Note 8

Island of the Blue Dolphins

The short novel, Island of the Blue Dolphins, portrays the ocean through the eyes of young tribal children, giving the water an innocent appeal. The simple words and matter-of-fact tone describe the ocean in its most basic form. To the young boy, the ocean is "a flat stone without any scratches." His words are straight-forward and lower in diction, but they so vividly express an image of calm water. The young boy's sister argued with him, saying it was just unmoving water, but he saw the sea in the raw as a "blue stone," and the sky as "a small cloud which sits on the stone." A child's perspective of the vast, mighty sea is rare insight into its simplicity.

Note 7

The perfectly-timed photograph captures water landing with a splash, displaying the power of a miniscule droplet to shake the entire body of water. The image, filled with crisp blue tones, portrays the broken serenity of glass-like water. It looks as though the steady calmness of the still water has been suddenly interrupted, leaving it in shock. The effects of this unexpected discrepancy are portrayed by the continuously expanding circles around the site of impact. The crystal-clear reflection of the splash implies that the water has not only been visually changed above water but also below it. This tiny droplet has the power to change everything in the flawlessly quiet water, making the image a lesson in and of itself.

Reading Log

This past week, I continued reading Wuthering Heights. I had started reading this classic over spring break, but after taking a little break and reading other books, I forgot all of the details in this intricate story, so I reread some of the important parts. I read a total of eleven chapters, 108 pages, of Wuthering Heights. The book has classic language, and it is VERY elevated in style, so it takes great concentration and attention to details to really understand the storyline. Keeping the characters in line and understanding each of their connections to one another is probably the hardest part of the book. I have looked at a family tree though, which has helped my understanding. I am excited to continue reading this, along with watching multiple versions of the movie. I have accomplished my goal of reading a book in the literary fiction category.

Notes 4,5 & 6

 Note 4:

Water
By Ralph Waldo Emerson

The water understands
Civilization well;
It wets my foot, but prettily,
It chills my life, but wittily,
It is not disconcerted,
It is not broken-hearted:
Well used, it decketh joy,
Adorneth, doubleth joy:
Ill used, it will destroy,
In perfect time and measure
With a face of golden pleasure
Elegantly destroy.

In Emerson's "Water," antique words are used to personify water, implying that water is a double-edged sword by nature. The diction is very formal, adding extra wisdom and meaning to the words. The speaker is using a natural element such as water to simplify humanity. Just as with people, water sneaks up and does something negative to a person, but does it in a delightful manner, so as to deceive its victim. Emerson wrote, "It wets my foot, but prettily," implying that even though the speaker's foot was drenched, the water did it in such a beautiful way, that he was distracted from his annoyance at being wet. The author also writes, "Well used it decketh joy," and "Ill used, it will destroy." This exemplifies the double-edged sword that water can be. If water is used properly, it can be beneficial to humankind, but if its power is underestimated or mistreated, it can breed sickness and disastrous storms. This is a strong message that reflects on society too; it reminds people that anything used suitably is advantageous, but if used incorrectly, it has the ability to create more evil than good.

Note 5:

Overboard
By: Justin Bieber (feat. Jessica Jarrell)

It feels like we've been out at sea, whoa
So back and forth that's how it seems, whoa
And when I wanna talk you say to me
That if it's meant to be it will be
Whoa oh no
So crazy is this thing we call love
And now that we've got it we just can't give up
I'm reaching out for you
Got me out here in the water
And I

I'm overboard
And I need your love
Pull me up
I can't swim on my own
It's too much
Feels like I'm drowning without your love
So throw yourself out to me
My lifesaver
(Lifesaver, oh lifesaver)
My lifesaver
(Lifesaver, oh lifesaver)
Whoa

The lyrics to one of Justin Bieber's hit songs, "Overboard," vividly portray the powerful ocean, implying that the ups and downs of relationships are similar to the strong pulls of the ocean's tide. When he says, "It feels like we've been out at sea, whoa. So back and forth that's how it seems, whoa," the lyricist is comparing the good and the bad parts of love to the waves going in and out. Sometimes there are good times in relationships; these euphoric times are similar to calm ocean waters, serene and happy. Like waves though, just as soon as a relationship is steady and happy, it becomes a struggle again. The speaker says, "Feels like I'm drowning without your love," demonstrating the power of the waves, hardships in relationships, to drag a person down. In order to overcome these tough times, the two people in the relationship need each other to use as "lifesavers," to keep them afloat even throughout the waves of relationships.

Note 6:

from The Sleepers
By Walt Whitman

I see a beautiful gigantic swimmer swimming naked through the eddies of the sea,

His brown hair lies close and even to his head, he strikes out with courageous arms, he urges himself with his legs,

I see his white body, I see his undaunted eyes,

I hate the swift-running eddies that would dash him head-foremost on the rocks.

What are you doing you ruffianly red-trickled waves?

Will you kill the courageous giant? will you kill him in the prime of his middle-age?

Steady and long he struggles,

He is baffled, bang’d, bruis’d, he holds out while his strength holds out,

The slapping eddies are spotted with his blood, they bear him away, they roll him, swing him, turn him,

His beautiful body is borne in the circling eddies, it is continually bruis’d on rocks,

Swiftly and out of sight is borne the brave corpse. 

