Monday, May 11, 2009

Football, Football, Football...


Prompt 2
I have made many connections with my book. Both he main character and I have played high school football and have been recruited to play at the next level. Though the character (Micheal) is going to play at a top D1 school while I will play at a D3 school the process is similar. Through out the book it discusses coaches meetings and visits. It also discusses tough practices and game film. The one experience that I most powerfully connected too was the scene where Micheal was visited by a coach and was so nervous he hardly spoke. I remember when I was first visited by a college coach I was also very nervous. I had the courage to t least act cool calm and collected but inside I was a wreck. I remember sweating and stuttering multiple times through out the interview. The is book is a very interesting read for me because of all the connections that can be made between the character and myself. I am excited to finish off the novel.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Importance of Life

I would write about laughter and happiness are the most important things in life. I would Also discuss how everyone needs to make room laughter everyday. Life is abut having fun and enjoying what you have. Money and objects are not the most important thing in the world, happiness is. NO matter what makes you happy the most important thing in life is being happy. Everyone is happy for different reasons and everyone should do what makes them happy. Laughter is said to be happiness being transfered between people, I agree with this.

Monday, May 4, 2009

WOW, Id give anything...


In the second section of my book the author discusses a meeting between himself (a professional football scout) and a player by the name of Oher. When asked questions the player had the nerve to not answer. This is selfish and made me mad when I read it. I would give anything to receive the attention Oher got and he just wasted his opportunity. I am jealous of Oher and what he was getting and he didn't appreciate it enough to even give himself a chance to succeed. People would die for the opportunity he had and he wasted it.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Ahmir's Atonement


The obvious answer is that Ahmir sat back and watched his freind Hassan get raped. Of course he seeks atonement for this but there are other things he also would like atoned. The one that stood out to me is in the beginnin gof the book when Ahmir is speaking about Hassan and his physical ability and athletic skill. Ahmir was jealous and felt that he should be the one with the talent, not Hassan.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Oops...


One mistake I have made more then once involves inappropriate jokes. I am one who loves to laugh and more so enjoys making others laugh, however, once in a while I make a joke that does the complete opposite of what I would like it to do. Sometimes I will make a reference that might offend people. Surely this is not my intention but non the less someones feelings get hurt. When this happens and I realize what I've done I feel bad. I apologize to the offended party and make sure to let them know that I was only joking and in no way meant to hurt them. It is a terrible feeling when I make a joke that hurts someones feelings and it makes me just want to get away...

Thursday, April 23, 2009

the gorilla

INZANE!!!!


Sometimes the only thing people want is a bowl of fruity pebbles. Even if they think they don’t want it…they do. Whenever in doubt cookie crisp will provide you with a morning full of excellence. Either way, that first bowl of cereal in the morning is the most scrumptious of them all. Unfortunately I couldn’t afford milk so I ate my cereal with water instead. It cut down on the fat, and but also its taste.
I realized that at that point a breakfast without the proper ingredients was no breakfast at all so I stood up from my kitchen table, put on some shoes, and walked out to my car. As I passed the threshold into my garage I was shocked to see a thirteen-foot gorilla literally ripping away the far wall. I thought to myself, “Crap. I’m screwed.” He went back inside to find a suitable opponent for the gorilla—his four-year-old tarantula imported from South Africa will do. No, the tarantula was stomped and the gorilla. What could he do that tarantula was his only friend. Now he was a lonely soul all he could do was cry because his best friend was not here on earth any longer, the Gorilla was infuriated. Zane “the brain” (gorilla) came at him with all his power.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

The Root of Evil...



I agree with the quote. Evil can not be done if someone stops it before it occurs. In the story the kite runner Ahmir watches his friend get raped and does nothing. If he had stood up and done something this could have been prevented. A real life example of this is what is currently happening in Darfur. Thousands are being murdered and no one does anything about it. If someone would have simple intervened lives could have been saved. The root of all evil is those who do nothing to stop it.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Making Decicsions...


