Monday, May 26, 2014
Thursday, May 22, 2014
final project coming to an end!
As the school year is coming to an end, we have a final project aka senior project. for mine, I picked being a swim coach. the processes has been long. I have written notes from interviews that were online, and even interviewed my coaches just to learn more about swimming. Coaching swimming is actually a lot of hard work. I am willing to go through all that process because swimming is what I love and want to continue it in the future. swimming will always be a big part of my life and I want to help others with swimming.
literature analysis #4
a.) A big Little Life by Dean Koontz is primarily about a Golden Retriever, Trixie, of which Dean and his wife, Gerda adopt. The story tells background on the family and Trixie and then goes into the perks and downsides of not only having a dog, but having Trixie specifically. Dean emphasizes how Trixie impacted their lives all throughout the story.
b.) This story is about the impact a special dog made on an average couple.
2. The author, Dean chose to write about his dog Trixie, because she was special. She played a special role in their family's lives, as well as many others, considering she was a service dog. Also, I think that this was Dean's "memorial" to his favorite companion. He wanted to show recognition for all that Trixie did. Lastly, Trixie WAS NOT an ordinary dog. She exemplified many times her "not the average dog" character. Many incidents it was as if she was a human. She could understand things Dean or Gerda would say. She even recognized the smell of one of her litter brothers from years earlier at a random meeting. Dean wanted the world to know of Trixie's incredible demeanor.
3. I wanted to read this book because I have a love for animals. Seeing as this was a non-fiction story about a dog, I figured the dog must have been amazing or special in some way, or such a book may not exist. I like the dynamics of animals in a story in that an animal is portrayed as a "hero" which is awesome for such a "helpless" (stereotype/generalization) creature. What made me continue to read it was the fact that everything I said above was true!
4. The book was realistic in many ways. But, I felt that each event that Trixie preformed, I compared to my dog and I could never see my dog doing these things! I do know, however, that dogs react differently with different owner so this made the book realistic to believe that Trixie did these things. I could not, however, relate because my dog is not so intellectually smart. But seeing as I have a dog, this book was somewhat connectable.
PEOPLE
1. I can't say for sure, but many of Trixie's attributes seemed exaggerated. This could be because of a special bond that Dean and Trixie shared, but if I met her, I don't think I would experience Trixie the same way! I think that this only shows that Dean was extremely attached to Trixie and how much he really cared. Usually, when people talk up of someone this is usually the case, or they are hiding something about them, but I don't think this is the case.
2. Gerda is Dean's wife. She is, like Dean, very caring. Her way of life is positive, but like any wife, is reprimanding to her dog, and similarly to her husband. Gerda is open minded and outgoing. Her and Dean are a perfect match together judging by the settings in the book. Her ability to forgive is very astonishing considering how much mischief she dealt with between her husband and Trixie.
Trixie, as if not characterized enough, is an overly intelligent dog. She has a personality on her own. She is friendly beyond belief and loving to anyone she meets. This is why Dean and Gerda so easily fell in love with her. Trixie is also playful and mischievous unintentionally at times. Her demeanor is unforgettable with anyone who knew this dog.
3. These two characters are interesting to write about because of the fact that they are the main characters, and also some of the only. Their characters, or at least the way they are presented, also makes them good characters to follow. Though Trixie is only a dog, she has a better character then most people I know. Also, I like Gerda because she is easy-going and laid back which is a hard trait to develop in a crazy world! Trixie and Gerda together made the story interesting because they were like fuel for each other.
1. An example of direct characterization is Trixie. Because she, being a dog, can't talk, her character is solely direct. Mostly Dean, the author, describes her because he is writing it. There are few indirect cases where in a conversation people will give Trixie credit for her attitude. Gerda is indirectly characterized throughout the whole story. Based on what she says you can tell the kind of person she is. For example the way she reacts to things. Dean Koontz doesn't directly praise her for her personality.
2. Because the main focus of this whole novel is Trixie, Dean is mostly only describing his beloved dog. This being the case, his syntax is mostly remaining the same throughout when describing Trixie. Though, when Trixie did something exceptionally well, Koontz would use diction to emphasize her good dead. One event was when Trixie responded to what Dean was asking her by body movements or a sound. With this, he changed his diction by saying to his wife, "Gerda, Trixie, our dog, our golden retriever, is THE dog. Our dog is not a dog."
3. The protagonist was definitely static. As a dog, an attitude doesn't change. But, if I count Dean as the protagonist (him and Trixie were both) then he was very dynamic. Trixie changed his whole thought process and outlook on life. He did a complete transformation in this novel from before Trixie and after. He became more optimistic on life which he wasn't before.
4. I felt like Trixie was my dog in a sense because I felt like I was experiencing everything she did as well as Dean and Gerda. My heart broke in the end when Trixie died. I felt like my dog died. Because she had such a big impact on many people's lives, she was easy to "know". She was loving, loyal, humble, trustworthy, etc. One passage, "We thought the moment had come, that piece of the blood clot on the wall of her heart had traveled to one of her lungs.", when Dean described this, my emotions kicked in because Trixie was my dog also!
STYLE
1. Dean uses pathos. I don't think this was intentional, but many people have a soft spot for dogs, including me. Regardless, when Trixie was diagnosed to have blood clots, pathos was "in the air". Also, at the beginning of the book, foreshadowing was used. In the opening, Dean talks about how much his life changed due to Trixie. This let readers get an idea that Trixie would be this good of a dog and her actions would prove it later.
2. Koontz used many lengthy description passages to get his point across. Trixie was described well and I believe that anyone who read this story felt connected to her because of how much we "got to know her". Some description was through dialogue, but it was traits we already knew. The majority was through passages.
3. Like listed in question number 1, to create mood, a great deal of pathos was used to evoke emotion among readers. Dean wanted the readers to feel connected to Trixie. He wanted her to receive recognition for her actions. To do this, the most effective way was pathos and he used it to his advantage.
4. Dean's attitude toward this subject was sad, but thankful for the time he had with his best friend Trixie. He was also reminiscent on everything that happened. He never expressed regret of any kind. In describing her life, he was upbeat, and positive.
