Title: Touching Spirit Bear

Author: Ben Mikaelsen

Publication Date: 2002

Page Count: 241

Type: Fiction

Started On: 12/1/07

Finished On: 12/16/07


My Grade: B



1. Why did I decide to read this book?

I am supposed to write a book synopsis on a book for English. Upon choosing a book I decided to tell my mother the situation I was faced. My mother works at a school and she brought home a few books to choose from. When I saw this book’s cover it looked interesting. The cover consists of a boy with a big bear that seems to be imaginary hovering above him. I read the back of the book and became even more interested.








2. Plot summary:

Cole Matthews is a fifteen year old teenager from Minneapolis. Cole lives at home with his alcoholic and abusive parents. He lives a hard life and has been in trouble many times in the past. After Cole broken into a hardware shop, robbing it, and trashing it he brags about it at school. Peter Driscal ratted to the police about Cole. Then Cole corners Peter outside in the parking lot and beats Peter up. Cole was placed in a detention center while the courts decided what to do with him. Garvey, a youth probation officer visits Cole at the detention center daily. During one visit Garvey asked Cole if he would consider applying for Circle Justice. The Circles Justice is a healing form of justice practiced by the native cultures for thousands of years. In the Circle Justice a healing contract is signed and your obligation is to help make things right. The Circle Justice tries to heal, not punish. Healing requires taking responsibility for your actions. Garvey explained to Cole that if he did not want change this would not work. Cole decided that anything would be better than go to prison and he agreed to apply for Circle Justice. The Circle Justice committee consisted of anyone in the community who wished to make a difference to protect and improving the community. For Cole’s healing process, Garvey suggested that he be placed on a remote island in Alaska. After a number of meetings the committee agreed to place Cole in solitary confinement on the remote island in Alaska for one year. The committee required someone to go through the process with Cole and Garvey agreed to be his sponsor. Within the first two days on the island Cole burned down the cabin and all of his supplies, he tried to escape the island by swimming, and he was attacked by a white spirit bear. During those two days Cole laid helplessly fighting for his life in pain from the attack.


3. What is the setting and why is it important to the novel?
The majority of the setting of this novel takes place in the wilderness on a remote island in Alaska. The book is very descriptive in detailing the weather, temperatures, wildlife, and surroundings on the island. All of the descriptive details of the setting are very important. The details of the setting makes you feel as though you are on the island with Cole. The novel takes you through every month of the year. The cold weather and the cold waters are so clearly defined that you can clearly imagine the coldness. The setting and the way the setting is described in details is very important in this novel.


4. Who are the main characters and what roles do they play in the novel?
The main characters in this novel include Cole Matthews, Peter Driscal, Garvey and Edwin. Cole Matthews is a fifteen year old teenager from Minneapolis. For years, Cole has been in trouble with the law. Cole comes from a wealthy family which consists of alcoholic and abusive parents. Peter Driscal is a ninth grader who gets seriously injured in a fight with Cole Matthews. Garvey is a youth probation office who took interest in Cole. Garvey was a Tlingit Indian. Edwin was a Tlingit elder who helped arrange Cole’s banishment. Edwin built a shelter for Cole on the island and made all the preparations

5. What is/are the main conflict(s) in the novel?
I feel that this novel contains several main conflicts. The story begins with one of the conflicts as Cole is assaulting Peter in the school parking lot. This is a conflict between Cole and Peter. The next conflict that takes place would be during Cole’s first visit to the island.
As Cole becomes aggressive towards the spirit bear it causes the bear to fight back. Another conflict could be the one with Cole his self. Cole has to find a way to forgive him self.

6. Describe the climax of the novel?
This novel is filled with one climax after another. The climax of this novel takes place during the first two days on the island. When Cole tries to escape from the island unsuccessfully he finds himself face to face with the white spirit bear. Face to face with a spirit bear makes you question what is going to happen to Cole. When Cole becomes aggressive towards the bear the bear attack Cole for it’s own protection. Cole is basically ripped apart from the bear and left alone and helpless on the island struggling for his life. The bear’s attack and Cole’s fight for survival leaves you question if Cole will live or die during the attack. Another major climax takes place when Peter and Cole are on the island together. Filled with anger Peter attacks Cole unexpectedly. Peter want Cole to fight back. At this point you are unable to put the novel down as you question how much Cole will take before he fights back. The time on the island did make positive changes on Cole. Cole pleaded for forgiveness from Peter and refused to fight back.


7. What is the significance of the books title? Is the title appropriate, or would I change it to something else?

The title of the book was good. The significance of the books title is related to when Cole is attacked by the spirit bear. As Cole was being attacked he ripped a handful of white hair from the bear. He placed the hair in his pocket. He knew if he managed to survive that no one would believe that he had seen a spirit bear. As Cole was being transported to the hospital he reached in his pocket and found the hair. Cole knew then it was not important anymore for him to prove anything to anyone. Cole tossed the hair in the waters and showed it to know one. At that point Cole decided that the only thing that matter to his was to just be honest from this point out. In the final chapter of the novel when Cole and Peter are together and Peter sees the spirit bear for the first time. Peter questioned if anyone would believe them. Cole explained to Peter that it doesn’t matter what other people think or believe. Cole says what is important is what you believe. One major factor I found this novel to be expressing to the reader is the fact that you can overcome anything, you can become anything as long as you believe in yourself. I don’t think I would change the title of this book because Cole’s experience from the bear’s attack plays an important part in all the changes that Cole makes in himself.

