My reading life is great. I'm began to the library more often. The school library and the ones' outside of school. At first I started to read only manga~ ^__^.. but currently I'm reading a book with only text ~ It's about 700 pages or so ... I just began recently. It's getting pretty interesting. Sometimes when I read I don't understand it completely...so I guess I'm going to improve the way I analyze the things I read. The vocabulary words also! Some books have challenging words. Reading can always be interesting, as long as you have a book that catches your attention.

My book talk yesterday, well, two days ago...was pretty good. I went down the list, and I think I didn't end up talking for a long time about the summary of the book. I understand the book I read clearly. The only challenging thing I have about book talks is .. talking, HAHAHA. I get nervous a lot...I think that's what I have to improve about the book talks. AHHH~ Next book talk in front of everyone...scary!! *__*
But other than the talking, everything seems pretty easy, as long as you read the book that is.

Romeo and Juliet First Impression

Well, my first impression on the book isn't really that great. The language was written in a different way, of course. It makes it sort of hard to understand unless you reread it a few times. I don't really enjoy it much, but...maybe as time goes, I'll grow to love it, HAHAH, I doubt it though. Only read the beginning pages. Not that into it yet...

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Write about how the movie, O Brother, Where Art Thou? connects to a book we have read this year...how does it compare to The Alchemist or what we learned about mythology? What are some similarities and differences between Everett and Santiago? What about comparisons of other characters? What about similarities or differences between themes? You should write at least 100 words on this, on your blog. You could also include an image, quote, or song lyric that you think goes along with what you are talking about...it could be an image from the movie or the book, but it needs to display or demonstrate the connections you are describing.

In O Brother, Where Art Thou? and in The Alchemist, they both were looking for some kind of treasure, but they don't know what exactly the treasure is. This is interesting because they both know that it is a treasure but not the real worth, or what it "really" is. But knowing that it is a treasure, it must be something rare or good that you'd go on a journey for it. Also, in O Brother, Where Art Thou? how the sirens capture the men with there death songs is something related to mythology. How the people were on the ship, covered their ears, etc. Had some mythology related-ness in the movie.

The differences between the movie and The Alchemist is that of course, there will be different kinds of obstacles. I think in the Alchemist it had more to do with emotional obstacles, when he has to think about which decisions he choose that will lead him the way, and in the movie it had more to do with Physical.. I think. How it was dangerous, they could have gotten killed, etc.

Symbols

Omens *
Omen seen, heard or even visualized at the initiation of an activity, are said to foretell the outcome of the activity. There is "good" and "bad" omens. Foreseeing something that hasn't happened yet.

Possible meaning of an omen *
Omens can have multiple meanings from different perspectives in things. In astrology the solar and lunar eclipses have been often considered as omens of notable births, deaths, or other significant events throughout history in many societies.

Omens can be considered either good or bad depending on someone's interpretation. Omens differ from place to place, country to country & religion to religion.


In the United States, a black cat is consider a sign of a bad omen.

In the Alchemist, omens appeared a lot throughout the whole story. It must be really important to the story.

Second thing, now that we have finished the Alchemist, find an image at one of the websites listed below and explain how that connects to your viewpoint on finding one's personal legend. What symbol or image personifies the quest to fulfill one's dreams?


Okay, I think the "heart" explains how it connects to finding one's personal legend; to fulfill one's dream. In order to follow your personal legend, you have to have trust in your heart, belive in your heart, experience everything with your heart. Your heart will long for many things that can lead to your personal legend. The heart will always be with you forever, until the day of death, something you can never get rid of. The heart feels pain, happiness, etc. Just like Santiago, how he had to trust his heart to pursue is Personal Legened...

Reflection on presentations

First thing, write a reflection on the presentations we witnessed. List 4-5 things you learned or thought were interesting from the groups who presented and explain how your point of view on themes, ideas, purpose, and symbols changed. Please try to be specific (you may use your notes).


