Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Reading Log again
The next 100 pages of Glory Road mainly focus on the first few seasons at TWC, and the historic 1966 season. During his first two or three seasons, Haskins' team competed with the best. They always had winning records and at least made the NIT (National Invitation Tournament). Haskins continued to recruit black players, not to be a rebel, but to get the best players in the country. Coach Haskins claimed he never saw color when coaching players, but talent and discipline. The 1966 season could go down as the most historic season in NCAA history. It started with a few good wins, followed by a 20 point shellacking of the number four team in the country. Haskins knew his team was for real and they went undefeated until the final game of the regular season, where they lost to Seattle. They went hard into the tournament and beat the first few opponents easily, then came Kentucky in the championship. Haskins made history that game, becoming the first coach to start all black kids in the game, a first for men's or women's basketball. They fought hard in the game and eventually won, a National Championship for Texas Western College.
Reading Log
So far this quarter I have not been up to par with keeping up with my logs. But recently I have been reading Glory Road, a quick biography and a recollection of the events of the 1966 men's basketball season for college. This was a monumental story for the advancement of black players in college sports. At small Texas Western College, coach Don Haskins was having trouble recruiting the best white players, so he eventually turned to recruiting the playgrounds of New York City, Gary Indiana, and other black players around the country. A hard-nosed and extremely vocal coach was what the players who chose Texas Western found when they arrived on campus. You come late to dinner, you are now suspended. You have a girlfriend, and become suspended. The first 100 pages mainly cover Haskins personal life, however, and his climb from high school superstar, to college role player, to high school girls coach, and finally to head men's basketball coach at TWC. His mentors and former coaches were the predominant path finders for Haskins as a coach.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Note 2 & 3
2--
This memorable scene from the movie, Miracle, was a turning point in the movie and helped the team unite before the Olympics. The frustrated, brash, and irritated remarks of coach Herb Brooks serve as a launching pad for a leader to step up and show his courage. The threatening and wrathful voice of the coach belittles the players and some were on the verge of quitting. Coach Brooks challenges why the players are on the team as he powerfully exclaims, "The name on the front [of the jersey, USA] is a hell of a lot more important that than the one on the back [player name]!" The cruel voice of Brooks repeatedly yells, "Again!" and makes the players skate across and back the rink. As the skating continues, the harsh fury of Brooks takes its toll on the players, they are puking, hacking, and suffering. Eventually, the convincing passion in the voice of one player stands out. Mike Eruzione claims he is a member of the United States of America, the first player to not name their college team. This leadership and courage shows the elevated sincerity Eruzione showed for his team, and Coach Brooks' frustrated arrogance finally disappeared
3--
The poem "D-Day, A Sound Beginning" by Peter Griffin gives an explosive yet appreciative look on what D-Day was about, and the courage showed by the soldiers. The powerful recollection of "brave men dying" and "bullets flying" depict a fearful anxiety of what was going to happen next within World War II. This poem mainly focuses on the paratroopers and how "seizing objectives" and "securing causeways" helped the outcome of D-Day. The passionate joy expressed at the end of the poem conveys a calmness among the sodiers as, "The sound of freedom, allies winning/ twas the start of something great," The courageousness of the paratroopers that day as described by Griffin shows a dignified appreciation of what paratroopers did and why "Europe's freedom still survives."