Journals 12/10-12/14

Have you ever expirenced major appliance failure at your house? What happened?
- I am sure that we have had a major appliance problem that I don't remember. Our appliances have problems sometimes but not major ones in most cases. I am glad nothing major has occured because I would be helping clean it.

Rudolph Died (bulb burned out) name his replacement.
- Rudolph's replacement is a spotlight mounted on the front of the sled. With new technology Santa could have a high tech sled with navagation controls and all that good stuff. This is just an idea. I expect Rudolph to live for ever and I don't expect Santa to go high tech.

Journals 11/26-12/7

11/26 - Any Adventures over break?
I did not have any adventures over the break. The break consisted of me eating, sleeping, playing basketball, hunting, and doing a few things with my friends. I always enjoy Thanksgiving break though because it is the first break that is decent is length that we get.



11/27- Is our society too sensitive? Santa can't say "Ho-Ho-Ho" anymore?
I don't think our society is too sensitive for santa to sat "Ho-Ho-Ho". There are probably a lot of imeture people that disagree but most normal people understand. Santa has been saying that for so many years no I strongly disagree with changing it now.



11/28- Should lit taught in high school be censored?
High school literature should not be censored. The books that have been approved because they are educational should be read exactly how they are written. If high school students can't handle the inappropriate words in the books they should refuse to read them; not complain to the board. If they can't read books without getting offended there is no way they will be able to handle graduating because the world is full of bad language and ignorant people and people need to learn to live with it.




11/29- How early is too early for Christmas decorations?

Putting decorations up before November is deffinatly to early. I can under stand November because people are thinking of Christmas and the decorations are nice to see when it's only a month away. Most people put them up right after Thanksgiving because they have fun decorating but my family is always going some where else and we have no time to decorate. We're usually not decorated for Christmas until two weeks before.

11/30- Christmas tree-topping: star, angel, or other?
My family uses an angel. I disagree with the tree-toppers that have nothing to do with Jesus. He is the real reason behind the celebration so why not put an angel or start up for him.



12/3- Pity the WVU fans, or revel in their misery?
I am glad that WVU lost. I have no pity on them because they always critisis Maryland. They have deffinatly been a tough team the last couple years but everyone needs to realize that they choke in big games. It never fails. Let me be the first to say that WV will not will a national championship in football or basketball for the next 5 years. They need to get a new coach because obviously he doesn't know how to prepare the team for big games. The fans also get the team over confident when they enter a big game.



12/7- Do you prefer a white Christmas...or would you rather experience warm winter weather?
I love the snow during Christmas. I don't think I would like it any other way. The snow adds the excitment of being able to sled or build a snowman before Christmas. It deffinatly makes the weeks before Christmas more exciting.

Journals 11/26-12/7

Book Synopsis: Big Trouble

Title: Big Trouble

Author: Dave Barry

Publication Date: 1999

Page Count: 317

Type: Fiction

Started On: 10/8

Finished On: 11/21

My Grade: B

1. Why did I decide to read this book?

Every time it comes time to start a new book I ask Clark which book he would recommend. This time around he suggested a book different from the past ones. This one was a comedy type book. Even though I haven't seen the movie it is also very popular.

2. Plot summary:

Puggy a hitch hiker from Cleveland comes to Miami. Here he almost gets into a fight at a Jolly Jackal but after helping fight away two nuisance at the bar he is then offered a job there what ends up to be doing no work and drinking a lot of beer. Puggy begins living in a tree where he experiences someone trying to Arthur Herk, a father, and a being tackled by two women. The two guys trying to shot the father are hit men hired by the company that Mr. Herk works for. At the same time Matt and Andrew are entering the house to shoot Monica with a water gun. A lot of events happen rapidly to result in a hole in the wall, a broken television, and one boy being beat up by two women. After Arthur realizes that he has been shot at he asks the men at Jolly Jackal for their help. When he requests help he is told that they could give a bomb to him. Before Mr. Herk could get the bomb it is stolen; but the men who have stolen it think it has something to do with drugs. The stolen bomb is taking to Mr. Herk's own house by two men. The men capture Puggy and Jenny as hostages. They then go to an airport where they flip a switch on the bomb which sets the bomb for detonation.

3. What is the setting and why is it important to the novel?

The setting of the novel is in Coconut Grove in Miami. There is always something happening in Miami. This is where the Herk's home, the Jolly Jackal Bar and Eliot Arnold Advertising and Public Relations are all located. These are all important to the novel in different ways. As far as the time goes it doesn't specify.

