tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772429489709570522024-03-07T21:05:24.706-08:00Lisa's World of EnglishLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06718079581506099629noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-477242948970957052.post-75092343674783041732010-04-20T11:11:00.000-07:002010-04-20T11:16:42.566-07:00Black Mamba<a href="http://dimemag.com/wp-content/Images/players/Bryant_Kobe/Kobe%2039-3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://dimemag.com/wp-content/Images/players/Bryant_Kobe/Kobe%2039-3.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>For he is the best of the West.</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>He flies oh so high,</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>for his fame will never die.</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>He is amazing at his game.</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>He leaves others in shmae.</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>With every move he takes, makes the</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>opponent fear.</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>When he strikes, he laves them back in</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>tears.</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>His clutch shots are deadly,</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>his rhythm is smooth like a melody.</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>There is no one that'll compare,</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>even if they dared.</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>For he is the Black Mamba, he leaves his</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>venom everywhere.</strong></span></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06718079581506099629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-477242948970957052.post-37447509503960276022010-03-11T07:23:00.000-08:002010-03-11T19:01:16.134-08:00The Things We Face EverydayDecisions are something we make every single day of our life. It may be big or simple ones, but we always have to face the consequences either way. A teen choosing to drink and drive then runs over a child after speeding is a <strong>horrific</strong> and <strong>impulsive</strong> decision. The teen will have to live with the consequences all their life. Results of decisions may be something that will change your life forever or just something you expected. If we only knew what the answer was first then we wouldn't hesitate to choose or worry about the results in the end.<br /><br /> In The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, Santiago a <strong>compassionate</strong> man, goes through many decisions like choosing to go fishing without the boy, waiting for the marlin, fighting off the sharks, and choosing to go out too far, so he had to face their consequences. His life wasn’t fully affected by these consequences, but he learned from them and moved on.<br /><br /> The first decision Santiago made was not letting the boy go fishing with him. Santiago was being humble and <strong>thoughtful</strong> because he knew that Manolin's parents didn't like him fishing with someone with no luck. The old man was being nice, but it made him lose a chance at his dream. Santiago was also trying to prove that he could still be a champion like before and get an amazing catch by himself, but if the boy had gone, then the old man would've caught the marlin sooner and brought it back as a whole. The old man at the beginning of the book pretended to reject the boy, but during his whole trip he was wishing the boy was there. “I wish I had the boy. To help me and see this.”(48). Because of not letting the boy go with him, Santiago had to face hardships on the boat and was not able to bring home his prize.<br /><br /> The second and great decision Santiago made was being <strong>patient</strong> and waited for the <strong>agressive</strong> marlin. The old man knew that he was going to be able and reel in the fish, so he waited. This was a good decision because he knew that patience would be repaid. Even though he waited, the marlin didn't give up until four days later. If he had left, then he would've not caught anything or had the fight of his life. “Fish, he said softly, aloud, “I’ll stay with you until I am dead.” (52) shows his determination to catch the fish and I admire this patience and determination very much. The consequence of this decision proved his willpower to be worthwhile. The old man was <strong>wise</strong>, so he eventually reeled in the fish, but luck got ran out when he faced the sharks. It’s exactly how life is. Luck will sometimes take away the things you cherish the most.<br /><br /> The third decision of Santiago was choosing to fight off the Mako and other sharks. This choice was very brave and showed how much he cherished his prize. “Fight them,” he said. “I’ll fight them until I die” (115). This action is worth <strong>admiring</strong> because Santiago could've died, but he was<strong> confident</strong> that he could protect his hard work. After fighting off the Mako, other sharks came and took away his friend. There was barely anything left of his friend and it left him hopeless. He fought them with everything he had, but it wasn't good enough. This scenario shows how that life is full of many surprises and not everything can go your way even if you made the best decision.