I am not Esther

(1) What is Kirby's last name?

Greenland

(2) What is Esther's last name?

Pilgrim

(3) What does Kirby do to her hair?

Cut it

(4) What Bible Story does the above allude?

Story of Jason

(5) Who does not like Daniel because of who he is betrothed to?

Gideon

(6) Why did Jim get into a fist fight with his father?

Because his father beat Kirby's mom (his sister)

(7) Why was Daniel beat  up?

He did not want to marry.

(8) Why did Maggie cry when she say Miriam?

Because she thought she was a ghost.

(9) Why did Kirby's mom tell Kirby she was going to Africa?

Because she was crazy

(10) Is Kirby Esther?

She isn't Esther. "She is not Esther" is wrong.


Themes to Discuss

(1) Power

Kirby feels powerless against her Uncle. Rebelling makes her feel like she has more control, which grants her more power.

(2)  Rebellion

Kirby rebels against her Uncle to make her more secure about who she is, Kirby not Esther, and to have control of her own life.

(3) Importance of Family.

Kirby is happy all her life when she is with her mom, but when she leaves, Kirby has to deal with no real family, making her feel weak and powerless. When she is reunited with her mom, she is happy again.

Possible Life on Saturn

NASA is hosting a 2 p.m. news conference on Thursday "to discuss an astrobiology finding that will impact the search for evidence of extraterrestrial life."

A speculation is growing that life may be on one of Saturn's moons. NASA didn't release any more details.

"So, if I had to guess at what NASA is going to reveal on Thursday, I'd say that they've discovered arsenic on Titan and maybe even detected chemical evidence of bacteria utilizing it for photosynthesis (by following the elements)," said Kottke.

Gays can be soldiers, without having to lie.

Gays can now fight in the US Military


The US Government now allows gay soldiers to fight in the US Armed Forces. The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy has now been repealed.  Due to a new survey that shows that most US troops will not mind ser ving with gays.

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates says the "don't ask, don't tell" policy requires gays to lie. Thus calling for quick Senate action.

http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/pentagon-leaders-say-gays-758850.html

Preschool Shooter At Large + Top Mexican Gang In Decline

A young boys father was recently gunned down while dropping off his Pre-schooler at Dunwoody Prep Preschool. he man's nam was Russel Sneiderman, age 36, who and was shot multiple times by a wierd man outside in the parking lot. Police have not determined a motive yet, said Sgt. Mike Carlson.

According to the police, a caucasian male walked up to Sneiderman and started shooting him.

http://www.ajc.com/news/north-fulton/man-shot-killed-after-745489.html
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A drug trafficker was captured a few days ago in Mexico City. He said that the boss, or "don" of Mexico's biggest cartels is undergoing physical and emotional problems. Recently, the boss offered to disband his gang, La Familia. Other captured drug traffickers, Yellow and La Tuta, also said that "The organization ... is in decline, It's very badly structured"

http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/detainee-says-mexicos-la-744990.html

Reading Bowl Blogging Assignment

Born To Rock by Gordon Korman

1) What are the themes of the book? What ideas and/or opinions is the book exploring or discussing?

In Born To Rock, Gordon Korman explores the theme of prejudice.

2) Who is the protagonist? What does he/she want? Who is the antagonist? What does he/she want? Who is the mentor? What does he/she want?

The protagonist is Leo, and he wants to get the money to go to Harvard. But,  he also wants to meet his biological Dad, and understand him. The antagonist is Bernie. Bernie just wants Leo to go away, and to use his rock-star cousin  to get laid.

3) Consider the main character of the book: what does he/she learn over the course of the narrative? How does he/she change? What is the final plot event that causes the character to change?

During the course of the book, Leo learns to not pre-judge people and ideas. In the beginning of the book, Leo is a member of the Young Republicans. Republicans are conservatives, and the conservatives want everything to stay the same, they want to conserve the old ways. They pre-judge the new ideas of punk and rock. However, throughout the book, Leo changes and becomes more of a fan of punk, and drops his prejudice views on punk rock. 

4) What are three sections/events/elements of the book that you find the most memorable or interesting?

A: The part when King Maggot drove a Harley into Leo's school.
B: The part when King Maggot explained to Leo how punk has to be there on day one, they get better musically, but the angst and attitude has to be there on the very first day.
C: The element about punk rock. I am a big fan of punk rock, but how Leo describes it it sounds like Thrash Metal.

5) Did you enjoy the book? Why? Would you recommend it for next year's Reading Bowl?

I enjoyed the book a lot. I was reading it last sunday at twelve o'clock AM when I finished it. I would definitely recommend it for a reading bowl book next year. But, I would recommend the George Orwell's Animal Farm more, because Animal Farm is just so great.

Blogging Assignment - 10/29

1) When we meet with your parents, what do you think Martha and/or I will say to them regarding how you've done thus far?

I think you will say I've done very well, considering I've done pretty well on the tests. 

2) What would you like us to tell them?

Everything I've done well, tests mainly.