4. Who are the main characters and what roles do they play in the novel?

The main characters is this novel include Matt Arnold, Eliot Arnold, Arthur Herk, Anna Herk, Jenny Herk, Puggy and Nina. There are other characters that you may consider a main character put these are the people I feel make up the most of the novel. Matt Arnold is son of Eliot Arnold. Matt is a high school student who is given an assignment as part of a game in his school. He also has a crush on Jenny Herk who is the one he is assigned to "kill". Eliot is a fairly rich man who owns his own business. He is attracted to Anna Herk and goes out to eat with her on many occasions. Anna Herk is also attracted to Eliot but Anna is currently married to Arthur Herk. She explains that the only reason that she married Arthur is because she needed help taking care of Jenny. Jenny Herk goes to the school with Matt Eliot. She lives with her mother and father and has her home invaded by Matt. After that she begins to like Matt. Puggy is the first character mentioned. He hitch hiked from Cleveland. He then has a job at Jolly Jackal and lives in the Herk's backyard. While he is staying there he begins to like Nina who is a foreign woman that is a maid in the Herk's home. Nina also likes Puggy and makes him food and delivers it to his tree.

5. What is/are the main conflict(s) in the novel?

The main conflict begins by Arthur Herk being in big trouble. He is shot at in his home and has to find a way to get back at the people who shot at him. He then goes to the Jolly Jackal bar to get something to defend himself. He gets a bomb but when leaving has it stolen by two men. The men don't know that this is a bomb they have stolen but they immediately capture Jenny and Puggy as hostages and go to the airport. While in the airport the men set the bomb.

6. Describe the climax of the novel?

The climax is when the men have detonated the bomb. The bomb they have stole from Arthur Herk begins to increase the intensity. Authur had bought the bomb and just as he was leaving it was stolen while he was at gun point. The two men that stole the bomb have Jenny and Puggy hostage and the bomb has been set.

7. What is the significance of the books title? Is the title appropriate, or would I change it to something else?

I love this title because when you think about trouble you think of the many things that occur in this book that get the characters in trouble. This title is appropriate because it is Mr. Herk who is in "big trouble". His trouble begins at work and this leads to two hit men trying to kill him. After this he purchases a bomb to protect himself but it is stolen so this puts him in even more trouble. Finally his daughter is held hostage and she is at an airport sitting with a bomb that has been set. Eliot is in trouble because he likes Anna even though she is married to a total jerk.

8. What is my opinion about this book? Why (give specifics)?

The book is one that I enjoyed very much. It was the funniest book I have read. I enjoyed the jokes and some of the situations characters faced. I thought everything was very creative and in most books with this many characters one may not be able to remember them well but because the details Dave Barry adds it makes it very easy to remember every character.

Journals 11/5-11/16

11/5/07- You won the lottery what do you do first?
The first thing I'd do after winning the lottery is go crazy! The next thing I'd do is buy a new car. Then I would but Alicia her own Ariel statue. Finally I would save the rest so I did't lose my car and I could use the rest on other things.

11/6/07- Lottery winner... which of your friends/family get a chunk?
I wouldn't just give anyone money I would probably buy them something they want though. I would buy my parents a few things and my brother something. Like I said I would buy Alicia an Ariel statue like I said. I would be nice and not mean if I had a lot of money.

11/7/07- Lottery winner... will you still go to school/get a job?
I would still stay in school to get an education. I wouldn't want to be stupid all my life. Incase I run out of money I would still like to be able to have a job.

11/8/07- Lotter winner... would you give to charity and which one?
I would probably give to a charity if I won the lottery. If I did give to a charity I would have trouble deciding on one. I would most likely chose a cancer fund. If I had cancer it would mean more than anything to be recieving money for operations and such.

11/9/07- Is it fair to other clubs and organization that the bulk of Keyser High School fundraising goes toward the sports complex?
I don't think the fund distrubution is fair. Sports probably bring in more money than any of the clubs but I think the sports might get a little to much. Football is the worst of all. They get two busses for games (including home games) and a dinner before they play. They get this while the rest of the sports teams only get one bus for just away games and don't receive a dinner. I know the football team has more players than any but once I was riding to a soccer game and had to fit both boys and girls on one bus. That is atleast 40 players and I believe the football game has about 40 players.

11/13/07- Are the current speed limits reasonable or shold they be raised or lowered?
I believe the speed limits are fine as they are. Some people obey them while other don't. Whenever people get killed by being hit by a car in most cases the speed limit won't effect anything.

11/14/07- What is at the top of your Christmas list?
There's nothing I really want for Christmas. Usually I enjoy getting Maryland stuff but that's usual for me. I really just want to have a good Christmas and enjoy the time off more than anything.

11/15/07- Have you been naughty or nice this year?
I have probably been a little naughty but not so much. I try to be nice most of the time but I probably fail at it when I'm mad. I think overall though I have been more nice than naughty.

11/16/07- What is the most essential menu item in Thanksgiving dinner?
- The turkey has probably always been the most essential since the first Thanksgiving. I don't know a family that doesn't have turkey for the holiday. I think stuffing is also importand and usually an apple pie is made for Thanksgiving.

Journals 10/29-11/2

10/29- Which CW Character is your favorite?
Jerry is my favorite Chocolate War character. He is the main character and I enjoy reading about the situations he is faced with. Jerry stands up for himself through the entire book just to be beat up at the end. I was rather disappionted about the ending.