Walt Whitman's poem displays the sheer force of the ocean's current, reminding readers that even though certain things, such as the swimmer, may seem invincible, there are forces in life more powerful than anyone can imagine. As the poem begins, the swimmer is described as courageous and undaunting, making him seem indestructible. As the lines continue though, the waves creep into the mental images, threatening to overtake him. Just as in life, the seemingly imperishable swimmer is caught off guard, and even though he fights with all his strength, he is overpowered by the supremacy of the water over all of nature. Although it is a pessimistic view, the author is implying that sometimes no matter how much you struggle to overcome something, you simply may not succeed. There are some situations in life that are similar to the amazing strength of water, and it is near to impossible to come out on top. The author finishes off by mentioning the "brave corpse," a reminder that you don't have to go down without a heroic fight.

Spring Break Reading Log

Over spring break, I accomplished my goal of reading three books on the beach! I spent most of my free time reading and sunning. I read The Lucky One (just in time to see the movie come out April 20th), Maximum Ride, Perfect Chemistry, and I started reading the classic, Wuthering Heights. All of the books were completely different from each other, including the genres. The Lucky One was a sappy Nicholas Sparks novel; it was steady paced and very realistic, a huge change from the high-paced thrillers I have been reading recently. Maximum Ride was recommended to me by a friend, and with its super short chapters, it was a fast but eventful science-fiction read. Perfect Chemistry was an unconventional love story between two very different people from opposite backgrounds. Wuthering Heights is a piece of literary fiction, having a different feel to the writing altogether. I have seen the movie, so I am excited to read the original book. I felt like I did a good job of accomplishing my reading goals over spring break! I have a huge list of books to read now!

Reading Log

After reading the first book in the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson, I was immediately ready to dive into the next book, Maximum Ride: School's Out Forever. Patterson's fast-paced, action-packed series is about hybrid bird-children on the run. The six children are ages fourteen and under, parentless, and are running away from the unethical scientists who created them in an experiment. The second book in the series is just as intense as the first. After reading 142 of the short chapters, I finished the entire book in one week! This series has distracted me from my original reading goal of finishing the Left Behind series, but instead, I think I will make it a goal to finish or get close to finishing the eight-book series before school ends.

Notes 2&3

Note 2:

Swimming Ool
By Kenn Nesbitt

Swimming in the swimming pool

is where I like to “B,”

wearing underwater goggles

so that I can “C.”

Yesterday, before I swam,

I drank a cup of “T.”

Now the pool’s a “swimming ool”

because I took a “P.”

Kenn Nesbitt's youthfully reminiscent poem, "Swimming Ool," has the ability to bring out the inner child in
any reader. Each line is simple, yet extrememly clever, easily lending a smirk from the stiffest of bores. The insertion of capital letters in place of common words adds a childlike character to the poem, possibly reflecting on the author's young at heart attitude. The letter "T" is used as a homophone for "tea." These replacements add character to the words and produce a jovial atmosphere. "Swimming Ool" is energetic and light, taking readers away from the woes of a heavy world and bringing them into the carefree world of a child playing in the pool.

Note 3:

"The Breaking Wave"
Byron Pickering

The eye-catching oil painting by Byron Pickering titled "The Breaking Wave" displays cool, eerie coloring, which portrays the ocean's little-known sinister side. The bright green immediately draws my eye in, leaving me wondering what could be so bright that it would illuminate this seemingly dark water. The light begins to fade as the powerful current nears the dark, jagged rocks, suggesting an oncoming disaster or mishap. Above, the sky changes from white, fluffy clouds to mysteriously thick, gray skies. A mist hangs over the towering rocks and dark waters, adding to the mystery of the dangerously strong waters below.

Note 1

"Water"
By: Brad Paisley

Inflatable pool full of dad's hot air
I was three years old splashin' everywhere
And so began my love affair with water

On a river bank with all my friends
A big old rope tied to a limb
And you're a big old wuss if you don't jump in the water

And when that summer sun starts to beatin' down
And you don't know what to do
Grab your swimming trunks, ice up that old Igloo
And drive until the map turns blue


Brad Paisley's song, "Water," is perfectly suited for a summer theme song; it combines common lifetime memories involving water to portray the friendship between people and water throughout a lifetime. The "love affair with water," begins at a young age for most people, whether it's playing in the bathtub or learning how to swim in an "inflatable pool." In most cases, children have fond summer memories of anything having to do with water, and these occurrences shape their innocent little lives. The down-to-earth words, sung with a country twang, have deeper meaning than what first meets the eye. Humans are connected to water in a universally broad way, because water is not only used in forms of entertainment, but it is also used to keep people hydrated and alive. For humans, water is a necessity, but it is also a companion through life and its experiences. The lighthearted lyrics display a cheerfully nostalgic tone, bringing back the overly ecstatic joy of a child playing in the sprinklers. Everyone in the world has some kind of "love affair" with water, some are positive, others are not, but it cannot be denied that water is an ever-present companion in the lives' of human beings.

Exercise #2

Best response:  Reading, Reflecting, and More Reading

(7) "I WILL KILL YOU IF YOU TOUCH THIS," the way that the narrator speaks in the passage conveys a wretched and ill-humored tone that suggests hostility.

(3) The diction in "Cruddy" is abrupt and sounds more like a slang term. It does not have a very high diction or good connotation, because it is thought of as a common word. 

 (1) "Who can't even CONCENTRATE TO WRITE this because her little sister will NOT shut up," announces the narrator illustrating the harsh reality to her life.

