Hayley- Writing Center Visit
Wyatt- If Cookies were Currency
Friday, December 9, 2016
The Writing Center
My appointment at the writing center was a turning point (for the better) in my literary analysis writing process. I met with a writing fellow last week, before I even began to write my first draft. I had not performed as well as I had hoped that I would on my outline, and I wasn't sure why. When I visited the writing center, I read over the comments that Dr. D had left on my outline assignment submission. The writing fellow helped me fix the mistakes that I had made on my outline, and I began my draft shortly afterwards.
While I was still at the writing center, I began to write my draft. After I had started my first draft, the rest came very smoothly, thanks to my detailed outline. After I finished my introduction paragraph, the writing fellow gave me some helpful tips on how to improve my sentence fluency and I began working on my body paragraphs and conclusion. The writing fellow was very helpful in that she helped me understand why certain parts of my outline were't making any sense. Once the outline became for fluent, I eagerly finished my first draft thanks to the writing center, which was very helpful.
While I was still at the writing center, I began to write my draft. After I had started my first draft, the rest came very smoothly, thanks to my detailed outline. After I finished my introduction paragraph, the writing fellow gave me some helpful tips on how to improve my sentence fluency and I began working on my body paragraphs and conclusion. The writing fellow was very helpful in that she helped me understand why certain parts of my outline were't making any sense. Once the outline became for fluent, I eagerly finished my first draft thanks to the writing center, which was very helpful.
Maia's Prompt
In my future, I don't have an exact image of what it will be like. I'm not sure what I want to do for a living, but I want it to be something that I love. I'd like to be a lawyer because I enjoy debating. I also like math and I am fairly good at it, which is why I might want to do a job that is heavily dependent upon math. I want a job that could easily support my family in the future. I know I want to have a family, which will be my number one priority in the future, as it is now.
For me to be able to say that I have had a wonderful life, I want to look back at life and have no regrets. I want to be able to say that I never did anything that was unforgivable. I also want to be able to say that I took risks that ended up paying off. I want to be able to say that I made several great relationships while in this life, and I hope to move onto the next with no regrets.
For me to be able to say that I have had a wonderful life, I want to look back at life and have no regrets. I want to be able to say that I never did anything that was unforgivable. I also want to be able to say that I took risks that ended up paying off. I want to be able to say that I made several great relationships while in this life, and I hope to move onto the next with no regrets.
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Exams
With exams coming up, it's the most stressful time of the year. Even though we have taken exams every semester since seventh grade, I think it'll be different because we are in high school now, and the stakes are higher than ever. Colleges will be able to see our semester grades, which will be determined by our exam. I know that some of us had classes that count for high school credit in middle school, but none us took all high school classes until our first year of high school. So this year every exam counts, for the purpose of our futures. Not only are these exams the most important exams we, as ninth graders, have taken, but these exams will probably be the most difficult exams we have ever taken.
This year I think that some exams will be the same level of difficulty as previous years, as long as we have payed attention in class. Some exceptions for me are Latin and Honors Biology. These two classes are a huge leap from Latin and Science in middle school. These two exams will include the most information. In Latin, the exam will essentially consist of everything I've ever learned in Latin. In Honors Biology, the exam will consist of less questions, which gives me a smaller margin for error. These two exams will be the most stressful, and I have them both on the same day. Even though everyone has their own specific struggles with exams, your life will not end if you do not perform as well as you would have hoped to on an exam.
This year I think that some exams will be the same level of difficulty as previous years, as long as we have payed attention in class. Some exceptions for me are Latin and Honors Biology. These two classes are a huge leap from Latin and Science in middle school. These two exams will include the most information. In Latin, the exam will essentially consist of everything I've ever learned in Latin. In Honors Biology, the exam will consist of less questions, which gives me a smaller margin for error. These two exams will be the most stressful, and I have them both on the same day. Even though everyone has their own specific struggles with exams, your life will not end if you do not perform as well as you would have hoped to on an exam.
Literary Analysis Update
This literary analysis has caused me to have my ups and downs as a writer. When we first started strategizing on which topic we should pick for this project, I wanted to write about something that I already had a brief understanding of. I also wanted to write about something in the book that I would interested in and something that I already had an argument for. I thought that as a Latin student, I would write about the literary device at the end of the story, the “deus ex machina.” This means "god out of the machine," which we talked about in a previous class period.
When I begin to write my outline, I struggled with finding a way to have a solid argument to support my thesis. I went to the writing center, where a writing fellow helped me improve my outline, and I began to write my rough draft shortly after. The outline has been extremely helpful so far when it comes to writing my draft. I am essentially putting all of the main points of my outline into sentence form and elaborate on those points. I am making progress on my draft, and I have not reached any significant problems when it comes to lack of explanation. I am glad that I can improve as a writer as I am writing this literary analysis.
When I begin to write my outline, I struggled with finding a way to have a solid argument to support my thesis. I went to the writing center, where a writing fellow helped me improve my outline, and I began to write my rough draft shortly after. The outline has been extremely helpful so far when it comes to writing my draft. I am essentially putting all of the main points of my outline into sentence form and elaborate on those points. I am making progress on my draft, and I have not reached any significant problems when it comes to lack of explanation. I am glad that I can improve as a writer as I am writing this literary analysis.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Symbolism
When I do very poorly on an assignment, I am usually very upset for the remainder of the day. When I do very well on an assignment I am also usually very happy for the remainder of the day. During the school week, my mood is heavily dependent upon my grades. My GPA affects my current state of mind and my future. My grades are very important to me because I want to have a bright future.