5. Some interesting evidence I found was the fact Dean and Gerda are actually huge donors to the organization that Trixie came from, Canines Companions for Independence (CCI). Knowing this, made Trixie that much more real. It made her actions reliable because Trixie came from this group that does wonderful things for people with special needs and they train their dogs to accompany these needs. Dean also made a website for her with videos, fans, and more info on this wonderful dogs life. It can be found here http://www.deankoontz.com/trixie
"In each little life we can see great truth and beauty, and in each little life we glimpse the way of all things in the universe." -Dean Koontz. This quote said by Dean himself is so true and powerful. In a way life is so short. We need not take these little moments of bliss for granted. What we should do is cherish each moment and each person, or in this case animal, who comes into our lives. Dean realizes this through Trixie's life and I think this is the way I need to start living. Another thing I took from this book that will stick with me is that you never know what can change your perspective or outlook on life. I must stay open minded and be ready for my life to be impacted in any form. It could be the smallest of gestures or words, or it could be a huge event like traveling that will make me realize what life is about. I love how Trixie changed Dean's whole life. I can't wait for this experience.
b.) This story is about the impact a special dog made on an average couple.
2. The author, Dean chose to write about his dog Trixie, because she was special. She played a special role in their family's lives, as well as many others, considering she was a service dog. Also, I think that this was Dean's "memorial" to his favorite companion. He wanted to show recognition for all that Trixie did. Lastly, Trixie WAS NOT an ordinary dog. She exemplified many times her "not the average dog" character. Many incidents it was as if she was a human. She could understand things Dean or Gerda would say. She even recognized the smell of one of her litter brothers from years earlier at a random meeting. Dean wanted the world to know of Trixie's incredible demeanor.
3. I wanted to read this book because I have a love for animals. Seeing as this was a non-fiction story about a dog, I figured the dog must have been amazing or special in some way, or such a book may not exist. I like the dynamics of animals in a story in that an animal is portrayed as a "hero" which is awesome for such a "helpless" (stereotype/generalization) creature. What made me continue to read it was the fact that everything I said above was true!
4. The book was realistic in many ways. But, I felt that each event that Trixie preformed, I compared to my dog and I could never see my dog doing these things! I do know, however, that dogs react differently with different owner so this made the book realistic to believe that Trixie did these things. I could not, however, relate because my dog is not so intellectually smart. But seeing as I have a dog, this book was somewhat connectable.
PEOPLE
1. I can't say for sure, but many of Trixie's attributes seemed exaggerated. This could be because of a special bond that Dean and Trixie shared, but if I met her, I don't think I would experience Trixie the same way! I think that this only shows that Dean was extremely attached to Trixie and how much he really cared. Usually, when people talk up of someone this is usually the case, or they are hiding something about them, but I don't think this is the case.
2. Gerda is Dean's wife. She is, like Dean, very caring. Her way of life is positive, but like any wife, is reprimanding to her dog, and similarly to her husband. Gerda is open minded and outgoing. Her and Dean are a perfect match together judging by the settings in the book. Her ability to forgive is very astonishing considering how much mischief she dealt with between her husband and Trixie.
Trixie, as if not characterized enough, is an overly intelligent dog. She has a personality on her own. She is friendly beyond belief and loving to anyone she meets. This is why Dean and Gerda so easily fell in love with her. Trixie is also playful and mischievous unintentionally at times. Her demeanor is unforgettable with anyone who knew this dog.
3. These two characters are interesting to write about because of the fact that they are the main characters, and also some of the only. Their characters, or at least the way they are presented, also makes them good characters to follow. Though Trixie is only a dog, she has a better character then most people I know. Also, I like Gerda because she is easy-going and laid back which is a hard trait to develop in a crazy world! Trixie and Gerda together made the story interesting because they were like fuel for each other.
1. An example of direct characterization is Trixie. Because she, being a dog, can't talk, her character is solely direct. Mostly Dean, the author, describes her because he is writing it. There are few indirect cases where in a conversation people will give Trixie credit for her attitude. Gerda is indirectly characterized throughout the whole story. Based on what she says you can tell the kind of person she is. For example the way she reacts to things. Dean Koontz doesn't directly praise her for her personality.
2. Because the main focus of this whole novel is Trixie, Dean is mostly only describing his beloved dog. This being the case, his syntax is mostly remaining the same throughout when describing Trixie. Though, when Trixie did something exceptionally well, Koontz would use diction to emphasize her good dead. One event was when Trixie responded to what Dean was asking her by body movements or a sound. With this, he changed his diction by saying to his wife, "Gerda, Trixie, our dog, our golden retriever, is THE dog. Our dog is not a dog."
3. The protagonist was definitely static. As a dog, an attitude doesn't change. But, if I count Dean as the protagonist (him and Trixie were both) then he was very dynamic. Trixie changed his whole thought process and outlook on life. He did a complete transformation in this novel from before Trixie and after. He became more optimistic on life which he wasn't before.
4. I felt like Trixie was my dog in a sense because I felt like I was experiencing everything she did as well as Dean and Gerda. My heart broke in the end when Trixie died. I felt like my dog died. Because she had such a big impact on many people's lives, she was easy to "know". She was loving, loyal, humble, trustworthy, etc. One passage, "We thought the moment had come, that piece of the blood clot on the wall of her heart had traveled to one of her lungs.", when Dean described this, my emotions kicked in because Trixie was my dog also!
STYLE
1. Dean uses pathos. I don't think this was intentional, but many people have a soft spot for dogs, including me. Regardless, when Trixie was diagnosed to have blood clots, pathos was "in the air". Also, at the beginning of the book, foreshadowing was used. In the opening, Dean talks about how much his life changed due to Trixie. This let readers get an idea that Trixie would be this good of a dog and her actions would prove it later.
2. Koontz used many lengthy description passages to get his point across. Trixie was described well and I believe that anyone who read this story felt connected to her because of how much we "got to know her". Some description was through dialogue, but it was traits we already knew. The majority was through passages.
3. Like listed in question number 1, to create mood, a great deal of pathos was used to evoke emotion among readers. Dean wanted the readers to feel connected to Trixie. He wanted her to receive recognition for her actions. To do this, the most effective way was pathos and he used it to his advantage.
4. Dean's attitude toward this subject was sad, but thankful for the time he had with his best friend Trixie. He was also reminiscent on everything that happened. He never expressed regret of any kind. In describing her life, he was upbeat, and positive.
5. Some interesting evidence I found was the fact Dean and Gerda are actually huge donors to the organization that Trixie came from, Canines Companions for Independence (CCI). Knowing this, made Trixie that much more real. It made her actions reliable because Trixie came from this group that does wonderful things for people with special needs and they train their dogs to accompany these needs. Dean also made a website for her with videos, fans, and more info on this wonderful dogs life. It can be found here http://www.deankoontz.com/trixie
"In each little life we can see great truth and beauty, and in each little life we glimpse the way of all things in the universe." -Dean Koontz. This quote said by Dean himself is so true and powerful. In a way life is so short. We need not take these little moments of bliss for granted. What we should do is cherish each moment and each person, or in this case animal, who comes into our lives. Dean realizes this through Trixie's life and I think this is the way I need to start living. Another thing I took from this book that will stick with me is that you never know what can change your perspective or outlook on life. I must stay open minded and be ready for my life to be impacted in any form. It could be the smallest of gestures or words, or it could be a huge event like traveling that will make me realize what life is about. I love how Trixie changed Dean's whole life. I can't wait for this experience.