Reading Log

For this past week's reading, I managed to reread part of the Hunger Games before I saw the midnight premiere of the movie last Thursday night, but I felt rushed as I was reading it. I didn't feel like I got to enjoy the book as much as I could have, so I will continue to reread it, even though I have passed the deadline goal I set for myself. I think it is better to deeply enjoy the book and take in everything you are reading than to speed read, missing the details and pure enjoyment that comes from reading intently. I also have a new goal of rereading the entire Hunger Games Trilogy, because I feel like when I originally read them, I was so excited to find out what happened next, that I was reading too fast. I'm also reading 1984 right now, which I really enjoy. I have noticed that I tend to lean towards any book that involves government plots and corruption. It's kind of like a realistic science-fiction genre. I have reached the climax of 1984, so I can't wait to continue reading. I'm doing a good job of attaining my goal of reading everyday, and I'm going to continue working at it this coming week!

Exercise #3

Book Reviews Read:

• The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
• Dead to You
• Cinder

Elements of a Book Review:

• short description of the story and its events, setting up the plot for the reader
• gives reasons why it is a good (or bad) book to read
• states qualities in the writing that make the book unique
• gives your own opinion of the book

Anthology Ideas

Oceans/Water/Beach

Friendship/Best Friends

Reading Log

This week, I was really excited about my reading. I think I made some progress towards a few of my reading goals. First, I opened up The Hunger Games again and began rereading it. Hopefully I can finish it for the second time before the movie premieres. I really want to remember every detail from the first book, so I can enjoy the movie even more. I also did a good job of reading every day. This past week, I have been enthusiastic about my reading, even wanting to read way ahead in the book 1984, assigned for my English Literature class. I am two-thirds of the way done with 1984 already!

Quarter 4 Reading Goals

1. Re-read the Hunger Games before the movie premiere
2. Finish reading Pride and Prejudice and its "sequels"
3. Read a classic literary fiction book
4. Try reading a humorous book
5. Finish reading the Left Behind series by the end of the year
6. Read EVERY DAY!

Three Are Dead...I Am Number Four

There is something in the way the author of "I Am Number Four" presents himself that immediately draws me into his books. I have been reading this book for awhile, and now I have reached the climax of the story. The intensity is picking up, the secret might be out, and something big is definitely going to happen in the near future. I think back to when I opened the front cover of "I Am Number Four." I was greeted on the very first page with a statement like this: "The events in this book are real. Names and places have been changed to protect the Lorien six who remain in hiding. Take this as your first warning. Other civilizations do exist. Some of them seek to destroy you." Upon initially reading these strange comments from the author, I shrugged it off as him just getting into the characters and story. As I continued reading though, I was interested in the author more. His biography in the back of the book doesn't show a picture of his face, and it describes him as the planet Lorien's ruling elder. Intrigued, I went to his website, where the persona of Pittacus Lore was continued. I'm not saying that I'm gullible enough to believe that the events in this science-fiction story are true, but it is very interesting that the author would go to such great lengths to keep up his "character." Maybe he really does believe in this alien stuff, or maybe he is just a good actor and storyteller. Either way, he has definitely gotten me interested, and his persona as the leader of Lorien makes the books even more interesting. I can't wait to keep reading and start with sequel soon!

Design Your Own Toy

A creative mother came up with an idea that is now on its way to becoming a new craze. Her website has been shared on Pinterest and blogs everywhere, and she is gaining more and more interest. Right now, her work is on back order and has a waiting list totaling 563 people. Everyone wants a part in her ingenious idea to transform children's drawings into a one-of-a-kind toy. With each and every drawing submitted to Child's Own Studio, the designer finds a way to capture the child's unique personality from the drawing and incorporate it into their toy.

Each toy is completely original, coming from the most imaginative designers in the world, children. Their sketches are mainly composed of animals and imaginary creatures. The creator mixes contrasting elements in many of the toys, combining eerily menacing looking creatures with warm, soft cloth to make terrifying yet cuddly stuffed toys.

One of the recently made toys was designed in the image of a drawing titled "Snoddle Hunting." The name itself, suggests a peculiar being. It has appendages extending from its plush but disfigured body. The color scheme is monotone and dark, showing the shady side of this huggable toy. The Snoddle has a face that could frighten a child in the dark, but it could also be of comfort to hold at night while trying to sleep.The five-eyed bunny has conflicting characteristics as well. There is nothing more adorable than a fluffy bunny, but the addition of the extra three eyes brings a creepiness to the lovable animal. Both of these creations seem as though they are glaring at the onlooker, but at the same time, they are begging to be picked up and snuggled with.

Each toy comes with its own quirks and contrasting impressions. The aura that surrounds these stuffed toys is a blend of spookiness and lovability that perfectly matches the proud owner who fashioned it.

Pride and Prejudice

I was first introduced to Jane Austen's classic love story, Pride and Prejudice, by my mother in middle school. The around ten hour movie with actor Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, was playing on PBS and somehow (against my will) she convinced me to sit down and watch it. Not far into the iconic tale, I was enchanted with the characters, and could not take my eyes off the screen. I fell in love with Mr. Darcy's character and the simple, yet attention-grabbing story of the Bennett family. Ever since that day, I have wanted to read everything to do with Pride and Prejudice. I've watched multiple different movie versions, and I have bought spin-off sequels and the original book to read as well. Sadly, I haven't gotten the chance to read the original book all the way through until now, so I decided to start from the beginning and enjoy the timeless story all over again.