Many things effect my personal decision making. The most important people in my life are the biggest part of my decisions. My family, my friends, and my girlfriend greatly influence the way I live my life. If they would be unhappy of a decision I was making then I would be forced to re think what I had done and perhaps change it. Money is also a part of my decision making process in some situations. When buying things I do not need or that are expensive I really have to decide if it is worth paying for. If so then I buy it and enjoy but if not or if I can not simple afford it comfortably at the time I will wait to buy it later or perhaps never buy it. Another big part of my decision making process is morals. I like to thing everything I do is the right thing to do. It is important to me that I do not make bad decisions and perhaps end up hurting myself or anyone else in the process. I guess you could relate the morals with religion which is the basis for people believe in what is right and wrong. I am however not very strongly tie to religion, none the less I am aware that millions of people in the world fall back on their own religion to help them make decisions. I also like to think about my future and how even small decisions I make today can potentially effect me ears from now. For example I have recently made the decision to attend college at Ursinus University in Collegeville PA. This decision took me a long time to think about. I thought about my future and how it would be effected, I also thought about my family and friends and how my relationship would change with them. There was no moral issue with attending school anywhere so that was not in the equation. I also thought about money. The school gave me a great offer to go there and the money was right. I have always taken pride in my decision making process and very rarely do I make a bad decision so lets hope the biggest one of my life so far (college choice) is a good one as well.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

A pinch of Afghanistan


-90 years of independence
-2 official languages
-about 33,000,000 people
-stir in a couple large mountain ranges and a good amount of earthquakes
-1 cup each of:
Asian culture,
European influence,
Russian influence
-a large bag of religious conflict
-don't forget a large bowl of war
-sprinkle in some hidden terrorists
-but do not add any weapons of mass destruction
-blend abut 10 major ethnic groups
-and also add a struggling economy
-last but not least 1 cup each of:
amazing architecture
and natural beauty

Blend all together well before serving and you will have AFGHANISTAN...

Monday, April 13, 2009

Spring Break... *RIP Harry Kalas*

Over this spring break I had a good time. I got to hangout with a lot of friends and family. For the first time in my life I celebrated Passover. I did this with the family of my girl friend who is half Jewish. Everyone I know complains about passover but I didn't think it was so bad. I also celebrated Easter with my family and it was nice to see everybody.
As good as my break was on my first day back I was welcomed with bad news. The legendary sports announcer for the Philadelphia Phillies Harry Kalas died today 4/13/09. Harry Kalas has announced every game since I have been in this world and he will truly be missed by all fans of the world champion Philadelphia Phillies.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Tolarence... "Ch. 12/Prompt 16"


All year in class we have spoken about tolerance of all cultures and respecting each other as human beings who are all equal. In this book tolerance is a problem. Mexican relate to Mexicans while they constantly fight with the whites. there is very little tolerance in the book and this climaxes in Chapter 12 when Jesse gets beat up by a gang of white boys. Tolerance is a key part to peace in this world and the people in this story do not understand that.

Monday, March 30, 2009

A Spring Trip "Ch. 10/ Prompt 7"



Earlier I predicted that Abel would travel. My prediction was half current. Abel did travel but, Jesse went with him. They decided to travel for spring break and they planned on visiting Pismo Beach by way of hitchhiking. I predicted Abel would leave but I thought he would go alone not with Jesse. I was right in believing Abel would leave but I did not have the right circumstances.

JESSE... "Prompt 18"


The title of my book is Jesse. This is a simple and easy title. The story is about the life of a man names Jesse. He is the main character so the title makes good sense. If I were to change the title of the book I might call it, "Nuevo Familia" This means new family is Spanish. I would call it this because of the vast changes that Jesse family has. He goes from living with is mom and step dad to living with his brother and even adding girls into their lives.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Where do u REALLY want to go? " Ch.9/ Prompt 10"


In the story Jesse often asked where people want to go, but he is not interested about that moment he asks them where they want to go if they could go anywhere. His brother Abel first said the forest and in chapter nine he answered the amazon. I have a friend that often asks the same question as Jesse. "If you could go anywhere in the world, Where would you go?" His name is Rj and one of our hobbies is to just drive around until we fidn something that interests us. Almost everytime we do this he brings up the question of our altimate destination and the one place that we would most like to go.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

BORING!!! "Ch. 8/ Prompt 1"


In chapter 8 almost nothing happened. The only significant thing that happened was that the brothers ahad a yard sale and made an extra 27 dollars for the week. Also Jesse found out that the girl he likes has a boy friends so he is kinda stuck in a tough situation now. I found this chapter very boring which suprised me beacuse this is the one chapter n the book where I felt this way. So far the story has been quite entertaining but chapter 8 was a disapointment for me.

