Reflection

This semester I read 1733 pages. My reading was mostly non-fiction. At the start of this class, I was not really a big reader. I only read for school. I read in my room sitting on the floor. About half way through my nightly reading, I would lay down on my tummy. I never listened to music because I get distracted and sing along. Also, I always put my phone away and my computer turned off. It is really hard to work with my phone. During the semester, I read a lot of factual books. I really enjoyed them because they were documentaries in book form, and I love documentaries. It was sort of hard to find reading material because some factual books are really boring. I have changed because I realize that there is always time to read. I have started to enjoy book more. Also, I am a faster reader now which helps with homework and school. I have started to read more factual books because in the beginning I thought factual books would be boring. I think I am more likely to read over the summer because I have many new books that I want to read. I am now more motivated. In the beginning, I was not a fan of poetry at all. I thought poets were a group of bored writers with nothing better to do. However, now I like poetry a lot more because I understand it much much better. I actually enjoy some poets now. Overall, this class was fun but there was a lot of work. I liked the blogs but four to three posts is a lot. The last week with two posts was the perfect amount. Overall, FIVE STARS :)

stressed out!

School is almost over. This is a postive for the obivious reasons like SUMMER and no homework. BUT it's a negative also. Why? Well... you don't see your friends as often and all the teachers decide to pound you with projects. I have a project/paper/big test right now! omg...

The Great American Stickup, pg. 49-110

The first chapter is called "The Clinton Bubble." Under Clinton, many deregulation acts were passed. Citigroup started and Clinton supported them not seeing the negative effects. DC was filled with lobbyists. Although it was a bloom time, the foundation for the crash was setup.

The next chapter is called "The Valiant Stand of Brooksley Born." At the time, she was the only person against deregulation. She was for the people because of her background. She was one of the few women in DC. Everyone was against her including DC and the media. Eventually, she was just pushed to the side.

I am enjoying the book so far. I have learned about a lot of people that I hadn't heard of before. I like this book. :)

The Great American Stickup, pg. 1-48

This book is about the recent stock market crash. This book explains how, when, where, who, and why! The first chapter is called "It was the economy, stupid!" The author Robert Scheer blames the top wealthy ten percent of American who bribed politicans to better fit the aristocracy's lifestyle. He goes on to blame Robert Rubin, who was a part of Clinton's adminstration. Even after the crash, he wouldn't let the media blame the government. He said it was a one day collapse and everything would whip into place. That wasn't true. Rubin was just covering his butt. Scheer says the main goal of the book is to prove some common myths about the market.

The next chapter is called "The high priestess of Reagan revolution." Under the Reagan adminstration, he blames the Mr and Mrs Gramm. Mr Gramm was a senator and reversed an act put in place in the 70s to regulate the market. Mrs Gramm worked in the CFTC. She led to mass deregulation. Those two are often blamed for the crash.

So far, I am really enjoying to book. For some reason, I really like to know why the crash happened. I have watched many documentaries on this subject, however the book gave a lot of new information.

Myq Kaplan

This is one of my favorite comedians. Myq Kaplan is from NYC, and he was on Last Comic Standing. I found him on a NYC based podcast I listen to. Myq's style is very wordy. There's a lot of puns etc. Sometimes I listen to his CD, Vegan Mind Meld, and I think, "WOW, I'm such a nerd." His website is myqkaplan.com. CHECK HIM OUT! He's HILAROUS!

Dishwasher, pg.326-354

The first chapter is called "The Blue-Rimmed Plate." He got a job in Pittsburgh. Pete and Amy Joy got an apartment and a dishwashing job. He was the 'reliable' guy. He was settling down but that bugged him. All the dishes had white rims except one. Pete started to count how many times he washed that dishes. He left frustrated. Then, Pete decided that by his next birthday he would work in all 50 states.

The next chapter is called "Hell Train." Then, he went on to Rhode Island. He got a job on a train. The train was super busy! The water was brown. The machine barely working. After his shift, he was done.

The next chapter is called "In a Lather." Then, he moved on to Myrtle Beach, SC. There were a million restaurants, but he couldn't find a job. Then, he found out that there was a group of teens who worked together to steal all the jobs. He decided he was done.

The next chapter is called "Kiss the Dishmachine Good-Bye." One day, he decided to retire and left. After he left, he remembered that he forgot to kiss the dishwasher but didn't go back.

The next chapter is the Epilogue. He married Amy Joy and moved to Amsterdam. He decided to find a job but couldn't. Then, he found out that he wasn't being hired because minimum wage for teens was lower; therefore, he had no job. He decided no more dishwashing.

The ending wasn't AWESOME but it was good. Overall, it was a good read. :)

Poems for Anthology

My theme is nature. My poems are Spring Snow By Linda Gregerson, Haiku Journey By Kimberly Blaeser , Morning Warming By Joyce Sidman, Taking to the Hills By Rachel Wetzsteon, The Flowers By Stéphane Mallarmé, Falling Leaves and Early Snow By Kenneth Rexroth, Furry Bear By A. A. Milne, Wind on the Hill By A. A. Milne, October By Bobbi Katz, and Earth Day By Jane Yolen. The poem that I'm turning into a video is Earth Day By Jane Yolen.

Dishwasher, pg. 298-325

This first chapter is called "Dude wants his free meal." Pete goes to some town called "Branson." It is the dinner theater capital. He goes into town and gets job at Golden Corral, a chain buffet place. Then, he has a break 3-5, so he goes around town and is offered a new job. They talk trash about Golden Corral and conveice him to work at the new place, so he does. They promised him a free meal. On the first day, he got a meal. A couple of days later, he asked for his free meal. They said no, one for the whole time you work there. He feels betrayed and quits. Then, he leaves town.

Then, the book starts part three, and it's called "Quitting Time." The first chapter in this part is called "Just Wandering." Then, he gets a job in Idaho. He is living in his car. He calls a fan of his magazine in the area and asks if he wants to hang out. The 'fan' says no. He feels lame and remembers that he has many friends.

The next chapter is called "Cheap Houses, Cheap Dishman." In this chapter, Pete considers settling down. He looks around and finds a house. He bargins the price down to 25 grand. Then, he realizes he has NO money saved and doesn't apply for loan. He moves on.

These chapters were interesting. They were a really quick read! I'm enjoying the book so far. :)

MC Mr.Napkins

I found this guy via a podcast I listen to. This guy is MC Mr.Napkins. He is a comedian who raps. The things he raps about are random and totally un-ghetto. It's hilarous! His website is www.mrnapkins.com Here's one of his hilarous raps about a BEE!

Dishwasher, pg. 265-297

This first chapter is called "Kosherized." Pete got a job at a Jewish restaurant. The diary and meat dishes have to be washed seperately. He works with Martin, a guy who to hang out with Pete, and Zlatko, who was a foriegner. Martin always wanted Pete to join his Christian group. Pete said no and Martin got upset. That day, Zlatko had a heart attack. The next day, Pete was working alone and saw that Martin had mixed up all the dishes to make more work for Pete. He kissed the washing machine and quit.

The next chapter is called "We Never Forget." He borrowed some money and printed some more of his magazines and bought a cheap car. He saw some restaurant that said former President Gerald Ford had washed dishes there. Then, Pete talks about other people who had worked in the restaruant business. Then, he visited a grave of someone who died in CIO union strike.

The next chapter is called "Utopian Dishwashery." Pete went to Missouri. He got a job at a utopian society. He lived in his van. He was fed. They grew and cooked their food together. After dinner, they sang songs. Pete was freaked out. He thought they are just some hippies. Everyone worked together so he decided to help. However, all the hippies stopped washing dishes and he always got stuck washing dishes even when it wasn't his turn. Then, he kissed the washing machine and quit.

I liked the first and third chapter I read. There was a short story in those chapters; however, the middle chapter was boring and full of history. Overall, I liked it. :)

Tech and Family Time

The article I read was by the NY Times. They were talking about how you could be in the same room with a family and no body was talking. Everyone was involved with there tech gagdets. This is so true! It mentions how couples email chores and play games to keep in touch. Another couple says that technology is keeping them apart. My response- seriously technology is keeping you apart. false, its the fact that you just married someone that annoys the crap out of you if you spend too much time together, so you use technology to stay away and then blame it.- Then, the writer compares the rise of technology to the rise of books. Books took people to new realities just like tech. However, the family also connects with tech on different levels.

Osama...

Like most of the world, I hate him... But, I hate him extra because it's is his fault that racist and racial profiling has increased SO MUCH. I'm not even middle eastern but because I could be, I have been mistreated for years. I remember in elementary school this girl named Tammy said she didn't want to be friends because I wasn't white and the same. So screw that. Everytime I fly, security checks... I mean come on! I'm an average American teen BORN in the USA... but no. I'm a terrorist! Of course! The world's not going back to the way in used to be before 9-11-01, but it makes me happy to see he FINALLY got what he should get for ruining and changing so many lives for the worst.

Dishwasher, pg. 239-264

This first chapter is called "sure you can wear pants." Pete was getting fan mail and a lot of it was asking what he would do after washing in all the states. He wasn't sure.(duh. that's not a surprise.) He gets a one day job and meets a girl named Amy Joy. After work, he takes her out for dinner and finds she only 19. He liked the cold weather and went to Maine to wash dishes. As he went around the U.S., he found a lot of change on side walks while looking for a job. Once, at a job they asked him to sign a loyalty agreement and he said no. This was the first no and they were okay with it. Then, he hitchhiked to Reno, Nevada.