The quote above might be one of the most famous quotes from the book Pride and Prejudice. It also happens to be one of my personal favorites. These few lines said by Mr. Darcy with raw emotion, do a wonderful job of conveying the theme throughout the book, along with the elegance of the time period. Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennett go through a love/hate relationship. When Mr. Darcy finally decides to overcome his pride, and make this bold proposal to Miss Elizabeth, he is breaking down the barriers of an exhaustive courtship. His phrasing and diction display the formal but beautiful way of speaking common during that time in England. The entire book is filled with artfully chosen words and phrasing, that make the story even more appealing. I'm unsure of how some so-called "classics" ever got in such a highly-esteemed category, but Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice definitely deserves its title as a timeless classic.

Secrets of the FBI

When people hear that one of the books I'm currently reading is "The Secrets of the FBI" they are surprised and wonder why on earth I decided to pick up that book out of all the stereotypical teenage girl loves stories available on the bookshelves. Well I am here to change that stereotype by saying that I am very interesting in the FBI and things similar to it. I love high intensity action shows such as "24," and I dream of a chance to actually work for the FBI.  My mom saw this book one day in the store and brought it home, knowing I would enjoy it. I love the thought of knowing things that other people don't know, and this book provides me with that. It also depicts what life is really like as an employee of the FBI.

The first few chapters of the book describe a little-known part of the FBI called TacOps, short for Tactical Operations. The people that work as a part of this undercover team are in essence professional burglars. Under court authority, they are instructed to stage real-life break-ins to gain information from the enemy. They break-in anywhere from a personal home to a national building in China or India. The book describes the extreme planning and precautionary steps they take to successfully complete the housebreak. If they fail, it could result in death, so they must be particularly careful and attentive to details.

Although the FBI's work is a serious topic, the book makes sure to include humorous asides and stories of real missions to keep the reader entertained. I can't wait to keep learning more "secrets" as I read this book.

Spartan Reader: Middle School Podcast Response

The underlying theme that runs through all the sections of the Middle School podcasts is the importance placed on what other people think. While focusing in on two sections, "Blue Kid on the Block" and the "Prologue," it is apparent that other kids' perceptions of you in middle school play a major role in your life. As the nasally voiced young girl in the "Prologue" confirms, everyone is so judgmental during those in between years of middle school.

The young girl, Annie, sounds innocent, with her sweet voice and nervous giggles, but she confesses to worrying about how her peers perceive her. As she finishes reading the letter she submitted to This American Life, she sounds as though she is questioning herself, signing anonymously. The ending of the word anonymous drags out as she reads it, finishing in a higher pitched, questioning tone. This uncertainty in her voice can be accredited to none other than her worry of other kids' opinions.

 The young boy, Leo, from "Blue Kid on the Block," is miserable in his new town and school for the same reason that Annie is afraid to wear her new sweater in front of her friends. The reason behind all this misery and worry is middle school-aged kids. Because he is new to town, Leo feels alone and as though he has absolutely no friends. He says that it is so much harder to make new friends at his age. He spends his days quietly alone in the huge, loud mess of his new middle school. He is unsure of where to go, what to do, and who to talk to in the herd of people. Leo, in his lonely sounding voice, noticed, just like Annie, that the older you get, the more judgmental your peers become. 

The pressures of trying to fit in and being accepted by your contemporaries are always there, whether you are new to school like Leo or have a solid group of friends like Annie. People naturally judge and compete, making it hard to find your place in social life at school.  After listening to both Annie and Leo's stories, their innocence was apparent. They simply want to be well-liked by their classmates. Is that too much to ask? Sadly, sometimes it is. As they will soon learn, not everyone will approve of you, but there is no shame in being yourself and letting your true friends love you for who you are. 

Finding Analysis

On the blog, http://pagenotfounderror404.blogspot.com/, the blogger's claim in their fourth submission was, "Perhaps Ulrich captures the true colors of consumerism, particularly in America." I thought this was a strong claim, because it was opinionated, but still supported by observations throughout the rest of the submission. Another good claim I read was from http://assilem-sophie.blogspot.com/. It read, "By what someone keeps in their fridge or how they keep it, anyone can predict what that person is like."

Other blog submissions were not as analytical, providing too much personal description:
-"And by me playing that sport it allowed me to gather numerous of friendships that are partially still intact in high school."
-"When first looking at these amazing hand animals or paintings some may feel astonished or think it's unbelievable."

I Am Number Four

After hearing about all the hype surrounding the book series I Am Number Four and the movie that came out last year, I finally decided to read this book and see what it's all about. After the intensity of books such as the Hunger Games and Divergent, this story settled into a bit slower pace. Although I find the book a bit slower, it is still just as good, and it is (so far) living up to its recommendations.

I admit, I am not normally one to find crazy science fiction topics interesting, so when I first began reading about other planets and so-called aliens, I was skeptical and wasn't immediately convinced into loving the book. The depiction of the aliens as human-like beings definitely warmed me to the story though, and I soon found myself interested in the unknown. The author does a nice job of mixing everyday teenage issues such as school and love with science fictional concepts. Because it mixes the genres, my attention is held, and I am continuing to read on in an effort to discover how the universal battle between good and evil species will play out, along with how the simple love story will occur between a teenage boy and girl.

Short List #3

 

1. Underwater Hotel:  http://www.1000lonelyplaces.com/tourist-destination/adventure/poseidonfiji-first-under-water-5-star-resort/ 

Stories featuring the imaginary underwater city, Atlantis, were once a mere fairytale, but now this dream has become a reality. Fiji is now home to the Poseidon Underwater Sea Resort, a hotel that lies 40 feet under water on the sandy ocean floor.What an amazing experience it would be to sleep underwater and wake up to the sight of fish swimming around you! Staying at this hotel is definitely going on my bucket list!