3) Is there anything  you do not want us to tell them?

Not really, I think they know everything bad that I've done.

Drinks, not drugs, sickened college students. German cargo ship.

At Ellensburg, Washinton police have determined that a high-alcohol caffeinated beverage has sickened Central Washington University students, during a party earlier in the month.

The college students at the party had blood-alchohol levels, varying from .12 percent, to .35 percent. They were drink a new drink called "Four Loko", CWU President James L. Gaudino told people at a news conference on Monday. Some students mixed the drink with extra alcohol.

Nine out of 50 students are now in the hospital, due to the excessive drinking of this beverage.

The state Attorney General Rob McKenna said he would lead an effort to ban caffeinated malt liquors, such as Four Loko.

http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/drink-not-drugs-sickened-691640.html

Post Numero dos:

Forces Free Seized German Cargo ship off Africa.

A rescue team using a ship, a plane, and a helicopter freed a German cargo ship. The sip was being held by Somali pirates off the coast of Africa. Unfortunately, the hijackers got away. Out of 16 crew members aboard the Beluga Fortune, none were hurt.

The German military and the international anti-pirtae mission "Operation Atalanta" freed the Beluga Fortune. The vessel is now on it's way to South America, just as planned.

The German Foreign Minister says he was especially relieved by the rescue. He thanked the British military for their efforts and called the rescue a "good example for international cooperation in the fight against piracy."

http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/forces-free-seized-german-691465.html

Cub Scout leaders dismissed for being Mormon

In Raleigh, N.C., A Presbyterian Church had Jeremy and Bodi Stokes as Cub Scout Leaders. That is, until higher-ups discovered they were Mormon. They were no longer considered real Christians by the church, and had to step down.


The parents sent an application to Christ Covenant Church for their sons to be Cub Scouts, but when the letter said they were in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they were told to step down, but their children could still go. Mr and Mrs Bodi refused to let their children go to that church for Cub Scouts.

AJC South Carolina Pastor wants Bishop Long to resign

In South Carolina, a pastor is rallying at the State Capitol in Atlanta on Oct 31st, to demand the resignation of Bishop Eddie L. Long. Another Bishop (Bishop Prophet H. Walker) called Long "bad influence on the Christian church and future generations." Long has been accused in lawsuits by four young men for forcing them to have sex with him. Walker said "He has no right to assume the office of pastor of any Christian church, a pastor should be above reproach." Long has simply denied the attack by the pastor, he said he would not be "pulled into a street fight." Walker said he wouldn't pay any attention to it, but the number of charges grew, so he decided to say something.

A spokesman for Long has not yet been contacted for question.

However, Long's church family has said that it's their choice, not yours. For rather or not Long should step down. The rally is being held on Oct 31st, 2 pm at the Capitol, be sure to be there!

Twist

1) What is the theme of the musical? You might look for clues in the titles of some of the songs: "Love Lives In Everyone," "I Have a Soul," "A Color No One Likes," and "Reach for the Sky."


A: The theme is that everyone needs to be loved, just like one of the songs suggests. The play mentions several times that Twist just needs someone who loves him. Della kidnapped him from Prudhomme because she felt that she and Boston could love him more, and provide a better childhood. Prudhomme saved Twist from jail, because he thought that Twist just needed to be loved, and needed a good home. All Twist's life he had been hated, dumped in an orphanage to live out his childhood.

2) Who was the mentor figure for the orphan character Twist? What was the wisdom the mentor figure provided?

A: The mentor for Twist was Prudhomme. Prudhomme tells Twist about the racism and prejudice of America. He takes him into his house, and treats him like a son. An adopted father is the mentor for a child, just like a real father is.

3) Besides the reference to the character Oliver Twist from Charles DIcken's classic novel of the same name, what is the deeper meaning of main character's name?

A: Twist is a reference to the mix of Twist's ethnic background. His mom was white, his dad was black. The word twist means a blend of two or more objects, or to morph by forms of physical manipulation, and I don't think it's the latter.

4) How did the orphanage act as a symbol? How did Della's locket act as a symbol? And how did the Mardi Gras costumes act as a symbol?

A: The orphanage was a symbol for outcasts, no love, etc. Orphans are usually outcasts, and they have no one to love them. Or, they have someone who loves them, but they haven't found them yet. Della's locket was a symbol for holding on to lost friends/memories. Twist's mother died, and Della took the locket. Della didn't want to forget Twist's mother, nor Twist. So she kept the locket.

5) What worked about the production?  What needed to be improved?  If a producer hired you to get the production ready for Broadway, what changes would you make?

A: I would change the type of music the sing/play. I would change it to alternative rock and punk, because those genres are two types of music that I really like. It would be a new thing in the industry, and would attract a lot more viewers than a normal one. Green Day's musical was very popular, because it had rock music in it, and not this choral type music thats in most musicals. I couldn't watch Sweeny Todd because I didn't like the music. If Sweeny Todd had had good music in it, I would probably have loved it, I eat people, too.

