AoW Impressions

     I honestly thought this was a good to be presented with different news topics by our peers. It was very interesting how everyone had similarities and differences in the articles. In a way, we got to know what we all care about or interest us in the world. Though I learned a lot, it was not enough. The amount of time was not enough. I was a bit rushed when I presented my article and some people took their time when presenting which was all a scramble. Maybe if it we would have started the class period before it would have been enough to learn more. I did not get to everyone but I did get to most. Overall, I enjoyed this activity it was just the time that got to me.

     I learned more about Stuart Scott and his battle with cancer. Which made me admire his way of being a Sports Anchor. Stuart Scott changed the way of sports being announced. ISIS is definitely a major issue to the world as well as global warming which raised the seas in 2014. I also learned about new laws from different counties which are similar to ours in the US. One classmate had an article about all the problems our world is trying to persevere through and turns those problems into something positive. In a way the writer is trying to calm the audience about everything. This was the last presentation I received before it was time for me to present. (I was the third group) Which is a good way to end my knowledge on the world.

     The article that that would turn a negative problem to a positive really left me thinking. Not on that article specifically but on all of them. Yes, our world is going through hardships and will always be. Eventually those hardships might disappear and new ones will appear. It is the way it has always been. We all learn from mistakes which is why we have to stay informed about the world.

Zebra Forests - 1/26/15

Prompt: Describe the major conflict. What side are you on? After reading, I wonder...
Author: Rishe Gewirtz
Pages: 94-147

     The major conflict in the story is wether to trust Andrew Snow or not to trust him. That is like an over view of all the other conflicts because Rew and Annie always find themselves choosing to trust Andrew Snow or not to. Andrew Snow is an escaped prisoner who is hiding at their house and holding them hostage. Along with this, Andrew Snow is Rew and Annie's father. This adds more confusion into their tangled background story. Rew is a stubborn boy, he is always trying to figure out ways to escape. He mostly just tells Andrew Snow impertinent comments probably hoping he will leave. Annie, on the other hand, seems to make more peace with Andrew Snow. She is very curious about why her mom left her and why Andrew Snow is not dead. The only way she gets answers is my being nice. She loathe herself when she shows kindness because Annie knows Rew would disapprove. Yet there are so many questions to be solved.

     I am leaning a bit more on the trusting side for many reasons. The idea of having Annie's and Rew''s existence was Andrew Snow's. He has not harmed Annie or Rew at all either. I think Rew is being over-dramatic with the situation they are in. Andrew Snow has also been cleaning up their kitchen because he "cares" about their hygiene. True, he is an escaped prisoner that is why I am not all the way on the trusting side but just to be cautious.

     Rew told Annie to take a letter and mail it in the mailbox. The letter states the distress they are in which is a prisoner keeping them hostage and asks for help. Annie did not mail it and lied to Rew about completing the task. After reading this I wonder if Rue will find out that his sister lied to him. If he does, I think Rew will react badly to the lie which will lead to chaos. He might do something idiotic and fail at it but will cause the two siblings to part. Hopefully Rew does not find the letter it would be dreadful and dangerous.

Comments: Marisa, Diego, and Stanley

Zebra Forests - 1/1915

Slight Spoilers!

Prompt: Are the characters realistic? Why or why not?
Pages Read: 1-94
Author: Adina Rishe Gewirtz

     Zebra Forests is a novel about 7th grader. Annie lives with her grandma and her little brother, Rew. Their mother left them with their grandma when they were very young. Before she left she says, "They were always his idea, anyway." Meaning that it was their father who wanted to have them. At the end of the first chapter it is revealed to the reader that their father is dead. Now Annie is just very curious to meet her dad and find out more about him. That is on her list; 1. Get Tall   2. Have and adventure  3. Meet my father. How is that possible if he is dead? Though, there are other secrets to be revealed as the book carries the reader.