Monday, May 19, 2014
The internet is ending... Notes with Ted
Today we had connected online with Ted again! I always love hearing what he has to say because he has so much knowledge about the internet. Literally one of the first things he said was "the internet is ending." Wow. That seriously got my attention. He did explain by what he meant and I took down notes and here are some of the things he said :
• students should Monitor their own stuff on the internet
•trying to protect use of our data
•not neutrality is all about speed
• everyone has a blog
•oppertunity: you can connect with anyone in the world
• students should Monitor their own stuff on the internet
•trying to protect use of our data
•not neutrality is all about speed
• everyone has a blog
•oppertunity: you can connect with anyone in the world
Monday, May 12, 2014
Is America still the land of oppertunity?...
Today in class, we had the journal topic which was "is America in 2014 the land of oppertunity, or is it a rigged game that favors the wealthy?". In my opinion, America is still the land of oppertunity today. Yes money plays a huge role in today's society but when you're passionate about something it wound stop you from achieving your goals. At a young age, we have people asking us what do we want to be when we grow up and I believe the reason they ask us at a young age is because they want to teach us that we can do what we want if we put effort in it cause in America, we have a lot of freedom so there really isn anyone who can stop is from doing what we want to do. (Unless you're doing something illegal).
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Preposition
Today in class we discussed about preposition. no one knew what it meant so we all talked as a class and try to get an idea of what it meant. Preposition is a word that establishes a relationship between two things or concept on a sentence. Example: the man ran to the bus. It explains the relationship between the man and the bus.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Coming attractions for final project
Some ideas that my group and I thought would be interesting for our final project was to include some stuff that would get peoples attention like:
Having bloopers throughout the video
Providing a draft to see what you have accomplished
Provide your preparation
And overall just have fun with it
Resources
When I first started looking for resources I was a little lost. What I did is break it down. I looked at specific coaches because of what they accomplished. I also looked for their work ethic and I looked for articles about them. I also researched for articles not just about coaching swimming but also just coaching in general. Being a coach takes a lot. Being anything that inspires you takes a lot but of ots really your inspiration, you're going to have to be willing to take risks and work hard.
What's your passion?
I'm class, we have a lot of discussions on what our passion is. We are turning out passion into a project and it will help us in the future. When we talk about this, a lot of people still don't know what their passion is. In some way I understand where they are coming from because we are only 17 but some just don't have a clue. So how do you know what you're passionate about? How will you know that you still know that you will be passionate about it in 10 years? Well you don't. You just have to take risks. I personally believe that there's is a plan for me in the future so I'm willing to take risks. So Take risks!!
Preview of what's next
As you all know my project is of me learning about how to become a swim coach because swim is my passion and I was to continue is some way. So I am collaborating with two of my friends and they have a different project then me. The ly are involved with AG culture. Thy are going to video my coach to observe his actions. I can't wait to see all of it done!
Money money money
This year has hot me hard with thinking about money. Next year I will be in college and money is what I have been thinking about because of college. Parts of a business plan involved different steps. You have to have. Business idea, competition, finances, organizations, management, and plan for growth. We all have to focus on those things because it's a part of life. Next year I will be an adult and will have to learn all these things and it's kind of scary.
When is being smart a good or bad thing?
There's nothing wrong with being smart. There's never a wrong time being smart unless you're being a "smart mouth" that's just being rude. I notice a lot of people who are smart don't speak up. I believe the reason is because they don't want people to call them nerds and tease them. There are 7 different types of intelligences from math to even knowing things about music. It's knowledge of facts. THERES NEVER A BAD TIME BEING SMART. Use your knowledge, it's powerful
Ted newcomb
Today in class we had the opportunity to skype with Ted Newcomb. He discussed how he's been involved with the internet for 21 years. He also mentioned that today's trend is social media. The biggest change in social media is how we communicate with people in real time. Everything use to be hidden behind avitars and the first 10 years use to be "framing." There are 5 issues with social media, google,Facebook,Twitter,Apple, and Microsoft. We still have a long way to go before the internet matures. It was a great oppertunity talking to Ted. It was something different.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
The Crossroads between should and must
This article emphasized the difference between should and must. Must is more of what I want to do and what is normal verses should which is what others around me want me to do and what everyone is doing. These are the two roads in life if you really think about it. This article makes it clear and makes a great point for people who are stuck in their life right now with making decisions especially people my age because we are growing up and leaving for college. In relation to what the article mentioned, I am currently directed toward the must road. I am making the decisions that are best more me because its my life. I am making safe decisions. A lot of people my age don't live that way. They are more towards the should path because they are listening more to their parents because their parents want to control their life. I take matters and life in my own hands, yes I still go to my mom for things but I figured out it is my life and in the end it will all be for me. I found my inner self and this year has really helped me with that.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Literature Analysis #3
Kill Shot by Vince Flynn
1. This story is about a CIA assassin, sneaking his way into his target's hotel room in Paris, France. The target is Libya's oil minister. Just as he fires the first bullet, it is actually a trap. Men flood the room bullets flying and he escapes after killing 9 including the original target. Wounded and near death, he finds safety in an empty warehouse. In the morning the bodies are found and Washington looks where to point the finger at the CIA which would cause an international crisis. Rapp's handlers now must deny any accusation and hope he doesn't get caught, even if that means killing him to ensure he isn't captured by French authorities.
2. TONE: much like that of an action or suspenseful movie. "As Rapp began to drop, he saw the distinct black barrel of a sub-machine gun..." "He'd visited the room only once, and was so aggravated by all the do-gooders who walked by with their condemning looks that he swore he'd never do it again." "He frowned at that last part. He couldn't do it. It would make him no better than all the ego maniacal, opportunistic politicians who were constantly taking shots at the CIA."with.
3. THEME:the novel is the value of life. CIA assassins are so used to killing. It doesn't really affect them the way it affects other people because that's what they are trained to do. They see some lives so important that it makes them much more important than the lives of others. Just because a person has done some illegal things, that makes them a target that needs to be dealt
4. 1. Foreshadowing:
on page 20 he leads into the events of chapter 2 by leaving a cliff hanger. Just as the chapter ends and Rapp kills his target, he sees feet outside the door and just as the chapter ends, the door bursts open. Obviously something is about to happen so it makes the reader keep reading to find out what happens.