2. Military Photographs: http://www.anvari.org/cols/The_Bright_Side_of_US_Army_Soldiers.html

There is nothing more heartwarming than pictures of United States' soldiers interacting with children and families in the Middle East. Whether you are for or against the war, you cannot deny that it is sweet to see army soldiers showing their sensitive side with children and animals. Like the famous saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words," these images portray the true heart of an American soldier. They are helping the helpless, and it is very admirable to see them at work in these photographs.

3. Creative Toy Company: http://childsown.wordpress.com/

Child's Own Studio is a website with brilliant ideas and potential. A child can draw a picture of whatever they want, then their parent sends it into the website, and a toy is made and sent back that looks just like the image. This is such a smart idea. It gives children the ability to be creative and come up with their own, one-of-a-kind toys. If word gets around about this small business, I'm sure it will be a huge success.

Podcast Response: Middle School

I listened to "Blue Kid on the Block" and the "Prologue" from the Middle School Podcast. I noticed that in both parts, the kids were extremely worried about what everyone else was thinking. They worry about it so much that they won't wear certain clothes or they even become physically nauseous. There is an innocence in each of the kids' voices. They are so focused on what is happening at school that they don't think about anything else. The idea that social life at school rules everything else in their lives' is a sad but true one. If they aren't happy at school, they don't seem to be happy at home. For them to be happy, they feel as though they have to be accepted by the other students. It is a frustrating thing to do, especially at this age, trying to please everyone, because it simply cannot be done. 

The Unidentified

While scanning the Young Adult section quickly at the library, my eye was caught by a book titled, The Unidentified. I wasn't really looking for a book to read since I have plenty waiting for me at home, but I was intrigued by the title. I picked it up to find out what this book was all about, and after reading the back cover, I found myself interested. Deciding to give it a try, I checked it out from the library and began reading it immediately. To my disappointment though, it was not nearly as good as I was expecting. Maybe after all of the fast-paced books I have been reading lately, it was too slow. I can't exactly put my finger on it, but I just didn't like the style of the book or the way it was written. Don't get me wrong, it didn't have a bad story. In fact, it had a good moral of standing up against the crowd and being an individual. For me though, it was not my style. I felt like the author tried too hard in her writing to be hip and connect to teenagers. To me, it seemed a bit cheesy and overdone.

I was already in the middle of the story now, and even though I didn't like the style, I was somewhat interested in the events. It wasn't a deep interest where I would stay up all night just to finish the book, but it was enough to keep me reading. I think I was just confused as to where on earth the story was going, so I couldn't put it down. The book finished with a decent ending, but it was nothing special. I wouldn't recommend reading this book. If you start, you will want to finish it, even though you might not enjoy what you're reading. Everyone has their own preferences though, so maybe it is for you. As for me, I'm ready to move on to another book I know I will enjoy.

Poem of the Week

After rereading all of the poems we read in class this week, I surprised even myself to find that "Here, Bullet" by Brian Turner was my favorite. I admit that it has a different vibe than most poems that appeal to me. I normally chose lighthearted, happy poems, but this one was heavier and showed the stark reality of war. I think that's why it had the power to draw me in so fast. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for the military, being a "Navy brat" myself, so to hear a soldier's own perspective of war was extremely meaningful.

Turner focused in on just one aspect of war: flying bullets. The way he addressed the bullet, as though it was a person, an evil person, was impressively original. There was no fear in his words, but there was an apparent determination to stand up to the bullet. To fight it. "Here is the adrenaline rush you crave, that inexorable flight, that insane puncture into heat and blood. And I dare you to finish what you've started." In these lines, he seemed to be taunting the bullet, giving it what it was made to crave. The end of the poem can be interpreted in many ways, but to me it seems that the bullet took what it came to get, which is human life. It is sad to end on such a low note as this, but it is the harsh reality of war. Thank you to all of our military for fighting "the bullet" everyday!

Spartan Reader: Titanic

Whether you are male or female, young or old, there are certain movies that are on the "must-see" list, and the Titanic is one of them. Hopefully, most everyone has gotten the chance to experience this movie and its dramatic storyline. If you haven't, I suggest you go watch it now! Since the first time I watched this movie many years ago, I have been captured by the heartwarming love story, the charming characters, and the historical tragedy that all take place in this one film. As we are approaching the one-hundredth anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, the classic movie is coming back out in theaters, this time in 3D. I thought it would be fun to take a look at the new trailer, analyzing it, and really getting a feel for the beloved movie, the Titanic.

In the opening scenes of the Titanic trailer, bells begin ringing slowly as real underwater footage of the sunken ship is shown. The elderly woman that narrates tells her echoing story in the background, portraying a mystical atmosphere as the trailer begins. The screen then dramatically changes to a grand view of the Titanic, deserving of its name. Joyous music escalates and the bells begin ringing faster and more jovial, building the excitement for viewers. The elegance of the ship is displayed as the upbeat music continues playing. The characters are introduced as well. Jack is a seemingly poor, teenage boy, dressed in worn, simple clothing who crosses paths with Rose, a rich, extravagantly dressed, teenage girl. Their fun on the ship is depicted through prim and proper dinners on the First Class Deck to spontaneous dances on the Lower Class Deck.