This memorable scene from the movie, Miracle, was a turning point in the movie and helped the team unite before the Olympics. The frustrated, brash, and irritated remarks of coach Herb Brooks serve as a launching pad for a leader to step up and show his courage. The threatening and wrathful voice of the coach belittles the players and some were on the verge of quitting. Coach Brooks challenges why the players are on the team as he powerfully exclaims, "The name on the front [of the jersey, USA] is a hell of a lot more important that than the one on the back [player name]!" The cruel voice of Brooks repeatedly yells, "Again!" and makes the players skate across and back the rink. As the skating continues, the harsh fury of Brooks takes its toll on the players, they are puking, hacking, and suffering. Eventually, the convincing passion in the voice of one player stands out. Mike Eruzione claims he is a member of the United States of America, the first player to not name their college team. This leadership and courage shows the elevated sincerity Eruzione showed for his team, and Coach Brooks' frustrated arrogance finally disappeared
3--
The poem "D-Day, A Sound Beginning" by Peter Griffin gives an explosive yet appreciative look on what D-Day was about, and the courage showed by the soldiers. The powerful recollection of "brave men dying" and "bullets flying" depict a fearful anxiety of what was going to happen next within World War II. This poem mainly focuses on the paratroopers and how "seizing objectives" and "securing causeways" helped the outcome of D-Day. The passionate joy expressed at the end of the poem conveys a calmness among the sodiers as, "The sound of freedom, allies winning/ twas the start of something great," The courageousness of the paratroopers that day as described by Griffin shows a dignified appreciation of what paratroopers did and why "Europe's freedom still survives."
 The invasion of Europe, in the offing. Will we go?, will we not?, My head is spinning, stomach in knots. Boarding the plane, adjusting your gear, None of the men, showing much fear. Well briefed, we know what to expect, Engines roaring, time to reflect. Remembering home, the loved ones there, Pleasant memories, planes take to the air. Paratroopers will lead the way, The invasion of France, is underway. To catch the Germans by surprise, Airborne soldiers, will jump and die. "D-Day", has begun, Soon Hitler's armies on the run. Flying in the dark of night, The planes are bobbing left and right. Enemy guns are firing high, Tracer bullets light up the sky. June 6th, of forty four, Never have so many, "stood in the door". As the light turned from red to green, "Bill Lee", was the scream. Before I knew it, my chute was open, Planes on fire, my breath was choking. Bullets flying, brave men dying, Looking down, still hear the sounds. German soldiers running around, Buildings on fire, throughout the town. Paratroopers landing everywhere, Firing their "Thompsons", from the air. The Cherbourg Peninsula, all a drop zone, Troopers and gliders, some landing alone. Clicking their "crickets", all did regroup, Creating chaos, confusing Nazi troops. Inflicting damage, wherever they went, Enemy soldiers, forced to relent. Paratroopers were paving the way, Seizing objectives and securing causeways. To open exits for the beaches, Seaborne troops would be soon reaching. Normandy would soon be stormed, Nazi soldiers not forwarned. Caught unaware and by surprise, Enemy soldiers were quick to die. Trying hard, to hold their own, Dying Nazi's were heard to groan. Heavy fighting, brought to bear, Airborne victories were quite clear. German's couldn't counterattack, Paratroopers would cut no slack. Capturing roadways, bridges and locks, Airborne soldiers couldn't be stopped. Taking objectives as they went, Nazi resistance was badly spent. As a result of the Airborne mission, Normandy's beaches became aquisitions. H-Hour was a success, Many Nazis were laid to rest. "D-Day" opened the door, Allied victories thus assured. Cherbourg became an open port, Nazi Germany became a fort. "D-DAY, A SOUND BEGINNING!", The sound of freedom, allies winning. Twas the start of something great, Airborne soldiers, sealing Hitler's fate. The cost was high, the price was paid, Many crosses mark their graves. Paratroopers fought and died, But Europe's freedom still survives. Thank you all, for what you've done, You Airborne heroes, everyone!Peter S. GRIFFIN |
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Spring Break Log
Well, I forgot my book at home as the morning was hectic before we left for the Airport. I did read the SkyMall catalog while on the plane as well as an assortment of articles about sports news. Oh and plenty of menu's. Obviously, I did not reach my goal.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Video Clip
This clip is from the movie, Miracle, about the 1980 USA Olympic hockey team who overcame all odds to win the gold medal. This scene is after the first scrimmage when they tie the Norwegian national team, 2 months before the Olympic games. The leadership shown by Mike Eruzione (sp) shows he belongs on the team and he becomes an eventual captain.