2. Audience Omniscience: After a major event happens in the book, the author tells it from both points of view so the reader has a better understanding of the people behind the events. In chapter 2, the author tells the buildup to the events that happened at the end of chapter 1. He gives both point of views so that the characters seem more well rounded, and more like normal people.
3. Conflict: Events in the story affect the way Rapp develops throughout. Getting shot and knowing that another operative is on his trail changes how he must think because he has to think on his feet, in chapter 4 to evade capture. He must change the way he does things in order to survive so there is an internal struggle.
4. Connotation: The use and meaning of the word 'target' connotates something more than just say the paper target people shoot for practice. It means a person that has done something evil and needs to be disposed of, and it is used throughout the book.
5. Prologue: At the very beginning, the author has a chapter dedicated to getting the reader up to speed from the end of the previous book to the beginning of this one. It helps the reader to not feel like they are joining the conversation of the story midway, but knowing how everything started and possible conflicts in the future. It fills them in.
6. Foil: Contrary to Mitch Rapp, there is a fellow operative Stan Hurley who is basically out to get him. He is just as dangerous, but doesn't trust him to not get caught when he runs into trouble in France so he feels he must take care of Rapp himself.
7.Hubris: Stan Hurley is a hybris because he doesn't care that Mitch is a fellow operative who needs help, he uses his power over people to get him the resources he needs to track him down and find him. He is arrogant because he doesn't trust in his colleague and believes he could have done much better, when in fact he would be in the same situation.
8. Metaphor: When Rapp gets shot in the beginning, it serves a larger purpose than a physical ailment. Its one of the affects of his line of work. Everyone carries a burden as a result of their way of life. Psychologists have emotional burden of the patients, people in the military have the burden of being in a dangerous place, etc. When he gets shot, it humbles him and reminds him that he is human.
9. Personification: "The river was dead." when Mitch escapes the hotel, he goes into a nearby river to escape. It was extremely cold in the middle of the night in chapter 4. It was deathly cold and would cause him to nearly die himself.
Characterization
1. Two examples of direct characterization are "Hurley, the hard assed spook and trainer..." and "Thomas Stansfield was accustomed to working Saturdays." Two examples of indirect characterization are, "Thomas Stansfield is not to be taken lightly." and "And remember... no matter how much he tries to bully us..." The author uses a lot more indirect characterization so it leaves more to the imagination. Using both approaches gives readers enough hard evidence to make assumptions that fill in the indirect characterization.
2. When the author focuses on a character, he uses diction. The author uses words and phrases to convey meanings. The dialogue sounds like a normal conversation and it depicts them as normal people with extraordinary abilities. An example is the quick witted conversations between Rapp and his partner Irene in the states. They have a quick little session of banters when they communicate because they have to keep things short and distinct when on the phone.
3. The protagonist is static because his training is so deeply embedded into who he is, that the events he experiences aren't going to change that. No matter what happens he will still be the strong minded clever individual he is. He is round because he has a few different personalities. He is a smart ass, yet knows how to be serious. He knows how to persuade people to get what he wants but doesn't abuse his power.
4. I do feel like I come away from the book having met the main character. I was able to use textual examples and indirect characterization to give myself a good idea of who he is and where he comes from when something happens. He came to life when his old fling who is also his partner called him, she wasn't supposed to, but she wanted to make sure he was OK. He was so happy to later on see her and that shows me that even if he is a remarkable secret agent he is still a normal guy deep down.
1. This story is about a CIA assassin, sneaking his way into his target's hotel room in Paris, France. The target is Libya's oil minister. Just as he fires the first bullet, it is actually a trap. Men flood the room bullets flying and he escapes after killing 9 including the original target. Wounded and near death, he finds safety in an empty warehouse. In the morning the bodies are found and Washington looks where to point the finger at the CIA which would cause an international crisis. Rapp's handlers now must deny any accusation and hope he doesn't get caught, even if that means killing him to ensure he isn't captured by French authorities.
2. TONE: much like that of an action or suspenseful movie. "As Rapp began to drop, he saw the distinct black barrel of a sub-machine gun..." "He'd visited the room only once, and was so aggravated by all the do-gooders who walked by with their condemning looks that he swore he'd never do it again." "He frowned at that last part. He couldn't do it. It would make him no better than all the ego maniacal, opportunistic politicians who were constantly taking shots at the CIA."with.
3. THEME:the novel is the value of life. CIA assassins are so used to killing. It doesn't really affect them the way it affects other people because that's what they are trained to do. They see some lives so important that it makes them much more important than the lives of others. Just because a person has done some illegal things, that makes them a target that needs to be dealt
4. 1. Foreshadowing:
on page 20 he leads into the events of chapter 2 by leaving a cliff hanger. Just as the chapter ends and Rapp kills his target, he sees feet outside the door and just as the chapter ends, the door bursts open. Obviously something is about to happen so it makes the reader keep reading to find out what happens.
2. Audience Omniscience: After a major event happens in the book, the author tells it from both points of view so the reader has a better understanding of the people behind the events. In chapter 2, the author tells the buildup to the events that happened at the end of chapter 1. He gives both point of views so that the characters seem more well rounded, and more like normal people.
3. Conflict: Events in the story affect the way Rapp develops throughout. Getting shot and knowing that another operative is on his trail changes how he must think because he has to think on his feet, in chapter 4 to evade capture. He must change the way he does things in order to survive so there is an internal struggle.
4. Connotation: The use and meaning of the word 'target' connotates something more than just say the paper target people shoot for practice. It means a person that has done something evil and needs to be disposed of, and it is used throughout the book.
5. Prologue: At the very beginning, the author has a chapter dedicated to getting the reader up to speed from the end of the previous book to the beginning of this one. It helps the reader to not feel like they are joining the conversation of the story midway, but knowing how everything started and possible conflicts in the future. It fills them in.
6. Foil: Contrary to Mitch Rapp, there is a fellow operative Stan Hurley who is basically out to get him. He is just as dangerous, but doesn't trust him to not get caught when he runs into trouble in France so he feels he must take care of Rapp himself.
7.Hubris: Stan Hurley is a hybris because he doesn't care that Mitch is a fellow operative who needs help, he uses his power over people to get him the resources he needs to track him down and find him. He is arrogant because he doesn't trust in his colleague and believes he could have done much better, when in fact he would be in the same situation.
8. Metaphor: When Rapp gets shot in the beginning, it serves a larger purpose than a physical ailment. Its one of the affects of his line of work. Everyone carries a burden as a result of their way of life. Psychologists have emotional burden of the patients, people in the military have the burden of being in a dangerous place, etc. When he gets shot, it humbles him and reminds him that he is human.
