Reading Log

The Wedding

289/1070

Wilson and Jane have been married for thirty years, share three children, and enjoy a comfortable life. They appear to be the ideal couple, but  their marriage is in trouble. Wilson is portrayed as a stereotypical successful, driven and ambitious attorney. Then Wilson forgets their twenty-ninth wedding anniversary. He devises a year-long plan to rebuild his marriage and make his wife fall in love with him again. As their 30th wedding anniversary approaches, their oldest daughter, Anna, announces that she plans to wed her long-time boyfriend on her parent’s anniversary. Anna’s entire family focuses on planning the wedding celebration as Wilson simultaneously works to ensure the successful plan he had been fine-tuning over the past year. As Wilson works on his marriage he is jealous of, Jane’s father, Noah, whose love for his deceased wife shows the type of relationship most people yearn for but rarely achieve. As they desperately try to rekindle the love they once had, the memories of Noah and Allie serve as a constant reminder of the relationship they are working to emulate.

Reading Log

The Notebook


159/781


This week I started a new book by Nicholas Sparks, "The Notebook." This is a true love story through and through. Noah has loved Allie since he was a teenager. "The Notebook" is a story of heartbreaks that tear them apart and may keep them together. I feel that Sparks has the amazing ability to write about the beautiful descriptions of boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy finds girl, then loses her again. It's how every person wants to be loved one day. This novel has a special love and relationship that not many people find these days. Sparks does a wonderful job of showing us that love can endure all. 

Reading Log

179/622

I finally finished The Help and it was just as I expected and more. My mind was rolling like a movie playing with all the characters. After a long car ride home the novel made the trip go by fast. I knew what was going to happen but I think I pretended like I didn't know and started coming up with random conclusions that seemed hypothetical, so I was surprised when I finished it.

Reading Log

The Help
101/443

While all of these secretive interviews are going on, Hilly, her friend, is trying to set up dates for Skeeter. Everyone is making a big deal that Skeeter is not interested in husband hunting, right now its her career. Eventually she gives in and goes on a double date with the handsome Stuart Whitworth who is very successful. That night however, he proved that he was just another obnoxious, drunk, cocky guy who is selfish. He disrespects Skeeter about her aspiration of writing and being the journalism field. As time passes by, the interviews with Aibeleen become personal. The stories of years ago and the families she was associated have their good and bad moments. Because of the death of her son, she loves taking care of babies and knowing that they love her, for at least when they are too young to know the social class of the blacks to start judging and taking their mamas footsteps. Eventually, Minnie, Aibeleen's friend, agrees to be interviewed. It was always like a routine, however, she would be impatient but talkative until she got angry or frustrated from the stories she told that she would storm out of the house, and that was the end of each interview with Minnie. The stories she told Skeeter must be so intense that not even Minnie can stand repeating.

Note #2 & Note #3

Titanic - YouTube

This collage of memories in the scenes from Titanic, Oscar winning motion picture, enhances the epic romantic disaster film.  The sad tears that are being hidden by the elderly Rose expose a sense of a time that was long ago, where young love was in the air, a free and effortless life. With the scenes of Jack, her lover, freezing in the water after the sinking of the majestically gargantuan Titanic, holding on to Rose develops a strong bond and love that will never die. The memories of the happy times, singing and dancing in the lower class section of the boat highlight intense jubilation Rose and Jack share, providing a sense of playful romance, passionate sensuality like two lovers that were meant to be. The now elderly Rose reflects back to that time when the tragic scene occurs, seeing Jack die and letting him go in the deep waters of the ocean.

Bruno Mars Grenade - YouTube


The intense music video by Bruno Mars singing Grenade reveals a time where sings his heart out about the realization of a relationship that did not work out. The piano being dragged symbolizes his love and not letting go; a pinch in the arm might help release him from his dream. Remembering of the time he thought knew was true and real, becomes a lie and is deceived. The struggle he goes through walking on the highway suggests that Mars will do anything he can to go back how things were, but in reality she is with another man. His description of the woman "gave you all I had and you tossed in the trash" seems like she treated him horribly, but knowing what he was getting himself into he did not care. The shattering of the picture frame insists the end of the irrational relationship and the feeling of betrayal and quiet revenge.

Reading Log

The Help
117/342

The novel continues and has an interesting setup. There is no set and consistent speaker throughout the entire book. The three main characters so far are telling the story but in their own individual chapter. This gives a strong perspective and gets to know the characters more deeply emotionally and physically. Miss Skeeter seems to be the only educated woman in the Jackson, Mississippi. Her hard-work at Ol' Miss is not paying off right now because she has to start from the very bottom as a journalist. After some advice from a lady in New York city she finds a job writing Miss Myrna columns, basically a questioner about household cleaning advice. There is one problem though, she has no idea how to clean anything so she is in a dilemma and struggles with her mother aren't helping. By this time all Skeeter's friends are married and having kids while Skeeter is not interested in hunting for husband, she's hunting for a job. She is described as not a pretty girl, frizzy hair and awkward. Continuing on with the columns, she finds help from Aibileen interviewing her and asking questions so she could reply back to the public. After meeting they open up to each other and Skeeter is troubled how The Help are treated and wants to let people know. She wants to write a book, interviews that show the struggles of serving for rich white families, the ups and downs. 

