modestly rejects a compliment.

I am a writer who...
Writes with tons if run-ons,
 And whose commas live as vagabonds.
Who are often a misused device.
They often proceed a comma splice;

In my writing that is.
When editing I remember that these are my emphasis,
for the editing process.
I am a writer who isn't the best

The Greatest Game Ever Played

             The air whistles from the old brakes as the bus comes to a halt. My music fades as I turn on my favorite motivational video, and began to make the final preparations. I complete my personal pre-game prayer as my foot hits the ground. Then, I raise my hand to stop the line of united warriors on the bus behind me.
              I turn and exclaim,“Men, its home wrecking time.”
              Dan yells out, “Hoorah!”
              TJ screams from back, “Let’s go!”
              Energy accumulates in the small confines of the bus. It’s time to play. The anticipation of what was about to happen filled me and warm-up is a blur at this point. They get the ball first and begin their drive on the 30 yard line. Then, after a few plays we realize they’re better than we thought. The defense tries to buckle down but, it is ill-fated and they score first. Now, the score shows 8-0 and they’re in the lead. Our offense stalls on the next possession and the one that succeeds it. But, the defense is ready to play now with all the animosity that we have built up against them from the past events. We stuff them, and they don’t even get one first down. The offense is still running on fumes though, failing to post a score on the next drive. The rest of the first goes like this, as the horn rings for the second half the score is stagnant at 8-0.
             After the coaches talk to us about our mistakes, and we revive ourselves with water the group stands. A cluster forms and morphs naturally into a circle. And I’m in the middle of the gauntlet, hungry ears waiting for me to give them sustenance that was motivation. Then, Noah saves me. He steps into the tight circle and continues to say some of the best words that could’ve been used, “Guys, this is our Friday night, we don’t get to be on Sportsline OT, and we definitely won’t get any special treatment but, let’s win this for us. Just for us.” You could probably guess what happened after that. We came out of half time on fire. But, the other team kept it tight tying the game up late in the fourth 14-14. Our player fought through cramps, litte knicks and bruises that whole offensive drive. TJ got us to the 23 yard line after gaining 12 yards on a run and getting us a first down. It was first down. Will caught the snap from Dan and quickly floated the ball in the area of his favorite deep threat Brennan just as the pressure reached his face. The whole team knew Brennan could win this jump ball and he proved us right. We won 21-14. Th

Reading Response

Reading Reponse i continued to read When Knights Were Bold this week. I enjoy it. Im finding myself to be reading a lot at tutorial and in any down time. Adddiction is beginning to take its course. The style of books i find interest in is steadily evolving into non-fictional, record based books. I am gravitating to books that insightful into the life of someone from another time in history such as the knights im reading about now.

Sneak Peek

The following is an excerpt from Ellis Herring’s new work, Anxiety, his first ever literacy narrative. He entails us through the journey he took as a 13 year old while writing the WrAP, an annual writing assessment given by his school. Our latest long-running had me somewhat stressed. I felt as if I couldn’t think of anything to start with. The ideas that I had considered so far were either long of a time or I didn’t feel as if I can write a solid WrAP with them. I see examples of what kind of things I can use as a basis but, I can’t make anything of the ideas because the time restriction had completely altered my thoughts about the prompt in front of me. I feel that by the time I could brainstorm a topic time will have run out. Then I would be incompatible of writing a sufficient first draft to use as an impetus for the whole writing process. I only had two hours. Failure haunted me. Why does it seem as though only thing that I can think about are the lyrics to the Eminem song , Lose Yourself? Is it because I’m losing myself? I think I am. Her desk is just beyond my shoulder. I feel the heat from her glare upon. My skin becomes frigid and I can barely feel my fingers. The color in my face drains. I hear the wheels on her chair screaming to be oiled as slithers her long legs from under her desk. She is coming. My head instinctually goes down to my desk tucked between my arms. It hits me as if I was walking into clear door. I’ve got it. I sense Ms. Riley smile as she realizes that I have realized that I can do it. She chuckles softly and whispers, “I knew you had it in there somewhere.” the knightly press vol. 2 oct. 2012

Reading Response

I started reading When Knights Were bold by Eva March Tappan It's a nonfiction book about the day to day aspects of a knight's life. I like learning medieval as well as ancient weapons, hunting, and fighting techniques. It's pretty cool to me to be able to see the contrast of modern day weapons and war. Then , I choose that a book wasn't just about the fighting aspect of the knight's lifestyle. I am enjoying the read so far. As I'm reading this piece I can see the usual detailed nonfiction format. Yet, here it takes an extra stride. Some chapters are divided into subsections with different titles. While I gain insight into the knight lifestyle, simultaneously I imagine myself as a knight doing these things. Inks the organized composition of this book. I almost feel as if I should take notes! I can see I'll like finishing this book

Thanks Boys

I really enjoyed Tad's positive remarks on my blog posts. He gave me great feedback and also complimented me. We all naturally like to get compliments. I'd like to say thank up to Tad for his great comments. To answer his comment, I do like to strive to use better words in my stormy and take my audience to the place because I extol this as a reader myself. I'll try to keep bringing some interesting words to the table in the future as well. I also would like to say thanks to Alex Dunbar. Alex you've racked up some frequent flyer miles on my blog. You give me great feedback. I really consider all your advice. You have a lot of knowledge and you are very smart. I'm glad that you always make an effort to read my blog. And to tell you I will read Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter as a follow up read to A Nation Torn. To all bloggers the Junior Varsity All-American is looking for some fans so, come check me out!