Hmm...Well, I think the presentations was quite interesting. Hearing other people's thoughts in dept. Especially the one discussion about the gyspy and old man with the false hopes. How one can show false hopes. You have to watch out for the things people say to you, look from different perspectives. That's one thing I had stuck in my mind for a while~ Another thing I thought was interesting was the talk about the beginners luck. How you shouldn't always except something like that to keep happening if it just happens once. There will always be obstacles you'll have to face and go through. Beginners luck is just enough to keep you going. You can't expect an easy road... that was a really important because it happens to many people in real life, expecting an easy way... From my own questions I had to answer, facing the real world. How sometimes people would use you to get themselves ahead. Of course, not EVERYONE would use you, XD. You should think about the other meanings there can be in anything, so there won't be an misunderdtanding. Hmm...another is probably the discussion about the conversations with the nautrual world, nature, etc. How almost everyday, we're surrounded by "The Natural World", which doesn't have to be only the desert. The sun, trees, etc.

Independent Book

a. What connections are there between the book and your life? Explain by providing details about the book (and your personal experiences).


The connection I see between the book I am currently reading (Down a Dark Hall by Lois Duncan) and I, is that the book has several meanings, like a theme. The one theme I see that connects to my life is that Kit, the main character in the story, is being pressured, in a way, and she decides whether she gives in or not. At first, you gives in to attending the private boarding school, because her parents are going away to a trip to Europe, leaving her there, even thought she fought against it, at the end, she decided to give in and accept it. During the story she figures out that there are strange things happening and she finally relizes what the school is actually using the students for. Some of the students give in accepting it, there is nothing they can do, etc. But Kit is fighting against it, which means she is not giving in. It connects to my life, and probably many others, because there will always be a time where you woulld be pressured, and have to decide on your own, whatever choices open for you.

importance of utilizing your time

Write a journal entry explaining the importance of utilizing your time wisely, especially when it comes to working in an honors class. Please highlight what your strengths and your weaknesses are in planning your time. What are your goals to improve how you use your time? Please be specific. This assignment is worth 20 points (two homework assignments and will be graded on how specifically you asses yourself and design your goals). Also, you are required to go onto at least 2 other blogs, read what others have written, and add your thoughts as a comment to their post.

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Time is really important, and I agree with how you say we should plan, or use our time wisely. My strenghts when is comes to working/planning my time is really good, at least I think so. I can always work quietly and quickly. I'm always motivated to finish all my work before doing anything else, especially when I'm in class, and I rarely forget the work I have to complete. My weakness in working/planning my time is that at times, I get distracted, but rarely in class. At home, I can get distracted, but most of the time I end up finishing my work anyways. I plan to improve how I use my time by seeing what I have to get completed everyday, and how many free time I have, seeing what I must do, etc. I can organize myself by listing which has more of a larger importance in my life, and putting the things that I just "want" to do for later.

The Alchemist - 100 Words

In The Alchemist, I have noticed a lot of changes in Santiago. He gave up a lot of things, took many risks, fell in love with Fatima, etc. He understands the Soul Of the World more clearly, understands his heart, etc. He also learned "how to turn himself into the wind". In the beginning of the book he didn't understand much of the things around him, wasn't "aware". He discovered that you should always listen to your heart, because it is a part of you, and if you don't listen to it, you'll always be hurting somewhere since the heart if forever with you.

Independent Reading Book - 200 Pages

Dear Lois Duncan,

I have been reading "Stranger With My Face", and I'm really enjoying the book. It was really something different from other books I have been reading. I've read many other books from you, and they were all really interesting. Always so thrilling, it makes me really want me to finish reading it already, only about 10 pages left! This book wants me to hurry and finish reading it already~ *-* I hope to read more books from you in the future, haha. I’ve read many of your books, and I’m starting to wonder if your life is something like the books I’ve been reading. Have you experience any kind of mysterious things in your life? I’ve read a biography about you, and it says that your daughter was kidnapped, and that is pretty depressing… In many of your stories, what inspires you to write them? Do you write them because you know some people who have gone through such a thing? Or is it something else entirely? I’m also wondering if you would ever try writing a romantic story, because I've been curious since you have been writing mysterious ones. Just a thought.