Exercise #3

TeenReads.com

 1. Dead To You
 2. Chomp
 3. The Disenchantments

Elements
 1. Specific and analyzed evidence
 2. Summarizes content
 3.  Discuss strengths and weaknesses

Reading Log

The Help
105/225

Yes another novel that I am reading is based of its movie. I was so intrigued and absolutely fell in love with The Help. Stories like these really hit me and especially when I begin to tear up. The Help was just phenomenal in the way the characters match the novel exactly.
Only a couple chapters in and if I have at least 10 minutes of free time, my eyes are glued to the pages. Starts out with Aibileen, an African American maid for the sophisticated Mrs. Leefolt. Jackson, Mississippi is filled with young women who sit at home looking over their maids shoulders or out with their girlfriends on a nice lunch or charity event. Mrs. Leefolt's daughter is basically being raised by Aibileen who is her 18th child she looks over and babysits. The business of maids is called The Help, which is just a nice way of saying slaves servants. They cook and clean everyday, everyday something different but the same every week.
All the lady's in the town are the same, except Miss Skeeter. She is the odd one and not like her fake friends; she has different opinions and a way of thinking. She's kind. Looks at the situation from both sides, especially when her friend Mrs. Hilly mentioned the issue of legalizing separate bathrooms for the color because they spread diseases.
Miss Skeeter seems rebellious to me, like she wants to the right thing and not do or agree with something because it is what everyone else is doing.

Note #1

"Strolling Down Memory Lane," Taran Burke

Strolling down memory lane

Where the colors begin to fade. 

Strolling down memory lane

Is where I want you to come along.

Strolling down memory lane

is a test of time and mind.

Strolling down memory lane

I won't be afraid.

Strolling down memory lane

Is not lacking in color.

Strolling down memory lane

Is not a big bummer.

Strolling down memory lane

Not a storm in sight

Strolling down memory lane 

is joy without bite.

A memory that I have created in my mind,

Stands the test of time.

Memories are like dream, a reflection of the past.

My memories can my ...

Ask me no questions I will tell you no lies.  

In the poem from Taran Burke's collections, Strolling Down Memory Lane expresses a unique outlook on the past of memories. Though it is just a memory, the feeling of remembrance almost fills the holes in the heart. The appreciation of the past suggests an intense peacefulness that fills the air. Memories insist to "stand the test of time, establishing a signals that elevate the question of the good memories we remember, and the bad memories we forget. Burke's poem reveals a sense of romantic loss that is insists "joy without bite." 

Exercise #2

(7) The character that writes a 'Cruddy' book is "the cruddy girl named Roberta."

(2) Proulx presents strong adjectives to describe the correct procedure, "brought delicately to his hand from under the bull's belly, climbed up the rails and pulled it taut."

(2) Not only is a bitterness tone expressed, but also pure anger with some words and even sentences being capitalized such as "...because her little sister will NOT shut up she will NOT shut up SHE WILL NOT SHUT UP and Roberta is about to BASH her little sister's HEAD IN IF SHE DOES NOT SHUT UP." 

Best Blog for exercise #1 : Unfettered

Exercise #1

In this excerpt from The Mud Below, Proulx expresses the adrenaline filled scene with an intense, almost explosive, and symbolic style that introduces a sense of hopeful appreciation.The bull "loose-skinned brindle Brahma-cross identified in the program as Little Kisses." The amount of time implies "the adrenaline roses up on his cheeks..neck gleaming with sweat." The imagistic rodeo night illustrates the emotional and physical preparation in the hot little town of Okie. The author seems to suggest a sense of unaccomplished pride. Proulx presents strong adjectives to describe the correct procedure, "brought delicately to his hand from under the bull's belly, climbed up the rails and pulled it taut."In contrast to the bull ride, the hardships verifies a sense of calling, like it's meant to be.