The next chapter is called "Darryl's Room." Pete has a job at a casino. There are multiple restaurants there. He alternates between all of them. There's a room labeled Darryl's Room. Darryl, an old drishwasher, went into the room and fell asleep and died. No one found his body for days. Pete was very interested by the room. One day, he goes in and tries to sleep by fails. When he got paid, he went to a different casino and sent his money. Amy Joy came and visited. She stayed the night at Pete's and paid for dinner and left in the morning.

This chapter were interesting but a little long. Overall, the story is coming together.

Dishwasher, pg. 199-238

This first chapter is called "Seafaring." A friend, Lara invites him to go to Alaska to dishwash there. But he had no money, so he decided to get a job, save, and go with her. He got a job on a oil ridge. He was on and couldn't leave for 2 weeks. Cheryl dropped him at the shore, where a helicopter picked him up. He went on the oil ridge. His leader/supervise person was named redneck. Everyone was super duper close. He became a part of the group. At the end of the 2 weeks, he left and went to Cheryl's.

This next chapter is called "Pearl Divrs Who Passed Before." He got a job in some college in Wisconsin. When he got to his washing station, there were a million dishes. Apparently, the whole last time quit at once. He found out that one girl was fired for no good reason and the whole team quit with her. Pete felt extremely proud of the group. When he quit, he wrote a thank you note to the group.

This chapters were good but dragged alittle. Overall, still extremely awesome!

Dishwasher, pg. 159-198

This first chapter is called "Letterman Jumped Back." As Pete went around the country, he sold his "dishwasher" magazines. He started to get some attention. Letterman asked him to come on. He said yes and sent his friend. A couple weeks later the Letterman show got a huge response saying that they had the wrong guy.

The next chapter is called "Dishwashers, unions, and New York." A fan found him in NYC and got him a job where he could show up whenever because it was so slow. That was his side job. The rest of the time, he was in the library. He found out when the first dishwasher union was started and their first strike in NYC. He felt proud to be a washer.

The next chapter is called "unconquered territory." Pete floats around and then ends up in Louisana. He went an employment office, but everytime he went it was too late. His friend, Cheryl got him a job at an Italian restaurant in New Orleans. The owner was an ex-soldier or something and was mean. Pete thought he was racist but he wasn't because he hired one black dude. The chef there was even meaner than the owner. Pete worked two days and quit.

I am enjoying the book and it's surprising that the book is still interesting. When I picked it up, I didn't have high hopes.

Pages Read

In the last 2 weeks: 198
Overall: 1427

Favorite Blog

My favorite blog is Te Amo. I really liked the random posts of pictures that she thinks is cute. I love the layout and and the colors it's really fun and colorful. I like the funny videos. It's hilarous! Also, the reading logs are very detailed. Overall, she does a great job with everything!

Dishwasher, pg. 139-158

This chapter is called "Plenty of Crumbs." He moved to New Mexico. There, he got a call from CNN. He said no to an interview. He got a job at a amusement park. He got to go around pick up dishes and wash them. It was really hard and the boss hired more employee. Then, he left for Portland and got a job at a seafood restaurant. He started getting mail for his mission. Then, he went to Seattle and got a job. It was pretty easy.

This chapter was full of adventures. There is so much its hard to put it in posts. lol

Dishwasher, pg. 113-138

This chapter is called "biscuits, hush puppies and deep-fried everything." Pete quit at a hospital in Ohio by saying he was high. Then, he went to Boston and got a job. Then, he went to Mississippi and got a job at a chinese restaurant. There were a lot of rats and bugs there. Then, he met a fan, Cheryl, and she said to go to Lousiana.

The next chapter is called "Head Dishwasher?" He went to New Orleans. He tried to find a job but couldn't get because he was white. Dishwashing was too low. A restaurant offered him head washer but said no. He was defeated and left.

The next chapter was called "Fumes." He got a job in Arkansas. He worked with one other dude and the washing room was tiny. The soaps made fumes that made Pete sick. He couldn't take it and quit.

This chapter were all really good. There was always something new. I love it.

Dishwasher, pg. 87-112

This chapter is called "If you've got time to lean..." He went back to San Fran to his girlfriend KJ. He applied for a job at a Russian cafe and got the job but never went in. Then, he got a job in Colorado and when he was done his boss made him cut carrots. That was too much and he quit.

The next chapter is called "A dishwasher for all your needs." He started looking for a job in New Hampshire. He passed out fliers and got a job. One day, another employee walks out and says I retire. He became Pete's idol. Pete's father recently retired in a similar way. He got a new job and there he had to make waffles. He just made crappy ones until they stopped asking him.

The next chapter is called "snowed in." He got a job at a ski resort in Montana. He was a busboy and hated it. An old lady lost her gloves and blamed pete. She never found them, but he did and sent them to his girlfriend. He quit and went to Seattle. His girlfriend broke up with him.

These chapters were pretty good. I'm liking it so far.

Dishwasher, pg. 59-86

This is now "Part 2 'Dishwasher Pete.'" Chapter 6 is called "The Dish Master." He finds a job in Alaska. It's a summer job and pays 6 months unemployment. He washes with a guy named Sonny. They become good friends. Sonny tells him to always kiss the washing machine for good luck. Pete doesn't believe until the machine breaks down. After that, he always kissed it. His girlfriend, Melanie breaks up with him. He's all alone in Alaska.

The next chapter is called "It's Journalism." After the summer, Pete was laid off and went to see his parents. His dad wanted to know what his job was. Pete said dishwasher. Then, Pete got another dishwashing job and quit. Then, he went to Louisana to visit Sonny. Then, Pete decided to add states to his dishwasher job list thing.

The next chapter was called "The Fundamental Rule." Pete was back up in Alaska for his summer job. He is kind of done with the job. He likes the people but really feeling the job anymore. He wants to quit but can't because he broke the rule. The rule is never make meaningful relationships at a dishwashing job. However, he quits and will miss his friend, Sonny.

This book is really cool. It's hard to believe this is true. I am loving it so far. :)

Dishwasher, pg. 28-58

The fourth chapter is called "Fragile." He got a job and wanted to stay away from San Fran. Doing the dishes was hard work. Then, he got hired at a warehouse. It was super easy and boring. He got hired at UPS but got fired for not being happy enough. He got a job as a dishwasher again. The job wasn't bad but he quit because he got bored.

The next chapter is called "A Three-Day Soaker." He moved up to Alaska to clean up the Exxon oil spill. He didn't enjoy it and quit. He got hired as a washer. Then, he quit and moved to Washington. On the way, he met a girl. They started dating. He got a job as a washer. She moved back to Alaska and so did he.

These chapter were really good. There is always something happening. I don't get bored which is good.

Art Show

Josh Auger's "Uh,oh!"'s use of colors showed it's detailing and deep meaning. The colors sybmolizes losing control. It also showed his hard work because the colors were bold and vibrant. They represented happy emotions. Overall, I enjoyed his artwork.

Dishwasher, pg 1-27

The first chapter is called "Wine O'Clock." This is part of Part One: Initiation. It starts with the author talking about walking hard and washing dishes. He ate some of the leftovers. The cook went around at 8 o'clock the hour before closing saying wine o'clock. He gave the author a drink. He drank it and continued to wash. A waitress asks him if he was really traveling place to place washing dish. He said she should come with. She said she had a boyfriend. The next day, he moved to a new place.

The next chapter is called "Maps." He talks about his childhood. He grew up in the ghetto. When a teacher asked him what he wanted to be, he said house painter. She got mad because others wanted to be something hard. He wanted a job that was easy. As a teen, he worked hard but had trouble in school. He wanted to get out of the ghetto so he applied for college. He was able to get financial aid because he was poor.

The next chapter is called "A Date with the Dishes." The college was in the suburbs. Everyone was rich except him. He went to college but didn't have a major. He also got a job to pay off the debt. He worked at a Jack in the Box. He realized if he was rude, he would get dish duty. He enjoyed it because it wasn't hard and you were alone. He dropped out. Then, moved and got a house painting job; however, he got fired for working too slow.

This book is interesting so far. I wish I could careless about the future like the author of this book.

Outliers, pg. 270-310

This chapter is called "A Jamaican Story." This chapter is the epilogue. It starts with a story about a couple who had twins. They lived in Jamaica. The twins went to a private school with a scholarship, and then they got a scholarship to colleges in England. There, one of the twins married a fellow student. This is the story of the author's mom. Then, he goes on to explain why her story isn't completely true. Her mom didn't to the private school. A fellow student who won two gave her one. Also, at the time she went to college, the British were giving scholarships to people from the Caribbean as a sorry for slavery. He concludes with that hard work and good luck make you successful. I think this good was okay. It dragged on for awhile. Overall, it was still interesting.

House Response

I analyzed Jamie Isaia and Anthony Malat's home. Their house looks overly stuffed at first but then the little things look beautiful. All of the little things are filled with detailed. At first, I wanted to throw seventy five percent of the things in their house in the trash, but then I realized everything worked together. Everything went together and if one was taken out nothing would work. I slowly fell in love with the house. I just feel bad who ever has to clean their house. Overall, the house has a very elegant feel. I think the little details within the clutter makes the house elegant.

Outliers, pg. 250-269

This chapter is called "Marita's Bargain." The chapter mostly talks about how the US is falling behind in eduation due to summer vacation. In New York, there is a school called KIPP. It is based in the ghetto. Most of the students there come from one parent households. These children go year round. They usually start below average but by the end of the year they are above average. The main message in this chapter is that it doesn't matter where you come from as long as you work hard. I really enjoyed this chapter because it gave me hope for the kids in the ghetto who want to get out.