9. Personification: "The river was dead." when Mitch escapes the hotel, he goes into a nearby river to escape. It was extremely cold in the middle of the night in chapter 4. It was deathly cold and would cause him to nearly die himself.
Characterization
1. Two examples of direct characterization are "Hurley, the hard assed spook and trainer..." and "Thomas Stansfield was accustomed to working Saturdays." Two examples of indirect characterization are, "Thomas Stansfield is not to be taken lightly." and "And remember... no matter how much he tries to bully us..." The author uses a lot more indirect characterization so it leaves more to the imagination. Using both approaches gives readers enough hard evidence to make assumptions that fill in the indirect characterization.
2. When the author focuses on a character, he uses diction. The author uses words and phrases to convey meanings. The dialogue sounds like a normal conversation and it depicts them as normal people with extraordinary abilities. An example is the quick witted conversations between Rapp and his partner Irene in the states. They have a quick little session of banters when they communicate because they have to keep things short and distinct when on the phone.
3. The protagonist is static because his training is so deeply embedded into who he is, that the events he experiences aren't going to change that. No matter what happens he will still be the strong minded clever individual he is. He is round because he has a few different personalities. He is a smart ass, yet knows how to be serious. He knows how to persuade people to get what he wants but doesn't abuse his power.
4. I do feel like I come away from the book having met the main character. I was able to use textual examples and indirect characterization to give myself a good idea of who he is and where he comes from when something happens. He came to life when his old fling who is also his partner called him, she wasn't supposed to, but she wanted to make sure he was OK. He was so happy to later on see her and that shows me that even if he is a remarkable secret agent he is still a normal guy deep down.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
my experts
My experts vary. Mainly they are all coaches who have been coaching for over ten years and have a past of swimming. The reason why I am researching these experts is because they inspire me to be a great coach and I know they have had success in coaching and hopefully someday I have the success that they have had.
Friday, March 28, 2014
TEN QUESTIONS
1. What made you want to pursue this career?
2. Had you traveled before this career?
3. How did you start out?
4. What was your major in college?
5. Did you start out with money?
6. Were you an instant success?
7. If now, how did you work your way up?
8. Do you still enjoy your career?
9. What advice do you have for a young mind in pursuit?
10. What can I do to get a jump start?
2. Had you traveled before this career?
3. How did you start out?
4. What was your major in college?
5. Did you start out with money?
6. Were you an instant success?
7. If now, how did you work your way up?
8. Do you still enjoy your career?
9. What advice do you have for a young mind in pursuit?
10. What can I do to get a jump start?
finally getting caught up
I have been behind this month! I have been so busy with A LOT! but anyways, here are the rest of my posts enjoy:)
Monday, March 3, 2014
update: masterpiece
As you the readers know, my masterpiece is going to be about coaching swimming. the reason is because I have a passion for swimming and I want to continue swimming in the future. So I am taking the knowledge I know and asking coaches questions like what got them into swimming and their techniques. coaching takes a lot of hard work a dedication. I am also tying this in with my final project. I will be interviewing coaches and taking videos of them coaching. that's what I have so far! thank you:)
Friday, February 28, 2014
literature analysis #2
The Night Circus
1. The Night Circus is about a magical traveling circus that is secretly hosting a competition between two magicians who have to prove who had the better teacher. Their reward? Life. The only way to win is to survive. Celia, a little girl whose mother dies when she is only five years old is taken to live with her father who is also a magician. He is known to be the greatest of his time, when Celia is introduced to him, he immediately doesn't like her. She gets mad at the way he treats her and she uses her 'powers' to break his hot tea cup. This intrigues Prospero, her father. Her father then sets up a meeting with an old friend and it is them that arrange the competition between Celia and Marco (the chosen competetor). The two do not know who they are competing with until Celia catches Marco performing and then everything starts to crumble. The two have fallen in love and now they are refusing to continue the competition knowing one of them will die. The problem with just stopping the competiton? The circus and the people in it will die off and the two lovers won't be the only ones suffering the consequences.Celia figures out a way for the two to live together and keep the circus running without letting anyone else get hurt. Celia and Marco kill themselves, but find a way to stay in spirit and keep the circus alive.
2. Theme: It is very similar to The Hunger Games themes, anything and everything over love, to die with you would be better to die alone, a competition for survival.
3. Tone: its bitter and knowing. The author has a lot of sass and you can see that in the main character Celia, the most. She makes it seem as if she were using her story to vent out her hate for someone and her longing for another.
4. Foreshadowing:
2. Theme: It is very similar to The Hunger Games themes, anything and everything over love, to die with you would be better to die alone, a competition for survival.
3. Tone: its bitter and knowing. The author has a lot of sass and you can see that in the main character Celia, the most. She makes it seem as if she were using her story to vent out her hate for someone and her longing for another.
4. Foreshadowing:
In the beginning Marco explains that he loves to love and he loves to be in love and it always happens so quickly, but he doesn't know what being IN LOVE is really like, therefore he'd do anything to be with her. This is setting up his attitude towards how is going to feel about Celia and the situation they get put in having to kill eachother.
Prediction:
Celia grabs the wrong umbrella, but she notices that the umbrella she did grab has some sort of spell on it and this is how she discovers and predicts that Marco is her challenger.
CHARACTERIZATION
1. Direct characterization
CHARACTERIZATION
1. Direct characterization
Celia: The author directly explains how she looks feels and acts. There is no asuming or guessing on how she felt towards something, the author is very direct with her.
Marco: The author also explains everything Marco feels directly and we know from the very beginning how he looks and what his morals are.
Indirect characterization
An example of this is a teenager named Bailey who is brought up very little and then at the end becomes the protagonist all with one feeling. The author indirectly tells you that Bailey has this passion and dedication towards the circus that will essentially save everyone. The author then refers to two twins who live in the circus and will be helping Bailey save it. This is dropped by hints such as dreams and fortune tellers.
The indirect characters are all the smaller characters that we don't get to read about directly.
2. The authors syntax changes when she concentrates on a different part of the story. The novel jumps around from character to character and you can tell whose side of the story it is when the sentences get longer or shorter and the it goes from first person to third person.
3. The protagonist is very round and dynamic, he starts off seeming useless to the storyline, but then their is a plottwist and it all starts to make sense. It is part of his destiny to either save or destroy the circus and it all comes down to one decision; does he chase after a circus or give up on it all together. He chooses to chase after it and that is his first step to saving it.
4. I did not feel as if I had just met someone after reading this story. I think that because the storyline was something I was not use to. However, I understand what it is like to not want to do something because the decision is too hard to make and it might hurt someone else. Overall I didn't make any easy connections with this book, too ficitonal and unrealistic.