Love and laughter is obviously in the air, but it is all too soon cut short by the beginning of the now famous song by Celine Dion, "My Heart Will Go On." The Titanic is pictured on a dark night, flowing through the ocean, and immediately the mood is subdued. The sad music in the background plays as Jack and Rose witness the ship's side scraping an iceberg. The bells slowly begin tolling again, possibly symbolizing the many deaths that are about to come. Then, besides the bells, everything goes eerily silent creating an intense build-up. Suddenly, the well-known glass dome shatters under extreme water pressure, and the music grows to the powerful chorus in a shocking burst. Heartbreaking scenes cover the screen as thousands of people are seen drowning to death inside the ship. Hurt, nervousness, and sheer sadness overwhelm me as I continue watching the emotional trailer. The final moments of the sinking ship are shown, and Jack yells, "Do not let go of my hand!" The screen goes black, leaving us wondering, then Rose whispers weakly, "I'll never let go..."

Real Picture of the Titanic

Jack and Rose

The Real Grand Staircase (Glass Dome)

Short List #2

1. Like vs. Love: This video I found while clicking through YouTube one day completely caught my attention. At first I was struck by the look on the peoples' faces, frozen and bug-eyed on the screen, so of course I had to click play. What I found was a funny video that also taught a good lesson. It brought up the point of how we in the English language, overuse the word love and therefore, we lose the true meaning. It was hilarious and really made me think about how often I say "love." It is a must watch video sensation.

2. kt photography: https://www.facebook.com/pages/kt-photography/136318966396091?sk=wall
Katie, a close friend of mine, is a senior in college and is starting up her own photography business. This link will take you to some of her beautiful snapshots, like the one above. She specializes in weddings, family portraits, and engagement shoots, but she has the gift of being able to photograph just about anything and make it look special. She has a modern flare to her work, but it never overpowers the meaning of the image. Her cutting edge skills are already getting her work noticed by many, and I'm sure her business will continue to flourish.

3. Real-Life Disney Art:  JirkaVinse
Jirka is an extremely talented artist that has the ability to see reality in the common cartoon or animated character. He can create an image that is so lifelike in appearance, yet the observer can still tell what famous character he is portraying. In the above art, he pictured Belle, from Disney's classic movie, Beauty and the Beast. Somehow, he perfectly captured her personality and put it into a realistic appearance. It's fun to look through his artwork and recognize each lifelike portrayal of a well-known Disney character.

Spartan Reader: Tengo Hambre

Unless you are fluent in Spanish, you're probably wondering what the title "tengo hambre" means. The literal translation is "pin this," and that is exactly what people are doing on the fast-growing website, Pinterest. Forget Facebook and Twitter, Pinterest is the new online site that everyone is visiting. I was introduced to this fun and somewhat addicting website by a friend of mine, an art major in college. I had never heard of such a website before, but she said it was all the rage at colleges everywhere. The next day when I joined, I had a few friends on Pinterest, but that is nowhere near the now hundreds of friends I have testing out the site. The number of users is growing exponentially, creating a flood of fresh ideas available on the network.

Pinterest ingeniously combines the creativity and individualism found on blogs with the social networking aspects found on Facebook and Twitter. One look at the website is sure to bring out anyone's inner "Martha Stewart." Upon creating a personal account, you are able to create virtual boards and organize them however you like. To these boards, you can pin images, ideas, videos, or quotes that appear anywhere on the Pinterest site. People are able to post their own creative ideas on fashion, decor, games, and more for other users to look at and "repin" if they like the idea and want to keep it on their personal board.

This site is a great way to get ideas, and it has just about anything you could imagine all in one location. The online page has an artsy flare that is apparent as you scroll through pages and pages of unique ideas. Just looking at that website gives you a sense of accomplishment and can really get your creative juices flowing. It is an inspiration to step outside of the box and be creative in every aspect of your life. Positivity is the common thread that runs through everything that appears on Pinterest, and that is a rare and valuable thing to have on the internet these days.

Poem of the Week

My favorite poem this week was "Wild Geese" by Mary Oliver. I have never connected with a poem as much and as quickly as I did this one. From the beginning of the first line, it caught my attention and firmly grasped it. I could relate to the words and feelings that the author was expressing through the ongoing lines of poetry. Each line brought a whole new truth that I felt paralleled my life exactly. My favorite line stated, "You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves." When I read this line, my love and passion in life jumped out inside my head, saying "Don't forget me! Don't forget why you love me!" This direct relation to the poetry made my day as I read it, and it encouraged me to keep doing what I love.

It's a Tricky Topic...

When my friend handed me the book, Tricks, by Ellen Hopkins to read, she specifically told me, "It's really good, but I have to warn you, it's graphic." I admit, I knew it would be graphic when I began reading the book, but I was nowhere near prepared for the stories the book was about to unfold.

Tricks is uniquely written in poetry form, giving it an artistic flare that is still easy enough to understand. It jumps around, telling the stories of five teenagers, living completely separate lives. At first, the stories of each teen could not be more different, and after being over half-way through the book, I was still not finding a connection between each tale. There were only two similarities that stuck out to me as I continued reading: sex and Las Vegas. One character was a preacher's daughter, living under strict rules, another was a farmer's son struggling with his sexuality. Yet another one was a prostitute's daughter, trying to raise her siblings. They all came from polar opposite walks of life, but they shared one thing: teenage prostitution.

