Gregory's "The Flash"
Robert's "Review of COD: WWII"
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Monday, November 27, 2017
Thesis: Golding portrays Jack as a power-hungry and bloodthirsty
bigun which suggests that the lonely boy values his needs and power over
friendship with others. This selfishness causes a war between the two groups of
boys.
"He came-disguised. He may come again even though we gave him the head of our kill to eat." (Pg. 160)
In this situation, Simon (seen as the beast) has just been killed, and Jack claims that the beast is still not dead. Jack needs to maintain an illusion of the best for his followers so that he can maintain his power. His installment of fear in his "subjects" keeps him leader because he is favored in times of chaos. This destroys his friendship with Ralph, and it shows his hunger for power.
"He came-disguised. He may come again even though we gave him the head of our kill to eat." (Pg. 160)
In this situation, Simon (seen as the beast) has just been killed, and Jack claims that the beast is still not dead. Jack needs to maintain an illusion of the best for his followers so that he can maintain his power. His installment of fear in his "subjects" keeps him leader because he is favored in times of chaos. This destroys his friendship with Ralph, and it shows his hunger for power.
Free Post
This Thanksgiving, my family decided to stay home for the entire break. This is the first time we haven't gone anywhere in 5 years. It was a bit of a change, but it was relaxing to get a short break from high school. Even though we didn't go out of the state, it was one of the most fun Thanksgivings I've ever had. I look forward to more breaks where we stay at home in the future.
For the day of Thanksgiving, my family hosted quite the gathering. We invited all three of my mom's brothers, each with three or four kids and a wife, my brothers who each have a child and a wife, and my aunt and uncle whose children are old and married. Everyone brought one dish to cook and my mom cooked the turkey. After everyone stuffed themselves with food, we played board games, watched tv, played basketball, and eventually swam. This experience was so memorable and I hope to do something similar again.
For the day of Thanksgiving, my family hosted quite the gathering. We invited all three of my mom's brothers, each with three or four kids and a wife, my brothers who each have a child and a wife, and my aunt and uncle whose children are old and married. Everyone brought one dish to cook and my mom cooked the turkey. After everyone stuffed themselves with food, we played board games, watched tv, played basketball, and eventually swam. This experience was so memorable and I hope to do something similar again.
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Monday, November 13, 2017
LOTF Response
[Piggy:] "I don't agree with all Jack said, but with some. 'Course there isn't a beast in the forest. How could there be? What would a beast eat?"
"Pig."
"We eat pig."
"Piggy!"
"I got the conch!" said Piggy indignantly. "Ralph--they ought to shut up, oughtn't they? You shut up, you littluns! What I mean is that I don't agree about this here fear. Of course there isn't nothing to be afraid of in the forest. Why--I been there myself! You'll be talking about ghosts and such things next. We know what goes on and if there's something wrong, there's someone to put it right."
He took off his glasses and blinked at them. The sun had gone as if the light had been turned off. [...]
"Life," said Piggy expansively, "is scientific, that's what it is. In a year or two when the war's over they'll be traveling to Mars and back. I know there isn't no beast--not with claws and all that, I mean--but I know there isn't no fear either."
Piggy paused.
"Unless--"
Ralph moved restlessly.
"Unless what?"
"Unless we get frightened of people." (83-84)
This passage is about the fear on the island. This scene is where the group is determining if the beast is real or not. Piggy is denying the realness of a true beast, while everyone takes it in a joking manner. Piggy looks to Ralph for help in controlling the people., but he receives no help. Piggy finally comes to the conclusion that the only beast on the island is humanity's evil.
This passage shows me how confident Piggy is in his safety from everything, except other people. It expands upon the idea of humanity being evil, which I believe in. I feel like this evil is greed and selfishness. Humans sometimes forget that caring about other people can get you farther in life than anything else. If people realize this, humanity could be better.
"Pig."
"We eat pig."
"Piggy!"
"I got the conch!" said Piggy indignantly. "Ralph--they ought to shut up, oughtn't they? You shut up, you littluns! What I mean is that I don't agree about this here fear. Of course there isn't nothing to be afraid of in the forest. Why--I been there myself! You'll be talking about ghosts and such things next. We know what goes on and if there's something wrong, there's someone to put it right."
He took off his glasses and blinked at them. The sun had gone as if the light had been turned off. [...]
"Life," said Piggy expansively, "is scientific, that's what it is. In a year or two when the war's over they'll be traveling to Mars and back. I know there isn't no beast--not with claws and all that, I mean--but I know there isn't no fear either."