Outliers, pg. 224-249

This chapter is called "Rice Paddies and Math Tests." This chapter starts by saying asian numbers are easier to say and easier to add due to the fact that they are set up by tens. Asians are very hardworking. The motivation makes them sucessful. Asian actually have lower IQ's that Causians. I liked this chapter. It motivated me to try.

Tuesday - 3/29

1.) First, the NY Times article about high school seniors-
       - I really like Damion Damus because he wants to be a counselor because of personal experience and not because of money. He really cares.
       - I don't like Samantha Jensen because she isn't motivated enough to be a doctor.
 Ten years after I get out of high school. I will be a pharmacist. I will probably be married. I want to move somewhere warmer. I will probably have one kid, hopefully a boy. I really want a son.


2.) For part two, I read the New York Times article about Indi Cowie. I think she is freaking amazing. I also play soccer and I have never seen anyone get anywhere close to what she does. I am not surprised by the anonymous mean phone call. Some soccer girls can be extremely mean. They act like they are you best friend but they will talk crap behind your back like no other. Soccer girls want to be the best and when someone is million times better, they hate the good one.  Although I see why they hate her. She is being a ball hog. The point of soccer is to pass and make goals. If only one person is shotting, it would be goalie verses shoter. The goalie has a 60 percent chance of missing.  It's no one's fault. Jealousy is to blame.







        

Outliers, pg. 177-223

This chapter is called "The Ethnic Theory of Plane Crashes." It starts with a story about a Korean captain. He's getting ready. He was flying to Guam. On the way there, he crashed. He couldn't the runaway. Korean Air became known for crashing planes; however in recent years, they have turned themselves around. Most crashes happen due to a lot of small mistakes not major ones. It's normally due to new captains, engine failures, running out of fuel, and overworked pilots. The book gave several stories where these were the causes.

This chapter was freaking scary! I was had to stop reading at one point because I felt like I was having an anxiety attack. I have never been afraid, but now it will always be in the back of my head.

Outliers, pg. 159-176

This is part two and it's called "Legacy." Chapter six is called "Harlan, Kentucky." First, he explains what and where this town is. It's small rural area. Most of the people that live there are from the British Isles. This town became famous because the town was split by a family feud. Then, the cops went in and looked around. They found that murders due to family feud were high, but stranger crimes (for example mugging) was low. The people from the British Isles are a group of proud people. The main motivate here was pride.

This chapter has brought me back in. This chapter was totally different than all the other chapters. I liked it.

Today's blog assignment

 My Favorite Poem of the Nine Weeks-
I really liked "French Toast" by Anya Silver. She makes love look so beautiful. It makes me look forward to growing old thing someone special.

1000 Awesome Things-
When I opened the site, the first thing was eating while cooking. I do that all the time. I would add to this list "walking bare feet in the grass," and "eating warm cookies with cold milk."

Outliers, pg. 116-158

This chapter is called "The Three Lessons of Joe Flom." Flom grew up during the Depression. His parents lived through WWI, depression, and WWII. He was born at the right time and avoided all the bad times. Joe Flom's first lesson is "Lesson Number One: The Importance of Being Jewish." At that time, all the firms were clean cut. The jewish firms were the lawyers who did the dirty deeds. They were used to sue and take over companies. The Jews made good money. The second lesson was "Lesson Number Two: Demographic Luck." He was the oldest. According to studies, the oldest child is usually an overachiever. Also, at the time of his birth, the number of births were lower that usual. The next lesson is "Lesson Number Three: The Garment Industry and Meaningful Work." His parent were hardworking and poor. But, they made their own business. According to studies, garment makers have lawyers and doctors as babies. Joe Flom had many things that led to his success.

I'm starting to dislike this book. It makes the future more and more hopeless.

The Movie, Diction

Chris was a boy who grew up in the ghetto somewhere in Tennessee. He was trying to talk like a smarter person but some slang sneak into his language. He talked with a lot of low elevation. He wants to be smarter. Once, he said,"Imma holler at you fo dinner." Then, when talking about dinner, he said,"momz alwayz da best." He tries but sometimes doesn't pronounce the word properly. He is movitated to be more smart. He tries in school but has some mental disablities. He gets checks for it and gives it to his mom to help with the bills and expenses. He tries to be more intelligent but can not because of his mental disorders. Also, he talks sort of slow, but does not use very big words. He uses short and is to the point. Chris is very short and concrete. He is very literal. He means what he says. Chris is very independent and wants to stand by himself. Chris may come off as dumb, but he is independent, movitated, caring, and loving. He is very helpful. Chris is not so dumb hick. He is just someone who can not talk properly. He does not always know where he is going with a point.

Outliers, pg. 91-115

This chapter is called "The Trouble With Geniuses, Part 2." Chris Langan had a bad childhood. He went to Reed University with a scholarship but lose it when his mom forgot to sign a paper. Then, he went to Montana State but dropped out. He had trouble with school and society. Then, the author compares Chris with Robert Oppenheimer. They both had trouble in school. Oppenheimer tried to poison his tutor. However, Oppenheimer was discovered. Intelligence is 50% inherited. Also, poor kids are more shy. Chris and Oppenheimer both grew up poor. Not all geniuses become big shots. Some are just awkward.

To be honest, I didn't like this chapter. It was boring.

Outliers, pg. 69-90

This chapter is called "The Trouble with Geniuses, Part 1." It starts by talking about the show who wants to be a millionaire. They had Chris Langan on and he's a genius. He kept winning and pulled out at $250,000. He's always been wierd. He would semester textbooks in days. After WWI, Lewis Truman, a professor at Stanford, went out in search of genuises. It wasn't hard. There was one, Cowell, who dropped out and was a janitor. He found thousands of geniuses. Then, he shows a list of colleges for all the US nominees for the Nobel Prize. Some schools were top and others weren't. It's not the school but how you apply yourself. The IQ test doesn't measure one's cleverness. There are genuises who just chill at home, and there are people who never went college and are living a successful life.

I think this chapter gave me a lot of hope. Now, I know I don't have to be perfect.

Outliers, pg. 35-68

The chapter is called "The 10,000-Hour Rule." It starts by talking about Bill Joy. He is a compute genius. In college, he was into math. He started using computers. He was so interested. He spent all night working on them. He spent over 10,000 hours on computers. A study showed that people, who practiced over 10,000 hours by age 20, were virtuosos. He was a virtuosos. Then, the book shows that the Beatles also practiced for 10,000 hours. The author says that talent is needed but so is practice. Then, he goes on to say that Bill Joy and Bill Gates were both lucky to be born in the 50's. This was the computer boom. If they were born later they would be too late.

I was semi-bored. It was full of information, but it wasn't the most interesting chapter.

"Let Kids Rule The School" New York Times Article

From the beginning, it gets your attention. I didn't know that so many people don't finish high school. In the article, a group of students started their own school. The students made no grades and set up student evaluations. They setup a lot of reading and math. The study shows this experiment created more motivated students.

Outliers, pg. 1-35

The book starts with an introduction. It is called "The Roseto Mystery." There was a village in Italy called Roseto. When a group of them came to the U.S., they started their own city in Pennsylvania. Once, a doctor noticed that no one in that town got heart disease under 55. This was in the 50's when it was highly unlikely. Stewart Wolf started a study and noticed the only difference was that they were a very close society. People lived with extended family.

Then, the book starts part one. It is called "Opportunity." Chapter one is called "The Matthew Effect." It starts about telling about the Canadian Memorial Cup. Then, he states that he will show how the people on the teams are outliers. Then, he shows the team rosters. If you look closely, you can see most of the players are born in the first quarter of the year. In Canada, the cut off date for hockey is January, so the people born earlier in the year are older and better. Then, he shows the Czech soccer team. Again, most players are born toward January.

I think this book is very interesting. It makes me wonder if I was born under different circumstances if I would be different.

Hole In My Life, pg.176-200

This is still Part 3. This chapter is called "marking time." When people left, no one threw a good bye party in jail. Jack counted his time in weeks. Sundays were hard because there was another week of his life wasted. One day, when he was working he found his file and saw the parole board said he was uncooperative. Visiting hours were only on the weekends. But one day, Jack got a visitor. Since it was a weekday they only got 5 minutes. It was his dad and uncle. His dad was wasted. They hugged and left. Jack went to the psychologicist. He tried to be perfect, but that failed. One day, one of the cons got a broken lightbulb shoved in his butt. He wrote about it. Jail motivated him to write.

The next chapter is called "getting out." Many cons tried to escape but it never worked. This one guy run away and stole a car but forgot to change the car plates and was caught. Jack's lawyer retired and got a new one. Jack got the idea to get out for school. They applied and it was approved.

The last chapter is called "a closed book." Jack picked out some normal clothes and checked out of jail. They took his journal because it was jail property. Then, he went to New York to live with a family friend's relative. They were nice. Jack got a job, went to school, and was now motivated to write.

I really enjoyed this book. Jack is hilarous and is very smart. He changed my view on life.