Skip to 3:30
Skip to 3:30
Monday, March 26, 2012
Exercise 3
3 reviews: Scored, For The Win, 24 girls in 7 days
Requirements:
1. Hook at beginning
2. Brief introduction of main characters
3. Brief explanation of problem that will be faced
4. Connections to real world
5. Gives enough to get review readers to buy book
Requirements:
1. Hook at beginning
2. Brief introduction of main characters
3. Brief explanation of problem that will be faced
4. Connections to real world
5. Gives enough to get review readers to buy book
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Note1
Remember the Titans is quite possibly one of the most inspirational and uplifting sports movies ever made. As the football team had to come together, while putting race aside. The most prominent character trait that needed to be expressed was leadership. Probably the most important scene of the movie is when Coach Boone orders the players to converse with players of the opposite skin color, and learn about their lives. When All-American and captain linebacker Gerry Bertier confronts the best black player, Julius Campbell, after a practice, Julius lashes out and challenges Gerry's leadership. Gerry is brutally honest with Julius and describes Julius as "nothing but a pure waste of God-given talent." Also Bertier calls Julius out for being selfish and "leaving his teammates out to dry." Julius fires back at Gerry with questions pertaining to Beriter's role as captain and doing his job as captain, and then takes a shot at the white players for not blocking for the black players, asking, "Why don't you ask your white buddies to block better for Rev, because they have not blocked worth a blood-nickel, and you know it!" After a bit more of arguing and discussion, Gerry attacked Julius' attitude and Julius promptly replied, "Attitude reflects leadership, captain." That ended the scene and set the tone for the rest of the season. The leadership shown not only by Gerry to challenge Julius' attitude, but the leadership shown by Julius to challenge the captains leadership is astounding.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Anthology Theme
For my anthology I will be discussing leadership. Whether it be sports or society, this topic is full of poems, movies, songs, books, photographs and more.
Here are a couple examples of these:
1) Remember the Titans
2) 1968 Black power salute in Olympics
3) Martin Luther King and his speeches/marches
4) Sports motivational speeches (youtube)
Here are a couple examples of these:
1) Remember the Titans
2) 1968 Black power salute in Olympics
3) Martin Luther King and his speeches/marches
4) Sports motivational speeches (youtube)
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Exercise 2
Roberta's story, during the rest of her cruddy time grounded, uses personal language to depict the growth and maturity of a teenage girl.
Rule #6
Proulx depicts "rodeo night in a hot little Okie town" where "there was a sultry feeling of weather" as a time of unclean revelry-- although thoroughly enjoyed by all involved.
Rule #1
This guy did a good job.
Books for dummies (like me)
this blog
Rule #6
Proulx depicts "rodeo night in a hot little Okie town" where "there was a sultry feeling of weather" as a time of unclean revelry-- although thoroughly enjoyed by all involved.
Rule #1
This guy did a good job.
Books for dummies (like me)
this blog
Monday, March 19, 2012
Reading Goals
Reading Goals for 4th quarter
1) Read 1 book outside of school
2) Read to my pet giraffe
3) Start a book on spring break
4) Hopefully finish it before I die
5) Stay caught up on reading logs
6) Read outside a couple times
1) Read 1 book outside of school
2) Read to my pet giraffe
3) Start a book on spring break
4) Hopefully finish it before I die
5) Stay caught up on reading logs
6) Read outside a couple times
Friday, February 24, 2012
Best blogs for #4
Books for Dummies (like me)-- "The frantic movement of the kids and the thundering suspense of the music conveys this sense of carnage and trepidation so that the audience might pee their pants in fright.)
http://booksfordummieslikeme.blogspot.com/
Vivir Sonar Leer -- "The radical range of color schemes, discombobulating object scale, unusual item combination, and drastic angling of geometric shapes combine to form a divine harmony in the middle of a flustering discord. "
http://vivirsonarleer.blogspot.com/
2 who need work
Duh Winning-- "One article discusses his importance in sports and in China. His popularity has grown everywhere, because of him, people in China have tuned in to watch him play. His humbling story and attitude make him likable to fans everywhere. His hobbies are eating junk food and playing video games"
http://ety11.blogspot.com/
Tribute to a dead butterfly-- "presumably, clouds are just condensed drops of water. But what about to a kid? Let’s say Johnny is grounded. No video games, no TV, no nothing. Johnny walks outside on a cloudy day, and he realizes that he’s looking at the very face of a white knight on a white horse, lancing a white alligator."