Reading Response

Aug. 29- Caroline Lawerence: Assassins of Rome- 70 mins pgs 53-109 Aug. 30- Caroline Lawerence: Assassins of Rome- 30 mins pgs 109-132 Sept. 1- Caroline Lawerence: Assassins of Rome- 25 mins pgs 132-153 Sept. 2- Caroline Lawerence: Assassins of Rome- 15 mins pgs 153-165 Hurricane Issac boosted the average time I usually spend reading in one sitting. I began Tuesday morning reading by 5 chapters in the Roman Mysteries. The light drizzle that came made the reading very enjoyable because the sound of the rain was quite soothing. The plot begins to heat up and some foreshadowing begins to appear. I love Lawerence's references to real history in her books. While I'm reading the book it feels like I'm reading a real person's diary from Ostia. Then, all during the rest of the week the plot begins to come down. I begin to understand the foreshadowing from earlier. She uses lots great descriptive words. I'm noticing that most of the characters in this book are static. As I'm reading my mind is trying to figure out the mystery alongside Flavia. I'm near the end of this book and this was a great week of reading.

A Lucky Uncle

During the hurricane last week one thing really resonates in my mind. I sat there calmly reading,I was trying to finish my reading for the week. I hear the rain ferociously pounding on the tin roof of the house next door. The TV is unclear in the background. Reporters from WAFB are talking in a somewhat distraught way. They are talking of tragedy from Hurricane Issac. My older brother is engulfed in his video game since there is not much else to do. His girlfriend hears the vexatious beep that indicates she has a message and is warped into another mode. She has totally zoned out. It's like she bounded into the phone and is trapped there until the SEND button has been pressed. Then, out of nowhere my little 9 month old nephew proceeds to shriek at the top of his vocal range. I begin to interrogate myself asking, "Am I the only one who hears this?" It's utterly ridiculous that he is yelling as loud as he is but, no one but me hears it. My eyes begin to scan his face as try to decipher what he is yelling for. I get a inkling that he is excited. Then, I realize he is wailing in very unique way as I to say, "Why are you guys not paying attention to me anymore?" I go over and hoist him into the air. A jubilant visage appears upon his face. He is thinking, "It is time to play Uncle Ellis." We begin to have an absolutely amusing time. He's the greatest baby ever.

In Defense Of Television: The Fun Parents' Manifesto

Television enriches our youth many parents believe the television should go off, I don't agree at all. Television causes curiosity sparking questions in children's minds. TV in moderation is key instead hitting the power button all together. There's an abundant source of information on TV things that catch a child's attention. There are channels for all types of topics and categories. Our problem with TV isn't that our youth are watching it, it's that we can't have a total grasp upon what it is they are watching. Yet we can, through parental control & taking time to watch TV with our children.  Children wonder all the time about what happens  on TV. As parents, we should invite these questions & encourage our children to watch channels that evoke thought such as: The Discovery, Animal Planet, & History channels. The entertainment side of TV serves a key purpose in development as well, it visually depicts people's interaction with each other. This lays a foundation for the learning of social skills. Parents negate their children's ability to view TV by denying them access, fearing that they will discover adult content. Instead of denying access totally, parents should take advantage of the tools presented to them like parental controls  & even viewing program schedules. We shouldn't restrict our children from the great learning tool that is called television.

Reading Response

I began reading "A Nation Torn", this week after I found it in my house. A Nation Torn depicts the events leading up to the Civil War. The book is written from a third person perspective. It is the genre of non-fiction stating many facts dates & events. I've been reading this book at a little slower pace than usual trying to catch some literary elements. It's written in a mostly text book format. As far the plot goes, I've made it to the Presidential election of 1861, Mainly the Republican race between Abraham Lincoln & Hannibal Hamlin. Overall, it has been a detailed presentation of the events, actions, & reasons that caused the Civil War. I also started to read The Roman Mysteries: Assassins of Rome this week. It is the fourth book of the series. I have resumed reading this series from eighth grade. Flavia Gemini is a young Roman girl living in Ostia. Since bringing together her band of unique individuals: Lupus, Nubia, & Jonathan, Flavian with their help has been solving mysteries. In the beginning if the book they learned from the magistrate that an assassin has arrived in Ostia & has inquired about Jonathan's father. They then learned that the accused assassin is really Jonathan's uncle that's there visiting Jonathan for his birthday, but also came with unknown news from Titus the Emperor. I enjoyed Caroline Lawrence's use of immense detail & complex plot with multiple stories. I also admire her ability to pull this off in a compact book. 8/21-Caroline Lawrence-Assassins of Rome-30min-pgs 1-23 Delia Ray-A Nation Torn-25min-pgs 1-17 8/22-Caroline Lawerence-Assassins of Rome-25min-pgs 23-39 Delia Ray-A Nation Torn-20min-pgs 17-31 8/23-Caroline Lawerence-Assassins of Rome-35min-pgs 39-67 Delia Ray-A Nation Torn-25min-pgs 31-50 8/24-Delia Ray-A Nation Torn-20min-pgs 50-67

My Overview

The schoolyear is most anticipated for me. I know that I have grown as a student. My responsibility levels have skyrocketed from my 8th grade year. I feel that I am ready to handle the increased freedom of high school and all its perks. i am certain that I will have great year in my inaugural year of high school. I have more support as far as my home life goes and more people to help me with time management skills and making sure my work is complete. My hopes are high for this school year.