     Based on the character's background about her parents, the characters in the story do seem realistic. Not everyone has a (one would say) perfect family. If the book started off with a perfect life and perfect family then all of a sudden the author turns the switch, then the book would not seem as realistic to me. There needs to be a few flaws with the character's life. They do not have to be huge flaws, but just to take away that fake feel of the book. Second, America is also being held hostage by Iran in this book. The fact that there is a world problem in this book gives the whole story plot a realistic mood because this affects the characters.

     There is this forest that Annie and Rew call "Zebra." Hence the title of the book Zebra Forest. The reason they call it Zebra would be because the white oak trees and dark shadows in the forest make it look like a Zebra's pattern. Annie and Rew found a book in their Gran's room, Treasure Island. The first seven chapters were ripped away from the book. Annie and Rew gave the story a new beginning. They came up with multitudes of beginnings. Based on these two things it is obvious they have a creative mind. Especially Rew. He loves coming up with cheesy jokes and riddles. For their age their behavior matches perfectly. It is their imagination that stands out the most. Overall, yes, I do think the characters in this book are realistic because of their behavior with imagination and their lives. Imagination is something so powerful that one should always carry.

Eleanor & Park - 1/12/15 Additional blog

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Pages Read: FINISHED

     I finished this book less than a week. I could not put it down, there were moments when I would laugh and sometimes I wanted to throw the book at the wall because of Eleanor. (I would never book abuse!) Eleanor is the kind of girl who is too insecure about herself. I understand why she would be insecure, because of her personal life but her insecurities effect people around her. Like Park is truly in love with her and when he says something like, "I was nervous because your different." Eleanor would translate that to, "By different you mean ugly, fat, weird and not like other girls." This would make Park lose confidence with her. It would be things like this that Eleanor would say or do.

     I do not want to spoil anything for blogger readers, but this book left flat on the ground. I understand that most of the time, in a book, it is not about the ending but about the story. I remember reading a book that I hated the ending so I deleted the book from my kindle and I wanted to do many other things so I could forget about it. Now I regret it. The ending to this book is mostly based on one's opinion. Some thought it was good others thought the opposite. Then there are those who just are left deep in thought and are not able to start a new book. It is a book hangover! Wish others good luck to those who plan on reading this book.

TKAM Novel to Film - 1/12/15

Prompt: What do you think is the most important difference between the written and the film version? Provide evidence with specific details.

     What I thought was the most important difference in the film versus the book was the fact that Calpurnia did not come out as much. She is very important part of the book, her character helps the reader view Scout's persona. For example, in the book when Scout is being rejected by Dill and Jem, Scout spends more time with Cal and shows how Scout is more of a tomboy. Cal gives that woman influence in the novel. Some would say it was aunt Alexandra, after all she moved in with them for that reason, though Cal is always at the house and seems kinder than Aunt Alexandra. Overall, Cal helps Scout's character.

     Another major difference was when Atticus was making his closing remarks, he loosens up his clothing a bit to show confidence and that there is nothing to hide from the court. Even though this is very specific and may not seem as important, to me it does. In the novel when he does so, he still remains professional yet takes a stand. I could the film being able to demonstrate this, thought they did not include it. It is a small gesture that signifies something big. Since the trial Atticus is dealing with is very delicate yet tough to win because it includes racial injustices, Atticus has to not only speak to defend Tom he also has to find actions to win the trial. By doing so he did, which showed confidence and every little bit of his role counts.

     Of course, the book is always better than the movie. The reason for this would be because we all have imagination that has no limit. Therefore we can imagine things how ever we want and what we imagine might be perfect for us, that is why most prefer the book. Many, who are book lovers, say that they swallow up the words wTo Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
hen really for me it feels that the words swallow us up. Which at many times could be good or bad. Overall, it is quite an adventure, just how I had with

My Comments: Isabelle Ryan, Emily, and Amelia

My First Adventure - Hawaii

Prompt: When was the last time you did something for the first time?