My GPA symbolizes my life. When something new, such as semester, begins, I have great optimism and self esteem, but as life goes on, it has its ups and down. One day might feel like the world is crashing down, in my social life or when I don't perform well on a test. Some days I feel like I'm on top of the world, as if I aced a test. Not only does my GPA affect my life, but it symbolizes it.
How To Survive Your First Deep Sea Fishing Trip
First, you want to wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, because trust me, they will. Next, make sure you have all of the correct attire, other than a shirt and shorts. Make sure you have a hat and sunglasses, because it will be miserable otherwise. DO NOT FORGET TO BRING OVER THE COUNTER SEASICKNESS MEDICINE, or you WILL regret and it and be miserable for the entire fishing trip. Girls, also make sure your hair is out of your face, so you can see what you're doing. Now, when it's time to actually get on the boat, you need to leave early in the morning so that you are positioned to catch some big fish by sunrise. If you've never been fishing before, much less deep sea fishing, you need to follow directions and make sure you understand how bait fish before you start trying to reel in the big fish later in the day.
When you finally get to the fun part of the day, you are probably beginning to long for stable ground, which might cause some sea sickness. In that case, just wait it out and wait for your SEA SICKNESS MEDICINE to do its job. Once you have become accustomed to the rickety surface of the boat, you will begin fishing. After a few hours, you will begin to be fatigue, but your parents will probably tell you that this is a rare opportunity and you need to savor the moment. When you realize the significance of this experience, you will be grateful that you did it, and you will realize through all of the seasickness and exhaustion, that you had a great time.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
The Heir by Kiera Cass Post 2 (Spoilers)
As the fifth Selection in the history of Illea begins, princess Eadlyn had her ups and downs. On the up side, she always has her family to help her through rough times. On the down side, Eadlyn has already eliminated nearly half of the selected less than two weeks into the selection. One thing I like about this book is that Eadlyn finally realizes that the boy that always annoyed her when they both lived in the palace as children could be a suitable match for her when she really gets to know him. I like how the author shows the reader that all of the selected have unique personalities.
The author does a good job of showing how Eadlyn feels during the course of this Selection. Whenever she is angry or depressed, the reader feels that with Eadlyn through vivid imagery. If Eadlyn is happy, the author shows the reader how Eadlyn acts in response to her happiness and the extent of her happiness. I am unhappy in the lack of effort that Eadlyn is giving towards the Selection, because she isn't even sure if she wants to get married, much less find her husband immediately. I think this problem will resolve itself because Eadlyn is beginning to open up to the selected and she might find love amongst them.
The author does a good job of showing how Eadlyn feels during the course of this Selection. Whenever she is angry or depressed, the reader feels that with Eadlyn through vivid imagery. If Eadlyn is happy, the author shows the reader how Eadlyn acts in response to her happiness and the extent of her happiness. I am unhappy in the lack of effort that Eadlyn is giving towards the Selection, because she isn't even sure if she wants to get married, much less find her husband immediately. I think this problem will resolve itself because Eadlyn is beginning to open up to the selected and she might find love amongst them.
Important Scene From LOTF
A scene from Lord of the Flies that I think is very important (and very scary) is when Simon speaks with the Lord of the Flies. This is the first and only time that we hear the Lord of the Flies speak. He tells the story from a different perspective, as if he is a satanic being ruling over all of the boys on the island and he is controlling their actions. When Simon speaks with the Lord of the Flies, the reader doesn't know if this is the first time they have spoken or if the reason Simon is always missing is because he is taking orders from this evil character. At this point in the story, Simon is perceived as "batty" by the other boys and some boys are even considering that he is or is possessed by the beast. This is very important to the story because we get to see how the Lord of the Flies acts around humans and how he feels about all of the other boys on the island.
In this scene, The beast is giving Simon orders such as telling him to go back with the others and forcing them to have fun on the island. The Lord of the Flies confesses to being the all powerful "beast" that all of the littluns have claimed to have seen. The beast treats Simon as if he is just a pawn in his plan, amongst all of the others boys, who are also just characters in a game that the beast is playing. The beast treats the boys being on an island and fending for themselves as a a game. The beast has a malice undertone, causing the reader to be shocked that they are hearing directly from the beast for the first time and scared because the reader knows that the beast is possessing a pig's head on a stick to communicate with Simon.When Simon loses consciousness, it leads the reader to believe that this part of the story is just a figment of Simon's imagination. Although the reader can never be sure if this event occurred in Simon's imagination or on the island, it is very important because they really get to see the beast and Simon's personalities more than they do for the rest of the book.