<br /><br /> The fourth decision Santiago made was choosing to go out far and wait for the fish. Even though it wasn’t really his choice to go out far, but he was <strong>devoted</strong> in catching the marlin and ended up regretting his decision. “I went out too far.”(120) When the old man said this, I felt there was remorseful feeling in his voice. He regretted his decision because the marlin was just eaten by sharks before he brought it back home.<br /><br /> In Old Man and the Sea, Santiago faces many events that he has to make decisions. Most of the time he made decisions that we would make, but luck just ran out on him. Santiago probably regretted and was disappointed about going out too far or even catching the marlin, but either way he had to live with the consequences. No matter what the consequences are, I think that good will eventually come out in the end. For example, even though the old man lost the fish, the other fishermen gave him respect for his accomplishment and he learned how much he needed the boy. Some good will eventually turn out in everything; we just have to seek for the <strong>optimistic</strong> side because life is just <strong>unpredictable.</strong>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06718079581506099629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-477242948970957052.post-41025556014521229692010-03-09T15:16:00.000-08:002010-03-09T15:47:17.942-08:00The Things We Face Everyday DraftDecisions are something we make every single day of our life. It may be big or simple ones, but we always have to face the consequences either way. A teen choosing to drink and drive, then runs over a child after speeding is a bad decision. The teen will have to live with the consequences all their life. Results of decisions may be something that will change your life forever or just something you expected. If we only knew what the answer was first then we wouldn't hesitate to choose or worry about the results in the end. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, Santiago goes through many decisions like choosing to go fishing without the boy, waiting for the marlin, and fighting off the sharks, so he had to face their consequences. His life wasn’t fully infected by these consequences, but he learned from them and moved on.<br /> The first decision Santiago made was not letting the boy go fishing with him. Santiago was being humble and thoughtful because he knew that Manolin's parents didn't like him fishing with someone with no luck. The old man was being nice, but it made him lose a chance at his dream. Santiago was also trying to prove that he could still be a champion like before and get an amazing catch by himself, but if the boy had gone, then the old man would've caught the marlin sooner and brought it back as a whole. The old man at the beginning of the book pretended to reject the boy, but during his whole trip he was wishing the boy was there. “I wish I had the boy. To help me and see this.”(48). Because of not letting the boy go with him, Santiago had to face hardships on the boat and was not able to bring home his prize. <br /> The second and great decision Santiago made was being patient and waited for the marlin. The old man knew that he was going to be able and reel in the fish, so he waited. This was a good decision because he knew that patience would be repaid. Even though he waited, the marlin didn't give up until four days later. If he had left, then he would've not caught anything or had the fight of his life. (quote) shows his determination to catch the fish and I admire this patience and determination very much. The consequence of this decision proved his willpower to be worthwhile. He eventually reeled in the fish, but luck got ran out when he faced the sharks. It’s exactly how life is. Luck will sometimes take away the things you cherish the most.<br /> The third decision of Santiago was choosing to fight off the Mako and other sharks. This choice was very brave and showed how much he cherished his prize.(quote) This action is worth admiring because Santiago could've died, but he knew that he had to protect his hard work with his life. After fighting off the Mako, other sharks came and took away his friend. There was barely anything left of his friend and it left him hopeless. He fought them with everything he had, but it wasn't good enough. This scenario shows how that life is full of many surprises and not everything can go your way even if you made the best decision.<br /> In Old Man and the Sea, Santiago faces many events that he has to make decisions. Most of the time he made decisions that we would make, but luck just ran out on him. Santiago probably regretted about going out too far or even catching the marlin, but either way he had to live with the consequences. No matter what the consequences are, I think that good will eventually come out in the end. For example, even though the old man lost the fish, the other fishermen gave him respect for his accomplishment and he learned how much he needed the boy. Some good will eventually turn out in everything.