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.