Not Mexican??!!?? "Ch. 7' Prompt 4"


During this chapter Abel and Glenda hung out a bit more and even had a, "date" to the movies. When Abel returned home Jesse asked about the movie and asked also if Abel had been having feelings for Glenda. To this Abel replied, " she has a baby, and she is not Mexican." This greatly surprised me. Never before in this book had race been an issue. there was injustice but not due to race and never had any racism been spoken about. Suddenly Abel is not allowed to like a girl unless she is Mexican, when Jesse asked why Abel said, "it's just not right." It feels like another story of forbidden love.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Espanol..."Ch. 6/ Prompt 11"


The author often uses Spanish in his writing. In the story Jesse and his brother refer to their grandmother as, "abuelo" and often speak of the movement led by Chavez as, "la causa." This use of spanish brings the reader closer to the story. It allows yuo to connect further wiht the characters in the book. The spanish is used in a way that even with no knowledge of the language you could figure out the meaning of the words. This allows anyone reading to have to same connection with the characters. This connection very much increases the enjoyment of the book.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Time to Travel "Ch.5/ Prompt 6"


In Chapter 5 Jesse's brother Abel announces that he would at one point love to leave Fresno and travel to a great forest and live there for an extended period of time. This discussion sparks when a visitor stops by for dinner with the brothers and they all discuss school. Abel tells Jesse and the guest that he is studying forestry and plans to major in it so he can live in the forest when he grows old enough.
I predict that one point in the story Abel will leave for his journey and Jesse will be left alone. Support is found in the way Abel and Jesse discuss the matter. Jesse is surprised that Abel would do such a thing and Abel doesn't really seem to care what Jesse thinks of his plan. He is going to do what he wants regardless of Jesse.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

VAMANOS!!! "Ch.3-4/ Prompt 13"


During this section of the book Jesse is often pressured to go to the rally down own for higher wages for people working in farms. These rallies are organized by the famous Chavez who is very well known for such rallies. Many of Jesse's freinds are going to the rally but Jesse is stuck in a sticky situation. He needs the money from work and can not afford to skip a day for the rally, yet he wants to support the cause and continue to be stuck inthe situatoin he is currently found. Finally Jesse makes his decison and decides to attand the rally. He discussed this with his brother Abel and his brother is quite mad. They will have a tough time the week of the rally because of the shortage of money.
I would have reccomended that Jesse stay at work. One person wont change anything at the rally the point will still get across, the family is haveingn hard times and family is the most important thing in the world. Fo rthe families sake Jesse should have worked.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

JESUS IS DEAD!!??!! "Ch 1-2/ Prompt 5"


In chapter one Jesse's step father and her had a brief discussion about god. They are discussing Jesse's long hair and Jesse says, "Jesus had long hair," to which her step father replied, "Jesus is dead." He shows his believes by shutting down Jesse's. Jesse responds back arguing that Jesus is alive inside everyone, to this the step father says, "I don't see or hear him."

This is a moving statement for me because it shows the lack of faith Jesse's step father has. I have a strong faith and I am touched in a bad way that the stepfather doesn't. I believe a relationship with god is very important to everyone's life and I feel bad for people that lack such a relationship.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Thesis

Che Guevara's impact on today's world is relative to ones location, with distance his mark diminishes and in today's world his global influence is greatly inflated.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Differences


During his stay in Peru Che realized that he is much different than the Indians in which he was interacting with. Can you think of anything different between Che and yourself? Explain.

This do now compare Che to people of our generation. We have yet to do this and I think much conversation could result.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Essential Question


Before we studied Che I assumed his goals were to be a world power. He was a big piece of the Cuban Communist puzzle in my mind and I thought world power was on his list for things to accomplish. After studying Che and reading his journals I am starting to believe that Che maybe is getting what he actually wanted. I think Che wanted to be remembered, he wanted to impact the lives of millions even after his death. His journals are written in such a way that I believe maybe he knew he was going to die before his time. His goal was to come across as a hero and a good guy that people can look up to. In his untimely death he has left behind mystery abut his life that makes his legacy controversially but for many Che is a hero and he will be forever.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

chile's 6 word


Borders Argentina, Indigenous Incans, Southern Glacier.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Chili!!!!!!!


pg. 87 "Why do you complain about your treatment if you are not contributing to the maintenance of this hospital?"

This quote could have influenced Che's beliefs in communism. The quote is saying that everyone should have a part i doing work that helps the community. You have no right to complain if you do not help with the issues in which you complain about. Communism is about everyone working together for the better of the community. This is related directly to the quote and i belief this situation might influence Che's ideas in the future.

Friday, February 27, 2009

America, Land of the Obese!


America the fat... I mean beautiful.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

JUSTICE!!!!