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06718079581506099629noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-477242948970957052.post-836548932674291312010-03-06T09:08:00.000-08:002010-03-06T09:11:00.345-08:003rd Quarter Reading Review<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5COwner%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">How Starbucks Saved My Life</span></i><span style="font-size:11.5pt;"> by Michael Gates Gill. </span><st1:place><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">Gotham</span></st1:place><span style="font-size:11.5pt;"> Books, 2007.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Autobiography<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">How Starbucks Saved My Life </span></i><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">is about a man named Michael Gates Gill. He went from a successful, rich, and busy man to an average, common, and happy man. In this book he tells his story of how his life declined and how he wanted to give up, until the day a young woman named </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">Crystal</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size:11.5pt;"> offered him the job of his dreams. He then learns that money and fame isn't everything, but it's the love of your family and friends that counts.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">"A great lesson in finding your highest self in the unlikeliest of places-proof positive that there is no way to happiness-rather, happiness is the way." says Dr. Wayne Dyer, author of <i style="">Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">The book <i style="">How Starbucks Saved My Life</i> has a very unique writing style. While Michael Gates is telling us about his present life, he also writes about his past and what it was like. In the story, the reader learns how Michael's life goes down the tubes. First, he was downsized at work, then an affair ended his twenty-year marriage, and he was diagnosed with a slow-growing brain tumor. All seemed bad to Michael, until a woman named </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">Crystal</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size:11.5pt;"> offered a job to him at Starbucks. At first he was embarrassed about his job, but as time goes by Michael learns that his true happiness is working at Starbucks. While reading the story, the reader can know exactly what Michael is thinking and feels. This book is very well written because it shows how someone can still hold their head high after they've lost everything.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">"Still, I had grown so close to these Partners, and part of me ached that they hadn't worked their schedules to be there with me on my final day." (252)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">I have never really liked reading biographies or autobiographies, but the title of this book sure pulled me in. The book made me realized that I have a pretty good life and don't have to deal with depressing events like Michael Gates Gill. He used to value fame and money, but he then realized that family and friends is the most important and it was Starbucks that helped him realize it. Before I never noticed anything special about Starbucks, but after reading this book I sense a warm feeling walking into the store. It also helped me cherish my family and friends because you never know what might happen tomorrow. In the book, I've learned that Starbucks Partners (workers) try to create a friendly and welcoming feeling with everything they do. Now every time I see a Starbucks store I have a smile across my face and have a new and different way of looking at it because that I'll always be welcomed there.<i style=""><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06718079581506099629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-477242948970957052.post-67512986267855875472010-01-24T08:34:00.000-08:002010-01-27T18:04:16.332-08:00Hope Has Wings<a href="http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/zen2000/zen20000903/zen2000090300031/4491118.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 301px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 202px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/zen2000/zen20000903/zen2000090300031/4491118.jpg" /></a><br />"Like that would ever happen!" I said to myself one day. The TV was showing a movie how a young man woke up from a coma because of his girlfriend. I then turned off the TV and sighed. I was sitting in my kitchen on a Sunday morning. Even though the sound of Los Angeles' crazy drivers were loud, I still heard and felt the calmness of my home. I was 23 years old and knew I couldn't be any happier. I had a had a big dream and a long way to go. I had just finished eating breakfast when my boyfriend, Steven, called. Steven and I have been together for 3 years. I picked up the phone in joy and answered.<br />"Hello?" I said.<br />"Hey Ada! Are you free today? I have a huge surprise for you and I think you will be very happy." He answered back.<br />"Really? <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>. Where do you want to meet?" I asked.