     I do not really remember anything amazing I have done for the first time. Well at least not recently. Then I remembered my Hawaii trip last October. That was my first time traveling across the ocean to get to a different part of the world. Though, I wasn't the one flying the plane, so for me that doesn't count. Then I thought what I did in Hawaii... I went surfing (epic fail), hiking, almost got stung by an eel, went scuba diving and I also tried hawaiian food. We also did other things but those stood out the most because it is quite an thrill.

    The whole purpose for going to Hawaii was for a wedding. Then my dad and step-mom decided to take advantage and split the days to visit a friend who lives on a different island in Hawaii. Which takes us to O'ahu. There we went scuba diving which was my first time doing that. I was scared at first because but once I saw what was inside the ocean it was beautiful! There were fish with such vibrant colors and corals that felt fuzzy. We also went shopping to explore what kind of stores they have and other kinds of food restaurants. Of course, they had McDonald's. The people seem to be "chill" and have a lot of patience. They were nice people. Maybe a bit too nice at times... We rented a car so when we drove on the express way they had like 6 lanes for cars. Which surprised me considering it is such a small island. We visited only one beach because of the short time we had there. The beach was stunning. There were fish everywhere though they didn't bother us. My dad decided to rent a paddle board. That is when we saw an eel.

The bride and groom

     I was on the paddle board my little sister next to me along with my step-mom and her mom. My dad, who knows where he was at the moment but it was just us. Then my little sister asked what was that black fish moving in the water. My step-mom looks at it and thinks it a rock so she touches it with her foot. Then it started to slither around an we realized what is was. She screamed and grabbed my little sister putting her on the paddle board with me which caused me to fall down into the water. I tried hard to get back up then I felt the eel going around me. My step-grandma helps me back up and we swim out of the water. Yea, that just happened.

     Now lets skip to Maui. That was where the wedding took place. It was such a beautiful wedding by the beach and there wasn't a lot of people therefore is was calm. The wedding was the first event we did on that island. On my way to to wedding we passed by some beautiful scenery of a beach with palm trees. Everything was surreal! Right after the wedding we got to throw flower pedals which smelled really good. What I also liked about the wedding was that we has tonight up some sparklers and create two lines forming a passage for the bride and groom to walk under.  The bride, I have known her since I was 3 years old. She was always the type of person to wear loose clothing and no makeup. Well, she is naturally pretty but seeing her in her wedding dress made me very happy for her. Her husband I have also known him since I was three he is always the type of man to be kind and warm-hearted. They make perfect match. My family and I were the only hispanics there. When we asked the DJ to play some spanish music everyone was confused at first but then started dancing which was a bit entertaining to watch. Overall, the wedding was amazing!

My dad and sister

     There were days when we spent the whole day going to different beaches. After the eel incident my step-mom was a bit unsure go the beaches but still went in. The only reason she went in was because of something she always wanted to do and it is on her bucket list for her family to do this activity along with her and this activity is surfing. We had an instructor to tell us how to stand up on the board. First we practiced on the sand. Then we practiced paddling our selves to a wave. We also had to learn to identify the perfect surfing wave. Then it was time. First went my dad who couldn't even stand up without falling. Then my step-mom who was able to stand up but not for long. My step-grandma was just taking care of my little sister while watching us fail until it was my turn. It was very hard though I think it would have been harder if I didn't know how to ride a skateboard. I think I lasted a goo 5 seconds. Which was nothing compared to other surfers. I got hit on the head with my surf board. Which was very painful. Though it was a good experience.