http://realismisreal.blogspot.com/
http://booksfordummieslikeme.blogspot.com/
Vivir Sonar Leer -- "The radical range of color schemes, discombobulating object scale, unusual item combination, and drastic angling of geometric shapes combine to form a divine harmony in the middle of a flustering discord. "
http://vivirsonarleer.blogspot.com/
2 who need work
Duh Winning-- "One article discusses his importance in sports and in China. His popularity has grown everywhere, because of him, people in China have tuned in to watch him play. His humbling story and attitude make him likable to fans everywhere. His hobbies are eating junk food and playing video games"
http://ety11.blogspot.com/
Tribute to a dead butterfly-- "presumably, clouds are just condensed drops of water. But what about to a kid? Let’s say Johnny is grounded. No video games, no TV, no nothing. Johnny walks outside on a cloudy day, and he realizes that he’s looking at the very face of a white knight on a white horse, lancing a white alligator."
http://realismisreal.blogspot.com/
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Submission 4
This collection, Pencil vs. Camera implements a sense of exotic brilliance that is really something new in photography. The whimsical vividness of the collection of drawings and pictures is just plain astonishing. The photos are obviously fantasized but the way they are drawn out and fit with the picture perfectly behind really brings the drawings to life and look believable. The stark contrast with the black and white drawings to the color picture also gives the drawing the fantasized look, almost like a dream.
And some of the other photos in the collection can really depict a dream, a woman walking a tight rope above the clouds, and a man envisioning mythical creatures through a telescope. All of these pictures display the creative dreaminess of the artist/photographer. And while some were serious or mystical, there were also the humorous pictures, like the blind man about to fall in the manhole. Overall, this collection is very creative and keeps the viewer intrigued.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Submisson 3
This American Life is a unique website in which news stories, life experiences and other newsworthy activities in daily life. This episode, Middle School, really shows the blatant awkwardness of middle school, and the challenges that come with it.
The first act, Life in the Middle Ages, starts out with a sense of helpless reality in which former teachers said there is absolutely no use for teaching middle schoolers. They argue that kids are so focused on their changing bodies, raging hormones, and other physical and mental changes taking place. I agree with this completely as middle school was pretty much useless to me.
Another point that really stuck out was the part about the dances. Looking back on middle school and the "activity nights" I can really relate to what the kids interviewed are experiencing. At my school, they were activity nights because the term "dance" can be taken too romantically and can also encourage dirty dancing, which is frowned upon in today's middle school culture.
The first act, Life in the Middle Ages, starts out with a sense of helpless reality in which former teachers said there is absolutely no use for teaching middle schoolers. They argue that kids are so focused on their changing bodies, raging hormones, and other physical and mental changes taking place. I agree with this completely as middle school was pretty much useless to me.
Another point that really stuck out was the part about the dances. Looking back on middle school and the "activity nights" I can really relate to what the kids interviewed are experiencing. At my school, they were activity nights because the term "dance" can be taken too romantically and can also encourage dirty dancing, which is frowned upon in today's middle school culture.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Podcast Response: Back to Penn State
The recent scandal surrounding Pennsylvania State University left a stain on the legacy of one man, and another stain on the reputation of a program. Being a Penn State fan my whole life, seeing Joe Paterno go out the way he did broke my heart. The public's view of Paterno and the Penn State football program went down the tubes, and America was left in a sense of daze, asking; did all this really happen?
From what I listened to in this podcast, a reporter for TAL was talking about how she was walking around town, telling herself and others they would not talk about the alleged child abuse, but everywhere she went the topic came up. She said she would talk for over 15 minutes about thoughts and reactions related to the scandal.
The scandal took America by storm, with some angry of Paterno's firing, and others who condemned the University. Either way, this podcast really captured the feelings of State College, Pennsylvania, as well as the country.