<br />"No. I'll come and pick you up. Make sure you wear something nice, like always." Steven said.<br />"<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>. Meet you in thirty minutes, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>?"<br />"Sure. See you later then." Steven answered.<br /><br />Steven always had little surprises for me. He was the nicest guy I knew. He always made me laugh. Whenever I'm around him, I always feel like the most elated person in the world. I quickly ran into my room and ransacked my closet. I picked out a fancy dress, thought again and placed it back. Steven never liked fancy stuff and liked simple things. He only valued a person's inside, which was why I fell for Steven. Ding Dong! I opened the door and there was Steven. Steven was a tall, brown haired guy with the sweetest smile ever.<br />"You look really nice and ethereal today, Ada." He complimented.<br />I blushed and thanked him. We headed down to his car and I found a large bouquet of flowers sitting in there.<br />"These are for you, Ada. You always look nice, just like these roses." He told me.<br />" I love them! Thanks!" I responded and then gave him a hug.<br /><br />We drove on and asked where we were going, but he wouldn't tell me. It was a really sunny day and warm day. The sun's beams struck Steven's face and he looked the most perfect guy in the world. He caught my eye looking at him, but just smiled. We then arrived at a park. This was the park where we first met and became friends. I laughed and asked,<br />"What are we doing at this old place? This place beings back so many memories."<br />"I don't know. Just wanted to come here and possibly make new memories." He muttered.<br />We walked over to a bench and sat down. Steven began to talk about our old memories and I just sat and pictured them. I pictured the scenes from when we first met to our first kiss.<br />"Hold on. I need to get something, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>?" He told me.<br />"Sure."<br />I sat and waited for quite a while, but didn't see him. I began to wonder where he went and what he was doing. Steven then came back, not with a bouquet of flowers, but with the biggest and cutest bear with a box in its hands. I was speechless and opened the box. In there was a little tablet of stone with the word "Hope" carved onto it. The other side was a picture of a dove.<br />" What are you doing? Everyone is looking at us." I whispered.<br />" I want them to see. I want to show them that I can make you the happiest woman on earth." He knelt down and said,<br />" Ada, will you make ME the happiest man in the world by marrying me?" When Steven said this, all I saw in his eyes was sincerity. I couldn't even speak. All that was coming out of me was tears of joy. I just nodded and he slipped the ring through my finger. I jumped up and wrapped his neck with my arms. He swept me off my feet and spun me around.<br /><br />We decided to go for a walk. While we were walking on the streets, a man came running through and knocked me over. My tablet of Hope fell into the streets of busy cars. I panicked and went to retrieve it. I bent down and reached for it, but when I looked back up, a car was zooming towards me. Everything happened in a flash.<br />"Ada!" was all I heard until I saw Steven's body on the floor. I rushed to him with tears falling like a stream.<br />"No. No, please wake up! Steven get up!" I sobbed.<br />I heard an ambulance coming, but I just held tight to Steven's body. We finally reached the hospital and before I knew it, Steven was in a coma. I didn't know what to say or do. All I did was sat by his bed and held on to his hand in tears.<br /><br /><br /><br />Three years easily passed by and I still went on with my life. Each and every day I would sit by Steven's bed and talk to him. Even though people said he was latent, I knew in my heart that Steven was listening to my every word. I told him that I would always for him because I had hope in him. Every time I talked to him, I always felt tears rushing down my face. I knew that Steven wouldn't want my to be morose all the time, but I couldn't help it.<br />"Steven, do you hate me that much? Why won't you get up? You promised you would always be with me!" I cried to myself one day.<br /><br />During these years, everything was the same except the fact that my boss had offered a promotion, but I would have to move far away. My boss was also my friend, whose name was Ron. He was a really nice guy, who liked me. Ron always gave me presents, flowers, and called to see how I was doing. Sometimes Ron even suggested that I leave Steven and move away with him, but I always refused jokingly. One day the doctor told me that Steven was not likely to wake up and Ron also heard the news. He kept convincing me to leave with him.<br />"Ada, I'm not trying to be mean, but even the doctor said that Steven isn't going to wake up. I can give you the happiness that he can. You know how I feel towards you. I promise that Steven wouldn't be upset because he would want the best for you." Ron told me.<br />"I don't know. I just have a feeling inside of me that tells me that Steven is going to wake up. " I answered in tears.