Piggy paused.
"Unless--"
Ralph moved restlessly.
"Unless what?"
"Unless we get frightened of people." (83-84)
This passage is about the fear on the island. This scene is where the group is determining if the beast is real or not. Piggy is denying the realness of a true beast, while everyone takes it in a joking manner. Piggy looks to Ralph for help in controlling the people., but he receives no help. Piggy finally comes to the conclusion that the only beast on the island is humanity's evil.
This passage shows me how confident Piggy is in his safety from everything, except other people. It expands upon the idea of humanity being evil, which I believe in. I feel like this evil is greed and selfishness. Humans sometimes forget that caring about other people can get you farther in life than anything else. If people realize this, humanity could be better.
Robin
When I was young, my grandparents gave me a statue of a robin. My grandmother told me that it was a sign of honor, so I should always be honorable. They were always taking care of me because my parents were almost always at work. They helped me with whatever I needed, and I returned the favor. It wasn't always easy, but I was glad to help them with anything I could.
Every time I needed to make a serious decision, I look to the robin for help. It helped me decide whether or not something is right thing to do. Last year, someone smashed the robin statue. It seemed like my beliefs and values were smashed with the robin. I never thought of how much it helped me until it was gone. Now, I'm always worried about making a bad decision.
Every time I needed to make a serious decision, I look to the robin for help. It helped me decide whether or not something is right thing to do. Last year, someone smashed the robin statue. It seemed like my beliefs and values were smashed with the robin. I never thought of how much it helped me until it was gone. Now, I'm always worried about making a bad decision.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Monday, November 6, 2017
LOTF Reading Response
Lord of the Flies started out as a boring and normal book. I expected it to be a typical story with a group of people struggling against nature itself to leave a vicious environment. I expected there to be one main protagonist and one antagonist fighting with each other about how to leave the island. As I continued to read, the book became more than just the things I expected. It became interesting and weird.
The book is an atypical story that involves struggles between the people, their fears, and their environment. The detail put into the symbolism for each character surprised me. I have been able to see foreshadowing from the beginning of the book. The characters have been unified and divided at the same time. The book continues to show us the truth of humanity as well as the stupidity of it.
The book is an atypical story that involves struggles between the people, their fears, and their environment. The detail put into the symbolism for each character surprised me. I have been able to see foreshadowing from the beginning of the book. The characters have been unified and divided at the same time. The book continues to show us the truth of humanity as well as the stupidity of it.
Vocabulary Free Post: Ecclesiastic and Sap
When I was 6, I was that I was expected to be ecclesiastic by my family. At that point, I did everything my parents told me because I didn't particularly have any personal beliefs. I did exactly as my parents wished. I took Qur'an lessons to learn Arabic, and I learned as many prayers as I could. As I became more seasoned to the reality and cruelty of the world, I began to question everything I was told as a child. I became less and less religious as I became less innocent to the world's truths. In a way, this is just like what is happening to the boys in Lord of the Flies.
As children, we never really understand how much of our parents' resources we use. We continually sap their income and energy. Our parents have dedicated hours upon hours to take care of us, make us happy, and just simply continue the human race. We never are truly appreciative for the hundreds of thousands of dollars spend on our educations and other things in life, but how can we truly make up for something so large? How can we pay our parents back? The answer is simple but hard. We should simply just love our parents and show them how much we appreciate everything. Everyone struggles with this, but it seems to be worth it to me.
As children, we never really understand how much of our parents' resources we use. We continually sap their income and energy. Our parents have dedicated hours upon hours to take care of us, make us happy, and just simply continue the human race. We never are truly appreciative for the hundreds of thousands of dollars spend on our educations and other things in life, but how can we truly make up for something so large? How can we pay our parents back? The answer is simple but hard. We should simply just love our parents and show them how much we appreciate everything. Everyone struggles with this, but it seems to be worth it to me.
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Monday, October 23, 2017
Trust: Describe a person or group of people who you trust the most.
Trusting other people is not something that is not easily done. It always has seemed like everyone I attempt to trust can break my trust in some way. I've managed to mostly keep to myself for a majority of my life, but it always seemed like I should tell someone. I never knew trust trust until I met my group of friends at Episcopal. This group managed to get secrets out of me that even my parents didn't know.