10/30- If you could go back in time and change your past, which thing would you change?
If I could change one thing I would probably change a few little things. Theres nothing major that I'd take back but I have probably done a lot of small stupid things. I have liked my life so far so even if I could go back I probably wouldnt.

10/31- Promote a teacher to be principal.
If I could promote a teacher to be prinipal I would chose Mr. Liston. He seems to know a lot about most things. He is an easy going guy who even looks like a principal. He is one of my favorite teachers at Keyser High School.

11/1- Are you to old to trick-or-treat?
I don't know if I am to old to trick-or-treat. There are many people older than me that do it but I don't think it would be as fun as when I was younger. It use to be one of my favorite holidays but not anymore.

11/2- What is your dream vehicle?
I have fantised about to many to choose just one. I would like a fast one of course but I would enjoy having an old car to fix up. I guess I'll just have to wait awhile to see what kind of vehicle I can afford.

Journals 10/22-10/26

10/22/07- An easy class with loads of homework or a hard class with little homework.
I would choose an easy class with loads of homework. Whenever I do homework that is easy I know what I'm doing and I can get a good grade on it. With a hard class with a lot of homework you have to take more time to think the work through.

10/23/07- Which of the decades has the best music?
I like to listen to music from the 80's. I enjoy hearing Lynyrd Skynyrd, ACDC, Steppenwolf, Guns N' Roses, Billy Joel, Aerosmith, and Tom Petty. There are many other groups from this decade that I like too. There is no other decade of music that compares to this one.

10/24/07- Do you like to hunt? Why or why not?
I like to hunt. I like the challenge of killing a deer or squirrel. I also enjoy eating deer. You can take deer meat and make it into almost anything. We usually make bologna, burger, and jerky with meat my family kills.

10/25/07-Nearly nine weeks into school... has you initial new lunch line opinion changed?
Yes my opinion has changed. I have gone from saying it is okay to totally hating it. The teachers do not enforce it and this causes more passing than before. Instead when people put there book bags down at a table they either walk around the room or most just go straight to the doors. This causes the people who actually follow the rules to get passed my people even more than before.

10/26/07-Do you (or will you) someday play the lottery?
As far as playing the lottery I don't look forward to it. There is a small chance in winning the lottery. The reason they have the lottery is for the lottery companies to make profit from people buying tickets. The only way I would play the lottery is if the earnings get extremely high I might take a chance but I won't play a lot.

Journals 10/15-10/19

10/15/07- What is the most annyoing pet naming convention?
The most annoying way of naming pets is calling them full names. All of my dogs have 2 parts to their names but they're just names that ring. For example my golden retrievers are Buddy Boy and Ali Baby. My two other dogs are Sally Ann and Yoshi Man. Anytime the aminals name is longer than two words is when it gets bad.

10/16/07-Of all the pets you have ever had... which one had the coolest name.
The pet I have had with the coolest name is Yoshi. It is a dog that we found and no one knows what kind of dog it is but it's small and has many coolers. He is very active and hyper. We got the name from Yoshi from Mario Brothers.

10/18/07-Suggest a few JT questions.
I don't have any wonderful ideas really. Maybe some sports topics but I just say that becuase I love sports. I'll just have to leave it up to Clark becuase he's such a brilliant thinker.

10/19/07-Great job with lousy pay or lousy job with great pay?
I would have alot of trouble choicing if I faced this situation. Both have their advantages but I would probably choose the one with lousy pay but great job. There is a chance that you could keep moving up in this job and get to a better pay.

Journal 10/9/07-10/12/07

10/9--How do you like you eggs?
I like like either scrambled or dippy eggs. Whenever I eat scrambled eggs I eat them with ketchup. When I eat dippy eggs I use toast. I dip the toast it the yoke until there's no yoke left. Then I use the whites make it into a sandwich with ketchup on it.

10/10--Write me a get well card/message/sentiment.
Mr. Clark get well soon. Even though you just have a sun burn it's okay to take a day off every once in a while. Plus when your gone we don't have as much work but the work we do the teachers can't explain much.

10/11--Redecorading is imminent... which three framed posters should go and why?
I never have liked the Wolverine. It would be tough deciding on two others. I would probably include the Green Lantern and Batman. The Batman poster is doing the same thing as Superman and everyone knows Batman doesn't compete with Superman.

10/12--Are/were you satisfied with you first marking period penformance in this class?
I was pretty satisfied with my first marking period. In English I did well. I wish I would have got an A but im satisfied with a B. As far as my other classes I have two A's and a C in Biology that I'm still trying to get to a B.

Book Synopsis: Of Mice and Men

Title: Of Mice and Men
Author: John Steinbeck
Publication date: 1978
Page count:107
Type: Fiction
Started on: August 31, 2007
Finished on: September 27, 2007
My grade: A

1. Why did I decide to read this book?
There are a few reasons I read this book. When I had my second synopsis due soon I knew I had to read another book. I was looking at Clark's collection and that's when he requested this book. I didn't complain any because I didn't know what books were good and what ones weren't. I liked the appearance of the book. The front cover is nice illustrations and the book had 107 short pages.