In this scene, The beast is giving Simon orders such as telling him to go back with the others and forcing them to have fun on the island. The Lord of the Flies confesses to being the all powerful "beast" that all of the littluns have claimed to have seen. The beast treats Simon as if he is just a pawn in his plan, amongst all of the others boys, who are also just characters in a game that the beast is playing. The beast treats the boys being on an island and fending for themselves as a a game. The beast has a malice undertone, causing the reader to be shocked that they are hearing directly from the beast for the first time and scared because the reader knows that the beast is possessing a pig's head on a stick to communicate with Simon.When Simon loses consciousness, it leads the reader to believe that this part of the story is just a figment of Simon's imagination. Although the reader can never be sure if this event occurred in Simon's imagination or on the island, it is very important because they really get to see the beast and Simon's personalities more than they do for the rest of the book.
Sunday, November 6, 2016
My Prompt
Write about a recent sporting event and explain what the team's loss/win meant to you.
A recent, and important, sporting event was the LSU Alabama game yesterday. I was so excited to see if LSU could finally defeat Nick Saban for a hopefully triumphant win against Alabama. When the game began, LSU had an outstanding defense. By the time the first half had concluded, I was hopeful that the tigers would finally come out on top. When the fourth quarter began, my hope in winning this game slowly deteriorated. I began to lose hope because the tiger's defense was getting tired and we needed some sort of miraculous play to keep Alabama from scoring, which we were unable to do. Sadly, the tigers lot last night, 10-0.
I thought that referees heavily influenced Alabama's win. They made some bad calls that were ultimately in Alabama's favor. These bad called could arguably be the main reason behind Alabama's first touchdown. Overall, both Alabama and LSU played their hearts out, and LSU put up a great fight. Although I was upset to find out that the Tiger's had lost yet another game to the best team in the SEC, but I think with a lot of hard work, we'll do it next year, Tigers.
A recent, and important, sporting event was the LSU Alabama game yesterday. I was so excited to see if LSU could finally defeat Nick Saban for a hopefully triumphant win against Alabama. When the game began, LSU had an outstanding defense. By the time the first half had concluded, I was hopeful that the tigers would finally come out on top. When the fourth quarter began, my hope in winning this game slowly deteriorated. I began to lose hope because the tiger's defense was getting tired and we needed some sort of miraculous play to keep Alabama from scoring, which we were unable to do. Sadly, the tigers lot last night, 10-0.
I thought that referees heavily influenced Alabama's win. They made some bad calls that were ultimately in Alabama's favor. These bad called could arguably be the main reason behind Alabama's first touchdown. Overall, both Alabama and LSU played their hearts out, and LSU put up a great fight. Although I was upset to find out that the Tiger's had lost yet another game to the best team in the SEC, but I think with a lot of hard work, we'll do it next year, Tigers.
Lord of the Flies Response
This is the passage that I chose to respond to-
The world, that understandable and lawful world, was slipping away. Once there was this and that; and now--and the ship had gone. [... Jack refusing to give Piggy the floor when he has the conch...]
"The rules!" shouted Ralph. "You're breaking the rules!"
"Who cares?"
Ralph summoned his wits.
"Because the rules are the only thing we've got!"
But Jack was shouting against him.
"Bollocks to the rules! We're strong--we hunt! If there's a beast, we'll hunt it down! We'll close in and beat and beat and beat--!" (91)
This is the point in the story when the island began to affect the boy's mental stability. Although Jack was the first boy on the island to turn savage, many boys followed shortly after. The narrator was right in saying that "The world, that understandable and lawful world, was slipping away." because not only did the boys forget how they had reached the island, but they also forgot that they wanted to leave. Jack was responsible for losing their first chance at escaping the island. I like that the narrator shows that the boy's social structure is falling into ruins but also tells us.
Something that I didn't like about this passage is that the reader is, once again, reminded of Jack's need to hunt and kill. This is repeated too often in the book, being stated at least a few times a chapter. This chapter is significant because it is the turning point of the story. The boys reach the island, and some are optimistic they will be quickly rescued as long as they work together. When Jack begins to turn savage, some of the boys begin to follow his teachings and divide the boys. When Jack says that no one cares about the rules, he is declaring his defiance to the boys on the island and will do everything in his power to stop them from getting rescued.
The world, that understandable and lawful world, was slipping away. Once there was this and that; and now--and the ship had gone. [... Jack refusing to give Piggy the floor when he has the conch...]
"The rules!" shouted Ralph. "You're breaking the rules!"
"Who cares?"
Ralph summoned his wits.
"Because the rules are the only thing we've got!"
But Jack was shouting against him.
"Bollocks to the rules! We're strong--we hunt! If there's a beast, we'll hunt it down! We'll close in and beat and beat and beat--!" (91)
This is the point in the story when the island began to affect the boy's mental stability. Although Jack was the first boy on the island to turn savage, many boys followed shortly after. The narrator was right in saying that "The world, that understandable and lawful world, was slipping away." because not only did the boys forget how they had reached the island, but they also forgot that they wanted to leave. Jack was responsible for losing their first chance at escaping the island. I like that the narrator shows that the boy's social structure is falling into ruins but also tells us.
Something that I didn't like about this passage is that the reader is, once again, reminded of Jack's need to hunt and kill. This is repeated too often in the book, being stated at least a few times a chapter. This chapter is significant because it is the turning point of the story. The boys reach the island, and some are optimistic they will be quickly rescued as long as they work together. When Jack begins to turn savage, some of the boys begin to follow his teachings and divide the boys. When Jack says that no one cares about the rules, he is declaring his defiance to the boys on the island and will do everything in his power to stop them from getting rescued.