Sincerly, Vicky

The Alchemist

b) you can write on any quote or specific idea from the book that you find interesting. Explain why it has sparked your thinking or touched you.


In The Alchemist, there was a part in the story where the Alchemist was explaining to Santiago if he decides not to fulfill his personal legend, in the next years that come, things will begin to happen. First year he will be happy with what he has, second year he would think about his personal legend, and keep wondering, and eventually when he stops to listen to his personal legend, it'll stop calling for him and he would never know what the treasure was. The omens that call for him would be buried. In Santiago's shoes, he was in doubt of himself. To either leave what he has now, which was the one he love, sheep, money... or should he leave and pursuit his personal legend. I found this quite interesting, because in one's life, it happens often right? When I think about situations I've been through I recall a time where I had been in doubt, where I was stuck and had to make a decision. In television shows, etc. Sometimes people regret not choosing a certain path, and sometimes they don't. It was interesting because this is something that happens to almost everyone and they can relate to.

personal blog.

http://eternallyforever.blogspot.com/

personal blog.

Reading Life...etc...

My reading life? Hmm... well, I don't really have time reading my independent reading book. >__< I finished reading The Alchemist though~ *___*'. I didn't really pay that much attention while I was finishing it though...but I understand what happens~ I think I'll have to reread it and pay attention to the little details, and look for "hidden meaning" or anything important.

I guess I don't really have a choice but to talk about The Alchemist...since I haven't really have time to read my book of my choice -----

I pick option :

b. Mini theme analysis (discuss what you think one of your themes might be and why you find it interesting/important)

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In The Alchemist I think one of the theme of this book is to tell us, the readers, that when we have a goal/dream/ or anything relating to achieve, we should do so. We should do what we want to achieve. To go through the obstacles, and to fight for what you want to accomplish. Just like anyone who has things to accomplish, or goals they want to reach. People would try, and keep trying to reach this certain goal or dream. The book tells us not to stay down when we fall, and keep getting up each time we fall, because after every defeat, you become stronger. For example, Santiago, he had to go through a lot of obstacles on his way for his Personal Legend.

I find this quite interesting/important because I think it's true, that people should follow their dreams or goals, even if they have to give up some important things, or ever if they know it'll take a long time. If your heart is longing or wanting something, you should go reach for it...

Well, I haven't have time for reading these days. I really want to finish reading this one book but...I need to study for finals, etc. I'll try to finish reading the book I'm currently reading maybe this weekend if nothing comes up e__e

Book Reflection

They see me, I see me
They see me, I don't see me
I try to see me, but isn't me
They don't believe me, I believe me


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That was just a short poem relating to he book I'm currently reading. The book I am reading shows how a 17 year old teenager girl who has moved to a place where they are near by the ocean or so. Once, she was inited to a party, but she canceled the invitation because she said she was sick -which was true- but her friends told her the next day or so that they saw her at the beach with another guy. Her boyfriend said she saw her. Even though her friends told her that they saw her there, she KNOWS she was sick and at home, even her mother knows that. Another time, at night, she was about to go to bed, and she looked at herself in the mirror, and she saw herself smile, but when she went to bed she realize that she wasn't the one smiling in the reflection. Days went by, and people kept telling her they saw her in places she knew she wasn't in. She tries to figure out what is going on...and that's all I know for now about the book I'm reading now.

Reflections and Thoughts on your reading book/article

Kk, I just recently finished reading the book "I Know What You Did Last Summer."
This book was about how four teenagers (Julie, Ray, Helen, and Barry) killed a kid while they were driving last summer and now, a few months from the event that occured, someone wanted revenge. Strange things started to happen around them... but at the end after the many things that happen to all four of them, it says they decided to tell the officer everything that had happened. From beginning to end.

******I'll be working on option c. Predict what happens to the main characters (or the minor characters) after the end of the book (it's like you're writing the sequel********

I think after when they explained everything that happened... Barry (the one older than 18) would probably have to do some time in jail. The news would spread, etc. Maybe, Collie (the one that created the strange events that happended around them) would most likely spend some time in jail or something similar to that. He ended up shooting someone for revenge... he almost killed two people.