2. The authors syntax changes when she concentrates on a different part of the story. The novel jumps around from character to character and you can tell whose side of the story it is when the sentences get longer or shorter and the it goes from first person to third person.
3. The protagonist is very round and dynamic, he starts off seeming useless to the storyline, but then their is a plottwist and it all starts to make sense. It is part of his destiny to either save or destroy the circus and it all comes down to one decision; does he chase after a circus or give up on it all together. He chooses to chase after it and that is his first step to saving it.
4. I did not feel as if I had just met someone after reading this story. I think that because the storyline was something I was not use to. However, I understand what it is like to not want to do something because the decision is too hard to make and it might hurt someone else. Overall I didn't make any easy connections with this book, too ficitonal and unrealistic.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
master piece essay #1
For my essay topic, I decided to write more about being an athlete versus being a coach. I want to continue swimming in the future, so I want to write about what it is being a student-athlete. Once I'm older, I wont be an athlete anymore but I want to continue being involved in swimming so I am going to coach. I don't know what its like being a coach but I have resources I have found online and I will personally talk to coaches I know about how they got to where they are.:)
Friday, February 21, 2014
personal vocab: sports medicine
anti-inflammatory Drugs that reduce swelling and inflammation
antipyretic Agent that reduces fever
apophysis Bony outgrowth to which muscles attach
arthroscopy Viewing the inside of a joint through an arthroscope using a
small video camera lens
atrophy Decrease in size of muscle or tissue
avascular Lack of blood circulation
avulsion Forcible tearing away or separation.
axilla Armpit
bradycardia Slow heartbeat
bursa Small synovial sac located over bony prominences that aids in
reducing friction.
bursitis Inflammation of a bursa
subluxation Partial or incomplete dislocation of an articulation
syndrome Group of typical symptoms or conditions that characterize a
deficiency or disease
tachycardia Rapid or abnormally high pulse rate
etiology Science dealing with causes of injury or disease
eversion A movement of turning the foot outward
fascia Fibrous membrane that covers, supports, and separate
muscles
fasciitis Inflammation of fascia
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Personal Vocab: Athletic Training
Xerostomia- having a dry mouth
Rehabilitation- to restore to a healthy condition after injury
Tendinitis- inflammation of the tendon
Myositis- inflammation of muscle tissue
Hypoxia- lack of oxygen
Cryotherapy- Treatment in which cold is used
Conversion- heating by other forms of energy
Apnea- Absence of breathing
Range of motion- the movement of the joint
Plantar flexion- Ankle movement pointing the foot down
Active range of motion- movement of the athlete
R.I.C.E- rest, ice, compression, elevation
Contraindicate- To warn against a particular treatment
Hypertrophy-increase in muscle or tissue size
Anesthetic- an agent that reduces or eliminates the sensation of pain
Retraction- Movement in posterior direction
Articulation- a joint between bones
Anatomy- The study of structure of the human body
Kinesiology- The study of human movement
Physiology-the study of the functional process of a body
Rehabilitation- to restore to a healthy condition after injury
Tendinitis- inflammation of the tendon
Myositis- inflammation of muscle tissue
Hypoxia- lack of oxygen
Cryotherapy- Treatment in which cold is used
Conversion- heating by other forms of energy
Apnea- Absence of breathing
Range of motion- the movement of the joint
Plantar flexion- Ankle movement pointing the foot down
Active range of motion- movement of the athlete
R.I.C.E- rest, ice, compression, elevation
Contraindicate- To warn against a particular treatment
Hypertrophy-increase in muscle or tissue size
Anesthetic- an agent that reduces or eliminates the sensation of pain
Retraction- Movement in posterior direction
Articulation- a joint between bones
Anatomy- The study of structure of the human body
Kinesiology- The study of human movement
Physiology-the study of the functional process of a body
Monday, February 10, 2014
Literature analysis #1
THE FIFTH CHILD BY DORIS LESSING
Characterization
1. Direct Characterization is used to describe Ben and the other four children's personalities. You never get the chance to know what Ben is actually thinking for feeling because he can barely talk at all. You really only have this picture of him from what every one around him thinks and says. Indirect characterization is used to describe Harriet and David because you really get to see who they are through their communication between each other and those around them.
2.The protagonist is Harriet and she is a dynamic, round character. She does develop and change throughout the story because she begins this normal lady with normal dreams and hopes for her family. When Ben comes into the picture she changes dramatically, one who was always so happy and dedicated to her other four children and husband begins to become depressed; paying little to none attention to any one other than Ben. She also develops as a mother, really proving her loyalty to her troublesome son.
3. Lessing's syntax and diction remains consistent no matter what character is being focused on except for Ben. He rarely talks but when he does it's different than most. He uses very short sentences that get directly to the point. His first words were "I want cake." He never carries on a conversation, just talks when he really needs to.
4. After finishing this book I definitely felt like I read a character instead of meeting an actual person. Although this story was very interesting it was nearly impossible for me to relate at any level. I didn't find myself connecting on a personal level with any of the characters
1.- Exposition: The beginning of the story explains how Harriet and David first met one another and how quickly they fell in love. It showed them during their happiest of times plan the life the both of them had always wanted. They talked about their future with a house full of kids and they very quickly made that dream come true.
-The rising action took place much deeper into the story than I am used to reading. It didn't occur until Harriet and David received the news of their fifth child. Before that, nothing extreme happened. The first four children were perfectly healthy and normal and they made up a very happy family of six. As soon as Harriet got pregnant with the fifth, she sensed something was different. The pregnancy was not easy like the first four, she was in constant pain and couldn't control the strength of the child growing inside of her. She knew something was wrong and when the child was born she knew she had been right. He was monster like; big and strong and not delicate or fragile like her previous children.
-Climax: One day after years of struggling with this child, David's parents decided to mention putting Ben into an institution. They had been watching him drain the life out of Harriet and how David and the rest of the children didn't matter anymore. He was a danger to every living thing that came into that household and was not in any way normal. They arranged for him to be taken away one day. A van arrived at the house and David carried Ben out of the house to be taken away forever. Harriet felt so guilty hearing him screaming as the van drove off and not helping him but the guilt was mostly caused from the huge sense of relief she felt. Soon after that her home life and family went back to normal and everyone was so happy again.