We are four boys that have known each other since kindergarten. I've known the fifth person since fifth grade. I've entrusted this group with my biggest secrets: things about crushes, family matters, etc. The amount of trust that people gives you comes with an amount of responsibility and gratitude that you should show. We've all shared secrets with each other, and we respect the secrets, regardless of how we feel about them. All of this has led me to believe that you can never have true friendship without true trust.
We are four boys that have known each other since kindergarten. I've known the fifth person since fifth grade. I've entrusted this group with my biggest secrets: things about crushes, family matters, etc. The amount of trust that people gives you comes with an amount of responsibility and gratitude that you should show. We've all shared secrets with each other, and we respect the secrets, regardless of how we feel about them. All of this has led me to believe that you can never have true friendship without true trust.
Human Nature
Humans have never been perfect. Many of us have multiple flaws. We make countless mistakes, and we are not always kind. This all seems like it reflects badly on humans, but it is natural. We cannot help what we were programmed to do. We all make mistakes, but the best part about humans is that we attempt to correct our mistakes.
I haven't always thought of humanity like this, but things seem to become clearer as we grow older. People become more idolized and perfect when you realize that everyone has made a mistake. It makes everyone feel more confident in themselves. This urge for perfection will never be accomplished, but man-kind will try its best to be as close to perfect as possible.
I haven't always thought of humanity like this, but things seem to become clearer as we grow older. People become more idolized and perfect when you realize that everyone has made a mistake. It makes everyone feel more confident in themselves. This urge for perfection will never be accomplished, but man-kind will try its best to be as close to perfect as possible.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Monday, October 9, 2017
Free Post: My Fall Break
Fall break was a break where we had two days off of school. I was sick for the Wednesday before fall break, so I had an extra day off of school. I was sick for Wednesday and Thursday, and I spent Friday doing homework and missed classwork. This left me with only the weekend to enjoy fall break.
On Saturday, my friends and I discussed our plans for homecoming. We decided what we would do for dinner before and our plans for after the event. I spent the rest of my day with my family which involved going to dinner for mu sister's birthday and watching a movie. On Sunday, I FaceTimed some friends and I played some video-games. My fall break wasn't very productive, but I caught up on some much needed rest.
Living with a SEAL
This novel was written by Jesse Itzler. The book takes place in present day New York where the narrator lives. The story mainly focuses on Jesse's workout time with SEAL, but it also talks about the problems between the main characters. Jesse is mainly the protagonist and SEAL is his antagonist. I enjoyed this because the author uses quintessential words and phrases to make the reader feel a sort of empathy for the narrator.
The story begins with Jesse finding a workout trainer at an intense race. This trainer is the toughest man Jesse has met, but even he has some problems. Jesse seeks the help of SEAL to become a better runner and a better person. The author doesn't leave much suspense throughout the story, but he does make it interesting with the disputes between everyone. The only problem that I have with this story is the fact that the conflict is always about the same type of issue. I recommend this novel to anyone interested in a funny and entertaining book.
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Monday, October 2, 2017
"To Da-duh" Overview
When we read stories like Harrison Bergeron and To Da-duh, we wonder why these stories were written. They seem to have little to no effect on us, but they can teach us lessons in some aspects. Good readers wonder why, where, when, how, and who. These stories encompass what has happened in the past and what will happen in the future. They teach us why things work the way they do, but they can also change our view on other things along the way.
To Da-duh takes place in the 1930s in Barbados, where slavery was only recently outlawed. It follows the narrator through her stay with her grandmother, Da-duh. We learn the views of different races on how slavery worked. The story can tell you how old Da-duh is and how she died, but it will not tell you things like if the narrator is scared of machines or how Da-duh would react to the postcard sent to her. The stories did teach me one lesson, don't take what you have for granted.
To Da-duh takes place in the 1930s in Barbados, where slavery was only recently outlawed. It follows the narrator through her stay with her grandmother, Da-duh. We learn the views of different races on how slavery worked. The story can tell you how old Da-duh is and how she died, but it will not tell you things like if the narrator is scared of machines or how Da-duh would react to the postcard sent to her. The stories did teach me one lesson, don't take what you have for granted.