From what I listened to in this podcast, a reporter for TAL was talking about how she was walking around town, telling herself and others they would not talk about the alleged child abuse, but everywhere she went the topic came up. She said she would talk for over 15 minutes about thoughts and reactions related to the scandal.
The scandal took America by storm, with some angry of Paterno's firing, and others who condemned the University. Either way, this podcast really captured the feelings of State College, Pennsylvania, as well as the country.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Final installment of Faithful
After the improbable series against the Yankees, the Sox deserved to win the World Series. The Red Sox came out and balled. Instead of trailing 3-0 in the series, they got up 3-0. The final game was something out of a dream. The final out was just a combacker to the mound, and in the words of a Sox radio announcer, "The Red Sox are world champions, can you believe it?" It had been over 80 years since the Sox had won a world series, and finally, the curse of the Bambino was over. Finally.
As an athlete I can relate to sub-par seasons, being an IU basketball fan. But I can't imagine a whole lifetime of let downs and being oh-so-close to a championship, and letting it go between your legs. The excitement of Sox fans everywhere had to be amazing. I would imagine schools were closed as the whole New England region had reason to celebrate.
As an athlete I can relate to sub-par seasons, being an IU basketball fan. But I can't imagine a whole lifetime of let downs and being oh-so-close to a championship, and letting it go between your legs. The excitement of Sox fans everywhere had to be amazing. I would imagine schools were closed as the whole New England region had reason to celebrate.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Submission 2
This breath-taking photo of the free-climber scaling a mountain conveys confident euphoria as the climber is only supported by a small piece of rope, which is only there for a bit of stability. The prospective in which this picture was taken really shows the impassioned bravery the climber shows, thousands of feet above the ground, with death waiting at the bottom.
The viewer should have just a little bit of admiration for what this guy is doing, although cautious, the climber shows calm intensity that is conveyed as he faces death with his head held high. I know for a fact that I would never scale a mountain without harnesses protecting my every move, and the bravery of this climber is really second to none. It is amazing how some people do things, and that is what makes it great.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Short List 2
This first link has a lot of strange, yet impressive pictures that are not photoshopped. They all have a wide range of themes and are all very interesting. These pictures are really cool and deserve to be seen.
http://10steps.sg/inspirations/photography/70-strange-photos-that-are-not-photoshopped/
This link is to BleacherReport, a website where many different writers put together a slide show what they think are the best of the best in just about every category. They can range from greatest comebacks, craziest moments, or even hottest wife. This is a very cool website that I enjoy reading a lot.
http://10steps.sg/inspirations/photography/70-strange-photos-that-are-not-photoshopped/
This link is to BleacherReport, a website where many different writers put together a slide show what they think are the best of the best in just about every category. They can range from greatest comebacks, craziest moments, or even hottest wife. This is a very cool website that I enjoy reading a lot.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/968122-top-10-greatest-sports-movies-of-all-time
This last link is to a website that showcases extreme sports such as surfing, biking, or snow boarding. The uniqueness and extreme aspect of these photos can have a lasting effect on a viewer, but I do for sure know that I will never do hardly any of the things on this website.
This last link is to a website that showcases extreme sports such as surfing, biking, or snow boarding. The uniqueness and extreme aspect of these photos can have a lasting effect on a viewer, but I do for sure know that I will never do hardly any of the things on this website.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Faithful part 4 homie
The playoffs were fast approaching and the Red Sox were doing all they could to stay ahead of the pack in the wild card race. The Yankees had all but locked up the American League East with their star-studded roster. The Sox ended the season with Wild Card champions, and had a tough match-up with the Oakland Athletics in a 5 game series. The Sox breezed through the wild card divisional round with a 3-1 series victory over Oakland. The Yankees also breezed through their match-up and that set up the all important American League Championship series for the league pennant and representing the American League in the World series.
And then it happened, maybe the wildest 9 days in baseball history. Game one of the seven game series ended in decisive fashion, with the Yankees winning. Game two was more of the same, with the Yanks coming out on top. Game three seemed to be the dagger in the hearts of Red Sox fans everywhere, a 19-8 loss which put the Sox in a 3-0 series hole, a deficit that no baseball team has ever come back from in history. But fans continued to have faith, and after the 19-8 loss, the real magic happened.