<br />"Even if he does wake up, he'll just be onerous to you!" He yelled.<br />"Just give me some time, Ron. Please."<br />"<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>, but you better hurry because the flight is in two days." Ron said and then left.<br />That night, I sat by Steven's bed sad and confused. I loved Steven very much, but Ron had given me so much. He was there when I was doleful and would always quell and bolster me. I didn't know what to do. This was an impasse that I couldn't avoid.<br /><br />The next day came and I went to visit Steven. I sat there until night and cried. Before I left, I gave him a soft kiss and whispered,"Sorry." into his ear.<br />The day came and Ron came to pick me up. I was still irresolute, but I had no time left. The way to the airport was quiet and tears just dropped the whole way. We then reached the terminal and I saw a sign saying,"Never give up Hope. It's always there, but sometimes it may be hidden. Hope has wings, it can bring you anything." I stopped and looked at my stone, which I always kept by my side. As I walked on, I had a feeling inside of me that told me to turn back.<br />"Ron, I don't think I can continue this journey with you anymore. I owe you so much, but I know that Steven is going to wake up and walk through life with me. I'm sorry."<br />"I understand. I wish you good benediction, mostly happiness. You'll always be in my heart...as a great friend." Ron said. I gave him a hug and ran off towards the hospital. I knew my heart belonged to Steven, so I ran as fast as I could. As I hustled towards his room, I saw many doctors and nurses rush in. I followed and saw that Steven's heart had stopped beating. They were trying to save him, but he had no response. My whole world stopped and I couldn't breathe. My body was pervaded by trepidation and my emotions were incorrigible. The nurses wouldn't let me in, but I fought through. I grabbed Steven's hand and said,<br />"Steven! Don't leave me! Please! I love you!" As I said this, I placed my stone of hope in his hand and whispered,<br />"Don't leave me."<br />The doctors tried to save him once more and I just closed my eyes and prayed. I opened my eyes in tears and saw that Steven was saved. I rushed in with thrill and embraced his body. Tears splashed upon his face and miraculously he woke up! He held me tight with his arms and whispered,<br />"I'll never let you go, Ada. Thanks for having hope in me. I love you."<br />"I'll never leave you again. Hope will help walk us through life together. I love you too."Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06718079581506099629noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-477242948970957052.post-88219595725427259192009-12-15T17:08:00.000-08:002009-12-15T17:43:50.588-08:00"Second Quarter Outside Reading Book Review"<u>Speaker for the Dead</u> by Orson Scott Card. Tor Books.1986 Genre: Scientific Fiction<br /><br /> <u>Speaker for the Dead</u> is a sequel for <u>Ender's Game</u>. It involves love, understanding, and discovering the truth. The story takes place on a planet named Lusitania. The planet was discovered after destroying the Buggers, a type of alien species. On the planet lives humans and a new type of alien species, the piggies. They can communicate with the humans very fluently, but are very different. The people of Lusitania are learning more about these species and discover a murder! The piggies have always been very friendly and generous. Why would they commit a murder to someone that has always helped them? The book is full of mystery and suspense!<br /><br />"Less brash than <u>Ender's Game</u>, <u>Speaker for the Dead</u> may be a much better book. Don't miss it!" the Analog says.<br /><br /> <u>Speaker for the Dead</u> is written in third person. In the beginning, you meet a xenologer, someone who studies about the piggies, named Pipo. Pipo learns about the piggies and makes experients on them. He and the piggies form a tight bond with each other because Pipo always gives them what they need to survive. One day, Pipo runs out after observing an experiment. Libo, his son, and Novinha, his student, go out and look for him. They find him dead on the piggies' land. Evidence shows that it was the piggies that killed him. The experiment that Pipo observed was created by Novinha. She doesn't know what Pipo saw, but knows it's her fault; therefore, she hides the files away forever to prevent Libo from knowing and dying as well. Her plan does not work though. Libo does not discover her files, but dies the same way as Pipo and for the same reason. No one knows why they killed the two xenobiologists. Andrew Wiggin soon comes to Lusitania to speak for their deaths and discovers the truth that Novinha has been hiding for so many years. The truth that he learns will set everyone free from sorrow and guilt.<br /><br />"They found him all too soon. His body was already cooling in the snow. The piggies hadn't even planted a tree in him." (30)<br /><br /> I chose to read this book because the prequel, <u>Ender's Game,</u> was very well written. <u>Speaker</u> <u>for the Dead</u> is very different from <u>Ender's Game</u>, but are both entertaining and interesting equally. <u>Speaker for the Dead</u> shows that a misunderstanding can cause death, hatred, and sorrow. The book also implies that holding back a secret and blaming it on yourself causes depression for you and people around you. The truth will set everyone free from guilt and sorrow. Orson Scott Card's books are very interesting and suspensful, so I will continue to read the whole series.