Anthology Theme

I chose MEMORIES as my anthology theme. The peacefulness about memories intrigues me and in my opinion introduces a new challenge to me. Something about the calm yet energetic questions give us doubt whether we have done the right thing or not. The memories that we remember are sometimes little random notes or sometimes the complete opposite. What the mind picks to remember is interesting and I think that exploring the world and finding pieces of memories will be a good turn out

Reading Goals

1. Read a poem to my dog every night
2. Read a book while knitting
3. Read three book by the end of the quarter
4. Read the first Hunger Games Book
5. Read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
7. Read on the top bunk-bed in the spare room

The Woman in Black : A Ghost Story

This is one of those novels that has a movie made out after the popularity of the book increased. I have not seen the movie yet and seeing it was based off of the book I wanted to challenge myself and read the book first then watch the movie to compare, unlike how I usually am, the opposite way around. I've been in the mood for something creepy and after learning that the upcoming film starring Daniel Radcliffe, The Woman In Black, like I said, I had to go read it first.
Arthur Kidd is the young solicitor in the early 20th century that is sent to deal with the house of an elderly widow (Mrs. Drablow) who just died. He attends the funeral and sees a woman in black as her coffin is being lowered into its grave. This creepy scene impulsed my brain to give me goosebumps and possibly a foreshadowing of what might happen next. Not long afterwards, a gipsy child is nearly killed as some logs fall on her, but Arthur manages to save her. After discovering that the house is on an island, surrounded by marshes and floods at high tide it leaves me off the edge of my seat. A local gives him a tour and soon later, Arthur is surprised by the woman in black suddenly reappearing. She is described as the an old woman with a wasted face, with very cold eyes, which radiate hate. She advances slowly towards Arthur, who turns and rushes into the house.
This novel a typical mysterious ghost story but with a crazy twist I have a feeling for as I keep reading it.

The Virgin Suicides

The Virgin Suicides is a novel that was recommended to me in class by my peers. It starts off by introducing the now middle-aged adults whose lives have been changed forever. They revisit what they know about the five Lisbon girls' lives and deaths through their own memories and interviews with neighbors, tracking the destruction of a family over thirteen months, and exploring the lingering feelings of love and pain that have persisted for 20 years. These men have this awkward obsession with the five fated sisters, Therese, Mary, Bonnie, Lux, and Cecilia Lisbon. These mysterious girls don;t see,m to really be known in the town, but with the youngest, Cecilia, kills herself, it establishes "the year of the suicides" and all eyes are on them. The boys seem like a vague group of boys whose names are never mentioned entirely. All we know is they are in high school , and live in the same suburb as the Lisbon's and have always been fascinated the girls.

Inference vs. Evidence

1) "The radical range of color schemes, discombobulating object scale, unusual item combination, and drastic angling of geometric shapes combine to form a divine harmony in the middle of a flustering discord." - Vivir Sonar leer
"The shots of the model seemingly jumping spontaneously serve a purpose of tricking the eyes and mind." - No Trust In Tomorrow

2)"There always seems to be a certain picture that stands out in a portfolio, and we find ourselves thinking, "Wow, is that really how pretty our world is?"

"In this beautiful collection of gripping photos, Christopher Payne catalogs the decay of state mental hospitals across the country. "

Submission #4 : Lunch Bag Art

 Lunch Bag Art is a tumblr that is very unique and worth looking at. It's not like your regular kids day to school where parents pack their lunches, a normal routine. Well this guy took it to a new level. He took an artistic route and as a challenge. After looking at a few lunch bag creations, I noticed he enjoys doing it because it makes his kids happy and he incorporates what they did or watched last night and try to recreate the moment.  Almost like a learning experience. He draws with such detail and effervescence that it almost convinces us we can do the same thing, piece of cake. The artist parent presents most of his drawings on regular brown paper bag and each day he creates one, each day he captures the bag with the camera and reveals his animated masterpieces. He has a variety on subjects that he draws. Most of them of course are for his kids to show off at school but I think it goes deeper in the person who is actually creating the image. Seems to be almost a hobby to this man.  From the picture above of Hugo from the show LOST

has fine detail and such gentle modesty that it almost acts as an inspiration to go out and draw pictures on your kids lunch boxes. Every day his kids go to school he takes a picture before they leave to keep it as a memory because I'm sure that the child will throw it away since his dad is always drawing pictures on his lunch. But the surroundings in which he takes it is simple peacefulness. Like a regular day almost explosively generic.

short list #3

1. "A man's best friend is his dog" in this tumblr the companionship

 balances with the bond each man in each picture presents. There's feeling

of happines, and almost like each man's life is complete

having his dog. You can tell by the way they look at each

other or by the way they interact in each picture 

2. Lunch Bag Art is a tumblr I stumbled upon that verifies 

how some parents either get bored or want their kid

to have the best lunch at school. That extra "umpf" 

in each drawing I'm sure leaves a smile on their face. This 

is really intersting and the art is phenomenal that 

is drawn on these simple brown paper bags. 

3. For all you Modern Family fans, this is the tumblr to 

take a look at. Each picture recaps the funny moments

in the show and expresses a lighthearted feeling that 

we all love. Some you just can't not see and not laugh

due to the joyful excitement. 