To keep a long story short, the Sox came back from the 3-0 lead and won the series 4-3. Those four games were marked with clutch baserunning in extra innings, walk off homeruns and hits by their slugger, David Ortiz, and a common belief that the impossible can be done. I could go on for days about this feat, but that is for another thing, like the documentary on ESPN's 30 for 30 titled, "Four Days in October."
And then it happened, maybe the wildest 9 days in baseball history. Game one of the seven game series ended in decisive fashion, with the Yankees winning. Game two was more of the same, with the Yanks coming out on top. Game three seemed to be the dagger in the hearts of Red Sox fans everywhere, a 19-8 loss which put the Sox in a 3-0 series hole, a deficit that no baseball team has ever come back from in history. But fans continued to have faith, and after the 19-8 loss, the real magic happened.
To keep a long story short, the Sox came back from the 3-0 lead and won the series 4-3. Those four games were marked with clutch baserunning in extra innings, walk off homeruns and hits by their slugger, David Ortiz, and a common belief that the impossible can be done. I could go on for days about this feat, but that is for another thing, like the documentary on ESPN's 30 for 30 titled, "Four Days in October."
First Installment for Reader
The Towson Tigers are arguably the worst team in college basketball this year. They notched their first win this week after a losing streak that amassed 40 games, dating back to last year. I have seen failure, believe me. From the 2-81 basketball team by brother played on, to winning 1 game as a PAL player, the failure has been there, but maybe nothing can pass up this Towson Team who are in last place in division one basketball in field goal percentage and points per game. Their fundamentals are dismal, and basketball IQ, minimal.
To quote their coach, Pat Skerry, "I'm fine, other than the games, but the only way out of the forest is to burn down the f***ing trees." This statement was made after a exhibition loss to division two Virginia State. Skerry is trying to say that they are in it for the long haul, and the only way out is to keep chugging. There is no doubt that Skerry is a man who strives for success, and quoting the story, "He has engaged in expletive-laced tirades and pulled back and delivered encouragement in the face of irrational decision making. He's not really sure what else he can do." This type of leadership can be inspiring to players, but also demeaning if not used the right way for motivation.
Nonetheless, Towson notched their first win against North Carolina-Wilmington when NC Wilmington missed a buzzer beater. It was a sense of jubilation in Baltimore that night, but the team can not get too cocky, as they are on a winning streak now.
Article by: Michael Weinreb
week 5 top links
1.http://www.sanibelisland.com/photos.html just because I go there all the time
2.http://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/romain-laurent-lhorizon this is cool how it looks like he is floating
3.http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ a lot of good pictures in the sky
2.http://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/romain-laurent-lhorizon this is cool how it looks like he is floating
3.http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ a lot of good pictures in the sky
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Section 3
The third section of Faithful entails the mid-season stretch that can either make or break a season. In baseball, the stretch usually occurs throughout the whole month of august and that month can give a great indication of the outcome of the season.
In the Red Sox case, the month was all the Red Sox Nation could ask for, and more. Going 21 and 7 for a month is almost unheard of in major league baseball. A whole season of that would put a team at 121 wins out of 162, easily an all time record. This unbelieveable stretch really showed what the team was made of, and most certainly gave them the right mindset for the upcoming playoffs, only a month away.
It was jubilation in the Red Sox Nation after the month. There were signs for "Reverse the Curse" the 86 year old curse of the Bambino that haunted Sox fans everywhere. People were actually starting to believe, and the end product would end up being amazing.
In the Red Sox case, the month was all the Red Sox Nation could ask for, and more. Going 21 and 7 for a month is almost unheard of in major league baseball. A whole season of that would put a team at 121 wins out of 162, easily an all time record. This unbelieveable stretch really showed what the team was made of, and most certainly gave them the right mindset for the upcoming playoffs, only a month away.
It was jubilation in the Red Sox Nation after the month. There were signs for "Reverse the Curse" the 86 year old curse of the Bambino that haunted Sox fans everywhere. People were actually starting to believe, and the end product would end up being amazing.