Heroes
Boom. Chaos broke when the sirens began to screech. The people began to run. The homes began to collapse. Began began to fall into the black abyss. Nothing could be done to stop the disaster, but then the firemen came out of their vibrant trucks. These men caught people falling from buildings like debris. They jumped into deep pits to rescue single people or pets. Death was the last thing on their minds, they only cared to save people. They had somewhat of a disregard for their own lives, but that is how anyone feels if they want to truly help. Boom.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Monday, September 18, 2017
The Rule of Thre3 (Final Post)
The Rule of Thre3 is a book written by Eric Walters. The story takes you on a journey with the main character who is trying to save the neighborhood. He is attempting to do so with his neighbor Herb, Todd, and his mother. The author took me on a journey that really made me reconsider some things about myself. He always had a reason for doing everything in the novel. He managed to keep me wanting more up until the very end of the story.
I've completed this medium sized novel in the span of three weeks, about 360 minutes of reading. I was brought into this fictional world by Eric Walters. He made me think about things like who I trust the most, and if they'd ever betray me. Minor things that no one ever thinks about were talked about, like would you kill if you needed water for your family? The story makes one think about these horrific things, but you know what kind of person you are if you answer truthfully. In the end, are your means justified by the end goal?
Did It Really Happen?
The phone rang, and I jumped off of my bed.
"Who could it be?" I wondered.
"Hello?" I said nervously as I picked up the telephone.
"Good Morning, is this John Cane?" the ominous voice asked.
"Yes, who's asking?' I responded.
"This is Cameron Blitz from the New York morgue. I regret to inform you that your parents have recently passed away." he whispered as his voice broke.
"No. That is not possible, they just left the house an hour ago..." I responded as the first of many tears fell.
"Sir, your parents were involved in a car accident. It seems as if they passed a red light, causing them to crash into multiple vehicles. The cars piled up, with their vehicle on the bottom. They were crushed by the impact," the old man deliberated.
"But they said they'd be back in an hour!" I cried
"Mr. Cane, please calm down. I need for you to answer some questions for me," he said with a soothing voice.
"Okay, but answer my question first."
"Please, ask me anything," he responded.
"Where did the crash happen?"
"It happened at the corner of 5th and 50th," he answered as he flipped through papers.
"That's right by my house," I said as I checked my watch.
"Are you telling me that the crash happened as they left?" the old man responded.
"Yes..." the only word that I felt like saying came out of my mouth.
"Do you recall your parents acting weirdly before they left? Any symptoms of drugs or alcohol?" he attempted to interrogate me.
"No, they were as normal as ever," I answered.
"Okay, thank you. Do you mind coming to the police station to answer further questions?" he asked uneasily.
"Umm, I'll be there in twenty minutes," I sobbed as I hung up with the man.
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Monday, September 11, 2017
Dear 10 Year Old
Never pass up an opportunity to make new friends. It always seems like I made a great decision with the friends I currently have. The majority of these people are trustworthy and easy to talk to. Allowing people to get close to you is never a bad thing, unless you cannot trust the person.
Having a stable group of friends that you are able to tell anything is beneficial for everyone. Everyone should be comfortable with each other, and feel free to add more people to your group of friends. As you grow older and have more problems, trustworthy people can really help you get through rough times.
Having a stable group of friends that you are able to tell anything is beneficial for everyone. Everyone should be comfortable with each other, and feel free to add more people to your group of friends. As you grow older and have more problems, trustworthy people can really help you get through rough times.
The Rule of Thre3 (Post 2)
The Rule of Thre3 continues to amaze me with the writing style and plot used by the author. It seems to never end, which may be a good thing for this story. I've been trying to predict things as much as possible, but it seems that I am never right about anything I think. The author is successful in the aspect of mystery, so I look forward to more books written by him.
Currently in the story, a perimeter is being set up to protect the neighborhood of 1600 people from outside raiders. The main characters are planning how they will survive with the resources they have. The author writes this situation as if it can happen to in real life at any time. This piece of information is a bit scary because things can go south at any time.
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
The Rule of Thre3
The Rule of Thre3 continues to amaze me with the way this story describes and solves the problems that the characters are given. Each and every character has their own way of solving problems, each as useful as the other. Each person is given a role to maintain, and it is done with obedience and care. Currently in the story, the characters are protecting Lori's family at their farm. They were recently confronted by a group of people who are in need of water, so Adam takes the lead by offering a unique way to help.
The author's organization is basically just events chronological order. The story is told in first person, so we follow one main character throughout the book. There are very many interesting word choices made by the author either. The story and plot of this book is great, but the basic grammar and wording ruin how great this book could be.
The author's organization is basically just events chronological order. The story is told in first person, so we follow one main character throughout the book. There are very many interesting word choices made by the author either. The story and plot of this book is great, but the basic grammar and wording ruin how great this book could be.