Sunday, October 23, 2016
The Heir by Kiera Cass (spoilers)
The Heir is about Eadlyn, the first born of the King and Queen of Illea, Maxon and America Shreave. After declaring that the first born child, not son, will be the next ruler, Eadlyn is unwillingly the women who men will compete for in the upcoming Selection. The King decided to do a selection for Eadlyn because it had been years since the caste system was demolished, and they people of Illea still treated people based of their family's previous caste number. Something that I like about this book is that the author always finds a way to show that after over a decade, that the king and queen still love each other just as much as when they were married. Kiera Cass will put something in every chapter like Maxon gazing at America and in return has a wide grin on her face.
The Heir is the fourth book in the Selection series, and I am upset with the time lapse between the third and fourth books. In the end of the third book, Maxon and America were just getting married, and by the beginning of the fourth book, nearly twenty years had passed. I really liked hearing the story of Maxon and America, rather than the actual Selection. I'm not sure that I'll like this book and the next as much as the first three books in this series. I'm hopeful that Kierra Cass will write about some sort of flashbacks from before they had children or when their children were young. In this book, they are mainly only shown as working parents, rather than husband and wife.
The Heir is the fourth book in the Selection series, and I am upset with the time lapse between the third and fourth books. In the end of the third book, Maxon and America were just getting married, and by the beginning of the fourth book, nearly twenty years had passed. I really liked hearing the story of Maxon and America, rather than the actual Selection. I'm not sure that I'll like this book and the next as much as the first three books in this series. I'm hopeful that Kierra Cass will write about some sort of flashbacks from before they had children or when their children were young. In this book, they are mainly only shown as working parents, rather than husband and wife.
Lord of the Flies Human Nature
I believe that boys, by human nature, are more immature than girls. I think this due to experience. When I work on a group project comprised of both girls and boys, the boys seem to fool around while the girls are the most productive. Also, boys seem to be influenced by their friends, which is why I think that peer pressure affects boy's immaturity. Girls can able complete the job they are assigned to more efficiently and, as for peer pressure, I'm not sure why women aren't as heavily affected by their friends.
Another thing that all people do is covet, contrary to the tenth commandment. It is human nature to want things that other people have. As humans, we can't help but envy what someone is wearing, what kind of car they have, and even their personality traits. Envy is driven by people's needs to be perfect, but obviously, that will never happen. I think that humans covet less by realizing that they can never be perfect and have everything that they want.
Another thing that all people do is covet, contrary to the tenth commandment. It is human nature to want things that other people have. As humans, we can't help but envy what someone is wearing, what kind of car they have, and even their personality traits. Envy is driven by people's needs to be perfect, but obviously, that will never happen. I think that humans covet less by realizing that they can never be perfect and have everything that they want.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Supernatural (possible spoilers)
One of my favorite tv series is Supernatural, which I have been watching on Netflix for the past couple of months, and I'm already on season 9. It is one of the longest running television series in history, and that's because they always have a new conflict every season. Supernatural is about two brothers, Sam and Dean Winchester, who lost their mother when they were young due to a supernatural being. When their father, John Winchester, set out to figure out what had happened to his wife, he wrote many journals about the supernatural creatures he had killed along the way, deeming himself as a hunter. With Sam and Dean following in their father's footsteps, they find his journals when they are now in their twenties and they decide to help their dad find the supernatural creature that killed their mom.
One thing that I really like about this show is there are so many great characters other than the two main actors, Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, who play Sam and Dean respectively. Some of my favorite supporting characters are Bobby, Sam and Dean's "second father." After their actual dad passes away, Bobby helps the brothers kill supernatural beings and save others. Another character that I really like is Crowley, who plays the king of hell. Although he doesn't have the best morals, being a demon, Mark Shepherd does a great job of playing his character and is very sarcastic in the show. I love Supernatural, which is full of lots of action and suspense, and I would recommend it to everyone.
One thing that I really like about this show is there are so many great characters other than the two main actors, Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, who play Sam and Dean respectively. Some of my favorite supporting characters are Bobby, Sam and Dean's "second father." After their actual dad passes away, Bobby helps the brothers kill supernatural beings and save others. Another character that I really like is Crowley, who plays the king of hell. Although he doesn't have the best morals, being a demon, Mark Shepherd does a great job of playing his character and is very sarcastic in the show. I love Supernatural, which is full of lots of action and suspense, and I would recommend it to everyone.
The One Post 2 (spoilers)
The One concluded with the most dramatic ending of all of the Selection books. As America decides whether or not to tell Maxon of her recent, but terminated, romantic relations with Aspen, Her father passes away suddenly. While America is away at her father's funeral, it is revealed to her entire family that she was romantically involved with Aspen for years and everyone is shocked because Aspen is a six and America is a five in the Illean caste system. When America returns, it is revealed that Maxon has eliminated two of the four remaining contestant, and his engagement will be revealed the next day, when many are murdered due to an undercover rebel attack killing the king and queen of Illea, amongst many others. One thing that I really liked about this book in the Selection series in particular, was the shocking rebel attack that I, as the reader, thought came out of nowhere. Prince Maxon was only moments away from announcing his fiancé, Kriss, (because of a major altercation with America causing her to no longer be considered as the next princess of Illea) the writer just changed the subject and said that one of the guards, who was a rebel dressed in a guard's uniform, shot Celeste, one of the final four contestants, in the head. This was probably the climax of the entire series and once I had stared reading about this major rebel attack, I couldn't put the book down.