Hole In My Life, pg.154-186

This is part of Part 3. This chapter is called "my yellow cell." Jack is moved from state prison to federal prison. When he was checked in, the doctor spotted a lice, and Jack was taken to the hospital part of the prison. He was put in a yellow cell as a part of the treatment. Jack had mood swings. He liked his cell because he was alone. There was no fear of getting raped alone. The first week was really hard because Jack had nothing to do. Six times a day, the guards would take count. The guard would yell, "SHOUT" and Jack responded with "IN." Jack started to feel the walls. Previous cons had carved things into the walls. Jack recognized one of them as a quote from a book he went. One of the workers felt bad for Jack and gave him some books, paper, envelopes, and a pencil. He wrote a letter to the judge to reduce his sentence. He used one of the books as a journal. One day, three black guys from the Muslim Brotherhood came to meet him. They said they wanted to improve race relations. They wanted Jack to go to the bathroom, bend over, and they wouldn't take advantage of him. By trusting the men, Jack would join them. They would protect him. He said no. One day, the doctor checks up on Jack. Jack says he volunteered at a hospital when he was younger and wanted a job. The doctor said one just opened up. Jack got the job.



This next chapter is called "drug lust." He got used to the routine. Everyone in prison wanted drugs to escape from the pain. People found creative ways to smuggle. The hospital cells were seperate. The hospital workers, witness protection poragram members, and sexual offenders lived here. This one time, Jack met a Elvis impersonator. He went jail to jail performing and doing his time. There was only one female worker at the prison. One day everyone including her had chest x-rays. In her x-ray, you could see the outline of her boobs. Her x-ray was stolen and found in a bathroom. She quit soon after. Next, he went to the parole board. They didn't like him. But they didn't give him a date. Outside his window, he could see some house. He remembers when some cons escaped the prison on Halloween. He stayed up all night looking for them in the windows.



I really liked these chapter. I knew prison wasn't happy-go-lucky but I didn't except this. I never wanted to go to jail. Now I don't want to even more.

Spellbound

1.) Neil was in the spelling bee to make his father proud. He has the pressure of his grandfather who set up a prayer for him. Emily was trying to beat her record. She wanted to be famous. They both don't want to disappoint.

Hole In My Life, pg. 132-153

This is part of part 3. This chapter is called "face-to-face." He stayed at the hotel for three weeks waiting for his sentence. Jack noticed that he was being spied on, so he stayed in his room as much as possible. He called a couple college, and they asked for a sample piece of work. He started several ideas but could never finish one. He decided to meet up with Lucas. Jack dealed to Lucas and he seemed cool. Jack went to Lucas' house. His wife was home. She said Lucas and Jack would be sentenced on the same day. She was very setup with Jack and Lucas. Then, Jack went to the dock and found out the boat had been destroyed. Jack broke down and started crying. On his court date, he hide and got away from the spies and burned his leftover pot. He gave his stuff to the front desk at the hotel and told them someone would pick it up later.



This chapter is called "a long, long day." Jack and Al met up and went to court. Tepper says that Jack didn't cooperate. Al says that it wasn't Jack's fault. He was just hired to sail the boat. The judge asked Jack why. Jack said he made a mistake. Tepper reads a quote from the ship log in which Jack says he is scared of getting caught. The judge gave Jack a 5010B. Al says that Jack was going to jail. Once he was in jail, he would meet the parole board who will decide. He can be there for 60 days to 6 years. Then, Jack is taken away. The first night was the worst. He took a bus to jail. It was very somber on the bus. He was one of the first off; therefore, he got through faster and was one of the first to pick a bunk. In his cell, there were two bunks fell. One in a corner with the light in your face or one in the dark middle. He chose the first one. Lucas got the second bunk. The next day, Jack went to the bathroom when everyone was eating. A dude told Jack to check up on Lucas. Jack opened the stall and Lucas was sitting there naked. He had been raped. Jack was scared.



This chapters were so sad. When he got sentenced, I felt like I was being sent to jail. I won't ever forget Jack's story.

Hole In My LIfe, pg. 99-131

This chapter is in part 2. It's called "i love new york." He says everyone in prison has a story. Here's mine. They left New Jersey and went to NYC. Jack was nervous and wanted it to be over. They got off and met up with Rik. They drove to Woodstock, NY to deal drugs. Hamilton freaks out because he thinks someone's following them. Rik blows it off. When they went to the boat, the guard told them that someone fixed their boat because it was moving away. The pot was right next to the anchor. Jack thinks whoever fixed the boat saw the pot, but Rik blows it off. Then, they went to the Chelsea Hotel and chilled. Rik told Jack that this hotel was fancy. There were a lot of famous people. Jack gets paid and loves it. He starts calling colleges. Hamilton goes outside and the FBI pop out. Hamilton runs and gets away. Jack sneaks out. Jack flees to Florida and checks in at the place he used to live at.



This chapter is in part 3. It's called "evidence." Jack's lawyer's name was Al E. Newman. He calls his dad and his dad says to go back because the cops knew who he was. His dad found the lawyer. He says Jack whould turn himself in. He goes back to New York. The story was in the newspaper. He went back to the Chelsea Hotel and checked in to the same room. Everything was still there except his ship log. Al says not to worry. He would be okay. Federal prison was better than normal prison. He finds out that the case is a "conspiracy based." The oppisite side attorney, Tepper, comes in shows his proof. Rik snitched. Hamilton didn't away. Tepper asks for dealer names, so Jack could get off easier. Tepper leaves and Al predicts five years probation.



I really liked these chapters. There was a great twist. I can't believe this really happened. I feel terrible for Jack. I feel for him because I always fall into traps like he did except it's never as bad as him.

Hole In My Life, pg. 55-98

This is part 2. The first chapter is called "st. croix." Jack says that there is a large drug scene there. The cops don't even try to stop the dealings. All he did was smoke pot. Racial tensions were high there. Tourism dropped. Most people lost their jobs. His dad and he built crates for people. One day, this guy comes and asks for a crate with a secret section. He asked his dad what he thought of the guy. His dad said the guy was a dealer. There were few books available, but he read a lot of biographies. He decides he wants to interview the black racial leaders. He went in but didn't get much. They thought he was a spy. He left and went back to work. There, he met the guy, who is named Rik. Jack tells Rik to ship the crate with stuff in it to look less odd. Rik tells Jack to call him when he sees a red sailboat in the sea. Jack sees it and calls Rik. The boat is called Beaver. Rik asks if Jack wants to join him. Jack would earn 10 grand. He joins him. Then, he meets Hamilton. Hamilton says not to tell anyone!

The chapter is called "bon voyage." First, Hamilton and Jack are doing a couple practice runs. They agrounded a couple times. They finally got the hang of it and started going. Jack brought a lot of books along. Hamilton and Jack switched off and on sailing the boat. It was hard not to fall asleep. They got to Little Dog Island. Jack went ashore and dug and got 2,000 pounds of hash aka weed. After that, they went on there way to New York. The boat was boring, so Jack started going through it and found a log book. He started to log.

This chapter is called "ship's log." Jack takes a picture of Hamilton, and Hamilton threw the camera away because it was proof. This chapter is formated as journal entries. Hamilton has a gun but isn't very good. Jack misses talking to people. Hamilton and he talk. Hamilton says Jack is afraid of getting caught. Then, Jack gets sick by eating too much pot. Hamilton asks if Jack has taken a dump. He says he goes overboard. Hailton warns him not to because of the sharks. One day, Jack was swimming and Hamilton had the porthole open, so Jack reaches in and scares the crap out of Hamilton. He comes outside and shoots at Jack, but Jack's fine. Next, Jack complains that the boat won't move because there is no wind. One day, they meet a Japanese ship who gives them fuel. Now, they can sail all the without the wind. Then, there is a storm. When it's over, a coast guard plane passes over. Hamilton says it's nothing, so Jack waves hello at it. One day, it was hard to see and they sail into a coast guard base. The guard people were nice and showed them out. They were in New Jersey. They decided to get off at the port and call Rik.



I really like this book. It's so cool. I can't put it down. I just can't believe this really happened.

3.1 Diction: Poetry

A.) chill, sand, sifted, powdered, folly, yellow-coated, slender, bloomed, snow, beat

B.) Elevation- simple, slightly cultured, unique
Concreteness- physical, natural, strong
C.) In George Marion Mcclellan's poem "A January Dandelion," the slightly cultured language and physical word choice creates a very realistic familiar scenery.

Hole In My Life, pg. 1-54

The first chapter is called "look straight ahead." He starts out by saying the picture on the cover is of him in prison. He was always afraid of getting beat up for no reason. He came for a good family. He remembers, as a child, his father would point out all the criminals. His father implied once a criminal, always a criminal. Prison changed him for the better. He started writing in prison.

The second chapter is called "misfit." It starts when he's nineteen and living alone. In his junior year of high school, his family moved from Florida to Puerto Rico. He didn't care that he was moving. He didn't speak Spanish, so he couldn't go to public school, and his family couldn't afford private school. He got a job at a hotel. He moved into the hotel. However, he wanted to go back to school. He moves back to Florida to live with the Bacons. They needed the money from his rent. One night after partying, he came home at threw up everywhere. The Bacons kicked him out. Then, he found an ad for the King's Court in a newspaper. It was a welfare motel. He moves in. This place is kind of ghetto.