I believe that justice is a great value. Justice is the thing that keeps people in place and allows individuals to excel without worrying abut others. Fairness is an essential part of life. Without it people would be taken advantage of by the powerful in every sense of life. With the ability to achieve people and society will prosper. If todays world was striped of justice complete caos would ensue.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Pakistan Vs. Bolivia


The situation that the U.S is involved in with Pakistan has some remote similarities to the situation Che as in with Bolivia. the biggest difference I see is that in both situations someone that the people did not want involved was involved. From Che point of view the people did not want a revolution and Che was force feeding it to them. they disagreed with he guerrilla attacks. In America's case they are in Pakistan when they are not necessarily wanted there.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Ernesto's Voice

As I was reading about Che's adventure in Argentina I heard him speak in a strong voice. He seemed to be in control of the situation no matter what was going on. Him and his partner seemed calm at all times and never worried about anything. this is calming yet I also find it quite powerful. This confidence is reassuring. One part that showed this is when Che becomes sick during the travels. He simply stays for a while longer until he is healthy and with no worries takes the day to recover. the other part I remember is when Che simply pitches a tent on the side of the road because they could not find a place to stay. None of these problems were a big issues to them. They're confidence is utterly strong and almost confusing to a point. Why are they so ok with everything?
An interesting think about my reading was the way I interpreted the voice of Che. When I read I almost picture what is happening in my head, like a film. In this film Che is a strong voiced and very confident Spanish man. I could think of no better better to play this role then Antonio Benderas. The video attachment shows a scene of Antonio Benderas and his presence on screen, he displays strong confidence and also has a strong Spanish voice. Hopefully this can help you picture the novel a little better during your own reading.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Real life CLUE.....


It is hard to determine who killed Che. It could have been the CIA, it could have been the Bolivian government, it could have even been his close "friend" Fidel Castro. I personally think that the Bolivian government. I think they were taking care of him to the point that no one would be able to sneak in and kill Che. I do not think Fidel had him assassinated because I believe he could have still been useful to Castro. I think people love to think that the death of Che is much more mysterious then it is. All obvious signs point to the Bolivian government. I believe it was the Bolivian government, with armed forces, in Bolivia...

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Lonely Road


On the road, a long and lonely road
Searching for something of which I have no idea.
Alone I search, alone I wander,
I find much but discover very little.
With no companion and no end in sight I continue my empty search,
"There is nothing lonelier then adventure."

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

The Legacy of Shawn Bradley


Shawn Bradley
was the 2nd overall pick in the 1993 NBA draft. During his NBA career he had a remarkable 92% foul shot percentage and he averaged an awesome 3.5 blocks per game. He ended his NBA career with over 2000 blocks!!! He however also averaged 4 fouls a game. He is an unbelievable 7 foot 6 inches tall. He had a fabulous college career at Bringham Young University and many thought he would dominate the NBA. Things did not work out that way. Bradley was a complete flop and is listed as one of the NBA biggest disappointments. He is notorious for being dunked on and has been embarrassed countless times by both superstars and scrubs of the NBA. He has been dunked on Shaq, Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, and countless others. Though he did lead the league in block for 2 years during his career that is not what he is remembered for. The video below is Shawn Bradley's legacy.


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Monday, February 9, 2009

Che Documentary


If I were to write a documentary on Che I would focus on the big events in his life. These events would include his birth, death, and travels he took. I am very interested in his journey so I would focus on his travels. I have learned that he was constantly traveling around the world. I would ask why he did this? Was he in search of something or was there another reason for his travels? I would also focus on his successes and why he left them behind to be a revolutionary.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

My Utterly Confused Do Now!!!

When I judge a book by its cover I look a t two main characteristics. The first thing I look for is length. I find it hard to get into and stay interested in a book if it is to long. The other thing I look at is if the story is feminine or masculine. If the cover is pink and feminine then I am immediately less interested in it. So when I look for a book to read I look for a book that is not very long and is masculine. The only other thing I look at is the summary on the back cover. I read it and if I find it interested then I will most likely read the book.

Monday, February 2, 2009

The True Che


I loved listing to Mr.Beck. Recently I have noticed people wearing merchandise of Che's but I didn't know who he was. I do feel ignorant for not knowing of Che but in turn learned a lot from Beck. After learning about Che I would never wear anything with his face or name on it and I don't understand anyone that could. The only thing I could think of is that the people don't know who he is or what he did and wear things purely for looks and popularity. Beck spoke very true fully and from his heart during the broadcast. He stuttered a few time and mispronounced words. This shows me that he was speaking form his heart and not just reading off a teleprompter. He spoke strongly and he spoke very persuasively. Beck showed Che as he really was... a terrible and bloodthirsty man who killed many innocent people. People in Hollywood are claiming Che as some type of hero and the ignorant people in society are buying into it. In fact Che will be portrayed in a movie set to be released in 2009. I wonder how we will be portrayed, as a hero, or a villain (as he should be)?

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Welcome


Hello and Welcome to 62s Blog...
I hope you enjoy my opinions and thoughts on Literature.