Another thing that I really liked about this book was how America and Maxon finally got their happy ending. After Maxon had been shot by a rebel, they both confessed their love for one another and realized that they couldn't live without each other, in the case that they survived this attack. When the attack was over, Maxon proposed to America the next time he saw her, and they had the wedding that they had always dreamed of. Whoever reads this series will never know for sure that America will win the selection until the end of this book, but deep down inside, they will be rooting for her the entire duration of all three of these books in the Selection series and know that she will win. The reader can only hope that Maxon and America can survive all of the brutal attacks. Their happy ending ultimately including the one political issue they agreed on most, eliminating the caste system, so that everyone could be equal.
Another thing that I really liked about this book was how America and Maxon finally got their happy ending. After Maxon had been shot by a rebel, they both confessed their love for one another and realized that they couldn't live without each other, in the case that they survived this attack. When the attack was over, Maxon proposed to America the next time he saw her, and they had the wedding that they had always dreamed of. Whoever reads this series will never know for sure that America will win the selection until the end of this book, but deep down inside, they will be rooting for her the entire duration of all three of these books in the Selection series and know that she will win. The reader can only hope that Maxon and America can survive all of the brutal attacks. Their happy ending ultimately including the one political issue they agreed on most, eliminating the caste system, so that everyone could be equal.
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Gerrymandering
I read an article about Gerrymandering by The Week Staff. Gerrymandering is the unequal distribution of voting districts based on the political party of the voters in the area. It is the redrawing of voting districts so that the ruling party in a state has the majority of voting districts voting in favor of the dominant political party. Although this is legal, I don’t think that it should be because it is unfair because it gives one political party an unfair advantage. I believe that we should have an unbiased cartographer redistrict every ten years and that cartographer should split up the voting districts based solely on population
Based on my reading of the article, gerrymandering is indeed a problem that needs to be solved because, for example, a state could be primarily Republican, but when redistricted, it could become primarily Democratic based on the way the districts are set up. I believe that the people are more important than the states which is why I believe that gerrymandering should be outlawed. The people’s political preference should come before anyone state representatives preference.
Although Gerrymandering has been around for nearly 200 years, I don’t understand why this method has still not been outlawed. I suppose that national representatives might value the states as a whole rather than the people themselves, contrary to my beliefs. I believe that gerrymandering should indeed be illegal due to unfair distribution of voting districts, unequal representation of each political party, and I believe that we should create a redistricting system that is unbiased.
Based on my reading of the article, gerrymandering is indeed a problem that needs to be solved because, for example, a state could be primarily Republican, but when redistricted, it could become primarily Democratic based on the way the districts are set up. I believe that the people are more important than the states which is why I believe that gerrymandering should be outlawed. The people’s political preference should come before anyone state representatives preference.
Although Gerrymandering has been around for nearly 200 years, I don’t understand why this method has still not been outlawed. I suppose that national representatives might value the states as a whole rather than the people themselves, contrary to my beliefs. I believe that gerrymandering should indeed be illegal due to unfair distribution of voting districts, unequal representation of each political party, and I believe that we should create a redistricting system that is unbiased.
Saturday, October 1, 2016
My Brother's First (Flag) Football Game
Last weekend by brother had his first football game. Will Thomas plays center which is an offensive position that has a main goal of snapping the ball to the quarterback. My brother was more excited than words could explain, but I was kind of nervous, to be honest. I hadn't see Will Thomas play a sport since he was five when he played tee ball and "everybody wins". This was a real sport that required athletic ability and I was scared that my brother wouldn't have what it takes to perform. After driving for an hour to get to his first game, we had finally arrived at The Christian Academy. With only thirty minutes until Will's first game began, my family began to realize that if my brother's team was going to win the game, they would have to work hard, because the boys that they were about to play looked bigger and stronger.
When the game began, the Knights got off to a rough start, thanks to my brother. In the beginning of the game he managed to throw two bad snaps that resulted in a five yard penalty. Once the game got moving, Will Thomas starting doing a better job at snapping. That's when our opponent managed to score a touchdown, and it seemed like there would be no way that the Knights would be able to score. When Will Thomas managed to snap the ball perfectly, the quarterback got a great pass off into the in-zone, scoring a touchdown. I was so happy that I screamed at the top of my lungs "Go Knights!" After the game, I told my brother how proud I was of him and that he had exceeded my expectations.
When the game began, the Knights got off to a rough start, thanks to my brother. In the beginning of the game he managed to throw two bad snaps that resulted in a five yard penalty. Once the game got moving, Will Thomas starting doing a better job at snapping. That's when our opponent managed to score a touchdown, and it seemed like there would be no way that the Knights would be able to score. When Will Thomas managed to snap the ball perfectly, the quarterback got a great pass off into the in-zone, scoring a touchdown. I was so happy that I screamed at the top of my lungs "Go Knights!" After the game, I told my brother how proud I was of him and that he had exceeded my expectations.