The next chapter is called "king's court." He settles in and goes to school. He decides that he needs to better his writing. He sets up a diary with four sections. His school was a former prison. It had been re-purposed. People drew explicit things on the walls. Someone drew a naked lady on the wall. Jack liked thinking about her because she looked BA. The only girl he liked in high school was his psychology teacher. He wrote her a letter to tell her he wanted to major in psychology. He just wanted to get closer to her. She told him she was leaving because she was pregnant. The last time he saw her was when he got framed with stolen goods. It was okay though because he just had to sign a form and was let go. One day at school, they had couple prisoners come in and tell them how prison sucks. He never thought he would go to prison because he was a good kid. Jack had a friend, Glen, who sold shirts. Glen invited Jack to a weed party. Jack went and left ASAP. Weed wasn't for Jack. Jack enjoyed living at the king's court. It was unique and people didn't believe he lived there. His family moved to St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. They were broke. Jack decided not to go to college and to move there with them to help out. He was accepted at the University of Florida but wasn't going.

The fourth chapter was called "pair of jacks." He grew sick of his life and wanted an adventure like in the book, On the Road. He quit his job and decided to move out of the king's court. Then, his friend Tim decided to visit. They got high and decided to become drug dealers for extra cash. They drove to Tallahassee and got hotel. Tim went to get the drugs but never came back. Jack left. He decided to drive around and visit the homes of his first authors. Then, he called Tim and found out he got busted. Jack lost two hundred dollars, which was a lot.

I am really enjoying this book. It's an easy read. I hate when books have a slow beginning, but this book doesn't have a slow beginning, so that's good.

2.23 Diction Exercise

Part A.) cruddy, genie, bash, concentrate, famous, universe, dark, bubbles, grounded

Part B.) elevation- amateur, and repetitive
connotation-apparent and exaggerated
sound- blooming, deafening, and moaning
concreteness- vague and tangible

Part C.) In the excerpt from Cruddy, the repetitive elevation and exaggerated connotation expresses the mocking unhappiness of the author.

The Face On Your Plate, pg. 168-272

This chapter is called "A Day In The Life Of A Vegan." He starts by saying he hopes to change the reader's life. In this chapter, he is trying to show that being vegan isn't that hard. First, he says that being vegan has a positive effect on one's health. He says that many famous athletes are vegan. Then, he says that most towns do have whole foods stores and vegetarian restaurants. Then, he says that tofu meats are tasting better and better each day. Then, he explains what he eat throughout the day. Then, he ends the book by saying that humans are designed for plants not animals. The rest of the books is filled with helpful websites and facts for people who want to be vegan.

I liked this chapter. It gave support to those who want to be vegan. I really liked the sites at the end of the book. They were really helpful.

Rumspringa, pg. 251-272

This chapter is called "'Coming Home'-An Essay." It starts out by stating that 80-90% of Amish kids return after Rumspringa. It says it's because the Amish don't fit in mainstream society. They are used to the slow lifestyle and fear God more than most Americans. A lot of them return because they don't want to disapoint his or her parents. Amish teen are very full of guilty. They do miss mainstream life, but they think about going to heaven and feel better. Although, the Amish community doesn't want to change, it has to change to fit the future.

This chapter was a good chapter to end the book. I would have liked more explaination to why they come back. I would have liked more personal accounts, but it's fine. Overall, I liked this book.

Rumspringa, pg. 232-250

This chapter is called "Seeking Solutions." It starts with a story from Ruth M. She has been mentioned in previous chapters. She is a grandma and used to be on a school board. She is hosting a party for the good kids in Rumspringa. She thinks a community center for Amish kids, so they can stay away for drugs, alcohol, etc. She talks to the church but they say no.  Next is Norman Y. He is a minister. A couple years later, he proposes the same idea. They said yes, and now the community loves it.

Then, the book goes on talk about the first incident involving drugs. It was when two kids get busted for dealing cocaine. The Amish don't think that drugs are a problems. The government told the Church to provide a drug education class. They said no but then agreed. At the class, the Church realized drugs are a problem.

Next is Faron Y. He is a crackhead. He wants to quit but its hard. He quits for his girlfriend, Emma M. Then, she left for Florida. He starts smoking crack again. He waits for her, but she never comes back.

Then, the book goes on to say that most blame cars for drug problems. Dealers need cars to deal drugs.

Next is Gerald Y. He is addicted to cocaine. He is now clean. He quit for his girlfriend, Joyce. Gerald doesn't  join the Church, but hasn't yet.

Next is Jerry L. He has Tourette's. One day, he doesn't go to a party because of his job. His friends died. His job saved his life according to his job. He joins the Church. He gets a job at the Church.

I liked this chapter. It's nice to see that the Church is realizing the problems and trying to change the Chruch.

Rumspringa, pg. 211-231

This chapter is called "Women's Lib Would Have a Field Day Among the Amish." It starts out with a short story about a auction fair. Men and women walk seperately. There are English people here.

Next is Kathlryn L. She's at a fair with her family today. Her daughter recently got caught for underaged drinking. She got probation, but now her daughter is on a better track.

Then, the book explains that the Amish believe that men are better than women. Women believe to only be here to serve men. Women rarely get praise for their hardwork.

Next is Marlys B. She works at a RV factory, but she gets harrassed by the male employees. She told the managers, but they did nothing. Then, she quit. Now, she works at a drape factory. She has decided to join the Church with her boyfriend. She realizes that she will have to lose some of her rights.

Next is Ruth G, who takes care of her sick mom. She has a job. She sells Stanley tools from home. Next is Edna and Wanita M. They started a quilt making company from their home.

Velda B is next. She has been shunned and banned. When she visits her family, she has to follow very strict rules. When she went to a wedding, her sister-in-law told her that she was no longer on the bann. She is ready to mend her relationships with everyone in the community.

Next is Sara S. She has a special needs brother. She went to the fair with her mom, so they can buy things for the family.

I liked this chapter. This chapter wrapped up a lot of the stories.

The Face On Your Plate, pg.137-166

This chapter is called "Denial." He says that children don't associate meat with animals. They don't realize that tongue is cow tongue. People don't associate animals with meat. People don't like to know where their food came from. Psychologicists says that some denial is healthy. For example, some people dwell on the fearful future to much. They have to deny what can happen, but denying the death of animals is wrong. It's like denying the holocast. Some people say that people are suffering too, but animals have nothing to so with that.

I think this is a good chapter. I am facing denial. I really want to be a vegan, but it's hard. This chapter really helped me understand myself and my denial. I am enjoying this book.

Mona Lisa inf v. obj

The way Mona Lisa is portrayed in The Mona Lisa suggests that she is a very confident person. For example, she is sitting up straight. Studies have shown that people who do tend to not sit up straight are not as confident as people who do sit up straight; therefore, she shows that she has confidence. Also, Mona Lisa has very dark, deep, and bright eyes that seem to be full of meaning. When I look into her eyes, I feel as if she was happy and content with herself and way she is. Her smile has been questioned for centuries. Her smile is small and strong; although, it is not overpowering or ridiculous. Her smile is very unique. I believe she is not being smug, but she is just confident and happy with things are.  Leonardo da Vinci added many subtle details to The Mona Lisa that implies that Mona Lisa was a strong confident person.

Bored in School! part 4

The Face On Your Plate, pg.103-136

This chapter is called "The Fishy Business Of Aquaculture." He starts by saying most vegans and vegeratians give up last. Then, he goes on to explain why. He says most people don't find cute. Most people think fish can't feel pain, but they can. Some say they have short memories, but they don't. It lasts atleast three months. Scientists believe that fish are smarter than some mammals. Lots of fish species are already extinct and more will be due to overfishing. Fish farms are also bad because the fish are forced to swim in their own poop and harmful chemicals. These chemical get into our food supply and can kill people. Also, one-fourth of the fish fished are fish that accidently got stuck in nets. They are usually killed and dumped back in the ocean. These fish are treated like crap. The only way to stop this is to stop eating fish.

I like this chapter. I am still not vegan, although I don't eat fish anyways. Even before I read this book, the only meat eat is chicken. This chapter made me happy because I feel good for not adding to awful thing happening to fish.

Verizon IPhone!

I HAVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND I LOVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEE ITTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!
I treat it like my baby! :)

Rumspringa, pg. 189-210

This chapter is called "Working Away." It starts out with a short story about a boy who has to go refill gas tanks for his family in the winter. The next story is about a fourteen year boy who is about to graduate and doesn't know what he will do after he graduates.

Next is Matt E and Lorina L. They love each other and both work. He works in a RV factory, and she works as a waitress.  A lot of Amish work in RV factories because most RV's are made in Indiana.

Next is Phil T. His father used to make Phil and his brother compete for everything. At sixteen, he moved in with his brother in a different state. After that, he moved around for a couple of years, but he ame back when his dad got sick. He bought a house and held many Rumspringa parties. He put up signs saying no drinking, but he didn't care. He says he will join eventually.

Then, the book goes on to say that the Amish are very hardworking. It's part of life. However, it's hard for the Amish to find jobs, since few go on to high school or even college. Then, book says child labor laws confuse the Amish. They says why have a lazy soul. Smucker went to court because the government sued him for having his kids working at his factory. He said it was his right. The suit caught national attention, and eventually it went away.

Next is Johnny Y. He mentioned in past chapters. He works in a factory and is almost ready to join the Church. He said he will miss baseball. He said if his team went to the World Series, he would risk the bann.

Then, the book goes to say that there aren't as many manufacturing and farming jobs anymore. That's what the Amish work. The U.S. economy is more of an import economy than export economy.

Overall, this chapter was boring. I really don't care about jobs or where someone works.

To Kill A Mockingbird, pg. 43-66

Summary:
The fourth chapter starts out with Scout taking about how she hates school and is just waiting for the summer. On her way home from school one day, she found two pieces of gum in a tree on the Radley property. Jem got mad and made her spit it out.

