Reading Details

Glass  by Ellen Hopkins
4/20- 222-584( 3 hrs 21 min)
4/21- 584- 681 (1 hr)

Total: 4 hrs 21 min

Reading Times and Exemption

Glass by Ellen Hopkins
4/13/13-first 222 pages.... 2 hrs and 37 minutes.

Reading Response

Fallout by Ellen Hopkins
Last Book in sequel to Crank

          The three main characters are Hunter, Autumn, and Summer. I am really glad that in the end they all got together and bonded to become one big family. A kind of dysfunctional one, but at least they got to meet each other. I was really disappointed, though, when Kristina, their mother, barely even acknowledged them because she hadn't even seen them since they were babies. It's as if she doesn't know love. 
          For Autumn, I don't know why she would lie to her boyfriend. The situation wasn't that serious, but at least she got to see her father. That's good, but kind of insane that her father almost ruined the wedding because of his problem. Hunter, the guy that everyone wants. He shouldn't have given in to temptation. Hunter was lowly in doing that, but I'm glad that things went back to the way they were for him because he is nice and sweet. Summer is really dumb. She made a bad decision. She should have known that accident was coming their way right when she let her boyfriend get behind the wheel.

Reading Times: pages 222-663, 3/31-4/6, 6 hrs
Total: 441 pages, 6 hrs.

Analyze a song

"Umbrella" by Rihanna feat. Jay-Z- Lyrics 

"Under my umbrella"- a form of protection 

"Under my umbrella" is repeated constantly through out the entire song. I think the umbrella symbolizes a form of protection. When saying "Because when the sun shines, we'll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever" I think Rihanna is trying to say she's there for you through thick and thin. For one, sunshine is usually bright and happy with no worries. Nothing is wrong, and everything is going right. When the rain gets in the way, there is usually a struggle or obstacle to get by, but with the umbrella, their relationship will stay constant and loyal. "Come in to me" for protection when the rain is pouring so you can be safe, and that person can depend on her. 

"Let it rain, I hydroplane into fame"
"You know me, in anticipation for precipitation"- internal rhymes 
"Under my umbrella (ella ella ay ay ay)"- Assonance/alliteration

The internal rhymes are making the the song more upbeat and rhythmic. Jay-Z is making it sound like there is a reason for him to be protected with the internal rhymes. He seems as if he expects the rain and with the rhymes, he's making it sound like he's happy and so it's actually meaningful for him to go under the umbrella. The assonance/alliteration is making the song smooth. Repeated, flowy smoothness. The vowels repeating are welcoming because you just want to join in saying them because of the sound and how much it repeats. They are giving more reason for someone to go under the umbrella (um-buh-rella[how Rihanna sings it]). 

Literacy Analysis

    I've decided to revise my literacy analysis paper. For one, I got a low B on it which was the lowest grade out of all three papers. I also think I could do way better on it. It seems, to me, that I didn't summarize the story, but since Dr. D said I did, I guess I could improve the order of my story. That would fall in the organization category for a trait of good writing.
     The other trait of good writing I would focus on would be content. As I'm reading more of the comments on my paper, I do see what she means about the summarizing. I should add more of my own thoughts. I should also support my quotations more. In my mind, the things I'm trying to say are already supported by the quotes, but that's something I need to change. Besides those two traits, we all need to work on word choice and conventions because that's something you would need to do anyway.

Reading Times: (Fallout by Ellen Hopkins) 3/19- 20 minutes, 3/20- 20 minutes, 3/21- 15 minutes, 3/22- 15 minutes, 3/24- (Jane Goodall Post) 25 minutes, 3/25- 30 minutes, 3/25 (this post, turnitin)- 30 minutes
Total: 155 minutes