The beginning of the book didn't start out with all of the characters in the underhanded business of prostitution. In fact, none of them were involved, other than the one girl whose mother was a "woman of the night." None of them got into the dealing by choice. For most all of them, it was a last resort to help their failing lives. One young man turned to prostitution after his stepfather died of cancer and his brother was locked up in jail. Another young girl was tricked by a man she met and began dating. This mountebank got her addicted to drugs and used her in his sex slave business against her will.

These circumstances seem dire, but in reality the teenagers began with a life that is common to most. I would never think something like this could happen in my town and to people I know, but it can, and it does. At the end of the book, the author noted that, "the average age of a female prostitute in the United States is twelve years old." This is a shocking statistic. I have to say that this book was definitely an eye-opener, shining some light on the dark world of prostitution.

Week 5: Top Links

These were my favorite links of the week found on other blogs:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURZF3M-hgJZG_1mwohfvQ81Ov7i0lMJyXyLbKsZfuRE_FkpTW9uPSlOj1xcKAON_r-knNldIKmrD_E8pcOVvn0QzJcOTy0MClrxXvqcUOg0MG-_xp3pDMeOrvtmhC6II2NM6jWwGiTVM/s400/giant-fissure-street-art-01.jpg

http://personalexcellence.co/blog/whats-on-your-bucket-list-101-things-to-do-before-you-die/

http://theburninghouse.com/

Poem of the Week

My favorite poem this past week was "To You" by Kenneth Koch. I'm not sure why it stuck out to me, but as I read and reread it, I was intrigued. It's not written about anything deep or depressing, but it is light and an easy read. It makes no sense, but in it's own unique way it tells a story of love. The words appeared random as I first began scanning it, but when taking a moment to think about the language, it does make some sense. The author compares love to many unusual things and concepts that I would not normally think of when I think of love. My favorite line was, "I think I am bicycling across an Africa of green and white fields." I like how the author used Africa to describe the great expanse of fields. It definitely makes for an interesting read.

Tricks

"He gathers me in, kisses me gently.

Don't you know? We're connected

by an invisible chain. It's very long, very

light. But also very strong. It can't rust.

Can't break. And the only thing that can

sever it is if you ever stop loving me."

These are my favorite lines so far from Ellen Hopkins' book, Tricks. I love the way the girl's boyfriend consoles her with these words from the heart. The comparison of their love to a chain is a perfect analogy. Before he said this, she had been worrying about being lost in the universe and not being able to find each other. He replied to her worry with these soothing words, implying that no matter where they go in life, they will always be able to find one another. As I read these words, I literally pictured an invisible chain connecting the two young lovers. The chain was not weighing them down or holding them back, but it was there to keep them secure and joined together as partners in their walk through life. Another thing I found amazing about these words is how strong he said the chain was, impenetrable by the world, but it can quickly become weak if she decides that she no longer wants to be attached to him. This versatility portrays their adapting love, and it also shows that nothing can break their love except for their own decision to end it.

The lines might seem cheesy or cliche to some, but they fit beautifully into the story. There is nothing better than reading a heartwarming love story, and these above lines provide just a little of that in a book filled with a plethora of drama and bad fortune.

Short List

1. Nike Quotes: 

 I have come to find that Nike has a certain way of motivating me, that no other quote or brand can quite achieve. Whether the phrases are on t-shirts, signs, or advertisements, the words always find a way to drive me to be better and work harder. Almost always, they are straightforward, getting directly to the point. As an athlete, these simple words really hit home. There is something powerful about words that have the ability to make you strive to be extraordinary. 

2. Rainbow Roses:
There is something strikingly beautiful about the fad new flowers called rainbow roses. They're the new rage as Valentine's Day approaches, and men are looking for something unique to gift their sweethearts. My mother, similar to many women, has found the unnaturally bright colored roses dazzling and has begged for a vase full of them. The genetically engineered flowers definitely live up to their name, representing every color of the rainbow on one single rose.

3. Pinterest at pinterest.com: Forget Facebook and Twitter, Pinterest is on the rise these days and is continually gaining more and more members. This amazing website combines the creativity and individualism found on blogs with the social networking aspects found on Facebook and Twitter. As recommended by a friend, I joined the website, and now I find myself unable to pull away from the computer screen. The site is full of ideas for weddings, fashion, photography, or even day-to-day problems. It somehow manages to bring out the inner Martha Stewart in just about everyone. Take one look, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Exceptional Writing

After reading through many of the class blogs, I found myself intrigued by the blog titled A Book About a Book http://rosebud-bookaboutabook-rosebud.blogspot.com/. I was immediately captured by the title of her first blog, "That empty feeling of being finished with a book but wanting more." I had never thought before to put that feeling into words, but I have experienced the same sensation when I'm done reading an intense book or book series. It almost feels like I don't know what to do with my life anymore; I just want to stay in that story and in the pages of that book forever. When the blog writer said, "My hunger for words is not just a desire to know exactly how everything turned out, not an unquenchable itch from not knowing for sure what happened, but a craving to keep living," she perfectly summed up my feelings after completing a book. This blog post was so insightful, and I found myself agreeing with every word she said. It is satisfying to see that she put into words what I have been feeling all this time.

As I read through more blogs, one stuck out to me that had a strong post about the Dead Poet's Society. They used beautiful language and words that really made me visualize what was happenning in the movie. Even if I had not seen it myself, this blog, http://flynapmorruge.blogspot.com/, would have left me with the perfect image in my head of what was taking place in the story. This blog post just goes to show that the proper wording can make or break your writing.