2. Plot summary (avoiding major spoilers when possible):
The book begins with two men arriving at a pond. When they speak you then find out why they are there. They had been hiding after causing trouble at the last place they employed. The reason they were ran out of town is because Lennie was feeling a girls dress because he likes soft things and the girl took it the wrong way. Now the two of them were looking for a new place to work and stay out of trouble. Another thing you find out is the bigger guy, Lennie, is kind of slow so George is there to take care of him. The two men have had a dream to own their own land also, this would make them their own boss.

The two men walk down the stream to find the ranch they were going to work at. While there a lot of things occur. The two men let the secret of owning their own land get around. Then two other men decide to help out. Candy and Crooks offer to join in. Then Lennie and Curley get into a fight and Lennie breaks his hand which could have ruined their plan but they get Curley to keep from telling anyone what happened. Later when Curley wife is in the barn with Lennie is when the plan come apart. Lennie began stroking her hair and she begins to scream. When she scream Lennie covers her mouth because he's afraid George won't let him "tend to rabbits". After a while Lennie gets very frustrated and accidentally kills her. So as a result Lennie runs away and when the ranch members find out they go looking for him.


3. What is the setting, and why is it important to the novel?
The story begins at a pond. The men are there because they are looking for the ranch after fleeing a city. Where this story takes place most is at the ranch. The ranch is a place where most of the good and bad events take place. The description of the ranch gives you the feeling of a rough and dangerous place. The importance of the pond though is because this is also where Lennie dies at the very end.

4. Who are the main characters, and what roles do they play in the novel?
George and Lennie are the first two characters you meet. George is a smaller guy but very intelegent. Lennie is the bigger guy who is slow but very strong. The owner of the ranch is referred to as the "boss". The boss is Curley's father. Curley is younger gentleman but has the reputation of being a good fighter. Curley's wife is mentioned in the story just as much as Curley. She's a very pretty girl but often flirts with the ranch workers. She says she had the chance to become an actress but her mother didn't allow her. Candy is a worker at the ranch. He has lost his hand and isn't need at the ranch much. Candy also has a dog who is killed by Carlson because Carlson says he is an old dog who doesn't need to suffer, he also mentions that the dog stinks and annoys the ranch workers. Crooks is a black guy that joins George and Lennie's plan to own their own land. Slim is the one who is most recognized for his experience with ranch work and such things.

5. What is/are the main conflict(s) in the novel?
The main conflict is that George is always looking after Lennie. George cares for Lennie even though Lennie is holding George back from living a good life. As much as Lennie tries he always finds a way to get into trouble. After a while it must really get to George that Lennie can't take care of himself. He knows Lennie isn't living a very good life because he's always listening to George.

6. Describe the climax of the novel.
The climax of the novel is when Lennie kills Curley's wife. This causes all tables to turn. Curley is out to kill Lennie after he kills his wife. George realizes that Lennie is to strong for his own control and may have very major head problems. Also the dream of owning there own land goes down the drain. They will not be able to make there stake because they'd have no place to work. The killing of Curley's wife also leads to Lennie's death.

7. What is the significance of the book's title? Is the title appropriate, or would I change it to something else?
The significance of the title is the ending effect. Through out the book you learn how Lennie loves furry, soft things. He loves touching animals, cloth, or anything with a soft feeling to it. He kind of gets an obsession over furry things. At the beginning of the book Lennie kills a mouse on accident. Also at the end of the book he kills Curley's wife on accident. He just wanted to pet the mouse but kills it instead. He just wanted to touch Curley's wife's hair also but instead when she begins to scream he accidentally kills her.

8. What is my opinion about this book? Why (give specifics)?
I really enjoyed this book. It is exciting to read and I'm very glad I did. I liked how fast things changed in this novel. When everything is looking good then everything falls apart. For example when the men were doing fine on the farm Lennie gets in a fight with Curley and breaks Curley's hand and you think Lennie and George are going to have to leave, they talk Curley into not telling anyone and acting like nothing happened. I also enjoyed reading about Lennie and his obsession with furry things. This causes so much trouble in the book.

Journals 9/-10/5

DOL:

9/28--Video games: Do violent video games negatively influence those who play them? Will playing violent games make someone a violent person?
I believe that those who play violent video games should be mature enough to not let it influence them. When children play video games that are violent it probably effects them negatively. The kids probably thinks it's cool to do what the people in video games are doing.

10/1-- Did you have trouble completing the quotes assignment?
No, I didn't have trouble with the quotes assignment. The assignment was long but not very hard. It took me over an hour to complete it. I have done it in the past and I have learned it's easier to just type them instead of writing them and then typing them.

10/2-- Who is your Hero?
My hero is Nolan Ryan. Nolan is one of the best pitchers of all time. He played in eight all-star games, had seven no hitters, and 5,714 strikeouts. Nolan Ryan threw a fastball at 101.8 mph to get into the Guinness Book of World Records. There are so many reasons that I look up to Nolan. A dream of mine is to one day be as successful as him.