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06718079581506099629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-477242948970957052.post-57797916039723211482009-10-16T06:29:00.000-07:002009-10-16T06:31:31.042-07:00“First Quarter Outside Reading Book Review”<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Clnguyen%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">“First Quarter Outside Reading Book Review”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><i style="">Thirteen Reasons Why</i> by: Jay Asher <span style=""> </span>Penguin Group. 2007.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Genre: Realistic Fiction</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">The book <i style="">Thirteen Reasons Why</i> is a story about a girl named Hannah Baker and a boy named Clay Jensen. Hannah committed suicide two weeks before Clay received a package of cassettes from Hannah. In those tapes, Hannah has recorded reasons why she decided to end her life. In those tapes, there are also the people that caused it too. Hannah clearly stated that if you receive the tapes then it has to do something to do with you. Clay Jensen is freaking out because he always thought that he loved her. She was his first crush. They really only talked once! How could he be a reason that caused her death? Clay spends his whole day listening to these tapes and finds out the truth about everybody that knows. There really isn’t an antagonist, but if I had to choose an antagonist, then it would be the truth. The truths and secrets he found out changed his life forever. This book is about high school problems, friendship, betrayal, and how people aren’t really what they seem.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;"><b style="">“</b>Clay Jensen doesn’t want anything to do with the tapes Hannah Baker made. Hannah is dead, he reasons. Her secrets should be buried with her.” The book jacket reads.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Jay Asher’s writing style is really unique because he lets you see the story through Hannah’s and Clay’s point of view. It is written in first person. The italicized is Hannah telling her story. She describes everything so you can feel as if you were there. You then see and understand the story in Clay’s point of view. When you follow him to all the places he goes, you see his reactions when he sees people or discovers secrets. Jay Asher’s writing style brings you into the story. He makes you feel like Clay if that were to happen to you and makes you feel depressed, the way Hannah was.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">This writing style is very unique and it fits me very much.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">“<i style="">I hope you’re ready, because I’m about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you’re listening to these tapes, then you’re one of the reasons why. </i><span style=""> </span>What? No!” (7)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>This was the first book of Jay Asher that I’ve read, but his writing style and story has definitely captured me entirely. <i style="">Thirteen Reasons Why </i>has showed me to value life no matter what happens. It helped me know that not everyone is what they seem and friends mean a lot when you need help. Hannah didn’t have that kind of protection, that’s why she decided to end her life. This book has definitely made me grow stronger, cherish my life more, and know that everything in life should be appreciated. Plus, it helped me learn that if I open up and help someone, then I could be possibly turning their life around.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06718079581506099629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-477242948970957052.post-29335223032538731992009-10-14T06:20:00.001-07:002009-10-15T05:54:04.923-07:00Stars on SundayLife is never easy, but the things that are valuable to us help us get through. What is valuable in life to you? Is it your iPod, Coach purse, or laptop? Are they things that should be valued? People in this time just value things of price and forget the things that mostly matter to us. I’m not saying you shouldn’t value them, but what about those moments? Do you always take those for granted? People, like you and I, mostly value our most expensive things. We never look back at those moments that really count. If we do take the time to look back, I promise that everyone will see that the moments we take for granted will seem priceless.