Blogging Assignment - 9/24

1) A small personal object that means something to you and represents some aspect of you. For example, if you are passionate about chess, then you might send a chess piece. If you are passionate about hand puppets, you might send a hand puppet of me or Martha (make sure to make us as handsome or glamorous as possible). Make sure this item is small enough so that all class items can fit into a shipping box. That means no soccer balls (if you thought about sending a soccer ball, you might fins one of those miniature balls that soccer moms use for their keychains. 

A: I would send a small SPQR sign, and one of those mini American flags you find on cupcakes. I love ancient Rome, especially the culture and the warfare. The way to peace is through war, and the ancient Legions of Rome made much peace. 

2) A photograph of yourself (we will be taking these photographs in class next week) that will include a personal message about Peace that you will send with your object. On the photograph page, you will also explain why you have chosen your personal object.

A: My personal message is: In my mind, and many others, the way to peace is through war. Arms maintain peace, that is why America has created more peace than any other civilization. We are the only superpower who has not tried to conquer the world. That is one of the reasons Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Blogging Assignment 9/17/10

1) What did you expect Junior High to be like? And now, five weeks in, how has your experience met your expectations, failed to meet your expectations or succeeded your expectations?


A: I expected Junior High to be very hard. It thought I would have hours and hours of homework every night. I was somewhat right. There is a lot of homework, but not as much as I would have thought. I imagined I would never be able to finish all my homework, but I so far its been ok.

2) What do you like best about Junior High so far? What do you like the least? Are there things you still struggle with? Are there things that you were surprised you could deal with so easily?

A: My favorite things about Junior High so far, is that all the classes aren't boring. If I go to Lit class, I know we are going to talk about something fun. My least favorite part about Junior High has got to be the homework. The homework is so much more than last year. Thursday night I had Ultimate practice, two test two study for, and two homework assignments. I was not a happy camper. I wasn't surprised by things I could do so easily, for I am an excellent person xD (not to mention modest)

3) What do you think of your teachers? Are you intimidated by them? Engaged by them? Are there teachers you would like to have a better relationship with?

A: My teachers are pretty awesome. They are laid back and don't eat my face off when I do something wrong. I'm not intimidated by my teachers, but I do respect their authority. There's not really any teachers I'd like to have a better relationship with, I feel I've got a good enough relationship as it is.

4) Socially, do you think you are having a good year? Are there fellow students you are still intimidated by? Are there kids you still wish to be closer to?

A: I think I'm having a good year socially. The only student I am intimidated by is Dylan, because, he is a scary child. There aren't any kids I would still wish to be closer to, but I'm always up for new friends.

My First Blogging Assignment

1) This week, you were introduced to what will be a year-long global service project. Children Inspiring Hope will help us connect to a classroom in Ghana, New Guinea and share personal gestures of peace and friendship. As the first part of this exercise, describe the project presented to you earlier this week in your own words. (You can refer to the website www.childreninspiringhope.org for more information.)


A: Earlier in the week, two people came and talked to our class about Ghana, and this project called Children Inspiring Hope. The people came into our class and asked us what we knew about Ghana. Most of us didn't know much about Ghana, aside from the World Cup, only our teachers new anything about Ghana. The people told us about their goal of peace, and how happy the students from Ghana were the last time they received pictures from Americans.


2) What does the word "peace" mean to you? What comes to mind when you think of peace? How do you promote peace in your life or how do you envision promoting peace in your life?


A: In my mind, the word peace means a time without war, greed, violence, etc. In my opinion, the idea of World Peace is flawed on a number of levels. It is human nature to want more than your neighbor, right? That is greed. Everyone human has greed. Greed is the reason communism, and world peace, both are flawed. The idea of a utopia sounds great, just like being a superhero, but it will never happen. But, a much smaller version of peace is 100% possible. Such as peace between neighbors and friends. I try to promote peace by being nice to my friends and classmates.  Because then I have more people to talk to, have fun with, etc.

3) The subject of this semester's exchange with our friends in Ghana is "Paths to Peace: Creating Peace Through ____________" In what ways are you interested in promoting peace? In class, we talked about creating peace through music, poetry, service, fellowship. Please explain why you are interested in your chosen method of promoting peace?

A: One of the best ways to make peace, is by sharing. It is the exact opposite of greed, which is in all humans. Greed, more or less, is the root of all evil. And the only way to get rid of it is by mass extermination of the human race, which doesn't sound to good. If you give a new neighbor a pie, they will acknowledge your good nature, and will remember that in the future. Giving someone else a piece of what is yours is the ultimate sign of friendship. The more valuable the piece, the better the friendship will start out.

4) Because you all will be deciding together what kind of project you will be doing (what we will send to Ghana), this is a chance for you to brainstorm about what kind of project you would like to undertake. So, what should we do? What should we make for the students in Ghana? Design the creative project that would mean the most to you.

A: The last sentence in the question was "Design the creative project that would mean the most to you." But, I think it should mean the most to them. I'm not really sure on what would mean the most to the Ghana children tho. I don't really have any ideas for the project tho.