10/3-- Critique each hallway's home coming decor.
I like the sophomore hallway the best. I spent three hours helping with it. The juniors did a very good job for the amount of people they had. The seniors didn't do as well as the sophomores and juniors. The freshman did a horrible job in my oppinion but they didn't have experience.

10/4--Based on you life now... predict your death.
Based on my life I will probably die of getting shot saving the world. I'm going to secretly rule the world and someone is going to find out and try to kill me. I am going to be a cop who survives being shot but surviving on several occasions.

10/5--Homecoming game ----> Who will win? Predict the score.
I think that Keyser will win tonight. I predict the tornadoes to win 34 to 14. It won't be a blow out or a nail bitter.

Extended Journal:

Is punishing the entire class for the transgressions of a few fair? Is it effective?
My opinion is that the entire class isn't the problem. When you punish an entire class for something most of the people you are punishing are probably innocent. It's really not fair to those who aren't the ones causing the trouble. If you punish innocent people there should probably be a bit of guilt as a feeling. As for effectiveness I believe it will be effective to a certain extent. No matter what there will always be a few people who won't stop just because that's the way they are. Then again you may cause them to stop. There's also the people who will just get more frustrated by being punished and that normally makes things worse.

Journals 9/20 - 9/27

9/20--Continuing with the food theme: Which fast food franchise should open in Keyser? Which one would you get rid of?
If I could chose to add a fast food franchise I would chose Taco Bell. I absolutely love Taco Bell. I think a lot of people would eat there too. It would nice to be able to get it around here instead of having to go to Cumberland. A restaurant I would get rid of is Long John Silvers. It has very greasy food and I thought KFC was better before they put in Long John Silvers for some reason.

9/21-- Continuing with the food theme: Have you ever eaten octopus? Would you?
I have never eaten octopus myself. I have heard octopus is pretty good and even taste like chicken in a way. A lot of people I know have ate it. I would try it because I think I would like it. I look forward to eating it one of these days.

9/24-- Are you (or were you) nervous to get your driver's license?
I'm not really nervous to get my license. I was a little nervous when I took my permit but for my actual drivers test I am just really excited. I will be able to take it October 6th so it's coming up soon. I am a very good driver so I'm not afraid of causing an accident when I can drive.

9/25-- Is punishing the entire class for the transgressions of a few fair? Is it effective?
I don't know if it's to fair to punish the entire class. It is a way to punish the actual people who caused it but the innocent shouldn't be punished. As far as effectiveness goes it works to an extent. There will always be some people who don't listen no matter what you do.

9/26-- Video Games: Which one has frittered the most of your life away?
I don't play a lot of video games. I've always been very active so video games just aren't my thing. When I was younger I played Gameboy a little but never to much. Even when I was younger I didn't have a particular game I played. I think people full around with video games to much because it doesn't affect your life in most cases.

9/27-- Video Games: Which one is the most fun to watch others play?
I think halo is really fun to watch. You can play so many players at one time. There's always crazy things happening and it's exciting. When you watch people play it really makes you want to play really bad.

Basketball???

Okay, now how can anyone enjoy college football as much as basketball. Yeah, I know I had a post about Maryland vs. West Virginia a while back but who really expected the terps to come away with a win. I know I wasn't expecting the terps to win, but yes I'll accept all the smack talk you send my way. I haven't been a football fan for more than 5 years, but when it comes to basketball I've watched it all my life. In the history of Maryland and West Virginia competitions in football the teams have been almost 50/50 but when it comes to basketball have the Mountaineer ever been a contender. Since the end of last years basketball season I have been waiting for the Terps to return to the court. The Terps will returning to action on October 11th hosting Concording University. There schedule includes games against Illinios, VCU (the team that knock off Duke), North Carolina, Duke, and several other talented teams. I would expect this team to be on of the better teams that Maryland has had in a while. The starting lineup I expect to see consist of two very talented guards, Greivis Vasquez and Eric Hayes, two very strong fowards, James Gist and Bambale Osby. The question is who will the 5th starter be? With a very talented Freshman class expect Gary Williams to mix it up a lot. Three student athletes at Maryland have been in action in the off season. James Gist has represented team USA in the 2007 Pan Am Games in Rio De Janeiro. Landon Milbourne toured Holland and Belgium with the East Coast All-Stars. Greivis Vasquez played on the Venezuelan national team in the FIBA Americas Championships held in Las Vegas.

I expect a lot of this team this coming season. After being knocked off in the second round of the NCAA Tournament I believe William will be excited to improve. Could this team be a championship team? How will West Virginia compare? I guess these questions will be answered soon enough.

My Quotes...

This is a list of quotes that I really liked.

Bite off more than you can chew, then chew it.
-- Ella Williams


Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.
-- Winston Churchill


The day after tomorrow is the third day of the rest of your life.
-- George Carlin


Well done is better than well said.
-- Benjamin Franklin

Journals 9/10-9/19

DOL:

9/10--

Plant those Japanese iris bulbs next to the daffodils, Pam, if you want an attractive display next spring.