The One (spoilers)
The One is the third book in the Selection series and the amount of drama is rapidly increasing. The main character, America Singer, has fallen in love with Prince Maxon, leaving her first love, Aspen, with a broken heart. To make things worse, she is on bad terms with the king, Maxon's father, and is barely able to remain in the competition due to the king's hatred towards her. One thing that I love about this book is that the author made a good choice by making America finally choose who she wanted to spend the rest of her life with more, Maxon or Aspen. I think that the author didn't want to depict America as someone who was being unfaithful to prince Maxon, which is why she had to make that decision. I like how the author depicts the one sided feelings between Aspen, who still loves America, and America, who has moved on from her first love.
Another thing that makes this series one of the best that I've ever read is the amount of dialogue and vivid detail that is used. Kierra Cass always uses dialogue when it is needed, but doesn't use it excessively. The vivid detail helps the reader to feel like they are part of the story. Every time America enters a new place, inside or outside of the Illean palace, she explains who is present in this new settings, what the settings looks like, what the people are doing in this new settings, and other things about the setting that help the reader become consumed into the story. What Cass explains in the largest amount of vivid detail is the relationship between America and Maxon and how their love for one another continues to grow throughout the process of the Selection.
Another thing that makes this series one of the best that I've ever read is the amount of dialogue and vivid detail that is used. Kierra Cass always uses dialogue when it is needed, but doesn't use it excessively. The vivid detail helps the reader to feel like they are part of the story. Every time America enters a new place, inside or outside of the Illean palace, she explains who is present in this new settings, what the settings looks like, what the people are doing in this new settings, and other things about the setting that help the reader become consumed into the story. What Cass explains in the largest amount of vivid detail is the relationship between America and Maxon and how their love for one another continues to grow throughout the process of the Selection.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
The Elite (spoilers)
The Elite is the second book in the selection series and is filled with even more action and drama than the first book. The Elite is comprised of only six of the remaining selected fighting for Prince Maxon's love, while America is still unaware if she wants to fight for Maxon's love or Aspen's, her ex boyfriend who is now a guard at the Illean palace. One thing that I liked about this book was that whenever the book began to become repetitive and boring, something very dramatic would happen and pick the plot up again. For example, everything in the palace was going normal because all of the Elite's family had been at the palace for several days, and then Marlee, one of the Elite and America's best friend was severely punished along with one of the guards. America's actions were so drastic that she was almost sent home.
Another thing that I really like about this book is that someone gets eliminated when you least suspect it. Even though only one of the Elite was removed from the competition in this book, the reader never knows when an elimination is going to happen. Kierra Cass waits until the reader thinks that there will never be an elimination and then eliminates someone who the reader was probably rooting for. She's great at finding ways to shock the reader when we don't see it coming. Even though I think Kierra Cass should make eliminations more frequent, I like the way she uses the element of surprise.
Another thing that I really like about this book is that someone gets eliminated when you least suspect it. Even though only one of the Elite was removed from the competition in this book, the reader never knows when an elimination is going to happen. Kierra Cass waits until the reader thinks that there will never be an elimination and then eliminates someone who the reader was probably rooting for. She's great at finding ways to shock the reader when we don't see it coming. Even though I think Kierra Cass should make eliminations more frequent, I like the way she uses the element of surprise.
Saturday, September 24, 2016
My Best Friend
Today I saw my best friend for the first time in a long time. We first met when I was two and she was four at dance class. Our moms instantly became great friends and so did we. We spent a lot of time together during the summer outside of dance. They moved away to Zachary, and we didn't see them much after that. During the flood, my mom called them to ask if they were okay, which they were, and they decided to make plans to meet in the near future. We had lunch together today and I was ecstatic to be catch up with my best friend.
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Dear 13 Year Old
Dear 13 year old,
You need to work harder when it comes to school work. You need to put the phone away and DO YOUR HOMEWORK. No matter who much to want to check Instagram or text your friends, you need to put the phone away if you want to have good grades. Whenever who even think about picking up the phone, think about your grade dropping because you were to busy on your phone to study for that important test. You need to realize that you can check Instagram tomorrow, but by the time your test comes around tomorrow, you won't have time to change that C to an A.
Also, 13 year old, you need to PAY ATTENTION IN CLASS. Whenever you zone out because the teacher lecturing you is boring beyond belief, they could be telling you something very important that you will need to know for the test. Whenever you are to busy doodling on your looseleaf to hear the teacher call your name to ask you a question on what they were just talking about, your friend, has to tap you on the shoulder, and now you feel REALLY embarrassed. You need to make it your goal, no matter how boring the teacher, to always listen because, chances are, whatever they are ta;sing about is going to be important
Regards,
A 14 year old
You need to work harder when it comes to school work. You need to put the phone away and DO YOUR HOMEWORK. No matter who much to want to check Instagram or text your friends, you need to put the phone away if you want to have good grades. Whenever who even think about picking up the phone, think about your grade dropping because you were to busy on your phone to study for that important test. You need to realize that you can check Instagram tomorrow, but by the time your test comes around tomorrow, you won't have time to change that C to an A.