Submission #3 My Way

“My Way” is an episode from This American Life that expresses the choices a person makes in their life. The amazement of the two stories creates a contrast yet a comparison at the same time. Larry Wegielski, a 50 year old man is inseparable with his wife, but the strangely loving story is that she past away. They were the perfect couple and he can’t imagine his life without Ve-ve. His expressions enhance the word “love” and establishes a philosophical happiness that not one individual can take. It’s a choice he is willing to take, visiting his wife at her grave stone, signals a feeling of home. The second story highlights about a young teenage boy, the age of 14, who is not afraid of cooties and girls, but chooses to block out love forever. He chooses to live a normal life playing D&D with his friends and growing up alone. Seeing what love and girls can do to a his peers, he documents his feelings about the situation. The young boy presents a depressing outlook for the audience, but for him, it's a lifestyle, a choice, living the dream. 

The first story or act, according to This American Life the man who has lost his love seems to be sad and mournful, but he is the complete opposite. Having a positive attitude, he walks to his wife's cemetery, almost like he is at home. This baffling story introduces a new level of love. He knows many people think is is crazy but that doesn’t stop him. His strong relationship with Ve-ve has not quit even though he has a girlfriend. Confusing yet sweet, this man proves that love and the feeling of home doesn’t have to be physical, more like a spiritual statement. 

Joe is an average, awkward teenager except for the fact that he has strange views on interacting with the opposite sex. He argues how love is pointless and it ruins people, which for his age, possibly not a good idea but its the fact that he never wants to fall in love. He is content with how he is, play Dungeons and Dragons with his friends. He insists that life is better this way and is almost doubfull for his love of his own family. Joe is a very strong opinionated teenager and when asked how he sees himself when he is in his 20s, he responds and explains how his life will consist of a small apartment with an awsome video game system and he does not need girls and love to interfere with his life, because it will be perfect the way it is. 

Larry and Joe seem very different in their opinions but when analyzing, they appear to be similar in the act of choosing, not caring what people thing, and being happy. Larry enjoys and is not sorrowful of the death of his wife. Of course he wishes she was back but, he spends a good amount of time with her even when she’s not on this Earth. He has a dignified appreciation and would not change anything for any one. Joe is the same way. He will not let anyone try to convince him of what should be right. To Joe it’s generic and not the way of life he sees himself in. Both stories are outspoken with opinionated, strong and prideful men.   

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children .. part 2

After finishing this book I was in an unexpected awe. A definite read if you are into mysterious, spooky stories. This mysterious land with an abandoned orphanage expresses the majestic formality. Not only that but the quizzical photographs that were attached mic with the novel to be a thrilling reading experience. The abandoned bedrooms are explored by 16 year old Jacob and who has a sense of something peculiar.
 I couldn't stop reading this book, not knowing what I had got myself reading into this book due to the ghosty feel, I had to force myself to put the book down and go to bed. The originality it portrays is spectacularly odd. The novel was well written almost like a scrapbook but with text having a life of its own, never ending words describing the story.
The characters created an explosion of characteristics for the reader. Jacob is the awkward but like-able kid who comes across as both unique and a normal teenager. All the individuals in the novel has intensely distinct personalities.
The Format of the book acknowledges the beauty with the pictures neatly and orderly spread apart throughout the book; woven into the story, it created a creepy and odd feeling with that cool old fashioned feel that makes you want to go explore old abandoned places.
This book is a good read, definitely something out of my comfort zone just from reading the summary. Its not your typical ghost story, I can guarantee.

Podcast Response: My Way

“My Way” is an episode from This American Life that expresses the choices a person makes in their life. The amazement of the two stories creates a contrast yet a comparison at the same time. Larry Wegielski, a 50 year old man is inseparable with his wife, but the strangely loving story is that she past away. They were the perfect couple and he can’t imagine his life without Ve-ve. His expressions enhance the word love and establishes philosophical happiness that not one individual can take. It’s a choice he is willing to take, visiting his wife at her grave stone, signals a feeling of home. The second story highlights about a young teenage boy, the age of 14, who is not afraid of cooties and girls, but chooses to block out love forever. He chooses to live a normal life playing D&D with his friends and growing up alone. Seeing what love and girls can do to a boy, he documents his feelings about the situation. The young boy presents a depressing outlook for the audience, but for him, it's a lifestyle, living the dream. The two stories compare similarly by the choice of not caring what other people think of them, yet contrast in the name of love.

Submission 2: Unhappy Hipsters

 Unhappy Hipsters is a friendly tumblr that gives the world a feel of being lonely in the modern world sometimes. There's a sense of architecture when it comes to the houses; a sense of being generic. The calm, peaceful subjects in each photo illustrate the philosophical minds of each individual. Each picture introduces a straight on view of each scene almost emphasizing the main idea, yet still portraying a sense of doubt. Every dull, clinical wall seems like a never ending plethora of space that makes us wonder of our judgement. These “hipsters” seem to consider questioning everything about life. The photographer prepares each image with a goal that needs to be reached. Almost implying that the picture has its own purpose, its own life. The ineffable microcosm leaves viewers thinking about their hopeful curiosity. 

Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children

Miss Peregrine's Homes For Peculiar Children is a fiction novel that has a different feel to it. The blend of fiction and fact, fantasy, and photos gives a uniquely mysterious outlook. This book made a remarkable impression on me due to its classic adventure and strange originality so far. Anyone can read it, appeals to both teen boys and girls as well as their moms and dads. 

Starts out with Jacob, a 16 year old who witnesses the death of his grandfather. He is sent to a small Welsh island in search for answers. Wondering whether his grandfather's growing up stories and the orphanage populated by invisible and levitating children are actually true. His grandfather treasured a box of strange photos that are shown throughout the book. The pictures are so fascinating and really out of the ordinary. Beautifully photographed the author did a nice job incorporating them within the novel. The photos ad a whimsical edge to the text and serves as an introduction to Jacob's "friends." They give depth to the story is incredible.  

Each character I learn about feels real and the photographs really help give a visual. I have heard that once you read more into the book the fun begins. Almost like a horror movie without the stereotypical zombies and dramatic, unnecessary music. The setting is quite exotic creating an addictive read thats impossible to forget. Looking forward to reading more !

Short list #2

All this public affection
was making Frosty miss
the sofa bed.

Pets who want to kill themselves is a tumblr I stumbled along

where the title just forced me to see more. I couldn't help but 

laugh seeing all the pictures and reading each caption

that went along with it.   I have a little Yorkshire Terrier that 

has many different outfits for different seasons and her expressions

just say it all. You can't force a dog to like the situations it's in

and this tumblr illustrates perfectly the trouble 

                          dogs have in their lives and the joy we get.  

Unhappy Hipsters is a tumblr that shows the loneliness in the modern day. The photographer captures simple yet outrageous moments,  almost hearing the euphoric silence. Peaceful and mysterious these pictures portray

a sense of curiosity

Black and wtf is strangely explosive when it comes to black and white pictures. This tumblr introduces a new level of discombobulated scenes. In some pictures the author intends to question our sanity and definitely give ourselves a scratch on the head. Some are convincing artifacts verifies the comical passion, back in the day.

Submission 1: Pandora vs. Slacker

From generation to generation there's always a new trend of listening to music. From cassettes we went to CDs, then even the MiniDisc, then to mp3 players. Now having smartphones (iPhones, Androids,etc.) we can expand the spectrum and move to more mainstream, streaming internet radio. Right now, two of the most popular services are probably Pandora and Slacker Radio.

Internet Radios are an alternative way to listen the music just for you. Depending which one you use, the set up may be different, but generally they bundle up a plethora of songs and let you listen to whatever specific genre, artist, song, etc. you have put as your basis. 

I personally use Pandora for my calm escape and drown into the music, like fish in the sea. After an oral survey I took, asking my peers which internet radio they prefer most, more than half answered with Pandora. The ones who are strictly Pandora users have never even heard of Slacker until I surveyed them.  

Looking at their websites, they both have different layouts. As a first time Slacker user, I was impressed how extremely easy it was to customize my radio stations based on any range of musical artists. It also brought up recommendations for other artists in the same genre that you could choose to add to your station. Slacker had this feature called fine tuning where it lets you decide the levels of music discovery you want to include in you channel, as well as choosing how popular you prefer the songs to be, how often your personal favorites should be included, and what musical eras can be played. Sounds complex, but in reality the fine tuning function explodes the vast combinations and takes personalization to a whole new level. A positive about Slacker is there is no cap, meaning you can listen to unlimited music. The selection of songs in Slacker is much better than Pandora and the repetition of songs is a lot less.

With all that said, Pandora on the other hand, has a much cleaner site and straightforward. The best thing about Pandora is excluding the advertisements (which is understandable since it is offered gratis), there are little distractions and you can get right to you music escape. Pandora does take longer to buffer when music quality is set to high, but no significantly longer than Slacker. If you are a long term Pandora user, you get about 40 hours of streaming music a month for free. If 40 hours isn’t enough there is always the premium account. Unfortunately, with this is does not offer you unlimited skips and no ads. Pandora does a great job at selecting a song and building a station around that. 

When looking at the greater picture both radios are great and have their own unique style. I would recommend to check both sites if interested. Not to worry, if the computer is far away, a quick download can have both the apps on you phone in just minutes so you don't have to go anywhere. 

Tweaked . . part I

I don't really know what it is with me and reading these depressing, sad, and serious books about drug addictions. Tweaked is one of those stories. I wasn't recommended this book but I remember looking at the iconic book cover from one of my peers and my curiosity has finally been fulfilled..well almost. I have to finish the book to fully get the experience. 