Is 2012 Really the End?

It's ironic that I would chose to pick up a book about the end of times when we are now entering the year that many people fear will be the end of the world. With the end of the ancient Mayan calendar coming upon us, many people believe that the world will be ending or at least will cease to exist as we now know it. I for one, am not one of those people, but I do find the possibility of the coming end times fascinating. That is why I chose to begin reading The Left Behind Series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. This series follows biblical prophecies of the end times, while cleverly telling a personal story. To say I was intrigued is an understatement. I began reading the first book and finished the next day. I have just finished the second book, Tribulation Force, and of course I am ready to continue reading.

While reading Tribulation Force, I noticed how well all the characters became intertwined. When I first started reading this series, there were numerous characters, all of whom lived separate lives in different places around the world. I was amazed at how the authors began to intermix the characters until all of their lives were seemingly connected at the core. They all have some sort of tie to the most powerful and also the most dangerous man in the world, Nicolae Carpathia. In the story, this corrupt man is believed to be the enemy of God, and his quick gain of power marks the beginning of the tribulation times described in the Bible. The eerily realistic events that take place in this book and follow along with biblical predictions keep me wondering and watching for signs of the end times in our current world. Although I have seen nothing to make me believe that 2012 will be the end of the world, it never hurts to be curious, on the lookout, and continually reading.

"Big Shoes to Fill"

In the opening scenes of Dead Poets Society (Peter Weir 1989), it was apparent that the boys' school had a long line of success and old traditions. The boys were all dressed uniformly in the same suits, and they walked stiffly in line as they entered the room. They held antique banners which displayed their words to live by: tradition, excellence, honor, and discipline. They all sat in straight rows with great posture as the headmaster of the school began to speak to the audience. When addressed, the older boys stood up in their dark suits and recited the school's motto. One young man stood out from the monotonous group though. He was wearing a lighter colored suit and was late to stand up and recite the motto with the group. He seemed to take less pride in his school than the other young men did. As this same standout boy left the building after the ceremony, the headmaster shook his hand firmly and informed him that he had high expectations for the young man. To quote the headmaster, he had, "big shoes to fill," with his brother having already gone through the school's program and excelled. It appeared as though he had no desire to "fill his shoes," illustrated by the boy's nonchalant manner throughout the ceremony. Although it was not his choice, the young man would seemingly always be compared to his older, successful brother.

Duo Close Reading "Nighthawks"

4 Elements
Perspective
Color
Movement
Setting

Specific Observations
Perspective- from the outside looking in, on the corner of the quiet street where life continues on the inside of the cafe
Color- Outside the cafe is painted dark and dull, no vibrant colors on the street, the inside is bright and its light shines over onto the sidewalk, vibrant colors inside pull the focus to the customers and the employee inside the bar.
Movement- there is little to no movement outside on the streets, all signs of life are inside, the people inside do not express movement either, they are still and calm
Setting- a lonely cafe, a slow night, late at night when no people wander the streets, a city corner, there is no life outside, the streets and even the interior of the cafe are crisp and clean-there's no clutter or props in the street background

The clean background, perspective of an outsider looking in from afar, lack of movement, and the increase in vibrant color radiating from the bar, draw the focus to the people inside and emphasize the tired, quiet, and dreary mood which allows the mind to ponder the unique stories of the four individual lives in the restaurant.

Poem of the Week

 

My favorite poem of the week was "Gee, You're So Beautiful That It's Starting to Rain" by Richard Brautigan. I liked it, because it was so unlike any poem I had ever read. It was spontaneous and really had nothing to do with its title. This poem stepped outside the normal stereotypes of boring, sappy, conformed love poems and brought something entirely new to the table.

I enjoyed the report card set up at the end of the poem. It made it youthful and light to read. I also loved the line, "God lives like music in the skin." To me, those words paint a vivid image of God being like music in everyday life. My love of faith and music were brought together and simplified in one simple line. After reading this poem, I now know that poetry can be youthful and relate to real life.

Are Novels Picture Books Too?

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is a book unlike anything I've ever read. It mixes two of my favorite things: photography and reading. The author, Ransom Riggs, tells a unique story of peculiar children living on an island based on a collection of quirky and sometimes disturbing black and white photographs. The pictures are dispersed every few pages in the book, and they go along with what is taking place in the story at that time. The pictures are very helpful in creating a mental image of the strange characters throughout the story. At the same time though, the reader is not able to be as creative as they would normally be when imagining characters and events in the story. Whether the use of the real-life pictures in the book is beneficial to the reader or not is debatable. I, for one, like the use of the pictures in this particular story. I agree with critics that in most books, it is better for the reader to create their own image of the characters and setting, but in this book, I think the pictures add to the confusion, horror, and fantasy that readers feel while diving into the plot.

The above picture is on the cover of the book, and it is referred to many times in the story. Pictures such as this one help me as the reader imagine things that are unheard of in normal, everyday life. Jacob, the main character meets so-called "peculiar" children in the book that have abilities and differences that are foreign to our world such as levitation, invisibility, and multiple mouths. The extremely real-looking photographs like the girl levitating above give the reader a solid mental image of what these children look like.

Not only do the pictures clarify unfamiliar characters, but they also do the opposite and succeed at confusing the reader a little bit more. They leave me wondering things like: are these pictures real, where did the author get the pictures, are they edited? A confused reader is one that gets sucked into the story and continues to read the entire book to get some answers. That is exactly what I plan on doing.