Summer was here and so was Dill, but a couple days before he got there, Scout found some pennies in the tree on the Radley property. Jem decided that when school starts they will ask around to find out if anyone lost the pennies. Then, Dill is there. They decided to roll in a tire. Scout went first and fell out in the Radley property. She ran back, and Calpurnia called them in for lemonade. While having lemonade, Jem decided that they were going to reenact Boo's life. As they were playing, Atticus asked "what they were doing?" Jem said nothing. Scout didn't want to play Boo's life anymore, but Jem told here to shut up. At the end of the chapter, Scout recalls hearing laughter as she ran off the Radley property.

The fifth chapter starts out  with Scout convincing Jem not to play the game anymore. Dill was disappointed. Dill liked Scout and vice versa.

Scout hunged out with Miss Maudie a lot. She hated her house and loved her garden. She was widowed. Scout asked her about Boo. She replied with he's name is Arthur. She said he was a nice man and that he enjoyed being inside. She mentions that he's a foot-washing Baptist. Scout asks if what people say is true. Miss Maudie said they were just dumb rumors.

The next day, Jem and Dill decide that they are giving Boo a letter persuading him to come out and hang out with them. Dill and Scout were on watch as Jem tried to stick the letter in a window. Atticus catches them. He yells at the kids.

Response:
I think this section was okay. I was surprised that Atticus yelled at the kids because he seems like the one who sits down his kids and explains why it's wrong. I really enjoyed the section with Miss Maudie. I like her personality. I think Dill and Scout would make a good couple. I know they are just kids, but the way they act with one another... I don't know.

Bored in Physics! part 3!

Okay! So, it's offical. I just like doodling during Physics, but that's okay. Recently, my Physics teacher suggested AP Physics. I was like NO THANKS! Physics is math and I love math, but Physics also ticks me off... so yeah... no worries! :)

P.S. You can see my camera's shadow in the corner!

Teen Driving Article by The New York Times

The article starts out by saying that studies show that teens are more likely to make bad decisions when they are with friends compared to being alone. To test this, teens played a driving game in which they were trying to get the lowest time. During half the time they were with friends there and half alone. Adults had little to no time change; however, teens had a huge change. Peers effect how the teen brain works. Teens have more likely to be in accident with other teens in the car.

To be honest, I am not surprised by the study. However, I am not like this. I have noticed that I drive slower with friends in the car. My friends are quick to judge my driving.

Bored in Physics.... Again :)

I got bored in Physics, so I drew on the back of my notebook.

The Face On Your Plate, pg. 59-103

This chapter is called "The Lives They Lead." It starts out by saying most biologist ignore animal happiness. He goes on to say that animals are happy in nature, and they have adjusted to life in the wild. Animals have emotions. Geese feel pain when a loved one dies. In Europe, they have a committee that states animal rights in animal farms. We don't have any such committee in the U.S.

Then, he goes on to talk about chickens in animal farms. They are forced into small cages. Boy chicks are killed right away. Girls are kept for eggs. Most chickens are killed after two years because they have laid most of their eggs. Eggs effected because the chickens are stressed.

Then he goes on to cows. He explains that cows only give milk after birth. The calves are taken away quickly so the mom and baby don't bond. Veal is calves meat. Most cows farms keep them indoors and feed them chemicals to produce more milk.

Then, he goes on to pigs. Pigs have their teeth and tails cut off soon after birth. This is extremely painful. He goes on to say that these situations emotionally and physically hurt the animals. This is wrong.

This chapter was slow. I learned a lot; however, I am still not a vegan. This chapter had a lot of very graphic descriptions, but I really like chicken.

Eclipse, pg. 113-151

The first chapter that I read was called "Imprint." Jake and Bella are catching up. Jake updates her on who's new to the pack and what not. Then, he starts telling about Sam. He was the first werewolf. After he changed, he broke up with his girlfriend Leah and fell in love with Emily, Leah's cousin. It wasn't Sam's fault. He had imprinted. It's werewolf nature picking the best mate possible. Then, Jake says something rude about the Cullens, Bella says grow up, and he says he can't. Bella throws a fit because nobody else is aging except for her. Then, Jake tells Bella that he missed being human. Again, Jake says something rude about the Cullens and Bella says that she's going to leave. He apologizes. She says that Jake needs to try to get along with Edward. Then, Bella leaves.

The next chapter is called "Switzerland." Bella is driving back to Forks. As she's driving she sees Edward's car following her. Scared to face him, she goes over to Angela's. There she helps Angela with preparations for graduation. Then, she goes home. Edward was waiting in her room for Bella. He gets mad at her. She say he needs to get over it. Then, a week later Edward goes hunting. Alice forces Bella to spend the night at the Cullen house. Bella had to cancel her with Jake. As Bella was about to go to sleep Rosalie asked if they could talk.

These chapters were really good. I am so excited for the next chapter. I can see why Edward gets mad when Bella is with Jake, but he needs to trust her. The next chapter is one of my favorites in Eclipse!

Rumspringa, pg. 173-188

This chapter is called "Farming: 'The Ideal Occupation.'"The chapter starts out with a farmer who spends all his time farming. Next is Tobias K. During his rumspringa, he didn't want to be a farmer, but now he loves it. The number of Amish farmers are decreasing. Amish farmers usually farm organic foods. They usually  have small farms. Amish farmers can't use electronic farming machinary, so they have small managable farms. One of the farmers says that he feels closer to Jesus when he farms.

This chapter was a quick read. I learned a lot about Amish farmers and who they are.

My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding!

This is a show in Great Britain about Gypsy. It's actually really good. It's like a documentary. The title is sort of stupid, but the show is amazing! Here's episode 3... http://www.zshare.net/download/8600750556731e89/

If you go on http://www.hellandheartaches.com/ that website has all the episodes up but you have to go through all the post to find posts about the show! :)

Bored while working on Physics! :)

I was REALLY bored!

To Kill A Mockingbird, pg. 20-42

The second chapter starts out with Dill leaving. Scout is about to start school and is very excited. Scout's teacher is Miss Caroline. Scout is ahead of the rest of the class. Miss Caroline says to stop learning from Atticus, Scout's dad. Later, Miss Caroline asks everyone to get his or her lunch out, but Walter Cunningham doesn't have one. Miss Caroline gives him a quarter, but he doesn't take it. Scout says that Walter is a Cunningham; therefore, he won't borrow anything. Miss Caroline gets mad and hits Scout on the hand with a ruler.

The third chapter starts with Scout beating up Walter. Jem stops her, and asks Walter to come over for dinner. They go home and start eating. Walter and Atticus talk about farming. Calpurnia, Scout's family cook, brings syrup. Walter pours it all over his food. Scout says WTF, what are you doing? Calpurnia takes Scout to the kitchen and slaps her for being rude. After eating, they went back to school. At school, Miss Caroline sends Burris Ewell home for having cooties in his hair. He leaves, but on his way out he curses at her. She cries.

The next scene is at home. Calpurnia aka Cal says she missed Scout. Scout tells Atticus that he can't teach anymore. He says he will continues as long as Scout keeps going to school.

These chapters were good. I feel bad for Scout who got hit twice by two different people in one day. She really got started on the wrong foot. I am still confused why Miss Caroline doesn't like Scout reading at home. I think that's dumb.

Youtube

Everyone loves YouTube. But I don't just surf around YouTube for nothing. I am a subscriber to many YouTubers. Instead of surfing the net, I check their pages every week!

When it comes to makeup or hair, I always watch JuicyStar07, AllThatGlitters21, AndreasChoice, and JLovesMac1.  JLovesMac1 is hilarous. JuicyStar07 and AllThatGlitters21 are sisters. MY ALL TIME FAVORITE makeup guru is JuicyStar07 although she has a really high pitched voice. I really don't like wearing makeup, but I like watching them. I don't wear makeup because I am the way I am. Most girls wear it to hide themselves, but these girls make it an art form.

Then, YouTube is the way I get my news. You are probably thinking"...What?" For my news, I watch sxephil. He is amazing. He's smart and funny. Phil takes the news and makes it less womp-womp (that's how I would say it if this was in person). But BEWARE sometimes he says things that are kind of yucky... BUT still funny...

I just love YouTube.

JuicyStar07

Eclipse, pg. 65-112

The third chapter is called "Motives." It starts with Bella coming home from Florida. Then, she and Edward talk about Bella's mom and how she is so insightful. Personally, I think Bella's mom is just all over the place with a dash of crazy. Then, Bella thinks about how her mom noticed how close Bella and Edward are. Bella says that she and Edward tried not to show PDA, but if Bella's mom noticed someone doesn't know how to not touch in my opinion.

Then, Bella gets home, and Charlie says, he missed her and that Jacob called. She calls him. The call was very short. I knew that something what up with Jake because the call was so short.

The next day Jake shows up at Bella's school. Jacob "warns" Edward. Bella doesn't know anything. This is what sucks about a first person, you don't know what's going on. Then, he leaves. Edward tells her that Emmett got close to crossing the treaty line which freaked out the werewolves. Then later in class, Bella heard a couple of guys placing bets on Jake and Edward although they had no idea what it was about. I think it's funny that Jake is winning in the bets.

The next chapter is "Nature." Bella said  she had a bad week. Bella was mad that Edward took her to Florida to save her from Victoria. That made me think, "Shut up, Bella. Why do you whine so much?" The next day, Edward went to hunt for food. Bella said she would miss him. The next day, she went to work.Work was slow, so she left early and decided to go to La Push to visit Jake. She really missed him. They talked and hung out. He told about what happened with Emmett. Then, he tries to conviece Bella that she should date him because Edward is unnature. Bella replies with Jake's not nature either and that only leaves Mike Newton for her. Jake says he's more human.