9/11--

Terry doesn't run very well, but he always enters Run For Your Life, a five-mile race held on Labor Day.



9/12 --

Neither of my parents is able to take me to the Village Theater to see Oscar Wilde's play The Importance of Being Earnest.



9/13--

Adriana, please set those books of Shakespeare's place on this stand; we'll be using them later in class.



9/14--

Shawn said that neither of the singers was professionally trained, but their rendition of "Marie" was stunning.



9/17--

Neither my friend nor my sister has the time to address these envelopes; maybe someone else can help.



9/18--

Rob told us that the picture has not been hung properly, and it will have to be taken down and done correctly.



9/19--

Keiko and I have to order those item: two dozen pizzas, three cases of juice, and, I suppose, enough placemats for everyone attending the festival.







JT:

9/10--Comment on the salty hamburger story.

The cop shouldn't have ate the hamburger if it was so salty. If he ate the whole burger than it really was his fault. The employee shouldn't have sold the hamburger either. It was the fault of both of them. Even though they sold the burger I think the cop over reacted.



9/11--Do you think 9/11 happened as reported or was\is there a sinister conspiracy\cover-up?

For the most part I think the story was reported correctly. There may be someone who changed their story on how they slipped through the security system because it was their fault or something. I am sure the people who stole the planes are the ones that were reported though.



9/12--Would you consider Britney Spears fat?

Britney Spears doesn't look fat in my opinion. She looks thin for having two children. A lot of people consider her fat because she use to be very skinny. Britney is starting to get older and people need to realize that and not criticize how she looks.

9/13--Do you prefer this year's "enrichment" block to last year's study hall/tutoring? Explain.
I prefer the new arrangment. This year you have a little bit of a break and time to finish you fourth block homework. You know each day what your going to do next . You dont have to do work in the new study hall class.

9/14--"Cheaters never prosper."
Cheaters may get what they want at the moment there cheating but in the long run they don't get anything out of it. They don't play by the rules so people may not like them becuase of it. Also when the cheat they don't learn how to beat the challenge infront of them.

9/17--It is better for your location to be too hot or too cold.
I think it would be better to be cold than hot. I absolutly hate being hot compared to being cold. When its cold somewhere its easy to get a cover of coat to warm yourself up.

9/18--Invent a new candy bar.
If I were to invent a new candy bar it would be an ice cream candy bar. I would be similar to a twist cone because the bottom would be a thin layer of waffle cone then on top of that it would be half vanilla and half chocolate. I think this would sell well because everyone like candybars and they all love ice cream. I would call this wonderful creation the twist bar.

9/19--Continuing with the food theme: Which McDonalds item should be premently removed from the menu?
I think the salad should be removed from the McDonalds menu. I can see since McDonalds isn't a very healthy place to eat why it's on the menu. I personally don't like salad so they should remove it. Plus you can get a salad any where you go.

"Fear the Turtle"

On Thursday September 13th, 2007 the Maryland Terrapins will play the West Virginia Mountaineers for the 46th time in history. West Virginia leads the all-time record by one game. Maryland could tie the all time record up with a win. As far as games bowl games (the ones that count) Maryland has won the only competetion between the two. The 2003 Gator bowl was won by Maryland 41-7. This season the #4 Mountaineers have a very strong team with Juniors Slaton and White leading the way. They also have a fine class of freshman this season. Word has it that this may be the last time the teams play each other. In my oppinion they will pick each other back up if they do decide to remove each other from their schedule. Everytime the two teams play there is a good crowd (sold out usually). The game can be watch on ESPN at 7:45.

Journals 9/4-9/7

DOL:

9/4--
"Sally, whom did you see at Fox's Pizza last night?" Megan asked after algebra class.

9/5--
By the time the Fourth of July parade ended the light drizzle became a downpour, and few people remained on Main Street.

9/6--
In my opinion, Twelve Angry Men is the more powerful play of the two I read last week in English class.

9/7--
Tana lent me a copt of Computer Facts, the magazine that published the article "Computer Graphics."


JT:

9/4--In honor (sort of) of the holiday: What is the worst kind of labor?
In my opinion the worst kind of labor is farming. Farming is probably one of the hardest ways to make money. You have to wake up early and work everyday. You have to take care of all kinds of animals which is probably hard to do. The animals need to be taking care of even in the winter time. When it's summer you have to work in the hot sun all day. Picking crops in weather so hot would make you very tired.

9/5--Should Michael Vick ever be allowed to return to the NFL?
As far as the Michael Vick situation goes i think the law, not the NFL, should banned him from football. He admits to supporting dog fighting and even killing several of the dogs. In my opinion he committed a very serious crime and should have to pay for it. I think if the law allows him to play football, the NFL will probably allow him to play even though they shouldn't.

9/6--Which city/landmark in the "mainland" U.S. would you most like to visit? Explain.
I would like to go to the Great Lakes. It would be a lot of fun fishing and boating there. It would be like going to the ocean because you can't see the other shore. There is probably a lot to do at the Great Lakes too.