Jane Goodall Plagiarized

        The fact that Jane Goodall plagiarized in her latest book seems serious to me. For one, at our school we have serious consequences if we plagiarize. Secondly, she just threw passages in there without paraphrasing a little bit. It seems as if Jane Goodall took the matter lightly because all she said was sorry. I thought if things like that happened you could get sued or something, but from the article, it seems that no one has taken any action to tell Goodall that she may have to pay a fee or she can't sell her book. I am very surprised that this happened, especially since it was sometimes paragraphs that were not given credit to the actual author.
         I think they should correct it by not selling the books that have already been copied even though that may waste money. They could also have like an extra page of the book where it says all the sources, or she could have a page or something official where she puts all the information that she took   on it. Another thing I questioned was why didn't the publisher of the book read it before they made copies of the book. Aren't they suppose to check for mistakes, errors, or anything that is wrong with a book? They need to introduce the authors of the things they stole, paraphrase, quote, and anything else. How could they be so careless? Even I know to do such things. It may be difficult for them to look through the entire book, word by word, but since it was published for everyone to read with her name on it, it was pretty serious.

Nervous Condition Thoughts

         I think the upcoming ninth graders should read Nervous Conditions. It will enrich their minds on a totally different community than we live in now. They may become more grateful on the things they have, and they may realize that life is rough for a lot of people in this world. Also, it is one of the books where after you finish reading it, you know exactly what to put for the essential question that is asked for from each book we read, "How do community and culture shape who we are?"
          As I see it, the book was pretty good. I couldn't really relate to most of the things they were talking about, but I was able to comprehend what they were going through in my head. The struggles of this and that, and why they did that and this. The discussions raised in class were helpful to the thought process of the book so I was rarely confused of which direction Tambu was going in while telling the story.
          Readers will also gain a large amount of knowledge about Zimbabwe(Rhodesia) in the 1960's and will learn a lot about the culture. Varying from language, patriarchal society, food, social class systems,etc., it definitely wouldn't hurt to learn about those different aspects. Furthermore, thinking about how class systems and patriarchal societies are still occurring in a watered-down state in Zimbabwe now will also help distinguish the growth of their community and culture.
          As these 9th graders ponder for more questions about this book, Dr. deGravelles will be giving more answers which will help them succeed for the final exam. Not only will it help them think beyond the essential question for the books, but also they will think beyond the question and take it into consideration for their own lives.

Reading Times: 3/17- 3 hours for interview and film study paper
3/17- 2 hours of reading Fallout by Ellen Hopkins

Mission vs Homestead

          Tambu's perspective about the homestead changed. They had the filthy latrines instead of the nice, clean toilets. The conditions of the house on the homestead was tattered while the mission was neat and structural. Tambu has to work harder at the homestead because of the worse conditions.
         I, too, also help clean up more when I'm at my house than when at a friend's house. This reason being that whenever I go to someone else's house, their house is usually clean, and the parents like to cater to the guest. I act different in some classes depending on the teacher. For example, I may talk more or doze off in a class depending on what class I am in.

Reading Details: 3/9/13- Worked on vocab test (60 min), Type up close reading (15), read Nervous Conditions (30 min). 3/8/13- reading Nervous Conditions (60 min). 3/10/13- worked on reading guides (30 min)
Total: 195 minutes

Free Post: Track Meets

               I started track season about a month ago in January. I was kind of excited since it was my first track season as a high schooler, and I was determined to beat high schoolers from other schools in the hurdles because that was my favorite event, and I had done so in previous years. At practice, I practice sprints the most, though, instead of hurdles when I should be doing both like every other day. Even without practicing I was pretty confident that I was going to win in a meet without practice. I was wrong. During the first track meet, I didn't warm up as much as I should have so I ended up getting sixth. It happened the same way for the second track meet which was Saturday because my form was horrible even though at practice my form is good... when I actually practice the hurdles.

              Now I'm really trying to get at least third for the track meet coming up Friday. I will get at least that. I have promised myself to practice with all ten hurdles when I'm at practice. Practicing using the blocks and getting my footwork right will also be a key thing in my success. Also getting timed so I can know my speed and what things I can do to get my time faster. I am so ready. I will practice until I get a time that I know would win a meet. I have to get low on the hurdles too because that split second of jumping too high will take away on my time. I will be ready for Friday!