Reading Short List
1. Sports is really what keeps me occupied in life. From reading about, watching, playing, or analyzing, sports is what I like to do all the time. Grantland is a good website with a lot of different angles on sports, not just the tunnel visioned game recaps like some other websites.
2. ESPN PodCenter looks like another great sports site in which there are many podcasts. These podcasts can be about anything and are by many different writers and TV personalities. They are updated daily and there are also many cool shows that area available for listen.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Coolest blogs
So far, the coolest blogs I've seen are
-----the storys never told http://xixamxkenziex.blogspot.com/
"You know those books you accidentally come across? Those are my favorite. The book I'm reading right now is one of those. It's called I Like Him, He Likes Her and it's by Phyillis Reynolds Naylor. I absolutely love her writing. Its so real."
This blog looks really cool and the design is a real attention grabber.
-----lets get rich and give everybocy nice sweaters http://pagenotfounderror404.blogspot.com/
"I particularly enjoyed the part of the novel at which Morris compares the grooming habits of a chimpanzee to human socialization."
This blog also has a cool design, and I really think the name is good. One thing though, dont put black font on a black background (currently reading).
Best written DPA response:
Just Because http://elizaveta-spot.blogspot.com/
I thought the opening of this paragraph was good and also the description of the suits in comparison to the school and the portrait from 100 years earlier.
"The inaugurated adolescent boys demonstrate fearful curiosity, surrounded by grey, dull, generic suits; we discovered the traditional wear is strangely close to that of a portrait painted one hundred years ago."
-----the storys never told http://xixamxkenziex.blogspot.com/
"You know those books you accidentally come across? Those are my favorite. The book I'm reading right now is one of those. It's called I Like Him, He Likes Her and it's by Phyillis Reynolds Naylor. I absolutely love her writing. Its so real."
This blog looks really cool and the design is a real attention grabber.
-----lets get rich and give everybocy nice sweaters http://pagenotfounderror404.blogspot.com/
"I particularly enjoyed the part of the novel at which Morris compares the grooming habits of a chimpanzee to human socialization."
This blog also has a cool design, and I really think the name is good. One thing though, dont put black font on a black background (currently reading).
Best written DPA response:
Just Because http://elizaveta-spot.blogspot.com/
I thought the opening of this paragraph was good and also the description of the suits in comparison to the school and the portrait from 100 years earlier.
"The inaugurated adolescent boys demonstrate fearful curiosity, surrounded by grey, dull, generic suits; we discovered the traditional wear is strangely close to that of a portrait painted one hundred years ago."
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Faithful -- Part 2
As I continued to read the day by day recollection of the 2004 Red Sox season, it was the same thing every day. The summary of the day's game, an inning by inning, important play by important play, and a quick look at what the Yankees did that day, and what the division looked like. This book can get boring at times, but is definitely worth the read when a season changing game happened on July the 24th.
The Sox were playing the hated Yankees in a three game series just after the All-Star break. Fuses will always be shorter between rivals as the games mean a lot more than just a regular game against any other team. It started in the 6th inning, when Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo plunked Yankee "pretty boy" Alex Rodriguez with a pitch. Some trash-talking ensued and a pseudo-wrestling match took place between the Sox' catcher and A-Rod.
The benches ended up clearing and many players were ejected, but the fight meant more than the ejections. Both players wanted to prove to their teams that they were the tougher man, and they were not going to let the rival player look tougher. The benches clearing also means that teammates have each others backs and will always be there for them. As an athlete, I realize the influence pride has on the game and nobody wants to be the guy to get his face beat in. But more than pride and fighting, is channeling the aggression and tension into hard work and effort, and that is what the Red Sox did for the rest of the season
The Sox were playing the hated Yankees in a three game series just after the All-Star break. Fuses will always be shorter between rivals as the games mean a lot more than just a regular game against any other team. It started in the 6th inning, when Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo plunked Yankee "pretty boy" Alex Rodriguez with a pitch. Some trash-talking ensued and a pseudo-wrestling match took place between the Sox' catcher and A-Rod.