Also, 13 year old, you need to PAY ATTENTION IN CLASS. Whenever you zone out because the teacher lecturing you is boring beyond belief, they could be telling you something very important that you will need to know for the test. Whenever you are to busy doodling on your looseleaf to hear the teacher call your name to ask you a question on what they were just talking about, your friend, has to tap you on the shoulder, and now you feel REALLY embarrassed. You need to make it your goal, no matter how boring the teacher, to always listen because, chances are, whatever they are ta;sing about is going to be important
Regards,
A 14 year old
The Selection Post 3 (spoilers)
As book one of the Selection series concludes, it leaves me wanting to read the next book. After many conflicts including America's ex-boyfriend, Aspen, becoming a guard at the palace, Celeste, one of the Selected, provoking other contestants, and another rebel attack on the palace, Prince Maxon decided to narrow down the nineteen selected women remaining down to six, now known as the Elite. One thing I liked about this book was the author, Kiera Cass, explaining certain moments in vivid details throughout the book. She does a great job of explaining America's awe in all of her new discoveries in the Illean Palace.
Another thing I loved, yet hated, about this book was how the author always left the reader wanting to know more; to continue reading. For example, when Aspen saw America for the first time since the Selection had begun, not much was said about their initial meeting, so I wanted to continue to find out what would happen between Aspen and America. At the end of the book, no conflict had been resolved, it just ended. This book was left on a huge cliffhanger, and I can't wait to read the next book in the Selection series.
Another thing I loved, yet hated, about this book was how the author always left the reader wanting to know more; to continue reading. For example, when Aspen saw America for the first time since the Selection had begun, not much was said about their initial meeting, so I wanted to continue to find out what would happen between Aspen and America. At the end of the book, no conflict had been resolved, it just ended. This book was left on a huge cliffhanger, and I can't wait to read the next book in the Selection series.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
The Selection Post 2 (spoilers)
The part of The Selection that I've gotten in the the book is when America singer has found a very unlikely friendship with someone involving The Selection. As their friendship continues to grow, the palace where America and the other selected girls are staying is under attack by rebels, which leads some women wanting to leave the palace. Kierra Cass continues to with describing things in great detail and using great word choice. One thing I liked about the part of the book I read is week was that the author did a great job of showing how brave America was compared to the other selected girls because she was willing to help and do whatever was needed to be done to protect the palace and everyone who is in it.
Another thing that I find interesting is that the author continues to tell the readers about America's friendship progressing, but she is persuading the reader in her own indirect way to root for them to fall in love so that America can be the next queen of Illéa. She does this by showing the reading their connection can lead to being more than just s friendship. I think that Cass wants the reader to think that Prince Maxon has liked America as more than a friend from the beginning, but America is still concerned about Aspen, her ex boyfriend. Overall, this book has been as excellent read for any girl that likes an interesting book with just enough action to entice the reader.
Another thing that I find interesting is that the author continues to tell the readers about America's friendship progressing, but she is persuading the reader in her own indirect way to root for them to fall in love so that America can be the next queen of Illéa. She does this by showing the reading their connection can lead to being more than just s friendship. I think that Cass wants the reader to think that Prince Maxon has liked America as more than a friend from the beginning, but America is still concerned about Aspen, her ex boyfriend. Overall, this book has been as excellent read for any girl that likes an interesting book with just enough action to entice the reader.
Blood Dazzler by Patricia Smith
I read Poems Excerpted From 'Blood Dazzler' by Patricia Smith. The four poems that I read were all about hurricane Katrina. I've chosen to focus on one story called Up On the Roof. Up On the Roof is about Smith and her family waiting of the roof of their house to be rescued from Katrina. One thing a really like about this poem is that the author used great word choice. Instead of using a word like beg she uses the word beseech.
Another thing that I really thought brought this poem to life was that I felt I was there with the author when she was telling the story because of the way she uses all of the descriptive words. She also uses present tense which contributes to making it feel like I'm with Patricia Smith. She also does I great job of indirectly telling her audience that their are many others doing the same thing her family had to do by standing on their roof. Another thing that makes this poem exceptional is the hint of dialogue when she says "When are they coming to save us?" because it's just enough dialogue for the audience to know of Smith is so distraught that someone may never find their family standing atop their roof.
Another thing that I really thought brought this poem to life was that I felt I was there with the author when she was telling the story because of the way she uses all of the descriptive words. She also uses present tense which contributes to making it feel like I'm with Patricia Smith. She also does I great job of indirectly telling her audience that their are many others doing the same thing her family had to do by standing on their roof. Another thing that makes this poem exceptional is the hint of dialogue when she says "When are they coming to save us?" because it's just enough dialogue for the audience to know of Smith is so distraught that someone may never find their family standing atop their roof.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Monday, September 5, 2016
The Selection by Kiera Cass
A young woman named America Singer is chosen for the Selection. The Selection is a competition that commences every time the prince of Illea is ready to choose a wife to later become the queen. In this competition, one woman is chosen from each of the thirty five provinces to compete for Prince Maxon's hand in marriage. One thing I particular like about this book is the well defined caste systems. The caste systems are numbered from one to eight. One's only include the King's family and the higher the number caste you are in, the lower the income. The author describes the castes with lots of descriptive words and details.