Starting out with a normal average kid with a chaotic family. Reading the first page I knew what was coming and sorrow overflowed my body. Gordie's brother Chase is a victim of the drug life. Specifically Crystal meth. He has devoted his life to revolve around this deadly monster. 

Looking up the crystal meth on dictionary, I stumbled upon this definition "The drug is cheap and provides a fast powerful high that makes it attractive to the user. But crystal meth carries a terrible price. Casual use of the drug can quickly lead to addiction, and prolonged use created a variety of serious health and social problems for the individual and his or her family"

Sadly this is the definition of Chase. After trying it with his friends he was automatically hooked and couldn't stop. Stealing, lying, rebellion was a normal routine to feed his addiction. He has stolen as much money from his parents as he could get his hand on. Gordie resents his brother and is angry..furious at what Chase has become. He is angry what Chase left behind, his family. He hates what his family has become from his addiction. From his parents' eyes, Chase is sick and needs help. Yet every time he is admitted to rehab he goes behind their back, only concern is searching what avenue or trick he could obtain money to pay his dealers. 

Gordie is trying to live a normal life, but how can he when his brother sells his precious guitar in order to pay for drugs. Stealing $2000 from Gordie to pay off his drug debt when he only needed $500. Gordie is absolutely finished with Chase, has no sympathy..completely enraged at his brothers actions. Chase ends up getting stoned and breaking a bottle over a man's head resulting in death. 

For a story dealing with a family member dealing with drug addiction, the author is able to capture the tragic and powerful emotions well. Usually stories based on drug addicts are about the actual drug addict; I understand what is happening to the drug addict not what happens to his/her family. In Tweaked, my instincts are telling me that this its not all about the actual addict, but how drug addictions of a family member can tear a family apart. This story is well written so far with a progressive plot and I can't wait to read more and find out what happens next with Gordie and his family. 

Week 5: Top Links

This week in class we searched our peers blogs and the short lists that everyone has come up with
The ones I thought were interesting and caught my eyes were ...


Rainy Mood is really interesting and never seen anything like it. Its the sound of rain. Really cool idea

Worlds Best Trips Has the dreamiest and most exuberant pictures of the world we never knew

Found Magazine give a quirky and almost brings the kid feelings back

final thoughts on Go Ask Alice

I left off from my last post about Go Ask Alice when the girl starts turning things around for herself and trying to forget the past. It took a while that's for sure. Meeting new "friends" that were probably not the best influence. She ran away from home and is on the street feeding her addiction whichever way possible. Yet again, she is tired of the lies and drugs so she vows one more time to never touch them.  After a traumatic event on the streets she can't take it anymore and decides to go back home. But how ? she thinks her family will never forgive her. Little did she know her story would turn out like the Prodigal's Son.
Well after finishing the book I was actually surprised because from her diary entries everything was going good she had the grades the friends.. a new beginning.. but thats not why I was surprised. Before reading the book I sneaked a peak towards the end of the novel and read the short epilogue paragraph. The girl who wrote these entries was found without a heartbeat in her room 3 weeks after deciding she didn't want to write anymore. No-one knows if she died by an accidental or premeditated overdose.. all we know is her story and journey throughout her life and sadly it had to be taken away.

Jottin' ideas #1

VS.

1. Internet Radio Smackdown :

Pandora and Slacker are just a few of the great internet radios that are out there in the cyber world. I personally use Pandora and cannot compare the two yet. They seem similar, but from what I have heard you either prefer Pandora or Slacker. These radios find out a specific genre or artist or specific song you like and generate a whole new playlist for you to listen. The benefits may be different but I do know you can discover new songs and artist that you never knew before. 

2. The Troubadour of Honed Banality

I don't know why but this picture really catches my attention. Possibly how everything fills the room and seems as if there is action going on. Every person has their own story. The way of life in Russia couple years ago yet in a way, seems to still be the same. The chaos gives the mood of the place with a sense of peacefulness at the same time. Almost like a casual chaos.  The article attached to this scene is written about a mans experience with his Russian girlfriend and gives us a little inside scoop of the culture. 

3. Will Adler Photos

This gallery of Will Adler's expresses and highlights his Californian influence. The randomness presents itself as calm, questioning the curiosity of Ardel. Recognizing his passion transforms through his palm tree pictures introduces an explosion of euphpria. 

best "Deads Poets Society" post

As I read through all the blogs, the one that caught my eye about the Deads Poets Society claim was written in Reading, Reflecting, and more Reading. I chose this one because it stood out to me in the use of vocabulary as well as the intriguing observations. The post did a nice job putting the right power verbs and adjectives that we work in class "..the explosive crowd of parents and the aggressively proud students highlight the sense of passionate strength and intense superiority.." The inference the writer created was strong and is noticeable that he/she really put some deep thought into it. 