These chapter were good. Bella can say a funny thing here and again but she's so whiny. It annoys the crap out of me. Although, Bella describe Jacob and Edward very well. Everytime she mentions Jake's smile, his humor etc. it makes me smile as if I were there.

Rumspringa, pg. 148-172

This chapter is called "Shunning: To Keep the Church 'Pure.'" The first person is Velda B. She is dating an Amish boy. They are getting married soon. One today, she goes to an English church service. Then, she talks to the pastor, and he says something that touches her heart. She tells her fiance that she wasn't sure if she wanted to join the Church. They agrue and eventually break up.  She leaves the community. Then, she finds out that she's been banned. She feels alone and commits suicide.

Next is Loretta Mae H. She's now 70 years old. When she was 20, she was shunned. One day, she has a bake sale and sells cookies to some Amish girls. A couple days later, they came back and returned the cookies because she had been shunned. Shunning is an important part of Amish life. It is done to keep the Church pure. Shunning helps keep bad ideas out.

Next is Kathryn L. Her son is hanging out with the wrong group. One of the boy's family blames her son for hanging out with English girls. However, he proves himself innocent.

Next is Ruth G. She was almost shunned because she had a washing machine for her back. The bishop said no, and they had to get rid of it. Now, several years later, her daughter's husband was almost shunned for having a heater in his workshop. Eventually, they were shunned.

Next is Susie Riehl. She's an artist. She was almost shunned for being interviewed about her art. Then, the book goes on to say that shunning is an important part of Amish life. It is done to keep the Church pure. Shunning helps keep bad ideas out.

Next is Lydia T. She has ran away from her community. She has a six month period to come back, but she leaves. She has been shunned. The Amish community talked crap about her. Then, the book again states the shunning mantains the Amish community.

I think this chapter was very insightful. I learned a lot about the why one is shunned.

Jersey Shore, season 3 episode 5

OMG! this episode was so good. I cry :)

To Kill A Mockingbird, pg. 1-19

This chapter starts out by saying that Jem, her brother, broke his arm. Then, Scout goes on to tell the history of her family. She says that her father was the first one to become something else than a farmer. Her father, Atticus is a lawyer. Then, she tells you about Calpurnia, her cook. Calpurnia is mean and bossy towards Scout. Scout's mother died when she was two. She doesn't miss her, but Jem does.

When Scout was almost six, she and Jem were playing outside and spotted someone in Miss Rachel's yard. They went over and made friends with this kid. His name was Dill. They all became close friends.

One day, Dill started asking about the Radley's. They were one of Scout's neighbors. Then, Scout gives their history. Miss Stephanie Crawford told Jem a lot about Boo Radley. Dill bet Jem to go knock on the Radley door. Jem was scared and said that they should slowly get Boo to come out rather than going on the Radley property. Dill calls him chicken which pushes Jem to do it. They all ran to the front porch and then back to Scout's house. When they got home and looked back at the Radley house, they saw someone look towards them.

This chapter is kind of boring at first when Scout is explaining every one's history, but after that it gets good. The thing that makes me mad is when Miss Stephanie tells her stories about Boo. It's makes me so freaking mad because she's just talking crap. She doesn't the truth. She's being creative and making up a dumb, rude, mean-spirited lie! I've read this book before, and knowing the end, this part just ticked me off. But it's a good character because it got my blood boiling.

The Face On Your Plate, pg 29-58

This chapter is called "The Only World We Have." He starts out by saying a large portion of vegans are vegan to protect the planet. Then, he goes on to say that humans are fascinated my intelligence whether is the intelligence of a human or an animal. We know that animal only use their intelligence to survive; whereas, human have common sense. Although we have common sense, we are still killing animals like Nazis.  Then, he goes on to say that everyone today fears global warming, but did you know meat production accounts for 33% of the greenhouse gas emissions.


Next, the author goes on to talk about how animal waste has a negative effect on the planet. Then, he talks about how animal product 130 times more waste than humans. This waste has harmful chemicals which go into the soil and can (and have in the past) go into our water and food supplies. Also, animal farms are overpopulated, so illnesses spread quickly. These illnesses go long undetected. Also, animal farms waste land. In the amount of land needed for 500 pounds of beef, you can product 63,000 pounds of lettuce.

Next, the author goes on to talk about water. Water is a resource that is becoming scarce. Animals use anywhere from 25 to 250 times more water than grain. Also, chemical runoff from animal farms pollutes rivers and streams. Also, livestock consume about 40% of grain produced every year. Rain forests are being cut down to make room for the animal farms. Then, he goes on to say that plants take up less space. He says one could survive off a small garden. He says natural farming technique can maximize one's yield. Without farming, we won't be able to stop global warming. He says to stop global warming we need to stop meat. He's final point is that Great Britain has announced that meat and dairy products have a larger impact on the environment; therefore, we know it is serious, and we should give up meat to better the environment.

This chapter was very good. There were a lot of eye-opening facts. I was very surprised by the clever claims and rebuttals; however, I am not a vegan. The book hasn't yet moved me enough to make me a vegan.

Eclipse, pg. 1-64

This book is the third book in the Twilight series. The book starts with the preface. In the preface, all Bella really says is that she has to make a choice.

The first chapter is called Ultimatum. It starts out with a note from Jacob. It says he misses her but can't change anything. Bella is sad and misses him.

Bella smells something funny and finds her father, Charlie trying to cook. She asks why he is cooking, and he responds by saying they need to talk. He says he wants Bella spending more time with Jacob. He says she will be ungrounded if she finds a balance between friends and Edward. She agrees. Then, Charlie gives her her mail. Bella finds out that she was accepted to University of Alaska Southeast. Then, Edward comes over. He brought more applications for college.  On the table, there was a newspaper. Edward notices the headline about gang killings. He says that it is a group of vampires. Then, Bella mentions that she wants to hang out with Jacob. Edward refuses.

The second chapter is Evasion. It starts out with Edward and Bella at school. She was very excited about her freedom. She plans to hang out with Angela to help her with her announcements. All of the sudden, Alice has a vision. When Bella tries to ask either Edward or Alice, both avoid the question.

Then, Bella and Edward come home. She checks here email and replies to her mom. Edward brings up her plane ticket certificates that will soon expire. She considers it. Then, they go into the dining room to work on homework. Edward tells Charlie about Bella's plane tickets. He gets mad when he finds out there are two tickets, one for Edward and one for Bella. Bella gets mad and says they are going out and leaves.

When she gets home, Charlie has he wants to talk. He says to use protection and be smart. Bella is disguised and says she's a virgin. Then Charlie says he wants her hanging out with Jacob more. She says she'll try. Then, she goes upstairs and decides that she will go visit Jacob. When she gets in her car,  Edward stops her. She gets mad but stays home.

The first chapter was super slow, but the second chapter reminded me how good the series is. I loved the second chapter. It's a fairly easy read.

The Face On Your Plate, pg. 11-28

This book is about our food, and where it comes from. The Introduction starts by telling us a phrase that changed the author's life. The phrase was "ashrayaparavriti" which means leap into the unknown. Then, he says most people who are vegan decide in an instance. Then, he tells how a few of his friends decided to be vegan . Then, he says some people don't know that dairy and egg products harm animals. Then, he says that earlier humans survived off of hunting and gathering; therefore, we now can survive off that. He also gives proof that humans are physiologically and anatomically designed for plants. He claims that it is not natural for human to eat meat. Some scientists say that we need meat because it helps with brain development. However, that's not true. Development in the womb is genetic, and outside is because of DHA in breastmilk. DHA is no different in a vegan and meat-eating mother; therefore, meat doesn't effect the brain. Then, he talks about the Jains, who believe you shouldn't harm others. This group and many others care about others.

I thought that this was a very good chapter. I had a hard time putting down the book. I was very surprised by the evidence and detail. This was a good chapter, but it hasn't gotten me to give up meat yet.

Rumspringa pg. 116-147

This chapter is called "Faith and Doctrine: 'Stand Fast and Believe the Word as Written'". The chapter starts out with a short story. It was about a little named  Faron Y. Everyone told him that he would make a good preacher. One day while camping, he asked God for sign if he's going to be a preacher. Suddenly, he looked up and saw three shooting stars.
Then, the book goes on to explain how a minister is chosen. Members of the Church vote on nominees. Then they take a few of the nominees and give them a religious book. Inside one book, there will be a piece of paper. If you got the paper, you were the new minister whether you liked it or not. Norman Y was became a minister this way. He was surprised but happy. He often preaches about Creationism and is angered by the fact that most people believe in evolution. He says that evolution has no solid proof.

Ruth G is a middle aged mother. Where she lives, they recently got a new minister. She excited because the last one wasn't very good, but nobody could do anything. God "chose" him. Next, Kathyrn L, Eli K, Emma M, and Faron Y all say that God works in mystery ways.

Next, the book goes on to talk about average American "churchgoer" differ from the Amish. The average have worldly  goods. The average sermon talks about being good and going to Heaven; however, most Amish sermons talk about if you mess up, you're going to Hell. The Amish Church has a sense of suffering.