Another thing that I like about this book so far is the way the author depicts America's eternal love for her long time boyfriend, Aspen, but his inability to take care of America caused them to split before she was chosen for the selection. The part of the story I'm currently reading America is going to the palace for the first day on the selection. She has pages of thoughts using lots of detail of all of the rules that she will have to follow during the selection and what she thinks of all the other contestants. The author portrays America's hatred for one contestant in great detail, while also explaining that she has found lots of new friends on the first day of the Selection.
Another thing that I like about this book so far is the way the author depicts America's eternal love for her long time boyfriend, Aspen, but his inability to take care of America caused them to split before she was chosen for the selection. The part of the story I'm currently reading America is going to the palace for the first day on the selection. She has pages of thoughts using lots of detail of all of the rules that she will have to follow during the selection and what she thinks of all the other contestants. The author portrays America's hatred for one contestant in great detail, while also explaining that she has found lots of new friends on the first day of the Selection.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Flood Disaster
My parents woke me up on the morning of August 14th, 2016 to an image I will never forget. The Great Flood of 2016 was no longer affecting only those in low-lying areas; now, large portions of Baton Rouge, that had never experience flooding, would receive backwater flooding. One of those areas would only be feet away from the place I call home. When my parents awoke me in a rush I was initially confused, and then scared. I hastily put on my shoes and headed out the back door to what seemed like a sea of water. The water steadily creeped up the driveway of my house as my family and I cringed in fear as we realized that this could be the day that we lost everything.
Other houses in the front of our subdivision had already been flooded, while some in the back of the neighborhood were certain they would be safe from the backwater. One of my first thoughts was if one of our neighbors, the mother and father of one of the recent fallen officers in the tragic shooting in July, would be safe from these rising waters. On this sunny Sunday morning, I hoped that God would protect those grieving parents, my family, and everyone else in Louisiana suffering from this tragic flood that left thousands without a place to call home.
Other houses in the front of our subdivision had already been flooded, while some in the back of the neighborhood were certain they would be safe from the backwater. One of my first thoughts was if one of our neighbors, the mother and father of one of the recent fallen officers in the tragic shooting in July, would be safe from these rising waters. On this sunny Sunday morning, I hoped that God would protect those grieving parents, my family, and everyone else in Louisiana suffering from this tragic flood that left thousands without a place to call home.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Friday, August 26, 2016
My 2016 Summer Vacation
This year my family and I went to Destin for our summer vacation. We had been several times before, but we wanted to do things that we hadn't done before. One of the things that we did that stood out to me was escape room. You have 60 minutes and three hints to find the code in order to escape the room. The theme of the room we were in was special operations. We had to disarm a bomb that would've taken out the Florida Panhandle. My family escaped with only two seconds remaining.
Another really fun thing that we do every time we go to Destin is go to the most popular water in the city called Big Kahuna's. When we got there, we gradually began to realize that this wasn't going to be as fun as the times before. First, they had signs posted around the waterpark that three of there most popular attractions were under construction. Then, after we had gone on about half of the attractions, they temporarily shut down the waterpark due to weather concerns. After we ate lunch at the park and waited nearly two hours, we realized that the park wouldn't open for the rest of they day, so we decided to leave. While there were some ups and downs to our vacation, I had fun spending it with my family.
Another really fun thing that we do every time we go to Destin is go to the most popular water in the city called Big Kahuna's. When we got there, we gradually began to realize that this wasn't going to be as fun as the times before. First, they had signs posted around the waterpark that three of there most popular attractions were under construction. Then, after we had gone on about half of the attractions, they temporarily shut down the waterpark due to weather concerns. After we ate lunch at the park and waited nearly two hours, we realized that the park wouldn't open for the rest of they day, so we decided to leave. While there were some ups and downs to our vacation, I had fun spending it with my family.
Life Is Short by Jennifer Arnold and Bill Klein
Life is Short is about the lives of two different people with dwarfism who find there way to each other, fell in love, and ended up adopting children with similar disabilities. One of the main things that I liked about this book was the way it was written. Jen and Bill wrote the introduction together, then Jen wrote chapter one, and Bill chapter two, and so on until the epilogue, where they came back and wrote it together. I liked this because it let the reader experience how each person struggled, one at a time. It was like to books combined into one. As the book progresses, Bill and Jen manage to cross paths and then they start writing about each other in there chapters.
Another thing I really enjoyed about this book was because it educated me about a disease that I was interested in learning more about. The proper name for dwarfism is achondroplasia. I learned that while both Bill and Jen had a different form of this disease, the had to go through several different procedures a year, mainly as a young child. I learned that after major surgeries, they had to stay on bedrest for up to several months. Bill, Jen, and their families had to learn to cope with this financial burden. I really liked this book because it educated on an interesting topic and helped me understand that I am lucky that I don't have such a terrible disease such as this one.
Another thing I really enjoyed about this book was because it educated me about a disease that I was interested in learning more about. The proper name for dwarfism is achondroplasia. I learned that while both Bill and Jen had a different form of this disease, the had to go through several different procedures a year, mainly as a young child. I learned that after major surgeries, they had to stay on bedrest for up to several months. Bill, Jen, and their families had to learn to cope with this financial burden. I really liked this book because it educated on an interesting topic and helped me understand that I am lucky that I don't have such a terrible disease such as this one.
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