     

Alien fruit

On our way up (supposedly)

     We had a whole day just eating food. I tried coconut for the first time it was good. There for is like a mixture of a lot of things, includes a lot of fruit. We also tried this red hairy fruit which was like a giant grape on the inside and it was good. Despite the fact it looks like something an alien might eat it was delicious. I saved my last adventure for the best. It was when we went hiking up a mountain. It was very dangerous. At the very top people would pass out because it was too much exercise. We had to go through a spiral staircase a steep staircase and climb some rocks. It was a bad idea to take my sister's stroller, let alone my sister. That was my thought at first but she did a great job. I was just the one to carry her stroller halfway there. It was nothing compared to the walk I did in Mexico a couple years ago but this was more dangerous I will admit I was scared. Once we got on the top the view was amazing! I also noticed there was an emergency helicopter landing. That was like foreshadow. When we made it at the top there was this couple taking pictures then I see the boyfriend sit down but misses his seat on a rock. He falls back and almost hits his head on the rail. I got scared and my first reaction was to yell for my step-mom because she is a doctor and knows how to handle these situations. Chaos of a huge crowd started surrounding the man, my step-mom pushes pass them and helps him out. She gives him water and kept his legs elevated up for blood circulation. His girlfriend (or so I thought) said he was perfectly healthy but was freaking out. This took about 2 hours for my stepmom to take care of him before the medics came in the helicopter. My dad, sister, and grandma were just waiting on the stair the whole time. When my stepmom finally came she told us everything that was going on. I will not share the man's problem because it is personal. After the 
commotion we climbed back down and the 

When we made it on top

adventure was over for the day.

     The next day we see the couple coming out of a limousine in front of our hotel. The lady was in a wedding dress and the man was in a suit. They were getting married, no wonder the man passed out! (Just kidding.) I just find this ironic. Well as it turns out my whole Hawaii trip was a first to many things. This blog is the longest blog I have eve written what a way to start off the first blog of 2015! If anyone made it this far to read, Thank you!

New Year, New Goal

     My academic goal for this New Year is to not procrastinate on assignments anymore. I have found procrastination a huge issue this school year, struggling to keep my grades up because I wait until the last minute. There was a time when I did not procrastinate, that time I remember being stress free. Therefore, I am positive my procrastination will be gone. 

    My personal goal is to be more connected with my family and friends. Recently, I saw many family members and realized that we are no longer close. I miss my cousins and other family members. We all used to be close, and we should be because we all live in the same area. In the future when I will try to plan some days when my cousins and I could spend time together. 

     Overall, I hope to succeed in many things this year. 2015 will be busy year for me, I have graduation, my confirmation, and quince. I would like all these events to turn out okay.  I also wish and hope all the people around me to have a good 2015 by living and being happy. I ask 2015 to please be good to all of us.

Roll of Thunder Hear Hear My Cry - Winter Break

Prompt: Does the title fit the story? Why or why not?
Author:
Pages Read: FINISHED

     This book seems to relate the past perfectly. Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry involves bravery and truth about our past which is racism. Racism is still going on today in society but not as much as in the past. Many had to live in fear from people who are no different than others. In the end of the book, which is where the climax mostly is at, there is a storm which set the fields on fire. That is when everyone in the book has to work together to put the fire out. Just before there was a fire a riot against the colored was going on. Their intentions were to hang a young boy who is being blamed of murder. When the storm and thunder strikes it makes matters worst because more get injured. In a way it helps all of them work together and forget their purpose in that moment.

    This shows me that greater tragedies could make certain situations better. Though, in that moment one might be terrified just how the main character is terrified. "Hear My Cry" when one is terrified they might show it by crying many characters in the book shows fear in different ways. One of the characters, TJ, when he would get angry or embarrassed he would "play off" the situation and act worst. That is his personality. Colored people were not treated fairly in this book, because that is how it was in the past. Many are just yelling for help and doing whatever they can to support themselves and their family. I also think the title is used metaphorically, the thunder might not just be the storm at the end of the book t could also be about the situations the main characters have been facing throughout her book.


     Overall, my thoughts toward this book is mostly positive. The ending says truth which was my favorite part. I recommend this book to everyone. This is to my type of book but I really did enjoy it. It was a great experience to read it and very interesting. I will admit it is not my top favorite out of five stars I give it three. Such a great book to learn about the past. If you read this book, hope you enjoy it! :)