Babamukuru

          That darn girl ruining my reputation with her whorish ways. How dare that girl, that Nyasha speak back to me in such a tone. I am the man, the provider, the educated of this house. No one shall go against my will, my way in that manner, and if it should go that way, both of us, her first, will never see another day.
          I shall help my brother, Jeremiah. He is not providing, therefore I will send one of his children to school so that they can have a better chance at helping out the family. The hierarchy and reputation of all our families shall remain, and I will not let it deteriorate. Everyone outside of this family will not see the the real struggle of the homestead. I will help them. I will help them all!

Reading Times: 2/26-3/1- 60 minutes of reading Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga. 2/26-3/1 - 60 minutes of annotating. 2/28-3/1 - 85 minutes of working on projects
Total: 205 mins

Layer Reflection

              I have finished the first part of my Nervous Conditions layered project. It wasn't really hard at all. The hardest part of it was the annotating because it took longer for me to read everything that was necessary in order for me to start the projects, but it was helpful. I annotated heavily, so hopefully I got a perfect score on that. In the future, I will try to read ahead so I can have the annotating part out of the way since it takes me so long. The most satisfying was the reading guides because I have done that type of stuff since I was in like third or fourth grade. I knew what to do, and I answered each part of the questions.
              The least helpful thing was the vocabulary test. Even if I didn't understand a particular word I could sort of figure out what it meant by the context clues. Therefore, I didn't feel like I needed to do all of that just to put it in context to understand the book, but to just make an imprint in my mind to remember it for knowledge. None of the assignments I did were not satisfying because they all helped me in some type of way.

RReading Times

Nervous Conditions:  2/20- 30 min., 2/21- 30 min, 2/22-30 min, 2/23-30 min.
                               Editing Research Paper- 2/20- 30 minutes, 2/21- 30 minutes
Total: 3 hrs

Research Times

1/28- read over some sources making sure they were reliable (25 minutes)
1/29- 3 notecards (35 minutes)
1/29- outline (45 mins)
1/30- Read some notes about the project (15 minutes)
2/2- revise outline (20 mins)
2/2- revise thesis (10 mins)

Research Topic

          Hey. I'm about to tell you about my research topic for English. First off, my questions are what was the role of a Gypsy during the Holocaust, and how were they affected? And how did certain countries feel about them, and how do they feel about them now? I really wasn't interested in this topic until Ms. Brock told me my original topic was too broad. My overall original topic was literally "Holocaust/World War II" because I barely understood what we were doing for the project, but Ms. Brock recommended some topics to me. I thought Gypsies would be the coolest one to talk about. I learned the Gypsies were outcasts to Germany when they moved there, and most people didn't like them. They had to go straight to concentration camps just like the Jews.  Also, countries besides Germany wanted to get rid of them. Even now some people don't like the Gypsies.

          The topic I have chosen is based on Gypsies during the Holocaust. The specific questions are what was the role of a Gypsy during the Holocaust, and how were they affected? Also, how did certain countries feel about them, and how do they feel about them now? I was intrigued by this topic after the school's librarian, Ms. Brock, recommended me to looking into further detail with the topic of Gypsies during the Holocaust. I have learned a significant amount of information as I had to do an annotated bibliography. The bibliography allowed me to read at least ten articles, journals, books, etc. and find information that would help me answer my research questions. Gypsies originated from India. They moved to Germany with diverse culture, different appearance, and a different language than the people who lived in Germany. They were basically outcasts, pariahs, in Germany. They lived in ghettos of Germany because they didn't have enough money to live anywhere else because nobody would give them a job. Later, they had to go to concentration camps, along with the Jews, because Hitler felt the same way about them like he felt about the Jews. Back then, other countries didn't want Gypsies to move to their area because of all the stereotypes about them being criminals and filthy people. Now, some countries still show an outrageous amount of discrimination towards the Gypsies. I find that ridiculous, but from what  I have found, it's true.