9/7--Two weeks in: grade the new principals.
Mr. Saturday is always roaming the school. When Mr. Wimer makes a rule Mr. Saturday is always there to enforce it. As far as Mrs. Twigg goes, I might have seen her once but I really don't see her much. She must be in her office an awful lot because she's never seen in the halls.

Journal 8/28/07-8/31/07

8/28/07
Even though their parents objected, Captain Ron took her and her friend on a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.

8/30/07
Aunt Felicia said, "Golfing is more relaxing than swimming or jogging."

8/31/07
Mark's father is an engineer at the Ace Farm Equipment Co.; his mother is an illustrator at Herrara Publications, Inc.


-Will the new lunchline setup succeed? I think it will work. The students don't like it because they have to walk around the room to get to the line. The teachers are really strict on it but that is what it will take to stop people from passing and crowding the lines.

-Beans or franks? Explain. I would choose franks before beans any day. Beans are alright but franks are much better. Franks are much more tasty and there are also many ways to eat them. I like my franks with ketchup.

-What was your most memerable summer adventure? My most memerable summer adventure was just playing baseball with my friends. I love baseball season. When baseball is going on I don't even worry about going on vacation.

Book Synopsis: The Giver

Title: The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
Publication date: 1993
Page count: 180
Type: Fiction
Started on: August 30th, 2007
Finished on: August 9th, 2007


My grade: B+

1. Why did I decide to read this book?
The John Newbery Award winning book has a attractive cover gave me a reason to read this book. I have heard of Lois Lowry for being a good writer so i gave her the chance to impress me. Also when I was choosing this book someone had told me they had read it. They told me it was a good book. As interested as I was I decided to read it. After reading it I was impressed and enjoy it a great deal.

2. Plot Summary
Jonas, a main character, is trying to use the right words to describe the feeling he's having. As December was approaching Jonas grew eager, excited and a little nervous. Jonas finds "Apprehensive" to be the best word to describe his feelings.

Jonas lives in a community where the people are not allowed to make their own choices. The committee is governed by strict rules. All of the decisions and rules are made by the Elders. The adults don't choose their spouse. The adults must apply for one and then the Elders who will be couples. A couple doesn't give birth to children. Women are chosen to be birth mothers. Birth mothers give birth to three children and then couples apply for children. Each family may only have one male and one female child. The people of the community do not see colors. The knew nothing of snow or rain. They don't feel pain. The people don't experience feelings.

Each December ceremonies are held for each age group of children in the community. During the ceremony children born the previous year are assigned to families. The eight year-old children begin volunteer work. The nine year-old children are given a bicycle for transportation. The twelve year old children are given their assignment. The assignment is the profession which has been selected for the individual. After this they will no longer have much time to spend time with their friends.

At twelve years-old Jonas was assigned to be the Receiver of Memory. The community only has one Receiver of Memory. Jonas will succeed the current Receiver. When Jonas is given his assignment the current Receiver becomes the Giver. As Jonas begins training a whole new world opened to him. The Receiver is the only person who has memory of the past. Unlike the rest of the citizens of the community, the Receiver sees colors, hears music, and has feeling. It is up to the Giver to transfer all of his memories to Jonas. Many of those memories are pleasant things like of sunshine, sailboats, and parties. Other memories are not as pleasant. When Jonas asked the Giver to share his favorite memory the Giver gives him the memory of a family Christmas celebration. The Christmas celebration both will have a major impact on Jonas' future.

3. What is the setting and why is it important to the novel?
The majority of the story takes plaice with in a community. After Jonas is chose as the Receiver much of the novel takes play in the Annex, where he lives, works, and learns from the Giver. Later the story happens outside of the community. In the final chapter you realize that Jonas is entering another community where Christmas is celebrated.

4. Describe the main characters and what roles they play in the novel:
Jonas is eleven years old at the beginning of the novel. When the novel ends he is thirteen. He is very intelligent who I consider brave. He is given the assignment to be the Receiver. He quickly realizes that being protected from everything does not out weight the experience of feeling. The Giver teaches Jonas about being the Receiver. Asher and Fiona are two of Jonahs friends.

5. What is the main conflict of the novel?
The main conflict deals with truth and honesty. The community is protected and everyone lives in a perfect world. The conflict is if the people are being protected if they have no feelings. What kind of perfect world would exist without love.

6. Describe the climax of the novel.
Near the end of the novel, the Giver and Jonas make plans for Jonas to escape from the community. Leaving the community was against the rules and if Jonas was caught he'd be released. Not only does Jonas decide to follow through with escape plans, but he also decides to take the baby Gabriel with him. Search plans spend days looking for the two of them. The flew planes very low searching for the two. The plans are equipped with body heat detectors. Suspense heightened wondering how Jonas could possibly avoid being caught.

7. What is the significance of this books title? Is the title appropriate, or would I change it to something else?
The title the Giver is perfect for this book. The Giver is one of the main characters of the book. Without the Giver the story would be impossible. The Giver is the one who give Jonas all of the memories. Along with giving Jonas memories you could also say the Giver gave Jonas a reason to escape the community. By encouraging Jonas to escape the Giver gave Jonas much more than memories. The Giver actually gave him a life in the real world.