Then, the books goes on to talk about two books that most Amish people have in their homes. First is the Martyr's Mirror. It is a compilation of first person narrative stories about martyrs and their lives. The second is the Ausbund. It was written when a group of Amish people were imprisoned for their faith. When they were jail, they sang songs about Jesus. The songs were so beautiful that they all got out of prison. The Amish people read these books and feel good. They want to be Amish because of this.

Next is Lydia T. She was mentioned in several previous chapters. She was going to leave the Church, but then her father bought her a new buggy. Now, she is ready to leave again, but her parents don't want her leaving. For her 21st birthday, her Amish friends throw her birthday party at her house. Now more than ever, she wants to leave. She tells her parents she's moving out. They try to bribe her to stay, but she says no. She sells her buggy and buys a red car. But she's worried that she won't get into Heaven. She now goes to a  Mennonite Church.

Next is DeWayne C. He has decided to leave the Church. The next day, three men came to his house to conceive him to stay, but he says no. The next day, three more come, but again they leave unhappy. He got baptized in the White Pigeon church. Only his little brother came there.

Next is Matt E and Lorina L. They love each other and are both in Rumspringa. They are having a hard time whether or not to join the Church.

Next is Stephen L. Yoder. He is a Beachy Amish bishop. He blames the Amish Church for being inconsistent. He thinks they shouldn't have Rumspringa.

Next is Velda B. She wants to leave the Church but doesn't want to go to Hell. She used date an older Mennonite, but they have broken up.  Then, she starts going out with an Amish guy, and they party together. She  recently had a picture taken in an "English" outfit. She thought it was really pretty. She's now studying to be baptized to be a member of the Amish Church, but she's sad on the inside.

Next is Emma M and Faron Y. They met at a party, and they're in love. They have deep conversations about God.

Next is Joann H. She also used to party, but she realized that partying is dumb. She lives with a roommate but gets kicked out. In need of a place, she moves in with an uncle who left the Church. She has been calling her Amish father. He apologized for the past and washed away the bitterness. Joann moves back and joins the Church. Many like Joann end up coming back. God just works in mystery ways.

This chapter was very fast moving. I have started to recognize some of the names. I am starting to form a bond with the interviewee in this book. It's really interesting. There's a lot of information.

Rumspringa pg. 90-115

This chapter is called "Education: 'Prepare for Usefulness." The chapter starts with a short story about Lydia T. She moves and in the process switches from a public school to an Amish school.  The Amish school was further ahead. She didn't fit in but managed to graduate. She remembers when the sex ed. chapter came in the science books the teacher skipped the whole thing.

Next is Elaine W. She goes to high school which is highly rare among Amish teens. Her older siblings went to school also. She remembers going to her brother's high school basketball games with her father. Now, she plays on her basketball team, but her parents don't watch her games.

Next is Emma M. She was mentioned in a previous chapter. She is the girl who wants to be a model. She's embarrassed that she doesn't have a diploma.

Next is Velda B. She went to public school. She talks about once borrowing a t-shirt and shorts from a non-Amish friend. She says she felt bizarre in those clothes. She questioned why she was different from the non-Amish kids. One summer, her Amish friends saw her wearing booty shorts, and she was then shunned. After middle school, she dropped out. She would listen to music in secret. She went on a date. Soon she began to feel like the Amish girl that she was pretending to be wasn't her.

Next was DeWayne C. It setups him that he didn't go to high school. He is confused by the ordnung. At sixteen, he started to party, got a haircut, and started to enjoy his freedom. He is now planning to get a GED.

Next is Eli K. He was mentioned in a previous chapter. He is the one who got in a car accident. His father helped him, and he's now a member of the Amish Church. He married Regina. A girl who he met in school. She was his only friend. Without school, they would have never met. Eli has started a new business. He wants to expand but doesn't know how.

Then, the book goes on talk about how Amish schools formed. In 1968, the case or Wisconsin v. Yoder began. Yoder was fined for having his children drop out at fifteen. He said this was a religious belief; therefore, he shouldn't be fined. Yoder won, and Amish children can now drop out. Today, there are more than 800 Amish schools. Amish school have become critical in Amish life. Kids who go to Amish school are more likely to return to the Church. The Amish curriculum has millions of references to God.

Next is Daisy Spangler. She has taught in public and Amish schools. She says Amish children are easier to teach. If they misbehave, you call their parent. The next day, the kid will for sure apologize.

Next is Susie Riehl. She is an Amish artist. She says Amish schools helped her with her art. She sells her art to tourist.

Next is Margaret M. She is a teacher at an Amish school. She is sad that her students won't be able to be individuals. She eventually quits her job and leaves the Church.

The Amish community thinks that Amish school is enough education. But the Amish schools are mostly focused on religion. Also, Amish kids graduate at fifteen. According to research, education during adolescence in needed. That's when you form opinions. Instead, Amish kids are go out in Rumspringa. Although in the mainstream world there is too much education, in the Amish world the only education is how to best follow Jesus Christ.

This chapter was somewhat boring when the book began to explain the history. Except for that, it was extremely interesting. I liked this chapter.

Don't lose your pen...

Lost your pen=no pen
No pen=no notes
Nonotes=no study
No study=Fail
Fail=no diploma
...No diploma=no work
no work=no money
no money=no food
no food=you get skinny
you get skinny=then you get ugly
Ugly=no love
no love=no marriage
no marriage=no children
no children= alone
alone=depression
depression=sickness
sickness=death

Lesson: Don’t lose your pen, you will die.. :P

 

This is just something I found on facebook. :)

Do you guys remember the 2008 ice storm???

pretty but deadly

To Kill A Mockingbird pg. 239-254

This is chapter eighteen. It starts out with Mayella Ewell getting called down to the stand. Scout describes Mayella as someone who tries to stay clean. First, Mr.Gilmer questions Mayella. She cries and says she is afraid of Mr.Finch. Then, Mr.Finch questions her. Mayella gets mad that Mr.Finch is calling Miss Mayella and ma'am. Mr.Finch asks her if her father loves her. She says he's tolerable except. Mr.Finch finishes her sentence by saying, "except when he's drinking?" Mr.Finch continues to question her and she gets confused about her testimony. Then, Mr.Finch asks if she was really raped or not. Mayella doesn't answer. Then, she bursts into tears and says if the jury doesn't put Tom in jail, then they're all cowards. Then, they take a ten minute break and the chapter ends.

This is one of my favorite chapter in To Kill A Mockingbird. I love how everything is so fast moving. Mr.Finch is so clever and smart with the way he questions Mayella. I have read the whole book before and I'm rereading. When you look at the end where Tom is dead and Mr.Finch loses the case, it makes me so freaking mad. In this chapter, Mr.Finch defends Tom so well

Patriots lose to Jets???

I just saw the playoffs game with Patriots v. Jets. All I have to say is, "How the crap did that happen?" It just made my really sad... :(

Rumspringa pg. 60-90

This chapter is called "Straightforward Conversations." The chapter starts out with a short story about Ben and his father, Enos. Enos is concerned about Ben's soul since Ben is in Rumspringa. Ben bought a car and told his father. Enos decides to make a deal with Ben. Ben can keep and even park the car near the house as long as he promises to have breakfast with the family everyday and does a prayer.

Next is Eli K. He gets in a car crash and is charged with a DUI. He now has to face his dad. His father gets him out of jail. Eli realizes his mistakes and joins the Church. Next is Gerald Y. He was mentioned in a past chapter. Gerald Y is addicted to cocaine. He wastes all his money of cocaine. He blames himself and goes on to describe his father as a great man. One of Gerald's brothers got charge with possession and Gerald has decided to quit. He is still unsure about joining the Church. It's one step at  a time with him. Next is Tobias K. He grew up on a farm but doesn't want to be a farmer. He is in Rumspringa and likes being a builder. He has joined a gang and bought a car. Now years later, most of the gang members have married and joined the Church. Finally, his father sits him down and has a talk. His father needs help with the farm. He agrees because he wants to be his own boss. Tobias also joins the Church.

Then, the book goes on the talk about adolescence. Amish parents have it harder because of the task of controlling their kids during Rumspringa. Parents need to discipline the children at an early age. The parents need to warn the children about Rumspringa. The children who are not well warned leave the Church. Mrs. Ruth M is an activate member of the Amish community. She blames the kids for leaving the Church. She says it depends on the kid and who he or she is. She blames peer pressure.

Next is Kathryn L and a concerned mother in her forties. She is clinically depressed and has two kids in Rumspringa.  Her son, who has Tourettes, parties with the kids at school who teased him. Her daughter is dating a guy who has lost touch with his Amish side.

Next is Dennis L. He is a grandfather, and he strongly believes in the ordnung. Then, the book goes on the talk about how ordnung are necessary for the survival of the Amish Church. Ordnung allows leeway.. The main purpose of ordnung "is to regulate the family lives of the Amish." Then, the book goes on to talk about how the family relationships affect Rumspringa. Too much and too little control can lead to a teen leaving the Church. Parents need to form healthy relationships with their children.

Next is Joann H. She is bitter toward her mom because her mom tries to be perfect. When she turned seventeen, her parents wanted her to join the Church, but she wants to party. Then, she gets offered a job at the Amish school. She decides to wait and moves out. She joins a Baptist Church and begins to believe in Jesus. Her parents try to get her to move back in, but she  regrets the offer. Then three of the H kids are in Rumspringa. The parents have had enough and sit all three of the kids down and talk with them. Joann doesn't know what to do. Amish teens face a different kind of problem that most mainstream society will never understand.

I enjoyed this chapter. I am really enjoying how there are multiple point of views in each chapter. The book has picked up but is still a slow read.