Reading Times: 1/23 read and annotated one article(30 minutes) 1/24  read and annotated 7 articles(3 1/2 hours)
Total: 8 articles, 4 hours

Research Update

     My topic is centered around Gypsies during the Holocaust. I've used Facts on File, SIRS, and Galenet for my information to put on note cards and such. Typing in basic words like Holocaust or Gypsy have been helpful to look up things for my research topic. Gypsies are also called Roma, so that would also be a good keyword to type in to help me find more information. For me, it's not that difficult to find the information needed. 

     The thing I'm having the most difficult time doing is the annotated bibliography. I have six citations already, and I put them on noodletools. I am still trying to get in the process of how to do the paragraphs for the citations or whatever it is. I will try to find examples from the people in my research group in class. I should be fine though. 

Reading Times: Tricks by Ellen Hopkins ... Jan 15- 246 through 327... Jan 16- 328 through 408.. Jan 17- 409 through 568 .. Jan 18- 569 through 627

Total: 381 pages, 317 minutes

Inauguration 2013 and MLK Day

        Today is the day that Barack Obama was inducted into office for his second term, and it's also the day we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. who crusaded through discrimination and racism. Both of these men, being African American, were affronted in some way. The severity of the affronts have lessened tremendously as King used nonviolent ways to issue how wrong racial inequality was back then. Being adroit men, Obama and King are similar in the way that they knew how to handle things and had powerful voices to get their points across.
       Sometimes as I hear negative comments about Barack being back into presidency, I am militant. I just want to bite back with a comment of how he has helped us so much. I don't see why certain people have a negative demeanor towards Obama if they don't really know what he does for us or what he wants to do for the United States. The things King and Obama have done for this world weren't just avocations, but were done to make this world a better place. It took time and hard work.
       Today is a day where we should think about what these leaders have done without being raucous and obnoxious. I think it's tacit that I appreciate these two people. Try not to be a pariah in these types of situations. Get involved!

Friends

          If you are going to be friends with someone, actually be there friend! Don't talk to them only if you want or need something. Friends are suppose to be there for each other no matter what. Specifically best friends, but you don't have to be just their best friend to ask what's wrong if they're looking down. A friend should do that also. Laughing and crying and smiling and frowning together.  Someone who you can always tell secrets to and have insiders that no one else knows about. Someone to joke around with and be comfortable around.
          A friend is someone who can turn that smile upside down because they know what'll make you smile. They almost know you better than you know yourself. They should be the ones that always help you out and you can seek some guidance from.

Reading Response

          I am reading Tricks by Ellen Hopkins. I think the last book I read by her was Burned which I really liked, so I decided to read another by her. I don't believe this one is in that series though. The book is realistic fiction. It is about "the right kind of love. With the wrong person." There are five teenagers who are main characters, and their stories are being told.
          My response to Eden is that I think you found a good type of love with Andrew, but don't go into the relationship too fast because you may be rushing it knowing your mother and father would never approve because of their strong religious belief. If I were you, I wouldn't tell my parents because I know the consequences would be very bad, but for some reason I think they will find out without you telling them.
          Seth, you just need to quit. You already know what you are doing is wrong, and if you told your father he would look down at you. I think the best time for you to cut off your relationship is when Loren goes off to New York. The disconnection would kind of be natural.
          Whitney, I have to tell you I understand why you have a better relationship with your father than your mother. Also, that boyfriend of yours, or if he's even your boyfriend, does not love you at all. It was obvious when he didn't tell you he loved you whenever you told him. Plus, he's way older than you and everything. You have definitely found the wrong person to love.
          Ginger! I feel so sorry for you. I feel everything you're doing is right though. You are helping your family more than your mother when she is the cause for everything. You should think of getting a job since you have so much free time. It'll really help. I don't think your in a relationship or in love with anyone yet so I don't really have anything to say for you.
         My response to Cody is that you are not in love. You just think the girl is really pretty. You don't know anything about her at all. One thing you need to do is to stop drinking and smoking. That is just too bad, and plus you're in high school. You don't need to be doing all of that. But Cody, you have definitely found the wrong person to love.

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins,Reading Times: pages 1-84(70 minutes), pages 85-164(70 minutes), pages 165-245(75 minutes)
Total- 245 pages, 215 minutes