Louisiana's Tragedy in 2016
In August of 2016, the southern state of Louisiana flooded. This disaster caused the loss of thousands of homes and businesses. This forced many people to live in shelters and temporary housing until their homes were repaired. This flood caused extensive damage, so some repairs are yet to be completed. 'Home Sweet Home' is a poem about this excess of water.
This poem describes the experience of a woman walking into a shelter after evacuating her home. The woman is accompanied by her child, who is full of joy while the woman is full of sadness. They experience the taste of good food and the feel of dry flooring. The author enjoys the experience as much as she can, but she soon realizes that her life is not that simple anymore. Her belongings and her home are gone, resulting in the author having lost everything. This poem wasn't meant to cause sadness but to cause awareness of the problems that people have.
This poem describes the experience of a woman walking into a shelter after evacuating her home. The woman is accompanied by her child, who is full of joy while the woman is full of sadness. They experience the taste of good food and the feel of dry flooring. The author enjoys the experience as much as she can, but she soon realizes that her life is not that simple anymore. Her belongings and her home are gone, resulting in the author having lost everything. This poem wasn't meant to cause sadness but to cause awareness of the problems that people have.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Legend by Marie Lu
Legend by Marie Lu was the first book I read this summer. The book is describing the plot from the perspective of two main characters: Day and June. The two are enemies before they even meet, but they end up falling in love. This book was strange for me because I'm not used to something changing perspective every chapter, so it could get confusing at times. Once I got used to it, I began to appreciate the two main characters and their goals. Their goals were miraculously similar, so it all seemed like it became one perspective.
After I finished the book, I began to record important events that stood out to me in the novel. They all had to do with betrayal and naivety. This book is centered around an extremely intelligent and naive girl that is betrayed by those closest to her. The other character isn't as important, but he is an extremely intelligent character that is ruined because of the people he cares for. This book had a great plot, and I recommend reading the whole series.
So Much Can Happen in Five Minutes
A couple of weeks ago, I witnessed an engagement. It was between one of my relatives and his fianceé. The two have been together for a few years, and he felt like they should escalate it. This event transpired at a party, at my uncle's house. It is something that will be hard to forget.
I was at my uncle's house, and I saw a group of people gathered around someone. The person in the center was my older cousin. I didn't understand what was happening. I followed everyone outside, where his girlfriend was, and everyone stopped at the doorway. My cousin continued and got onto his knees. He made some promises to his girlfriend, and he proposed.
I was at my uncle's house, and I saw a group of people gathered around someone. The person in the center was my older cousin. I didn't understand what was happening. I followed everyone outside, where his girlfriend was, and everyone stopped at the doorway. My cousin continued and got onto his knees. He made some promises to his girlfriend, and he proposed.
Thursday, August 24, 2017
My Summer Vacation
This summer began with my family traveling to Destin, Florida for a week. I travelled with my parents, sister, uncle, and aunt. We mainly went to have some maintenance work done on our condo near Seaside. After the work was done, we went to the beach, the mall, and multiple restaurants. Within a few days, my uncle and aunt left back for Louisiana because of work, leaving my family alone for the rest of the week. Once we came back from Destin, I did some of my Online Health Course, and I read one of my summer reading books.
In the beginning of July, we went to Bogota, Columbia for a week. When we were there, I became ill. I remained in the hotel for the duration of our trip. My family said they enjoyed the trip, and I just watched Spanish TV shows. I got better on the day we came back, so the flight was somewhat enjoyable. My summer was okay, but it could have been better.
Thursday, August 17, 2017
Prodigy by Marie Lu
Prodigy is a book written by Marie Lu, it is the second book in the trilogy of dystopian novels: Legend, Prodigy, and Champion. This book shows the two main characters, Day and June, while they are on the run from the government of the Republic. They ally themselves with Razor, a Patriot spy in the Republic government, in their plan to assassinate the Elector Primo. What I liked about this book was that it was not boring at any point. There was always some form of action occurring throughout the story.
The author dropped several subtle clues hinting towards the ending of the novel throughout the book. Prodigy displays the pain and suffering that those around you could feel if you break their trust and lie to them, and it shows the things the people could do against you for turning away from them. Many people could relate to this moral in the book because the majority of people have suffered something like this. Prodigy was my favorite book this summer, and I recommend reading it if you enjoy dystopian novels or books that teach a lesson.
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