The benches ended up clearing and many players were ejected, but the fight meant more than the ejections. Both players wanted to prove to their teams that they were the tougher man, and they were not going to let the rival player look tougher. The benches clearing also means that teammates have each others backs and will always be there for them. As an athlete, I realize the influence pride has on the game and nobody wants to be the guy to get his face beat in. But more than pride and fighting, is channeling the aggression and tension into hard work and effort, and that is what the Red Sox did for the rest of the season
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Dead Poets Society
In the opening scene of Peter Weir’s Dead Poets Society, the anxious formality and serious curiosity convey a nervous feeling turning a new chapter in life for the incoming students. The prestigious meeting hall has an old-fashioned style that sets a strict tone in which the audience listens carefully. The head master speaks loudly and clearly, and as he introduces the new English teacher a sense of uneasiness falls over the students as they do not know what to think of the new teacher. Also, the head master explains what the school is all about and how prestigious it is. The scene ends with the children and young adults saying their final goodbyes with a fearful, yet optimistic feeling, as they will be on their own for the term. The sincere confidence of the parents when they let their children go shows the appreciation they have for the academy and dignity that comes with it.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
First Reading Log
Since trading The Great Bambino in 1919 after winning the World Series, the Boston Red Sox had been so close to winning the Series, but the "Curse of the Bambino" had seemed to get in the way. The opportunities have surely been there, as the final out of Game 6 to clinch the world series went between the first baseman's legs, and then losing the next game to lose the series, and losing in Game 7 on a walk off home run to lose the League Championship Series (LCS) in 2003. It seemed the curse would never be reversed. It was however in the 2004 season, as the Red Sox came back from a 3-0 series lead against the hated Yankees to win the LCS 4 games to 3, facing elimination all 4 games.
The book Faithful chronicles the magical, yet historic 2004 season, and is written by Stewart O'Nan, and Stephen King, both die-hard Red Sox fans. The die-hard tag applies to both of these guys in many ways. First, they go to the ballpark hours before the game to shag home runs during batting practice, and watching every game, from first pitch to the final out. This book is written in a diary format, as there is a post for every day the Sox play during the regular season. These die-hard fans took a trip to Ft. Myers, Florida to take in a few scrimmage games as well as official spring training games. Additionally, O'Nan looked for tickets to the Yankees vs. Red Sox diligently. This was what I did for the IU vs. Kentucky basketball game. It was a rivalry game where tickets were going for thousands of dollars. Being a die-hard fan is something I can relate to, and that is why I find this book interesting.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
My Reading Autobiography
My life as a reader has been a little bit up and down. I started pretty early like most kids and I was in an accelerated program by the 1st grade. If I can remember correctly, I was at least into "chapter books" by the 1st grade and I would read a little bit at home, mainly the "Junie B. Jones" series and other books like that. I do not remember much about later elementary school readings, besides one series called "Chasing the Falconers" which I read twice. As I got into middle school I began to slack with my school reading and never read outside of class as I got more and more involved with sports and other activities. That extended through 8th grade and I got into high school a little under-prepared. There were sometimes during my freshman year when I did not open the book we were supposed to read once. I have been getting better about it though and I hope that continues.
I still do not read much for pleasure, but I do enjoy autobiographies by the athletes I look up to the most, such as Tim Tebow and David Ortiz. Those are the only kind of books I read for pleasure. I feel like reading these books help me with my habits as an athlete and learning what it takes to make it big, and the hard work necessary for that.
I do not feel like reading has helped me much in my life besides what I said above. That is probably because I don't read enough for it to have that big of an impact on me and my daily life.
I still do not read much for pleasure, but I do enjoy autobiographies by the athletes I look up to the most, such as Tim Tebow and David Ortiz. Those are the only kind of books I read for pleasure. I feel like reading these books help me with my habits as an athlete and learning what it takes to make it big, and the hard work necessary for that.
I do not feel like reading has helped me much in my life besides what I said above. That is probably because I don't read enough for it to have that big of an impact on me and my daily life.
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