-Conflict: The conflict began as soon as she brought ben, the fifth child, home. Everyone was scared of him for he was extremely different. No one knew what to think, especially Harriet. As he grew into a toddler he became more and more dangerous. He would harm the house hold pets and he had to be supervised at all times. The family stopped coming around for the holidays because of how they feared Ben. The main conflict was Harriet's struggle to love this child. She hated him for what he had done to the family. He took her away from her four perfect children because she had to keep an eye on him 24/7 and he had to have special care. He tore her marriage apart. He created so many problems but he was still her biggest concern and she spent most of her time with him, trying to help him the best she could.
-Falling Action: Even though everything went completely back to normal in the household, Harriet couldn't stop thinking about Ben. One day she got the huge urge to go see him. She got out of bed and demanded the information of where she could find him. Once she learned where he was she left immediately. She drove for hours to find him in some hospital like place with kids just like him being drugged and tested and treated horribly. She couldn't stand to see him in such an awful place and took him home. Her family felt so betrayed when they saw that she had brought Ben back into their home. Things were really difficult since being in that situation had made Ben even worse and he needed even more of Harriets time and attention than before.
-Resolution: Surprisingly, once Ben started highschool he found a group of friends that looked up to him and they became inseparable. The group he was hanging around would come to his house all the time and these teenage boys terrified Harriet. She soon began hearing of crimes being committed everytime the group would disappear for hours at a time and deep down she knew it was Ben and his friends. The book ended without really saying what had happened to Ben. The family was destroyed and he was still such a destructive creature. Nothing got resolved and I just felt empty at the end of this book.
2. The theme of this novel is unconditional love, or the lack of it. Ben was hated by his own family because of how different he was from all of them. They never even took the time to build a relationship with him. They had decided from the very beginning that he was not and could not be one of them. Harriet felt these things too due to the destruction Ben caused in her life but she also loved him. She devoted her life to him. She went back for him even though she knew how much harder it would make things. She did the best she could being the mother to something or someone so incapable of loving her back.
3. Tone: the tone is very cynical at times. Ben's condition really questions the humanity in those around him.
" 'It's either him or us,' said David to Harriet. He added, his voice full of cold dislike for Ben, 'He's probably just dropped in from Mars. He's going back to report on what he's found down here.' He laughed- cruelly, it seemed to Harriet, who was silently taking in the fact- which of course she had half known already- that Ben was not expected to live long in this institution, whatever it was."
"One morning when people were sitting around having breakfast, Harriet for some reason turned her head and saw the dog, asleep, and Ben going silently up to him in a low crouch, hands held out in front of him... 'Ben!' said Harriet sharply. She saw those cold eyes turn towards her, caught a gleam of pure malice."
Launch Pad
What am I passionate about and what do I want to keep doing in the future? My answer has to be continue swimming. I have been passionate about swimming ever since I was a little girl. I honestly don't know where I would be in life without swim. Swimming has shaped me into the person who I am today. To many people, when they ask me what I want to do in the future and hear my answer, they kind of think about it. many people tell me it's crazy how I am so passionate about swimming. When they say that, it makes me wonder if they are passionate about something?
obviously I cant be competing my whole life in swimming, but I can go into coaching. I have looked at many resources online to see what it takes and its a lot of work. I am willing to work hard to be a great coach. There are many articles I can read on the internet and I can personally sit down with successful coaches and interview them about coaching.
I know I have a lot of supports. I still have a lot of steps to come because its a long process, but I am willing to sacrifice a lot for swimming.
obviously I cant be competing my whole life in swimming, but I can go into coaching. I have looked at many resources online to see what it takes and its a lot of work. I am willing to work hard to be a great coach. There are many articles I can read on the internet and I can personally sit down with successful coaches and interview them about coaching.
I know I have a lot of supports. I still have a lot of steps to come because its a long process, but I am willing to sacrifice a lot for swimming.
Monday, February 3, 2014
vocab #4
accolade-
an award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgment of merit.
acerbity-
a sharp bitterness
attrition-
an award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgment of merit.
acerbity-
a sharp bitterness
attrition-
the action or process of gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness of someone or something through sustained attack or pressure.
bromide-
a trite and unoriginal idea or remark, typically intended to soothe or placate.
chauvinist-
a person displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism.
chronic-
persisting for a long time or recurring
expound-
present and explain an idea or theory systematically and in detail.
factionalism-
the splitting of a group into fractions
immaculate-
perfectly clean, neat, or tidy esp. person or their clothes
imprecation-
a spoken curse
ineluctable-
unable to be resisted
mercurial-
subject to unexpected changes of mood or mind
palliate-
make a disease less severe without removing the cause
protocol-
the official procedure or system of rules governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions.
resplendent-
attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous
stigmatize-
describe or regard as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval
sub rosa-
happening or done in secret
vainglory-
inordinate pride in one's self or one's achievements
vestige-
a trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists
volition-
the faculty or power of using one's will
a trite and unoriginal idea or remark, typically intended to soothe or placate.
chauvinist-
a person displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism.
chronic-
persisting for a long time or recurring
expound-
present and explain an idea or theory systematically and in detail.
factionalism-
the splitting of a group into fractions
immaculate-
perfectly clean, neat, or tidy esp. person or their clothes
imprecation-
a spoken curse
ineluctable-
unable to be resisted
mercurial-
subject to unexpected changes of mood or mind
palliate-
make a disease less severe without removing the cause
protocol-
the official procedure or system of rules governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions.
resplendent-
attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous
stigmatize-
describe or regard as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval
sub rosa-
happening or done in secret
vainglory-
inordinate pride in one's self or one's achievements
vestige-
a trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists
volition-
the faculty or power of using one's will
Monday, January 27, 2014
Hafta/wanna
Is there a difference between life after high school and life in high school? I'm curious why dr.preston picked this title. Did he already know what many responses would be? Why I can say is,High school is a weird time and that is for certain. You are finally starting to branch out into the world and learning a lot of new things.It's a crucial time in the development of many. You have to get a job, do college applications, get you permit,driver license, and all that nonsense.Academic wise, we start each year by saying "Oh, this is the year, I'm going to try really hard," but you and I know that most of the time that never happens and ending up not doing your work. It is true that maybe high school is a "have to" for many because, well without it, your success will definitely not be in your career. It's mandatory to at least complete high school. Then senior year ends, and you are a free bird. Most of the time, people don't know what to do with their life and now that they are in college, you can go out and party without your parents being in your face about it and no one is telling you to go to class. No one is forcing you. You're doing this for you. Life after high school is what you want to do. This is where the difference is. After high school, essentially it's up to you to make the decision. There can be potentially no one telling you what to do.