Reading, Reflecting, and More Reading Blog

go ask alice

Go Ask Alice.. a real diary entry by a teenage girl who struggles with life, friends, family, and .. addiction. Because the author is Anonymous, we do not know who this girl really is. Before reading the book, the back side described this book as a testimonial against drugs and "she is one of thousands of drug deaths that year."
The fifteen year old began to keep a journal or diary as a way of escape and confidentiality. She expressed her thoughts on boys, loosing weight, her sexuality, if she fits in, and the struggles with her parents.  Before moving to a new place due to her dads job, she is excited to "refresh" and start a new beginning at school. Unfortunately, things took the wrong turn..she had no friends, shy, alone, and an outcast at her new school. Eventually meeting her only best friend Beth. But that soon soon ended after a summer camp she went to and met her boyfriend who she is with all the time, leaving our teenage girl once again..alone.
Visiting her grandparents and unexpectedly having the attention from the popular group from her old high school, she is introduced to LSD that was intentionally put in random bottles of Coca Cola. She writes her experience and the thrill and how much life is better with it. She even lost her virginity while on LSD. Worrying if she is pregnant and her grandfathers mini heart attack, guilt  starts to take over. She thinks about her actions and vows to never come back to her town... at least hanging out with the popular group and urgently wants to leave and return back home where she can be safe from all the drugs.
This girl seems very confused and not one of those bad girls. She writes how she has the perfect family, perfect house yet she isn't perfect. Maybe she doesn't want to be. Maybe the pressure or stress is too much for her. Maybe this diary isn't a bad idea to express her thoughts and feelings. Everyone has problems but she is one of those girls in school that seem to be deceiving. They look shy and quiet, when they are the most prone and can explode in.. not yelling.. can't describe it, possibly explode with rejoice? If given a chance and a little kindness she wouldn't be so alone. Maybe she wants to talk and be social..just can't..physically. I can't put this book down..every entry is a step closer in discovering really who she is, struggling, thriving, living with her addiction and maybe there will be a happy ending. Only one way to find out.

dead poets society

In the opening scene from Peter Weir’s 1989 film Dead Poets Society, the ceremonial tradition and baffling expressions on each individuals face develops the school’s intense tradition, honor, discipline, and excellence. The inaugurated adolescent boys demonstrate fearful curiosity, surrounded by grey, dull, generic suits; we discovered the traditional wear is strangely close to that of a portrait painted one hundred years ago. This inference develops the mood of the school, strict and witty. Due to the strong and affirmative diction of the head master’s speech, the boys are alarmed by the emphasis of pressure and intense competition that is waiting for them. The parents, however, encourage and have joyful optimism that the institution will provide the demeaning education their sons potentially will excel in. The traditional ceremony began with the loud bagpipes and organs to fill the room, possibly showing off the schools pride and confidence. This difficult private school expects the students to reach their highest potential and intelligence to tolerate the world in the future.

and you think your life is bad?

 Precious is a movie based on the novel Push by Sapphire. Yes it is one of those stories where you watch the movie, fall in love and read the novel it is based off. This story really caught my attention about a 16 year old girl who struggles with obesity, constantly raped by her father, abused by mother, and illiterate strives in the New York City ghetto of Harlem. Already given birth to a Downs Syndrom girl, Claireece P. "Precious" Jones, becomes pregnant with her second child Abdul (give of God) by her father and is still in Junior High at 16. She barely makes it to class everyday, never reads a book, never flips a page.
       "But I couldn't let him, anybody, know, page 122 look like page 152, 22, 3, 6, 5, -- all the pages look alike to me. 'N I really do want to learn."
Being invisible was easy for Precious, but it took its toll. Drove her crazy, everyday not knowing what difference between right and wrong. Eventually she was kicked out due to her bad reputation with school and lets face it, what school..Middle School.. would keep a 16 year old student with the discovery of a 2nd child on the way?
Not only does she have troubles in school, but in her small apartment living with her dysfunctional and abusive momma is absolute hell. Suffering long-term physical, sexual, and mental abuse from her unemployed mother she is forced to cook, eat, and eat. There was no way out of it, just had to do what she said or pay the price of an unexpected pan injury in the head. Her mother accuses and hate Precious because she "stole" her husband from her since he would rather have sex with Precious instead of her.
To continue her education, Precious is enrolled in an alternative school Each One Teach One. She enlists in the Pre-GED class where the goal is to help students learn the basic skill to move on to the regular GED class. In her time there, she learns there are people who care and love her. Only want what is best. The teacher behind all this magic is Ms Rain, who has a passion to drive each of her students in improving their reading and writing skills. Keeping a journal was her way of letting each one of them to express and write whatever they want as long as they were writing something everyday.
The style of this novel has strong dialect. Not necessarily using exuberant and advanced words but the "ghetto" talk told from Precious' point of view. She is believable and makes me realize bad things do happen to people. We take for granted for all the things we have. I can't imagine being put in her shoes, she has my deepest and greatest thoughts.  After reading Push I feel like I should go out and do something positive and uplifting because the novel was so intense.
Precious had triumphed her problems by:

        -having a desire for the better
        - experiencing genuine affection
        - finding a way out and started a new life
        - taking risks and tried something new even though it was scary
        - gaining the courage to speak whats on her mind
        - realizing the abuse she suffered wasn't her fault
        - really appreciating the things she was given and never gave up on herself

Visitation to a Miami home

Elements of Observation

layout -

-abstract yet modern in the way he presents his house 

-there is vegetation outside that reveals a life of its own

-surrounded by admiring pillars and outdoor pool 

-a Miami feel gives a joyful intensity

-the calm and sincere tropical environment shines on the house  

-appreciation of the beauty in the house comes from 

the exuberant sunlight that shines

style -

 -Cuban/Latin essence adds cultural effect

 -modern winding stairs pleasantly and effortlessly 

fill the room

-the amazing spiraling stair case gives an elevation 

of majesty and curiosity

space -

-randomly well planned
-abundant rooms give a confident and energetic feel 
-areas that are not filled with decorations 
or furniture seem to have a purpose
-very "cozy" and warm feeling with a 
modern twist

color -

 -vibrant and energetic colors that burst with color

-explodes the rooms with the excited colors

-the white that compliments his wood flooring and metal 

railings give convinces us how friendly yet formal he is

-white interior/exterior expresses warmth of the day

decorations/furnishings -

-animated, worldly collection of cartoon characters (Stewey/Brian)
-addition of lights compliment his collection of cartoons
-his obsessions of "Family Guy" is amusing yet fits the room persuasively
-modern furniture but still preserving the vintage feel
-abstract furnishings such as glass piano, the white bubble figure, and the 
 large sung-shaped light atop the upper level fill the room jubilantly

In the home of Pharrel Williams, his Miami residence has an abstract layout, Cuban/ Latin essence, energetic energy in the abundunt rooms, explosive colors, and his modern use of decorations express a feel of jubilant and enthusiasm.

Pharrell Williams House in Miami

About myself

I'll start by introducing myself. My name is Liza. Born in Moscow, lived there since my parents got a divorce 9 years after my birth. Always the same expression on teachers' faces when they call my name in the beginning of the year. Most don't know how to pronounce it then I have to deal with my name being butchered. Usually I just help them out by saying "here" when it's toward the end of the alphabet since my last name starts with "Y" and the "I don't know how to say this name" look, usually gives me a big sign that the teacher needs some guidance. Funny, you'd think out of all the teachers, English teachers would  be the closest in pronouncing it right, but even they have trouble.
I really was not much of a reader on my own time, only reading was required for school. Since I've started my Etymology class I decided to give a little more effort in my reading life. Feels like as each generation goes by, the interest in reading decreases due to all the technology provided for us but even those shouldn't be excuses. My excuse was I never had time to read, too busy with my life. But as I started to really think and realize.. I just didn't want to put the effort in finding time when I could be reading on my way to volleyball practice instead of sleeping. I remember in 5th grade when I moved to Indiana from Tennessee, we were assigned to write a book. I always thought the stories we learned in class of slavery and their struggle to become free was so interesting. So I decided to write a nonfictional book about Peg Leg Joe and his journey using the stars and drinking gourd to guide him along with the slaves to freedom. It was a competition in the class to which book would go to some meeting and my story with Peg Leg Joe won! I was shocked that out of all the great stories, mine was picked. First grade was a rough year for me, transitioning from a new country, new people, new culture, new house. Even though I knew both Russian and English, coming to America I was not enforced in my household to read. My teacher had story time where she would read all the Junie B. Jones series. One day my mother and I went to Barnes & Noble and I remember finding all those book series that we read in class and I ended up getting four of the Junie B. Jones series. Telling myself I would read them over and over again but to be honest, I don't even think I finished the first one. Over the years, never took reading seriously, and now its catching up. I have a hard time choosing the correct answers for comprehending questions in tests because I always seem to find two that seem so similar to me I just can't choose. 

Currently, I discovered I am interested in the books that are about people who are overcoming or in very deep struggles. I saw the movie Precious a while ago which is based off of the Novel Push by Sapphire I am reading right now. Great book, the author really connects and has an unbelievable way of telling the story and just everything about it I can't describe. I can feel the pain and the hardships this girl deals with in her life and home, just sad and I can't stop reading. Also, I went to our local library and checked out a book that was recommended to me, Go Ask Alice and Tweaked which I will be starting as soon as I finish Push. Overall I am really hoping my reading life does turn around not only for my Etymology class, but so I can find a book of my enjoyment and read just because I want to.