<br /><br /><br /> The teacher is passing out our report cards for second term. I’m pretty confident that I got straight A’s once again, but you can never be too sure. I am so nervous, but excited as well. She hands me mine and I rip it open. “Yes!” I let out quietly. I’m so proud of myself and I know that my parents will be too. I smile during the whole day because I know that if I get good grades, my parents will buy me a present of my choice, but most importantly I can make them proud. I get home and show off my report card and we head to the mall. We walk around to stores that I like, but I don’t see anything of interest. I then walk into Swarovski, a store filled with accessories made from clear crystals. Right when I walk in, I know that I’m going to get something in here because everything is so pretty. I look around and then it strikes me. A beautiful necklace of five gorgeous, stunning stars is hanging right in front of my face. I point and show it to my mom and dad. My dad tells the clerk to take it out and I try it on. It looks so bright and shiny like real stars above. The string is gray and smooth. I run the necklace through my fingers and feel the smoothness. I then feel each star one by one. They glimmer in my eyes with clarity. I feel as if I’m actually holding stars from the sky in my hands. I know I want it by just looking at it. Next thing I know it is in a bag for me! I thank my mom and dad. They respond by saying, “You deserve it.”<br /><br /> I get out of bed awake and not tired because it is Sunday. I love Sunday, but who doesn’t. It is a day of rest and relaxation. Not for me though. My Sunday is always filled with adventures like today. Today my parents and I are going to Hartford, Connecticut. I love going to Hartford because they have delicious food and an awesome mall. We drive for about thirty minutes and I am starving by the time we reach the restaurant. It is a Vietnamese restaurant filled with great food. My dad and I order a Vietnamese Chowfun dish, while my mom calls a bowl of noodles with grilled pork. These dishes are my family’s favorites. The food comes out and we all dig in. It tastes so good! After we are done, we head down to the mall near there. It is called Westfarms Mall and it is very grand. It is totally better than the Holyoke Mall. We go shopping for a few hours and then head home. It is about 7:00 pm and we are all very tired, but no one complains because it was a day of fun. At least when we get home we will fall asleep right away.<br /><br /> I value both my necklace and my Sunday for different –and astonishingly same reasons. I love and value my star necklace because it symbolizes my achievement, my parent’s love for me, and each star can stand for something special to me. I can’t tell you what each one stands for, but I can say that one necklace can hold many memories. It can even be for practical use. I can wear it to school or even formal events without being too gaudy. You might be able to put a price on it, but to me it is priceless.<br /><br /><br /> I value and will always cherish my Sundays for the reason that it is the only day I really get to spend with my parents. We go everywhere we want and have lots of fun. We can only really go this day because every other day I have loads of homework and my parents get home late from work. That is why my Sunday is very important to me since it is a stress-free day that is only filled with joy and laughter. Plus the fact that I spend it with my parents only makes it even more special.<br /><br /> Both my necklace and my Sunday mean a lot because they both remind me of my parent’s love for me. I guess the things that I value most revolve somehow to my parents. My parents have helped me go through everything in my life so far. They are always there for me when I need them and will forever support me. Even though those things remind me of my parents, they can also help me express myself. For example, when I spend my Sunday wearing my necklace, I feel as if I can take on the whole world. My Sunday and necklace can not be priced because no matter what, they are priceless to me. But if I had to choose one thing and it could be ANYTHING, I’d choose my parents. They are the most valuable things to me. I can buy another necklace or make another memory, but I can’t find another pair of parents that’ll love me the same as the ones now. I’m pretty sure though that everyone would pick their parents as their most valuable things.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06718079581506099629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-477242948970957052.post-41807927306626830252009-09-11T06:08:00.000-07:002009-09-16T13:17:19.399-07:00Strength and Determination<span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >Ender's Game-Ender</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >
<br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >The Contender-Alfred Brooks</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >
<br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >Setting-Harlem, New York</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >
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<br /></span><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link style="font-family: verdana;" rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CStudents%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C02%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p>It was a sunny morning to start with. Alfred was heading to the Epstein’s for work. On his way to work, he saw a boy about 12 standing in the streets looking lost and depressed. Alfred kept walking minding his own business. It was afternoon when the same boy that Alfred had seen walked into the store and said, “Do you have any sodas?” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“Yeah, they’re in the back of the store,” Alfred answered.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The boy came up to pay and was walking out when Alfred stopped him and said,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“Are you ok? Is there anything I can do to help?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“I’m fine, I’m just confused and don’t know what to do. I can't find the strength in me to keep fighting. .” the little boy answered.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“Well, I don’t know much but when it comes to fighting and determination, I think I might be able to help you. Why don’t you come along with me to Donatelli’s Gym afterwards?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“Sure.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">It was late afternoon when they started walking to the gym. It was a quiet walk. Alfred knew that the boy was depressed about something, but didn’t want to ask. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“My name’s Ender,” the boy said. ‘What’s yours?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“You can call me Alfred.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">They soon arrived at Donatelli’s. They stepped in and Donatelli asked, “Alfred, who’s your friend?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“Umm...just a friend who’s following along for a day.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“Do you mind if I train for a day with you?” Ender boldly asked.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“Can you handle it, little boy? I don’t want you getting hurt or anything.” Donatelli responded in a surprising voice.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“I’ll be fine.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“Don’t worry, I’ll train with him. Don’t worry Mr. Donatelli.” Alfred said in a friendly tone. Both put on their gloves and gear. They both went into the ring with everyone’s eyes on them. Alfred wasn’t sure what the boy was thinking but he knew that this might help him. They began, and Alfred started by throwing a punch across Ender’s face. He noticed that the boy was slow because of his depression. Ender responded by punching Alfred in the stomach. The fight went on for only ten minutes when Alfred felt that he needed to end it. Alfred threw a quick punch at Ender’s face, and Ender was on the ground crying.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“Are you ok?!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">All Ender could do was cry, but Alfred noticed that the boy was not crying because of the punch, but of something else. Ender quickly ran out of the gym with Alfred running after.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“Stop! Wait up, Ender!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">After running for two blocks, Ender stopped. They both sat down by a river.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“I don’t know what to do. Everyone is putting their only hope on me, and I just don’t know what to do. I want to win but I just don’t have what it takes.” Ender sobbed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Alfred didn’t really know what Ender was talking about but he knew that whatever it was, Ender really wanted it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“I understand what you’re going through. It’s just like in boxing. You want to win it because everyone is counting on you. I once thought I didn’t have what it took to be a boxer, but after going through the countdown and finding the last bit of strength in me to stand up and win; I knew that I have what it takes.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Ender thought about Alfred’s words deeply, and remembered of all the times he won at <st1:place><st1:placename>Battle</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>School</st1:placetype></st1:place>, that he has never lost, the times that he’s won even when the other side cheated, and he knew that he was the only one who could save Earth from the Buggers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“I understand now. I understand that even if I fall, I need to learn how to stand up with every last bit of strength I have in me. Thanks Alfred for giving me my strength and determination back.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“I didn’t take it from you in the first place; therefore I didn’t give it back just now. I just helped you find it again. It never left; it only hid somewhere deep inside.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“I have to go now. Thanks for everything.” Ender said.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">It was almost dark now and Ender walked off into the sunlight and it seemed as if he disappeared with the sun. Alfred had a feeling that he would never see Ender again, but he also had a feeling that Ender was going to do great things. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >
<br /></span>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06718079581506099629noreply@blogger.com3