Senior project/ first draft
I decided to do the old fashion was and do a picture album. The reason is because I can't express what I've been through and with pictures you can get an idea of my experience. I take a lot of photos for memories and I travel a lot since I'm a competitive swimmer. I want people to be able to see from my point of view and enjoy it as much as I do
Vocab #3
apostate-
a person who renounces a religious or political belief or principle.
effusive-
expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner.
impasse-
a situation in which no progress is possible, esp because of disaggreement
euphoria-
a feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness.
lugubrious-
looking or sounding sad and dismal
bravado-
a bold manner or a show of boldness intended to impress or intimidate
consensus-
general agreement
a person who renounces a religious or political belief or principle.
effusive-
expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner.
impasse-
a situation in which no progress is possible, esp because of disaggreement
euphoria-
a feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness.
lugubrious-
looking or sounding sad and dismal
bravado-
a bold manner or a show of boldness intended to impress or intimidate
consensus-
general agreement
dichotomy-
a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.
Gothic-
of or in the style of architecture prevalent in western Europe in the 12th–16th centuries, characterized by pointed arches, rib vaults, and flying buttresses, together with large windows and elaborate tracery.
constrict-
make narrower
punctilio-
a fine or petty point of conduct or procedure.
metamorphosis-
process of transformation from an immature for to an adult for in 2 or more distinct phases
a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.
Gothic-
of or in the style of architecture prevalent in western Europe in the 12th–16th centuries, characterized by pointed arches, rib vaults, and flying buttresses, together with large windows and elaborate tracery.
constrict-
make narrower
punctilio-
a fine or petty point of conduct or procedure.
metamorphosis-
process of transformation from an immature for to an adult for in 2 or more distinct phases
raconteur-
a person who tells anecdotes in a skillful and amusing waysine qua non-
a thing that is absolutely necessary
a person who tells anecdotes in a skillful and amusing waysine qua non-
a thing that is absolutely necessary
quixotic-
exceedingly idealistic
exceedingly idealistic
vendetta-
a blood feud in which the family of a murdered person seeks vengeance on the murderer or the murderer's family.
non sequitur-
a conclusion or statement that does not logically follow the previous conclusion or statementmystique-
a fascinating aura of mystery, awe, and power surrounding someone or somethingquagmire-
a soft boggy area of land that gives way underfootparlous-
full of danger or uncertainty
a blood feud in which the family of a murdered person seeks vengeance on the murderer or the murderer's family.
non sequitur-
a conclusion or statement that does not logically follow the previous conclusion or statementmystique-
a fascinating aura of mystery, awe, and power surrounding someone or somethingquagmire-
a soft boggy area of land that gives way underfootparlous-
full of danger or uncertainty
Thursday, January 16, 2014
vocab #2
accoutrements: personal clothing or accessories
apogee: the highest or most distant point
bicker: to engage in peevish argument
coalesce: to grow or come together into one
contretemps: an embarrassing occurrence
convolution: a coiled or rolled up condition
cull: to select or choose
dispute: at essentially different
dogmatic: pertaining to
licentious: going beyond proper limits
mete: to distribute my measure
noxious: harmful to health or physical well-being
polemic: a controversial argument
populous: heavily populated; crowded
probity: honesty
repartee: a quick and witty reply
apogee: the highest or most distant point
bicker: to engage in peevish argument
coalesce: to grow or come together into one
contretemps: an embarrassing occurrence
convolution: a coiled or rolled up condition
cull: to select or choose
dispute: at essentially different
dogmatic: pertaining to
licentious: going beyond proper limits
mete: to distribute my measure
noxious: harmful to health or physical well-being
polemic: a controversial argument
populous: heavily populated; crowded
probity: honesty
repartee: a quick and witty reply
Friday, January 10, 2014
something emotional
Something that I dealt with that was very emotional for me was when I officially put all my focus on swimming. What I mean by that, I had to basically drop everything from having no social life and even not going to school because I would be at a competition. I was young and just wanted to be a kid and always hangout with my friends. as I look back now, I realized I made a right decision because I have got so far in swimming and I found out who my true friends are because they always stuck by my side even though I could never really hangout with them. I'm still very committed in swimming and I am going to get a scholarship for it and I am very lucky. I don't see myself not swimming. I don't know where I would be in life without swimming. Who knows, maybe I would be making bad decisions. Swimming has kept me out of trouble.
Hacking my Education
Whenever we discuss hacking this course it can mean many things. It could be with our personal interests and taking our education into our own hands. by doing this, I can get a clear idea of what I want to do with this class and I feel like its in my own hands. There's tons that I want to do and so much that catches my interest but sometimes I get pretty overwhelmed and can procrastinate. That's something that I want to change this semester. My plan is to really think hard about what I can do in this particular course that is going to help me in the long run, and I know that I have a teacher that will always help me out whenever I need help.
spring vocab #1
Adumbrate- report or represent in outline; foreshadow what will happen next
Apotheosis- the highest point in the development of something; culmination or climax
Ascetic- severe self-discipline and abstention
Bauble- something that is superficially attractive but useless or worthless
Beguile- charm or enchant(someone)
Burgeon- begin to grow or increase rapidly
Complement- a thing that completes or brings to perfection
Contumacious- stubbornly or willfully disobedient to authority
Curmudgeon- a bad-tempered or surly person
Didactic- intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
The Choice
In this article, The Choice, its being referred to in the title is whether the little girl is going to take her medicine, or the "poison" on her own or if her parents are going to have to force her to take it. Although it is a real choice there is no alternative. No matter what the little girl chooses she is going to have to take the medicine. The word "poison" is used when talking about the medicine because that is exactly what it is. It's a poison taken to kill the cells, not just the bad ones but all of the cells in order to eliminate the ones that may be dangerous. The little girl wants to play with the toys intended for older children because she knows that with her sickness she may not live to be that old so she argues that since she might not have the chance she wants to play with that toy while she can. I do agree with her because knowing that your life possibly may be cut short i would want to get the absolute most out of it just as she does. If playing with a toy intended for a child a few years older makes her happy then I don't see even the slightest problem with that. If there was a possibility that I might not live past the age of 30 there would be so many things that I would feel pressured to do so before then, so many actually that its hard to just pick one. I would focus mostly on being adventurous and seeing parts of the world other than where I've grown up.i would also try to spend a lot of my time with family because I don't do that often. It would be important for me to get out of here and go to all the places that I want to go to and see before I die. Forcing the uncomfortableness of the medication and horrible taste on their daughter was really their only choice. A few moments of a bad taste is worth an attempt to add time to their daughters life. Suffering is unfortunately most definitely a part of life and love. Everyone will suffer from their own troubles and have to watch those they love most suffer as well. I would feel very uncomfortable to have a kid and go through what the parents are doing but I wouldn't want my child to die at a young age.
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